Soul Song (The Soul Mate Tree Book 10)

by Mikea Howard

  Happy, laughing voices danced through the wood. The twinkling of delight lifted her spirits. She’d never had female friends before. Yes, Dottie had worked with women, time and time again, but never did they simply sit and talk about . . . whatever. They discussed songs, dance steps, and superficial things like hair and clothes.

  Second guessing herself, Dottie worried these women might resist adding another. She wouldn’t force herself on them, regardless of their special knowledge. The door opened as she stepped off the porch.

  “Good goddess, guys, my super hero ears were right. Someone was knocking.” Kara called out, “Dottie, come back.”

  Molly’s diesel accent gave a panicked shrill from inside. “We left Dottie DeVeaux waitin’ outside?”

  Kara tossed a reply over her shoulder. “It’s just Dottie, you crazy fangirl. She’s a person like you.” Squinting at Dottie for a second she added, “Well, not exactly like you. She didn’t recently squeeze out a wowl.”

  “Applesauce. I should be a better hostess.” Molly stepped out of the cabin, waving in Dottie’s direction. “Please, come on in.”

  The nervous quivering in her stomach subsided as she took in Molly’s friendly smile.

  “Di-mi, I hate ta intrude. I jus’ wanted ta pick yer brains ‘bout somethin’ new ta me.”

  Sadie popped her head out. “Sure, we’d love ta help. Not sure Kara here has much of a brain ta tap into after what she let Marek do ta her this afternoon, but Molly and I’ll gladly help.”

  A flutter of jealousy at their friendly banter came and went as Dottie made her way into the home. The openness these women shared was what she longed for, and coincidentally, what she needed to ask about. Sex and love.

  Once inside, Kara patted a chair. “Here, have a seat. Would you like some wine? Molly’s forbidden from having any while nursing, but Sadie and I somehow find no problem with helping ourselves to her best bottle.” The tall, Amazonian blonde winked at the short curvy redhead rocking the bassinet next to her.

  Lowering herself to the edge of the cushion, Dottie crossed her ankles, attempting to appear comfortable. “That’d be dillinger, thanks.”

  Shaking her head, Kara poured a glass. “I don’t know if I’ll ever fully understand all the dieselspeak around here since you guys have joined us. Although I do get a kick out of Domek struggling to understand half the stuff Sadie says.” She handed Dottie a generously poured beverage and settled in next to the others. “Do you say things in diesel during sex to fluster the big brute?”

  Sadie threw her head back, overcome with laughter.

  Kara raised her drink in the direction of the hysterical woman. “I’ll take your response as a definite yes.”

  Regardless of how badly she wanted to be able to share intimate banter, Dottie’s face heated.

  Molly patted her knee. “You’ll acclimate ta how relaxed Weres chin ‘bout barneymuggin’. It took a bit for my diesel sensibilities ta let go, too. A good dieseldame enjoys her time ‘tween the sheets, not brag ‘bout it. Right?” She winked then resumed lulling the baby to sleep.

  Dottie cleared her throat. “Well, there’s somethin’ I’d like ta chin with y’all ‘bout.”

  Kara leaned forward. “Must be a doozie of a question. You’re perched on the chair like you might change your mind and sprint for the exit. Scoot back and relax. We’re all friends here. Ask us anything.”

  Did she say they considered Dottie one of their friends? Oh, God, I hope so. What I’m ‘bout ta bring up I wouldn’t wanna discuss with jus’ anyone.

  Taking a big swallow, she cleared half the wine. “I . . . I gotta ask ‘bout the mate bond. As a little girl, I’d overheard rumors ‘bout Weres and Shifters tyin’ their lives together. How yer breeds could sense each other’s emotions. Most importantly, if one dies the other does too, never leavin’ anyone behind.”

  Clearing the rest from her glass, Dottie set it down. “Does it only work between yer people, or is it possible for a human ta create a life connection? Or are we stuck with merely soul shatterin’ sex followed by a broken heart?”

  Did I say that out loud? The wine had her lips loosening. Or it could be the comfort of . . . friends.

