by C. D. Gorri
“And if I don’t?”
“You will.” She refused to entertain any other outcome.
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “You said yourself Nylah is still alive, so this wolf in me must have been awakened by the Thropynite. Wherever my sister is, she has the stone.”
“So? Once we find her, she’ll still have the stone. You’ll still have your wolf.”
“What if this isn’t my wolf? What if the Thropynite didn’t awaken the one inside me? What if its magic fabricated one?”
“That’s not…” She grabbed her beer from the table and took a drink. “I don’t think…”
“But you don’t know, and neither do I.”
She tipped back her bottle, draining the contents before returning it to the table. “So where does that leave us? Are you saying you don’t want to be with me?”
“No, Amber.” He took her hand in both of his. “I’m not saying that at all. I’m saying you shouldn’t want to be with me.”
Not this again. “You don’t get to decide what I want.”
“Then tell me. Knowing what you know about this wolf and what it’s done to you…what do you want?”
“I want you.” She laughed as pressure built in the back of her eyes, and she blinked, trying to hold back the tears. “I…” She clamped her mouth shut.
You know what? Screw it. She was too old to play games. If he couldn’t handle a woman crying over him, it was best she found out now. A tear slid down her cheek. “I have six months to find a mate, or I’ll risk bringing shame to my family name. My father could lose his seat on the congress, and Luke… My actions could jeopardize the pack, and I won’t allow that to happen. I will take a mate by my thirtieth birthday.”
“See? I knew you cared about the alpha line.”
“I do, and I don’t think you’ll taint it. You are the only person I can imagine spending the rest of my life with. I think about you constantly when we’re apart. When we’re together, my blood hums, and I feel like I can’t get close enough to you.” Another tear slid down her cheek.
“I want to be with you,” she continued, “but if you don’t feel the same about me, say so. I’m not going to chase you. If you don’t want to be with me, I’ll move on and look for someone else.”
He sat silently, gazing into her eyes, his mouth screwing over to one side as if he didn’t know how to break the news. Had she misread the signs? Noah didn’t have the best reputation when it came to women. She couldn’t recall him having a relationship that lasted longer than a month. Was the passion she felt from him when they kissed merely fabricated? Was it nothing more than the sexual urge of a man for a woman?
He lowered his gaze to their entwined hands, took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. Raising his eyes to meet hers once more, he furrowed his brow. “All I want is to make you happy. I do feel the same, and I do want to be with you.”
Her throat thickened, and another tear slid down her cheek. Cupping her face in his hand, he wiped it away with his thumb before leaning in and kissing her. Cool relief flooded her body, but as she tried to move closer to him, he pulled away.
“There’s still the issue with this wolf. What are we going to do if he doesn’t claim you?”
Her heart ached at the thought. Maybe she should take Odette up on her offer of praying to the Voodoo loa of love. Perhaps there was some sort of spell that would convince the wolf she belonged with him.
Who was she kidding? Magic couldn’t force a fate-bound bond. The future of her relationship was up to fate itself. “How about we take it one day at a time? I don’t see any reason why we can’t enjoy each other’s company while you’re getting your wolf under control.” She slid her hand up his thigh.
“If I get him under control, and he still doesn’t claim you?” He placed his hand on top of hers.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.”
He folded his arms over his chest. “You mean you’ll leave me.”
She sighed. “I refuse to be the reason you live your life without a fate-bound. If your wolf doesn’t claim me, we can’t be together, but I don’t want to focus on that right now.”
“Neither do I, but…” He froze and clutched his stomach. “Oh, shit.”
“What’s wrong?”
The tendons in his neck protruded like he was straining, and a sinking sensation formed in Amber’s core. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he ground his teeth.
“Is it?” She gripped the arm of the sofa.
He nodded. “Run.”
She shot to her feet and darted around to the back of the couch.
“I can’t stop it,” he mumbled a moment before he transformed into a wolf.
