“Promise you’ll come.”
“I promise on my honor as a wolf. Babe, as strong as your thought projections are becoming, you probably won’t even need to use the phone as your thoughts seem to be on a different wavelength than the others, we just won’t be able to reply. However, if you want to talk to us, use the phone Alexander developed for you. It is untraceable; besides I like the sound of your voice.”
“That’s interesting. I think I’ll use the phone. I didn’t realize you could become a wolf, too.”
“Yes, I can also shift into a nighthawk, the panther that you saw last night, a raven, Bengal Tiger, a bat, dragon, a unicorn, a lion, or a Smilodon, which is a type of huge saber-toothed cat that is now extinct. All my creatures are black in color, which makes it easier to sneak up on my prey at night.” I cringed at that remark. He smirked and continued, “I’m working on becoming a black grizzly bear, since it seems to fit my personality at times according to Alex.”
“You can shift into any of those creatures. How is that even possible? How long can you stay like that before you have to change back into a man?”
“I’ll answer all your questions later. I promise. We’d better get down to breakfast before it gets cold. Besides, that letter sounds pretty important.”
“I don’t even know how it got into my pocket, but I’m kind of curious about it. I guess I wasn’t as anxious about it as I should’ve been since I don’t even know who it’s from.”
When I moved off Miles’ arm and he started to get out of the bed it was then that I realized he was still naked. Holy shit! I was a bright shade of red, as my eyes couldn’t seem to leave his hot, firm backside as he walked across the room sporting a body that was hard in all the right places. Don’t let him turn around I thought, wondering if that would be just as firm as the rest of him. Now where did that thought come from?
Victor’s voice immediately appeared in my head as he scolded Miles. Don’t you have any decency, Miles. Get your damn pants on. I believe Emma’s embarrassed or in shock. I wouldn’t want to see that big ass of yours, either. She’s not used to seeing men buck-naked you know. She’s an innocent, dammit. You need to remember that, beast.
At that moment, Miles turned around to look at me. Busted! I was caught watching his corded leg muscles and that amazing backside as he walked across the room and started putting his pants on. He grinned at me and sent a message to Victor, which I heard, too. She is a little pink, but she doesn’t seem to mind. She has her eyes open and she’s not screaming. Anyway, I covered my junk.
I don’t care, get the pants on, Miles. You know she’s a virgin.
Victor continued, Emma, just overlook him. It’s the animal mentality in him. Shifters are so used to running around naked that they forget their manners when they’re in human form.
It’s ok really. I should’ve closed my eyes.
However, we both know you didn’t want to. I wonder, would you like me to run around naked, too, printesa?
Maybe she likes what she saw. At least I don’t have a dead white ass.
Thankfully you didn’t turn around with your junk hanging out or she’d have fainted again.
Victor, really I don’t faint that easily. It’s just that I’ve never really seen a um, man naked. If I could’ve gotten any redder I’d like to know how. I probably wouldn’t have turned away from Victor’s beautiful pale body either if he were naked.
Busted! Victor projected his thoughts to me again, as if he realized that I was still watching Miles getting dressed.
I agree with Miles, go away, Victor. We’ll be down in a minute.
Miles was enjoying my discomfort as he smiled at me while he slowly finished zipping his fly. I really didn’t think I’d ever forget that he went commando.
He was boyishly handsome standing there in his bare feet with only his jeans covering his massive, firm body. His hair was tousled from having lain with me. I wanted to run my fingers through the midnight-fire of his curls, but my thoughts immediately remembered something important. Miles had been completely naked lying next to me.
How had I missed the fact that he’d had no pants on? I was intrigued, but I was also mortified that I hadn’t noticed his stiff morning situation, which was likely the hardness that had grazed my stomach before he moved. I wasn’t going to let Victor or him know how embarrassed I was. I blocked every thought I had, right down to that commando vision. I knew he was finding it cute as he smirked at my red cheeks and wide eyes from across the room.
