“You’re sure about no guns?”
“They don’t shoot the gators, but you’re right, chances are they’re armed.”
“How do they kill an alligator without guns?”
“They’re snagging it with a harpoon and bludgeoning them to death. The first two I found had the heads missing. I’m assuming they wanted trophies. Now they don’t care and just take the skin.”
Hitting something in the head until it dies was not my idea of a quick kill. This was my territory too, so I had a vested interest in stopping them. Next time Ivan went out to catch them, I planned to go along.
All thoughts of the poachers fled when we caught the scent of boar. It took twenty minutes of tracking before he caught on that he was dinner. He crashed through the brush and the hunt was on. Ivan was able to stay low and follow the trail on the ground. I jumped over tree limbs and the shorter brush. The boar changed course and charged Ivan. He twisted at the last minute and avoided the male’s large tusks. I was on a fallen tree and managed to land on top of the boar sinking my teeth deep into the back of his neck. Ivan launched himself and caught the beast under his throat. The warm blood of our kill filled my mouth and I laughed into Ivan’s head. “I needed that.”
“We’ll feast here and drag the carcass to the water’s edge so the gators have a good dinner too.”
I preferred sow meat, but this guy wasn’t too old or the meat too tough. Wild tasted better than domesticated any day though I wouldn’t complain if the boar tasted like wood. We settled down and gorged ourselves. In a totally undignified fashion, I got a nasty case of the hiccups after we finished.
Ivan laughed and ran circles around me until I snapped at him. He laughed harder because I made a wolf move with my feline-shaped head. We were both exhausted by the time we saw the cabin ahead in the clearing. After a quick shower, we fell into bed—Ivan on his side and me on mine. A minute later, Ivan pulled me close and kissed my cheek. My head fit perfectly against his shoulder and I fell asleep with a smile on my face.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Ivan
Talya’s body was toasty warm and smelled so good. Her scent went straight to my erection causing a painful ache. I moved to my side allowing her to roll so she was on her stomach. The early morning light came through the window casting a faint glow across her skin. Beautiful skin… and soft. I couldn’t resist sliding my palm over her slightly rounded ass cheeks. Her upper thighs pressed together, but I didn’t let that stop me as I slid my hand between her legs. I received a grumble for my trouble. I didn’t allow that to stop me either. It took only seconds to position her to where my throbbing dick found her warmth. She groaned and wiggled like she was trying to dislodge me.
My kitten liked it hard and fast. That’s why I went slow. When she tried to increase the gentle rocking of our bodies, my teeth found her neck. She froze before going completely lax as I slid in and out, taking my time. Her small whimpers assured me she enjoyed my dominance, if not the speed. She came undone a few minutes later. I rolled us both until she was straddling my waist.
“Your turn, kitten. Do your worst.”
A tired but wicked smile lit up her face. Even sated she was ready for more. She placed her hand behind her on my thigh. Using her knees, she lifted her body up and down, her small breasts doing the sexiest jiggle I’d ever seen. My balls tightened and I fought to control myself until she got off again, but it was no good. I flexed my hips upward and met her with hard thrusts that took me over the edge. At the last second she cried out and I growled with pleasure.
We had a long day ahead of us, but if we had sex at least once every hour, we might make it through without killing each other.
“What time is it?” she asked groggily.
“Around six. Go back to sleep and I’ll wake you at seven.” I curled her against my body so more of her scent would seep into my skin.
“Why seven?” she asked with a yawn.
“So you can have your wicked way with me again.”
“Make it six-thirty.”
I fell asleep smiling.
We got out of bed sometime around nine. And even after another round of sex, she shyly looked away when I tried to catch her eye. There were eggs in the small refrigerator, and I watched from the kitchen chair as she made breakfast. Her behavior seemed strange and when I couldn’t take it anymore, I pushed back my chair and walked up behind her.
She stiffened when my hands rested on her shoulders. She had her hair in a messy ponytail giving me access to the delicate spot behind her ear. I ran my tongue across the skin and was rewarded when she shivered.
