by Celia Kyle
The rapid pounding of tiny feet on the stairs preceded the appearance of the O’Connell twins. They were little balls of destruction and no one doted, or yelled at them, more than Maya.
“Graduation?” There was no way.
She’d barely left the house since she’d moved to Ridgeville. In the beginning, she attempted to socialize with the pride, but her power was too protective, too strong. It whipped and struck whenever she felt threatened, which happened way too often for other people’s comfort. All of her training, her therapy, and her rehab occurred within Gina’s home.
She couldn’t wander out of the door and to Honor’s graduation. Yes, Honor was important to Maya. The girl was one of her guard’s younger sisters and insanely smart, but there was no way Millie could—
Millie’s thoughts were cut off by the sudden appearance of East—or was it West—in her arms. Maya shoved the small, wiggling boy into her hands and then stepped back with a wide smile on her face.
“There ya go. The kid is still alive which means you’re coming. Graduation with a lot of blah, blah, blah.” Maya made a talking motion with her hands. “And then lotsa food at the pride house. You get to be babysitter, and everyone else stays conscious and undead. Win-win.”
Worry eased into Millie, concern over the people she’d be around as well as the cubs shoved into her care. She couldn’t say no, but she didn’t want to say yes either. “Maybe we should start smaller?”
“Smaller? Well, Elise’s pup is barely two months old, so I doubt her mate, Brute, is about to let Katie outta his sight. Maddy’s cub, Brody, is six months old now. He might work.” Maya snapped her fingers. “Dam-ang, but he can’t walk which means you won’t be running after him, and you need cardio.”
Millie concerned herself with leaving people brain dead, and Maya was worried about… cardio.
Tiny hands slapped her cheeks, and she allowed the boy to direct her attention to him. “Ass… Ass ass ass…”
“Maya!” Alex’s roar shook the entire house, vibrating the walls and floor and the tremors invaded her body.
Fear engulfed her, filled her body with anxiety as she waited for her powers to respond except… except they didn’t. That dark part of her didn’t make a sound as growls and snarls from Alex drifted up the stairs. No, her cloud of rage was content and soothed by the giggling, cursing child smacking her cheeks. It remained vigilant and wary, but no longer felt the need to lash out without cause. For the first time in longer than she knew, she breathed worry free.
“Okay.” She didn’t tear her gaze from the cub.
“Okay?” Maya’s voice was filled with hope and excitement.
“Yeah, okay.” Millie nodded. She might regret it later, everyone might regret it later. But as long as she was able to keep one of the children in her arms, she’d go.
“Suhweet!” The Prima pumped her fist in the air. “I got a babysitter.”
Chapter Two
“I don’t always have to be right, I just need to make sure you realize you’re always wrong. Are we on the same page here? No? Lemme get you a bookmark.” — Maya O’Connell, Prima of the Ridgeville Pride and publisher of the award winning book: Maya is Always Right So Shaddup.
Wyatt leaned against the fence that encircled the pride house backyard and kept his attention on the cluster fuck in progress across the way. The yard overflowed with people of varying ages, mostly pride members and some not. Honor Mauer, one of the guard’s younger sisters, graduated high school a few hours ago. And since Maya always looked for an excuse to have a party, Honor’s graduation was the perfect reason to throw a shindig. Now they were all hanging out, drinking beers, eating hotdogs and enjoying time together.
Well, most of them were enjoying time together.
Grayson, Alex’s Second, stood brooding on one side of the yard, glaring at all the newly graduated boys surrounding Honor. All of ’em vied for her attention, some more blatantly than others, but all of them flirting with the young lioness.
In turn, Honor constantly looked past the boys to glare at Grayson.
Wyatt couldn’t wait to see those two clash. From the moment Grayson let the maybe-mate secret out of the bag, the whole pride had watched them circle each other. Grayson was a lot older than her and Honor had a lot of growing up to do, but the two snarled at each other like cats and dogs. Even if they were both cats.
