by Milly Taiden
“We know they’re changing DNA. Taking from one and somehow changing another,” Xeon told her. “Mara said he’s even using vampire DNA. How do you change the DNA of the undead?”
“I don’t know. Maybe he isn’t changing the undead but using the vampire DNA to change others,” Melonie suggested. “I’m not a geneticist. I have no idea how that’s even possible.”
“We don’t know either, but it’s happening. The proof is right here in front of you.” Xeon pointed at Zeke.
“Yeah,” she said sadly and ran her hand over his face. “Thank you again for getting him out. I hope you’re able to find your sister soon.”
“Thanks, me too. Let me know when he wakes up. I’d like to talk to him as soon as he does.” Xeon got up from the chair and shook Raul’s hand.
“Thanks for bringing him down. If you find any more bears, don’t hesitate to bring them here.” Raul walked them out.
Hunter and Ryder jumped in the back with a simple nod farewell. Kyro shook Jonah’s hand, then they drove away. Xeon couldn’t wait to get back to Mara. He missed her gorgeous smile. When he pulled out of the bears compound, he stepped on the gas.
Chapter Ten
Mara moved around the kitchen cleaning after she put the lasagna in the oven. She savored the aroma of the meat sauce with her heightened sense of smell. After finishing off her water, she searched for something else to drink.
She’d tried almost everything in the house, but nothing quenched her thirst. What the hell was wrong with her? Surely something she to drink would help. So far, she’d tried everything from milk to beer with no relief.
The timer on the stove buzzed, taking her away from her search. Without much thought, she opened the oven and reached in for the pan. She grabbed hold of the pan only to quickly release the heated metal.
“Ouch!” She shook her hand, trying to cool it off. “Son of a bitch!”
She ran over to the sink and turned on the cold water. The red skin on her palm puffed up. She quickly pushed her hand under the cold stream. A sigh escaped her as the cool liquid ran over her flesh. The pain of the burn didn’t last long. While she was drying her hands off, the red marks faded. She stared at her healing hand. In a few moments, her palm was no longer red. The burn had completely disappeared. This time, she rummaged through the drawers to find the oven mitts.
The front door opened as she got the lasagna out of the oven. The guys came in through the door, talking quietly. Mara grabbed the pan with the cheesy bread and placed it in the oven. The guys came into the kitchen while she set the timer again.
“How did your day go?” Xeon walked up behind her and pressed his lips against her neck.
“Uneventful. Are you two hungry? I made lasagna. The bread will be done in a few minutes.”
“I’m always hungry,” Kyro answered first. “You need some help in here?”
“I’m hungry too,” Xeon said. “I could eat.” He paused. “If you know what I mean.”
“Seriously, bro. Did you just say that?” Kyro winced but had a smirk on his face.
“Come on you two. Let’s fix some plates while it’s still hot.” She stepped out of Xeon’s embrace and opened the cabinet she saw plates in earlier.
Kyro came up behind her and reached around to grab the plates out of the cabinet. She took a deep breath and leaned closer to him. A wonderful aroma reached her nose. It was delish. Want some now, an inner voice said to her. It didn’t sound like her panther.
“What?” she asked.
“What?” Kyro leaned into her. “I didn’t say anything.”
“Oh, okay? Xeon, do you want to get a couple of beers out of the fridge?” she asked Xeon when he passed by.
“Sure, what would you like to drink?”
She hesitated for a moment, then replied. “Nothing right now, thank you.”
“Are you all right? You look white as a sheet and tired. Didn’t you rest today?” He gazed intently at her face. “What’s going on?”
The timer for the cheesy bread dinged, and she grabbed the oven mitts. She didn’t want to avoid Xeon’s questions; she just didn’t know what was wrong. After pulling the cheesy bread out of the oven, she placed them on a plate.
“I’m a little tired, more tired than I thought, I guess. I’ll feel better after a good night’s sleep.” She hoped that would be all that was said about the matter. Judging by their faces, she would be in for a lot of explaining. She could be wrong.
“You’re a shifter now. You shouldn’t be tired and pale. Something isn’t right.” Xeon stared at her eyes.
