Shifters of the Wellsprings: The Complete Paranormal Collection

by Leela Ash

“Sand or Sage?”

  “What?” His unease appeared to grow. She started to worry that he might kick her out on the side of the road.

  “Big River? Which Pack are you from?”

  “Pack…?” His foot eased off the gas and the Honda began to slow.

  Why was this not clear? “You’re a Wolf. What Pack do you come from?”

  Like a man in an electric chair, Lucas jerked and went stiff as a board. White-knuckled, his hands closed around the wheel in a death grip. His eyes, wide and frightened, stared straight ahead. “Why did you call me a wolf?” He thought he had been so crafty hiding his true nature back there. And why wasn’t she absolutely freaking out!

  What was wrong with this guy? “Because you Shifted back there at the… oh gosh!”

  A lightbulb went on in her head. Dead parents? Check! Ignorance of the most basic Shifter rules? Check! “You’re one of the Lost, aren’t you? Only you wouldn’t know that, of course, because you’re Lost. Okay, look, you turn into a Wolf, right?”

  He said nothing, bulging eyes stuck on the road.

  “And you don’t know anyone else who shapeshifts, do you?”

  “There are… others?” His death grip on the wheel softened slightly.

  “Yes. Lots of them, and they’re called Shifters. They have their own society, their own rules.”

  “You’re a Wolf too? Why didn’t you change forms?”

  “No, I’m just Kin.” Just. Even she couldn’t help but add that. “That means I’m a Shifter’s child but I didn’t inherit the ability to Shift.”

  “So you were raised by Wolves.”

  “Hares.”

  “Were-rabbits exist?”

  Were-rabbit? Oh, she had to call her mom that the next time they fought! Giggling, Ash nodded. “Yeah, sort of. Look, there’s a ton I ought to tell you. Let’s head back to Phoenix. That’s where I live. Then you can ask me anything.”

  “What are we going to do about those, uh, Shifters back there? I mean we can’t just walk off…”

  “I’ve called my mom’s Warren—that’s what a group of Witch Hares is called. They’ll take care of it.”

  And they didn’t want any help. Mom had made that perfectly clear.

  “Witch bunnies…” Lucas muttered, winning another smile from her.

  Oh, this was going to be a fun talk!

  Back at her apartment in Phoenix, Ash plunked Lucas down on the couch and proceeded to turn his world even further upside down.

  As Kin, she knew all about the Lost. Sometimes Shifter children got separated from their families, either through death or neglect. Alone, with no one to explain their gift, they thought themselves freaks.

  Dispelling that fear delighted her. No, he wasn’t a monster. An entire Shifter society awaited him, a secret community of thousands. People like him who transformed into animals: Hares, Rats, Wolves, Bears, all sorts of things. Even Dragons. He was normal, gifted even.

  And he wasn’t alone.

  Several times Lucas staggered to his feet and paced. Wolves did that, she knew. Movement—running, pacing—helped them deal with strong emotions. Each time, Ash waited patiently until he had himself under control. A lifetime of defenses, of loneliness and failure, was crumbling.

  Not all of the talk was pleasant, though. While most Shifters were good, law-abiding citizens, exceptions existed, especially among Wolves. And when Shifters went rogue, they turned bad in a big way. Mad ones denied their humanity and degenerated into serial killers. Arrogant ones thought themselves above the law and attacked anyone who crossed them. The worst Shifters joined the Fangs of Apophis, a secret cabal led by fallen Dragons. Murderers and thieves, they enslaved weaker Shifters.

  Terrible news for Lucas – but it would be a sin not to warn him about the dangers of his new world. Recently the Fangs had been quite active in the Four Corners region, which made her warning even more critical. What they plotted, no one knew.

  Not that Lucas seemed to care much about the Fangs. Enemies flustered him less than the discovery of Shifter society. It almost made her laugh… until she remembered why.

  He’s been alone all of his life. ‘Cursed’ by a power that drove him away from friends and family. Now he finds out he’s got a people, a place where he belongs. Compared to that, who cares about a few criminals?

  “Is there anything else you want to know?” she asked him the next time he stalked past.

  “No, I think my brain’s full.”

