by Cassia Briar
Her body was healing, the pull on my magic had eased a bit in the past couple of hours, which was a good sign. Even so, my heart clenched. The worried, desperate emotions coming from the other guys slammed into my chest repeatedly. We were all terrified of losing her. Through either fate or choice, we’d all found the love of our lives.
Jaxon asked in a quiet voice, “What’s the difference between an actual animal and the animal form a shapeshifter takes?”
“I’m not the best person to answer that. You should ask Montrell once he wakes up.” I fidgeted with my phone, checking for traffic incidents ahead.
With leaving Academy Obscura in a rush, we had my cell and Jaxon’s. He also had his wand. That was it. From now on, we had to be better prepared for sudden attacks. Who knew when we’d have to drop everything and run again.
“I’m awake,” Montrell’s deep voice filled the cab. “The answer to your question is: Nothing. In terms of form and abilities a shapeshifter fully assumes all of those. Sebastian is a dragon—not mimicking one.”
“And a small dose of Zafer’s DNA is enough for a full shift?” Jaxon asked, an edge to his voice.
Montrell heaved a sigh. “Not exactly. When we take a creature’s DNA, we also take their spirit.”
I twisted around to look at him. “Zafer’s dead?”
“Yes. Maybe. I don’t know.” Montrell rubbed a palm across his mouth. “Maybe it’s different with dragons. Iria would have called Caprice if Zafer was dead. I have no doubt about that.”
“What if it is different with dragons?” I asked. “Sebastian could share Zafer’s blood. We could have to face an entire army of dragons.”
“No.” Jaxon shook his head. “If there’s one thing I know about the Tromara king, he doesn’t like to share power. He’ll keep it all to himself for as long as possible.”
“Isabella will be the first to want a share of it,” I said. Jaxon and Montrell both agreed with a grunt. The old Council Queen wouldn’t let Sebastian have the upper hand for long.
I settled back in the seat with a sigh. The past few days had led from bad to worse, and the fight for our freedom had just begun.
We took few stops and didn’t chat much for the rest of the trip. Rolling into a place called Swan Lake, Montana near midnight, we secured a cabin on the outskirts of town. Tomorrow we’d venture deep into the Rocky Mountains to find Angel’s people.
I wrapped Caprice in a blanket and carried her into the space that was all wood paneling and log furniture. In one of the rooms, I set her on a bed then crouched on the floor to examine her. A half circle of red puncture wounds marked her already scarred back and smooth stomach. They were nearly closed, but she’d benefit from another healing session.
“How is she?” Jaxon appeared at my side.
Angel and Montrell circled to the other side of the bed. Montrell sat, tracing his palm over her small form.
“Shouldn’t she be awake by now?” Angel asked. His frown hid panic and worry beneath it.
“Not necessarily.” I covered her with the blanket. “Jaxon, I need your magic. She’s healing okay on her own, but not fast enough if we expect to hike out of here tomorrow.”
Montrell glowered. “We’re not going anywhere until she’s fully healed.”
“Time is a luxury we don’t have right now,” I said, pushing away his anger and frustration. “The Tromara have taken the Academy. Our people are scattered across this mountain range, and we need to regroup as soon as possible if we want a fighting chance.”
“Fine.” Montrell stood. “We leave tomorrow. But we’re carrying her. Let’s hope she’s not as stubborn as some people about being injured.” He shot a glare at Angel, who scowled and crossed his arms.
I did wonder what exactly happened between them when Montrell followed Angel north to retrieve the Codex. Through their bickering, I sensed a bonding between them. Obviously much more had happened than we knew about.
Jaxon took up a spot near Caprice’s head, and I settled in at her side. “We’ll be at this for a while,” I told the other two.
“Take your time. I’m not leaving.” Angel sat at the foot of the bed, his shoulders tense with worry.
Montrell plopped down next to him. “Neither am I.”
I focused on my fae magic and the simple healing techniques I knew. Drawing from Jaxon, I mingled our energy to a potent combination and was relieved to feel Caprice growing stronger. Each puncture needed individual attention. The process would take several hours.
