Twin Shift

by Amara A. Minx

  Gideon growled. “Emily,” a loud thunk followed by a squealing noise erupted from the engine before the black smoke billowed. The car rolled to a stop.

  Emily put the car in park, flicking on the hazards. “What now?”

  Gideon pulled out his cell phone. “No signal. Shit!” He looked back down the street. “You’re going to invite your mates to your apartment.”

  “It isn't my apartment anymore,” she chided.

  “The lease is still in your name,” he said.

  “You checked?”

  “Anything to do with you is my business. Beth’s name isn't on the lease so I pre-paid the rent for six months prior to purchasing the building.”

  “Do you think the phone is still hooked up?”

  His displeasure evident. “It is.”

  Emily felt bad she hadn't checked on the apartment after Beth was attacked. “Thanks again for buying it,” she said, laying a hand on his arm.

  “It wasn't safe for the residents,” he said gruffly. He opened the car door. “Get your furry ass off me.”

  Gabe jumped down, stretching once on all fours.

  They walked the half block back to the building.

  Emily saw the little girl with dirty clothes just before she looked up.

  “Emily!” the girl squealed, flying into Emily's arms.

  She felt a pang of remorse for not checking on her struggling neighbor. “Tanya. You're so big. I've missed you. How’s your mother?”

  The girl knelt down to pet Gabriel. “She's good. Working.”

  “Who is looking after you?” Emily asked.

  “I'm seven, Emily. I'm a big girl,” she said smiling.

  “What happened to Mrs. Stevenson?”

  “She had to go to a home. You know, for old people. She was really nice. I miss her.”

  “When did this happen?”

  “A couple of weeks ago. Are you and Beth back now? Mom said you moved. You were gone a long time.” She continued to pet Gabe’s soft fur.

  “Tanya, this is my husband, Gideon. I moved in with him but you can visit me anytime,” she said.

  Tanya looked at Gideon. “Is he yours?”

  “Yes, the unruly...mutt is mine,” he said.

  Tanya's eyes brightened. “If he's too much trouble I can take care of him for you.”

  Emily gave Gideon a dirty look. “He’s mine too, Tanya, and I could never give him up, either could Gideon.” She bent down and whispered. “He was teasing you.”

  Tanya laughed before returning her attention to Gabe. “I guess I can't keep you but you are the most beautiful wolf I’ve ever seen.” She kissed Gabe’s head before hugging him.

  “How did you know he was a wolf?” Emily asked.

  She smiled. “I study books about animals. I am going to be a vet someday and I will take in all the strays like you and Beth. I'll find some of them good homes but I'll keep most of them.”

  Emily heard Gideon mutter under his breath. “I'll take care of it.”

  Emily pet Gabe. “Tanya honey, we have to go but I will check on you soon okay?”

  “Okay, Emily. Say hi to Beth.” She ran up the steps, disappearing into the hallway.

  “I should have checked on her,” Emily said.

  “The residents here are not your responsibility. Where’s her mother?” Gideon asked.

  “Kate is working two jobs. Both pay minimum wage. She can barely keep up on the bills. Mrs. Stevenson is eighty-seven years old but she looked after Tanya for free.”

  Gideon pulled her to him. “We will look into it later. Let’s get to the phone.”

  They went up the worn steps. Emily grabbed her spare key from the broken light socket beside the door.

  “That isn't safe at all,” he growled.

  “Be thankful it's still here or we would’ve had to break the lock,” she said, opening the door.

  It was clean. All signs of the attack on Beth had been removed. The place hadn't changed at all. The mismatched chairs, worn sofa, and rooster cups were all where they should be.

  Gideon grabbed the phone, dialing as Emily went into her room.

  There were a few clothes missing from her closet that Gabe had brought to the penthouse for her. Part of the life she left behind.

  Emily reminisced about her previous life. She and Beth had been happy but times had been tough. She was glad neither of them would have to a struggle to survive.

  Gabe was sitting at the door watching her when Gideon entered. “The tow truck driver is on his way. I asked him about Madeline’s shop. It's within walking distance but doesn't open for an hour.”

