(Psy-Changeling Book 9)Play of Passion

TableofContents
TitlePage
CopyrightPage
Dedication
CHAPTER1
CHAPTER2
CHAPTER3
CHAPTER4
CHAPTER5
CHAPTER6
CHAPTER7
CHAPTER8
CHAPTER9
CHAPTER10
CHAPTER11
CHAPTER12
CHAPTER13
CHAPTER14
CHAPTER15
CHAPTER16
CHAPTER17
CHAPTER18
CHAPTER19
CHAPTER20
CHAPTER21
CHAPTER22
CHAPTER23
CHAPTER24
CHAPTER25
CHAPTER26
CHAPTER27
CHAPTER28
CHAPTER29
CHAPTER30
CHAPTER31
CHAPTER32
CHAPTER33
CHAPTER34
CHAPTER35
CHAPTER36
CHAPTER37
CHAPTER38
CHAPTER39
CHAPTER40
CHAPTER41
CHAPTER42
CHAPTER43
CHAPTER44
CHAPTER45
CHAPTER46
CHAPTER47
CHAPTER48
Teaserchapter“Paranormalromanceatitsbest.”—PublishersWeekly
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http://us.penguingroup.comTotwowonderfulfriendsindifferentcornersoftheworld:Junko,whomadesureIwasn’tlostintranslation;andCora,whohasbothcourageandheart;withaspecialshout-outtoCianandCalistofromRomanandJulianCASTOFCHARACTERS
Inalphabeticalorderbyfirstname
Key:SD=SnowDancerwolvesDR=DarkRiverleopards
AbelRiviereSDsoldier,fatherofIndigoandEvangeline
AndrewKincaidSDtracker,brotherofRileyandBrenna
AnthonyKyriakusPsyCouncilor,fatherofFaith
AshayaAleinePsymemberofDR,formerCouncilscientist,matedtoDorian
BenSDpup
BraceSDjuvenile
BrennaKincaidSDtech,matedtoJudd,sisterofAndrewandRiley
DevrajSantosDirectoroftheShineFoundation,oneoftheForgotten(PsywhodroppedoutofthePsyNetoverahundredyearsagoandintermarriedwiththechangelingandhumanpopulations)
DorianChristensenDRsentinel,matedtoAshaya
EliasSDsoldier,matedtoYuki,fatherofSakura
Evangeline(Evie)RiviereSD,sisterofIndigo
FaithNightStarPsymemberofDR,cardinalF-Psy(foreseer),matedtoVaughn,daughterofAnthony
GhostPsyrebel
HawkeSDalpha
HenryScottPsyCouncilor,husbandofShoshanna
IndigoRiviereSDlieutenant,daughterofAbelandTarah,sisterofEvangeline
JoshuaSDjuvenile
JuddLaurenPsymemberofSD,lieutenant,matedtoBrenna,uncleofSienna,Toby,andMarlee
KalebKrychekPsyCouncilor
LaraSDhealer
LucasHunterDRalpha,matedtoSascha
LucySD,traineenurse,assistanttoLara
MatthiasSDlieutenant
MaxShannonHuman,Nikita’ssecuritychief,marriedtoSophia
MercySmithDRsentinel,matedtoRiley
MingLeBonPsyCouncilor
NikitaDuncanPsyCouncilor,motherofSascha
RiazSDlieutenant
RileyKincaidSDlieutenant,matedtoMercy,brotherofAndrewandBrenna
SaschaDuncanPsymemberofDR,cardinalempath,matedtoLucas,daughterofNikita
ShoshannaScottPsyCouncilor,wifeofHenry
SiennaLaurenPsymemberofSD,sisterofToby,nieceofJuddandWalker
SilviaSDjuvenile
SophiaRussoJ-Psy,worksforNikita,marriedtoMax
TaiSD,novicesoldier
TarahRiviereSD,motherofIndigoandEvangeline
TatianaRika-SmythePsyCouncilor
TeijanRatalpha
WalkerLaurenPsymemberofSD,fatherofMarlee,uncleofSiennaandToby
XavierPerezHumanpriestPURITY
ThePsyhavebeenpure,havebeenSilentforoverahundredyears,theiremotionsconditionedoutofthemuntilawalloficeseparatesthemfromtheworld.Passionandlove,hateandsorrowarenolongerthingstheyknow,exceptasweaknessesoftheemotionalhumanandchangelingraces.
Butaswinterthawsintospringintheyear2081,changeismorethanawhisperonthehorizon.ToomanypowerfulPsyhavedefected,toomanyarebreakingconditioning,andtoomanyfracturesriddletheNet.
SomesayitisinevitablethatSilencewillfall.
Andsomewillkilltoholdit.CHAPTER1
Indigowipedtherainoffherface,clearingitforasplitsecond,ifthat.Thetorrentialdownpourcontinuedwithrelentlessfury,slammingice-coldbulletsagainstherskinandturningthenight-darkoftheforestimpenetrable.Duckingherhead,shespokeintothewaterproofmicrophoneattachedtothesoddencollarofherblackT-shirt.“Doyouhavehiminyoursights?”
Thevoicethatcamebackwasdeep,familiar,and,atthatinstant,lethallyfocused.“Northwest,halfamile.I’mcomingyourway.”
“Northwest,halfamile,”sherepeatedtoensuretheywerebothonthesamepage.Changelinghearingwasincrediblyacute,buttherainwassavage,drummingagainstherskulluntileventhehigh-techreceivershe’dtuckedintoherearbuzzedwithnoise.
“Indy,becareful.He’sfunctioningonthelevelofaferalwolf.”
Undernormalcircumstances,she’dhavesnarledathimforusingthatridiculousnickname.Tonight,shewastooworried.“Thatgoesdoubleforyou.Hehurtyouinthatfirsttangle.”
“It’sonlyafleshwound.I’mgoingquietnow.”
Slickingbackherhair,shetookadeepbreathofthewateryairandbegantostalktowardtheirprey.Herfellowhunterwasright—apincermaneuverwastheirbestbetoftakingJoshuadownwithoutdamage.Indigo’sgutclenched,painbloominginherheart.Shedidn’twanttohavetohurthim.Neitherdidthetrackerontheboy’strail—thereasonwhythebigger,strongerwolfhadbeeninjuredintheearlierclash.
Buthe’dhavetoiftheycouldn’tbringJoshuabackfromtheedge;theboywassolostinanguishandtormentthathe’dgivenintohiswolf.Andthewolf,youngandoutofcontrol,hadtakenthoseemotionsandturnedthemintorage.Joshuawasnowathreattothepack.Buthewasalsotheirown.They’dbleed,they’ddrowninthisendlessrain,buttheywouldnotexecutehimuntilthey’dexhaustedeveryotheroption.
Abranchrakedacrosshercheekwhenshedidn’tmovefastenoughinthestormyweather.
Sharp.Iron.Blood.
Indigosworelowunderherbreath.Joshuawouldcatchherscentifshewasn’tcareful.Turningherfaceuptotherain,sheletitwashawaythebloodfromthecut.Butitwasstilltoobright,toounmistakableascent.Wincing—theirhealerwouldstripherhideforthis—shewenttotheearthandslatheredmudoverthesuperficialinjury.Thescentdulled,becamesoddenwithearth.
Itwoulddo.Joshuawassofargonethathewouldn’tdetectthesubtleundertonethatremained.
“Whereareyou?”Itwasasoundlesswhisperasshestalkedthroughtherain-lashednight.Joshuahadn’ttakenalifeyet,hadn’tkilledormaimed.Hecouldbebroughtback—ifhispain,thevivid,overwhelmingpainofayoungmaleonthecuspofadulthood,allowedhimtoreturn.
Aslashingwind…bringingwithitthescentofherprey.Indigosteppedupherpace,trustingtheeyesofthewolfthatwasherotherhalf,itsvisionstrongerinthedark.Shewasgainingonthescentwhenawolf’senragedhowlsplittheair.
Growls,thesickeningclashofteeth,moreironintheair.
“No!”Pushingherspeedtodangerouslevels,shejumpedoverfallenlogsandnew-madestreamsofmudandwaterwithoutreallyseeingthem,headingtowardthesceneofthefight.Ittookhermaybetwentysecondsandalifetime.
Lightningflashedtheinstantshereachedthesmallclearingwheretheyfought,andshesawthemframedagainsttheelectric-darksky,twochangelingsinfullwolfform,lockedincombat.Theyfelltoearthasthelightningdied,butshecouldstillseethem,hereyestrackingwithlethalpurpose.
Thetracker,thehunter,wasbigger,hisnormallystunningsilver-coloredfursoddenalmostblack,butitwasthesmallerwolf,hispeltareddishhue,whowaswinning—becausethehunterwasholdingback,tryingnottokill.Awareherdrenchedclothingwouldmakestrippingdifficult,Indigoshiftedasshewas.Itwasasearingpainandanagonizingjoy,herclothesdisintegratingoffher,herbodyturningintoashoweroflightbeforeformingintoasleekwolfwithabodybuiltforrunning.
Shejumpedintothefightjustastheredwolf—Joshua—slashedalineintohisopponent’sside.Thebiggerwolfgrippedtheteenager’sneck.Hecould’vekilledthen,ashecouldhaveearlier,buthewasattemptingonlytosubdue.Joshuawastoofargonetolisten;hereachedout,tryingtogoforthehunter’sbelly.Teethbared,Indigoleaped.Herpawscamedownonthesmallerwolf,holdinghisstruggling,snarlingbodytotheearth.
Shedidn’tknowhowlongtheystoodthere,holdingtheviolentwolfdown,refusingtolethimgooverthatfinaldestructiveedge.Thehunter’seyesmethers.Abrilliantcopperinhiswolfform,theyweresounusualshe’dneverseenthelikeinanyotherwolf,changelingorferal.Sheglimpsedapiercingintelligenceinthatgaze,onethatmanypeoplemissedbecausehelaughedsoeasily,charmedwithsuchopenwickedness.
MostintheSnowDancerpackdidn’tevenrealizehewastheirtracker,abletotraceroguewolvesthroughsnow,wind,and,tonight,endlessrain.AndthoughitwasnottheirpracticetocallhimHunter,hewasthat,too,chargedwithexecutingthosetheycouldnotsave.ButJoshuaunderstoodwhoitwashefaced.Becausehewentsilentatlonglast,hisbodylimpbeneaththeirs.
Indigoreleasedhergripwithcare,buthedidn’tspringup,evenwhenthelargerwolfletgo.Worried,sheshiftedbackintohumanform,herhairplasteredtohernakedbackbetweenoneinstantandthenext.Thetrackerstoodguardnexttoher,hisfurrubbingwetagainstherskin.
“Joshua,”shesaid,leaningdowntospeaktotheboy,determinedtobringhimbackfromhiswolf.“Yoursisterisalive.Wegothertotheinfirmaryintime.”
Norecognitioninthosedarkyelloweyes,butIndigowasn’taSnowDancerlieutenantbecauseshegaveupeasily.“She’saskingforyou,soyoubettersnapoutofitandgetup.”Sheputeveryounceofherdominanceinhernextcommand.“Rightnow.”
Ablinkfromthewolf,acockedhead.AsIndigowatched,heroseshakilytohisfeet.Whenshereachedforhim,heloweredhishead,whimpering.“Shh,”shesaid,grippinghismuzzleandstaringstraightintothosewolf-brighteyes.Hisgazeslidaway.Joshuawastooyoung,toosubmissiveincomparisontoherstrength,tochallengeherinthatway.
“I’mnotangry,”Indigosaid,ensuringheheardthetruthinherwords,inthewaysheheldhim—firm,butnotinagripthatwouldcausepain.“ButIneedyoutobecomehuman.”
Stillnoeyecontact.Butheheardher.Becausethenextinstant,theairfilledwithsparksoflight,andasplitsecondafterthat,ayoungmalebarelypasthisfourteenthbirthdaywaskneelingnakedontheearth,hisfacedrawn.“Isshereallyokay?”Itwasarasp,thewolfinhisvoice.
“HaveIeverliedtoyou?”
“Iwasmeanttobewatchingher,exceptI—”
“Youweren’tatfault.”Sheputherfingersonhisjaw,anchoringhimwithtouch,withPack.“Itwasarockfall—nothingyoucould’vedone.She’sgotabrokenarm,twobrokenribs,andaprettycoolscaronhereyebrowthatshe’salreadyshowingofflikeapeacock.”
TherecitalofinjuriesseemedtostabilizeJoshua.“Thatsoundslikeher.”Awaveringsmile,aquick,waryglimpseupatherbeforehedroppedhisgaze.
Smiling—becauseifhewasscaredabouttheconsequencesofhisactions,hewasback—Indigogaveintoherreliefandnippedthepupsharplyontheear.Hecriedout.Thenburiedhisfaceinherneck.“I’msorry.”
Sheranherhanddownhisback.“It’sokay.Butifyoueverdothisagain,I’llstripyourhideanduseittomakenewsofacushions.Gotit?”
Anothershakysmile,aquicknod.“Iwanttogohome.”Heswallowed,turnedtolookatthetracker.“Thanksfornotkillingme.I’msorryImadeyoucomeoutintherain.”
ThehugewolfbesideIndigo,itstailraisedinagestureofdominance,closeditsverydangerousteetharoundtheboy’sthroat.Joshuastayedimmobile,quiescent,untilthetrackerletgo.Apologyaccepted.
Makingafutileefforttoshaketherainfromherhair,Indigolookedattheboy.“Idon’twantyouturningwolfforoneweek.”Whenhelookedshattered,shetouchedhisshoulder.“It’snotpunishment.Youwenttooclosetotheedgetonight.Nousetakingchances.”
“Okay,yeah.”Apause,awhisperofshameinhiseyes.“Thewolf’sgettinghardtocontrol.LikeI’makidagain.”
That,Indigothought,explainedhisirrationalresponsetohissister’saccident.Shemadeamentalnotetokicksomeassontheheelsofthatthought.Adolescentsandyoungteensdidoccasionallyhavecontrolissues—Joshua’steachersshould’vepickedupthesigns.“Ithappenssometimes,”shesaidtohim,keepinghertonecalmandmatter-of-fact.“DidtomewhenIwasaroundyourage,soit’snothingtobeashamedof.Youcomedirectlytomeifyoufeelthewolftakingoveragain.”Sheshiftedintoherotherformashenodded,hisreliefobvious.
Thejourneyhometotheden—ahugenetworkoftunnelshiddendeepundergroundinCalifornia’sSierraNevada,outofsightofenemyeyes—wasquiet,therainlettingupabouttenminutesaftertheybegan.Ahumanmight’veslippedandfallenahundredtimesontheslipperyterrain,butthewolfwassure-footed,itspawsdesignedforincreasedstability—anditfoundtheeasiestrouteforJoshua
Indigo,withthetrackertakingpositionbehindtheboy,herdedJoshuaallthewaytothewide-opendoorinthesideofwhatwouldotherwiseappeartobeasheerrockface—wherehisshakenmotherwaswaitingwithanotherwolf,asilver-goldonewitheyesofsuchpale,paleblue,theywerealmostice.
TheboyfelltohiskneesinfrontoftheSnowDanceralpha.
Indigoandthetrackerbackedaway,theirtaskcomplete.Thepupwassafe—andwouldbetakencareof.Nowtheyneededtorunoffsomeofthestrainoftonight.She’dreallythoughtthey’dhavetokillJoshua.Theboyhadbeenallbutinsanewhenthey’dmanagedtocornerhimearlier.Glancingtowardhercompanionatthememory—thelargerwolfhavingkeptpacewithease—sherealizedhewasbleeding.
Shecametoahaltwithasnarl.Hestoppedonlyasteplater,circlingbacktonudgehernosewithhis.Shiftingintohumanform,shebentoverhim,pushingbackherrain-wethair.“YouneedtoseeLara.”Theirhealerwouldbebetterabletocheckhiswounds,ensuretheyweren’tserious.
Thewolfnippedatherjaw,growlinglowinhisthroat.Shepushedhimaway.“Don’tmakemepullrankonyou.”Thoughtobehonest,shewasn’tsureshecould—andthatdisturbedbothwomanandwolf.Heoccupiedanoddspaceintheirhierarchy.Youngerthanher,hewasn’talieutenant,buthereporteddirectlyandonlytotheiralpha.Andastheirtracker,hisskillswerecriticaltothesafetyandwell-beingofthepack.
Anothergrowl,anothernip—thisoneonhershoulder.
Shenarrowedhereyes.“WatchitorI’llnipthatnoserightoff.”
Hemadeagrowlingsoundofdisagreement,hiscaninesflashing.
Reachingout,shetappedhimsharplyonthemuzzle.“We’reheadingbackrightnow.”
Colorunderherhands,thewolfwithfurthedistinctivecolorofsilver-birchbarkshiftingintoahumanwithlakeblueeyesandrain-slickhair.“Idon’tthinkso.”Hewasonherbeforesheknewit,cuppingherfaceinhishands,hismouthonhers.
Thecaresswashot,hard,aslammingfistthatheldhermotionless.Andthen…aninfernopunchingthroughherbody,makinghertangleherhandinthatthickbrownhair,tugbackhishead.“What,”shesaidonagaspingbreath,“areyoudoing?”
“Ithoughtit’dbeobvious.”Laughterinhiseyes,thelakesearedbysunshineashisthumbsstrokedoverhercheekbones.“Iwanttolickyouuprightnow.”
Shedidn’ttakeitpersonally.“You’rehighonadrenalinefromthehunt.”Pushingoffhishands,sheangledherhead.“Andlossofblood.”Itraninaclean,water-dilutedlinedownhisside.“Youdefinitelyneedstitches.”
“No,Idon’t.”Hekissedheragain,pushingherdowntotheearth.
Thistime,shedidn’tbackawayatonce.Andgotthefullimpactofthekiss…andoftherigidarousalnudgingatthesensitivedipofherabdomen.Herheartbeataccelerated,startlingherenoughthatshebithardathislip.“It’scolddownhere.”Thoughthesnowhadmeltedawayinthispartoftherange,theSierraNevadaretainedthechillkissofwinterevenintheblushofspring.
Arepentantlook.Shefoundherselfontopaninstantlater.Stillbeingkissed.Groaningatthestubbornwolf—whocouldkisssoinsanelywellthatshewastemptedtolethimhaveatit—shepushedathisshoulders.“Getupbeforeyoudieofbloodloss,youlunatic.”
Ascowl.AndthenDrewkissedheragainCHAPTER2
AndrewheardIndigomoan,feltherbodysoftenadeliciousfractionbeforethelieutenantgotherselfundercontrol.Pushingoffhisshoulders,sherolledawaytocrouchbesidehimontheforestfloor,hernamesakeeyesbrightwiththewolf’snight-glowgaze.“I’llforgiveyouforslobberingovermethatonetime.ButdoitagainandI’llputyouonyourass.”
“I’malreadythere.”Hesatup.“AndIseemtorecallyouslobberingback.”Hertonguehadbeenasleek,fastdartinhismouthbeforethatdamnself-disciplineofhershadkickedin.“Wanttodoitsomemore?”
Shepushedbackherhair.“Igiveup.Stayhere.Dieofbloodloss.I’mgoingtogoslipintoanicewarmbathandeatthesliceofNewYorkcheesecakeIbribedLucytosneakuptomepasttheravaginghordes.”
“Youhavecheesecake?”Heprowledovertocrouchbyher.Itwashard,sofuckinghard,topretendthiswasonlyagame,toplaywithher,whenallhewantedtodowasburyhisfaceinherneckandjust…be.“WillyoushareifIcomeback?”
Alowfemininegrowlthatprobablywould’vesentmostmenpacking.“Areyoutryingtoblackmailme?”
“WouldIdothat?”Needingtotouchher,hepressedhislipstotheskinofhershoulder.
Shedidn’tpushhimaway—ahigh-rankingfemaleallowingskinprivilegestoamaleshethoughtneededtheanchor.Hedidn’twanttobejustanothermale,justanotherwolf.Butifitwouldgethimnearher,thenhe’dtakeit…fornow.
“Indy.”Shiftingsothathewasbehindher,heburiedhisnoseinherneck,drawingdeepandsmilinginsavagesatisfactionwhenhescentedheralone.Nomale.Shedidn’thavealovershe’dacceptedtothatlevel.He’dalreadyknownthat,butitwasgoodtohavetheconfirmation.Becausehe’dmadehisdecision—tostopcirclingandfightforwhathewanted.
AndhewantedIndigo.
Smart,dangerous,fascinatingIndigo.
Reachingback,shetuggedathishair.“Nocheesecakeunlessyoustopusingthatstupidnickname.”
Henippedatherfingers.Gotasigh.“Comeon.Let’sgohome.”Sheshiftedunderhishands,abeautifuldeepgraywolfwitheyesthatwereastartlingburnishedgold.
Takingadeepbreath,heshiftedbesideherandletherleadthemback.Onceintheden,shebulliedhimtothehealerandstoodtheresnarlinglowinherthroatuntilheshiftedintohumanformandletLarapokeandprodathim.OnlywhenIndigowascertainhewasbehavingdidsheleave.
Hisjoydimmed.
Hecouldstillfeelherskin,silkyandwetagainsthis,stilltastethewildheatofhermouth.God,buthecravedtherighttohaveher.Exceptthatshewasadominantfemale,thehighest-rankingwomaninthepack,andhewasamalewhosedominancelevelwasambiguous—anunusualsituationinawolfpack,buthisworkfortheiralphadependedonhimbeingseenasoutsidethehierarchy.However,nomatterhowyoucutit,sheoutrankedhim;she’dbeenlieutenantforyears.Addedtothat,shewasfouryearsolder.
Frustratedathisthoughts,hemopedhiswaybacktohisroomswhenLarareleasedhim,barelynoticingtheflesh-coloredthin-skinbandagethehealerhadslappedonhisside.Hewasjustgettingoutoftheshowerwhenheheardthedoortohisroomopen.Indigo’sscentfollowedamomentlater.Rubbinghaphazardlyathishair,hewrappedthetowelaroundhiswaistandwalkedouttofindhersittingcross-leggedonhisbed,herbacktothewall,ahugesliceofcheesecakeonthesaucershehadinherhand.
Shewashere.Inhisterritory.
Leaningagainstthebathroomdoorway,hejustwatchedher.Herskinwasflushedwithheat,soshe’dtakenthatbath.AndthehairsheusuallytiedupinaponytaillaysleekanddampdownthebackofherwhiteT-shirt.Hersoftblackpajamapantshidthelonglengthofherlegs,butAndrewhadmemorizedeverylithelymuscledinchofher.
“Doyouwantsomeornot?”Sheliftedthefork.
Notstupidenoughtorefuse,heshotherasmiledeliberatelylacedwithpurewickedness.“Letmeputonsomeclothes.Unlessyouwantmenaked?”
Afemininesnort.“Seenit,feltit,don’twanttobuytheT-shirt.”
Theinsultcut.Hewasmale,andhewantedheruntilhecouldhardlyseestraight.Buthecouldn’tletherknowthat,notwhenshealreadyheldallthecards,soheshrugged.“Fine.”Anddroppedthetowel.
IndigoalmostchokedonhercheesecakeasDrewwalkedovertothebureauontheothersideoftheroom.Oh…my.Hereyescouldn’tseemtomoveoffhisbutt.Hardandmuscledandbitable.Definitelybitable.
Itwasallshecoulddonottomoanwhenhepulledapairofsweatsoverthatbeautifulgoldenskin,thosetautmuscles.Abouttoaskhimtotakethethingoff,sherealizedexactlywhoitwasshewasogling.Whatwaswrongwithher?Horrified,shestabbedtheforkintothecheesecakeandstuffedabiggobintohermouthjustasDrewturned.
Therewasnolongeranyhumoronhisface,andsuddenly,shesawnotRiley’syoungerbrother,notthelaughing,teasingmalewhocouldcharmeveryfemaleinthedentogetwhathewanted,butthetrackerwho’dhunteddownhispreyinastormsoharsheventheferalwolveshadtakenshelter.Andhe’dneverlostthescent—ataskshe’dhavethoughtimpossiblegiventhemixoftorrentialrainanddrivingwind.
Shovinghishandsthroughhishair,hewalkedovertothebed.Themusclesatthefrontofhisbody,shethought,wereasimpressiveastheonesintheback.Buthereyes,rightthen,wereonhisface.Shecouldn’treadhim,sherealizedwithgut-wrenchingshock,notlikeshecouldtheotheryoungmales.Butsheknewshe’dinsultedhim.Predatorymalechangelingscouldbeverytouchyaboutthatkindofastatementfromafemale—butthatwasusuallywithintheconfinesofarelationshiporcourtship.
Still…
Hesprawledbesideher,bracinghisbackagainstthewall.Turningalittle,shescoopedupabiteofcheesecakeonherforkandliftedittohismouth.Hetookit,holdinghergazeasshedrewthetinesoutfrombetweenhislips.Herbodywarmedwithaslowburnofheatassherememberedthoselipsonhermouth,strongandconfident…andtempting.
Heflickedouthistonguetolickupabitofthecream,hiseyesneverleavinghers.Whenhesatupandtooktheforkfromherhand,shelethim.Andwhenheraisedthecheesecaketoherlips,shealmostlethimputthetinestohermouth.Exceptthattheintimacyoftheactsuddenlyhitherwithblindingforce.
“Drew,we’renot—”Thecheesecakewasinhermouth,theflavorslushandrich,thetineswarmashedrewthemthroughherlipsoh-so-slowly.
Drewtookalong,deepbreath.“Icanscentyourhunger,”hemurmured,hisvoicedroppinguntilitscrapedoverherskin,rawandarousing.“Iwanttotasteit.”
Thrownoffcenterbytheunexpected,shockingshiftinatmosphere,sheshookherheadevenashermusclesseemedtomelt,herbodyachinginawaythathadnothingtodowiththehuntthey’djustcompleted.“Idon’tsleepwithmysubordinates.”
“AndIdon’treporttoyou.”Anotherbiteofcheesecakeliftedtoherlipsinteasingpromise.“I’mindependentofthelieutenanthierarchy.”
Herskintingled,herpalmsitchingtotracethesculpturedbeautyofhispectorals.Ithadbeensolongsinceshe’dhadalover.Thepickingsweren’texactlyplentifulforadominantchangelingfemaleinthisregion—thoughsinceDrew’sbrother,Riley,hadmatedwithacat,she’dcheckedouttheleopards,too,evengoneonadateortwo.Noneofthemenhadmadeherbodyspark.Notevenalittle.
Butthatbodywasmakingupforlosttimenow,herskinseemingtostretchasavoluptuouswarmthinvadedherverycells,curlingthroughherveinstopulsebeneathfleshturnedunbearablysensitive.Toolong,shethought,shockedatthespreadofneed,ithadsimplybeentoolong.“Drew…”
Hismouthsoclose,histonguelickingovertheseamofherlipstostealatinybitofthecreamytreatshe’dboughtintotheroom.“Letmein,Indy.”Theheatofhimwaswild,fresh,young,anditstrokedoverherlikeaphysicalcaress.
Groaning,shenudgedthenextbitetohismouth.“Ican’tsleepwithRiley’sbabybrother.”Shewouldn’tbeabletofaceherfellowlieutenantwhenhecamebackfromhistriptoSouthAmerica.
Ahardglanceoutofblueeyesgoneaturbulentcobalt.“I’mnotachild,Indigo.”
Shewassostartledathisuseofherfullnamethatsheblinked.“You’retooyoungforme—andIwasyourtrainer,forGod’ssake.”
Hesnorted.“Nextexcuse.”
Thetoneofhisvoicemadeherhacklesrise.“Careful,Drew.I’mnotoneofyourlittleplaymates.”Hehadaharemthattumbledintohisbedatthecrookofafinger.Andtheyallapparentlylefthappy—noneofhisformerlovershadeverbad-mouthedhim.Infact,asfarassheknew,theycontinuedtoadorehim.
“DidIsayIwantedaplaymate?”Puttingthecheesecakecarelesslyonthemattressonhisotherside,hereachedforher.Hisfingerswereonherjawandhismouthonherswhileshewasstillformingaresponsetohissnappedquestion.
Thepunchofsensationwentstraighttohergut,butsodidthewolf’sconfusionatthesuddenchangeinthisrelationship.Shepushedagainsthischest.Ofcourse,sincehewasapredatorychangelingmale,hekeptonkissingher.Shecould’vegottenaway,butunwillingtorejecthimsoroughly,shechosetopushathimagain.Hebrokeoffonlylongenoughtosay,“Youwantme.Icanscentit.”Histonguelickedagainsthersinbluntdemand,hisfreehandclosingoverthebackofherneckashepressedhertothewall,theheatofhisskinburningherthroughandthrough.
Aredhazeofanger,powerfulenoughthatshehadtofighttokeepherclawssheathed.
WrenchingawayusingtheskillandstrengththatmadeheroneofSnowDancer’smostseniorlieutenants,shesweptoffthebed,furypulsingineveryinchofher.Thekissshewouldhaveforgiven.Eventhepushiness—sheunderstoodwhathewas,wouldn’thavepenalizedhimforit.Butthehandaroundherneck,thewayhe’dtriedtousehisbodytopinherstothewall,andmostofallthearrogancewithwhichhe’dtakenitasagiventhathertouch-hungermadeherhisforthetaking?No.
“I,”shesaid,inatonesocalmittookallofhercontroltomaintainit,“haven’tgivenyoutherighttotouchmeasyouplease.”Therewasplay…andthentherewerelinesyoudidn’tcross.“Nexttimeyoutrytotouchmelikethat”—inpossession,inownership—“bepreparedtogetthatprettyfaceshredded.”
Soinfuriatedshecouldn’thearanythingbutthesurgeofherownblood,sheturnedonherheelandleft.Theworstofitwasthatshe’dtrustedDrew,thoughthewasafriendwhoacceptedandappreciatedherforthedominantfemaleshewas—butclearly,hewasjustanothercockyyoungmalewhothoughtthelieutenantcouldbebroughttoheelbysex.Andwhereshemight’veeasilyforgiveneverythingelse,shecouldnotforgivethatbetrayal.CHAPTER3
EnclosedwithintheprivacyofasecureLondonapartment,CouncilorHenryScottlookedacrossthedeskathis“wife,”CouncilorShoshannaScott,andconsideredtheprosandconsoftheirrelationship.TheywerePsy—unlikewiththeotherraces,emotiondidn’tcomeintothemixwhenundertakingthatevaluation.Theirmarriagehadbeen—was—apieceofpoliticalstrategy,awaytoplacatethehumanandchangelingmediabygivingthemaneasilyrelatableimage.
However,oflatethatpluswasbeingcanceledoutbythequestionspeoplewereaskingabouttheexactnatureoftheirrelationship—therehadbeentoomanyleaksandtheemotionalracesnowhadinformationtheyshouldhaveneverhad.Ithadledtoseveralprobinginquiriesatthemostrecentpressconference,inquiriesthatwouldn’thavebeenmadeeventwoyearsago.
But,thoughproblematic,thatissuecouldwait.
“ItisstillpossibletoclosetheNettooutsideinfluences,”hesaid,focusingonthemoreimportantconcern.“Nikitaisincorrecttosaythatthingshavereachedacriticalmass,thatSilenceisclosetofalling.”CouncilorDuncanhadbeentaintedbyherconstantandprolongedcontactwiththechangelingsinherterritoryand,assuch,wasathreattothepurityofSilence,theProtocolthaterasedtheirrace’smadnessesasiterasedtheiremotions.
Henryintendedtoreinitiatethatpurityatallcosts,andhehadasignificantamountofsupport.MembershipinPurePsy,thegroupformedtoensureSilencedidn’tfall,wasrisingdaybyday.“OurraceneitherwantsnorneedsanychangeintheProtocol.”
Swivelinginherchair,Shoshannapickeduparemoteandswitchedonascreentoherright.“ThesearethekeyplayersweneedtoeliminateinordertoinitiateafullclosureoftheNet.”
