The Panther's Rival
Page 94
Nemoy just shook his head. “This whole thing with Kal is more personal than I thought. I’m sending him here tonight. His new assignment is you.”
Her lips twitched. “Me? But I’m just a lowly human. I thought the Pack always came first?”
“Shut up, Amara.” Nemoy turned to go. “And the Pack does always come first,” he called over his shoulder. “Remember that. Lock your doors!”
Chapter 17
Nova stood on the East Border, gazing out over the river. He’d heard howls about an hour back, but nothing since. For now, all was quiet. So why couldn’t he shake the feeling of unease that had washed over him? Something was brewing behind enemy lines. He could feel it, making it difficult for him to stay focused.
“Lost in thought, little brother?”
Startled, Nova turned. He fumbled to keep his water bottle in his hands, a gesture that never would have happened before. Usually his balance was impeccable and his reflexes were incomparable. Not anymore.
Nemoy stood in front of him, his hands nonchalantly tucked into the pockets of his jeans. His jet-black hair, whipped by the wind, flew around him, fanning out over the dark shoulders of his old jean jacket. Though he seemed amused to find Nova zoning out when he should have been vigilant, Nemoy’s eyes were tight with worry.
Nova instantly went on alert. “What’s wrong?” he asked. “What happened?”
Nemoy shook his head, allowing Nova to relax. “I’m pulling you off the border tonight.”
Nova bristled. Pulling him off the border? What the hell for? He couldn’t be serious. “No,” he declared, defiant. “I’m not going anywhere. The Valley Clan have been pushing us too hard as it is. I’m not just going to pull my guys off patrol because you think they’ll respect the treaty. They won’t. You know that as well I do. And honestly, I never thought you of all people could be so naïve; especially after everything you used to say about Father.” He was getting agitated now, and his temper was rising. “You can be angry with me all you want, Nemoy. But as my Alpha, you appointed me head of the Guard, and I am damn well going to do my duty. Unless, of course, you’re ordering me to abandon my post.” He raised a brow in challenge. “Are you ordering me to abandon my post? Sir?”
“Careful, Nova,” his brother whispered. He stood there, just staring at him. He didn’t even blink. Instead, he simply surveyed his younger brother with an expression that was as cool as it was unreadable. A flicker of power sped through the air, and Nova found himself facing a surge of guilt for daring to defy his Alpha in the first place.
“Are you done?” Nemoy wanted to know. His tone was calm and quiet, but just as powerful as if he’d yelled. Nova nodded, his lips clamped shut tight. “Good. Now shut the hell up.” Nova’s teeth ground together, but he remained quiet. “I’m not taking you off patrol, you idiot. I’m just reassigning you.”
“Reassigning me?”
Nemoy nodded gravely. “I went to Strathford tonight,” he admitted. Furious, Nova’s nostrils flared. “I wanted to see this girl for myself, now that she’s all grown up. Get the measure of her. To be honest, it’s a shame she’s only human. She’d make a fine wolf.”
“Yes,” Nova agreed, full of pride and defiance. “She would.”
“Anyway, as we were leaving the bar, Kal showed up,” hearing this made Nova tense up, “Calm down, calm down. She’s being taken care of. I have a small patrol with her now. She’s fine. But Kal does seem to be making this personal. He even went so far as to take Amara’s little sister out on a date tonight.”
Nemoy, sensing Nova’s anger, began trying to calm him “She’s fine, too. Relax. Still, I want her protected. I’ll take your post here. You go on over there, relieve the patrol, and make sure that girl’s okay.”
Nova blinked. He was sure he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He had to have been imagining it. “Let me get this straight. You want me to abandon my patrol guarding a Pack border to go protect my human girlfriend? Is that right?”
Nemoy rolled his eyes. “Go. Now, before I change my mind. I’ll cover for you here.”
