Psyche Shield

by Chrissie Buhr

  I will keep watch, Muzi. Your packmate sees your need clearly. Sleep, rest, and enjoy undisturbed time with your mate. I will keep watch until you rise on your own tomorrow.

  “Thank you, Muso.” I smiled at the leggy Wolf still curled by Sierra’s side.

  Once in our room, we quit denying our fatigue. Billie grimaced in pain as she stripped. She’d aggravated her knee injury too, and with no one else watching, she let herself limp on the swollen leg. That looks nasty. Why don’t you let Amy look at it?

  If it’s not better tomorrow, I will, she promised. “Right now I want a hot bath. Join me?”

  “That sounds perfect. I think Amy would approve. We can keep each other from falling asleep and drowning,” I replied and began stripping. She watched as my clothes hit the floor, and I warmed at her suggestive look. Falling asleep isn’t going to be an issue.

  Nope. “She approves,” Billie grinned, hearing the Medic’s reply from the floor below.

  “Is there no such thing as privacy in this house?” I joked, wishing they couldn’t hear quite so well.

  “Phil says that’s a strange complaint from someone who can read minds.” She started the water and climbed into the tub, beckoning me to join her. I followed, settling in front of her and leaning back gently.

  I couldn’t come up with a reasonable argument and conceded. “He’s got a point.” You’re in a lot of pain today. Is this comfortable?

  She shifted my head over a few inches. Now it is. I wasn’t ready to go running across fields and jumping fences. But I wasn’t about to leave Amy at Graham’s mercy. We relaxed as the hot water rose around us.

  I know what you mean. Lazily, I ran my hand across her good leg while she combed my hair through her fingers, the intimate contact easing my tense muscles even more than the hot water.

  A thought came to her excitedly. Can you raise an illusion so they can’t hear us?

  I chuckled. Yes, but I doubt I can hold it during the best parts.

  Right now I just want to sit and talk anyway. Are you upset that I didn’t defend you in front of Jason?

  I’m confused. You’ve always been ultra-protective before.

  She stretched her sore knee while she explained. He declared you Pack. He had every right to rip into you for disobeying orders. As Beta it’s my duty to stand by him.

  That part I understand. But you didn’t flinch when he threatened me. That gets your hackles up every time. She could tell it didn’t offend me. I usually understood Billie’s reactions through our connection, but not this time. Some parts of Wolf culture still baffled me.

  You’re Pack now. If you were Wolf, he’d have knocked you around for what you did. That’s normal conflict resolution for us. You’re not Wolf, and you break easier than we do. He’ll keep his reprimands verbal.

  Is this Pack hierarchy stuff instinctual for a Wolf? Everyone seems to accept it naturally, and it’s not natural for me.

  Yes and no. Part of it is instinctual and part of it we have to learn. Wolves and Humans don’t challenge Jason like you do. Maybe your instincts are different than ours.

  I’d never thought of myself as an instinctual creature like the Wolves. Maybe. A few months ago, I would have run from him.

  You’re more confident now, and rarely scared. She stroked my neck, and I closed my eyes in bliss.

  I’ve changed a lot, I admitted. Sometimes I look back and can’t believe how different I am.

  She smiled, and I could sense her approval of the changes she saw in me. You don’t freeze when threatened like you used to.

  I replied with a wry chuckle. I’d never move if I did. Death threats come more often than meals these days. That’s saying a lot. I’ve never seen so much food go in and out of a home. At least Jason’s not serious about killing me anymore. He’s all bark now, right?

  She laughed out loud, drawing our guests’ attention. Jason’s never all bark. But no, he’s not serious about killing you. Not anymore.

  That’s nice to hear.

  He’s starting to see you as an asset instead of a liability. You pissed him off today, but you also proved your value. He won’t forget it.

  Do I need to make things right with Jason? Should I say something to him? She heard my reluctant willingness to apologize.

  She gave the answer I hoped to hear. He cares more about what you do than what you say.

  I won’t be disobeying his orders again. Unless Kato tells me to, of course.

