Bitter Change

by Mara Lee

  “You taught me to fear, to hate, and to disregard my Loopin senses. You made me believe that I was worthless, that I was not a true Loopin, when all along you knew that was not the truth.”

  “Truth?” Kieran grinned, revealing fangs. “There is no truth, there is only leadership. I have done what is necessary to remain strong. I have led my Pack.”

  “You've destroyed your Pack. You murdered them.”

  Something flashed across Kieran's eyes, sorrow perhaps, or dawning realization. For a moment it seemed as if sanity had returned. Kieran's eyes cleared and he frowned. He cocked his head quizzically to one side. “What nonsense are you spouting?”

  Ethenia took a deep breath. “You told me that you killed off your Pack members, don't you remember?”

  Kieran shook his head. “I did what a leader would do.” Kieran growled suddenly. “No more talk. You waste our time with witless words. Your punishment must commence and then we must return to Marseilles. There is much work to be done.”

  “I am not returning with you, Kieran.” Ethenia felt energy thrumming through her body. She had to remain in her wolf form. She had more physical strength as a wolf than as a woman.

  “You will!” Kieran screamed.

  Ethenia stood proudly before her ex-Pack Leader. She saw the shock ripple across Kieran's face. He had not thought her capable of it. He had not thought she could keep her beast form. It took a strong Loopin to keep the change.

  “Well, well, well, perhaps I will not have need of the Lupe after all. You have acquired some interesting new powers, Ethenia. Powers that I am eager to explore … once we are home.” Kieran shifted quickly, drawing his thick wolf lips back to reveal the long sharp teeth housed within. “There is no hope for you, Ethenia. You cannot beat me.”

  Ethenia clawed the ground. “Perhaps not … but I will fight.”

  Kieran sighed. “Then I will try not to kill you.” With those bland words, Kieran lunged.

  Ethenia growled and barely dodged a swipe of a claw in her direction. She rolled quickly away from Kieran's attack and threw herself backwards to escape his fangs and striking claws. She knew that this was a battle that she had little hope of winning. But she was Loopin, and Loopin did not give in and they did not cower.

  Ethenia dug her fangs into Kieran's leg and was intensely satisfied when she pulled out a chunk of flesh.

  Kieran howled and flung Ethenia away. “Bitch!”

  Ethenia narrowed her eyes. “Yes?”

  Kieran growled low in his throat and his eyes deepened in anger. “You are trying my patience.”

  “And you've worn through mine.” Lothos said—his voice booming through the night from behind them.

  Both Ethenia and Kieran turned and found Lothos and Venus standing not four feet away.

  Lothos bared his teeth at Kieran and launched himself onto him. Ethenia watched stupefied as the two Loopin began to fight.

  “Hey, hey…!” Ethenia shifted back to her human form and threw her hands up in disgust. “I had it under control. Are you listening to me?” She watched as Lothos pinned Kieran down and tried to take a chunk out of his neck. Kieran slashed Lothos's chest and jumped away after drawing blood.

  “Leave them alone … they're just having a bit of fun.” Venus laughed.

  Ethenia flinched. “Fun? You call this fun? They're attacking one another.”

  “Yeah, yeah … but your Pack Leader had this coming.”

  “Yes, from me.”

  Venus grinned. “You think you could have taken him?”

  “I was taking him.” Ethenia shot back.

  “Perhaps you had him for a moment, but how long would that moment have lasted? He would have killed you.” Venus shrugged. “He's stronger.”

  Ethenia growled deep in her throat. “I don't like this.”

  “Don't like it … just accept it.” Venus sat down to watch the display.

  * * * *

  Kieran growled when Lothos dragged him toward the water. He struggled but found he could not escape as his head was plunged beneath the water. He gurgled, twisted his body and slashed at Lothos.

  Kieran jerked away and shifted to human form. He came up out of the water, shaking it from him. “Enough of this play … I have better things to do.” Kieran uttered a couple of words, flung out his hands and sent Lothos flying through the air. He watched in satisfaction as Lothos hit a tree and fell limply down. “Stupid Loopin, did you think you could steal her from me?” Kieran growled. “Yes … I smell her on you. I know you have been with her. She's mine, MINE!”

