“I’m sure you’re capable, but you’re only half lycan and if anything happened to you, we would lose Mischa too. Please get to safety.”
Gwen sighed and moved back from the doorway, but not before seeing men in white robes wearing shiny armor suddenly appear in the basement room. A white robed man threw a ball of fire at one of the black robed figures. He screamed as his robes went up in flames.
Gwen backed away. Okay, maybe the Alpha was right. She moved behind a large dumpster where she could still see if anyone tried to escape, but wasn’t in direct line of sight of the door. She didn’t want to get near those fireballs.
A few minutes later, Tolya appeared carrying a young woman with long dark hair in his arms. She wore a blue dress and looked at him adoringly. Gwen huffed. It looked like Tolya would get the girl without too much trouble after all. He saw Gwen and hurried to her side.
“Can you transport us to the Alpha’s lodge. A doctor is meeting us there to examine Angeline and Meadow. Brencis and Meadow will meet us there,” Tolya said.
Gwen nodded. One of the white robed armored men escorted a prisoner out of the basement wearing some kind of handcuffs that sparked and hissed. Questions bounced in Gwen’s mind. Witches? Magic? Fireballs? She shook her head and kept an eye on the “white knights” as she thought of them, even as she knelt to open another portal into the Shadow Dimension. Once finished, she grabbed Tolya’s arm.
“Come on and hold on tightly to me. You might want to know that the dress your mate is wearing is going to disintegrate as soon as we enter Shadow.” Gwen pulled them inside.
§
“Wait. Do you smell that?” Desya grabbed Mischa’s arm, stopping him from pulling the doctor’s office door completely open. If they didn’t hurry up, Mischa would be late for his appointment.
“What? I don’t smell anything.”
“Flowers and a subtle hint of spice . . . .” Desya growled low in his throat.
Mischa turned in amazement to look at his friend. “What’s wrong with you?”
“Mine. My mate. She’s in that office.”
“Then maybe we should go inside.” Mischa pulled the door all the way open and stepped into the room.
Creams and soft golds decorated the office. Poems in gilded frames hung on the walls. Empty chairs lined one side of the room. A door stood open and Mischa moved to peek inside. A woman sat behind a desk. Her silky blond hair fell softly to her shoulders. At his movement, she glanced up, her sky blue eyes widened.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you come in.” She rose from behind her desk and held out her hand.
Desya stepped in front of Mischa. He took her hand and brought it to his lips. “Desya Kharitonov at your service.” The doctor slowly pulled her fingers from his, pink tingeing her cheeks. She moved back to her desk and glanced at her calendar. “My meeting is with Mischa Sokolov.”
“That would be me.” Mischa stepped up next to Desya. “Desya is with me.”
“Oh, well, if you would take a seat, Mr. Sokolov. Mr. Kharitonov, I’m afraid you’ll need to wait in the other room.” She motioned with her hand.
“Desya, please call me Desya. I’m staying right here.”
The doctor opened her mouth to protest.
“I want him to stay,” Mischa said quickly.
“Very well, but if at any time you feel uncomfortable, or need to tell me something in private.”
“I don’t have any secrets from Desya. He and I grew up together.”
The doctor settled at her desk and folded her hands. Meeting Desya broke the doctor’s quiet composure. Probably the reaction to the mating bond attaching. If Mischa squinted, he could just see a thin golden cord connecting the doctor to his friend.
“What exactly can I help you with?” she asked.
Chapter Three
“Gwen, you’re all right?” Mischa rushed into the kitchen of the Alpha’s lodge.
Gwen began to stiffen, but mentally stopped herself. Mischa was her mate and besides, she wasn’t going to let the fresh scone Rosie served her go to waste. She reached for the clotted cream and jam.
“Of course, she’s all right,” Rosie said, turning and waving a spatula at Mischa. “Sit down. The scones are hot out of the oven. We’ll have tea now and dinner later.”
Gwen smiled as Mischa sat across from her. He looked better today. The blue shirt he wore brought out the color of his eyes.
