Bouquet of Regret (Angel's Shifters Book 1)

by Lenai McGoveran

  “This is Salem,” Ryker explained, “he shall do something neither of you will like. However, only one must accept it. Consider it an insurance plan.” The way he stated that made my skin crawl, and I glanced at him with a sharp frown. “I will allow you to pick which one of you bears it. I promise it will not hurt when he puts it on.” Interesting choice of words. So, it might hurt later?

  Glancing at Matty, I scolded, “don’t even think about it, sprout.” His jaw dropped, and he protested until I raised my brow. Grumbling, Matty crossed his arms and pouted, which made me smile. “I will bear whatever one of us must,” I declared with a slight frown.

  “I figured,” Salem murmured, his voice reminding me of a bird singing. “Give me your hand.” Gulping, I did as he asked, laying my left hand in his while chewing my bottom lip. “Are you left-handed by chance?” When I nodded, he indicated he wanted my other hand. Well, he accepted that quickly enough. Most people stared at me like I was a freak when they learned that. “Jax was too,” he added after a moment, and I sighed soundlessly. Still, I held my right hand out, and he gave me a sweet smile. Flipping it over to expose my palm, he picked up an odd-looking pen and murmured, “hold still, please.”

  While I watched, biting my lip all the while, he drew what looked like a three-dimensional diamond. At first, it didn’t hurt or even feel odd, just like he was drawing with a pen. But, as he neared finishing it, my soul felt itchy, albeit not in a painful way. Just uncomfortable. Once the last lines connected, I snorted, feeling like I imagine a horse does the first time you put a bridle on them. Like, what the hell is this? I stared at it once he released my hand, noticing that it went from a deep black to an almost invisible gray. “That color is good,” Salem explained before a glance from Ryker had him leaving the room. Albeit fleeing might be a better word.

  Biting my lip, I looked at our ‘host’ and asked, “are you hungry?” He quirked his brow, and I shrugged. I wouldn’t throw a fit about something he demanded one of us bear. I didn’t know what it did or what it was for, but I was sure I’d find out when I needed to. Until then, why worry about it? “You said you would drink from me, so I see no reason to shove it off just because it’s my first night here.”

  Chuckling, Ryker shook his head, “it’s nice to see that time has not changed your personality one bit, little one. Always ready to take on the world, regardless of what that means for you.” Scoffing, I mentally disagreed with him, noticing that Tyger grinned. Ryker glanced between us, quirking his brow. “You listen to her?” Tyger nodded solemnly, and Ryker looked pleased. “Very well, I add Tyger, Snow, and Arctic to my list which includes Liam,” Ryker murmured, and I nodded. Okay. So, I’m allowed to let them touch me? Tyger nodded. Alrighty then. There goes getting us in trouble by giving Tyger a big hug when he pisses me off. A soft laugh had me sticking my tongue out at the shifter, who shook his head with a smile.

  After a moment, Ryker pulled me to his lap, and I swallowed nervously. While I didn’t fear it, I wasn’t hot to trot for it either. Ryker brushed my hair to the side, running his nose along my throat, which made me shiver. I forced myself to continue breathing calmly when he pressed his lips to my skin, where my pulse beat the strongest. I had not realized it did that until I felt it because of the light pressure from his touch. Realizing I held my breath, I let it out as a soundless sigh. Judging by how his lips moved, Ryker smiled. Taking a deep breath, I kept my body relaxed even though a deep instinct whimpered I should run. Exhaling shakily, I tried not to focus on Ryker running his tongue along my skin, my heart pounding harder. It wasn’t from fear, but because my skin tingled like it did when Kyler and I touched.

  Shuddering when I felt the sharp points of the wicked fangs I saw in his mouth, I held my breath while waiting for Ryker to bite. I know it was mere seconds, but it felt like hours before the vampire pierced my skin. Where I expected pain or at least a sharp sting, I only experienced an odd numbness at first. Until his fangs were deep within my skin, and Ryker swallowed. That gentle pull sent the tingles that once graced my skin dancing through my veins and my eyes closed while I shivered and goosebumps broke out across my skin. The next swallow caused the intensity of the tingles to increase. As did the one after that, and so on until I constantly trembled while biting my bottom lip in case any sounds tried to escape my throat.

