Lup Teren (Wolf Land Series Book 1)

by L. D. K. Johnson

  Surreptitiously, she backtracked to the kitchen knowing the back door leading to the lake would be unlocked. There were several guards protecting the perimeter of the property, but they knew her and wouldn’t bother her or care if she were out. As she ran through the kitchen, a barely perceptible noise caught her attention.

  The clanking and clamoring came from below. Maybe the manor had a basement? Incapable of controlling her curiosity, she followed the muffled sounds until she found a semi-hidden door near the walk-in pantry in a small alcove partially hidden by a large, hanging tapestry of what resembled the grounds surrounding the estate.

  Another clank followed by a low rumble found her eardrums and she moved faster toward the strange sounds. Trying the brass doorknob, she breathed a sigh of relief when the wooden barrier opened smoothly and without noise. Cautiously, she glanced at her feet before she took her next step. Surprised at the sight of stairs leading down toward a faint light that could be seen several feet down and to the left.

  Gathering her willpower, she carefully made her way toward the glow and the clanking that was now much louder. The door that greeted her was slightly ajar allowing her to see clearly into the brightly lit room. It was a combination bedroom/training room/apothecary and in the middle of the sparsely furnished room stood Nicolae. The gorgeous man wore only loosely hanging, black sweatpants and a thin sheen of perspiration, a Sai clenched in each hand.

  Raina bit her lip to squelch the moan that threatened to escape at the sight of yet another example of male perfection. His profile was glorious. Over six feet and two hundred and some odd pounds of sculpted Romani scrumptiousness wrapped in warm, olive-complexioned goodness.

  “I know you are there, Miss Jacobs,” he chuckled, the husky sound playing her nether regions like a violin.

  Slowly, she pushed the door open. “I didn’t mean to bother you, but I heard noises and couldn’t help taking a peek.”

  “No harm, no foul,” he interjected without heat. The neutrality of his voice surprising her. Usually, whenever he saw her, his mood changed for the worse.

  “It’s late,” she said, glancing over at the digital alarm clock sitting on his bedside table. “Why aren’t you asleep?”

  “Restless, I guess.” He stiffened, still not looking in her direction.

  “Ah,” she mumbled under her breath, “there must be something in the air.”

  One eyebrow suddenly arched. “Why do you say that?”

  “Blaine is awake too.” She allowed her gaze to caress his muscular torso and abs, wishing she could use her fingers instead. “He’s outside.”

  “I see.” Nicolae turned to face her. His unbridled masculinity filling the space like a sentient being. “What is keeping you awake?” He did the same to her form causing her traitorous nipples to harden under his stare. All she wanted to do was melt into the floor and disappear.

  “Nothing,” she denied, turning back toward the hallway, giving him an unnecessary glare over her shoulder, and trying desperately to understand her body’s reaction to her would be protector. An image of Antonio entered her mind and using all of her resolve she turned without another word and headed toward the staircase to freedom. “Goodnight.”

  Before her foot could hit the bottom step, Nicolae’s firm grip halted her retreat. He turned her body toward him, his firm, yet soft lips instantly on hers, desperation fueling his motions. With a gentleness she didn’t know he possessed, he maneuvered their bodies in one-smooth motion so their contours were pressed snugly together. His solid form pressed against her much softer one.

  His kiss was eager, but undemanding, lasting only a brief moment. Then as suddenly as it began, it was over.

  “Goodnight, Miss Jacobs,” he panted, releasing her trembling form. A guilty expression covered his heated features.

  Nodding in reply, she quickly turned and sprinted up the stairs, bursting through the door that had led to her undoing. Damn that Romani! She cursed internally, reliving the feel of his lips against hers. Damn all of these hot as sin freaks!

  Chapter Nineteen

  “Why am I here?” Raina examined the small room without windows for the third time, suddenly feeling claustrophobic.

  Both Blaine and Nicolae were locked in the ten foot by ten foot room with her. Both men’s large frames taking up much more of the space and the oxygen in comparison to her. Acknowledging this fact, she tried to take only shallow breaths.

