by Eve Langlais
Of course, it seemed the sedative the golden-eyed bastard gave him came in more than one dose. Given the lingering throb in his jaw, he had to wonder how long he’d spent passed out. Hours? Somehow, it felt longer than that. Several days? Days of other people in charge of his woman!
The thought didn’t sit well with Joel, or his wolf. He sprang to his feet, ready to fight, his furry side wide awake and pacing. Tension oozed from every inch of him. If they’ve harmed her, greater numbers or not, I will tear them apart. Feast on their marrow. Kill—
“At ease, pup. The female is safe.” Joel swung his head around to see an odd sight. He shook his head, certain he saw wrong, but no, the old fellow dressed in cutoff jeans, a feathered headdress, sporting an iPod on a leather thong strung with claws and bones, face painted in patterned swirls, still sat smoking a pipe in front of him. No rabbit. No caterpillar. Joel had not turned into some freakn’ Alice – Cooper, of course – in a messed up version of Wonderland.
Damn, they must have hit me hard. He shook his head and let his gaze rove the rest of the hut – bare but for some wooden stools, an ash-filled fire pit, and some mats. He returned his attention to the old man, puffing away serenely on his pipe.
“Where is Ruth? I want to see her.”
“She is still sleeping off the effects of the slumbering dust. Rest assured she is fine. Her sister wouldn’t let anything happen to her. She’s feisty, that one. She’ll give the tribe strong sons.”
Pinching the bridge of his nose, Joel counted to ten, a technique he learned a long time ago when dealing with his father in his less than rational moments – a.k.a. drunker than a skunk on fermented berries they’d forgotten in the woods when he and Kendrick went through their wine making stage. At only fifteen, Joel didn’t escape the wrath of Kendrick’s mother. She’d not skimped on her informally adopted son. Sigh. He did love that woman. Calmer for the memory, he said, “So let me get this straight. Ruth is safe along with her sister. And the other girls, I assume, as well?”
“Yes. It seems my son and his friends felt the mating call while out hunting and took action. I’ll admit it was unusual for so many fated brides to appear at once, and when the spirits told me that the sister needed to journey here too—”
“Wait a second. You sent Ruth the note to come in the jungle with that map.”
“Of course. The spirits told me—”
“Your spirits are on crack. You should have never involved Ruth. You could have just sent us the map.”
“I did, via the woman. Whom you’ve delivered. Thank you.”
“Thank you?” Forget counting to ten. “You used us! This was never a rescue operation.”
The old guy shrugged as he took a long draw from his pipe. He blew out a perfect ring. “Even I cannot fight the will of the gods. Fate chose those women as brides. Unfortunately, it drew too much attention. Rest assured, you didn’t come for nothing. All the brides will be sending messages to their families and friends, enough to placate their sensibilities and human authorities.”
“You are going to use us as messengers?” Joel didn’t bother to curb his disgust. “You do realize we won’t be able to just take your word the women are happy.”
“I never expected you to. As you slept, your friend spoke with each of the women, enough to reassure him that they are not prisoners and can leave at any time. Given their new status in the tribe, though, they’ve just elected to stay here as they learn more about the life they’ve chosen.”
“I can’t believe those women all just agreed to get mated as you claimed.”
“Yes, it is unusual to see so many arrive at once, but a great blessing. In a large bridal raid like that there is always the slim chance one of the girls will reject the mating claim. Rare, but it happens.”
“What happens then?” Joel asked, curious despite himself.
“In such a case, we would have returned her.”
“Returned her? Dude, you shouldn’t be taking women in the first place.”
“Tell that to our gods.”
Someone save him from religious whack jobs. He counted to three and gave up. “You know how nuts that sounds, right?”
“No crazier than men who can turn into jaguars or wolves. Who are you to say the gods don’t exist? Perhaps it is simply you who is not listening or looking in the right places.”
What the hell was in buddy’s freakn’ pipe? “I am not discussing theology with a pot head.”
“Ah, cannabis. Such a mellow-flavored pleasure, but so tame. I have better stuff for later if you prefer.”
“No thanks. Back to Ruth, if you please. Where is she? And where’s the rest of my group?”
“Three of your companions are still at the ruins, guests of the warriors left behind. As for your friend, he is preparing himself as we speak for the upcoming battle.”
“What battle?” Joel would dearly love to know what the hell went on. He’d also like to know what the somber drumming meant. In the movies, when the jungle beat began, it meant bad shit was going down.
“Did you not claim the human as yours?”
“Yes. We just haven’t marked her yet.”
“And you won’t until you prove your worthiness.”
“Prove my what? We have to fight to get her back?”
“Battle for the honor of becoming her mate. Lucky you, the scent of your wolf is heavy upon her, yours and the other one. But still, there are those challenging your place as suitor for the female.”
“She’s mine.” The claim emerged in a low, possessive growl.
“Then prove it. Fight. If the gods deem you worthy, you and your friend shall win. If not …”
“So if we win, we get Ruth back?”
“Yes. The question is, do you wish to claim her as a human, or take a chance with fate and make her into something more?” The old man’s eyes narrowed as he pulled on his pipe then blew the smoke out his nose, the lazy patterns swirling in the air.
