Tyboll"I've listened to you shout for an hour now. Calm yourself, bear."I hear the end of patience in Dmitri's voice. I take several deep breaths and try to do as my liege says. It isn't easy. I keep thinking of meat. Each time I do, I feel nauseated and my anger rekindles. To never eat meat again is not going to happen. I've run out of things to say anyway and throw myself onto the large couch in Dmitri's front room."I knew this happened last night. Your blood smells even better than bear. You now have witch blood running through your veins." He holds up his hand. "Do not blame me for my silence. You were in no condition to have this conversation. I also needed a night to think on what needs to be done."My stomach twists painfully. "You cannot reverse it is what you're saying?""No, I cannot. I'm not sure if you will actually want it reversed once you know your capabilities." He continues before I can object. "The difference between you and your mate is that I trust you."I
VedaTyboll's new rule works. Less talking and more sex. This is one demand I am incapable of dismissing. We are stretched out on the bed with me lying on top of him. His fingers run up and down my back while he breathes into the hair against my neck. Where he bit me is sore, but I wouldn't dream of complaining. It feels right. Being in my mate's arms is right. I whisper a silent thank you to the Goddess.Tyboll answers. "You're welcome."I roll my eyes, but don't bother correcting him. I'm actually thankful to him, too."Come on, woman, we're taking a bath." He lifts me as he stands. I'm cradled in his arms and feel incredibly safe. And loved.Does he love me? I'm careful to keep this thought from drifting into his mind. Nikka told me how to do it. I just need to practice. He doesn't respond, so I must have been successful. Tyboll lowers my feet to the floor when we're in the bathroom. I watch as he leans over and turns on the water. His back and thighs are muscular and sexy. His
TybollShe shows me her circle of herbs - explains about upsetting the balance and using all the Goddess's gifts wisely. I listen. Part of me is terrified and the other in awe. To live separately from everyone to hide your secrets takes great sacrifice.She understands my need to examine what I've learned. She heads to the cabin to cook while I go running as bear. She holds no fear that I will give away her secrets. We are mates. Her secrets are mine.I close my mind from Dmitri as I think about all Veda has told me. I shouldn't have been surprised when the largest bear of our clan blocks my path a few miles from my cabin. The Kodiak, alpha to the greatest clan, stands in front of me. He is also my brother by blood and like most brothers, we have our differences. This situation will be no different."Tyboll," his snarly voice rings through my head."Alpha," I reply pleasantly."You don't fool me. You are mated to the witch. Did it occur to you that I should be informed of this?"
VedaWe hear the music before the lights come into view. The party is outside on the large patio at Dmitri's house. Nikka decorated with white sparkling lights and paper lanterns. The music is unknown to me, which isn't a surprise. Technology is not my friend and I prefer the peace of the forest.Dmitri's voice echoes over the music. "Welcome, Veda, Witch from the line of Josephine, mate to Tyboll, and new member of the bear clan."The music shuts off suddenly and I can do nothing but return the formal greeting. "Thank you, Black Demon Bringer of Death, mate of Nikka, Liege to the bear clan."A restless mumble from the bears fills the night. Have I said something wrong? Tyboll's hand tightens on mine. Nikka appears slightly shocked before she steps forward and wraps me in her arms. "What have I done," I ask her silently."You're fine. He just hasn't used his full title in centuries," she replies into my mindI turn to Dmitri, who looks at his mate with a soft smile. "I am sorry,
Two hundred years ago...The time has come.I turn to Ivan who is barely holding it together. "Take the pack away and don't return until tomorrow night." It's an order but that has never stopped Ivan from voicing his opinion.He stares at me for a long time before sharing his thoughts, "I don't think that's a good idea, Marcus. You need me here; you need us here." So many emotions play across my friend's face. His pain is almost as great as mine. Almost.I need him to understand how important this time is. "This will be my last night with Victoria and I want to be alone with her my friend." My voice is soft and I do everything I can to keep it from cracking.A fierce fire burned in Ivan's eyes. "Can you keep the promise you made?"I've thought of nothing but this time and it will be the hardest thing I've ever done. "Yes, my friend, I will keep my promise."He nods, sorrow a part of him, the heaviness making his shoulders to slump. "I will return tomorrow, as you ask. Send the
Present day...My name is Amy Stiles and I'm a journalist with a master's degree in journalism. All I want is to be taken seriously. It's hard because no matter how I try, my appearance is that of a teenager.The mantra "serious journalist" played through my head constantly. This might be my only chance to prove that I'm capable of performing this job as well as any man. In my career, I always tried to portray myself as older. This time, for the first time, I'm trying to appear younger. I glanced in the mirror and see an oval face with pure blue eyes and lush brown hair in ponytails with a slightly crooked part reflected back. I'm wearing no makeup and feel naked. It doesn't help that my shorts are skimpy. Okay, indecent. My tight shirt revealed the flatness of my small breasts. I never thought this quality would help my career given that boobs got jobs. It was sad, but I understand the field I work in.I snort at that last thought. No kidding I know this profession. My mother liv
Marcus opened his eyes as the sun went down. Modern convenience was such a blessing. The dark metal shades on his windows retracted with barely a sound and the moon and stars shone bright. He could hear Ivan charging up the stairs.Ivan opened the door and entered the room. "I know you're hungry, so don't even try to deny it."Marcus gave him the look that would frighten a terrorist, because it held worse than the promise of death.As usual, it left Ivan unfazed. That's why he knew Ivan was a fool. Marcus hadn't killed anyone in the past decade, but today might be a good day to end his streak."Mary is waiting to feed you and she offers gladly. She's lovely and she worships you. Break your fast and make her happy. It won't kill you. However, if you don't stop starving yourself, you might go blood crazy and kill us all. I made a vow to die protecting you, but not to die at the hands of your blood-deprived self.""Shut up and send Mary to my room." With Ivan's departure, he had a mo
Ivan paced the carpeted living room. "Why is she here?"Marcus shot him a furious glare. "I thought she was a young drug addicted prostitute and might need some help." It was one thing to kill in the moment. It was entirely another to go up to the room and kill the woman now. He should have done it in the alley."Do you want me to take care of her?"He knew Ivan would do it. They had hunted together on many occasions, but neither of them was a blood thirsty animal, and killing for the sake of killing had lost any appeal it might once have had. "I'll do it, but I need you to remove the body. Don't let the other pack members feed off her. I guess I'm getting sentimental in my old age, but it's really not her fault she has to die. Making it painless is the least we can do."Ivan nodded.Marcus knew his clan was more civilized than ever before, but they were still part animal and often needed the taste of a kill. It helped to keep them under control when it was important. "We'll head