by JL Madore
“Mika, may I be of aid to you?” I skirted the round foyer table and looked toward the ocular domed ceiling.
“No. I’m good . . . great. Damn. Great. Why wouldn’t I be?” The growl in her tone and the scent of her pique spoke differently. I grew more accustomed to the human tendency to use sarcasm every day.
On a small shelf near the top of the ladder perched several tins with wooden handles sticking out of them. “Whatever are you doing?”
Mika barked a laugh. “Ding-ding-ding, that’s the million-dollar question. What am I doing?”
Elevated fifteen feet in the air, Mika brushed the curved wall before her with a soft rag. The stone arch of the entryway had been chiseled and sanded smooth and now was being stenciled with a missive of welcome. After tracing the inside edges of her lettering, Mika filled in the outline with long flourishing strokes. The message wrapped the circumference of the circular foyer and said:
We believe in the right to bear arms and the right to arm BEARS.
“I used to be a well-respected journalist.”
I sipped my drink, remembering the flurry of discussions when Bruin first brought her home. Some liked her straight away like Aust, Galan, and Julian, while others took some convincing. One of the key arguments against her was the visibility of her career and how that might affect the realm laws of secrecy.
“I tracked down criminals, shadowed poachers and wrote award winning exposés. I held the respect of most, if not all my peers.”
She dipped the brush back into her pigment and scraped the excess off on the edge. “I testified in federal cases.” She finished filling in some letters, climbed down the ladder, shifted it a few feet then stomped back up to the next section.
“The last thing I did before coming here was expose a black-market ring decimating Were populations across both realms. In fact, it was me who figured out Abaddon and the Scourge were selling Were pelts to raise money for their war.”
Mika cursed as a wayward drip trickled beyond her guidelines and grabbed her rag. The cloth smeared the spot into a darkened smudge and she cursed louder. After tipping a foul-scented bottle against the rag, she began a frantic attack on the unwanted blotch until it disappeared. Sighing, she reloaded the brush. “So, you ask, what am I doing?”
The light coming in the transom dimmed as the sky clouded over.
I flipped the switch and the brilliance of the entryway chandelier illuminated the space. “May I make an unsolicited observation?”
“Thanks,” Mika said, gesturing to the light as she returned to the ground once again. After shifting the ladder into its next position, she raised her bare foot to the first rung. “Sure, go for it.”
“It is none of my affair, so mayhap I should hold my tongue, but having a male love you so completely that he is devoted to your safety and well-being seems a blessing, not a burden. The two of you hold differing opinions on your role as Ursa but you love each other. Many relationships are resolved with less.”
Mika growled and resumed her climb. “I’ve shown him I have skills in business and can take care of myself. I want to take part in the summit. Hugh told me Bruin’s mother was actively part of his Father’s rule. But noooo, he wants his mate safely out of the line of fire.”
“And is there a threat of danger?”
Mika bit her lip and focused on the curlicue she was working on. “Several of the Primes are pissed Bruin is taking a more active role. I think he’s worried that when he presents himself with the ring, they might challenge his claim. He wants the Weres united against Abaddon. Disgruntled species means the race isn’t as strong as it could be.”
“What is their objection?”
“Male ego mostly. They’ve been free to run their own camps for almost fifteen years. Some of the dominant species don’t want to be told what to do by Bruin or anyone for that matter. And I don’t think him mating a human Mundie wins him any points.”
“Does he anticipate these hostilities are a danger to you?”
Mika stopped painting and looked down upon me. “Bruin thinks everything is a danger to me. It’s frustrating as hell. I’m lucky if I can go hang out with Jade in her fortress. Gods forbid I visit my girlfriends in the Mortal Realm and not have an armed squadron surrounding me.”
“I am familiar with that particular frustration myself.”
Mika looked and me and frowned. “Lia, forgive me for saying this but stop letting the men in your life decide what’s good for you. Speak your mind. Get angry. Get involved. You’ve led a sheltered life, I get that, but you can’t let people live your life for you. Take control. What do you want?”
