Therian Prey

by Cyndi Friberg

  “Jake’s on his way,” Erin told him. “He’ll stop by and pick up Landon. Eli, Holt and Ian are already here. And you are number six.”

  It took Carissa a moment to put faces with the names Erin rattled off so casually. Jake was the tiger-biker Carissa had met while she soaked in the hot tub. Landon was the renegade wolf who had joined the rebels despite the fact that his father was a Network Prime. Holt was the bear-shifter and Eli had been manning the security station when Carissa had first arrived at the sanctuary.

  “What does Eli manifest as?” Carissa asked.

  “He’s a snow leopard,” Erin said. “And his cat is absolutely gorgeous.”

  “So theoretically, I’ll be able to shift into a tiger, wolf, bear, raptor, jaguar and snow leopard?” It was starting to sound fantastical again.

  “Theoretically, absorbing energy from six different males will allow you to shift into anything you want. For instance, Quinn can manifest as a cougar as well as a jaguar. And Ian can manifest as an assortment of birds. It might take you years to discover all the shapes at your disposal.”

  “If I survive the initial transformation.”

  Quinn slipped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close against his side. Warmth and encouragement flowed across their link, but she wasn’t quite ready to accept it.

  Needing a moment of normality, Carissa looked around. A large oval table dominated the rectangular room. The windows were covered with colorful miniblinds and wildlife posters decorated the walls. Most pictured big cats in their natural habitats, but one featured playful babies of every imaginable variety.

  “Is this room just for show or does someone hold classes here?”

  Erin looked around with a smile, obviously proud of her accomplishments. “We offer private tours and educational outings. We’ve become a popular field-trip destination for the local schools.”

  “And no one suspects the truth.”

  “That we have more in common with our cats than most people realize?” Erin chuckled. “We have to pay the bills, and feeding all these cats is expensive.”

  “What will the ritual entail?” Despite their momentary tangent, Quinn was stubbornly focused on the coming events.

  “I’ll explain once the others arrive.” Erin reached across the table and gave Carissa’s hand a squeeze. “Can you tell me about the transfer? I had no idea it would be so invasive.”

  “I’m still processing the images, but it was extraordinary. It was like watching a movie on fast-forward, only I was a character in the film. I felt what they felt and saw what they saw. I lived hundreds of lives in just a few minutes.”

  Resounding footsteps on the wooden stairs told Carissa the others had arrived. She and Quinn had returned to Erin’s house and cleaned up before Erin brought them over to the classroom so hopefully the others wouldn’t realize how the energy transfer had affected her. She’d never felt so aggressive, so savage. She would have bitten Quinn’s neck and gleefully lapped up his blood if he hadn’t been strong enough to stop her.

  You can bite me as often as you like once your definition is solidified.

  Are you reading my mind? She kept forgetting that their link allowed them to speak mind to mind. She was just starting to sense his emotions, but she suspected he’d been able to sense hers as soon as he anchored the link within her mind.

  He smiled and shook his head. You blushed as you ran your tongue over your fangs. It wasn’t hard to figure out what you were thinking.

  The other five men took their places around the table, each glancing curiously at Carissa as they waited for Erin to explain.

  “The first step of the ritual is a series of tests.” Erin pushed back her chair and stood at the head of the table, adding import to her words. “Carissa wasn’t even aware that she was being tested and she passed with flying colors.”

  “What were the tests?” Carissa was glad she’d succeeded, but she was curious to know what she’d done.

  “You could sense the ancient energy contained within the artifacts.”

  “How do you know?” Jake’s emerald gaze was mildly challenging. “She could have claimed a reaction without actually feeling one.”

  “She didn’t claim anything,” Erin stressed. “I watched her physical reactions as she moved about the room. Her skin flushed and she shivered. She was obviously attracted by the energy.”

  “And the other tests?” Ian prompted.

  “When she looked at the journal, her Therian nature stirred and allowed her to read Historian script.”