  Kara’s lips pursed, as she tapped her chin. “Huh. Molly and I were born this way, but Sadie used to be human.”

  The brunette in question frowned. “I’d already become a werewolf when I accepted the bond. So, I doan’ imagine it’s the same thing.”

  Slumping deeper into the seat, Dottie’s stomach sank. The connection with Tim pulled stronger than anything she’d ever known. He completed the other half she didn’t know was missing. If he passed through the in-between for the last time, the emptiness inside her would be too much. She watched Molly, who had the newborn at her breast. The infant’s content noises softened the current tension buzzing through Dottie.

  Opening her mouth, a new stream of consciousness came out. “Do you think Tim and I will be able ta have children?”

  Molly’s attention dropped to the bundle in her arms. “Garnett here proves anythin’ is possible.” She glimpsed Dottie from under her lashes. “If yer okay with it, I can always take a peek at what’s ahead for you.”

  “Oh, Molly, you’d be the bee’s knees, but I’d hate ta ask.”

  The seer reached her free hand out, taking Dottie’s. “I’d be a creep if I didn’t try. I owe Tim more than somethin’ as simple as a readin’.” Molly stared blankly at their joined hands. “If you accept not only yer God, but our goddess and horned god too, everythin’ will end up ducky.”

  Dottie’s cheeks hurt from her wide smile. “Did you catch a glimpse? Do we bond? Do we have kids?”

  “It ain’t gonna be easy, with the AG nippin’ at yer heels, but stay the course and you’ll be rewarded. I doan’ wanna ruin any surprises. I’ll stop there.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Peeling her eyes open, Dottie scanned the room. Bright light speared into her nerve endings. Searching her memory about last night, she attempted to understand why her body ached.

  Kara had quickly refilled her glass anytime it emptied. The weight of her worries had vanished thanks to Molly, and her spirits rose above it all with the helpful laughter of new friends. She’d learned about the Blue Wolf pack and the unique women who’d recently joined it. They’d shared mind boggling details of how both Molly and Sadie had suffered at the hand of the Animal Gang. Regardless of the heavy sorrow she carried for their extreme trauma, Dottie couldn’t help but sense a kinship with them.

  Creaking floorboards drew her attention to the man easing into her line of sight. Deep brown eyes held concern under furrowed brows. Seating himself on the bed next to her, he presented a glass in one hand, pills in the other.

  “Molly stopped by with these. She called them aces.” He dropped them into her palm.

  Sitting up without a stitch of clothing on, Dottie tossed the acetaminophen into her mouth and downed the offered water. She should be concerned at covering herself, but the stabbing behind her eyes took precedence.

  Tim placed a hand on her bare leg, stopping her from extracting herself from the covers. “Not yet, Na-qui-si. We have a long trip ahead of us and it’s essential for you to be well before we take flight.”

  Taking the glass from Dottie, he exited briefly, then returned with it filled again. Holding the drink to her lips, he waited patiently as she emptied it, sip by sip. A satisfied grin curled his mouth.

  When he rose to leave, Dottie insisted, “I’m fine, and I don’ think I can drink ‘nother drop.” Huffing when he continued out of the room, she added, “Besides, we should get a wiggle on. The AG may be rallyin’ their goon army. Gettin’ ta the stash before they catch on is the best plan we got.”

  She worked her way out of the bed. Rising to her feet, the walls spun and the floor mysteriously dropped as
her body rejected the idea. She snaked her arms out to brace the side table and mattress.

  Tim rushed in, setting a plate on the foot of the bed, then wrapped her in his arms. In a short, curt tone he demanded, “Sit.” Once he had her seated against the headboard, he softened his expression. “We have time. Let me take care of you, love.”

  Dottie’s spirit ignited as a lump formed in her throat. She’d cared for herself even as a child, and to have someone else nursing her back to health proved overwhelming. With his coffee-colored eyes pleading, how could she say no?

  Squeezing his fingers, she leaned forward, tipping her head up to place a kiss on his cheek. “Always, my love.”

