by Piper Stone
“Does everyone know about that?” I huffed, laughing slightly.
“You forget that I witnessed Luca and his mate. I’ve even spent time with their cubs. Love is transcendent, Raven. It doesn’t understand political or genetic lines. Love is the most powerful solution on the face of this earth, but I think you’re recently learned that.”
Love.
Four little letters that provided so much meaning. The president was right and something that I would fight to maintain. My love of country. My love of the Breeds. And my deep love for the panther I would forever call my mate.
* * *
The countryside was beautiful, a mixture of rolling hills and some of the most luscious landscaping I’d seen in a long time. I studied the group of buildings, the expansive cottages also pristine, a flash to a time when families gathered for events and holidays. While my little house was precious to me, there were so many humans who lived in concrete fortresses, little or no greenery surrounding the block of buildings.
As far as the Breeds, a great number of them weren’t as lucky as Jabari and the Claw, others surviving in war-torn dilapidation.
“What is this place?” Jabari asked as he took a deep whiff.
“A safe location for those who are unable to care for themselves. Sadly, there are very few facilities of this kind that remain. I hope to change that in the future,” President Wilkes stated. “There are thousands of people living on the streets because they have nowhere else to go. At least I was able to help administer financial aid to several humanitarian organizations in their effort to provide the care needed.”
“It’s beautiful,” I offered.
“Come. I must return to the capitol tonight. As you can imagine, there is still much work to be done if we want to see the Revolution disbanded.” The president led us to the back of one of the buildings.
Inhaling, I was able to gather the scent of several species of flowers and plants, the garden surrounding an expansive patio. There was only one person on the terrace, a man huddled in a wheelchair, a blanket covering the majority of his body.
“He is expecting you,” President Wilkes said quietly. “Please understand that what he was forced to endure was... horrible. He is not the man he once was physically, but his mind remains sharp.”
“I understand.” A sense of sadness swept into my system as I approached, my heart racing. As I moved in order to face him, a moment of utter rage erupted. “Dr. Carter.”
Mitchell’s body had been burned severely, his face little more than a mass of scars, his legs truncated just above the knee and one hand crippled. But his eyes held the kind of fire that refused to give into the horror he’d endured.
“Raven. I’m surprised you came.”
I knelt down, offering a kind smile. “I was told how important your work is to the Breeds. I hope to continue that work.”
“I understand it was destroyed. I’m not certain I can remember any details of my experiments.” He gazed away, a single tear slipping from his eye.
“You won’t have to remember.” I held the disc in my hand, waiting until he figured out what I was saying.
“My work?” Excitement built in his voice.
“Yes. Jax gave it to me. He knew I would never stop until I found a cure.”
He attempted to grin, his misshapen face making it difficult. “A true leader.”
“Yes, he was. He was also my friend and had a lot of respect for you. Would you be willing to continue your work with the Breeds?”
Mitchell seemed delighted at my request. “I will do all that I can in memory of my beautiful Alexa. That’s what she would have wanted. She adored all Breeds, hoping for a better future. Instead, she succumbed to the greed of mankind.”
“Tell me about the stamen and how you knew.”
His eyes lit up once again. “I knew you were the right one. You figured it out.”
“Only to some degree.”
“My brother was a botanist who adored all things green. He was the one who suggested the stamen of the Clivia flower based on certain discoveries he made. You see, he was responsible for the care and maintenance of the botanical gardens when Ms. Rawlings’ parents owned the property many years ago. I will tell you a story. Perhaps you will begin to understand the power of nature including the beasts who roam the forests and jungles.”
As Mitchell began his story, the details so vivid I was able to picture a time so long ago, I was forced to realize that perhaps there had been a plan to bring beasts and humans together.
For the greater good.
As my grandfather had said many times, “Make peace with the earth, the sun, and the stars, for they will always stand strong by your side.”
“Some day the earth will weep, she will beg for her life, she will cry with tears of blood. You will make a choice, if you will help her or let her die, and when she dies, you will die too.”
John Hollow Horn
Oglala Dakota
Chapter Eighteen
Jabari
Two weeks later
Legends.
I’d thought about my father’s words often during the last few days, his wisdom something I’d never fully respected until now. Perhaps I’d even learned several things that would help me lead the Claw.
Love.
I’d come to understand the emotion as well; an intensity that burns deep in the heart, the body unable to thrive without the person you adore by your side. Love fueled the desire sweltering in every cell, altering the ravenous savage need into something even more powerful.
Raven was the love of my life, a human woman who’d been taught the ways of nature as well as the love of all creatures as a child. While she’d had some difficulty accepting the change, her ability to shift remaining incredulous, she’d embraced the Claw.
Chuckling, I was surprised the members had taken to her as well as they had, proving that sometimes love could conquer all.
At least for some.
