Coaxing His Skittish Lynx

by Charlie Richards

  Roland calmed himself and took a long, deep breath…then, he smiled. “Tobias.” His mate’s scent hung heavy in the air, telling him that he resided in his mate’s quarters. The sun streaming through the windows told Roland that he’d slept through the night, and since Tobias wasn’t there, he guessed his mate still hadn’t gone through molt.

  Flopping back on the bed, Roland felt the ache in his ass and remembered the wonderful evening of lovemaking he’d enjoyed with his mate. He couldn’t stop his smile. Damn, his mate was sweet. Sighing, he stared up at the ceiling and he just knew he sported a goofy grin.

  He lay there for several minutes before his stomach rumbled, pulling him out of the doze he’d sunk into. Deciding he wanted food enough to venture out, Roland sought out the shower, then dressed in sweats and a t-shirt he found in the dresser. They fit him comfortably, which told Roland that his mate had made certain he had things available in his size.

  Once again, Roland found himself grinning.

  Damn, I’ve got it bad!

  Shaking his head, Roland opened the front door and peered around. He didn’t recognize the wing he stayed in, but he did recognize a few of the scents. It smelled like Einan and Cornelius often traveled this hallway.

  Roland followed his nose to find the most likely door and knocked, hoping his new friend was home. Shifting restlessly from foot to foot, after a short expanse of time, he thought about leaving. Then, his sensitive ears heard footsteps.

  Seconds later, Einan pulled open his door. His dark gray brow ridges shot up and he cocked his head. “Roland? Can I help you?”

  Again, Roland shifted his weight. He wrapped his arms around his stomach and admitted, “I fell asleep while out with Tobias last night and he left me in his bed. Um…” He cocked his head and admitted, “I’m kinda hungry and wondered if Cornelius was available for whatever meal is being served about now?”

  Einan grinned, his low chuckle lighting his gray eyes. “Of course, Tobias would want you in his bed. With your bond incomplete, he’s probably going out of his mind with territorial instincts.” Einan called over his shoulder, saying, “You up for a trip to the dining hall, stud?”

  Cornelius’ voice called, “Sure, what’s up?”

  “We have a guest who needs a tour,” Einan replied, obviously speaking to his mate.

  Cornelius appeared at Einan’s side. He grinned upon spotting Roland. “Hey!” he greeted. “Sure. That sounds like a great distraction.” He focused on Roland while palming his protruding belly. “I swear. If little Buckley doesn’t want to be laid soon, I’m gonna start reading up on what females do to try to induce labor.”

  Roland fought back a smile as Einan wrapped his arm around Cornelius’ shoulders and tugged him close. He pecked a kiss to his mate’s temple and muttered, “Soon, babe. Be patient.”

  Rolling his eyes, Cornelius scoffed. “Yeah. I’m sure you’d be saying that if you were the one carrying the egg.”

  “You know if I could take this burden from you, I would,” Einan murmured.

  Cornelius turned to face his mate and wrapped his arms around his shoulders. Standing on his toes, he pressed a kiss to his mate’s lips. “I know,” he replied. “Patience just isn’t my strong suit.” He grimaced. “You know that.”

  Einan chuckled. “I know.”

  The gargoyle captured Cornelius’ mouth for a few seconds in a kiss that made Roland blush and look away. The male’s gruff words drew his attention back to the couple.

  “Go eat. I have a few things to get done. I’ll catch up with you later.”

  “Sounds good. I can always use another meal,” Cornelius teased, winking.

  Einan laughed, patted his lover on his ass, then walked away.

  Cornelius turned back to him and wrapped his slender arm around Roland’s waist. “Let’s go eat.”

  “Have you had your cinnamon today?” Nurse Leroy asked.

  Roland felt heat flush his face. “Yes,” he mumbled, unable to meet the human’s gaze. Even his ears burned. After he and Cornelius had finished a meal—where he’d eaten far more than he ever remembered eating at one time and he could almost feel his lynx happily licking his paws in his mind—his friend had showed him around the manor, then led him to the doctor’s wing for his daily check-up.

  “Double what I recommended,” Cornelius piped up, amusement coloring his tone.