ThefirstimageontheleftwasthatofSaschaDuncan,Nikita’sflaweddaughter.ItwasfollowedbythoseofFaithNightStarandAshayaAleine.“Allhigh-leveldefectorsfromtheNet,”hemurmured,watchingasShoshannabroughtupmoreimages.
“Themalesthey’vebondedwithintheDarkRiverleopardpackwillalsoneedtobeexecuted,”Shoshannaadded.“Changelingsareproprietaryabouttheirwomen.”
“They’realsorelentless,”Henrysaid,staringattherowofimages.“Weneedtoeliminatetheentirepack,oratleastthestrongestpartofit,ifwe’retoensuresuccess.”
“Correct.”Sheflickedupanotherimage,thatofamanwithiceblueeyesandhairofanunusualsilver-gold.“ThealphaoftheSnowDancerpackneedstogo,alongwithhislieutenants.”Ninenewimagesappearedon-screen.“Thewolvesaretootightlyalliedwiththeleopardstoriskleavingthemuntouched.”
“IthoughtourdatastatedthatSnowDancerhadtenlieutenants.”
“Itappearsthey’velostone,orwehadthewronginformationinthefirstplace.”
That,Henryknew,wasquitepossible.TheirspyintheSnowDancerrankshadbeenexecutedoverayearago.Sincethen,anyinformationtheyhadwassketchyatbest.“Anyassassinationattemptonachangelingstandsahighchanceoffailure.Theirnaturalshieldsgivethemenoughofawarningthattheyhaveanopportunitytoretaliate.”Andwhileheconsideredtheanimalracesfarlessintelligentthanhisown,herespectedtheirphysicalstrengthagainstweakerPsybodies
“Agreed,butwecanfinalizethelogisticslater.However,”shecontinued,“inlightoftheclosealliancebetweenSnowDancerandDarkRiver,itmaybeagoodstrategicmovetoremovethewolfalphafromtheequationbeforewetargettheleopards.Theiremotionalnatureswillmeanthey’llbeweakenedbythedamagingpsychologicalimpactofsuchaloss.”
SinceShoshannahadprovenskilledinpredictingsuchresponsesinhumansandchangelings,Henryhadnoargumentwiththat.“FocusingourresourcesontheSanFranciscoareafirst,”hesaid,“makessense.Themajorityoftheproblemshavebeenspawnedbyarelativelysmallgroup.”
Twomoreimagesappearedonthescreen—Nikita’shumansecuritychiefandthefracturedJusticePsywhowaslikelyinarelationshipwiththeman.TheJ-Psy’sshieldswereinexplicableandimpenetrable,butthefactthatshewasstillintheNetinspiteofherbrokenSilencewassounacceptablethatitneedednodiscussion.
Anotherthreeimages.AllfellowCouncilors.
“Nikitaneedstogo.”Shoshanna’stonewasflat,withnoroomforcompromise.“Minghasaccesstosignificantmilitaryresources.Ifwecan’tco-opthim,hemustbeeliminated.”
“Agreed,”Henrysaid.“Butheisnotaprimarytarget.”Henoddedatthethirdimage.“WhatareyourthoughtsonAnthony?”Hedidn’ttrusthiswifeaninch,butherespectedherpoliticalacumen.Justasherespectedthefactthatonedaysoonhe’dhavetokillher—toensureshedidn’tkillhimfirst.
“Uncertain,”shesaidnow.“AnthonyhassupportedNikitaintheCouncilontheissueofSilence,buthehasalsosupportedourinterestsattimesandcouldthereforebeturned.HehasnoconnectionsoutsidetheNetexceptforhissubcontractingarrangementwithhisdaughter,andthatdecisionisoneImayhavemademyselfinthesamesituation.”
SinceFaithNightStarwasthestrongestF-Psyintheworld,abletopredictfuturesotherforeseerscouldn’tevenglimpse,herservicesworthmillionsifnotbillions,Anthony’sdecisionwasoneHenryunderstoodaswell.“Heis,however,protectiveofhisinvestment.We’llhavetothinkcarefullybeforeweeliminateFaith.”
“Yes,wecanconsiderhertowardtheend.”Apause.“F-Psyare,afterall,oftenfracturedandkeptunderpsychicguard.ShecouldbereassimilatedintotheNet.”
“Apossibility.”HenrymadeanotetoinvestigatewhetherShoshannahada“pet”F-Psyofherown.Hertelepathicreachwasmorethanpowerfulenoughtodirecttheunstablemindofabrokenforeseer.“Thesetwo,”hesaid,pickinguptheremotetohighlighttheimages,“aretheprimarytargets.Killthemandwebringthecitytoitsknees.”
Andhealreadyhadtheoperationinplacetoensureit.CHAPTER4
Andrewknewhe’dmessedup—badly.
Standingunderthecoldsprayofhismorningshower,hepressedhisforeheadtothetile,hishandfistedagainstthecoolwhitesurface.Hedidn’tblameIndyforthinkinghewasonlyinterestedinsex,inthephysical.Yes,hewassexuallyhungry.Very,veryhungry.Butnotjustforsex.ForsexwithIndigo—he’dwantedherforwhatseemedlikeforever,butthesepastfewmonths,hisneedshadturnedhighlyspecificineveryway.
Thesolethingthathadkepthimfromimplodingwasthefactthatheknewshehadn’tbeenwithanyonethosemonths,either.
Andnowhe’dgoneandmuckedhischancesupbutgood.Notonlythat,he’dreinforcedheropinionofhimasayoungmaleledbynothingbuthiscock,notworthtakingseriouslyinthepersonalarena.“Damnit.”Wantingtostrikeoutatsomething—preferablyhisownstupidity—hewrenchedofftheshowerandsteppedouttorubhimselfdry.Hewasthrustingahandthroughhisdamphairwhenhisphonebeeped.Itwashisalpha.
“Myoffice,fiveminutes.”
Adrenalinepumpedthroughhisveinsatthesummons.Better,farbetter,tobegivensometaskthatwouldmeanracingthroughthecoldclimesoftheSierrathantrappedinthisroom,thisden,saturatedwithIndigo’suniquescent.
Rainstormsandfire,iceandsteel,thatwaswhatIndigowastohim.
AnditwasascentthatwaswaitingforhiminHawke’soffice.Suckinginabreathasheentered,hereinedinthelungehiswolfwantedtomake.Indigoglancedathimfromwhereshestoodinfrontoftheiralpha’sdesk,buthereyestoldhimnothing.
However,thestraightlineofherspine,theangleofherjaw,itallsaid“keepyourdistance”loudandclear.Thoughitkickedhiminthegutsthathe’dbrokenthetrustbetweenthem,Andrewwasn’tabouttolistentothesilentorder.AndifIndigothoughthe’dgiveupthateasily,shehadnoideawhoshewasdealingwith.
“Grabaseat,bothofyou,”Hawkesaid,sittingdowninhisownchair.“HaveyouheardfromRiley,Drew?”
AndrewslidintoaseatbesideIndigo,stretchinghislegsoutinfront.“Gotatextsayingthey’replanningtovisitRiodeJaneirotoday.Oh,andthathe’salreadyinlovewithMercy’sgrandmother.Sinceshehasn’tclawedhisgutsopenyet,hethinksshemightlikehimback.”
Hawkegrinned.“PoorRiley.Ihopehesurvives.”
“Heknewwhathewasgettingintowhenhematedwithadominantfemale,”Indigosaid,tappingafingeronthearmofherchair.“IfhehasthesensetocontinuetotreatMercyasexactlywhatsheis,I’msureherfamilywillhavenoproblemwithhim.”
Andrewknewthewordsweredirectedathim.Yeah,theycut.Buttheyalsoshoreduphisdetermination.Becausenowayinhellwaslastnightgoingtobethefinalwordontheirrelationship.“Youknowthetwocatswhocameuphere?”hesaidoutloud,mentallyvowingtomeltthaticycontrol,andmore,tomakeherseehim.“TheoneswhothoughttheymighthaveashotwithMercy?”
“EduardoandJoaquin?”Hawkesaid,hishaircatchingthelightasheleanedbackinhischairandfoldedhisarmsbehindhishead.“Whataboutthem?”
“TheytookRileyoutdrinkinglastnight.”
Thethreeofthemdigestedthatforasecond…beforegrinsappearedonalltheirfaces,segueingslowlyintochuckles,thenoutrightlaughter—includingfromthelieutenantsittingsostraightandstiffnexttohim.Hiswolfbareditsteethinaferalsmile.Indymightthinkshecouldfreezehimoutlikeshecouldeveryoneelse,butjustwait.
Afterthey’dgottentheamusementoutoftheirsystem,Hawkepickedupanotepad.“Okay,withRileyandMercybothaway,we’vegottomovesomethingsaround.Ineedyou”—glancingatAndrew—“todoafewextrasecurityshifts.”
“Noproblem.”WhilehispositionasHawke’seyesandearsinthewiderpackhadhimontheroadmuchofthetime,healsofunctionedasasenior-levelsoldierduringthetimeshewasintheden.
Hawkemadeanote.“Indigo,yougoodwithcontinuingtocoordinateourresources?”
“Yes.”Indigo’stonewascalm,practical,withnottheslightesthintofthepassionatenaturehe’dglimpsedforabriefmomentlastnight.“Areyouhandlingtheliaisonwiththeleopards?”
Hawke’sscowlhadAndrewfightingagrin.“Yeah.DoyouknowhowmanyjuvenilesIhadtospringfromcatterritoryyesterday?Five,”hesaidwithoutwaitingforananswer.“They’dgottenthebrightideatocatchaleopardjuvenileinanimalformandcoverhiminblueandsilverpaint.”
Andrewsnorted.“Atleasttheychosethepack’scolors.”
“Yeah,toobadforthemthatthe‘juvenile’theycaughtwasactuallyafull-fledgedfemalesoldierwhojusthappenstobeslightlysmallerinsize.”
Indigo’swincewasahissofair.“Howbaddidsheslicethemup?”
“They’lllive.”Hawke’swolfwasinhiseyes,clearlyamused.“Mypunishmentwasprobablyworse.Idousedtheidiotsintheirownpaintandtoldthemthey’renotallowedtoshifttogetridofit.Itwashesoffintheshower,oritdoesn’tcomeoff.”
That,Andrewthought,explainedthesheepish-lookingteenagerhe’dseenonthewayhere,hishairstickingupinstiffbluespikes.“Youwantmetohandleanyofthat?”
“No.”Hawkeshookhishead.“IndigoorIwillmoveyouaroundasweseeagap.Riazwillbearrivinglatertoday,sowe’llhaveanotherlieutenantsoon,buthe’llneedafewdaystorestandgethimselfuptospeed.”
Indigoleanedforwardabarefraction.“Ididn’tknowhewascominghome.”
Andrew’swolfgrowledawarninginsidehismindatthesignofherinterestintheotherman.Riaz,heknew,wasaroundIndigo’sageandrankedjustbelowherinthehierarchy.ThemalehadspentmostofthepastcoupleofyearsawayfromSnowDancerterritory,roamingthroughvariouspartsofthecountryandtheworldtogatherinformation;tofunctionasthepack’sbusinessrepresentativewhennecessary;andmorerecently,toinitiatecontactand/orinformalallianceswithotherchangelinggroups.
Butnoneofthatwasimportanttohiswolf.Whatmadeitsfurbristlewasonesimple,inescapablefact:RiazandIndigohadoncebeenlovers.Hishandclenchedonthearmofhischair,hisclawsslicingouttodigintotheleather-synth.Heretractedthephysicalevidenceofhisemotionsbeforeanyonecouldnotice,buttherewasnothinghecoulddoabouttheclawsslicingattheinsidesofhisskinasthewolfpaced,alowgrowlhummingatthebackofitsthroat.
Theintensityofhisresponsesurprisedevenhim.
“When’dRiazgetbackintothecountry?”Whilehecontinuedtofightthewolf’sprimalurges,Andrewknewwithoutconceitthatnoonewouldguesshewashavingtroublemaintaininganevenkeel—thatabilitytoslideundertheradarwasaskillhe’dhadallhislife.Buthe’dtrulyhonedittoperfectioninthemonthsfollowinghissisterBrenna’sabductionandtorture.Rileyhadhadnightmares.Andrew…Andrewhadrunhimselfintoexhaustioneverynightforweeks.Alone.“LastIheard,hewasinEurope.”
“Hewas,”Hawkesaid,interruptingthedarkwashofmemory.“LandedinNewYorkonlyafewhoursago.ShouldbeinSanFranciscobythisafternoon.”
“I’llpickhimup,”Indigovolunteered.
AndrewflexedhishandonthesideofhischairhiddenfromIndigo’sview,hisclawsslicinginandout.“Isthateverything?”HeneededtoescapetheintoxicationandprovocationofIndigo’sscent,getahandleonhimselfbeforehedidsomethingelsestupid.
Hawkeshookhishead.“I’vegotsomethingIwantyoutwotodo.”Settlingback,heblewoutabreath.“ThethingwithJoshua?Shouldn’thavehappened.Andit’sapackissue,notacaseofoneortwoindividualsdroppingtheball.”
Andrewrelaxedafractionashiswolf’sprotectivedrivetowardthepackovercameitsmoreprimitiveinstincts.“We’vebeensobusywithprotectingSnowDanceragainsttheCouncilthatwehaven’tpaidenoughattentiontotheyoungones.”
“Drewisright.”Indigobracedherforearmsonherthighs,herscowlapparentinthetoneofhervoice.“We’vebeenfocusingontraininguptheoldersoldiers,thedominants,tothedetrimentoftheotherranks,andthat’snothowahealthypack,howourpack,issupposedtowork.”Shesoundedbothangryandfrustrated—withherself,Andrewknew.“Whythehelldidn’twenoticetheproblemearlier?”
“Someonedid.Itoldhimitwasn’tapriority.”
Startled,IndigofollowedHawke’sgazetoDrew,whoshruggedinthatfluidwayhehad.“Ishould’vepushedyouharderonthepoint,”hesaidtotheiralpha,“butitdidn’tseemnecessaryatthetime—andJoshuawasshovedovertheedgebyahighlyvolatilesituation.Noneoftheothersareanywherenearthatstage.Iwould’vemadeyoupayattentionifitwasthatbad.”
Indigowasn’tusedtofindingherselfoutoftheloop.Itirritatedher,butmore,itmadeherwonderexactlyhowmuchmoreshedidn’tknowaboutthethingsDrewdidforthepack,forHawke.Sittingupstraight,shefoldedherarmsandpinnedhimwithhergaze.“Howisitthatyou’resoontopofwhat’shappeningwiththejuveniles?”
“Peopletalktome.”Easywords,buttherewasanedgetothem,hiswolfbaringitsteethinresponsetoheraggressivetone.“It’snotjustthedenkids,”hecontinued.“Thereareafewoutinthewiderterritorywhoarestrugglinginvariousways.”
“Getthemupherebytheweekend,”Hawkesaid,paleeyesdangerouslyintent.
Indigowonderedwhathesaw,butshedidn’task.Becauseshewasn’tsureshewantedtoknow.Drewhadchangedthestatusquolastnight,changeditinawaythatleftonlyconfusionandarestlessfuryinitswake.Itwasn’tafeelingsheappreciated.“What’reyouplanning?”sheaskedHawke,determinedtofindherbalanceagain.Otherwolvesmightenjoychaos,butIndigo,wolfandwomanboth,preferredorder.Hierarchywasthesolidcoreofthatorder.NowolfpackasstrongasSnowDancercouldsurvivewithoutit.
NowHawke,themanatthetopofthatchainofcommand,said,“Iwantyoutwototaketheaffectedjuvenilesupintothemountainsforacoupleofdays,givethemsomeintenseone-on-oneattention,findoutiftherearemoreseriousissuesbelowthesurfacethatweneedtobehandling.”Hepushedacrossapieceofpaper.“ThesearethenamesDrewgavemelasttime.Addanyothersyouthinkmightbenefit.Ifwehavetoomany,wecansplitthemintotwogroups.”
Indigo’swolfsawthesenseinwhathewassuggesting—bondingwasattheheartofahealthypack.Andatpresent,thingswererelaxedenoughthattheycouldtaketimeouttonurturethoseindangeroffaltering.Buttheideaofspendingthatmuchtimealonewiththeyoungmalesittingtoherleftrubbedherfurthewrongway.Beforelastnight,she’dhavegonewithhimwithoutablink,trustinghimtodowhatwasnecessary—andnotacttheass.
However,belowallthat—thefrustratedanger,theinabilitytounderstandwhyhe’ddonewhathehad—shewasstillaSnowDancerlieutenant.“They’llwanttoseeyou,too,”shesaidtoHawke.
“I’mclearingthedeckssoIcanjoinyouforatleastoneofthedays.”Hisfacialmusclestensedwithoutwarning.
Asecondlater,Indigocaughtafamiliarscentontheaircurrents.Notlongafterthat,aprettygirlwithbrowneyes,herhairtamedintoalongbraid,pokedherheadaroundthecorner.“Oh,I’llcomeba—”shebeganatseeingthethreeofthem.
“No.We’rejustfinishingup.”DrewrosetohisfeetwithamusculargraceIndigohadalwaysknownabout,havingsparredwithhimmorethanonce.They’dalsodoneanynumberofclimbstogether,bothofthemenjoyingthethrillthatcamewithpittingthemselvesagainstthepeaksoftheSierraNevada.Butshe’dnevertrulyseenthatgraceuntilthismoment.
Thesuddenawarenessofhimasamale,andnotonlythat,butasastrong,handsomemale,unsettledwhatbalanceshe’dmanagedtoregain.Forthefirsttime,shefoundherselfseriouslyworriedthatthingswouldneverreturntothewaythey’doncebeen—thattheirfriendshiphaddiedinhisroomlastnight.ThethoughtshookherenoughthatshehadtomakeaconsciousefforttocatchDrew’snextwords.
“We’llfinalizethelisttoday,”hesaidtoHawke.“Wecandecidethedetails,timeofdeparture,etcetera,oncewe’vecontactedeveryone.Thatwork,Indy?”
Herconcernwassweptawayunderasurgeofannoyanceasshewonderedifthedamncopper-eyedwolfthoughthecouldsmooththingsoverwithsolittleeffort.“Fine.Youtakecareofcontactingtheout-of-towners;I’lldothejuvenilesintheden.”
Andrewnoddedandheadedtowardthedoor,sentienttotherisingtensionlevelintheroom—anditwasn’tallhisandIndigo’sfault.Siennagavehimasmallsmileashecameclosetowhereshewaitedinthedoorway.Evenafterallthesemonths,itwasstrangetoseeherwiththoseeyesandthatbrownhairthatwasnothingclosetoherspectaculartrueshade.Butnomattertheshellshe’dhadtodontoallowhertomovesafelyintheoutsideworld,herpersonalityshonethrough.Quiet,determined…andwithalittlebitofhellionthrowninforspice.
Leaningdown,hecuppedherjawinhishandandkissedheronthecheek.“Howareyoudoing,littlesister?”Thequestionwasn’tasimplecourtesy.She’dbeenintrouble,herpsychicabilitiesstartingtospiraloutofcontrolbeforeshe’dmovedawayfromthedentospendtimeinthecareoftheDarkRiverleopards.
“Good.”
“That’sallIgetafterIsentyouawholeboxofpremiumchocolate-cherrycookies?”hesaid,feigningextremedisappointment.“Just‘good’?”
Furrowsappearedbetweenherbrows,darklittlelinesthatmarredthebeautyofhersun-dippedskin.“Drew.”
Butwhenhegrinnedandtookherintohisarms,shenotonlyallowedtheaffection,sheslidherownarmsaroundhim.Ithadtakenhimmonthsofpatientcaretogethertotrusthimwithherbodyinthatway.“Isthatleopardboy…what’shisname”—Andrewpretendedtothink—“that’sright,Kit.IsKittreatingyouright?”HemurmuredthequestionatavolumeHawkewascertaintooverhear,knowingfullwellhewasthrowingthecatamongthepigeons.
“Drew.”Siennapulledback,fistingahandonhischest.Hereyessparkedfireathim,andforaninstanthecouldalmostseethroughthedarkbrownofhercontactlensesandtothenight-skyeyesbeyond.Whitestarsonaspreadofblackvelvet,itwassaidthattheeyesofacardinalPsyreflectedthestark,sprawlingbeautyofthePsyNet.
Leaningdown,hekissedherothercheekand—droppinghisvoicelowenoughthatitwouldskateunderevenhisalpha’sacutehearing—said,“Givehimhell,sweetheart.Thencometellmeaboutit.”Rufflingherhair,hefinallyletherpassandexitedtheoffice.
Indigofellintostepbesidehimasecondlater.“ThefamousAndrewKincaidcharminaction?”Herquestionwassharp…butheldanundertoneofamusement.Becauseshe’dbeencloseenoughtohearwhathe’dsaidtoSiennaattheend
Hiswolfwasn’tfooled—theicehadn’tmelted.Ithadsimplybeeneclipsedmomentarilybythewolf’scuriousnature.“Siennacoulddowithsomecharming.”ThePsygirl—youngwomannow—hadbeenthroughthingsthatwould’vebrokenfarolderandstrongermen,beenscarredbythem.“IfHawkewouldfigurethatout,he’dbemuchhappier.”
Indigosnorted.“Yeah,Icanjustseehimpullingcharmoutofahat.”
Andrewangledhisbodytowardher.He’dplannedtoapologizeforhisbehaviorlastnightassoonastheyhadprivacy,butashewenttoopenhismouth,heglimpsedafleetingexpectationinhereyes.Thelieutenantwaswaitingforhimtosayit.Whenhedid,she’dforgivehim—bothbecauseshewasn’tthekindofwomantoholdagrudgeandbecauseitwouldshovethemfirmlybackintotherolesshe’ddecidedweretheonlyacceptableones.
Hiswolfwentquiet,thinking.
Better,hethought,feelingsneakyanddownrightdelightedwithhimself,farbettertokeepherangryandthinkingabouthim.Oh,therewasnoquestionhe’dbeenadickandneededtoapologize,buthe’ddosoinatimeandplaceofhisownchoosing—andinawaythatwouldfurtherhiscause,nothers.“Seeyoulater,Indy.”
Hewasalmostsureheheardalowfemininesnarlashestrolledoffdownthecorridor.
Hiswolfpeeledbackitslipsinaferalgrin.CHAPTER5
Siennaranherhandsself-consciouslyoverherhair,wonderinghowbadlyDrewhadmesseditup.“Ididn’tmeantointerrupt.”Thewordscameoutstiff,jerky.Nomatterhowcomposedshewasaroundeveryoneelse—untilmorethanonewolfinthedenhadcalledheran“oldsoul”—shegottoHawkeanditallfellapart.
Herosetohisfeet,hisdeskbetweenthem.“Weweredone.”Iceblueeyessweptoverherface…hercheeks—whichsheknewwereridiculouslyfreckledafterallthetimeshe’dbeenspendingoutofdoors.
“Ididn’tknowyouandDrewwereclose.”Itwasaquestionphrasedasastatement.
Shefoughttheurgetocoverupthecheekshecontinuedtostareatandshrugged—averyhumanorchangelingmotion,somethingshe’dpickedupafterspendingalmostthreeyearsoutsidethePsyNet.Once,shewouldn’thaveansweredHawke’simpliedquestion,awaitingadirectquery.Butonce,she’dbeenSilent,heremotionschilledlikesomuchice…notfullofsomuchfirethatitterrifiedher.
“Drewfiguresthatsincehissisterismatedtomyuncle,”shesaid,focusingonaspotbeyondHawke’sshoulderinanefforttoregainherequilibrium,“thatgiveshimtherighttoclaimmeasfamily.”ShewasacardinalPsy,herpsychicpowerblinding,butshestillcouldn’tfigureouthowDrewhadsnuckinunderherdefensesandmaderoomforhimselfinherlife.Shejustknewshe’dmisshimhorriblyifheeverleft.“But,”shesaid,hervoicestupidlybreathy,“hesayshe’snotoldenoughtobeanuncle,sohe’sdecidedtotreatmelikeanotheryoungersister.”
Mostpeoplewould’verolledtheireyesattheconvolutedreasoning,butHawkesimplynodded,asifitmadeperfectsense.Ofcourse,tohim,itprobablydid.Thepredatorychangelingssheknewwereallbigonfamily—andshehadtoadmit,itwas…nicetobetreatedwithsucheasyaffectionbythoseshetrusted.Drewunderstoodthatshewaspowerful,thatshecouldcauseincredibledamage,andyethecontinuedtoteaseherasmercilesslyashedidhisrealsister,Brenna.
Sometimes,Siennaeventeasedhimback.Self-defense,shecalledit.
“DoyouwantpermissiontoreturntoDarkRiverland?”Hawkeasked,andhisvoicewasascoolasDrew’shadbeenwarm,shatteringwhatstabilityshe’dmanagedtorecapture.Butno,shethought,rememberingwhatSaschahadtoldherthelasttimeshe’dspentthenightinthehomeofthewomanwhowasafellowdefectorfromthePsyNet—andanempathabletosenseandhealemotionalhurts.
Noonecantakefromyouwhatyoudon’twanttogive.Itisyourchoice.
And,shethought,steelingherspine,shechosenottoletthisstrangecompulsiontowardamanwhowasn’tinterested,whowouldneverbeinterested,breakher.“Iwantedtosaythankyou,”shesaid,controllinghervolatileemotionsbyrecitingacalmingmantrashe’dlearnedduringherconditioninginthePsyNet,“forlettingmespendsomuchtimewiththecats.”
Hawkefinallywalkedoutfrombehindthatdeskhealwayskeptasanimpassablewallbetweenthem.Andthatquickly,everythingshifted,hershieldstremblingundertheimpactofhim.
“Hasithelped?”heasked.
“Yes.”Shewouldnotgivein,nottoday.“Mycontrolovermyabilitiesisfarbetter.”Becausehewasn’tconstantlythere,wasn’tbreakingthroughherdefenseswithnothingbuthispresence.“SaschaandFaithhavebeenhelpingmerefineandstrengthenmyshields.”
“Faith?”
“F-Psy,”shesaid,referringtoFaith’sabilitytoseethefuture,“haveincrediblytoughshields.AndFaith’srecalibratedhersformaximumeffectiveness.”Fornow,thosesameshieldsweregivingSiennaameasureofpeace.
Thoughnow,today,herheartbeatlikethatofatrappedrabbitagainstherribs,herskinsuddenlytootightoverheatedflesh.
Reachingout,Hawketouchedthetopofherrightcheekbone.Itwasthebarestgraze…butitwasthefirsttimehe’dtouchedherinoverayear.Fracturescrackedacrosshershields,suddenandviciousandthreateningtoshoveherintotheblackabyssofherpower.
Trembling,shesteppedback.“Pleasedon’ttouchme.”Choked-outwords.
HawkecurledhishandintoafistatSienna’snear-silentcommand,hiswolfsnarlingtogetout,toteachthisslendergirlthathewouldnotberejected.“Youhaveacutthere.”
Herfingersliftedtothatcheek,acheekthatalsoboreascatteredsprayofsungoldenfrecklesshehadn’thadthelasttimethey’dspoken.“Oh,”shesaidafteramoment,“thatmust’vebeenfromwhenIwaswithKityesterday.”
Hiswolfpulledbackitslips,baringthelethalsharpnessofitscanines.Kitwasyoung,extremelydominant,andveryclosetoSiennainage.Thatdidn’tmeanhewasrightforher.“Hehurtyou?”Itcameoutacoldquestion,hiswolfgonepredator-still.
Sienna’seyeswidened.“No.Iwasn’tlookingwhereIwasgoingontherunbackfromasparringsessionandItripped.”Anembarrassedlook.“I’mnevergoingtobeasgracefulasachangeling.”
Hawkesaidnothing,couldsaynothing,hismindfillingwithimagesoftheyoungleopardmaletouchingher,laughingwithherashehelpedherupfromtheearth.“Howmuchlongerareyouplanningtostayintheden?”He’dfoughtagainsthergoingtoDarkRiver,buttherewasnoarguingthatshewasfarmorestablenowthanshe’dbeenbefore.
“Awhilelonger.ImissTobysomuchwhenI’mwiththecats,”shesaid,referringtothelittlebrothershelovedwithanintensitythatwasalmostwolfinnature.“IalsowanttotalkwithJuddaboutsomethingstodowithmyabilities.Butlaterthismonth,I’mgoingonasmallhikingtripwithKitandafewothernovicesoldiersinDarkRiver.”
“MakesureyouspeaktoIndigososhecanadjustyourduties.”Hawke’swolfwasscrapingattheinsidesofhisskinnow,hisvisionstartingtoblur.“Andstayoutofmywaywhileyou’rehere.”Theordercameoutharshastheedgeofarustedblade.
Sienna’sfacewentwhiteevenasfurytightenedthecornersofhermouth.“Don’tworry.Ididn’tcomebacktoseeyou.”
Indigostoodwithherbacktotheairportwall,waitingforRiaztoexithisgate.She’dalreadytrackeddownandspokentoalltheteenagersonherhalfofthelist,informingthemtheyneededtobepackedandreadytoheadoutintothecoldbutspectacularbeautyofthemountainsinacoupleofdays’time.Theresponseshadrangedfromgulpstooutrightglee.
She’dalsohadamessagefromDrewsayinghewasalmostthroughhishalfofthelist,too,buthadn’tactuallyseenhimsincethemeetingwithHawke.Thatonlyfireduptheburneronheranger—becauseifnothingelse,she’dexpectedanapologyforhisbehavior.Instead,he’dactedlikenothinghadhappened.Idiot.
Scowling,sheliftedherheadjustasRiazappearedinthestreamofpassengersdisembarkingfromtheNewYorkflight.Atsixfeettwo,hewastallerthanherbyfourinchesandbuiltalongthelinesofhissolidgraceinwolfform.Itwasallpuremuscle—andRiazknewhowtouseitwell.
Hescentedherfromthegate,teethflashingwhiteagainsthisduskyskinastheireyesconnected.“Hola,bella,”hesaid,droppinghisbagsonthefloorandliftingherupinapowerfulhugasshemethimhalfway.
Laughing,shekissedhimonthejaw,feelingtheraspofstubbleagainstherlips.“Hello,stranger.Youbackforgood?”
“Dependswho’sasking.”Alazysmileinthoseeyesthatweresuchapalebrownastobebeatengold.Unusual.Andformostfemales,fascinating.Heraisedaneyebrowwhenshecontinuedtostare.“DidIgrowasecondnoseorsomething?”
Steppingoutofthesoap-and-earth-and-warmthofhisembrace,shewatchedhimpickuphisbags.“No,butyou’veputonsomemoremuscle.”Itwasadodge.Becauseintruth,she’dbeenthinkingsomethingfardifferent—thatRiaz,withhisjet-blackhairandeyesofSpanishgold,wasgorgeousandsexyand—veryimportantly—adominantonlyjustbelowherinthehierarchy.Thedifferencewasn’tenoughtobotherherwolf.Andthey’dneverhadaproblemwithphysicalchemistry.
Allfactstoconsider.
Riaz’slipscurvedintoadeepersmileasheheftedoneduffeloverhisshoulderwhilegrippingtheotherinhisfreehand.“Soyounoticed.Wanttofeel?”
“Sexyyoumightbe;DonJuanyou’renot.”Laughingathisaffrontedlook,sheledhimtothevehicle,andtheyclamberedinsideafterdumpinghisbagsinthetrunk.“HowwasEurope?”
“Itwasallprettygirls,flashhotels,five-starfood,”hemoaned,pushingbackhisseatasfaraspossiblesohecouldstretchoutthoselong,powerfullymuscledlegs.“IthoughtI’dgomad.”
Smiletuggingatherlips,shewavedherdebitcardattheparkinggates,andtheyopenedwithaquietswish.“Poorbaby.”
Riazsaidnothingforseveralminutes,puttingdownthewindowtoletthewindrufflehishair.“God,it’sgoodtobehome,Indigo.”Heartfeltwords,thehomesicknessofhiswolfevidentineverysyllable.“Ican’twaittorunthroughtheforests,towalkintheden,toshootthebullwiththerestofyou.”
“You’vebeenbacknowandthen.”
