by Lacey Thorn
“Of course you do,” he said. “What’s not to love?”
“I need to go to Tah,” she said as soon as they stepped into the house.
“Why don’t you get cleaned up real quick first,” Reno offered as he led her toward the bedroom she shared with Tah.
“I don’t want to get cleaned up, Reno. I want Tah.”
Reno sighed. “Abby, you’re covered in blood. Your face is starting to bruise. Tah was shot by a tranq dart. Even without the bullet, he’ll be out for a while. I’m sure Diane is working on him. I’m more worried about Logan.”
Abby glanced down at herself and realized the truth of his words. She was covered in blood. Even the shirt Reno had given her had blood all over it.
“Tah will go ballistic if he sees you like this. Take a shower. Clean up and put fresh clothes on. I’m sure Diane will want to check you out as well, make sure the baby’s okay.”
Abby’s hands went to her stomach. “He’s fine.”
“He, huh?” Reno asked with a grin.
Abby shrugged. “I want a little boy who looks just like his daddy.”
“God forbid he’s as hard-headed as his dad.”
Abby smiled. “You’re a good friend, Reno.”
“I know, and you love me. We’ll keep that our secret for now.”
Abby giggled again, as she let Reno lead her once more down the hall toward her room.
He paused at the door. “I’m going to clean up outside. I’ll be right out there if you need anything. Anything, Abby. Just holler for me.”
“He asked you to look after me, didn’t he?”
Reno smiled. “He wouldn’t have to ask,” he said as he turned away and headed back down the hall.
She knew what he was cleaning up, and she didn’t envy him that task. She was shaking by the time she entered the bathroom and shut the door behind her. It took two tries to get the water on and adjusted to the right temperature. Her teeth were chattering as she stepped under the spray, and she knew her body was finally reacting to what had just happened. She needed a minute, just a minute to deal with her emotions before she went to Tah. He needed her strong, and right now she was weak, so very weak.
She slid down to sit in the tub, wrapping her arms around her knees as she hugged them to her chest. Tears mixed with the water as she let her emotions have free reign. She cried for her parents and how they had died. For her mother and what Harlan had done to her before he’d killed her. She cried for the child she’d been. She cried for the people she’d read about it Uriah’s journal, tortured and killed for no more than a possibility of what they might have been.
She cried for Tah and the child she carried. Would they always be in danger? Is that how their lives would be? Constantly on the lookout for hunters nursed on hatred and reared in blood and death? Would it ever end? Would they ever just be a family?
Slowly, she eased back up to her feet and stepped further under the spray, letting it soak her hair as if the water could rid her of the ghost of Harlan’s fingers there. Nothing was certain. She needed to get to Tah. She’d wasted too much time as it was, but she’d needed those precious minutes to shore up her strength again. He would need it, as would their child. They would both need her to be strong, and she wouldn’t let them down.
There were plans to be made. Tah had accepted the lion, and if the rest of the legend followed, then his pride would begin to awaken, and they would be drawn to him. She had preparations to make, research to do, and a mate to take care of.
Taking a deep breath, she began washing the blood from her body. Only one thing was certain. This was only the beginning.
Chapter Seventeen
From the journal of Ebidiah Lane
I’ve watched over the man as best I can, as I was trained to. It saddens me that I didn’t begin training my son in our family’s duty. Now it’s too late. I’m dying. I won’t make it back home this time. The hunters found him, and no matter what I tried, I couldn’t get them off the man’s track. I shouldn’t have stepped in, but I am just a shadow and nothing more. He is the sun. I can only pray my sacrifice gave him the time he needed to get away, and he will hide better this time.
Maybe someday, one of mine will hear the singing in his blood and heed its calling. Then once again, a Lane will watch over the descendent of the great Tau and protect him at all costs. But for now, I can only pray, as I prepare to leave this world behind, and hope I have done enough to earn my passage into the great beyond.
May the gods wish me safari ya salama.
* * * *
Tah was up and around in three days. Abby knew Diane was beside herself trying to figure out what it was in his blood that allowed him to heal so quickly. Logan was still laid up in bed, driving Diane crazy with his requests for some lion blood to help speed recovery up for him as well. The doctor had finally thrown her hands up and yelled at Reno, telling him to deal with Logan. Reno just told Logan to shut up and heal up, then left.
Two more of Tah’s friends had shown up the day after the incident with Harlan, at least that’s how Abby classified it in her head. An incident she hoped never occurred again. Murphy and Finn both red haired and obviously Irish to the bone had arrived and jumped right in to help Reno clean up. Neither batted an eye when Logan recounted the event, complete with how Tah had shifted into a full-grown lion. Of course, that might change the first time they saw it happen, no matter how much they claimed it was just in their blood to believe in magic. But then Abby sensed there was more to the brothers than met the eyes.
She and Jess were able to talk, and Abby poured out all her joy and fear to her best friend. Jess had held her, while she bounced between laughing, crying, and shaking with rage. Abby was sure the hormone surges going through her were going to drive everyone away if she didn’t get a hold on them.
