by Carol Lynne
“Do you think I’ll ever be able to have that?” Mica asked, studying the birds overhead.
“Love?”
“Yeah.”
Ryker wasn’t sure how to answer that. The stone men were definitely evolving, but how far he didn’t know. “I hope so.”
Mica lay back in the grass, his hands cupped under his head. “I hope so, too. I don’t know what it feels like, but I’ve seen how happy you are since you came back to Refuge. Love did that to you, right?”
“Yeah. Falling in love with Hakan and Daniel has made me happier than I’ve ever been in my life.” Ryker glanced over his shoulder at the big man. “And believe me, I’ve lived a long life.”
They sat in companionable silence for several moments. There was a question that Ryker had always wondered about but never had the guts to ask. With a sigh, he finally decided to spit it out. “Where you aware of anything when you were a rock?”
Mica seemed a bit taken back by the question. “Hmmm, that’s a hard question to answer.”
“Forget it. I shouldn’t have asked.”
“No. It’s not that I don’t want to answer. It’s just that I’m not sure how to answer.” Mica sat back up. “It was like I was aware of my surroundings, but I didn’t care. I saw the same things I see now, but they brought me no joy.”
Mica shook his head. “I’m not explaining it right.”
“Oh, I don’t know. It sounded pretty good to me. I worry sometimes that what we did to you and the others was wrong.”
“No. Don’t ever think that.” Mica reached out and covered Ryker’s hand with his own. “We defended Refuge as long as we could because of the people inside, not because it was our duty. We see you and the others and we know we’re different, but we don’t want to be. I think I speak for all my men when I say, Thank You. At least now we have the chance to feel. That’s something we could’ve never hoped for as stones.”
Ryker turned his hand over and gave Mica’s a friendly squeeze. “With the good emotions will come the bad. You’ll have to prepare yourself and your men. Hopefully Jon will be able to help, but you can also come to me, Hakan or Daniel.”
Bringing up Daniel’s name had Mica pulling his hand away. “I can’t tell you how sorry I am.”
Ryker shook his head. “It wasn’t your fault. He was betrayed by someone close to him.”
Mica’s forehead wrinkled. “Are these things that the doctor will help us to understand?”
“I hope so. I hope you learn about betrayal but never experience it.”
* * * *
Hakan glanced up at the overhead sun and sighed. He’d been on top of the mountain for the past two days waiting for word. His thoughts kept returning to Daniel and his health. Hang on, sweetheart.
“Hakan.”
Hakan turned and found Enapay. With a smile on his face, he embraced the strong warrior. How long had it been since he’d been able to do something so simple with his old friend?
“I’ve missed you, brother,” Enapay said.
Hakan released Enapay and stepped back. He hated to ask, but he couldn’t help himself. “Where’s Takoda?”
Enapay grinned. “He’s keeping an eye on your man.”
Excitement raced through Hakan. “He found him.”
Enapay nodded. “Did you doubt him?”
Hakan shook his head. “I just can’t believe he made it there so fast. He must’ve flown straight through.”
“He sent word ahead of him so others could begin the search. By the time he reached Roanoke, The Hunters had been spotted. Takoda chose to stay and watch over the compound instead of flying back to tell you.”
Hakan wondered if it was an excuse on Takoda’s part not to have to see him again. He caught Enapay looking out at the valley below.
“I told Takoda that I want my people back. You’re all welcome here. It’s a nice place. You won’t find the attitudes you did with the white man of yesteryear. The majority of Refuge shifters are Native American, but we also have several groups of African Americans. At the end of the week a plane loaded with cat shifters will be here from Europe, Africa and Asia. All of them persecuted at one time or another just like our people.”
Enapay rested his hands on his hips. “I’ll talk to them, and tell them what I’ve seen.”
“What about you? It’d be nice to have my old friend around.”
Enapay looked away. “I doubt it.” He fidgeted. “I’ve kinda been keeping an eye on Takoda, and I think we both know he won’t come here.”
Surprised, Hakan’s eyebrows shot up. “You and Takoda?”
