Suffering & Salvation

by Kenzie James Celia Kyle

  Hands. Gentle hands. They sifted through her fur, soft words murmuring near her ear, coaxing Cougar away from the killing edge, from all that rage, and back to humanity.

  “That’s it, little one. Let him go, come back to me. Shh…I’ve got you.”

  Between one breath and the next, magic slammed through her beastly form. The change was painful, piercing bone and flesh, making every part of her body ache. This shift wasn’t the gentle breeze of earlier, but harsh and animalistic, spurred on by an utterly exhausted Cougar, shoving control over to Simi, demanding she take it back.

  Simi came to with herself being cradled in Brand’s arms, her naked body coated in Bear’s blood. Her gaze first landed on the dead man laying innocuously in front of the television, then to the apartment resting in shambles, to the door splintered from Brand’s forceful entrance and the furniture destroyed in the battle. She sighed deep as realization finally hit her.

  Malcolm, the bane of her existence, was gone, forever and ever, amen.

  Chapter Three

  “Come on, Simi. Let’s get you washed up and dressed. People are bound to be here soon. Just be quiet and let me do the talking, okay?”

  She nodded with a heavy sigh, unable to utter a meaningful word in her nervous and tired state. She’d done it. She’d killed him. And no, she didn’t regret it. Not even for a fleeting moment for the abuser and rapist who’d caused her unimaginable pain and suffering. Malcolm was gone, and she was alive and still here. With Brand comforting her, protecting her.

  Brand.

  A peace she’d never known settled over her and Cougar, their connection starting to solidify itself, the healing process having begun the very moment Malcolm was dead. Smiling, she stared down at Brand as he leaned over the tub, realizing with a start that they’d somehow moved to the bathroom. And that she was completely nude. Truth was, right now, she was too spent too care, too emotionally drained to give her compromising position a second thought.

  She noticed the shower was running…and she listened to the tiny beads of water beating against the tiled walls. “Step on in, Simi. Under the water, sweet. Let’s get that blood off of you.”

  In no particular order, exclamations, shouts and footsteps sounded from the living room, causing Brand to tense immediately. “Go on, hop in.”

  He nudged her and she eased her weak legs into the tub, letting the water wash away the stink of Bear and Malcolm. Then Brand was gone, the sound of the door clicking shut following in his wake. She was truly clean now, the taint of her forgettable past spiraling into the drain, along with the blood and water.

  Hand propped against the wall in front of her, she heard voices drifting toward her, growing louder with each passing second. She turned off the faucet and snagged a towel from the rack, drying then wrapping herself up in the soft terrycloth.

  Simi stepped out from the tub, noticing the bloody footprints that now marred the floor. Her bloody footprints, mixed with the water Cougar had splashed before Malcolm’s untimely arrival.

  Even through the closed door the voices were closing in on her, with Brand’s being the loudest of them all. She somehow knew it would be okay, because he was there, handling everything for her. A hard knock, then the door opened and a stranger appeared. A police officer, but a stranger nonetheless. She skittered back a few steps before Cougar stopped her in her tracks, urging her to be strong. She’d killed Bear for chrissakes! She didn’t need to cower before anyone, let alone a simple man. Standing tall, Simi tilted her chin up, hugged the towel to her chest and tucked the flap in.

  He took a tiny, measured step back, eyes lowered. Simi and Cougar scented the air. Earth and wind and a fresh breeze floated over to them, and Simi knew she’d been wrong to assume that he was just a man. Because she sensed that a little hawk lived within this giant law enforcement officer.

  He towered over her, filling the doorway even more than Brand had. “Ma’am, I’m Officer Parks…Gavin. Brand wanted me to check on you, see how you’re doin’.”

  She started her gaze from his feet up to his head, inspecting this hawk with a measured stare. But all Cougar wanted to do was come out and play, to chase, swat and nip at the little bird. Bad kitty. Now that her animal wasn’t caged any longer, Simi wondered how much trouble Cougar would get them into.

  “I’m fine.” Her voice was hoarse, the fierce growls from the fight having taken their toll on her. She cleared her throat, adding, “I’m much better now, thank you.”

  He nodded, his lips curling into a half-smile, not moving from his spot. “Sure. We’ll have everyone out shortly. Pack and Flock are going to work together on cleaning things up here.”

  Her father had always taught her to hate the two other groups of animals inhabiting the land, and though he never explained to her the reasons why, Simi also never asked, not wanting to spend any more time engaged in conversation with him than she had to.

  “What about…” She turned away, keeping an eye on him through the bathroom mirror, unsure of how to phrase the question.

  Thank goodness she didn’t have to. “Everything will be disposed of…taken care of…without a trace of what really happened here. The story will be that there was a break-in. Animals looking for food and Brand fighting them off…killing one of them. Something along those lines.”

  She turned back, shocked at the mere mention of a cover-up. She hadn’t expected to be punished exactly, but she also hadn’t quite expected this, either. “But—” She had no idea why she was protesting.