Joel resisted an urge to fan himself to avoid the fumes. What was the old dude implying? “What do you mean more?”
The old guy smiled, a secretive smile Joel didn’t trust at all. He spread his gnarled fingers. “Have you ever heard the true story of our tribe?”
“Of course. All shifters know of you.”
“Yes, I heard the version your friend told. Not entirely accurate, and given the lateness of the day, I can’t regale you with the entire legend. But suffice it to say, a long time ago, one of the clan did a very bad thing. Two men, lusting after a human girl, caused her death. Beloved of the gods, they cursed us and declared that henceforth, we would no longer birth females to continue our line. Oh no, we would have to pay for them. We would have to work hard to earn riches and show our appreciation for the female. But that wasn’t all. Because it was jealousy that killed in the first place, so would all matings be done in pairs, forcing us to share. However, human females are fragile things; many were scared by our savageness. Others were unable to handle the sexual hunger of one, let alone two males in their prime. And there were too few females who called to us. So it was decided only the most worthy could mate. If fate agreed and they were blessed by the gods, they prevailed in a fight for the right to claim a mate. But before they laid their final mark, unto the lucky bride was the gift of the animal bestowed.”
Head muddled because of his injuries, or the cloud of smoke, Joel couldn’t figure out what buddy intended with his tall tale. “Is this story going somewhere? Because if I’m going to fight, I’d like to get a drink and some food in me first.” Not that he felt weak. Odd. Perhaps the smoke chugging from the pipe was better than weed.
“I am almost done, pup. Listen, because here is the part I think you’ll find most intriguing. The part you didn’t grasp. Unto the lucky bride, via means of a potion blessed by the gods and a pair of bites by true mates, the chosen female can undergo a transformation. She can become.”
“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
“Huma
n to jaguar, in our case. Human to wolf, I would assume, in yours.”
“Impossible.” But tempting. Oh so freakn’ tempting. What if Ruth could become a wolf? Then she too would feel the mating urge. She could truly mark him and love him and never let him go.
“Not impossible when you follow the way of the gods and our ancestors. All of our mates undergo the ritual and become.”
“You mean Ruth could end up like me, a wolf?” The old man nodded. “Sounds too good to be true.” And an answer to his dilemma. No longer human, she would, once claimed, belong to him forever. His own thoughts froze him. Do I have the right to take her humanity from her in order to give her my trust? He could rationalize changing her would make her better. Better for him. The thought bothered him. Surely his reason for doing it wasn’t just about making sure she didn’t abandon him. As a shifter, she’d enjoy better health, and healing. And lead a life of secrets and more violence than she was probably used to. He needed to find out more. Why did it sound too easy? There had to be a catch, else why had he never heard of it? “So what’s the gimmick? Does it hurt?”
“Very much for the several days it takes to adapt the body for the change.”
He didn’t like that. He frowned. “And then?”
“If she survives, she changes.”
“What do you mean if she survives?”
The old guy shrugged. “The gods do not think everyone is worthy just because some warriors choose a girl.”
“How many die?”
The old guy puffed his pipe instead of answering.
“So I’m just supposed to take a chance with her life?” Could he dare take the chance he’d poison her because of his insecurities? Some things weren’t worth the price. “No thank you.”
“Excuse me?”
“No. I don’t want you to do it. Not if there’s a possibility she could die.”
“Fascinating.” The old guy leaned back in his seat and puffed.
“What’s so interesting about the fact I care enough about her to love her as she is, human and all?”
“Because your friend said the same thing.”
“He did?” For some reason, the knowledge warmed Joel. No matter what happened with Ruth, he wouldn’t be alone.
“He did, and while I’d love to discuss this more, we’ve spoken too long. You need to get ready. You slept much longer than your friend.”
“I always knew he had a thicker skull.”
“If you’ll follow Chaob, he’ll take you to your friend and explain the rules of the fight. It’s been most interesting speaking with you.”
“You too, gramps.” Joel realized he did enjoy the conversation. Odd, at times cryptic, and yet enlightening in the extreme. Not the information about the jaguars, but his own revelation. I love Ruth. And because I do, I’m going to have to believe in that, and once I get her to admit she loves me back, trust that things will work out. I’ll be a good husband, lover, friend, whatever she needs me to be. He would trust in himself to keep her happy and in his life, not some strange, mystical force.
The golden-eyed warrior arrived from behind a tapestry that hid the way out. “So, dog, are you ready to fight?”
“Anytime, kitty cat. Anytime.”
The tanned fellow laughed. “I am Chaob, and it is not me that is challenging you for the female.”
“Pity.”
“Yes, because my cousin is much bigger. Not quite as big as Acat, but close.”
“And Acat is?”
“Carlie’s other mate.”
“Other, as in two?”
“Did you not listen to our elder?”
“Yeah, but it still takes some getting used to.”
“And yet you are destined to share your female with another.”
Did everyone have to keep pointing that out? “Yeah. What of it?”
“If you win, then once you claim the female, we shall be related by marriage.”
