Mark Of The B*E*A*S*T*

by Rebecca Goings

  Robyn grabbed the soda and took another swig. It was flat but she didn't care. It took her mind off the painfully obvious.

  He got her motor running all right. Probably more than he knew. And he wasn't even trying.

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  FOUR

  "It's Mac.” Wade popped his head in from the dining room with his cell phone to his ear.

  Rogan had clicked off the TV the moment Wade's phone rang, and now he couldn't stop the irritation that coursed through him. Of all the people to call, Mac called Wade?

  Noah and Marlie glanced up from making dinner in the kitchen, while Lanie read a magazine on the couch. Keira was in the shower, and Jet and Trevor had left in an effort to find their wayward friend and knock some sense into him.

  The house they had rented was huge, with four master bedrooms and a couple of extras made from the converted garage. A pool was out back, along with a spa, and both were covered with a lanai to keep out Florida's Jurassic-sized bugs. A few palm trees graced the front yard, complimenting the stucco walls and tile roof of the place.

  The neighborhood was quiet, filled with homes just like this one, and Rogan couldn't have been more thankful. This neighborhood had been built for tourists, an entire community with houses rented out for those who wanted to stay a week or two in Miami. It was handy, because they couldn't afford to sign a lease for any length of time. Their stay was solely on a week to week basis.

  "Why the hell did that bastard call Wade and not me?” Rogan asked, vaulting from the couch and wandering into the kitchen.

  Noah glanced at him and grinned. “Because he's smart. He knew you'd chew his ass."

  "Damn straight!” Rogan growled.

  "Besides,” Noah continued as he poured sauteed onions and peppers into his homemade marinara. “Wade's already gone through this."

  "Taking off on his lonesome to conquer the bad guys?” Rogan's voice dripped with sarcasm.

  Noah didn't say a word, he merely pointed his wooden spoon at him with a grin.

  Rogan sighed. “Just because we're shifters doesn't mean we're invincible. It's about time these guys figured that out. You'd think after Sean ripped a few of them to pieces they'd learn."

  "Rogan, have some respect,” Marlie chastised.

  He scrubbed his fingers through his hair and scowled at his wife. “It's true, Marlie, and I'm sick of it. Justin went and got himself killed for going off half-cocked. Wade risked it all to bring down Covington. And now Mac? How on God's green Earth did he single-handedly take that compound?"

  "He didn't.” Wade walked into the kitchen and leaned against the high countertop, having finished his phone conversation.

  "Out with it!” Rogan demanded, exasperated.

  Wade grinned. “When he got there, the place was empty. Said it looked like there'd already been a war. Bodies were everywhere and each cage was empty. The shifters were gone."

  Lanie gasped from the couch and leaped to her feet. “Robyn!"

  Wade held up his hand. “Don't worry, he found her."

  "Where was she?” Noah asked.

  "Hanging out in the Everglades, I suppose. She told him she didn't know where to go, that she was waiting for her mate."

  Rogan's eyes went wide. “What?"

  "Dr. Carver mind-wiped her and made her believe some other owl shifter was her mate,” Wade explained. “Kept her in a cage with him in their shifted states. Don't worry, Mac explained to her that man wasn't her mate. I'm pretty sure he probably stopped just short of claiming her himself. I've never heard him sound so...relieved."

  "She doesn't remember him.” Keira's voice came from behind them. Rogan turned to look. Her red hair was wet, but it had been combed back. Her skin was as white as a sheet.

  Everyone went silent. They all knew what a mind-wipe meant.

  "Maybe she still has flashes. We all have flashes.” Wade sounded hopeful.

  "That's gonna kick that jag in the junk.” Rogan shook his head. “She's pretty much been his since he found her in the forests of Oregon."

  Everyone nodded.

  "He won't take it sitting down,” Noah said. “He'll still want revenge. Lucian took Robyn in more ways than one. If she's been wiped, she's not the same woman Mac fell hard for. And he's never going to forgive that."

  At that moment, Trevor opened the front door and he and Jet strode through.

  Rogan called out, “Hey guys, you'll never believe—"

  "Mac already called us,” Jet interrupted.