I honestly had no idea. I sipped at my hot cocoa and thought about that.
Hey ladies, whasssup?
I squealed and jumped.
Gemma giggled, pointing at the cocoa splash down the front of my blouse. Geez, Lia, Jumpy much?
Mika assessed the situation and tossed me down a clean rag. “Hey, Gemma, how’s things in the Nether Realm?”
Boring, Gemma said, pushing out her lips. Everyone’s so busy, there’s no one to talk to. It’s like I’m invisible.
I rolled my eyes and gave up on the stain. “You can talk to both Mika and me. What’s on your mind?”
She twisted a piece of her frazzled brown hair. I was thinking about boys.
“Boys?”
Yeah, Bruin’s mated and if I were alive, I think I’d have a boyfriend or maybe be mated. Kobi and Cowboy are always talking about their sexual encounters and—
“You should not eavesdrop on the sexual lives of those two. They are promiscuous and likely thought themselves alone if discussing their encounters.”
Mika snorted. “The demon and the wolf I presume?”
I nodded, saddened to see Gemma so lonely and isolated as she had been for all these years. “Did you want to pass over to the After and join the others now that your promise to your father is fulfilled? Bruin has the ring. Galan and I could take you to join your family and friends.”
Mika looked down at me, her color draining. “Gemma, please don’t make any decisions about leaving yet. Bruin just found you and he’ll be heartbroken if you—”
Mika’s expression faltered a moment before it totally blanked out. Her eyes rolled back and in the next second, she keeled and toppled from the top of the ladder.
“BRUIN!” I screamed, running forward.
In a split second, males Flashed into the foyer. The doors flew open as two Were sentries burst into the entrance as well. It happened so fast. One moment she was falling and in the next heartbeat—Bruin scooped Mika out of the air and rematerialized with her cradled in his arms.
On a run, Aust and Tham flew around the corner. Aust blew through Gemma’s spectral form and headed straight to his best friend. Tham collided with Gemma and they both tumbled into the stone wall.
Apologies, Tham said, straightening them both and looking confused. Nothing like being mowed over during a moment of crisis, is there pretty one?
I’m fine, Gemma said, her turquoise eyes locked on my Highborne brother. Mow me over any day of the week. Seriously. I volunteer as tribute.
“What happened?” Bruin asked. He searched Mika’s unconscious face as the other Weres scanned the entrance.
“I don’t know. She was on the ladder and swooned.”
“Put me down,” Mika said, her eyes flittering open. “Really, everyone, I’m good. Just a little dizzy. No biggie.”
“No biggie?” Bruin ignored the scissoring of her legs to gain independence. “If Lia hadn’t Banshee-screamed and if we hadn’t been within earshot, you would’ve hit the floor and broken your neck.” The words hung heavy in the crowded foyer, Bruin’s voice thick with the growl of his bear. “I swear you’ll kill me, Mika. One day, my heart will just give out.”
Mika leaned her head against Bruin’s broad chest and closed her eyes. Her rich coloring had yet to return, but beyond that, something was different. “My stomach was off, so I skipped lunch.
Lesson learned.”
Bruin’s eyes narrowed. Laying Mika into Aust’s arms, he fished out his phone. The text he sent was quick and the replying beep came almost immediately. “Okay, I’m taking you to the kitchen to feed you. Jade is on her way.”
“Jade? Don’t. She’s supposed to be resting.” Mika squirmed again and Aust reluctantly set her on her feet.
“If you’re fine, it won’t hurt to have her check you out.”
“Jade can’t use her ability,” I said. “It has been bound to protect the twins.”
Bruin pulled Mika tight to his hip and with a strong, muscled arm wrapped around her waist, he nuzzled her hair. “Just a routine once-over, nothing magical. I’ll feel better if my sister tells me not to worry.”
Mika scowled. “But you don’t believe it when I tell you not to worry?”
Bruin shook his head, his eyes flecked gold. “No.”
