Bouquet of Regret (Angel's Shifters Book 1)

by Lenai McGoveran

  Recalling how we parted, tears flooded my eyes to run down my cheeks like rivers of sorrow. “I’m sorry, Char,” I whispered, before placing a gentle kiss on his forehead. Well, that’s odd. Snorting, I jerked away from the bizarre onslaught of pain I experienced upon touching one of the boys who cleverly stole my heart. After a shuddering breath, I placed my hands on his pale cheeks with their nearly black bruises and streaks of blood. Agony burst into my fingers, spreading throughout my body via my veins until a soft whimper escaped my lips. However, for every drop of pain I took, Char improved. His breathing evened out, and color returned to his cheeks, while his bruises faded until they disappeared. Once only the blood remained from his newly healed wounds, I placed another kiss on Char’s forehead, and his eyes fluttered open.

  Immediately, alarm filled his smoky gray eyes, and I smiled, although tears continued to trail down my cheeks. What would I do with these idiots I adored? “Angel,” Char began, but I shook my head.

  “I am not leaving either of you,” I warned as gently as I could. “Besides, I’m not the one in danger here.” Before they protested, I turned to Riff, resting my forehead against his. He jerked away once he understood what I was doing, so I wrapped my fingers around his wrist too. I grinned when he snorted his irritation that I stole his pain, but how could I allow him to suffer when I knew I could take the hurt away? That would make me a special kind of monster. Sure, I experienced his pain to alleviate it, but that mattered not. It only hurt for a few extra seconds once his was gone, and nothing was ever free.

  “You shouldn’t have done that,” Riff scolded once I released him. While his expression was stern, his eyes were full of relief. I didn’t blame him for that. His pain was worse than Char’s. I believe it was his more dominant nature that gave him the strength to stay conscious. “Are you all right, Angel?”

  I tried to speak, a last flare of pain making me grimace before I gave the beta wolf a smile he did not believe. “I’m all right. It got a little intense, but it spared you, so to me, it was worth it,” I replied quietly while dropping my gaze.

  “Empathy healer,” Ryker announced, and I flinched. “The gift I believed you might have. The venom that makes humans feel pleasure rather than pain when we drink from them does not work well on empathy healers. I’m not sure why, albeit I once tried to figure that out.” A touch of cruelty entered his voice, and I harbored no doubts the people he spoke of did not enjoy his attempt to understand that in the least. “However, there hasn’t been an omega who is also an empathy healer in several centuries. And never one like you. The pleasant news is you shouldn’t suffer like empathy healers do. See, they cannot control their gift, so every person they touch skin to skin with they take on their pain. You, as an omega, already alleviate the emotional and mental anguish of those around you. Therefore, it should only be physical pain you heal through touch. The reason you discovered your gift is you love your puppies so much, you’d die for them if it would spare their torment. You’ve never been so close to another soul besides Matty who you protect so fiercely nothing dares to touch him. Without the willingness to sacrifice your life for another, the gift will not wake.”

  I slowly raised my eyes to meet Ryker’s gaze, my shoulders relaxing when his were full of warmth. Had he ordered his vampires to hurt Riff and Char again, I don’t know what I would do, but I wouldn’t sit around idly while it happened. The werewolves moved to kneel beside me, facing the vampire lord with low growls rumbling from their chests. It took me a moment to realize they positioned themselves to protect me and a soundless sigh escaped my lips. Idiots. But, god, how I loved them. Ryker quirked his brow but accepted their ire as his due. Char rubbed his head against mine, his growl briefly changing to a soft purr, and I sighed, albeit I returned the gesture with peace filling my soul. Once Char shook his head and resumed watching the lord of the house, Riff copied him. Yay, now I smell like dog. Er, no, reek. Now I reek like dog. Serves him right. Tyger snickered under his breath and a smile tugged at my lips.

  The vampires who tormented them, the ones that Tyger and Arctic restrained, snarled until Ryker growled. It was by far the lowest and most terrifying sound I ever heard in my life. The vampires paled with fear filling their eyes and tingling across my senses. Until that moment, they struggled to get free but now were so motionless I wondered if they’d turned to stone. Riff and Char moved closer to me, so their thighs, hips, and arms pressed against mine, albeit they never ceased their growling. A few of the vampires who listened to me play piano entered the room while I was distracted by healing my beloved idiots, and they looked terrified as well. Oddly enough, while I recognized that the sound of Ryker’s growl was terrifying, I wasn’t scared. No. Had he meant to harm the boys, he would have. Ryker wasn’t the type to hold back his temper, nor his judgment. My soul relaxed as did my shoulders although I didn’t move away from the werewolves I adored.