Do you have your pants on yet, Miles?
Really, Victor, can we just drop it? I projected to Miles as he grinned at me and reached for his zipper, No, not your pants, Miles. He’s covered. He’s coming down, so I can put some jeans on.
Are you naked, too, Emma? I could hear the ornery note in the lazy tone of Victor’s thoughts.
Are you sure you don’t need any help, Emma? Had they both just asked me the same thing at the same time?
I’ll be fine as soon as Miles leaves. I’m going to wash up real quick. I’ll be down shortly.
Be careful with the ankle, ok? I thought Miles was carrying you.
That’s what he thought, too. I’ll be fine. Seriously don’t come up here unless you hear a loud crash or a scream for help, understand?
Ok, printesa, if you insist.
“Later, babe. I’m going down before Victor overheats the steaks and dries them out.”
“Like I need some animal to teach me how to cook, that’ll be the day.”
Bye, guys. I’ll see you soon.
Chapter Six
I let out a breath that I hadn’t realized I was holding after Miles left. Wow, he was amazing in the nude. He was even more perfect than he looked in the garden that night as he’d shifted back into his human form.
He was brawny as well as tall, but magnificently built. He had muscles everywhere you’d want them, but not so many that he looked like a body builder. I still couldn’t believe he’d been naked beside me while I was in just that oversized t-shirt. I was so focused on his close proximity and being in his arms that I hadn’t thought about anything else. I’d even been on top of him before. It was a good thing that the t-shirt had hung below my knees.
I hobbled into the bathroom and filled the basin with warm water. I grabbed one of the soft, fluffy washcloths off the rack. I didn’t want to try to get into the shower or the tub with the ankle. The fragrant soap reminded me of spring lilacs. How strange that the big bad vampire had floral scented soap for his guests. It was nice as I lavishly layered my skin, removing all traces of Miles’ wild woodsy scent.
I finished washing and drying myself. Finding no other clothes around, I put the borrowed t-shirt back on. It was almost to my knees and I put my panties back on underneath it. I thought it modest enough to wear to breakfast with my two beasts.
I think getting to know the guys individually was a good idea, since we’d developed feelings for each other before we really knew one another. I was already enjoying this other side of both Victor and Miles. Perhaps Sebastian could bring the rest of the guys over individually for a visit each day or as often as his time allowed, as Miles had mentioned.
I’d ask about getting some of my clothes later. I didn’t want to dawdle and cause one of the guys to come back up and carry me downstairs. I’m not sure I could take any more close proximity to Miles today.
I didn’t want Victor to revert to his former unfriendly self either, which he might if I kept him waiting much longer. I ran the brush I’d found on the dresser through my unruly soft curls that now hung almost to my shoulders. A quick spritz of the lilac perfume on the dresser and I started hobbling towards the stairs.
I was just starting down the first step when Victor appeared next to me holding a thick bathrobe. He helped me into it and pulled me into his arms putting an arm under my thighs and one across my upper back. He easily carried me down the stairs. However, before he carried me into the kitchen his lips grazed the side of my face just mis
sing my lips. When I turned to look at him, he quickly kissed me full on the mouth before walking into the kitchen with me.
His was not the kiss of a shy man or a teenage boy. It was a brief but possessive exploration of my mouth. Our tongues quickly waltzed together as they’d done last night, leaving me breathless after he withdrew from my mouth.
He gave me a small peck on the mouth as he placed me in the chair next to Miles. Miles looked up from cutting his steak to give me a lazy, sexy smile. I wondered how I’d survive around these two sexy gods. I wanted them both. My innocent body reacted much too strongly around them.
I hadn’t really spent that much time with either Miles or Victor to be reacting like an immodest woman. Victor had been aloof until today, well, last night. I just didn’t understand him or myself. Maybe my parents would have some answers about the abnormal attraction we seemed to share. Even though the guys were amazingly hot, my feelings were becoming extreme and not at all innocent.
