Into the Heart 3: Into the Wild

by Caitlyn Willows

  “It's me!” He clutched his head against the pain inside. He'd created the thing most feared, most reviled by his people. How long before the hunger for power overtook him? How long before he targeted a new host?

  “Stop it.” Jeremy yanked him back onto the sofa and kept him in place with a firm hand on his thigh. “We are all exhausted. Don't let your imagination run away with you. You're gripping your head. It must hurt. So you're not all that impervious to pain. Calm down and think, Cristían. We've never jumped to conclusions before; let's not start now. You know both clans are going to want to run every test known to mankind on the three of us. Let's do what we do best—evaluate the data.”

  Jeremy's tone calmed Cristían's racing heart. He was tired, bone tired, and incapable of mustering any response.

  “Go rest.” Jeremy squeezed his shoulder. “You know how Lupe hates to sleep alone. I'm surprised she's stayed in the bed without one of us. I've got things covered.”

  Cristían nodded. “Don't let me sleep more than two hours. You need some rest too.”

  Jeremy smiled. “It's a deal.”

  It took more effort than he wanted to admit to walk back to the bedroom. Lead weighted his steps. Even thinking hurt. Cristían left the door open and his jeans on. If he had to get up in a hurry, he wanted nothing slowing him down. He stretched out beside Lupe. She rolled his way, snuggling as close as the covers allowed. He draped his arm around her, needing the comfort and security as much as she did. Maybe even more. With a sigh, he closed his eyes. Sleep pulled him under.

  * * * *

  Protect.

  The word called to Jeremy from that place he'd just tried to rationalize couldn't exist. He couldn't deny it, didn't want to. It felt right. With the first tickle over his skin, he undressed. He prided himself on recognizing that the shift was upon him. The transformation began before he was fully naked. Control was getting easier to master. A few more times and he'd have it nailed.

  Muscle rippled under his black fur. He stretched like he'd seen Lupe do so many times, and power charged his system. His tail swept the air behind him. Jeremy lifted his nose, seeking the scent of those who did not belong. All he smelled were Cristían and Lupe.

  Good.

  He prowled to the doors and double-checked the locks. The drapes were closed on all the windows. All secure. God help the fool who tried to cross him.

  He wandered to the bedroom where Lupe and Cristían slept. Even in sleep, a frown furrowed Cristían's brow. Jeremy didn't blame him. Skinwalkers. It was impossible to believe, yet he'd learned this last year that nothing was impossible. Even as he tried to explain it all away, something still nagged at him to look beyond the logic and accept. Like Cristían, Jeremy didn't know how he could do that if he didn't understand what Cristían was being told.

  He chased the thoughts away with a shake of his head. The movement wiggled down his long body. His focus now was to make sure they were safe. Nothing mattered but them.

  This is what love and devotion are all about. A pity it had taken him a lifetime to realize that. Jeremy treasured the gift. This was one he wouldn't squander or take for granted.

  He draped his body across the threshold and let his new senses expand, beyond the room, beyond the house. Alert and ready to do whatever it took to keep them safe, and scared to death of what he might ultimately be forced to do.

  Protect, that inner voice reminded.

  Jeremy nodded and locked everything else out of his head but that one command. Survival came in many forms. This was but one.

  “You'll be more comfortable on the bed with us.”

  Jeremy turned his gaze toward Cristían. “I thought you were asleep.”

  “I'm a light sleeper. Comes with being a jaguar shifter.”

  He glanced at Lupe. “But apparently not for cats.”

  “She trusts us to keep her safe. We will. Come. Rest. You're tired too. It's safe enough. We won't be caught unaware.”

  The comfort and security of being with them was too much to resist. Jeremy hopped to all fours and walked toward the bed, shifting into human form halfway there. Cristían's broad smile approved his skill. He scooted to the edge of the queen-size bed, pulling Lupe with him. Jeremy stretched out on the other side and draped his arm around her. Lupe wiggled deeper into their embrace with a sigh. Peace and unconditional love wrapped their arms around him.

  Yes, survival did come in many forms.

  Chapter Eleven

  Hunger and the smell of salmon cooking pulled Lupe from a contented sleep. “Mmm, I love salmon.” She curled into the warm body next to her.