I woke with a crick in my neck. Massaging it, I slowly sat up. Caprice’s warm bundle pressed against my side. Across from her, Jaxon was sound asleep. Montrell sprawled on the other queen size bed. At first I couldn’t spot Angel, then realized the darker shadow near the door was a huge, sleeping wolf.
My phone chimed in my pocket and I realized that’s what must have woken me. I fished it out, rubbing my eyes. The text was from May. We’re here. Safe. Found the Gran Lobo Pack near Hall Peak. Sorry, I would have sent a message earlier, but things were chaotic. Tell me you’re all okay?
I heaved a sigh of relief. At least the group she and Josh were leading had safely arrived. I hoped the other groups had, too.
I texted back: We’re okay. In Swan Lake for the night. Caprice is injured but healing. We will find you tomorrow. Have others arrived yet?
May: Oh no! What happened? I thought you all were supposed to be the first group out of there. I’m sending someone for you. Give me the name of the place. Yes, the others have arrived.
I sent her the address. Having someone find us here would be easier than roaming the wilderness looking for werewolves.
May: Okay, a wolf named Rory is coming to get you. Heller is going with him. See you in a few hours. Stay safe.
I slumped back in the bed, emotionally, mentally, and magically exhausted. After checking Caprice’s breathing and pulse, I spooned her and let sleep claim me again.
15
Caprice
I groaned as my eyelids parted enough to let in a punishing light. Obviously, I wasn’t dead. Death couldn’t possibly hurt this much. It wasn’t the searing pain of fresh wounds, but rather the sharp ache of battered insides, sore muscles, and the tightness of new scars.
Low voices spoke around me. I couldn’t make out what they were saying. My head spun, at the same time everything seemed too clear, too intense. I opened my parched lips to speak and the rim of a glass was pressed to them as a hand slipped under my cheek.
“Here, sweetheart.” Liam’s voice soothed my nerves.
I sipped at the water he offered, letting it revive me. Pushing the glass away, I peeked up at his concerned face, then glanced over his shoulder at Jaxon, Angel, and Montrell. They gazed back, their expressions full of hope. A moment later I sat in bed surrounded by my four men, each holding onto some part of my body like they were afraid I might drift away.
My injuries must have been bad, life threatening, otherwise they’d have started in with the chastisements already. I knew they hadn’t liked my decision to distract Sebastian. But if I hadn’t done it, we might not have gotten everyone out, which had been my primary concern. I was their fucking queen—they were my responsibility.
“Is everyone safe?” I asked. My voice croaked.
“They are,” Angel said at my side. He stroked my arm. “Everyone is here and settled. When you’re healed enough, there are people for you to meet, too.”
I sat forward and Liam, at my other side, placed his hand on my chest to hold me back. “You’re not going anywhere right now.”
Jaxon reached for a nearby table. “Here. We brought food.” He set the plate on my lap.
When I didn’t immediately reach for it, Montrell picked up a wedge of bread and brought it to my lips. “Open up.”
I did as I was told and took a bite. The butter drenched wheat saturated my tastebuds and my stomach growled. How long had it been since I’d eaten? I tried to take the toast from Montrell, but he caught my hand and held it. T
he others joined in the game, taking turns feeding me from the plate.
No one spoke more than a few coaxing or soothing words. They fed me, petted me, and their warmth soaked into my weary bones. I let them take care of me, giving myself this moment that would end all too soon. I had a mating ceremony to complete. An inner dragon to let out. A war to fight.
Once my stomach was full, my eyelids grew heavy. I slipped down in the blankets and sleep took me away.
The next time I woke, the food, rest, and my body had done what they were supposed to—healed me. I eased up to a sitting position, feeling a little stiff but no longer in pain. I was alone for the moment in a large, rough stone room illuminated by a couple of lamps on the dresser. I clicked on the bedside light and pulled the sheet away from my stomach.
