by V L Moon
The town from his younger years had grown. In its place stood a city, a much larger area to search, but his tracking skills had been born from his father’s teachings. Nothing escaped Tobias’s attention as he pushed on, maneuvering through the darker alleys. He used the storm for camouflage until his nose led him toward a set of double doors below a neon pink sign. The name Iniquity blinked through the fast falling snow.
Tobias didn’t bother to knock. He refused to wait for an invitation. His kin was behind those doors. There was no place for manners when it came to protecting his pack and blood. He crashed into the doors using his full weight and every ounce of strength. Wood splintered around him as his paws came to rest against a highly polished floor.
~*~*~*~
Shaver jumped over the top of the bar, going from two feet to four paws in the time between one heartbeat and the next. The fur on his back bristled and his muzzle retracted to show his teeth. The huge wolf before him dared to step closer. The power radiating from his pores stung Shaver’s nose. He was as big as Damian in height, but leaner in build. His coat shimmered from the snow, but Shaver could easily see the white gold coloring of his pelt. He inched closer when the wolf stopped his approach and held his nose up to sniff the air.
Shaver growled. Alexa was upstairs with the doctor and the hybrid. There was no way he was going to let a stranger waltz in like he owned the fucking place, regardless of his size or the overwhelming sense of power radiating from him. Shaver stood his ground and pushed out with his mind to see if he could read any of the stranger’s thoughts.
The white wolf snarled and took a step back. He shook the snow from his fur sending droplets of water into the air. He changed from his wolf form to a stunning blonde male with a heart stopping grin and a very familiar face. He was looking at an older version of Khad.
Shaver stumbled, shifting back to human and sitting on his ass to stare up at a gorgeous, worried face.
“You…you, fuck! You look just like him.” Shaver stuttered, fucking stuttered. But there was no mistaking the family resemblance.
“Who? Who do I look like?” The stranger demanded while offering him a hand up. Shaver took it without thinking and was jerked to his feet. “Where’s Sage? Is she safe? Bastian, the doctor, is he still here?”
Shaver gulped. Nerves made his stomach flip. His mouth opened, closed then opened again. “Khad. You look like Khad. You’re here to take him away from me.” Shaver croaked. Tears stung his eyes, blinding him. He choked back a sob.
“Hey, whoa there, kid. I’m not taking anyone anywhere unless they choose to go. I’m Tobias, Sage’s cousin. My dad got a call that she was here, and with the shit that’s been going down, I’m afraid I didn’t think. Any chance of some clothes, I sort of changed on the fly. Not the best of introductions, but…hi.”
“Hey,” Shaver replied. Heat rushed to his cheeks. “I’m Shaver. Shay.” Shaver clamped his mouth shut. Fuck, he sounded lame.
“I leave you alone for five minutes, and you get all up close and personal with some handsome little wolf. You trying to make me jealous?”
Shaver’s eyes widened at the sudden appearance of a dark, incredibly sexy vampire. His fangs glistened in the muted light as he approached. Green eyes flared possessively as he prowled over to the strange wolf.
“Roman, my God, you’re here.” Tobias hurtled to meet the smiling vampire and proceeded to kiss the ever living shit out of him.
Shaver gaped at the open display of affection as the two murmured to each other. When the vampire’s hands traveled south over bare ass, Shaver blushed and leaned over the bar to grab two pairs of old sweats that were always kept on hand. They had clothes stored everywhere; it came with the territory.
He couldn’t believe the interaction going on before him. The vampire claimed the wolf, leaving him breathless and sporting a very obvious erection. Clearing his throat, Shaver looked away as he held out the sweats.
“I think we may have embarrassed our new friend.” The vampire chuckled. “Please, forgive me for our little display. I’m Roman Chamberlin, Tobias’s mate. And you are?” Smooth and elegant, the two words popped into Shaver’s mind. The vampire oozed sophistication; he was a classic cool next to the wild wolf.
“This is Shaver Shay.” Tobias grinned giving Shaver a wink as he pulled on the sweats.
“My name’s Shaver, but everyone calls me Shay,” he replied shaking the vampire’s hand. He was struck between the coolness of his skin and the heat in his eyes as the vampire watched Tobias cover himself.
