by Setta Jay
Where the hell was the female’s pack? That thought angered Ileana. Obviously the she-wolf wasn’t okay and definitely needed training. What was she doing out here alone?
The wolf futilely launched herself over and over again. Ileana might have toyed with her a bit at first, a few twitches of her tail and some graceful maneuvers that set the animal off. She couldn’t help it. Her cat needed to be appeased, and she hadn’t harmed the female.
Red was only getting more furious with each snapping snarl.
What the hell had Jax done? Had he made the female promises? She narrowed her eyes and considered what she knew of him, which was a bit more than she’d ever admit. Her ears had always perked up when she heard talk of the male. He wasn’t known for having even slight attachments to the females in his “harem.”
The female had probably grown addicted to the Guardian; that wasn’t a big stretch in Ileana’s mind. He was an electric force that would fry any female’s brain, but no male was worth this. That thought didn’t stop Ileana’s hackles from rising at the thought of her male’s talented mouth anywhere near another female. A hiss escaped before she could stop it. The wolf apparently took that as an invitation to fight. Ileana didn’t want to deal with a snapping snarling bitch while working with the Guardians, so the female really needed to wear down and get this shit out of her system.
Her ears perked up to a noise off in the trees; she felt and heard others getting closer. It was only a matter of time before she had more company, but would it be friend or more snapping pissed-off females? She pondered that question as she continued outmaneuvering Red. She might have accidentally kicked her into a tree to gain a better vantage point, and there could have been a barely audible yelp. No blood, no proof. Her eyes were more focused on the area where she was about to receive company.
Three wolves barreled out of the trees, all females, the one in the lead was a deep sleek midnight. Two changed to human form while another stayed a wolf and positioned her bulk directly in front of Ileana.
“Mia, stop this!” the female Ileana knew as Conn’s mate shouted at the red wolf, who paid zero attention to the demand. Red was just too far gone. They all eyed Ileana as they spoke to the female, trying to get control of her animal. Ileana backed up to let them calm their sibling while keeping an eye on the rabid animal. She was trying to be unobtrusive, but the sisters’ pleas made her feel like an interloper. That didn’t mean she planned to give Red her back, but she slid a few more feet away. The new wolf in front of her relaxed some at the added space.
A taller female, another sister as she recognized their scents were that of family, yelled, “Mia, you have to calm down now or Conn will do it for you.” There was sorrow and worry in the taller female’s eyes. Ileana cursed Jax’s cock. As if knowing he was the object of some female’s obsession, he and Conn ported into the clearing.
“Fuck me,” he snarled, clearly angry, before snapping at his brother Guardian, “Conn?”
The Lykos Guardian already had his eyes on Red and she saw the pity there. She felt the other male’s power push from his voice. “Mia. Stop.” The Guardian didn’t shout, didn’t even raise his voice, in fact, it seemed infused with calm. The snapping she-wolf jolted as if shot before looking at Conn. A howl tore from Mia’s body. The sound was one of such anguish it actually made Ileana shudder. There was genuine torment there, and that cut into her and clenched her stomach.
Are you good, kitten?
I’ve been better, she answered.
Jax’s presence had only incited the wolf even further by standing between them. Red snarled and snapped in his direction. He didn’t say a word, just stood between them, and Ileana’s cat itched to get to him. His scent was already all over her, but even more of it filtered in the wind, bringing instant arousal.
Be ready, he growled into the link, and she didn’t have time to consider what she needed to get ready for, everything happened so fast.
The wolf, Mia, lunged but was caught in Conn’s arms, a hand at her throat, as Jax lifted Ileana and started porting away. Another grief-filled howl rent the air and Iliana hated it.
That anguished noise was still in her mind as she reformed somewhere else. Cool mountain air was replaced with the warm moist air of a jungle.
Chapter 13
Guardian Manor, Tetartos Realm
Drake glared at the two sleeping forms curled up together in the spelled room. Vane’s eyes opened a slit; the male was aware he was being watched as he held a slumbering Brianne protectively to his side, in one narrow bed.