“Maybe she should see a doctor,” Kyro suggested. “Mara does have multiple creatures in her DNA now. No telling what’s going on in her system.”
“Have a seat and might I remind you I am a doctor.” She told them and turned back to the kitchen.
“What about you? You’re going to eat with us, aren’t you?” Xeon made it sound more like a command than a request.
‘‘Yes, I guess so. I’m just getting some forks.” She grabbed the forks from the drawer and slowly walked back to the table. She sat in the chair between them.
Xeon cut a large helping of hot, delicious smelling lasagna and placed it on her plate. He did the same to his own plate and passed Kyro silverware.
“This looks and smells fantastic.” Xeon took a healthy bite and moaned at the taste of it.
Kyro followed suit. “This is some good eating here.” He took a bite.
While they ate, the guys told her about their day. She perked up a little when they explained to her about Zeke. They managed to save one of the experiments. It may not have been all of them, but it was a start. Maybe Zeke would know more about what Dr. Phenix planned to do to people.
“I’d like to see Zeke.” She took a small bite of lasagna.
“No,” Kyro said, at the same time Xeon spoke.
“Absolutely not.” Xeon stopped eating. “He was out of his mind and completely enraged. Who knows how he’ll act when he wakes up? That’s why we left him with the bears instead of bringing him to the compound. It took four wolves to get the bear down.”
“But he may know something. Hell, anything is more than what I know.”
“Which is why Melonie is going to call us when he wakes,” Xeon explained and picked his fork back up.
They ate in silence for the rest of the meal. When they were full, they all helped clean up in the kitchen. Kyro rinsed the dishes, Mara put away the food, and Xeon wiped down the table and the counters. She watched her guys finish cleaning the kitchen. Wow, where did that come from? Her guys... why the fuck would she even consider both of them her guys. Mara realized both of them wanted her. Could she accept being attracted to two men? Of course, we can, you stupid girl. We’re shifters, after all. We can easily handle two strong men at the same time. Admit it, you want it as much as we do.
“I think it’s time that we all had a serious talk about what’s going on between us,” Xeon said when they were all done.
“Okay,” Mara frowned, pressing her lips together and trying not to appear as confused as she truly was.
Xeon took her hand and led her into the living room. She sat on the couch, and Xeon sat across from her on the coffee table, facing her. Kyro sat next to her on the couch. Xeon took her hand in his and rubbed his fingers slowly over her knuckles.
“First thing, what’s wrong, Mara? We know that something’s bothering you. Something that we may be able to help you with. You just have to tell us what it is.” Xeon didn’t stop rubbing her hand.
“Don’t you think if I knew I would tell you?” Her voice raised. “Something is seriously wrong, and I have no idea what or how to fix it.” Her anger at herself rose until tears fell down her cheeks.
“Baby, don’t cry. It’ll be all right. Kyro and I are both here to take care of you.” He leaned forward from the coffee table and pulled her into his arms.
“No, it won’t be okay. I was a human... and now I’m a vampire panther, and I don’t
know what the fuck else.” Her chest heaved, and tears rolled down her cheeks. What the hell was she thinking? Would she ever get used to all the voices that ran rampant in her mind? At least, she’d learned how to tell the difference between the voices.
Mara shook from the sobs that racked her body. All the crazy events of the last few days piled on her at one time.
Her body needed something. Her thirst once again hit her like a freight train.
Mara turned toward Kyro when he slid closer to her. She knew he only meant to comfort her, but he smelled so good. She inhaled deeply. He moved so close she felt him draw in a breath to smell her hair. Her focus narrowed in on him. She watched his carotid artery pulse. She licked her lips and leaned a little closer to him. Shaking her head, she pulled away from him.
“I’m just so thirsty. I’ve tried everything. I just can’t stop the thirst.” She glanced at Kyro and once again stared at his neck. Go ahead. You know you want to bite that vibrant, pulsing vein. The voice in her head was more sinister than before yet held that sing song tone she had assigned to the vampire. “Are you fucking nuts?” Mara said out loud.
“What do you mean by that?” Kyro asked, confusion in his gaze.
