by Vivian Arend
He clasped her hips and stood. She threw her arms around his neck with a squeal. “I thought I got to set the pace.”
Enormous dark pupils stared back at her as he jostled her, finding his balance. His cock imbedded in her body, her legs wrapped around his waist, he staggered two steps to press her against the nearest wall. “I lied. You’re going too damn slow.”
Laurin laughed in delight for all of a second before the air rushed from her lungs as he lifted her hips and drove her down hard. Again and again he plunged her onto his cock, stretching her with his width, the rigid length hitting sweet spots inside that made her quivering need expand out to encompass her entire body.
She tried to participate, but was unable to do much more than cling to him, her breasts bouncing against his chest on each thrust. The sounds of their moans and words of desire intertwined with the scent of their bodies, sex and masculine desire. Then the fire she’d seen in her imagination flamed to life and took hold of her. It began in her womb and spread outward to consume her. Matt grunted and angled his hips for one final thrust before shaking with his own release, heated semen flooding her passage as he came with a cry. She tightened her grasp, fighting to hold on as her vision fogged. Each breath seemed to sizzle, the cooler air around them catching fire as it entered her lungs, her body so heated by their exchange. It took a long time until there was nothing left but lingering sexual satisfaction and the flickering threads of the inferno slowly dying away.
They collapsed back to the bed, Laurin on top of Matt in a sweaty, satiated heap, and she realized while there were some things she didn’t understand, she was more than content to face the future with him by her side. His fingers trailed down her back, intimate, tender. They lay together, pounding hearts slowing.
“I thought you said you couldn’t work magic?” Matt exhaled hugely, contentment pouring from him as he continued to caress her skin.
She laughed. “I can’t. I just enhance other’s powers. Hawáte—it means one. I join with you and strengthen your abilities.”
He pressed his lips to her temple delicately. “Hmm, I could have sworn there was magic involved in what we just did.”
The teasing answer she’d been about to make vanished as a piercing scream broke the stillness, carrying through the log walls. The haunting cry of a predatory bird at the hunt, and Laurin stiffened.
The air shifters seeking her had arrived, far earlier than expected.
Chapter Two
“Dress.” Matt pointed to the shirt he’d recently stripped from Laurin’s body. He waited to make sure she followed his directions before touching her cheek gently. As a shifter, nudity didn’t bother him, but he was suddenly very possessive about anyone getting to see Laurin. Especially men who were interested in her for what she could provide, not because they cared about her.
He made his way to the window to check what was happening outside. A little forewarning was a good thing, even though his strengths as a shaman should be more than adequate for any challenge.
“So much for them showing up after noon,” she complained, joining him at the window, her body pressed warm and soft against his back as she peered over his shoulder.
Matt slipped his arm around her waist, breathing in her scent, loving the way she instinctively nestled closer against him. “Now is better than fifteen minutes ago. I’m glad they didn’t interrupt us.”
A light kiss connected with his cheek. “I’m glad as well.”
He took his time to consider and judge what to do. Waking to find Laurin missing had thrown him for a loop for a moment. The connection he felt for her was incredibly strong for knowing her such a short period, but until she caught up to his level of devotion, he would bide his time.
But waiting for her to grow to care for him didn’t mean that the blood pounding through his veins was any less hot to administer justice upon her tormentors. No one should have to hide from their family or clan. No one should be able to affect another life that powerfully without their permission.
He reached deep to find peace, seeking the cool energies of the ocean to settle the fiery burn of the sun. High in the air a group of birds circled, riding the currents far above them. “They must have impressive wingspans for me to be able to see them at this distance.”
Laurin snorted. “About the only thing impressive about most of them.”
Matt led her to the door, and paused. One long, slow perusal over her revealed pretty much what he expected to see. Her blonde hair hung in a beautiful mess over her shoulders, her ruby lips were swollen from their kisses and her face still held the flush of her arousal. She looked as if she’d been ravished, and if that alone didn’t set their visitors off with a challenge or two, the People of the Air had less balls than he expected.