  “I made it crystal clear that if any werewolves happened upon my land while I was gone, they were not to be harmed. Especially if it was two puppies, one with black-tipped blond hair, and the other ashen brown. I informed all of you they were dear to my bunny’s heart and they were to be detained, yes, but gently. They were to be joyously reunited, so Angel knew she didn’t need to hide them because they were safe here. Now, however,” Ryker snarled with fury burning in his eyes, “why would she believe what can only be taken as a lie?”

  Compromise

  The vampires stammered until Ryker snarled, “enough. You will wait in my favorite room until I’m ready to deal with you.” The fear pouring off them was so poignant it coated my tongue. My eyes met Ryker’s, but he frowned and crossed his arms. “Not one word, bunny. You are to take your puppies to my room, along with your brother. They need showers, clothes, and time with you to settle their nerves. You need them to calm the storm within your soul, so off you go.”

  When I would have protested, Char sagged ever so slightly against my side, and I swallowed the words instead. Still, my lip trembled, and Ryker’s expression darkened. “Even though you hurt her wolves, Angel still wishes to defend you. That’s how protective an omega is. You do not deserve her love, nor her worry. Get them out of my sight, and away from my bunny before her heart breaks.” Tyger and Arc forced the vampires to march, albeit they pleaded and apologized, glancing at me with desperate eyes. I flinched, and Riff snarled, moving to crouch in front of me so I no longer saw them.

  Shakily, Char stood, a sigh of relief leaving his lips when he straightened, which made me wonder what they did to him. I knew he was in a lot of pain, but I didn’t discern what he suffered when I experienced it. Before I mustered the courage to ask, he offered me a hand, which I took with trembling fingers. Riff stood with me, using himself as a shield against the vampires. “Riff, they won’t hurt me,” I protested, and he snorted.

  “Physically,” he agreed in a tight voice that brought tears to my eyes. How did he know? Or was he guessing what the future may hold? “Your eyes are haunted. It’s hidden deep within them, but it wasn’t there when you left.” Ah. He knows me that well? A shuddering sigh left my lips, and I pressed my forehead against Riff’s back.

  “Haunted?” Ryker echoed, he was beside me a second later, and I flinched as did Riff. Char growled low in his throat, and the vampire lord quirked his brow. “Good boy,” Ryker chuckled, ruffling Char’s hair, and the werewolf snarled. However, he didn’t attack, which relieved my soul. “Let me see,” the vampire murmured, his fingers gently tilting my chin once I straightened. I didn’t want Riff to get overprotective, thus forcing Ryker to hurt him. I feared Ryker would hurt Riff far more than required for the pleasure of putting the teenager in his place. “Oh yes, your eyes are quite haunted, Angel. What did you stumble across while I was gone? Hmm?”

  “Tammy,” Snow replied in a strangled voice. “And not of her volition. Somebody set a trap that Angel stumbled into. Tyger had to sedate her, and Arctic had to reveal himself to distract her once she woke. It traumatized the poor
thing.” A low snarl came from Ryker, with his eyes turning so cold my blood nearly froze. “Matty and I made cookies to make her feel better, however, and she nearly took Tyger’s hand when he desired to share.”

  “That’s my bunny,” Ryker praised, his eyes softening enough that my shoulders relaxed. “Now, take your puppies and go. I will join you since we have much to discuss.” Swallowing nervously, I trembled, but Riff gently pulled me out of that horrible room. Char was a hairsbreadth behind me, ensuring I need not fear an attack from behind. But who protected Char?

  Once in the hall, Riff stepped aside, tilting his head to indicate I should lead. Swallowing, I nodded and tensely stalked through the hall once Snow brought Matty, who smiled brightly. “Don’t worry, Angel, I’m fine. Snow and I shall play games to give you guys privacy. I know you’d feel better if I were with you, but that can wait. Besides, I owe Tyger a beatdown, so I’ll see you later. Have fun, but not too much. I don’t need to be an uncle yet,” Matty chortled. Oh, how my cheeks burned, but my heart was so relieved I nearly melted. God, I love that kid more than words can say. I don’t know what I did to deserve him in my life, but I’m thankful for it.

