Hunters of the Gods_Power of Their Mate

by Dixie Lynn Dwyer

  “Typical Vampire. Cable’t keeps to himself. He doesn’t trust many at all. He’s had his share of losses, of pain, but I consider him a friend. He came immediately when I called to him for help. Besides, by biting you, by infusing his blood with yours and saving your life, he also received the benefits of your blood, and whatever you choose to share with him.”

  “It doesn’t seem like I’m in control of choosing much at all,” she said, and exhaled.

  “That is where you are wrong, Alexandra. You have more power than you realize. Follow your gut. Ignore Cab’s hold on you if he tries to come between you and your mates. In the end, because it is meant to be, it will happen.”

  Alex looked at herself in the mirror. She was preparing to attend the gala, and her dress, a stunning gold gown that accentuated her figure and her breasts, was gorgeous. Her grandmother helped to style her hair in a fancy updo, exposing her neck. Though she now knew of the bite to her skin, the destiny of her body and soul to wolves and a vampire, and it all made her more confused than ever.

  “You are stunning, Alexandra. A woman fit to be the mate of Alphas and to share the blood of a vampire as established, well known, feared and respected as Cabernet Goustou. Just follow your heart and remain true to yourself.”

  “Hmmm, true to myself, when I feel so confused now about who I really am?”

  “Not confused, but putting together the pieces. I’m certain when the spell, the protective barrier breaks, you will be ready and capable of putting things together. It will work out, I promise you.”

  An hour later, Alexandra walked into the gala surprised at not only the turnout of patrons, but the exuberant welcome she received from Mitchell Saunter.

  His eyes widened as he took in the sight of her. She knew she looked stunning, and noticed the stares and winks from various men she did not know. As Mitchell kissed each of her cheeks and then took her arm to introduce her to a group of four men, she wasn’t sure how this was going to go. They eyed her over like a meal and she blew them off with finesse and charm. After all, she didn’t know who they were or what benefit they could be to her career.

  “This is her, the photographer I mentioned, and the one whose photographs are on display this evening.”

  “Such a pleasure to meet you, Alex. I am Buschou Lemon, and these are friends of mine, Casmere, Voltaire, and Menesque.”

  She shook each man’s hand and felt the vibrations move up her arm then stop at her elbow. Their eyes squinted, and she had no clue as to what just happened, but they seemed taken aback and then intrigued.

  “Hmmm, allow us to accompany you through the gala?” Bouschou asked, still squinting and looking as if his interest in her went up a notch.

  She felt the tightness in her belly, then the warm arm come around her waist. She thought she imagined it, like it was in her mind, but then the hard chest pressed up against her back and lips kissed her bare shoulder.

  “Ahhh, I was hoping that you would get here soon, Alexandra. I’m not a patient man,” Cable’t whispered, and the four men in front of her looked intimated and like they knew Cable’t. He slid the arm from her waist to her hand and turned her toward him. He gazed at her body in the dress, gave a nod of approval, so arrogantly, so she looked him over and then stared straight up at him before turning back toward the other men.

  “If you gentleman will excuse me, I need to mingle,” she said, and went to walk away when she felt a strange sensation in her body that forced her to not give attitude to the vampire. The son of a bitch thought he could control me? No way. Not without a fight. She focused on her thoughts, her wants and decision. With confidence and attitude she walked away. She felt at first his sting of anger but then a chuckle rumbled in her head. Oh, I need to learn how to get into his mind.

  She relaxed herself and focused on the event and meeting new people, and then she saw Elaina and her men. It was crazy but the first thing she did was look for her sons.

  “Alex, my God, don’t you look incredible,” Elaina said, and gave her a kiss and hug hello.

  “Very beautiful,” Comton added, and kissed her cheek hello, then Frame and Lytes did the same thing.

  “Where are your photographs? We just arrived, and I am dying to see them,” Elaina asked.

  “I’m not sure, I just arrived, as well,” she said.

  “Well, let’s browse together.”

