by Dana Archer
Lyla pulls Sam away from Ezra and Colin, backing them toward an uprooted tree stump. Sam fights her, clawing at Lyla’s arms to free herself. My mate holds on and shakes her head, saying something that makes Sam’s look of panic turn to anger. She grabs Lyla’s arm and spins them, Lyla’s back smacking against the upturned roots of the tree stump. She stumbles to the side of the stump as Sam breaks free of her hold and runs back to Colin.
A flash of silver is my only warning.
“Lyla!” I scream out loud and in our shared soul.
A hand grabs her from behind as she turns her head to look in my direction. A blade slides across her throat. Sharp, piercing pain spreads from her neck outward. I know. I feel it too. She drops to her knees as blood gushes from her slit throat. Sam’s screams, Colin’s groans, and Ezra’s curses greet me as I reach the thicket.
The gaunt tattooed kid who cut my mate drops to his knees next to her, crying that he’s sorry. He wasn’t supposed to hurt her. Ezra knocks him away and draws Lyla against his chest. Had she still been mortal, she’d be dead. As it is, she hurts, but—
“I’ll be fine.” Lyla finishes my thought. “Get Cedric. I saw movement among the trees to your left.”
“Take Ezra’s blood as soon as you can swallow.” I fill Lyla with my love and my strength, pushing my energy into her body to quicken the healing, and then I snatch the wrist of the male who hurt my mate.
His bones crush under my fisted grip. He screams, but I don’t kill the human. The smell of rotting flesh surrounds him. He’s an Elixir addict. I spin him into Rick’s arms. Handcuffs dangle from Rick’s free hand. He’ll handle this, leaving me to finish Cedric.
“Cedric’s on the move.” Kade’s voice drifts through my mind. “He’s running deeper into the park. There’s a service path down that way. I noticed a car there earlier.”
“Get to it in case he escapes me.” But only my head being severed from my body will stop me from beating Cedric now.
With my felines merged with my soul, I listen to the world around me using my eyes, ears, nose, the taste of the scents in the air on my tongue, and the brush of the wind against my skin. Two thoughts rise from the onslaught of information my three big cats pluck from the world around us: no humans are close, and no predators are either.
The male I’m hunting is prey.
I latch on to the hint of fear in the air. Cedric’s afraid. Every second adds to his fear. I can taste it in the air. His terror feeds me, intensifying the need to hunt. With no witnesses around, I give in to it.
My shift from man to lion, the strongest of my felines, is seamless. One step human, the next an enraged king of the jungle. And this city is my territory. The Murphy clan calls it home. And I won’t allow the depraved in my backyard.
Cedric glances over his shoulder. His eyes widen. His mouth opens. Then he turns and pumps his arms and legs harder. It does little. I’m on him in the next instance.
The swipe of my lion’s claw across the back of his calves knocks Cedric down. Finally he shifts, choosing his lion to match mine, but it doesn’t. Cedric’s animal form is as lean as he is. As a true lion, he’d be an outcast, not even strong enough to walk with a pride.
Fear adds strength, though.
If I forget that, I lose. And that is unacceptable. Losers don’t get letters of acknowledgment from the higher-ups in Shifter Affairs or the praise of the most perfect angel to ever have walked this earth. And Lyla wants retribution. Cedric hurt her family—those tied to her through blood and those bound to her through love.
Baring my fangs, I lunge for Cedric’s throat, catching the front and tearing. Blood fills my mouth, inflaming my baser side. Cedric pushes away, allowing me to rip out a section of his neck. The wound is grave. As a Royal, it won’t kill him, however.
Cedric backs away from me, but his lion’s smug expression tears a deep growl from my lion. On my big cats’s paws, I stalk forward, then allow my tiger to emerge. It likes to hunt, and it likes to play with its prey.
The lion opposing me lowers its head, its blood-soaked mane brushing the ground. I round the tawny beast, my tiger taking in its adversary’s weaknesses. The lion doesn’t turn fluidly. It doesn’t act to counter my tiger’s steps either. Because it doesn’t know how to fight.