Before the two of them devolved into a heated scene, I interrupted. “Mika’s right. There is nothing to be alarmed about. I am surprised you Weres failed to notice it sooner.”
“Notice what?” he snapped.
“Mika’s scent has altered. It is subtle but discernable.”
Bruin, Aust, Cowboy and Tham all drew in deep breaths and Mika raised a brow looking like we had all lost our sanity.
“Well whatta you know,” Cowboy drawled. “We got ourselves another announcement for the summit. Our Ursa is pregnant. Let there be cubs!”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
As the excitement of Mika’s pregnancy ramped up and Bruin was even more insistent on Jade’s visit, I slipped away to bed. Too much joy for one day. Mika was loved beyond all sense, adored by her male and carrying her mate’s young, so too was Jade. Though I loved them both, their happily-ever-afters struck a chord too close to the ache in my heart.
Having endured Samuel’s disappointment and anger for days, I had no interest in either seeing or smelling his affection for my brother’s wife when she arrived.
“Ughhhh.” I pulled the tie from my braid and shook my hair out. Was it so wrong to want love? I waited six decades for my age of eligibility and since its coming, the only males to show interest in me were a dying demon I forced myself upon and a psychotic monster who wanted my body to house his even more monstrous queen.
Abaddon’s claim filled me with such an overwhelming sense of shame and dread I could not breathe. The Fates could call us before them at any time and once again the course of my life would be decided by someone else.
Mika was right. I needed to get angry. I needed to get involved in my own life. But how?
Mayhap Samuel had an idea. He had been studying realm and Highborne laws for days. Deciding I would sleep better with answers, I headed through my suite toward his.
Turning the door handle of our shared bathing room and the sputter of falling water registered. An unobstructed view of Samuel’s profile in the mirror stopped me mid-step, my intake of breath lost in the sounds of his shower.
Well-toned, his musculature shifted and shone as water cascaded over his body and he laved soap into his palms.
After replacing the frothy bar to its ledge, he skimmed his hands over the dusting of dark hair covering his chest and down the trail which led to his navel.
And down farther still . . .
My breath caught. Samuel naked was a magnificent decadence. Standing out from his abdomen, his sex rose thick and proud. When his hands skimmed over his length, his head dropped back and his eyes closed. A moan rumbled out of his chest as his erection kicked in his hand. As he focused on his ministrations, his hips rolled forward and a spicy cinnamon scent filled the air. He licked his lips and swallowed hard.
What was he thinking about?
A low groan escaped my chest as he swept beneath his staff and palmed his sac.
“Lia?” Samuel’s eyes flew wide and his feet squeaked on the tile floor of the shower.
I thought about retreat but what was the sense? He caught me staring. His anger had become such a constant between us, this would only add to my offenses. “Apologies, I . . . uh, forgive the intrusion.”
I dropped my gaze to the floor as he shut off the water and watched the last of the soapy froth gather and swirl by his feet. My ears burned. I wished I could back away and return his privacy to him. My limbs ignored my request.
“Is there something you wanted?” He grabbed a towel and wrapped the square of fabric tight around his hips. The thick quality of the textile did nothing to hide the jutting out of his erection. The fabric pushed away from his body and highlighted his graceful lines. Sweet Shalana he was a beautiful male. Broad in the shoulders, slim in the hips with thick muscular thighs—
“Lia, eyes up here, please. What did you want?”
I raised my gaze as tears stung my eyes. “I wondered about your research and came to ask. I failed to notice you bathing until I stepped into the room. Please, finish your shower . . . forgive me.”
“Nothing to forgive. Is everything all right?”
“Yes. I . . . uh, am simply embarrassed.”
He shifted his feet, reaching for a second towel. He made as if to dry himself off, but stopped once his body was shielded from my view.
My tears brimmed and warmed my cheeks. “Verily, I have angered you yet again. That was not my intention.”
I strode back into my chamber. The room we had shared every night for the past weeks, large enough for the both of us minutes ago, suddenly felt far too confining.
