Masters of the Hunt: Fated and Forbidden

by Sarra Cannon

  “We won’t be able to transport both of you and fight the Erritrols.” The urgency in his voice was unmistakable. They had to get moving, and fast.

  “Drake, you have to come back now. I know you’re tired and you want to sleep, but I need you to come back.” Rhia pushed the message into his mind as she shook his shoulders.

  For a moment, she thought she’d succeeded as his breaths quickened, but still he didn’t wake. They didn’t have time for this. “Drake, I’m not asking you, I’m telling you, as the Queen of Avalore, you must come back to us now. I need you to wake up and come with me.” Using her title had worked once to get him to do as she’d asked, maybe it would work again. It was worth a shot at least. His energy stirred and reached for her. At this rate, he wouldn’t wake for another hour.

  The Erritrols’ black energy pounded in the air. It was only a matter of time before they blasted through whatever protection surrounded the apartment.

  Desperate, she leaned closer to him. She’d been trying to appeal to the warrior in him, the protector of their people, when her entire being wanted to appeal to the man in him, and if her brothers didn’t like it, then too damned bad. She leaned in and pressed her lips to his, kissing him soundly.

  “Drake, the beasts are here and I don’t want to fight them without you. Come on, you have to wake up. Please, please come back to me, I need you. I promise we can rest later.” She put all of her emotions and fears into her words and willed him to come to her, to protect her, not their people, not her brothers, but her.

  A loud roar from the other side of the bedroom door drove her into action like nothing else could.

  Her heart pounded as her fingers twisted in his hair and gave a good, hard tug. The moment his mouth opened, she slid her tongue in, deepening the kiss. His presence suddenly engulfed her as he came back from wherever he’d been, holding her close even though their physical bodies barely touched.

  “I won’t let you come to any harm, Rhia.” His voice was tired, but stronger than she’d expected it would be when he broke the kiss.

  He took several long, deep breaths as he sat, blinking to focus his eyes. Beads of sweat dotted his forehead. With all the injuries he’d had, he had to be in a horrendous amount of pain. Blood oozed from several superficial wounds, but at least those weren’t life threatening.

  He broke her gaze, turning his attention to Evan. A half second later, Evan’s snort reached her ears as he tried to suppress laughter. Though she wasn’t privy to the conversation, they had to be ribbing him over the kiss. She rolled her eyes towards the ceiling.

  “I hate to break up your fun, but aren’t there some scary monsters coming?” She wasn’t about to become an Erritrol snack.

  Instantly serious, Drake stood, testing his strength before putting his body between her and the door along with Evan and Aiken. “We can’t fight here. There isn’t enough space, and Rhia could get injured in the battle.”

  “Take her. Go through the window. Aiken and I will keep them from following.” His tone brooked no argument and held no fear. “We’ll make our way to the safe house once they’ve been exterminated.”

  Drake opened his mouth to argue, but then snapped it shut, sending a blast of energy crashing through the window. The moment the glass shattered, another mighty roar shook the bedroom door, followed by a hard blow that splintered the wood.

  Before she could blink, he was in front of her, his arms wrapped around her waist, and they were flying through the air. Her heart pounded. Her arms clung to his neck in a death grip as she squeezed her eyes shut.

  “Our method of travel isn’t like anything you’re used to. Don’t try to resist the pull. You’ll be safe. I’ll be with you.”

  “Let’s just get out of here. You can give me the particulars later.”

  “Just so we’re clear, Rhiannon,” He paused until she opened her eyes and met his gaze. “I don’t count that last kiss as the one you promised me. I’m still going to hold you to your vow.”

  Chapter 9

  The wind whipped around her head, drowning all sounds except the erratic beating of her heart. Rhia clung to Drake, too afraid to fall to allow even the smallest space between them. So that was what being a torpedo felt like. Not that she’d ever wondered or cared to find out, but now she knew. Any second, gravity would catch up with them, and drop them like stones from the sky.