In my tiger’s body, I leap forward, dragging a clawed paw over the lion’s flank, the wound meant to annoy, not kill. Cedric’s lion snarls and backs up more. My tiger slinks to the other side and repeats the swipe, even though the first wounds and the gaping hole in the lion’s neck are already healed. Again, the lion makes a threatening sound. Again, my tiger leaps, swipes, and retreats.
My tiger’s joy spreads through me. I channel it, feeding it back into my big cat and revving up its need to toy with its food, to make it afraid.
With each playful attack, the scent of fear emanating from the lion increases. Finally, it tenses. My tiger senses the change at the same time I do. My jaguar steps forward, poised to replace the tiger and ready to strike. Cedric shifts into his jaguar, me into mine.
A gang of humans emerges from the woods. They advance on my jaguar, putting themselves between me and Cedric’s jaguar. Although they’re likely under Cedric’s influence, I hesitate, reining in my jaguar’s instinct to attack as I assess the half-dozen human males. Each pulls out a weapon. Switchblades, brass knuckles, knives—each flash of metal erases my concern over exposing the secrets of the shifter world. These humans are already all unwilling participants in it.
My hesitation is all Cedric requires, however. His jaguar bolts for the walking path not far from where we’ve been playing cat-and-mouse. His intent is clear—he’s going back for Lyla, taking one last shot before he loses everything. I don’t need him to tell me that. He essentially already did. They’re taking Nina away tomorrow.
Cedric’s jaguar’s ground-eating strides give the sleek animal a head start. Not for long. My jaguar is faster. It has to be. My tiger likes to hunt it too in the field where my big cats live within my soul.
More humans stand in the clearing where I left Lyla. All the human males hold similar weapons as the ones I left behind and all their weapons are pointed at my family and friends who are taking in the standoff the same way I had, likely wondering how to defuse this situation without exposing more secrets. In this instant, there’s nothing left to hide. Except, maybe for the fact their “Master” is about to lose.
In my jaguar form, I push from powerful hind legs and leap onto Cedric’s jaguar, then I shift into my human form and grab the jaguar’s head. One quick twist and yank, and blood sprays over my chest and eyes, blinding me. I rub my arm over my face, clearing the blood, then kick away the headless cat and drop the head to the ground.
Then I turn and zero in on where my pretty mate is standing with Ezra, while Colin and Sam help Kade with the confused humans staring at the carnage in front of them as if they didn’t know how it got there.
Lyla smiles at me, and I open my arms. Uncaring that I’m covered in blood, she walks toward me, wraps her arms around my waist, and rests her cheek against my chest, right over my heart.
Our heartbeats slow into a rhythm we both share. No words are necessary. Except for one.
“Mine.”
I kiss my woman, my lover, my partner. Lyla’s mine, and nobody will ever take her from me.
Thirty-Six
Lyla
Working from home has its advantages. So does having a mate who senses your hunger before you even realize your stomach is ready to start growling. Too bad my working-from-home arrangement ends tonight along with my administrative leave. Okay…technically, I shouldn’t even be on my work computer or finishing the reports on the Elixir-linked murders that took too many of my loved ones, but this case is personal. It was from the moment Thomas Michael’s body was pulled from the river. Had I worked for a human agency, I likely would’ve been pulled from the case. I don’t work for a human agency, though. I’m not even sure if “human” is even the right term for
me anymore.
I should’ve died when that drug addict slit my throat. For a moment, I thought I would. My mate’s strength flooding me stopped those fears from taking hold. I won’t ever die alone.
Sam will, though.
With the cursor over the Send button, I inhale slowly, fighting the guilt. The other human mates I’ve met since becoming Uri’s eternal partner warned me I’d feel this way. Pure utopia followed by the utter lows of depression.
“Why me?” I swallow hard. “Why not Sam?”
“Because Sam was always meant to take a different path than you.”
