Shay's Shifters [Mountain Men of Montana 1] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Jane Jamison

  The scream was on the tip of her tongue, but she wouldn’t turn it free. Instead, she held her head high and met his gaze dead-on. At once, the cold allure that she’d felt at the pond swept over her and she forced her gaze away from his.

  His pack followed him, the hungry expressions on their faces all too clear. As he grew closer, she picked up his awful scent. It burned her nostrils and drifted into her throat. Her throat closed and she found it hard to breathe.

  He stopped only inches from her then leaned over to put his face even closer to hers. Again, the powerful pull of his eyes drew her in, and he threw back his head and laughed a dreadful sound. She kept her head up and hoped the fear stiffening her spine wouldn’t show on her face as she struggled not to get lost in his dark orbs. He looked more alien than either werewolf or human.

  His grin spread as he flicked out his tongue and slid it across her cheek. His touch broke the hold he had on her. She whipped her head to the side and tried to pull away, but he dug his long claws into her shoulders and held her. The coarse texture of his tongue was horrible, but it didn’t compare to the foul stench of his breath. She was shaking by the time he turned her loose.

  “Mine.”

  She dared to face him again. If he meant she was his, he was dead wrong. “Like hell I am.”

  Suddenly, she wished she could have one last minute with Rosh, Renkon, and Walker. If so, she’d tell them how much she loved them. She’d beg them to make her their mate and change her so that she’d be a werewolf like them.

  Why did it take so long for me to realize what I really want? I belong to my men, Rosh, Walker, and Renkon, and no one else. She held back another sob, one that would’ve been filled with regret. If only I had another chance. Now they’ll never know that I choose them. Now and forever, I choose them.

  He clutched her breasts and squeezed. The evil glint in his eyes spoke volumes. Her scream erupted before she had a chance to keep it back. Cackling, he bent over and bit her breasts, bringing blood to redden her flesh. Driving his hand between her legs, he sunk his fingers into her pussy then yanked them out. Holding up his hand for all to see, he lashed out his tongue and licked her juices from his fingers. His pack roared their approval with howls and barks.

  Turning to her, he took her by the chin then grabbed her hair and tore a hunk from her head. She gritted her teeth, keeping another scream inside.

  His eyes blazed with lust. “Mine.”

  Spinning around, he jumped, flying through the air to land next to the fire. Holding up her hair in his fist, he flung it into the flames. The strands of her hair sizzled and sent sparks floating upward.

  As if on cue, the pack sat back on their haunches, lifted their heads, and howled.

  * * * *

  Rosh led the others into the woods. He hadn’t let himself think about what may have happened to Shay until now. Right after Myla had rushed into the camp shouting for help, he’d gathered a group of shifters and had headed toward the lake.

  “If he’s hurt her, I want first crack at him.”

  “Get in line, Walker. Rosh is going to tear out his heart while I rip his guts apart.” Renkon’s face hardened into a mask of fury

  “You’re wrong. He has no heart to rip out.” Rosh put his left hand on his cousin’s shoulder then thrust out his right to Walker.

  Walker locked on to his arm, placing their forearms together in The Hidden’s handshake of brotherhood. “We’ll get her back, Rosh. I swear I’ll give my last breath to do it.”

  “We’ll do it as a team, the three of us. And once this is over, we make her our mate. Agreed?” They’d already made their peace the night Shay had stayed with Renkon, but what they had to do today would only enhance their bond. Their love for Shay and their need to keep her safe was all that mattered.

  “Agreed. Let’s do this.”

  The three of them led the way, moving as fast as they could toward the lake. Others joined them, eager to back up their brothers. Even Myla, refusing to stay behind while her friend was in danger, joined the group.

  She hurried alongside Rosh, trying to keep pace with his long stride. “I can’t help but blame myself. If I hadn’t jumped into the pond without her, maybe they wouldn’t have had the chance to take her.”

  Rosh kept moving. “It’s not your fault. Shay wouldn’t want you to think that. Besides, Burac would’ve found another way. We should’ve stopped him before now.”