New scars. Pale, round, knitted skin formed a semicircle on half of my abdomen. Reaching around to my back, my fingers traced the mirrored pattern there amid the scourge marks. I hated my scars. At the same time they reminded me of my mission. They fueled my determination to rid this world of Sebastian Anastos.
A couple of months ago, he’d whipped me with a magical scourge until I’d passed out. The wounds healed, but a mess of scar tissue replaced the skin on my back. Now he’d given me a new edition of permanent marks with his dragon’s teeth. Simply another debt I owed him.
The door quietly opened and Liam stepped inside. “How are you feeling?”
“Much better.” I let my hands find my lap. “I need some clothes.”
He rummaged through the dresser. “I’m sorry about the scars. There was nothing I could do.” Liam brought over a small pile of folded clothing.
“I’m alive. You did more than enough.” I pulled the shirt over my head, then shimmied into the drawstring pants. Standing, dressed, I realized clothing wasn’t the answer. I stank. “I could really use a shower.”
Liam kissed me before turning me toward the bathroom door. “You’ll find everything you need in there. Take your time. I’ll have fresh clothes out here for you when you’re ready.”
With a grateful smile, I closed the bathroom door behind me. I let the shower water warm up while I stripped and gazed at my horrid reflection in the full length mirror. My once tan skin was pale, marred. Once again, I traced the new scar pattern.
When Sebastian’s jaws had closed around me, I’d been sure I was going to die. I’d screamed as his teeth had pierced my scales. My last conscious memory was flying through the air knowing any second I’d either be burned to death or simply swallowed whole.
I shook myself back to the moment and entered the shower. The hot water did wonders, rinsing away the remaining blood, sweat, and filth. I emerged no less blemished, but a lot cleaner.
Towel wrapped around and tucked in above my breasts, I poked my head into the bedroom. Four pairs of eyes found me. I offered a smile which quickly disappeared as I registered their expressions—steely, furious, glowering, and pained.
I stepped into the room, knowing full well why they were angry. The time had come. Better to get this over with. I opened my mouth. “I had to—”
Jaxon’s growl cut me off. The low rumble was a disconcerting sound coming from a witch rather than a beast. “No. You do not even get to try to defend yourself. What you did was…” He raked his fingers through those blond waves and turned away. He sat at the edge of the bed, gaze fixed on his upturned palms.
Liam threw up his arms. “This is barbaric!”
“Words don’t work with her,” Angel said, eyes glowing. “We need to get our point across some other way.”
While I stared in bewilderment, Montrell neared. Fury lit his eyes, but his tone was soft. “Caprice, you can’t make decisions like that and leave us out of them. I agree distracting Sebastian was a necessary move. However, we could have helped. Jaxon can teleport with his magic. Liam and I can both fly. Angel could have still gotten the SUV ready for us. We should have helped keep that dragon’s attention wherever we wanted it. Instead, you left us out. You put yourself in danger.”
“I know. I’m sorry.” Clutching the towel, I glanced between them, but only Montrell met my gaze. “I didn’t want to risk any of you.”
Montrell shook his head. “We’re stronger when we’re all together. You acting on your own put us in more danger than you realize.” He looked over at Jaxon. “I agree with him, you need to be taught a lesson.”
“What do you mean..?” My pulse sped. They were all acting strange. The tension in the air was thick and foreboding.
Jaxon finally met my eyes. “I’ve been threatening for a while to bend you over my knee. It seems the time has come.”
My jaw dropped. He was kidding, right? No one spanked a grown woman in punishment. That was ridiculous! Barbaric.
“Now,” he continued, “you can come over here and take off that towel, or Angel and Montrell will carry you here. Either way, we’re not leaving this room until it’s done.”
I gaped between the three of them. They were serious. Dead serious. “Liam…” I started.
“They put it to a vote. Three against one,” he said, and wrapped me in a hug. “I agree with their intent, just not the execution.” He shot Jaxon a sharp look.
So he was on their side. I pulled out of his arms and shifted to my half form. No way was I going to submit myself to their punishment. What I’d done had been stupid, okay I got that. Some days I felt like the queen of dumb choices—or at least rash ones. They also had a point, they could have helped if I’d let them. But ultimately, what I’d done was for the greater good, it had worked, and we’d all gotten out alive.