  Tim picked up the meal he’d abandoned while keeping her from greeting the floor and settled in next to her.

  Using his fingers, he picked up a round slice of something toasted golden with an oily glaze, dotted with flecks of green. “Open up.”

  “What is it?”

  “A cure for what ails you. It’s not hair of the dog that bit you, but better.” Presenting the morsel before her nose, Tim continued, “Potato starch for your stomach, butter to coat it, and fresh cut herbs to fix the rest.”

  Lowering her lids Dottie inhaled. “Mmm, it smells divine.” She peeked at him from under her lashes. “What if it’s not a dog I wanna nibble on me?” In a quick motion, she bit into the slice, grazing his flesh.

  The combined flavors tingled like heaven in her mouth. Swallowing, she craned her neck to finish the remainder in his grasp. Opening wide, she drew in the food, as well as the fingers holding it. Slipping her tongue between the digits, she sucked his fingertips as she worked the morsel free. Heat from his eyes drilled into her, causing her core to twitch.

  Tim reached for another piece. Popping it into his own mouth, he held it between his teeth. Leaning into Dottie he let her bite it and pull it from his hold. Locking his lips against hers, they shared a sustaining kiss.

  Inching down, Dottie worked her head onto the pillow as Tim crawled atop her. Any hint of her hangover disappeared as her intended rose to his knees, stripping every item off his torso. Reaching between them, she fumbled with the button of his trousers. Once released, he worked the zipper as she frantically tried to pull them down his hips.

  “Are you sure you’re up for this?”

  At her eager nod, Tim jumped from the bed, kicking his pants off. Crawling onto the mattress, he stalked her, slow and sensual. His sizzling gaze locked on hers.

  A stuttered sigh escaped Dottie as his full erection caught her attention. Never had any man left her awestruck. She sent out a silent thanks to God, the swirling pink and purple tree, the horned god, and his goddess for bringing Tim into her life. His caresses, his love . . . everything about him felt right.

  The head of his cock bumped her wet crease as he kissed her deep, taking in her panting breaths. Rocking his hips, the length of him slid and nestled between her lower lips, spreading them apart.

  He moaned, “Gaia’s teats, Dottie, you’re so slick I’m about to spend myself already. I won’t. I yearn to bury myself deep in you first.”

  Grinding herself harder against him she begged, “God yes, Guatimozin.” Arching her back, she craved the smoothness of his chest against her peaked nipples. She drove her elbows into the mattress, forcing her torso higher. Electricity sparked through her breasts when they made contact.

  A deep growl rumbled through his throat. Wrapping an arm behind her back, he drew her hard against him. Switching to nips at her tongue and lips, he continued them down her chin.

  He whispered in her ear, “I love you, Dottie. You’re the song that brings me home. I ache to tie my life to you.”

  He surprised her as he drew his arm out, letting her fall back, and guided his solid rod inside her. Her core tightened around him, eager to have it there. Desperate for more, she dug her nails into his ass, pulling Tim against her harder. Dottie couldn’t draw him as close as she’d like. She hungered to be one with him; bodies merged into a single form.

  “God yes, Tim. I can’t imagine a life without you anymore. Make me yers forever.”

  She cried in distress when he began pulling out. Dottie demanded more of him, not less. Tightening her grip only had him draw himself further. He slammed down, and then moved like a piston. The friction created against her walls enkindled a wildfire of pleasure. The first spark at the point their bodies joined, followed by another deep in her belly, climbing until it reached the center of her chest.

  Like the combustion of a diesel engine it bounced about the small space, growing hotter as it moved faster. The commotion trapped inside began to ache, begging to be released, but she didn’t know how to let it go.

  Tim dropped his head, panting with every frenzied plunge. “Dottie, my Na-qui-si . . . my love, do you accept me as your mate?”

  Her mind mottled with the intense ecstasy swelling in her chest, she couldn’t make sense of his words. “What?”

  “Tell me, do you take me as your mate, from now to forever?”

  “Yes, Tim, my love.”

  “Yes what, Na-qui-si? You must say it. No, I need you to say it.”