  She groaned. Gods, I hope Jason never catches me in that lie. I can’t believe I just said that. I may not be lying to him directly, but I’m keeping important information from him. It’s the same thing. When he finds out, he’s going to let me have it.

  Another showdown? I asked in concern.

  She replied instantly and grimly. No. If he wants to kick my teeth in for lying to him, I won’t fight back. I’ll deserve it.

  I turned my head to look at her gravely. I don’t want to watch that.

  She sensed my protective side surfacing. If it happens, love, you can’t interfere in any way. No matter how it looks, he would never take it too far.

  I didn’t know if I could trust my reactions and didn’t answer right away. Historically I don’t think clearly when someone’s threatening you.

  She grew agitated at my response and placed a hand urgently on my cheek. Promise me you’ll never interfere between me and Jason. No matter what. Promise me.

  I promise. I reluctantly gave her my word and deliberately turned my thoughts elsewhere. They drifted to the earlier confrontation and Amy’s reaction to me afterwards. I thought the aversion to mental contact was about trust. Amy trusts me, and she still found it offensive. What am I missing?

  Billie stayed silent for several long moments. I’m the wrong person to ask. I’ve never had anyone in my head other than you, and it feels like you belong in here.

  I’ll ask Amy.

  Do you remember Penelope from the Pack Meeting? I recalled the Wolf who asked to go with the Humans. Her anxiety stood out even before Jason sent her children away. Her mom said she’s not herself. There’s reason for it. Her ex is causing problems, and he’s done it before. He’s a real piece of work. But it concerns me. Would you have noticed if she was collared?

  I’m not sure how much I’d notice without reading someone. I can think of reasons why it would get past me, but I don’t think she is. She barely noticed me at the Pack Meeting. Another Mage would have been very interested. How worried are you?

  Not worried enough to ask you to read her. Next time you see her, will you look as closely as possible without disobeying Jason?

  Absolutely. I’m ready for bed. Are you going to soak longer?

  Not without you.

  We settled comfortably under the sheets, Billie’s arm wrapped around me. Her breath fell warm on my neck, and I started to drift off. Behind me, Billie spoke without warning. “Only if you’re talking about me.”

  “What?” I only woke part way, and her words confused me.

  “They asked if talking would keep me up.”

  “Oh.” I began to drift off again.

  “Let’s discuss it tomorrow.” She spoke again.

  “What’s going on?” I asked, bewildered.

  I felt her grin behind me. “Amy says ’Gotcha.’ They’re messing with you. We do that to them all the time.”

  I chuckled and scooted tighter against Billie. “Good night, everyone.”

  Chapter 11

  Billie’s clear green eyes met mine when I woke. She’d kicked the blankets off again and stroked my back gently. Good morning. I leaned in closer to kiss her softly, and her breasts moved against mine.

  With a sigh, I remembered our houseguests. We’re not going to have any privacy for a while, are we? I complained.

  Probably not. She pulled me closer and nibbled on my neck anyway. I gave in, forgetting the Wolves in hearing distance until a moan escaped my lips.

  Ugh. I can’t. I’m sorry, but I am not used to it. I p
ulled back reluctantly.

  I can make you forget they’re here. She grinned wickedly, gripping my ass with one hand, her fingertips coming perilously close to starting something I wouldn’t be able to stop.

  I know you can, I laughed out loud. Keep your hands to yourself, or I’m going to spend the next two days blushing.

  I don’t need my hands, she declared, licking her lips while her eyes roamed my body.

  Okay, that’s not making it any easier, I grinned, tempted to give in and forget about my packmates downstairs. The idea of facing them afterwards made my face burn, so I didn’t.

  Does that mean I can use my hands? Her eyes lit up.

  You’re incorrigible!

  She paused, listening and smiled wide. “Be safe and stay together,” she replied before explaining. “William’s here. They’re going to visit Ruth.”

  I sensed Kato duck out the back as the rest of the Wolves left by the front door. Suddenly we had the house to ourselves, and I covered my reddening face. “They just bailed so we can fuck, didn’t they?”