Enapay was quick to shake his head. “No. Takoda hasn’t taken another lover since you. I just watch over him.”
Enapay’s eyes conveyed the truth. His old friend was in love with Takoda. Hakan vowed to settle things with his previous lover so Takoda could move on.
“I need to get down and tell Ryker and the others. We’ll fly out as soon as Ryker can arrange for his plane to be ready.”
“You’re flying in a plane?” Enapay asked.
Hakan nodded. “It’s complicated, but physically, I can’t be away from Ryker for too long or Daniel suffers.”
Enapay’s head tilted to the side. “So it’s true.”
“What’s true?”
“The entire world is about to change.”
“What? What do you mean?” Hakan asked. If for some reason Enapay had information about the legend, Hakan wanted to hear it. He still didn’t know what would happen once he and Ryker were truly joined via Daniel.
Enapay shrugged and squeezed Hakan’s shoulder. “It’s a good thing. The only thing that can save this planet.”
“Tell me more,” Hakan practically pleaded.
Enapay rubbed his jaw. “Until nature stands up for itself, man will continue to destroy it.”
Hakan shook his head. “Now you sound like Father.”
Enapay grinned. “Thank you.”
“You’re really not going to tell me anything more?”
“Let’s just say the world is in for a few surprises.” Enapay turned as if to leave.
“Wait. Tell me exactly where to find Daniel.”
“All tribes have sacred grounds. Find The Hunters’ sacred ground and you’ll find your Daniel.”
“Dammit, Enapay. My lover’s life is on the line.”
Enapay rolled his eyes. “Due west of Roanoke. I’ll send word to Takoda to find you.”
Hakan watched his friend shift into a gorgeous golden eagle and disappear into the sunlight. Opening himself, he shifted and went in search of Ryker.
* * * *
“Still with me, buddy?” Jarek asked.
Daniel heard his new friend, but didn’t have the strength to answer him. He opted for a grunt to let Jarek know he was at least breathing. Despite sleeping all but a few hours a day, Daniel knew he wasn’t getting any stronger. In fact, he’d begun to wonder if he’d die without ever seeing Ryker and Hakan again.
“You need to eat.”
Daniel knew Jarek was right, but he couldn’t seem to gather the strength it took to chew the stale bread given to him by his captors. A desperate need to pass a word on to his men finally prompted him to gather enough strength to speak.
“Tell…them.” Daniel swallowed and took another deep breath. “Love them.”
“Stop it,” Jarek reprimanded. “You can’t let The Hunters win.”
Daniel knew deep down his condition had nothing to do with The Hunters. Whatever was wrong with him could only be cured by cleansing himself in Crater Lake. How far was he from Oregon? Even if his men found him in time, would they be able to get him to the healing waters?
Like he’d done in the past, Jarek began an idle, one-sided conversation. Daniel wasn’t sure if it was for Jarek’s benefit or Daniel’s, but he did his best to listen.
“I think I’d like to build me a little house when I get to Refuge. Not a cabin, but a real house. I saw this magazine once when I ventured into Gunnison. I�
�d never seen houses like the kind they had in that book. There was one that really caught my attention. I think they called it a bungalow style. Anyway, that’s the kind of house I want. Do you think I could get someone to build me one of those?”
When Daniel didn’t say anything, Jarek continued. “Yeah. You’re probably right. Since I don’t have any money, the chances are pretty slim, but still, it’s something I like to dream about when I close my eyes. The other shifters might think I’m strange, but I’ve spent nearly a hundred and forty years living in caves and shit. I’d like a chance to sleep in a real bed. Ain’t never done it, but it’s something I’d like to try. What about you? You slept in a bed? Is it nice?”
Once again, Jarek waited a few seconds before continuing. “Yeah. I bet it is. Ya know, I ain’t knockin’ the whole shifter thing, don’t you? I mean, hell, if it weren’t for Earth Mother’s gift, I’d be long dead. Probably at the hands of some rancher or vigilantly asshole. But even so, I like being the man I was born to be. I like looking people in the eyes without fear of starting a fight.”