  “Travelling this way is much safer than those contraptions humans use to get around.” His matter of fact observation didn’t ease her mind. Had she been meant to fly, she’d sprout wings for crying out loud.

  The muscles in her arms burned as her vise-like grip tightened around his neck. “Forgive me if I reserve judgement for later, when I’m back on solid ground with all my bones intact.”

  His bare chest shook with suppressed laughter. “We’re just about there.”

  Maybe once they were back on terra firma she’d be able to get her knees to stop knocking. For now, she didn’t care if he found it amusing, she wasn’t letting go.

  “Evan’s informed me that you’ve mastered cloaking. As soon as we set down, I need you to do just that, and don’t utter a sound. I’ll check the premises to ensure we’re safe.” At least he had the decency not to outright laugh at her.

  She kept her eyes shut tight. “Okay, but I think we’re clear. I’m not feeling anything.”

  “Humor me. I need to be certain. Remember, not a sound.”

  She did as instructed the moment her feet touched down. Having both feet on solid ground had never felt so good. She wasn’t afraid of flying, but having a plane around her while doing it definitely added to her sense of security. As soon as her cloak was in place, he withdrew his, taking its comforting warmth with it.

  “You can release me now. Stay here until I come for you.”

  Heat infused her cheeks as she let her arms fall from around his neck.

  At first glance, the cottage was small but homey. The grounds were neat and well kept. A small vegetable garden flourished at the edge of the yard not far from where she stood, and the wildflowers rimming the property gave it a very cozy atmosphere. It was just the kind of place she would have liked to own had she had the notion to stay in one place long enough to enjoy it.

  He wasn’t gone a minute before he was back by her side, a smile gracing his handsome face, making him look oh-so-sexy. She had to squelch a pang of disappointment when she saw he’d put on a black t-shirt before coming out again. “It’s safe. We can go in.”

  The interior was just as charming. It wasn’t as opulent as the condo had been, but it was cozy and clean. Old lace curtains blew in the slight breeze where Drake had opened a window to air the place out, reminding her of happy times with her mother.

  He sat on the sofa and closed his eyes. She shuddered as she recalled just how close to death’s door he’d been just a couple of hours ago. “Evan and Aiken will be here soon. We should both rest while we can.”

  “Listen, I know you’re not completely healed yet. I’d like to help if you’ll let me.” She’d shared her energy with him, more than she’d ever shared with anyone, but he’d been unconscious for most of it. Maybe he wouldn’t be such a willing recipient now he was awake.

  He opened his eyes, and for a moment, she thought he’d say no. “I’d appreciate it, thank you.”

  She pulled the coffee table close so she’d have a place to sit, thankful it wasn’t heavy.

  “Is it easier for you to talk like this?” She followed his lead, speaking directly into his mind.

  “It conserves energy. Not a lot, but every little bit helps.” His eyes drifted shut as she began centering herself.

  “Are you going to go into a deep sleep again?” Her heart pounded. What if something happened and she couldn’t reach him?

  “It won’t be necessary. I just need rest and healing. The worst is over now”

  His energy surrounded her, warming her as she shook off the jittery feeling tumbling about in her stomach.

 
; “Stop that. I’m healing you, remember?” It was bad enough he’d had to carry her and cloak her the whole way here while she’d behaved like a frightened little child. This was the least she could do. “Rest, I’ll wake you when I’m done.”

  His scent teased her senses as she closed her eyes and took deep, cleansing breaths, centering herself as she prepared to heal him. In the depths of her soul, something stretched again, wanting to break free. Her heart thudded as she pulled back and opened her eyes. She wasn’t about to go through whatever had happened at the condo again until she knew what it was she was dealing with.

  “Are you alright?” He sat straight.

  Her face heated before she closed her eyes once more. What could she tell him? She had something living inside her wanting to come out and play with him? He’d think she was nuts. “I’m fine. I just lost my concentration, that’s all. Now, rest.”