“IalwaysknewI’dbeleavingagain,”theotherlieutenantsaid,“soIneverreallygavemyselfachancetosettle.Butnow…”Heexhaled,longandslow.“AnythingIshouldknow?”
“Riley’sgonetomeethismate’sgrandparents.”
Riazshookhishead,thatblack-as-nighthairwhippingoffhisfaceassheaccelerated.“Icouldn’tbelievehe’dmatedwithacatwhenIheard,buthavingmetMercyonmylasttriphome,Icansaythemanhasexcellenttaste.”Anothercomfortablesilence,then,“So,whatwasthatattheairportaboutmebeingtall,dark,andirresistible?”
“Idon’trecallusingthosewords.”
Eyesofbeatengoldmethersfull-onforasingleinstantbeforeshereturnedhergazetotheroad,andhemovedhishandtothebackofherneck,massaginggently.Itwasafamiliarandintimatetouch.UnlikewithDrew,herwolfallowedthisone.BecauseRiazhadearnedthewolf’strustonthatlevel,beengiventhatright.Hehadn’tsimplytriedtoclaimitthewayDrewhad—asifafewkissesgavehimtheprerogativetodemandeverything.Herhandsclenchedonthemanualsteeringwheel.
“I’mnotattached,Indigo,”Riazsaidwithasolemnitythatstruckherassomehow“wrong,”thoughshecouldn’tputherfingeronwhy.“Soifyou’rethinkingyouneedsomeonewithwhomtoworkoffthetension,I’mmorethanhappytooblige.”
ShovingawaythememoryofDrew’skisses,theinfuriatingarroganceofhisattempttousehertouch-hungeragainsther,shenoddedslowly.“I’mthinkingaboutit.”
ItguttedAndrew,fuckingevisceratedhim,toseeIndigolaughingwithanotherman,amanwhohadnoconceptofthetruevalueofthewomanbesidehim.No,thatwasunfair.Riaz’sremarkableeyessparkedwithintelligence,withrespect,whenhelookedatIndigo.Themalelieutenantunderstoodexactlywhoshewas.
Stayinginhisshadowedspot—inthebackoftheroomwherealltheseniormembersofthepackhadgatheredtothrowRiazanimpromptuwelcome-homeparty—Andrewsuckedonhisbeerandforcedhisattentionoffthecoupleontheotherside—tosomething,anything,else.
HesawHawkespeakingwithEliasandYuki,glimpsedSing-Liuplayfullygrabbinghermate’sass,and—Heblinked.WalkerLaurenwashere.Thatwasn’tahugesurprise,becausethoughquiet,thePsymalehadturnedouttobeageniuswhenitcametodealingwithyounghotheads,totheextentthatHawkehadassignedhimasthego-tomanfortheten-to-thirteen-year-oldcrowd.
WhatheldAndrew’sattentionwasthefactthatWalkerwasstandingveryclosetoLara,andfromtheexpressiononthehealer’sfine-bonedface,thewayshewasallbutpokingthemuchtallermaninthechest,shewaswellandtrulypissed.Walker’sownexpressionwasmoredifficulttoread,but—
Lowfemalelaughter.Intimate.Painfullyfamiliar.
Clenchinghisjaw,herefusedtoturn,towatch.
“Youlooklikeyou’vebeengut-punched.”Quietwordsfromamanwho’doncebeentheshadowinthedark,theassassinyou’dneversee,neverknowabout,untilitwasfartoolate.
Andrewglancedathissister’smateasJuddcametostandagainstthewallbesidehim.“Ifeelworse.”
Judd’seyeswereontheothersideoftheroom—onthecurioustableaupresentedbyhisolderbrotherandLara—buthespoketoAndrew.“Doyouwantmetoleaveyoualone?”
Andthatwaswhy—inspiteofthefactthattheothermaledaredgetintobedwithAndrew’sbelovedsisteronaregularbasis—AndrewlikedJudd.“No,butIneedtogetthefuckoutofhere.”
Judddidn’tsayanything,justputdownhisowndrinkandmeltedawayinthedirectionofthedoor.Andrewfollowed,leavinghisunfinishedbeeronatableinthecornerashewalkedout,refusingtotorturehimselfanyfurther.Ithadalwaysbeenbad,seeingherinteractwithothermeninawayshesimplydidn’tinteractwithhim,butneverlikethis—becauseheknewjusthowdangerousRiazwastohisowngoals.
HissensestoldhimtherewasnothingsexualbetweenIndigoandRiaz…now.Thatlastwordwastheoperativeone.BecausethewayRiazlookedatIndigo,thewayshelookedathim—theywereconsideringitonsomelevel.AndifAndrewwasn’tcareful,proximityalonemightpushthemintomakingadecisionthatwouldripAndrew’sheartintoathousandpieces.
“Thisway.”Juddnoddedatacorridorthatledeventuallytooneofthelessutilizedexits.Leavingthroughit,theywalkedoutpasttheWhiteZone—theareaclosesttotheden,wheretheiryoungwerefreetoplay—andintothemoredenselyforestedareabeyond.Sandwichedbetweentheheavilyguardedperimeterandtheequallywell-guardedentrancetotheWhiteZone,itprovidedamassiverangeforadultandjuvenilewolvestorunin,playin,andcometofindsolitude.
Likenow.
SilencewassomethingJuddwasgoodat,butafteralmosttenminutesofit,thePsymaleglancedatAndrew.“Ifitwasme,”hesaid,“I’dunderstandtheneedtowalkalone.Butyou’reasocialindividual,oneofthemostpopularpeopleinSnowDancer.”
Theunspokenquestionhungintheairbetweenthem.CHAPTER6
Andrewhadn’tspokenofhisattractiontoIndigotoanyone,ever.Becausethoughhelovedhispackwitheverybreathinhim,hedidn’twantthempeeringoverhisshoulderwhilehefoughtforhisrighttocourther.“God,ifRileycouldseemenow.”He’dhassledhisbrotherendlesslyaboutMercy.
Juddcontinuedtowalk,hisstrideelegantevenalongthesoakedearth.Itwasanexplicablegrace,giventhatthemanmostthoughtatelepathwasactuallyalsoaviciouslypowerfultelekinetic.Juddhadalreadybeeninthepackforwelloverayearbeforeanyofthemdiscoveredthattruth.SoAndrewhadnodoubtsaboutthefactthemancouldkeepsecrets—atleastfromthepack.“You’lltellBrenna,won’tyou?”
ThePsylieutenantturnedandsimplylookedathim.
“Yeah.”Andrewblewoutabreath.“Notlikethat’saquestion.”Neitherwasitreasonenoughtokeephissilence—hissisterwasloyaltothebone.Shemightmesswithhiminprivate,butshe’dkeepitclosetoherchestifheasked
“Youdon’thavetosayanything.”Judd’svoicewascalmandclearinthesnow-lacedchillofthenight.“I’veseenthewayyoulookatthelieutenant.SohasBrenna.”
“Fuck.”Thepack,withitslovingteasing,coulddomoreharmthangoodrightnow,whenIndigowassodeterminedtodrawalineinthesandbetweenthem.“Isitthatbloodyobvious?”
“No.”JuddwaiteduntilAndrewbegantowalkagaintocontinue.“However,weare…family.”Emotion—beingopenwithit—wasstilldifficultforJudd.ButnotonlyhadDrewoncestoodinthepathofabulletthathadbeenaimedatthewomanwhowasJudd’sheart,thewolfmalehadusedhisconsiderablecharmtobringasmiletoSienna’sface.
Forthosetwothingsalone,Juddwould’veowedhim.ButevenbeforeDrewstartedinteractingwithSiennaandtheotherLaurenchildren,heandJuddhadalsoforgedacautiouskindoffriendship—builtontheirsharedloveforBrenna.“Brennaworriesaboutyou.”
Drewgaveastartledlaugh.“What?I’mnotRiley.Idon’ttakeresponsibilityfortheworld’sills.”ItwassaidwithopenaffectionforthebrotherJuddknewhadallbutraisedbothDrewandBrenna.
UsingaslightamountofTk,Juddabsentlybracedawater-loggedbranchthathadbeenabouttobreakoffrightabovetheirheads.“IthinkMercymightbetryingtocurehimofthat.”
Aminute…two,ofsilence.Exceptitwasn’tsilent.He’dbeenanassassin,knewhowtomovewithoutsendingaripplethroughtheaircurrents,thoughthe’dbeenfamiliarwiththequietdarkofnight.ButBrenna,hismate,hadshownhimhernight,hersilence,anditwasanamazing,beautifulworld.
Therustleofarabbitasitcaughttheirscentandfroze.
Thedullthudofthatbranchfallingtotheearth.
Thesofttouchofrain-heavyairagainsthisface.
Smallthingsthatfilledthesilence,thedark,untilitwasn’tbleak,butaserenewonderland.
“IndigothinksRiaz—orsomeonelikeRiaz,”Drewsaidatlast,hisvoicetaut,strained,“willberightforher.Icanseeitclearasday.”
“Youdisagree.”
“Noneofthemknowher,notlikeIdo.”
Juddangledhisbodyleft,takingthemdownaslightslopethatwouldleadeventuallytooneofthelakesthatdottedtheSierra.Mostinthehigheraltitudes,especiallyinthecentralandsouthernareas,remainedlockedinice,butthisonewasliquid,itswatersripplingundermoonlightasthecloudsparted.“Butdoyoutrulyknowher,Drew?”
Andrewfelthisshouldersgostiff,hiswolfbaringitsteethininstinctiveresponse,butherespectedJudd’sintelligenceenoughtoreinitback.“AreyousayingIdon’t?”
“I’msayingthatfromwhatBrenna’snoted,you’vehadacrushonIndigosinceyouwereaveryyoungman.”JuddheldupahandwhenAndrewwould’veinterrupted.“I’mnotquestioningwhatyoufeel;I’mnottellingyouthatyou’rewrong.I’msimplyaskingyoutoexamineyourownemotions,”hesaidwithimplacablelogic.“Askyourselfifit’sIndigoyouwant,oramirageofheryou’vebuiltupinyourmind.”
Withthat,Juddjoggeddownthefinalsteeppartoftheinclinetothepebblededgeofthelake.Andrewfollowedwithfarlessgrace,forallthathewaschangeling.Hismindwasmisfiring,hisbodynotquiteunderhiscontrol.Itfeltasifhisworldhadjustbeenskewedonitsaxis.
Afewfeetaway,thelakelappedwithplacidregularityoverthesmoothwater-shapedpebbles,instarkcontrasttohisowndisorderedstate.Swearingunderhisbreath,herippedoffhissweatshirtandwentforhisboots.
Juddwalkedawaywithoutaword,takingapathalongthecurvingedgeofthedarkspreadofwater.
Strippingdowntohisskin,Andrewlookedupatthemoon,hiswolfconfused,floundering.Thebrightsphere,itsfacecoveredbycloudsaninstantlater,couldgivehimnoanswers,andthemorehethought,themorehetangledhimselfupinthestickyconfusionofathousandcobwebs.Shruggingoffthecuttingbiteofthewind,hestrodeinthroughtheshallowsanddived.
Ice.
Theshockofittoretheairfromhislungs,frozethebloodinhisveins…andreturnedclaritytohismind.
Indigosnappingathimbecausehe’dbeenmessingaroundduringtraining.
IndigoallowinghimtocuddleintoherbecauseshethoughtheneededthetouchofPack.
Indigopissyonashorttripthey’dtakentoLosAngeles.
IndigolaughingwithMercyasthetwoofthemteasedRiley.
IndigocalmandsmartassheadvisedHawkeagainstaplannedmaneuver.
Indigowhoopingwithgleeastheyfinishedscalingoneofthetougherclimbsthey’dattempted.
Indigoteeth-grittinglyobstinateasshearrowedtowardthemanshethoughtwasrightforher.
Wipingthewaterfromhisface,hesuckedinabreathofthebracingairandyelledouttothenight,“Iknoweverypartofher,wartsandall!AndIstilladoreher!”Hebegantoheadbacktoshorewithoutwaitingforananswer.Evenhistoughchangelingbodycouldn’thandlewaterthisicyforlong.
Atowelwaswaitingforhimbyhisdiscardedclothes.Hegrinned.Havingatelekineticasafrienddidcomeinhandysometimes.Wipinghimselfoffwithroughstrokesthatgothisbloodpumping,herubbedathishairthenpulledonhisclothes.Hewassittingontherockyshore,thetowelaroundhisneck,whenJuddreturnedtohisside.Theothermantookaseatbesidehim,hismovementssoquietthatifAndrewhadn’tscentedhim,he’dneverhaveknowntherewasanyonebesidehim.
“So,”Juddsaid,“what’reyougoingtodo?”
“WhatIhavebeendoing,”Andrewsaid,hiswolfgrowlinginferalagreement.“I’mnotabouttoletherignoremejustbecauseIdon’tfitneatlyintotheboxshehasmarkedoutforthemanshe’lltakeasherown.”Hewantedtousethewordmate,butthathadaveryspecificmeaningforchangelings.
Andthoughithurthimtoadmitit,therewasnomatingdancebetweenhimandIndigo,nocompulsionfromthewildheartoftheirnaturesthatwould—ifnothingelse—tugherinexorablytohim,makeherpayattention.No,allhehadwashisstubborndetermination…andhisheart.
Juddsighed.“That’snotyourstrength.”
“You’regivingmedatingadvice?”Andrewwasdumbfounded.
“I’mmated,”Juddpointedoutwithacoolarrogancethatalmosthidthelaughterinhisvoice.“Youcan’tevengetthewomanyouwantintobed.I’dlistenifIwereyou.”
Andrewgavehimthefinger,buthiswolfprickedupitsears.“Yeah,so?”
“Sienna,”Juddsaidinanabruptchangeofsubject,“isslowtotaketopeople,suspiciousofeveryone’smotives.She’shadtobecomethatwaytoprotectherself,butsheletsyouholdher.Doyouunderstandhowbigadealthatisforher?”
Juddhadalmostintervenedthefirsttimehe’dseenDrewpullSiennaintoahug.He’dthoughthisniecewasbeingforced.Butthen,rightbeforehe’dturnedDrew’sbonesintosomuchshrapnel,he’dseenSienna’sarmsgoaroundthewolfmale’swaist,herfaceliftuptohiswithatinysmileofwelcome.
Thesighthadliterallystoppedhiminhistracks.
“Yeah,”Drewnowsaid,atendernessinhisvoicethatwasmostusuallyapparentwhenhespoketohissister.“Iknewshewashurting.Hell,Iprobablyunderstandwhatshe’sgoingthroughinoneparticularareaofherlifebetterthananyone.”
Judddidn’tpursuethatavenueofthought—troublewasbrewingthere,buttheyhadtimeyet.Tonight,he’dfocusonDrew.“HowdidyougetSiennatotrustyou?”
“How?”AshrugJuddsensedmorethansaw,themooneclipsedbytherain-heavyclouds.“Italkedtoher.”
“Andbribedherwithadozendeluxecupcakes,eachwithitsownweightinfrosting.”Juddcouldstillrememberhowthethreecousins—Sienna,Toby,andWalker’sdaughter,Marlee—hadsataroundandgobbledupthesweetconcoctions.“Therewasn’tevenacrumbleftbytheendoftheday,andI’mprettysureSiennaandthekidswereinsugarcomas.”
Drew’slaughterwaswarmthinthedarkness.“Isawhereyeingaphotooftheminamagazine.Itwasjustawaytogetintohergoodgraces.”
“SamewithpaintingpinkdaisiesonthedoorofthevehicleshemostoftenusestodrivetoDarkRiverterritory?”
“Itwaswaterpaint,”Drewsaid,clearlyunrepentant,“barelytookheraminutetowipeitaway.”Agrin.“SheonlygotmadwhenshefoundoutI’dpaintedherrucksack,too.”
Juddcouldn’thelpit.Helaughed.Itwasstillnewtohim,thatsound,thefeelofit.Buthelikedlaughing,likedthebubblesofjoyinhisbloodstream,thefeelofhischestmusclesflexinginawaythathadoncebeenwhollyunfamiliar.“You’reanidiot,Drew.”
Alowgrowlcoloredtheair.“Mysistermightbeasuckerforyourface,butthatdoesn’tmeanI’llholdmypunches.”
“I’llaskthequestionagain—howdidyougetSiennatotrustyou?”
Obviouslyirritatedattherepetition,Drewthrewapebbleintothewater,pickedupanother.“IndigowouldsayIcharmedherinto—Oh.”Stillholdingthepebble,hestaredatJudd.“Iamanidiot.”
HavingleftDrewtoplotthenextstepinhiscourtshipofIndigo,Juddwenthometokisshismateandpromiseherhe’dbehomeinacoupleofhours.Brennatuggeddownhishead,rubbedhernoseaffectionatelyagainsthis.“You’llbecareful.”Itwasanorder.
“Nothingdangeroustonight,”hemurmured,strokinghishandsdownherback,stunnedasalwaysbythedelicatestrengthofher—suchpowerinsosmallaframe.“Areyouplanningtowearoneofthoselacythingstosleepin?”
“Idon’tknowwhyIbother.”Asmileagainsthislips,herwolfdancinginhereyes.“Theyneverstayonlong.”
“Ilikethem.”Hemostespeciallylikedpeelingthemoffherinchbyslowinch.
Ahuskylaugh.“Thendon’tbetoolate.”
Properlymotivatedtocompletehiserrandandreturntoherarms,hemadehiswaydownintothenight-cloakedstreetsofSanFrancisco,andfromthere,tothepeacefulhushoftheplaceFatherXavierPerezcalledbothhisvocationandhishome.XavierwaswaitingforhimintheotherwiseemptyconfinesofthesimpleSecondReformationchurch,andJudd’slightmoodtransformedintoconcernashecamecloseenoughtoseethelinesofstrainontheotherman’snormallyserenecountenance.
“Xavier,”hesaid,meetingthemanofGodinthecenteroftheaisle,rightbelowthepeakoftheroof,“whatisit?”
“WhatItellyounow,youcannotsharewithourmutualfriend.”Xavier’seyesweretroubledbutresolute.“It’snotthatIdon’ttrusthim…”
“ButtheGhosthashisownagenda.”Judd,too,wasworriedaboutthepowerfulPsyrebelwhowasthethirdpartoftheirtriumvirate.TheGhostwasconnectedto,andloyalto,thePsyNet.ButthegrowingdarknessinthatveryNetseemedtobeindangerofcorrodingwhatremainedoftheotherman’ssoul.AndiftheGhostsnapped…AchillsnakeditswayupJudd’sspine.“Iwillnottellhim.”
Xavierdippedhisheadinvoicelessacknowledgmentbeforesaying,“I’veneverspokenofit,butthereareanumberofPsyamongmycongregation.”
Juddbitbackhissurprise.ReligionwasnonexistentinthePsyNet.Silencedidnotallowforit.“Dotheycometoyouforguidance?”
AfaintsmilethatdidnothingtoeasethetensionaroundXavier’smouth.“No,theyhideintheshadows.ButIknowtheyarethere,andsomehavebeencomingforlongenoughthatIfeeltheyareminetowatchover.”
JuddwaitedasthepriestopenedhisBibleandwithdrewafoldedpieceofpaper.
“Afewofthemhave,overtime,trustedmewiththeircontactdetails.”HepassedthepapertoJudd.“Thiswoman,Gloria,hasattendedtheserviceeveryThursdaynightwithoutfailfortwoyears.”
Juddhadbeenanassassin,anArrowtheCouncilusedasaweapon.HeconnectedthedotsbeforeXavierdrewthem.“Shehasstoppedcoming.”
“Justonce,tonight,”Xaviersaid.“Butshealwayscontactsmeifthere’sevenachanceshemightmissaservice.Ireceivednomessagetoday,andnooneanswerswhenIattempttocall.”
Memorizingtheinformationontheslipofpaper—asimpletelephonenumber—JuddpasseditbacktoXavier.“I’llseewhatIcanfindout.”
XavierslidthepaperbackintotheBible,hisdarkeyesdrenchedwithworry.“Hersoulwassolostwhenshefirstbegancoming—shewascoldtothepointoflifelessness.Thispastyear,though,Icouldseehercomingtolife.”
Judddidn’tsayanything,buthehadafeelingthatGloria’sawakeninghadbroughtherthewrongkindofattention—thekindthatledtorehabilitation.Noonecamebackfromrehabilitation.Iterasedthepersonality,wipedthemind,andleftonlytheshamblinghuskofanemptyshellbehind.CHAPTER7
Indigodidn’tseeDrewthenextmorningasshestrodethroughthecorridors,herdestinationthesmallofficethatwasherownnearthetrainingrooms.She’dglimpsedhimleavingRiaz’spartyearlywithJuddthepreviousnight.Nowshefoundherselfwonderingifhe’dstayedwiththePsylieutenant,orhunteduponeofhislittleplaymatesandgonehorizontal.
Grittingherteethagainsthermind’sobligingslideshowofimagesthatdisplayedDrewtangledupwithsomefacelessfemale,shetoldherselfsheshould’vetakenuponeoftheoffersthathadcomeherwaylastnightastheseniormembersofthepackletdowntheirhair.Agoodsweatyworkoutbetweenthesheetswouldcertainlyhavewrungthetensionoutofherbody.Butshehadn’t—forreasonsshecouldn’tquiteunderstand—andnowshewaspayingforit,herskintoosensitive,herwolfirritatedandoutofsorts.
Orderingherselftofocus,sheswitchedonherdatapadasshewalked,bringinguptheday’sschedule.She’dbeeninchargeoftrainingthenovicesoldiersforeightyears,fourofthemasassistanttoherfather,Abel,thelastfouronherown,withAbeltakingoveranotherrole.However,overthepastcoupleofyears,she’dalsostartedhandlingmorepersonalissuesrelatedtotheyoungdominantsinthepack.Theycametoherwithquestions,foradvice,tovent,andsometimesjusttohangout—becauseherwolfcalmedtheirs.“Whichyouwillnotbeabletodounlessyougetyourselfundercontrol,”shemuttered,annoyedwithherselfforallowingDrewtorattleherinthisway.
Thatwaswhensheranintotheonepersonwhocouldtakeonelookatherandreadherlikeanopenbook.
“Baby,”hermothersaid,hersmilesofullofloveitmadeIndigo’sheartache,“givemeahug.”
Indigowasalreadyleaningacrosstodoexactlythat,everypartofheradoringthiswomanwhowasthetemplatefromwhichshe’dbeencast.TarahRivierehadthesamejet-blackhair,thoughhersboreafew—veryfew—glimmersofsilvernow,thesamevividblueeyesshotwithstreaksthatwerealmostpurple,thesamelong-leggedheight.
Butthatwaswherethesimilaritiesended.WhereIndigo’sframewasallsupplemuscle,hermotherwasfitbutsweetlycurved.WhereIndigowasadominantandhadbeenfromsoonafterbirth,Tarahwasatruesubmissive,oneofthegentlestpeopleinthepack.AndwhereIndigowouldneversurrendereverythingtoanyman—evenonesheloved—Tarahfoundincomparablejoyinleaningonhermate.
“Morning,Mama.”
CuppingIndigo’sfaceinherhands,hermotherexaminedherwiththosewiseeyes.“What’stroublingyou,mybiggirl?”
Witheveryotherpersonintheden,Indigowould’vestoodfirmandfrozenoffanyinquiries.Infrontofhermother’stenderconcern,shefoldedlikealeakyballoon.“I’mfightingwithDrew,”shesaid,hopingTarahwouldtakethatatfacevalue.Shereallydidn’twanttoexplainthegenesisofthefight.
Tarahlaughedand,droppingherhandsfromIndigo’sface,slippedherarmthroughherdaughter’sandbegantowalktowardoneofthelargecommonareasintheden.“Haveyougottimeforamorningcoffeewithyourmother?”
“Always.”Itwasaritualtheyhad—thoughithadnorules,nosetdates.Butatleastacoupleoftimesaweek,IndigofoundherselfalonewithTarah.Sometimestheychattedovercoffee,sometimestheywalkedintheforest,andsometimestheymadeabowlofpopcornandwatchedsomemoviethatmadethembothbawllikebabies.
Herfathertendedtoavoidbeinginthosenights.
Grinning,Indigofoundherselfthinkingbackovertheyears.“We’vebeendoingthisinoneformoranothersinceIwas,what,ten?”Itwas,sheknew,becauseofEvangeline.
Hermuchyoungersisterhadbeenfrighteninglyweakasachild,thoughnoonecoulddiagnosethereasonbehindit.Indigowouldcatchacoldandbeupandrunningthenextday.Eviewouldcatchacoldandneedtobehookeduptomachinessoshecouldbreathe,herlittlebodywrackedbyshivers.ItusedtoterrifyIndigothatshemightlosethesistershelovedsomuch—andtosomethingIndigocouldn’tfight,couldn’tdefendagainst.
Hermothersqueezedherarm.“You’remybaby,too.”
Indigoshiftedclosertohermother,thewolfwantingtobrushupagainstherastheywalked.“HowisEvie?Ihaven’tspokentoherforafewdays.”Hersisterhadfinallythrownofftheinexplicable—especiallyforachangeling—sicklinessinherteens.Nowinhersecondyearofcollege,shewasasweet-tempered,submissivewolfchasedbymorethanoneyoungwolfintheden—andhumansoutsideofit.
“She’scomingforavisitinthreeweeks’time.”
Indigo’swolfstretchedoutitspawsandarcheditsbackinpleasure.
“And,”Tarahcontinued,“shetoldmetotellyounottoscareoffallthemenbeforehand—shewantstodatethewildanddangeroustypes,thankyouverymuch.”LaughingatthelookonIndigo’sface,shesaid,“Grabusagoodseat.I’llgetthecoffees.”
Stillscowlingattheideaofherwillow-slendersisterwithsomeoftherougheryoungmales,Indigowanderedthroughtheroomfilledwithfurnitureinbrightcitrustonesuntilshefoundtwoarmchairsfacingeachotherinaquietcorner.Theywerebothafunkyorange,thetablebetweenthemadark,varnishedwoodthatborethenicksandscratchesofconstantuse.
“Hey,Indigo.”
WavingacasualhelloatTaiastheyoungsoldierpassedby,shesettledintowaitforhermom.Thatwaspartoftheritual,too.ItwasalwaysTarahwhogotthecoffee,mixingtheingredientsinawaythatmadeittasteincredible.
It’slove,Tarahhadoncelaughinglysaid.That’sthesecretingredient.
“Indigo?”Taihadcircledback.
Shelookedupintohispretty,prettyface,allsilkyhairandthosewildgreeneyeswithaslightupwardtiltthatspokeoftheBalineseancestryonhismother’sside.“Yes,she’scominghomeforavisit.No,Iwillnotgiveyouafreepass.Youputonefingeronher,I’llbeatyoutoapulp.”
Taisnarledlowinhisthroat,hiswideshouldersgoingstiffashefistedhishands.“Yeah,well,maybeI’llbeatyouback.”Facethunderous,hestalkedoffasshefoughthersmile.Hmm,perhapsJudd’syoungprotégéhadpotential.Noneoftheothershaddaredstanduptoher.AndIndigowasn’thandingoverhervulnerableyoungersistertoawolfwhocouldn’tprotectherfromallcomers.
TarahplacedatraybetweenthemasTaileftthecommonroom.Itheldtwosteamingmugsofcoffeeandacoupleoflargeblueberrymuffins.“Theywerethelastonesthere,”Tarahsaid,shakingherhead.“Andit’sonlynine.”
“Pack’sgotayoungpopulation,”Indigosaid,takingasipofhercoffeebeforeputtingdownthemugandpickingupamuffin.“Youshouldseehowmuchsomeofmytraineesgothroughinaday.”
“Speakingoftheyoungpopulation”—TaraheyedIndigooverthetopofherownmug—“ItoldyounottoscareoffEvie’sdates.”
Indigowasn’ttheleastcowedbyhermother’smockscowl,wellabletoseetheamusementbehindit.“She’sminetolookafter.”
“Youalwayswerepossessiveabouther.”Shakingherhead,Tarahsippedhercoffee.
“Mama?”Indigoaskedafterseveralminutesofcompanionablesilence.
“Yes,baby.”
Indigofeltherlipscurve.Tarahalonecouldcallherthatandmakeitsoundperfectlyacceptable.Ofcourse,herfathertendedtocallher“pumpkin”andruffleherhairlikeshewasfiveyearsold.Norespect,shethoughtwithaninwardsmile,shegotnorespectfromherparents.“DoyouevergetangryatDad?”
Tarah’seyessparkled.“SureIdo.Youknowthat.”
“No,Idon’tmeanthelittlespats.”Thoughyoucouldn’treallycallthemthat,either.Herparentsweresoinsyncitwasscary.“Butathisdominance…don’tyousometimeswishhe’dletyoutakecontrol?”She’dneverbeforeaskedhermotherthatquestion,hadalwaysfeltitwouldcrosssomeline,buttoday,sheneededtoknow.
Puttinghermugonthetable,Tarahleanedforwardandpickedablueberryfromhermuffin.Shechewedthoughtfullybeforeanswering.“No,”shesaidatlast,herresponsefreeofambiguity.“Mywolfneedstofeelprotected,feelsafe.”AnglingherheadwhenIndigoremainedsilent,Tarahsaid,“Iknowyou’veneverunderstoodthat,baby,forallthatyouloveme.”
“Mama,Ididn’tmean—”
“Hush.”AgentlecommandthathadIndigoswallowingherapology.“Thefactis,you’readominant—that’swhyyouandyourfatheralwaysbuttedheads.”
“WasIthatbad?”
“Aterror.”Itwasacheerfulreply.“Butbecauseofthehierarchy,wecoulddealwithyouwithouttoomanyproblems.Yourfatheroutrankedyou—sowhenpushcametoshove,youhadtolisten.”
NowIndigooutrankedAbel—thoughshewouldneverinamillionyearsactuallybringthatup.Ever.Somerelationshipsweresacred,andwhenshewaswithherfather,Indigotreatedhimasthedominant.“Thatusedtomakemecrazy—thathecouldshutmedownbypullingrank,”shesaidinanswertohermother’sstatement,“butatthesametime,itwascalming.”
“There,yousee,youdounderstand.”Tarahpluckedoutanotherblueberry.“Strictadherencetothehierarchyhelpsmaintainthebalanceofthepack.Ourwolvesarehappiestwhentheyknowtheirplaceintheschemeofthings.Formywolf,thatplaceisintheshelterofAbel’sarms.”
Indigogaveaslownod,seeingadeepertruthinhermother’swords.“Iwouldneverbehappy,”shesaid,thewordsspillingoutbeforesherealizedhowmuchtheymightbetray,“eitherwithamanwhotreatedmeasasubmissiveorwithamanmywolfsawasweaker.”
TarahgaveherapenetratinglookandIndigoknewhermothersawtoomuch,butallshesaidwas,“Yes,that’strue.Yourplaceisnotthesameasmine.Foryoutobehappy,youmustacceptandrespectyourpartnertotheverycoreofyoursoul—oryourwolfwillmakebothyourlivesamisery.”
Havingcomedowntothecitytotalktooneofhiscontactsinthehumanpopulation,AndrewdecidedtosayhitoTeijanaswell,figuringhemightaswellusethetimeinaproductivefashion.Becauseifhewentbacktotheden,he’dundoubtedlyenduptrackingIndigo.Andhecouldn’ttiphishand,notyet,notbeforehewasprepared
SohewaswaitingfortheRatalphaatFisherman’sWharfasthesunrosehighenoughtochaseoffthewhispersoffogthatstilllickedoverthebay.Teijanturnedupasslickandneatlyattiredasifhe’dsteppedoutofsomesophisticatedmen’smagazine.
“Shucks,”Andrewsaid,leaninghisarmsonthemetalfencethatlinedthissectionofthewharf,“youdidn’thavetogetalldolleduponmybehalf.”
“Youshouldbesolucky.”Teijanalignedhiscuffswiththesleevesofhisjacket.“I’mgoingforajobinterview.”
