Hope flared in his heart. If Kate could see him at his absolute worst and still love him, then he knew he could somehow bear the curse, after all. He would find a way to endure the horrors that came with each full moon. With Kate by his side, he knew that he could bear anything.
Kate reached across the bed for the revolver, flicked open the chamber and emptied the cylinder. Then she smiled and stuffed both bullets into her pocket. “You don’t have to do this alone any more. You have me now. Will you let me help you?”
“How? I’ve only been fooling myself. This – us – it will never work.”
“Of course it will. Love can conquer anything. I truly believe that.”
He swept a hand across his face. “No, Kate. It can’t. I’ll live forever, unless I choose not to. You won’t.”
Kate’s lips turned up at the corners. “Then turn me.”
“Turn you? My God, Kate, you don’t know what you are asking.”
“Yes, I do, my love.” She touched his cheek. Her fingers felt warm and soft on his skin. “I know exactly what I’m asking. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Even if that life is forever.” Her words wrapped around him like a warm blanket melting the last smidgeon of pain from his heart.
“I won’t turn you, Kate. I wouldn’t wish this torment on my worst enemy, much less you.”
“But—”
Colten silenced her with a finger on her lips. The warmth of her breath tingled his fingertip. “I’ll wait for you.”
“Wait for me?”
“When your life on this earth ends whether it be five years or fifty from now, I promise I’ll find you again.”
“Find me?” Kate drew her brows together.
Colten closed his eyes for a moment. The hard part would be to ask them for help. He wasn’t even sure if he could do it, but in order to hold on to Kate’s love, he knew he would have to.
His grey gaze hooded, he watched her reaction. “The cult my ancestors joined are still in the bowels of the bayou.” Then with an edge to his voice he added, “And they are just as powerful. There is a voodoo ritual of reincarnation that will guarantee your return to me time and time again.”
Kate shivered. “I don’t understand. I thought you despised the cult.”
“I do, but I love you more. If you still want to marry me I’ll take you to the High Priest. He can perform a ritual that will keep your body from aging and will ensure that you will come back when you die.”
“Reincarnation?” Kate gulped.
Colten nodded as guilt squeezed his heart. Maybe he was asking too much of her. Maybe simply ending his own life would be best. He shot a quick look at the revolver.
“But I would have to grow up all over again. Would I even remember you? What if you can’t find me?”
Colten pulled his gaze from the gun and brushed a stray curl from her eyes. Primal urges raced through his veins. He immediately dropped his hand. It was getting too dangerous. He needed to put some distance between them. “I will always find you, Kate. Always.”
“What if you meet someone else while I’m growing up? That’s a long time to wait for someone.” Hurt filled her eyes and her bottom lip trembled.
Colten took a step back, his hands clenched by his side. The urges were getting stronger. His lust for blood strengthening.
“There will never be anyone else for me.” A smile hovered on the corner of his mouth. “Don’t you know that wolves mate for life?”
Kate relaxed. “Yes, they do, don’t they?” Her own lips turned up at the corners, determination back in the set of her chin. “We’ll go to the High Priest tomorrow. I love you, Colten and I’ll do whatever it takes to be with you.”
Still stunned at the love he saw shimmering in Kate’s eyes, Colten nodded and reached under the bed. He pulled out the steel chains and lock. His gray eyes met hers and held her gaze for a long moment. He could see his love for her mirrored in their blue depths. Colten knew then that he could trust Kate with his life. He handed her the key, then crossed the room to chain himself to the steel pole in the corner.
As the lock snapped into place, his eyes met Kate’s once more. She smiled and said, “For better or worse, my love.”
He nodded then closed his eyes. Colten felt rather than saw the moon finish its ascent into the night sky. With a shudder his body completed its transformation into the beast as he whispered, “For better or for worse.”
Epilogue
Seventy years later
Dipping a chip into the salsa, Colten savored the rich Mexican spices as he watched the waitress from the shadows of the back booth. Shoulder-length auburn hair, snapping green eyes, and a smile that could melt an iceberg.