  The corners of her lips twitched. “Can I get you something to eat or a drink? We sort of missed dinner. Oh, and you’re welcome to spend the night. The couch is pretty comfortable.”

  If he wanted to sleep there, that is. Who knew what was in store. Not for the first time, Ash stole a furtive glance at her guest.

  Hours after the fight, Lucas Clay was a hot mess. Smudges of dirt stained his cheeks while his clothes, dusty and sweat-soaked, clung to his body. Ash didn’t mind one bit. A looser shirt would have hidden the delights of his lean, muscular body. The sharp definition of his abs, the swell of his biceps. Those ‘shadows’ of dirt highlighted his cheekbones and strong chin. Above them, brown eyes glowed, warm and sensuous. Dirt and sweat wrapped him in a shockingly masculine aura. A sense of wildness and danger that summoned a fierce longing in her.

  “You know, I’m not really hungry.”

  What was he talking about? Oh, right! Her question! She was so busy admiring the view she’d completely forgotten about it.

  “There is one thing I could really use, though.”

  “Sure! Anything!”

  “Can I use your shower? I spent the day hiking and then… you know.”

  Well, dammit, there went her mess! Not that she could refuse him a bath. “Of course. It’s through my bedroom. Towels are in there.”

  While he cleaned up, she set the couch in order. Sheets, a blanket, pillows. Then a quick check to make sure there was fresh bread and sandwich fixings, in case hunger overcame either of them in the middle of the night.

  Didn’t take her long, but as she finished she heard the water shut off. A moment later Lucas cleared his throat behind her. “Do you have a washing machine?”

  Ash turned, smiling. “Sure. It’s down the… oh.”

  It shouldn’t have surprised her. He only had one set of clothes – and if they needed washing, he wasn’t wearing them. All very logical. Still, the sight that awaited her was a shock and delight.

  That shower hadn’t ruined her ‘mess’ at all! Impish curls of wet brown hair clung to his forehead, tipped with sparkling beads of water. A damp sheen covered his body and left drops of water glittering amid the hair of his chest. All he wore was a towel draped casually around his hips. Beneath it, she could finally see the delights his shorts had hidden from her. Taut calves, powerful thighs, and long, long legs.

  The legs of a Wolf. A hunter. A predator. Her heart beat faster as she pictured them straddling her, pressed against her hips, her body trapped in their passionate embrace.

  “You were saying?”

  What? Oh, right! Laundry!

  Cheeks burning, Ash forced her eyes up, away from those enticing limbs.

  And found Lucas grinning from ear to ear.

  Good heavens. Here she was, ogling him like he was some swimsuit centerfold! “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to… I mean… it’s just… you look really good.”

  “In a towel.” Brown eyes sparkled with glee.

  “Um, yeah.” Could she be any lamer? Ash’s blush grew even deeper.

  “They’re pretty comfortable. You could try one on too. If you wanted.”

  A towel? Was he suggesting…

  For the first time, she noticed his gaze. How he studied her, lingering over the neck of her blouse as it plunged between her breasts. How his eyes slid down the length of her body, savoring the smooth, tanned curves of her own legs.

  Which were covered in dust, just like his clothes.

  “You know what? You’re right. I could use a shower too. An
d then…” Brushing all worries aside, she took the plunge. “Then I think I’m going to give one of those towels a shot myself.”

  Slipping past him, she headed for the bathroom, shocked by her own cheekiness.

  I’m not usually into hook-ups and first date sex. But there was something about this man that pulled her. And you know what? After today, I deserve some fun!

  Dirty clothes kicked off, she stepped into the shower. Steam hissed around her as the hot water caressed her skin and swept away the last traces of the day’s grime. Ash tilted her head back, letting the water wash over her.

  Droplets flicked across her breasts, teasing nipples that had awoken at the sight of Lucas’ bare skin. A soft sigh of pleasure slipped between her lips as she offered herself to the water’s patter. Ripples cascaded down her body. Weaving around her breasts. Sliding across her stomach. Then curling playfully between her thighs, where a delicious fire grew.

  The woody scent of sandalwood filled the air, a remnant of Lucas’ shower. As she lathered the soap, it grew stronger. Sweet yet strong, hinting at dark, mysterious forests. Ash breathed it in as she ran the bar along her glistening skin. Suds joined the streams of water running down her body. Bubbles whispered across skin already roused. They teased the wet hair of her sex, like the fingers of a ghostly lover.