“It’s been kind of exciting around here,” Gwen said, spreading jam on her scone. “I met one of the Witch Guardians, Meadow’s brother, Garrett. Some rogue witches were trying to steal Meadow’s powers by performing some kind of blood occult ceremony. Brencis and Tolya got their just in time to stop them, with a little help from the Witch Guardians. They can teleport using their magic even faster than I can Shadow Walk. Unbelievable, and I thought Shadow Walking was magical.”
Rosie served Mischa a scone and a cup of tea. She refilled Gwen’s cup and beamed before going back to the stove.
“Grigori said Tolya found his mate today?” Mischa asked before blowing across the surface of his tea.
Gwen nodded. “At Meadow’s shop. Her name is Angeline and she’s a witch too, like Meadow. Poor girl almost lost her virginity as part of the blood cult spell.”
“A witch?” Mischa shook his head. “I thought real witches were long gone from this world. Desya met his mate today as well. The doctor I had an appointment with this afternoon. He stayed in London to woo her.”
Gwen frowned. Most lycans healed by shifting. Why did Mischa need a doctor? She wanted to ask, but it wasn’t her place to intrude. If he wanted her to know, he’d tell her.
“Well, that’s two down,” Rosie said. “Guess the Siberian Alpha will need to send out more single males.”
“What about the single males that live in London? They don’t have mates yet,” Gwen pointed out. Maybe she should introduce them to her secretary.
“Those three are hopeless,” Rosie complained. “They all work for the same technical company and never date. They are, what do they call it on American television? Nerds.”
Gwen laughed. Some considered her a nerd. “Nerds need mates too, Rosie.”
Rosie chuckled. “That they do. The smart ones always seem to fall the hardest. You’ll be staying for dinner tonight, Miss Gwen? I fixed your favorite dish, pot roast and vegetables.”
Gwen sipped her tea, not wanting to answer. Part of her did want to stay. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes a moment. Gathering her courage, she opened her eyes and smiled. Both Mischa and Rosie watched her. Mischa’s gaze full of tenderness and understanding.
“I could never say no to your pot roast, Rosie.”
§
Mischa reached for his third helping of mashed potatoes and gravy. For some reason, his appetite had returned. He glanced across the table at his mate. Maybe Gwen was the answer. She looked beautiful tonight, the soft glow of the lights caressing her golden skin and highlighting her dark hair.
She laughed at something Grigori said. A ripple of pleasure flowed through the mating bond to Mischa. He smiled, both relieved and happy his mate relaxed enough to lower her mental shields.
Tolya patted Gwen’s hand before turning back to his mate, Angeline. Gwen glanced fondly at him. Mischa’s wolf bristled. “My mate,” echoed in his mind. Why did Tolya touch his mate? Why did she let him?
With the iron will that had kept him sane these last six months, Mischa pulled his wolf back. Gwen was worth waiting for. Her ability to accept touch from Tolya meant she could soon accept touch from her mate. He fisted his hand, stopping it from reaching for her. Great Goddess Asena! He needed Gwen, needed her touch.
The phone ringing stopped his pity party. Rosie rushed into the room and whispered to Grigori. He got up and patted her on the shoulder before leaving to take the call.
“Who is it, Rosie?” Melisande asked.
“It’s Detective Inspector Ralf Lewis, Miss Meli.” Rosie wrung her hands. Mischa recognize
d the name of Grigori’s contact at Scotland Yard.
Melisande tried to restart the conversation, but only half-heartedly. Everyone wanted to hear what the Inspector reported. Did they figure out who tried to break into the Alpha’s home?
Grigori came back to the table looking concerned. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, especially when we were all having such a good time. Gwen, someone tried to break into your apartment tonight. They didn’t get in, but they did set off the alarm.”
“What?” Gwen’s face went pale. More than anything, Mischa wanted to comfort her. His fingers itched to hold her.
“I want you to stay here tonight, Gwen,” Grigori said. “Mischa will escort you to work tomorrow and stay by your side until we know who is targeting us. I am now enacting the buddy system. All lycans will be on alert. No one is to be left alone.”