  Lothos pulled himself up. “She is not yours, could never be yours … she is my amouratesh.”

  Kieran flinched and shook his head wildly. “NO! That isn't true. She cannot be anyone's amouratesh, she is not even a Lupe.”

  Lothos snarled. “She is. She is my Lupe.” Lothos began to circle Kieran's still form.

  Kieran used his magic to throw up a wall of fire around Lothos. He saw Venus and Ethenia making a move toward him and did the same to them. “Well, then, I will be getting more than I expected … it is an added bonus.” Kieran watched as Lothos tried to break free. “You are strong, Loopin, but not strong enough.”

  “Evildoer,” Lothos growled. “You use black magic.”

  Kieran laughed. “And what if I do? I am stronger for it.” Kieran flicked a finger in Lothos's direction and Lothos began to bleed from wounds that had magically appeared on his chest, legs and arms. “You see … I can kill you from where I stand.”

  Lothos growled. He craned his neck and saw Ethenia and Venus shying away from the flames. He had to protect, he had to save. Ignoring his bleeding wounds and pained body he forced himself to break through the wall of flames. His fur caught on fire and he could feel the burning heat as it crawled through his body. Rushing to the water he submerged his fire-stricken body and collapsed at the water's edge.

  Ethenia howled out her pain and fear to the dark, moonlit sky. She made a move toward the wall of fire that blocked her from Lothos's side and growled out when Venus held her still with her paw.

  “NO!” Venus screamed.

  “Let me go, let me go … I must go to him.” Ethenia struck out at Venus.

  Venus reared back, but kept her hold on Ethenia. “No, no you cannot. You'll kill yourself.”

  “Lothos is not dead. I must go to him.”

  “Ethenia, please … please…”

  Ethenia whirled around and shook herself free of Venus's grasp. “How can you make me stay here? He is my amouratesh—the other part of my heart … I must go to him.”

  Venus saw the look in Ethenia's eyes and knew that she would not be deterred. She could not keep bond mates apart from one another. “Go, then…”

  Ethenia curtly inclined her head. She took a deep breath and flung herself through the flames. There was a brief whoosh of air before she felt intense heat burning her entire body, inside and out. She ignored the pain and hurled herself toward the water … toward her love.

  Kieran shook his head sadly and made his way toward the water. Ethenia and her Loopin lover lay still in the gently lapping water. His Ethenia's molten honey-colored hair was gone, burned away, and her soft golden skin was charred.

  “Bastard!” Venus screamed—tears coursing down her face.

  Genuine remorse flickered across Kieran's face. “My Ethenia … what a waste, what foolishness, what absolute foolishness,” He muttered. He turned his head to look back at Venus's pacing, ranting form. “I will deal with you later, Lupe. It seems that I will have a place for you in my Pack after all, red one.” Kieran reached Ethenia's side and gently ran a hand down her blackened face.

  Suddenly, Lothos lunged from the water—his teeth sank into Kieran's neck and held him down.

  Kieran howled and tried to twist away, but Lothos was too strong. He tried to shift back to wolf form—he was too vulnerable in human shape—but Lothos held his hands, his neck was still pinned in Lothos's mouth and blood loss was making him weak. “Noo
ooooo … it cannot be, you're…” Kieran's voice was low and slurred.

  “Dead?” Lothos dug his teeth in deeper. “No, I am not dead. I am Alpha and you … you, by order of my Pack have been judged, and now … sentenced.” Lothos tore out Kieran's throat and flung him away.

  Kieran gurgled and brought his hands to his gaping throat—blood was running in great waves down his body. He tried to say healing words but could only manage to utter a few. Some flesh began to re-knit but it was not enough to heal him completely. Kieran fell to the ground and, even wounded as greatly as he was, tried to claw his way towards Lothos.

  Lothos gathered Ethenia in his arms and made his way toward Venus. The wall of fire had diminished and Venus was free.

  “Oh Lothos … is she … is she…?”

  “No, she still breathes. She is not dead.” Lothos lowered his head over Ethenia and his tears gathered and fell. “Why … oh my love, why did you do it?”