  She lost track of time as her healing light sought out and repaired damaged tissue, all the while infusing him with energy. Aiken had done a wonderful job on his heart and lungs, but there were so many other injuries. It amazed her he’d been able to move, much less carry her the whole way.

  Once she was done, she gave him a once over and, satisfied with the work she’d done, withdrew from him. It took her a moment to realize her hands had come to rest upon his chest. Her eyes popped open as she pulled away.

  “I’ve done about all I can do. How do you feel?” The lines of strain were gone from his face, and his color was back to normal.

  “Much better. You?”

  Drawn to the sensual curve of his full lips, it took a moment for her to register he’d asked her a question. What would he do if she just leaned forward and planted one on him? Her tongue darted out to wet her lips.

  Warmth crept up her cheeks when his lips turned up. She’d been caught staring. His raised eyebrows and the mischievous glint in his eye confirmed it.

  Ugh, get a grip woman. He’s so out of your league.

  She took a quick inventory of her body. “I’m feeling fine. A little edgy, maybe, but otherwise, I’m good.”

  “Healing can be draining until you can manage the flow well.”

  She rose and ambled across the room to peer out the window at the well-groomed gardens. She had to put some distance between them. Just looking at the man sent her body into overdrive. She wasn’t the kind of woman to fall for a handsome stranger or to have a fling with anyone, but Drake was, well, he was different. Truth be told, she’d never felt much attraction to any man before, yet one look at him and she wanted to tackle him to the floor and kiss him all over.

  “Tell me about yourself.” She didn’t turn to face him.

  “What would you like to know?” His husky voice was closer than she’d expected.

  Her eyes widened and her heart started racing. She whipped around to look at him again. “Do you have any family?” Why hadn’t she considered the possibility before? “Are you married? Do you have kids?”

  “Now, Rhia, would I have kissed you if I was married?” He reverted to the more intimate telepathic communication, his voice a velvet seduction in her mind.

  She released the breath she hadn’t even been aware she’d been holding. “How would I know? I’ve seen some men do it. In fact, a lot of men do.” Would he? Was he that kind of man?

  “I’m not joined to any woman, nor do I have any children.” His tone was serious.

  She turned away from him again. The skin at her back tingled with awareness as he came up behind her. Warm breath tickled the back of her neck.

  “I’d like to collect my kiss now. I’m feeling better, and you gave your word.” His gentle hands on her shoulders turned her to face him. “There may never be another opportunity, and I would like to have it before your brothers arrive.”

  Her heart raced as hundreds of tiny butterflies took flight in her stomach. The intense attraction between them left her breathless and shaky. She should leave well enough alone, but her body refused to listen. Of their own accord, her arms slid around his neck, drawing him closer. He gave her plenty of time to pull away, plenty of time to put a stop to whatever this was before it even started if she wanted, but she was already lost. His masculine scent surrounded her, making her body clench in anticipation as she tilted her head up to meet him halfway.

  Thousands of sparks ignited the moment his lips touched hers. Heat spread from her lips to every part of her in a heartbeat. When he would have pulled away, she moaned, leaning into him. Heaven help her, but she just didn’t want to let him go.

  Warmth spread over her as their colors merged, making her tingle all over. Winding her fingers through his hair, she tugged, melting into him. His strong arms circled her waist, pulling her closer. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she deepened the kiss.

  He devoured her mouth as though he’d never get enough. His hands cupped her bottom, pressing into her even as he guided her back, pinning her against the wall. She was going up in flames, and had no desire to stop it. Energy undulated around them, enveloping them in a sensuous cocoon.

  He moaned against her lips as she shifted her hips from side to side. His mouth left hers to blaze a trail along her jaw and neck. Tiny flames licked at her skin wherever he touched. She needed to feel his bare skin, to touch him, but when her cool fingers met the warm skin under the edge of his shirt, Drake stiffened.

  “We have to stop.” He released her bottom and pulled away. Her skin still tingled where his lips had been tantalizing her moments before.

