Page 6

L ily

Kissing a strange man in the middle of the woods was easily the worst idea I’ve had yet, but something about Kai made me want to throw caution to the wind. Why did he have that effect on me?

His lips were firm and insistent, and I couldn’t seem to put a stop to it. He tasted good. A sizzling-hot and uncontrollable wildfire. And I was running full speed ahead. His head angled to the left and thick fingers gripped my hair tighter. When his tongue teased at the seam of my lips, I whimpered, letting him inside. Just this once I wanted to be spontaneous and reckless. Not the responsible daughter. Nor the sister who was always on call. With Kai, I was wanted . He’d called me beautiful. All but begged me to stay. When was the last time anyone had been so eager just to be in my company?

I let my fingers sift through the soft, dark strands of his hair, enjoying the rumbling sounds coming from his chest. When his hands coasted downward to my hips, fingers digging into my jeans, I could swear I felt the sharp bite of nails. When his mouth released mine, then skimmed along my cheek to my neck, suckling at the skin just below my ear, my pussy flooded with liquid heat.

“Oh, God,” I moaned, tilting my head sideways, giving him better access to me. He groaned my name and nipped at my skin, sending me into another realm, as erotic thoughts overwhelmed me at once.

I could barely catch my breath as Kai’s whispering voice sent shivers down my spine. “You have such a gorgeous ass, Lily,” he murmured into my ear. “So sweetly rounded, just full enough to fill my palms.”

My body quivered under his touch, his words igniting a fire deep inside me. I could feel his hard, muscular frame pressed against every inch of my back. Slowly, teasingly, I moved my hips back and forth, rubbing my bottom against the head of his erection. The sensation of him sliding between the globes of my buttocks made me shudder with pleasure. When I heard him emit a low growl, I felt a surge of triumph.

His hands, rough yet tender, gripped my hips firmly. He began gliding his rigid length up and down in that sensitive seam, sending us both into a frenzy of scorching need. The soft, cool sound of water trickling and the wild symphony of the forest surrounded us, drowning out all rational thought.

My pants and panties were pooled around my ankles, each sensation magnifying the burning ache inside me. The tall, wild plants and trees enveloped us, creating a cocoon that made it feel like we were the only two people on earth.

I wiggled and pleaded with Kai, desperate for him to enter me. I reveled in my own wantonness, a sultry temptress demanding what she craved. His tongue flicked against the pulse in my neck, and his hand slid around to cup my right breast. He licked and squeezed, but never once allowed his cock to move lower, to slip inside me where I needed him most. When he pinched my nipple, I lost control.

I reached back, grasping his throbbing heat in my hand and squeezing hard. “Christ, Lily. That feels so damn good.”

His guttural words made me revel in my power, but I needed more. “I want you. Inside of me. Kai. Now.”

He chuckled, his breath hot against my ear. “Not just yet, baby.”

I moaned in frustration, hating him for denying me what I craved so desperately. Then his other hand released my hip, drifting around to cup my mound. I pushed against his hand, yearning for something just out of reach. My fingers gripped his length tightly, pumping him with an urgent need.

Kai retaliated by teasing my clitoris with his thumb. Sharp sparks of arousal zipped through me, and I felt a bead of moisture gather at the tip of his penis. My body began its wild climb toward rapture, when suddenly a hand shook my shoulder, jarring me from my sensual haze.

I blinked, the forest around me coming back into focus as reality crashed in.

Kai stiffened, his head lifted and his hold on me tightened almost painfully.

“Kai?”

“Clothes,” he quietly urged. “Quickly, Lily.”

We both fumbled around until we were dressed. My fear ratcheted up. “Kai?”

He turned his head to the right, and ignored me completely. He slowly got to his feet and took hold of my hand. “Stay close,” he ordered, his voice rough and cold. He’d gone from practically devouring me to a steely calm in a heartbeat. The swift change stunned me to silence.

When he started walking out of the clearing, with me tucked close to his side, I jarred myself out of my shock and yanked on him hard enough to earn a glower. I ignored it and bit out, “What’s gotten into you?”

He sniffed the air, a frown marring his handsome features. “We aren’t alone,” he answered. “Someone else is out here with us.”

“Someone? Like one of your brothers?” Please, say yes.

He shook his head. “I need you to stay quiet, Lily.”

It wasn’t so much the words as the way he spoke. As if my very life depended on cooperating. We walked swiftly down the path, heading back to the house. I had to jog just to keep up with him. When Kai went rigid, then glared over his shoulder, my fear soared through the roof. Without warning, he shoved me behind him, one arm around my back to anchor me against his body.

