by Wendy Stone
Blood spurted as Kadian stepped back. Using the man’s size against him, he threw him into the other Jackal headed towards them. The man flew, slamming into the approaching man with enough force to send them flying back into the crowd on the dance floor.
Screams came from the human females as they pushed away from the bodies sprawled on the floor, their shrieks loud and annoying. Kadian just smiled, reached out and pulled open the door. He slid through just as another Jackal came running up, pushing through the crowd. Kadian calmly locked the door and straightened his leather jacket, glancing down at his sleeve and making a moue of disgust at the spot of blood that stained the expensive leather.
“I should charge Nashe for the dry cleaning,” he groused, brushing it off. He looked down the long hallway, spotting a large group of jackals crowding into one room. “Oh shit, bro. I’m about to ruin my new boots. You’re going to owe me big.” He pulled off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves and gave one last, sorrowful look at his boots.
“Okay,” he said, clapping his hands and rubbing them together. Prepared, he let his voice expand into the hall like any good performer.
“Gentleman, I know my friend is probably doing a decent job of taking care of you, but why should he have all the fun?” His eyes glowed green fire and smoke streamed from his nose. His voice deepened even as his skin changed color and began to grow iridescent scales.
* * * *
Marissa fought off the jackal that attacked her, twisting and snarling, her claws slashing at the dun-colored pelt. A loud yelp sounded from the jackal and he tried to twist toward her again. Marissa pounced, landing on his back, grabbing his spine with her teeth. A quick twist of her head and the jackal went down, his neck broken.
Bounding away from the body, Marissa roared her fury, seeing the jackal on Nashe. Her eyes widened for a single instant as she came at him at a run, hitting him hard in the side and sending him flying.
You okay ? she thought at Nashe, standing beside him to keep the rest of the weres off until he got to his feet.
Yeah, thanks. I guess I owe you one. He stood and shook, blood drops flying.
We aren’t out of here yet , she said, her head turning to gaze at the jackals that crouched in a semi circle in front of them. Chris had regained his footing, shaking his head as well. Marissa watched as he walked in front of the jackals, pacing, strange grunting sounds coming from his mouth. His gait was stiff legged, aggressively so.
He eyed both of them. You aren’t going to get out of this alive, he thought at them, ignoring the three furrows of blood on his side.
That’s what you think, Marissa thought, baiting the jackal. I don’t know what you have against me or Lukah, or Nashe for that matter, but I have only one thing to say. Suck it up, buttercup.
Suck it up, buttercup? Nashe sent to her with a small snort of laughter despite the danger of the situation. Very profound, Marissa.
Thanks, I always thought so.
Chris growled, drawing their attention firmly back to him. I’m going to rip out your guts and send you back to Lukah in pieces. That bastard killed my brother, Jake, Shurene’s husband. He stole what was rightly ours, snatched our businesses right out from under us. He tore our family apart from the inside out. Chris snarled, his lips pulling back to show long canines. I hope he rots in hell.
I don’t believe it, Marissa thought with a growl or her own. Lukah is an honest man, a good man. He wouldn’t kill anyone who hadn’t threatened him or one of his. You’re lying! She gathered her legs under her and bounded toward him, fury fueling her attack.
Nashe followed her, a huge jackal his target.
Outside the door, a loud scream sounded and a huge billow of flames and smoke lit up the doorway. More screams followed as the weres gathered outside scrambled to get away. The jackals turned, the room growing silent as they faced this new threat.
What came into the room wasn’t even remotely human looking. Fourteen feet long, with iridescent scales that seemed pearled in the light, the beast could be one thing and one thing only. A dragon. He squeezed through the door and seemed to grow even bigger inside the room, dwarfing them all.
His tail was long, the tip barbed with hard points. He walked on all fours, wings folded against his back. He snapped at the first of the jackals, grabbing him up into his mouth and shaking him before sending him flying into a wall.
The jackals fled, ducking around him to get to the door. All but Chris. Chris was caught under Marissa’s paws, her claws dug into his side to hold him there.