A shift of air and crunch of nearby grass announced someone’s approach. He turned his head enough to catch sight of his visitor. Harding eased beside him, handing over a beer as he leaned against the fence, and they both stared and waited for the show.
Wyatt brought the bottle to his lips and tipped it back, enjoying the bitter brew as it slid over his taste buds. Nothing better than a cold beer on a hot day. He swallowed a mouthful and lowered the bottle. “Do you think he knows Honor’s going to college in England?”
Harding grunted.
He shouldn’t be surprised at the man’s form of communication. They’d been through a hell of a lot together. Harding had joined the pride at sixteen. Alone. Tortured, scarred, and kicked out of his pride.
Wyatt didn’t carry scars like his friend. At least not on the outside. On the inside, however…
Alex rounded the corner of the house and pause as he hunted for someone. As soon as the Prime’s gaze landed on Grayson, Alex frowned.
“Looks like he’ll know soon enough,” Wyatt murmured.
Alex went to Grayson and leaned into the lion. Then he saw the change come over the man. Annoyance gave way to pure rage and a half-shift burst through Grayson in less than a blink. The man’s roar echoed through the yard, silencing all conversation and causing everyone to freeze.
Yeah, the pride’s Second was pissed. Thankfully, it wasn’t at him.
Grayson bolted across the yard, shoving aside unmoving pride members and random guests until he stood before Honor. In one great heave, the newly graduated lioness was tossed over Grayson’s shoulder. Without another word, the male strode off, Honor’s screeches filling the air in his wake.
“Bet he knows now,” Harding stated the obvious.
“Yup.” He took another swig of beer.
The moment Grayson and Honor hit the tree line and ducked out of sight, the party resumed. Brute manned the grill while his mate Elise sat nearby, cuddling their newborn fox pup, Katie. The pup was a little over two months old, and both parents refused to let the little girl out of their sight.
In the shade of a large maple tree, Elly and Deuce sat at a picnic table. Poor Elly was as big as a house, and Deuce had been running himself ragged trying to keep up with her cravings. They’d all be glad when Elly popped.
On the other side of the yard, Maddy, Carly, and Maya congregated around a tray of veggies. Veggies. At a party for a carnivore. They were letting way too many herbivores into the pride.
“Where’s Tess?”
Harding tipped his bottle toward the pride house. “Trying to hide. I figure I’ll give her five more minutes and then I’ll go in after her.”
The man tried to conceal his grin behind his bottle, but Wyatt caught it. Harding wouldn’t mind hunting down his mate. Not one bit.
The thought left a familiar, empty pang in his chest. What would it be to have someone like that? Someone by his side and filled with unconditional love.
A memory bolted forward and struck him before he had a chance to shut it down.
You’re nothing but a worthless monster…
The words cut deep, slicing into him as they had all those years ago. He couldn’t figure out if it was worse now, or then. At the age of five, he hadn’t understood, not really, but today was a different story. Thirty years after the fact and still he wondered.
He shoved away the blossoming jealousy. No sense in being jealous when there wasn’t anything he could do to change the hand he’d been dealt.
Some males had mates. Some didn’t.
Kids ran through the yard, racing this way and that, giggling and laughing. Half
of them wore their fur, while the other half was hardly dressed and scrambled through the grass with bare feet. Kids being kids.
He wondered if he’d ever been like that.
Then he remembered he had. But that’d been before. Before he started kindergarten. Before he met a loudmouthed kid. Before he discovered his…
He shoved all that away too.
“It’s been five minutes.” Harding tossed his beer into a nearby trash can. “Ignore the screams.” The man shot him a grin and then jogged toward the house.
“Damn.” He took a swig of his beer and frowned when it turned up empty. “Shit.”
“Shit!”
“Shit shit!”
Double shit. The twin’s voices hit him from opposite sides, their echoing chorus surrounding him as they giggled and repeated the curse.
“Shit… shit… shit… shit…” They danced around, ducking beneath the fence to pop up in front of him.
