by JL Madore
When I finally tore my eyes from Bruin, I looked at Grandfather. The nonchalance in his weathered face stunned me. He regarded Bruin's colossal form as if it was something he'd seen a thousand times. The mound of fur rose and fell with shallow breath. Grandfather simply nodded as if he was part of some inside joke.
"What? How can you be so calm?"
He smiled the knowing smile I had seen countless times throughout my childhood. "No matter how the ages pass, it remains a marvel to me how the Creator governs our fates."
"What do you mean?"
"Think of your Spirit vision, Rabbit. What was the Great Spirit's message?"
I touched the bear pendant he'd carved for me a decade ago. "I am of the Ursine clan. I must stand amongst the Earth Mother's children and fight the extinction of a great species. What are you getting at? What does this mean?"
"You said he was the last of his kind, did you not?" He waited for my nod and continued. "And he spoke of the Fates marking you as his mate?"
I turned my palm open for him to examine.
He traced his fingers across the design. "I would say that the moment of your destiny has arrived, Rabbit. The question is—will you accept it?"
CHAPTER TEN
Bruin was breathtaking. He was massive. He was a bear.
For days, I'd been sitting in a cave trying to wrap my cranium around that one. It hadn't really sunk in and I figured I would probably need a decade more before it did. Grandfather, however, had taken to the idea immediately saying, "The Creator's vision can only truly be understood when our relationship to all of earth's kingdoms is embraced with love and acceptance: the animals, the plants, the minerals and the humans."
Under the dim glow of the camping lanterns and the multitude of mineral stars glittering where they hung entombed in stone all around us, those words seemed surreal.
Bruin—a Were-bear, and my supposed mate—fought for his life after being attacked by evil jackal-men trying to wipe out his race.
Even as a journalist I couldn't make this up. I shook my head. Sadly, as much as I tried to be a regular citizen, Earth Mother and her spirits made it difficult.
"It's your path, Rabbit. It weakens your power." Grandfather read my expression and energy as he always had. He completed a sun wise rotation of the stone healing circle he'd created around Bruin's massive bear form and lit his pipe. "You bargain between two worlds, take what suits you from your heritage and contort it to fit your life choices. You use Earth Mother's gifts for good purpose, but act against your heart and spirit. Your energy is out of harmony."
Leaning away from the jagged stone wall, the blood-flow tingled back into my numb posterior. Bruin was deathly still and had been for a while now—a very long while. As each hour passed, it got more difficult to track the minute ebb and flow of his breathing. I had no idea what we'd do if he lost that battle. Bruin, please don't die.
"He is a magical creature, Rabbit. Perhaps the Great Spirit is calling him."
I struggled to my feet, knees cracking, arm muscles protesting the reach toward the ceiling as I stretched. Plodding across a pallet of cut boughs, an aromatic wave of fir and spruce released into the cool, damp air. "No. There has to be more we can do for him."
Bruin stirred as I spoke, but did not come to consciousness. It happened several times over the past two days . . . as if he fought his way up from the depths of an underwater prison. He seemed to almost break the surface just to drift away, then fight again, and then submerge.
"The only connection I had to his life and his people was his friend Kobi." I rubbed the ache in my chest, trying to remember every moment of conversation we'd had from the club to the hotel. Unfortunately, conversation hadn't been high on the agenda. "I'm sure Kobi knows Bruin is a Were. They fought and sparred like brothers. Yeah, I'm sure he knows."
"And you have no way of contacting this man?"
I shook my head. "Oh . . . yes . . . yes, maybe I do." I grabbed the handle of a lantern and moved to my purse. Rummaging through the mess left after the contents-seat-dump, it took a few moments, but I found a mangled business card. Detective Enrique Delgato. "If we had a phone maybe we could get a message to Kobi."
"Where does a police detective come into this story, child?"
Crap. Busted. "I had a little trouble Friday night at the bar. Nothing to worry about. In fact, it was Bruin and his friend Kobi who swooped in and took care of everything. They introduced me to the good detective."
I glanced back at Bruin. "He's a heroic guy . . . and very protective of me."
Grandfather tilted his head to one side and smiled. "Then we must save his life, so I might extend my gratitude. Go. Try to reach his people."
