by Katie Reus
The male’s eyes bored into hers. Intense. Heated. “Because you’ve tasted every inch of my body, drank from me, defied your coven to be with me.” The longing in his eyes pierced her. He meant every word he was saying. He wasn’t lying. Or he didn’t believe he was lying.
If it was true, she didn’t remember any of it. She fought a shiver. Everything in her brain was muddled, and the pain intermixed with desire she saw in that dark gaze was too much. She was so fucking confused right now, and sensing his pain hurt her. Even if she didn’t understand why, she felt his agony bone deep and she desperately wanted to comfort him. She swallowed hard and resisted that urge. “Why can I feel your pain?”
He loosened his grip, freeing her wrists. But he didn’t sit back. Just placed his hands in the light layer of snow on either side of her head, that gaze locked on hers. “Because we’re bondmates.”
Chapter 6
Larissa stared at the shifter named Aiden and tried to wrap her mind around what he’d said. Bondmates? She knew exactly what that meant for shifters. Almost against her will, her eyes traveled over his muscular, toned body. The man was truly built like a warrior. He was all sharp lines she could easily imagine running her hands and mouth over. Shifters usually had great bodies, but he was perfection. It was actually ridiculous how flawless he was. As if he’d been cut from the purest marble. There was a dark edge to him that complemented that whole blond Adonis thing he had going on. And he made her feel . . . things. As her gaze landed between his legs, she blushed.
Actually blushed. Like a virgin.
As she moved her gaze back upward, she cringed at the sight of his blood. He was almost healed, but she’d caused that. For some reason the knowledge caused her great distress. “I’m sorry I hurt you.” What the hell was wrong with her? The words escaped before she could stop herself. She couldn’t believe she’d apologized to a shifter for anything. She was royalty and this shifter had basically kidnapped her.
“This is nothing.” He didn’t even seem fazed by his already mending wounds as he continued to watch her. “You don’t remember me? Us?” There was such a note of agony in his voice that it pierced her.
Or maybe . . . Was that the connection she felt to him? The bondmate link? But how could she have bonded to a shifter? Or why? It didn’t make sense. She was supposed to have mated to . . . someone. Someone from another coven. The name was on the tip of her tongue, but she couldn’t remember. She shook her head. “No. How do I know you’re even telling the truth?”
“You can’t feel the link?”
Again she felt a punch of emotional pain flow through her. Damn it. She felt it. So he was being honest. Disbelief surged through her, but how could she fight the obvious truth? “Can you give me a little space?” With him so near it was hard to think.
When he rolled back on his heels—not bothering to try to cover up all that gorgeous nakedness—she sat up, but didn’t stand. She didn’t trust her legs yet. Wrapping her arms protectively around herself, she drew her knees up against her chest. It might be a display of fragility but right now she didn’t care. She’d recently woken from a decades-long coma and was just finding out that she was bonded to a shifter. A shifter who had supposedly killed her parents. Now she wondered if even that was true. But why would Magda lie to her? She’d saved Larissa and hadn’t asked for anything in return. “Did you kill my parents?”
He reeled back from her question as if she’d actually struck him and for some reason, guilt punched through her that she’d hurt him. Aiden shook his head. “Not even after the way they hurt you.”
“Hurt me?” Her parents never would have done that.
He frowned, as if she should know what he was talking about. “By kicking you out of your coven, by denying you your place with your people.”
She instantly started to refute his words, but something tickled in her memory bank. Not to mention she couldn’t scent any lies from him. “So you didn’t kill them? Then who did?”
He shrugged. “I have no clue—I didn’t even know they were dead. I don’t exactly run in the same circle as vampires. Especially after you . . . disappeared. My own pack kicked me out for bonding with you and I haven’t been on that side of the pond since I thought you died.” The last word came out as a whisper.
Another shot of agony sliced through her middle. “Stop doing that!”
He blinked, still crouching close to her but not touching. “Doing what?”