It was her.
Kate.
Colten’s pulse quickened. He had waited twenty long, lonely years for this day.
Her body was different and her name now Jessie, but he wasn’t fooled for a minute. Her soul was the same. The same sweet soul he had spent nearly fifty glorious years with. After Kate had died, he had suffered a painful emotional death. The only thing that kept him going was knowing that he would somehow find her again. And now he had.
Colten’s heart picked up speed.
“Can I get you anything else?” The waitress set a fresh basket of warm chips on his table. When her light green eyes met his, something akin to recognition flickered within them. But then was gone in an instant.
Colten smiled. “No, thank you.”
Jessie moved away from the table. Colten reached out and touched her arm. “On second thought, I’d like another glass of tea.” Electricity charged the air around them.
Her eyes widened. “Have we met before? You seem so – so familiar.” She twisted a strand of auburn hair.
Colten smiled to himself. There was that nervous habit of hers that he had grown to love. And had missed for so long.
“Perhaps in another lifetime.” He grinned with amusement. “But if you’re free this weekend, I’d like to get to know you better. How about having dinner with me?”
Surprise flashed across her face. “I – I don’t know. I don’t even know you.”
“All the more reason to have dinner with me.” He laughed. Getting to know her again was going to be a delight. Even if he had to take it slow. “I’m thinking Chinese. What do you think?”
“I love Chinese,” Jessie murmured thoughtfully.
I know. “And maybe some strawberry ice cream for dessert?” He arched a brow hopefully.
A mixture of worry, doubt, and temptation passed across her features until she seemed to make up her mind about a nagging doubt. With a laugh that lightened his heart she finally said, “Well, since you just offered my two favorite things in the world, how can I say no? Besides, Friday is my off day.”
“Then it’s settled. I’ll pick you up Friday night at seven.” Colten’s heart skipped a beat. His life with Kate would begin again.
BLIND LOVE
The jaguar jerked at the intensity of the explosions that rumbled through the ravine. Each burst ricocheted through the canyon like detonated ammunition. The cat arched, scented the acrid air while the hair along its back stood on end.
Smoke.
Stiffening, the jaguar crept to the edge of the cliff, dug its claws into the dirt, and looked over the edge. Billows of thick, black fumes wafted up as red-orange flames licked at the foot of the mountain. The feline snarled and flexed its muscles, twitching with fear. Smoke, thick as tar, cloaked the animal. The jaguar sniffed again.
Jet fuel.
Strong pungent vapors burned the cat’s eyes, causing it to blink. Leaping onto a nearby boulder, it watched the flames dance near the base of the mountain still several thousand feet below. As the flames licked higher, the smoke continued to swell. The feline’s heart slammed against its ribcage and adrenaline surged through its veins.
Someone’s in danger.
With speed unknown to any man, the animal raced down the mountain toward the wreckage.
&nbs
p; Dr. Jared Fields squeezed the white cloth over the silver bowl upon the oak nightstand. Cold water dripped between his fingers. The soft splashes echoed in the silent room. He glanced at the woman lying in his bed and gently blotted her perspiring forehead with the edge of the rag.
She stirred and exhaled a soft moan. Her lids fluttered open revealing blank, light-green orbs that seemed to stare right through him. Jared’s pulse quickened.
She’s awake.
Finally.
“Where am I?” Her words came coarse and dry as fear tightened her delicate features. She struggled to sit up.
“It’s all right. You’re safe now.” Jared pushed an ash-blonde tendril from her bruised cheek. The purple-blue mark emphasized her pale features. Angry abrasions covered her arms and forehead. She flinched and fell back against the pillows. “You’re in my home. I’m Dr. Jared Fields. Can you tell me your name?”
She cocked her head toward his voice then waved her hand frantically across her face. “Anna Stodger.” Panic laced her voice, as she fought the empty air in front of her. “I can’t see. Everything is dark. Why can’t I see anything?”