  Jeremy draped his arm around her and kissed her forehead. “Cristían really knows how to pull a person out of bed.”

  Her rumbling stomach agreed. Jeremy gave her another kiss and rolled out of bed. Stretching, she watched him step into jeans, then pull a red T-shirt over his head. He combed through his mussed hair and caught her reflection in the mirror.

  “Carmen and Joaquin should be here soon with clothes for you. They're joining us for dinner.”

  Lupe stretched again and peeled the covers back. “You were sweet to stay in bed with me while Cristían went for groceries.”

  His grin lit her heart. “It was my pleasure. I know you don't like sleeping alone.”

  True. As a cat, she'd followed them wherever they went and curled up in a location where she could keep one eye always on them. That wasn't going to be possible anymore.

  “I'm going to see if Cristían needs any help. Coming?”

  “In a minute.”

  He returned to the bed, braced his hands on the mattress, and kissed her again. It was so much better than a scratch behind the ears.

  Lupe admired his rear view when he turned and left. An image of that long, black tail fanning the air wiggled through her. She'd always been a sucker for a big tail.

  She sat up on another stretch and admired her image in the dresser mirror. She brushed her fingers over the sweatshirt, feeling her nipples harden when the subtle scent of Cristían escaped the soft fibers. Unable to resist the urge to see herself more fully, Lupe peeled the sweatshirt up and over her head.

  Yes, she was perfect, except for the small brown dots on her ribs, and those weren't very large at all. But now that she really had a chance to look at it, Lupe decided she rather liked the unique pattern. It looked like two people standing side by side, arms around each other's shoulders, friends…lovers.

  Wisps of hair had escaped the braid and now framed her face. She wasn't sure if she liked the look. It hid all those marvelous colors. But she could see where the braid would come in handy if she were in a fight—nothing to block her eyes. Without her teeth and claws, Lupe would need every advantage.

  She hauled the sweatshirt back over her head and stuffed her arms through the sleeves. Success! Winning always gave her a rush. Shoulders back, she sought the kitchen. Her mouth watered with every step she took as the delicious smell of fresh fish filled her senses.

  The men greeted her with smiles that Lupe returned. Cristían worked at the stove, while Jeremy put dishes on the table. Her gaze fell to the table setting. Another something she had to master—utensils.

  “How much longer?” she asked.

  “About ten minutes,” Cristían replied.

  An eternity. Lupe eyed the upper cabinet where her treats were. Another advantage to being human—not only could she reach the cabinet, she could open it!

  “You'll spoil your dinner,” Cristían warned when she reached for the door. He knew her too well.

  Lupe narrowed her gaze. “Did you eat them all?”

  Cristían laughed and pulled the door open. She grabbed the can before he could stop her and yanked off the lid. The aroma wafted into her nose. Pleasure shuddered down her spine.

  “Share?” Cristían held out his palm. Lupe shook a few treats into his hand, then did the same for herself. They popped them into their mouths at the same time.

  “You two are sick,” Jeremy scof
fed.

  “Don't knock it till you try it.” Cristían snickered and took a few more.

  Lupe picked up a morsel and waved it before Jeremy's face. His eyes tracked it back and forth. “You know you want it,” she teased.

  The doorbell saved him, but Cristían darted to answer it before Jeremy could move. “Consider it payback for all the times you deviled Lupe with a treat,” he said over his shoulder.

  Lupe giggled and put the bite a whisper away from Jeremy's lips. “Should I make you sit like a dog or roll over and show your belly?”

  “I suppose apologizing isn't going to work?” he asked.

  She shook her head. “Make it up to me. Just one taste. Chewed and swallowed.”

  Jeremy winced and wrapped his lips around the tidbit. His grimace grew. He chewed once, swallowed, and washed it down with a glass of tap water. Lupe laughed until her eyes leaked.

  “Someone's having entirely too much fun.”

  Breath held, Lupe turned at the woman's voice. Carmen Valera smiled down at her. She was peace and love, kindness and acceptance. Lupe had always known these things about her. While other mothers she had known in the past shrieked if Lupe dared look at their children, Carmen had always invited her to her daughters' sides. Words of praise and devotion rained down upon her. Lupe loved those baby girls with a passion she couldn't explain. Now, seeing Carmen on this level…

  “Little sister.” Carmen wrapped her arms around Lupe, pulling her close.