Victor looked stunning with his long, straight hair outlining his lean, elegant form. His burgundy poet’s shirt and tight black pants hugged his slim hips leaving little to the imagination. He, too was barefoot, which added to the overall intimacy of the situation. He winked as he handed me a plate loaded with a large steak and some scrambled eggs. It smelled heavenly. I was hungry, but wondered if only food would suffice.
“Thanks, it smells great. I’m really hungry,” I said, blocking my other thoughts and trying to concentrate on the food before me. It looked really good and not at all half-cooked, which made me happy.
“I’m sure you are. You haven’t eaten since last evening. You didn’t eat much then. I guess you were too busy contemplating your escape.”
I’m going to convince you to want to stay with me, printesa.
I ignored the comment that had bypassed Miles and gone straight from Victor’s mind to mine. I tried to strengthen the barrier in my mind to keep their thoughts out. Otherwise, I’d never be able to keep my mind on the food before me.
It seemed to work as I took a bite of the eggs. They were fluffy and seasoned just right. I couldn’t contain the small sigh that escaped my lips. They both looked at me at the same time as if they wanted to devour me. We shared an intimate moment and a sweet smile. I didn’t even want to think about which one of them changed my clothes last night. I reluctantly looked down at my plate.
Miles was already on his second New York Strip steak, blood and all. Victor was right about one thing. Miles’ steak did look like it could still moo, but he seemed to be enjoying it as the blood drizzled down the corner of his mouth before he caught it with his finger and diligently licked it off, sending a tingling sensation through me as his tongue lapped up every bit of the juice.
I had to focus on eating or I’d never finish. It was delicious, but the company was just too distracting. I needed to sidetrack my thoughts so I said, “by the way Miles told me why you were fighting last night. Would you really have bitten my neck?”
“Oh, sweetie that wasn’t a fight. It was merely a bit of a disagreement. Miles is just jealous that he doesn’t have fangs. No, I wouldn’t have bit you, at least I don’t think so. I can only take so much, printesa. Miles thought I was going to bite. Therefore, he bit me with those damn sharp panther teeth of his. The bloody things hurt like hell. I had to defend myself. Ridiculous, as if you were in any real danger anyway. Most women find a little nip to the neck quite stimulating.”
“Again, it might be nice to be asked.” I piped up. My mind blocking was working for they’d reverted to normal spoken conversation. However, there was nothing normal about their conversation.
“Anyway, what if a wild animal had attacked her when she was lying on the cold ground?”
“In the first place, I was keeping her warm, and, secondly, the only wild animal around here is you, Miles. We aren’t in the wilds of Colorado here. We’re in the farmlands of Ohio. We might see a deer or two, but that’s about it. Are you ready for your other steak? I’ll get it off of the grill for you.”
“Thanks. You’re a pretty good cook for a vampire.”
“I know, beast. Emma, how’s your meal? Would you like anything else?
“No thanks, Miles is right. It’s really great. Thanks for going to so much trouble for us.”
“I helped, you know. I set the table.” Miles grinned at me as his eyes traveled down to my chest, lingering overlong on my breasts. I was noticing one thing about both of these guys, they seemed older than most of the teenagers at Raven’s place. I’d ask them about that sometime. I remember they said they were nearly a thousand years old, but I wondered how old they’d been when they were transformed. It was hard to believe they could be that old. Victor didn’t look a day over twenty-five. Miles could pass for your average nineteen-year-old even if he was a bit larger than most guys.
“Thank you both. Please don’t fight about me again. I was fine, really.”
“It was good sparring practice anyway, printesa. I knew you weren’t in any real danger. I was just going to kiss that lovely neck a bit more, when beastie boy here arrived worrying about how I was treating our girlfriend,” Victor replied. He emphasized the word our.
“I repeat leaving her out on the grounds with night descending was not taking good care of her.”
“Please no more fighting.”
“We aren’t fighting yet.”