The beast locked his gaze on Amber, and her blood fell from her head to her feet. “Not again.” She shuffled backward, trying her damnedest not to make any sudden movements. Noah was in there somewhere. He wouldn’t try to attack her again.
The wolf growled, baring his massive teeth, and Amber’s back met the wall behind her. “Hey, buddy. I’m supposed to be your fate-bound. Don’t you recognize me?” She inched toward the bedroom door, her heart frantically pounding against her ribs. “Tell him, Noah.”
Narrowing his eyes, the wolf snarled.
“Or not.”
The wolf climbed onto the couch, his enormous paws resting on the back pillows as he glared at her. This felt like the exact opposite of being claimed as a mate. He rocked back onto his haunches, and she darted into the bedroom before he could spring, slamming the door so hard, it bounced back open without latching.
If she’d have thought this through, she’d have headed out the front door rather than trapping herself in a room with no exit, but here she was, backed into a corner. A thud sounded from the living room as the wolf’s paws hit wood, and her heart lodged in her throat.
He lurked in the doorway, and a low growl reverberated through the room. He prowled toward her, moving slowly. All he’d have to do was lunge and she’d be dead, if not from his teeth, then from the heart attack that was about to take her under.
Her gaze never straying from the wolf, she fumbled with her nightstand, gripping a lamp to defend herself. He growled, crouching low and inching toward her. She tossed the lamp aside, drawing his attention toward the window, and scrambled over the bed, racing out of the room and pulling the door shut behind her.
Now he finally lunged. He hit the door with a bang and howled, scratching at the wood when he couldn’t bust it open. Amber gripped the knob, pulling with all her weight to keep it closed as she fished her phone from her pocket and dialed her brother. Luke answered on the third ring.
“It happened again,” she said through clenched teeth. “Noah shifted. He’s locked in my bedroom.”
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, he didn’t attack, but he is not a happy wolf.”
“I’m on my way.”
*.*.*.*
This was insane. One minute, Noah was talking to Amber about the possibility of building a future together, and the next, this goddamn beast had taken over, scaring the shit out of her again.
The wolf snarled, slamming his shoulder into the door to get to her. The beast wasn’t connected to him on a soul level, so Noah couldn’t decipher exactly what he was feeling. Based on the howls and growls, his guess was rage.
“Noah, I know you’re in there,” Amber’s voice drifted through the wood. “You need to take back control. You’ve done it before, so I know you can do it again.”
God, how he wanted to. If he could get this fucking wolf under control, he could spend his time convincing Amber she didn’t need to be his fate-bound. The man loved her enough to be happy. If only she could be happy with him.
“It’s open,” she called, and heavy footsteps sounded on the hardwood floor.
The wolf let out a low growl, his ears flattening against his head as he sensed the alpha’s presence. Luke pounded on the door. “Noah, get your wolf under control and shift. That’
s an order.”
He fought to gain dominance, but the wolf refused to let go. It tossed its head back, issuing a long, pained howl.
“Right now, Noah,” Luke commanded. “If he can’t shift, I’ll have to go in and subdue him,” he said to Amber.
“Noah, please,” she pleaded. “You can do this. I know you can.”
Her voice seemed to soothe the beast. Maybe it just soothed the man, but either way, the wolf relinquished control, and he shifted to his human form. He raked his hands through his hair, fisting them and pulling at the roots.
The growl this time came from his own throat, and as the door opened, he whirled around, making Amber flinch. “Goddammit! I’m sorry, Amber. I don’t know why this keeps happening.”
“I guess it’s safe to say your wolf won’t be claiming me anytime soon.” Her lips curved into a sad smile and flattened again as she lowered her gaze.
Luke stood behind her with his arms crossed. “Until it does, you two are not to be alone together.”
Amber spun around to face him. “I’ll be alone with him if I want to be alone with him. Big Brother doesn’t get to run my life.”
“But your alpha makes the rules when it comes to the wolves.” He softened his gaze. “I’m only thinking about your safety.”