  Rogan growled low in his throat in exasperation.

  "We were on our way home when he called,” Jet continued. “Didn't find any sign of him in the swamps and it got too dark to keep looking. Looks like we'll all be able to beat the shit out of him when he gets here soon."

  "We should take it easy on him,” Wade interjected. He pointed at Noah and Rogan. “You two especially should know what it's like to have your mate need you. Tam took Lanie and was going to change her into one of us at the compound in Colorado. And Sean... That bear wasn't going to rest until Marlie was dead."

  Rogan squirmed at his words, and noticed Noah doing the same. Wade continued.

  "Robyn's been missing for two months. Two. Months. Think about that for a minute. Both of you would be emotional wrecks and you know it. Probably would do something desperate, something stupid, if it meant getting the woman you loved back. Sitting here waiting would kill you, knowing she was out there somewhere, and you could just go get her and be done with it. I know a little something about that myself."

  "Robyn's not his mate,” Rogan said, taking hold of Marlie's hand.

  Wade frowned. “It doesn't matter and you know it, Wolfe."

  Rogan glanced up sharply at Wade's tone.

  "She might as well be his mate,” Wade continued. “Mac made it pretty damn clear he had dibs."

  "Robyn confided in me she had feelings for him. Before she was taken,” Keira said, placing her hand on Wade's shoulder. “But now... How can she possibly jump back in like it's no big deal? My father wiped me and hearing I'd had a...a relationship with Brett was hard to take. I could only remember bits and pieces, but I couldn't fall into his arms again."

  "But you had Wade,” Marlie piped up. “You were in love with someone else and Brett wasn't too keen on claiming you again. Mac and Robyn had an intense attraction. And knowing that jag, he'll be hard-pressed to keep his hands to himself. Robyn's going to get a crash course in his desire, mark my words."

  Rogan chuckled. “Yeah. That boy's had a hard-on for the past few weeks."

  "Rogan Wolfe!” Marlie gasped.

  "Speaking of hard-ons...” He let the sentence hang while he led his wife out of the kitchen. Noah chuckled and Wade gave him a thumbs-up.

  "You're a cad,” Marlie whispered to Rogan as they headed upstairs.

  "I try."

  It was well into the evening when Mac pulled the Hummer into the driveway of a big, two-storey house. Robyn stepped out of the truck and waited for him to lead the way. Meeting his friends filled her with anxiety. She could barely remember Mac. She hoped they wouldn't expect her to remember them.

  "Hey,” he said, stepping closer. “You'll do just fine. They'll all be happy to see you."

  He must have been able to smell her unease.

  "I know,” she said. “I'm just nervous."

  "Don't be. Everyone in there is a shifter, with the exception of their mates. We all know what you're going through."

  She nodded and licked her lips. But before they could walk up to the door, it opened and a few people rushed out.

  "Mac!” A red-headed woman embraced him and kissed his cheek. “I'm so glad to see you're okay."

  "Robyn,” another woman said, holding her arms wide. “My name's Lanie. We were friends before Lucian took you.” Lanie gave her a quick hug, then moved to hug Mac as well.

  "I'm Keira,” the red-head told her, giving her a handshake. “You're too skinny. Come inside and have a plate of Noah's world-fa
mous spaghetti.” Still holding Robyn's hand, Keira pulled her along.

  The smiling faces and strange scents all around her had her heart beating double-time. It overwhelmed her and she scanned the people for Mac.

  "Wait, I...I—"

  Her eyes caught his. The moment he saw her face, he left the circle of men who'd surrounded him with well wishes. In no time at all, he stood beside her.

  "You all right?"

  She hadn't been prepared for how his voice alone calmed her. Despite driving her mad with need, just being close to him kept her world from spinning out of control. Robyn clutched his arm and nodded furiously.

  "How ‘bout that, Jag?” the man known as Rogan asked, slapping Mac's shoulder. “She can't bear to part with you."

  Mac gave him a look that spread shivers down Robyn's spine. His muscles tensed under his skin, and she held him closer in an effort to calm his emotions.

  "You're lucky I don't smack that grin off your face, Rogan,” Mac said.