  Leroy’s cupid bow lips curved up at the sides, betraying his own mirth. “Well, better to overdo it than under do it.”

  Cornelius laughed. He reached forward and slapped Roland on his knee. “Yep, Roland here doesn’t seem to want kids.”

  “Not right now,” Roland replied defensively. “Maybe eventually.”

  “And well you shouldn’t,” Leroy stated, giving Cornelius a mock glare before returning his attention to Roland and giving him a sunny smile. “You’re well on your way to being healthy, but you’re not one hundred percent, yet. No need to tax your body over something you have years to get around to.”

  Roland grinned at the short, slender human. He appreciated that the human agreed with him. “Thanks.”

  Leroy shrugged. “Just giving you a medical point of view.” He glanced toward Cornelius, his gaze flicking over the male’s form. He grimaced. “Personally, the idea of carrying a child freaks me out. I mean…men weren’t designed to carry children, so for some gargoyle’s seed to fuck with my body and change the laws of nature? No thanks.” His smile appeared forced as he peered at Cornelius again. “No offense.”

  Fortunately, Cornelius snickered. “No worries.” He shrugged. “I’d always planned to use a surrogate, so this wasn’t so much of a stretch for me.”

  “Well, you’re doing very well,” Leroy told Roland, patting him on the thigh. “Get out and get some sun. The gardens are beautiful here.”

  Roland’s face flushed at the mention of gardens.

  “Mmm,” Cornelius hummed, eyeing him speculatively. “I think someone already knows how lovely the gardens are.”

  “Shut up,” Roland mumbled. The burn reached his ears.

  Cornelius laughed. “Well, I’m supposed to get a little exercise every day,” he said. “Why don’t we take a short walk in the woods behind the gardens? Has your lynx been out since you’ve been here?”

  Trepidation flooded Roland. “Leave the safety of the manor?”

  “Don’t worry,” Cornelius assured. “The grounds are secured. Lots of cameras.”

  “Um, okay,” Roland conceded. His cat would like that.

  “Well, have fun,” Leroy told him, rising to his feet. “Exercise is always a good idea.” He winked. “You know…other than what you’ve been doing.”

  Again, Roland felt his face heat.

  Cornelius chuckled and grabbed his arm, pulling him to his feet and toward the door. “You’ll get used to us,” Cornelius told him.

  “Yeah, right,” Roland responded absently. Turning, he waved at Leroy. “Thanks for everything.”

  “No prob,” Leroy responded. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  After Cornelius added his own goodbye, he led Roland toward the back of the house. Stepping outside, Roland couldn’t help but smile as the sun warmed his face. Shielding his eyes, he glanced up at the clear blue sky and smiled. His cat stretched in anticipation.

  Yeah, I guess I do need to get out.

  “Hey, guys, watch your step,” a deep voice called.

  Roland pulled his gaze from the sky and found a tall, well-built blond standing a few feet away. He pointed at Roland’s feet. Looking down, he spotted a crisscross of red lines suspended about six inches off the ground by stakes, and one of them crossed the four steps in front of him.

  “Hi, Marty,” Cornelius greeted. “What are you doing?”

  The male, Marty, shoved the pencil he held behind his ear. He stepped over the red string and strode toward them, his gait long-legged and loose. Smiling, he waved around at the massive grid. “Maelgwn wants a
deck.”

  “Oh, okay,” Cornelius responded. He pointed at a much smaller grid off to the side. “And that?”

  “Area for a gazebo and hot tub,” Marty replied.

  “Nice.” Cornelius somehow danced on his toes.

  Roland had no idea how the heavily pregnant shifter moved like that. Carefully, he walked down the stairs and stepped over the strands. “That’ll be nice,” he all but lied. He’d rather have grass beneath his toes or his paws and the tree-line beckoned. When was the last time he’d actually been on a run? Remembering, he grimaced.

  With my parents.

  I need a new memory.

  He’d rather have made it with Tobias, but now that he was out there—breathing the fresh air, the moist earthy soil, and the fragrant pine—a need to run nearly overwhelmed him. Carefully stepping over the remaining threads, his focus riveted on one thing, he headed toward the forest, stripping his t-shirt over his head.