  As they walked through the event, she noticed the stares she got and figured it was from walking with the Alphas and their mate from Saint pack. They were apparently a top pack in not only the state but the country.

  “Good evening. It’s such an honor to have your presence here this evening, sirs. Just so you know, several of the photographs have already been sold raising more funds for the orphanage,” one tall man told the Saints. Elaina was ecstatic as she smiled wide and then thanked the man for informing her.

  “Miss Morgan, if you would be so kind as to follow me, one of our guests has purchased one of your photographs and would like you to not only sign the back, but also personalize it for them.”

  “Really? Oh my goodness,” she replied, shocked that the event had just started and already photos of hers were selling. She figured the more well-known photographers would get theirs sold. She was just so thrilled to be part of the gala.

  “Go on, Alex. We’ll meet you upstairs,” Elaina said, and she smiled, bowed slightly in respect, which earned her a nod from the three Alphas and then she followed the gentleman through the crowd and upstairs.

  As she walked with him through the hallway, she was surprised by the number of people discussing photos and making different comments.

  “The gentleman will meet you here,” he said, and then motioned with his hand toward the room where several pieces were on display, including the one photograph of the street band playing and the homeless man watching with a small grin on his face. It was one of her favorite pictures and the man had been so kind. She smiled as she looked at it, and then wondered who bought the photograph.

  “It caught my eye right away, and I had to have it.”

  She swung her head around to see Cabernet Cable’t Goustou standing there. He was so tall, towering over most men, and was dressed in a designer black tux, complete with diamond cuff links, and only wearing black. His onyx hair was pulled back, and she didn’t know if she should be happy or angry.”

  “Ahh, happy, because your photo touched my heart.”

  “Stop that,” she reprimanded, and in her head tried to figure out how to stop him from hearing her thoughts. She turned away from him.

  “I can’t believe you would do this, Cable’t. I purposely put three of my photographs up as donations to the orphanage.”

  His hands went to her shoulders from behind, shocking her; he was so quick. She hadn’t heard a sound. Her intake of breath told him that he frightened her. His large hands caressed up and down her arms and then squeezed her shoulders. “Don’t be angry, and don’t be scared of me either. I am quite impressed with your choice of photographs, what you find to catch your eyes.” He turned her toward him, and stared down into her eyes, and she felt his spell. “So very beautiful, and a blue like no other, my pet.”

  Her lips parted, and he smoothed his hand along her cheek, under her hair, tilting her head back. His eyes swept over the cleavage of her breasts. “You’re a treat I seem to long for. One taste just wasn’t enough, Alexandra,” he said, and lowered his mouth to hers.

  She could feel the restraints, thought light, they were still there, and just as his lips touched hers she tightened her eyes, angry that he would use his abilities to make her unable to counter his tactics. Apparently just thinking that stopped him.

  He moved back, but turned her again, shocking her as they faced the photograph.

  “I lose control around you, Alexandra. It’s not like me,” he admitted, and she sighed, then turned to look up at him.

  “You saved my life,” she whispered.

  “It’s more than that. Do you not
know about vampires like me? Margarete didn’t fill you in?”

  “On what part, the demanding, blood-sucking, shape-shifting abilities, or the narcissistic, self-centered, antisocial attitudes of them?” she countered. She wasn’t going to let him run the show just like she wouldn’t let those three Alpha wolves demand and expect her to just comply like some weak female.

  “Ahhh, we’ll skip the attitude about me until later when we’re completely alone. Stay clear of the wolves.”

  “Uhm, has no one explained to you about the whole mate thing, and how it works with wolves?”

  He squinted at her. “I won’t even tell you my age, young lady.”

  “You sound fatherly,” she said to him.

  His arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her close. He licked his lower lip and then gazed at her breasts as he stroked the side of one with his finger. “The things I think of doing to you, pet, are not fatherly, but carnal and erotic.”

