Skin Walkers: Leto

by Susan Bliler

  Obviously displeased, Conn looked from Leto to York in apparent indecision before holding Shy’s slumped form out and allowing her Walker to take her.

  Chapter 24

  Leto was livid. How dare York attempt to claim what was his. Shy carried his child and his scent and still the Celtic Walker had the audacity to ask Leto to relinquish her. Looking up he glared across the Hummer at the red-haired Walker that still watched him as if he intended on hurting his angel. A low warning growl vibrated in his chest.

  “Knock it off Leto!” Conn peered back from the driver’s seat and flashed sad eyes to York. “She’s safe. It’s all that matters.”

  “She would never have been placed in danger if she were mine!”

  Leto wished he could set Shy down and beat seven shades of shit out of York. The man was basically accusing him of failing to protect his mate. Hell, he hadn’t even been at StoneCrow when she’d escaped. He and the Chief of Security, King Mulholland, had left as soon as he’d carried Shy to the infirmary and been assured she and his baby were safe.

  After watching the video of what had happened to Shy, he’d felt sickened. Not only had he assumed too much, he’d been flat out fucking wrong. She’d suffered as he had…worse! He’d caught her when she’d fainted and felt sheer terror seize him when Monroe, who Leto had never seen get emotional, paled and ordered Leto to get Shy to the infirmary. Wordlessly, Leto had stalked to the door when Monroe shoved him and barked, “Run Leto! She’s with child…your child.”

  A million questions had raced through his mind but he didn’t stall to ask. Instead he tore down the hallway and raced to the first floor infirmary, cursing that the CEO’s office was on the third floor.

  When he arrived at the infirmary Jenny was waiting for them.

  “Lay her here!”

  The Doctor had made short work of attaching monitors and checking Shy’s vitals. She smeared a lubricant on Shy’s too flat belly and scanned her with some device.

  Whoosh-whoosh, whoosh-whoosh, whoosh-whoosh.

  The sound startled Leto and he gaped at Jenny.

  Her eyes found his and she frowned. “It’s your baby’s heart. The child is under stress.” She pulled the device away and the rapid sound stopped. “What in the hell were you idiots doing up there?”

  Unable to formulate any words, Leto shook his head as shame seared him. He hadn’t known…the information was too much.

  Jenny drew in a deep breath and exhaled slowly, struggling to regain her composure. Her angry expression softened. “She was artificially inseminated by the Megalya. It’s why they held her. It’s why she carries your scent. She carries your child.”

  For the first time in his life, Leto felt the sting of tears at the back of his eyes. I’m going to have a child with… His eyes flashed to Shy and he knew in that moment beyond any shadow of a doubt that Shy was his angel.

  Tearing his furious gaze from York and his memories, Leto looked down at the fragile creature passed out in his arms. Her face was pale but she was breathing evenly. There was a dark bruise and swelling under one of her eyes and high on her cheek and her wrist was the size of an orange. Knowing he’d killed the Megalya lackeys quite painfully did little to placate his anger.

  Shy stirred and Leto lifted her higher so that her head was propped against his shoulder, her lips brushing his neck. One strong arm wrapped around her shoulders and a possessive hand clamped on her thigh. He looked up and caught York frowning at his hand on Shy’s thigh and just to piss the other Walker off, he inched it higher until it curved possessively over her rounded hip.

  York’s head snapped up, his eyes locking with Leto’s. God he wanted to kill York! He wanted to rip the Walker limb from fucking limb and if the Walker continued to look at his Shy as if he had some claim to her than that’s exactly what Leto intended to do.

  “ETA four minutes. Jenny’s waiting so be ready.”

  Even in her unconscious state Leto could scent Shy’s pain. It had been the same when, after watching the video of her being tortured and she’d passed out, he’d carried her to the infirmary. Emotional pain and physical pain smelled different, but when either scent emanated from Shy it put Leto into a killing rage. It’s why he’d left her in the infirmary and gone hunting. He wanted to kill every single technician he’d seen on the video and it wasn’t a fantasy. He’d do it if it was the last thing he ever did. He’d get Shy to safety, get her home, get her healed, and then get back out there to avenge his angel, his mate!