  “Hey,” Cornelius called. “You in a hurry?”

  “Yeah,” Roland replied, glancing over his shoulder at the other shifter where he seemed to be chatting with Marty. “I need…” He returned his attention to the forest, unable to explain.

  “I get it,” Cornelius said, hustling to catch up. “Your lynx calls.”

  “Yeah,” Roland admitted.

  After he stripped, Roland wasted no time initiating his shift. Over the sound of his muscles popping and tendons snapping, he heard Marty say, “There’s no way I can let you walk the grounds alone. Einan would kill me.”

  “Why? Your own mate has the place totally secure,” Cornelius argued. “Roland needs to run, so I’ll just wander behind him.”

  “What if you go into labor?” Marty pointed out.

  With his shift completed, Roland turned and bumped his head against Cornelius’ side, trying to express his gratefulness for this opportunity. Cornelius grinned and ruffled his fur before tugging on an ear tuft.

  “I thought lynx were orange,” Marty stated, eyeing him. “What’s with all the black?”

  “He’s Iberian,” Cornelius stated. “Their coloring’s a bit different.”

  Roland chuffed and turned, ready to run.

  Evidently, Marty must have thought he’d offended Roland, for he called, “Hey, buddy. No insult intended. You’re a very pretty…cat.”

  Turning to look at the human, Roland chuffed again, then took off running.

  “Apology accepted,” Cornelius said behind him. “Let’s go.”

  For a couple of hours, Roland bounded through the forest, climbed up and down trees, and even leapt from limb to limb. He reveled in the feel of the dirt and pine needles beneath his paws. He enjoyed how the warm wind ruffled his fur. His favorite part though, was the freedom to run again.

  Occasionally he scented both Cornelius and Marty. It seemed the pregnant rhino shifter had convinced the human to go with him. Padding through the forest, Roland slowly made his way in the general direction of his friend’s scents.

  Roland found them sitting in a clearing. Pausing at the edge, he took in their backs and the lines of tension visible through their shoulders and necks. He wondered what was wrong and a niggle of concern worked through him.

  Pausing, Roland tried to figure out if he should go to them or go back to the manor and get Einan.

  “Here, kitty-kitty-kitty,” a nasal-sounding voice sang.

  Roland recognized that voice and fear sliced through him.

  Ryker—the head guard from the carny show he’d been rescued from—stepped out of the bushes to his left. In his hand, he held a weapon, a tranquilizer gun.

  Yowling, Roland spun on his haunches and lunged toward the man. He knew he couldn’t get away, but maybe if the others—

  Ryker fired the weapon. A green-feathered dart pierced Roland’s shoulder. Still, his momentum carried him into the guard. With the last of his strength, Roland sank his teeth into the man’s shoulder as they tumbled to the ground as darkness swallowed his senses.

  “Hey, Roland, wake up.”

  Roland whimpered and tried to pry an eyelid open. He wanted to tell the person shaking him to leave him alone, so he could sleep, but all that came out was an unintelligible mewl.

  “Cornelius, he’s coming around,” that same guy said.

  “Come on, Roland,” Cornelius’ distinctive voice pleaded. “Shake the tranquilizer. You’re stronger than that.”

  Tranquilizer…what?

  Memories slithered through his mind, hazy and unfocused. Running through the forest, climbing trees, thinking he needed to find Cornelius and thank him. It’d been getting late and he’d been getting tired.

  Then—Roland whined and jerked. The clearing, the carny show guard, Ryker, and the tranquilizer gun. At least I got a good bite in, Roland thought maliciously, a snarl ripping from his throat.

  “Hey, it’s me, Cornelius. And you remember Marty. We’re your friends,” Cornelius’ voice came again, concerned and urgent.

  Realizing he still growled, Roland ceased the noise. This time, he managed to open his eyelids. Blinking a few times, he took in their surroundings. A cave, he was in a cave…with Cornelius and Marty. The big human appeared angry and scented slightly acrid. Marty’s jaw clenched, his eyes narrowed, and his gaze constantly swept the opening of the cavern.