Andrewnarrowedhiseyes.“SincewhendoestheRatalphaneedtofindajob?”Teijanoperatedwhatwaseffectivelythebiggestinformationnetworkinthecity,andprobablythestate.Andtherewasseriousmoneyininformation—especiallysinceSnowDancerandDarkRiverhadbothdecidedtosharetheprofitsfromanydealsthatcameaboutbecauseofinteltheRatspassedon.
Brutalfactwas,theycould’vedemandedthatdataasaconditionofallowingtheweakerchangelinggrouptoremaininthecity,butLucasandHawkewerehighlyintelligentmen.TheyunderstoodthattheRatswouldbefarmoreinvestedintheprotectionofthecityiftheynotonlyhadtherighttocallithomebutweretreatedasanintegralpartofitsfunctioning.Whichtheyweremostassuredlybecoming.
NowTeijanshothimasharplittlesmile,fullofteeth.“Funnyhoweasyitistogetintosomebuildingsifyoucarryarésuméandlook‘respectable.’”
“DoIwanttoknow?”
“No.Nothingtotellyet.”Thedark-hairedmalelookedoutovertheglitteringsun-struckwaterofthebay.“Myanimalknowsitcanswim,”hemurmured,“butjustthesame,neitheritnorthehumanpartofmeistoofondofthewater.”
“ThenwhySanFrancisco?”
Ashrug.“We’dbeenscrapingby,tryingtofindahomeforalongtime,andtheoldsubwaytunnelswereunclaimed.”AwhisperofwindruffledhisGQ-perfecthair.“Goodthingitwasthecatswhofoundusout.Youwolveswould’veprobablydecidedwetastedgoodspit-roastedoveranopenfire.”
“Noself-respectingwolfwouldeatarodent—thoughwemight’vebeenabletouseyourteethasdecorations,”Andrewsaidwithastraightface.
Teijanhissedoutaveryunratlikesnarl.“WhythehelldoIbothertotalktoyou?”
“HawkethinksIgiveyoucheese.”Hepulledasmall,foil-wrappedwedgeoutofhispocket.“Hereyougo.”
“Fuckyou.”ButtheRatalphawaslaughing.“Why’dyouwanttomeet?”
Puttingbothhandsinthepocketsofhisjacket,Andrewletthesalt-lacedwindsweepacrosshisface.“Wantedtoseeifyouhadanynewstoshare.”DarkRiveralwayscopiedSnowDancerinonanyreportsaspertheiralliance,butTeijanquiteoftenhadlittletidbitsinprogressthathedidn’tputintothereportsuntilhe’dconfirmedeverything.
“SomethingweirdgoingonwiththePsy,”theRatalphanowsaid.“Can’tquiteputmyfingeronit,butifIdidn’tknowbetter,I’dsaytheywerejumpy.”
SincePsydidn’tfeel,thatkindofapprehensionwasmorethancurious.“Anythingtobackupthatfeeling?”heasked,knowingTeijanhadfinelydevelopedantennaefortroubleafterkeepinghispeoplesafeandprotectedforyearsinspiteoftheirlackofnumbersandphysicalstrength.
Teijanmadeaclickingnoisewithhistongue.“I’veheardwhispersoftwoorthreePsydeadinsuspiciouscircumstances,butnoconfirmationsyet.Couldjustbeabadrehabilitationortwo.”
AndrewfelthisskincreepatthethoughtofthePsypunishmentofchoice—atotalpsychicbrainwipethatdestroyedtheindividualandleftadroolingshellbehind.“Maybetheysuicided.”AtTeijan’sglance,heshrugged.“Ifthatwasme…”
“Yeah.”Teijanblewoutabreath.“Butwordisthere’snobodyhomeafterrehab,andtherewouldhavetobeforthemtounderstandwhatthey’dbecome.”Heglancedathiswatch.“Ibettergetgoing.I’llsendtheintelthroughthegrapevineifIhearanythingelse.”
AsAndrewwatchedtheothermanleave,hewonderedwhatfacethisworldwould’vewornifthePsyCouncilhadbeensuccessfulinseizingtotalpowerasithadbeentryingtodofordecades.
Thevisionwaschilling.
“Drew?”
Shakingoffthebrutalimages,heshiftedonhisheeltofindhimselffacingLara.“Youmust’vecomedownbeforetheshopsopened,”hesaid,lookingatthebagsshehadinhand.
“I’minabadmood,”shesaid.“Idecidedtoworkitoffbyspendingmoney,butIhateeverythingI’vebought.Whoneedsastupidyellowdressanyway?Notsomeonewithmyskintone.”Thatskin,anaturaldarktanstrokedwithgoldinthislight,scrunchedupasshemadeaface.
“Ithinkyou’lllookgorgeousinyellow.”Hewrappedanarmaroundhershoulders,cuddlinghersmallerbodytohis.Likemostpeopleintheden,hetendedtoforgetshewasn’tthatmucholderthanhewas,shewassocompetent.Buttodayshelookedunbearablyyoung.“Thisbadmoodhaveanythingtodowith—”
“Don’tgothere,”shewarned,evenassheslidherownarmaroundhiswaist,thesoftblackofhercorkscrewcurlsglintingwithsparksofred.“AndIwon’thassleyouaboutIndigo.”
Hefroze.“Howthehelldoyouhealerspullthatshit?”
“Tradesecret.”Ahintofasmile,thosehighcheekbonesgivinghereyesanalmostfelineappearanceassheglancedup.“Howcomeshe’ssomadatyou?”sheaskedwithablunthonestythatremindedhimofBen,thepupthehealeroftenbabysatforherfriendAva.
“Nottelling.”
Shescrunchedhernoseathim.“Yougoingtodoanythingaboutit?”
Andrewthoughtoftheplanhe’dhatchedlatelastnight.“Oh,yeah,I’mgoingtodosomethingaboutit.”Andthelieutenantwouldneverseeitcoming.CHAPTER8
Havingsaidgood-byetohermotherafewminutesearlier,IndigofoundHawkeandtheysatdowntocoordinatethepack’sresources.“Wehavealieutenantmeetinglatertoday,”shesaidtowardtheend.
“Iremember.”Risingfromhisdesk,hefoldedhisarms,unfoldedthem,thenshovedhishandsthroughhishair,hairthatechoedthestunningcolorofhispeltinwolfform.Rightnow,thatwolfwasridinghimhard.
“Wanttogoforarun?”sheasked,feelingmorethanalittletwitchyherself.“Wecouldbothuseit.”
ThefactthatHawkedidn’tevenbothertopretendhedidn’tneedtoletthewolfroamtoldhermorethananythingelse.“Wolforhuman?”heasked,hisvoiceshiftinginawaythatmadeitclearthewolfwasalreadyincharge.Hiseyes,too,shimmeredinthemostsubtleofways—thewolfwatchingherfromahumanface.
“Humanwolf,”shesaid,“it’shardertomaintain.”
“Let’sgo.”
Bythetimetheyclearedtheden,herwolfwasattheforefrontofhermind.Shewasstillphysicallyhuman,butherthoughtprocesseswerenolongerthoseofthecool,collectedlieutenant.Theywereofthewolfwholivedinhersoul—ofherbody,onlyhereyeswould’vereflectedthechange.Thoughastheybegantorun,shefeltherclawsprickingattheinsidesofherskinanddecidedtoletthemslicethrough.
Theyransidebyside,gettingoutoftheWhiteZoneandintothethickdarknessoftheforestbeyond,thetreeswhippingbyinablurofrichgreenand—astheybegantoclimbhigher—theoccasionalsplashofsnowywhite.Shewasdamnfast,butsheknewHawkecould’veoutstrippedher.Itwasn’tsimplythathewasalpha—thoughthatplayedapartinit.Herownwolfdidn’twanttooutstriphim,would’vebeenconfusedifitcould.Butalargerpartofitwasthathewasnaturallyfaster.
Butshewasmakinghimworkforit,andthatwaswhatwasimportant.Itwasalieutenant’sjobtochallengeheralphawhennecessary—asitwasanalpha’sjobtolookafterhispack.SoIndigoranthembothtotheedgeofexhaustion,flyingoverfallenrocksandoldtrees,branchesgrazingherarmsandthreateningtoslapherface,thewindacrispknifeacrossherskin.
Herwolfgloriedintherushofspeed,thepumpofblood,thewildpleasureofrunningwithapackmate.Itwasonlywhentheyreachedthetopofaridge,whentherewasonlysilencearoundthem,thepacklandsspreadoutbelowinaseaofwhite,green,andlakeblue,thatthewolfsighedandhalted.Hawkestoodwithhishandsonhiskneesbesideher,chestheavingandfacegleamingwithsweat.
Glancingathim,shesawhiswolfgrinningbackather,theshimmeringiceofhiseyesfilledwithfiercejoy.Shegrinnedback,allowingherselftocollapseontoherbackonthesnow-dustedgrass,thechillawelcomekissagainstherheatedskin.Theskywasagorgeouscrystallineblueoverhead,Hawke’seyesacuriousandmuchpalerhueashelookeddownather,hisheadangledinawaythatwassimplynothuman.
Shesnappedherteethathim.
Itmadehimlaugh,relax,andliedownbesideher,theirarmscompanionablytangled.“So,”hesaid,hisvoiceholdingtheedgeofagrowl.
“So,”shereplied,herownwolfprowlingcontentedlyinsideherskin.
Shifting,Hawkeraisedhimselfonhiselbowbeforeleaningdowntonipatherlowerlipinaquick,sharpbite.
Withthoseamazingeyes,andthatgorgeousmaneofsilver-gold,manywomenwould’vetakenwhathe’ddoneasasensualinvitation.Shewaswolf.Sheknewthatcomingfromheralpha,itwasverymuchtheopposite.
Rubbingatherlip,shescowled.“WhatdidIdo?”Becauseithadbeenarebuke.Aplayfulone,sure,butarebukenonetheless.
Hawketappedheronthenosewithhisindexfinger.“Mywolfcansensethatyoursisintrouble.Whydidn’tyoucometome?”
“It’snothing,”shesaid,pushinghimawaywithagrowlwhenhewould’veusedhisteethonherasecondtime.Yes,hewasalpha,butshewasadominantfemale.“Correction—itissomething,butit’snotanythingIneedyourhelptomanage.”Drewwasherproblem,andshewouldgetahandleonthesituation.
Bracinghimselfonhiselbowagain,Hawkewatchedherforseveralmoreminutes,theeyecontactsearing.Hiswolfwasfarclosertothesurfacethanthatofanyothermaleinthepack,andshewasoneofthefewpeoplewhoprobablyknewwhy.Reachingup,sheclenchedahandinhishairandtuggedhimdownuntiltheirnosesalmosttouched.“I’mnottheonlyonewho’sgotaproblem.”
Hegrowledather.Shelethimfeelherclawsagainsthisface.Iceblueeyeslockedwithherown.“Youknowwhatitis,”hefinallysaid,hisvoicesodeepitwasdifficulttounderstand.Rollingawayfromher,helayonhisbackwithonearmunderhishead.
Yeah,Indigoknewwhatitwas.“She’sfaroldernowthanshewaswhenshefirstenteredtheden.”
Hawkesaidnothing.Hedidn’tneedto—shecouldallbutfeelhisthrummingtension.
“Noone’sgoingtostopyouifyoudecideto—”
Hawkewassuddenlyleaningoverherinoneofthoseelectricsnapsofmovement,hiswolfverymuchincharge.“Rileymadeitclearshewasoff-limits.”
IndigoknewherfellowlieutenanthadissuedthatwarningnotsimplybecauseSiennawasfamilyandthushistoprotect,butbecausethegirlhadneededtimetocomeintoherownbeforeshehadtopitthestrengthofherpersonalityagainstHawke’s.
“Then,shewas.”ShestrokedherfingersthroughhishairbecauseheneededthetouchofPack.“Now…she’sstronger.I’mnotsayingshe’sreadyforthefullHawkeassault”—herwolfbareditsteethwhenhegrowled—“butshecantakealittlebit.”ThatsaidmoreaboutIndigo’sjudgmentofSiennaLaurenthananythingelse—becausetherewereveryfewwomenontheplanetwhoshethoughtmightbeabletohandleHawke.
Thefactthatthetopcontenderwasaneighteen-heading-for-nineteen-year-oldPsydefectorwasonehellofasurprise,butthatdidn’tmeantheyshouldjustignorethesubjectandhopeitwentaway.EspeciallynotwhenthegirlseemedtoreachpartsofHawkenooneelsecouldevensee.
IndigoknewwhatHawkehadsaidtoRileywhenthesubjectcameuplasttime,waitedtoseeifhewouldrejecttheideaoutofhandagain.Asshewatched,heflowedtohisfeetandwenttocrouchattheedgeofthecliff,hisbackandhairdustedwithicecrystalsthatglitteredinthesunlight.“Weshouldgetback,”hesaidafterseverallongminutes,hisvoicehumanoncemore.
Indigodidn’tpush.ThiswasadecisionHawkewouldhavetomakeonhisown.Becauseoncemade,sheknewthatdecisionwouldbefinalandabsolute.IfhedecidedtopursueSienna…Suckinginabreath,Indigopromisedherselfshe’dwarnthegirlifandwhenthetimecame—becausenowomanshouldhavetofacethatkindofacampaignunprepared.
Inspiteofhisdeterminationtokeephisdistance,AndrewfoundhimselffollowingthecompulsiontotrackdownIndigoassoonashereturnedtotheden—onlytobetoldthatshe’dgonerunningwithHawke.
Imagesofwhattheymightbedoingatthatmomentslammedintohimwithoutwarning.Indigowasthehighest-rankingfemaleintheden.Onlytwopeopleoutrankedher.Riley,whowashappilymatedtoMercy.AndHawke.
Whowasverydefinitelynotmated.
Clawsdiggingintohispalms,heshuthimselfinsidehisroomandtriedtofightthebuzzinginhishead,tothink.Thatprovedclosetoimpossible.Nomatterallhisplans,allhisinstructionstohimself,hemight’vegoneoffhalf-cockedandmadeafoolofhimselfifhiscellphonehadn’trungatthatmoment.
HeansweredwithoutlookingatthecallerID.“Andrewspeaking.”
“How’severythingintheden?”cameRiley’sfamiliarvoice.
“Relax,bigbrother.”Andrewtriedforabreezytone.“We’remanagingtolimpalongwithoutyou.”
Asmallpause.“What’swrong?”
Ah,hell.Hisoldestsiblingknewhimbetterthananyoneelse—therewasnowayhe’dbuyabullshitanswer.“Ihaveaquestion.HaveIndigoandHawkeever…”Acidburnedinhisgutashegavevoicetoapossibilityhe’dneverevenconsideredbefore.
Another,longerpause.“No.Never.”
Andrewcollapsedintoasittingpositiononthebed.“NowyouhavetoforgetIeveraskedyouthatquestion.”
Otherwolvesmighthaveteased,butRileyhandleditinhisownway.“Pieceofadvice—don’teverletIndigocatchevenahintthatyouhadthatparticularthought.Theasininestupidityofitwilloutweighanygainsyoumake.”
Andrewwinced.“I’mnotmakingmanygainsrightnow.”
“Whenyouwereakid,”Rileysaid,“itwasimpossibletomakeyouletgoofatoyonceyou’dclampedyourteethonit.”
“Indigo’shardlyatoy.”No,whatshewas,wasatough,intelligentwomanwhowouldfalleasilyintonoman’sarms—leastofalloneshewasdeterminedtothinkofasoff-limits.
“Thepoint,”Rileysaiddryly,“isthatyou’reevenmorestubbornthanIam—justtakespeopleahellofalotlongertofigureitout.”
Thatsuddenly,Andrew’sbrainstartedfunctioningagain.SmilingatthethoughtofsinkinghisteethintoIndigo—nottohurt,justtomarkalittle—hesaid,“How’sthevacationgoing?”
“Mercy’sgrandparentswantcubsorpupstospoil—they’renotfussywhich.Tomorrowwouldbenice,butthey’rewillingtogiveusawholeentireyearto‘getdowntothebusiness.’”Riley’stonewasdeadpan,butAndrewdidn’tmissthewayhisvoicesoftenedwhenhespokeofchildren.
Mercy’sgrandparents,hethought,mightjustgettheirwishsoonerratherthanlater.“Brenna’soutwithJudd,”hesaidaloud,“butyoushouldbeabletogetheronhercell.Iknowshewantstocatchupwithyou.”HavingeffectivelyraisedbothAndrewandBrenna,Rileywas,forwantofabetterword,thepatriarchoftheKincaidfamily.EvenBrenna’sassassinofamatetreatedRileywithquietrespect.Theyallmissedhim—andhisrock-solidadvice—whenhewasn’tintheden.
“I’llgiveheraquickcall.”Arustle.“Mercysaystotellyoushehopesyou’rebehaving.”
SmilingatthethoughtofRiley’sfierymate,Andrewsaid,“Notabit.”
Mercycameonthelineaninstantlater.“DidIhearyousaysomethingaboutIndigo?”
“Mercy,”Andrewbegan.
“No,no,I’mnotgoingtomeddle.ButIamgoingtogiveyoualittleadviceinreturnforsomethingimportantyousaidtomeonce,solistenup.”
Nothavingbeenbornstupid,nomatterhisrecentactions,Andrewdidjustthat.
“Don’tbeanyonebutwhoyouare,”theleopardsentineltoldhim.“It’llgiveyoutheelementofsurprisewhenyoupounce.”
Onthesurface,itwasalightheartedcomment,butAndrewsawitforthetruthitwas.HowhadMercyknown?hethought.HowhadsheguessedthathisconfidencehadbeenbadlydentedbytheknowledgethathewassomuchnotwhatIndigohadinmindforhermate?Howevershe’dknown,hewasgratefulfortheboost.“Thanks,Mercy.”
“WhatcanIsay—youremindmeofthefiendsIcallbrothers.”Anaffectionatecomment.“’Bye,Drew.”
Hangingupafterreplyinginkind,hetookadeepbreathandfiredoffaquicke-mailtoHawkewithhisnotesonwhatTeijanhadshared.AndthoughthetemptationtotrackdownIndigowasafeverinhisgut,hesethisjawandwenttotheweightroom,funnelinghisneedintothephysical.Becausewhenhe,asMercyhadputit,“pounced,”hewantedIndyalltohimself,noavenuesofescape,nobufferofpack.CHAPTER9
InspiteofherearlierrunwithHawke,Indigocouldn’tquitefindherbalanceatthatafternoon’slieutenantmeeting.Shetoldherselfithadnothingtodowiththefactthatshe’dseenDrewonlyminutesago,hishairdampwithsweatandhisarmaroundLucyasthesunny-naturedyoungfemalehuggedhimaffectionately.
WomenlovedDrew.Nowonderhe’dthoughthecouldgetIndigointobedwithsolittletrouble—andthenpickuprightwherethey’dleftoff,asifhehadn’tfundamentallyalteredthenatureoftherelationshipbetweenthem.Herwolfbareditsfangsattheideaofbeinglumpedinwithhislittleplaymatesuntilshehadtoconsciouslyfightforcontrol.ItwasaswellthatshewassittinginaspecialcommroomsurroundedbySnowDancerlieutenants.
BecauseofthebreadthofSnowDancerterritory,itwasrareforallthelieutenantstomeetinperson.However,theyhadmonthlymeetingsbycomm-conferenceandeachlieutenantpassedthroughthedenatleastonceeverytwomonths,whichensuredthepackcontinuedtofunctionasacohesiveunit.Hawke,too,madetripstoeachpartoftheirterritoryonaregularbasis.ThentherewasDrew,who,withthesupportofhissmallandtight-knitteam,roamedacrossthestateonanas-neededbasis.
Grittingherteethasthedamnwolfintrudedintoherthoughtsonceagain,shelookedupandfocusedonthescreenssetupinasemicirclearoundtheroom.Thecomputronicsetupallowedallofthemtointeractwitheachotheratsuchaneffectivelevelthattheyoftenforgottheyweren’tactuallyinthesamephysicallocation.
Jem—realnameGarnet—hadloggedinfromLosAngelesandwascurrentlytradingbarbswiththestartlinglygreen-eyedKenji,somethingthetwoofthemdidsooften,therewasarunningpoolonexactlywhenthey’dripeachother’sclothesoffandjustgetitoverwith.
AlexeiandMatthiaswerewatching,quietasalways.Thosetwoonlymovedwhennecessary,andtheyspokeevenlessmostofthetime.Ofthetwo,Alexei,withhissungoldhairandmoviestarlooks,wasprobablythemoretalkative—whichmeanthespokemaybetwowordsanhourinsteadofone.
Cooper,asoneofthemoreseniorsentinels—hisplaceinthehierarchysimilartoRiaz’s—lookedonwithopenamusement,hisskingleamingarichdarkbronzeinthesunlightpouringinthroughwhatIndigoknewtobeahugewindowtotheleftofhisoffice,thejaggedscaralonghisleftcheekaddingaroughaccenttohisfeatures.
Womentendedtolookathimandshiverinamixoffearandanticipation.
Thatwastheclosestthey’devercometohim,becauseCoopwascrazyinlovewith—andcourting—awomansosweet,ithadthewholepackabuzz.Noonehadexpectedmad,bad,anddangerousCooptofallheadoverheelsforthesubmissivewolf,leastofallthewolfherself.IndigobitbackagrinasshethoughtofhowbewilderedCoop’sbelovedhadlookedwhenithaddawnedonherthatshewasbeingpursuedbyoneofthemostlethalmeninthepack.Thathadn’tlastedlong.Becauseshemight’vebeensweet,might’vebeensubmissive,butasCoopwaslearning,thatdidn’tmeanshedidn’thaveamind—andawill—ofherown.
ThentherewasTomás,whohappenedtobeoneofDrew’sclosestfriends—andconsequently,seemedtotakenothingseriouslyandhadawayofsmilingwiththosechocolate-darkeyesthatmademostwomenmeltintopuddlesofgoo.
IndigogaveTomásaquellingstarewhenheglancedatJemandKenjiandwinked.Butshecouldn’thelpherwolf’sansweringgrin.Becauseseriously…“Youtwoneedtogetaroom.”
Jemdidn’tevenstoparguingtogiveIndigoahighlyspecificnonverbalgesturewithonedeceptivelydelicate-lookinghand.Kenjiechoedthemovewithsuchunerringaccuracy,itwasasifthey’dsynchronizeditacrosstwodifferentpartsofthestate.NexttoIndigo,Riazmouthed,“Kenji”toTomás,whoshookhisheadandmouthed,“Jem.”Riazheldupahand,fingersspread.Tomásnodded,acceptingthebet.
JuddsaidnothingfromwherehesattwoseatstoIndigo’sleft,buthewasrelaxedtoanextenthe’dneverhavebeenayearago,hischairtiltedbacktoleanagainstthewallandhislegsstretchedoutinfront.Butnomatterhisapparentlylazypose,Indigohadnodoubtsthathe’dseenandloggedeverywordthathadpassedsinceheenteredtheroom.
Pushingbackherownchair,IndigoputherlegsuponthetableinfrontofherandraisedahandinacasualwaveasHawkearrivedtograbtheemptyseatonherright.“Nowthatwe’reallhere,wecanbegin.”
“Cutmeabreak,Indy.”Hawkegrinnedatthelooksheshothim,buthisnextwordswerepuregrowl.“Ijustspenttenminutesexplainingtothejuvenileswhytheycan’tgoaroundsniffingaftertheleopardgirlswithoutexpectingtogettheirasseskickedbytheleopardboysatleastonce.WhenthehellisRileycomingback?”
AlexeiandMatthiasbothsmiled,slowlyandwiththewolfintheireyes,whileTomásrockedbackandlaughedwithopenamusement,theleanmaledimplesthatcreasedhischeeksturninghishandsomefaceevenmoregorgeous.Shakingherhead,IndigoreachedovertotapHawkelightlyonthecheekwithherpen.“You’lllive.”Turningbacktotheothers,shesaid,“Kenji,cuttheforeplay.Report.”
Kenjiswitchedintolieutenantmodesofast,Indigowould’vegottenwhiplashifshehadn’tseenhimdotheexactsamethingbefore.“Nothingsignificanttoreport.We’vehadafewextraPsymoveintotheregion,butourintelsaysthey’renothreat—lookslikemostcameinforajobatanewPsycomputronicsfactory.”
“Anyindicationthefactoryisafrontforsomethingelse?”Hawkeasked.“We’veseenthatbefore.”
“I’vegotmyeyeonit.”Kenjithrustbackstrandsofhisstick-straightblackhair.“Buteverythingchecksoutsofar.Andit’soneofNikitaDuncan’s—shetendstoliketokeepherprofitsseparatefromherpolitics.”
Indigoagreedwiththatassessment,butmadeanotetohavetheden’sresidenthackersdigdeeperintothefactory’sfilesnonetheless.“Tomás,how’syourpatch?”
“Nochange.”
Jemwentnext.“We’vehadaspikeinthemurderrate,butitlookstobehuman-on-humangangviolence.”
“Youonit?”Hawketappedafingerrestlesslyonthearmofhischair.
“We’vealreadyhadatalkwiththegangs.Theywanttomaketrouble,theydon’tdoitinourterritory.”Whatwasleftunsaidwasthatiftheycontinued,they’dsoonfindthemselveshunteddownlikesomuchprey.Thepackdidn’tholdthelargestterritoryinthecountrybecauseitplayednice.Onewarningwasallyougot.
Matthiasspokeforthefirsttime,andhisdeepvoicewasapleasuretolistento,resonantandwithanalmostimpossibleclarity.“Isentyouthatnoteaboutsomeweirdshipmovements.Wehaven’tbeenabletopinanythingdownyet,butI’llkeepyouupdated.”
IndigolookedatCooper.“Anythingnew?”
“I’vegottwofemalenoviceswho’reshowingsignsofskillatsharpshooting.”
“Sendmetheirdetails,”Juddsaid.“I’llevaluatethemandsetupatrainingschedule.”
“Hey,Coop,”Tomáscalledout,thedevilinhiseye.“How’sitgoingwithyourprettylittlewolf?”
Cooperglancedover,unruffled.“You’llbethelasttoknow.Butthenexttimeyousendherflowers,I’mgoingtocomeoverforanicefriendlyvisitandshovethemwherethesundon’tshine.”
Ignoringthesuspiciouscoughthatseemedtohaveaffectedeveryoneinthemeeting,IndigopointedatAlexei.
“Thissector’sstable,”theyounglieutenantsaid,makingavaliantefforttofightalaugh,“thoughIthinkweneedtoorganizeoneofthepackwidepartiesagain.I’vegottoomanyunmatedadultsinmyareaandthey’restartingtoirritateeachother.”
ThelastthingIndigoneededtobethinkingaboutwasthesexualhungeroftheiranimals,butshesetherjawandgottoit—becausefactwas,touch-hungrychangelings,especiallywolvesasaggressiveasthoseinSnowDancer,neededanoutlet—andiftheycouldn’thavesex,they’dchooseviolence.AddinthelackofchoiceinAlexei’scomparativelysmallsectorandyouhadarecipefortrouble
“May,”shesaid,checkinghercalendar.“Wecanhaveaweek-longeventindenterritory.That’llgiveustheflexibilitytoensuresecuritydoesn’tslip.”
Noonehadanyissueswiththat,sotheymovedon.
“Thefalconsaremakinguseoftheflighttreaty,”Matthiassaidtowardtheend,histhicklylashedeyesdarkandintense.“I’veseenthemflyingovermysector.”
“Me,too.”Alexeileanedforward,bracinghisarmsonaglowingcherrywooddesk.“Whereareweonapossiblealliance?”
“Ithinkit’sarealpossibility,”Hawkesaid.“IsentDrewtospendsometimewiththemonthegroundamonthago,andhisreportbacksupmyinstincts.”
“Heintheden?”Cooperasked.“It’dbegoodtohearwhathehastosay.”
WhenHawkenodded,Indigosaid,“Ten-minutebreak,”inatoneshehopedsoundedpracticalandnothingelse,“thenwereconvene.I’llhuntdownDrew.”
Thatprovedtobechild’splay.Heopenedthedoortohisroomwithatowelwrappedaroundhiswaist,hishairwet.“Indy.”Blinkingwaterfromhiseyes,hesteppedbackandangledhishead.“Comein.Iwasjustabouttothrowsomeclotheson.”
Heatuncurledinherabdomen—becausenomatterhowpissedshewasathim,AndrewKincaidmadeherfingersitchtotouch.Smooth,gleamingskin,tonedmuscle,andthoseeyesthatneverlosttheedgeofwickedness.“You’reneededinthemainconferenceroom,fiveminutes.”
Headingbackinsidewhensheremainedonthedoorstep,hedisappearedbehindthedoor.“Whatabout?”
“Falcons.”Hermindinsistedonprovidingherwithallsortsofsalaciousimagesassheheardthesoftraspofthetowelleavinghisbodytopoolonthefloor,theroughersoundofhimpullingonjeans—“Don’tbelate,”shebitoutandswiveledonherheel.
Andrew’sfingersclenchedconvulsivelyontheT-shirtinhisgrasp.Shewasstillmad;thatmuchwasclear.Andnomatterthatkeepingherangrywaspartofhisultimatestrategy,hehadtheviolenturgetotughercloseandkisstheangerrightoffherlips.
Ofcourse,hethought,inhercurrentmoodtheonlythingthatwouldgethimwasanicelyevisceratedchest.“Charm,”hemutteredunderhisbreath.“Don’tforgetthat—it’sallaboutcharm.Sticktotheplan.”
PullingontheT-shirt,helaceduphissneakersandmadehiswaytotheconferenceroom.“Nicetoseeeveryonehardatwork,”hesaidwhenhewalkedintofindthemplayingvirtualpoker.
Therewereaslewofresponsestothat,somerude,somefriendly,butthegamewasclearedawayinunderaminute,withAlexeideclaredthewinner.Afterthegolden-hairedlieutenanttookamockbow,Andrew—viscerallyawareofIndigo’ssilentpresenceonHawke’sotherside—laidouthisimpressionsofthefalconwing.
“Good,strongunit,”hesaid.“Welldrilledandtrainedtoworktogether.TheancestorsofthecoregroupformedthewingpriortotheTerritorialWars,sothey’vebeenaroundseveralhundredyears.”
“Whyaren’ttheybiggerinnumbersbynow?”Juddaskedfromhispositionatthefarendofthetable.
Hawkewastheonewhoanswered.“Birdstendtokeeptheirwingssmall.Ithinkithastodowithensuringenoughopensky,thoughI’veheardtheystayinclosecontactwithotherwingsacrossthecountry.”
“Hawke’sright,”Andrewsaid,evenashiswolfpickedoutIndigo’sscentfromalltheotherthreadsintheroomandrolledaroundinitlikeapup.“IaskedAdam,theirwingleader,aboutthat.Hesaystheirflightpathsoftenoverlap,soitmakessensetokeepthingspleasant.ButtheendresultisthatwhileWindHavenmightnotbehuge,weallywiththem,wegainaccesstoanetworkofwingsacrossthecountry.”
Cooperraisedaneyebrow.“Nothingtosneezeat.Solongastheycanhandleus.”Ablunttruth.“Otherwise,thedominanceissueswillmakeamessofthings.”
Hawkerockedbackinhischair,linkinghishandsbehindhishead.“HavingdealtwithAdam,andJacques,hissecond,Idon’tthinkthat’sgoingtobeaproblem.”
“Sowe’regoingtostarttheballrolling?”Indigo’svoice,slicingthroughAndrew’sconcentrationwiththeeaseofarazor.
“I’lltalktoDarkRiver,”Hawkesaid,“seeiftheyhaveanyfurtherinformation,butyeah,Ithinkweshouldtakeadvantageoftheopportunity.”
AndrewlistenedasIndigowentthroughacoupleofothermattersbeforeendingthemeeting.Herwordswerecrisp,hercommandsclear,andherintelligenceassharpasablade—therewasnowayinhellshewasgoingtomakethiseasyforhim.
