Black

by Tessa Anders

  The child called Alex mommy, and knowing that she had birthed someone else’s child set my blood on fire. I fought the urge to hunt him down and end his life for touching what was mine.

  I settled for the next best thing.

  Cutting the flow of emotions through the bond to keep my anger from bleeding into Alex, I headed for the front door and let myself out. Dragon shifters were born with a small amount of magic, so after closing the door, I mentally locked the bolt. I would not leave Alex unprotected.

  Detecting the faint body odor of the human male, I followed the scent to a door on the 1st floor, apartment 115. No sounds could be heard so I focused my magic and unlocked the bolt.

  Everything was dark and silent as I stepped inside. It looked to be vacant, but I smelled the tang of Ricky’s blood before finding the male lying unconscious on the bathroom floor. “Weak,” I spit, knowing he could not handle a little pain.

  After watching this male attack Alex, I lost all respect for their males. Yes, terrible things happened in the Shifter realm, but they were reported and dealt with swiftly. Unlike this male who was free to terrorize females.

  Grabbing Ricky by the scruff of the neck, I lifted him into the air. He stirred, barely. Disgusted by the smell, I wanted to rake my claws through his chest, watch his blood drip from his wounds.

  But not here.

  Carrying him outside, I shifted, then grabbed his limp body with my claw, careful not to kill him.

  Not yet.

  I launched into the air with Ricky in tow, heading back to the consideration building. I dropped him about two feet onto the pavement, and then landed next to him.

  Arkin stepped outside, eyeing us both.

  I shifted, then stalked over and gripped Ricky, shaking him violently.

  “Who is this?” Arkin asked, stepping forward.

  “He tried to sexually assault Alex.”

  “And he still lives?”

  My eyes shifted briefly to Arkin. “Not for long.”

  I wanted Ricky to see my face, know who was ending his life. But I didn’t have the patience to wait. My hand shifted in large talons.

  “Not here,” Arkin said.

  Looking around, I knew he was right. I gripped the male around the waist, carried him around back where the trees hid everything from prying eyes.

  After ending his life with my talon, I stared down with satisfaction. The human male could not hurt anyone else. “Get one of the guards to dispose of the body.”

  Arkin called someone, probably Kayle to dispose of my mess, but I paid no attention as I headed further into the woods. The smells were foreign, yet I felt more at home here than I did inside the apartment. Earthy floral scents mingled with the decaying foliage. But my mind was on Alex.

  How could she keep something so important hidden from me? She had a child. Clinching my jaw in anger, I walked aimlessly into the darkness and ignored the sound of small animals scurrying away. No doubt, they could sense the predator inside me.

  The child complicated the situation. I never wanted a bondmate, and I especially did not want a child. For one, I didn’t know anything about them. Secondly, children were a huge responsibility and I swore I would never put myself in that kind of situation again.

  Anger at Alex—a fate—poured off me in waves as I balled my fists. I wanted to go home to my realm, so I headed back for a shower.

  Showered and dressed, I searched for Arkin and informed him that about Alex’s child and that I would be heading back to the shifter realm. I could see the disapproval in his eyes, but I ignored it.

  Arkin cupped my shoulder. “I will watch over them while you are away.” I only nodded.

  Heading down four flights of stairs, I nodded at the guards before gazing at the portal. A rectangular door shaped portal that hummed with a white glow. The pulsing hum gave you the feeling that the portal was breathing. Pride swelled inside me. This was my project. Mine and Tryan’s and I knew it would change everything. It already had.

  Stepping through the large rectangular portal, the feeling of home washed over me. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, smelling the mild cleaning supplies. It was nothing like the chemicals in the consideration building.

  There were three people in the portal lab, two guards and Swithe, the control monitor. The room itself was large with four other work stations that were currently empty.

  “Welcome back U’tuk.”

  I turned toward Swithe, who was sitting at his station. “It is good to be home.”

  “Is the Human realm treating you well?” As a longtime trusted colleague, mirth danced in his eyes.

  “It is certainly,” I paused while considering the situation, “an adjustment.”

  “Perhaps one day I will get to travel though and see for myself.”

  “Indeed. I hope that one day the portal can be used as any other mode of transportation.” An idea bloomed and I knew that once the newness wore off, the portal could be used to travel back and forth by any realm, for a fee of course.

  “That would be…simply amazing.”

  “Yes, it would.” Without another word, I headed out. I needed to talk to the one female who would always keep me straight.

  But first, I headed to my office for no other reason than I missed it. I lived for my work and this was my domain.

  A hand gripped my wrist. Looking back over my shoulder, Cate was dressed in a low-cut sexy green dress that showed an ample amount of cleavage. And yet somehow, she looked to skinny. “Blaktu’n, you are back!” Cate saddled up next to me, letting her fingers trail down my chest.

  I gripped her hand and removed it from my body. “Do not touch me.”

  “Why?” she pouted.

  Why indeed? Because the feel of another female’s hand repulsed me. Physically and mentally. I raked a frustrated hand through my hair. So much for keeping Alex an arm’s length away.