“Did I say that out loud?” She hung her head and covered her face with her hands. The voices were overwhelming. It was scary. “What’s happening to me? I keep hearing these crazy voices that say the dumbest things.”
“Like what babe?” Xeon pulled her hands away from her face. “Look at me,” he said with gentle coercion.
Mara didn’t want to answer him. If she did, she would have to tell him that she wanted to bite Kyro, right on that beautiful, pulsing vein. She sighed, exhausted from trying to cover her feelings.
“It’s weird. The last one said I should bite Kyro on the neck.” She paused and looked at Kyro. “I’m sorry, but your neck is so appealing to me right now. Your pulse gets faster, and your heart beats harder. The sound of your blood pumping through your veins is enticing.”
“It has to be the vampire DNA they injected,” Kyro stated, a hand rubbing his neck and his enticing vein.
“If you want to try it, why not try taking some of my blood. I’m your mate,” Xeon interceded. He took her hand, pulled her up off the couch and onto his lap. “Let’s see if this will help.” He bent his head to one side.
Mara watched him bare his neck to her. His artery pulsed in his neck, not nearly as loudly as Kyro’s. Her gums tingled, and her canine teeth elongated. Her pulse raced the closer she leaned into Xeon. Every inch closer... her thirst built higher. She pressed her lips against his neck. He inhaled sharply when she sank her teeth in deeper. She drank a little at first. A small amount of his metallic blood escaped into her mouth. She pulled away and coughed into the back of her hand.
“Sorry, but it just doesn’t taste right.” She shook her head. His blood didn’t taste bad, but it didn’t have the rich flavor she craved. It was missing something.
“Try mine,” Kyro offered. “You were eyeing my neck earlier. Maybe your vampire wanted my blood.” Kyro moved closer to them. He looked suggestively at Xeon. “You know I’m also her mate. Maybe she needs me more than we thought. It won’t hurt to find out.” He paused and looked to Mara then Xeon. “Right?”
By the look on Xeon’s face, he wasn’t happy. He glared at Kyro. “I hate to admit it, but if it’s what she needs, then I guess we better try.”
“Wait just a second...” Mara got off Xeon’s lap and sat on the couch. “He said he was also my mate. My panther didn’t say anything about both of you being my mate, just Xeon.” Mara played back what they said, over and over again. They couldn’t be serious. What would she do with two men? Shit! That couldn’t be right, could it? Hell, at the moment, she didn’t care. She needed to have them both soon.
“Maybe that’s because your vampire wants me more than Xeon, and vice versa. Your panther wants Xeon more than me.” Kyro shrugged. He gently placed his hand on her leg. She gasped at the sudden tingle running up her body. “I swear if you tell me you don’t feel anything between us, then I’ll leave you alone completely.”
She couldn’t tell him that. Right now, she only knew she wanted him more than anything. She wanted to taste his blood on her tongue. Her need for him grew the longer his hand stayed on her leg. Silently, she pleaded for him to move his hand farther up her leg. It became harder for her to keep herself in check. She really wanted to grab Kyro and force him to let her take her fill. Why did she crave him so much? Not Xeon.
“Well, shit,” Xeon exclaimed. “Now what do we do?”
“You need to let me bond with her and let her try my blood,” Kyro answered matter of factly. “If that’s what she needs and wants, I say we need to do it. You know my wolf says she’s my mate too. He just didn’t say we would be sharing her.”
“What do you think, Mara? Does your panther have anything to say?” Xeon stared at her.
She thought about it for a moment. A strong connection built between her and Xeon. Though, a huge draw pulled her to Kyro also. She took Kyro’s hand in hers and moved it up her leg. Hell, yeah, we want him too. Why the fuck can’t a woman have two gorgeous men? The more, the merrier. We deserve them. The voices in her head were getting louder.
“Seriously, is that what you want? I want, shit, you know what I mean.” Her words weren’t coming out the way she wanted. She looked at both men. “Looks like I want you both. I knew the human side of me was drawn to both of you.” She waited to see if they would say something. They looked at each other, then at her and smiled.
“We do want you. It seems like destiny that we mate the same woman. We’ve shared women before, just never thought about sharing a mate.”