  Ethenia stirred. She blinked once, twice and attempted a smile. “I can still hear you, Lothos my love. Why do you talk as if I am fading? And by the way … I did it because I love you—you big oaf.”

  Lothos chuckled through his tears. “You look like shit, darling.”

  That rallied her. She frowned. “Where did you learn your manners?”

  “You need to ask? You know I have none.”

  Ethenia grimaced in pain. “Lothos … Lothos I hurt so badly.”

  “I know darling … please, hold on.”

  Ethenia nodded. “Yes, I will not leave you.”

  Lothos tried to smile. “You'd better not. I would have to follow you.” Lothos sucked in a breath when Ethenia's eyes fluttered shut. He shook her gently. “No, no you must not go to sleep my love. Wake up, wake up darling.”

  “LOTHOS WATCH OUT!” Venus screamed, and flung herself in front of Lothos and Ethenia. Kieran had managed to stand up and his hand was outstretched—covered in blood—he was still fighting. A great arc of fire flew towards the threesome and Kieran's bloodied and scarred face smiled.

  “NO!” The new voice rang through the clearing.

  Time seemed to stand still. Suddenly the fire was consumed by ice and the bolt of flame remained paralyzed midair.

  Sophie stood off to the side. Her face was twisted in concentration as she controlled the ice that ate the fire. “NO! You will not win. You cannot have them.” Sophie forced her power forward and the now large blade of ice moved towards Kieran's wavering form. With a huge force of will she propelled the blade and watched as it slammed through Kieran's middle, throwing him several feet away.

  Kieran looked down slowly. His body was pinned against a tree by the ice-cold blade. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out.

  Sophie sank to the ground, exhausted. She looked up when the wind picked up and the ground shook. “What took you so damn long? Thanks for the help.” Sophie said sarcastically.

  The Dark Twins landed gracefully. Michaela's face fell into a smile. Matthew remained somber.

  “It seems as if you have it all well in hand, Sophie.” Michaela studied Kieran's still wriggling form. “However … is disposal necessary?”

  Sophie nodded. “Yes, please.”

  Michaela walked over to Kieran and tsked. “You've been a naughty, naughty Loopin, haven't you?”

  Kieran tried to speak—but couldn't.

  “Matthew.” Michaela called to her brother and he was at her side instantly. Michaela and Matthew linked hands and suddenly the wind picked up, blew and formed a tornado that unpinned Kieran from the tree, holding him within its swirling depths.

  Kieran lay helpless within the tornado. He had regained his voice and his screams were thin, high, and terrible to hear. As blood poured forth from the wound in his stomach his face paled and eyes grew more and more flat—and yet, he still he fought. His arms flailed and he kicked his feet, desperate to free himself from the whirling wind. It was impossible. The tornado was fierce and the power that the Dark Twins commanded was stronger than Kieran.

  The tornado began to move. It twisted, turned, and rose. It tossed Kieran within its depths and flew away. Kieran's screams continued, slowly fading, until the tornado was lost behind the distant clouds.

  “Please tell me you can track his progress.” Sophie said quietly.

  Michaela laughed. “Of course, do not worry. He will not drop into some unsuspecting mortal's backyard.” Her eyes darkened. “We always know where they land. And we always clean up.”

  Sophie nodded. “Good. Now, come, I must help Ethenia and Lothos.” Sophie accepted Michaela's hand and hoisted herself up. When she had reached Lothos, Ethenia and Venus she dropped down. She reached for Ethenia and Lothos jerked her away. “Lothos, please … let me see her. Let me help.”

  Lothos swallowed and nodded, fear flickering in his eyes.

  “She's alive. We must get her back to my house. I have a spell—a healing spell. It will help. I know it will.” Sophie brushed Ethenia's face with her hand and felt tears trickle down her own cheeks. She was majii witch. She could do this.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Ethenia felt a calm stillness invade her body. She felt as if she were trudging through thick, warm molasses and it felt wonderful. She was blanketed by light and all was well. She slowly opened her eyes and blinked. Was she still amongst the living?

  “My love.” Lothos nuzzled Ethenia's neck.