  Emily flicked a loose piece of paint from the dresser. “What do you want to do while we wait?”

  Gabe shifted. He was fully aroused. “I have a couple ideas.”

  Chapter 4

  Emily felt her wolf's anticipation. She loved these moments. When the men appraised her with lust filled eyes.

  Gideon pulled off his shirt and dropped his pants, freeing his erection. “Take your clothes off.” Gideon had softened some in the time they had been together. He could be loving and sweet. This was not one of those times.

  “Or what?” Emily asked as Gabe smirked.

  Gideon growled. “I’ll rip every single piece of clothing from your body before I fuck you with my tongue.”

  Emily didn't hide her smile. “That's quite a punishment.” She pulled her top off with exquisite slowness. Before fiddling with the zipper of her jeans.

  “Emily,” Gideon warned.

  She didn't get the chance to answer. Gabe jumped her, hauling her to the bed in one motion. “No more playtime for you.” He pulled her jeans off before spreading her legs and entered her in one thrust.

  She almost came. The fire in her core threatened to ignite before she was ready. She closed her eyes to calm her fiery body.

  “Open your eyes,” Gideon demanded.

  She complied to find Gideon standing on the side of the bed. His cock was erect, nudging her lips apart, seeking entrance. When she looked up at him he pulled her hair back slightly, making her gasp. His engorged head slid into her mouth, bumping the back of her throat.

  “Suck it,” he growled.

  She flicked her tongue lightly over his shaft as he slid in and out. She didn't wrap her lips around him as he wanted.

  His frustration was as evident as his arousal. “Fucking suck it, Emily!”

  She loved pushing Gideon. His harsh words used to scare her. Now, she knew he would never hurt her. She reveled in the unshakable truth that she was his world. She sucked on him, wanting him to know that he and Gabe meant everything to her. He groaned low as she took him deep into the warmth of her mouth.

  Gabe hooked her leg over his shoulder, causing his penetration to go deeper, fueling the impending flames.

  She marveled at how the twins always picked up the same rhythm. Each thrust in perfect unison. She clutched the bedspread as the tsunami hit.

  Fireworks burst under her skin. Her pussy clamped down on Gabe, causing him to pause. Gideon withdrew. She knew what that meant.

  Gabe kissed her skin lightly as she returned from the high of her orgasm. Then he slid out of her. He sat on the edge of the bed. “Come here, baby put your knees on either side of me.”

  A fresh gush of liquid trickled between her legs as she did as she was asked, lowering herself down on Gabe's velvet spike heightened the anticipation of what was to come.

  He grabbed her head, kissing her hard as she worked her pelvis up and down his shaft.

  Gideon grabbed her hips, forcing her down hard on Gabe’s cock. When she didn't think she could take anymore he thrust into her ass as she was impaled on Gabe. She gasped only to have Gabe stick his tongue into her mouth as he squeezed her breasts.

  Her men continued to thrust into her in unison, each stroke a little rougher than the last. She sensed their desperation to keep her safe, and their frustration with the missing telepathic link. She relaxed her body, allowing them to go d
eeper. Harder.

  The tightening in her core continued to build. When she couldn't hold on any longer she cried out, letting the orgasm consume her. She clamped down so hard both her men went over with her.

  She lay her head on Gabe’s shoulder as Gideon gently slid out of her. Gabe turned her onto the bed, lowering her gently. “Honey were we too rough?” he asked with concern.

  “No, I'm fine. Are you alright?” she asked.

  “Yeah, we're good but our wolves are both...concerned,” Gabe said.

  “About the Bokor?” she asked.

  “About you. Us. We feel our connection slipping. I'm having trouble connecting with Gideon.”

  She looked at Gideon in alarm. “Gideon, are you having trouble connecting to Gabe?”

  Gideon stared at her with a blank look. Her wolf was immediately alarmed. “Gideon?”

  Gideon jumped back from the bed. “Fuck!” he yelled.

  Gabe sat up. “Gideon man. What the hell?”