  “Was Maggie able to read the language?” Carissa knew her mother had dismissed Omni Prime magic as myth, but she wasn’t sure how much of this Maggie had embraced.

  “Maggie was able to read the journals. Your mother was not.”

  “How else was Carissa tested?” Jake asked, drawing Carissa back to the present.

  “The last one was more like a confirmation than a test. The other Omni Primes poured their energy into Carissa, filling her mind with the experiences and wisdom each accumulated over their lifetime.”

  “Seriously?” Eli looked at Carissa, obviously awed by what Erin described. “You melded with your ancestors? How cool is that?”

  “My mind is still buzzing with the rush of information,” Carissa said with a smile. Eli not only looked like a ski bum, his personality reinforced the impression.

  Seven intense gazes settled on her face and she tensed. These people were counting on her to become some sort of savior. They were stronger, faster and more powerful than anyone she’d ever known, and yet they looked to her for… She wasn’t even sure what they expected from her.

  Erin must have sensed her anxiety or read the fear in her eyes because she rounded the table and rested her warm hands on Carissa’s shoulders. “We have to remember we’re here to support Carissa. This is all new to her. She’s only known of her Therian roots for a matter of days.”

  “This is the beginning,” Ian agreed. “She’ll need to be trained and challenged if she’s to reach her full potential.”

  “We’re all willing to help or we wouldn’t be here.” Holt’s deep voice rumbled in the quiet room.

  “What’s the next step in the ritual?” Jake asked, less tolerant of chitchat than the others.

  “The logistics are up to Carissa and Quinn, but her Therian nature must be drawn to the surface.”

  “That shouldn’t be hard after the energy transfer.” Carissa looked at Quinn and heat spread up her neck. “I’m still really restless.”

  “Good. It could be awkward for everyone if you need…stimulation.” Erin squeezed her shoulders then moved away.

  “I’ll be happy to help if she needs ‘stimulation’,” Jake offered with a sexy smile.

  “Not a chance.” Quinn warned him back with a hostile glare.

  Erin ignored their pseudo-playful exchange and went on. “Each of you must swear to protect and support the Omni Prime in whatever way she might need. Then you offer her your blood and Carissa’s instincts should do the rest.”

  “Sounds simple enough.” The intensity in Jake’s expression contradicted his blasé attitude. “Let’s do this thing.”

  Carissa took a deep breath and released the tension gathering between her shoulder blades. What’s the worst that could happen? Her Therian nature would take over and she’d jump Quinn in front of the others?

  No. She could die, leaving Ava to deal with this madness alone.

  She shook away the pessimism and focused on the miracles she’d already experienced today. She was surrounded by people ready and willing to protect and support her. She’d found a remarkable woman who would assist and mentor her. And then there was Quinn.

  All her life, Carissa had imagined growing old with a strong, caring man at her side. Her mother had always put on a brave façade, insisting her daughters were all she needed for happiness. But as Carissa matured, she saw the loneliness in her mother’s eyes and understood the sacrifices Willona had made to keep her daug
hters safe.

  Quinn pushed back from the table and stood, holding out his hand toward Carissa. “Ready?”

  “Probably not, but I doubt that will change anytime soon.”

  His smile was warm and gentle as he drew her to her feet and pushed both their chairs out of the way. The others quickly followed suit until they all stood around the table, alert and watchful.

  Insisting she’d want to be dressed comfortably for the ritual, Erin had given Carissa a flowing summer dress to wear after she showered. She quickly realized another advantage to the garment as Quinn lifted her to sit on the table and eased her legs apart so he could stand between. The voluminous skirt covered her thighs while allowing him to move closer.

  He pressed his hands against her cheeks and tilted her face up. “Look at me. Think only of me.”

  His mouth descended slowly, giving her plenty of time to anticipate the kiss. He loved to torture her with patience and she was quickly learning to appreciate the strategy. He pulled her flush with his body as his mouth covered hers. She wrapped her legs around his hips and parted her lips.