Jared’s stomach clenched. It’s worse than I thought.
He forced his voice to remain calm even though his suspicion that she might be blind seemed to be right on target. She had wavered in and out of consciousness for the past few days never seeming to see him. He had hoped it was due to her semi-comatose state. Now he knew better.
“I’m sure it’s just a temporary condition. The plane crash caused trauma to your head.”
“Plane crash?” He watched as understanding dawned, and Anna paled. “Where’s my father?”
Jared sucked in a deep breath and plunged a hand through his hair. This was the part he’d been dreading. “I’m so sorry. He didn’t make it. Neither did the pilot.”
Her strangled cry slid over him like sandpaper, and his chest tightened. It was never easy to lose someone you loved. And he should know. Ten years ago, Jared had lost everything that had meant anything to him. Now he lived a life of solitude cradled deep within the Smokey Mountains. And he preferred to keep it that way.
“How long have I been here?” Her words came out weary and spirit-broken.
“Four days. The small plane crashed at the foot of the mountain. You were the only survivor. I’m very sorry,” Jared repeated at a loss for anything more comforting to say.
“You rescued me?”
Jared nodded, then realized she couldn’t see him. He cleared his throat and continued, “I heard the crash and made it down the mountain just as the plane burst into flames. I found you a lying a few feet from the wreckage. You’re lucky to be alive.” He didn’t tell her that he had made it down the mountain in record time due to his ability to shape shift.
“Yeah. Lucky…” She turned her head away from his voice.
Dusk had settled over the mountain. He knew she couldn’t see it, but he could. And he knew what that meant.
A small reprieve from the misery he lived each day.
Jared shot a glance at his reflection in the silver bowl. Dark hair and blue eyes stared back at him. Along with his grotesque and contorted face. The distortion resembled one in a carnival mirror. The kind children poke fun at in the House of Mirrors. It would be laughable if it were not his real image. He should be used to the deformity by now.
He wasn’t.
Anger exploded through his veins, burning with such intensity, he nearly ignited. Ten long years he had lived with the disfigurement. Scars as deep as the Great Smokey Mountain canyons and lumps on his right jaw and left cheek as bulky as the natural terrain he now called his home. Remnants of an evil spell cast by a treacherous, love-struck witch — a patient who had turned him into a disfigured beast of a man by day and shape shifter by night. All because he hadn’t returned her sentiment. His only reprieve from the torturous life was the few hours between dusk and dawn when he shifted into another creature. And he forgot who he was if for a little while.
Jared jerked his gaze from the bowl. His reflection always caught him off guard. Several years ago, he had rid his home of all mirrors. However, every so often, he would catch his image in an unsuspecting place. An ugly reminder he would never find true love. No woman could ever love such a monster.
Torn between his urgent need to put some distance between them before Anna discovered his secret and the desire to make sure she was all right, Jared hesitated beside her.
“Is there someone I should call? I’m sure your family is worried about you.”
“There isn’t anyone. My father was all I had.” He heard the raw emotion in her voice. “We were flying to New York. Dad had a job interview. A formality more than anything. He was a shoe-in for the position.” Tears choked her voice. “It was supposed to be a fresh start for both of us. We lost Mom this past summer.” Her shoulders slumped. “I was going to apply for a teaching position as soon as we settled.” Another wave of fear crossed her face. “I-I don’t even have anywhere to go. We sold our house in Georgia.”
Jared shifted uncomfortably beside the bed. “I’m sorry for your loss. I know this is hard for you, but you are welcome to stay here as long as you need.”
A tear escaped the corner of her eye. “Thank you.”
Jared’s heart constricted at her pain. He wanted to comfort her and help her through the tragedy. But what could he do? “I’m sure you’re hungry. Would you like something to eat? A sandwich perhaps?”
Anna shook her head. “No, thank you.”
