"Her arm is broken. I'll fashion a sling for her to keep it immobile until I can set it properly. I think she'll survive."
Kai cupped her chin. “Is that so? What do you think?"
She scooted into his arms. “I think I've never been so happy to see anyone in my life. Twice today, even."
He kissed her temple. “I hope you'll feel that way forever. I want you in my life, Sable. I ... need you."
She buried her face in his neck. “I love you, Kai. I can't think of anything better than being part of your family."
He hugged her tight then stood, bringing her to her feet next to him.
She glanced shyly at Aric. “Thank you. You're my hero too."
He smiled, touching her cheek. “I always will be. You're part of my heart now, Sable."
She leaned up and placed a kiss on his cheek.
"Speaking of heroes.” Kai turned to face the two bear changelings in their midst. The taller man with black skin and a bald head wore the blue-stoned amulet around his neck and nothing else. Kai forced his gaze to stay on the man's face rather than drop to the huge cock hanging between his legs. “I owe you a debt of gratitude. You saved my mate's arse out there."
"Infinitely worth saving.” The man looked Aric over and grinned, showing his white teeth.
It was the same smile the bear had bestowed upon him, and Kai had to laugh. Yes, it was the bear he remembered from the old town, he was sure of it.
Extending his hand to shake, the muscular hulk said, “I'm Tarek. This is Skye."
Kai offered his hand to the tall, black-skinned man. “I remember you. We shared a meal. Do you remember?” Kai found it difficult not to stare at his thick, long cock. Skye was also striking, with beautifully sharp facial features and slick black hair that rippled over his shoulders.
"Yes, I remember,” Tarek said in a soft, deep voice.
"You have my thanks."
"We are brothers, although of a different tribe.” Tarek smiled. “I'm sure you would have done the same had the roles been reversed."
"I like to think I would. You honour the meaning of the talisman."
"I have seen you many times in the woods since our last meeting—in both human and cougar form.” He waggled his eyebrows. “We would have made contact again, but you seemed to value your privacy, and we respect that. But today, when we saw your mate hanging from the rope above the ravine, we had to step in."
"We are forever in your debt.” Kai shuddered at the other possible outcome. “Will you return to our clan cave and take a meal with us? We'd be honoured, although the menu might not be quite what you're used to."
Tarek's white teeth shone as he grinned again. “We're very selective when choosing prey. Cougars are a last resort."
"Thanks for that,” Aric muttered, and everyone chuckled.
"No, if our assistance is no longer needed, we'll be on our way."
"If there's ever anything we can do for you, don't hesitate to call on us.” Kai shook their hands again.
"Farewell, my friends.” Tarek and Skye ambled back into the woods where they'd come from, their bodies slowly lowering to all fours, then, as they writhed in pleasure, morphing into the huge shapes of bears.
Kai gazed around and noticed the dark haired female from earlier creeping towards him. The others of the small clan had emerged from their hiding and huddled among the lean-tos. Bowing, the female held out her hands and offered him the talisman on the broken thong.
"At last!” Aric took the jewel from her and worked on repairing the strap.
She slunk away to the security of her group.
"Ella,” Kai summoned her. “Thank you."
Not making eye contact, she nodded and continued moving away.
"My leader.” Aric got behind him and placed the talisman around his neck. He tied the thong and stepped back to admire it.
Energy flowed through Kai, and he sighed with pleasure. He closed his eyes and basked in it for a moment, then opened them. He took Aric by one hand and Sable by the other. “It's time to go home.” Gazing out over the small bunch of people, he added, “All are welcome to our clan. We'll have a celebration feast when we get back. Then you can bathe and relax. We'll provide you with fresh clothes and safe, warm beds."
Feth stepped up behind Sable. Slowly the others came forward. They moved tentatively, obviously timid from their last clan leader.
Kai's heart swelled. They looked so scared. He wanted to ease their fear. “No one is abused or shamed in our family. All we ask is respect for one another and that you accept an equal share of the workload—just as I, myself, do."
A small kit moved closer. “Does a feast mean food?” he asked nervously.
Releasing his mates, Kai scooped the young one into his arms. “Yes, it does. I promise you, there will always be food, and plenty of it. But you're hungry now, aren't you? It's quite a trek. Do you have enough strength to morph into a cougar? The trip will go faster, and as soon as we enter more familiar territory, we can catch some nice, plump rabbits to tide us over."