  “M’lord,” Tyger murmured after a few moments, his softly spoken words carrying the weight of his rebuke. I blinked my eyes open to find a worried frown twisting his lips, my brow furrowing while I tried to understand why he was upset. I feel fine, hell I feel fan-freaking-tastic. Perhaps a tad cold. Still, I more sensed than felt Ryker raise his head, his tongue running across my skin again a moment later. One last shiver caused my body to vibrate when the tingles from that clashed with the ones dancing in my veins. A pathetic sounding whimper fell from my parted lips, albeit the chaos in my veins finally ebbed. Dear God, was I expected to do this every day? Part of me trembled in excitement at the idea while the rest of me vehemently rebelled. Sure, I survived this time. Eventually, the chaos would tear me apart.

  “My apologies, bunny, I appear to affect you more than I believed I would,” Ryker murmured contritely, and I blinked once my mind comprehended his words. “And, little one, your blood is far sweeter than I imagined. I’m afraid a lesser vampire would lose their head and drain you dry. I fear I might have had Tyger not reminded me to stave my gluttonous desires.”

  After a shuddering breath, I mustered the courage to meet Matty’s eye for a moment. A sigh of relief left my lips when he appeared concerned, not disgusted, nor angry. I don’t know what I would do if I ever lost Matty’s support and love. If he hated me, I might lose my way and waste away to nothing. Perhaps that’s unhealthy, but in all fairness, he was my entire world. He’s been the reason I fight for his entire life, and why I refused to give up no matter how dark my sky. Slowly, my little brother nodded before tilting his head to the side with a slight smile. My shoulders relaxed, and I gave him a shy smile.

  “How do you feel, love?” Tyger asked after a moment, and I frowned while checking myself over.

  “Tired and a little cold,” I admitted after a few minutes. “And I’m still recovering from the chaos.”

  “Chaos?” Ryker echoed with confusion, which almost made me smile. I didn’t know how else to describe the feeling, because it tore me apart yet made me whole.

  “The best way for her to describe it,” Tyger sighed while I stared at my hands in my lap, “hell the best word for it period. I cannot come up with a better one, nor can I explain it. Even if I could, I feel I lack the right.” Yes, you do. My private thoughts and feelings are sacred. They’re the only things I own. No matter what life gives or takes, it cannot have what’s inside me unless I allow it.

  “I’m sorry, little one, I hope it wasn’t too terrible,” Ryker apologized, and I chuckled wryly. Terrible? It was excruciating and exhilarating, agonizing, and divine. The thought of going through it again filled me with excitement and terror. I stood, turning so I could address him, and he stared in my eyes as if they were the window to my soul. Perhaps they were. I felt his gaze within my heart of hearts, my core, so I believe he saw everything I was and yearned to be in that glance. “I think you are far more precious than we first believed, bunny, but only time will tell. You don’t have to explain it to me. I fear I might understand it better than you. If I’m right, your future just became even more fraught. An omega is sought by all who thrive in the night. What I suspect you to be, well, wars are fought for less.”

  Biting my lip, I turned to face Tyger, who cocked his head to the side with a puzzled frown. After a moment, however, a sly grin curled his lips, and he laughed silently while crossing his arms and relaxing his shoulders. What? Seconds later, the door burst open, startling me, Matty, and the already pale Tammy who looked furious until the loud noise stole her anger. Even though I dropped my eyes to the ground, I felt each step this unfamiliar person took. “Tyg-” a melodious voice began
in a snarl only to fade into nothing as if it were ashamed to exist. A glance had my shocked eyes taking in a taller male with spiky white-blond hair and ice-blue eyes that seemed to glow. Like Tyger, he wore ripped black jeans, spiked boots, and fingerless gloves, only he had a white shirt with strategic tears that revealed the bloodred tank beneath it. My second glance discovered his shocked expression gentling, while he relaxed and raised his hands in the universal symbol for ‘I mean you no harm.’ “Hello, little one,” he murmured, taking a careful step forward, which I felt in my soul, as if he feared to spook me. “What’s your name?” Not only did I see him take another step, but I felt it too.

  “Angel,” I answered softly, my soul thrumming with pleasure that I responded to his question. His next step had goosebumps rising on my skin, and my body trembled a little. I practically vibrated when he took another, and I could no longer stay still after the next. We met after several of my steps and perhaps two of his because of his long strides. His arms wrapped around me, and he rubbed his head against mine while a soft, growly purr filled the air. In return, my fingers clutched the back of his shirt so tight they ached. He felt like home, even more than Char did. At the thought of the wolf, my heart ached, and a soft sob caught in my throat. Pressing my face into his shoulder, I shuddered, and his soft purr grew throatier, which warmed something in my soul. Without realizing it, I hummed in reply and nuzzled closer to the male I just met. Yet, it felt like I’d known him forever. As if when the universe was created, so were our souls. And we found our way back to each other in every life.

