by Alicia White
“It’s nice to meet you.” She pulled back, staring wide-eyed at him. “I–I need to get to work,” she stammered, and he let her go, not wanting to make her uncomfortable.
Takoda watched her pull away from Chayton and walk to her car, never once looking back. It hurt more than he was willing to admit. She obviously cared about Chayton very much. He waited for her to pull out of the driveway before continuing his conversation.
“Chayton, you’ve been alone with her for six weeks. I can see she loves you, and it’s obvious you’ve marked her, bonded with her.” He shook his head. “She might never accept me and Mahkah. Do you have any idea what you’ve done?”
“I’m sorry,” Chayton responded contritely. Takoda believed him, although it didn’t change much.
“How are you going to fix this?”
“I don’t know.” Chayton shoved his fingers through his hair, and Takoda could feel the frustration and confusion rolling off him in waves. “Listen, Takoda, I didn’t mean for this to happen. I was just waiting until she knew and accepted everything. I wanted her to agree to come back with me so that there wouldn’t be any problems.”
“I know you didn’t keep her away maliciously, but I’m afraid that the damage is done.” Takoda climbed in his truck and started the engine. He rolled down the window and propped his arm on the lip. “Something has to give, Chayton. This can’t continue.”
One look at Emma and he knew that she was his mate. He needed to leave, to think and create some distance and formulate a plan. He had an idea, which he was aware would be risky. Luckily, he didn’t have anything to lose. He wanted his mate, and he wanted her home. Driving to the small mall, he went in to buy supplies.
Chapter 9
Chayton wondered if he would be able to leave Anchorage or Emma as he watched Takoda drive away. He was almost positive that his brother had come to take Emma. Somehow meeting her had changed his mind. Chayton noticed the connection. Although brief, it was there. Would his brothers ever be able to forgive him? Deciding to forego work, he went back into the apartment and began packing.
He wandered around, unsure if Emma would leave with him. The insecurity of not knowing if Emma would accept his brothers, move, and change her life was unsettling. The shifting incident in the living room was left unspoken between them and weighed heavily on his mind. This morning, he woke up with fear in his chest, wondering what she would say. Chayton went through his morning ablutions before stepping outside. He’d come to an abrupt halt when he spotted his unwelcome brother.
Chayton began throwing his clothes into a suitcase. He’d made up his mind to head home and make peace with his brothers. He also needed to get their mate home. Mahkah and Takoda needed to have the chance to bond with her also. He realized how selfish he’d been without meaning to. His mind made up, he packed faster. He marched around the apartment with determined steps. The decision was made. He hoped Emma would agree.
Hours later, Chayton found himself sitting on the couch, waiting for Emma to arrive home from work. Their bags were already packed and waiting by the door. The sky was dark with only one light in the small apartment left on. In the silence that followed he could hear the blood racing through his veins and his heart pounding. He couldn’t leave without her. If she said no, he would just convince her otherwise. He loved everything about her. Her laugh, her attempt at cooking, the way her hips swayed when she walked, the off-key way she sang in the shower, the passion in her lovemaking. She was everything he could want in a mate.
* * * *
Emma drove home slowly, her mind a million miles away. She was still a bit shaken up from her earlier introduction to Takoda. They looked exactly alike, perfectly identical, eerily so. Shaking her head, she couldn’t believe how everything was the same, from their long black hair, to their deep-set eyes, right down to their mode of transportation. All day she’d been thinking about both Chayton and Takoda. Every time she shut her eyes, they were both touching and kissing her.
Turning off the main road, Emma took a few deep breaths to calm herself. She wasn’t ready to head home yet. She needed time to think. She wasn’t sure if both Chayton and Takoda would be waiting for her. What was she supposed to do? Chayton, her wonderful man was always so honest with her, and she loved him. Could she love his brothers? Did she really want to move further into the Alaskan wilderness? He changed into a bear in the middle of my living room.
