Mafia Beasts: The Complete Series, page 36
When I judged my distance close enough, I sprang, tackled the buck and took it down for a swift kill. Blood overflowed my mouth. I licked my muzzle clean of it. Yeah, this was definitely tasty. The warm, fresh meat would be better still.
I was about to tear at my kill when a huge, tawny wolf collided into my side. He stood over the buck baring his teeth and growling. I knew exactly who he was by the deep brown of his eyes. Santiago, the White River Wolves alpha. The one who’d stared me down until Lucas had told me to lower my gaze.
That had been a mistake. It wasn’t happening again.
Snarling, I launched myself at the visiting alpha. His eyes widened. A satisfying thunk sounded as his body slammed into the earth with me on top. He snapped at my throat and I twisted away, using my back legs for leverage. Before I could take another charge at him, Lucas cut me off.
I snarled at him. He nipped back and refused to move out of my way.
Santiago growled as he stood but stayed put. He shook his head and huffed. Gazing at the deer—my kill—then back at me, he backed away. With a howl, he and his pack took off through the trees.
Not entirely satisfied with him simply abandoning the confrontation, I returned to my meal. Lucas followed, his hazel and gold gaze studying me closely. Right, my greenish brown eyes would heat with yellow too now whenever my wolf was close to the surface.
I tore off a chunk of meat and settled in to eat. Lucas did the same.
The bushes around us rattled and other wolves emerged. These canines carried the scent of the mansion—home. One in particular, the smaller, reddish one, caught my attention. Aya. I recognized her scent.
She bounded over and sniffed at me. I did the same in return. When she darted past to grab a chunk of meat, I growled a warning. She faced me, hesitated, then whined and pawed at the ground.
That was when I realized that all the Penumbra Pack wolves were waiting, focused on me and Lucas. I didn’t know a ton about wolves in the wild or how close shifters were to them, but I believed I’d heard that alpha’s ate first, then the rest of the pack.
Lucas nudged me and took off running again, obviously wanting me to follow. With a last sweeping gaze over my pack mates, I darted after him.
His scent led back toward the mansion’s outbuildings and into an ancient looking glass and stone greenhouse. The air inside was warmer and humid. Wild vines and dense foliage crowded the space. Finally, I emerged into the middle to find a small pool of steaming water. Hot tub.
At the far side, Lucas, in human form, sat half emerged in the salty smelling water. He grinned at me. “Shift back and come on in.”
I whined, unsure of how to get out of this wolf form. There was no moon calling forth my human skin.
“Focus,” Lucas said. “Let your wolf go back inside.”
I closed my eyes and visualized standing upright in my two-legged form. As a witch, I’d been trained to visualize the magic I was trying to summon, and if shifting wasn’t magic, I didn’t know what it was.
Changing back was easier than the first shift. My chest warmed and my wolf form seemed to melt away until I stood in the greenhouse naked and human. I rolled my shoulders and straightened my spine. I felt like myself... for the most part. When my gaze locked onto Lucas, the beast within me demanded that I mate and mark him as my own.
We were certainly in agreement on that idea.
I eased into the hot tub. The heat was a welcome change to the frigid, winter weather outside. Sliding in beside Lucas, I gazed up at him then planted a kiss on his lips.
He hungrily took my mouth. My skin flushed from his nakedness next to mine and the heat of the pool. Pleasure shot through my body.
Lucas pulled back. “I should have known you were an alpha wolf.”
“What exactly does that mean?” I smoothed my palm down his chest. Finally finding my wolf form felt amazing, like I was whole and able to embrace all of myself. Like a missing piece, I hadn’t realized was hiding. But with it came all these new instincts, feelings, and terms that I didn’t fully understand.
Lucas swept my wild hair behind one ear. “What do you think it means? How did you feel tonight?”
I reflected back on everything that had happened since my first shift. “I felt free. A little distracted with all the scents, it’s kind of overwhelming.”
“You’ll get used to it.”