  “First, you and Snow,” Ryker sighed, sounding amused, “now these two.” The feigned petulance in his voice caught my attention, and I raised my head to glance at him. “Tyger is mentally gifted and can hear the thoughts of those he deems worthy of his attention. Anyone is possible, but he’s a bit of an asshole and considers himself above what he deems to be commoners.” I giggled when Ryker rolled his eyes, and he grinned. Tyger, I noticed, mocked him, albeit he winked when our eyes met.

  “Snow is also mentally gifted, but she makes you see what she desires. She’s not someone I would piss off since she can force you to watch the people you love die in horrifying ways,” Ryker added with a thoughtful frown. “Arctic, who you are enjoying the embrace of, is physically gifted. I’ve seen him rip a vampire to pieces in seconds, and he’s stopped a speeding train before as well. Vampires are strong, but we’re not that strong. I’m sure I could stop a train if I desired, but not as effortlessly as Arctic. I would struggle, but I’d manage. Some vampires cannot. Arctic is also faster than most, although Tyger’s stamina outlasts his. Snow, well, she insists she’s above their pissing contests whenever they compete.”

  “That’s because she’s far more regal than the two of us put together,” Arctic joked, his melodious voice wrapping around my senses. Smiling, I leaned more into his embrace to release a soft sigh of contentment. My fingers relaxed a little, and a soft snort had me glancing up to find a mischievous grin on his lips. “Want to see the cutest, most adorable thing you ever will?” Arctic asked, and I hesitantly nodded. With a sly smirk, he stepped back, and I swallowed my cry of loss. After he ruffled my hair, I met his gaze, seeing his silent plea for trust, and I nodded shakily. With a slight smile, he backed away several more steps, then ran towards me, jumping when he was a few feet away.

  He was outlined in white for a few seconds, that outline quickly grew smaller, and a fluffy ball of fur landed in my arms. I caught him by instinct, shaking my head a little because it was one thing to guess or hear that someone could shift. It was a whole new ballgame when you witnessed it. I marveled over the adorable arctic fox in my arms. He was the size of a small dog, around thirty pounds, so Arctic was a little bigger than the average fox according to what I learned in middle school. I looked him over, internally cooing about his adorable little paws, and I adored the amber of his eyes.

  “Unlike werewolves, we don’t have an inner animal,” Tyger murmured, “it’s entirely us in control at all times. We may share instincts with our brethren, but they don’t rule us.” Makes sense, and explains why his eyes changed. If they didn’t, well, it would be clear that either something was different about this fox, or that he was a shifter if someone knew the signs. Giving in to an instinct of my own, I pulled the fox tighter to my chest and lowered my head to nuzzle into his fur. Arctic snuggled closer to me too, and his soft purr vibrated through the air. I fought a smile at the smugness and contentedness oozing from him.

  “Oh lord, there’s two of them now?” A musical, female voice demanded with fondness curling around her words. “We can barely handle one.” A soft, pleased yip had me glancing at the fox in my arms, and a slight smile curled my lips. This might be the beginning of a beautiful, prank filled relationship. I’ve always yearned for someone to misbehave with, if I’m honest. As a little girl, I knew better than to behave any way other than as perfectly as I could. Father didn’t need a reason to show his displeasure over the fact that his only child was a girl. And, once Matty came, well, mom had enough on her plate, so she didn’t need me misbehaving on top of it. After that, I never had time to do anything less than try my hardest to keep my nose clean. If I got picked up by the authorities, the government would have had no choice but to get involved. Matty would have been placed in an orphanage or foster home, and they would have placed me in some kind of home too. We would never have seen each other again. So, no, I’ve never dared to pull any pranks or misbehave other than my sarcastic thoughts.

  “Yes, Arctic has met his match. Ironically, her name is Angel, so some god somewhere is having a laugh at our expense,” Tyger explained with a chuckle. “Angel, this hellcat is Snow.” She was around my height, with the otherworldly beauty the vampires and shifters possessed. Her hair was a silver-blonde, which I found to be gorgeous, and her eyes were sapphire blue. She quirked her brow when our gazes met, and I bit my lip when I could meet her eyes for a long time without the skin between my shoulders itching. What was with these four? Even when I met Riff’s gaze, I still felt uncomfortable by this point, yet I didn’t with them? Why?

