Argus: Accepting the Challenge

by Jana Leigh; Kerri Good

  All the Chosen were explained, but also the Rogues were explained and what role they would play in the battle for control. First, they thought if they could only get one of the Chosen, they would be able to stop the New Council from forming. But as they studied the Prophesy, the Seer had written that they would never actually be able to separate them. The Chosen were all being called by higher powers and every time they tried to capture one of them, something would interfere.

  The Seer predicted the New Council would all be seated without fail. All of them would be found and accepted by the New Council. All the women would become with child as expected. It was the child of the witch and the child of the human that would change the destiny of the Rogues. This is why Braden wanted them so badly. He thought if he could take them as mates and impregnate them, he would rule the New Council.

  Roarke was still not sure what the Seer was referring to. She was no longer cooperating with Braden and was hiding what she was seeing. Since she had not turned over her power yet, she was still seeing things in the future as they changed.

  Roarke hung up the phone and smiled at Braden. “Things are right on schedule. The Alphas are chasing their tails trying to figure out what they are going to do. And they are watching Michael closely.”

  Braden nodded and then looked out the window that he had been staring out of only moments before. They saw such different things. Braden looked at the expensive high rises that surrounded them and thought when he was Alpha; he would be able to buy one of those for his use. He would be Master of the Shifters and they would be able to use the humans as he saw fit.

  Chapter 7

  Skye could hear the pounding on the door. Argus was demanding that she come out and talk to them.

  “Like hell” she whispered to herself.

  “I heard that.” Argus yelled. “Woman, we just want you to talk to us. Open the damn door.”

  Skye snorted and then looked at the door. If they really were shifter lions, they could easily break it down. Maybe she had been dreaming she thought and thought about her morning.

  She had found out that Bob the asshole was in town and then freaked out a little. Shit she was supposed to be at work in thirty minutes. Skye chewed on her lip. She did not want to go, but Ronnie would come over here. She had to get her stuff and get out. Looking around the bathroom, she gathered up everything in her bag and then looked at the window. Shit too small. She was going to have to go to the door.

  Taking a deep breath, she walked to the door when she heard Jacob say softly. “Skye, baby, please come out and talk to us.”

  She bit her lip again and thought of a plan. She could use them to get out of here, then go, and get her car. Once she had that, she was out of here. No looking back. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door and stepped out into the room.

  Argus was pacing back and forth in front of the door, while Jacob was leaning against the door frame. Argus stopped pacing and growled at her. She looked at him in fright.

  Argus rolled his eyes and said. “Please woman, like I would hurt you. God’s damnit why the hell did you run away. We were trying to explain.”

  “Yeah, sure. Like a normal person would stand still when a stranger changes into a killer. And what about this sharing thing, I mean there are two of you, what the hell is that about?” She snapped back.

  “I am not a killer.” He ground out. “I am a lion shifter. My lion does not kill anything except for prey, not humans. You are our mate. I tried to tell you that. That means that you belong with us, we have two mates because of our destiny. Now get your stuff packed because we are going back to the compound and discuss things.”

  She looked at him with wide eyes. Who the hell did he think he was? She would go wherever she wanted. Destiny, her destiny is to get the hell out of dodge and fast. And going with them suited her, but she was not going to some compound, it sounded like a cult. They would probably make her bite the head off a live chicken as initiation. The thought made her shudder.

  “Uh, no. I have my things, and I am willing to go and discuss things in a very public place where people can see me. Then I will leave and you can go back to your chicken head biting compound and leave me be.” She said and walked to the door with her bags.

  “What the hell are you talking about?” Argus roared and she frowned.

  “You know, I don’t like being yelled at either.” She announced and stepped outside. Ari was standing there grinning at her and motioned her to the truck that was parked in front of her door.

  She nodded and went to the passenger side and waited until Jacob came and opened the door for her. Argus stood in the door of the motel room for a moment just glaring at her. She refused to back down so she lifted her head up and stared him down. Ari laughed and hit is leader on the shoulder and said. “Good luck with that one.”

  “I don’t need luck. I need a pair of handcuffs. Meet us back at the compound.” He said grimly, walked to the driver side, and slid in. Jacob tried to cover the smile that he had, and Argus shook his head. So, this was how it was going to be. Argus was going to be the bad guy while Jacob got the snuggling. It just did not seem fair.

  “Where to?” He said gruffly.

  “There is a coffee shop a few miles over. And no more tricks, I don’t know how you guys pulled off that illusion but quit fucking with my head.” She said.

  “Illusion. Woman I turned into a fucking lion in front of you, did you see any mirrors or smoke. I am telling you we are shifters.” Argus ground out.

  Skye rolled her eyes and looked out the window as the streets went by. She was not going to fall for that, she thought. Maybe she was a little gullible for falling for their tricks but she was not crazy.