Nova didn’t have to be told twice. Within twenty minutes, he was cutting the engine to his truck in Amara’s driveway. The night was quiet. The only thing he could hear was the wind whipping through the trees. Yet, beneath the sound of nature was the conspicuous thump, thump, thump of a nervous heart.
“Come on out, Nate,” Nova called to his protégé. “It’s just me. You and the others head home, would you? Patrol’s over for the night.” When the boy just stood there, staring, Nova narrowed his eyes. “That’s an order, pup,” he told him, his voice hard. “Straight from your Alpha. Do as you’re told.” He waited until Nate disappeared.
Taking out his spare key, Nova let himself in to Amara’s house. He quietly shut the door behind him. Kal was still following her. Just the thought of it made his blood run cold. He couldn’t be with her every second. More, even if he could, there was no way she would let him. But his presence didn’t seem to be enough. Maybe now that Nemoy had met her, Nova could convince him to assign a patrol to her until Kal had been dealt with. Either that, or she was just going to have to deal with him being around a lot.
Nova padded down the hallway to Amara’s room and eased the door open. She lay on her back in the middle of the bed, the blankets spread across her hips. One thin stripe of skin was visible, showing off her flat, tanned stomach. Her shirt had ridden up while she slept. Her dark hair splayed out around her, covering the pillow around her head. God, she was beautiful.
His heart was pounding against his ribs. After so many years of waiting, Amara was finally his. And no one, not Kal, not Nemoy, not the fucking Earth itself, was going to take her away from him.
Stripping down, Nova crawled in next to her, draping his arm over her waist. He had never felt about anyone the way he felt about her. He was so head over heels in love with her, it was laughable. Content, Nova closed his eyes. Whatever the future might bring, of one thing he was completely certain.
His life, his heart, everything he had to give, was hers.
Amara stirred when Nova settled in beside her. She all but purred as his calloused fingers caressed her skin, arousing her. Each light, delicate touch, each dip along her hips, sent a thrill of pleasure across her skin. His hands played along the edge of her panty line. She let out a stifled breath and arched her hips to meet his touch. The chemistry between the two of them was electric.
Closing her eyes, she felt her breath catch in her throat as he slipped his fingers into the wet center of her. Pleasure exploded from within and she bit her lip, letting the sensation carry her along on a soft wave of pure ecstasy.
She was sure this was heaven. Never in her life had she been so terrified of and in love with the same man at one time.
And boy, was she scared.
For as long as she could remember, Amara had closed herself off. She hadn’t just learned to protect her body from outside forces, but her heart as well. She had relied on herself, and herself alone. And, for a time, that had been enough. But now there was Nova. And every day with him was like another day in paradise, even if they were simply lying on the couch, watching T.V. Now that he was part of her life, she couldn’t imagine living in a world without him.
But wolves weren’t meant to be with humans. It was Pack Law. She knew that. And Nova Lowery was nothing, if not loyal to the Pack. She knew that, too.
Still, she was determined to enjoy her time with him while she could.
Nova’s skilled fingers pushed her up and over the edge of orgasm again. She cried out, her fingers scrambling to grab the sheets. When she came down again, she flipped over, tugging back the covers as she moved. Amara situated herself between his legs and took him into her mouth. It thrilled her to feel his body go hard and rigid beneath her touch, to hear his sharp intake of breath as she sucked on his cock. Her tongue drew slow, sensual circles over the tip, drawing a small cry from Nova every time she sucked harder or cupped his balls.
Amara felt him shudder beneath her lips. His long, lean muscles became taught under her fingers. And then, just when she thought he wasn’t going to last, he gripped her arms and tugged her forward, settling her on top of him. Amara spread her legs, enveloping the entire length of him with her hot, wet center.
Linking their fingers together above his head, they began to move. Her hips gyrated back and forth, massaging him with nothing but her womanhood. In their current position, he stroked the length of her, and each time he hit, pleasure and magic would sizzle over her skin. In no time at all, they were both ready and willing, each one waiting on permission from the other to take the plunge. With one last kiss, they locked eyes and dove into sweet oblivion together.