“Such a shame, don’t you agree?” Roman sighed turning his attention to Shaver. “All that beautiful skin and he denies me a taste.” Roman’s smirk was slow and seductive as he licked his lips and cocked a brow.
“Behave, Romy. You can have me anytime and you know it.” Tobias grinned.
The love between the two strangers was obvious as they hugged each other. Their hands remained clasped as they looked around the bar. Shaver was speechless. In all of his years, he’d never heard of an openly gay wolf being accepted by a pack, let alone being mated to a vampire. But then, he’d never travelled outside of his own pack lands. Trenton hadn’t allowed it, and Alexa needed his help; the whole pack did.
“Shaver, where is every one?” Tobias asked, looking suddenly nervous. The vampire shifted and pulled Tobias into his body. Shaver watched intrigued as the wolf rested his head against Roman’s shoulder for a moment, obviously taking comfort in the contact.
He cleared his throat to hide his embarrassment at his ogling. “Damian and Khad went back to the island to cover Sage’s and Copi’s scent. If Trenton discovers them, let’s just say it won’t be pretty. Trenton’s a sadistic bastard. He takes great pleasure in hurting those he’s sworn to protect. Thank god for Damian and Alexa. They look after Khad and me. Lexa ploughs everything she makes from the club into looking after the pack. But it’s never enough. We’re dying.” Shaver explained and looked away feeling embarrassed when Tobias reached out to wipe away an absent tear.
“Don’t you worry, Shaver. No motherfucker is going to hurt those that helped Sage. My father will make sure of that. Will you show me where Sage is so I can make sure she’s ok? We’ll deal with the rest as it comes up.” Tobias sounded so sure, but Shaver knew first-hand how far Trenton would go to keep what was his. He just hoped the Summus was as powerful as they said; otherwise, they’d all pay. Dearly.
~*~*~*~
The mix of emotions streaming from Shaver equaled the aftermath of a battle. It made Tobias want to question him further, but it was his first words upon realizing who Tobias was that really hit him hard.
You’re going to take him away from me.
The fear and grief behind those few words spoke volumes about Shaver. The kid was obviously harboring some pretty intense feelings for Khad, the kind that could tear a heart apart if the feelings weren’t reciprocated. Tobias hoped Khad felt the same way.
His own feelings were off the charts. What if it wasn’t Khad? What if Sage had made a mistake? God knew it was possible after what she’d been through. Tobias growled, his body shuddering with the desire to decapitate Khurn and rip his heart from his chest.
“Ok, sexy. Enough with the growly shit. You’ll get to avenge Sage. Let’s just see how she is first, hmm?” Roman placed a hand at the small of his back. The slight contact acted as an instant balm to both Tobias and his wolf.
“I take it Elder De Rhys is still here? Bastian?” Roman countered at the confused looks.
“Malachi made a demon an Elder for the vampires? Holy shit, what else has been going on while I’ve been away?” Tobias asked as Shaver led the way upstairs.
“Too much to discuss right now, pup. Some good, some bad, some terribly bad,” Roman replied. The weight in those words seemed to pain Roman. Sadness shone in his beautiful eyes, a rare emotion for his mate. Tobias worried about its cause, but he would have to face the news another time. Family and pack had to take priority. It was Tobias’s job
as Jorn’s second and Sage’s kin.
Tobias couldn’t deny the curiosity spiking through his system as Shaver pushed through the door leading into the attic. He had smelled the hybrid and sensed his ominous presence as soon as he entered the bar; however, the closer he got, the more compelled Tobias became. Beside him, Roman stiffened. His vampire’s nostrils flared. Recognition lit in his eyes. Tobias inhaled again and chuffed in concern. The stranger’s signature scent was the same as Roman’s fragrance. Not identical, but near enough.
“What the fuck?” Roman slammed into the room. Tobias felt the powerful snap of recognition between them. The hybrid’s eyes zeroed in on Roman. An instant spark connected them, but it wasn’t because they knew each other. It was evident to everyone in the room that they shared the same blood. Roman and the hybrid were definitely and undeniably kin.