  I shook Cate off and headed into my office. Sitting down in my chair, I slid my hands across the blue stone desk, savoring the feel of being home.

  I had three days before the gathering.

  Picking up the receiver, I tapped the button and waited for the call to connect. Mother answered on the second ring.

  “Blaktu’n, I did not know that you were back!”

  “Yes, mother. But not for long.”

  There was a long pause before she asked, “Why are calling me Blaktu’n, what is wrong?” I knew she could hear my anger bleeding into my tone even though I tried to hide it.

  My mother, Sariah Dayan, was a preceptive woman. She always knew when one of us needed her.

  “I need to speak with you. In private.”

  Mother lived in the building so I knew it would not be long. “Give me a couple of minutes and I will be right there.”

  “Thank you, mother.”

  Standing at the window, I looked over the city down below, wondering what Alex would think of my realm. The buildings were made of earthy rocks, formed and shaped to give each building a unique look. My building, Drata Inc., was made from special glass mixed with stone, giving it a crystal shine. Everything built inside the Crystal City could withstand the heat of my flame.

  Most everything else here was similar or close enough to the Human Realm. Our transportation vehicles were voice activated, and not manually driven. Our clothes were practical, yet stylish. Nothing like the constricting formal attire Arkin insisted that I wear in the Human realm.

  Staring down at the street, shifters could freely move about in either form, so it was nothing to see a pack of wolves moving in sync.

  The amount of aggressiveness that some shifters emitted could be a cause of worry, but I would protect Alex.

  The secretary buzzed. “Mr. Dayan, your mother is requesting to see you.”

  Turning, I clicked the intercom. “Send her in.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  That small act of conversing with the secretary filled me with comfort, with familiarity.

  Mother entered with an
air of elegance and grace, wearing a white silky shirt with a sweetheart neckline, a pair of fitted silky black pants that flared at the bottom. Black sandals and a million-dollar smile on her soft facial features. Her cunning eyes were always perceptive. Shoulders held back, arms outstretched, she headed over for a hug.

  “Blaktu’n, it is good to see you.”

  Hugging her back, I said, “Hello mother. Thank you for coming.” Stepping back, I headed around the desk and dropped down into the chair.

  She cocked her head, studying me. “Blaktu’n, what has happened? I have never seen you this flustered.”

  I guess that is one word to describe my emotions. It has always been hard for me to open up, even to my mother. I have always been the confident leader who shows no fear. So, for me to ask for advice has my mother looking at me with worry.

  “Have a seat mother.”

  “Has something happened to Arkin?”

  “No, he is well.” Raking an irritated hand through my hair, I started from the beginning. “I met my mate.” Mother didn’t congratulate me. She knew how I felt about being tied down and answering to a female. “I never wanted to find my bondmate, and then she fell into my lap.” I scoffed, thinking of the irony. “She didn’t want one either, and yet, we were helpless to keep our distance.”

  “Go on,” she encouraged.

  “Alex is different than any female I know. She is poor and yet doesn’t want for anything.”

  “But she obviously went looking for someone if she showed up at the—what did you call it?”

  “The Consideration building.”

  “Yes, that’s it. She must have had a secret desire for a mate.”

  “No. She reluctantly went to support her friend. I had to track her down. Even then, she tried to get away from me.”

  “What is your dilemma Blaktu’n. It can’t be how to please a female. From the rumors I’ve heard of your prowess with the females, you are an expert in that department.”

  I chuckled. My mother never glossed over anything. That’s why I sought her advice. “She has a child and I do not know what to do. I’ve never been comfortable around children.”

  “I see.” Mother crossed her legs. “And how did you handle the news?”

  “I left.”

  She laughed, but it sounded more like I had majorly fucked up. “Please explain the details.”

  “I followed her back to her apartment. A man was assaulting her outside, he is now dead of course.”

  “Of course,” she waved her wrist, “continue.”

  “I knew she was hiding something. Maybe protecting something now that I think about it. Things were getting hot between us when a child yelled for her mother. That’s how I found out.”

  “And you just left?”

  “Yes. I also shut off the bond so she couldn’t feel my emotions. Not because of the child, because of her assailant. Alex asked me not to kill him, so I did not do so in her presence. But I could not leave him alive to try again.”

  “Yes, his death was the right decision. But I fear the female will not understand or mistake your disappearance as rejection.”

  Gritting my teeth, my jaw felt like it might shatter from the tension as I let my anger bleed through. “I did not want this, mother! How am I to deal with a child? You know me, I am the least qualified to raise a small human. And yet this bond will not allow me to walk away.”

  Anger surged and I wanted to pound something with my fist. For years I carried the responsibility of the caring for the family and now that I was free, I didn’t want to carry it again. How could fate be so cruel? There had to be some other alternative.

  “What do you know of the situation? Where is the child’s father?”

  “After disposing of the male, I did not stick around to ask.”

  “I see.” Mother’s eyes raked over me, assessing, as she swept her long platinum hair back over her shoulder. It made me want to squirm under the scrutiny.

  And I never squirm.

  She stood, brushed her hair away from her face. “I must go.”

  I slowly stood; eyes narrowed. “You’re leaving?”