  Skye had chosen a coffee shop close to where her car was. That way she could leave when she wanted. Hopefully, it would be soon. She knew that Ronnie would be looking for her soon, which meant that Bob would be also. She needed to be well on the road before he found her.

  They pulled into the small shop and Argus looked around. He had been here before. It was one of the places that he and Jacob like to come when they left the compound to talk privately. The owner knew when they came in that they would be talking business, and would clear a section for them. The small coffee shop was separated into three different sections each of them having different things. One had a couch and chairs; another had tables, while the last had stools and counters. He preferred the tables because it was in the corner and he could see the whole place. It probably did not hurt that he paid the owner handsomely for the privilege.

  They entered the coffee shop and Argus led her to the table in the back while he nodded to the owner who smiled and waved. Jacob went and ordered three coffees and chatted to him about the weather while he waited.

  Skye took in her surroundings but did not seem real excited about being there. The place was warm, decorated in browns and greens, the leather couches in the front looked comfortable, but she did not want sit too close to the front window. Bob would probably start looking for her soon and she wanted to remain hidden until she was out of town.

  “So, Skye, why don’t you tell me about yourself?” Argus said brusquely.

  “Why, we are only going to have coffee and then we will never see each other again.” She said firmly and looked at him defiantly.

  “I hate to be the one to break the bad news to you, but we will certainly be seeing one another again, and it is going to be much more than coffee.” Argus drawled.

  Skye snorted and looked at Jacob as he walked toward them. He had a lot to learn about women if he thought she was going to sit here and follow his orders.

  She smiled at Jacob and wanted to stick her tongue out at Argus but she held off. Skye was feeling a little childish at that moment apparently.

  “So, Skye tell me a little about yourself.” Jacob said and smiled sweetly at her.

  “Sure,” She said looking at Argus and glaring at him before turning back to Jacob. “You know my name; I am from Florida,
traveling through to Colorado. I have always wanted to live by the mountains, and so I decided, after a failed relationship, that I needed a change. No brothers or sisters, and parents are deceased so I had no one to hold me in Florida. Just working at the restaurant until I made enough money for my car repairs, which I have. Now I will finish my coffee and take my leave. It was nice meeting you Jacob. Argus I wish I could say the same but you are a pain in the ass.”

  Jacob laughed and slapped his hand on the table. “Sweetheart that was awesome. I don’t think anyone has talked to Argus like that in years. But, I have to say that I kinda have to disagree with a few points there. When we told you that you were our mate, what did you think we were saying? I know that you are having a hard time. Honestly, we were going to do this right. I planned to have flowers and chocolates sent. Of course, I had to cancel them, considering what had been going on, but I wanted you to know we did think about it.”

  “Uh, duh, thought you were crazy! Using those tricks and stuff on me. Personally, I think that if you wanted to get laid, you should have left out the lion part. The flowers and stuff would have been good but turning furry would probably negate the gifts.” She said.

  “Well then, let me explain this a little further. Shifters are sexual creatures, and yes, we are attracted to you. But when we say that you are our mate, it means that we are going to be with each other forever. As long as our life spans allow, which is usually around 200 years. You are the only female we will ever take into our bed from here on out, we want no other. We have a compound for all of our Pride. Currently, it is about five miles to the south. But because of recent revelations, we are moving to Milliken, Colorado. So, you see, fate has already stepped in. The Gods have given you to us. If we had not met here, we would have in Colorado, it is destiny. Argus and I can truly shift into lions. When you are changed, you will too. I bet you will be a gorgeous lioness. You will be the female lioness of our Pride, which for you will be instinctual. You will want to care for the Pride, and they will show you unwavering loyalty.” Jacob said.

  Skye looked between the two men and frowned. Argus sat straight in his seat, looking at her for a response, while Jacob took her hand and soothed her with his touch. She was not sure how this was supposed to work. Two men? Ok, the lion thing is crazy, but a ménage? She was sure that she would never be able to keep the two men happy. Bob had always told her that she was a frigid bitch. Not that she believed that totally, but he seemed to not be aroused by her body, and would always insist on her using her hand to make him hard before sex.

  She cleared her throat and said. “So, how is this supposed to work? There are two of you. Why would both of you want me?”

  “Like I told you before, it is our destiny, trust me that story is a long one. I think, better explained when we have more time.” Argus said.

  “Right, I think I would like to hear this explanation now.” Skye said.