I glance at where Uri’s leaning against the living room’s archway with a pizza box in one hand and a six-pack of beer in the other. The smile over seeing my mate chases back the sadness. There’s no room for it in my soul when my walking sex god is with me.
Uri laughs and steps into the living room. He sets the pizza box and beer on the end table and runs his fingers through his pure-white hair, a concession he made to me. “I don’t know about sex god. Maybe albino. That’s what everyone keeps asking me anyway, at least until I point to my brown eyes and inform them albinos don’t usually have dark irises.”
“And then they ask who your stylist is?” I supply the next bit of information before Uri can. He’s told me of his encounters with normal humans since he ditched the beanie and hair dye but kept the contacts. I agreed with that choice too. My mate’s eyes are gorgeous but not even close to appearing human.
“Yes.” He shakes his head. “It’s becoming predictable. Too bad I don’t have anyone I can recommend. They’d certainly get a lot of business out of my weirdness.”
“Uniqueness.” I click Send on the email to Ella and make my way to my mate. Once at his side, I stand on my tiptoes and skim my fingertips over the silky strands. “And I told you people wouldn’t call you a freak.”
“I’m sure it’s only a matter of time, but I’m okay with that. Let them call me a freak.” Uri links his hands at the base of my spine. “And I’ll inform them I’m a freak who gets to sleep with the hottest woman who ever lived.”
I chuckle. “You will not tell a stranger that.”
“You’re right.” Still grinning, Uri brushes his mouth over mine. “But I’ll be thinking it, and they’ll be scouting out the best escape route to get away from the scary-ass guy who’s looking at them as if he’s wondering how their blood will taste on his tongue.”
I hook my arms around Uri’s neck. “Now that is something I can believe.”
“Then believe me when I say Sam’s fate was never meant to be the same one you’ve been dealt. She’s not you.”
And just like that, the happiness dims.
“What, baby?” Uri studies me. I’m not sure what he’s looking for. The beauty of our bond means he doesn’t have to guess at my moods, but then again, Uri promised to respect my privacy. And I haven’t exactly wanted to talk about where Sam fits into my future.
“She’s going to die someday.”
“Her body might stop working at some point, yes.” Uri nods, a careful dip of his chin that never breaks our gaze. “But her soul won’t die. It’ll be placed in another body if her journey isn’t complete or remain in the heavens with her loved ones if it is.”
I don’t question Uri’s answer. He’s the living, breathing descendent of a goddess. All I can do is try to put my feelings into words. Uri wants to hear me speak, and he wants to comfort me. I rest my cheek against his chest. “My sister deserves love, affection, devotion…everything you’ve given me. She deserves heaven too.”
“Then she’ll get it.”
“But it’ll never be what we have.” Especially if Uri’s guess that Sam and Colin are true mates is right. Of course, they’re not exactly on speaking terms right now, let alone on their way to falling in love or soul-bonding.
“Heaven is different for everyone.” Uri shrugs. “And eternity isn’t always a blessing. We’ll never again get to fall in love. True mates who are reborn get to experience love in all its forms, over and over again. Some might say that’s better.”
A surge of joy spreads though me, something I didn’t expect when contemplating losing my sister. “What do you think is better?”
“For me?” Uri eases out of our embrace and draws me to the brand-new couch we bought to replace the one I bled all over. He sits and draws me over him, my bent legs spread wide over his thighs. “Never losing what’s mine is better. For others, the chase might be more appealing.”
“Colin falls in that category. I’d bet money on it.” I settle my elbows on Uri’s chest and prop my chin on my linked hands so my lips are inches from his. “And Sam will enjoy learning to submit to him.”
“See? Everyone’s heaven is different.”
“If they actually are meant to be together.” There’s always the possibility the love they share won’t ever get past the work-husband/wife relationship they’ve enjoyed for two decades. “You said yourself you can’t tell if they’re true mates or not.”
“Colin is determined to find out one way or the other.”
I study my mate with a contemplative stare, but his expression doesn’t give me any hints as to his thoughts. “You sound confident.”
