Wild Desire (The Protectors Book 1)

by Toya Richardson

  “I know, Mila, and I promise I’ll protect you, too.”

  Mila could feel Elias’s emotions well up inside her as if they were hers. He knelt in front of them, his expression resolute.

  “These are fine words, but we must work on this as a team. And I mean all of us. No going off solo,” he warned.

  Mila and Josh nodded their agreement.

  * * *

  When Elias woke, Mila had already left his side. He breathed in her scent from her vacant pillow, wishing he could have her in bed all day. Laughter and easy banter floated up the stairs. After having a shower, he headed for the kitchen where delicious smells wafted towards him.

  He paused at the door. Josh was goofing around, telling Mila about some of his past antics. Her soft laughter was like a lure to him. What tugged at his heartstrings the most was how relaxed and at ease the young man appeared. The front he normally put on was always easy for him to spot. This time, though, he was genuinely relaxed and happy. They turned to see him at the same time and he grinned at them.

  “I hope you’re not telling her too many tall tales, young man.”

  Josh beamed at him. “Only a few.”

  They sat down to eat a hearty breakfast. Josh had three helpings. After clearing dishes away, Elias stood in front of her.

  “You’ll have to drive to work on your own. It’ll look suspicious if we turn up with you.”

  Mila laughed. “I’m sure I can manage. You don’t have to babysit me, you know.”

  “Your protection is not up for discussion, Mila. I’m deadly serious where your safety is concerned.”

  Elias sensed she wanted to think of a witty retort. He threw her a look which he hoped conveyed how serious he was. Mila glanced over to Josh; he was just as stern.

  “Okay.” She sighed. “I understand.”

  “We’ll pick up your scent easily enough and keep you safe,” Josh reiterated.

  Mila walked over to Josh and placed another gentle kiss on his cheek. He blushed. Then she headed for Elias. His kiss was passionate and rough, ensuring he left her breathless.

  “Keep kissing me like that and my panties will disintegrate, Elias.”

  “You know the answer, honey. Don’t wear any.”

  “Um, okay. I’d better get going.” She headed out for her car on unsteady legs.

  Elias filled her mind with a dirty chuckle.

  “Oh, yes, Mila. That’s only a taste of what you’re in for later. And if you don’t want to wear panties, that’s fine by me. I’m all for easy access.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Drake received word Mila had started work as a forest ranger that morning. A nasty grin split his lips. Maybe this would be the day when they could finally get her and take her to the facility. His father’s words put a halt to his fantasies.

  “Not just yet, Drake. It’s too soon. We need to catch her off guard. You can be certain Elias and some of the others will be watching her.”

  “I know, Dad, but we must capture her as soon as possible. After mating with Elias she’ll be strong, especially if she has the power of sight.”

  “Until we have her, we won’t know what she’s capable of. We must be patient. They won’t be going anywhere, and at some point, they’ll slip up. Then we can make our move.”

  Drake decided to keep his frustration to himself. When his father made up his mind, there was no altering his decision.

  “Mathis’s partner must be due to have her kid soon,” Drake said, changing the subject.

  “Yes. Let’s hope it’s a female child. If it is, capturing the baby will require our total focus.”

  Drake agreed and left his father’s study. He knew Mila would be protected, but it wouldn’t hurt to try and unnerve her. Norman and the other rangers wouldn’t be with her the whole time. A vicious laugh left him as he headed out to the forest to try and locate her.

  * * *

  When Mila reached the visitor centre, Norman waited for her with a huge smile on his face.

  “Hey, Norman.”

  “Morning, Mila. We’ve got a long day ahead of us.”

  “Great, I’m ready. What’s on the schedule for today?”

  He indicated to a truck loaded up with spades, rubbish bags, and other gardening equipment.

  “There’s a spot about a mile out from here where a lot of dry wood and people’s rubbish has been left. We need to clear it to prevent any fires.”