  Gideon looked confused as he looked Gabe up and down. “Why are you wearing my face? Who the hell are you?” he looked from side to side.

  Emily scrambled off the bed. “Gideon. Honey, you are scaring us. What's going on?” she extended her hand to him.

  “Bitch, don't touch me,” he said backing away.

  Emily felt her wolf recoil from the rebuke. “Okay, I won't touch you.” She hated the hurt in her voice.

  “Stop,” Gideon said, dropping to his knees.

  “Gideon?” Gabe said stepping in front of Emily.

  Gideon looked at Gabe in confusion. “What just happened?”

  Gabe growled. “You just called our mate a bitch. Shithole!”

  Startled pain crossed Gideon's face before his eyes took in Gabriel’s protective posture. “I would never hurt her,” he said looking down.

  Emily went to his side. “I know that. This is Gregory messing with you. It's not your fault.” She rubbed her hand over his shoulder, trying to console him. “What happened?”

  Gideon looked at Gabe. “I didn't know who you were. I didn't understand why you looked like me. If we weren't identical I think I would have walked away. I wanted to leave.”

  “You didn't recognize me either,” Emily said.

  Gideon shook his head. “You were just another woman only interested in me for my money.”

  “Another woman? This is a regular event?” Her wolf was already pissed. She didn't bother hiding her anger.

  Gideon tilted his head to the side. “There are people in this world who will do anything for money,” he said seriously.

  She squinted. “The fact that you and Gabe are fucking hot has nothing to do with it,” she said unamused.

  Gideon’s eyebrows arched as his lip twitched. “No, but I admit my wolf is preening right now that his mate still thinks he is attractive.”

  Emily felt the tension in the room and couldn't let it continue. “My wolf is pissed. She wants the Bokor’s head ripped off and dripping from her muzzle.”

  Both her men reacted at once. She was pulled from the floor, caged between her men. Gabe held her chin between his fingers. “We will take care of the Bokor. You are not a killer. Tell her to stand down.”

  Emily communicated with her wolf but the she-wolf was adamant, her pride wounded. “She won't.”

  Gideon pinched his brow. “This is my fault.”

  Emily hugged him. “It’s not. I know what happened to you.”

  Gideon's expression was serious. “The woman believes that. The wolf doesn't. A male doesn't turn on his female under any circumstances. Not ever.”

  Emily felt fear clamp down on her heart. “What are you saying?”

  “We have to go,” he said sadly.

  They arrived at Madeline’s shop a half hour later. Gideon opened the door allowing her to enter with Gabe trailing in wolf form. They all stopped to survey their surroundings. The Haitian clothing and wooden artifacts were a good indication they had the right place. The owner, however, was nowhere to be seen.

  They proceeded to the back of the store where they found a small seating area surrounding a table with a bowl of burning incense. There was an open doorway covered with long strings of multi-colored beads. Emily was about to look through the door when Gideon put an arm across her body. “Wait,” he commanded.

  A chuckle vibrated from the next room. “Your men are protective,” a thick Haitian accent said as an older woman with dark skin and white hair filled the doorway. “I be Madeline,” she said as she made her way to the pink sofa and sat down. She indicated the chairs across from her. “Sit.”

  Emily sat but Gideon continued to stand while Gabe sat in front of the woman eying her.

  Madeline smiled. “I assure you the Bokor cannot reach you here.”

  Gideon leaned forward. “You know why we’re here?”

  The large white pearls around her neck swayed as she nodded. “I’ve been expecting you.”

  Emily crossed her legs. “Did Beth contact you?” she asked.

  Emily saw a flicker of remorse in the old woman’s eyes before she replied. “No. The powers have warned me your time was a coming.”

  “My time?” Emily asked.

  “I did not have the power to prevent what happened to Beth...or to you but I could give you a chance to grow strong so you could fight the forces that wish to conquer you.”

  “Conquer me?” Emily struggled to understand.

  “The Bokor wishes to own you,” Madeline said quietly.

  Gideon growled. “He won't be getting near her.”

  “He is powerful. Even for one such as you,” she said.

  Gideon shifted his stance. “You know what I am?”