  “Perhaps. But that’s not our way.”

  He knew she was right. The people of The Hidden preferred peace over conflict. “I know, but there are times when peace has to be set aside. Saving Shay is one of those times.”

  He picked up a scent as they approached the lake. “Here. I can smell him here.”

  Rosh drew in more of the putrid aroma and snarled. Burac hadn’t bothered to cover his scent. It didn’t matter if that was because of a mistake or out of cockiness. Either way, Rosh was determined to rid the world of Burac.

  “Let’s get him.”

  Rosh nodded at Walker. They shifted, shedding their clothes and dropping to all fours. Snarling, they waited as the others shifted into their animal forms. With Rosh in the lead, they bounded into the forest and headed toward the caves of The Cursed.

  * * * *

  Shay prayed that Myla was safe. She hadn’t seen any sign of her in the cave, and since the little shifter had gone into the water, she hoped that Burac hadn’t seen her. Surely, Myla would know something had gone wrong since Shay’s clothes were still on the ground. Had Myla made it back and spread the word of her abduction? Was help on the way?

  She wasn’t sure how long she stayed tied to the wall, but she wiggled her legs and flexed her hands, trying to take away the numbness. If she got a chance to escape, she had to be ready to take it.

  Would Rosh, Renkon, and Walker come after her once they’d figured out what had happened? Would they know where to look?

  She closed her eyes and pictured her men. And they were her men. She’d been afraid of committing to them, and yet, with the possibility of a life with them being taken away, she realized that she’d already pledged herself to them in her heart. Her mind had been slower to accept it, but now she was sure. If she lived to return to them, she’d make them her mates as fast as she could.

  Why did I waste so much time? How stupid could I be? She opened her eyes to the terrible scene in front of her. Please, God, let me survive and go home to my men. I want to spend the rest of my days in The Hidden, raising their children and making them happy. Please, please.

  The Cursed danced around the fire for the next hour, eating raw meat and squabbling. Fights broke out over food and drink while the males shared the females. Their sex held no trace of love but was brutal and animalistic. Men struck the women, who were forced to get on their hands and knees and open their asses to them. The women weren’t much better as they abused their young ones, beating them with the bones of other animals. Shay watched in horror and tried not to think of what they intended to do to her.

  At last, Burac shouted a strange and guttural sound and raised his fist into the air. At once, the rest of them stopped whatever they were doing and bowed in front of him. He surveyed his pack like a king surveying his subjects.

  Facing her, he spoke the word she’d come to dread. “Mine.”

  She feared her heart would stop when he started toward her. She cringed to look at him, but his evil expression was nothing compared to his long, ugly dick. The sight of it brought bile to her mouth. He was going to rape her, and she could do nothing to stop him.

  Chapter Ten

  “No!”

  Burac ignored her cry as he used a machete-style knife to shred the bindings around her wrists. She tried to strike out, but she couldn’t get her numb arms to work. He took her by the hair, digging into her scalp, sending agonizing stabs of pain into her head, and yanked her along with him toward the fire.

  The pack let out growls and snarls but kept their distance as Burac flung her to th
e hard stone floor then raised the knife into the air. She bit down on her tongue, and blood flooded her mouth.

  “Mine.”

  She pushed onto her hands and knees then twisted around to glare at him. “Go fuck yourself.”

  His malicious grin opened to expose his fangs. She tried not to think of them sinking into her neck. Getting behind her, he pushed her forward until she fell onto her forearms. She jolted as his paw-like hand flattened against her butt cheek with a resounding thwack. But she didn’t cry out. As long as she had a breath in her body, she’d fight him. He cackled as he bent over her, his cock in his hand.

  She craned her head around to send him a sultry look. “Do you want some of this, asshole?”

  His gaze fell to her ass as she wiggled it enticingly. The pack’s frenzy grew louder. He tilted his head at her, and she cringed at the lustful glint in his eyes.

