She shook her head and wrung her hands together. “Prophecy is what it is, Savas, I cannot change that.”
“No,” his eyes narrowed, “but you can stave off the inevitable. I’ve seen glimpses of your power. You can heal us.”
The uncertainty swimming around her head remained unvoiced. She blinked, hated the angry look on his face but found herself unable to do anything about it. She couldn’t go back on her word, but couldn’t save the pack. Even her power could do nothing to stop the inevitable.
Heavy sorrow weighted on Nicholaus’ shoulders. He wanted to strangle this man, at the same time he felt sorry for the pack that couldn’t be saved. The only answer he could come up with was to let fate kick in…
He shuddered, though Krystyna’s body remained paralyzed by fear.
“Please,” Savas didn’t appear to like the position he’d been put in, but his eyes became round, wide, open. “You’ve got to try. Even if…”
She looked away. “Fine,” she huffed, “but I'm not joining you in bed.”
Savas’ dark eyes glowed, but before Nicholaus saw anymore, he was jerked back into reality on his patio with Katarina stroking his hair.
She didn’t want him. Goddamnit!
Before the anger even swelled, tranquil energy surrounded him and shut down all the thoughts he’d normally have.
He lifted his head, met Katarina's loving gaze. “I’m a drain, aren't I?”
She nodded. The second she stopped the influx of calm, his body filled with a sudden chill. Intense loneliness started swallowing him, forcing hope from his mind. Desperation and fear made him shudder until Katarina pulled away. “What was that?”
“Her energy, drágám. She is so scared right now.”
“Still, she is a healer. Can’t she heal herself and help them too?”
Katarina closed her eyes and pressed her lips to his neck. Her mouth was warm against his skin. “No. She cannot. Each pack has its own members who perform those duties. Savas has yet to find those for the Turks. I doubt he ever will. His selfishness blinds him to what his gifts truly and will be their downfall.”
“Your lips feel sad against my neck, szeretõm. Why?”
“Because I love all things Nicholaus.”
He inhaled her scent, so lupine, so perfect. “I see.”
“You and I have a special relationship that goes beyond that. Never forget that.”
Nodding, he wrapped his hands around her waist. Her voice sounded sweet to him, like honeydew. “When will Savas be here?”
“Probably first thing tomorrow.”
“How did you manage to escape?”
She hugged him to her body. “Nicholaus, they let me. He sent me out so I could deliver a message. I suspect he'll follow. I was only a few hours behind you. Lukina was home still and managed to help me get back here. Otherwise I’d be lost. She’ll be here shortly too.”
Nicholaus sat on the chair beside the door. “Probably knew you would head to me. I take it they probably know where I live now.” Nicholaus closed his eyes. Memories of a few traded punches told nothing of value about the caliber of fighter. And would the wolves march through Albuquerque? That would be stupid. It’d alert all the hunters in a hundred mile radius to their presence and any who felt the wolves were demons would surely engage and kill.
Stronger yes. Faster? Wolves. Highest numbers?
Humans, by far.
What the hell was the Goddess thinking in making wolves the protectors of mankind?
Katarina nodded. “I tried to take a different route here, but you’re so easily found. Why did you choose to live here?”
“Because amongst the humans, I blend in. They’re so busy partying that they don’t see the wolf.”
“Please come back to Hungary when this is over. You won’t have to worry about illusions and discovery if you return with us.”
“Katarina, if you want all that, then you’re going to have to take things one step at a time.” His voice sounded gruff to him. He hated that, but she couldn’t push him. Gently guide him perhaps, but his emotions were already on overdrive from the fact that he’d almost written off both his lovers over his own stupidity, combined with the fact that he’d been a fool to ever leave Hungary without them. Nicholaus felt the only way a man in his position could feel—lost.
“Okay. I can be gentle.”
The wind blew, ruffling her silken hair. With a last puff on the cigar Nicholaus set it on the stucco ledge and pulled Katarina into his arms.