“The hunt was a thrill. I never knew blood and raw meat could taste so good.” I wrinkled my nose, but my inner wolf licked her chops. “Then there was the whole thing with Santiago. It was my kill, and I didn’t want to give it to him. Why should I?”
Lucas grinned. “Exactly. But any wolf other than an alpha would have given it over to him without a second thought. And, as my mate, you would have offered me the first bite because I’m an alpha.”
“Oh.” Neither of those had happened. “So I’m a dominant wolf like you and the White River Pack leader? I probably shouldn’t have attacked him.”
My mate chuckled. “That was just a natural reaction. You were protecting what was yours by right.”
“He could have kicked my ass. I had no idea what I was doing.” I shook my head at myself. Attacking a seasoned alpha leader like that had been foolhardy, instinct or not.
“He did let you off the hook. As he should, considering they are guests hunting on our land. However, I wouldn’t do it again unless you plan to formally challenge him. The fight is to the death—usually.”
“Uh, I won’t.” I had no intention of fighting an alpha and dying to get his position. “There was also this feeling of familiarity and... responsibility for the Penumbra wolves.”
“You are a natural born leader.” Lucas rested an arm across my shoulders. “The Penumbra Pack isn’t much of a pack since we’re all technically lone wolves, having either been kicked out or left our own birth packs. They look to me as their alpha because I’m the craziest of them all, and because my human side is their boss.
“But you, not a single one of them challenged you. You radiate strength and confidence in your wolf form, Emma. It’s the core of who you are.”
I took a moment to let his words settle. Was that my true self? Or was it simply easier being a wolf, allowing instinct to rule and never having to second guess myself?
“I wish I could be that way as a person, too,” I said. Half the time I spent overthinking and doubting. The other half, I fought against my fears and the desire to run and hide.
“You will be.” He nuzzled my shoulder. “You’re the woman who will win over the hearts of three broken souls, unite us, and overcome whatever obstacles come our way.”
I let out a halfhearted laugh. “You sure have a lot of faith in me.”
“It’s because I can smell greatness. Your scent is honey, roses, and power.” He inhaled deeply at my temple. “You smell stronger now that you’ve found your wolf.”
Now that he mentioned it, I felt stronger. My body lacked the normal minor aches from practicing spells and learning to defend myself with Cade in the gym. I felt wonderful, ready to take on the world. But I’d start with taking on my mate.
I climbed onto his lap, straddling him, face-to-face. “You’re my mate. I feel it in my bones. It’s like we’re destined for each other, stronger together, and I need you like I need air.”
“That is what I wanted you to understand.” He reached up and brushed his thumb over my cheek. “Your eyes are gold and glowing.”
I could feel my wolf rising up, treading close to the surface and ready to take our mate. “Is that how you feel about me every day?”
“Yes. Yes, it is.” He captured my lips with his. I growled low in my chest as desire took on a life of its own in my body. Lucas’s cock grew hard against my belly. Neediness overcame me and I lifted up to position him at my entrance, then sank down slowly making us both groan.
I was so damned wet that he slipped right in. All the way home. When I couldn’t take any more of him in, he thrust his hips up and my eyes rolled back in my head. Our bodies fit so perfectly together.
Placing my hands on his shoulders, I rose up, then back down. I wanted to take it slow, to tease him, drive him wild, but I needed more. Lucas liked to fuck rough and that was exactly what I wanted right now. I slammed back down on him and rode his cock hard.
“Oh fuck, baby,” he said.
“Don’t you dare hold back,” I told him. “I’m not breakable.”
He took my word for it and his hips moved to meet mine. Ecstasy sparked in every cell in my body. My orgasm built quickly. I panted, chasing my release that promised to be the most amazing I’d ever had.
As it drew closer, my pussy clenching tight around Lucas’s thick cock, I felt my canines extend. Unable to hold back for a moment longer, I screamed as the orgasm shook my body. My teeth sank into the top of Lucas’s chest, right below his collarbone.