I would remain on guard, prepared for an attack. I could sense the additional rumblings, the dissidents enraged by the attempt at eliminating the Revolution. They would lie in wait, regrouping and reforming. One day they would return with a vengeance. Maybe not in a month or a year, but they would rear their ugly heads, forcing humans to make a choice.
Stand with the Breeds or face extermination of their kind.
A growl slipped past my lips, the anger something I would need to control.
I sat on the grassy knoll, watching her as she continued to pick several wildflowers. I’d seen the way she’d responded to the garden while visiting the man she’d called Mr. Anonymous Caller. While I didn’t entirely trust him or his methodology, Raven seemed encouraged by the work they’d performed in the laboratory facility located outside of DC.
Only time would tell whether or not advances were being made.
My blood had been tested in a formal setting, the results returning exactly as Raven and Shannon had predicted. While Raven had recently generated and tested an entirely new drug, the preliminary tests had failed. What my beloved mate couldn’t tell me was how long before the breakdown of my molecules began. Until that time, I was determined to live my life as my father had suggested.
The way my mother had lived hers.
Raven turned to gaze at me, a mischievous look crossing her face. I’d insisted on taking her away from her work, riding the Harley into the Shenandoah Mountains, the place where I’d grown up. I’d forgotten how much I missed the beautiful setting; the mountains and winding roads, the forgotten lakes and streams, and the incredible foliage. She was enthralled by the location, her eyes lighting up.
We spent the nights under the stars, enjoying the freedom of our beasts as I taught her the ways of the panther. By day we enjoyed the serene surroundings, appreciating the quietness of nature.
Today, she stood in a lovely flowing dress, occasionally dipping her toes into the cold water, laughing every few minutes. Freedom. We both felt free, at least for a
little while.
As the sun shimmered down through the trees, highlighting her voluptuous form, my cock stirred. My hunger was never satisfied, the need to devour her always inside.
She walked closer in her bare feet, keeping her naughty expression. “You’re brooding,” she whispered in a sultry voice.
“I’m contemplating your spanking.”
“I haven’t been a bad girl.”
I feigned choking, tapping my hand against my chest. “You are always a bad girl, Raven Youngblood. I’ve yet to spank you for running away and getting yourself captured.”
She rolled her eyes in an exaggerated manner. “That wasn’t my fault.”
“Uh-huh. If you would have obeyed my commands, Gina wouldn’t have been able to abduct you.”
“And if she hadn’t, the Revolution would still be going strong.”
As if reading my mind, she eased down beside me, turning her attention toward the water.
“The Revolution will try again.”
“Without a doubt, but we will be ready for their attack, and the Claw will grow stronger because of your presence.”
“My grandfather would say that strength lies in the minds of those who seek honor.”
“Your grandfather sounds like a very powerful and wise man,” I said quietly.
“Have you ever heard of the Phoenix?” she asked, the twinkle remaining in her eyes.
“The first Breed.”
“Yes. A powerful tiger.”
“As legends would have it, he still exists today.”
The smile on her face was mischievous. “Yes, he does.” She took a deep breath, closing her eyes. “This is incredible. I didn’t know there was a waterfall anywhere close.”
I studied the way the water rolled over the jagged rocks, slashing into the crystal-clear lake, a moment of homesickness rolling in. “My birthplace is close.”
She nuzzled against me. “A beautiful place to raise a family.”
I could feel her tensing. “You’ll find a cure. I have faith.” Faith. Another word I would try to remember.
“I hope so, Jabari, because I don’t want to lose you.” She tipped her head, already able to control a slight portion of her beautiful panther. Her eyes were blazing with the creature’s dazzling colors.
Cupping and squeezing the side of her neck, I drew her closer as I lowered my head. “I’ve already told you, there is nowhere you can run, no place you can hide where I won’t find you. You are mine. Mine for now. Mine forever. Mine.” Another growl rushed to the surface before I crushed my mouth over hers, digging my fingers into her silky skin. The kiss was sweet at first, a reminder that we were growing closer by the day.
As the heated moment became more passionate, I thrust my tongue past her lips, exploring the dark recesses of her mouth. There was nothing more exciting than having her in my arms. The electricity exploded between us, my cock pushing hard against my jeans. I would take her soon.
Taste her.
Feast from her.
Fuck her.
But first things first.
Breaking the kiss, I yanked her over my lap, pulling up the edge of her dress and ripping down her panties.
“No! What are you doing?”
“Giving you the hard spanking you deserve.” I brought my hand down, swiftly moving from one side of her rounded bottom to the other.
Yelping, she kicked out just like she’d always done, throwing back her hand in an effort to keep me from continuing.
Not a chance.
“Be a good girl and stay in position or I’ll find the perfect switch.”
“You are a horrible monster,” she chided.
I couldn’t help but grin. “I’ll take that as a compliment, young lady.” I peppered her buttocks with several severe smacks, enjoying the almost instant redness creeping up on her skin. I wanted the sting to last, at least for a few hours.