  “You must practice your shifting,” Nicolae enlightened. Today, he had an even larger scowl of annoyance decorating his features.

  “In here?” she asked with a snort. “Have you seen how big I am as a wolf? I’m bloody enormous. My tail alone would take up most of this space.” Blaine’s gaze dropped to her arse and lingered there longer than was comfortable, one eyebrow arching mischievously. “Stop that,” she chastised trying to draw attention away from her cheeks.

  “Sorry, if ya don’t want me to look don’t call attention to it. I’m not dead or a priest,” he said on a low chuckle, the sound making her needy.

  “C’mon…train me already,” she blustered, getting tired of being bossed around. “Antonio told me to just get angry until I can shift at will.”

  Blaine nodded his head in agreement. “Sounds like good advice.” His eyes narrowed. “What about shifting back to skin? How are you at that?”

  Grimacing she replied, “Not great. I usually have to be in a completely relaxed state. The last time I changed during my sleep.”

  “I see.” Blaine looked at her questioningly. “We’re gonna have to work on that.”

  “Is it a problem?”

  “Perhaps,” he informed, tapping his mouth thoughtfully, the motion calling attention to his exquisitely formed lips. “Most werewolves can shift at will between both states depending on how they want to attack their enemy. If you can’t do the same…”

  “I’ll be dead within a matter of minutes?”

  “Try in a matter of seconds.” Nicolae’s input wasn’t wanted or needed.

  “Thanks for the vote of confidence,” she scolded.

  “You take everything as a joke, Miss Jacobs, but this is no joking matter. Death is usually final, even in our world.” Nicolae glared, nostrils flaring, a strange look on his striking face.

  “Sorry,” she mumbled, “it’s how I deal with stress.”

  “I understand,” his voice softened.

  “If I have to shift, why are you guys in here with me?”

  “It is imperative for you to be able to shift from your human form to your wolf during a fight.” Nicolae pulled out a Billy-club from his backpack. The sight of it giving her pause and more reservations than she already had.

  “You’ve already explained that,” she hesitated. “You expect me to do that now?”

  “Yes,” Nicolae stated without emotion.

  “You’re outta ya damned mind,” she chuckled. Her dormant Cockney accent came out to protest. “I can’t even control my emotions to shift when I’m calm and in control, much less when two hulking brutes are attacking me. No offense meant.”

  “None taken,” Blaine said with a wink, a large metal chain wrapped around his right hand. Damn! What was he going to do with that? She was afraid to know.

  “Creating an atmosphere similar to the trials will help prepare you,” Nicolae said, stepping toward her holding the club firmly in his right hand, his left hand poised in a defensive position, blue eyes intense and cold. “The first trial is contained in an area roughly the size of this room.”

  “I c-can’t do this,” she stammered, her blood pressure rising.

  “Sorry, sweetheart,” Blaine’s voice was unexpectedly no-nonsense and harsh as well. “You don’t have much of a choice. Try your best. Remember everything we’ve gone over.”

  “Easy for you to say,” she hissed, “you’re not the one who is gonna get bludgeoned to death.” She felt the first blow of Nicolae’s club to her left shoulder blade. “Sonofabitch!” she practically snarled the wor
ds.

  Turning to face Nicolae, she felt the bite of metal against her shins. Thank goodness she was wearing sweatpants. Instantly, she turned back to Blaine, whose face was veiled in an emotionless mask. The man looked scary. It was a different side of him than she was accustomed to. She could definitely picture him in the role of an Enforcer.

  “Shift!” Blaine commanded.

  Closing her eyes, she tried to picture her transforming into her wolf form. Teeth to fangs, hands to paws, yada…yada…yada. “Nothing,” she frowned. “I can’t do…” Another lash of the metal chain landed on her thighs. The impact causing her to lose balance temporarily, but to her satisfaction she remained upright. Filled with desperation she concentrated…with all of her might she concentrated… Once more, the blunt force of the club landed on her left arm then her right side near her hip and then to her arse. “Stop hitting me! I can’t shift. Are you deaf?”