“Lia, dinnae cry. Ye did nothing wrong.” He moved before me and took my hand. “I might be a little embarrassed myself but not angry.”
I swiped at the moisture on my cheeks. “Mayhap not about this but you are most definitely angry with me. You have been for days.”
He rubbed his hand through his wet hair and cursed.
“Fash not.” I said. “You are free to feel however you feel. I simply wish things would return to the way they were.”
He cupped my jaw and raised his fingers to smooth the lines of my brow. “We’re good. Everything is fine.”
I swallowed as a drop of water trickled a path from his collarbone down his chest to the tiny pink nipple of his breast. It rolled down his body and kissed all his sharp angles and smooth lines.
“You lie to spare my feelings.” My ears flamed hotter. Gods, his naked body destroyed my focus. Mika’s words rang in my head and caught in my throat.
Take control. What do you want?
“I want to invite you to my bed.” Both of us froze. It took me a moment to realize I voiced my thoughts. My first instinct was to evade. To apologize and say something to ease the awkwardness but the intensity in his gaze gave me hope.
“Studying Highborne laws as you have, you are surely aware that I am within my rights to invite you to enjoy sexual pleasures and a degree of intimacy with—”
There was a hard edge to his face as he touched a fingertip to the burn in my cheek. “No. I, uh . . . just no. I’m sorry.”
His words stung. I could not breathe. It was as if my heart was being squeezed by my lungs. I turned toward my bed chamber. “Apologies. You have made yourself clear. I . . . let my imagination hope for more. We are friends.”
Head high, I strode to my desk and straightened my brush and hair accessories. Moments away from falling apart, I focused on those meaningless items.
“Friends,” he repeated. “Aye, that’s what we said but it hasna felt like that the past few days.”
“Then tell me what I did.”
“Ye healed Kobi.” His jaw clenched, his fist gripping his towel. “I held back, ye see, thought I was doing what’s best for ye. But to know he . . . that the two of you . . .”
He placed a wet hand over his heart. “I want to kill the bastard for laying hands on ye. I want to scream for ye letting him. I have no right to either reaction. So, yes, I’m angry.”
“But he is your friend.”
He shook his damp hair. “Kobi may be a fellow Talon and a warrio
r I respect, but that demon is no one’s friend. That goateed, goth, guy-linered pincushion is as dangerous as they come and feeds off pain and suffering. Remember that.”
“He saved my life.”
He braced his palms against the surface of the dresser beside me. After exhaling a long, uneven breath he nodded. “Aye. When I did nothing but watch ye writhe in the dirt, he saved yer life. He excised that evil bitch. That’s why he’s here and the only reason he’s still breathing. It’s selfish and verra unkind, but the fact ye returned the favor and saved him boils my blood.”
“How could I not? He bled for me.”
“Aye, he did. I’ve thought of nothing else since, and nothing—no weapons, no acts, no words have cut me so deep in a long while. So, I ask ye . . . do ye feel something more for the demon? Now that ye’ve lain with him?”
There was a horrible silence, during which Samuel stared determinedly at the sand-colored stone wall behind me.
I raised a hand. “You think I joined with him?”
“Are ye tellin’ me otherwise?”
“I certainly am. Kobi and I shared nothing but a few playful pleasures to right his health. We were not intimate.”
His opal gaze met mine as if gauging my sincerity.
“In all truth, nothing passed between us beyond stolen kisses to aid in his recovery.”
“So ye didn’t . . . I mean, I know how Incubi heal and I know Kobi. The man is . . . Christ, I have no say in the matter if ye had—”
I lifted my chin and clenched my fists. “No. You do not. By your own declaration, you hold no interest in being intimate with me, yet you judge with the same assumption Galan did when he thought the worst of me. What is it about my moral character which has the males in my life expecting me to mount any male who stumbles into my path?”
“I never meant—”
I grabbed the fabric of my skirt and held it out to my sides. “Is my dress not tasteful, with all my provocative private parts covered?”