“How are they?” Drake demanded. It had been two days since they’d come out of the mutation. They looked human now, no fur or talons. He felt the power flowing from them both, which, if they made it back to themselves, would be an asset to the Guardian cause.
He settled his hands on his hips as he looked down at Sirena’s serious face. He wanted answers, results. Her elven features and blonde hair hid a powerful and dangerous female, one that cared very much for her Guardian brethren. She was also nearly as ruthless in their Guardian goals as he was. Only she masked it, whereas he didn’t.
Drake flexed his fists. He was furious that Brianne was finally awake but still not back to normal. Smoke slipped from his lips, the fury only grew now that he was there instead of searching for the God like he’d been doing for over a month now.
Brianne hadn’t obeyed his command to stay away from the Demi-God at her side, and he was furious that they were still dealing with the damage done. He clenched his jaw tight and more smoke filtered from his lips.
“They still haven’t spoken, but seem to be vaguely aware of what’s going on around them. Uri and Alex came in to see if they could get into their minds. Vane allowed his sister to touch him, he’d tensed, seemed confused for a second and then it was gone. He growled and got violent when they moved to go near Brianne.” Sirena smiled a little at that before continuing. “Alex is convinced that it’s only a matter of time now. That their minds are just focused on the beasts struggling for their place, a balance.”
He and Sirena watched the two from the doorway. Vane’s eyes were still on them, possibly listening, yet the male hadn’t given any indication whether he understood their words or not. They’d better rein their beasts in soon. He hadn’t lost a Guardian, ever, and he sure as hell wouldn’t lose them to a fucking mating that wasn’t supposed to happen.
He looked back down at Sirena’s thoughtful expression. He was only concerned with whether Brianne and Vane were going to make it through this shit. Stay in human form and be able to control the beasts.
“Has Jax come in for testing?” he demanded, having already informed her about the meeting with Jax and his mate the night before.
She shook her head in annoyance. “I’d say they’re busy at the moment. I know we need everyone out there, but the frenzy is intense. You’ve seen it. Give him a couple of days,” she gritted out. Only she would think to challenge him.
“Don’t poke the dragon, Sirena,” he growled at his cousin. “I want to know if Jax loses his scent with the mating.” His Guardians were getting stronger, acquiring unique skills he hoped they wouldn’t need to use for a while.
“It will be interesting,” Sirena agreed.
With one last look at Brianne and Vane, he caught the male’s gaze. Drake needed to get back out in the Realm. He had a damned God to retrieve. Frustrated rage rose in his gut. Losing Apollo to Elizabeth was like acid pouring over his skin and he needed to get out where he could find them. His beast needed to hunt.
“Keep me updated.” Drake’s eyes narrowed on the shackles. They would stay chained, for now. That didn’t mean that chaining one of his own didn’t tempt him to burn shit down, but the other Guardians, their mates, and the entire population of the Realm counted on his not unleashing feral, deadly creatures into their midst.
“Can anything else fix them?”
Sirena glared at him. “I would have done so if there was.”
He growled
low, “Inform me when something changes.”
Chapter 14
Elizabeth’s Compound, Tetartos Realm
Screams echoed along the rock walls as Elizabeth’s hounds fed. She allowed it to go on for long moments as the beasts took more than their fill of the mortal’s energies. She’d kept to one habit of Cyril’s. She didn’t waste, so if she was forced to provide another payment to the Tria, she’d make it worthwhile.
When the screams turned to whimpered pleas, she smirked.
“Enough,” she demanded and her beasts stepped back and obediently crouched at her feet.
“Blade,” she demanded of the warrior at her side. He’d been the one to collect the Mageia. Five of the oldest, most pathetic of those in her domain. Mere servants who were of little use except for this.
The Ailouros handed her his blade.