“Look at me,” I gently turned her to face me. Her eyes were down and I’d be damned if I knew what was wrong. “Why won’t you look at me?”
She lifted her head and her cheeks were red. “I don’t know what to do.” And I could tell by the look on her face that she meant it.
“Smile.”
It wasn’t much. Her lips tipped just a bit. “Tell me why this is hard for you.” Now the smile disappeared and she tried to turn away. I tightened my hold. “Talya, talk to me.”
She was so strong, but something as simple as looking at me after an incredible night and morning changed her to someone I didn’t know. I waited and knew I won when she took a deep breath. “I’ve never done this.”
I looked at the eggs on the stove feeling confused because she seemed to know her way around a kitchen.
“Not that. You, me, us. I’ve never woken up with someone and I have no idea what to do.”
I didn’t think before speaking. “You weren’t a virgin, Talya.”
Her eyes blazed and a bit of her feistiness returned, or I thought it had. “You’re right. I haven’t been a virgin since I began my menses. I’ve been with too many men to count—forced to be their whore to stay alive. I never shared a bed with anyone overnight until you. They threw me out as fast as they got what they wanted. Sometimes with a little extra food and other times a black eye if I asked for something. So please tell me how the fuck to act when I wake up with you in the morning and I’ll be sure to act just that way.”
I couldn’t stop the low growl that rumbled from my throat. My wolf didn’t want to hear… no fuck that, I didn’t want to hear what she’d been forced to do. It was like her severed arm. It pissed me off and I felt my control slipping.
“Please release me.”
My hands dropped and I stepped back. Then I turned and headed for the door. Her voice stopped me.
“That’s what I bring to our mating. The filth that covers me will never go away. You don’t deserve that.”
I turned around. With single-minded purpose, I walked forward and pulled her against my chest. I reached over her shoulder and turned off the burner. She didn’t say anything as I picked her up and carried her to the bed, laying her on her back. I removed her clothes slowly because I remembered her panic when she thought me forcing her. Tears welled in her eyes.
“You can always say no, Talya. I will never hurt you in bed. What we do here is equal and good. It’s the only time my world is right. No pain, no memories, and no guilt. Say no and I’ll hold you until you can look me in the eyes and smile. Yell at me because I went too fast…” I smiled and dropped my voice, “Or too slow. Teach me what you want and I’ll do the same. This,” I placed my hands against her cheeks lifting her head. “Is about the two of us. No hiding. Just this.” I lowered my lips and kissed her. The tears slipped down her cheeks wetting mine.
No, I didn’t want to hear about what she went through. I wasn’t strong enough yet, but I wanted the internal pain she carried to stop. Her lips moved as she returned my kiss. I stood up long enough to kick off my pants. I covered her with my body, our flesh pressed against each other. Looking into her eyes, I waited for her to say no, but she thrust her hips up and took the option away. I found her center and she was ready. We both were.
Making love was different than having sex. I didn’t feel my wolf or see her cat in her eyes
. I saw Talya—young, beautiful, strong… Talya. My mate.
Breakfast could wait.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Talya
How could one day make such a difference? I was happy. Loved. I never wanted it to end. My emotions were raw, but I was stronger. Ivan complemented my alpha. She didn’t struggle to be in charge and I didn’t struggle to hide her. She was at peace. Ivan’s wolf seemed the same way. I could see it in his eyes. They both hungered… for me. And then when his wolf took a backseat, the man made me feel loved and cherished.
I’d been so angry when Becca banished me to the cabin to spend two days with Ivan. I told her if we killed each other it was on her and The Moor. Now, everything changed. My life changed. I couldn’t keep the grin off my face.
In the afternoon, I found a pair of scissors and talked Ivan into allowing me to cut his shaggy hair. “Close your eyes,” I said when I had him sitting naked in a chair.
“Hmm, sharp pointy object in your hand. I’m not sure if I should.” He closed his eyes and I smiled.