He cleared his throat. One last thing to organize. “You need to promise me you’ll let me handle this.”
She frowned. “Me woman, you caveman? Matt, I hid the past couple of years because I felt it was the best option, one that would cause the least fighting among all my people. Since that choice is no longer viable, I’ll do what needs to be done. And while I’m very grateful for you to be by my side, I am capable of helping you.”
What excuse could he use that she would understand? “Of course you are, but this is my first encounter with the People of the Air since I officially became shaman. Other than you, of course. If I don’t put in a strong showing, it could make my life more difficult down the road.”
This was one of the first times to gauge exactly how powerful he could be when the need arose.
“Oh. That does make a difference.” The tension in her body increased. “Matt, we don’t need to—”
“Need to what? Prove you deserve to live your life as you choose?” She’d run for so long, she no longer realized her habit of hiding was stealing her joy. She deserved far better—and it was time she got to relax. Besides, everything in him called out to protect and care for her. She truly had slipped into his soul.
Laurin straightened and caught his hand. She paused, then spoke clearly. “I trust you.”
The words were simple, but the look that accompanied them added volumes of meaning. Total acceptance, complete respect. She gave herself into his keeping, and the level of dedication that took humbled him.
“I won’t let you down.” He whispered the words against her cheek, holding her to his naked body for a second before leading them outside.
High overhead a dozen avian warriors circled, wings swept wide to catch the morning breezes off the water. A few circled lower as Matt and Laurin stepped out from the trees onto the sandy shore. Matt glanced over the water—his beloved Stormchild was still beached on the sandbar, but she looked to be intact. Once they dealt with Laurin’s tormentors, they could turn their attention to the ship and get her underway again.
One minute the hawks and eagles were airborne, the next, five plummeted to the ground, shifting to human form to land with various degrees of ease. Matt noted the couple that made the change and landing look effortless. They were probably the most dangerous to deal with.
Laurin pointed her way around the circle forming before them. “Jessup from the Laird Range. Cody, once part of the Crowsnest Pass clan, until they kicked him out. Kilade of Assiniboine Mountain.” Her voice trembled and he stepped closer to her side, their bodies touching at the hip. So, she had particular concerns about Kilade, did she?
The men facing them stared intently, taking note of his proximity to her, the intimate stance between them.
“Who are the others?” He gestured at the two she hadn’t named on the ground and those remaining in the air. “Should we expect those still above to join us?”
Laurin shook her head. “They will only drop to rest. They must have decided they are too weak to challenge for me, considering who else has arrived. And I don’t recognize the other two.”
“You’ve drawn a nice crowd.”
The disgusted expression on her face made him laugh. “I guess
I should feel complimented so many men think I’m worth fighting for.”
There was no way he could let that one pass. Ignoring the air shifters he turned Laurin in his arms and held her tight. “You are totally worth fighting for.”
She flicked a glance at the challengers. “Umm, Matt? You know, if you weren’t here, they’d fight amongst themselves. Last one standing would claim me, or at least try to. They don’t know you, so you’ve become the focus. You just put a target on your back.”
He raised a brow. “A target, hey? Shall we make it very clear that if any claiming is going to be done you’ve already selected the man you want?”
Matt turned his back to the others as if he considered them no threat at all, then scooped her up and kissed her senseless. If he cheated and used a touch of his shaman magic simply to ensure no one jumped them from behind, screw it. He wanted to enjoy this moment.
Laurin was stiff and unresponsive for all of three seconds before threading her fingers into his hair and giving their kiss her undivided attention. Her tongue stroked his, the sweet taste of her mouth making him long for more than a quickie kiss. He cupped her butt, reaching under the tails of the shirt to caress the smooth bare skin. God, she was driving him insane. The cooling touch of her magic slid over his and he shuddered.