The sword was long, and she ran the tip of her finger along the sharp edge, pleased when a trickle of blood eased free. She licked the blood off before looking at the Mageia again.
“Sadly you’re only good for one more thing.” She tisked the mortals. She enjoyed seeing them shake as they attempted to crawl away. She slinked close. A quick slice into the cheek of the first female made her smile. The screams renewed and Elizabeth took a taste of the dark energies coming from them. Agony and terror were some of her favorites.
The mortals had no idea she didn’t have time to play with them. That she’d have to end them quicker than she’d like. She currently had time constraints and sighed lightly before adding another cut, this one to the female’s throat. Blood sprayed all over Elizabeth’s white dress and onto the face of the male who was sitting to her right. Elizabeth decided she would kill him last. He sat with blood soaking his clothes and face, whimpering in horror, and she was enjoying him.
She chanted lightly and watched the light of the female’s soul shoot out of the ceiling to its destination. The body jerked once more as it bled over the rock floor.
She felt stronger, more relaxed already. She hated having to make such exorbitant payments to the Tria, but she needed the beasts and needed a distraction.
Reve had better use the resources wisely while hunting for the Lykos in Ouranos. She wanted Apollo freed immediately.
She cut off an arm, a leg. More copper scented the air as the blood drained away and she was feeling much better as the last soul was sent.
She eyed the Ailouros as she handed him his blade. A step pushed her breasts against his chest and she dug her nails into his scalp as her fangs extended. She brought his head down and nipped his lip, a quick taste of his blood and his memories and thoughts filled her mind. She did this often with those she kept close.
He was loyal to her. The fact that she’d orchestrated Apollo’s freedom from the Guardians had cemented that.
She licked her lips.
She might allow him to please her until she freed her lover.
Chapter 15
Jax’s Jungle Home, Tetartos Realm
Ileana’s beast nearly came out of her skin when they ported. She’d been caught off guard at the speed with which he’d grabbed her. It was so damned fast she hadn’t even seen him move before she was lifted into his strong arms and taken away.
Her cat was cradled into his chest and it was too much, her beast wanted to be petted and so much more. She purred and rubbed her face against his neck, needing his cat to come play, wanting to be claimed. Her mind snapped her back from the brink when the word claim filled her mind. Claimed as in blood bond? Her cat was out of control.
She forced a transformation, one her cat rebelled against, and it left Ileana naked standing on shaking legs as she panted through the need.
His breathing was harsh and his eyes flashed, his cat near, but she was grateful he hadn’t taken her beast up on the invitation she’d been giving him. She wanted him, but she didn’t trust her animal not to bite him, to taste his blood, not right now when she was weak with want.
“The next time your cat tempts mine to come out and play, he will,” he growled, a warning. She watched him; he looked to be fighting to gain some control, with his fists balled at his sides. “Ask your questions because the minute we go inside the house I plan to have you for hours.”
“Why does that happen when you port me?” She moaned, already knowing the answer.
“Side effect of the mating. It was the same for my brothers.”
He quickly slid his tee shirt over his head and tossed it to her. “Cover up if we’re going to talk. My control is fraying, and looking at your gorgeous tits is only making it worse.” He ran his fingers through his hair, and her eyes caught on the grooves of muscle stretching and pulling with each movement. She closed her eyes from the sight of the damned piercings that called to her and lifted the tee over her head, nearly moaning at having more of his scent on her. Being clothed may help him, but it was only making desire flood her aching body.
She stepped a few feet away, turning around to suck in the warm jungle air and try to gain control of the lust overwhelming her from the teleport… the frenzy… the male… likely a blend of all three. A concoction that could easily cause her downfall, because even now she was considering giving up the fight, letting herself get lost in it, in him. But a claiming in beast form… her pussy clenched. That would be beyond intimate.
She tried to shake off the need, the tightening of her muscles, the warmth of desire slicking her thighs. Taking a few more steps away was difficult, as if her body was drawn to his. Magnetized to his? She wanted answers and it was probably a good idea to test the limits of the frenzy. How long could they withstand this? What would happen? Would the pain come again?