  “Yep,” Billie grinned mischievously. “They’re good friends.”

  “I’m going to be blushing all day.” I looked into her eyes and melted.

  “It’ll be worth it. I promise.” Without a reason to hold back, I let myself forget about everyone else.

  With one hand on my lower back, she pulled me close and buried her lips in my neck. I gripped her hair and arched my back, pressing myself into her. Her nipples hardened against my skin and I pressed my thigh between her legs. Her hand moved between my legs. Stroking me softly at first, she suddenly pulled me tighter, pressing a finger into me so that I called out. She panted as my thigh rubbed against her.

  Her groans rumbled against my throat, and I wanted her tongue in my mouth. Pulling her head back, I met her eyes. They burned with green fire, and I buried her mouth in mine. She continued working her hand between my legs, holding me tight. Through our linked minds, I enjoyed both her arousal and mine. I knew what she wanted and gave it to her, pressing my leg upward to increase the pressure against her clit. She pressed another finger into me, thrusting rhythmically. I couldn’t reach with my hands, so I touched her with a thought. She felt my fingers rub her clit as if really there and not one of my mental tricks.

  I entered her with faux fingers and together we exploded in orgasm. Instead of slowing, we pressed on harder, taking the climax to a higher level. I still held her by the hair, and she pulled out of my grip. Burying her face in my chest, she used her thrusts to push me upwards until she could reach my breasts with her mouth. Her mouth found the delicate skin between my breasts and euphoria passed through my entire body. She felt it too. We rode the climax until I thought I’d pass out. Slowly it waned, and we collapsed, panting and sweating.

  She smiled broadly. “No one gets me going like you do.” Her eyes traveled down my body in the way that always left me feeling like she’d caressed every part of me. Her gaze settled on the brilliant bruise on my thigh, a sense of wonder filling her as it did every time she thought about it. Gently she touched it, and an electric current raced through me.

  Ever since I came here I’ve heard what this is like. This connection that’s closer than partners and stronger than Pack. I heard the unspoken melancholy that came with her awe.

  I wish we could tell them too.

  It deserves to be celebrated. Her thoughts sounded wistful. I want to announce it to the world, and we can’t even whisper it.

  They know we’re mates. Jason’s even using the word now. We know and Kato knows that I carry your matebite. That’s more than I hoped for. I never dreamed this was possible to begin with, I told her contentedly.

  We probably still have some time before they come home.

  Another bath? I suggested, and she liked the idea.

  * * *

  When Sierra and Amy returned, they found us in the backyard basking in the afternoon sun. Billie ate heartily from the leftovers in the refrigerator. The swelling in her leg had improved a little, but she felt depleted from her injuries.

  “Hiya!” Amy bounced through the back door, even more chipper than usual. Sierra loped behind her, looking like she desperately wanted a properly working leg.

  “Hi, yourself,” I greeted the pair.

  Billie scowled, always the protector. The threat posed by the Montana Pack in her injured state enhanced her grumpiness when it came to her packmates’ safety. “Are the two of you alone?”

  Amy plopped in a chair and kicked her feet up on the table. “Nathan and Phil dropped us off. Don’t worry, they made sure we got safely inside before driving away. I had flashbacks of my first boyfriends and half expected my dad to meet me at the door to smell my breath.”

  Sierra dropped her crutches on the ground and sank to the grass, rubbing her itching leg while she elaborated. “They’re taking Kathryn home. She has some work for them on her property.”

  Satisfied with their precautions, Billie mellowed once again. “Nathan’s settling into life as a Wolf quicker than I thought he would. He’s going to be ready to be on his own very soon. He and I should start training again, though. When I’m fully recovered, of course,” she added for Amy’s benefit.

  The Medic appraised her Beta. “How are you feeling?”

  “Better,” she answered automatically, and I mentally challenged her to be honest with the Medic. She pulled the robe aside so that Amy could inspect the bruise’s progress. I noticed everything but the bruise and smiled at the memory of our morning.

  “It’s better. Not good and not ready for you to do much, but better. And your ribs?”