Hiswolfsatupinanticipation—he’dneverwantedeasy.He’dalwayswantedIndigo.Andtomorrow,he’dhaveheralltohimself,farfromthedenandthehierarchy…andtherulesthatsheusedtokeepherownexplosiveresponsetohimunderviciouscontrol.Butheknew.He’dtastedit.
AndhewasgoingtomakeIndyadmitit—evenifhehadtosneakinunderherdefensesusingeverydirtytrickinthebook.Thiswaswar.Whothehellcaredaboutplayingfair?CHAPTER10
CouncilorNikitaDuncanmetCouncilorAnthonyKyriakusoutsideasmallhousesituatedontheheavilyforestededgesofTahoe,havingdrivenherselfthereinablandgraysedanwithtintedwindows.“WasthiswhereyourdaughterlivedwhileshewasintheNet?”sheaskedAnthonywhenhepushedopenthedoor.
Anthony’sblackhair,silveredatthetemples,liftedafractionintheforestbreezeasheanswered.“Yes.”Henoddedatthedoor.“Please.”
“Thankyou.”Assheentered,shetookineverythingabouttheplace.Theroomimmediatelytoherrightmayoncehavefunctionedasalivingarea,butwasnowanoffice/meetingroomwithasmalltablefeaturingabuilt-incomputerpanelandfourchairs.“DoestheFabilitymakeanappearanceeverygeneration?”TheNightStarGroup’sgriponthemarketforforeseerswasallbutairtight.
“Therearesporadicskips,butoverall,yes,”hesaid,astheytooktheirseatsoppositeeachother.“Itisthesameinyourfamily,isitnot?”
Nikitaansweredbecauseitwasnosecret—the“flawed”EdesignationwastheDuncanfamily’sgeneticmillstone.“Ittendstoskipageneration.”Notquitethetruth,butcloseenoughthatitwouldpass.“YouknowwhyIcontactedyou.”Andwhyshe’ddoneitawayfromthedarkskiesofthePsyNet.
Anthony’seyeswerepenetratingastheymethersacrossthetable.“SomethingishappeningwiththeArrowSquad.”
“Yes.”MingwastheofficialleaderoftheassassinswhoweretheCouncil’smostlethalarmy,butNikita’sspieshadcaughtripplesthatsaidthingsmightwellbechanging.“Iftheleadershipshifts,thereareonlytwopossiblesuccessors.”
“KalebandVasic,”Anthonysaid.“ButwhileVasicisanArrowandthesingletrueteleporterintheNet,myinformationisthathedoesn’tconsiderhimselfacandidatefortheposition.”
“However,withhissupport,someoneelsecouldtaketheleadership.”Thesquadwasincrediblysecretive,butNikitawasn’taCouncilorbecauseshegaveupatthefirsthurdle.She’dunearthedenoughdatathatshefeltconfidentinsaying,“TherearerumorsofanotherArrowthesquadmayacceptasaleader.”
Anthonytookamomenttoreply.“HisnameisAden.I’mkeepinganeyeonaffairsastheydevelop.”
Itwas,Nikitaunderstood,averydeliberatesharingofinformation.“Good.Butthatsituation,whileimportant,isn’tthecriticaloneasfarasweareconcerned.”NeitherofthemwasinthefighttoleadtheArrows.
Anthonymadenopretenseofnotunderstandinghermeaning.“HenryandShoshanna,”hesaid.“TheysupporttheideaofPuritytotheexclusionofallelse,thoughitisclearthatSilenceisfailing.”
“Divided,wehaveahighchanceoffallingtotheirstratagems,”shesaid,havingmadeherdecisionthefirsttimeshecalledAnthony,“buttogether,weareaforcetobereckonedwith.”Thensheaskedthemostimportantquestion.“Wheredoyoustand,Anthony?”
Anthonytookadrinkfromtheglassofwaterathiselbow,answeringonlyafteralmosttensecondsofthought.“Idonotsupportanygrouporsystemthatwoulderasemyindividuality,andtheScottsaredeterminedtocreateatruehivemindinoneformoranother.”Heputtheglassonthetable.“Moreimportantly,theyhaveinterferedoncetooofteninthisterritory—andinmybusinessinterests.”
NikitawonderediftheScottshadattemptedtomeddleinAnthony’ssubcontractingagreementwithhisdaughter.Notthatthedetailsmattered;whatevertheyhaddone,itwastoNikita’sbenefit.“Ifwearetoworkeffectivelytogether,”shesaid,“thereissomethingelseweneedtodiscuss.”Andthenshespokeofdeath.CHAPTER11
IthadtakenJuddmoretimethanhe’dexpectedtotrackdownXavier’smissingparishioner,Gloria.Hismate,withherbrilliantmind,haddonemostofthecyber-detectivework,backtrackingthephonenumberanddiggingthroughlayersofsecuritytounearththeaddressthatwentwithit.
“Noactivityonherchargecardsforthepastfourdays,”Brennahadsaid,worryadarkshadowinhereyeswhenshegavehimtheinformation.“Anditappearsshe’sgivenupherlease.Shemightnotevenbethere.”
Now,inthechillquietofthemidnighthours,Juddpickedthelow-securitylockonGloria’sformerapartmentandslippedinside.Iftherewassomeonewithin,he’dteleportoutbeforetheyeversawhim.Buthefeltonlythecoldemptinessofaplaceinwhichtherehadbeennolifefordays.
Usingaflashlightwithitsbeamsetonlow,hecheckedbothrooms.Thefurniturewasstillthere,butfromthelooksofit,itmightwellhavecomewiththeapartment.Therewerenoclothesinthewardrobe,notoiletriesinthebathroom,andnofoodinthekitchen.Moreimportantly,theapartmentwasclean.
Very,veryclean.
Thekindofcleanthatmeantsomeonehadbeenerasedoutofexistence.
Gloriawasdead.
Hisinstinctstoldhimsomeone—likelyintheCouncilsuperstructure—hadsentinacleanupcrewtoensurenotraceremainedofthewomanwho’dfoundherselfinXavier’schurch.ButJuddwasn’tgoingtogivethepriestthatinformationuntilhewascertain—becausetherewasaslightchanceGloriahadbeenrehabilitatedinstead.
Afateworsethandeath.
DecidingtoworkSnowDancer’sPsycontactswhenmorningbroke,hefocusedontheimageofthebedroomhesharedwithhismate,andthen…hewashome.Dressedinastrawberrysatinandwhitelaceslip,Brennalaycurleduponhissideofthefuton.Shealwaysdidthatwhenhewasn’twithher,asifshewasholdinghimcloseeveninsleep.
Takingoffhisclotheswithasilentgracethatcamefromalifetimeoftraining,heslippedinbesideher,andthen,bracinghimselfononearm,leaneddowntopressakisstothesilkywarmcurveofherneck.
Sheshivered,herbodyrelaxingfromitscurled-uppositionassheturnedtofacehim,herhandsreachingouttopressagainsthispectorals.“Judd.”Itwasasleepymurmurofwelcome,herwolfapparentinthebrilliantnight-glowheglimpsedbetweenherbarelypartedlids.
Claimingherlipswithhisown,hemovedhishanddownoverherprettylittlenightdressuntilhefoundskin.Thenheindulgedinapleasurethatseemedtogetevermorepiercing,evermoreintense.Once,hehadn’tbeenabletotouchherwithoutcausinghimselfpain.Now,itonlyhurtwhenhedidn’ttouchher.
Thoughthedaydawnedclearandbright,thesunpromisingabrilliantshow,Indigowasinasnippymoodandsheknewitwellenoughtokeepitundercontrol.Itwasn’tthefaultofthesepoorteenagersmillingintheWhiteZonethatDrewwasanidiotwho’dchangedeverythingbetweenthemwithanimbecilicplayforsex—thenmadethewholethingworsebyrefusingtofaceuptoit.
Beatinghersnippinessintosubmission,shehelpedoneofthejuvenilestightenthestrapsofhersmallpack.“Youlookingforwardtotoday,Silvia?”
Thegirlswallowed,flushingunderthelushcoffeeofherskin,andherwords,whentheycameout,werehesitant.“I’mnotstronglikeyou.”
Andthat,Indigothought,wasevenmoreofaproblemthanthecontrolissuesofthedominantmales.“Youlistentome,”shesaid,cuppingthegirl’scheek,abletofeelthesoftdownofyouthagainsthercallusedpalm,“wesoldiersarethebrawn,themuscle.It’sthematernalfemaleslikeyouwhoaretheheartofthepack.You’rethegluethatholdsustogether.FarasI’mconcerned,you’rethestrongestpartofSnowDancer.”
Silviablinkedthoselong,silkylashes,leaninghercheekalittleintoIndigo’stouch.“I…mymomsaid…butit’snicetohearitfromyou.”
Smiling,Indigohuggedher,andtheywalkedovertojointherestofthegroup.Twelvekidsbetweentheagesofthirteenandseventeen.Allsimplyneedingalittlebitofextraattentiontogetthembackontherighttrack.“Everyoneready?”
Aseaofnods.
“IthoughtDrewwascoming,”saidaslenderyoungmalewithathickmopofpalebrownhairandavoicethatwasfartoodeepforhisscrawnybody.It’dbeperfectwhenBracegrewintothoseshoulders,butrightnow,hetendedtoflushwheneverhespokeup.
“Hecancatchup.”Okay,somaybeshewasn’toverthesnippy.“Followme.”
Shesetasteadypace—notsoeasythattheygotbored,notsohardthattheycouldn’tkeepup—takingthemupintoanunusualpartofthemountains,oneofsuchexquisitebeautyitcouldmaketheheartstop,butanareaeventhepackrarelyvisitedbecauseitwasmoredifficulttogettothansomanyothergorgeousspots.However,rightnow,ithadthebenefitofbeingalmostentirelyclearofsnow,whilecomparableareasinthesouthernsectionoftheSierraremainedpackedwiththewhitestuff.
Theystoppedforsnacksaroundmidmorning.NosignofDrew.
Ifheleftheraloneallweekend,she’dstriphishide.“Comeon,”shesaid,hopingherinnersnarldidn’tshow.“We’renotevenhalfwayyet.”
Painedgroans,butsheknewtheywerefaking.She’dfelttheirexhilarationastheytestedtheirbodies,astheyloosenedupenoughtospeaktoher,askherquestions.Sosheuppedthespeed,knowingtheycouldtakeit,thatthey’dbeproudofit.Buttheywerestillexhaustedwhentheywalkedovertheedgeofahillandtothespotwheresheintendedtobreakforlunch…tofindtheplateausetwithahugepicnicblanketholdingfruit,drinks,sandwiches,cake,and,ofcourse,potatochips.
Butitwasn’tonlyfoodwaitingforthem.
Drewbentatthewaist,acheckeredteatowelfoldeddramaticallyoverhisarm.“Welcometomykitchen.”
Indigoclenchedherstomachmusclesagainsttheshockofseeinghimface-to-faceafterhavingmentallyevisceratedhimformostofthejourney.Thejuvenileshadnosuchqualms.Cheering,theydescendeduponthefeastasifeverysingleoneofthemhadn’tgorgedontrailbarsanddriedfruitabarecoupleofhoursago.
Drewskirtedtheplunderinghordeandwalkedacrosstojoinher.“Isetupablanketforyouoverthere.Thoughtyoucoulddowithabreak.”
Herwolfwasmorethansuspiciousofhissolicitudeaftertherecentawkwardnessbetweenthem.Ormaybe,shethoughtwithasilentgrowl,thiswasallpartofhis“let’sjustpretenditneverhappened”policy.“Thisiswhyyouabandonedmewithtwelveteenagers?”Shefoldedherarms,refusingtogiveintotheurgetofixthewind-tousledmessofhishair.Thatwassomethingshemighthavedonebefore.Whenhe’dbeenatrustedfriend.
Reachingup,Drewflickedhisear.“Bigears.”
Glancingoverhisshoulder,shesawtheirchargeswereinvolvedinthefood,buthehadapoint.Soshedidn’targuewhenheurgedhertofollowhimdowntheslopealittleandontoasmallshelfoflandoutofsightanddownwindoftheothers.
Thepicnicblanketwaitingtherewassmaller,stripedwithblueandwhite,andlyinginadappledpatchofsunlight.Acollapsiblepicnicbasketsatalittletotheside,whiletheblanketitselfwassetwithsmallplattersholdingplumpberries,slicedchicken,fluffybread,whatlookedlikeafreshsalad,andtwobottlesofwaterthatsparkledinthesun.
Indigo’swolflikedtheideaoffood,butneitheritnorshewasabouttoletDrewoffthehook.“I’mwaitingforananswer.”
“Iknewyoucouldhandlethejuveniles”—easywordswithnoapparentundertone—“andIfiguredI’dbetterrunuphereandcheckthetrailincaseofpossiblerockslidesfromthestorm.FarasIknow,noone’sbeenupheresince.”
Damn,sheshould’vethoughtofthat.“Youshould’vetoldme.”
“Ileftamessageonyourphone.”
Scowling,Indigopulledhercellphoneoutofherpocket.Doubledamn.“Iforgottochargeit.”Stillangry—thoughitwasirrationalandhadnothingwhatsoevertodowithhisactionstoday—shefinallyshruggedoffherpackandtookaseatontheblanket.
Drewsatinsilenceasshemadeherselfasandwich,thenhemadeoneforhimself.Theairupherewascrisp,fresh,andsomehowfreeing.Shefelthershouldersloosenup,heremotionsturnmellowinspiteofhervivid,almostuncomfortableawarenessofthemalewolfsittingontheothersideofthepicnicbasket.Whenhereachedforthebasket,shewascuriousenoughtoglanceover.“Whatelsehaveyougot?”
Asmilethatlituphiseyestoablindingshade,makinghersuckinastartledbreath.Shewasn’tobstinatewithoutreason—shecouldadmitDrewhadawayabouthim.He’dalwaysusedittomakehersmilebefore.Butshewasn’treadytobecharmedtoday.
ThenheopenedthebakeryboxinhishandtorevealasliceofNewYorkcheesecake.“SinceIruinedtheexperienceoftheotherone.”Puttingitontheblanketbetweenthem,heplacedseveralfreshberriesontopandnudgeditherway.“It’sallforyou.”
Indigo’sheartthreatenedtomelt,butsheheldfirm.Sure,helookedwoebegone,butshe’dknownhimfartoolongtofallforthat.“Thanks.”Takingthecheesecake,shepickeduptheforkandateabite,watchingasDrewpackeduptherestofthestuffandmovedthebasketsohecouldsidleuprightnexttoher.“Watchit,”shemuttered.
“I’msorry.”
Startled,sheglancedathim—toseethatthosealways-laughingeyeshadgonetrulysolemn,hisexpressionintent.“Aboutwhat?”Herwolfhadtobecertain.Neitherpartofherlikedshadesofgray.
“AboutthewayIactedtheothernight.”Asheepishsmile.“Youwereright.Iwashighonadrenaline—Ishould’vecrashedinsteadofhittingonyou.”
Suspicionwhisperedthroughherveins.Therewassomethinghewasn’tsaying,shethought,butshecouldn’tquitefigureouttheloophole.“Whydidn’tyousaythisearlier?”
“Iwantedtodoitright—andyouweretoomadtolisten.”
Yes,sheadmitted,shehadbeen.Hersenseofbetrayalhadbeen—shecouldnowadmit—outofallproportiontowhathe’dactuallydone.Exceptthatithadbeenhim,awolfshe’dgivenherdeepesttrust.
Henudgedhershoulderwithhisownwhenshestayedsilent.“IhatethatI’mworriedabouttouchingyounow,”hesaid.“AndIknowit’smyfault.”Apause.“Indy,comeon.DoyouknowhowearlyIhadtogetuptogogetyourcheesecake?”Bigblueeyesthatlookedasguilelessasanewbornpup’s.
Sheknewhalfofitwasanact—butherwolflikedhisplayfulness.Shealwayshad.And…hehadapologized.Flatout.Noreservations.Mostdominantwolves—andDrewwascategoricallyadominant,forallthathefooledpeopleintothinkingotherwise—hadtroublewiththesword,evenwhentheywereutterlyinthewrong.Maybehehadn’tbeenavoidingherbecausehewassulking,shedecided;maybehehadactuallybeenfiguringouthowtoapologize.Asadominantherself,sheunderstoodexactlyhowhardithadtohavebeenforhim.
Soshescoopedupabiteofthecheesecakeandliftedtheforktohismouth.Heacceptedit,asmilecreasinghisface.Thenhenuzzledatherneck,andherwolfallowedit…welcomedit.
ThatwaswhenIndigorealizedshe’dhatednotbeingabletotouchDrew,too.
AndrewfistedahandontheblanketbehindIndigo,drawingtherainstormandsteelscentofherintohislungs.Hiswolfwasstarvedforit,rolledaroundinitasifitwasdrunk,unabletogetenough.Whenshedidn’tpushhimaway,heallowedhimselfanotherprecious,excruciatingsecondtoindulgeinthesilkenheatofherskinbeforeraisinghishead.
Sheliftedanotherbiteofcheesecakeinhisdirection.Givingahugesigh,heheldoutahand.“No,no.Itoldyouitwasallforyou.”
Atugofherlips.“You’reterrible,youknowthat.”Sheputtheforktohislips.
Hepartedthem,letherfeedhim,thesmallintimacymakinghiswolfwanttosinginthrummingpleasure.“That’swhyyouloveme.”
Ashakeofherhead,butherlipscurvedupward,hereyesshimmeringwithlaughter.“HowdidRileyeverputupwithyouwhenyouwereachild?”
“YouknowRiley.Nothingbothershim.”ExceptMercy,Andrewthought.Hisbrother,theWall,hadfallen.AndsowouldAndrew’ssmart,stubbornIndigo.“I’ddosomethingstupid,hewouldn’tyell,wouldn’tsnarl,he’djustdumpmeinthelake.RinseandrepeatuntilIgotthepoint.”
Indigosnickered,anditmadehiswolfgomotionless,cockitshead.Thesoundofherhappiness…yeah,he’ddoanythingforit.
“Toobadyou’retoobigtobedumpedinthelakenow.”
Lyingbackontheblanketwithhisarmsfoldedbeneathhishead,hestaredupattheleavesoutlinedagainsttheexcruciatingblueofthesky.Itwasastunningbeauty,butitcouldn’tholdhisattention.Indigo’sscent,herwarmthsoclose,herhipbrushinghis,itscoredhimtothesoul.“Oh,Idunno,”hesaid,keepingitlightbecausetherewasnowayhewantedtospookheragain,“hediditafewweeksago.”
HeallbutsawIndigo’swolfprickupitsears.Twistingherbody,sheleanedovertoputtheemptybakeryboxbesidethepicnicbasket,thenplacedonehandonhischest,gavealittlenudge.“Tellme.”
Hertouchlockedtheairinhisthroat,threatenedtostealhiswords,hissoul.Indigonudgedagainwhenhedidn’tanswer.“I’llfindoutanyway,youknow.”
Gladshe’dmisunderstoodhissilence,hemadeafaceather.“AllIsaidwasthatheshouldshave.”
Leaningdownuntilhernosealmosttouchedhis,shenarrowedhereyes,“Uh-huh.Whichpartofhimdidyousuggestheshave?”CHAPTER12
Hegrinned,hiswolfdelightedwithher.“Hishead.”WhenIndigotouchedhernosetohis,hedaredraiseoneofhishandsandplaywithstrandsofherhair,herponytailhavingtumbledoverhershoulder.“Imighthavehintedthathewasturningoldandgray.Oh,andmaybelosinghishairanyway.”
Indigo’sbodyshook.“Youknownewlymatedmenaretouchyaboutthingslikethat.”ButherhandclenchedonhisT-shirtbeforeshefellawayandontoherbackbesidehim,thesoundofherlaughterhuskyandopen.“God,IwishI’dseenhisface.”
Andrewwantednothingmorethantoraisehimselfonhiselbow,reachdownandstrokehishandoverIndigo’sface.He’dholdherwithhisfingersonherjawashetookhersmilinglipswithhisown,indulgingoncemoreinthetastehehadn’tbeenabletogetoutofhismindsincethenightofthestorm.
Hisbodytensed,bloodpumpinghotandhard.Grittinghisteeth,hebentonelegtohidethebluntevidenceofhisreaction,evenashesaid,“Icouldn’tbelievehefellforit.”Hisbrotherwasintheprimeofhislife,oneofthemostpowerfulwolvesinthepack.Andhewasassuredlyinnodangeroflosinghishair.
“He’snotgoingtothinkcompletelystraightforawhile,”Indigosaid,“butthematingdanceistheworstpart.Mengoalittlenutsduringthattime.IrememberwhenEliasmetYuki.Heturnedintohiseviltwin,snarlingatanyonewhosomuchaslookedherway.”
Andrewcouldn’timagineeven-temperedEliassnarlingatanyone.Butashehimselfknew,itwashardtoberationalwhenyourwholebeingwasfocusedonawomantotheextentthattheneedtotouchherskin,todrawthescentofherdeepintoyourlungs,becameafeverinyourblood.“Ithinkthenativesaregettingrestless.”
“Yeah,Ihearthem.”Sittingup,sheslappedhimlightlyonthechest.“I’llgohelpthemcleanup,packuptheleftoversforlater.”
“I’lltakecareofthingshere.”Rising,hewatchedherwalkaway,atall,strongwomanwithcontentmenthummingthroughherstubbornbones—becausehe’dapologized,becauseshethoughthe’dturnedtheclockbacktothewaythingshadalwaysbeen.
Hishandfistedagain,butnotinanger.Indetermination.
Theymadecamplatethatafternoon.Sincetheweatherwasholdingandthenightskypromisedtobebeautifulbeyondcompare,Andrewsuggestedtheylaytheirsleepingbagsoutontheground.“It’snotdampanymore,”hesaidtoIndigo,havingtestedtheearth.“Doesn’tlooklikeit’llrainanytonight,either.Andthisarea’sonlyloggedtheoddsnowfallthepastfewweeks,soweshouldbegoodonthatscore.”
Indigorolledhereyes.“You’veclearlyneverbeenateenagegirl.”
“Huh?”Helookedoutatthekids,who’dcollapsedagainsttreesorontheearth.“They’reallgoodkids.Andthey’rechangelings.”Nomatterwhattheirplaceinthehierarchy,allwolvescouldsurviveintheforestwithnoamenitieswhatsoever.
Shakingherhead,Indigosaid,“Ican’tbelieveI’mhavingtoexplainthistothemanwhoknowseveryoneandhasprobablyhaddinnerwithmorepeopleinthepackthanme,Hawke,andRileycombined.”
“Don’trubitin.”Hescowledattheteasing—thoughhiswolfwasspinningaroundinuntrammeledjoythatshewasplayingwithhim.“So?”
“Haven’tyounoticedtheglancespassingbetweenmaleandfemale?”Sheraisedaneyebrow,nudginghisattentiontowardacertainpairing.“Sure,it’snobigdealtobenakedwhenyoushift—butwe’rehuman,too.Noteenagegirliscomfortablewithherbody.Especiallywithaboyshe’sinterestedinlookingon.”
Andrewrubbedhisjaw,awarehe’dmissedthesignalspassingbetweenthekidsbecausehe’dbeensofocusedonIndigo.“Huh.Cute.”
“Itmightbe.Butthere’llbenomonkeybusinessonmywatch.”
Hegrinnedathersternexpression.“Ibetyouwereconfidentaboutyourbodywhenyouwereateen.”
“You’dlosethatbet.”Snorting,shecuppedherhandsaroundhermouth.“Comeon,boysandgirls,getthetentsup!Thenwe’llplayagame.”
“What’stheprize?”wasthecheekyresponsefromHarley,whoatsixteenwasstillfluctuatingsowildlyinhiscontrol—andresultingdominance—thatnooneknewwheretoputhiminthehierarchy.Hawkewashopingthattwodaysofconcentratedtimewiththepack’sdominantswoulddecidethematteronewayoranother.
Indigogrinned.“Anextramarshmallowinyourhotchocolate—ifyou’relucky.Nowsnaptoit.”
Grumblingather“slavedriving,”theybegantoputuptheirtentsinpairs,astheywouldallbesharing.IndigohadworriedaboutthatwithDrew,butnowthattheywerebacktonormal,they’ddothesame.Itmadeherwolfhappy.LikemostSnowDancers,itpreferredsleepingwithPacktoalonelybed.Itwasonlythehumanhalfthatchoseprivacy.ButtonightwithDrew,bothsideswouldbesatisfied.
Drewwasalreadybendingdowntopulloutthetentfromwhereitwasattachedtothebottomofhispack.“Ican’tbelieveit,”hemuttered,continuingtheirearlierconversation.“Whatdidyouhavetoworryaboutasateenager?”
“Oh,please.”Shehelpedhimspreadthegroundsheetonalevelsectionofearthfacingtheothertentsandhuntedoutthehigh-strengthpegsasheunfoldedthewhisper-thinfabricofthetentitself.“Igrewtomyfullheightatfourteen.”Fivefeetteninherbarefeet,Indigolovedherheight.Now.
“But,”shecontinuedastheypeggeddowntheedges,“Ididn’thaveanycurves.None.AllIhadwereclownfeetIkepttrippingover,andabodythatwasallrightangles.Ifeltlikeagiantinthelandoflittlepeople.Aflat-chestedgiantwithelbowsofdoom.”
Chuckling,Drewfedthroughoneoftheflexiblestrutsthatsnappedthetentuprightwithouttheneedforacentralsupportpole.“Iwasshortatfourteen.Reallyshort.”
Indigothoughtback,triedtoremember.Butshe’dbeeneighteen,andfourteen-year-oldboyshadn’tmeritedmuchattention.“Thatmust’vebeentough.”
“Youhavenoidea.”Hewatchedasshefedthroughthesecond,cross-supportingstrut.“Rileywasalreadyallmanly,andIcouldn’tevenseeoverthetopsofmyshoes.”Amournfulexpression.
Laughing,shefinishedhertaskandopenedtheflapssohecouldthrowtheirpacksinside.“Ah,well,webothgrewintoourbodies.”
“Inmycase,Igrewoutofit,”Drewcorrected.“Shotuplikeapinetreethesummerbetweenmyfourteenthandfifteenthyear.Unfortunately,Icontinuedtolackanymanlinesswhatsoever.”
Reachingout,Indigosqueezedhisupperarm,theskinofherfingertipsalittleroughfromalltheworkshedidcombattrainingtheiryoungdominants.“Well,youbloomednicely.”
IttookeveryounceofcontrolAndrewhadtokeephistonelightwhenallhewantedtodowastostriphimselfnakedandhaveherstrokethosecapablehandsovereverystraininginchofhisbody.ThankGodhisT-shirtcoveredthehardridgeofhiscockashetookaseatbesideher,hisarmsbracedlooselyonraisedknees.“Thanks,”hesaidwhenshelookedtohimforaresponse.“That’swhatMeadowSandersonsaidwhenshedivestedmeofmyvirginity.”
“Meadow…hmmIdon’trememberher.”
“Human,”hesaid,recallingthelushlysensualgirlwho’dtiedhimupinknotsoverthecourseofalong,hazysummer.“Shedumpedmeforthequarterbackaftershe’dplayedmybodylikeabanjo.Sosad.”
“Ibet.”
“I’mserious.Iwasheartbroken.”
“Forhowlong?”
“Awholeweek.”Aneternityinthelifeofateenageboy.“ThenIrealizedothergirlshadnoticedmynewmanliness,too,andtherest,astheysay,ishistory.”Adoringgirlshadneverbeenhardforhim.Helikedthewaytheysmelled,thewaytheirbodiescurved,thewaytheylaughed.Butthatblissfulyear,forthefirsttimeinhislife,thosegirlshadadoredhimback.“Whataboutyou?”
“Iwasthehunter,notthehunted,”shesaidwithaslowsmileofremembrance.“Ifinallygrewsomebreastsinmysecond-to-lastyearofhighschool—anddecidedI’dwaitedlongenough,thankyouverymuch.”
Hecouldseeherinhismind—atall,lusciouslycurvedgirlwho’dmadehisheadspin.Ithadbeenageneraladmirationatthatstage—he’dthoughtshewashot,nodoubtaboutit,buthe’dbeenmorefocusedongettinggirlshisownagetopayattentiontohim.“Whowastheluckyguy?”Jealousydugsharplittleclawsintohisgut,butheshutthatdoortightalmostbeforeitopened.
Changelingsweresensualcreatures—touchwasthecornerstoneofhowtheyrelatedtoeachother.HewouldhaveneverwishedforIndigotohavespentheradultlifewithoutintimacy;itwould’vehurtheronthedeepestlevel.Butthatwasthen.Ifshewenttobedwithanothermannow…
Andrew’swolfsawred.
“AnEcuadoranexchangestudentnamedDominic.”Indigo’svoicecutthroughthehaze,pullinghimbackintothepresent.“Dark,handsome,andwiththataccent—andtheboydidknowwhathewasdoing.”Alaugh…butthathuskytonewasjustafraction“off.”“ThoughIrememberhimscramblingbackwardwhenmyclawsslicedout.”
Attunedtoeverytinyaspectofher,hepaidcloseattention.“Washehuman,too?”
“Changeling,anddominant,butIdon’tthinkhe’deverbeenwithafemalewhowasasdominant.”Apause.“Idon’tthinktheexperiencemadehimwanttorepeatit.”
“Stupidboy,”Andrewsaid,tooangrytobeanythingbutblunt.“Ihopeyoufoundsomeonewithmoreballsforyournexttime.”
Indigo’slaughwasstartled.“Sotospeak.”Tensionleachingfromherexpression,shenudgedhimwithhershoulder.“Timeforyoutodoyourthing,hotshot.Makethetrackshard,butnotimpossible.It’sallaboutbuildinguptheirconfidence.”
“Yesma’am.”Gettingup,hepulledoffhissweatshirtandteeatthesametime,throwingtheminsidethetent.
“Hey,”Indigosaid,lookingupwithascowl,“Igotthefeelingyouwantedtohelptheboyswiththeirromanticinterests.”
Andrewfollowedhergaze…toseeseveralpairsoffemaleeyesonhim.Teenagefemaleeyes.“Shit.”Duckinginsidethetent,hefinishedstrippingandshifted,hopinglikehellhiswolfwouldlistentoreasonwhenitcametothewomanwhoputherhandonhisruffandwhisperedinhisearassoonashesteppedoutside.
“Notricks.”
Quiveringinsidewiththeurgetotumblehertotheearthuntilsheshifted,untilshelaughedandgavechase,heclosedhisteetharoundherfreehand.Agentlebite.“Okay,”shesaidwithasmilethatalmostshatteredthewolf’scontrol,“notrickstheycan’thandle.Go.”
Drew’sfurslidoutfromunderIndigo’spalm,themuscledweightofhimfluidashedisappearedintotheforest.Shewatchedforhim,buthewasgone,awhisperintheearlyeveningshadows.Turningbackaroundtofacehercharges,shecurledherfingersintoherpalm,disturbinglyawareofhowhe’dfelt,theheatandwildbeautyofhim.
“Simplerules,”shetoldtheteenagersoncethey’dshifted.“FirstonetofindDrewwins.Youcanworkinpairs,oryoucangosolo,butyouhavetodecidenow.”Shegavethemacoupleofminutestomakeuptheirmindsbeforecontinuing.“Noboobytraps,noblood.Thisisabouttracking.”Glancingaroundtomakesuretheyallunderstood,sheraisedherarm,thendroppeditinasharpdownwardstrike.“Go!”
Astheyshotoutfromaroundherlikestreaksoflightning,shefollowedonhumanfeet.Shecouldeasilysee—andscent—whereDrewhadgone,butthekidsweremovingslower,havingseldomhadthechancetoworkwithsomeoneofhisskill.ItmadeIndigowonderifshecouldtrackhimifhedidn’twanttobetracked.
Herwolfdidn’tlikethatthought—shewasusedtobeingabletorundownanyoneshechoseexceptHawke.Theiralphawasallkindsofcunningwhenhedidn’twanttobefound,butDrewwastheirtracker,bornwithanalmostpreternaturalabilitytozeroinonroguewolves.Linesmarredherforeheadasanewthoughtintruded.WasitpossibleDrewcouldlocateHawkeevenwhentheiralphapreferredtobelost?