  Mila laughed and hopped up into the truck beside Norman. “And I thought this job was going to be all glitz and glamour.”

  They parked the truck and began hauling out their equipment. It was a short walk to where the rubbish lay strewn on the ground. Broken bottles, discarded food wrappers, disposable barbecues, and dry undergrowth. She swore under her breath.

  “I still can’t believe people act so irresponsibly. Look at this, Norman.” She stood with her hands on her hips and surveyed the scene.

  “I know. That’s why they have us. If not, there’d be fires and injured animals. We do have volunteers who help, too, when they can, or we’d never get it clear.”

  They worked in companionable silence for a couple of hours. Mila had taken her sweat top off and tied it around her waist. It was backbreaking work, but she loved the fact she was doing something to help the environment. The feeling of eyes watching her made her turn around.

  “Jesus, turn back around and take off that damn top. I was admiring your cute ass. Think I may have to bend you over and take you from behind later.”

  “Stop it. I’m trying to work here. Your dirty thoughts about my bottom are not helping.”

  “Sorry, couldn’t help myself.”

  “Time to take a break, Mila,” Norman called out to her.

  “Time for you to go, Elias. I love you.”

  His smile caressed her mind. “Right back at you. Don’t forget, I’m going to bend you over later and…”

  “Enough.”

  Norman looked at her, startled.

  “Sorry, Norman. I’ve been bitten by an annoying insect,” she explained.

  “Never been called an annoying insect before. Oh, and I intend to bite you for that, too.”

  The sound of his teasing laughter rang out in her mind long after he’d moved away. It left her in no doubt what they’d be up to later.

  * * *

  It was heading for late afternoon by the time the area was free from rubbish. Mila ached, but it had been worthwhile to make the area look tidy once more. Norman was a lovely man to work with, telling her funny stories about his time as a forest ranger when he was younger. Then he became deadly serious.

  “Never venture out too far on your own, Mila. There are dangerous people and other things out here. Women have gone missing. Even after extensive searches with bloodhounds, no trace has ever been found.”

  They were taking a break, leaning against the truck.

  “What do you mean by other things?”

  His expression was serious. All trace of his usually happy nature vanished. “I think you know what I mean. Isn’t that one of the reasons you left the village after your parents were murdered?”

  “Who do you think did it?” she asked, turning to face him.

  He narrowed his eyes. “Drake Scott.”

  Her blood ran cold, and even though it was warm, she shivered a little.

  “My thoughts too. Only no one would believe me. He threatened me and said I’d end up the same way. I figured it was better for me to leave. One day, I promised to come back and prove it.”

  He patted her hand and fixed her with his pale blue eyes. “He’ll know that. Mark my words; you’ve put yourself in serious danger.”

  She smiled grimly. “I have friends. Allies. And I have a…”

  “Mate.” He stated. “You have a mate.”

  The breath lodged in her throat. Just how much did he know and how much could she tell him?

  “Elias, can you hear this conversation?”

  A rustle came from the leaves an
d Elias strode into the spot close to the truck. As always, her body turned liquid when she saw him. All sex, swagger… and all hers.

  “Afternoon, Norman. More partygoers to clean up after?” He inclined his head to where the recently-cleaned space was.

  “Sure have. Some folk don’t have respect for nature. So, you’ve finally found your mate?”

  Mila’s head was spinning. She ran a hand across her forehead and groaned. “Me being a shifter’s mate must be the worst kept secret ever.”

  Elias laughed and pulled her close. “It may seem that way, honey. Outside of our community though, there are only a few trusted people who will know.”

  Norman watched her with a wise expression in his eyes. “Did you never sense you were different from others? That you didn’t quite fit in?”

  “Yes, but I thought it was due to the fact I preferred the animals and the forest to being around most humans. I was born a human, wasn’t I?” she asked Elias.