Everyone at the table sat stunned. No one said a word. Gwen looked at Mischa, fear coloring her gaze. He sent reassurance through the mating bond, needing to comfort her. She smiled, but dropped her eyes to her plate and pushed it away.
§
Gwen trudged up the stairs to the guest bedroom assigned to her. Someone tried to break into her apartment. Why? It didn’t make sense. She sighed when she realized Mischa followed close behind. She stopped at the door to her room.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
“Keeping you safe, the one person who means the most to me.”
“You’re not coming in.” No way would she share a room with him.
“I won’t bother you, I promise. I’ll sleep on the floor.”
Gwen shook her head. Nope, not a good idea. She didn’t know if she wanted to claim him, or beat out her frustrations on him.
“Please, Gwen, I need this. If you don’t let me in, I’ll sleep in the hall in front of your door.”
“You’d do that? Sleep in front of my door.”
“Didn’t you hear me say, you are the one who means the most to me? That means in my entire life, Gwen. I need to know you’re safe. Please. Do this for me.” He looked at her so earnestly.
“Oh, all right.” Gwen marched into the room and to the dresser. She pulled out a nightgown from the drawer.
Mischa followed her inside and reached to undo the buttons on his shirt. “I’ll shift. It will make both of us more comfortable, you not having a man in your room and me lying on the floor.” Gwen couldn’t take her eyes from the fingers slowly opening the shirt.
“Stop!” Gwen gasped. Mischa frowned at her adamant tone of voice.
“Shift while I’m in the bathroom.” She turned and feeling her cheeks warm walked into the bathroom and closed the door. Why did she have to be attracted to him?
She leaned against the hard surface, her knees a little weak. Her heart raced and only a small bit from fear. Her wolf tried to push forward. It wanted her mate, wanted to claim and mark him. Her shoulders drooped. Why couldn’t she just go for it?
Mischa was a good man. The little bit she let through the mating bond proved that. He couldn’t lie to her in his own mind. Grigori suggested she open the mating bond completely, but she was afraid and kept it tightly closed. Shadow Walkers kept tight shields on their minds, feeling that intruding stole a person’s privacy. Lycans on the other hand had this mating link through the bond they shared that stayed open all the time, letting each partner know every need and concern of the other.
She rubbed her hand over her eyes. Gwen wasn’t raised to be so open and didn’t know how to open the mating bond while still keeping the shields on her mind in place. Melisande said the bond comforted her, Grigori’s love flowed to her all the time.
Gwen closed her eyes, again, and lowered her head. She survived the attack and rape. She could survive anything. She’d trained her body, and mind, and accepted her wolf half. She could do this.
The burst of light under the door and the stronger smell of male lycan told her Mischa shifted. She took a deeper breath, trying to get past her first instinct of fear and distaste. She found the scents that marked Mischa individually. He smelled like a forest, not just the trees, but the flowers too, all combined. A clean smell, one that made her want to smile and she did.
Changing into the nightgown and brushing her teeth, she steeled herself to open the door.
Mischa stood near the exit, looking at her expectantly. He was a beautiful wolf. His markings of silver and gray on his light coat pleasing to the eye. He still looked thin, but Gwen noticed how much he ate at dinner. It wouldn’t be long before Rosie’s cooking fattened him up. Being near her seemed to help him, too.
She glanced at the large bed. There was more than enough room for two. If he stayed in wolf form, she wouldn’t have a panic attack with him near. She loved dogs and had one in high school. He had been her confidant and consoler after the attack.
“You might as well sleep on the bed. Stay on your side, I move around a lot when I sleep.” Gwen climbed under the covers.
She wanted to laugh at Mischa’s perked ears and the slight tilt of his head as if he asked her for permission. She focused on the mating bond and gasped. The wolf’s thoughts were so simple, so pure. Love, unconditional and fierce flowed to her heart. She clutched her chest, trying to hold onto the feeling. Mischa turned away, misinterpreting her response.
“I mean it, Mischa. Come.” She patted the bed beside her.
The wolf whipped around, a huge grin on his face, and bounded onto the bed. He licked her face before settling on the other side and laying his head on the pillow.