“Thanks, but I can take care of myself.”
He blew out a frustrated breath. “Okay, then imagine how Noah would feel if his wolf harmed you. Do you want to put that on him?”
“I…” She looked at Noah, and sadness filled her eyes. “No, I don’t.”
“I’m going to make a phone call. You two wait here.” Luke turned on his heel and strode out of the bedroom.
“I’m so sorry.” Noah moved toward Amber but hesitated. His wolf must’ve scared the daylights out of her, so he doubted she’d want to be anywhere near him.
“It’s not your fault.” She stepped into his embrace, wrapping her arms around his waist and holding him tight. “We’re going to figure this out.”
Noah closed his eyes, memorizing the way she felt pressed against him. He’d hugged her hundreds of times since they were kids, but now, knowing she cared for him the way he cared for her, holding her made an ache spread through his body that felt so good, it was almost painful…nearly unbearable.
He nuzzled against the side of her head, breathing in her sweet floral scent. “What if it is my fault?”
“What do you mean?”
“If Nylah is alive, the only way I’d gain the ability to shift would be from the Thropynite, and I knew she was trying to find it. I could have done something to stop her from bringing it here.”
“No. Shh…” She leaned back, holding his face in her hands. “It is not your fault. If I were in your place, if I were Luke’s twin and couldn’t shift, I’d do anything it takes to make it right. Fate dealt you a bad hand. You and Nylah did what you had to do to fix it.”
“Amber…”
She brushed her lips to his. Her soft, gentle kiss warmed him to his core, and while he had no idea what his wolf felt at the moment, the man felt an overwhelming urge to protect her. Luke was right; they couldn’t be together unchaperoned. It wasn’t worth the risk.
“Ahem.” Luke stood in the doorway, sympathy pinching his brow as he looked at them.
Amber turned to face her brother, keeping one arm wrapped around Noah’s waist. As Luke’s gaze flicked between them, she rested her hand on Noah’s chest, answering the unspoken question hanging in the air.
Noah made eye contact with Luke, his own silent question causing nausea to churn in his gut. With Amber’s position in the pack, their feelings for each other wouldn’t matter if the alpha didn’t approve.
Luke held his gaze for what felt like an eternity before looking at Amber. Her grip tightened around Noah’s waist, and Luke returned his gaze to Noah. The alpha inhaled deeply, and Noah held his breath. As he exhaled, Luke nodded once, and cool relief unfurled on Noah’s core. One hurdle had been crossed. Now, he just had to convince his unruly wolf to claim her.
“I’m sending you to the congress for an examination,” Luke said.
Noah swallowed hard. He was one step closer to his secret being spilled, and who knew what kind of punishment the congress would deal? “They believe Nylah is dead?”
“They do.”
Amber sensed his unease and patted his chest. “When do we leave?”
“You’re not going,” Luke said.
“The hell I’m not.” She released her hold on Noah and moved toward her brother. “I’m not leaving his side. Besides, I can make myself useful. I’ll scour the archives for information about the Grunch and the stone. They may believe Nylah is dead, but Noah and I know she’s not. We’re going to find her.”
“I don’t want you near him without an alpha present.”
“Then come with us.”
“I won’t leave the pack while a murderer is on the loose. Whether it’s a Grunch or not, it’s obviously supernatural. Dad’s driving out tomorrow to pick him up.”
Amber sighed, irritated. “Dad is an alpha. Every member of the congress is a retired alpha. You’ll have to come up with a better argument than that to keep me here.”
Luke’s jaw tightened. “All right, but you’re both staying at Mom and Dad’s.”
She placed a hand on Luke’s shoulder and kissed his cheek. “I’ll start packing.”
Noah fought his smile. Amber’s strength and determination were two of the things he loved about her.
“Say your goodbyes. I’m going home, and so is Noah.” Luke returned to the living room.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” Amber hugged him and gave him a quick kiss on the lips.