"Yes, sir!” The kit nodded happily.
He set the boy down. “Call me Kai. My partner's name is Aric. And you know Sable. She's going to be the mother of my kits.” He glanced at her sideways for a reaction.
Sable didn't look at him, but he saw the corners of her mouth turn up as she smiled.
As the child scampered back to his mother, Kai announced, “We'll be leaving shortly. It will be a quicker trip as cats. Is there anyone here who can't handle that?"
The small band of people shook their heads, showing more enthusiasm than Kai had seen yet. “The old blind one. Can he make the trip?"
"Yes, Kai!” The wizened man with white eyes spoke loudly. “My daughter can assist me. But I'll carry my share of the workload once we get there, no worries."
Kai smiled. “No worries, friend. We take care of our own, and you've just been adopted."
The old man's shoulders shook with relief.
Kai turned away so he wouldn't break down. It'd been one hell of a day, and his emotions were close to the surface. “Ready yourselves,” he called loudly. “The journey will take some time. There'll be a short break to eat when we see food, but we'll need to press on. You'll all be able to rest tonight."
Feth moved towards the group. “I'll make sure everyone is accounted for."
"Thank you.” Kai watched the brave man go. He was strong and would make a nice addition to their clan.
He turned to Aric and Sable, his soul mate and his new mate. His mind whirred with thoughts of what their future held. They were both so beautiful, gorgeous specimens of masculinity and femininity, and both his. He stroked his cock to erection. “As for you two—don't expect to get much rest tonight at all."
"I hadn't planned on it.” Aric cupped Kai's ball sac and grinned.
Kai thrust into his hand once then regretfully pulled back. He touched Sable's arm. The only thing she wore was Feth's make-shift sling. “I had some medicinal powders as well as a medical kit, but haven't the slightest idea what happened to them. I'll tend to this first thing when we get back. Will you be able to stand the journey?"
"Of course. I'd crawl on my knees for as long as it took to be with you.” She smiled at him then looked at Aric. “Both of you. I feel extremely blessed.” With her good hand, she rubbed Kai's chest.
Aric flicked a strand of hair from her shoulder. “The amulet will stay put this time?"
Kai and Sable both gaped at him. His eyes twinkled. Kai could tell he was joking.
"I'm going to get you for that,” she muttered, teasing back. She walked towards the others, swinging her ample hips.
"Yeah, I'm really worried.” Aric followed her.
Kai grinned and joined them. The stench of unwashed humans wafted as they got within a pace or two, and he twitched his nose.
Aric sneezed.
Sable cupped a hand over her face. “I think we should reorder our priorities just a bit. Bath and then feast."
<
br /> "Definitely.” Aric sneezed again.
Kai slipped an arm around each of their waists. “You've got it.” Calling loudly to the group, he exclaimed, “Let's go home!"
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About the Authors
Jamie Hill was born and raised in the Midwest, where she continues to live with her husband and two sons.
She juggles her spare time to include writing every day, freelance editing, reading as she finds time, tinkering on the computer, listening to country music, as many naps as possible, and watching movies (especially scary movies) with her family.
Email: [email protected]
Jude's imagination frequently leads her astray and she eagerly follows while trying to keep out of trouble, or at least, not get caught. For those of you who know her, you'll know that's not always easy. A picture, a smell, an unexpected glimpse of flesh, or a load of soil in the back of a pick-up, are all fodder for her writing. Her male characters run the gamut from the dominant male ruling his women with an iron fist, to a simpering purple-clad boy-toy whose only desire is to please. As diverse and as richly depicted, her women find themselves in a myriad of exotic and erotic situations.
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Email: [email protected]
JAMIE HILL and JUDE MASON love to hear from readers. You can find their contact information, websites and author biographies at www.total-e-bound.com.
Also by JAMIE HILL
Unexpected Love: Nothing To Lose
Convincing Cate
Second Time Around
Carnal Collision
Unexpected Love: Worth The Risk
Taking Control
Unexpected Love: Having It All
Cattle Valley: Truth or Dare
Also by JUDE MASON
Ghost of a Chance
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