  Billie didn’t answer right away, and I showed her my own concern. Amy’s right. We need you back in top form as quickly as possible, and Amy can help you get there. I think you’d rather friends and family see this than the Montana Pack.

  Her new resolve to be honest with Amy didn’t come easily. She removed her robe entirely, allowing the Medic to inspect her injuries in full. Once I’d claimed Sierra as family, she’d begun to let down her guard a little. She only did that with her closest friends. She wouldn’t have shown this level of vulnerability to most of her packmates, let alone a strange Wolf passing through her territory.

  Sierra gasped at the swollen leg and extensive bruising on Billie’s body. In addition to the deep purple blotches on both flanks, bruises of all colors littered her ribcage. A yellowing bruise where Jason’s foot met the side of her knee explained the torn joint and broken bone. I ignored the injuries, and whistled my approval.

  Amy poked and prodded, somewhat pleased with what she found. “It looks like you’re done bleeding internally, but it could start again if you’re not careful. You’re down to just a couple broken ribs that you reinjured since we got home. They’re starting to heal up. The jaw is doing better than anything. That knee looks worse than it is, and unless you’re lying about how much it hurts, your leg isn’t broken anymore. It’ll be good as new soon if you take care of it, but one good kick and you’ll be sharing Sierra’s crutches. Take it easy, and no fighting if you can help it. Even Matthew’s in better shape than you.”

  Billie slipped her robe back on. “I don’t have the luxury of taking it easy, Amy. You know that.”

  Amy argued right back. “You can until you don’t have any other choice. I’m not complaining that you got hurt again because you were helping me and Sadie. But the door to your Jeep works just fine. You don’t have to leap out of it. If nothing’s happening, rest and eat. Unless someone’s going to die if you don’t stick your Beta butt in the middle of it, let Jason and Matthew handle it.”

  She didn’t want to sit on the sidelines while others jumped into the fray. Normally I kept this kind of argument private, but not that time. “Could you best Matthew right now? Honestly, could you beat the third best fighter in the region with these injuries?” She didn’t answer. “That’s what I thought. We don’t have the luxury of you staying injured any longer than necessary. I know you
need to look strong so everyone feels safe and Graham thinks twice about trying anything. But if the shit hits the fan, we need you to actually be strong.”

  She finally conceded. “I’ll take it easy as much as I can. I won’t stay put if I’m needed.”

  “Good enough for me,” Amy declared.

  Sierra still couldn’t believe the extent of Billie’s injuries. “I thought you said the fight happened a week ago.”

  “You should have seen her a week ago,” I replied.

  “Your Alpha doesn’t look this bad. You really won?” Sierra asked in awe.

  “Jason recovered more quickly. We’re nearly equal in a fight. I got lucky.” Billie doggedly supported her Alpha, knowing full well Jason hadn’t completely recovered, and she’d surpassed his ability.

  “You’re lying,” Sierra said boldly, a telling display of comfort from the reserved Wolf. “But I admire loyalty.”

  “Show me a Wolf who doesn’t,” I commented offhandedly.

  “Adrienne.” Billie and Amy spoke at the same time. I snorted in agreement.

  Sierra held back her own laughter and asked, “Which one is she?”

  “At the meeting?” I replied. “She was the one standing as far away from me as possible, pretending I didn’t exist until I turned my back. Then she was dreaming about my funeral and how to celebrate it.”

  “Tall brunette? Blue shirt?” Sierra asked without hesitating.

  “Damn, she’s good,” I replied, thoroughly impressed at her observational skills.

  “What happened between you two?” she asked curiously.

  I glanced at Billie and frowned at the memory. Her actions still irked me on several levels. “She came to my workplace and gave me an ultimatum. Get out of town or I’ll kill you. In public and without the Alpha’s permission. It was very John Wayne.”

  “Oh! Wow!” Sierra showed her astonishment. Adrienne had broken two of the most important Pack rules in one swoop. “What did Jason do?”

  Billie recalled the situation and answered tersely. “She threatened my mate, so I took care of it. She hasn’t stepped a toe out of line since.”