“I might’ve been the one to put the idea in his head about their possible bond. He won’t let such a possibility go without learning the truth.” Uri smirks. “It’s the curious cat in him.”
“Just like Izzy.” The sigh on my lips speaks of my wavering thoughts involving my once best friend. She wasn’t under Cedric’s control when she decided to betray me and Sam, only when she tried to kill herself. The betrayal was all on her. “Is she better?”
“Everyone who was under Cedric’s control was released once he died without any knowledge of what happened while under his influence. Bryon confirmed this. The only reason I did was because of my tie to Bryon.”
“But?”
“Izzy was informed of how her actions nearly destroyed the shifter world. Worse, though, was Kade’s anger over her betraying us of her own free will. Kade demanded she be put on leave, citing her failure to follow his pride’s guiding principles. As alpha leader, he has the right to police his pride mates as he sees fit. Izzy’s now with the Winchester pack, as our Royal wolf neighbors are better equipped to keep her under guard.”
“And she’s not happy about that.” After the lengths she was willing to go to see her mom rescued, I can’t imagine she’d feel any differently.
“No, but as an unmated female without a guardian, she doesn’t have much choice. Sasha’s the only male who might’ve stepped up to act as her protector and the one to ensure she follows Kade’s orders, but he’s gone MIA.”
The term “guardian” is one I learned about after researching the special rules given to a shifter and his beloved human. The privileges of a shifter female’s guardian are worse. They have complete control to the point a shifter’s guardian can choose whom she mates. “Kade’s plan is going to backfire.”
“Maybe. Maybe not. It’s not my place to question him. I’m no longer an Alexander.”
“We’re Murphys.”
“Yes.”
“And how do you feel about that?”
“I’ve always felt responsible for Bryon. I am the one who saved him.” Uri slides his hands down my sides and pushes at my loose sleep pants until air caresses my panty-covered bottom. “It only seems right I’m the one who makes sure he remains honorable.”
My mate will glory in that role too.
With all my worries addressed, I trace Uri’s lips with my tongue. “And what role will I play?”
“Any one I want.”
The heat in Uri’s voice slips warmth into my body. “And what role should I play tonight?”
“The street girl who hasn’t earned her payment yet.”
“Yeah?” I smile at this lighthearted game that promises to satisfy more than just my need to chase back the last of my sadness. “What payment are we talking about?”
“Next to the pizza, baby.”
I glance over at the six-pack, and my words to Uri the night we came together in Hooker’s Lane return. My laugh turns into a moan as Uri slides his hands under my shirt. With his every touch, the rightness burns in my soul and spreads outward until every inch of my body is alive and sensitive and in need of what my perfect lover can give me.
Swallowing hard when all I want to do is pleasure my mate, I meet his eyes. “I believe I said we could stop for drinks on the way home, not have them once we got here.”
A half smirk graces Uri’s kissable mouth. Emotions well within me. Devotion…that’s the only way I can describe being with Uri. Whether we’re locked in passion or cuddling, I always feel special.
“That’s because you are, baby. You’re my angel. I’ll never stop worshipping you.”
“I love you, Uri.”
“I love you too.” Uri’s mouth moves, but his voice doesn’t sound the same. It’s whispered into my ear exactly like he did on the bridge and in my house before he left to take out Cedric.
“Forever. We’ll love each other forever.” I mimic Uri, moving my mouth without saying the words out loud, the trick one I picked up after our mating.
Uri nods. “We will, baby. Eternity won’t be long enough, but I’ll spend every day showing you how perfect we are together.”
And nothing could be sweeter.
Epilogue, plus next book preview
Alpha of the Alexander Pride
Kade Alexander
With snowflakes in Lyla’s hair and faux fur adorning the wrists and neckline of the long white dress she’s wearing, my ex-pride member’s true mate looks more like a guardian angel than a bride on her wedding day, especially surrounded by the homeless and downtrodden of the inner city. The image fits Uri’s wife, however. So does this simple outdoor wedding and the open invitation to anyone in the city who wants to celebrate with them.