~*~*~*~
Chapter Forty-Four
~*~*~*~
Blood coated the doctor’s hands and dripped steadily onto the floor. Backed into a corner, Copi held his breath and fought down the blood hunger creeping up his throat. The trust in Sage’s bicolored eyes kept him rooted to the spot. Her terror was a bitter sting on his tongue and awakened every cop instinct he possessed. He’d seen far too many battered and abused women in his tenure with the NYPD, investigated the deaths of dozens more. He’d made a vow to the dainty female on the table and he was damned sure going to honor it.
When a splintering crash from the bar rumbled up the stairs, Copi’s gaze swung to meet Alexa’s brilliant green. “Shaver.” She breathed the name and broke for the door. Copi caught her halfway and then caught a fist to the jaw. He grunted. The curvaceous female packed one hell of a punch. “That’s my family down there.”
“Concentrate. I know you can sense him. Is he in danger?”
Alexa drew a deep breath and shook her head. “He’s hurting, but not physically. He needs me.”
“No.” Copi held her as she struggled. “He’s not a kid, Alexa. He can fight if he has to. She can’t.” Copi turned her so she faced Sage.
“We have to protect these two. Get behind me and defend them no matter what comes through that door.” He saw the argument boiling in her turbulent glare. “It’s not a macho thing, damn it. I’m vampire, well half at least, so I have an edge on any wolf that comes through that door.” He softened his tone. “Shaver will call for help if he needs it. You know he will.”
“He does have a point.” The demon doctor never looked up or stopped the meticulous procedure. Of course, after being raised in Hell, a fight between a hybrid and a wolf pack was probably tame entertainment.
Sage whined sensing the shift in the air. The redhead moved to take her hand and murmur in her ear. Copi took up a position between the operating table and the door. The rise and fall of voices drifted to his ears, but no sounds of a scuffle. It was the pounding of feet up the stairs that raised the hairs on the back of his neck.
When the door crashed open, Copi froze. His heart stuttered against his ribcage. Blood roared in his ears. And then, the world crashed. Adrenaline and destroyed hope propelled him across the small space. Wolves scrambled to grab him. A strange white blonde wolf went for his throat. Copi batted him away like a fly and slammed the vampire against the far wall.
“Where is he?” He demanded. “Where the fuck is he?”
To his credit, the vampire maintained his cool although fury danced in his green eyes. When he spoke, it wasn’t to Copi. “Tobias, I’m fine. Stop growling and check on Sage. Whoever you are, you can let me go. Now. Before, there’s more blood on the floor.”
The threat ramped up the aggression and confusion. Copi tried to let go, tried to move away, but his body refused to follow his commands. He shook with the force of his warring emotions. “You smell like him; you fucking look like him.”
“Vischeral Bourne?”
That name, his name from lips familiar yet different. Slowly, as hope died, the details registered. Smaller, slimmer, eyes the wrong color, hair not quite the darkest shade of midnight and the absence of that overpowering presence that had called to him on a dark night in grungy alley in New York.
“You’re not him, just a pale version of the original.”
“Copi!” Alexa’s sharp reprimand rang in the silent room.
“Fuck!” Copi finally uncurled his fingers from the male’s clothes. It took supreme effort to step away. Frustrated at his loss of control and terrified of the snarling beast in his head, he stabbed his fingers through his hair. He’d forgotten all about Sage, helpless on the table. His eyes darted around the room. The strange wolf stood next to the table at Sage’s head. Alexa was still at her side. Shaver and Vischeral’s doppelganger stared at him from just inside the door.
“Just…fuck. Look, I’m sorry. I wasn’t expecting…you just look so fucking much like him.” Angry tears burned his eyes. Anguish tormented his heart and soul. He just wanted to find Vischeral. But, he needed these people to help him. He inhaled deeply. “I’m Copi, Cophious Dane. Vischeral was, or is; he’s my partner on the Anchorage Police Department. Has he mentioned me? Have you seen him?”
