“The prophecy, it scares you.” Her words, although hushed, were lined with determination and assuredness.
He gazed at the fire. “Only a fool doesn’t allow a prophecy to make him cautious.”
“And you—”
“Are not a fool,” he said, finishing the sentence for her.
“I know who you are, Cormac MacLochlainne, but I can’t figure her out. If she was the one, truly, her wolf would be with her, for all Haikon know the separation is painful. And gets worse with every passing day. But I think you’ve met the savior whomever she is.”
Painful. Pain that becomes increasingly worse. They’d been over two days from Adric now. He held Simza’s stare, despite the need to look at Lera.
“So you believe in the Haikon?”
“Of course.” Her reply fell instantaneous. “I have spent my life with one.”
Dawning came with swift clarity. “Dejan?”
Simza merely drank. When she finished, she tugged her shawl closer and got to her feet. At the door to her bedroom, she paused and turned. “You are safe here, Cormac MacLochlainne. This storm is fierce and will rage for days. We have food and wood. Rest yourself well for you will need every bit of your strength for the task ahead. You are safe here.”
Then, she disappeared from view.
He added a few more logs and went back to lie beside Lera. There sat a pile of blankets and furs. With swift efficiency, he made another bed, thicker and warmer, and transferred Lera to it. She barely stirred. One final pass through the house where he put up his own wards, he then climbed into the makeshift bed, curling up against the woman for whom he lived for. Who he’d die for. Kill for.
Simza’s words followed him into slumber. Lera’s hushed moan woke him. Alert in seconds, he searched the area for danger. He could smell Simza and Dejan in their room, hear their quiet snores. The storm continued to blow with intensity beyond the boundary of the house. Content as he could be given their current situation, Kori turned his attention to Lera.
Flickering light from the fire highlighted her skin. Beautiful, rich, brown skin. He frowned. It was paler than normal and held beads of sweat upon it.
‘Lera.’ One hand trailed down the plane of her face. Only in sleep did she truly let down her guard, softening the lines of her face. And it wasn’t even an everyday occurrence. She was a fiercely disciplined person. She didn’t have the ability like the shifters who made up her family. Or rather, she hadn’t. Combine that with the first part of her childhood, and he understood when she remained so vigilant. To have her trust he would keep her safe—enough she truly slept deeply—meant so much to him.
‘Wake up, Lera.’
‘I’m awake.’ She never moved.
He fought against the urge to turn her in his arms and kiss her. Pay homage to her body before the fire. Slink his tongue into her and allow himself to gorge on her thick cream. His cock, hard and ready, pressed into the firmness of her ass.
‘What’s wrong? Are you in pain?’
‘Yes.’ His heart froze for a moment. ‘I’ll be okay.’
‘What can I do to ease your pain?’
‘Don’t leave me.’
Three words. Simple, innocent words that slammed into him. It no longer mattered where they were, he moved closer until his body curved against her smaller one. He laid an arm along her midsection, fingers skimming her flat belly.
‘I will never leave you.’
Chapter Sixteen
They stayed in the cabin for another two days before a break came in the storm. Lera remained very closed lipped about who she was. Although she had a feeling Simza and Dejan knew.
The pain within her grew steadily worse, and it took a lot to keep it from Kori. He watched her with those gray, all seeing eyes. He was nervous about something, and she knew he wanted to keep it from her. Those eyes caught hers, and she fought the flutter he always gave her with nothing more than a glance.
One moment, the winds and icy pellets pounded into the sides of the house, and the next, silence fell. All four of them lifted their heads. Kori rose and moved to the door. She followed, pausing beside him near a small window.
“What are you thinking?”
He looked at her then returned his attention to the outdoors. “I think we should go.”
Without a word, she turned to find the couple watching. Simza stood there with Lera’s bag and one of food in her hands. With a smile, Lera took them.
“Thank you for allowing us to stay.”
Simza merely nodded. “Be careful.”
Combining the food into her own pack, she hoisted it to one shoulder. From the corner of her eye, the image of Kori wearing his coat found her. Blinking, she turned to the silent old man in the corner.
He was like her. Haikon. But he’d lost his vaj. Her tongue dampened her lips before she moved to his side, positioning herself between him and the other two. She waited for his eyes to find her, and she held his gaze.
She reached out and pressed their hands in the way of the Haikon. Wrist to wrist. His eyes glistened with unshed tears. In a low voice, she uttered, “I know you hurt, and I’m sorry.”
“Keep yourself well, Valera Grace. Beware the prophecy.” He squeezed her hand and released her.
On impulse, she leaned in close and pressed a swift kiss to his cheek before stepping to Kori’s side. His eyes were remarkablely composed when he met her gaze. She preceded him out the door, and they left.
“You okay?” Kori asked.
Ignoring the pain, which laced her body, she gave him a smile. “Let’s get this over with.” They slipped off into the woods and continued on their way. After about two hours into the trail, she paused. He stopped beside her.
“What’s wrong?”
“You should go ahead, Kori, and see how far the town is. I’ll just keep on this trail.”
“I’m not leaving you.” He refused immediately.
“Think about it, Kori. You can cover a lot more ground in your other shape. I will be fine.”