  “Hmm,” he said stroking the side of her face. “You were born to human parents, but you may have ancestors from way back who were shifters. This gene can sometimes lay dormant for many generations.”

  “He’s right, love. It does happen. It makes me happy to know you have Elias to protect you. You’ll need it with Drake Scott around.”

  Mila shivered again and thought back to how he’d invaded her home. Elias gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. She glanced up and smiled at the love she saw for her in his big brown eyes.

  “Yeah, that asshole has already broken into her home. She only stays there now when she has work, and I’ll be with her at all times.”

  Norman let out a relieved breath. “He’s trouble with a capital T. Watch out for him. And I’ll make certain she doesn’t carry out any duties which will leave her alone or vulnerable.”

  Mila chuckled. “I have so many men watching out for me. Makes me feel special.”

  “You are special, honey.”

  “How’s Lily?” Norman asked.

  “Grumpy because she’s getting bigger by the day.” Elias turned serious and his voice dropped a few octaves lower. “Mila had a vision. Lily’s going to have a girl.”

  Norman drew in a deep breath and scratched his head. “Jesus, that child will have to be watched all the time. If…”

  Mila put up her hand to silence them. The air had changed slightly. A familiar scent carried on the breeze.

  “Drake is somewhere close by,” she warned Elias.

  “I know. I can sense him, too. I’m going to go shift and warn Josh to stay close by you until I come back. Tell Norman it’s time for you two to head back to the visitor centre. Stay safe, honey.” He kissed her and left.

  “What’s wrong?” Norman asked as he watched Elias disappear in to the trees.

  “Drake’s close by. Elias is going to shift and keep an eye on him. He said we should head back to the visitor centre.”

  “Don’t need to be told twice. Come on, Mila. Let’s get packed up.”

  When they reached the visitor centre, it was almost time to lock up for the day. Unless there were any escorted parties who requested trips along some of the forest trails, the centre closed around five in the afternoon. Norman was putting the tools away out back, whilst Mila locked up the centre. The pungent scent of Drake Scott filled her nostrils. It was so strong she almost retched.

  “Hello, Mila. It’s been a while.”

  She turned to face the man who had made her formative years hell and violated the sanctity of her home. Dressed in designer jeans and top, he looked like the boy next door type. Short blond hair, sporting a tan, with blue eyes and a muscular body. But behind his sickly good looks was an even sicker individual. The way he eyed her made her skin crawl.

  “What do you want, asshole?”

  “That’s no way to treat someone you haven’t seen for years. I’m only being friendly.”

  Oh, boy. His words were like a red rag to a bull. Mila wasn’t going to pretend all was okay. She stormed up to him and prodded him in the chest.

  “What you did in my home were the acts of a twisted, sick individual. And if you think I’m going to roll over and play nice, then you’ll be sorely disappointed. I know it was you who killed my parents and somehow, someday, I am going to make you pay.”

  Initially, he appeared to be taken aback by her outburst. Then his eyes hardened. “Don’t threaten me, bitch. I know what you are.”

  She threw back her head and laughed. “Oh, really? And for your information, I know what you are too. So, is that supposed to scare me?”

  He moved closer to her so they were almost touching. “Then you know what the outcome will be… don’t you.”

  “The only outcome for you will be lying dead somewhere. I also hope it’s a long and painful death. You deserve it, along with your dick of a father and all your friends.”

  Her anger was rising steadily until her emotions burned. Burned with a need to destroy the man standing before her.

  Drake inhaled deeply, his eyes alive with excitement. “Oh yeah, baby. You keep on dreaming. Someday, when you least expect it, I’ll have you. I’ll break you and have you begging me on your hands and knees to do anything I want. Yeah, you’ll make me a perfect mate.”

  A growl came from her and she actually felt the ground rumble beneath her feet. Brambles appeared out of nowhere, snaking around Drake’s legs. They buried deep in his flesh and he roared with pain. He attempted to pull them from him. They crawled further up his body, and squeals of pain came from him. The desire to wrap them round his neck became all-consuming.