  Argus growled and glared at her. She was so stubborn he thought. Did they not just say that they would explain later? She should trust in them that they would take care of her. “Skye, we are unfortunately on a short time table. I will give you the brief version and explain more later. The shifter community is run by a Council. The first shifters were not from the United States, the Old Council was in Europe. Then the Old Council Seer made a prediction. It was to establish a New Council with 13 of what are called the Chosen. Different shifters and magical creatures that would lead us to coming out to humans. A group of shifters went rogue, they wanted nothing to do with it and in fact tried to stop the Seers prediction by kidnapping one of the Chosen. Well, they finally have found the lost Chosen and are establishing the New Council in Milliken. Each of the Chosen has a special task to perform on the Council.”

  “Okay. So, what does this all have to do with you guys? I mean it sounds like politics, you don’t really strike me as a political type of guy.” Skye smirked and leaned back in her chair crossing her arms. The story just kept getting better and better, she was not sure where these guys got their imagination but they were good at weaving a story.

  Jacob leaned forward and said quietly. “Argus is one of the Chosen. He’ll be part of the New Council. Our Pride is moving because they all want him as their leader still. As his mates, we’ll also be part of the New Council and will help Argus with his destiny. We are going to take care of the Pride business while he is working with the Council. We’ll be a team.”

  Skye snorted again and looked at them incredulously. It was amazing to think they had woven together such a huge fantasy. She should be running for the nearest door, but for some reason she was rooted in this spot. When she looked into Argus and Jacobs eyes, she was drawn to them. What if she did believe what they were saying? No, she thought, they were crazy.

  “Well, this was such a nice discussion and I am glad to have met you both, but if you excuse me. My car is across the road there, and I have to go and get it.” She said and tried to stand up. Argus put his hand out and placed it on her forearm, stopping her.

  “Please, give us a chance to show you what we are talking about. Come with us to the compound. If you don’t believe us then, we’ll let you leave.” Argus said firmly.

  She looked into both of their eyes and knew she was going to go. It was crazy, but she felt something, something that was compelling her to actually want to follow them. Skye sighed and looked across the road; she could see her car from here.

  “Fine, I will come with you for today. I have some thing’s I need to sort out before I leave. I need to get my last paycheck from Ronnie anyway. But if I ask to come back tomorrow you must promise me that you will let me go.” Skye said and looked at them for confirmation of their agreement. Both of them nodded and looked so sincere. She hoped she was not making a mistake.

  Jacob took her hand, pulled her up, and hugged her to him. Argus stood and walked around the table and waited patiently for Jacob to release her. When he did, Argus pulled her into his arms and she sighed. He was gruff and demanding, but she was so attracted to him that she felt the moisture leaking from her pussy. Maybe she would at least get to have some fun with them if nothing else.

  Chapter 8

  Bob stood across the street watching Skye; she thought she was so smart leaving the motel she had been staying in before he could catch her. Thank goodness, he had been watching from the window of the restaurant. That dumbass Ronnie was worthless. He just kept going on and on about how he could get Skye to work late so he could surprise her.

  They would have had the whole place to themselves, and he was ready to teach the bitch a lesson. She was not good enough to dump him. When he was sick and tired of her then she could go, but not before then. Bob thought that he had it half way decent for now. She worked and provided him with booze and cleaned up after him.

  He saw two big guys hugging Skye, and he frowned. She had better not think about sleeping with either one of them. She was his. Bob stepped back into the shadow of the building and watched Skye get into the cab of the large truck that had been in the parking lot. It was nice, they obviously had money.

  Bob smiled and thought of a plan. He would let her go with the rich fucks. If they screwed her, maybe they would pay to keep her. He had already gotten his car from the mechanic. Skye had left a bill, and he paid it. Hell, his friends had given him the money to come on this little chase. Of course, he had offered Skye up for grabs when they got back. She was gonna pay his debts on her back whether she wanted to or not.

  The anger burned in his stomach, she was making this harder than he wanted it to be. Bob planned on dragging her by her hair back to Florida, but maybe he could make a little money before he did. Then he could let his friends fuck her and he could have money for booze.

  ***

  Blaine sat up in bed and frowned. He had no clue who the woman was he was dreaming about. Kira and Dalton both stirred and he looked down at his mates. He should wake them up and talk to them about this vision. This was the clearest vision he had been g
iven in a while.

  Kira and Dalton had been more patient than he had been these last few days. Why give him the power of sight and then not allow him to use it. His visions had been cloudy and short. If it were not for the fact that they had proven he was one of the Chosen, he would be questioning it right now.

  There had to be something they were missing. Jordan’s mates were going though all the documents that Trinity and her family brought. Hopefully, there would be an explanation. It was driving him crazy. The rest of the New Council had been having similar problems, but their situations were different. Each of them felt their destiny, but it was like there was a barrier of sorts stopping them from moving forward.

  Quin assured them that once all the New Council was found that things would change. His father said the New Council would not have their complete power, until they were all together, though the whole shifter community accepted their control.