Emma took a deep breath as she tried to wrap her mind around the fact that Chayton was a shifter. He’d been telling her stories though, preparing her. She was really proud of herself. She hadn’t screamed and ran from the apartment, but then again, she wasn’t heading home to see him either. The shock of him turning into a bear wasn’t as surprising as hearing that he wanted to share her with other men. Every man that she’d ever dated, made it clear that he wanted to be her one and only. This man, the one she loved, wanted her to be with his brothers.
Wouldn’t she be cheating on Chayton if she was with his brothers? Were they in a relationship? So many questions flew through her mind, and Emma found herself holding tighter onto the steering wheel. Everything was shaking as she came back to reality and focused on the road. Emma pulled over and got out of the car. It didn’t take long to realize she wasn’t in downtown Anchorage any longer.
“Shit!” Walking around the car, Emma spotted her problem. Flat tire.
Exhaling loudly, she wanted to kick herself for being too afraid to go home. If she had only driven there, she would be safe. Getting back into her car, she grabbed her cell phone. No service blinked repeatedly. Emma knew she couldn’t sit around and wait. The sky was already turning black.
Grabbing her purse, she got out of the car and started walking. She lifted her phone into the air and waved it around as she stomped back toward town. She wasn’t too far from home, just outside of Anchorage, but still she hated the idea of being alone. She swung her purse over her shoulder and walked on the edge of the road.
Trees reached high into the sky, and she could hear a few sounds coming from the forest. Clutching her purse strap tighter, she moved closer to the middle of the street and picked up her pace. She didn’t want to be out this late stranded in the middle of nowhere. Dark thoughts consumed her while she tried to block out every scary movie she had ever seen.
Emma was panting loudly. She could hear her heart desperately pounding in her ears and said a silent prayer. Looking down at her cell phone, she checked it once more and groaned. Still no service. Shit! A growl erupted from behind her, and Emma picked up her pace. A few more feet and she found herself jogging. It felt like someone or something was following her, and Emma held back a scream, hoping it was her overactive imagination.
Oh, please let me get home safe. I promise that I’ll go to church, I give money to charity. I’ll do anything. Please just let me get home safe. Her fear was tangible. Emma began to feel dizzy, her heart hammered in her chest, and her breaths were coming in short gasps. Could this really happening to her?
Emma’s eyes darted around in the darkness. She was hyperventilating. Her only goal was to get home. She would never daydream again. Squinting, she looked through the dark and spotted something moving toward her. It looked to be a dog, and she prayed its owner was close by. Maybe she could get some help. Calming down, she wiped the sweat off her face with her jacket sleeve.
Emma’s eyes widened when the animal came into view. It wasn’t a dog. It was a wolf, and it appeared to be pissed. She dropped her purse and ran. She was going to die on the side of this road in the middle of nowhere. The growling and snarling grew closer, and Emma screamed.
* * * *
Chayton called Emma repeatedly, and her phone went straight to voice mail. He was beginning to worry. She should’ve been home from work already. Did Takoda take her? Grabbing his keys, he ran out the front door, slamming it behind him, heading to his truck.
“What’s the rush?” Takoda asked, leaning against his vehicle, leaving Chayton unsure of how to
feel. If Takoda didn’t take her, where was she? Did she leave them? Shaking his head, he refused to think that. He loved her, and she loved him. She wouldn’t leave.
“Emma…she should be home by now.”
Pushing himself off the truck, Takoda studied him for a minute. Chayton tried to remain calm even though he felt like a mess inside. “Let’s go,” he said before running to the passenger side and jumping in.
Chayton started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot. He went straight to her work, hoping to find her there. When the parking lot came into view, it was empty, and the bank lights were off.
“Shit!” He felt sick to his stomach. It was almost as if he could feel her fear.
“You have to stay calm. Is there anywhere else she could be?”
“I don’t know. I can’t think. Are you feeling that, Takoda?” He didn’t wait for an answer. The look in his brother’s eyes said it all. She was in danger. Takoda felt it, too.
