Loving Lucius (Werescape)

by Moncrief, Skhye

  He nodded, rose, and led me toward our mounts.

  Behind that high tight ass and slightly bowed legs, a woman could forget her fears, caught up in the mesmerizing motion of his body's fluid movement. Especially the way his long legs slightly bowed with each of his footsteps.

  He turned to face me.

  With a softened look on his face. Why? What is he up to? God, no touching. Can the others hear me if I scream? And, shit, do I want to scream if he took the time to attempt to touch me? Dare I allow such a foolish action or truly want to be touched?

  Those deep water-blue eyes stared.

  Waiting. I sucked in a deep breath.

  Air and the sight of him. What does a girl do sitting right under his nose? What a combination. If only I could reach out and touch him. Just a brief brush against his skin. Skin that had to be as warm and soft as a tanned deer hide. And firm. Solid. With just enough give to make him feel alive. He couldn't possibly be ill as healthy as he looked. No illness meant he'd never notice a thing…

  "You wanted to speak with me?" he finally asked.

  Yes. Shit. Yes. He must have gotten tired of me standing here looking stupid. I threw my shoulders back.

  What was I going to ask? Dammit. But since I have him here. "I want to know what my father offered you before I walked in on your discussion."

  He blinked and snaked his arms across the broadest chest.

  Like I asked the one question I shouldn't have.

  "You don't want to know, Elise."

  My soul cringed.

  Not that I'm half alien. Father wouldn't have admitted that if someone tied him to a wall and slowly peeled his skin off, inch by inch. Deep breath. "No. Please tell me. I need to know what he was up to. Why he sent us away."

  He sucked down his own deep inhalation then exhaled long and slowly.

  As if easing his way into how I needed to die. To prevent my DNA from ruining the human gene pool. Because Father really did inform him that I'm a hybrid.

  "Your sire--"

  My heart froze.

  "Offered," his voice lowered, "to give me either you or Sherry as a mate in exchange for taking you into hiding."

  Not the confession I expected. But one that could end in touching his amazing flesh.

  My heart kicked into action.

  He studied me with a sympathetic mask.

  Staring into his unwavering gaze only reiterated how much I could respect him instead of ogling him with my gaze and daydreaming silly fantasies about touching. Only wish there were more behind his careful way of wording things and approaching subjects. It's obvious there's nothing more than respect in the way he lowers his voice to keep our discussion private. Most likely to prevent my sisters who didn't have heightened hearing from overhearing something that would upset them. Yes. Respect. He's all about respecting others. A strong leader in his actions.

  "You have nothing to say?" he asked.

  "What else can I say aside from the obvious? My father was desperate." And I'm not offended. Shocked but not offended when the Shifter who would have possessed me looked and behaved like Lucius because he chose not to accept me in the bargain with Father. As if I'm unacceptable. Okay. I can deal with that for now to survive this trip. I think.

  "Don't be ashamed, Elise. You had no hand in that deal."

  He spoke like I had no pride either in the way he talked around Violet. I suddenly remembered what I wanted to ask. "If you don't mind my pointing out something?"

  He dropped his hands to his hips and leaned slightly toward me. "Yes?"

  A little shocked I'd point anything out by the arch in one of his golden eyebrows. Golden. His was blond hair. Sparkling where the sunlight made the hairs magically twinkle against his tanned skin. Godly. Not good. After he opted not to mate me, I really have to stop thinking about how attractive he is. He surely doesn't think the same about me. I shook off the notion. "Violet doesn't want to be perceived as a child. So, if possible, can we refrain from discussing her in her presence? Like how she would have a harder time keeping up with what adults do, like riding."

  His eyebrow dropped thoughtfully. "I hadn't thought about that." He nodded and stepped aside.

  Perhaps allowing me to pass his towering camouflaged form and join the others? I'd rather talk to him though. To try to begin earning the respect he gave me. "Lucius?"

  He raised those eyebrows again.

  "Thank you for being so kind to Violet." What else could I say? You are gorgeous. You make me forget about things when I should be worried to death. Or why am I not good enough for you to possess? These embarrassing insecurities I'd never utter though.

  He nodded, again. "I have young brothers."

  And this Shifter is intelligent. Understanding of youngsters. Both patient and wise. Walk away, Elise. Run. Hide. Before he changes his mind about you and the shit hits the fan the next time he runs into other people and decides to abandon your ass with them. After all, it's not like he found me attractive enough to mate when we were back with Langston.

  ****

  I watched Elise saunter back to the others. Shaking what would undoubtedly be two tight little mounds of her female tail, hidden beneath her Gods-be-damned shirt. And those legs. What had to be long enough to wrap around my waist to lock her ankles for a little chasing tail. Just before I sank my fangs into the salty metallic taste of her sweet-smelling shoulder. From the front or the back. The angle didn't matter.

  Or my mind's playing tricks on me.

