Soul Song (The Soul Mate Tree Book 10)

by Mikea Howard

  Tim crept into the room and grasped her hand as he studied her face. Breathing on her own, though a couple tubes ran liquid into her veins. He knew humans used these contraptions, but he rarely saw it in his circles. Hawks had a gift and used their own means to heal serious injuries. Weres and Shifters usually stuck with natural and herbal means, but occasionally injuries necessitated something more invasive. Studying the lines, he wondered if he could safely remove the tubes.

  Voices in the hall approached, drawing his attention. Tim headed toward a small door opposite him. Finding himself in a closet, he hid behind the hanging items.

  “I’m tellin’ you, Violet, keepin’ her around is useless. She doan’ know anythin’ or she woulda told me. I was her fiancé,” a man with a nasal accent said.

  A husky feminine voice responded, “She has ta or the boss’ll have our hides. You killed her manager too quick and now we’re gonna hang for it. He may’ve been the only one who knew how ta claim it.”

  “I know, but the old father time didn’t gimme much choice. Trust me though, I woulda worked it outta her if she knew anythin’ special ‘bout how ta claim it.” The male’s voice grew louder. “You can’t bite her. Then we’ll have ta kill her as a Were or find somethin’ she can do for the AG. She’s useless as anythin’ but a singer, and I doan’ wanna deal with her no more.”

  Clenching his hands into fists, Tim’s skin burned with anger. It took everything he had not to rip the bastard’s throat out, for how he callously spoke about his Dottie. The man exemplified the worst of nature, toying with someone in such a way. He itched to kill him. Once he had Dottie safe, he would take revenge for her.

  “The AG can always use ‘nother pretty face, and it’s yer fault we’re in this situation ta begin with. If I bite her either she’ll come outta her coma now or at the next full moon. We’ve tried everythin’ else and the boss ain’t known for his patience.”

  “I ain’t either, and I’m not gonna wait ta have you again. I’ve watched you all mornin’ and I’m ready ta touch too.”

  Tim ground his teeth together at the snake charmer’s giggle. Leaning back and taking deep breaths to keep from eviscerating them both now, he recalled Dottie’s beautiful song.

  The grunts and moans of the rogues faded into the background and he used the rhythmic movement of the bedside table to keep the beat of the music. The vision in his mind played out the scenario of him killing them now and carrying his woman out. He knew he couldn’t make it far and they’d double security or move her if they found the two corpses on her floor.

  “Oh, Johnny. Oh, Johnny,” the woman’s raspy voice called out. “I’m comin’, baby, give it ta me harder!”

  The change in the rocking movement, Tim prayed to the god, meant they’d be done soon. Fornicating by my woman’s unconscious body. As though betraying her wasn’t enough. Squeezing his eyes shut, he calmed himself again. The rage filling him washed away the heavy breathing of the couple, their completion echoing through the room.

  Finally the two left, and Tim carefully stepped out of his hiding spot, studying Dottie’s perfect features. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead. There were too many guards to get her out now, and he if he stayed to protect her, he’d be discovered. He had no choice but to leave her behind.

  Exiting the building, he shifted to his eagle form and flew to the tree. Landing at the roots, he stepped forward, placing his hands on the bark, and crossed over.

  Spying Dottie, desire rushed through. Unable to process the potential dangers ahead of them, he cupped her cheeks, leaning down for a deep kiss. Licking the crease of her mouth, he probed inside when her lips parted. Her tongue sought his out, as though she craved him as much as he craved her. Threading his hands in her hair, he grasped tight, pulling her head back to meet her gaze.

  “Oh, Dottie, I don’t even know where to start.” Capturing her mouth again, her responsiveness caused him to kiss her harder. By the god’s antlers, he’d never been kissed like this. Dropping one hand down to her bottom, he squeezed her buttock. He fell to his knees, as she wrapped her legs around his waist. Tim laid her gently onto the ground, at the tree’s roots, ready to finally relieve the pressure in his slacks.