  Madeline waved her hand. “Calm yourself. I mean you no harm. I wish only to help the girls,” she said in an offhand tone as if Gideon was being an errant child.

  Emily smiled. She liked Madeline. It was obvious nothing intimidated her. Not even Gideon.

  Gabe moved to sit in front of the older woman, allowing her to pet his fur.

  She laughed. “You the charming one, you is.”

  Gideon rolled his eyes but said nothing.

  Emily cleared her throat. “Madeline, why did you take Beth’s power? There had to be another way.”

  Madeline dropped her hand from Gabe. “No child there wasn't. You would have died.”

  Emily knew there was nothing Beth wouldn't have done to save her. “What will happen to Beth now?”

  Madeline shook her head. “I can't see Beth anymore. Her new life is beyond my sight and before you ask I can't see yours either. The Bokor is clouding you.”

  Emily was disappointed. “Beth said Gideon has a death curse on him.”

  Madeline looks suspiciously at Gideon. “Come closer.”

  Gideon knelt down at the woman’s feet his hand on Gabe's back.

  Madeline ran cupped his face in her hands, closing her eyes for a moment. “He did curse you.”

  Emily leaned forward. “Can you break it?”

  Madeline dropped her hands. “Gregory is angry he was thwarted.” Her face scrunched. “He’s a disgrace. He was born with power but chooses to use it for personal gain. He should have continued his studies.”

  “What do you mean?” Emily asked.

  “He unleashed the curse in anger. He didn’t know Gideon was a twin, a shifter, or he would have used more caution. There’s no recourse for such a curse,” Madeline said.

  Emily swallowed nervously. “How so?”

  “The dark powers will go after the cursed individual. If everything goes to plan the individual dies in a short time. Had Gideon been a simple human he would already be dead. As a shifter, your life force is stronger and more difficult to control. As a twin, your soul is eternally connected to your twin. Gabriel shoulders part of your curse.”

  Gideon's fingers scrunched in Gabe's fur. “How do we stop it?”

  Madeline shifted in her chair. “If the powers are not able to affect you enough that you die then
they will eventually take the Bokor’s. Once this curse is called a death is guaranteed.”

  Gideon’s face hardened. "I am not waiting for this fucker to mess with mine or Gabe’s mind. How do we stop it now?”

  Emily didn't want Madeline to answer. She knew before the old woman answered that this only ended with blood on Gideon's hands. The question was whose blood it would be.

  Madeline glanced at Emily as if she knew her thoughts. “This ends one way. Your death or his.”

  Gideon fought to rein in his beast. The wolf was excited about hunting the Bokor and removing the threat to its mate and brother. “He's as good as dead. Where do we find him?”

  Madeline squinted. “Don't get overconfident. Getting close to him will be harder than you think. Zombies. Spells. He has an arsenal at his disposal.”

  Gideon struggled to interpret his twins message. “Gabe wants to know if you are safe? Does Gregory know what you did?” he asked.

  Madeline ran a loving hand over Gabe’s fur. “He knows but I be safe. The spell I used was for the protection of a child. There is no recourse for me. As for the Bokor, if he wished to come at me, he knows where I am.”

  Gideon couldn't help but admire the old woman. He got the impression she would be more than happy to take on Gregory if he was willing to start the fight. “Where do we find him?” He hadn't meant for his words to come out harsh. He saw Emily frown.

  Madeline tapped her lip. He knew he was being judged. “His current home is three miles away,” she pulled a paper from the pocket of her multi-colored top and handed it to him. The address was already written down.

  “You just happened to have this ready?” he asked.

  Madeline shrugged. “The sight is one of my gifts.”

  Gideon wanted to question her about her gifts but Emily leaned forward in her chair. “I wonder if Beth has that? When we were younger she would predict things that later came true.”

  Madeline patted Emily’s knee. “Beth’s powers have returned to her but they be that of a child. It will take time for them to mature. She cannot attack the Bokor.”

  Emily shook her head. “I don't want her brought into it either. What happened to her is bad enough. I'm just not certain how to stop her.”