Catchingawhiffofironintheair,shechangeddirectiontomakesurenoonehadbeeninjured.ShefoundSilvia—asharpbranchhadwhippedacrosshermuzzle.ThegirlwasgonebeforeIndigocouldtellherthatthedamagewassuperficial.Indigo’swolfapproved.
Buryingthebranchtoensureitwouldn’tinadvertentlyleadtheothersthisway,shecarriedonkeepingwatchoverthehunters.Truedarkwashoveringonthehorizonwhensheheardavictorioushowlonthecooleveningwind.
Brace.
Nothinglikewantingtoimpressagirl—inthiscase,Silvia—tonudgeamalewolfintogear.Liftingherhead,shejoinedinastheothersinthegroupbegantohowlinresponsetoBrace’striumph.Thesoundwas…Ittouchedthesoul,themusichaunting,starklypureandyetsoveryearthy.
Home.Pack.Family.
AwarethatDrewwouldherdeveryonetocamp,sheloweredherheadonthefadingechoofthelastnoteandjoggedbackherself—tofindthatSilviahadbeatenherthere.Thegirl’sbruiselookedworseinhumanform,butthematernalfemalewasn’tworried.“Ifoundsomething,”shesaidwithanalmostpuppyisheagerness.“Look.”Aroundmetalballlayinthepalmofherhand.Itwasrusted,andhadclearlycomeofftheworseagainstrocks,butwasrecognizableasaman-madeobject.
Indigofrowned.“Wheredidyoufindthis?”SnowDancerwasverystrictaboutgarbage.Nothing,butnothing,wasallowedtopollutetheirlands.
Silviadescribedalocationaboutafive-minuteruneastfromwhereIndigohadlastseenher.“Itwasstuckbetweentworocksontheedgeofthestream.Ithinkitmust’vebeenwasheddown.”
ThatwasIndigo’sthought,too,and,giventhenetworkoftributariesthatrandownthroughthemountains,itmeanttherewasnowaytotracetheobject’sorigin.“Idon’tthinkevenBrennawillbeabletofigureoutwhatthiswasmeanttobe.”Becausewhileshecouldseetheremnantsofafewwiresinside,themetalorbwasmostlyhollow.
Silvia’sfacefell.Reachingout,Indigosqueezedthegirl’sroundedshoulder.“Butyoudidgoodbringingittome.Evenifitissimplytrash,weneedtotrackdowntheguiltypartyandtellthemtokeeptheirjunkoffourland.”
Theothersbegantotrickleinthen,andsheturnedtoputthesphereinthetent.Drewnudgedhiswayinsidewhileshewasstillpackingitaway.Shiftinginashowerofsparks,hetuggedattheclaspsofhispack.“I’mgoingtogotakeadipinthestream.”
Indigorealizedshewasstaringatthemuscledslopeofhisback,herfingersuncurlingasifinreadinesstostroke.“Sure.”Coloringatherownrudeness,shebackedoutofthetent.ThankGodDrewhadbeentoointentonpullingoutachangeofclothestonotice.CHAPTER13
Twohoursafterthecompletionofthechase,andanhourafterdinner,withtheirchargeshavingcollapsedintheirtents,Andrewlayontopofhissleepingbag.HeandIndigohadpinneduptheflapsoftheirtentandplacedtheirsleepingbagssidebysidefacingoutward.Thepositionwouldallowthemtodrinkinthenightskyandkeepwatchatthesametime.
Now,hewaitedforIndigowithtautanticipationinhisgut.
Alone,they’dfinallybealone—andwithintouchingdistance.
Indigohadgonedowntothestreamtobathe,andhiswolfitchedtoprowlafterher.Shehadthemostbeautifulbody—alltonedmuscleanddangerouscurves.Hewantedtohavetherighttostrokethosecurvesashepleased,aspleasedher.Hewantedtohavetherighttowatchherasshebathed,tocaressherwhileshewassleekandwet.Hejustwanted.
Suckinginabreathashiscockhardenedinresponsetohisthoughts,heclenchedthehandsproppedunderhishead,hisgazeskyward.Butnomatterhisteeth-grittingconcentration,hisbodywasstillundernokindofcontrolwhenhescentedIndigoreturningfromherbath,alldampandfreshandlushlyfemale.Damn.Ifshecaughtevenahintofhisarousal,she’dputupthatbarrieroficycontrolbetweenthembeforehecouldsomuchasblink.
It’dbealmostimpossibletogethertoloweritasecondtime.
Heflowedtohisfeetoutsidethetent,waitingonlyuntilshe’dcaughtsightofhimbeforehitchinghisthumbtowardtheforest,asifhewasgoingtoanswerthecallofnature.Hefadedintothesolidbulkofthefirsbeforeshecoulddomorethannod.
Andthenheran.
Lyingbetweentheunzippedhalvesofhersleepingbag—toensureafastexitshouldsheneedtomove—IndigofinallygaveupwaitingforDrewandclosedhereyesintheshallowsleepshe’dlearnedtoutilizeinherfirstyearonthewatchrotation.Drew,shethoughtwithanexasperatedsmile,hadprobablybeenseducedbythecold,clearnightintogoingforarun.
Herwolfpouted,ifawolfcouldbesaidtopout.She’dwantedtogorunningaswell,buthadforcedherselftocomebacktothecampsite…thoughithadn’treallytakenmuchforce,notwhensheknewDrewwaswaitingforher.Frowning,sheshifted,uncomfortablewiththedirectionofherthoughts,withthelowhumofheatinherabdomen.
Hereyessnappedopenassheidentifiedthefeeling.Lust.Desire.Nodoubtaboutit.WhenDrewhadinnocentlyshruggedoffhisT-shirtearlier,ithadn’tonlybeentheteenagegirlswho’dtakennotice.Indigohadsuckedinapleasedbreathatthesightofthosesolidshoulders,thosemusculararms,thatgleaming,healthyskinwithashimmerofgold.Thenhadcomethemomentinthetentwhenshe’dfoundherselfdrinkinginthemasculinebeautyofhisnakedform.
Theprickleofheatinherbelly,acrossherbreasts,wasexacerbatedbythefactthatshe’dtastedDrew’skiss,feltthatstrongbodyslipperyandnakedagainstherown.AndnowthatDrewhadletthegenieoutofthebottle,itrefusedtobeputbackin.Itdidn’tevenmatterthatsheknewnothinggoodcouldcomeofevenafleetingsexualrelationship.
She’dseenwithherowneyeswhathappenedwhenadominantfemalechosealessdominantmale,muchlessonewhowasfouryearsyounger.Pain.Hurt.Anger.Overandoveragain.Aviciouscycle.
Noneofthatmatteredtoherbody.
ItknewDrew’snow—more,itknewthattheyhadserious,combustiblechemistry.
“It’sjustbeenalongtime,that’sall,”shemutteredtoherself,butevenasshesaidthewords,sheknewthemforalie.Yes,shewasanadultchangelingfemale.Yes,sheachedfortouch.Butshe’dalwaysbeenabletocontrolherneeds.
Theheatlowinherabdomencurledeventighter,aheavy,waitingwarmth.
Glaringatthesky,shewasinnomoodtocatchDrew’sscenttangledwiththefreshnessofwater.He’dobviouslytakenadipinthestreamaftergoingrunning.Hewas,hermindsupplied,likelynaked—oratleasthalf-naked.Determinedlyshuttinghereyes,shetriednottohearanythingashesnuckin.
Exceptitwasfreakingimpossiblenottorealizethathewasthrowingasweatypairofjeansinacornerandpullingon…somethinglight,soft,somethingthatbrushedagainsthisskininawayshecouldn’tidentifywithherearsalone.“Youwokemeup.”
Hefroze,andsheknewhewaslookingather,butshedidn’topenhereyes.Refusedtogiveintothetemptationtoseewhatexactlyhewaswearing.Shewasn’tsomeyoungfemaledrunkonherownsexuality.Shewasawomanusedtochoosingherloverswithcare—notbeingdriventoitbythecravingsofherbody.
“Youweren’treallyasleep,”Drewsaidwithahintofasmileinhistone.“AndIbroughtyouapresent.”
Shewasn’tanacquisitiveperson,butneitherwasshedead.Blinkingopenhereyesatlast,shecouldn’tresisttakingaslowtourofhisbodyasheknelttogetsomethingfromthepocketofhisdiscardedjeans.Muscledshouldersinshadow,abacksobeautifulitcriedouttobestroked…andboxers.Plainblackand—“Silkboxerswhilewe’recamping?”
Ashrugthatdrewherattentiontothoseshouldersagain.“Theywereatthetopofthecleanlaundry.”Findingwhateveritwasthathe’dbroughther,heflippedontohisfrontonhissleepingbagandbracedhimselfononearm,holdingoutsomethinginaclosedfistwiththeother.
Shestared,suspicious.“Idon’tsmellanything.”Thescentofhim—wildandearthyandalittlerough—curledaroundherinanalmostphysicalcaress…untilherwolfgrowledandnudgedatthehumanhalftopressherlipstohisskin,tosatiatethetouch-hungerthatsuddenlyhadheratbreakingpoint.
Drewextendedhisfistedhandalittlefarther.“Comeon,Ms.Grumpy,takeit.”Ateasingsmilethatmadeherwanttokissitrightoffhislips…beforeshetumbledhimtothegroundandrubbedherbodyalongthewarm,muscledstrengthofhis.
Swallowingtheinsaneurge,sheturnedonhersideandheldoutahand.Heplacedasmall,lightobjectonherpalm.“Foryourcollection.”
Shejerkedintoasittingpositionwhenshesawwhatitwas,crossingherbarelegsunderherasshebroughtthesmallpieceofflatrocktohereye.Thefossilembeddedwithinitwasdelicate—atiny,beautifullypreservedleaf.Heartthudding,shebroughtitevencloser.
Oooh,pretty.Perfect.
WhensheturnedtolookatDrew’sfaceashelayonhisback,armscrossedunderhishead,shesawasmugsmile.Helookedsopleasedwithhimselfthatshecouldn’thelpit—herownlipscurved.“HowdidyouknowIcollectfossils?”
“Iseeallandknowall.”
Scrunchinguphernoseathim,shecuppedthepreciousfossilinherpalmandbenttokisshimonthelips.Itwasmeanttobeathank-youkiss,alittlebitofaffectionbetweenpackmateswhowereclose,nothingmore.Butwhenhefrozeunderher,whenherbodyturnedintoonebigflame,sheknewshe’dmadeamistake.Amistakethatmightburnthembothtoash.
Wrenchingbackfromthesearingcontact,shelookeddownathim,herchestheaving.Hewatchedherwiththoseclearblueeyesthatgaveawaynothing—buthisbodytolditsownstory.Andshecouldnomorestopherselffromlookingthanshecouldstoptheracingbeatofherownheart.Theflatplaneofhisabdomenwastaut,thegoldensilkofhisskinbrokenuponlybythethinlineofdarkhairthatdisappearedintothewaistbandofhisboxers.Theblacksilkstrainedagainsttheproudridgeofhiserection.
Sostrongandbeautifulandmale—everypartofherbodywarmedwithpleasureathavinghimnear.Shewantedtoreachover,stroketheharddemandofhiscock,cuphimwithherpalm,makehimlosethecontrolthathadhistendonsstandingoutinstarkreliefagainsthissk—
Oh,God.
Sheshould’vesaidsomethingbutcouldn’tmakeherthroatunlock,hermouthopen.ThenDrewshotherasharp,sheepishgrin.“Hey,Ican’thelpitifI’mmale.Stupidbiology.”Turningover,hepillowedhisheadononearmandwenttosleep.
Sheblinked,notsurewhathadjusthappened.Butfiveminuteslaterandhisbreathingwaseasy,even.Puttingthepreciousfossilinthesidepocketofherpack—afterwrappingitinthesoftfabricofanoldtee—shefinallylaybackdownandpulledthetopflapofhersleepingbagoverheruncomfortablebody.HernipplesrubbedagainstthefabricofherT-shirt,tautandaching.Herpantiessuddenlyfeltfartooconstricting,andherwolf—shewaspissedatbeingdenied.
NotDrew,shetoldherwolfagain.Icouldn’tbeartohurthim.Andshewould.Becausearelationshipbetweenadominantfemaleandalower-rankingdominantmalewasnevergoingtoendinanythingbutdisaster.
Andrewreleasedhisfistedhandwhatfeltlikehourslater,whenhesensedIndigodropoffintorealsleepatlonglast.Turningovercarefullyontohisback,consciousshe’dwaketotheslightestawarenessofathreat,heallowedhimselftorunhisgazeoverthelineofherbodyasshelaywithherbacktohim.She’dkickedoffthetopofhersleepingbagandthelonglinesofherlegswerebarebelowthewhiteofherT-shirt,herskinsmoothandoh-so-touchable.
Desirespikedagain,butintertwinedwithitwasanalmostoverwhelmingtenderness.Hewantedtocurvehisbodyaroundhers,wraphisarmoverherwaist,andtugherclose.Justholdher.Shemight’velethimearlier,butafterthatkiss…Hisgutwenttight,hiswolfpawingatthegroundforanothertasteofher.
She’dwantedhim.He’dseentheflareofshockedneedinhereyes,glimpsedthehungerofthewolf.Butashe’dalreadylearned,whenitcametoIndigo,hungeralonewouldneverbeenough.Alessstubbornmanmight’vegivenup,butAndrewwasplayingforkeeps.
Sheshiveredalittle.
Movingatoncetopullacrossthetopflapofhersleepingbag,hefroze,closeenoughtofeelthewarmthofherbody.Whatwouldshedoifhesnuggledintoher?Shemightletitgo,thinkinghewasdoingitinhissleep—orshemightkickhisass.Thewickednessinhimprickeditsears,gametotaketherisk.
Relaxinghisbodyasmuchaspossible,hespoonedhimselfaroundher,strokinghisarmoverherwaist.Shewoketheinstanthetouchedher—butshedidn’tshovehimaway.Nuzzlinghisfaceintoherhair,helethiseyesclose.Itwasnolongerpretense,notwithherwarmandlusciousagainsthim.Sleepbegantowhisperinhisear,andhedecidedtoletitsweephimintodreamswhereIndigodidn’tjustlethimholdher,butsomuchmore.
Hehadtobeasleep,Indigothought,lyingquiescentintheheatofDrew’sembrace.Therewasnowayhe’dhavedonethisifhe’dbeenawake—notaftertheresponseshe’daccidentallyincitedinbothofthem.Ofcourse,hewasalsohalfdemon,sohecouldbetormentinghertogetsomeofhisownback.
Still,whenhisfingerslacedwithherown,sherelaxed.Hewasblazinglyhotagainstthemountainchill,Packshetrustedtothedeepestcoreofhersoul.Settlingherselfmorecomfortablyagainsthim,shedriftedofftosleep,havingnoawarenessthatshe’dbejackknifingtodangerouswakefulnesslessthananhourlater.CHAPTER14
Milesaway,ontheoutskirtsofasleepingSanFrancisco,JuddtookaseatbesideFatherXavierPerezonthebackstepsofXavier’schurch.
“I’msorry,Xavier,”hesaid,knowingthepriestwouldpreferthetruthatonce.“Gloriaisgone,murdered.”He’dgottentheconfirmationwithouthavingtotaphiscontacts.Brennahadhackedthrougharecordsdatabase,foundthedeathcertificate.Ithadlisted“suddencardiacfailure”asthecauseofdeath,butherspotlessapartmenthadtoldadifferentstory.
Xavierletoutalong,slowbreathbeforedippinghisheadandmurmuringaquiet,heartfeltprayer.Juddwaitedinsilenceuntiltheothermanraisedhishead.“Shedaredtoreachforsomethingbeyondwhatwaspermitted,”Xaviersaid.“Andtheykilledherforit.”
“Perhaps.”HetoldXaviersomethingDrewhadsharedwithhim,havinghearditfromtheRatalpha.“TherearerumorsofotherdeadPsyinthecity.Doyouknowanythingaboutthat?”
Xaviershookhishead.“Ourmutualfriendmayknowmore.”
“Yes.”Sowouldanotherman.Aman,Juddthought,thathisoutwardlycarelessyoungerbrother-in-lawcalledifnotfriend,thenatleastafriendlyacquaintance.He’daskDrewtofollowupontheissuewiththatcontactoncehereturnedfromthemountains.
Now,helistenedtotheinsectsgoingabouttheirbusinessinthebackgardenandwaited.
Thestirinthedarknesscamenotlongafterward.
Juddfocused.“You’relatetonight.”
TheGhostleanedagainstanoldoaktree,hisfaceswathedinshadowasalways.“Iwasdelayedbyanunexpectedguest.”
“DeadPsyinthecity,”Juddsaid,askingthemostimportantquestion,“doyouknowanythingaboutit?”
“No,”theGhostmurmured.“I’vebeenbusywithothermatters.Whathasoccurred?”
JuddhadaninklingaboutthenatureoftheGhost’s“othermatters”—andifhewasright,thenthemostdangerousrebelintheNetwasabouttobecomeevenmorelethal.“I’vegotnothingbutrumorsatpresent.”
“IfIdiscoveranything,I’llshareitwithyou.”TheGhostmoveddeeperintotheshadowsasthecloudspartedtoexposethemoon’spearlylight.“ButSanFranciscodoesn’tholdmuchinterestformeatpresent.”
Juddheardsomethinginthatstatement,somethingthatmadehisinstinctssnaptowakefulness.“Whatareyouplanning?”
“ThethreeofuscametogetherbecausewebelievetheCouncilisdestroyingthePsyraceandtakingtherestoftheworldalong,”theGhostsaid.“TheCouncilorsnowhavetheirknivesoutforeachother.AnyresultingwarwilldevastatetheNet,killmillions—Psy,human,andchangeling.”
Juddagreed…andhealsounderstood.“You’replanningtokillthemall.”
“Ifnecessary,”theGhostsaid.“TherecanbenowarifthereisnoCouncil.”
And,Juddthought,itwouldleavetheNetentirelyintheGhost’sgrasp.CHAPTER15
Metal.Intruder.
Indigowasatfullalertwhenhereyessnappedopen.ShefeltDrewcometolifeatalmostthesameinstant.Glancingathim,shesawhiseyeshadgonenight-glow,thewolfattheforefront.
“Psy,”hemouthedmorethansaid.
Shegaveadecisivenod.Nothingelsewouldaccountforthatscent.Itwasasdistinctiveasbloodonsnow,anditcutagainstchangelingsenseswiththejaggedbrutalityoftwistedmetal.NotallPsycarriedthatmetallictaint,andthecurrenttheorywasthatitclungonlytothosewhohadgiveninirrevocablytoSilence…losttheirsoultotheemotionlesschillofthePsyNet.Whateverthetruth,therewasnoreasonforittobehere,deepintheheartofSnowDancerterritory.
Glancingatthekids—allasleep—Indigomadeasnapdecision.“Go.”
DrewshiftedandflowedawayfromthecampsiteasshewalkedtoHarley’stentandreachedintosqueezehisshoulder.
Theboywokeatonce.Puttingafingertoherlips,Indigobentdown.“Ineedyoutokeepwatch.Soundthealarmifyousenseanintruder.”
Tohiscredit,theboyextricatedhimselffromhistentwithoutwakinghistentmate,hiseyesalreadywatchful.“I’llusethewolf’scall.”
Confidenthewasuptothetask,sheshiftedwithoutbotheringtostripoffherT-shirtandstreakedoffafterDrew.Themetallicscentwasstrong,fresh,andnotdifficulttotrack,evenifDrewhadn’tgoneahead.Reachingtheendofthetrail,shefoundherselfinasmallmoonlitgladebearingthefaintesttracesofbootprints.
Puttinghernosetotheearth,sheattemptedtofindtheintruders’exitrouteandcameupblank.Teleportation.WhichmostlikelymeanttheCouncil—oraCouncilor,atleast—wasinvolvedinthissomewhere.Teleport-capabletelekineticswereascarceresource,andtheywerealmostalwayspulledintotheCouncilranks,accordingtoJudd.Frustrated,shelookedupasDrewappearedfromtheothersideoftheglade,havingapparentlycircledthearea.
Comingoveruntiltheirmuzzlesalmosttouched,heshookhishead.
Damn.
Sheshifted.Theyneededtotalkandbetteritbeherethanbackatthecampsite.Itwasnousescaringthekidswhentherewasnothingtobedoneatthismoment.“Nohintofatrail?”Shefistedherhandinhisfurassheaskedforconfirmationofhisnonverbalreport,hiscoatincrediblysoftbeneaththeprotectiveroughnessoftheguardhairs.
Anothershakeofhisheadbeforehetuggedawayandshiftedtocrouchacrossfromher,asleeklymuscledmanwithlakeblueeyesthatheldtheslightestnight-glowedge—thewolflookingoutfrombehindthehumanskin.“Tk’s.”Hisvoicewaslow,deep,wolf.
“That’swhatIthought.”Attemptingtoignorethewaythatroughtoneraisedeverytinyhaironherbody,shespreadherfingersonthestubbygrass.“Whyhere?”
“Isolated—oritshould’vebeen.”Drewangledhisheadinawaythathadnothingtodowiththehumanhalfofhim.
“Maybetheywereusingitasameetingplace,realizedwewereuphere,andpoofed.”
Therewassomemerittothat,Indigothought,herownwolfprowlinginsidehermind,itsangercoldandrational.SnowDancerterritorywasunwelcomingtointruders,butbythesametoken,itwasalsosovastthatifsomeonewantedtohaveameetingawayfromwatchfuleyes,andcouldaccesstheareawithoutalertingthesentries,itwastheperfectlocation.“Weneedtologthis,getsomeextrapatrolsgoinguphereincasetheydecidetoreturn.”
“Wecandothatbackatcamp.”Drewshiftedwiththosewords,andforamomentshesatstillandadmiredthebeautyofthelargesilverwolflookingbackatherwithcuriouscopper-coloredeyes.
Raisingahand,sheindulgedherselfasshewouldn’tdaredowhiletheywereinhumanform,runningherfingersthroughhisfurinalong,slowcaress.“Yousureareaprettywolf,Drew.”
Thatgotheranaffectionateniponthechin,anuzzleintoherneck.Feelingasmilecreepacrossherface,shelethimtumblehertotheground.ThePsyweregoneand,giventhefactthattheirswiftdepartureindicatedthey’dcaughtwindofthecamp,unlikelytoreturntonight.Afewmoreminuteswouldn’tmakeanydifference.
Stayinginhumanform,shewrestledwithDrewasheattemptedtopinher,slippingoutfromunderneathhispawsandcirclingaroundtotakehimfrombehind.Hewastoofastforher,slidingoutandawaytoleaponher.Laughing,shewiggledoutfromunderhisplayfulholdbeforeshiftingherself.
Hepouncedagain,butshewasalreadytumblingoutoftheway.Acrossfromher,hecrouchedwithhisfrontfeetforward,hisbackarched,aclearinvitationtoplay.Itwastootemptingtoresist.Jumpingathim,shemock-attacked,growinglowinherthroat.Heattackedback…buthewasreallyjusttryingtogethisteethonhertail.
Laughinginwardly,sheslippedandhealmostgother…butsheslammedherbodyagainsthis,pushinghimoffbalance.Thenshewentforhistail.Yipping,hedancedoutoftheway,hiseyesbrimmingwithajoythatcouldcomeonlyfromtheheartofthewolfthatlivedwithin.
Itwastemptingtokeepplaying,buttheycouldn’tleavetheirchargesaloneallnight.Touchingmuzzleswithhim,sheturnedandledthewaybacktocamp,wheretheypulledHarleyoffwatch,thenusedDrew’scellphonetoreporttheirfindings.Juddhappenedtobeonthemidnight-to-sixshiftattheden,andIndigocouldseehisgazesharpenevenonthetinyscreenofthecellphone.“Didtheyleaveanythingbehind?”thePsymaleasked.
“Notthatwecouldsee,”Indigoreported,veryconsciousofthelivingheatofDrew’sbodyashepressedupbehindher—sohecouldlookatthescreen.“Silviadidfindsomethingmetallicearliertoday.Itcould’vecomefromanywhere,however.There’sahighchanceitwaswasheddownbytherivers.”
“Noharminthetechshavingalookatitanyway.”Juddmadeanote.“Threatassessment?”
“Low,”Indigosaid.“Idon’tseeanyreasontochangeourplans.Drew?”
“I’mwithyou.Ifthey’dwantedtoattack,”headded,“theirbestchancewould’vebeentonightwhiletheyhadtheelementofsurprise,andtheydidn’ttakeit.”
Juddnodded.“I’llorganizesomeextrapatrolsinthatarea,startingfromwhenyouleave.Yourpresencethereatthemomentshouldactasadeterrent.”
Indigonodded.“Makesureyousenduponlyexperiencedmenandwomen.ThePsyaretoodangerousforthenovicestohandle.”
“Agreed.Hawkewillbejoiningyoutomorrow,soyoucandiscussthisfurtherthen.”
Hangingupafteracouplemorewords,Indigofrowned.“Ittakessomekindofballstocomeintoourterritoryknowinghowtoughweareonintruders.”SnowDancerhadareputationforshootingfirstandaskingquestionsofthecorpses.
“That,”Drewsaid,slippinghisarmsaroundherwaistandtuggingheragainsthim,“orsheerarrogance.”
Indigodidn’treplystraightaway,herbraincellsfriedbythewaveofflamethatlickedupherbody.Foramoment,sheconsideredturningherfacetothatofthebeautifulwolfatherbackandlettingtheheattakeover.Itwouldbegood—thatmuchwascertain.Hewasbigandgorgeousandplayfulandgaveeveryindicationthathe’dbeagenerous,affectionatelover.
Tighteninghisarmsaroundher,Drewproppedhischinonhershoulder.“WithallthePsystuffthat’sbeenhappeningthispastyear,Iwanttothinksomethingsinisterisgoingon,butthatfeelslikeanoverreactiontowhatwasmostlikelyasimpleterritorialviolation.”
Itwasdifficulttothinkpastthepoundinghungerofherpulse.“Nothing’seversimplewiththePsy,”shesaid,turningherheadalittlesoshecouldfeelhishairbrushingagainsthercheek.
Hekissedheronthejaw,aquick,almostabsentmindedcaress.“True.”
“Butyes,thereisachancetheywerejustusingthelocationasasafemeetingplace.”Unabletoresist,shereacheduptotouchhisface.Hepressedhisbeard-roughenedjawintoherpalm,andasherwolfhummedincontentmentinsideher,sherememberedhowmuchshe’dmissedthiscontactafterthey’dhadtheirblowup.Ifsheseducedhim—anditmadeherguiltytoevenconsiderit—they’dbegoingrightbackthere.
Shetreasuredhisfriendshiptoomuchtoriskit.Becausenomatterwhat,sexwouldchangeeverything,createasubtletensionthatnothingwouldevererase.“Weshouldgetsomesleep,”shesaid,notstoppingtowonderwhyshewassocertainshewouldn’tbeabletoremainfriendswithDrewafterintimacywhenshehadperfectlycordialrelationshipswithherformerlovers.“Earlymorningwakeuptomorrow.”
Drewyawnedandreleasedher.Thesuddenchillcausedbytheabsenceofhisbodyheatmadegoosebumpsriseoverherflesh.
“IwanttotalktoHawkeaboutHarley,”Drewsaid,movingtohisownsleepingbag.“Kid’snotreallyfluctuatingasmuchaseveryonethinks—andfromthelooksofit,he’spromisingtobeahigh-leveldominant.”
“Iwaswonderingifyou’dpickedthatup.”Sheslippedinsidetheunzippedhalvesofhersleepingbag.
Drewscowledattheraisedbumpsonherarm.“You’recold.”
“I’llbefine.”Shewasanadultwolf—coldwasn’tsomethingthatreallybotheredher,eveninhumanform.Asfortheemotionalreasonsbehindtheunexpectedstrengthofherreaction—shewasn’tgoingthere.
“AndSilvia,”Drewmurmured,hisvoicedrowsy,“there’ssomethingabouther.”
“Hmm.She’samaternaldominant.”Thegirlwouldbeananchorforthepackonceshegainedalittlemoreconfidence.
“G’night,Indy.”
Shethoughtabouttellinghimnottousethatnickname,butthenhecurledhisbodyaroundhers,slidingonearmandlegunderthetopflapofhersleepingbag,andshedecidedtoletitgofortonight…andallowedsleeptotugherunder.
Hawketurnedupatcampearlythenextmorning—buthewasn’talone.“Andrew,”drawledthelissomeyoungfemalehe’dbroughtwithhim,“sothisiswhereyou’vebeenhiding.”
“Maria—”Drew’swordsofwelcomewerecutoffwhenthepetitebutcurvywomanjumpedupandplantedherplump,rubyredlipssmack-bangonhis,herlegswrappingaroundhiswaistashecaughtherbeneaththethighs.
Indigonarrowedhereyesatheralpha,unabletoerasetheimageofDrew’sfingersclosingoverMaria’stautflesh.“Youbroughtmeanothercamper?”Catty,shethought,thatwascatty.
Agleaminthosepaleeyes,buthistonewasevenashesaid,“Maria’sasoldier,asyouverywellknow,andshe’sacapableone.”Hawkelookedovertowherethekidsweregrinningandwolf-whistlingatDrewandMaria.“Ithoughtit’dbegoodexperienceforhertocomeuphere,spendsometimecoachingtheyoungerkids.”
Drewwasputtingthegirlonherfeetnow,havingbrokenthekiss—thoughhishandsremainedonhertinywaist.Colorburnedhotandbrightoverhischeekbones,andIndigowantedtobelieveitwasembarrassment,notdesire.Exceptthathewasahealthyyoungmale,andMariaofthebigbreasts,flashingdarkeyes,andlushhipswasgivinghimsomehotlyexplicitsignals,herhandssplayedonhischest,allbutopenlypetting.
IndigofeltherclawspricktheinsidesofherskinjustasHawkeputtwofingerstohismouthandwhistled.“Timetogohunting.Iwanteveryoneinwolfform.”
Good,Indigothought,becauseshewasinthemoodforblood.Preferablyofthe“sweetyoungthang”kind.
AndrewwantedtokillHawke—slowlyandwithgreatpleasure.Ofallthewomentobringuphere…“Why?”hemutteredtohisalphawhenMariadetachedherselfatlonglasttogostashherpack,herhipsswayingininvitationassheblewhimakissoverhershoulder.
Hawke’sgazewassoinnocent,Andrewknewitwaspurebullshit.“Iaskedforavolunteer—sheraisedherhand.”
“Uh-huh.”Shovinghisfingersthroughhishair,Andrewglaredatthemanhefullyintendedtostrangleatthefirstopportunity.
“Maria’ssweet,she’ssexy,andshewantstobangyourbrainsout.”Hawke’sgrinwaspure,amusedwolf.“Idon’tseeaproblemhere—especiallysinceyouobviouslyneedtogetbanged.”
Hisalphaknewexactlywhichbuttonstopress,butthensodidAndrew.“Projecting,Hawke?”
Iceblueflaredwithsomethinghotter,morebrilliant,butHawkedidn’trisetothebait.“Smart-ass.Tellmeabouttheproblemlastnight.”
Andrewlaiditout,momentarilypushingasidethecomplicationcausedbyMaria’sentranceintohiscourtshipofIndigo.“Iwentoutandhadanotherlookthismorningbeforeyouarrived.Nothing.”
Frowning,Hawkestaredoutatthewintergreenoftheforest.“We’llkeepaneyeonthesituation,seewhatdevelops.Judd’sheardnothingfromhiscontactsthatimpliesaCounciloperation,butwe’llstayonalert.”
“Cats?”
“IleftamessageforLucas,”hesaid,namingtheleopardalpha.“RiazandEliasarerunningthingsatthedentoday,sothey’llcontactusifthecatsdiscoveranything.”Lookingaround,hetookadeepbreathofthechillmorningair.“Let’senjoythisday—notoftenwegetachancelikethis.”Reachingbacktohisnape,hepulleduphisT-shirt,strippingitoffasAndrewgotridofhisown.