“I can feel your pain and I don’t like it.” Unexpected tears sprung to her eyes. What. The. Hell. She never cried.
He shook his head, those dark eyes searching hers. “I can’t help it. We’re bonded, Larissa. I’ve loved you since the moment we met and that feeling never died, even when I thought you had. The fact that you can’t remember me, remember us, kills me.”
Something told her he hated showing such weakness in front of not only her, but also the male shifter hovering quietly along the tree line behind them. “I’m sorry.” She felt as if she was apologizing for a whole lot more than not remembering. Of course, she had no clue if that was correct. Her mind was a complete mess right now.
“We need to get out of here before someone sees the SUV by the road,” the other male said quietly.
Aiden didn’t turn around, but stood in all that gorgeous, naked glory. He held out a hand to her. “Come with me?” That was when she realized he was giving her a choice. Or at least the illusion of one.
In the deepest recesses of her mind she knew without a shadow of a doubt that if she ran, he would follow. Right now she had more questions than answers and despite what Magda had told her, Larissa knew this male wasn’t lying. She could feel it in her soul. He hadn’t killed her parents. And if he hadn’t, that meant Magda was either a liar or misinformed. Larissa hoped she was just misinformed.
Either way, Larissa was going to take her chances with Aiden. Logically, it was the only thing that made sense. She was in a strange place with a huge chunk of her memory missing and it was clear this shifter wouldn’t hurt her. The affection he felt for her and the way he was watching her, that couldn’t be faked. Plus the thought of running from him, of leaving him, shattered her in a way she didn’t understand. The invisible bond to him was strong, even if she didn’t remember him.
Holding out a hand, she shivered when his strong, callused fingers clasped hers. When he pulled her close, running his other hand down her side and hip, she didn’t even think to object when he squeezed her in a possessive way. The front of his very naked body was flush against hers and she ached to lean into him, to soak up all that heat. She placed her hands lightly on his chest, curling her fingers against him. He shuddered and it took all her restraint not to jump this male.
That alone told her there was something between them. There had to be. She would never let a stranger touch her so intimately, but this male was different and on an instinctive level she trusted him.
This male was hers. Even if her mind wasn’t ready to accept it, her body flared to life in the most vivid way when he touched her. The situation was all wrong, but feeling him hold her this way, her nipples beaded tightly and her inner walls clenched with the need to be filled. Staring up into his brown eyes, she could feel everything around them fall away, as if he was the only thing that mattered in her world.
He definitely scented her desire because he half smiled in an almost arrogant, obnoxious way that was frustratingly familiar before he turned their bodies and wrapped a muscular arm around her shoulders. “Let’s get someplace safe. Then we’re talking and figuring out this mess.”
Larissa slipped her arm around his waist and squeezed proprietarily before she realized what she’d done. Oh yeah, she wanted him. There was no denying that. But why couldn’t she remember him?
* * *
Teresa kept her arm wrapped tightly around Natalia’s shoulders as they pulled into the parking structure at the ra
nch. She’d already texted Ana—even though she knew Connor had likely contacted her via their telepathic link—and her cousin had prepared hot cocoa for the distraught Natalia.
Teresa hadn’t contacted her other sisters though. There was no sense in waking them up and Ana had such a calming influence on Natalia anyway.
“I can’t believe I killed someone,” her sister murmured as Ryan put the SUV in park.
Teresa hadn’t exchanged many words with Ryan since they’d left the club because she’d been comforting her sister, but she planned to hash some things out with him once they were alone.
Teresa squeezed her sister’s shoulder gently. “You were just defending yourself.”
“And you and Kat saved that human from being hurt worse than she already was,” Ryan said from the front.
Natalia shrugged, but laid her head against Teresa’s shoulder and sniffled. In that moment she seemed so young. Teresa had been the first child born to their parents. Her sisters hadn’t come until decades later so sometimes she felt more like a mother than a sister to all of them. With their parents now gone, even more so. “Ana’s waiting up for us.”