Katarina nestled against him. Her hot breath against his skin warmed him, aroused him. Cupping her soft ass, he pulled her into him and kissed the top of her head, nuzzling her red curls with his stubbled cheek.
“We should probably go in and get some rest. It’s been a tough few days.”
“Indeed. You are probably tired from the time difference, no?” He felt her fingers tangle through the thick strands of his waist length hair.
She nodded.
“Okay. Let’s go. The shower is just through the bedroom. I’ll join you in the shower after a while.”
Katarina smiled something wicked.
She walked inside, her ass sashaying just a little.
Nicholaus licked his lips and swatted her ass.
She yelped and turned around to glare at him.
Enjoying the smirk she gave him and the wry way her eyes twinkled and hinted at more once this was all resolved, Nicholaus realized he couldn't leave her alone anymore. He’d been bleeding emotionally too long and both his lovers stemmed the flow of blood, returning it to his heart where it belonged, rather than all over the floor in a pool of darkened loneliness.
“I see the lovers are acting like they should.” Selene slid off a stool and took Józsi’s hand.
Józsi nodded. “We should go.”
“Yes. By the way, how did you get in here?” Nicholaus slid his hands into his pockets.
“I know the developer’s uncle.” Selene winked. “And to answer your next question, Lukina is still here. Ilona will meet us when we return with you three.”
Nicholaus lowered his gaze on Selene. “You know more than you’re letting on, witch.”
Selene smirked. “It’s my job.”
Nicholaus let out a long, slow breath. “Fine. Do I need anything before tomorrow?”
“Only the love you have for them. Let that be your guide, Nicholaus. Don't be afraid to let it all out. And bring my Krystyna back to me. I’m tired of hearing Agí bitch.”
“Fucking old bat,” he scoffed.
“Nicholaus!” Katarina slapped his shoulder, making him grin sheepishly.
Nicholaus licked his lips as Katarina sauntered off to the shower, stripping her top and tossing it to the side.
“We’d better let you two get to your evening. If you need anything, we’ll be close by. We’re staying at the Hyatt on Fourth Street.” Selene wrapped her arms around Nicholaus’ waist. “Oh, and do me a favor.”
Nicholaus arched an eyebrow.
She raised her mouth to his ear. “I want grandchildren from both of you. Not just Krystyna.”
Nicholaus winced. Who the hell said he was father material? He could barely survive without his lovers now and Selene wanted grandkids? “What?”
“Gotta go. Come on Józsi.” Her giggles turned into a drunken cacophony of laughter.
Józsi nodded. Sipping the last of his drink, he set the glass down in the sink and escorted Selene out, arm in arm.
“Józsi’s so agreeable when he’s hammered.”
Józsi slapped Selene on the ass. “Fuck you, witch!”
“If my mate Marco wasn’t so young…and we had a trio…”
“Go on, woman. Take the drunken alpha back to sleep it off.” Nicholaus couldn't hold back the chortle.
Giggling, she walked down the makeshift hallway and to the door with Józsi in tow.
Tomorrow was going to be a long day.
Chapter 9
The alarm sounded and Nicholaus reached ov
er to shut it off. Katarina’s body remained plastered to his just like when they used to share a bed together. Early morning light shone through the window, creating a bright ring around the wall in front of the bed, and casting sunbeams on the floor by the left side of the bed. He stirred, felt her soft ass and instantly hardened. He set a hand over her shoulder, started stroking her tender skin then realized if he continued, he'd end up waking her and wanting her.
And she’d probably cave.
Stress had a way of making people do things out of the ordinary.
Without Krystyna, it wouldn’t be complete.
Nicholaus had to wonder why he never made love to just one of them at a time. Even the last time, when Katarina seduced him, Krystyna joined them. He never felt complete without them both. It was worse now that he’d been reunited. It never mattered which woman started things, desire always ramped up hotter once the other joined in.