My breath caught at the idea of leaving him. I didn't need to know Were-creature physiology to know he was dying. His breathing was weak and growing weaker. By my guess, he wouldn't last more than another day. "How could I possibly be so invested in someone I just met?"
Bruin shifted his head a little.
Grandfather's eyes crinkled with a sad smile. He reached for the business card and patted my hand. "Look beyond reasons. You are a wonderful journalist, but needing the 'why' of every situation doesn't bode well for relationships. Accept what is. Now, stay with your bear. I'll venture home and call the officer."
"No . . . I'll go. Bruin doesn't even know I'm here. I'm being ridiculous."
Grandfather pulled my hand and turned me to look at the mass of gorgeous, silver tipped, brown fur. "He knows. See how his face tilts and follows you when you speak? Wherever his journey holds him, he hears your voice and it comforts him. You are the one he needs."
Watching Bruin, the dull ache in my chest grew. Somehow, I knew if I left him, he'd die before I got back. I stood with the keys in my hand and my heart in my throat. "I don't like the idea of you going back alone. What if the people who did this have tracked us down? What if they're waiting for you?"
"Do not worry yourself. The Earth Spirits will warn me if danger is near. Perhaps I'll call from the meeting house instead." He took the keys from my hands and shuffled toward the mouth of the cave.
"Good idea. Be careful," I called. "Ask Delgato to tell Kobi where we are. And if something seems off . . . keep driving until you're safe. And be careful. . . ."
Grandfather blew me a kiss on the wind and it warmed my cheek. "Have faith in the Creator's plan, Rabbit. Everything happens as it is meant."
When the beefy rumble of my Humvee's engine faded into the distance I turned my attention back to the cave interior. Dropping my purse close, I fluffed up the nest of boughs I used as a pallet and curled up next to Bruin. "Well, big guy, Grandfather has gone for the cavalry. Never thought I'd be spooning a bear . . . but it's just you and me here now, and I don't think you mind."
I retrieved Hulk's gun from my where I'd hid it in my purse and slid it under the hoodie I'd been using as my pillow. Grandfather wouldn't approve of the weapon, but no way would Bruin's enemies waltz in and kill any of us.
I brought my arm over his side, careful not to touch his injured hip or shoulder, and let my hand sink into the long, deep fur of his pelt. He was soft, shaggy and smelled of spruce needles and clean outdoors. My fingers kneaded over the thick, course guard hairs and through the sultry underfur beneath. Incredible. The juxtaposition of the two textures reminded me of Bruin himself. Tough and course on the outside, but decadently velvet underneath.
"I thought I was living my destiny." I whispered. "That's the whole point of my work. Fight for wildlife preservation. Stop exploitation of animals. Stop extinction due to poaching."
With a languid sweep, I drew my face against his fur. It brushed over my cheeks and tickled my lips. I gave him a squeeze. "You know, you're very easy to talk to when you're like this. Maybe when you're better and we start fighting—and you know we will—you should change forms so I remember that I actually do like you . . . a little."
I kissed the back of his furry, oval ear. It twitched and batted me in the cheek. My heart raced. Had he
responded or was the movement involuntary?
"How could this be what the Earth Mother and her spirits had intended, Bruin? How could we be meant for each other and then you die? You can't give up before we figure it out." I closed my eyes and let myself feel him next to me. His strength. His essence.
Nuzzling deep into his scruff, my body grew heavy and relaxed. I yawned, snuggling into the warmth of his fur. Lost to a world of impossibility.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
I woke to my senses bursting to life. The hair on my body stood on end and I launched myself upright. With Hulk's gun raised, I panned the cave before my heart even restarted. I was alone, yet not. The air stirred around me. I scanned every shadow cast against every dark crevice and pock of the stone walls.
The presence grew stronger—a lethal, dangerous essence.
I shifted my aim toward the monolithic man materializing twenty feet from where I guarded Bruin. One instant there was no one, the next a massive male dressed head to toe in black body armor blocked the cave exit. Obsidian black eyes cast a brutal glare, no doubt assessing my worthiness as a threat. The man oozed violence and the cruel expression on his face made it pretty clear his inclination was rising.