She raised her head. “Really?”
Teresa nodded and opened the door. Ryan got out too, but she ignored him as she walked with Natalia to the main house. She was still way too confused about his behavior from earlier and didn’t have time to dwell on it. Not with Natalia so upset.
Ryan trailed after them until they reached the front porch, and then Teresa heard his boots softly moving toward the single guys’ cabin. She let out a sigh of relief she hadn’t even realized she’d been holding as she and Natalia stepped inside Ana and Connor’s house.
They jerked to a halt when they saw Vivian, the ten-year-old jaguar cub Ana and Connor had adopted, sitting at the foot of the stairs in purple polka-dot pajamas. “What are you doing up?” Teresa asked.
“I couldn’t sleep, then I heard Ana making cocoa and cookies. She told me Natalia was sad so I wanted to make sure you were okay.” She turned those big dark eyes on Natalia, concern etched in every inch of her expression.
Teresa couldn’t help but smile. Vivian was so mischievous but she had such a big heart.
“I am,” Natalia said, holding her arms out for a hug.
Vivian threw herself into Natalia’s embrace and Teresa knew things would be okay, at least for the night. Well, technically morning. They still had a whole mess of crap to worry about, especially since Natalia had killed someone so powerful and connected, but she could sense the relief rolling off her sister like a potent wave.
An hour later Natalia and Vivian were asleep in front of the fireplace as Ana walked Teresa to the front door. “Come by in a few hours, I’ll make a big breakfast for the pack,” Ana murmured low enough that she wouldn’t disturb the others.
“I will. Have you heard from Connor?” Teresa hadn’t wanted to ask in front of Natalia.
Ana nodded, her expression darkening. “Yeah. Nothing about . . .” She pointed toward the living room. “But apparently Aiden is mated to a vampire and she doesn’t remember him. Connor doesn’t think she’s lying either.”
Teresa rubbed a hand over her face. “What a mess.” Tonight had gone nothing like anyone had planned.
“I know. Go get some rest.” After Ana gave her a quick hug Teresa stepped outside.
Exhaustion swept over her as she headed back to the home she shared with her three sisters. Halfway there she paused and looked at the guys’ cabin.
The houses and cabins at the Armstrong ranch spread out in a circle around the main house. The whole place was like a village, with each home far enough from the others that everyone had privacy but that they were still a close-knit community. The light from the main living room was on in the cabin where Ryan lived with some of the guys and Lucas, the cub he’d adopted. It was just one more thing about Ryan that she adored. He’d taken in a cub when he didn’t have to and was the perfect father.
Even though it was late and she was about to pass out on her feet, Teresa headed to his place instead. She had questions and wanted some answers from him. Ryan couldn’t just act all possessive in front of everyone and expect things to return to normal between them. Now that she didn’t have an audience, she was going to sort this out. Because if he thought he could start acting all distant again, he was out of his mind.
After almost everyone had shredded their clothes at the club they’d had to change into the backup clothes they’d brought in duffel bags. Most shifters brought extra clothes everywhere they went. It was just standard from the time you were a cub. Ryan had given her one of his button-down flannel shirts, and even though he’d surprised her with the action, she hadn’t fought him and insisted she wear her own spare clothes. She hadn’t wanted to embarrass him by saying no in front of everyone and the truth was, she liked his woodsy scent on her.
Even if he was driving her crazy.
Her boots thudded softly against the steps as she ascended them and before she’d knocked the door flew open.
Ryan stood there, all six feet four inches of him. And he was shirtless. Raising his arms, he held on to the top of the doorframe as he silently watched her. For a moment her brain short-circuited as she drank in the sight of his bare upper body. She’d seen him earlier at the club, but she’d made it a point to avoid staring. Because she’d known if she had, she wouldn’t have been able to stop at just looking. He had a smattering of dark hair on his muscular chest and his ripped abdomen tapered down in a V that made her think all sorts of wicked things.