  In front of her eyes, Blaine leapt, shedding his skin in midair and landing on the floor on four paws. He was breathtaking. A massive toffee-colored timber wolf with sparkling emerald green eyes. Even in fur, he was Zeus.

  Angrily, he snarled, telling her to prepare for his attack. The order sent a bolt of terror down her spinal cord. He wouldn’t really hurt her, would he?

  “Wait,” she whispered, “I’m not ready.”

  “Shift, Miss Jacobs.” Nicolae rose his club once again, the sight of it made her knees tremble.

  Mortified at her current situation, she closed her eyes again. Nothing.

  “I can’t. I can’t do it.”

  A furry mass of muscle landed on top of her, throwing her body to the concrete floor. Her head landed on the unyielding surface with a loud, sickening thud. It was the last thing she felt.

  *****

  “It’s a mistake,” Blaine’s voice sounded first, her head still groggy from hitting the floor. “She’s not ready.”

  “It would be suicide on her part to attempt the trials,” Nicolae’s insult accosted her ears next. “She cannot go through with this,” he sighed. “Call it off.”

  “Yeah.” She weakly propped herself up on her elbows, giving herself a better view of the four men standing at the foot of her bed, looking grim and sounding worse. “I agree. I’m not ready for tomorrow.”

  “We’ll protect her, Richard,” Duncan reassured. “I’d give my life for her, ya know I would.”

  “No one is going to give up breathing for me,” she hissed, maneuvering her uncooperative limbs to a sitting position. “We’ll just explain to…”

  “At this point, they don’t want anyone thinking you’re the second coming,” her father interrupted, eyes bloodshot like he’d been sleep deprived. “They are going to make an example of you so no one else challenges them. You’ll be eliminated regardless now. Chosen One or not.”

  “Going through with the trials is my best bet now,” Raina whispered to no one. She knew it was.

  “Better to die in battle than being tortured by the enemy.” Nicolae’s unreassuring statement hit her like his club did earlier.

  “Comforting thought,” her sarcasm dripped.

  “It’s up to you, Raina,” Blaine added. “We’ll fight beside you regardless.”

  “No.” She shook her still fuzzy head. “No one is dying for me. Not now. Not ever. I’ll complete the trials. If I have to die then I’ll go down fighting.”

  “Are you sure?” Duncan’s voice strained with unspoken emotion.

  “I’m positive,” she lied, but it sounded good. “Let the damn trials begin.”

  *****

  “That was utter bollocks,” Antonio scoffed in her head.

  “I thought it sounded rather Braveheart-ish,” she giggled, but it seemed forced. “Mel Gibson would have been proud,” she jokingly tried to hide her rising fear.

  “Trying to put up a brave front?” The man knew her too well.

  “Trying,” she thought. “I’m going to die tomorrow.” Taking a bite out of Mrs. Radu’s mouthwatering corned beef brisket and boiled cabbage and potatoes, wasn’t as soothing as she’d first thought. Dinner was excellent as usually, but her mind was already at the rapidly approaching trials. Not even the hearty slice of rustic apple pie could make her smile. “Will you be back from…wherever? I mean, will you be here physically or will it be like we are now.”

  “No, it won’t be physically,” his answer curt. “I’ll be indisposed.”

  “I see.” She really didn’t. What could he have that was more important or entertaining as his best friend’s death? Cheeky bugger!

  “I’ll be with you in spirit though,” he comforted. “I love you. No matter what happens during the next few days.” Apparently, he hadn’t been in her head during her brief lip-lock with the swarthy Romani. Thank goodness.

  “You mean if I survive the next few days,” she tried to ease the tension with humor, but failed terribly.

  “That’s not funny,” he chastised.

  “I’m sorry,” she apologized in a hushed tone. “I love you too.”

  There was a brief pause before Antonio said, “Marry me.” She knew it wasn’t a request.

  “No,” she blurted without thought.

  “Why not?”

  “I don’t want you to ask me now,” she frowned knowing he couldn’t see. “Ask me if I survive.”