She undulated on my lap, grinding against my cock. The scent of her feminine wiles was making me ravenous, my entire body on fire. I wouldn’t be able to hold back for long.
“Ouch. That hurts!” she whined.
“Just like it’s supposed to. The sooner you learn to obey me, the better off you’ll be.” I refused to stop, spanking her long and hard. When I stopped long enough to caress her skin, I allowed a growl to surface. “Maybe I will get that switch.”
“No. No! I’ll be good. Promise.”
“One day you will, but not now.” After giving her several additional smacks, I brushed the tip of my finger down the crack of her ass, taking my time until I reached her sweet pussy. “Are you wet for me?”
“You know the answer.”
I cracked her across the bottom once again. “When I ask you a question, you will answer me.”
“Why, yes, sir. I’m wet and hot, hungry for a big cock. Are you going to fuck me?”
The girl knew how to drive a man wild. And his beast? Well, his hunger knew no bounds. I slipped a single finger into her wet heat, tipping my head back and roaring as her muscles wrapped around the slight invasion. I was crazed for her, my hunger to the point I knew I couldn’t hold back.
When she purposely ground her hips again, moaning softly, I pushed her off my lap.
“Now, I fuck you.”
Laughing, she crawled backwards before jumping to her feet, yanking the dress over her head. “Only if you can catch me.”
As I rose to my full height, stripping off my clothes, I watched her intently as she dove into the lake, immediately swimming in the opposite direction and toward the waterfall.
As if there was a chance that she could get away from me.
I took my time diving in, remaining under water as I swam toward her. When I burst through the surface, I’d gathered her into my arms, moving quickly toward the waterfall.
“Oh!” she squealed as the cold water tumbled over our heads, although there was nothing that could squelch the explosive heat searing every nerve ending.
She wrapped her arms around my neck, her eyes still shining, indicating the beast dwelling within, her lips pursed and her heart racing. I could feel the powerful heartbeat against my chest. She teased me with kisses, peppering her lips against mine then dragging her tongue across the seam of my mouth. “Such a bad man.”
“You haven’t seen anything yet, my little pet.”
Raven purred then nipped my lower lip, allowing a savage growl to push up from her throat.
Inhaling, her scent was even more intense than before and as she wrapped her legs around me, there was no holding back.
After I lifted her several inches into the air, she threw out her arms, the powerful water rushing down over her porcelain skin. When I brought her down, thrusting the entire length of my cock deep inside her tight channel, she let out a series of scattered moans.
She clamped her hand on my neck, digging her knees into me as I fucked her, driving in brutal strokes. Her moans became purrs, the sensual sound turning into sultry growls. I swung her around, my balls already swelling. Everything about this was primal yet perfect and I never wanted it to end.
She was mine.
My heart.
My soul.
And she had become my salvation.
Her entire face remained lit up as she clung to me, digging her nails into the skin of my neck as she met every savage thrust with one of her own. As she clawed my chest, she lowered her head, nipping my earlobe then raking her canines down the side.
My entire body shook violently as I fisted her hair, yanking her head and forcing her back to arch. With a keening howl, I engulfed her nipple, instantly biting down on her tender flesh.
“Oh, yes. Oh... Yes!” she cried, her mouth twisting.
I slathered my tongue around her hardened bud before moving to the other side, repeating the same delicious actions. And all the while I continued pumping into her, desperate to drive harder and faster. I could tell she was close to coming, her pussy muscles clenching then releasing.
“Come
for me, little pet. Come on my cock.” I released my hold, running my fingers down her spine, finally gripping her bottom.
Her eyes only half open, her breathing scattered, she twisted back and forth in the water. “Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh!” As her scream filtered into the sun-kissed sky, I erupted deep inside, filling her with my seed.
Maybe one day we would be blessed with a cub, a beautiful hybrid baby who would share the joys of our happiness.
Maybe...
Only minutes later we lay basking in the sun. Her legs were curled around me, her hand on my chest. And I knew I would remember the incredible day for as long as I remained alive.
I would keep her safe. I would remain by her side.
My mate.
The noise was both irritating and surprising, the telescan unit something she’d begging to bring. “What the fuck,” I growled.
She lifted her head, giving me an admonishing look as she crawled over me, yanking the communication device from her bag. Almost instantly her body went rigid and she struggled to stand, walking away.
I eased onto my elbow, watching as she headed closer to a bank of trees, no longer able to hear the conversation. A full minute passed. Then two. Only when she slapped her hand against the tree, an agonizing sound pushing up from the bowels of her being, did I jerk to my feet. Taking long strides in her direction, I could feel her pain stabbing into my heart. “What is wrong?”
Her entire body continued to shake and for a few seconds, she was unable to turn around. When she did, tears slipped down both sides of her face. “I... um. I have news.” She closed her eyes, opening her mind as her panther crept closer to the surface.
“Tell me.”