  When he’d decided she was his, he didn’t know. When Monroe had told him she was pregnant with his child he’d been overwhelmed simultaneously by fear for Shy and the baby, regret over his treatment of her, and more fucking joy than he ever thought possible. Deep down he realized that a part of him had known she was his all along. It’s why he’d never been able to harm her even when he knew she was an admitted Megalya. Guilt ate at him over his treatment of her. If he’d known then…

  He couldn’t beat himself up over it. All he could do was protect her now. He slid his hand from her hip and placed it gently over her belly and his child that grew within. Without moving his head his eyes snapped up to sneer at York who still watched him intently. “MINE!” he growled with such a fierce possession and vehemence that he knew it wasn’t just for show. Shy belonged to him. She was his angel and the first chance he got he intended to bind her and claim her!

  ***

  Shy woke back in the infirmary and moaned at both the ache in her muscles and cheek as well as the throbbing in her wrist. Looking up she was surprised to find Leto standing over her with concern marring his handsome features.

  Memory came back and her hand flashed to her belly. “The baby?”

  Leto twined strong fingers with hers, “He’s fine. It’s you I’m worried about. I can scent her pain.” He looked up and Shy followed his gaze to Dr. Jenny Arkinson.

  “Well,” Jenny began reluctantly, “we can’t give her a very strong pain reliever due to the baby, and the mild shot that I did give her has already been burned off by her accelerated metabolism.” Her perfectly manicured brows furrowed, “Carrying a Walker child isn’t the same as carrying a fully human child Leto. The gestation period is more rapid. Shy will need to eat more frequently, sleep more often. She’s in an incredibly fragile state right now.” Jenny turned sad eyes to Shy, “Unfortunately, we have had few Walker children born here at StoneCrow and all of those have been female. Your son is a miracle and a very terrifying one for me to have to deal with. This is a case of first impression for me.”

  Shy looked to Leto with worried eyes before staring back at Jenny.

  “I’m assuming that because Walker men are stronger that your son will demand more from your body Shy. This is going to be difficult for you. Honestly, I’d like to admit you for the duration of the pregnancy but Leto has already refused.”

  Shocked, Shy looked at Leto. She agreed with him. There was no way in hell she’d be confined to a bed for the next nine or so months…wait! “What do you mean the gestation period is more rapid?”

  “Mahkya Mulholland, King and Lilly’s daughter, was born at just seven months. I believe your son will come sooner.”

  Shy gasped and struggled to sit up, “Sooner?”

  Leto reached down and gently eased her to a sitting position as Shy noted her swollen wrist was now wrapped in a bulky brace.

  “How much sooner?”

  Jenny shrugged, “I’m not sure. Hopefully around six or more preferably five months.”

  “Hopefully?” She felt fear inch up her spine.

  Shaking her head Jenny threw her hands up in a resignation. “Look, your heart rate has increased with the baby’s demand for blood supply. That coupled with your increased need for food and rest. It’s putting a strain on your system that will only increase as your son grows. Carrying this child to term could be…” She dropped her gaze.

  “Fatal?” Shy supplied shakily.

  Leveling her eyes first on Shy then on Leto, Jen
ny nodded once. “Potentially, yes.” She cleared her throat and Shy saw the intent as she began, “Perhaps it might be best if we just…”

  “NO!” Shy refused to let her finish.

  “You need to hear me out,” Jenny demanded.

  Confused, Leto looked from Jenny to Shy.

  “No Jenny! It’s not an option. Don’t suggest it don’t even waste your breath.”

  Realization dawned and Leto growled. “I have no say?”

  “No!” Shy snapped swinging her legs around off the med bed. “You don’t.”

  Both Dr. Arkinson and Leto were shocked by Shy’s outburst.

  “As a matter of fact, you can leave.”

  “It’s my child Shy.”

  “Wrong,” she countered, “it’s my child. You hate me remember.” Slowly she inched off the table and stood on wobbly legs. When Leto reached for her she slapped his hands away. “You finally know the truth and must now know that you have no cause to hate me or hunt me or…harm me.” She walked toward the door. “I’d appreciate it if you’d leave me alone.”

