Sonora and Madayah sat watching three cubs play. Dmitri raised his eyebrows at The Kodiak’s mate. The bears didn’t normally invade his home.
“A certain young she-cat was punished and she is cleaning my house. We thought the others might like a break from the children, so we brought them here. I hope you don’t mind.” Sonora looked at him with a soft smile so different from what she gave him before Mandy took the bear clan by storm.
Mandy’s presence had altered the clan forever. Sonora entering his home uninvited was but one of those many changes. This wasn’t a bad thing, but until Sonora began asserting her authority as mate to The Kodiak, Dmitri barely communicated with her. Now the she-bears were coming out of a hibernation that had lasted decades. It was a comfortable feeling that his clan lacked before the whimsical she-wolf entered their lives.
Dmitri’s mind jumped and he grimaced over the thought of Talya coming back into his home for any reason. “As long as that same she-cat is not punished by cleaning my home, I’m good with it.” He smiled at the three young cats playing, the youngest obviously getting the best of the other two.
Madayah didn’t return the smile. “We are sorry for what Talya did. We have our hands full with her, but we’ll watch her closer now.”
Dmitri ran his fingers through his too-long hair. “In a few days, when things have settled, I will spend more time at my club in the city. My biggest issue is concern for the younger male bears. If she offers, it’s possible one of them will take her up on it. The Kodiak has given strict orders that she is hands off, but our teenagers also have raging hormones.”
Just the corners of Madayah’s lips tilted up. “I believe they are safe. She talks about no one but you.”
He let out a low groan and Sonora laughed. “She thinks you the sexiest man alive.” Sonora looked him up and down. “I will admit, I didn’t notice until it was pointed out to me.”
Heat enveloped Dmitri’s face. “This is Mandy’s fault. The she-bears of the past knew their place, but now, no one controls you.” He hadn’t meant for the words to come out quite that forceful, but his head was throbbing again.
He immediately noticed the frightened look on the she-cat’s face. Sonora placed her hand gently on Madayah’s shoulder and spoke before he could.
“For the most part, our liege is joking. He stays out of bear politics, though he is a chauvinist.” Sonora flashed chiding eyes at Dmitri. “I give him credit for taking Mandy’s side when it comes to training our females to protect themselves. What he really needs is a strong woman to keep him in line and at home. He spends too many hours at his club already.”
Dmitri ignored Sonora’s tone. “I apologize, Madayah. Vorlyk explained much of your clan history last night. I want your entire pack to feel welcome.”
Madayah’s face relaxed slightly. “My mate returned to me quite intoxicated this morning. I didn’t even know vampires could become drunk.”
“It took two large bottles of my best whiskey to get the job done, but it helped get us past the territorial pains we usually feel. I had quite a bit of difficulty controlling myself the last time I was in close proximity to Marcus. I feared the same response, but I’m beginning to think your mate might be a slightly different breed of vampire.”
“He’s much stronger than he appears,” Madayah said with an annoyed spark in her eyes.
Dmitri’s voice hardened slightly. “You may want to keep that to yourself. It’s a good defense and he seems to pull it off with ease.”
The chastised cat lowered her eyes, which only irritated Dmitri more. His head continued to pound. He shouldn’t be in female company at the moment and needed to work off some of his aggression. His tolerance for small talk at an end, he left the women talking and playing with the babies. He flashed from his home as soon as The Kodiak notified him that a large group of weres were in the training room. His frustration was even worse when he appeared outside the gym. He forgot to ask Madayah about the female cat he’d seen that morning. He would stay away from her, but he just wanted her name.
Dmitri entered the gym and immediately noticed the large leather collars around the wolves’ throats. When the female in the ring shifted to cat, he instantly understood why. Her teeth were enormous and incredibly sharp. The wolf twisted and went for one of her legs, but she pulled away quickly. Striding closer, Dmitri saw the vacant look in the cat’s eyes and realized she was blind. He smiled when it didn’t stop her from raking her claws across the wolf’s side. A snarl left the beast’s throat as he spun away and attacked her from behind. The cat went down and the two shifted to human.