“I’ll answer your questions after I’ve settled my mate. Sage is his cousin and he’s been desperate to find her.” The vampire glided across the room to stand beside the wolf who had to be Tobias. Sage’s cousin had come for her and Copi had just attacked the male’s mate; a male who obviously had connections to Vischeral. God, would he ever stop fucking up the important things in his life.
“I’m Alexa.” The alpha female broke the silence to speak to the newest wolf. “I called your father. This is Dr. DeRhys.”
“We both know Bastian and we’re grateful you called him in to assist Sage.” Tobias spoke to Alexa but his furious gaze raked over Copi.
“I was going to thank you for getting her to Thunder Bay safely, but right now, I’m doing my dead level best to keep from knocking your fangs out of your mouth.” Okay, that was definitely directed at him. Copi lifted a brow and growled. Neither part of his new identity liked being challenged.
“I can only tend to one patient at a time, so if you all don’t mind, save the bloodshed for later. Seriously, nothing is ever calm around you wild wolves. Shaver, take Copi and Roman downstairs for a drink. Tobias and Alexa can stay here.”
Copi opened his mouth to object; he’d promised to stay with the petite female. Tobias’s growl stopped him. The wolf was Sage’s family, the wolf she was depending on to help her. Snapping his mouth closed, Copi stalked out of the room and stomped downstairs.
~*~*~*~
“Tobias…”
“Go, Roman. We’ll be fine here.” His wolf cupped his face in both hands and kissed him. “I don’t want to leave Sage, but, it sounds like he has answers you need.”
“I need to be here with you. She’s your family, our family.”
“And that male down there may be yours. He wasn’t shocked when you said Bourne’s name. He thought you were Vischeral.”
“I hate to break up your little tete-a-tete, but I’m doing invasive surgery here. You want to talk do it outside.”
Roman bared his fangs at the demon doctor. Bastian laughed and shook his head.
“Those chompers don’t scare me, little vampire. You want to play king of the mountain, Rhys will be glad to rearrange your body parts after I’ve finished surgery.”
“Jesus wept. All of you males are the same no matter what species.” The redheaded female glared at all of them. “Keep your dicks in your pants would ya? We need to get Sage on her feet; then we can have the pissing contest.”
“I’m sorry.” Roman scrubbed a hand down his face. “Tobias’ emotions are all over the grid. I had to check on him. And then, that…that male down there.” Roman shook his head. “Doesn’t matter. I apologize.”
“Oh geez, don’t go all vampire cool on me. Get downstairs. Shaver will fix you up and don’t wreck my bar. We’ll be down when Bastian gets finished.”
Roman nodded at the female
and kissed Tobias again. “I’m a thought away if you need me.”
He expected the hybrid to be waiting outside the door, but found the hallway and stairwell empty. In the club, Shaver stood behind the bar’s wooden expanse polishing glasses. Copi was nowhere in sight. The young wolf pointed at the exit.
Moonlight glistened on the snow when he pushed his way outside. His eyes tracked the parking lot. Nothing moved, not even in the shadows. Had Copi left? Was he going to be denied answers yet again?
“The resemblance is amazing. Especially at first glance.” Roman twisted to look up. Copi stood on the roof silhouetted against the moon’s glow. Roman would bet, he stood directly over the room where Sage lay on the operating table. He ported up to take a position beside the male. Recognition sang in his blood.
“He’s more than your partner on the force, isn’t he?”
“You feel it, too. The connection between us.” Amber eyes flicked over him. Cold. Assessing. “What’s he to you?”
“I wish I fucking knew.” Roman couldn’t hide the frustration in his voice. “I’ve never met him. I saw pictures a few months ago, and then I saw him thrown into Malachi’s court by the bastard who claimed to be my father.”
Copi moved so fast Roman didn’t think to dodge. Once again, the male grasped him by the front of his shirt and got in his face.
“He didn’t change you?”
Despite his aggravation at being manhandled, Roman detected the uncertainty in the other male’s voice. He shook his head. “No. I was born vampire.” He stumbled when Copi released him. Shock washed over the male’s face.
“You’re his son?”
It was Roman’s turn to get aggressive and up in Copi’s face. “What do you know? Did he mention having a son? Did he ever mention a female named Madalina?”