“Stop that. You’re gonna get me in trouble with your daddy.” He ruffled East’s hair and tugged a lock of West’s.
Half the pride couldn’t tell them apart, but Wyatt could. He’d always wanted cubs, so they were something he kept his eye on. He was watchful, ready to take care of them if need be. His lion couldn’t wait to be a father, even if his human half was just as determined to live alone. His whole life was a constant battle, but it was normal. A part of him.
Because monsters shouldn’t have children.
East wrapped his small arms around his leg and stepped onto Wyatt’s foot. West soon followed.
“Walk!”
“Wanna walk!”
Wyatt grinned and gave in to the two boys. They were filled with life, filled with joy, and there wasn’t much he wouldn’t give them. He took one step, and then another, pretending to stumble on the third, which caused another round of screaming laughs. Chuckling, he kept it up, stomping and play-growling at the cubs as he moved toward the picnic table.
Their little claws came out to play, sharp tips digging into his jeans, but he didn’t care. The small cuts would be healed in moments. What did a little discomfort matter when compared to their delight?
Not a thing.
Twenty feet from the picnic table, Maya caught sight of them. Her cheerful expression fled, the flush of her laughs draining to leave her pale. “Easton? Weston? What are you doing with Wyatt?”
The boys froze, their tiny bodies tense. “Uh…”
The Prima bolted up from the picnic table and scrambled atop the wood surface as she raised her voice to a roar. “Alex? Millie?”
Wyatt furrowed his brow and looked around as well. He wasn’t sure what Millie looked like since he’d never met the woman. There were stories about her being dangerous, that her time with Freedom had twisted her Sensitive abilities in knots. He figured everyone had their demons, a few more hazardous than others, and she’d come out when she was good and ready. From what he’d heard, she was skittish and refused to leave Gina’s house, but Maya cajoled her into attending Honor’s graduation.
“Alex!” Maya’s voice overrode everyone’s in the yard, her fear evident in her tone. The cubs, sensing their mom’s worry, released him and scampered toward their mother. Carly was quick to step in and gather them close.
“What?” The Prime strode toward them, the crowd parting to allow him to pass. “What’s wrong?”
“I have the boys.” Maya pointed at East and West.
“And…” Alex waved a hand at her to continue and then he too stilled, color draining. “Shit. Where was she last seen?”
Maya shook her head. “I don’t know.”
“Fuck.” Alex ran a hand through his hair. “Get everyone in the house. Keep them there. Do not let anyone out. I’ll find her.”
“But she could—” Maya hopped down from the table and stepped toward Alex.
“Which is something you should have considered before you bulldozed everyone and brought her to the picnic,” Alex snapped.
The Prime’s anger hit the air first, the scent of scorching heat filling his nose. It intensified with each breath, rage forcing it to burn even hotter. The sharp tang of fear joined the maelstrom and Wyatt choked on the stench. Fur sprouted from Alex’s arms and his shirt stretched taut across his shoulders and chest. The Prime’s shift was nearly upon him with the tumultuous feelings coursing through his veins.
“I just wanted…” Tears glistened in Maya’s eyes.
Wyatt couldn’t keep quiet any longer. He didn’t know what the hell was going on, but he wasn’t about to let his Prime walk into anything Maya thought would be dangerous. Alex led their pride, he was important to their happiness; Wyatt… was not.
“Prime? Is there something I can do?”
Alex shook his head. “No, it’s my responsibility. I shouldn’t have allowed her to come. I’ll find her.”
“She was cooped up too long. We’re overreacting. She’s fine and having a good time and… Oh, shit. There she is.”
Wyatt followed the direction of Maya’s gaze and watched a woman race to the tree line. The breeze lifted and fanned her red hair like dancing fire. It trailed after her, chasing her into the forest.
His lion rushed forward, demanding he hunt the female, pin her to the ground, and mark her with their scent. She was beautiful with lush curves and gorgeous, pale skin.