“Why was the wolf so feral?” she finally asked after what felt like an eternity of trying to force her mind to work again.
She bit the inside of her cheek, hoping the bite of discomfort would distract her from the need. It didn’t. Her entire body tingled like electricity was flowing under her skin.
He groaned and stepped a few more feet away, scrubbing a palm over his face before turning away. The action displayed the jagged tattooed stripes covering the muscled flesh of his back. She’d only seen glimpses of that part of his ink, but they were the same markings that flowed over his shoulders and resembled the stripes of a cat. She’d yet to see his beast, but everyone in the Realm knew it was a tiger and those tattoos only made her hotter for him. She suddenly wanted to see more, imagined licking every inch.
His voice drew her back to him. “Mia’s beast is confused. Her animal thinks I’m her mate.”
The words Mia and mate said so close together set her animal off. Her cat hissed so loud she had to clamp her jaw shut to stop the noise from escaping. Between her animal’s harsh reaction and the beating arousal, she felt her claws slip from her fingers. Her beast slammed inside her mind, wanting out, wanting to mark him, and more.
He growled and it only made her struggle harder.
Snarling, she turned to the house, glad he hadn’t come near or spoken. She needed a second or she was going to shift. Sucking in air, she looked at the home nestled into the thick jungle. Sunlight glittered off the windows that made up the entire two stories. It was much more inviting than the cooped-up apartment in the Guardian compound.
Her claws finally retracted and she could think again. She remembered Mia’s howl of pure agony, a sound of mourning so intense it had twisted Ileana’s stomach. She turned back to Jax. “How can the wolf be confused like that? Has she seen a healer?” Beasts didn’t get confused. Immortals trusted their animal half’s instincts to lead them, mostly. For Mia’s to be so wrong. Shit. She shook her head. It wasn’t her problem, though, she didn’t even know the damned female, but she found herself feeling a mix of pity and anger.
He raised an eyebrow. “Do you really think we haven’t thought of that?”
She raised her eyebrow right back. Irritated. “How would I know what you’ve considered? You did lose a God. Right?”
He growled at her, stalk
ing forward. She set her hands on her hips and waited, holding her ground, but her body and her animal anticipated his touch, wanted it. Her body was charged and ready as need sizzled over her. Every cell in her body demanded that she pounce.
She spoke as if his advance wasn’t a slow torture. “Maybe if you’d kept your hands to yourself, she wouldn’t have gotten confused.” She challenged him, daring him to deny it. His dick had gotten them into this. Her animal wasn’t pleased at the thought of him touching another female and less pleased that she’d had to deal with the disturbed wolf.
He snatched her up into his arms, a blur of movement that caught her up against his hard body. Her legs wrapped around his hips and his warmth filtered through her skin. She’d never been as warm as she was with him; her blood sang for more of his heat as her hands went to his shoulders. She rubbed her tee-shirt-covered breast over his chest without even thinking about it.
A glimpse into his eyes surprised her. He didn’t look just aroused, he looked angry. His gaze flashed as he growled out, “I did not fuck her, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“I wasn’t,” she spat out because she technically hadn’t asked, she’d stated it. She bit back a frustrated growl. She felt the need to challenge him even on the smallest of things. She frowned. It was her damned beast half, it had to be.
The warm breeze fluttered over her arms as his fingers dug into her bare ass as she refused to acknowledge that his denial of screwing the wolf had eased her. She felt the truth in the words, trusted that he had no real reason to lie.
Jax spoke after a second of assessing her, his anger appeared to dissipate, but the scent of aroused male hadn’t. “Mia was raised in Earth Realm. She’d only been around human males and her brothers, and I was one of the first Immortal males she met. I wouldn’t have taken advantage of the female.” He growled and continued. “Sirena thinks my power was what confused the wolf. Some shit to do with Immortal females only accepting males more powerful than them.”