Swallowing hard, she forced her gaze to his. He watched her with pure hunger in those dark brown eyes. It was like he’d just let his walls down at the club and didn’t plan to put them back up. Or maybe that was wishful thinking on her part.
“Are you working on stuff for Connor?” she asked even though she knew he likely was.
Letting his arms drop from the doorframe, he nodded. “I could use the break. You want to come in?”
She did, but she shook her head. Right now they needed to talk and at least outside they were in a semipublic area, even if no one was out at this time of night except warriors patrolling. “No, I . . . What was the deal at the club? Why were you acting like that?”
She was grateful he didn’t pretend not to understand what she meant. Stepping out onto the porch, he reached for her hips and pulled her close so that their bodies pressed together. If she’d had any doubts about his feelings before, the press of his erection against her lower belly told her everything she needed to know. He wasn’t trying to hide his reaction. If anything, he moved closer.
The bold move took her by surprise. She spread her palms against his chest and tried to keep some distance between them, but Ryan wouldn’t let her. Her palms tingled against him as she savored the feel of being able to touch him so intimately.
“I could have lost you tonight.” He wrapped those big arms around her in a tight grip, his tone ragged and hungry.
To hear so much need in his voice completely undid her. Where was the cold, resisting male she’d gotten so used to? “Maybe.” She started to say more when he crushed his mouth down over hers in a purely dominating move.
By now she shouldn’t be surprised but this was a completely different side to the sexy cowboy hacker. They’d bickered on and off for the past few months and while she’d known he was attracted to her, she’d secretly wondered if there was something wrong with her. He’d just been so distant. Not now. She tangled her tongue with his, nipping his bottom lip playfully with her teeth.
When he shuddered against her, Teresa slid her hands up his chest and held on to his shoulders. She dug her fingers into his skin in an effort to steady herself and Ryan groaned into her mouth. She arched her back, pressing closer to him, wishing she didn’t have a shirt on. Before she realized what he intended, he grasped her butt and hoisted her up. It felt so natur
al to wrap her legs around his waist. The feel of his hard length pressing against the juncture between her thighs was too much.
As his tongue teased hers, she was vaguely aware of him moving them inside and the door slamming behind them. He pinned her against the nearest wall. Her arousal skyrocketed as he rolled his hips against hers. Ryan slid a hand under her shirt and she knew she should protest. They needed to talk, but the feel of those callused fingers skimming her belly set her on fire.
He pulled his head back a fraction and started nuzzling his way along her jaw to her ear. When he nipped her earlobe between his teeth she arched against him.
“I love seeing you in my shirt,” he murmured, raking his teeth gently against her neck.
The implication of what he was doing wasn’t lost on her. Male shifters didn’t graze their teeth against a female’s neck unless they had serious intentions to mate them. The fact that he was doing so now, even teasingly, scared the hell out of her. Not because she was afraid he’d mark her without asking, but because of the complete one-eighty he’d done.
“Wait,” she murmured at the same time she heard a shuffling of feet.
“Ryan?” Lucas’s groggy voice had them both freezing.
Ryan lifted his head from her neck and she let her legs unwrap from around him. He set her down, but squeezed her hips once before looking over his shoulder. “Hey, buddy. Did we wake you up?”
Teresa pushed against Ryan’s chest and stepped around him so she could see Lucas.
The ten-year-old shifter wore long flannel pajama pants and a T-shirt, his blond hair sticking up everywhere in the most adorable way. “No, I’m thirsty. I didn’t mean to bother you—”
“You’re not bothering us,” Teresa interjected. Ryan didn’t seem to want to let her go, but she didn’t care. She needed distance from this male if she wanted to think straight. “I just stopped by to . . .” Her brain chose that moment to malfunction. She couldn’t even think of a decent lie.