  We didn’t pass anyone while traversing the halls, albeit any sound I heard, I checked that no one harassed the boys silently following me. A soundless sigh of relief escaped my lips once I opened the door to Ryker’s room and tilted my head for the werewolves to go first. Riff kissed my forehead when he passed while Char chose my cheek. With warm cheeks, I glanced down the hall only to frown when I noticed a shadowy figure at the end. It wasn’t Ryker or any of the shifters because they wouldn’t hide like this. Not from me.

  Ryker was suddenly beside me, instructing me to go in his room and not worry about the vampire lurking in the shadows. Swallowing nervously, I lingered for a moment before doing as he asked. I bumped into Riff, who caught me, his hands moving over my arms and back before one cupped my cheek. “Are you all right, Angel?” He asked with worry in his voice. Char, meanwhile, frowned with his arms crossed while he watched us.

  Riff slowly turned to face the other wolf, who shook his head with a rueful smile. “Just remembering the last teenage werewolf Angel literally ran into is all,” he sighed. “Had that one done the same as you, where would we be now?”

  “Miserable,” Riff answered without hesitation. “He’s a lousy alpha and needed this wake-up call. Albeit, had he reacted the proper way, he would not be the Kyler we hate.” My lip trembled, and Riff pulled me into his side without looking. Relaxing, I wrapped my arms around the werewolf and shuddered before the dam broke. Riff maneuvered us backward until he sat on Ryker’s bed while I sobbed into his chest. “Easy, Angel, it’s all right. Contrary to what you may think, I’m proud of you.” When I raised my head to stare at the teenager in shock, he chuckled with a nod. “You figured it out, on your own, and once you understood what Kyler did, you didn’t break. Oh, you were hurt, and you ran because of it. But, Angel, you were coming back. You are so strong and brave I feel like a mouse next to you.”

  My cheeks heated when Riff’s gaze met mine without wavering, the honesty within them shining brightly. “I’m sorry we couldn’t tell you the truth. I wanted to, but Kyler forbade it, then Marcus did too. We argued, but he feared it might break your spirit knowing the person meant to be your perfect mate rejected you and cheated as well. Then, once you proved you were anything but fragile, Marcus hesitated because between your monster and his actions you became breakable. We did it horribly, but please, give us another chance. Even if it’s just to rub in Kyler’s face how much you don’t need him.”

  “I rather like that,” I chuckled, and he sighed before kissing my forehead. “It would be kind of fun.” Especially if Arctic came along. What would the hotshot think if the girl he spurned had another suitor? One who, by all appearances, might very well kick his ass. It would do him some good to learn he wasn’t the top predator, not when he was alone. Biting my lip, I wondered why the shifters took vampires on, but werewolves couldn’t. What was a shifter? How did they come to be? Werewolves were born, not made, judging by the number of teenagers who were wolves. Could they be made? If so, what were the circumstances?

  “Heh, earth to Angel,” Char chuckled. Blinking, I shook my head before shyly glancing at the wolf who grinned. “Anything you want to share with the class?” My cheeks heated, and he laughed. Kissing my forehead while his sides shook with mirth, Char chucked me under my chin before collapsing on Ryker’s mattress. “Ugh, I am so freaking exhausted. Those damn bloodsuckers are cruel bastards. I’m happy to see they’re nice to Matty. Although, why did they let those humans hold them back? Are they Ryker’s favorite toys?”

  “Humans? Char. Tyger and Arctic are shifters. So is Snow, the woman who Matty stayed close to,” I answered with confusion. “Tyger and Arctic give the vampires a run for their money and are faster than them too. I hoped you knew more about them.”

  “Shifters?” Riff and Char echoed, glancing at each other before returning their gazes to me.

  “I’ve only heard of shifters in passing. Whispers in the dark when we were pups, and the adults believed we slept,” Riff sighed contritely. “I wish I knew more than that.”

  “As do I, sorry, Angel,” Char mumbled with a frown. I bit my lip, wondering if the puzzles and riddles would ever end. What would it mean for my life if they did? That I was complete? Or dead?

  “That’s because shifters are a dirty secret,” Ryker chuckled upon entering his room with a slight smirk. “Therefore, your elders don’t want you to know about them. Whether from guilt or because it makes it easier, I’m not sure.”