  She felt her body tingling, her pussy clenched, and then she heard the low growl. The vampire didn’t turn but she did, and who was standing there but Saunder.

  * * * *

  Saunder sought Alex out and then picked up on her scent. When he heard the deep voice and then smelt her arousal, he wanted to rip whomever she was with to pieces. Standing before him was someone he did not expect. In fact, he disliked Cable’t simply because he was a vampire, and an evil, nasty one to boot.

  “Remove your hands from my mate, vamp.”

  Cable’t did not pull away, instead he turned toward him, his arm around Alexandra’s waist, his fingers close to her breast.

  “Is that any way to greet such a close friend of the family?” he asked.

  Saunder moved closer and Alexandra gasped. “Okay, let’s not do anything stupid here. Cable’t, please release me so I can personalize this photo for you,” she said, and the vamp released her but not before he kissed her neck, pissing Saunder off.

  But Saunder couldn’t attack. It would be foolish to, and the vamp was right, he was an ally to the family, but he would have to warn him to stay clear of their mate.

  He moved closer, stared at Cable’t, and Cable’t stared at him. He was trying to read Saunder’s thoughts and Saunder felt it.

  “Don’t even try it. I’m not some weak-minded cub, nor are my brothers,” he said firmly.

  Cable’t said nothing.

  “There you go, Cable’t,” Alex said to the vampire.

  Saunder stepped closer and looked at the photograph. He squinted at it. “You took this, Alex?” he asked her, and she nodded her head.

  He slid his arm around her waist and pressed his lips to her neck. She leaned back against him and his wolf sighed. He glanced toward Cable’t, saw his eyes change and the red show, and he knew that the vamp wanted his mate. He pulled her to the side. Alex gasped. Saunder showed his incisors and growled low. She grabbed onto his arm. “No, please don’t do this.”

  “Are you sure you want to challenge me, Alpha?” Cable’t asked with arrogance. He was a powerful vampire, but still a bloodsucker, and wolves didn’t trust bloodsuckers, even allies to the packs.

  “Please stop this, Cable’t, Saunder,” she demanded.

  “I think the photos are this way.” They heard voices and Saunder immediately reined in his wolf, and the vampire appeared somewhat normal.

  Saunder pulled Alex closer, but then Cable’t stepped next to her, too. He stood a few inches taller, and Saunder’s wolf was not happy, but the people walked into the room.

  * * * *

  “Do you have her in your sight?”

  “Yes, but now she is surrounded by her men and security. “

  “Wait until she is alone, then grab her, get her to the back and try not to get caught.”

  “Got it,” the wolf said, and then kept his eyes on Elaina Saint as she walked through the gala and then up the stairs with her Alphas.

  * * * *

  “Alex walked around the gala as Mitchel Saunter introduced her to several men interested in her work. Cable’t and Saunder were nearby, not willing to be apart from her. One look toward where they stood, and she could tell neither man was too happy about the way the men she spoke to brushed against her, smiled, winked and even flirted. Then something else caught their attention, and both men seemed to be on alert. As soon as they were approached by three other men, she took the opportunity to sneak away and get a breather. She was so confused. But as she excused herself and then quickly headed down the hall through the crowd and to the back exit door, she saw two men, and one of them had Elaina.

  Alexandra panicked a moment, turned to scream for help but then thought of Cable’t, and in her mind told him what was happening and then she ran, pushed through the closed door and attacked the man who had grabbed Elaina.

  Elaina roared as she fell to the ground by the van. Another half man, half wolf jumped from the vehicle and Alexandra started to counter with fists as Elaina fell to the ground unconscious. Alexandra saw the syringe on the ground and she continued to fight the two men, using her martial arts skills, but having difficulty in the tight dress. The roars filled the air, the two men shifted into two hideous beasts, and the strike to her body sent her falling to the ground.

  There was another vehicle and it sped off down the road, chaos erupted around her and then she felt Saunder lifting her up into his arms. “Alex? Alex are you okay?” he asked, then she felt Cable’t.