Chapter 18
Nova lay with his arms tucked in around her, Amara curled gently against his chest. He could still feel the heavy thudding of her heart, and knew that his own was still racing with her. “That was amazing,” he whispered, pressing a kiss into her hair. He was pleased when her only response was a blissful, “mmm,” and her steady breathing.
How had he gotten so lucky? Amara was fantastic. Funny, smart, sexy as hell. Dynamite in bed. He wasn’t actually sure she could cook—they always ordered takeout—but she made a mean whiskey sour. She was tough, and that was an attribute he could appreciate. Yet she was still gentle, which he could respect. She hadn’t let any of her past tragedies break her, and that he could admire.
The only thing keeping them apart was the Pack.
Nova thought for a moment. Screw it. The Pack be damned.
“Amara.” She nuzzled up against him in her half-sleeping state. He tried again. “Amara.”
“Hmm.” She burrowed deeper, hitching the soft, warm comforter up to her chin.
“Amara,” he said a third time, trailing kisses down her throat. He latched his teeth to her shoulder and squeezed.
“Hmm?”
Right as she stirred, turning to face him, howls rent the air. Every muscle in his body went tight. Those weren’t howls he recognized. Jumping out of bed, Nova rushed to the window, leaving Amara clutching the sheets to her chest in alarm. He brushed the curtains away and peered outside.
Three Valley wolves stood at the edge of the woods surrounding Amara’s house.
Fuck. That wasn’t good.
“What is it?” Amara wanted to know. She’d crept over to the edge of the bed.
Nova shook his head. “Kal sent his lackeys. I’ll take care of them.” He caught Amara’s gaze in the reflection on the window. She nodded, but her face was pale. He pursed his lips.
He had just reached the front door when Amara called out. “Be careful,” she pleaded.
Nova looked back at her one last time. “Lock the door.”
The moment he was alone on the porch, Nova shed his human form. His entire body contorted as his wolf-self took over. His smooth skin was replaced by lush, thick, black and silver fur. Immediately, his senses strengthened. He could see the blades of grass in Amara’s lawn. He could hear her worried breathing from behind the stone walls. And he could smell the Valley wolves from one-hundred yards away.
Keeping close to the shadows, Nova moved silently towards them, stalking his prey. He crept around through the woods, grateful that he knew those trees like the back of his hand. This was his territory. His woman. They were trespassing. And he was going to make them pay.
Twigs crunched as the closest wolf shifted his weight, still staring at the house. It was too easy. None of them expected him to come at them from behind. Amateurs. These were the idiots Kal sent to finish him off? If he’d been in human form, he would have scoffed. These three were young, inexperienced. Little more than novices, really. And against him? It was like swatting flies. So, then what was Kal’s angle? Why wasn’t he there himself?
One of the Valley wolves fidgeted nervously. Turning, he spotted Nova. His tawny gold eyes widened in surprise.
Nova didn’t give him time to signal the others. Without hesitation, he lunged, latching his jaws around his throat. Hot, thick blood flowed out around his teeth. The air filled with the scent of copper. The wolf fell to the ground.
The other two wolves finally took notice and charged at Nova from either side. The battle was brutal but quick. When it was over, Nova stood, the lone wolf, covered in the intruder’s blood.
He let out a low growl of frustration. It didn’t make sense. He knew Kal hated him, that he was after Amara, but why send those three? Why let another do his dirty work? Something didn’t feel right.
Shaking his head, Nova padded back toward the house. He needed a shower.
“Take your gun. And your knife. Maybe both your knives,” Nova ordered, throwing a bunch of her clothes in a bag. “Just in case.”
Amara sat on the bed, frowning. Nova had come in twenty minutes ago, covered in blood, and ordered her to get dressed before locking himself in the bathroom. It was only moments before she heard the shower. When he’d come out, she was dressed and waiting for him.