The wolf, breathing fast, spoke aloud. “You’re getting faster and more accurate. You may be our finest secret weapon.”
The woman tried to slap him away, but he instantly moved out of range with a full laugh not in the least offended.
“You only say that because I’m blind.” The cat’s sides heaved as she tried to catch her breath.
“No, love, I say it because the enemy will overlook you because of your blindness. Our clan knows better and I have faith that you could save us all if needed. You underrate your abilities, but eventually we will change that.”
She grumbled under her breath, but followed the wolf out of the ring after he placed a guiding hand on her arm. The pair were definitely mates and Dmitri wondered why the prickly she-wolf made the male wait.
Not my clan or problem.
The pulsing wave of red behind his eyes intensified as he looked around the room searching out a worthy opponent to slake his bad mood on. His eyes passed over two female cats and a female bear working in the corner with weights. But like that morning, he quickly reassessed the women. Though they wore sweatpants and t-shirts, Dmitri knew the female with her back to him was the one who kept him from sleeping. Every cell in his body zeroed in on her scent. The pounding in his head dulled immediately, and for a moment, he barely breathed. A deep voice he knew all too well snapped him out of his trance.
“My liege, I’m sorry I didn’t make it to your home last night to help you or my father.”
Dmitri turned to the un-contrite bear. Honey had no shame, and prying him from his mate was nearly impossible. “There’s not a repentant bone in your body.”
“We were…”
Dmitri held up his hand. “Believe me, I don’t want to know what you were doing. What I would like is an impromptu sparring match and I don’t see your father around, so the deed falls to you.”
“My punishment?” Honey grumbled.
“If you wish to think of it that way.” The she-cat’s scent continued to soothe Dmitri’s pain, making it difficult to keep his attention on the disgruntled bear.
The two of them moved to the ring.
Honey took off his shirt and then his pants. “Rules?” he asked.
Dmitri gave him a hard look while removing his own shirt, though he left his pants on. “I can’t kill you.”
“Then send me back bloody so Mandy can lick me all better.”
If Dmitri hadn’t seen the change Mandy had on the bad-tempered bear with his own eyes, he would think an alien replaced Honey. Shaking his head, Dmitri mumbled, “I’m changing my mind about the killing part of the rules.”
Without warning, Honey shifted and nine hundred pounds of Kodiak bear attacked. Dmitri needed a workout so he sparred and teased the bear. Honey shifted back to human and within minutes, sweat dripped from both men. Their muscles and tendons strained while they wrestled on the mat or fought upright. Honey managed to give Dmitri a few claw furrows, which bled freely. Eventually, Dmitri had had enough and the battle turned violent. Honey was wheezing and protecting a severely bloodied torso a few moments later.
“Do you cry mercy?” Dmitri fought to steady his breathing after a particularly nasty combination of punches to the stubborn bear.
“Yes, my mate will be happy to play nurse.”
Dmitri’s laughter rang throughout the large room. “Please, no more information about your mate play
ing dress up.”
It actually felt good to laugh after the past few days of pain. Dmitri helped Honey to his feet and at the same time, a hot pressure made it feel as if someone punched him in the gut.
He turned.
The woman from his dreams stood watching only a few feet away. Her green eyes seemed to pierce his soul unlike anything Dmitri had previously encountered. The world around him stopped and he focused only on her. Her dark-brown hair and light-brown skin accented the sea-green color of her eyes. She had a soft round face with high cheekbones, which suggested a mix of Hispanic or Native Indian in her linage.
Dmitri hadn’t moved closer, but for some reason, panic seized her and she quickly spun away. He stood frozen, watching her ponytail swish side to side as she tore from the gym. When she was completely out of sight, the threads of red pulsed back into his brain. He took a step toward her. This time, two male wolves growled with displeasure.