  Wait, no. I have to tell her about Johnny. How could she forgive me if I don’t let her know what I saw?

  Pulling away, Tim braced his arm beside her head. “We must talk about what I learned.”

  “It’ll have ta wait,” she panted, reaching up to climb his body, meeting his lips.

  Unable to resist her sweet call, he dropped his body on top of hers, running his mouth in a trail to her ear, her neck.

  He whispered between kisses, “They’re talking about giving you a werewolf bite . . . Apparently, you have something they want.” When she froze, he shifted his weight to his elbows, hovering above her.

  Dottie moaned, “No. Why does he have ta ruin everythin’ for me?”

  “I don’t know, but I guarantee he’ll never interrupt your life again once this is over.” Not an empty promise.

  Sliding his hands under her shoulders, he sat back, lifting her up to straddle him. What we could be doing now. He sighed, gently rubbing her back. “Do you have any idea what he’s after?”

  “Ta be a no-good grifter, set on ruinin’ my life?”

  “Aside from that.”

  Pursing her lips, she let out a huff of air. “No, I really doan’. I met him six months ago and he was such a charmer. He asked me ta marry him days later, and when my manager disappeared he stepped in and took care of everythin’.”

  Her eyes filled with tears, focusing her gaze on his chest. “I knew he hid somethin’ from me, but he did all the right things. Grams always told me ta listen ta my inner voice, but I was frightened and alone.” Reaching up, she wiped the moisture from her cheeks. “I feel stupid, like a class ‘A’ dumbdora.”

  He wrapped his arms around her, unsure of how to tell her what he discovered about her former manager. When she tried to pull back, he kissed her forehead, not willing to behold the pain in her eyes with his next words. “Johnny killed your manager. I heard him talking to some rogue named Violet about it.”

  “What?” She detached herself from him and hopped to her feet. The sadness he expected didn’t exist, overshadowed by anger. She paced a few times before screaming to the skies.

  Tim wished he knew how to respond to his soul mate’s every mood, but he found himself caught off guard. Her hatred and anger surpassed his own. He gave her space . . . room to stew and mourn.

  She spun back to him. “What exactly did you see?”

  Gaia’s teats! What do I say . . . I can’t . . . God, help me. “Well, I found your body.”

  “You found me? Can you grift me outta there?”

  Thank you, God. “Yes. Morning would be the safest, but they might have already bitten you by then.”

  “But you’ll try and break me out sooner? Before they . . .” Dottie shivered.

  “I’ll do whatever you want. There is a chance of getting you out tonight, but the number of guards patrolling are significantly lower during breakfast.”

  Pacing a few more times, she asked, “Will you be safe if we try an escape tonight?”

  “Shifters are a hardy lot, but I expect some injury. I’ll survive if you do.”

  “And if I doan’ survive?”

  Tim stared at her as he rose to his feet. He would fight to keep Dottie alive to his dying breath, but if he couldn’t save her, he’d die with her. “We either both escape, or neither of us make it.”

  Chapter 7

  Dottie’s quick steps ate the distance between them. Threading her fingers into the hair at his nape, they locked eyes. Tim’s nostrils flared, accenting his already dramatic, handsome face. Her tendency to rush into action could end up depriving the world of a ma
n devoted to his job of helping others.

  With a deep conviction she stated, “Then we’ll wait.” Dottie’s lips softened into a smile. “I’ve no desire ta become a Were”–Dottie shuddered–“but the both of us survivin’ sounds ducky.”

  “Good.” He rested his forehead against hers. “I won’t lose you, Na-qui-si. I’ll shred flesh from the bones of every person behind those walls if I have to, but in the end, I’ll exit with you.”

  Dottie thought he whispered, “I love you.”

  Flattening her body to his she sighed, “Thank you.” I love you too.

  Tim placed a soft kiss atop her head. He tipped Dottie’s chin up until his gaze met hers. Heat radiating from the swirling silver, he licked his lips, then crushed them against hers.