He was gorgeous and I finally had a chance to admire him. His square jaw held my attention first. Then his lips—so soft when he gently kissed me. Then hard and demanding when he threw gentle out the window. I fought the urge to trace them with my finger and snipped the first piece of hair. Even with his eyes closed, I could picture their dark brown intensity. I brushed a piece of trimmed hair from his high cheekbone before running my fingers over his eyebrows.
“You aren’t doing much trimming. Should I be worried about what your sly mind is planning?”
I kissed his temple. “Hold still so my hand doesn’t slip and cut off your ear. I need to leave at least one for Cecily to twist.”
He grunted and I smiled. I somehow managed to concentrate enough to cut the rest of his hair, cropping it close to his head. His broad shoulders and muscled torso drew my fingers several times and I giggled when he growled. The best part was using my fingers to brush away the fallen hair. I did it slowly and wasn’t surprised when he opened his eyes and pulled me into his lap. The old rickety chair strained beneath our bodies but it held until we both cried out our release.
The day was perfect.
We straightened the cabin and I could see Ivan didn’t want to leave either. We had a clan to lead and we’d come back here on occasion. When he was too grumpy, I’d demand it. Ivan hefted our bags and we walked quietly to the house.
“You have company,” The Moor pushed into my brain. Ivan looked at me so I knew he received the same message. We stopped walking.
“Who?” Ivan shot back.
“Your sons.”
I watched the change come over him. From carefree and happy, he went to full pissed off alpha. Then, he looked at me. Pure hatred. I backed away slowly. He watched, but said nothing. The asshole who hated cats returned. Now his sons were here and they’d hate us too. This was bullshit. I turned away and started running. I didn’t hear Ivan behind me. The fool let me go.
I ran to the house planning to grab my shit and leave. I didn’t care where.
Jasper and his mother were out front. “Where are they?” I asked.
“On the third floor with The Moor,” Isa responded. She didn’t seem upset and gave me a puzzled look.
Jasper was in his own happy world. “Guess what, Talya? We have a telephone and the internet. My momma is going to start my school lessons today.”
I ruffled his hair as my mind zeroed in on the telephone. The Moor told me a few days ago that the lines would be installed soon. “You study hard, Jasper, and you’ll be the smartest person here.” Without another word, I ran into the house and found the phone in the great room. I dialed the cell number I had imprinted on my brain. The phone rang and no one picked up. My tears started flowing. I couldn’t stop them. Nicolas answered seconds before I hung up. I could barely get the words out, “I need your help. Please come and get me.”
“Talya?” he asked.
My sobs grew louder. “I’m sorry, I just want to come home. You can’t let him keep me. He… he…” I was so upset I didn’t realize Ivan was behind me. His hand came around to grab the phone. “You can’t stop me you pig-headed fool.” I tried pulling away, but he pulled the phone from my hand.
“Hello?” he said.
I looked around for something to hit him upside the head with. Something big, preferably made of metal.
He kept his eyes on me while talking. “I was planning to call you later, but I guess Talya beat me to it.”
The asshole, he was so dead.
“Obviously, I found your missing cat.”
That was all I could take. Crying hysterically, I ran from the room giving the door a satisfying slam. I went to the kitchen and rummaged through the drawers. I knew exactly what I wanted. Caving his head in would give me the satisfaction I needed. Rolling pin in hand, I ran back to the great room.
Ivan had his back to me as he placed the phone back in the cradle. I didn’t wait for him to turn around. I aimed for his head. The lucky bastard turned at the last second and put his arm up. The crunch of his arm breaking wasn’t even satisfying. I swung again.
“You crazy cat, what the hell are you doing?” He grabbed the rolling pin and tossed it across the room. I launched myself at him and we both fell to the floor. I wasn’t in cat form, but I used my human nails on his face.
“Stop, Talya. Dammit, stop.”
He wrestled me to my back using his lower body to trap my legs. I swung my head up trying to head butt him, but he moved back.