  “Mila, stop.”

  “He deserves it, Elias. He’s a murderer.”

  “I know, honey, but if you do this, you go against everything the Supernats stand for.”

  She knew he was right, and even though she wanted him to suffer, she called the brambles away from his body. They vanished before her eyes. Drake’s clothes were ripped, and blood seeped from various wounds. He looked afraid. Good. He deserved it.

  “You’re going to pay for this,” he snarled, even though she could smell his fear of her powers.

  “Run back to Daddy, asshole. I’m done with you.”

  He stepped towards her.

  “Stay the fuck away from her, you sick son of a bitch. Lay one finger on her and you’ll be dead where you stand.”

  Elias marched up to them, putting himself between Mila and Drake. Part of her wanted to protest, but in all honesty, she was pretty shaken up and grateful for his intervention. She needed to get a handle on what had taken place.

  “So, Crane, you think I’m supposed to be scared?” Drake appeared to have gained his composure.

  But even though Drake’s words were meant to be threatening, trying to be the big man, Mila could smell his fear escalating.

  “I don’t give a rat’s ass what you feel. But you should be afraid of what she, and the rest of us, can do to you. Stay away from her. She’s with me. Under my protection. Do you understand?”

  Drake laughed, held his hands up, and proceeded to back away. “You may have won this round, but this isn’t over. And you…” He pointed at Mila, “… had better watch your back.”

  Mila made to go towards him; Elias caught her hand and held her back. The ground beneath their feet rumbled slightly. Drake turned tail and fled the scene.

  “That’s right, Drake. Run on back to your daddy and get your nappy changed,” she called out.

  Once he was out of sight, she slumped against Elias. He ran a hand through her hair.

  “You okay, honey?”

  “Yeah. I was more angry than scared. He reckons he’s going to take me for his mate. But I’m more surprised by what I did do him. God, I really wanted to kill him, Elias. Do you know what scared me the most?”

  “What, honey?”

  “The strength of nature inside me. It wanted vengeance too.”

  Elias’s hold on her turned almost vicelike.

  “Ow,” she protested.


  “Sorry. Look,” he said, fixing her with serious eyes. “I told you your power was strong. This is stronger than I’ve ever seen. You have to learn to control your rage.”

  “I know, Elias. My need for revenge was so strong. I… I was only seconds away from letting that bramble wrap around his neck and strangle him.”

  Mila slumped down on a seat outside the visitor centre, trying to process how she felt. The altercation with Drake had unnerved her, but what had happened when she’d been angry concerned her more. For long moments, she stared thoughtfully at Elias.

  “What really happened to me just then, Elias? You must have felt it too.”

  His eyes collided with hers while he studied her thoughtfully. “Your abilities are getting stronger. You’re more in tune with nature than I thought you’d be. The natural world could tell you were under threat. Somehow, it picked up on your need for help.”

  “What does that mean? What would’ve happened if you hadn’t come along when you did?”

  “Honestly?”

  “Yes. Honesty is what I need right now. I think I’m coming to terms with my new life and then this happens. It’s left me feeling a little weird if I’m honest.” She tried to keep the wobble from her voice, but he’d picked up on it.

  Cupping her face between his hands, his eyes searched hers.

  “Say something, Elias. Please.”

  “Okay, this is it in its very basic form. Vera will be able to elaborate on it.” He moved his face closer to hers. “Somewhere in your past, there must have been an incredibly strong female shifter. A woman who was close to nature.”

  She scrunched up her eyes in concentration and shook her head. “There’s only ever been my parents and me. They said all their other relatives had died. I guess there’s no way of finding out.”

  He shook his head and murmured his agreement. “It could be someone from centuries ago. All I will say is that this is a great asset to those of our kind. It means if there’s ever any serious threat to you, nature is prepared to use you as a conduit to protect you… and get rid of the threat.”