Hey, Nashe, who’s the pretty panther lady? That can’t be the seductive looking blonde you came in here with, can it ?
Nashe changed, ignoring his nudity. “I’ve got to find Terry!” He looked up at Kadian, still in his were form. “I owe you again.”
* * * *
Nashe grabbed his pants, pulling the stubborn leather on as he tripped down the hallway. His eyes scanned every room he passed until he came to a closed door. It was locked, but that didn’t stop him. He heaved back, kicking out his foot with all the power he could and sending the door banging back into the wall.
“Terry?”
She was in his arms in seconds, wrapping herself around him. “God, Nashe, I thought you were dead.”
“It’d take a lot more than a pack of slimy Jackals to kill me.” He held her at arm’s length, staring down at her. “He didn’t hurt you?”
“He didn’t have time.” She glanced down at his bare chest, seeing the deep scratches and the bloody rivulets that trailed from them. “You’re hurt,” she said slowly, her fingers gently touching his injuries.
“I’d tell you to kiss me and make it better but we don’t have time. We’ve got to go.” He pulled her with him, holding her hand securely in his. “I’ve found Marissa but she’s in bad shape.”
“They hurt her?”
“No, it’s the separation. We have to get her back to Lukah and quickly, before they both go insane.”
She followed him eagerly, wanting to see her friend and to make sure that Marissa was all right. Skidding into another room, Nashe felt Terry come to a complete halt, her eyes locked on the back of the dragon.
“W-what is this?” she asked, the shock very apparent in her voice.
“This is Kadian James,” Nashe said.
“Kadian James?” she asked, her eyes narrowing as the name struck a chord. “The Kadian James? And he’s what? A were-dragon?”
“At your service,” the dragon said. His green eyes, glowing gem-like, ran over her body with obvious delight. “It’s very much my pleasure to meet you, Miss Terry.”
“Watch it, dragon breath,” Nashe growled. “She’s taken. Go find yourself some virginal maiden sacrifice.”
“Oh, but now there’s the rub,” Kadian exclaimed, reaching out and holding Chris down with one sharp taloned foot when it seemed as if he’d get away. “Trying to find a virginal maiden within legal age to sacrifice to my noble charms is an impossibility in this day and age.”
Terry rubbed her eyes, opened them wide and then rubbed them again. “I thought dragons were mythical things like unicorns and fairies.”
“Kadian is one of a very few were-dragons left.”
Marissa moved closer to Terry, leaning against her. She gave a rumbled growl, nudging Terry with her big head.
“I think we need to get out of here. Marissa isn’t doing too well. But what are we going to do about him?” Terry said, nodding toward Chris who still struggled against Kadian’s foot.
“I’ll take care of him,” Kadian said with a smile. “I heard you own Abstracts now. Any chance you can fit me in before I have to leave town?”
“Your table is always free, Kadian.” Nashe smacked him on one scaly leg. “Call me, we’ll have lunch.”
“There is a back way out of here,” Terry said, nodding toward the door.
Terry led the way, cautiously opening the back door and peeping out. The way was clear, the alley reeking of marijuana. “I’ll go ge
t the car,” she said, leaving Marissa in panther form and Nashe in only his leather pants.
“Be careful,” Nashe called, smiling when she turned and met his gaze.
She shot him a cocky salute then sauntered slowly across the parking lot as if she had all the time in the world. She pulled the key out of the small pocket in the skin tight leather pants. The car was close and she had to force herself not to hurry.
“Hey!”
Terry glanced up as one of the bouncers began to head her way. “Shit!” She ducked around another car, the hand holding the keys shaking as she tried to force it into the lock.
“Terry! Stop!”
She looked back, her entire body shaking. “No!” she cried as the keys fell out of her hand and slid under the car. Dropping to her knees, she reached underneath, scraping her elbow on the rough pavement. The keys were just beyond her fingers and she strained to reach them.
“Terry!” the bouncer cried again, getting ever closer.