“No.”
“Kori, we’re wasting time if we walk for days to this next town only to find Sven isn’t even there. I can do this; go ahead.”
He frowned and shook his head. “I’m not about to leave you alone in the middle of nowhere with no recourse to your other shape, Lera. Don’t ask that of me.”
“Be reasonable, Kori. I didn’t even know I had another shape for the longest time. I can handle just this human one. I learned a long time ago to depend on my own fighting skills.”
His growl resonated along the landscape while gray eyes snapped angrily. “I don’t like it.”
“I didn’t say I did either, but I think it would be the best way.” She laid a hand upon his forearm and squeezed. “The sooner you go, the sooner we’ll be back together.”
He stared at her for a moment, his eyes softening and filling with love. A large sigh escaped him before he cupped her cheeks with strong hands. Silence lingered between them; his thumbs skimmed along her lips.
“Just for the record, I really don’t like this idea.”
She kissed the pad of his thumb. “Duly noted. Now, go on. I’ll be behind you.”
“Do you know how much I love you, Valera Grace?”
With a smile she nodded. “I think so, but I’ll think on it while you’re gone. Then, I’ll tell you upon your return and see if I was right.”
He winked and touched his lips to hers. A gentle, soft kiss which banished away the wintery chill from her bones. Drawing back, he shifted into his wolf and stared at her.
‘Keep yourself safe, Lera. I’ll be back as soon as I can.’
‘That goes for you as well, Kori. Stay safe.’ She removed a glove and sank her hand into the thick, plush pelt covering him. ‘I love you.’
‘Likewise, mo anam.’
He blinked before turning and running off to be seemingly swallowed by the forest around her. She didn’t move for about a minute. Then, with a slight sigh, she tugged her jacket
closer and followed the large prints in the snow. Things felt different without Kori at her side, and immediately, she wondered who watched her. She could feel Kori inside her head and that helped her to not be scared, but she definitely was more cautious.
While she strode along, her mind worked furiously, trying to make sense out of the prophecy. Everyone she knew spoke about it with reverence. Like it was gospel or something close.
Power held by the men.
Weakened over time.
Awaits the arrival of a woman.
A warrior bearing the blood of old.
With the loss of that which is most precious.
The Haikon are strong again.
“Well, I’m apparently bearing the blood of old. I’m a woman. I don’t see myself as a warrior, though. And what the hell is most precious?”
Her heart lurched at the thought of losing Kori. Or Adric. Or her family.
“Get a grip, Lera,” she snapped at herself. “This prophecy was written well before they were around. It has to mean something else. So just because that’s what most precious to me, doesn’t mean it fits in the prophecy.”
She walked until darkness began to fall. Scouting out an area where she’d be safe from weather, plus it would be easily defendable, she got to the task of building a fire. When it burned brightly, she leaned back against the tree and reached into the bag of food Simza had sent along with her.
‘How are you holding up, Lera?’
‘I’m fine Kori. Just got a fire going and am eating. How about you?’
‘Pressing on. I miss you.’
‘Miss you, too, mate.’ She stretched out her legs and sighed as she chewed on the piece of bread. ‘Any idea how far the town is?’
‘I should be there come morning.’
‘Any trouble?’
‘Nothing on this end. What about you?’
‘Forest seems remarkably quiet. I didn’t see anyone today.’
‘You’re ready for the night?’
She could detect his concern; it brought a smile to her face. ‘I’m set. Sheltered and as safe as I can be.’
‘Please keep yourself safe, Lera.’
‘You know me; I sleep with one eye open.’
‘I love you, Valera.’
‘And I you, Cormac.’
He fell quiet, and she knew he was pressing on. She finished her food and tucked the blanket closer around her, relatively comfortable in the cold night. Her weapon lay against her palm, and after making sure the fire would burn throughout the night, she got ready to sleep.
The night passed without incident, and she woke in time to see the final flame die, leaving only embers. For a few moments, she remained still and searched the air for any sign she may not be alone. Content she was, with a smooth move, she gained her feet, still alert and weapon ready.
It didn’t take long, and she had spread out the embers and covered it with snow so no fire could inadvertently start. Chewing on another piece of bread, she headed out. This morning, the wind had picked up, swirling the snow and covering any tracks which would have been left.
Lucky for her, she had directions from Kori inside her head. Coat buttoned up, she ducked her head and progressed on. A few hours later, she stopped for a break.
‘Lera?’
‘Morning, Kori.’
‘You doing okay?’
‘I am. Although, I really miss my bike.’
He chuckled, and it warmed her from the inside out.
‘I’m on my way back to you.’
‘Really?’ She lifted her head and scanned the area, as if she could see him now. ‘Did you get what you needed?’
‘I did. I’m on my way to you. I’ll fill you in when I get there.’
‘Do you want me to head back or wait here?’
‘Are you okay where you are?’
She glanced around and frowned. Some animals she’d not seen before had begun to show interest in her.
‘I’m okay.’
‘Stay there then. I’ll be there as soon as I can.’