  “Please. This is what Brand wants. So as far as I’m concerned, you’re not involved in this at all, ma’am.”

  “Oh,” she nibbled her lower lip, “I guess I just figured…”

  Though she’d been at Malcolm’s mercy for so many years, and her killing justified, there was no scenario where she could’ve pictured not having to face some kind of repercussions for her actions. Even though it was self-defense, she had to answer for what she did, didn’t she? On that thought, a familiar scent entered the small area, causing Cougar to perk up, then purring and rubbing from within. Brand was there, standing just behind the officer.

  Gavin, his name’s Gavin.

  The officer stepped aside, allowing Brand to pass and stand before her. He brushed her cheek, thumb stroking her damp skin. His attention was on her, but not on her. His gaze wandered, practically undressing her with his lustful stare. At least, whatever he was able to see of her toweled body.

  Finally, he pulled her into a tight hug, and asked, “You hurting anywhere?”

  “No. Not worth mentioning.”

  He harrumphed against the top of her head, and though he sounded aggravated, she ignored it. Because what mattered most was that he was with her, and that she was here, alive…still able to touch him. Simi wrapped her arms around his waist…and just felt. Felt the rise and fall of his chest, the rapid beat of his heart, the whoosh of his heavy breathing. And he was hers. Forever and ever. He just didn’t know it yet. After having faced death together, there wasn’t a single part of her that considered this man a stranger. In fact, she knew Brand was someone special, someone who’d undoubtedly be an integral part of her life. Call her crazy, but she was more certain of this than anything else in her life.

  The sound of something rubbing, like the brush of polyester against polyester, and the distinct smell of synthetic material, let her know that someone else had entered. Simi turned her head and glanced at the figure approaching, narrowing her eyes at what she saw.

  A woman.

  Tall, blonde and thin, the police officer stood in the doorway, wearing a uniform that was just a little too tight for Simi’s taste. And there it was…she could sense it, even within this carnage and hell, the bitch’s desire for Brand. For the man who was to be her mate. Hers, goddamnit!

  She stepped around Brand, gritting her teeth, working her jaw. Protective as all get out, perhaps a bit insecure, Cougar let out a sound that was guttural more than anything, the most vocal her animal been in
their thirty-five years together. Mine.

  The female officer jumped back, a quick inhale showing her true surprise. “I-I-I…” The woman stuttered, fear replacing desire within a few heartbeats.

  Simi scented her. Another wolf, one that was close to going into heat. No, no, no. Simi wasn’t going to let this bitch get anywhere near Brand.

  Simi, with Cougar urging her on, took a step toward the other female, then another, stalking her. Just then, thick arms wrapped around her waist from behind and she froze, the fun of the hunt quickly leaving her like a deflating balloon.

  “Easy there, little cat. Easy.” He nuzzled just below her ear, nudging the wet tendrils of her hair aside to lick her skin. Calming, she tilted her head for him, encouraging his exploration, whimpering and squirming in his strong hold. Simi turned just her face, pressing her head against the side of his neck, and then opened her mouth, scratching her fangs against the delicate skin there.

  Simi licked him in that spot, then whispered, “You’re mine. My mate. Can you feel the bond forming between us? I can.”

  The body behind her, tall and lean, muscles covering every inch, stiffened. Followed by another stiffening of an altogether different sort. He cleared his throat, coughing. “Okay. Okay. Let’s get the mess sorted out so we can put all of this behind us.”

  She didn’t answer, just kept licking his skin, savoring the taste of her would-be mate. Cougar was in heaven and wasn’t ready to stop.

  Brand’s voice grew stern without any hint of true anger. “I mean it, Simi. Calm down.”

  She growled and pulled her face from his neck, with Simi slowly tugging control back from Cougar. Taking a deep breath, she turned her face away from him. “Fine.”

  “Better now? You scared those two away.”

  She glanced toward the doorway and nodded, pleased to find it empty.

  “Good.” He released her, gave her a light pat on her ass, then added, “I’m going to bring you something to wear. Wait here, okay?” She growled, not at his spanking, but at the thought of the other woman flirting with him.

  The running, the fight to stay alive on the streets, coming to Satisfied, getting attacked by Malcolm…it was all starting to weigh down on her, causing her to behave more like beast than woman. She grabbed his arm as he brushed past her, holding him back, not wanting him to leave, the fear of him finding someone else suddenly lingering in her mind. She knew it was silly, but she couldn’t help it.

  “Mine?” she asked, whimpering. Cougar wanted reassurance and Simi was right there with her.

  “Shh…” Brand lifted her with ease and set her down on the countertop. “Now isn’t the time. But…damn if I’m not yours.” He leaned forward, a display of longing etched over the surface of his face, burying his head in the side of her neck, his teeth lightly scraping her skin. “Right there, Simi,” he groaned, “that’s where I’m going to mark you. When you’re ready, but not a moment before. Wolfie wants you, as do I. We both want to be yours.” His breath fanned over her skin when he sighed. “Now stay put,” he said with a teasing tone.