They’dbothchangedintowolfformbythetimethekidsambledback.Maria,too,hadshifted.Shewasafriskylittlewolf,prettyanddainty,eveninheranimalform.Andrewthoughtshewassweetenough,butshewasn’tthewomanhewanted.Thatwomanwasanelegant,long-leggedwolfwithfurofarichdarkgray,andadistinctlyhaughtylookinhergoldeneyeswhenshestrolleduptostandbesideHawke.
Hewantedtobiteher.
Marianippedhisflankinstead.
IamsogoingtokillHawkeforthis.CHAPTER16
Thejuvenileswereexhaustedthatnight,crawlingintotheirsleepingbagsassoonasdarknessfell,butthey’ddraggedthosebagsoutside,sotheycouldsitandlistentotheoldermembersofthepacktalk.Afewhadchosentoremaininwolfform,sittingcurledupclosetothelaz-fire,aportableheatingdevicethatgaveanexcellentapproximationofflamesbutwithzerochanceofcreatingaforestfire.
AsAndrewwatchedfromhisspotonalogoppositeHawkeandIndigo,hislieutenant—andyeah,hewasdiscoveringquick-fastthathewasapossessivebastard—showedtheiralphathelittlemetalballSilviahaddiscovered.Hawkeplayedtheobjectoverhishandaftersniffingatittoseeifthewolf’snosecouldtellhimanything.“We’llseewhatBrenandtheothertechscandowiththis,”hesaid.“Idon’tlikeanyoneputtingtheirshitonourland—Councilorconglomerate.”
MarianudgedAndrewwithherelbowwhenHawkeandIndigofelltodiscussingwhatadjustmentsthey’dhavetomaketothewatchpatrolstofreeupsoldiersforthisarea.
“Areyouoffshiftnextweekend?”shewhispered,herbreastsoftandwarmagainsthisupperarmasshesnuggledcloser.“Ihaveticketstoanewshow.It’sgotreallygreatreviews.”
Andrewkepthisarmshangingoverhisknees,hisfingerslooselyintertwined.“IthoughtyouwereseeingKieran.”He’dnoticed—andbeengrateful—thatshe’dstoppedthrowinglureshiswayafterhookingupwiththeboy.
Asniff,firelightglintingoffthesoftebonyofhercurlsassheduckedherhead.“Yesterday’snews.”
Andrew’swolfstilledatthedeephurthesensedbeneaththeblazingheatofhersensuality.“Comeforawalk,”hesaid,knowingshe’dneveropenupwithinearshotoftheothers.
Sheagreedwithalacrity.HewonderedifIndigoevennoticedtheirdeparture,shewassodeepinconversationwithHawke—andthatwasonehellofapunchtotheego.ButhekeptthattohimselfasheledMariaawayfromthecampsiteandtowardamoreprivatespot,becauseifsecuritywaspartofIndigo’smandateinthepack,thiswaspartofhis—lookingafterthosewhomightnottrusttheirpaintoanyoneelse.
Mariaslidherhandoverhisabdomenassoonastheyhitthedarknessofthetrees,hergoalthewaistbandofhisjeans.“Soooooo…”
Fullyincontrol,hegrippedherwrist,squeezed.“Hush.”Then,fingerslockedaroundherwrist,hecontinuedtoleadthemthroughthewintergreenfirs.
Mariadidn’tresisteitherhisholdorhisorder,andthatwasaclearindicationthathishunchwasright.Youngpredatorychangelingfemalesweren’tatallshyaboutgoingafterwhattheywanted,andAndrewhadneverbeforebeenabletodiscouragehersoquickly.Bringingthemtoaflatglacialrock,hetookaseat,tuggingheruptositbesidehim.“So,hebrokeyourheart,huh?”
“Who?”Shewrenchedawayherhand.“Ithoughtyouwerebringingmeoutheretodosomethinginteresting,nottalkaboutoldrubbish.”
“Maria.”Reachingout,hedidhugherthen,rubbinghischinoverthesoftnessofthoseprettycurls.“Talktome,sweetheart.Youknowyoucan.”
Anothersniff,thisonedistinctlywetter.“Allthegirlswarnedmeabouthim,butIdidn’tlisten.IthoughtIcouldtamehim.Howstupid!”
Andrewcuddledhercloser,untilshewasalmostinhislap.“Tellme.”
Andshedid,pouringoutherheart.Kieran,forallhishumanity—havingbeenadoptedintoSnowDancer—wasmoreofawolfontheprowlthanmost,leavingatrailofbrokenheartsinhiswake.Maria,Andrewthought,wasn’tthefirstcasualty,norwouldshebethelast.Herheartwouldheal,buthesympathizedwiththeburninghurtofthefreshbruise—heknewbetterthanmosthowbadlytheheartcouldachewhentheoneyouwanteddidn’twantyouback.
Indigohadbeenawarm,lusciouspresencebesidehimallnightlong,herlegstangledwithhis,smoothagainsthisrougherskin,buthedidn’tmakethemistakeofthinkingshe’dchangedhermindabouthissuitabilityasalover.Still,she’drespondedtohiminasexualwaymorethanoncesincethey’dhitthemountains,thescentofherdesireatauntingperfume.
Ithadtakeneverythinghehadnottostrokehisfingersuptocupherbreastlastnightaftershekissedhim,tonuzzlehiswaydownandlapupthewarm,eroticscentatthejunctureofherthighs,topleasureherwithhismouthandhishands,toadoreherinthemostrawlysexualofways.
He’dalmostsnappedwhenhe’drealizedshewasfightingagainstherownbody’sneedsonceagain.SometimeshewantedtoshakeIndigo,makeherseesense.Afterthearousalhe’dscented,henowknewhecouldseduceherbystokinguptheembersofherpassionuntilherwolf—sensual,tactile,withfarfewerconcernsthanthehuman—pushedherintohisarms.
Butofcourse,itwasn’tthatsimple.
FeelingMariarubherdampcheekagainsthischest,hepulledhisattentionbacktothepresent,runninghishandoverandalongherbackuntilshequieteddown.“Kieran’sanidiot,”hemurmured,continuingtopetherwiththeundemandingcaressesofapackmate.“Whenyougrowupalittlemoreandbecomethewomanyou’regoingtobe,he’sgoingtokickhimself.Andyoucanrubhisfaceinit.”
Mariagavehimashakysmile,darkeyesnearblackeventohisnightvision.“Youknowhowtostrokeawoman’sego.”
Usinghisthumbs,hewipedawaytheremnantsofhertears.“It’seasywithsomeonelikeyou.”Toobadhewasstuckonawomanwhomightjustdrivethembothtoinsanitywithherrefusaltoevenadmitthepossibilitythattheremightbesomethingbetweenthem.
IndigofoundherselfalonehalfanhourafterDrewleftwithMariaclingingtohimlikekudzu.Noguessesastowhatthetwoofthemweredoing,thoughthankfully,they’dgonefarenoughoutofrangethatshecouldn’thearorscenttheirbodies.AsforHawke,he’dnoticedthatfourofthejuvenilesweren’tasexhaustedastheirpeersandhadroundedthemupforanexplorationofthenight-swathedforest.
TheeightHawkehadleftbehindwerealllostindeepsleep,theirfaces—nomattertheformthey’dchosen—content.OnlyIndigoremainedawakebythefire,herspinestiff,herwolfsnarlinginsidehermindasshestaredatthespotwhereDrewhaddisappearedintothedark,hisarmcurledaroundMaria’sshapelyform.
Hereyesshiftedwithoutconsciouscontrol,untilshesaweverythingwiththewolf’spiercingnightvision.Furiouswithherlackofcontrol,shewenttothetent—tobeconfrontedbyDrew’ssleepingbag.Hewasn’tlikelytocomebackhere,andevenifhedid,shesureashelldidnotintendtosleepnexttoamalewhostankofanotherwoman.Decisionmade,sherolleduphisbagandputbothitandhispackinaneatpileagainstatreeasmalldistanceaway,wherehecouldn’tmissit.
Justbeingagoodpackmate,shetoldherself.Ithadnothingtodowiththefactthatanoddkindofangerwasboilingthroughhersystem.Shedidn’twanttosleepwithDrew.Okay,yes,shedid,butshewasn’tgoingtodoit,soshehadnoreasontobesosavagelyangrythathe’dgoneoffwithanotherfemale.Therewasnothingworsethanawomanwhoplayeddoginthemanger—itwouldbetheworstkindofhypocrisyonherpart.
HermindsnapshottedtoanimageofDrew’snakedbodyashedroppedthetowelthenightofthestorm,hismuscledfleshinvitingtouch.Mariawasprobablyinraptures—Enough
Strippingoffherclothes,shepulledonalargeteeoverherpantiesandslippedinbetweentheunzippedhalvesofhersleepingbag.She’dendedupkickingoffthetophalflastnight,notneedingitgiventheblazingheatofDrew’sbody.Hisheartbeathadbeenaslow,steadyrhythmbehindher,hisbreathwarmagainsthertemple.Sometimeinthenight,he’dspreadhishandoutoverherabdomenandintertwinedhislegswithherown,thehairsonhisthighsrubbingroughandsensuousagainstherskin.Ithadn’tonlybeencomfortingtosleepliketwotangledpups,ithadbeen…more.
Grittingherteethagainsttheheavyimpressionofmemory,sheclosedhereyes.Sleepcontinuedtoevadeherlikethemostfrustratingprey…andshewaswideawakewhenshescentedtwofamiliarformscomingbacktocamp.Herhandfistedandshesetherjaw,determinednottotakeadeeperbreath,topeelapartthescentsinasearchforthemuskytasteofsex.
“Lookslikeeveryone’sasleep.”Afemininewhisper.
ApauseandthoughIndigoknewitwasimpossible,shecould’veswornDrew’seyesweredrillingintoherskull.“Youbettergetsomerest,too.”
Sounds,skinmeeting.Akiss?“Goodnight,Drew.Thatwasreallynice…thankyou.”
Nice?Notexactlyaringingendorsement.ShehopedthatburnedDrew’sego.
ThenextsoundswereofMariamovingabout,headingtohertent.Drew’sheaviertreaddidn’tfollow.Instead,Indigofelthimgotohispack…andthenmorequiet,determinedsounds—fabricbeingunrolled,bootsbeingunlacedanddroppedtotheground.
Unabletoresist,sheopenedhereyesandtwistedtowardwhereshe’dlefthisgear—tofindhimstrippingoffhisT-shirtandthrowingitonhispackinawaythatshoutedtemper.Hissleepingbaglayopenbesidehim.Sheshould’veclosedhereyesandgonebacktosleep,butherwolf’sedgytemperproddedhertogetupandconfronthim.“Whatareyoudoing?”sheaskedinanalmostsubvocaltone,notwantingMariatohear.Thekidsweretootiredtowake.
Coolblueeyesmethers.“Goingtosleep.”
Thecuttingbiteofhisresponsetookherabackforasecond—she’dneverreallyseenDrewangrybefore.“Ithoughtyou’dbesharingwithMaria.”
“Isthatwhatyouthinkofme?”heaskedwithafrostinhistonethatmadeherwanttowrapherarmsaroundherself.“ThatI’dtakeadvantageofagirlwho’sjusthadherheartbroken?”
“I—what?”Shewasagoodlieutenant,butshehadn’tseenanythinginMaria’sbehaviortobetraythatkindofhurt.“Who?”
“Doesn’tmatter.She’llbefine.”Hishandswenttothetopbuttonofhisjeansandheflickeditopen.“Mightaswellshift,”hemuttered,notundoingthezipper.“Sinceitsmellslikerain,Idon’tthinkI’llbegettingmuchsleeptonightifIstayinhumanform.”
Thewayhesaidthat,thewayhelookedather,rubbedhertemperraw.“Fine,Imisreadthesituation.”Shefoldedherarms,curvingherhandsintofists.“You’rewelcometo—”
“No,thanks.”Heputhisownhandsonhiships,hischestamuscledplaneonlyinchesfromher.“IthinkIpreferalittleraintobeingfrozenoutbyLieutenantIndigoRivierefordaringtoaskhertostepoutsideofhersafelittleworldview.”
Shesawred.“What’sthatsupposedtomean?”Itwassheerbreath-stealingfurythatkepthertonelow.
“HowaboutIaskaquestioninstead?”Closingthedistancebetweenthemuntiltheystoodtoetotoe,theheatofhisbodyasilentchallenge,hesaid,“Whyareyououthere,snipingatme?”
“Idonot‘snipe.’”Herwolfgrowled.
“Yeah,suresoundslikeyou’rebeingsnippytome.”Andthenthedamnmaledidthatthinghedid—hekissedher.Asifhehadeveryrighttojusttakehermouthwiththewildheatofhis,tocupthebackofherhead,tobitedownonherlowerlipandsuckherupperoneintohismouth.
Hertoescurled,therageinherbloodstreamtranslatingintopurewildheatasthetouch-hungrywolftookcontrol.Shehadn’tevenrealizedshe’dunfoldedherarmsuntilherpalmsmetthehardwallofhischest.Hot.Strong.Beautiful.Overwhelmedbythesuddenblazeofthesexualinferno,Indigowantedtopushhimtotheground,claimeverysolidmaleinchwithhermouth,herhands,andfinally,hersex.Thehungerwasafeverinside,aspiking,thuddingpulse.
“Damn.”Drewliftedhishead,hischestheaving.“IcanscentHawkeandtheothers.”
Thewordspouredcoldwaterontheflamesofpassion.Sherealizedshestillhadherhandsonhisbody,thefingersofonecurvedslightlyintohisflesh,asifshewantedtoprickathimwithherclaws—asifshewasinheat.Shovingaway,shestumbledalittle.“Youlied,”shesaid,takingoutherownstunnedconfusiononhim.“Allthatbullshitabouteverythingbeingbacktonormal.”
“Sodidyou.”Hiseyesgleamed,hardandbright.“Youwantme,andifyou’dstopfuckinglyingtoyourselfforonesecond,you’drealizewecouldhavesomethinggood.”
Herwolf,nolongercaughtinthesexualinferno,snarledatthechallenge,atthearroganceofthismalewhothoughthecouldbringhertoheel.“Don’tkidyourself.Yeah,youcankiss—butIneedalittlemoreinmyman.”Harsh,angrywords,tornfromthepartofherthathatedhowhe’dmadeherfeelearlierwhenhe’dgoneoffwithMaria—sovulnerable,soweak.Shewasneverweak.Sherefusedtoallowit.“Imightplaywithboys,butIdon’tkeepthem.”
Drewflinched,andsheknewshe’ddrawnblood.Somehow,itdidn’tfeelasgoodasitshouldhave.Butshecouldn’tbringherselftotakeitback,tooproud,tooconfused,toofuckingscaredofwhatDrewwasaskingfromher.Sheknewhowitwouldend.She’dseenhowitwouldend.Thehurt,thepain,theconstantefforttomakeherselflesssothathewouldfeelbetterasaman.
Itwasn’tworthit.Notevenifithurtlikeabitchtowalkaway.CHAPTER17
Henrylookedathisman.“Itcanbedone?”
“Yes.”Anunequivocalanswer.“However,we’llhavetobequicktogettherestoftheoperationinplacenowthatthey’vedetectedus.”
“Iassumeyouhavethatunderway.”HenryhadchosenthismanbecauseofhisintelligenceanddedicationtoSilence—and,unlikeShoshanna,hewasn’tabouttosquanderthatresourcebykillinghimsimplybecausehehappenedtobestrongenoughtobeathreat.
Anod.“Eveniftheysomehowdiscoverthefirstelement,thesecondshouldgiveuswhatweneed.”
AndthewartoupholdSilence,Henrythought,wouldclaimanothervictim.CHAPTER18
Andrewdumpedhispackinhisroomandbegantotugoffhisclothesfortheshower.Thehikedownfromthecampsitehadbeenundemandinginspiteoftherainthathadfallenovernight,and,forthejuveniles,fun.Mosthadabandonedtheirpacksforlaterretrievalhalfwaydownandshifted,gambolinginthepoolsofwaterlikefour-year-olds,theirhowlsofpleasuresingingtohissoul.
Butnomatterhiswolf’sjoyatbeingwithhispack,thetripdownhadcutathim,madehimbleed—becauseinspiteofeverythinghe’dtoldhimselfaboutcharm,aboutcourtship,he’dlosthistemperthenightbeforeanditwasstillsimmering.He’dbeeninnomoodtoplay—andneitherhadIndigo.
They’dspokentoeachotheronlywhennecessaryandkepttheirdistancetherestofthetime.ForAndrew,ithadbeenpartlyself-preservationandpartlybecausehedidn’ttrusthimselfaroundher.Thehungertotouch,tocaress,topossess,wasaconstantcravinginhisgutbynow.Hewasfullycapableofgoingafterherwiththeintenttoclaimrightshedidn’thave,rightssherefusedtogivehim,notwithstandingtheaddictivemuskofherowndesire.
Throwingthelastofhisclothingonthefloor,hewalkedintotheshowercubicleandtriedtorubawaytheneed,thefurythathadhimlosinghismind.Ofcourseitdidn’tdisappear,butthetimehespentunderthedeliberatelycoolspraydidcalmhimdownafraction.He’dmadeamistakeinchallengingIndigothatway—buthewasn’tsorry.Becausewhenitcamedowntoit,hewasadominantsameasher.Hewasn’tgoingtolietoheraboutthat.Butthatdidn’tmeanhewasn’talsogoingtousehisotherskillstoburnthroughtheiceofhertemper
Imightplaywithboys,butIdon’tkeepthem.
Heclenchedhisjawatthememoryofherrazor-sharpwords,refusingtoletthempushhimaway.Thatwaswhatshewanted—itwouldbetheeasywayout.Andnomatterhowmadhewasatherforwhatshe’dsaid,hewasn’tgoingtogiveherthatout.Nofuckingway.
Switchingofftheshower,hegotdressed,thenscrawledsomethingonasmallpieceofpaperthatheslippedunderIndigo’sdooronhiswaydowntothegarage.Hewasn’texactlyfitcompanyrightnow.Betterheredirecthisangerintosomethinguseful,likefixingoneofthemalfunctioningvehicles.Factwas,hewasgoodwithcars,butnoexpert—whichmeanthe’dhavetoconcentrate.
However,he’dbarelyreachedtheundergroundareathatwashometoalltheirvehicleswhensomeonepulledhimasideandwhisperedthathe’dbeenhearingrumorstodowith“purity.”Freezing,Drewaskedforfurtherdetails,butthemechanicshrugged.“Ithinkit’ssomethingnasty,butnoone’ssurequitewhat.”
Hisangertemperedbytheneedtoprotectthepack,Andrewbegantodowhathedidbest—talktopeople.Overthenextfewhours,hemovedfromgrouptogroup,eatinglunchwiththesoldiers,playingchesswithafewoftheelders,hangingoutintheinfirmaryandinthetrainingrooms.
Hisgutwasaknotatthestart.ThelasttraitorwithinthepackhadalmostkilledSnowDancer,stabbingaknifestraightintoitsheart.Hewasn’tsuretheycouldbearitasecondtime.
Thepackwastootightaunit,theirloyaltytoeachotherthebedrockonwhichtheybuilttheirworlds.Butwhathefoundwassomethingelse,somethingunexpected.
“Ane-mail,”hesaidtoHawkelaterthatday,aftermanagingtogethishandsonacopyatlast.“Sentfromananonymousaccountbut,fromthecontent,it’sconnectedtoPurePsy,thatgroupallaboutmaintainingSilence.Nooneknowswhereitoriginated—andafewofthepeoplewhoreceivedithadenoughskilltoattemptabacktrace.Nada.”
Hawkeheldhishandoutforthee-mail.Andrewpasseditacross,havingalreadymemorizedthepoison.
WeinviteourbrothersandsistersinSnowDancertohelpusachieveouraimofaworldofabsolutePurity.Surelyyoudonotwantyourbloodpollutedwiththoseoftheotherraces—surelyyoudonotwantyourpackweakenedbyhumans.
Hawkethrewdownthepieceofpaper,hisjawabrutalline.“Dowehaveaproblem?”
“No,”Andrewwashappytosay,hiswolf’sreliefapowerfulbeatagainsthisskin.“EveryoneIranintowho’dhadcontactwiththethingfoundituglyandmaliciousanddeleteditimmediately.Igotthiscopyfromsomeone’srecyclebin.”
Hawkerubbedathisforehead.“Whythefuckdidn’ttheye-mailittome?Ineedtoknowaboutshitlikethis.”WhenAndrewsaidnothing,hisalphasatbackinhischair.“Yeah,yeah,that’swhyIhaveyou.”
Andrewgavehimawrysmile.“Mostpeoplejustdidn’tthinkitwasthatimportant—figureditwasanastye-mailcampaignbysomecrackpotgroupbutnothingmore.”Relaxednow,butwithadifferenttensionthrumminginhisblood,henoddedatthee-mail.“ThatwasamiscalculationonthepartofPurePsy.Almosteveryoneinthepackhassomeonehumanintheirfamily,andthey’vecometoseetheLaurenchildrenaspupstoprotect.”Andwolves,changelingorferal,wouldgivetheirlivestoprotecttheyoung.“ButIdon’tlikethefactthesenderseemstohavetargetedpeoplelowerdowninthehierarchy.”
“Meansthey’vemadeenoughofastudyofustogetahandleonatleastalittleofhowthepackfunctions.”Hawketappedafingeronhisdesk.“Weneedtofigureoutifthey’retryingtorecruitoutsidethedenaswell.”
“I’vealreadygotmyteamonit,”Andrewtoldhim.“Sofar,itlookslikeitwasaconcentratede-mailblasttoourpeopleinthisarea.”
“Good.Theotherthingweneedtoconsideriswhethertheytargetedothergroupswithinthecity’spopulation.Somethinglikethiscouldgenerateseriousfriction.”
“I’llputsomefeelersout,seeifthat’sapossibility.”
Thewolfapparentinhisgaze,Hawkepickedupthee-mailagain.“They’renotgoingtogetinsidethispack,”hesaidwithcoolfinality.“ButweneedtoknowhowstrongtheyareinthePsyNet.”
Andrewdidn’tneedHawketoexplainwhy.GiventhePsyrace’sinfluenceoneconomicsandpolitics,whateverhappenedinsidetheNethadthepotentialtoaffectthemall.“I’mmeetingJuddafterthis.I’llseewhathecandigup.Lastweheard,PurePsywasmostlyasplinterfaction.”
“Thingschangefastinthatbloodyhivemind.”Linesmarredhisbrow.“Maybeweshouldtalktothecopaswell,”Hawkesaid,referringtoNikita’snewsecuritychief.
“I’monit,”Andrewsaid,takingthee-mailandfoldingitintoasquarehecouldslideintothepocketofhisjeans.“Asanaside,Nikitacan’texactlybepopularwithPurePsyifshe’sgotahumansecuritychief.”
Thatinitself,thefactofahumaninaCouncilor’sdomain,hadtobeonehellofastory.AndrewhadheardbitsandpiecesofwhathadgonedownwithMaxShannonandtheJ-Psywhowashiswife,buthe’dbeenawayinanotherareawhenmostofitwastakingplace.However,he’dmadeitapointtogetintouchwithMaxwhenhereturnedtotheden,knowingthecop’spositionmeanthe’dbeprivytosomeveryusefulinformation.Max,too,hadseenthebenefitofhavingadirectpointofcontactwithSnowDancer.
“She’sstillaCouncilor,”Hawkesaid,histonegrim.“Becarefulwhatintelyoushare.”
“There’snotmuchsharinggoingonrightnow.”Andrewknewtruetrustwouldtaketime.Hell,ithadtakenoveradecadewiththeleopards.“We’refeelingeachotherout.”
Hawke’seyesgleamedwithunexpectedhumor.“So,feelanythingoutwithacertainlieutenant?”
Andrewdidn’tevenbothertoswear.Hejustgotupandstabbedafingerinhisalpha’sdirection.“Nointerference.”He’dcourt,seduce,andtanglewithIndigohisownway.
Hawkehelduphishands,palmsout,buttheglintinhiseyedidn’tdisappear.“Issheplayingwithyou?”
Andrewthoughtofthesilencethathadbeenherresponsetothenotehe’dslippedunderherdoor.“Notyet.Butshewill.”Hewouldn’tacceptanyotheroutcome.
Comingintochangeforasessionwiththenovicesoldiers,Indigocouldn’tkeepfromstaringatthepieceofpapersittingonherbedsidetable.Itwasn’tasifthewordswould’vechangedfromthismorning,butshepickeditup,bringingitclosetoherface—asifthatwouldmakeherunderstanditbetter.
Havedinnerwithmetonight.—DrewP.S.Don’tyouwanttoknow?
Itwasthelastthingshe’dhaveexpectedhimtodoafterthebitternessoftheirfight.Because,allcharmaside,Drewwasadominantpredatorychangelingmale.He’dbeeninchargeofthevolatileSanDiegosectoruntilHawkeassignedhimtohisnewpositionasaroamingliaison/spyacrossSnowDancerterritory.Andhewastheirtracker.
Menlikethathadtempers.Theybroodedandsimmered.Theydidnotextendolivebranches…ifthatwaswhatthiswas.Hereyesnarrowed.Cunning,shethought;Drewwasn’tonlysmartandstrong,hehadawholestreakofsneakyrunningrightthroughhim.
AstotheP.S.,shecould’vetoldherselfshedidn’tunderstand,butthatwould’vebeendisingenuouswhenthetruthwasbeatingherovertheheadwiththesubtletyofahundred-poundhammer.Ahammerwieldedbyanobstinatemalewithawicked,wickedsmileandawayofmovingthatmadeherwanttositbackandsimplyadmire.
Itwouldbesoeasytosayyes,fareasierthanshecould’veeverimagined.
“Butthenwhat?”shewhisperedoutloud,knowingthatthedisparityintheiragesand—morecrucially—positionsinthehierarchymeantthatanyrelationshipwouldbeafleetingthing.Italreadytorehertoshredsthatthey’dlostsomeofwhathadalwaysbeenbetweenthem.Nomatterwhat,she’dneverbeabletotouchDrewwiththejoyfulfamiliarityofPackagain,neverbeabletosleepwithherbodytangledinhis.
Frustratedandangryathimfordoingthis,forchangingarelationshipshehadn’tknownshereliedonuntilitwasyankedoutfromunderherfeet,shescrunchedthepieceofpaperintoaballandthrewitintothecorner.Butthoughitwasoutofsight,itrefusedtoleavehermind.
HavingjusthadaninterestingdiscussionwithJuddaboutPurePsy,aswellasaboutanothermatterhisbrother-in-lawwantedhimtopursue,AndrewstoppedbyBrenna’s,knowingshehadthedayoff.“So,”hesaid,givingherhismostwinningsmile,“what’sforlunch?”
Shelaughed.“IgotimmunetothatlookaroundaboutwhenIturnedfive.”Butshehuggedhimbeforesupplyinghimwithalargepieceofleftoverlasagna,fruit,andevenasliceofalmond-orangecake.
Heatefast,kissingherontheforeheadinthanksbeforeusingtheprivacyofherapartmenttomakeacalltoNikita’ssecuritychief.Maxwastiedupalldaytodayandtomorrow,sotheysetupameetingforthemorningofthedayafter
“AbouttherumorsJudd’sheard?”Brennaaskedafterhehungup.“PossibledeadPsyinthecity?”
“Yep.”Reviewingeverythinghehadonhisto-dolist,Andrewrealizedhe’dclearedit.Nowitwastimetopursuehispersonalprey—inamostunusuallocation.“Seeyoulater,babysis.”
“Hey,”Brennacalledoutasheputhishandonthedoor-knob,“how’sthecharmoffensivegoing?”
AndrewthoughtofhowfuriousIndywaswithhim,thought,too,ofhersilenceinresponsetohisnote.“I’mworkingonit.”Leaving,hemadehiswaythroughthecorridorsandtotheWhiteZone.Histarget,theoutdoornursery,wastuckedinonewell-guardedcornerofthedesignatedsafearea,andhewasn’tmorethanafootinsidewhenhewasaccostedbyadeterminedtwo-year-old.
“Up,”shesaid,raisingherarmsimperiously.
Beingthesuckerthathewas,heobliged,throwingherintotheair.“Again!”sheorderedwhenhecaughther,themorninglightblazingoffthethickbrownofhercurls.
Heobeyed.Fourmoretimes—tohersquealingdelight—beforeherchubbylittlearmshuggedhisneck.“Down.”Ashebenttoputherontheground,shesmackedhislipswithherowninasilentthank-you.
“Sothecharmworksontwo-year-olds,too?”Agentlecommentfromthewomanwhostoodwatchoverthelittliesastheyplayedinthesecureplaygroundarea—fencedoffwithstonewallstoensurenoharmcouldcometothesmallestofSnowDancers.
Herosetohisfullheight.“Theonlyoneitdoesn’tseemtoworkon,”hesaid,wellawarethatheracutegazewouldseethroughanyattemptatprevarication,“isyourdaughter.”
TarahRiviere’ssmiledeepened,andtherewassuchserenityinitthathisownwolfturnedcalm,unwillingtodisturbherwithitschaoticemotions.“Yourmateisaluckyman,”hesaidwithoutartifice.Suchpeacewouldneversuithisownwildnature,buttherewasnodenyingthebeautyandgraceofit.
“Charmingmewon’tdoyouanygoodwithmydaughter.”Bendingdown,Tarahkissedaboo-boo,thensentthelittleboytoddlinghappilyaway.
Andrewshovedhishandsintothepocketsofhispants,rockingbackonhisheels.“Iadoreher,”hesaid,figuringhonestywouldonlyhelphiscase.“Andifnothingelse,she”—hecouldn’tsay“wantsme”toIndigo’smother—“isattractedtome,butIcan’tevengethertotalktomeaboutitbecauseIdon’tfittheimageshehasinhermindofthemensheoughttodate.”Hisfrustrationpunchedthroughinspiteofhimself.
Tarahscowled.“Nocriticizingmybaby.”
“Sorry.”Shovinghishandsthroughhishair,hecaughtapupinwolfformastheboytriedtomakeadaringescape,andtappedhimgentlyonthemuzzlebeforesettinghimbackontherightpath.“She’smakingmecrazy.”Heremainedhunkeredontheground,playingwiththepup,who’dcircledbacktogrowlandbatathishandswithlittlepaws.
Tarah’sfingerstouchedhishair.“MyIndigoiswillful.Alwayshasbeen,alwayswillbe.”Affectionatewords.“Sheknowswhatshewants.”
“Well,she’swrong,”hemuttered,growlingbackatthepupwhenthelittleonetriedadominancedisplay.
Thepupfroze.
Reachingout,Andrewpickedhimup,nippedhimononeear,andsenthimonhisway.
“Verywelldone,”Tarahmurmured.“Thebabiesarealwaystryingthingslikethat.Theyneedtoknowtheirboundariesatthisage.”
“It’sthewolf,”Andrewsaid,remainingwherehewas…becauseitwasnicetohaveamother’sfingersplayingthroughhishair.Heonlyhadafewpreciousmemoriesofhisownlieutenantmother,buthemissedher—thewayshe’dpepperhisfacewithkisses,thewayshe’dbrushhishair,thewayshe’dsmellaftercominginfromduty.Smallmoments,fleetingwhispers,thosewerethethingsheremembered.“Itneedsthecertaintyofthehierarchy.”
“Thatdoesn’tchangewithage.”Sighing,shetuggedalittleathishair,makinghimlookup.“Youdon’tfitthehierarchy,Andrew.”CHAPTER19
AlmostnoonecalledhimAndrew.Hefeltlikealittleboyagain.“That’snotmyfault.”
“Oh?”Anarchsound.“Youknewexactlywhatyouweredoingfromtheinstantyoulearnedtowalk.Whatthatpupjusttried?TheGreatEscape?Well,yousucceededninetimesoutoften,andyoudiditbybeingsocompletelysweetandwellbehavedthatnoonethoughttokeepaneyeonyou.”Anothertug,alittleharder.“DoyouknowhowmanytimesIhadtogochasingafteryou?”