“Let’s drive around.” Chayton knew his twin was trying to keep him calm. He rolled down his window and opened his mind. He needed all his senses to find her.
* * * *
Emma was trapped. The predator following her was both fast and ferocious. When she had no choice but to slow, the silver-eyed beast slowed with her. It was stalking her, playing with her, its prey. Emma panted. “Think, damn it!” She had two choices, keep running, or turn and fight. She could see the bright lights of Anchorage in the distance, calling to her like a lighthouse in the fog. With her mind made up, Emma broke in to a full run, her fear spurring her forward. She could no longer hear the wolf in pursuit, but she could feel him.
Just as Emma felt her heart would explode from fear and exertion, a loud howl rang out, echoing. Something slammed in to her from behind, propelling her forward. Emma threw her arms out in an attempt to block her face from hitting the pavement. Gravel tore into her hands, and she fell sideways, her shoulder taking her weight. The wolf was on top of her, growling. She could feel its massive weight, its breath so close to her face. Screaming, Emma moved frantically. Once she was back on her feet, she sprinted like the hounds of hell were after her.
Hysteria kept her from feeling pain. Tears ran off her chin in droves. She was shaking now, almost uncontrollably, when once again she was tackled to the ground. Rolling into a tight ball, she attempted to protect herself. Something sharp stabbed her, and Emma whimpered. Chayton, I love you. That was her last thought before darkness consumed her.
* * * *
Takoda heard Chayton bellow before he jumped from the truck. On high alert, he sprinted after him. A wolf stood over a small bundle of clothes, and it took them a minute to realize what they were seeing. The wolf lifted its head and bared its teeth. Chayton charged, shifting in midrun. The animal abandoned its victim and sprinted for the woods. Takoda inhaled as he strode to the middle of the street. When he reached the small human on the ground, he realized with shocking clarity it was his mate.
His heart in his throat, Takoda kneeled down. His hands were shaking uncontrollably as he touched Emma, praying she was alive. I should’ve taken her this morning. His vision became blurry as he picked his petite woman up and pulled her gently into his arms, cradling her. A whimper broke free from her lips, and relief poured through his entire body.
Takoda stood and went back to the truck and placed her gently on the seat. He inspected her body, frantically. She had blood on her hands, and he knew that she must’ve tried to break her fall. Black concrete rocks fell from them. Takoda kissed each one tenderly, wishing he could heal them.
Gunfire exploded, and Takoda stiffened, sniffing the air. He hated to leave Emma, but Chayton was out there. “I’ll be right back, baby. You’re safe. Just lie still.” Stripping off his clothes, he shifted and ran into the woods, hoping that Emma would be safe. Fear gripped him. If something happened to his brother…he let that thought trail off. How had things gotten so out of control?
Takoda ran through the trees following the scent of blood. His heart practically stopped for the second time tonight. Chayton! Running harder, Takoda pushed himself, desperately needing to reach his brother. Reaching the bloody, gruesome scene, Takoda immediately spotted a dying partially shifted wolf at the base of a large tree. It was a well-known fact that shifters change back to their human form when they died. They were running out of time. One shifter meant that there would be others in the area.
Sniffing out his brother, he found Chayton still in his bear form on the ground. Blood covered his fur, making him appear black. Takoda glanced around to make sure they were alone. He sniffed the air but didn’t detect anyone. The stench of blood permeated the area. Its copper smell tickled Takoda’s nose. He needed to get Chayton out of here before more wolves appeared. It was common knowledge they ran in packs. If there was one, there would be others. Time to go.
Takoda half shifted. He needed his bear strength to get his brother to safety before he could assess the damage. Lifting Chayton in his arms, Takoda headed back to the truck. His only thought was getting Chayton and Emma to safety. Things had gone from bad to worse, and the last thing that Takoda wanted was to lose his brother.
When he finally reached the truck, Takoda opened the back cab and put Chayton down. Shifting back to full human, he got dressed and jumped behind the wheel. Pushing hard on the gas, he headed out of town. Emma moaned and moved but didn’t open her eyes, and Takoda was relieved. He didn’t want her to see Chayton. Grabbing his cell phone, he called the only person he could think of.