  Biting a woman? Probably Wolf vying for a little playtime. He had a way of creeping into matters that didn't concern him. With females. But something about Elise's reaction to her sire's little proposal didn't measure up to an angry woman. No. She'd seemed disconcerted at the revelation. But not embarrassed. No heat had burned up her neck like when her sire ordered her to remove her shirt. Why did she react differently now?

  The beautiful woman descended beside Violet.

  Marcus caught my eye. Curiosity glinted in his green gaze. He said nothing though. Instead, he focused on Elise. He probably realized something different jacked with my thoughts. Something like having a woman in my bed. Making little pleasure noises in my arms with her warm curving softness stretched out against my length. And so much more. Glorious more. But my brother paid little attention to me now, lavishing Elise with his focus.

  What does he want from her?

  Mine, Wolf snarled.

  No, Wolf. You don't choose. I make my own decisions.

  Marcus chuckled and leaned casually on one knee to move his muzzle closer to the delectable curve of Elise's finely-carved lips.

  Wolf's blood boiled.

  Mine, Wolf slammed into my ribs.

  Marcus shoved to his feet and arched a brown eyebrow. "I'll check the horses."

  Yes. You do that. Keep away from Elise.

  The dolt's Wolf must have sensed he pawed upon my territory. Albeit, someone needed to check on Tacitus. Just to see if he left Mouthy Red in one piece. After the way he'd intervened this morning, the Shifter had to be at the end of his rope with Sherry. I turned to the bushes and pulled Wolf into my eyes and ears.

  Nothing but rattling hearts. That means one of two things. An argument unfolded. Or both were content with being alone together. What took place beyond that screen of vegetation? Do I want to know? I need to know. In case something is said by Elise and Violet to my sire. I'd be responsible.

  Seven steps led me around the dense mound of leaves to a view of Tacitus' body draping Sherry, holding her wrists together over her head, the back of the female's hands pinned against the grassy ground by one of his large unforgiving grips. Tacitus was too lost kissing her to detect my presence. Foolish Shifter. Nothing but the top of his shiny head was visible of that Gods-be-damned thick skull of his. But you can't tell a Shifter he's insane when he's after tail. His Wolf won't allow him to listen.

  His other hand blocked her head from turning away from his mouth.

  I think. She wasn't fighting hi
m. Kicking. Bucking. Not a movement.

  Oh, kissing Elise the same way wouldn't require holding her down.

  Mine, Wolf whined.

  This isn't the time to grab tail. The extraterrestrials chased Langston. Probably because of the healing powers of his daughters. And I escort them back to my kin. Keep my head clear. Watch Elise for more reasons than a hard Wolf cock cared about.

  And Sherry kissed Tacitus, completely engrossed. He'd done something. Said something. Won her over. Fast for a woman so determined to maintain the distance between herself and Shifters. Mouthy Red had done an amazing job at that. But somewhere along the line, he'd seduced her. Or had he? Maybe Tacitus had been seduced. Not a bad way to worm into a group of Shifters for whatever reasons. Yes. Maybe that's what the females are here for. Someone had to have learned about my sire's underground laboratory.

  Tacitus' head jerked up. His Wolf glowed in his eyes.

  Sensing me. Not good. A Wolf would attack when mating. I raised my palms passively and backed away.

  Tacitus watched me take a few retreating steps then turned back to her mouth.

  To the kiss. To his meal. Who wouldn't devour a warlord's daughter with curves that a man could lose himself inside for an eternity? Talk about a thought too damned all-consuming to shake. But it didn't matter Tacitus foraged for a warrior's meal. Not when another feast for the taking waited steps away. With another Shifter circling the kill to feed, I'd be stupid not to move in to feed my Wolf. Or maybe I'd be wiser to leave Elise to Marcus.

  ****

  Why isn't Sherry back yet? And why isn't Lucius looking for her? I'd been watching the big blond fiddle with the saddles, checking cinches and saddlebags. Occasionally, he'd glance where Tacitus had disappeared through the bushes with my sister. Or he'd snatch a look my direction. Probably to make certain I hadn't escaped. But he had to be worried by his actions. Why? Can Tacitus be trusted with Sherry? At least, Violet didn't run around touching everyone. I'd managed to train her not to do that when she was young. Or else I'd have died from a coronary years ago. Wouldn't that have been a godsend--to end this long before I faced my neediness for touching.

  "Where's Sherry?" Violet lilted.

  Now if I could just teach her not to pop off with questions.

  Lucius flicked a thoughtful gaze at us.

  He needed to go search for Sherry instead of looking around camp. So, if I sounded bossy, oh well. "Where did they go?"

  His gaze flitted back to the part between the bushes, and he raised his chin slightly.

  Pointing. At Tacitus and my sister.

  Tacitus strode his towering camouflage-draped form into view, stopping, surveying those of us who'd been waiting for him. Sherry stepped along at the big Shifter's side.

  Quietly. Not touching him. But standing with him. Oddly. Like something pivotal had occurred. Maybe they had a talk and he chewed her out for her explosive behavior. Not a bad thing given Sherry was petrified since that night she awoke to find three aliens beside her bed. She'd never been the same since. Paranoid. Angry. Frightened. And I couldn't blame her. Unless she focused her frustration on Violet.