  Turning at the door, she caught Jenny attempting to hide a smile while a look of such distressing exclusion crossed Leto’s face that she actually felt bad. The look only lasted a moment before his brows furrowed and he crossed the room in seconds. Two strong hands gripped her hips and he lifted her, forcing himself between her legs and shelving her ass with one arm so that she was wrapped around him as he carried her back to the med bed.

  “Hey! Put me down.” As Leto walked, he pulled Shy into him and the friction caused when he walked had her clenching her teeth at the luscious sensation of her sex rubbing up against him.

  “Don’t get riled up Shy,” Jenny ordered, “it’s not good for the baby. Besides, you do need to hang on for just a moment; I’ve got some meds I need to retrieve for you and then I’ll get you signed out.”

  “Fine,” she crossed her arms over her chest and tried to ignore the zing of interest that shot through her when Leto had wrapped her around him. Her breasts felt instantly swollen and she wasn’t crossing her arms in an attempt to appear formidable but rather to hide her nipples that had instantly pebbled and hardened to stiff peaks as they’d rubbed against Leto’s chest as he’d walked with her.

  It’s the pregnancy, she lied trying to convince herself that her sudden flat out horniness was hormonal and had nothing to do with the Walker whose child she carried.

  Jenny exited the room while Leto towered over her with his body still between her legs as she sat on the bed. She tried not to look at him as she fought her own arousal. God he was hot. Her eyes locked on his broad well-defined chest and slid down his thickly corded arms to rest on his hands. She remembered the way he’d touched her, how he’d made her come. Her sex creamed with wanting and when Leto inhaled loudly and a long deep rumble emitted from his chest, Shy’s horrified gaze shot up.

  His eyes had darkened dangerously and she recognized the burning desire that reflected in the swirling brown and black depths.

  She was in trouble. Serious, serious trouble! When he’d hated her she hadn’t even considered him but now that he knew the truth, now that he was protecting her and was telling York that she was his! Shy shifted uncomfortably as she dropped her eyes. She knew he could scent a lie and from his reaction just now, she knew he’d scented her arousal. She reached down and planted her good hand on the side of her hips as she attempted to shimmy back. She wanted him away from her so she could at least clamp her thighs together in an effort to stifle some of her feminine heat.

  Instead, strong hands clamped on her thighs and held her in place. Too afraid to look up she opted to chew on her bottom lip nervously as she waited for Jenny to return.

  Long minutes passed and Leto slid his hands an inch or so higher. Shy’s body reacted. Her clit literally throbbed demanding attention and she sucked in a sharp breath. He slid his hands up another inch or so until his thumbs buried themselves in the bend of her hips. Her heart thundered in response. She had to put a stop to this. “Don’t!” Her voice sounded breathy and weak even to her own ears.

  “Look at me!” Leto demanded.

  Shy slowly lifted her eyes and felt her sexual juices gather at the look of pure lust on his handsome face. “W-what?” Her voice sounded tellingly husky.

  He simply stared at her for long moments before his brows speared down in his typical scowl. “I’m sorry Shy.”

  She was dazed by his apology. He had a lot to be sorry for but it didn’t keep her from asking, “For what?”

  “For not seeing what you are.”

  A pink tongue darted out to wet her dry lips. “And what am I Leto?”

  He didn’t hesitate. “You are mine.”

  Chapter 25

  Jenny entered before Shy could ask what Leto meant when he said she was his. She knew she blushed when Jenny’s lips tweaked.

  “So, here are some mild pain killers for your wrist.”

  “Did you get the information I asked about?”

  Shy tried to ignore Leto as he impatiently grilled the doctor.

  “Yes,” Jenny spoke through clenched teeth, “but perhaps you could simply ask her.”

  That drew Shy’s attention. She scowled up at Leto. “Ask who what?”

  Ignoring her, Leto’s gaze narrowed on Jenny, “You’re sure it’s safe?”