  "You're lucky I don't tear out your throat for going after her on your own."

  A blond man stepped between them. “Now's not the time."

  Robyn hid behind Mac and laid her forehead on his shoulder blade. The threat of him fighting another shifter scared her senseless. She had no idea where her fear came from, but it rocked her.

  "Robyn?” Mac's voice broke through her distress. He turned and pulled her close. “These guys won't hurt you. I

  promise you that."

  "Please don't fight,” she said into his chest. “Please?"

  "Honey, you're shaking."

  "Promise me, Mackenzie."

  With a sigh, he brought his mouth to her ear. “I promise,” he whispered.

  The blond man cleared his throat. “Let's go inside. Don't want to make a scene out here on the driveway."

  "Will you be okay?” Mac asked her, looking into her eyes. “We can leave if you want."

  She bit her lip, not wanting to be a coward. “No, I'll be fine, I just... I don't want you to fight."

  "You got it."

  The others had gone inside when Mac took her hand and led her to the door.

  "Rogan's a hot-head, nothing to be worried about,” he explained. “Noah's the sensible one, and Wade can be a little emo."

  "Emo?"

  He chuckled. “A downer. Now, Jet and Trevor, they're a little younger, but raring to kick some ass. And Lanie, Marlie and Keira are sweethearts. You'll like ‘em."

  The smell of food came to her and her stomach twisted. The energy bars hadn't filled her for long.

  "Hungry?"

  "Starving."

  "I'll get you fed and find you a place to sleep."

  He led her into the kitchen, where Marlie had already made them each a plate of spaghetti. Robyn took hers and sat with Mac at the dining room table. The others had already eaten.

  The first bite of pasta brought tears to her eyes. She couldn't remember the last time she'd had a human meal.

  "Robyn?” Mac's eyes were full of concern as he stroked her hair.

  She swallowed and gave him a watery smile. “It's just really good."

  "Wow, tiger,” the man known as Wade said behind them. He grinned from ear to ear. “I knew your sauce was good, but I didn't know it was that good."

  Everyone chuckled and set about cleaning the kitchen

  as Robyn and Mac ate. Once her plate was clean, she stood to take it into the kitchen.

  "Here, I'll take that,” came a masculine voice. She looked up and gasped, nearly dropping her plate in the process. She hadn't noticed him in the group that had greeted them in the driveway, but she'd definitely seen this man before! His soft asian features were kind and handsome as he smiled at her, revealing white teeth. Black hair fell into his eyes and he flicked his head to keep it out of his face. Of all things, he reminded her of the back of the green Hummer she'd just been in with Mac. She'd traveled somewhere with him. But she couldn't remember where they'd gone.

  She reached out to touch his cheek. “I know you."

  The room was quiet.

  "I'm Jet. Of course you know me."

  "I...remember your face!"

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  FIVE

  A sharp pain twisted through Mac's chest. The wind rushed out of him and he couldn't eat another bite. The sound of his fork clattering to his plate made everyone jump.

  He stood and the chair scraped across the wood floor. He couldn't bear to look at Jet as he passed the man, and Robyn's concerned scent did nothing to calm the hurt inside him. She remembered Jet. That was enough to make him want to shift and fight the bastard.

  But he'd promised Robyn he wouldn't. Besides, it wasn't Jet's fault her mind-wipe erased every trace of him.

  "Mac?” It was Noah. “You all right?"

  "Just peachy,” he tossed over his shoulder before taking the stairs two at a time. He was headed for his room, one of the masters with its own bathroom. The ones who had mates each got their own master bedroom, and Mac had to duke it out with Trevor and Jet as to who would get the final one. He'd reasoned that when he found Robyn, he'd need the master, and that logic had seemed sound at the time.

  But she had no memory of him. She remembered Jet. Jet!

  The door slammed behind him, rattling the pictures on the walls. He marched to the bathroom, determined to feel something other than this ungodly pain. He never thought he could hurt so goddamn much. Finding Robyn had meant everything to him. She was the only reason he hadn't lost his sanity. Holding on to the thought of finding her, of having her with him had kept the jaguar at bay.

  Now, he wanted to roar free and rip the bedroom apart.