Dmitri’s eyes went amber as he spun around searching for wolves who challenged. If Dmitri wanted the she-cat, then he would take her and the wolves be damned.
Shaking his head to try to clear the dangerous red haze, he realized he was seconds from losing control. What the hell was wrong with him?
Chapter Seven
Nikka’s jumbled thoughts had her ignoring the rumbling growls behind her when she fled the gym. Her cat had taken notice of the vampire that morning, causing a sensual longing she’d never felt before. Nikka tried unsuccessfully throughout the day to get his image and scent from her mind. She’d heard only his voice the night they arrived, but even then, something in the timbre sang across her nerve endings. She’d kept her head down, hoping to calm the uneasiness the deep resonance caused.
Nikka’s biggest insecurity was her inability to speak outside of shared mind communication with her clan. Without one of her clan mates present, she couldn’t engage in conversation. This put her at a disadvantage when it came to other clans. Just when she’d begun to appreciate her growing strength and feel confident in her abilities, they left the southwest territory and traveled to the Colorado Mountains. Entering bear territory frazzled her nerves completely.
Usually, she managed to control her fears by concentrating on how far she’d come. The last time she’d fought in the ring against Esta she’d almost won the match. Each time they faced off, Nikka’s self-assurance soared with her growing ability to defend herself and her clan. Now, in a new territory, was not the time to lose her hard-won self-reliance. She didn’t know what drew her to the vampire, but the strange feelings terrified her.
Since his scent entered her bloodstream, thoughts of the vampire wouldn’t leave her brain for more than two seconds. She’d kept herself away from Talya early this morning because, for some reason, the idea of the naked she-cat in Dmitri’s bed made Nikka fume. She wanted nothing more than to soundly thump the young woman, which was entirely out of character.
In the enclosed space inside the gym, it was impossible to ignore his scent when he entered, but she’d refused to look at him. When the gym quieted, and the two women she worked weights with stopped in mid-lift and looked toward the ring, it was too much. Nikka turned in time to see the vampire remove his shirt. Her inner cat brushed against her skin, pushing for control. She’d heard of the phenomenon, but had never experienced it. Keeping a tight rein on her beast, she admired each sinewy muscle as Dmitri’s shirt whipped over his head. Without conscious thought, she found herself standing beside the ring watching those same muscles expand, contract, and ripple as he fought the gigantic bear. His fluid movement displayed lethal elegance and controlled power. The beastkind fighting him didn’t stand a chance, but Nikka still wanted to jump in and defend the vampire when the bear’s large claws raked down Dmitri’s side. The smell of the vampire’s blood was almost too much for her. Her inner cat screamed for release.
As suddenly as the match began, it was over. The vampire spoke a few words to his opponent before turning and piercing her with eyes that instantly flashed to an amber blaze. Her cat wanted to roll in the flame and it took every ounce of willpower Nikka possessed to turn and run away.
Mine. Mine. Mine. Her cat screamed throughout her head.
Nikka couldn’t get out of the gym fast enough. After running several hundred yards, putting space between the vamp and her stupid cat, she stopped, removed her clothing, and shifted. Her inner beast wanted to return to the vampire, but Nikka’s human side won the battle of wills. Leaping away, she made it several feet before the last person she expected to see blocked the path.
Dmitri’s ribcage continued bleeding from the wounds caused by the bear, but he didn’t seem to notice. He remained shirtless and stunningly beautiful. Nikka slowly backed away trying to put space between them. Her sensitive nose smelled his blood and sweat along with the unique scent that identified him as vampire. Unseen sparks rocketed between her fur and muscle, electrifying her entire body, almost painful in its intensity.
Mine.
His incredibly full lips tilted up in a smile, stopping her in her tracks. A low warning growl left her throat. Why, she didn’t know, but she was completely off balance.
“I’m sorry. I won’t come closer. I don’t know your name and that’s all I’m asking.” His voice caused shivers, his words—panic.