Hey, Takoda. What’s up?” Hearing Mahkah’s voice, relief flooded though him. Takoda took a deep breath, trying to calm himself.
“I’m driving home with Emma and Chayton as fast as I can. We need the clan doctor. Emma was attacked, and Chayton…”
“Oh, God. Is she okay? Who attacked her?” Mahkah interrupted.
“Chayton went after a wolf that attacked her and ended up getting shot somehow. Shit! Things are bad, man.”
“Damn it! It’s a four-hour drive. Takoda, you’re going to have to pull over and get medical supplies.”
“I can’t. I don’t know what to do and while they’re both passed out. I need to stay moving.”
“I’ll call the doc and make sure he’s here when you get home. God, Takoda, just take care of them. We can’t lose either one of them.”
Switching off the phone, Takoda shoved the gas pedal down. He stared at the road and tried not to let his imagination get the better of him.
* * * *
David sank to the ground next to his mate, throwing his rifle to the ground. She was in human form, dying in the snow, and his heart stopped beating. As gently as he could, he pulled her head onto his lap. Lifting his face up to the sky, he howled out his pain, calling out for the few pack mates that had made the trek to Alaska from Minnesota. Her skin was torn to bits. He knew exactly who was to blame, the bears. Shaking, he began to pet her hair, wanting to calm her as much as possible.
“Daviiid…”
“Shhh, baby. Don’t talk. The pack is coming, you’ll be okay.”
“Nnnno…I’m sooo cold…” She shivered, shaking uncontrollably. He knew the truth. She wasn’t going to make it. She was dying. His mate, the love of his life was leaving him forever. Hate and revenge consumed him, and he choked it down, swallowing hard.
Blood trickled from her mouth, as she began to cough, and he knew the end was nearing. Moving, he pulled her into his arms and held her tight, listening to her last breath before she went limp in his arms. He bellowed out his pain and rocked back and forth. He wouldn’t rest until he got revenge. He would kill the female, the bear’s mate. He would know his pain, the numbing emptiness, the loss. The heartache.
Stripping off his clothes, he shifted into his wolf form and raced through the trees. When he reached the street, he saw the taillights of the truck speeding away. He wasn’t worried. He knew where the bear clan called home. He would wait for the perfect opportunity to strike. He wouldn’t head back t
o the rest of their pack in Minnesota until he took care of those bears. David slumbered back to his mate’s lifeless body, a plan already taking form. His howl of pain was echoed for miles by his pack.
Chapter 10
Takoda drove in silence. The past couple of hours were a blur as he concentrated on the road. His worry for Chayton and Emma was tangible. His eyes landed on her sleeping form for the hundredth time. Should he be concerned that she still slept? Takoda glanced in his rearview mirror and noticed Chayton was still in his bear form. He watched the rise and fall of his chest and said a silent prayer that he still breathed. Emma’s moan brought him out of his reverie. He noticed how pale she appeared as she rolled over in the seat.
“Emma…sweetie, open your eyes.” Takoda spoke in a hushed tone. Her lids fluttered, and more soft moans followed. The temptation was so great to pull over and touch her. He gripped the steering wheel tighter to calm the impulse. He said her name again, all the while trying to keep his eyes on the road. He made reassuring sounds, more for himself than for her. “I’m taking you home, Emma. Everything’s going to be okay.”
Emma’s eyelids came up slowly, and she winced. Takoda hated seeing her pain on her lovely face. She sat up, favoring her right side. The confusion in her eyes was nearly his undoing. She must have been injured in her fall. Had she been bitten?
“Chayton?” Her voice was shaky as she moved closer to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. His heart stuttered as she cried against his shoulder. Takoda lifted one hand off the wheel and gently rubbed her back as he drove. She was so soft. Her sweet fragrance wrapped around him, causing him to relax for the first time tonight.
“It’s going to be okay, sweetie.”