  A shiver ran down her spine, desire spiking high and racing through her veins.

  One more lick and then he pulled away. “I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere.”

  As if she would. She nodded and watched him leave, counting the moments until he returned.

  The voices in the living room had quieted down. She heard Gavin and the blonde she’d scared the crap out of earlier speaking. Various noises, crinkling, shuffling, rustling, reached her ears along with a few grunts and groans. She imagined people moving Bear, removing him from the apartment so that the cleanup could start.

  Brand soon returned with a bundle of clothing in tow. She hopped off the counter and stood on tired, shaky legs.

  “Didn’t I ask you to stay put?”

  Simi blushed and looked away, playacting as if she were sorry, nodding.

  “I suppose this is what I have to look forward to? For forever?”

  She glanced at his face and saw that he was grinning ear to ear. “Yup,” she teased, trying to get a rise out of him.

  He leaned down and pressed his lips to her nose. “Did you hear me? I said forever.”

  She forced back her smile, then bit down on her lower lip so she wouldn’t give her excitement away.

  “Well, Ms. Headstrong…I’ll take it.” He yanked the towel away and dressed her with quick, efficient movements, pulling a shirt over her head, then helping her step into sweatpants. Thick, wool socks were placed on her feet before he wrapped her up in a large, winter jacket.

  “There, all bundled up.” Another kiss on the nose, and then he swept her into his arms, carrying her through the apartment as if she weighed nothing.

  “Where’re you taking me?”

  “Shh…away from here. And before you ask, no. Everything’s being taken care of. Don’t you worry your pretty little head about any of this.”

  Simi kept her eyes averted as they moved through the small apartment. All she kept thinking about was how she’d caused the carnage, but damn if she ever wanted to see it again. Brand’s comforting words sifted through her heavy mind, but try as she might, she couldn’t help but wonder why strangers were so quick to help her.

  She buried her face against Brand’s chest when they stepped outside, the wind slicing through her clothing like a knife, chilling her to the core from one breath to the next. A few more steps and Simi was ensconced into an SUV, and the heater couldn’t blast hot air soon enough. She fastened her seatbelt, brought her knees up to her chest, then curled into a ball on the leather seat and pressed her forehead against the tops of her frigid legs.

  Brand stroked the back of her head. “Okay?”

  “Yeah.” She peeked out at him. “I feel like you’ll be asking me that for the rest of our lives. Thinking I’m broken…like I’ll never be done with gluing the pieces of me back together. And…and that you’ll be afraid of breaking me again.”

  His features softened, care and concern directed at her, but she didn’t know how she was supposed to respond.

  “Little one, you’ve been through a lot in your years and today is evidence of your hardship. It’s okay for a man to be worried. Especially if I’m your mate.”

  He rubbed his thumb along her lower lip, and when her tongue suddenly snaked out for a quick taste, she froze in utter shock at her premature action. This was clearly not the time, but when Brand was just as quick to draw in a short breath, she relaxed a little, his response telling her exactly what she’d done to him.

  “If I didn’t know you were a cat, I’d call you minx.” He shifted the car into “drive” and pulled into traffic. “When I know for sure you’re in a good place, I’ll stop asking. I worry. Men do that.”

  “Especially mates.”

  Brand’s smile practically lit up the truck. “Right. Especially.”

  Simi rested her cheek against her knees, this time watching Brand as he navigated through the city streets, lights flickering past while they traveled to their destination. She didn’t pay much attention to where he was taking her, her safety now entrusted in the man at the wheel. The danger that had terrorized her was finally gone. Besides, she wasn’t alone anymore. Simi had Brand, Cougar had Wolf.

  Realization dawned as her eyes weighed heavy: it was only a matter of time before Brand would need some answers. Maybe not today or even tomorrow, but he would want to know what events had led up to the killing.

  * * *

  When the vehicle stopped, she felt Brand gently shaking her awake. “Simi?”

  “Hmm?” She wondered how long she’d been asleep.

  “I’m going to pick you up and carry you in, okay?” She, nor Cougar, objected.

  Before long, her seatbelt unclicked and Simi reached for him, curling into his warm body to shield her from the cold. Brand kissed her forehead and pulled her close, strong arms easily supporting her. The SUV’s door shut, she snuggled into him, face cradled against his neck, he
r cold nose breathing in the unique scent of her mate. Cougar let out a groggy purr and Simi agreed.

  In moments, a door opened and closed, locks clicked into place, and annoying beeps quieted from what she assumed was a security system. She sighed against Brand, all comfy and safe. His chest rumbled, vibrating against her as he spoke, but she was too tired to figure out what he said. Everything was crashing down around her, on her, the heavy weight of sleep too difficult to fight against. So exhausted that she was ready to give in.