Pulling away from her was the toughest thing he’d done in a long time. She sighed, running her fingers down his cheek as she shook her head slowly. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”
She stepped back, retreating toward the ocean, adjusting the shirt to cover herself more adequately. Matt eyed her hungrily. “I’m in love with that shirt, you know. I think if I bent you over my arm I could—”
“Matt.” Laurin took a quick peek at the others before returning his stare. “Stop it.”
With one final wink in her direction, he slowly pivoted, reaching inside for the connections he had with nature to prepare him for what was to come.
The faces that greeted him were stern and fearsome. He smoothed his own features to give no outward sign of the emotion within his chest. The People of the Sea valued peace and tranquility, unlike the mountain clans who seemed to be far more open in revealing their angry passions.
“Welcome, brothers. I trust you’ve had a pleasant journey.” He bowed slightly, giving the smallest token of respect possible. He was shaman here. This was his home territory, and his woman they had come hunting. Not that he’d word it that way in front of Laurin or she’d be likely to carve off his nuts with a spoon. Still, he would defend what was his.
The two unnamed arrivals stepped back, unease in their eyes. He stared them down as they retreated, a swell of pride flashing through him. Had they really imagined they could simply march in and take Laurin without a fight? If not with their own people, but with her? She was too strong for the likes of them.
The redhead Laurin had identified as Jessup stepped forward, his thin limbs bringing him within a few paces of Matt before he halted. The derision on his face as he looked Matt up and down was impressive for its arrogance.
“It was an interesting trip, but I long already to return to my family.” He glanced past Matt, as if dismissing him as unimportant. “I am eager to escort you home, Koldunya. I have searched for you for a long time.”
Sorceress? Even from ten paces behind him, Laurin’s heavy sigh was audible. “Jessup, do the words fuck off mean absolutely nothing to you? I’m sure you’ve heard them often enough.”
Matt kept his face blank but he wanted to rub his temples. Oh, yeah, she was doing a great job so far of letting him handle it. Not. Anger flared in Jessup’s eyes at Laurin’s words, and he moved toward her without regard for Matt. Being completely ignored was unexpected, but he’d take advantage of the opportunity. He reached out and grasped Jessup’s wrist, twisting and dragging the man to his knees in one smooth motion.
Matt pressed the arm he’d captured higher. “I gave you a polite greeting, brother. Do I need to train you in etiquette?”
Jessup grunted in pain, unable to move without dislocating his shoulder or snapping his arm. He tossed back his head and Matt snatched at his hair with his free hand, completely immobilizing the newcomer.
Matt watched the other two cautiously, gauging their response to his rapid takedown of one of their contemporaries.
The one Laurin had called Cody broke into a grin and laughed out loud. “I always thought you’d be an easy mark, Jessup. Accept your paddling and let the real men step forward.”
Under his grip Jessup went slack and Matt readied for anything. Anything, except for Jessup to speak quietly. “I withdraw. Laurin is free from my attentions. I give my word and will leave the battle to others.”
Matt remained frozen. It had been too simple.
Laurin called out to him. “Matt, let him go.”
“You can, you know. I won’t aid you, but I won’t fight you either.” Jessup sighed heavily. “I had to make the attempt. I hope you won’t think poorly of me.”
Matt eased his grip. He’d never fought with an air shifter before, and found this rapid and complete surrender very confusing—it took a lot to get water shifters to start fighting, but once they began, it didn’t stop easily.
“She’s enough to make anyone want her,” Matt said.
He pulled Jessup to his feet, staying lightly on his toes in case of a double cross. Jessup eyed him with perplexity. “You do not fight like I expected. What clan are you from?”
Matt wanted that secret for a little longer. He told the truth, such as it was. “Clanless.”
Jessup’s brow rose. “You and Cody should have an enjoyable…discussion then.”