“Step out now or you will die!” Kai raged at the dark forest beyond.

I worried he’d lost his mind. Nothing was out there. Hell, I couldn’t even hear the crickets anymore. It was as if the entire forest had gone silent. I couldn’t see anything or anyone in sight. When I was about to insist he bring me back to the house, a low rumbling came from his chest. From one breath to the next a huge four-legged beast leaped from the woods, landing directly in front of us. Thick white fur and glowing eyes. Jesus, what the hell is with the teeth? Big, sharp canines protruded from the beast’s mouth. Like a saber-tooth tiger had just emerged from the past. I trembled and wrapped my arms around Kai’s middle, praying he had some way to defend us. To keep us both from being torn to shreds.

“Fostine?” Kai’s voice held a wealth of anger and I was tempted to peer around him to see for myself how the animal reacted to the single word, but fear kept me from making that idiotic decision.

A loud howl rent the air and I couldn’t tell if it was a happy response or a deadly one. I loved animals, but I’d never even owned a pet. And the wild variety was way out of my comfort zone.

“I know it’s you, damn it. Stop,” he ordered, “you’re frightening Lily.”

A sound, much like a disgruntled snarl, sent shivers down my spine. Kai turned toward me, cupping my chin in his steady, warm palm, and said, “She won’t hurt you.”

“She?” I did sneak a peek at the furry animal this time. It stared back at me with eyes that glowed green in the darkness, all the hair on its back standing on end. And it definitely wasn’t a happy stare. “Please tell me that thing is a pet .”

Kai’s lips kicked up sideways. “Uh, not exactly,” he answered, turning his head toward our unscheduled visitor. “Wyatt will be expecting you. Go now.”

As if Kai had so much control, the animal took off at a sprint. After it disappeared out of sight, I let out a heavy breath. “What in holy hell was that?”

“It’s a long story.” He took my hand in his. “Come on. I’m going to need to meet with my brother.”

“Whoa!” I pulled out of his grasp and pointed a finger at him. “A huge wolflike creature bounds out of the woods and just when it’s about to devour us, you call it by name and control it like it’s a trained puppy. Answers, Kai. Now!” I paused, then thought to add, “And don’t tell me you’ll explain later. I want to know now.”

He bent close, nearly nose to nose. “It’s no longer safe out here, Lily. I need you back inside.” He shoved his fingers through his unruly hair. “I swear you will get your answers, but I need you away from here first.”

Safe, yes. That was the important thing. But once that was established I’d damn well get my answers. Or I was leaving. Him. His house. The beast. All of it.

****

K ai

The timing couldn’t have been worse. Lily had just agreed to stay, to get to know me, then my sister popped up out of nowhere. And where had she been for the last two years? That was a question I needed answered immediately. My brothers and I had thought she’d been captured by another clan. Or died, much like the rest of the females of our kind. But there was no mistaking her scent. It was definitely Fostine. Back from the dead, more or less.

When we reached the front of the compound, I stared down at Lily. She was pissed and had a right to be. I was keeping things from her. I’d planned to bring her into my world slowly, but thanks to my sister’s untimely arrival, I wouldn’t have that luxury any longer. But how would Lily handle the truth?

As we stepped inside the foyer, I helped Lily with the coat, putting it back on the hook. “Wyatt will be waiting for me. I know it’s asking a lot, but please go up to the guest room. I’ll find you when I’m through and we’ll ... talk.”

She licked her lips, watching me as if ready to cut and run. “I don’t understand any of this. Why is Wyatt waiting to speak to you, anyway? What does he have to do with what happened back there?”

I couldn’t explain, not without explaining everything. Instead, I replied, “When we were at the waterfall, you spoke of a connection between us.”

“Yes, but—”

“That connection is true, Lily. You can trust me. I just need a little time.”

She wrapped her arms around her middle and grumbled under her breath before shaking her head and saying in a firmer voice, “You have one hour. After that, I’m out of here. Even if I have to ask one of your brothers to take me to the nearest bus station.”

My brothers wouldn’t dare, but I was smart enough not to tell Lily that. “Thank you,” I murmured, leaning down and kissing her cheek. She turned, muttering to herself about irritating men as she took the stairs to the upper floor. I waited until she was out of sight before I headed for Wyatt’s office. When I opened the door, I found all my brothers there, as well as Fostine.

I rushed up to her and hugged her tightly. “Fostine, never thought I’d see you again. We’ve been searching for you and Father for years.”

She pushed her long black hair away from her face and smiled wearily, flopping into a straight-back chair. “Glad to see you, too, big bro.”