“It’s not safe here anymore,” he told her, throwing on his clothes. “We need to get you packed. We’re leaving in ten minutes.”
Amara raised a brow. “Leaving? For where?”
“You’re going to come stay with me for a while.”
“You? With the pack? But…but I’m not allowed.”
Nova shook his head. “You can’t stay here. Nemoy will just have to make an exception.”
He’d then spent the next ten minutes getting her packed. Finished, Nova beckoned her forward. “Load up.”
Obedient, she followed him out to his truck and climbed into the passenger’s seat. She wasn’t sure how she felt. On the one hand, she was going to Nova’s. For the first time, she was going to get to see his house, the place that he called home. She was going to get to meet his family. His mother. The illusive Pack.
On the other hand, she was leaving her own home behind because the same wolf who had terrorized her town for the last decade had apparently put out a hit on her. And to keep from being killed, she was heading into the heart of yet another pack of wolves.
How could this possibly be her life?
Nervous, she toyed with the hem of her sweater. “Are you sure this is a good idea?” She glanced sideways at him, almost afraid to see his expression.
He chuckled. “I’m not going to lie, they’re not going to be pleased. Nemoy is convinced the rules are there for a reason. He isn’t going to appreciate the fact that I’m bringing you back with me, even if it is for your protection.” Deep lines furrowed his brow. “He’s just going to have to get over it.”
“And your mother?” Amara asked, her voice small. “What will she think about you shacking up with a human?”
Nova frowned. Her heart sank. “Well, that’s a tricky one. I’d like to tell you that she’s my mother, and all she wants to do is see me happy, that she would approve of me bringing you back because it’s the right thing to do. But to be honest with you, I don’t actually know how she’ll react. My mother is one of a kind. There is no reading her.”
“Oh.” As if she hadn’t been terrified before. Now she was on the borderline of having a panic attack.
Nova read her signals and put his hand on her thigh. “It’s going to be all right,” he assured her. “We’ll protect you.”
The road to the compound was long and windy. She supposed it didn’t help that she kept imagining every awful thing that could happen, either. What the hell was she thinking, getting involved with a shifter? It wasn’t like she could ever become one of them. Nova said wolves were bred not bitten. So, what? Was she just going to play the weak human for the rest of her life while he got to be the macho man protector?
“We’re here.” Nova turned the truck down an old gravel road that disappeared into the underbrush. After a few twists and turns, they followed the road to the gate. It was bordered on both sides by a fence and two guard stations. Both of them were empty.
Nova frowned. “This isn’t right,” he muttered, throwing the truck into neutral. He put on the emergency brake and climbed from the cab. “I’ll be right back,” he told her.
Amara watched him walk down the road to the gate. He examined something she couldn’t see on the far side of the fence, before peering into both tiny buildings. Reaching in, he pressed a button and the gate began to open.
Nova’s face was grave when he returned to the truck. He put it back in drive and started easing forward. Amara waited. “Something’s wrong,” he told her, scowling at the empty guard stations as they passed.
“Maybe they just went on break.”
He shook his head. “No. That’s not how it works. If the guards on the morning patrol aren’t at their posts, something more important is going on. They wouldn’t just up and leave.”
She huffed out a frustrated breath. “How do you know?”
“Because I trained them myself.”
The road leading from the gate to the living area of the compound was completely deserted. Nova turned down a long side street filled with quaint little cottage houses. Amara was suddenly struck by what it would be like to be part of it. To be with Nova, to live there with him, to maybe one day raise children with him among the pack and the community. To learn what it was to be Wolf.
Except now, the place was eerily quiet. Not a single soul showed their faces. No sound came from within the walls. There was just silence.
Nova parked the truck and the two of them got out. With one shared, worried glance, they split up and began to peer in windows, searching for his pack members. Amara saw cute little flowerbeds and tidy living rooms; one house even had dinner on the table. But while the furniture and such appeared to be in place, none of the houses contained people.