“You don’t scare us like that, princess.” Angel approached on one side, and Montrell from the other. They were actually going to man handle me.
I backed up until I hit the wall. “You guys don’t need to do this. I said I’m sorry. I realize I messed up. It won’t happen again.”
“The problem,” Montrell said, edging closer, “is that you will do it again. There are no consequences for your actions other than our anger—or death. We’re fighting a war and we can’t risk a repeat. Next time could end in tragedy.”
“Well, I am not letting him spank me!” I pointed at Jaxon.
The witch’s stony face grew thoughtful. “I’ll give you a choice. You can either come over here of your own free will or we’ll give you the silent treatment for however long it takes for our anger to wear off.”
I mulled that over. Judging from their hard features and that mix of fury and hurt in their eyes, it could be a while before they forgave me. Did I really want to spend that much time at odds with my mates? On the other hand, I couldn’t see myself bent over Jaxon’s lap. Were they all going to take a turn at me?
“I don’t understand,” I said. “How would spanking me make you forgive me faster?”
Angel answered. “There’s something physical and immediate about it. It’s primally…satisfying.” He bared his teeth in a sadistic grimace.
“You’re all a bunch of perverts.”
Liam startled. “I’m not—”
I cut off him when he tried to deny it. “You more so because you’re happy to watch.” I continued to consider my options: A week or more of heart wrenching distance or a couple minutes of humiliation?
I let my half shift drop and glared at the four of them. “Fine. I’ll let you do this, just remember it’s my decision, but that means after it’s done you can’t hold a grudge.”
Angel and Montrell nodded, backing off. Liam said, “Promise.” The grin that split Jaxon’s face was truly wicked. Sadist.
“Come here, cupcake, let’s get this over with.” He crooked a finger.
Reluctantly, I crossed the room. Jaxon caught me by the hips and yanked the towel away. He pulled me over his lap, face down across the bed, with one arm holding me in place. His free hand rubbed circles on my butt cheeks, and for a second, I thought he wasn’t going to follow through.
The slap echoed in the stone chamber. I jolted in surprise a
t the sound and the burning sensation. With his bare hand he smacked my ass again. Each time his palm landed with measured, stinging accuracy.
I gritted my teeth, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of so much as a grunt. My face heated with the knowledge that the other three hovered nearby, watching. Would my pride ever recover from this?
The next swat landed at the junction of butt and thighs, sending a shudder through me. Jaxon must have felt it. He aimed another smack there, this one rang loudly through the room and a moan escaped my throat.
Jaxon’s breath tickled my ear as he whispered, “You like that, don’t you? Kinky girl.” His hand ran down my warmed, sensitized butt then dipped between my legs. I gasped as two fingers entered my slick folds.
“Fuck, you’re turning her on.” Angel growled.
Jaxon held me firmly in place as his fingers stroked in and out. Someone’s hand rubbed my ass before placing a hot smack across the cheeks. My core tightened. Jaxon worked me harder and another blow landed. I gasped.
A naked Liam took a seat on the bed and pulled my head into his lap. He tucked a damp strand of hair behind my ear. “You doing okay, sweetheart?”
“Yes.” The word came out in a breathless grunt.
“Good. Do you want this?” He brushed the velvety tip of his dick against my lips. I opened my mouth and slid my tongue down the length of him. He let out a low moan and a curse. Twisting my hair up and gripping it, he took control, sliding my mouth up and down his cock.
A third finger filled me, and another smack burned across my flesh as I sucked on Liam. Along with the pleasure and pain came a sense of atonement. I’d do anything to have their forgiveness. Even better if I could earn it like this. I was so fucking turned on.
Pressure built low in my stomach. I held on to Liam’s thighs as his pumping turned quick and erratic. One more well placed slap sent me over the edge. I cried out. My sheath spasmed around Jaxon’s fingers as Liam came in my mouth. I flew high before crashing back to earth, breathing hard, and went limp.