  “Yes.” Mother stepped forward and cupped my face, stroking my cheek. “Blaktu’n, you are a smart man and I’m very proud of you. But you forget to think with your heart instead of that head of yours.”

  And just like that, she walked away.

  I poured a glass of Bourbon and watched the sun rise above the city, bringing forth a brand-new day. Swirling the brown liquid in the glass, I took a sip, hoping it would mute this blazing fire that ignited the moment I touched Alex.

  A child. I never wanted a mate—a family, it only brought heartache. After my father died in a skirmish with the Deracons, I watched my mother almost lose the battle with her grief. Even now, with the connection cut to Alex, I felt the loss. What would it be like after spending years together and then losing her?

  My brothers and I went through the motions, but even our relationship suffered from the death of our father. Barely a man, I took over the company and worked every day to prove myself worthy of leading. I’ve done a damn good job of it too.

  Money rolled in, doubling, then tripling the size of the company. And now with the trade agreement with the Human Realm, the ceiling was limitless.

  My mind strayed back to Alex. The bond wanted me to rush back to her side, and yet my mind reeled at the idea. No one ever controlled me, and it would not start today.

  Yes, I had bonded with her. It was unavoidable if I wanted to keep my sanity. But now? This gnawing need to run to her was bearable. Almost.

  I drained the last of the bourbon and threw the glass against the wall, letting it splinter into tiny shards.

  Stalking out of the office, I took the stairs two at a time, and headed for the roof. Without bothering to undress, I shredded the restrictive human garb as I shifted and launched into the air. My drata ached for his mate as he soared upward before diving straight for the busy streets, pulling up at the last minute.

  I soared, leaving the city behind while heading for the rough mountain terrain. The trees reached high as I dipped low, heading for my favorite waterfall, plunging down deep into the clean water before launching from the water into the sky. If I could release some pent-up energy, then maybe I could think clearer.

  With a mighty roar, I rained fire toward the ground, but not touching. Scorched ground destroyed vegetation for an entire year.

  Swooping up and around then through the waterfall, I landed just inside the cave opening. After confirming that I was alone, I plopped down, my head resting on folded legs. I had released enough energy to allow me doze on and off until the sun dropped behind the mountain.

  The cool air caressed my face as I finally stood, and then I headed back to Drata Inc., shifting as my feet touched the roof. Naked, I stalked down one floor to my apartment for a quick shower and a new set of clothes.

  Nudity among shifters happened so often that no one thought twice about it. What would Alex think? Running a frustrated hand through my hair, I gritted my teeth. It doesn’t matter what she thinks. At least that was what I told myself.

  Dressing in my normal attire, Amelia said my clothes reminded her of a pirate without the vest. I had no idea what she meant by that. I had three days to catch up on my workload. Three days to distance myself and think, come up with an acceptable solution. Until them, I would keep the connection closed, showing her and myself that I was in control.

  ____________________

  Dressed in a royal blue silky button up paired with dark silky trousers. I refused to wear that stiff restricting garb from the human realm. After one last glance in the mirror, I headed down to the portal lab, nodding to a select few I passed in the hallway.

  Three days had passed and around forty females would join us tonight for a Gathering. I should have been helping Arkin, not distracted over some female. When I entered the portal room, our creation almost stole my breath.

  Solid rock walls sur
rounded the most advanced piece of technology ever created at Drata Inc. The hum of the portal called to me, beckoning me to go after my mate. Instead of heeding its call, I headed over to the control console and peered at the readouts.

  “Have there been any fluctuations?”

  Swithe swirled around in his chair. “No, everything has remained stable. More traffic is needed before I can get a true reading.”

  “We will take it slow. Overwhelming the system and being stranded in the Human Realm—” I shook my head. “That can never happen.” I couldn’t imagine anyone getting trapped, unable to shift for fear of retribution.

  “Yes, U’tuk.”

  Inhaling deeply, I glanced at the portal and grimaced. It was time for me to conclude my business and come home for good. I just needed to convince a certain someone to join me. No was not an option.

  11

  ___________________

  Alex

  Waking up two hours later, I almost panicked as I eased out of bed. The clock read 4:50pm and Jessie would be here soon.

  Crap! Why didn’t I remember to call and tell her I’d changed my mind? It would save her fifteen minutes of drive time.

  Just as I walked into the living room, I threw open the front door, knowing it was her knocking.

  “Are you ready?” Jessie asked, as she brushed by me. Always pretty without trying, she really didn’t make much of an effort for tonight. Hmm…

  She was also dressed in jeans and a red t-shirt; minimal makeup and her hair was up in a pony. I raised a questioning eyebrow.

  “What?” she shrugged, tossing her pony to the side. “According to what you said, it doesn’t matter if I’m dressed up or what I look like. I just need to touch everyone so I can find my mate.”

  “Gee thanks.”

  “I don’t mean anything bad by it. I just think that if I’m destined to be someone’s mate, they’ll instantly be attracted to me.” Her eyes dropped to my clothes. “Why aren’t you dressed?”

  “I’m not going.”

  Jessie crossed her arms and tapped her foot. “You are going too.”