  “Yes,” Jenny bit out bracing her hands on her hips in a show of disapproval. “But as I said, you might want to…”

  He didn’t hesitate to reach up and jerk his halo free. Shy watched curiously as it seared the flesh around Leto’s throat, branding him upon its removal before he thrust it forward. She jumped when it locked in place around her slender throat but then the strength melted from her body and when she made to blink her eyes didn’t reopen.

  Smiling, Leto scooped an unconscious Shy into his arms and smiled at Jenny.

  “…ask her.” Jenny finished on an exasperated sigh.

  “Mine,” Leto growled.

  “Yes, I know Tarzan.” Jenny pointed to the door. “Go! Claim! Assert your dominance!” She turned and shook her head while muttering, “Damn possessive Walker men.”

  Leto stalked from the infirmary with his angel cradled in his arms. He couldn’t stop smiling. Mine! My angel! With my child! He’d never had anyone before and the pride he’d felt at knowing Shy carried his child was only multiplied by the fact that he’d just gifted her with his halo. The knowledge that no one could remove it, not even Shy, had him giddy with such a sense of eager anticipation he could barely contain it. She was his…forever!

  ***

  Shy woke coming. She squeezed her eyes tighter closed as she slowly became aware. Fighting to stay asleep and ride out the last tendrils of the orgasm that wrapped deliciously around her she clenched her thighs tighter together and licked her lips at the glorious sensation it evoked when the material of her panties pressed against her swollen clit and shot pure rapture straight to her womb.

  Slowly, memories forced their way to the surface and reality set in. Her eyes snapped open and she was shocked and humiliated to find Leto leaning over her with an ear-to-ear grin on his face.

  Does he know? She tried to control her erratic breathing.

  “You smell so good when you’re wet.”

  Yep he knows! She felt her cheeks singe so brightly that it actually stung.

  Leto licked his lips and a growl emitted from his chest as his eyes darkened with hunger. “Say I can have a taste Shy.” His voice was deeper than normal, animalistic, and pained.

  Taste? Oh God… She clenched her thighs tighter together as her pussy spasmed at the mere thought of Leto’s tongue sliding through her now drenched folds. Her nipples were hardened and ached where they rubbed against the fabric of her shirt. Looking down she realized two things. One, she was on a bed in a large room and two, she was still fully clothed.

  “How did you?” She stared at him accusingly, “Did you touch me while I was asleep?” She tried to sit up but Leto move
d too quickly. Using a knee, he spread her legs and settled his body between them until his chest was pressed into hers.

  “I would not touch you without permission.”

  “Then how did you?” Her cheeks flamed again and she was too embarrassed to finish the question.

  She didn’t have to. Leto smiled knowingly and his eyes dipped to her throat. “Your halo.”

  Halo? Lifting a hand she grabbed the stiff band that was clasped around her throat. Her tone was accusatory, “What did you do to me?”

  “I bound you Shy. You are mine!”

  She tried to wiggle out from under him but stilled when Leto threw his head back and moaned in pleasure. She felt the nudge of his erect cock as it pressed into her sex and she swallowed at the wave of desire that crashed over her. “Y-you bound me and I…reacted?” She was confused, the Walker jargon made no sense to her.

  Lowering his head, Leto’s expression looked tense. “No. Your pleasure was evoked.”

  “I thought you said you didn’t touch me,” she challenged.

  “I didn’t.” His eyes twinkled mischievously, “I can show you what I did.”

  Shy’s mind raced. If he didn’t touch me than how did he… Confident that because she was awake and could thwart his advances he wouldn’t be able to provoke such a response again, Shy nodded once. It was a mistake.

  Leto’s smile faded and she felt a rumble in his chest as he lowered his head toward her throat.

  Shy stiffened, “I thought you didn’t touch me!”

  He pulled back a fraction to frown at her. “I didn’t. Tilt your head.”

  She stared at him for a few moments before tilting her head and exposing her neck. Is he going to bite me?

  One of his hands reached up and gripped her around the back of the neck holding her in place. Fear shot through her. He could still hate me! This could all be a ruse. “Leto?” Fear made her voice tremble.

  He growled but didn’t pull back as his breath fanned her throat, “Don’t move. I would never harm you. You are mine. I would rather die than to see you hurt Shy.”