“Come on, come on, come on,” she pleaded. “God damn it! Come on!” she shouted, finally pulling them closer with the tip of her finger nails. She got up quickly, shoving the key into the lock and turning it. Jumping in to the driver’s seat, she didn’t bother adjusting it, sitting on the edge of the soft leather and slamming in the clutch. The finely-tuned engine turned over on the first try and she pushed the gear shift into reverse.
The tires spun as she popped the clutch, backing out and almost slamming into the bouncer. He jumped out of the way of the car, his eyes huge. Pushing it into first, she pressed down hard on the accelerator, the big engine jerking the car forward.
She peeled around the corner, almost side-swiping another car . Stopping at the end of the alley, she climbed over into the passenger side, opening the door so the sleek black panther could slide into the back seat. Nashe slid behind the steering wheel, closing the door behind him.
There was a sudden outcry and a loud roar from above them. Terry opened her window, sticking her head out just in time to watch Kadian soar through the night sky. In one front paw he held a shivering Chris: in the other, he gingerly cradled a dark brown leather jacket.
* * * *
Lukah felt her coming before they’d even turned into the long private drive. He changed, letting the beast within him loose, roaring his joy at his mate’s safe return loudly. He took the stairs three at a time, bounding through the front door and out into the soft summer night.
Marissa paced in the back seat of the car, letting out little grunting moans, whimpering and nudging at the window with her big black nose. She yowled loudly, getting more anxious with every moment..
“Let her out,” Nashe urged.
“But what about the gate?”
“She’ll get over it, trust me. Nothing will keep these two apart, not now.” He pulled over to the side of the road, knowing that Lukah would be there to meet Marissa. Terry opened the door and the two of them watched as she slid easily out of the door, a quick purr coming from her as she butted her head against Terry. Then she ran a black streak to a tree that was hanging over the wide white walls. With an agile leap, she bounded into the tree, easily moving from limb to limb until she could jump down the other side.
“She’s gone,” Nashe said softly. Lifting Terry’s hand, he brought it to his lips. “Thank you.”
“She’s my friend too,” Terry said softly, her eyes roaming over his bare chest and the scratches that were already beginning to heal.
“That’s not what I’m thanking you for.” He bent his head, pulling her a bit closer so he could find her lips. Kissing her gently, he breathed in her scent. “Thank you for standing with me, for being so brave and for letting me into your life.”
The words were spoken so sweetly that Terry stared up at him. He could see the confusion, the desire and the longing in her eyes. Bending his head again, he kissed her with even more ardor, moaning deep in his throat as she responded with intensity. He could taste her passion, hear the blood rushing through her veins.
Her eyes opened when he lifted his head and a small smile touching her lips. “I’m not climbing into the backseat with you. I don’t think I’m that bendable.”
“Hmm, how about my place?” His fingers rose to trace her lower lip, feeling its softness and the moist heat that came from his kiss and her arousal.
She opened, her tongue coming out to lick at the pads of his fingers, biting gently as she drew one masculine digit into her mouth. The little bit of pain, quickly soothed away by her tongue, made his breath back up in his chest.
“How quickly can you get us there?” she asked, eyes on his lips.
He pulled his hand away reluctantly, narrowing his gaze at her. “Watch for cops, lady,” he growled, making her laugh.
* * * *
Marissa jumped easily to the ground, sliding through the decorative bushes meant to hide the white fence. She could feel him coming. Her mate, his heart as light as hers now that they were almost reunited. Closing her eyes, she lifted her nose to the wind, scenting him and reveling in the fact that he was so close.
She willed the change back to human, wanting to greet her husband-to-be and love him as a woman. Walking across the softness of the silky green grass, she saw him coming through the trees, his eyes glowing almost the same gold as the torc he wore around his neck.
A wide smile graced her lovely face, her heather eyes turning misty with joy. Within a single stride, he became the man, Lukah, changing from the beast to the one she loved. He held his arms out wide and she ran to him, unable to wait.