I gazed at Fostine, my expression softening. “Why did you leave? We’ve been worried sick.”

Fostine’s eyes narrowed as she met mine. “Why did I leave? You should ask Creeg. He’s the one who couldn’t stop using me as a guinea pig.

Creeg flinched, guilt written all over his face. “I was trying to understand your immunity to the virus. It was for the good of the pack.”

She scoffed, shaking her head. “Good of the pack? Or good for your research? I was your sister, not some lab rat.”

Wyatt’s eyes widened, realization dawning on him. “We pushed you too far. We made a grave mistake.”

Fostine’s shoulders slumped, exhaustion evident. “You think? Every day it was another test, another vial of blood. I couldn’t take it anymore.”

Trakker stepped forward, his voice thick with regret. “We were just trying to protect you. You’re the last female Yucilon left. The other packs want you.”

She looked around at us—her brothers—and her expression softened. “I know you were trying to protect me, but it felt like a prison. I had to get away.”

Miggs nodded, understanding clear in his eyes. “We’re sorry. We didn’t see how much we were hurting you.”

Creeg sighed deeply, his head hanging low. “I never wanted to drive you away. I just... I thought I was doing what was right.”

Fostine looked at Creeg. “I know you meant well, but it was too much. We need to find another way to protect our pack without tearing each other apart.”

Wyatt nodded, his determination clear. “We will, Fostine. We’ll make it right. You’re home now, and we’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe and happy.”

Fostine gave a small, tentative smile. “Thank you. I just want to feel like I belong here again.”

I stepped forward, placing a hand on her shoulder. “You do belong here. We’re family, and we’ll figure this out together.”

The room fell into a heavy silence. We had made mistakes, but now, we had agreed to make amends and protect our sister, not as a specimen, but as the cherished member of our family that she is.

I cleared my throat and asked, “Where have you been anyway?”

Before she could answer, Wyatt cleared his throat. Everyone turned toward him, waiting for our alpha to speak. “Fostine has just been telling us that she was a hostage of Gregory for the last two years.” His gaze landed on me when he added, “And according to her, our father is a prisoner as well.”

The knowledge had me stumbling backward. “That’s not possible. You’re sure?”

Wyatt nodded solemnly. “Pretty much what I said, too.”

Fostine shot out of the chair and closed the distance between her and Wyatt. “I’m telling the truth. Father is being tortured as we speak!”

The air in the room thickened as the pair faced off. Wyatt’s expression softened, and he gently took her hands. “Fostine, I’m not doubting you. Easy. We’re just so relieved you’re back. Please, tell us everything.”

She collapsed back into her chair, tears swimming in her eyes. “You don’t know what it was like. Patterson used us like lab rats. Test after test.” Her gaze landed on Wyatt, tears shining. “He’s twisted, Wyatt. Completely insane.”

Wyatt took a tissue from the box on his desk and pressed it to one of the wounds on our sister’s neck, before crouching in front of her. “How did you escape?”

She clasped her hands together in her lap and answered, “Dad helped me. I couldn’t get him to come with me, though. I tried, I swear I did.”

Miggs spoke up for the first time from his position near the door. “Why would he stay? That makes no sense.”

“Dad thought that as long as Patterson had someone to experiment on, he’d leave me alone. Wouldn’t send his goons looking for me. I’d be free.”

I cursed and said, “Dad had to know you’d come back here. That we’d go looking for him.”

Fostine shrugged. “Yes, but it doesn’t matter. Patterson moved us around. He has loads of money and he never kept us in one place for long.” Her gaze went to Wyatt again. “I-I think there might have been others.”

My shock mirrored my brothers’ expressions. “Others of our kind?”

Fostine trembled, as if all the bravado had vanished at once. “I don’t know, but I heard talking sometimes. And screams. I don’t think it was just Dad and me.”

I cursed. “I thought we’d seen the last of Gregory Patterson when he was fired from Cedar Haven.” I spared my sister an apologetic look. “I guess not.”

Wyatt snorted. “Cedar Haven was only interested in sweeping it all under the rug. Patterson was an embarrassment. I’m betting they paid that bastard off to stay silent about what kind of shit they were doing behind those walls.”

“I heard some folks in town say they do biological experiments there,” Creeg added. “Real horror movie stuff.”

“I’ve heard that, too,” Cage replied.

“We’re getting off topic,” Wyatt said gently. His gaze went back to Fostine. “Can you show us on a map where you were being held?”

She nodded. “I can do one better. I can take you there.”

“No,” Wyatt stated firmly, his tone offering no room for argument. “You aren’t going anywhere near the place ever again.”