  As soon as the others have gone, I’m going to lay you back and spread those long legs. I’m going to fuck you right here on this table.

  His graphic words caught her by surprise. His kiss was gentle, completely at odds with the possessive growl in his thoughts. She responded to the kiss as the sensual promise of his words washed over her body.

  Or would you like them to stay and watch?

  She struggled against his hold, alarmed yet titillated by the possibility. I want you, only you.

  And I have no intention of sharing, but I could free my cock and push inside you right now. I could make you come again and again as they feed you their blood.

  She shivered so violently it tore her mouth from his. A familiar burn made her eyes sting and she turned her face to the side, panting.

  “She’s ready, boys,” Erin announced. “Get moving. She won’t be manageable for long.”

  Quinn knelt in front of her and wrapped his arms around her legs. Resting his chin on her knees, he looked up at her, his sexy smile promising hours of carnal pleasure.

  Ian approached them first. His expression was intense and serious. He went down on one knee and said, “I willingly offer my life. We have waited so long for your return. I am honored to be part of your definition.” Then he stood and offered his wrist.

  She’d expected him to cut it open or drip some of his blood into a glass. What did he want her to do? Suddenly her Therian nature surged and an elemental craving took over. She grasped his arm with both hands and brought his wrist to his mouth, biting down with wild abandon.

  Ian gasped, but he couldn’t be as shocked as she was. Blood, hot and bitter, rolled across her tongue. She shuddered, fighting back a gag. Her human upbringing left her horrified by what she was doing, but the taste seemed to change or her perception of the metallic flavor morphed along with her taste buds. She felt the warmth, the concentrated energy infused in the liquid and drew strongly, wanting more.

  “That’s enough, doll. Let me go.” Ian eased his arm out of her grasp and stepped back.

  Power spread through her body, warming her muscles and electrifying her nerves. She felt aware as she hadn’t been moments before, alert and hungry.

  “My life is yours,” Landon was saying. Had his eyes always been so blue? He offered his wrist and she didn’t hesitate. Her fangs sank into his flesh and hot, spicy blood filled her mouth. How had she ever thought this unpleasant? She wanted more!

  Quinn had to help Landon disentangle himself from her mouth. “Careful, everyone. She’s becoming aggressive fast.”

  The rest transpired in a surreal blur of surging emotions and hot, sticky blood. Each pledge made her heart beat faster and her hunger spike. She wanted to devour them, suck the energy from their blood until she burned through her body and escaped this mortal coil.

  Quinn pushed her legs apart and bunched her skirt around her waist. Shocked by his actions, she glanced over her shoulder and saw seven empty chairs. A throaty laugh escaped as she realized she wouldn’t have cared. Her entire body was a blazing, aching shell of demanding need.

  He tore her panties off and she raised her legs, pressing her heels against his back. His fingers tangled in her hair and he pulled her head back. “Who am I?”

  “Quinn.” My love. She didn’t know if he’d heard the endearment, but his expression didn’t change. Her voice sounded low and needful, almost alien.

  “What do you want?”

  “You inside me.” She tightened her legs around him and added, “Now!”

  He thrust his entire length into her aching core and she came in fast, hard spasms. Slipping his arms under her legs, he dragged her to the edge of the table then started moving. Each forceful drive rocked her backward, but he held her legs, preventing her from sliding across the tabletop.

  The rich taste of blood lingered on her tongue and she focused on his neck. She could feel his pleasure and the intensity of his desire thanks to their mental link, but it wasn’t enough. She wanted to absorb him, make him part of her forever.

  When his next stroke brought their bodies closer together, she grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled herself up. Anticipating her need, he turned his head to the side and gave her access to his throat.

  Quinn cried out as pleasure and pain combined in a dizzying storm. Carissa’s welcoming heat surrounded his shaft, caressing him as he shuttled in and out. Every time he touched her, it was dramatic and astonishing, but this surpassed everything that had gone before.