  He had a way of sparking a flash fire in her. Shifting her grip to use his neck for support, she launched herself up, wrapping her legs around his waist. Dottie took in his breath, letting it mix with her own as their tongues danced. He shifted, his hands digging into her rear and pulled her harder against his erection. Her core throbbed.

  Tim stumbled forward, until her back came up against the broad trunk of the tree, momentarily forcing their combined essence out of her lungs. Pressing his chest into hers, he broke the kiss to nibble on her earlobe, tugging her dress up until it tangled around her thighs.

  Slapping a palm against his chest, she pushed him back enough to work on the buttons of his shirt, allowing access to the smooth surface underneath. Dragging her nails down from the hollow of his throat to the waistband of his slacks, she marveled at the red trail she left behind.

  Her skin tingled where he made contact. Her core clenched as he ran his fingertips back and forth along the trim of her panties, before dipping inside.

  “God, yes,” she said breathlessly, “I gotta feel you deep inside of me.”

  He tore the undergarments from her, his knuckles brushing against her wet, sensitive skin. Tim’s zipper being worked down purred like music to her ears.

  Tonight could be their last time together, and she wanted all of him. Releasing his neck, she maneuvered her arms between them, desperate to help. She yanked his threads off his hips, letting gravity take them the rest of the way. Weaving her hands free, she tugged at the collar and shoulders of her gown. Elbows high, the fabric strained against her trapped skin as Dottie twisted her torso and pulled up. Desire fueled her struggle to remove anything preventing their skin to skin contact.

  Tim’s hard cock pressed against her drenched slit, as his pelvic bone crushed into hers, supporting her weight. He shimmied the rest of the dress up and over her head, mashing his lips against hers once he freed them from the silk.

  He worked an arm between her lower back and the trunk. The thumb of his free hand grazed over her clit, again and again.

  Dottie moaned into his mouth, an inaudible plea for more. Instead he pulled back slightly, meeting her gaze as she huffed in frustration. She almost cried in satisfaction when the head of his erection pressed against her opening. Canting her hips, she shifted for him.

  With one thrust, Tim drove deep inside her. Drawing out halfway, he rammed into her again. Repeating the motion, he whispered her name in a throaty growl, and increased his speed.

  The heat building within Dottie crept up from his penetration, to her belly, then her chest. Her throbbing nipples rubbed against his smooth chest as he rocked against her, driving her pleasure higher. She grabbed his face, kissing him fiercely.

  When he broke the kiss to throw his head back she chanted, “Perfect, love.” She coaxed him with one final truth. “Gimme everythin’, I’ll take it all.”

  She did want everything. Keeping his love, a life with him, wasn’t too much to ask. Was it?

  Pulling back, he dipped his head to take in the hard peak of one breast, suckling and rolling it over his tongue. Letting his teeth graze the sensitive flesh as he released it.

  Dottie exploded, the fire in her chest going off like an atom bomb. The flames of euphoria rushing up her throat, she cried out. Her walls spasmed around him, milking every drop. With another hoarse cry, he followed her over the edge.

  Panting, Tim collapsed into her. His forehead, damp with sweat, pressed against her own. Reaching down to grip her thighs, he held her in place when she tried to settle her feet back on the ground.

  “Not yet, Na-qui-si. Let your warmth blanket me inside a little longer. Lock your feet.” Sliding his hands to her ass, he forced her pelvis up against him and stepped out of the slacks pooled at his ankles.

  Dottie held in a squeal as Tim pivoted and carried her to the soft bed of moss. She wasn’t a large or tall woman, but no one ever described her as a skinny minnie either. She had enough curves to fill a dress and draw an audience’s attention while on stage. Yet, she’d never had a man carry her like Tim did now. It had her feeling feminine, sexy . . . desired.

  Tim lowered them to the cushioning between the roots, easing forward until her back made contact with their bed. He slid from her core while maneuvering her into place.

  Glancing down her body at him, Dottie gasped. Di mi. He’s still hard. Or had he softened, but became erect again? Either way, she found it quite impressive.