  “When…when you survive,” he corrected.

  “Fine, ask me again after all of the trials. After the Romani stuff as well, deal?”

  “You’re a stubborn bird, ya know that don’t ya?”

  “I know,” she laughed this time, a genuine laugh.

  “Te amo,” Antonio reminded.

  “The feeling is mutual.” And it was. She loved him too.

  *****

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb you.” Raina stepped into her father’s office.

  “You’re not disturbing me.” Richard removed his glasses from his worry-lined face, his features looking older than usual. “I’m finishing a few last minute details with the business. I was just going over some legal paperwork. It’s a good excuse to take a break.”

  “Dad,” she lowered her voice, knowing her companions had super hearing, “something is wrong with me.”

  “What? Are you ill?” Her father reached across his desk and touched her forehead feeling for a temperature, like he had done many times during her childhood. Alarm shimmered in his expressive hazel eyes. “Your temperature is slightly elevated,” he informed.

  Shaking her head, she clarified, “I’m in love with…”

  “Antonio,” he smiled, adding, “I know.”

  Smiling back, she pressed on saying, “Yes, I’m in love with Antonio.” That fact she already knew. “But I’ve been unfaithful.” Her father’s brow hitched making her quickly add, “I’m also attracted to Blaine and to Nicolae.” Her head bowed in shame. “I’m a slut. I’m a ginormous slut. And a bitch, both literally and figuratively. I’m a slut-bitch or a bitch-slut, take your pick.”

  Richard laughed. The sound grated on her nerves. “You’re not a slut,” he comforted. His words were untrue as far as she was concerned.

  “I let Nicolae kiss me,” she confessed. “I think I may have even kissed him back.”

  “So,” Richard relaxed in his chair, “that doesn’t make you a…”

  She interrupted, “I’ve also imagined throwing Blaine to the floor, tearing off his clothes, and doing unclean things to him.”

  “That still doesn’t mean you’re…”

  Again she interrupted, “I’ve also had dreams of having all three…at the same time.” Her face heated and she regretted her admission as soon as the words left her mouth.

  “I see.” Her father’s demeanor changed.

  “I told ya,” her Cockney accent thickened, “I’m a slutty-bitch-hybrid-freak.”

  Richard leaned forward and sniffed, the loud sound startled her. “I don’t know why I didn’t notice it before.”

  “What?” she asked sniffing he
rself and finding only the scent of citrus body wash and cocoa butter lotion.

  “I really need to start using my wolf more,” he mumbled. “Well,” he sighed, “this definitely puts a new spin on things.”

  “Dad, what are you talking about? What didn’t you notice before?”

  His worried expression softened right before he informed, “You’re in heat.”

  *****

  Blaine sat on the fifth step of the staircase leading to the second level of the manor. Long legs stretched outward. Enticing body covered by a plain, white t-shirt and navy basketball shorts. WWF-sized muscles rippling under his baggy clothing.

  “Can’t sleep either?” He watched her with an unknown emotion, green gaze following her every move.

  “I needed to talk with my dad. I’m going to my room now.” She walked past, making sure not to let any part of her overheated body touch his, hoping he wouldn’t scent her aroused condition. “See ya in the morning.” He reached for her, but she pulled away before he could make contact. “Please…don’t touch me.”

  “I scented you earlier,” he confessed. “You’ve come into heat.”

  Stopping in mid-step she sighed, all of her pent up frustration filtering through this one desperate sound.

  “Why is this happening to me?”

  “It’s Mother Nature’s way of making sure our species doesn’t go extinct. During mating season, the need to procreate overshadows everything…sleep, food…commonsense.”

  “How long have I been this way?”

  “Not long. It probably happened earlier today or last night. Don’t worry,” he shrugged, “it’s normal.”

  “Normal?” She questioned his intelligence in her head. “How is sprouting fur, fangs, and goodness knows what else, not to mention,” her voice lowered, “going into heat like an animal…normal?”

  Frowning he replied, “You. Are. Half. Wolf. It is normal for our kind. Deal with it.”