“You’re the other fellow Carlie is mated to.”
A nod answered him.
“Let me ask you something. The whole changed by a god thing. Did you do that to Carlie? Is Ruth’s sister one of you now?”
“Oh, she is most definitely jaguar, and strong.”
“Weren’t you scared she’d die?”
“Warriors fear nothing.”
Joel snorted.
His guide grinned. “Okay, yes, we did worry a little, but she has such a strong spirit we couldn’t see her not pleasing the gods.”
“I gotta ask, how does a guy, who is obviously well educated, believe in this shit about gods and stuff?”
“Why not? Science cannot explain how we carry the spirit of an animal within us. Doctors cannot tell us why some females can tap into the creature and others can’t. And no one can fight the magic or fate that draws certain people together in a bond so close that nothing can sunder it.”
“If it can’t be sundered, then why do I have to fight for her?”
The white smile grew wider. “Sometimes the jealous need convincing, and because it’s fun.”
“Fun, he says. Killing other—”
“Not killing, fighting to submission. We’re not completely stuck in the Stone Age, you know.”
“Says the guy who kidnapped a girl instead of using online dating.”
Again, the tanned fellow grinned. “When they come up with a way for us to sniff the prospective ladies, then perhaps we’ll change our ways. Until then, why mess with tradition? We’re here, by the way,” Chaob announced as they arrived at a hut guarded by two warriors. “I wish you luck, wolf. I think I would enjoy having you as a brother.”
“You don’t seem too bad for a cat,” Joel replied, returning the clap to the shoulder. He ducked into the hut and found Kendrick pacing.
“About time you got here.”
“Well, hello to you too.”
“Did they tell you what we have to do?”
“I can’t believe we have to fight to keep our woman. We should have marked her when we had the chance.” Joel regretted that lapse. Spotting a jug, he sniffed the fresh, clean scent of water; a small sip and he felt fairly confident it was untainted.
“Yeah, well, you know what they say about hindsight.”
“Actually, I don’t give a crap, but I can tell you this—as soon as I chase the challenging kitties up a freakn’ tree, I am not waiting. I’m grabbing our woman and getting out of here, whether her sister wants to come or not. Right after I put my mark on Ruth. Steal my woman indeed.” Joel flexed his fingers and rolled his shoulders.
“Now you sound just like my mother.” Kendrick grinned.
“Way to pump me up, man, compare me to a girl.”
“Toughest girl I know.”
“True. What do you think she’d do if she was here?”
“Bake them all a pie.”
“Seriously?”
“Laced with a laxative and while they’re all moaning on the floor, lecture them on how it’s wrong to steal women.”
Joel laughed. “Oh my God. I could so see your mom doing that while Naomi kicks them in the balls and yells something about women’s lib.”
“Damn. We should have brought them with us.”
“These cats would have never stood a chance against the women in your family.”
“We’ll just have to fight as tough and dirty.”
“Dirtier. We need to win her back, Kendrick.”
“I know. We will, because losing is not an option.”
Truer words were never spoken.
And a more serious battle never fought.
Chapter 14
Lashes fluttering, Ruth tried to make sense of the ceiling above her. She didn’t recall ever seeing it before, and given its distinctive appearance, thatched with live branches crisscrossing it, she wondered where she found herself. What was the last thing she remembered?
Hot sex with two guys at once. Oh dear God, how she’d prefer to dwell on that flashback rather than the one that saw her blithely walk
away with strangers and end up drugged. I am that too-stupid-to-live girl in the movies. Maybe she’d blame her actions on the water. Or her bloody sister and her cryptic conversation. Speaking of whom, where was Carlie?
Ruth screamed as the object of her thoughts silently leaned over her, blocking her line of sight. “I see you’re awake finally.”
“Uh, yeah. Although, I think I’m having a heart attack.”
A playful slap on the arm went well with Carlie’s, “Wussy. I woke up to a face full of teeth and didn’t even squeak.”
“Seriously?”
“Yup.” Her sister grinned in the shadowy room. “Of course, I can’t vouch for the dryness of my panties.”
Ruth couldn’t help laughing as she shook her head. “Only you would joke at a time like this. Speaking of which, where are we?”
“The bridal hut.”
“The what?”
“It’s where they take the unmarried women while the men fight to win her hand in marriage.”
“How do you know this?”
Carlie rolled her eyes. “Duh. Because this is where I stayed for a few days while Acat and Chaob proved their worthiness.” She said it wagging her finger in air quotes.
“Do I even want to know what that means?”
“Probably not. Suffice it to say, you’re here because you’re a single woman who has stumbled upon a tribe of horny men who believe in love at first sight. You’ll stay here as they battle it out to see who is worthy to win you as a bride.”
“Great. Guess I’ll be here a long time then,” Ruth grumbled, sitting up.
Carlie tossed her an odd look. “Why would you say that?”
“Um, hello, who is going to fight to win a chubby, Amazon-sized nerd like me?”
“Six challengers, but it would have been a lot more if you hadn’t just had sex with those two men you traveled with.”
The pounding on her back didn’t stop the choking. “Who told you that?” Ruth sputtered.