“How in the hell did you survive?” Miggs asked, looking her over. “You look as healthy as the last time I saw you.”

She snorted. “Don’t let the clothes fool you.” She stood and lifted her shirt, showing us her back. It was like someone had carved a twisted and elaborate road map into her flesh. The sight had us all going silent. Fostine shoved her shirt back down, then fell into the chair. “Anyway, Patterson let Dad and me stay in the same cell.” She closed her eyes tight. “It helped to lean on each other. During the worst of it, Dad would tell me stories about the old days to distract me. I pretended that it helped, but Patterson is clever. He’s figured out a way to inflict the kind of pain and damage to our bodies that won’t heal quickly. The last time I was on his table, he cut me up so badly that I was unconscious for days.”

“Fucking hell,” Trakker muttered.

“I-I think he might have discovered something about our genetic makeup,” Fostine added. “And Dad was getting worried. I could feel it.”

“Like he knew time was running out,” I surmised.

“Yeah. He wanted me out of there before that happened.”

I quirked a brow. “And how did he accomplish that?”

“He made friends with one of Patterson’s guards. Ricky. He helped us.”

“Will this Ricky help us get Dad out?”

She bit her lip and stared at her lap. “Ricky is dead. Patterson shot him in the back.” She closed her eyes tight. “I saw Patterson smile as he hit the ground.”

“And he didn’t send anyone searching for you? To bring you back?”

“No.”

“That’s suspicious as fuck,” I muttered. “Could he have followed you here?”

“No. I was careful.” Fostine stared up at Wyatt. “I swear, I wasn’t followed.”

“Easy, you’re safe now.” Wyatt looked over at me. “I want you and Trakker out scouting just in case. You see anything at all, report back to me.”

I nodded. “I need to speak to Lily first. She saw Fostine.”

Fostine snorted. “I didn’t shift in front of her,” she muttered. “Just tell the little human it was a wolf and send her on her way.”

“That human is my mate,” I said, trying to stay calm. “You will treat her with respect.”

“This is my home!” She shot to her feet and got in my face. “Or have you forgotten?”

“I’ve forgotten nothing,” I replied. “You left here of your own free will. Wyatt warned you what could happen. Father warned you.” I closed the distance separating us. “Dad is a prisoner because he went after you!”

She started to speak, but Wyatt stepped between us. “Fostine, calm down.” He turned toward me. “Go, let me know what you find.”

“Anything to get away from her.” I turned to leave, Trakker followed close behind. One more thought occurred. I scowled back at my sister. “Stay away from Lily.”

Fostine’s smile was reassuring this time.

Wyatt saw my hesitation. “I will watch over her personally,” he offered.

I didn’t want my brother near Lily, but her safety overrode my possessive instinct. “Thank you,” I replied before leaving the room. When Trakker and I reached the door leading upstairs, I glanced over and said, “Give me a few minutes to speak to her.”

“You have my sympathies, brother,” Trakker replied as he followed me to the upper level. “I can’t even imagine how freaked out she was when she saw Fostine.”

I could still see the terror on Lily’s face. “She was more upset by the fact that I was speaking to a seemingly wild animal, and it obeyed.”

Trakker slapped me on the back. “Yeah, good luck explaining.”

“I don’t have time for that now. I just want to make sure she doesn’t try to leave before I have a chance to...”

“A chance to tell her we’re a race of shifters that can breathe underwater and need blood to seal a mate bond?”

I glared at my older sibling. “Thanks for summing it up for me,” I ground out. “Super fucking helpful.”

He chuckled. “That’s what family is for.”

I watched my brother saunter off toward the kitchen, wishing I had the time to slap him upside the head, before taking the stairs two at a time. I could admit that I was too eager to see Lily. To reassure her. How I was going to do that was still a mystery. When I approached her door and knocked, she yanked it open and glared at me. “I thought you’d forgotten about me.” She moved back to let me enter.

I smiled at the ludicrous idea. “I could never forget you, Lily.” When I noticed her suitcase sitting near the door, I pointed at it. “You said you’d give me a chance to explain.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “So, explain. I can’t wait to hear this.”

I ran a hand through my hair, then strode to the bed and sat. “Fostine is ... family.”

“Like a beloved pet?” She shuddered. “That’s one scary-looking pet, Kai.”

“More wild than tame,” I clarified. “And she’s been missing for two years. We didn’t think we’d ever see her again.”

“And you spoke to her as if she were a person. Stranger still, she obeyed. I’ve never seen a pet do that.” She narrowed her gaze. “There are things you’re keeping from me. I can feel it.”