He scowled at Bruin lying behind me, his voice slamming me like a physical blow. "Put the gun down, little girl. You get one chance. Do us both a favor and take it."
When he shifted, my adrenaline surged. I widened my stance, and tried to steady my aim. "I've got fourteen bullets and I'm a damned good shot, asshole. So, quit twitching and stay back."
Cold air hit me like a gust of a winter storm. When he stepped forward I squeezed off a round. The shot sunk into the rock of the cave wall, spewing shards and dust bits beside his head. Bile bubbled up from my gut. "Don't even think about it, jackal-man. Crawl back under whatever rock you live under and tell your boss to leave us—"
"Jackal—" He spat, the crease in his brow deepened. "I'm no fucking Jackal."
He shook a mane of breathtaking brindle hair and cursed. "It's you who puts Bruin in danger. Now drop the Colt before this gets messy."
No way was this guy the Calvary. How long had I slept? Had Grandfather even had time to find help? No. The man looming large and lethal in front of me didn't act like he was on our side at all. "How'd you find us?"
His stared narrowed and the air crackled. "I don't play twenty questions." He tapped an almost invisible earpiece and a little beep sounded. "I've got him and I need Blaze. This location . . . no, he's bad."
"Shut that off." I tightened my grip. "Who the hell do you think you—"
"Bruin's father," he roared. "That's who the fuck I am. And you're in my way."
Before the words stopped echoing against the walls, three more bodies appeared beside him. A voluptuous red-head, a tiny woman with black spiky hair and a silver-haired man with strangely pointed ears.
"Bruin!" The two females bolted toward me and I levelled my aim.
"Stop!" I held up my hand and they froze.
The curvy red head stepped forward and I shifted my aim. The air arced.
I didn't see him move. One moment the man claiming to be Bruin's father stood across the cave and the next, a massive hand gripped my throat from behind and his arm banded beneath my breasts. His strength was astonishing. His arm bit into my ribs like reinforced steel, but even still, I could tell he held back. He used only a fraction of the power he held and that was terrifying. His arm tightened. I couldn't breathe.
"Okay, little girl," he said, close to my ear. "Drop the weapon before someone I love gets hurt. Jade is going to heal Bruin before he breathes his last breath. And if you're good, I'll make sure Lexi doesn't kill you. Got it?"
Jade? Lexi? Was this really Bruin's family? Oh, thank you Great Spirit.
Before I could process that thought, an unnatural vibration filled the cave.
"Do what he says," Jade said. I struggled against the invisible force. Jade's words were hypnotizing, compelling. Wrong. My skin prickled and I pushed back. Her words tried to weave themselves inside my mind, tiny tendrils squeezing my temples, attempting to usurp control of my actions. Though the mental hold was not vicious, it threatened to hold my will at bay.
I pushed back harder and the cave began to spin.
The man with the pointed ears stepped forward, his blue eyes piercing and frantic. "Reign, Jade, both of you, enough. Mika is innocent in all this. Her only concern is Bruin's safety. Stop your attack on her and show her we are of like mind."
Reign's grip on my throat lessened and the mental push stopped.
I released the gun. Sinking to my knees I dragged in deep, gulping breaths.
Jade and Lexi barrelled me over as they rushed to the mound of massive brown fur.
Lexi, the tiny one with purple eyes and spiky black hair, drew the dagger strapped to her thigh and twirled it between her fingers and over her wrist again and again. "Who the fuck are you, Mundie? And what have you done to Bruin?"
"Calmly Lexi," the silver-haired man said, canting his head to the side as he watched me. "Mika is worried for Bruin's safety, as we all are. She knew not who we were, or if we deserved her trust. She simply tried to protect . . . her mate."
"What?" Reign growled. "What are you saying, Galan?"
Lexi laughed. "You've got your wires crossed there Highborne. She's not Bruin's mate. He's the last of his line. She's human."
A wave of hostility heated my blood. Which was insane. Being Bruin's mate was nothing I wanted, but this snotty pixie-woman denying it made me want to tear through something. My muscles tensed and I fought the urge to lunge at her. What is wrong with me?