  Opening the shower stall, he turned on the spray and stripped from his dirty clothes. Once the water was piping hot, he stepped in, wincing at the heat. With angry hands, he scrubbed himself, trying hard not to cry.

  Mac's breathing quickened and he placed his hands on the cool blue tiles. Despite his best efforts, a few tears found their way past his defenses.

  "Shit!” he yelled, hitting the wall with an open palm.

  "Don't worry about him,” Rogan said in a soothing voice. “That jag's a hot-head. He'll calm down soon enough."

  If Robyn hadn't been so worked up, she would have found Rogan's description of Mac ironic considering how Mac had described him. She knew she must have upset him. But she'd remembered Jet's face, and the shock of it had been too much to hide. Try as she might, she couldn't think of much more beyond his features and that damned Hummer.

  "Maybe I should go talk to him,” she suggested.

  Rogan scoffed. “I wouldn't. Unless you want your head bitten off. When Mac's worked up, ain't nothing much that can get him right as rain again."

  "I didn't mean to hurt him."

  "We know that, sweetie,” Marlie said. “But he's been looking for you for a very long time. He cares for you more than he's willing to admit."

  Robyn chanced a glance at Jet once more. He smiled at her. “I helped Mac liberate the compound in Oregon. That's probably why you recognize me."

  "No.” She shook her head. “I remember traveling. In Mac's Hummer."

  Jet snapped his fingers. “That's when we were coming to Wade's rescue. You, me, Trevor and Mac all drove down from Oregon to Texas to save his hide."

  "Hey now,” Wade protested.

  "It's true,” Jet said. “You were bleeding like a stuck pig, and I seem to recall sewing you up myself, so shut it over there."

  Robyn stared at the other unfamiliar faces. “I can't remember any more than that."

  "Don't worry yourself,” Keira said. “I'm sure you'll remember Mac soon enough."

  "I hope so."

  "Would you like to lay down somewhere?"

  "No. I...just want to be alone."

  Keira nodded. “You can go on out back. We won't bother you. Dip your feet in the pool. You'll feel better."

  "Thank you.” Robyn made her way to the back door and closed it quietly behin
d her. Once she was outside, she spied a few terrycloth robes hanging on hooks on the wall. The light from the pool cast eerie shadows around the lanai, dancing and swirling about. The fence around the yard was tall enough so the other houses couldn't look in. She was in her own private world.

  Determined to calm her raging emotions, she undressed and shifted. She'd always been better at sorting her thoughts as a bird and now was no exception. How was she going to talk to Mac? Could she get him to understand she didn't mean to cause him pain?

  She wished she could fly and feel the wind in her face, but she didn't dare leave this house. The chance she'd never find her way back was too great. Instead, she climbed to a second-storey window sill and perched, gazing at the night sky.

  The back door opened and a figure came out onto the patio.

  "Robyn?"

  It was Mac, and there was a certain amount of panic in his voice when he looked around and didn't see her. She cooed, making him glance at the house.

  "What are you doing up there?"

  She cocked her head. He'd taken a shower. His face was clean-shaven and his hair was combed back. The scent of his woodsy soap wafted up to her, and even in her shifted state, she desired him, standing there in a plain yellow t-shirt and pants.

  Mac put his hands in his pockets. “I'm sorry. For being an ass earlier."

  Robyn flew back down to the patio and hopped her way to the robes on the wall. She looked at Mac expectantly then back to the robes. He understood and he turned away. Within seconds, she'd shifted and donned the robe, tying it tight around her waist.

  "I'm sorry, too,” she said, taking a few steps toward him. He turned to face her.

  "Don't be.

  You can't control who you remember."

  "But you want me to remember you."

  He sighed and stared hard at her. It unnerved her, having such a gorgeous man looking her up and down. She'd been right about him. Now that he'd shaved, he stopped her heart.

  "I'm not going to lie to you, Robyn. I do."

  "I think I remember the trip. From Oregon to Texas. Jet said that's when we traveled in your truck together."

  "Is that all you remember? You don't recall when I pounced on you? When I threw caution to the wind and almost made love to you in the back of that Hummer?"