  Once more she surrendered to the water. Turning, eyes closed in bliss, as it rinsed her clean. One moment, one last pause to bask in its cleansing heat. Then she turned the water off. Stepping out amid the mist, she found a towel and dried herself. Cotton cloth swept across her, erasing every trace of that alluring wetness. Rougher than the water’s sinuous embrace, it thrilled her body, stirring her blood even more.

  Wrapped around her chest, the towel hid her breasts and sex… barely.

  Breath fast and shallow, Ash stepped out of the steaming bathroom. Seeking the man who would fulfill the shower’s empty promises.

  Lucas waited for her on the bed. Greedy eyes devoured her as she emerged from the mist. They lingered on the base of the towel, enticed by the flashes of damp hair it revealed. Hungry. Begging for more.

  His own towel had been abandoned, tossed to the side. Bereft of its cover he lay there, in his full masculine splendor. Chiseled chest, tight ass, sleek muscles. All of it hers, for this night, at least. The shaft of his manhood peeked up, already growing eager.

  Her fingers found her towel’s knot. Tonight, no clothes would keep them apart. No fumbling with bras, no buttons to undo. One tug freed her body. Her towel fluttered to the floor and, naked, she stepped to her lover’s side.

  Lucas rose to meet her. Strong arms wove around her, pulling their bodies close. Brown hair brushed across her nipples as he drew her to his chest. The swell of his manhood nuzzled against her own sex, summoning a delightful ache. Touched by her own dampness, his cock stiffened, hungry.

  A calloused hand, rough from hard work, cupped her chin and raised it. Lips met, sending a chill running down her spine. Her arms curled around his waist and she let her curious hands explore his body. First the tight curves of his ass, hot beneath her fingers. She slid lower, gliding along the taut lines of his thighs, then rising across back and shoulders. So hard, so powerful. So very different from her own delicate body.

  Their lips parted, a break that left her aching with need. Quickly, though, his mouth returned to taste her throat, the pulse of her heart thrumming against his lips. Rising along the curve of her neck, his lips found the lobe of her ear, hidden beneath wet hair. They sucked hungrily at it, nibbling, tickling her into delighted laughter. Once more his mouth returned to hers. Under its touch, her lips parted. His tongue, playful, curious, darted through them. Exploring her, claiming her.

  Desire blazed inside her, rousing a fierce heat. When their mouths parted again, that longing left her shivering. Shaken by a need, a hunger, that could not be denied.

  A hunger Lucas shared – and intended to sate.

  He scooped her into his arms, an extravagant, luscious display of strength. As she shrieked with delight he spun and tossed her onto the bed. A bounce, a laugh… and then he pounced upon her.

  Arms pinned her shoulders. His thighs pressed against her legs, just as she’d dreamed in the shower. Held up by strong arms, his body pressed against her, just heavy enough to hold her still. A heady, delicious heat coursed through her. A feeling of being trapped in a snare she never wished to escape.

  Harder now, faster, those kisses returned as he claimed his ‘captive.’ Across her belly, the warmth of his chest teasing her sex. Then his mouth rose to take the prize of her breasts. Kisses circled their globes and her nipples stiffened with sharp yearning. Drawn by their need, his lips curved about them. Sucking, the lash of his tongue wrenching moans of pleasure from her.

  Those cries roused him, fully. Hard, erect, demanding, his cock brushed against her damp hair. As her need devoured her, Ash writhed, silently begging him to end this exquisite torture.

  He gestured questioningly…”Shouldn’t we get a…” but she shook her head impatiently and said…”No it’s fine…” as she tried to pull him close again.

  Instead he rose to his knees, towering above her. A pillar of strength and power. His manhood thick and ready, glorious in its need. With that settled, surely he would take her then, thrusting inside her? Bringing them both to the climax they needed?

  But no, that moment had not come. Heights of passion yet remained, and he would not deny them to her.

  With sure, deft hands Lucas flipped Ash over onto her stomach and guided her to her knees. That position, so strange, so exotic, drove her excitement to a fever pitch.