  Maybe out here, somewhere in this wilderness, Sherry could find a place that helps her forget whatever happened.

  "We need to go," Lucius called.

  Tacitus pivoted to the mounts with Sherry at his side. Both of them moved like they'd formed a truce between them.

  Bizarre. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it. Not when Sherry lost all respect for anyone known to possess alien DNA.

  Violet walked past me. "Come on, Elise."

  So much for the wait and the worry.

  Lucius hefted Violet into the saddle before I could assist.

  For him to help her, he must be in a hurry from the delay. Or something, because Lucius turned to me, grabbed my waist, and placed me in the saddle behind Violet's bony bottom.

  Only touching my clothing. But touching me in a way. Why? All I could do is stare down into his golden Shifter eyes.

  But he turned those glowing gems away and mounted his paint. "We've got to reach the lake tonight, or we'll never make it to the outpost by tomorrow evening." He met each of our gazes.

  As if to reinforce his order. Daring each of us to slow the group down with arguments against his plans. Why was his Wolf in his eyes? What was he looking or listening for?

  His gaze slid from Marcus to me.

  Lingering. Twice as long. But why would he do that when he chose not to mate me when Father offered? Is his suspicious heightened that much because of the bits he'd heard about aliens from Violet? Or am I the problem?

  I must be more careful. If only for Violet's sake.

  We rode the rest of the afternoon at a fast pace, stopping only once, heading due north. I could probably find my way back to Father's if something happened to send me on the trail. But Lucius wasn't about to let something so horrible occur. No. Not the way he kept locking his gaze on mine every which way he turned. A chill would shiver through me. Make me twitch. Or ache down low in my belly between my legs again. Not good when the saddle rubbed back.

  What's going on with his lack of attention toward me? Had I angered him? How could I have when his stare sent a shiver through my being? He's got to be angry with me. Why? And my body simply misinterpreting his actions.

  I need to ignore my idiotic brain and stop reading into things.

  Lucius led us to a pier weathered to a deep gray that extended to a bobbing wooden ferry on the water. A rope stretched from the pier to the ferry and on to what had to be an island.

  So we'd cross. By boat because the ferry meant deep water. Why continue on now? The sun dipped beyond the tops of the western trees. Sunset is near. We must be crossing to the island because of nightfall. Safety. To hide out of reach from Bounders.

  "Dismount," Lucius barked. "Take it easy. Lead the horses by the bit onto the ferry." He waved Marcus onward.

  One by one, the men led the horses until only Tacitus remained in the grass with us.

  "Let's go, Tacitus," Lucius yelled.

  Sherry stepped out before the huge Shifter, ushering her mare along by the bit.

  That must have been okay since Lucius didn't complain. But Tacitus stayed on her heels. Up the mare's ass. Literally. Forcing the horse forward with his magnetic personality. Leaving me standing with Violet.

  Before Tacitus reached the pier, Lucius passed Tacitus and his gelding's rump, veering straight for me.

  Well, the mare.

  He barely glanced my direction in profile and grabbed the horse's halter like the other Guardians had. "You both go on ahead. I'll bring the horse." His gaze finally lingered upon mine again.

  Just a little longer than one would expect unless he was staring me down to ensure I did as ordered. But there lingered a tenderness in his gaze, something reminiscent of a person staring at another with nothing but nice thoughts. Or could that desire flooding his mind.

  A chill prickled to itchy attention on the back of my neck.

  Desire is bad. He would want to know more. He needs to stay at a distance. Keep that skin far far away.

  Stay or go? Maybe he stared to see if I cooperated. Has to be.

  Why do I feel self-conscious when I'd just thought him the only man I'd ever wanted touching me earlier today? Better to board the ferry. I just needed to stop looking. Stop analyzing what his scrutiny implied. I grabbed Violet's warm palm and led her to where the others waited.

  Lucius and Hadrian pulled the ferry, hand-over-hand along the rope, a few minutes until the ferry brushed against the pier on the other side of the river. We were then hustled across the gray weathered boards onto a grassy bank.

  "This is a safe place to sleep without worry of Bounders," Marcus noted to my left.

  Obviously so I won't be wondering what we are doing here. I scanned the forest.

  The island wasn't big. And the forest wasn't truly more than a wooded section of the small island. No buildings. Just a pier. So, where are
we sleeping?

  Apparently, on the ground.

  Right at the edge of the water. We were left to prepare our beds in the waning light.

  This time, Tacitus unrolled his bedroll next to Sherry.

  Why her? I was the one told to undress. Sherry acted abominably. And now she gets the coveted attention of a huge protective Shifter? What in the hell happened between them? And does Tacitus know about the extent of our healing powers yet? Her stupidity will endanger Violet and I. And Sherry gets the Guardian mate. Why does she get the warm strong warrior? Probably because that's the way life goes. Those oblivious to reality are more likely to get eaten by it while the rest of us hide from what's considered normal. I settled down into the warmth of my sleeping bag and shut my eyes.