  “We need to follow them. They’re getting away. I’m not leaving Elaina,” Comton said.

  She looked at Saunder. “Go. Help to find them. It’s your job.”

  “You are my mate. I can’t leave you now.”

  “I will watch over her, Saunder. Go. She’s safe with me.”

  Saunder growled and bared his teeth. “I am not leaving my mate with a vamp like you. You want her as yours. You’re forcing a connection.”

  Cable’t caressed her hair from her cheek. “Not forcing one. We are connected. Trust me to keep her safe. You have to go. Any others might not find them in time.”

  “Damn it,” Saunder said to her.

  “Go, I’ll be fine,” she said to him, and then he was hesitant as he released her to Cable’t. But Cable’t eased his mind and got him to focus on the hunt.

  “I’ve got you, Alexandra.”

  “Elaina? Is Elaina okay?” she asked.

  “Thanks to you, she is.”

  She could hear all the chaos going on around her. Arguments, men giving orders, but then there was silence, and a calmness that overtook her body. Cable’t walked her away from the noise and the chaos.

  “Sire.”

  “To her place,” he said, and they got into a limo. He held her on his lap and kept her face against his chest. “You need looking after, and it seems to me the gods don’t expect me to do it on my own.” His lips touched hers and she snuggled close, feeling protected and content.

  Chapter Six

  “You did what?” Preston yelled at Saunder.

  “I had no choice. She trusts him, and apparently they have some kind of bond,” Saunder said to him.

  “What kind of bond? Like she fucked a vampire kind of bond?” Heracio asked.

  “I don’t know, but it’s deep, and she trusts him. Hell, he sensed she was in trouble. If that bond, that connection wasn’t there, then our mother would have been taken by those rogue wolves,” Saunder stated.

  “This is the second time Alex has been around when danger struck,” Preston stated, suspiciously.

  “She is not the enemy,” Saunder said to him.

  “I want answers, and I want them now, tonight. She is to commit to being our mate. She will explain her connection to the vamp, and we will explain how he is to leave her alone or else.”

  “I don’t think it’s going to be that easy,” Saunder said.

  “Why is that?” Heracio asked.

  “She trusts him, and you both know as well as I do that vampires as powerful and experienced as Cable’t could manipulate her mind,
turn her into his puppet.”

  “And you left her with him? Obviously his mind control worked on you,” Preston snapped as they got into the SUVs and headed to Alex’s cottage.

  * * * *

  Cable’t caressed Alexandra’s hair, and then held the ice to her cheek. She covered his hand with hers and their gazes locked.

  “Thank you, Cable’t. For everything,” she said to him.

  His heart felt as if it pounded against his chest. He had hundreds of lovers, if not thousands, over the years of his life. Some were mistresses he saw for longer periods of time, and others just meals for the taking. When he was alerted the danger Alexandra was in, he went to assist immediately, as a deeper pull acknowledged that it was necessary.

  He hesitated to bring her back to life. To give of his blood, and especially not knowing the consequences of such a move. The years that followed revealed more of the truth. Showed him many things, and even now he wasn’t ready to face them or accept them.

  “I can do this, really, it’s okay now,” she said, and he sat on the coffee table and leaned back to watch her.

  She was laying on the pillow on the couch, the ice pack against her cheek, and he stared at her beauty. In his mind he felt her blood, his blood, flowing through her veins, connecting them in such a deep way. The sight of her sexy body, the way her abundant breasts now poured from her top in this position, and how the high slit in her dress exposed her luscious thighs, and all he could think of was to take a taste. A small bite perhaps. She didn’t turn away from his stare. Nor did she pull back as he leaned closer, and closer. His slid his palm along her thigh to her hip and their gazes locked.

  “The eyes of an angel, a body fit for her master. I need just a little taste, Alexandra, just a little bit of you,” he said, and lowered his mouth to her lips and kissed her tenderly. He slid closer, moved over her, and with one arm slid her underneath him and to his liking.