Jared swallowed hard. “I’ll let you rest then. If you need anything just call me. I’ll be downstairs.”
In two long strides, he crossed the wooden floor and left the room, relieved to put some distance between them. Anna’s presence in his home triggered emotions that he had thought long since buried. And he didn’t like it. Not one bit.
He reached the front door just as darkness swallowed the mountain. Jared jerked open the screen and stepped onto the porch. He sucked in the crisp mountain air, cleansing his lungs. Moonlight pooled into a spotlight of white against the lush mountainside. Somewhere nearby crickets chirped their own serenade. He spread his arms wide and embraced the chilly night.
Sovereignty.
His only reason to live.
Inhaling the precious scent of freedom, he released the binding chains of his curse and allowed his body to morph into the jaguar. For the next few hours he could forget that the man within was cursed to a life of solitude. Only this time he would stay close to the house in case Anna needed him. His gentle nature would give up those few hours of reprieve and morph back into his disfigured body if she needed him. Even for a moment.
Anna drifted in and out of sleep. Images of a burning plane, a jaguar with glittering yellow eyes, and pain-filled shrieks tormented her dreams. She awoke drenched in sweat, shaking.
Reaching out into the darkness, her hands clasped onto nothing. Fear slid along her spine.
Alone.
A high-pitched scream sliced through the air. Anna covered her ears to drown the sound while her heart slammed against her chest. She rocked back and forth on the bed silently begging the horrible noise to cease.
Within seconds, a door burst open.
“Anna! Anna, are you all right?”
Through the screams, she heard the gentle voice, the same masculine voice that had comforted her earlier.
Jared!
She struggled to breathe, but the room seemed to lack oxygen. Her breaths came quick and labored.
“Anna?” Strong arms hauled her toward a warm chest. The sensuous scent of exotic spices and musk filled the air helping to calm her.
“It’s ok. You’re safe now.” Large muscled arms encircled her body. Anna could feel a soft heartbeat against her ear as she laid her head against Jared’s hard chest. For the first time in a long time, she felt safe.
The screams subsided. Only whimpers remained.
“Someone was screaming,” Anna whispered into the sof
t cotton of his freshly laundered shirt. Then with a shudder she added, “It was awful.”
“Shhh.” Jared’s breath lifted a strand of hair near her temple while he rocked her tenderly. “It’s ok. You were the one screaming. You just had a nightmare.”
Anna’s body went limp against him. His arms tightened around her.
“I’m sorry. I-I thought someone was in trouble.”
“No. Everything is fine now.” Jared brushed his lips across her left temple. Her heart skipped a beat at the tenderness in his gesture. Security enveloped her like a warm blanket on a frigid winter night as he whispered, “You’re safe with me.”
The bruising wasn’t as prevalent, Jared noted a week later. Anna remained conscious for longer periods, and she seemed to have accepted the loss of her father, though she occasionally slipped into bouts of depression. He knew she was trying to find a way to put her life back together. He admired her spunk and courage.
Jared checked her vitals. With the stethoscope, he listened to her chest. Everything looked and sounded good.
Everything except her eyes.
She had not regained her sight.
Jared straightened and stepped away.
“So, what’s the verdict, doc?” Anna’s lips turned up at the corners. Her ready smile sent a flutter through his stomach.
Jared winced. He hadn’t considered himself a doctor in years.
Even though the evil witch had stolen his chance for happiness, Jared had naively thought that he could still practice medicine; that it wouldn’t matter if he resembled the Elephant Man, until the day one of his patients shrank away from him in horror when she saw his disfigured face. It was then he realized life, as he knew it, ceased to exist. He hadn’t treated a patient since.
Until now…
The memory of Dalia’s evil spell sucker-punched him in the gut and he tightened his hand around the stethoscope, then forced his concentration back to Anna.
“Everything is fine except your eyes.”
Anna’s shoulders deflated. “I’m never going to regain my sight, am I?”
Nightshifters Page 2