  Distracted by the orgasm unable to explode, it took her a moment before it came to her. “What if it doesn’t work . . . ‘cause I’m human?”

  “Trust your gut, Dottie, and say it with all your love for me.”

  “Yes, my love, I wanna tie myself ta you in every way possible. Yes, I accept you as my mate.”

  The instant the last syllable left her, the pressure building inside blew out from every pore. Her spine bowed from the catastrophic orgasm wracking her body. Obviously delusional from the euphoria, she could have sworn God’s angels sang above. Do I hear Gabriel’s horn callin’ the holy choir home?

  “Di mi. What was that?”

  The question had been more for herself, but Dottie welcomed Tim’s response.

  Collapsing, he rolled to his side, curling his damp body against hers. “That, my love, indicates a successful mating. I’d heard it explained many times by the elders in my tribe, but none held a candle to what just happened.”

  Bonded for life? Dottie’s mind soared on cloud nine. They’d be together, forever. Bringing her down a notch, the reality of the situation sank in. Her frail human form had become Tim’s biggest weakness. She could possibly lead him to an earlier than usual death. Shaking it off, she pushed the fear down.

  Dipping her toes back into the glow of her man, replete beside her, she thought, Damn it, I found true love, and I will not ruin it.

  Chapter 18

  Taking comfort in their synchronized heartbeats, Tim sighed. Becoming a lifemate to his soulmate fulfilled him to the point of overflowing. For the first time, the saying, ‘my cup runneth over,’ held truth for him.

  Laying a soft kiss to the crown of her head, he murmured, “You know, I never doubted we could bond. I mean, the universe already chose us for each other . . . and the goddess visited you with a gift. I didn’t even question the human issue.”

  She chuckled. “Well, I can’t say the same.”

  “I only worried about your diesel sensibilities keeping you from me, I never believed the fates might.” Squeezing Dottie into his chest tighter, he breathed. “I’m happy we’re all in agreement.”

  “Me too.”

  “Are you ready for our next adventure?”

  “You got yer boots on? I’m in this for the long haul now, Tim.” She kissed his neck. “I’m ready for any journey with you.”

  “Promise to follow my lead in our search? You’ll have the ability to hear my thoughts with our bond, a gift the horned god granted to mated shifters.” Dropping his gaze down, Tim looked into her eyes. “It may take practice, but there is nothing I wish to keep from you. I’d prefer to never hide anything.”

 
“So, can you pry in my head too?”

  “Not really. And I wouldn’t if I could. We’ll be tuning into each other’s minds, and sending what we choose. I’ll only read what you intend for me.”

  “Hmmm, lemme lay a brainchild on you, then.” She squinted, the creases next to her eyes deepening as her nose crinkled. “Anythin’?”

  Laughing as he only did with this woman, he kissed her forehead. “No, but I think we should start with our bird forms. Once it becomes natural, it will carry through all the time . . . or at least I hope it does.”

  “I’m ready ta fly and we’re all set for Old Kansas City, but where do we wanna go after we’re done?” Dottie leaned up for a slow, deep kiss.

  “Where would you like to go?” Tim brushed his mouth along her cheek and nibbled on her ear.

  Dottie giggled. “There’s no concentratin’ when you do that, I’m all covered in goosebumps now.” She grabbed his face to pull him away. Staring into his eyes, she grinned. “I’d like ta go ta Sector Two, show you where I’m from. Who I am.”

  Pulse kicking up, Tim didn’t know if it came from him or her. “I’d like to go there too. A lot.”

  “Killer-diller. Let’s check if Javier’s back.” Hopping out of bed, Dottie threw her dress over her head, shimmying it down her body.

  Groaning because he could only enjoy the view of her naked body for a moment, Tim rolled out of the bed. “I guess it’s time.”

  He didn’t enjoy considering the danger they could be heading into. Javier, sitting at the table behind a cup of tea and looking worse for wear, increased his unease. Toe planted on the floor, the werewolf tapped his heel in a rapid motion.

  Dottie ran forward, laying her hand on his shoulder. “Javier, what’s wrong?”