“Oh, God, Lukah,” she breathed, feeling him pull her against him and hold her tight. “I-I thought I’d never see you again.”
He buried his face in her neck, hands digging into the thick red mane of her hair. She could feel dampness against her throat. Pulling back, she saw the tears on his tanned cheeks. “Lukah?”
“I can’t lose you,” he said roughly. He didn’t try to hide the tears. “I love you, Marissa. If something happened to you… I-I wouldn’t want to…”
“Shh,” she said, rubbing her fingers against his lips. “I’m here. I’m not leaving you again.”
His hand touched her cheek and she turned her lips into his palm, placing a gentle kiss there. His eyes were shadowed, despite the moonlight that made the world seem almost as bright as day. “Will you come with me?” he asked softly.
Marissa nodded. She’d willingly follow him into hell.
He smiled. “Follow me.”
He leaped, his body changing to the panther before his front feet could touch the ground. She was right behind him, bounding around him in her joy to being reunited. They loped through the night, playing a joyous game of tag until Lukah stopped, turning to look at Marissa and changing back to a man.
“It’s beautiful,” she sighed, breathing in the scent of wildflowers that grew near a stream making a bubbling sound as it rushed over rocks and branches. The trees grew away from the bank, leaving a small grassy clearing. She laughed, spreading her arms and turning in a circle. “I’ve never felt so wonderful,” she cried.
Lukah lowered himself to the grass, smiling up at her.
“What are you thinking?” she asked.
“I’m thinking that you are the most beautiful woman in the world.” His eyes roamed over her pale curves, gleaming between the tresses of her red hair. She could feel their intensity, sending a shiver of need through her. When he held out his hand, she took it gladly, sliding down into his arms.
His lips were hot as he kissed her, reaffirming their connection in the most elemental of ways. He bent over her, hand stroking through her hair, cupping her cheek. She could feel his need, feel the desperation he held in check.
“It was bad for you,” she whispered when he lifted his lips, dropping his forehead down on hers. “It was worse for you, wasn’t it?”
“You’re back. That’s all that matters, my love.”
“Lukah, I need to know. Will it always be like that when we
are separated?” Marissa stroked her hands down his chest, sliding them around his waist to hold him.
“No. We need to finish the mating process, affirm our vow to each other in front of one of the elders. They’ll mix our blood by cutting a small wound in our palms. They’ll be wrapped together and then the elder will bless our union.” He touched his lips to hers again, unable to stop himself.
She moaned, opening her lips under his, needing more than what he was giving. Her tongue slicked across his lips, teasing the corner of his mouth. “Make love to me,” she whispered.
Lukah groaned, deepening the kiss, rolling with her until she was under him. Marissa arched her back, feeling him holding her close but wanting to be closer. She needed him in her, needed to be one with him. Parting her legs, she brought her foot up, caressing his calf then sliding up to his thigh.
“Not so fast, my love,” he said, chuckling.
“I need you,” she panted. “I was so scared, Lukah.”
“I have you now, baby. I’m not going to let you go again.”
She felt his mouth on her throat, open and hot, his tongue sliding over her skin. She tipped her chin up, arching into his kisses, feeling his hands on her body. Heat flowed from his palms, bringing pleasure and a tension deep in her belly that made her squirm.
“I’ve barely touched you,” he whispered against the rise of her collarbone.
“I feel like I’m going up in flames,” she groaned, her hands grasping at his back, nails digging into his skin to leave small red marks. Her body arched, her breasts pressing into his chest. Undulating under him, she teased with the tempting movements, begging with her body for more.
Marissa groaned as he ran his hand over her breast, brushing against the hard tip, sliding over the concave slenderness of her stomach. She felt his fingertips slip over the small triangle of red fur that covered her sex. “Please,” she whispered, wanting so badly to feel him there.
Lukah smiled at her, a teasing glint in his amber gaze. Her eyebrow raised at that look even as she squirmed, trying to get his hand where she wanted it most.