He came apart beneath me with wild thrusts and a rumbled groan. His sharp teeth found the outside of my shoulder and bit down. Another wave of pleasure swept through me, racking my body until I was spent. I rested my forehead against his chest and licked at the mark I’d made.
My wolf howled in triumph. A sense of rightness and completion settled in my core.
We held each other, panting, for a long while. Both of us spent. I must have dozed because I woke to Lucas tracing his fingertip over my skin. I lifted my arm to see the double crescent shaped mark that had already healed leaving a pale metallic gold scar.
My gaze latched onto his chest. The scar there was the same. The golden color shimmered in the moonlight that filtered through the glass ceiling.
“It’s beautiful,” I said.
“It is.” Lucas planted a tender kiss on my lips. “I love you.”
Adoration flooded my chest. I could feel his love for me, like a tangible thing. Butterflies threatened to escape my stomach as I smiled and said, “I love you too.”
The truth of those words made me want to cry and shout and laugh all at the same time. I settled for kissing him.
Our skin had completely pruned by the time we left the hot tub. We found our stashed clothing in the rose garden and quickly dressed. The mild cloud cover had grown denser and white flecks drifted to the ground.
Mated and happy we made our way back to the mansion hand in hand. It was past midnight, and we were going to strike at Eclipse in a matter of hours. No rest for the vengeful.
Luckily, I felt like I could take on the world—invincible. I didn’t need sleep. Energy and vitality hummed through me like never before. I itched to have an outlet for it.
This must be why wolves run and hunt on the full moon. We’d done a bit of that, but this full moon all of us were conserving our energy for what was to come. We would let out all of the pent-up vigor on Eclipse.
The mansion was abuzz with activity as we entered. Knowing glances and smiles greeted us from all around. The widest grin was plastered on Ash’s face.
“Where are Zane and Cade?” Lucas asked him.
“Everyone is gathering in the great hall.” He pointed in that direction with a jerk of his thumb. “You a full on wolf now? Mated and all that?” he asked me.
“You know it.” I shot him a feral grin.
“Good. ’Bout time something good happened around here.” He walked with us along the corridor to the giant living room—great hall.
My pulse hitched as I entered. This was where it had all begun. Where I’d made the deal with the lords of Penumbra Syndicate to take my life in exchange for Orion’s. That moment felt like a lifetime ago.
Lucas glanced down at me. “What is it?”
“Nothing. Just memories.”
He squeezed my fingers. The crowd parted for us as we made our way toward the hearth. A large, oval table had been set up before the roaring fireplace and all the leaders crowded around, heads bowed as they studied a paper map. They’d been over all the details before, a million times. I guessed one more time was necessary.
My gaze easily found Zane and Cade. I stiffened, coming to an abrupt halt. As if sensing my presence, they both glanced up. My eyes locked with Cade’s first, then Zane’s and my heart pounded.
Mate. Mark. My inner wolf stared back at them, knowing exactly what she wanted.
Oh shit. Could a wolf have more than one fated mate?
26
LUCAS
Damien Garcia had returned to his estate as we’d hoped. Whatever trip had come up on short notice and called him away hadn’t lasted long. He, and his Eclipse wolves, were hunting in his woods tonight. Right where we wanted them.
We’d gone over the plan one last time in the great hall, then everyone went their separate ways to get ready and gather in the garage.
I strapped a gun to my ankle while listening to Emma put Zane in his place. He’d had the balls to tell her he didn’t want her to come tonight. I wanted her safe at home too, but I wasn’t going to tell her that because I didn’t want her biting off my head.
“Listen here, vampire, I kicked your ass with my magic. I’ve spent two weeks training hard for this night.” She shoved a finger in his chest. My mate was fierce. As much as I wanted to protect her, I also trusted her to look after herself—mostly.
Ah fuck, who was I kidding? My protective instincts were turbo charged tonight. I’d be at her side the entire time, no matter what.