  Ethenia smiled as she found herself face to face with Lothos. He was pressed against the front of her body, and he was naked. “My Lothos.” Ethenia was aware of another body pressed against her back. “Venus?” She asked questioningly. She could smell her.

  Lothos nodded. “You needed the warmth of the Loopin. We heal faster, quicker, when we share the warmth of our bodies with one another.”

  “Am I … do I…?” Ethenia's voice faltered.

  Understanding glowed in his eyes. “You are peeling, but the worst of the burns are gone—healed by Sophie's spell.” Lothos smiled crookedly. “It looks like bad sunburn darling.”

  Ethenia let out a giant sigh of relief. “I know what you must be thinking—how can she be so vain. But I…”

  Lothos shushed her with his finger. “I am thinking no such thing. You are and always will be the love of my life. I wish only for your happiness.” Lothos leaned in and placed a chaste kiss on her lips.

  Ethenia would have none of that. She grabbed the sides of Lothos's head and brought him back for an all-consuming kiss. Her tongue swept across his lips and he opened them willingly, eagerly for her. She ran her tongue across his teeth, swept into the wet recesses of his mouth and dueled with his tongue.

  Ethenia lifted her leg and flung it across Lothos's side. She inched closer still.

  “Ethenia … Ethenia my darling … it is not wise to…” He broke off with a gasp when Ethenia's warm hand closed around his cock. He went hard instantly. “Oh God…”

  “I think it is very wise.” Ethenia murmured against his neck. She lapped at his salty skin and nibbled gently. He tasted wonderful. She wanted more.

  Ethenia tightened her grip on him and began to move her hand in sure, steady strokes. She loved how he felt, hard as steel, with ridges and grooves to delight her hand.

  “Ethenia…” Lothos moaned and wrapped his hands deep within Ethenia's thick hair. Sophie's spell had done the trick and Ethenia's golden locks were as full and luscious as ever. “You are still weak…”

  Ethenia's laugh was throaty and knowing. “I am weak?” Ethenia rubbed harder and caressed his full head of his cock. She grinned when Lothos groaned and threw back his head. “Let us be weak together, my love.” Ethenia gave him one last smoldering look before crawling down his body and replacing her hand with her wet mouth.

  “Oh lord…”

  Ethenia chuckled. “Shouldn't you be calling my name?” Ethenia took him shallowly within her mouth. She knew what her slow torment was doing to him. She felt Lothos's hands pressing into her scalp and she acquiesced—taking him deeper
within her welcoming mouth. When she felt him hit the back of her throat she accepted him fully. Relaxing her muscles and caressing his balls lightly with her gentle hands—she began to suck.

  Lothos bridged the plane between heaven and hell. His Ethenia's warm, wet mouth was wreaking slow havoc on his brain—amongst other things. His chest was tight and his heart was beating erratically, frantically.

  When Ethenia began to hum slowly against his hard flesh he could no longer contain the cry that erupted from his throat. The vibrations were a glorious torment. A true melding of pleasure and pained discomfort all wrapped within one intense package.

  “More…” He ground out. He clenched his fists so not to pull against her hair.

  Ethenia gave more.

  The pressure increased and Lothos could feel the building of his climax. His balls felt heavy and tight and his breath became labored. He could barely breathe, but wouldn't stop now if his life depended on it.

  “You're so close my love…” Ethenia gently squeezed his balls and gave a couple of quick licks. She pulled away.

  “NO! For the love of all that is holy…” Lothos pulled her against him and thrust his hips forward.

  Ethenia's smile was luminescent. She licked her lips—wetting them, and took him to the hilt. The suction was intense, the pleasure unbearable.

  Lothos's head and heart were splintering. Everything had shut down—everything that is except need, want and pleasure. He was climbing … almost there. Need could no longer be contained. It burst from him and with a shout, he spilled forth.

  White lights danced in front of his eyes. And he slowed his labored breaths. Lothos looked down. His Ethenia was staring up at him. Her eyes were glowing—brilliant like so many stars in the sky. Her mouth was wet and she slowly, deliberately ran her tongue across her lips, cleaning them. He sucked in a breath and went hard—again.