Galan's gaze softened. "Nothing. The Fates have bound you to a very powerful Were. Your base instincts—your animal instincts—are heightening to rise to your calling. It is only natural that you perceive Lexi's dismissal as a threat to your place in Bruin's life."
"Bull," I said, "and how did you—"
The silver-haired hottie tapped his temple. "I have a gift or two myself."
I held my hand up between us and frowned. "I don't believe you're reading my mind . . . but if you are. Stop. It's rude."
Jade gasped, her gaze focusing on my palm. "Look at her hand."
I fought the urge to tuck my hands into my pockets, but instead, let them see my tattoo.
"A Bonding Brand?" Lexi snapped. "The Fates wouldn't pair Bruin with a Mundie. That's messed on a dozen levels."
"And exactly what they'd do for shits and giggles." Jade dropped her focus back down to Bruin. She was a stunning woman, copper skin, vibrant emerald eyes and carried herself with an ethereal air that hardly seemed real.
And that would make the silver-haired Abercrombie model sporting suede pants and the sexy voice, her fiancé, Galan.
"Castian, can I get him up off the ground?" Jade asked.
A serious surge of energy disturbed the air and then Bruin appeared atop a five-by-eight stainless steel operating table. Jade continued to run her hands over him like nothing had happened. Then she started singing a ballad in a language I'd never heard. The cadence of her voice caused the current in the air to shift again. This time it wasn't hypnotizing. It was—
"Jade is a healer, Mika. What you sense is her gift."
While my brain backfired on that, Galan moved beside me. "You did well as Bruin's champion. Fash not, now that Jade has hands on him, he shall be up and barking out orders in no time. I promise you."
I exhaled. I wasn't sure how I felt about being anyone's mate, but the thought of Bruin surviving stole my breath. I rubbed the ache in my chest, but it didn't ease.
"Easy, sweeting." As the cave tilted and my legs gave way, Galan gathered me against his side. My face rested against the shammy-soft fabric of his old-fashioned tunic. He smelled really good, like leather mixed with a summer meadow.
My eyes rolled closed.
I woke as he laid me down on the pallet of boughs. He knelt on the cave floor in front of me and slid my braid behind my shoulder. I coul
dn't help staring. He had the bluest eyes I'd ever seen. Smooth porcelain skin. He was gorgeous.
"Are you well, little one?"
And he can read minds. I blushed. "Fine . . . uh, sorry . . . but if you could stop spinning the cave that would be great."
My stomach growled long and low.
Galan looked toward Bruin's father standing sentinel near the cave exit. "Reign? Would you mind bringing in some food? Mika is hungry and Bruin will need sustenance when he regains consciousness."
Reign didn't move. He just glared at me. Allrighty then.
When a plastic cup appeared in my hand, I sat up and a carry-out bag from Hamburger Mary's appeared in my lap. My mouth watered as the glorious scent of take-out filled my sinuses. It was my perfect meal from my favorite place. I looked up at Galan. "How?"
He shrugged and glanced up. "Thank you, Castian."
Who or what was this Castian? I lifted my gaze. Nothing but a stone ceiling.
The air stirred once more and a golden light washed through the cave. The illumination lit the cavern to a level of daylight, the air filling with sweet scents of bergamot and lavender.
The man who appeared this time stood tall and lithe, his features soft yet unmistakably masculine. Wavy chestnut hair framed a square jaw and highlighted the brilliant, emerald green of his eyes. My skin tingled. He was blindingly majestic . . . and definitely not human.
He glided toward me and I had to look down to make sure he was walking and not floating across the cave floor. "I am Castian, Mika. Welcome into the fold."
I was staring. "Uh . . . thank you."
"You must needs eat," Galan said, tapping the paper bag. "And while you do, mayhap you can tell us what ill has befallen you both the past few days."
And so I did. I ate my bizarre meal and retold everything that happened from Bruin and I meeting at Spankz, through all the jackal death and drama that led us to this cave. Well, not everything. I left out the highlights at the Wedgewood Hotel.
Reign growled. "Was Bruin able to dispose of the bodies before he collapsed?"
"No. They're in the trees behind my truck." I stuffed an onion ring in my mouth. "Oh, sorry, my grandfather took my truck. They're out the cave entrance to the left, hidden under some brush."