Jarek sighed. “What’s it like? Sex, I mean. Is it everything I hope it’ll be? Guess I’ll just have to wait and find out.”
Daniel was awake enough to hear another soft moan coming from Jarek’s cell. If he’d had the strength he would’ve shook his head. Jarek beat off more than anyone he’d ever known. Daniel couldn’t blame him. The cougar shifter had spent years living a solitary life. When the only one around to take care of your needs is you, you tend to get in the habit.
He remembered disappearing into the woods several times while he’d lived with Garth’s pack. Thoughts of Layla’s betrayal once again assaulted him. The things she’d said played over and over in his mind. Was she right? Would he have done the same thing if it was his people who Earth Mother had cursed?
No. Nothing justified what The Hunters did to his entire pack. How many ways and how many years had Daniel and his friends spent in crude torture chambers? Shivers wracked his body as he heard the gasp of Jarek’s release.
Several moments later, Jarek spoke. “Sorry. Sometimes I just can’t help myself. I’m used to taking care of my problem with no one around. I guess it’s become almost like second nature to me.”
Have mercy for Jarek’s mate when he eventually finds him. Daniel actually summoned up the strength to smile at the thought.
Chapter Seven
Ryker watched the eight strong guards seated toward the back of the plane. They all looked as freaked out as Hakan had on his first flight. He covered his lover’s hand as it maintained its white-knuckled grip on the arm of the chair.
“You okay?”
Hakan gave a short nod in response. “How much longer?”
Ryker checked his watch. “We should be landing in about forty-five minutes. Then another twenty to thirty to get to the area your friend told you about.”
It had been a group decision to leave Jack and Toby at Refuge. Jack would accompany the guards meeting the cat shifters, and Toby would help protect Refuge against anymore surprise attacks.
They were lucky they hadn’t used many bullets in the first defense against The Hunters. With almost simultaneous operations planned, they’d need every one of the special bullets in their arsenal.
The level of anxiety inside the enclosed space of the plane was palatable. Ryker, once again, opened himself to Daniel, sighing when he felt nothing. Was their love still alive?
“What’s wrong?” Hakan asked, turning his hand over and threading his fingers with Ryker’s.
“I still can’t feel him,” Ryker murmured.
Hakan kissed Ryker’s temple. “You won’t be able to until he cleanses in Crater Lake.”
“Will the three of us truly be able to mate after that?” It seemed almost too much to hope for. Ryker had gone from living a lonely existence to being in love with two men in the span of…what…eleven days? Hell. He couldn’t imagine his life without Hakan or Daniel. How had the two men buried themselves so deep into his soul in such a short time? He wondered, not for the first time, if it was true love, or divine destiny? Were his feelings even his own, or did Earth Mother and Father Sky guide the threesome’s hearts?
Hakan reached over and unbuckled Ryker’s seatbelt, easing him out of his chair.
“What’re you doing?” he chuckled as Hakan pulled him down onto his lap. They were both big men, and Ryker’s head brushed the air vent overhead.
Hakan’s large bronzed hand made its way to Ryker’s lap, kneading and playing. “I thought you looked like a man who could use a distraction.”
Ryker glanced at the guards. “But there are other people on here.”
Hakan glanced around. “I’ve got to do something. I can’t continue to sit here and worry about Daniel. I’m so hyped up I feel like I’m about to crawl out of my skin.”
With Hakan sitting next to the window, Ryker hoped they were well hidden from view. He knew he should be concentrating on rescuing Daniel, but the hand slipping inside his open fly felt so damn good. He’d never tire of Hakan’s work roughened hands on his body.
Ryker planted his feet on the floor, and stood enough to pull his jeans down, thank the gods for private planes and ample leg-room. Hakan’s hands were immediately on his ass.
Ryker glanced over his shoulder. “Get yours down, too.”
A single black eyebrow rose as Hakan licked his lips and unfastened his jeans, pushing them down to his ankles. His thick dark brown cock sprang free of its confines, just begging to take a tour of Ryker’s ass.