He didn’t wait for Alex’s order or Maya’s demand. No, his cat wanted to run the prey down. He took off after her, first striding and then breaking into a gentle jog before shifting into a ground-eating run. He chased after her, his lion urging him faster, push harder. For some reason, it needed the woman like its next breath. She had to be in their arms. Now.
The closer he drew, the clearer she became. Shorts clung to her rounded ass and curved hips while a fitted T-shirt was snug against her upper-body.
Her scent drifted to him on the breeze, the seductive flavors of sweet honeysuckle and melon teased him, tormented him with the promise of heaven. Shit, his cock went rock hard, and his lion roared in approval of her. The female. Their female.
Fuck. He should stop, should put on the brakes and run as far and fast as he could in the other direction. But first… First he’d catch her because that’s what the Prime wanted. He’d touch her for a moment and then disappear. He’d leave and find a new pride and forget he’d ever met her because any woman deserved so much better than him.
Wyatt must have made a sound because she slid to a stop, sneakers slipping over the grass for a brief moment before she stilled. The woman spun on him, holding out her hands as if to keep him at bay.
“Back up. Just. Back. Up.” Her voice was hoarse, scratchy, and sweat beaded on her temple. “It hurts.” He tasted her pain on his tongue and his cat fought to break free and kill whatever hurt her. “Please stay away.” The words broke off with a rough sob.
Wyatt mirrored her position, holding up his hands. “Look, Alex wants you. I’m here to…” Claim you. Make you mine. Tie us together forever.
No, none of the above.
The woman shook her head. “No, I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want me. The exact opposite.” She took a step back, and he stepped forward. “You don’t understand. I need to go.”
“And I can’t let you. Alex wants you.”
She shook her head. “No, you’re not listening. I—” She gasped and clutched her head, curling in on herself with a deep moan.
Fuck it. She belonged to him, didn’t she? He bolted forward and caught her as she fell to the ground, groaning and whimpering. “Easy, I’ve got you.”
The lion growled in worry, but also chuffed in approval. It was happy they were at least caring for their mate even if his human half didn’t want her. She didn’t seem to want him either. Which… hurt. Badly. As close as they were, she should have sensed they belonged together. Yet, she didn’t cling to him like a mate should. She was fighting to get away.
“No, no, no…” She pushed and shoved, arms and legs flailing.
“Damn it, woman
.” Wyatt tightened his grip. “Sit still and I’ll let you go.”
Her breaths came in heaving puffs, each exhale painting him with more and more of her scent. His cock remained rock hard and ready to fill her while his cat prepared to pounce. Already the beast prowled beneath his skin, prepared to claim the lush woman in his arms.
After all these years, the lion still felt they were worthy of a mate.
Images of retreating tail lights flashed through his mind… She didn’t say goodbye.
No, he wasn’t mate material.
Just as fast as she fought, she froze, body tense. Her gaze clashed with his, bright green eyes boring into him. “I tried to fight it. I’m sorry.”
The last word left her lips and a frigid breeze encompassed him. It scraped his skin and scratched his face. The shards of ice burned him with their glacial temperature, but then, they melted. The ice cold warmed and heated against his flesh, seeming to dissolve into him until he felt as if he were being stroked. Ethereal hands pet him, sliding over his body in a gentle caress. The ghostly touch had him aching for her even more and wishing they had a bed nearby… And a hell of a lot less clothes.
The woman in his arms held her breath, her attention never leaving him. Silence reigned as they stared at each other. She was sorry for something, he wasn’t sure what, and he didn’t want to break the spell that encompassed them.
He had his mate in his arms, and he didn’t want to let her go. At least not until he had to.
Wyatt released one of her arms, brought his hand up, and stroked her cheek. “Are you okay?”
“You’re alive.” Awe filled her words.
“As opposed to…”
“Knocked out, coma, dead.” Alex’s gasping words broke the spell around them.
The woman in his arms jerked from his hold, scrambling away until ten feet separated them. “Get away, Alex.”