  Blinking rapidly, I realized I was staring and dropped my eyes while my cheeks heated. “I’m sorry,” I whispered, and Snow chuckled. Not even a second later, she wrapped her arms around me for a gentle hug. Motherly. Her embrace felt like mom’s.

  “There’s nothing to be sorry for, little one, I’m pleased you’re not afraid of me. You shouldn’t be since you complete our foursome. There’s so much love here. We are a family, and we’ve been waiting for you,” Snow counseled in a gentle voice full of patience. “Ryker is the adopted patriarch of our ragtag group of loners and outcasts. We are safe here, which means the world is safe from our fury. We have quite the tempers. But I suppose that explains why our last and youngest is an omega. Who better to help us calm down when we need to?” I nodded shakily, desperately hoping I could aid them if they needed me. Would they toss me out if I couldn’t? My mind rebelled at the idea while my heart ached, and my soul cried in agony. We only just met, and already they became my home. Wait, what about Matty?

  Shaking my head, I sought my younger brother’s gaze, my heart beating a little harder when his eyes had the telltale sheen of tears. I opened my mouth to say something, although I did not know what words could justify what must appear to be my abandonment of him. However, my throat decided that making my voice work was too daunting a task, so only air escaped my lips. Clearing his throat, Matty murmured, “in all my life, I’ve never seen you so happy, Angel. I thought you were at your apartment, but now I see you were merely content.” Glancing at Ryker, Matty frowned for a moment, then shrugged his shoulders and smiled brightly. “I’ve always worried you would sacrifice your happiness for me, but they won’t let you. So, now I can relax because you’re where you belong. Or at least with those you belong to.” When did my baby brother become so wise? I dropped my eyes with a slight smile, my soul peaceful and content because the one I loved more than my
life accepted those who made me feel like I found my way home.

  “Your younger brother?” Snow asked, I glanced at her and nodded while biting my lip. “Well, he’s one of us too. None of us have had siblings before, so we shall welcome our baby brother with open arms.” Looking at Matty, I bit back my smile when he appeared shocked before his expression crumpled. Then he stumbled a step forward, and Snow was there, kneeling to pull him into a tight hug. This meant I was complete. I ignored the soft whisper from my soul, asking about Kyler, choosing to watch my baby brother fight his tears at how easily Snow accepted him.

  “Snow can’t help but mother anything she sees that needs love,” Tyger chuckled, “so you were doomed as soon as she saw you. Welcome to the family, little bro.” At his words, Matty sobbed, and the dam broke. My heart ached to see him crying, even though I knew it was a healing sort and he needed it. Hopefully, we could be happy here. Hopefully, I wouldn’t mess it up. Arctic snuggled closer in my embrace when Tyger gave me a reproachful glance that made me feel like a toddler caught with their hand in the cookie jar. “I can tell you’ve been alone for far too long, little one, your thoughts make that painfully clear. Soon we shall have you believing in yourself, then you and Arc can drive us crazy with whatever prank you have up your sleeves. His are never meant to do much more than annoy their target and provide him with a laugh.”

  I’d like that more than words can convey. I blinked when the fox in my arms squirmed, and I was in Arctic’s embrace again. I chuckled, hugging him back with fervor. “Soon, we shall flip this place over on its head,” he promised silkily, and I smiled. His words felt right, like I might discover who I truly was with him.

  “This at least explains why Arctic followed me around like a lost puppy whenever I returned from visiting with Jax after he was with you. Hell, the few times I saw you directly, I feared he would maul me when I came home,” Ryker sighed with a wry grin. I wanted to ask who Jax was to me but swallowed my words with a sigh. I supposed I would have time to discover that. For now, I soaked up the feeling of belonging which filled me with peace. Oddly enough, I sensed the happiness of everyone else in the room as well. Tyger was amused along with proud and happy, Snow felt fiercely protective of Matty and me, Arctic was content and pleased, while Ryker was entertained. Even Liam felt happy while he oversaw Matty to ensure he was safe. There was only one dark, cold spot in the room. Tammy. She was furious, and I felt the glare she turned towards me like the burning end of a cigarette.