She’d moved closer. Close enough for me to touch. I reached out and took her hand in mine and tugged until she was standing between my widespread thighs. “It’s true. There are things I’m keeping from you. But in time I promise to tell you everything.”

Her shoulders slumped forward and she let out a heavy sigh. “Why can’t you just tell me now? Are you into some sort of illegal exotic animal trade? Because there’s no way Fostine is a wolf. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anything like her before. What is she?”

“We aren’t into anything illegal. You have my word on that. Fostine is unique, that’s true. She’s what’s known as a Yucilon .”

“I’ve never heard of that breed.”

Breed . I worried Lily would always view my family in that light. “No, you wouldn’t. The Yucilon dates back to prehistoric times. Today there aren’t many left in existence.”

“And if someone found out about her they’d want to take her,” she surmised. “Maybe even study her.” She cursed under her breath. “I’m emphatically against animal abuse of any kind.”

My time was running short. I could hear Trakker downstairs pacing. Our exceptional hearing had always been an asset. Now it felt more like a burden. “I need to go. My brother and I are searching the woods. We think the one who kept her might be out there.”

Her eyes widened. “So someone did take her?”

“Yes. We didn’t know that until now. We’d thought she ran off.” I stood, then cupped her cheek in my palm, enjoying the silky softness of her skin. “It’s late. You need to get some sleep, Lily.”

“I’m going to worry about you. Are you sure the authorities shouldn’t be notified? I mean, if someone is out there snatching exotic animals, then someone should be told.”

“No, we need to handle this ourselves.” I saw her concern and rushed to add, “We could get into trouble for having her.”

“I see.” She yawned and stared at the bed. “Will you at least let me know when you return?”

“It could be late.”

“I don’t care.” She pointed to her suitcase. “I have a new book I’ve been anxious to read anyway.”

“If you’re sure.”

“I know there’s more you’re not telling me.” She reached up and touched a finger to my jaw. “I won’t push, but if you truly want us to get to know each other better, then we need truth between us.”

She was right and I dreaded it. Lily was open and giving and she wore her heart on her sleeve. But when she saw my true form, that could all change. I leaned down and kissed her. “I want nothing more than to bare my soul to you. For now, rest. I’ll return as soon as I can.”

She nodded and followed me to the door.

When I turned the knob, I glanced back at her. “Lock it behind me.”

“Is that necessary?”

“Probably not, but I think you’ll feel better, yes?”

“You’re right. No offense to your brothers, but...”

“I get it.” I smiled, then thought to add, “If you need anything, Wyatt will be close by.”

“Thanks, but it’s been a long day. All I need is my comfy pj’s and my book.”

Her words brought up an adorable image. It was tempting to stay. Just slip beneath the covers and spend the night with her tucked up close. But I had duties to perform. And I couldn’t ignore them. The safety of my family—including Lily—was at stake.

I left her to it, then waited until I heard the lock slide into place before I went in search of Trakker. I found him at the refrigerator guzzling apple juice straight from the jug. “Wyatt’ll kick your ass if he sees you doing that.”

“So, don’t be a tattletale and we’re all good.” He put the jug away, then pointed toward the ceiling. “Got her all squared away?”

I nodded and led the way to the back door. “She’s staying. That’s all that matters.”

When we reached the back porch, Trakker turned to me. “All teasing aside, I hope you can make it work. She’s sweet and you’re different around her.”

My brother’s words confused me. “Different how?”

Trakker began to remove his shirt. “Less intense.”

I stiffened. “What’s that supposed to mean? I’m not intense.”

He laughed so loud that I was tempted to slug him. “Damn, the only one more intense than you is Wyatt. And I don’t mean that as a compliment either.”

“Can we focus here?” I stripped out of my clothes. I’d done it a thousand times, but this time it felt different. And I knew why. Lily. She was close and the Yucilon part of me wanted to get down on all fours and seek her out. The animalistic instinct to mate with her was already hard to resist, but in my shifted form it would become damn near impossible. Still, I couldn’t let myself think about anything except hunting. And if there was anyone on our land searching for Fostine, then the fuckers would be dealt with. Our very existence hinged on secrecy.

When I was naked, my clothes in a pile on a bench near the door, I closed my eyes and let instinct take over. Bones shifted and my claws extended. Within minutes my brother and I were off and running. Trakker was bigger, his black streaked with silver, and his eyes glowed a bright blue. I sniffed and detected the faint scent of something unfamiliar hovering in the night air. I nudged my brother with my snout to gain his attention before heading south. If Gregory Patterson’s lackeys had been foolish enough to follow Fostine, then their deaths would be on his head.