The memories of beatings and abuse came rushing in, momentarily paralyzing her. He would be angry when she didn’t shift to human and respond. Vampire, beast, or human—men had no use for a woman who couldn’t do something as simple as answer a question.
Suddenly she was able to move. She turned and took a huge leap in the other direction, but slammed to a stop when he blocked her path again. Mind-numbing fear induced her shift back to human. She stood, blinded by terror, shaking her head violently.
No, no, no. She screamed, but he couldn’t hear.
His voice lowered. “I’m truly sorry. I will not hurt you, kotika.”
She was past hearing his words, living in her own nightmare. With no conscious control over her body, she shuffled backward. His heated gaze traveled over her nakedness, elevating her panic to new heights. His eyes slowly changed to amber.
Killing eyes.
With no thought other than escape, she turned and ran. A tree branch a few feet away had her sprawling face down with a hard thump against the solid ground. A cool hand grabbed her arm and rage replaced fear as she fought against his firm grip.
No, no, no.
“Stop, you damn hell-cat. I don’t wish you harm.”
His hands were everywhere, increasing her fear.
“Then let her go.” Zenya’s angry voice snapped them both from their tangle of arms and legs.
Dmitri’s ire was evident, his body tense. He gained his feet, but crouched, poised for attack. Nikka cringed, rolling away from him.
He faced Zenya, his voice a coil of frustration as he rose to his full height. “I only asked her name. Nothing more. She tripped and I tried to help.”
“Are you okay?” Zenya’s words entered Nikka’s mind.
Nikka lowered her head in embarrassment, realizing she’d amplified the incident to where it was now a dangerous situation. “He doesn’t know I can’t speak to him and I panicked.” She knew this entire debacle was her fault.
Zenya wasted no time trying to fix the situation. “She’s mute.”
Shame descended over Nikka with Zenya’s words. A suffocating blanket of memories took her back to years of helplessness. She flinched when Dmitri groaned, quickly stepping away from her. Even with her ravaged mind spinning, she watched him closely, expecting an assault. His amber eyes changed to their unusual light brown color, easing some of her tension. Nikka scrambled upright and turned to Zenya, but still waited for him to strike.
Several moments passed with him doing nothing but standing and watching her. She gathered her courage, fighting to bring herself out of her self-imposed nightmare. Dropping his gaze, she spoke mind to mind with Zenya, “Please tell him I am sorry. I will remain far aw
ay from him.” She walked to her clothes, covering her naked body as quickly as she could, wanting to be far away from this man who stirred so many strange feelings.
“She is sorry for the misunderstanding, Dmitri. She will stay out of your way.”
Nikka dared a glance at the vampire. His fingers ran through his unruly hair, his gaze locked on her. She could still smell his scent, and now that her panic receded, she smelled something that had her heartbeat increasing and her lungs needing air.
Desire.
He spoke directly to her, his voice once more soft and coaxing. “Dammit, I didn’t mean to frighten you. I had no idea you couldn’t speak. All I want is your name.”
Zenya walked over, wrapping Nikka in her arms. Nikka had no idea how bad she was shaking until Zenya’s warmth penetrated her clothing.
“Her name is Nikka.”
She looked up over Zenya’s shoulder, but the vampire was gone.
“What have I done?” she spoke into Zenya’s mind.
“You have done nothing wrong. It will take a period of adjustment just like it did when we joined Marcus and Amy’s clan.”
Nikka took a deep breath to try to control her trembling. “I will stay far away from him; he terrifies me.”
Zenya gave her a strange look, but didn’t argue.
***
Nikka. Her name was as beautiful as she was, but hell, he’d blown it. The she-cat obviously had issues other than her inability to speak. Dmitri remembered Vorlyk’s words about the mistreatment of the she-cats at the hands of their own kind. At that moment, Dmitri wanted to kill every male cat on earth. And, for the first time, he was glad his clan was now part of the beastkind war. He yearned for vengeance for a cat he’d only seen twice, if he wasn’t counting his dreams.
Dmitri Page 4