She didn’t answer, just kept an eye on the creatures moving closer. They looked like lynx to her, an animal she normally wouldn’t be concerned with, but given she’d been attacked by some bears, she was overly suspicious. Plus, lynx were generally a solitary animal.
There were three of them, and they began to spread out. Her heart sank. They were hunting, hungry, and figured she’d be a good meal.
“Not this time, guys. I’m sorry.”
‘What’s wrong, Lera?’
‘No time to talk, Kori. Some lynx have decided I would make a good meal. I need to concentrate.’
His anger was apparent but he remained silent.
Even though they were smaller cats, she had no reason to let down her guard. Hungry animals were dangerous. And when there was more than one…even more so. Heart heavy at the thought of having to kill them, she allowed her weapon to slip free.
They prowled closer, dangerous growls sliding from each throat. Her skin prickled, and she swallowed back the last of her fear, preparing to battle. Suddenly, all froze, ears pinned back and hisses of anger left them.
Uncertain of what caused it, she cast a quick glance behind her and bit off a curse. Shit! A large snow leopard approached. It’s weight close to the combined one of the three smaller cats. Each forward step the leopard took, the lynx retreated.
“Gavvi?” she asked hopefully.
The cat never glanced at her, just continued toward the other animals. A warning, protective growl flowed from its beautiful body. It moved by her and stopped once it was between her and the withdrawing trio.
She frowned. “Torr?”
Not so much as an ear flick of recognition. It exploded into action when one of the lynx jumped forward. Hair flew, and blood dripped into the pristine snow. A high-pitched yowl made her cringe. The injured smaller cat backed off, spitting in anger and pain. A challenging growl from the snow leopard reverberated through the air.
The standoff continued for a while until the three vanished to lick their wounds and search for something else which may go down without so much trouble. Lera retained her hold on the weapon when the cat faced her.
I may have just gone from the frying pan into the fire. She didn’t move but she waited to see what it would do. The animal was fast; she knew that and was as prepared as she could be.
The snow leopard held her gaze, and as she stared into those beautiful eyes, she felt a feather light touch in her mind. A soft caress that made her draw her brows down in confusion.
‘You are Haikon.’
Her eyes flew open wide, and she stepped back. After scanning the area, she focused back on the leopard when she discovered there was nothing else around.
‘Are you talking to me?’
‘Yes.’
‘You’re not Gavvi.’ Which made sense given the voice was male.
‘No, my name is Perun.’
She shook her head in confusion. ‘What are you doing out here? Where’s your vaj?’
‘I’ve not yet found my vaj.’
‘I’m so sorry. Can I help you with something? I’m Lera.’
‘Yes. There is a small litter of cubs a short distance from here. The mother was killed.’
‘Take me.’ She returned her weapon and set off after him the moment he sprang away. ‘Do you know where your vaj is? I mean, do you have an idea?’
‘No.’
Her heart went out to both Perun and his vaj, well aware at the pain separation caused. ‘We’re heading to a gathering. I would love for you to come along; perhaps your vaj is there.’
He stopped and stared at her. Then, he moved toward her and rubbed along her leather-clad leg. She dropped to a knee and wrapped her arms around him.
‘I know it hurts. But we have to be strong.’
‘Thank you, vaj.’ He leaned into her, soaking up her offered strength.
Tears threatened, and she blinked them away before regaining her feet. “Let’s go
get those cubs.”
He loped off and she jogged off in his wake. The further they went, the more she could feel his anxiety.
‘Kori?’
‘Yes my love?’
‘I’m not where I was. I’m heading due west.’
‘What happened?’
‘I found another vaj. He saved me from the lynx, but now, he needs my help. I know you can find me. I just didn’t want you to get back to where you expected me, only to find me gone.’
He sent her an image of a warm hug and lengthy kiss. ‘Stay safe, Lera.’
‘See you soon.’
Perun increased his speed, his lean body stretched out, making easy leaps over the snow-covered tundra. She followed suit and broke into a run, not quite as easy for her given she didn’t run across the top of the crust but sank through.
About an hour later, he slowed up and paused by a large cluster of rocks and trees. A tingle went up Lera’s spine, and she had her weapon palmed before she took another step.
‘They’re hidden in the crevice.’
‘Can you bring them out? I’ll keep watch.’
‘Sure.’
Her suspicion never faded. Still, when he chuffed behind her and she turned, a smile filled her face at the sight. Three tiny snow leopard cubs lay there mewling, curled close to one another for heat. She dropped to her knees and put her bag beside her, digging into it.
“They’re so tiny. What, a few weeks? Their eyes are barely open.” She watched him lower himself around them, adding his heat to them.
‘Yes. No more than a few weeks.’
She withdrew the bag of food and a few other things got shoved to the bottom. Then, she laid the folded blanket over it to make a floor. The wind picked up in its ferocity, and she shook her head. This wouldn’t be easy.
“I can carry them in here, they’ll be warm and I can cover them with some fur.”
Perun stood, and immediately, faint cries reached her. He carried them over, one by one, and she tucked them into her backpack, now serving as a cub carrier. She laid a small piece of fur over them and zipped the bag near closed, leaving a small opening on the side, so they’d have air but were protected from the wind.
A Love For Lera (Haikon) Page 23