“Ok, arguing then. Don’t do either, please. I’ve seen enough blood already today looking at your plate, Miles.”
“I wouldn’t have hurt him, you know. We brawl periodically just for the sport. Helps relieve tension. You can tend to our wounds sometime if you’d like.” Victor said in that aristocratic Romanian tone he got at times.
“I wouldn’t. If you’re foolish enough to fight, then you can take care of your own injuries.”
“That’s harsh, printesa.”
“I don’t believe you wouldn’t nurse us back to health. I rather enjoyed being your nurse a few times, babe. You looked rather fetching in that nightgown. Your nip…”
“Now who’s being crass and uncivilized,” Victor said.
“I was merely going to compliment her breasts. Most women like to receive compliments about their bodies.”
“Certainly not at the breakfast table when there is another man present. Usually you’re a stickler for manners, too, Miles. I think we’re both being a little less than gentlemen for our tempting little guest.” Victor leaned across the table and regarded me before giving me a dazzling smile as he continued, “I apologize, Emma. I find that you are bringing out the beast in both of us. If you were my lady...”
“Really, Victor?”
They stopped their silly bickering and kept to betting on who would finish their pile of dishes first. The three of us adjourned to the library after helping clean up the kitchen. Well, I sat and watched, at Victor’s insistence. Apparently, guests in his home didn’t help with chores. I guess Miles was considered family since he helped. It wasn’t too hard watching their beautiful bodies in motion as they moved gracefully around the kitchen performing their menial tasks.
“It’s time for the letter now, Emma. Miles and I discussed it before you came down and felt it should wait until after you ate something. It’s a lot to process on an empty stomach, as you’ll see. That was why we were teasing you so much. I wanted you to forget it until after we ate.”
Maybe the rest of the day with them wouldn’t be quite so rough on my libido, but now I worried about what was in the stupid letter.
Chapter Seven
I sat on the sofa as Victor indicated. Miles handed me the letter. They both watched me as I read it. As I looked at it, I immediately recognized something I hadn’t seen in a long while: my father’s handwriting.
Dearest Emma,
I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me someday and realize that this was all necessary to keep you safe.
I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for your birthday, but if you’re reading this I
know you are safe and have met your Shields.
You’re eighteen now, and have grown into a woman that has made your Mother and I both proud. As you probably noticed there are some major changes taking place in your mind and body. Don’t be frightened. This is all in my plan to protect you. You should be able to communicate telepathically with the seven males that will soon be your future, just as you will be theirs.
Your mother and I were so happy when you were born. You were the light of our lives. We knew that you were special and realized that one day you would need protection. That day has come.
When you were born, I placed a compound in your blood that will call forth seven supernatural Shields. You’ll know the seven, because your blood will immediately call to them as theirs will call to you. You’ll instantaneously develop strong feelings of love for each of them, as they will for you.
You will feel compelled to be with each of your seven Shields. I want you to love them, as you must do. Do not feel guilty, because you won’t be able to choose between them. To be separated from any of the seven on a permanent basis will cause you agonizing mental and physical pain.
I apologize for putting you in the position of adoring seven different men, but they’ll love and protect you when I cannot. Believe me, my child, when I tell you that you will need their love and support to face what is coming.
There is much I need to tell you, but I have little time. All you need to know, right now, is that your Shields are a gargoyle, a shapeshifter, two wendigoes, a powerful warlock, a sun seraphim and an ancient vampire. Yes, my dear, these creatures and more do exist.
Your Shields have one thing in common, a little-known chemical inserted into their blood that will magnetize to the cells in your blood. These past years, I searched the universe and chose the finest warriors and supernatural powers to be your Shields.
You will need all the protection you can get when the universe realizes who you really are.
Love your Shields and let them love you for the future of our world may someday rest on your shoulders. As you become closer to each other, your powers shall intensify, as will theirs.
Dark Secrets (Dark Hearts Book 2) Page 8