“Umm, father?”
Fuck. We both turned our heads. Two men stood a few feet away both holding a child in their arms. I knew the men and the children.
Hell.
I ran from the great room as soon as I could scramble off the floor. I was now in Ivan’s room pacing. Asia and Conner were upstairs with Ivan and the twins. Even if Ivan’s sons hadn’t hated me before, they would now.
Nicolas would send someone, he had to. I groaned. No they wouldn’t. No one would step between mates if they wanted to live. I pictured the rolling pin in my hand again. I would give anything to break his other arm. I’m sure The Moor had already fixed the bone. Two days. I wished I hadn’t experienced what our lives should be like.
A knock on my door interrupted my thoughts of broken bones. I stalked over and threw open the door. Lacy stood there looking terrified. Crap, now I was scaring the women. I stepped back, but she didn’t enter.
“I’m sorry, Lacy. I’m angry with my mate, not with you or anyone else.”
“They’re missing,” she said so low I barely heard.
“Who’s missing?”
“Treson and Rondy. They were talking about the poachers last night with the vampire and I think they went looking for them. I just noticed they were gone and I’ve asked everyone. They never ate breakfast and because they were up so late, we thought they slept in.” She started clenching the bottom of her t-shirt and looked down at the floor. “Umm, Mase and I slept in one of the empty rooms. We didn’t know they left.”
Good for them. Someone deserved happiness. I placed my hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry, we’ll find them.”
I didn’t give Ivan a gentle push into his mind. I wasn’t in a gentle mood. “Treson and Rondy left sometime last night to search for the poachers.”
“Shit. Stop yelling.”
“When you’re man enough to make me, I’d like you to try.”
The door slammed in my head when Ivan severed our contact. I heard them all moving downstairs. I’d met Asia and Conner, but didn’t know them well. I’d cuddled baby Roland, but his sister, Sierra, wanted nothing to do with staying still. The child was a firecracker with endless, unlit fuses. I couldn’t wait to see what happened when she was older and they tried imposing the ridiculous twenty-one rule on her. If they locked her in a cage for several years, they might have a chance.
“How long have they been gone?” Ivan asked in an exasperated voice.
�
�I must have spoken too softly and you didn’t hear me. They left sometime last night.”
Ivan glared.
I glared back.
He turned to his sons. “Rondy is human and Treson has not joined our clan. We have no way to communicate. I’m sure Treson can keep Rondy safe, but we need to look for them. Do you want to stay here or are you coming with me?”
Asia and Conner looked at each other and replied at the same time, “We’re in.”
That gave us four to search. “Lacy, take the twins and do your best to keep them occupied until we return. See that a large dinner is prepared. We should be back before the sun goes down.”
Lacy looked nervously past my shoulder and I turned slowly to see Ivan glaring at her. “Do you have something to say?” I asked Ivan.
“Yes. You don’t need to come with us.”
“Too damn bad. Rondy is my friend.” I couldn’t help myself, really. “My very good friend and I’m going.”
I ignored Ivan’s growl. He could grumble and groan until the sun went down. As we searched for Rondy and Treson, I’d be looking for a sturdy branch at least the size of a rolling pin. I marched out of the house, throwing my clothes on the porch, and shifted.
Mase came outside. He was stuffing our clothes into a double-sided pack. Conner walked up to him and Mase adjusted it to Conner’s large frame. I guessed dogs were pack animals too. And with that thought, my mood lightened. I was only a little worried because Treson was beastkind and should be able to take care of himself. Rondy survived a tough neighborhood and he could survive this.
We immediately picked up their trail and took off to find our missing teens.
Chapter Forty
Ivan
The sight of my sons standing over us would have been comical if my damned broken arm didn’t hurt so badly. I swear Talya was certifiably insane and I also knew that Alba would have done the same thing. The only difference is that Alba wouldn’t have stopped because someone entered the room.
Fang Chronicles: Ivan Page 18