Jess shared a little about how she’d found her mates, and how they’d decided she was the key to them uniting all the wolves into one pack. She’d hinted at some things, skimmed over others, and basically told Abby just enough to appease her. Abby could tell her friend was worried and made sure to tell Jess several times that she and Tah would help them in any way they could. Still, she sensed a restlessness and unease in her friend.
It was no surprise when Abby woke up the next morning to a letter from Jess.
Yes, I snuck out like a thief in the night, but then, as you know, I’ve always hated goodbyes. I wish I could stay, but the timing isn’t right. I’m part of a family now with my mates, and there is still so much we have to do. I’ll visit as often as I get the chance, but they come first. I’m sure you understand that better than anyone.
Who would have thought when we sat up late all those nights in Africa talking about our dreams, they would come true? I always hoped and believed, as I know you did. And here we are, each living what we always wished for. Funny how the reality is so different from the dream. Better in every way, no matter the danger that seems to surround us.
I hope you have time to relax with your Tah before anything else happens. For all our dreams, it isn’t an easy life we’ve chosen to take on. I’ve learned that even the best of dreams can be dipped in nightmares. I only pray yours are few and far between. Wish the same for me. I’m not sure which of us has more to fear. You with your mate and the promise of new life in your womb or me with four mates. We both have much that can be taken from us. May the gods bless us both.
Read the journals and papers. Take the hunt to them before they send another group for you. I’m sure you’ve already thought of this, but I thought I’d agree with you in writing. I know how you can sometimes doubt yourself. Read all the papers. I think you’ll find answers you’ve been looking for.
Above all else, remember that I love you. You are the sister of my heart, and I will always be here for you. You have my number. Call whenever you need.
Take care of Dad for me. I can’t take him with me. It’s too dangerous. I never got the chance to tell you everything, but someday I will. Until then, take care
of your pride. I’m so happy you finally have the family you’ve always deserved. May it continue to grow and prosper.
Jess
* * * *
Abby had put the letter aside and focused on Tah and Logan, as well as getting rooms ready for more people. Thank God the house had plenty of them. Reno said they should have three or four more guys show up soon. There were many people who loved Tah and felt they owed him for saving their lives. Abby understood completely.
Reno had taken over security. Abby had no idea what all he was doing, but Finn and Murphy had jumped right in to help, and Tah was out there too. Three days ago he was shot, and currently, he was out running around as if nothing had happened. It was enough to make her head spin.
He was something to see now that he was no longer fighting inside his own skin. His body was relaxed, and it showed. He smiled. He joked. And just today, she’d watched him strip to the skin and shift with ease into the big lion he was. He was beautiful, and he was hers. Her hands fell to her belly as she watched the tree line for Tah.
“Your daddy is the best man in the whole world. I’m not sure how we got so lucky, but we did. Some day you’re going to grow up, and he’s going to teach you everything he knows.”
“God help us all,” Logan said as he stepped out on the porch behind her, making her jump.
She rushed to get a shoulder under his arm and help him to sit. “What are you doing out here? Does Diane know you’re here?”
“You mean Nurse Ratchet? Hell, no. I snuck out while she was busy somewhere else. Don’t make me go back down there, Abby.” His big eyes pleaded with her. “I think Jimmy Hoffa may be down there. She’s not the nice person you think she is. She tortures me, Abby. Torture.” He whispered the last word before leaning back and closing his eyes.
Abby smiled and did her best to hold her laughter in. She knew the truth. Logan didn’t want to be away from whatever was going on, and Diane kept reminding him he was human and it would take longer for him to heal. When he’d pointed out how quickly Abby had healed, Diane had said it was most likely from the bite Tah had placed on her. To which Logan had told Tah to just bite him.
It was sure to never be boring with Logan around. He really shouldn’t be up and moving yet, but Abby wouldn’t be the one to yell at him and send him back in. She’d let Tah or Reno do that. Or Diane if she arrived first. She really was quite the dynamo, though Abby couldn’t see her torturing anyone.
“Sit with me.” Logan patted the cushion beside him and Abby sat.
“Do you need anything?”
“A little lion to come take a bite out of me maybe, but as there’s only Tah, I guess I’ll pass for now.”
Abby did laugh at that.
“It’s good to hear you laugh,” Logan said, opening his eyes to look at her. “It’s good to hear him laugh. I was afraid for a while.”
“Me too,” she admitted.
“Don’t tell Tah or Reno, but I’ve always been more of a cat person.”
Abby grinned. “I can tell.”
Logan smiled down at her before easing his head back again and closing his eyes. “I’m just going to relax here for a little bit. Just for a little bit.”
Abby leaned her head back gently to rest along the back cushion beside his and closed her eyes in companionable silence. Logan had the right idea.
“Should I be jealous to find one of my best friends sleeping next to my mate?”
Abby jerked awake as Tah whispered the words in her ear. He was squatted next to her in a pair of the tight black boxer briefs she’d come to love so well.
Reno stood on the porch steps, looking at Logan and shaking his head. “Does Diane even know he’s out here?”
Abby giggled. “No. He called her Nurse Ratchet.”
Reno’s lips twitched as he held back a smile. “She’s not that bad.”
“She’s phenomenal, and we’re lucky to have her,” Abby countered.