“Goodnight.” Gwen switched off the light.
“Goodnight, Gwen” whispered into her mind.
§
Gwen sighed and slowly came awake. Her hand buried in warm silky fur she clutched tightly. Mischa’s woodsy smell filled her nose. She realized that she’d slept through the night without any nightmares. She felt great. Finally, a night of rest. A wet tongue licked her nose. She sputtered, opening her eyes and smiled at the large wolf that laid beside her.
“Good morning, handsome.” Gwen blushed at her slip, but didn’t want to take it back. Mischa was handsome in whatever form he took. She released his fur and pulled her hand to her chest. He gave her a wolfy smile and panted.
Gwen glanced at the clock, still early.
“Want to take a run through the obstacle course? I bet I can beat you.” Gwen threw off the nightgown and called her wolf to come forward. When the lights that circled her shifted form blinked out, she jumped off the bed and ran to the door.
Grigori installed wolf friendly lever handles on all the doors. She glanced back to see Mischa standing on the bed, his tail out and ears up, watching to see what she would do next.
She grabbed the handle in her teeth, pulled down and then rushed out the door. She bounded down the stairs, dodged Rosie in the kitchen and didn’t stop at her surprised yelp, before hurling herself out the dog door and tearing off toward the obstacle course. She reached the edge of the forest when she heard Mischa exiting the house behind her.
She gave herself over to her wild side and ran full tilt, a glorious feeling. The female wolf turned toward the part of the course designated for canine training and jumped over the first obstacle, a huge tree across the path. She’d only made several strides before she heard Mischa’s wolf land behind her.
Growling, she put on a burst of speed and flew down the path. Being smaller and lighter gave her a slight advantage. She stretched out, reaching for as much ground as she could cover. When the pond appeared she leapt a good twenty feet, past the middle, before she had to swim.
She heard a huge splash behind her as she reached the edge. She took a moment to shake off the excess water and then she ran again.
§
Mischa’s wolf wanted to howl in triumph. Gwen played with him. He followed behind his mate, keeping her in sight, but not trying to catch her. Her wolf was magnificent, long and lean, her fur darker than his. She ran full bore down the path and attacked each obstacle like a deadly enemy
. Her joy oozed into the mating bond and his chest filled with pride and love. Hope blossomed and when he hit the water, he swam as fast as he could.
Gwen teased him by shaking before she took off again. He bolted after her, closer now. A limb across a mud pit was the next obstacle. He couldn’t wait to see how she fared. The path curved here and he couldn’t see her ahead of him. Mischa poured on the speed, and just as he reached the edge of the mud pit, a body hurtled out of the bush and tackled him. He rolled into the earthy mess. He righted himself, his sides covered in mud, only his head clean. Gwen stood at the edge, wagging her tail and panting. She howled, her high-pitched call eliciting a response from many lycans within hearing. Then off again, she crossed the limb and ran down the path.
Mischa pulled himself out of the mud, but instead of following her, he headed into the brush. He’d run this course with the pups yesterday morning. He knew just the place for an ambush of his own. His clever mate would never think he’d retaliate, but he was still an alpha wolf. He let her lead in their relationship dance but this was different. He picked up his pace.
The last obstacle was another pool, only this one dropped off into a waterfall. The path ended at the top and required the wolf to jump into the pool and swim out. Mischa stayed where the wind wouldn’t carry his location and clue in his mate. He found a rosemary bush near the path that would also camouflage his scent and crouched down, waiting for his chance.
His ears pricked up as he heard his mate running down the path. His lips pulled back in a wolfy grin. The smell of rosemary overwhelmed his nose. A flash of gray his only warning. He hit the other lycan in the butt, hurling them both over the ledge and into the water. They both went under. Mischa came to the surface to hear gales of laughter coming from his mate. Only she wasn’t in the pool with him. She stood on the ledge in human form, her black hair a curtain around her body, her arms around her middle. Brencis appeared from beneath the water wearing a gray jogging suit in his human form.
Lycan's Mate: Book Twelve of the Siberian Volkov Pack Romance Series Page 4