“Yes, and you’re very capable,” Zane said. “It’s just—fuck, Emma—I don’t want you getting hurt. You’re a magnet for trouble and you know it.”
She scoffed. “And you’re an overbearing asshole. I’m going. End of story. This conversation is over.”
Zane caught my eye over her head. “A little help here?”
I ignored him and went back to loading a pistol with silver bullets. He was on his own in this fight with Emma. Holding her back wasn’t the answer. Protecting her, while letting her use her skills and strength, was a much better option.
“Cade?” Zane pleaded.
A month ago I would have laughed at him looking for any compassion from the surly Fae, but recently Cade’s protective tendencies were trying to rival mine. Strangling her in an alley had seemed contrary to that. But whatever. She and Cade had their own way of communicating—one I didn’t understand.
The burly Fae shrugged. “Let her come if she wants to come. She’s certainly no delicate fucking flower.”
That last bit sounded like an insult, but Emma tossed him a triumphant smile. Like I said, I didn’t understand them.
Zane scowled at all three of us. Closing his eyes, he sighed. “I swear, if anything happens to you Emma...”
“You’ll lock me up and throw away the key, yeah, I know. Now let’s get going.” She took the gun I offered her and tucked it in her shoulder holster. “Just know the feeling is mutual, Zane, so watch your backs. All of you.” A frown pinched her brows.
Concern and fear trickled through our recently forged mate bond. It quickly vanished as if she were trying to hide it away. I studied her from the corner of my eye. Since we’d walked into the great hall something had spooked her, but she wouldn’t tell me what it was. I’d get to the bottom of it after we dealt with Eclipse.
I strapped the last of my weapons in place and glanced around. Zane still smelled of rancid frustration, but besides that, everyone was ready to go. We moved as a unit from the room, along the hall, and down to the garage.
Everyone was piling into vehicles of various types. We had strength in our numbers, and all here, besides Emma, had experience in this type of operation. Eclipse wouldn’t know what hit them.
The faces of those who’d killed me flashed across my mind’s eye. I had a bullet for each of them. I was getting revenge tonight.
I climbed into the SUV after Emma. Zane took her other side with Cade in front and Ash driving. He eased out of the parking space in the huge structure and joined the rest of the fleet. One by one, the vehicles took the long driveway to the main street and navigated to the freeway.
An hour and a half later we were parked in an abandoned warehouse lot near Damien Garcia’s sprawling estate. From here we’d go on foot and surround his property. It would be a bit of a hike.
Breaking off into smaller teams, everyone had their entry points memorized and knew the signal to watch for. We headed to our location with Ash, Samuel, and Aya in our group.
Samuel held up a hand for us to stop at the outer perimeter of the grounds. He did some poking around with his wand then nodded at us. The wolves had used witches to ward the place. Not entirely surprising.
I tapped on my phone, sending the message out to all the team leaders that the signal was going to be the estate’s alarm going off, but we’d wait until everyone was in position before breaching it.
My phone vibrated as texts came through confirming our people were in place. This was it. I sent the confirmation message and gave Samuel the go ahead.
He and Emma blasted the warding shield, breaking down its defenses. Sparks of light glowed in the distance where our other witches were doing the same all around Garcia’s estate.
We broke through. The wailing of an alarm sounded in the distance. Pounding footfalls vibrated up from the earth and thrummed through my chest. I pulled my gun, ready to shoot first and ask questions later—if anyone dared to live through to the dawn.
Crashing and gunfire sounded on either side of us. We advanced forward using the trees and brush as cover. I spotted a group of six Eclipse wolves coming our direction.
The breeze carried their scent my way. I instantly recognized their leader as the wolf who put a bullet in my skull. Luck was with me tonight. I grinned into the darkness, took aim at his beefy head, and pulled the trigger.
Boom. My shot hit its mark.
“Take that, you fucker!” I doubted he had some psycho enchantress willing to travel to the Underworld to bring his soul back to his body. At least I hoped not. The Eclipse wolves had worn out their welcome in our city. It was time for them all to die.
27