That never happened, even in the few zipless fucks he’d had back here. Never had they been in his bed, he’d used the balcony or the window as a grand standing gesture, fucking them against the glass so they couldn’t see him.
The body huddled close to his had more than a warm wet opening, she’d had a heart that beat for the universe, for him. For them.
Tears stung the backs of his eyes, and he caught himself wiping them away.
He’d do anything, even face the shit he feared, in order to protect them.
Now he needed to show Krystyna what a fool he'd been, and apologize to Katarina for the behavior he’d displayed out of fear.
“You set things in motion, Nicholaus.” Again, Les's words.
God damn it.
He nuzzled her neck, inhaling her perfect scent. “Katarina, you’re so sweet, szeretõm.”
Katarina’s mouth opened just a little, forming a perfect bow. He imagined she heard him on some level. She moved beside him and threw a leg over his waist. He reached for her thigh and pulled it over him, bringing her closer to him, regretting the decision immediately since it meant her heat now covered his leg.
She snuggled closer, opened her eyes. “Good morning.”
Nicholaus let himself smile back. “If you’d crawl on top of me this would be a really good morning.” He winked.
Katarina nudged him with her elbow. “I’d really love to.”
Hell, the scent of her arousal overpowered the coffee and tobacco flavors hanging in the air from last night’s cigar. He shrugged and let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d held. “Then we should probably get up and eat.”
Nodding, she stroked a finger down his chest.
“I am to expect company today.” He shuddered against her touch.
“Savas”
“Who else?” He sighed. “I have no friends out here.”
Stretching, Nicholas rolled out of bed and padded into the bathroom, aware that Katarina’s intense stare never left his nude body. Running water, he looked in the mirror. He needed a shave, but at the same instant he thought that something in his stomach fluttered. Savas would be here soon. Nicholaus had no desire to fight. He didn’t want to embrace the violent part of himself.. The blood bath that would ensue was sure to scar his mind.
Katarina came to stand beside him, strands of red hair flying about her face. Her perfectly round breasts bobbed with each step, robbing him of coherent thought.
His eyes traveled down the length of the image in the mirror, licking his lips unconsciously at the sight of her plump lips, creamy skin. Of course his mouth watered when he caught sight of smooth lower lips. “You’re freshly shaven?”
She raised an eyebrow. “You noticed.”
“Is that to hide your true hair color?”
“Nope. I started shaving shortly after you left.” Her skin turned a shade of pink.
The last time they made love she had a tiny thatch around her groin, but the shaved look hardened him even more. Nicholaus faced her now. “Kiss me.”
Katarina took a step forward and pressed her hands to his chest. “I love your broad shoulders,” she licked his bottom lip.
Nicholaus pulled her into his embrace, aware of how small she’d become in his arms when she practically melted against him. Yes, he felt the incredible warmth from her sex against his and wanted more contact, knowing how wrong it’d be without Krystyna. But again, his body seemed to have other plans.
Katarina pressed her hands against his chest stopped him. “No, szeretőm. You must learn patience, too.”
Nicholaus darted his tongue out over her top lip. “Why?”
“Because patience is good. Patience increases tension. Increased tension,” she patted his throbbing cock, “increases feeling.”
“You’re playing with fire.” He gritted his teeth.
“I know.” She released him and walked out of the bathroom.
Nicholaus stood there, jaw agape. His cock throbbed painfully. Why he didn’t storm into the bedroom and take her, bend her over the bed and make love to her as his evaded him. Of course, her words echoed in his head.
He had to have patience.
Had to focus.
A fresh shave and cold shower did nothing to hamper his arousal, but his mind had been cleared when he set the water on high and sat in the steam of his bathroom for a few minutes. Afterward, he toweled himself off, he slicked his hair back and realized it needed a trim.
Of course mundane shit like evening up the ends of his hair would be something to deal with provided they survived the oncoming ordeal.