  Yes, this was what it felt like…sisters.

  “Trina was very excited about the news.” Carmen brushed the wisps of hair away from Lupe's face. “She wants to see you so badly, but carrying triplets isn't easy. The doctor insists she stay off her feet as much as possible. Perhaps you'd like to go to her?”

  “I would so love that!” She glanced around. “Did you bring the girls?”

  Carmen laughed lightly. “They are home with one of their doting uncles. Hopefully sound asleep.” She held Lupe at arm's length. “Let's have a look at you.” Less than a breath later she declared Lupe “exquisitely perfect.”

  Pride swelled her heart. “And look what else I have.” She started to peel up the sweatshirt to show Carmen the pretty design on her ribs.

  Carmen placed gentle hands over hers. “Let's not tease the men with what they can't have right now. I see Cristían has dinner almost ready. I brought some clothes for you. Let's make you more comfortable.” Taking Lupe's hand, Carmen led her toward the bedroom, snagging two large plastic bags from Joaquin as they went.

  “We did the best we could on size.” Carmen shut the door and tossed the bags on the rumpled bed. “You and I will go shopping tomorrow, after the doctors check you out.” She sat down and began opening a bag.

  Lupe jerked to a stop. “Doctors?”

  “To make sure the three of you are all right.” A partial lie. Lupe could see it in her aura. Carmen glanced up and sighed. “Perceptive too. Very good, sister cat.” She brushed her soft fingers down Lupe's cheek. “You and Jeremy are unique. We need to find out why. We'll draw blood, do physical exams, run scans with our equipment. You'll need to go without breakfast.”

  Lupe didn't like the sound of that. “Thank you for your honesty.”

  Carmen gave a nod and opened the first bag. “When Joaquin told me you were petite, I knew I didn't have anything in my closet that would fit, so we did some quick shopping for you. Besides, the personal items needed to be yours alone. I decided on small sizes that are stretchy. We'll have to roll up the cuffs on the pants, and the loafers might be too big, but wearing extra socks will solve that. Joaquin said you could manage without a bra. I believe he's correct.”

  Lupe glanced down. “He noticed my breasts?”

  Carmen laughed. “Men, no matter what the species, always notice what they like the most.” She sprung a claw and cut the tags off a thin black sweater.

  “Those are very convenient. I wish… Never mind.” Lupe pulled the sweatshirt and white socks she wore off, then rifled through the second bag. Silky undergarments, thick black socks, a hairbrush, and various other items she'd seen over the course of her six years were nestled inside. Her heart beat so hard, Lupe could barely stand it. “Thank you, Carmen.”

  Smiling, Carmen pulled her head up. “You're very welcome.” Her gaze dropped to the marks on Lupe's ribs. Her eyes widened a bit before she glanced away to look at a pair of pants.

  Lupe gasped and tried to cover the marks. “Oh no…it's ugly, isn't it? And here I thought it was so pretty, so special.”

  “It's not ugly, not at all,” Carmen quickly replied. “It's beautiful and very special. It humbles me.” Wonder filled her tone. She pressed her fingers against her lips. Water filled her eyes. “For me, it's a sign you've been blessed by the stars. Meant to be who you are now.”

  Lupe squatted before her, resting her fingers on Carmen's knees. “That makes you sad?”

  “No.” She shook her head. “It makes me very happy.”

  “But you are leaking water.” She scolded herself and shook her head. “I mean, you are crying.”

  “Happy tears. I know, it's confusing.” Carmen sniffled and cupped Lupe's cheek and smiled. “We should hurry. Dinner's ready. Need help?”

  “No. I have watched for years.”

  “Your nature serves you well.”

  Carmen removed the remainder of the tags while Lupe dressed, then helped Lupe brush her hair.

  “Some things are harder than they look,” she said with a laugh as Carmen helped her by pulling the bristles through the thick strands.

  “You'll master them in no time.” She set the brush down on the dresser. “I'm starving. Let's go eat.”

  Lupe danced ahead of her. “Cristían made salmon. I love salmon. And…we have cat treats.”