“I’ll let you deal with him,” Tah said as he rose to his feet.
“What are you going to do?” Reno questioned.
“I’m going to see to my mate.”
“I always get the raw end of the deal,” Reno grunted, but Abby could see the smile in his eyes. She’d never forget how he helped her hold it together after Tah was shot.
She let Tah help her to her feet then walked over to where Reno stood on the middle of the steps and leaned in to give him a kiss on the check. She could reach him easily from the top of the steps.
“What was that for?” he asked, looking surprised and a bit embarrassed.
“For being you.”
“Reno, too?” Tah teased, crossing over to scoop her up against his chest. “I see I’ve been neglecting my woman, and she’s looking elsewhere. I’ll have to remedy that.”
Abby flushed with excitement. They hadn’t made love since he was shot. She was more than ready to have Tah take her to bed and remind her who she belonged to.
“You going to carry me in like that?” Logan asked Reno, as Tah carried her toward the door.
“Not in your wildest dreams, pup.”
Abby was still laughing as Tah shut the door to their bedroom behind them and crossed to the bed. He eased her to her feet and began slowly undressing her. She lifted her feet as he bent to remove her shoes and socks then unfastened her jeans and slid them down her legs. Her shirt was next, followed closely by her bra, until she stood before him in a pair of low rise black bikini underwear. He brushed his hands along her shoulder and turned her so her back was to him.
“Abby.” Her name was a whisper along her spine, as his lips lowered and he licked over the bite on her skin.
“Tah.” His name was a breathy moan. “I need you,” she said and realized it was the first time she’d really said that to him first. He was usually the one saying those words to her just before they made love.
“I’m yours,” he told her. He tugged her panties over her hips and pushed them down her thighs. She shimmied her legs, helping the silk material fall to pool at her feet. “Climb on the bed, baby.”
Abby crawled up onto the mattress on her hands and knees. Tah ran his hands up the back of her legs and cupped her ass cheeks before sliding his hands between her thighs and testing her readiness. She was wet with desire and rocked back into his fingers as he thrust two inside her.
“God, Abby. You feel so good, baby. I swear I only want you more every time I have you. You’re more addictive than any drug I’ve ever heard of.”
“Then take me,” she begged. She glanced over her shoulder at him. “Take me, Tah. I want to feel your cock in me. I want you to fuck me.”
That growl rumbled up through his chest as his fingers tugged free, and he moved so his cock nudged her opening.
“Yes,” she encouraged him. “Oh, God, yes. Fuck me, Tah. Fuck me like only you can.”
He plunged into her, sinking balls deep with one firm thrust of his hips. They both moaned at how good it felt.
“Like you were made just for me, Abby,” he groaned the words out past clenched teeth. “Only for me.”
“Only for you,” she agreed.
He gripped her hips and began fucking her slow and easy, his cock pulling almost free before plunging deep again.
“Yes!” Her cries filled the air along with the sounds of their flesh meeting. “Tah! Oh, God, Tah!”
“Mine,” he snarled as he bent over her and licked once more on her mark. “Mine.”
“Yours! Always yours!”
His teeth pierced her flesh as his cock penetrated her pussy over and over again. She came with a scream of pure pleasure as he sucked at the skin his teeth held. Then he joined her with a roar as her cunt rippled and squeezed his cock, milking the orgasm from him.
She let her body drop to the mattress when his teeth released her. She was gasping for breath and boneless. Tah eased from her and gently lifted her to free the sheet before lying beside her and tugging her until she rested her head on his chest. She turned on her
side to face him, and he slid a big palm down to cover her belly.
“I still can’t believe there’s a little life in there, part you, part me.”
“It’s amazing.”
“I don’t have a lot to offer you, Abby. I have no idea what tomorrow will bring or the day after that. I can’t promise you happily ever after.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I can promise that I’ll love you every day for the rest of my life. I’ll do my best to take care of you and any children we’re blessed with.”
“Tah?” Abby felt her heart catch in her throat as she rose up on her elbow to meet Tah’s gaze.
“Marry me, Abby?”
She swallowed and felt her eyes fill with tears, even as she began nodding. The word was stuck in her throat as emotion choked her.
“Is that a yes?”
“Yes,” she finally managed to whisper.
“I love you, Abby. You’re my whole world.”
“I love you, Tah. I’ve always loved you.”
He wrapped his arms around her and held her close.
That night she had the dream again, where she walked in the woods. Sometimes the lion walked by her, and sometimes she held the hand of little boy who looked like a miniature of his father. Only this time, when the man stepped out of the trees toward her, she could tell it was Tah. He was no longer a dream of what might be. He was real, and he was hers, all hers.
About the Author
Lacey Thorn spends her days in small town Indiana, the proud mother of three. When she is not busy with one of them, she can be found typing away on her computer keyboard or burying her nose in a good book. Like every woman, she knows just how chaotic life can be and how appealing that great escape can look.
So, toss aside the stress and tension of the never-ending to-do list. For now sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride with Lacey. It’s your world…unlaced.
Lacey loves to talk to her readers and can be found at www.lacythorn.com.
Join Lacey on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/authorlaceythorn