  Roland followed his gaze and realized they must have been in a mine or something, judging by the old, rusty grate with a shiny new padlock.

  Cornelius, however, appeared extremely pale with sweat beading on his top lip and temple.

  Roland started to ask if his friend was all right, then realized he was still in lynx form. Quickly, he initiated his shift. As soon as he was human enough, he rolled toward his friend, finishing reshaping his limbs on the move.

  Reaching Cornelius, he gripped the other shifter’s hand. “Are you okay?”

  Cornelius tipped his head to meet his gaze, staring at him with pain-filled eyes. “I’m in labor.”

  “Shit!” Roland hissed. “Stay calm,” he told him, even though he felt his own pulse spiking.

  At least his friend nodded sharply.

  Marty knelt beside them. “I can open the lock,” he told them quietly. “We can get out of here.”

  “I don’t think I can run,” Cornelius whimpered. He clutched his stomach for several long agonizing seconds, then gasped out, “Son of a bitch.”

  Rubbing a hand over his face, Marty met Roland’s gaze. “Can we carry him?”

  Roland shook his head. “I’m still too weak,” he admitted. “I’m assuming we’re fairly close?”

  Marty nodded. “A couple of miles. These guys aren’t too smart, but they are well armed. They have armor piercing rounds that will work very well on gargoyles.”

  “Damn…oh, damn.” Roland shook his head hard. “No, no, no—”

  “What?” Cornelius snapped just before groaning in pain.

  “Something I overheard once, but never really thought about because I didn’t really understand gargoyles,” Roland admitted. “Bud Wallice, he’s the owner of the show, he was talking to Ryker. He told the guy that if you control the person the demon is linked through, then you could control the demon. I never really thought about it again, but…” he grimaced and turned to Marty. “If you can get out of here, do it. Bring help. They won’t harm us.”

  Marty glanced back and forth between them. “Are you sure?”

  Cornelius jerked a nod. “Look, they’re going to be coming whether you go or not, but this way will be quicker and you’ll be able to warn them about the armor piercing rounds.” He paused and gripped his stomach.

  “Breathe through the pain,” Roland urged. “It’ll pass faster.”

  Scowling, Cornelius curled his lip.

  Roland grabbed Cornelius’ hand in a show of support while looking at Marty. “Go. Lock us in behind you. It’s better that way. We’ll tell them you wandered down the mine shaft.”

  Marty scowled a
nd glanced between them. Cornelius nodded. Finally, Marty stood and crossed to the gate. He pulled a pocketknife from his boot and some kind of small file from the end, then went to work on the lock. It didn’t take the human long, and he was soon easing the gate open and slipping through.

  Looking back at them, Marty offered a tight smile as he clicked the lock back in place.

  Then, he was gone.

  Roland returned his focus to Cornelius.

  Chapter Twelve

  The first thing Tobias became conscious of was the pain. It tore through his body like liquid fire in his veins…and not the good kind. He couldn’t stop the roar of anguish even if he’d tried. His skin felt as if someone were trying to fillet him with a dull, rusty knife and his muscles ached as if he’d run a marathon. Even his bones ached.

  Finally, Tobias managed to open his eyes and suck in a huge lungful of air. Black spots danced across his vision, but it was the bright light that forced him to slam his eyelids closed again.

  Tobias focused on taking one breath after another. After what felt like an eternity, the burning sensation undulating just under his skin began to dissipate. Groaning, Tobias hoped the end was in sight. He cracked his eyelids open again and took in the blue sky above him.

  Shock coursed through him. Blue sky?

  Jaw sagging open in shock, Tobias peered up for the first time at a daytime sky. “How?”

  “You with us, then?”

  Tobias jerked his head left and spotted Vane seated next to him on the roof. His blood-red skin gleamed in the sunlight and his black-clawed hands were clenched…as was his jaw.

  “What the fuck just happened? Why am I awake?”

  Vane sighed, and something in the big gargoyle’s expression made Tobias think he wasn’t going to like the answer. “I heard screaming and realized it was you. No one ever mentioned a gargoyle could go through molt in the middle of the day while stone.”