He turned and bowed deeply to Laurin, shifting back into his hawk form as soon as he straightened. A few strong flaps brought him to a perch in a nearby Sitka Spruce.
One down, two to go. Matt faced the remaining challengers.
Cody directed a twisted leer at Laurin briefly as he cracked his knuckles, showboating his thick biceps. “I won’t go down so easy,” he warned.
Without another word he dove at Matt, slamming his shoulder into Matt’s gut and taking him to the sand. Matt rolled, using the slight slope of the shoreline to his advantage, kicking hard to separate their bodies. Wet sand clung to their skin and Matt was suddenly very aware they were fighting in the nude.
Screw diplomacy. He had much better things to do with his balls than let them get smashed by some overgrown turkey vulture on a mate quest.
The beach was his turf, and he used the location to his advantage. A broken fragment of shell, a partially buried stick of driftwood to spear into an unsuspecting foot—Matt saw all the obstacles at a glance and planned his attack accordingly. A feint to the right let him throw a punch that connected hard with Cody’s jaw. The man’s head snapped back briefly as he roared out his displeasure, spitting blood from his mouth. Matt was unable to avoid the huge hamlike fist that slammed into his ribs in retaliation. Goddamn. Nothing broke, but his bones creaked in protest. Matt spun away, then darted back to land a duo of blows to Cody’s face. Forget hitting the man’s torso. If he hadn’t seen Cody shift from a bird, he would have sworn the man was a bear.
Knowing how to fight on the sand helped, the uneven footing and sharp objects Matt led Cody toward aiding his fight. Yet for every couple of blows Matt landed, Cody got in at least a single hit. Matt saw stars after one, his vision blurring for a second. He was so concerned about remaining upright he almost missed it. A sliver of movement in his peripheral vision was all the warning he got, and he went to his knees.
Over his head a heavy branch whistled through the air to connect with Cody’s temple. The beefy man didn’t even sway, simply dropped like a rock to the ground as Matt backed to a safe distance to face the newcomer. The branch fell from Kilade’s hand, a dirty grin on his face as he approached. “Hello, hoga. I think my brothers underestimated you.”
Hoga? Matt circled cautiously. It was obvious there would be little honor used in this part of the battle
. Keeping his gaze on his opponent, Matt sidestepped until he caught a glimpse of Laurin. She stood close to the water’s edge.
“You have me at a disadvantage. Our clan tongues are different—what pet name do you give me?”
Kilade sneered, but remained silent.
From her safe position Laurin answered his query, “He called you a goldfish in Assiniboine.”
A smile escaped. Cocky bastard. Matt dragged the back of his hand over his mouth and wiped away a trickle of blood. “I see you’re getting your water shifters confused. Even the eagle treats the mighty orca with respect.”
He moved, flashing to Kilade’s side as the blows rained down. Elbows, knees, the heel of his hand—each struck a new location as Matt darted quickly in and out of the larger man’s space. The mountain dweller’s bulk moved slower than Matt’s lean mass, but when he did land a strike it was enough to rock Matt’s brain in his skull.
Anger threatened, gnawing at Matt’s control. This man, and the others, had been responsible for Laurin having to hide for over two years. They deserved no mercy, wanting her only for personal advancement, using her ability to shift into any air form to increase their strength.
Still, he couldn’t fight while enraged. He thought instead of Laurin’s bravery, her willingness to share her talents with all the clans of his people. She deserved the right to make her own choices, and that realization gave strength to his limbs when he thought he could fight no longer.
After delivering a particularly hard series of punches, Matt stepped back, chest heaving, fighting for breath. In the background, Cody staggered to his feet, shifted, and unsteadily flapped his way into the tree to perch beside Jessup. Across from Matt, Kilade leaned heavily on his knees, torso bent low. Blood dripped from his knuckles, bruises and red splotches marring his torso.
“You do have a few moves,” the air shifter admitted, admiration in his voice. “Shall we come to an agreement?”