  “What’s a shifter?” Riff asked shakily. The wary trust in his eyes surprised me. Did he trust Ryker because I did? Or did he know something I didn’t?

  “That’s a story for another time, children,” Ryker answered with a broad, fang-bearing grin. Bastard. He shook his head when I frowned, a soft sigh leaving his lips. “I know you’re tired of later, Angel, but please be patient. It’s not something you will enjoy learning, nor will your puppies. However, I promise I will tell you soon. I won’t have much choice. Still, I find myself reluctant to not dawdle because I hope to enjoy your company for a bit longer before you blast me with your ire.”

  I scowled, but sighed after a moment, shrugging a second later and deciding to let it be. Ryker promised soon, and, deep in my soul, I felt like I would not enjoy gaining this knowledge. My soul was wary, albeit my heart ached. “What will you do about Riff and Char?” I asked without glancing at them. Their frustration danced along my awareness, as did their exhaustion and relief.

  “First, they need showers, then a nutritious meal, followed by some sleep. They’ll stay in here, as will you. I don’t trust these fools to abstain from antagonizing your puppies in the hopes they can hurt them once they attack. While your young wolves will snap and snarl, I doubt they’ll attack unless they must defend you,” Ryker answered steadily. His eyes bore into mine, and I dropped my gaze with a sigh of relief upon seeing the honesty in them. I couldn’t live with myself if Riff and Char were hurt because of me. I know Tyger said Ryker never meant to keep me separated from them, but it was still lovely to hear it from the man himself.

  “Now, I heard an interesting proposal about rubbing a certain mutt’s nose in his idiocy? I rather like this idea since it would be good for my bunny. Not in the sense that she’s punishing the fool. But she shall show herself she can return to the scene of the crime without breaking. Sure, it might be hard, but Angel will persevere. And, it will good for you to stay at a school for once, little one,” Ryker’s voice became so gentle my eyes snapped up to meet his once more. “You are fond of this school, and your fellow students, yes?” Warmth softened his eyes, and I sighed before nodding shyly. This was the first time I felt like I belonged, and I liked it.

  “I have friends,” I confessed in a nearly soundless whisper while staring at the ground. Tears swam in my eyes, but I blinked them back. Never in my l
ife had I enjoyed school so much, or being around kids my age. Matty often spoke of how much he relished the antics of his fellow students, and I loved that he experienced the good side of school. However, now that I got a taste of it, I wanted it so badly, my soul ached for the chance to return. At least until I remembered Marcus showing the entire school my monster, who adored recalling my life every time we met. “Had friends,” I corrected with a grimace. This time, the tears escaped, albeit I swallowed the sob trying to break free with them.

  “Have,” Riff cut in while Ryker stepped closer to raise my chin with his fingers. Every tear that fell was tenderly wiped away, but I couldn’t stop the stampede. I tried, oh how I tried, but all I lost pained my heart and crushed my soul. Why couldn’t I be like everyone else for once in my life? Why was I selfishly longing for something I knew I couldn’t have?

  Tutting, Ryker kissed my forehead with a soft smile. “I believe you will find your puppies nipping at your heels if you return to Wolfram,” he mused with amusement filling his voice. “The human children feel pity, yes, which I know you detest. But they do not desire to shower you with it. No, they want to apologize and stand with you. Unfortunately for all who seek to harm you, little one, you’ve given the youth of that town an enemy to hate. Nothing is more dangerous than teenagers with a cause.”

  “Are you offering what I think you are?” Char asked hesitantly, and Ryker sighed while pulling me into his embrace.

  “Yes. Not for you, puppy, but for my bunny. Even though I detest sharing, I want a happy omega, not a sad or stunted one. Besides, this gives Angel the chance to choose me,” Ryker answered with a gruff tone. Almost as if he were annoyed.

  When I raised my head to meet his gaze, the vampire lord gave me a tender smile while gentleness filled his eyes. “I’ve never been known for my ability to share, but I suppose it’s not too late to learn.” Confusion warred with hope in my chest, and I bit my lip while warily eyeing the vampire. “Yes, bunny, you’re going back to Wolfram for school.” It took a moment or two, then excitement raced through my veins, and I couldn’t stop the smile curling my lips if I tried. “Not alone,” Ryker warned halfheartedly, albeit a grin tugged at his lips. “You shame the stars and moon with your beauty, bunny.”