  She pulled him down, making it almost impossible to move as she greedily drank her fill. Their connection grew and strengthened. He was drawn deeper into her mind with each pull of her lips.

  That’s enough, hellion. You don’t want me to pass out on top of you.

  She groaned but gradually released her hold on his flesh and withdrew her fangs.

  He kissed her blood-smeared lips then pushed back so he could move again. She stared up at him, eyes wide and dazed.

  You still with me?

  Always. A surprising rush of tenderness accompanied the word. She raised her arms above her head and drew her legs up along his sides, her surrender unmistakable.

  His heart contracted and he couldn’t suppress a smile as he pumped with long, steady strokes. She was perfect, giving and warm, yet brave and fierce all at the same time.

  He didn’t care that she tasted like blood. He had to kiss her. Grasping her upper arms, he pulled her up and claimed her mouth. Her tongue surged past his lips, ready to tangle, ready to play.

  Despite his leisurely pace, his balls drew up tight, threatening to fire. He clasped her to his chest and she wrapped her legs around his waist, stubbornly fighting off the climax.

  “You were amazing,” he whispered against her mouth.

  “You’re still amazing,” she countered, nipping his bottom lip.

  “I’m not going to last much longer. Lie back and I’ll help you catch up.”

  She laughed and squeezed him tight with her inner muscles. “I’m not lagging behind, I assure you. Three fast thrusts and I’ll come.”

  “Promise?”

  “Try me.”

  He grasped her hips and moved fast and deep between her thighs. It took six thrusts, but they went over the edge together, clinging to each other as the pleasure took their breath away.

  Reality returned to Quinn, but Carissa was still shaking. He brushed the hair back from her face and she slowly opened her eyes. Therian light blazed from between her spiky lashes. She panted, neck arching, mouth open wide.

  He quickly separated their bodies and zipped up his pants. Then he scooped her up in his arms and gingerly set her on the floor. The first shift was always the hardest and she’d just ingested blood from six different men. There was no telling what her transformation would entail.

  “I know you’re frightened, sweetheart, but don’t fight it. Just let it come.�
� His heart was beating so hard he was sure it would bruise the inside of his rib cage. Let her be all right. Please, God, let her survive this.

  She rolled to her side and drew her legs up toward her chest. “It hurts,” she whispered, and then released a shrill scream.

  Verbal communication would likely distract her, but he could not let her think he’d abandoned her. He slipped into her mind and radiated affection and calm, hoping some flash of reassurance would penetrate her fear.

  The distinct snap of bones reshaping made Quinn’s stomach heave. He’d gone through this countless times himself, but this was worse. He closed his eyes, unable to bear her obvious agony. Still, her screams went on and on.

  He hadn’t heard footsteps on the stairs, but suddenly Ian was pulling him to his feet. “Give her some room. We don’t know where this is leading. She could shift into anything.”

  Erin was there too, her tear-bright gaze fixed on Carissa.

  Therian light burst from Carissa’s body, momentarily blinding Quinn. Her form grew, shredding her dress as her shape became more and more feline. Her final scream transitioned with her, ending in an unmistakable roar. The undulations were smoother now, subtler as if her body had learned the rhythm. A sleek black coat spread across her skin, signaling the end to her first transformation.

  Hope hovered just out of reach as Quinn waited for her shift to stabilize. She huddled on the floor, visibly shaking, legs tucked under her feline body.

  “Jaguar.” Erin looked at him and smiled. “Did you have any doubt?”

  “But her undercoat has stripes not spots,” Ian pointed out.

  “A black tiger?” Erin cautiously approached and Carissa opened her bright-blue eyes. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a black tiger shifter. Even in the journals, I don’t remember one being listed.”

  Quinn smiled and knelt beside Carissa. “She’s one of a kind. Why do you sound surprised?” He held out his hand and let her sniff it before he gently stroked her head. “You’re incredible, hellion. You’re going to outshine us all.” She rubbed her head against his hand, blue eyes bright with understanding.