  “You do, don’t you?” She wiggled some more. “Then here it is.”

  Putting as much strength as she could into it, she kicked back much like a mule would. Luck was with her as her heel connected with his crotch. He let out a yowl and stumbled backward. She scrambled away, crawling before she managed to get to her feet. But with the pack surrounding them, she had nowhere to run.

  She took a breath, ready to confront him, and swore she’d do the best she could. Her only regret would be that she’d never see the people of The Hidden or Renkon, Rosh, and Walker again. A vision of their life together that would never happen flashed across her mind, hurting more than anything Burac could ever do to her.

  Silently, she sent a message to them. I’m so sorry. I love you. Even if you never get to hear me say the words, I hope somehow, some way you’ll know how much I cared.

  Burac, saliva dripping from the corners of his mouth, fury making his hideous face even uglier, stalked toward her, the machete in his fist. She took a couple of deep breaths, shouted a battle cry, then launched her body at him.

  She surprised him and hit him hard, taking the bony body backward with her momentum. But he was stronger and flipped her on her back. He held her down, pinning her arms above her head as two of his pack held her legs down. He dropped the knife and shoved his dick between her legs. Terror filled her as she vainly struggled. Closing her eyes, she whispered a farewell message to the men she loved.

  I love you. All of you.

  An uproar had her opening her eyes as Burac jumped away from her. She lifted onto her elbows and gaped at the sight.

  Werewolves, werebears, and other were-animals poured through the cave’s opening. A huge white polar bear lumbered into the cave on their heels and headed straight for her.

  They’re here! With Myla!

  Burac let out a screech then wrapped his hand around her throat and forced her to her knees.

  Growls, snarls echoed around the chamber as fangs and claws slashed out. Blood flew as limbs and fur separated from bodies. Some of The Cursed managed to flee, but the shifters caught many of them. Their mighty jaws clamped down on the enemies’ throats to shake them until they were limp.

  Renkon, Rosh, and Walker battled to get closer to her, but the pack closed ranks around the three werewolves, keeping them from getting to Shay. Although her fingernails were no match for Burac’s claws, she dug them into his scrawny leg. He snarled, saliva falling from his jaws as he twisted around to strike her across the face.

  She fell to the floor and the world spun around her. A terrifying growl came seconds before a bloodcurdling scream. She blinked, trying to get her eyes to focus as Myla the polar bear lifted onto her hind legs. Her huge mouth opened as she roared at Burac, and her white fangs shone in the firelight. Pulling back one enormous leg, she prepared to lash out at the smaller Burac.

  But neither Myla nor Shay saw Burac snatch up the long knife in time to stop him. Shay reached out to Myla, her cry lost in Burac’s howl, as he drove the blade deep into the bear’s chest. Myla howled an angry, frustrated sound then knocked him away. She fell onto all fours, blood spurting from the wound in her chest.

  “Myla!”

  Myla turned to face her, and she could see her friend in the animal’s face. A second later, four of The Cursed jumped on Myla’s back, their claws digging into her body, their fangs biting her. Blood spewed outward, darkening her beautiful white fur as Myla roared and fought to throw them off. But she was no match for the beasts.

  Shay staggered to her feet, determined to save her friend. She threw her body at the creatures and they jumped away, but it was too late. Myla slumped to the floor. She fell beside her, no longer seeing anything except her dying friend.

  “No. Myla, please. No.” Shay clung to her friend’s still form as tears streamed down her face.

  For one blissful moment, she thought she felt Myla move. She leaned back, hoping to see her friend open her eyes. Instead, her body blurred until Myla’s naked human form lay next to her.

  “Noooo.” Her cry turned into moans of grief.

  “Mine.”

  Fury flooded her. She lifted her head and turned to see Burac standing near her. The battle raged on around them, but her sole focus was on him.

  “You’re going to pay for this.”

  His horrid cackle made her stomach flip over. Pushing away from the floor, her hand came to rest beside Myla’s leg that was farthest away from Burac, and she felt the sticky edge of the knife against her fingers. Moving as little as possible, she closed her hand around the hilt.