  He lowered himself, close yet aloft, so that none of his weight fell upon her. She felt the heat of his chest against her back, the tickle of his hair against her smooth skin. His manhood jutted between her legs, rubbing against her nether hairs. Tantalizing, teasing, driving her nearly mad with need.

  Lucas leaned close, the first hint of his weight touching her. Kisses scattered across her shoulders and up the nape of her neck as shivers of delight shook her. One of his hands rose to her breasts. Stroking them, caressing them as she melted beneath his kisses. And always his cock was there. Sliding against her nether lips. Slipping through her hair. Taunting her with its closeness.

  Gently he raised his other hand, testing her. Kneeling, his weight wasn’t as great as she’d expected. The sight of him, silhouetted above her, filled her with a primal, animal desire. For one night, she was a She-Wolf, joining her Wolf lover.

  With a thrust of his hips, he entered her. Her body, wet and welcoming, took him. As the thickness of his manhood filled her she moaned and thrust her hips back against him, urging him onwards.

  Steady, sure strokes fanned the flames of their passion. Freed, his hands roamed her body. Cupping her breasts, teasing her nipples as those thrusts wrung whimpers from her.

  Rising to climax, she felt his hand slide down her belly. His fingers found her sex, wet and hungry. One finger slipped between its lips and suddenly heat bloomed against her clit. Ash gasped with shock and pleasure.

  And then that finger moved, gliding across her clit with firm caresses. Stroking her, rubbing her, in time with his thrusts. Caught between cock and finger, her sex exploded with pleasure. She wailed, arching her back. Her hips rocked back against him, caught in the rhythm of passion.

  Harder, wilder, he grew. A Wolf, claiming his Mate. Chin on her shoulder, his breath hot on her cheek, he groaned with the force of his own animal need.

  And then she came, in a rush of ecstasy that made her scream with joy. His cry joined hers as her pleasure swept him over the edge. Another thrust, one more, and he joined her in climax.

  Sweating, exhausted by her own pleasure, Ash collapsed onto the bed. A moment later Lucas lowered himself by her side. Panting, she curled against his chest. Still rocked by that primal, fierce coupling, she found that words escaped her. And so she simply cuddled, safe in his arms, until sleep took them.

  Chap
ter 5

  The scent of coffee, rich and sharp, woke Lucas. Ash was long gone, her side of the bed grown cold. But that tantalizing odor drew him out into the living room where she waited.

  “Cinnamon rolls? Coffee?”

  In the morning light she was beautiful. Fresh, creamy skin. Impish dimples. Was it his imagination, or did she seem to glow? Ash didn’t have the mile-long legs and gaunt body of a supermodel, but she was cute as hell. Her smile – so innocent, so trusting – filled her with a gentle radiance that made his heart ache. He longed to pull her into his arms and just hold her, close against his heart.

  Last night had been amazing. Yet once more, as he had on so many ‘morning afters’, Lucas found himself grieving. He was going to miss Ash when he left. Why didn’t any of the good things in his life last?

  It’s the Monster. I can’t let anyone get close to me, or it will destroy them.

  Though… he didn’t have to leave just now. Cinnamon rolls never hurt anyone, did they?“Love some.”

  They sat then, munching on breakfast and sipping hot coffee without a word. Nothing awkward about this silence. It was the stillness of long-time friends or old lovers. Hell, even the Monster was quiet this morning. His Wolf flopped in the sunlight like an oversized dog.

  Of course life couldn’t stay like that. Human beings got to enjoy quiet mornings. Creatures like him didn’t get to enjoy such simple pleasures. Every sweet joy he tasted grew sour because he knew it couldn’t last.

  Time to accept the inevitable split. “What’s next?”

  “If you’d like, I could introduce you to some Shifters. There are three big Wolf Packs in the Four Corners region.”

  Sage, Sand, and Big River. She’d mentioned them yesterday.

  Did he want to meet other Wolves?

  Sort of. At least he wouldn’t be alone then. There’d be people like him, ones who understood what it felt like to have some strange force, some animal living in your soul. Ones who knew the wonders and terrors of not being alone in your own body. But…

  But half of him just wanted to say ‘screw it’ and stay here. With her. Finish off the coffee and head back to bed for another round. Lie in all day and order delivery pizza. And then…