Still trying to shield his lower half from the guards’ view, Ryker reached for his overnight bag. He caught Mica’s grin as he extracted a small tube of lube and passed it to Hakan, who used both hands to quickly slick his cock, and Ryker’s waiting hole. Ryker couldn’t wait any longer, the long thickness of Hakan’s fingers were driving him insane. He slapped Hakan’s hand.
“Need it.”
With one hand holding the heavily veined shaft by the root, the other settled on Ryker’s hip, Hakan guided him down. Ryker felt the first kiss of Hakan’s crown to his stretched and sensitive ass. Once Hakan had guided the head past the outer ring of muscle, Ryker took over, slowly lowering himself onto his lover’s lap.
Damn. The invasion had him riding a fine line between pleasure and pain. They’d made love numerous times during the previous night, and Ryker’s poor ass was sore as hell.
He hissed as he impaled himself fully. After taking a few calming breaths, Ryker began a slow ride. As far as he could tell, Mica was the only one paying them any attention. The expression on the guard’s face was priceless. The big man may be new to emotions, but it was easy to see exactly what he was feeling.
Ryker was ashamed to realize he kind of enjoyed the idea of showing Mica exactly how much pleasure could come from coupling with the one you loved. He rose and sunk down slowly, grinding his ass against Hakan’s lap.
Hakan’s hands found their way under Ryker’s shirt to his erect nipples. The first squeeze of those strong fingers sent a zing straight to Ryker’s cock. A soft moan escaped as he continued the slow and sensual ride.
One of Hakan’s hands disappeared, only to reappear on Ryker’s cock.
“Oooh, fuck,” Ryker groaned as he alternated between thrusting into Hakan’s fist, and impaling himself on the cock he loved.
The soft nibble of Hakan’s teeth against his neck, combined with everything else, pushed Ryker over the edge. The thick white cum that shot from his shaft covered not only Hakan’s hand, but the back of the leather seat in front of him.
“Damn, babe,” Hakan growled, biting down on the suntanned flesh of Ryker’s neck, enjoying his own release.
Ryker slumped back against the man he loved, replete.
Hakan held up his hand and chuckled. “Unless you want me to lick this off in front of a plane full of people, you’d better get me some paper towels.”
Ryker grunted his displeasure and stood. He managed to get his pants up
in the tight confines, and walked the few feet to the restroom. After cleaning himself, he grabbed a handful of towels and sprinkled water on them.
When he exited the restroom, he almost ran into Mica, the needful expression on the guard’s face making Ryker smile. He knew exactly what Mica needed to take care of in the restroom.
“We’ll be landing soon, so make it quick,” he commented, slapping Mica on the back.
“Don’t worry. I will.”
Ryker made it back to his seat and handed the damp towels to Hakan just as the captain announced their approach. His gaze shot to the restroom when he heard a loud thump against the door.
“Let’s go over the plan again,” Hakan said, taking Ryker’s attention away from what was occurring in the restroom.
* * * *
Daniel woke to something wet running down his stomach. He tried to jerk away, but strong arms held him in place.
“Shhh. It’s just me,” Jarek soothed.
What was he doing in the cell with him? The question must’ve shown on his face, because Jarek swiped the wet sponge across his nude chest again. “You’re causing quite a stir around here. The Hunters are afraid you’re not gonna live long enough for them to sacrifice you.”
Jarek reached down and waved his hand at the white robe he wore. “They made me bathe and put this on. Then they ordered me to get you cleaned up and put that on you.” Jarek bit his bottom lip, pointing to a dark red robe. “I think it’s almost time.”
Daniel couldn’t summon the strength to protest. He looked into Jarek’s eyes and sighed his displeasure at the news.
“You still sure your men are coming?” he asked.
Daniel tried to nod, but fell short. He’d never give up on Hakan and Ryker. It was still unclear to him what part Jarek played in the ritual sacrifice, but he could tell the strong warrior was scared. Daniel wished he had the strength to comfort the cougar shifter.
Since being in their prison, The Hunters had forbidden them to shift into their animal skins, and they kept a damn good eye on them. It hadn’t been a problem for Daniel. He’d been far too weak to shift, but Jarek was healthy, and had been in the cell longer than Daniel.