  Carmen's eyes widened with delight. “I love those! I can eat the whole can.”

  “Jeremy doesn't,” she whispered as they neared the men.

  “Really?” Carmen smiled at the men, walked right to the can on the counter, and helped herself.

  Jeremy scrunched his face, then turned a pale shade of green when Carmen tossed one to Joaquin, who caught it with the snap of his mouth.

  “Get used to it, buddy.” Cristían clapped him on the back. “It's one of the joys of being feline.”

  “I'll stick to salmon, thank you.” He pulled a chair out for Lupe to sit. “You look very nice.”

  “And warm.” She brushed her arms and slid into place. “This sweater feels soft as fur. Carmen helped me with my hair too. She's very patient. A good teacher. A good mother.”

  “Thank you, Lupe.” She sat across the table from her, next to Joaquin. “And you'll be an excellent aunt for our daughters. They loved you before and will love you even more now. You have great maternal instincts. Have you ever been a mother?”

  Hurt shocked through her. She glanced at her plate. The salmon, asparagus, and tiny potatoes didn't look so appealing through tears. There was nothing Lupe could do to hide her emotion. She knew everything about Cristían and Jeremy—their fears, goals, disappointments, lives. They knew little of her, except that she loved them and was great in battle.

  She sniffed and pulled her chin up. “Once. Six squinty fur balls. Each was a different color. One had all my colors. The human children and their mother told me they were beautiful, and that I was a good mother. I was so proud. But then their father came in after they were asleep, shoved us in a box, and took us away. He threw us in the water. I tried to save them but couldn't.”

  Tears drifted to her chin and plopped on her hands, matching Carmen's tears. Lupe glanced at the others. They were all crying, sharing the grief with her. She was blessed by the stars to have such wonderful friends. “A boy found me, and his parents put me in a cage. I went to a place where there were a lot of cages. Everyone was frightened. Mrs. Wallace took me to her home and knew how much I hated being cooped up. She let me live as I wanted, free to explore the wild and learn. She let me choose my life
. I chose to live with Trina. And now I choose to live with Cristían and Jeremy. But I would love to have babies again. I loved mine so.”

  Jeremy slid his fingers over hers. “You know that might not be possible, Lups.”

  “Anything's possible. Look at us.” She smeared her cheeks clear and tried to smile. “Now…help me figure out this fork thing before I just dive in with my fingers.”

  “I could feed you.” He carved off a flaky piece of salmon and held it before her lips.

  Lupe's mouth watered, but she could see the mischief in his eyes. “Now why do I think you plan to tease me?”

  “Please, my friends…” Standing, Joaquin reached across the table and wrapped Lupe's fingers around her fork. “The two of you are sending off a tidal wave of pheromones. Try to rein it in, or we'll have a mating frenzy on our paws.”

  Lupe glanced at the bulge in his trousers. Heat rushed her from head to toe. Should she apologize or be proud she'd created such a response? She looked to Carmen for advice. The woman merely smiled and lifted a taste of salmon to her full lips. That was Lupe's goal—to be a true lady, like Carmen and Trina. Holding the fork, she copied Carmen's actions.

  Yes. Success!

  She dared a peek at Cristían for approval. He was lost in his own thoughts, and she knew he was thinking about the babies she'd lost, how she'd feared water.

  Lupe slipped her hand over his. “My fear is gone, thanks to you. Hunting the man who killed my babies will serve no purpose. There will always be those who view all animals as the enemy. He will suffer in his own way. Please don't risk yourself by trying to go after him. I can't bear the thought. Besides”—his dark gaze finally locked onto her face—“how can I have new babies, without you here to give them to me? You can't make Jeremy do all the work.”

  “There go those pheromones again.” Jeremy chuckled.

  “Yes,” Joaquin softly replied. “There they go.”

  Carmen patted his thigh. “We will have an interesting night, my love.”

  He pulled her fingers to his lips. “I can promise you that. Pray the girls sleep through the night.” He kissed her hand and released her. “I have the documentation you'll need for now to exist in the human world, Lupe.” He placed an envelope on the table and slid it her way. “We've become extremely adept at maintaining cover over the millennia. No one will question these. We'll get a photo of you tomorrow at the institute and get you a passport and California identification card.”