Kyro pulled his hand away from her leg and touched her face. He turned her toward him, leaned forward, and claimed her lips with his.
“God I want you,” Kyro told her. His pulse quickened, drawing her attention to his neck.
Kyro pressed his lips against hers. She became fully aware of Xeon watching their interaction. She peeked at him. He didn’t seem upset. Instead, he looked intrigued.
“I know what needs to happen now.” He stood and took Mara by the hand. “Come on, sweetheart. You too, Kyro.” He smiled at Kyro and nodded his head toward the bedroom.
Xeon quickly scooped his arms behind Mara, lifting her off her feet. He carted her off toward the bedroom.
“Are you crazy?” She squirmed in his arms. “I’m not an invalid, you know. I can walk.”
It did feel amazing, though, having strong arms around her. Xeon held her tightly against his muscled chest. She breathed deeply, smelling the woody scent of him. Kyro walked behind them, adjusting his pants along the way.
Mara couldn’t wait to see him naked. His hard, muscular body pressed against her. Her mind raced, thinking of how she would be able to love two men at the same time. Love? Where the hell did that word come from? We knew you would see it our way, the voices said in unison.
Kyro gave her a smile that sent her senses soaring to the ceiling. Every nerve ending awakened at the sight of the curve of his lips. She wanted his lips on her body, ravishing her from head to toe. Her body tingled with just the thought. Goosebumps raised along her arms.
“You okay, sweetheart? You sure do seem anxious. Can’t wait, can you?” Xeon smiled down at her.
“Xeon put me down,” she ordered. Her words caused him to walk faster down the hall.
After stepping into the bedroom, he set her near the bed. Kyro came up behind her, brushing the hair off her neck. Xeon kissed her passionately. His tongue reached deep into her mouth, exploring every dip and curve of it. Kyro pressed his lips against the side of her neck. Oh, it was wonderful. It would be easy to get carried away.
“Xeon, I can’t.” She stepped out of their embrace. “What if my vampire takes over and I bite him too hard. I can’t do that to him. I care about him too much already.” She hesitated. “What if I take too much? I might kill him.” Her breath got ragged i
n anticipation at the thought of tasting his blood. She licked her lips and sucked on her bottom lip.
“Sweetheart, that’s why I’m going to sit right over there. I’ll be in the chair by the window, watching every erotic moment to be sure you’re both okay, that you don’t take it too far.” He kissed her once again then walked over to the window.
“I trust you, Mara,” Kyro assured her. “I know that you’ll be okay. I know that you care for me. My wolf will let me know when I should pull away.” He bent and gently slid his fingers down her cheek.
“You sure?” she whispered softly.
“Quite sure, honey. I need you. You’re my mate. I’ll take care of you, love you, protect you with all that I am, and all that I possess.” Kyro pulled her close and looked over at Xeon then continued “Just like he will. You are ours to protect and treasure”
Mara felt safe in his arms, just as she did with Xeon. His scent reached her inner vampire. She turned her face to his and took his lip between her teeth, gently biting down, nipping at him. A small drop of blood seeped out. The drop of blood tasted sweet on her tongue. She moaned at the delicious flavor. His body quivered against hers. Kyro took control and deepened the kiss.
Kyro slid his hands down her neck and body until he reached the hem of her shirt. Her shirt went flying when he yanked it over her head. He placed kisses down her neck and along her collarbone. Every press of his lips set her nerve endings on fire. He kissed a trail down to her bare breasts and encased her pink, aroused nipple. He gently bit down. She leaned against him, pushing her breast into his mouth.
“Please Kyro,” she groaned. “I need so much more.”
Mara’s body felt like flames were running through it. Every touch set her on edge. She wanted to devour him, to soak him all in. She gazed at Xeon sitting by the window. He leaned back and watched them intently, desire shined in his eyes.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. Enjoy him, feel him, let him make you complete.” Xeon didn’t take his eyes off them.
It thrilled Mara to have Xeon watch. Knowing he looked on as Kyro’s fingers ran down her breast had her nipples peaking. God, she loved it when he pinched her nipple harder. A low moan crept out when he bent and licked the tight little nub.