  “No, we don’t. I want this. I do.” She stood on tiptoes, trying to claim his mouth again.

  He groaned again as he stepped back, his breathing ragged. “Please understand, I can’t do this. We can’t.” He closed his eyes as he ran his fingers through his already mussed up hair.

  “But…” She started to protest again, but stopped short as he raised his hands as if to ward her off, making it clear her advances were no longer welcome.

  What the hell just happened? One minute, the chemistry between them was melting the paint right off the walls, and the next, he was pushing her away. He was attracted to her, she knew he was. There was no hiding his body’s response, even now, but the fact remained, he didn’t want her.

  Pain sliced through her as realization hit home. She covered her heated cheeks with her hands as she turned away from him, and blinked back the moisture gathering in her eyes. In her dreams, he’d never pushed her away, but she wasn’t sleeping and this wasn’t a dream. Reality sucked.

  She took several calming breaths before turning back to him with her chin held high. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.” Her strangled voice belied her outward calm.

  Eyes trained on the floor, he cursed under his breath. “Rhia…”

  “It’s okay. Let’s just forget it ever happened.” She never would, but that was beside the point. “I’d love a shower. Is there one I could use?”

  Hearing all the reasons why he didn’t want her wouldn’t change anything. No point in making this more awkward than it already was.

  Drake sighed, running a hand through his hair. “We should discuss this before your brothers get here.”

  Her smile only wavered a little when their gazes met. “I’m just going to go freshen up while I still have the chance.”

  He hesitated, as though he might push the issue, but then shook his head as he pointed down the short hallway. “It’s at the end of the hallway.”

  Within minutes, steam was fogging up the small mirror over the sink. She let the hot water wash over her as silent tears slid down her cheeks. Whether she cried from embarrassment or injured pride, she couldn’t tell. If she was honest with herself, she’d played just as great a part in this as Drake had, so she had no one to blame but herself. She’d pushed for more when he’d put on the brakes. Then why did he even bother kissing me? She groaned. She’d practically thrown herself at him, for goodness’ sake.

  “You’re such an idiot, Rhia.” She ducked her head, dro
wning out her whispered words beneath the hot spray. She couldn’t hide in the shower forever. Putting this behind her shouldn’t be too difficult. It wasn’t like they were long standing lovers and he’d just dumped her. No, they’d shared a couple of kisses. So what? They were both adults after all. She’d just pretend it’d never happened and they’d move on.

  Lost in thought, it took her a moment to notice the buzz in her mind. It was similar to Drake’s, but somehow different. “Are you alright?” Tension tightened Evan’s voice.

  “Yeah, I’m okay. I’ll be out in a minute. I was just having a shower.”

  When she entered the living room, Drake was standing in front of Evan with his fists clenched at his sides, scowling.

  “What’s going on?” Her eyes went from one to the other.

  Evan took one look at her, and his jaw tensed. Without saying a word, his arm reared back and his fist collided with Drake’s jaw.

  A low growl rumbled in his chest, but Drake didn’t attempt to block the blow or try to retaliate.

  “What the hell is the matter with you?” She rushed over, wedging herself between the two men, shoving at Evan’s chest, and trying to push him back.

  Neither of them acknowledged her as they glared at one another.

  “You ever make her cry again, and you’ll answer to me.” He shook his hand, shaking off the sting of the punch. “Do I make myself clear?”

  “What kind of macho shit is this?” She shoved at Evan’s chest again.

  “I’m sorry. I should have controlled my temper. Seeing you unhappy was upsetting.” At least he had the decency to look contrite.

  She’d never been so embarrassed in all her life. Her brothers knew what had happened. When her eyes sought Drake’s, he couldn’t even look at her.

  She pushed past Aiken and through the front door. If she’d been humiliated before, it was nothing compared to this. How dare he talk about, with her brothers, what had happened between them? Her entire body shook. Had things gone further, would he have been bragging about that too?