He found Katarina sitting on the edge of his bed, remote in hand. She’d flipped through several channels before glancing at him with her gentle smile. He caught the hopeful sparkle in this green eyes, prayed he could make this all go away and save Krystyna from this menace.
He had to think for a moment, the longing in her eyes reminded him she missed home. She didn't have to say it; he felt the underlying fear in how she moved through his loft. Skittish, America was a new thing to her. One he hoped she'd grow accustomed to.
Even if he returned to the pack with her, he'd still keep this place. Maybe make new memories.
The channels flipping stopped on the news. “I think Savas will be here within the hour.”
“Turn it up.”
A reporter droned on about a convoy of military vehicles heading down Central Avenue. Since they weren’t causing any destruction, they hadn’t been stopped. Something had to be up if military made their way through and no news organization had released anything about the US Government.
What was this exactly?
“Nobody has noticed this? In our country, surely this would be big news. A coup, or military strike or?” Katarina scratched her head. “I don’t understand.”
“No, I don’t either. It looks like they’re coming from the south valley. What an odd route to take.” Nicholaus rubbed his chin and closed his eyes.
“How are they getting around in military vehicles without arousing suspicion?” Katarina turned her face to him.
“Those aren’t U.S. vehicles so they probably flew them here. How the hell would they get funds to do that? The Turkish military does not authorize its army to work with the wolf pack, does it?”
“I’m afraid the Turkish government sees the wolves as disposable. So yes, they’ll work with them to save humans. They, like others have a habit of using the wolves for a greater gain. It saddens me, Nicholaus.”
“Savas has to know this.” He settled a hand on her shoulder.
“I do not know, szeretőm.”
“I guess I need to go meet him.” Nicholaus settled his hands in the pockets of his jeans.
“We,” she poked him in the rib.
“Yes. I want to shelter you from anything and everything, keep you safe.”
She smiled, blinked. “But I’m an adult, Nicholaus and you may need me. Krystyna may need me to heal her. As it is, she’s going to be in a state of cognitive dissonance from all that's transpired.”
He swallowed and felt bile rising
in his throat. “Yeah.”
“You can use your gift to protect her.”
He stiffened.
She took his hand in hers, forced him to look at her. “I can see it in your eyes. You’re setting things in motion, just as Les predicted. What must be done, must be done.”
“But at what expense, Katarina?”
“Only the Boldog Azzsony knows for certain, this is Her divine doing.”
He chortled.
“Will you face your fears and help us?”
“You?” He arched a brow. “You and Krystyna, yes. I will.”
“Then take this chance to trust someone else, show me you trust me, Nicholaus. Let someone else keep you safe.”
That was the crux of all this shit, wasn’t it? Someone else to protect him, someone else to guide him. What a bullshit way to learn this lesson. Others would die, countless deaths.
Yeah, he remembered what happened after he’d killed her father and brother. Others came to their aid, tried to pull him off the dead bodies or stop him from wounding Katarina’s father and brother, Andor and Andris. He snarled and remembered clearly just how thick their flesh was once he saw through the haze, just what it tasted like. Yeah, the chemical smell from their bodies didn’t help his anger, either.
He’d ripped them all apart.
Been touted as a hero even though he’d dropped eight wolves total.
Then the hunters, there had been thirty of them. He saw their faces, fear clearly etched in their eyes once he’d dropped his human illusion and charged at them.
This time, no one stopped him.
Les only told him the cleansing would be another part in the prophecy designed to aid the humans.
Whatever. It made him sick unless Katarina and Krystyna held him. Only the two of them kept the lurching at bay.
And in moments after the slaughter, Katarina's healing helped settle his stomach.
“You're putting a lot of faith in me. Even after I’ve continuously let you down. Why, drágám?”
“I cannot put my faith in someone undeserving.” She clucked her tongue. “You,” facing him full on, her expression changed, eyes softened, “but I can trust in others. I can trust in you to do what's right.”
Raining Kisses (The Opeth Pack Saga Book 2) Page 16