  “Don’t come near me.”

  As she’d hoped, he lurched closer, putting his body only a foot from her. He bent over, opened his jaws wide, and flexed his claws.

  “Mine.”

  She looked into the face of evil and smiled. “Go to hell.”

  As fast and as hard as she could, she lunged upward and sunk the knife into his throat. Blood spurted onto her hand, her arm, her face and body, but she barely noticed. Burac tried to scream, but the sound came out in strangled gurgles. She let her smile grow bigger and pushed the blade in deeper, harder. His eyes bulged as he reached for her.

  She twisted the knife and sneered. “Die, motherfucker.”

  The life in his eyes faded, and his arms fell limp. She pushed him away, letting the knife stay stuck in his throat. Shuddering, she fell to the floor.

  * * * *

  Shay hugged Kira to her. A week had passed in a strange state of activity interspersed with periods of waiting that had left her reflective.

  The Hidden had lost some of its own in the fight with The Cursed. Two werewolves as well as a werecat and Myla had given their lives to save her. Burac had bruised and scratched her, but she’d never taken ill. Penn thought she was immune to The Cursed’s venom and would, hopefully, pass her immunity along to her children. But thoughts of children would have to come later.

  At first, she’d thought that the others would blame her for the deaths of their loved ones. If she hadn’t come to their home, those precious lives wouldn’t have been lost. Or if she’d chosen to mate with Rosh, Renkon, and Walker earlier, maybe Burac wouldn’t have taken her and the conflict would’ve been avoided. But the people of The Hidden had welcomed her back into their lives, telling her that she wasn’t at fault. To blame her would be like cursing the sun for letting the moon rise. What was meant to happen had happened, and no one was to bear any guilt.

  She sat outside the huge new hut the men had built. They’d treated her with tenderness and concern, giving her the time she’d needed to mourn for her friend and the others. She’d cried wrapped in Rosh’s arms at The Mourning Ceremony then had stilled her own tears to let Kira cling to her as she wept for her mother.

  “They’re ready for you.” Rosh, looking strong and sexy in a white cotton shirt and pair of jeans, offered his hand to her. She took it, keeping Kira’s in her own.

  “Let’s do this.”

  Rosh led them into the cabin where The Council as well as many others, including Renkon and Walker, waited. Charlton sat at a table along with Xnax, Tina, and the we
recat Wisa. The werewolf Dagon who had sat on The Council was one of those lost in the battle, and another council member had yet to be selected.

  Charlton tipped his head in greeting. “Shay Mathews, we are happy to see that you are well.”

  “Thank you. But I wish I could trade places with those who came to my rescue.”

  Xnax shook his head. “It was their choice, and The Time for Mourning has passed. We need to move on to other matters. We’ve given you more than enough time to make a decision.”

  This is it. Although she’d already told the men that she wanted to become their mate and stay, she hadn’t made an official announcement. She drew her body straighter. “I want to stay.” She hadn’t expected any cheers, but she’d hoped for some kind of a reaction.

  “And will you change?” Xnax bounced a sphere of fire from hand to hand. “Are you prepared to become werewolf?”

  She’d thought about it a long time and had spoken to other werewolf females. Parts of it, like the pain that came with the transformation, made her nervous. Yet other aspects of it were thrilling. She longed to run through the forest, to see into the darkness, and to feel the tug of the moon. But even if being a werewolf was the worst thing in the world, she was still ready to face it. She wanted to be like her mates, and changing would bring them even closer.

  “You don’t have to become a werewolf,” added Charlton. “But no one has ever mated in The Hidden and not changed.”

  “I want to and I will. Tonight, if possible.”

  “You must also choose mates in order to stay.” Tina’s silver eyes twinkled with delight. Everyone knew the men wanted her and that she wanted them. The only thing left was for Shay to publicly choose them.

  “Then I choose Rosh, Renkon, and Walker.”