He was tempted to lean in for more. Now that he had her, he couldn’t get enough of her, but it was best not to keep the alpha waiting. Luke had approved both their relationship and their going to the congress together. He didn’t need to press his luck.
“Until then.” He tucked her hair behind her ear, pressing his lips to her forehead before heading out the door.
Cicadas chirped in the trees above, their shrill song greeting him as he stepped into the warm night air. A couple lounged on the porch of the neighboring house, and a dog barked from across the street.
Pausing in the driveway, Noah turned to Luke. “Can I ask you a personal question?”
He arched a brow. “You can ask. I might not answer.”
“Fair enough.” He glanced toward the house where Amber waved from the window. He returned the wave, and she disappeared behind the curtain. “What does it feel like when you find your fate-bound? How do you know?”
Luke pressed his lips into a hard line and glanced at the house. “If she was yours, you wouldn’t have to ask.”
Chapter Fifteen
“Come in, come in. It’s so good to see you.” Amber’s mom passed her up, pulling Noah into a tight hug instead. “I’m so sorry about Nylah.” She wrapped her arm around his shoulders, guiding him into the living room.
“It’s good to see you too, Mom,” Amber said under her breath, and she turned to her father. She’d held her tongue on the drive over, not wanting to bring up her failed “dates” in front of Noah. Now, she had to put her foot down. Otherwise, her parents would probably send fertility spells disguised as sweet tea as soon as she mated. “I don’t appreciate you meddling in my affairs. Sending those men to meet me was out of line.”
He shook his head and patted her back as if she were a little girl. “It’s the security of the pack I was concerned about, sweetheart.”
“Of course,” she muttered. “My happiness doesn’t matter as long as I continue the alpha line.” Amber moved toward the living room, while her dad disappeared into his study. She took a deep breath, bracing herself for her mother’s form of meddling—which didn’t seem so bad compared to her dad’s—and strode toward an accent chair.
Her mom caught her hand, and, making a tsk sound, she ushered her toward the couch next to Noah.
I�
��m going to strangle you for this, Luke. Her brother was such a tattletale.
“How are you two holding up?” Debbie asked. “How are your parents, Noah?”
He glanced at Amber. “They’re holding onto hope.”
“Nylah isn’t dead, Mom.”
“How do you know? Your father said—”
“I just do. Trust me on this. I can feel it, okay?” She gave her mom a pointed look.
“Oh, that’s good news, isn’t it?” She looked toward the study, but Amber’s dad had closed the door. “You’ll share details when you can?”
Amber nodded, thankful her mom so easily dropped the subject, while simultaneously bracing herself for the next inevitable line of questioning.
“So, then, tell me what’s new with you, Noah.” Debbie leaned forward in her seat and patted him on the knee.
Noah chuckled. “You mean besides suddenly inheriting the ability to shift?”
“Yes, besides that.” Her mom waved off his comment, grinning from ear to ear and cutting her gaze between them. “Oh, I can’t stand it. I wanted you to say it first, but…congratulations, you two. Luke told me.”
Noah’s eyes widened, and his hands curled into fists in his lap.
Amber closed her eyes for a long blink, letting out a slow exhale. “What exactly did he tell you?”
“Well, that you’re together. I can’t wait to start planning the wedding.”
“We, umm…” Noah gave Amber a desperate look. Poor guy. Way to scare him off, Mom.
Her mother’s smile faded. “Did he…? Is it not true?”
“We’re dating.” Amber placed her hand on top of Noah’s fist, and he relaxed with her touch. “That’s all for now, Mom.” She flashed another pointed look at her, hoping she’d take the hint.
In typical Debbie style, she did not. “Nonsense. You’ve been best friends since you were knee high to a cicada. If romance is sparking after all this time, you’ll be mates before you know it.”
Amber’s dad strode into the room and cleared his throat. “The congress is ready for you, Noah. Amber, would you like to tag along?”