  His gaze scanned her face, then made a slow burn down her torso, stopping at her chest. Tongue darting out, he wet his lips. Head dropping, Tim drew her nipple into mouth.

  Dottie’s spine bowed, heat igniting deep within her belly. Her sex clenched again, desperate for Tim to fill her. Burying her fingers in his hair, she guided him to her other breast. This was what she craved . . . every moment spent with him.

  We either both escape, or neither of us makes it. A looming cloud of doubt hovered. Would they be together in heaven, or as a servant of the horned god, would his soul continue to work within the in-between?

  Gripping panic seized her. Wrapping her arms tight around him, she used all her strength to roll him over, until she straddled his waist. Desperate to be joined with him, Dottie grasped his erection and drove herself onto it, filling her completely. He was a perfect fit.

  Like a key.

  Working herself up and down, the euphoria of being in control of their pleasure drove her into a fevered pace.

  She studied his expression as his eyes rolled back and his jaw went slack, mouth open wide in a silent cry. The heat of his grip on her hips paled in comparison to the wildfire burning in her chest.

  Her quiet mewling built into a loud moan, every inch of her body tingling with pleasure. Throwing her head back she shouted her orgasm to the gray sky above.

  “Don’t stop, Na-qui-si, I’m almost there. Keep working me harder. Gods, you’re so slick.”

  His heat bathed her womb again and again. She rested her palm on his arched chest, slowing her motions, as he bowed his back. Tim pulled Dottie against him and she sighed, causing their torsos to glide together. Lowering her head, she peppered his cheeks and lips with kisses.

  Tomorrow be damned, he’s mine tonight.

  ~ ~ ~

  Tim held Dottie through the night, her head resting on his chest. After making love multiple times, she fell asleep. Her hand rubbing his chest as she sighed, thanking him, her breath grew heavy. He ran his fingers gently up and down her arm, staring at the bright colored branches waving above him.

  He lay awake, unable to sleep, unsure if her soul would try to return to her body if a werewolf bit her. He had to hold her here. His stomach cramped with the very idea of sneaking Dottie’s body out of the building during a high patrol time, and putting her in danger.

  Nothing stirred as they rested, giving him time to walk through the steps of her escape, rearranging scenarios to assure success. Once confident they’d make it, he shifted his focus to his next challenge . . . convincing her to stay with him once she returned to the living world.

 
What do I have to offer her? My support and love, obviously, but will I be able to provide her the life she deserves? If she wants to keep touring would I be able to help her? Tim rubbed a lock of her hair between his fingers before stroking it down from the crown of her head. And if she’s no longer human, will she have to tour enclaves instead of cities? He sighed, silently cursing himself. Will she blame me if they bite her?

  Tim would give Dottie space once he’d ensured her safety, every fiber of his being compelled him to consider her first. He’d found her in the in-between, not in her normal life. It wouldn’t be fair for him to assume anything outside of here. His soul mate would always be provided for, no matter what path she wished to take.

  Taking a deep breath, he settled the eagle’s wings flapping in his chest, his animal spirit screeching in denial. The human part knew the best course. Dipping his chin in a firm nod, he ignored any further internal protest.

  Relishing in the sensation of his woman, he enjoyed it for the rest of the night, running his hand along her hip, over her shoulder, and through her hair. He might not have another chance to love on his songbird, therefore he yearned to commit every curve to his memory . . . enough to hold him through the moments he couldn’t lay eyes on her.

  Chapter 8

  Although light never changed here, as a guardian of the in-between a soul-deep sensation alerted Tim when morning came. He reluctantly woke Dottie, pressing a kiss to her head. “Are you ready to reunite your body and soul?”

  Sitting up, she lazily stretched and smiled at him. “I’m in the groove with such a ducky idea.” Leaning down over him, she asked, “What do I need ta do?”

  He stroked her cheek. The shy smile she gifted him helped cement his resolve. He’d free her from here and do whatever she required him to in order to get her life back on track. Whatever made her happy. “I’ll come to you when it’s time and guide you back. Until then, hang tight.”