“Sorry?”Makingacontriteface,hefinallygottohisfeet,Tarah’shandslidingawaytocurlaroundhisupperarm.
“No,you’renot.”Asmalllaugh,buthereyeshadturnedsolemn.“Ilikeyou,Andrew,”shesaid,“andIlikethewayyousoundwhenyouspeakaboutmygirl.”
Andrewtouchedthehandshehadonhisarm.“I’ddoanythingforher.”
Tarahlookedathimforlongmoments.“Yourmamausedtocallyouher‘lovingbaby.’”
“Yeah?”Andrew’sthroatgrewthick.“WhatwasRiley?”
“Herstubbornbaby.”Tarahsmiled.“Brennawashersunnybaby.”
“Shehaduspegged.”Andrewcouldn’tholdTarah’sgazeanymore,hisownmistingover.Turninghishead,hestaredunseeingatthechildren.
Tarahdidn’tspeakforlongmoments,butwhenshedid,itwasn’tabouthismother.“DoyouknowmyEvangeline?”
Gladforthechangeofsubject,hesaid,“Sure.”Hehadanimpressionoflongblackhair,deepgrayeyes,andtheslenderbodyofaballerina.“SheusedtoplaywithBrenwhentheywereyoung.”Thetwogirlshaddriftedapartastheirinterestsdiverged,buttheystillwenttotheoccasionalmovietogetherwhenEviewasintheden.“She’sawayatcollegeatthemoment,isn’tshe?”
“Yes,butshe’llbevisitinginacoupleofweeks.”Squeezinghisarm,shelookedup.“Eviewasafragilechild—spentweeksatatimeinthehospital.Shedidn’treallycomeintoherownuntilshewasaboutthirteen.”
KnowingIndyashedid,AndrewimmediatelysawwhatTarahwastryingtotellhim.Indigo,withherstrengthandherwill,would’vetriedtotakeasmuchoftheburdenoffherparents’shouldersasshecould—butTarah’sexpressionsaiditwasmorethanthat.“WasEvieeverindangerofdying?”
“Morethanonce.”Solemnwords.“AndmyIndigo,sheloveshersister.IttoreheraparteachtimeEvangelinewastakentothehospital.”
OutofthatfirehadbeenforgedthesteelofIndigo’snature.Shelovedhersister,herfamily,butshewouldn’teasilyallowanyoneelsecloseenoughtocreatethatdepthofvulnerabilityinherheart.“Thankyou,Tarah.”BecauseheandIndy,itwasn’tonlyaboutsex.They’dbeenlockedtogetherbythebondsoffriendshiplongbeforehe’ddaredreachforherheart.Andmaybe,justmaybe,shewasrunningscaredbecausesomewheredeepwithin,sheunderstoodthathe’dneverbealoverwho’dallowhertokeepasafeemotionaldistance.
Tarahbrushedaleafthathadfallenontohisarmwiththeabsentmindedtouchofamother.“Ithinkyouneedtomeetanothermemberofourfamily,too.”
Hecaughtsomethinghiddeninthatstatement.“Who?”
“No,”Tarahsaidafterathoughtfulpause,releasinghisarm.“Passthefirsthurdle,thenwe’lltalkaboutthesecond.”
Hewantedtopursuetheobliquehint,butTarah’stonemadeitclearshewouldn’tbepushed.However,reachingup,shecuppedhischeeksand,whenhebenthishead,brushedhishairoffhisfacewithamaternalhand.“You’lldo,Andrew.”Afingertappingonhisnose.“Justdon’tdrivemygirltoocrazy.”
Andrewgrinned,suddenlylighthearted.Indigowasveryclosetohermother;Tarahcould’veputaseriousspannerintheworks.Instead,shewaslookingathimwithexasperatedaffection.“Youknowmetoowell,Tarah.”
“Scamp.”Shakingherhead,shecommandeeredhimtoplaywiththepups.
Delightedwiththewholeworldatthatmoment,withhopeablindingbrillianceinsideofhim,heobeyedwithoutprotest.
Indigocouldn’tbelieveshewasconsideringDrew’sinvitation.Staringatthepieceofpapershe’dretrievedminutesaftershe’dcrusheditandthathadbeentauntinghersince,sheshoveditintoherpantspocketfortheumpteenthtime.“Again,”shesaidtothesmallgroupofnovicesoldiersshewasputtingthroughtheirpacesinoneofthelessutilizedgymsintheden.
Theygroanedbutrestartedthecircuit.Shewatched,makingnoteofweaknesses,strengths,thingsthatneededtobecorrected.Unfortunately,thatstillleftherplentyoftimetothinkaboutacertainwolfwhowasturningouttobemulestubbornbeneathhisplayfulexterior.
“Goodgroup.”Riaz’sdeepvoicecamefrombehindher.
She’dcaughtthedarkwoodsyscentofhim,soshedidn’tstartle.“Yes,theyare—ourbest.”Atleastonefuturelieutenant,mostlikelytwo.
“IsthatSiennaLauren?”
“Yep.”ThegirlmightbespendingalotoftimewiththeDarkRiverleopards,butshewasaSnowDancersoldier—andsheneverfailedtoputintherequiredhoursintraining,furtherhoningtheskillsIndigohadallbutbeatenintoher.
Atthetimetheybegan,Siennahadbeenabelligerentseventeen-year-olddeterminedtorelyonlyonherpsychicabilities.IthadtakenIndigoalmostsixmonthstobreakthroughthatpricklyexterior…andglimpsetheravagingfearwithin.SiennaLaurenwasmoreafraidofherownpowerthanshewasofanyrealorimaginarymonster.
“She’svery,verygood.”Riazwalkedtostandbesideher,hisarmslooselyfoldedashewatchedthegroupcompleteonesectionofthecircuitandmoveontothenext.“Imighthaveagoatthecoursemyself—haven’thadthechancetodothiskindofthingforawhile.”
“This’llbetooeasyforyou,”shesaid,fullyconfidentthathewould’vecontinuedtofurtherdevelophisskillsduringhisabsencefromtheden.“Youshouldruntheoutdoorone.”
Astirringofinterest.“IsitthesameaswhenIleft?”
“Afewchangesbutnothingdrastic.”Rememberingsomething,shesmiledandnudgedhimwithhershoulder.“Ithinkyoustillholdtherecordforrunningtheoldcourse.”
“Yeah?”Obviouslypleased,hegaveheralazysmilethatturnedhislooksfromhandsometodevastating.“Doitwithme?”
Womanandwolfbothreadthehiddeninvitationbehindtheobviousone,hesitated,thenshovedforward.Becausehewasperfect.Therewouldbenogamesofone-upmanshipwithRiaz,nodrainonheremotionsorherself-confidenceassheworriedaboutwhetherherdominancewashurtinghim,nohavingtocatchherselfbeforeshedidsomethingthatmightdenthispride.“Sure.Youfreeafterthislotisdone?”
Hestartedtonod,thenfrowned.“No,IhaveavideoconferencewithsomeofmyEuropeancontacts.Canwedoitaroundfourinstead?”
“That’llwork.”Evenasshespoke,Drew’snoteburnedaholeinherpocket
Andrewhadjustputdownthephoneaftergettingholdofthelastofthesmallgroupofmenandwomenunderhisdirectcommandscatteredthroughoutthepack—towarnthemtokeepaneyeoutforfurtherattemptsbyPurePsy—whenhiswolfcaughttheburgeoningwaveofexcitementintheden.Itwasanalmostphysicalpushagainsthisfur—thoughhewasinhumanform.
Pokinghisheadoutthedoorofhisroom,hehailedoneofthesoldiersheadingdownthecorridor.“Eli,what’sup?”
“IndigoandRiazarerunningtheoutdoorcourse.”Elias’swordscarriedahumofanticipation.“Youknowhowfastsheis,andheholdstherecord.Nowaytotellwho’llwin.”
Andrewfelthisspineknotwithtension,afreezingchillspearingthroughhisveins.“Theystartingnow?”Somehow,hisvoicesoundednormal,ordinary,whenallhewantedtodowastohuntIndigotogroundanddemandshefuckingstoprunningfromhim.Becauseheknewexactlywhatwasgoingthroughherheadatthismoment,knewexactlywhatherwolfwouldseeinRiaz.
“Yeah.Youcoming?”
Andrewwasalreadyshuttinghisdoorbehindhim.“Wouldn’twanttomissit.”Hiswolfwasbeyondagitated,buthe’dalwaysbeengoodatkeepinghisemotionsoffhisface.HiscurrentworkforHawkehadonlyrefinedthatskill.AsheexitedthedenwithEliasandjoggedouttothetrainingground,noonewould’vebeenabletotellthathewaswalkingthesharpestofknifeedges.
“Yougoingtotakebets?”Eliasaskedwithagrin.
SinceAndrewhadbeenknowntodojustthatonoccasionwhenpackmateschallengedoneanother,hecouldn’tfaultthequestion.“Notthistime.Indigomightskinme.”Itwasdifficulttokeephisvoicelight,toactasEliasexpectedhimtoact.He’dalwaysknownthiscourtshipwasn’tgoingtobeeasy,buthe’dneverexpectedIndytokickhimthishardintheguts.
Thentheywereontheedgeoftherunandthekickturnedbrutal.IndigoandRiazstoodsidebyside,bothofthemshoe-lessandclearlypumped.Indigowaswearingthinblackexercisepantswithwhitestripesdownthesides,aswasRiaz.Themalelieutenantwasshirtless,thetattooonthebackofhisleftshoulderstrikingagainstthenaturallybronzedtoneofhisskin.
ButitwasIndigowhocaughtnotonlyAndrew’sbutElias’sattentionaswell.“She’sbeautiful,isn’tshe?”Itwasaquietcomment.
ThewolfbareditsteethinsideAndrew.“You’remated.”
“It’slikeappreciatingabeautifulpieceofart,”Eliasmurmured.“Yukiwouldsaythesameifshewasstandingbesideme.”
AndrewunderstoodwhatEliasmeant.Dressedinthosepracticalpantsandablacktankthatclungtoherbodylikesecondskin,herhairpulledoffherfaceinatightponytail,Indigowasbeautywithoutornamentation—strong,lethalbeauty.Andaninstantlater,shewasbeautyinmotionassomeone—Judd—setoffthestarterbell.
Indigowasliquidlightningasshescrambledupthemassivefirstwall.Riaz,hisbodyheavier,wassloweringettingup.Buthehadtheadvantageinthenextsection,whichwasallaboutupper-bodystrength.Theywereneckandneckastheycrawledundertherope-meshmaze,theirbodiesmuddywhentheyshotouttheotherend—torunstraightupasteep,steepclimbwhereuseofclawstoensurestabilitywouldgetyoudisqualified.
Indigoslipped,fellbackontheslicklog,butmanagedtobreakherfallwithherhands.
Andrew’swolfurgedhertogetup.Shedid.
AndRiazslidbackdown.
ThatwaswhenIndigoturnedtoglanceathercompetitor.Shewaslaughing,herwolfobviouslyexhilarated.Andrew’sbloodturnedtoice.Thatlookinhereyes,thatjoy…Heswallowed,forcedhimselftowatchasRiazgotbackuptheriseandjoinedIndigoinswingingoverawaterhazardbeforetheyclaspedtheirhandsoverthebarsofthe“junglegym”thathadundonemanyaSnowDancer.
Createdwithinterlockingpiecesthatwereshiftedaroundbeforeeachrun,itwasbynatureunpredictable—andhadmorethanitsshareofboobytraps.Indigosetoffone,sworeasshewasthrowntothegroundandhadtogobacktothestartoftheconfusionofmetal.Thistime,shemanagedtoswingherselfontopofthewholethingandbegantopickherwaythroughwithnimblesure-footedness.Riaz,who’dgottenahead,turnedtheairblueaspartofthemetalstructuregaveaway,almostdumpinghimontheearth.
Hecaughthimselfbyflippinguphisbody,butthedelayhadgivenIndigotimetoclosethegap,andtheyweremovingbesideeachotheroncemoreastheydroppedfromthegymandshotthroughintotheundergroundtubesthatrequiredbothspeedandstrength.Riazexitedfirst,butIndigowashotonhisheels,andshewasthefasterrunner.Sheflewpasthimonthelaststretchofthecurvingrunthatbroughtthembacktothestart.
Laughing,shecollapsedintoasittingpositionjustoverthefinishline.“Toomanybaguettes,Ithink.”ShewavedafingeratRiaz.
Riaz,hischestheaving,handsonhisknees,grinned.“You’vegottenfastersincethelasttimeIdidthiswithyou.”
Thesharedhistorybetweenthetwoofthemdidn’tneedtobestated;itwasallthemorepainfulforbeingsocasuallyunderstood.AndrewwatchedasRiazheldoutahand,asIndigotookitandletherfellowlieutenantpullhertoherfeet.Nohesitation,noworriesaboutdominance—becausetheyknewtheywereequals,werecomfortablewiththat.
InawayIndigomightneverbecomfortablewhereAndrewwasconcerned.
AseveryoneclappedandcongratulatedbothRiazandIndigo—they’drunthecourseinanincrediblyfasttime—Andrewhungback,hiseyesonIndigo’sglowingface.Nomatterthemudonhercheek,thedirtthattangledherhairandstreakedherclothing,shelookedamazing.Stunning.Anditwasn’tAndrewwho’dputthatlookonherface.
Sheturnedrightthen,andhereyeslockedwithhis.
Afuriousmixofangerandpainthreatenedtoblindhim,butheforcedhimselftowalkforward,tokeephistoneevenashesaid,“Thatwassomerun,”directinghiscommenttobothofthem.
Riazgrinned,andhisnextwordsweregood-natured.“Sheranmetothefuckingground.”
“YoushoulddoitwithJuddnexttime,”Indigosaid,atinyfrownbetweenherbrowsasshelookedawayfromAndrew.“Hecandoweirdthingswithhisspeed—andheneverslipsontheclimb.”
“Never?”
Indigoshookherhead.
“Mighthavetotakehimon,then.”Glancingathiswatch,themalelieutenantmetIndigo’seyes.“I’mstarving.Youwanttograbdinnertogetherafterweshower?”
Timefroze.IndigoglancedatAndrewforafleetingsecond,andhesawherdecisioninhereyesbeforesheturnedtoRiaz.“Yeah,thatsoundsgood.”CHAPTER20
IndigolookedupaftersheacceptedRiaz’soffer,expectingtomeetDrew’sangrygaze,buthewasgone,havingmeltedintothecrowdofpackmateswho’dcomeouttoseeherandRiazrunthecourse.Herstomachturnedheavy,asifitwasfullofrocks—thoughshetoldherselfshe’dmadetherightdecision.
WhateveritwasthathadblazedbetweenherandDrew,itwouldn’thavelasted—andmore,itwould’vehurtthembothintheprocess.Bettertonipitinthebud,tofocusonarelationshipthathadthepossibilityofgoingsomewhere.ExceptthatshefoundherselflookingforDrewagain,herwolfpacingthiswayandthat.
Therewasnosignofhim.
Atthatinstant,sheknewhewouldn’teverslipanothernoteunderherdoor.BecauseAndrewLiamKincaidmightbecharming,hemightlaughwitheaseandteasewithsmilingjoy,buthewasalsoadominantmale.Hehadprideinspades.
Thatpridewouldnotallowhimtoapproachheragainwhenshe’dopenly—publicly—madeanotherchoice.
Therewouldbenomorepresentsoffossilsorbribesofsweetdesserts,nomoreambushingkisses,nomorechallenges,nomoreDrew.Therocksinhergutturningtoblocksofice,shetookasteptowardtheden,intentonfollowinghisfadingscent.
“Thatwasgreat!”Apackmateslappedherontheback.“Iknewyouwerefast,butthatwassomethingelse.”
Therewasnowaytomakeagracefulexit,notwitheveryonearoundher—andshedidn’tknowwhatshe’dsaytoDrewifshecaughtupwithhim.Becauseherdecisionwastherightone.Itwas
HavingjustwatchedRiazandIndigodriveofffortheirdinner,AndrewslungalightbackpackoverhisshoulderandwalkedtoHawke’soffice.Hisalphawasmarkingsomethingontheterritorialmaphungononeofthestonewalls.“Drew,”hesaid,shootingapenetratinglookoverhisshoulder,“whatisit?”
“Ineedtonightandtomorrowoff.”Thewordswereforcedoutpasttheviolentemotionsstillchokinghisthroat.
Hawkefrowned.“We’realreadygoingtobedownafewpeoplewithEliandYukitakingSakuratoDisneylandtomorrow.Sing-LiuandD’Arnheadedoutanhouragotovisitherparentsforacoupleofdays.”
“Onenight,oneday,”Andrewrepeated.Itwasallhetrustedhimselftosay.
Hawke’spaleblueeyesdrilledintohim,tinylinesflaringoutatthecorners.“Go,”hisalphafinallysaid.“AndifyouneedPack,don’tbeadipshitandtrytohackitalone.Callme.”
PackwasOne.Packwasfamily.
Andrewknewthat,butrightnow,hewantedtobealone.ItfuckinghurtthatIndigohadchosensomeoneelseoverhim.Buthe’dhaveshruggedthatoffandcontinuedtocourther,tochallengeRiazfortherighttoher,ifhehadn’tseenthatglowingexpressiononherfaceduringtherun,heardherlaughterafterit.
Riazmadeherhappy
Really,trulyhappy,withnoneoftheworryorangerthatcoloredherrelationshipwithAndrew.
Andthoughtheknowledgehadhiswolfclawingviolentlyattheinsideofhisskin,Andrewwouldslithisownthroatbeforehedidanythingtosavageherhappiness—aswouldinevitablyhappenifhesawhertouchtheothermale.Sohehadtogetoutofhere,findsomewaytogaincontrolovertheviolenceofhisemotions,burnofftherageuntilhewasinnodangerofusinghisabilitiesasthepack’strackertospillSnowDancerblood.
Mostpeopletendedtoforgetthatthetrackerwasalsotrainedtokilltherogueshetracked.Andrewneverdid.Itwaswhyhehadn’tshifted,didn’tintendtoshiftuntilhehadahandleonhimself—hedidn’ttrustwhathemightdooncehegaveintothemuchmoreprimalmindsetofthewolf.
LeavingHawke’sofficewithoutanotherword,hewalkeddownthetunnelswithhisheadbent,notinvitingconversation.
Hedidn’tcountonBen.
Thefive-year-oldbarreledaroundthecornerandwrappedhisbaby-softarmsaroundAndrew’slegs.“Drew!”Ashiningfacelifteduptohis,absolutetrustinthosedark,buttonbrowneyes.
AndrewcouldnomoresquelchthatjoythanhecouldcutIndyoutofhisheart.“Mr.Ben.”Bending,hepickedthesweet-naturedboyupandturnedhimupsidedown.
Ben’sdelightedlaughterattractedtheattentionofpassingpackmates,madesmilesbreakoutontheirfaces.Andrewsmiled,too,buthisheartwastoobruisedtomakeitreal.TurningBenrightsideup,hesettledtheboyonhisarm,hiseyesonBen’ssoftfleecepajamas.“Didyouescapebedtime?”HebeganheadingtowardBen’shome.
Anod,onearmcompanionablyaroundhisneck.“You’retakingmeback.”
“Yep.”
Asigh,thenhesnuggledhisheadintothecurveofAndrew’sneck,sittingpatientlyuntiltheyreachedtheopendoorwayofhishome.“Knock,knock,”Andrewsaid.“Ihaveanescapeetoreturn.”
Ben’smotherwalkedout,shakingherhead.“Slipperylittlemonkey.Ithoughtyouwereinbed.”TakingBen,shesentAndrewasmileasbrightandopenasherson’s.“Thanksforbringingmylittlemanback.”
AndrewnoddedandwasabouttoleavewhenBensaid,“Wait!IwannagiveDrewsomething.”Wigglingoutofhismother’sarms,herantothebackoftheapartment.
Hismomwenttosaysomethingwhentherewasacryfromsomewhereinthelivingarea.“Oh,that’sthebaby,”shesaid.“Ibettergopickherup.”
Andrewstayedinthedoorwayasshedidso.“How’sBenwithher?”
“Heplayswithherforhours.”Ava’scheeksdimpledwithmaternalprideassheglancedoverhershoulder.“SuchpatiencemyBennyhas,youwouldn’tbelieveit.”
Bentumbledoutofhisroomthen,runningasfastashislittlelegswouldtakehim.WhenAndrewcrouchedinfrontofhim,theboyhandedoveratinyobject.Itwasanactionfigureofamaninabluejumpsuitsportingimprobablemuscles.“Thanks.”
“ItmakesmehappywhenIplaywithit.”Bentappedhimonthecheekwithonebaby-softpalm.“Don’tbesad,Drew.”
AndrewlookedintothoseshiningeyesandwonderedwhoBenwasgoingtogrowinto.Whoeverthatmanwas,Andrewhadafeelingthewholepackwouldbedamnedproudofhim.“Yeah?Okay.”
Asmilefullofsunshine.
“Comeon,Benny,”Avacalled.“Let’sgetyoutobed,mysweetboy.”
Leavingwithawave,Andrewputthelittleactionfigureinasidepocketofhispack.Benhadseen.Hawkehadseen.Andrewdidn’twantanyoneelsetosee.Sohemadesurehewasn’tstoppedagainasheheadedoutandawayfromthisdenwhereIndigowouldreturnonthearmofanotherman.Therestofwhatmighthappen…hecouldn’tthinkaboutitwithoutunleashingthewolf’stormentedrage.
IndigosatacrossfromRiazontheopenpatioofaroof-toprestaurantyouusuallyhadtobookweeksinadvance,theglitteringlightsofthecityspreadoutinshimmeringropesfarbelow.Andbeyondthat,thedarklapofthebay.Itwasastunningview,andthemanacrossfromherwasundeniablyhandsome,butshecouldn’tfocus,herentirebodytenseasifforbattle.Asforherwolf—itwasagitated,unabletositstill.
Riazstirredacrossfromher.“So?”
Itwasanefforttosmile,topretendeverythingwasasitshouldbe.“I’mimpressed,”shesaid,turninghergazefromtheviewtohim.“Howdidyougetreservationssofast?”
“Icalledinafavor.Wouldn’tdotodisappointyou.”Aslowsmilethatshould’vemadehersensesleap.“DidyounoticehowcivilizedI’mbeing?”
Itwasareferencetotheirpast,whenRiazhadbeenawild,wildyoungmaleandshe’dbeencomingintoherselfasadominantfemale.“Ialmostdon’trecognizeyou.”Shetippedherwineglasstowardhiminasalute,thoughpartofhermissedthewildboyhe’dbeen.Hewasalmosttoomaturethesedays.
Riaz’ssmiledeepenedathercomment,butshethoughtsheglimpsedsomethinghiddenbehindit,asharpechoofherownconfusion.However,whenhespoke,hisvoicewassteady.“Youreadytoorder?”
“Youdoit.”
Riazraisedaneyebrow.“TestinghowwellIknowyou?”
“Maybe.”Shetookasipoftheexcellentwineandwatchedhimoverthetopofherglass.
Amazingdarkgoldeyes,theeyesofamanwho’dseentheworldandknewexactlywhathewanted.ButsincehisreturnfromEurope,thoseeyesweremoreoftenshutteredandintrospectivethanlaughing,andtheonlytimeshe’dreallyseenhimplayfulwaswhenthey’ddonetherun.Evenwhenhe’dbeenyoung,he’dbeen…intense.
Notthatitmattered,shetoldherself.Playwasforboysandchildren.Riazwasastrongmaleintheprimeofhislife.Bothsidesofhernaturefoundhimmorethanacceptable…except,thewolfthoughtwistfully,alittlemoreplayfulnesswould’vebeennice.Afterall,hewasawolf,too.Playwaspartoftheirlife.Shouldn’thewanttoplaywithafemalewhoattractedhim?
Asshelistened,heplacedtheirorder.Allperfect.Untilhesaid,“Nodessert.We’llgoforcoffeeinstead.”
Herwolfsniffed.Nodessert?Drewwould’venevermadethatmistake.
Shecaughtthatthoughtassoonasitrose,nippeditbeforeitcouldtakeroot.Drewwasn’tonlytooyoung;hewasn’tdominantenoughtobeabletohandleherwolf,despitewhathethought.Andasshe’dseenupcloseandpersonal,suchanimbalancedrelationshipcouldn’twork—theemotionaldevastationwoulddestroythemboth,obliteratingwhatfriendshipremained.Theremightevencomeatimewhenhe’dlookatherwithbarelyconcealedhate.
Shovingasidethepainfulimagesevokedbythosethoughts,sheturnedherattentionverydeliberatelytoRiaz.“Tellmemoreaboutwhatyoudidwhileyouwereaway.”
Theotherlieutenantbegantospeak,hisvoicelow,deep,smoothascaramel.Ashespoke,sheletherselftrulylookathim.Hisskinglowedaburnishedbrowninthelightfromthecandles,hisnearblackhairsparkingwithauburnhighlights.ThestunningblondethreetablesoverwasgivinghimtheeyewhenshethoughtIndigowasn’twatching,whilethetwogorgeousblackwomenonetabletotherightdidn’teventrytohidetheiradmiration.
MeetingIndigo’sgaze,theygaveheradiscreetthumbs-up.Indigosmiledbackatthefriendlyappreciation,returningherfocustoRiaz’sstrongjawline,thosebeautifullyshapedlipsshe’doncefeltonherown.They’dbeengoodaslovers,verygood.Butthey’dpartedasthebestoffriends.Nobrokenhearts.Notornsouls.
Itmadeherwolfhaltinitsthoughts,consider.
Changelingwolvesmatedforlife.
Herparents’relationshipmightnotmakesensetoIndigo,buttherewasn’tashredofdoubtinhermindthattheylovedeachothertothecoreoftheirbeings.More,thattheyfittogetherliketwopiecesofaseparatedwhole—asifwithoutone,therewouldbenoother.
Shewantedthat,sherealizedasshesatacrossfromthisincrediblemanwhotickedalltherightboxes,who’dmakeagoodpartner,butwhowouldneverbeherheartbeat.Shewantedtheagonyandtheecstasy,cravedtheferocityofthebondthattiedmaletofemaleinthemostvisceralway.Fearbloomedattheideaofthevulnerabilitythatwouldaccompanysucharelationship,butitwasn’tenoughtooverwhelmthehungerinhersoul.
“Hey.”
Blinking,shefoundRiazwatchingherwithadisconcertinglyintentlook.“Sorry,”shesaid,hercheeksburningwithcoldheat.“Myminddriftedawayforasecond.”
Riazdidn’tletheroffthehook.“We’veknowneachothertoolongtoplaygames,Indigo.”Liftinghiswineglass,hetookasipofthegoldenliquid.“Weknowthisisn’tgoingtowork—butwe’retryingtopretendthatitwillbecauseit’seasier,safer.”
Hearingtheechoofpaininhiswords,shereachedouttotouchhisfreehand—nomatterwhat,hewasherfriend.HewasPack.“Who?”
“Mymate.”
Indigo’shandclenchedonhis.“Youfoundher?”
“Toolate.”Itwastornoutofhim,eyesgleamingamberintheflickeringcandlelight.“She’sanotherman’swife,agoodman.”Rawhurtinthosewords.“Nottouchingher,notsimplytakingher,wasthehardestthingI’veeverdone—butshewould’vedespisedherselfforcheating.”
Sohe’dwalkedaway,Indigothought,thoughitwascleardoingsohadsavagedhim.“I’msorry,Riaz.”Shecouldn’timaginethenightmarehewasliving,knowinghismatebelongedtosomeoneelse.Predatorymalechangelingswerepossessivebeyondbelief—ithadtobetorturetoknowthatanothermanhadtherighttotouchhismate,tobuildalifewithher.
“Iwasn’tplayinggameswithyou,Indigo,”hesaid,turninghishandoversotheirfingersintertwined,histoneraw.“Ithought—”
“Iknow,”sheinterruptedwithallthegentlenessshehadinher.Hurtingandbroken,he’dneededPack,andshewassomeonehelovedasafriend.Itwould’vebeeninstincttoturntoher,totrytofindsomekindofhope.“There’snoneedforapologiesbetweenus.”
“Itwould’vebeensomucheasierifitwasyou.”Hegaveasmallsmile,thepaininhiseyesfilmedoverbythefistofcontrol.“Drew’stheone,isn’the?”
Shewenttotugbackherhandbutheheldit.“Yes,”sheadmitted.“Itconfusesme,confusesmywolf,whathemakesmefeel.”Exhilarationandjoy…andutter,utterterror.Becausewhatifshewasright?WhatifbeingwithDrewwouldeventuallymeanacorrosivepainthatwoulddestroythemboth,dropbyslowdrop?
Riazleanedforwardandliftedherfingerstohismouth,brushingatendercaressacrossherknuckles.“YouknowwhatI’mgoingtosay.”Inhisgaze,shesawafiercewant,ahungerthattoldherhe’dgiveanythingtohavetherighttocourt,toclaimthewomanwhosangtohisheart.Thewoman,Indigothoughtwithaninsightbornofherownturmoil,forwhomhemightjustplay.
“Takemehome,Riaz.”Therewasnouseinpretendingshewasn’tachingtoreturntotanglewithawolfwhoshouldn’thavemadeherfeelthisway.Buthedid.Andshe’dbeenacowardlongenough.
Itwastimetocomeface-to-facewithwhatmightverywellbeherdestiny.CHAPTER21
Indigokickedoffherheels,shimmiedoutofherdress,andwashedthemakeupoffherface.Brushingherhairoutofitsfancyknotandintohermoreusualponytail,shepulledonsomejeans,toppedthemwithasleekblackturtleneck,stuffedherfeetintoboots…thentookadeepbreath.
Butterfliesflittedhereandthereinherstomach,whileherbloodpumpedjaggedanderraticthroughherveins.Liftingherhandstoherface,sherubbed.Herskinflushedhot,thencold,beforethecyclerepeated.“Stopstalling,”sheorderedherselfandwrenchedopenthedoor.
Thecorridorswerequiet,mostofthedenhavingbeddeddownforthenight.Onlythoseonnightshiftwereup—theywavedhellotoherasshepassedby.Wavingback,shecarriedon.Drew’squarterswereneartheendofthepassage,andshewasraisingahandtoknockwhenthesoldiernextdoorpokedouthishead.“Hey,Indigo.ThoughtIscentedyou.YoulookingforDrew?”
Shenodded.
“Heleftacoupleofhoursago,”theothermaletoldher.
“Doyouknowwherehewasgoing?”
“Hadabackpack,”wastheresponse.“Ifiguredhewasheadingoutononeofhistrips.”
Herstomachdropped.Hadheleft?Hadhefinallygivenupandleft?Herwolfwentquiet,unsure,evenasangerspiked.Thatwasn’thowthegamewasplayed—themaledidn’tleave.Hechasedandhetangledandhefought.Except…she’dchosensomeoneelseinfrontofhim.Shemightaswellhavetakenabuzzsawtohispride,theonevulnerablespotinapredatorychangelingmale’sarmor.“Thanks.”
Nodding,theothersoldierduckedbackinside.Indigoforcedherselftowalkdownthecorridorandawayfromthequartersusedbythesingledominantsinthepack.Shedidn’tevenrealizeshewasheadingforHawke’sofficeuntilshegotthereandfounditempty.Frustrationchurned,butsheturnedbackaroundandarrowedtowardthetrainingrooms.Theiralphasleptveryfewhoursanight,hauntedbythingsthathadmarkedhimsincechildhood—andperhaps,rightthismoment,morethanalittlesexualfrustration.
Shetrackedhimdownintheweightroom,wherehewassittingonabenchdoingarmcurlswithfreeweightswhilereadingwhatlookedlikestock-marketreportsonatransparentcommscreenonthewall.
“Theregoesyourimageasallbrawn,nobrain,”shesaid,turningherbacktothereports.
Grunting,heputdowntheweighthe’dbeenusing.“Don’ttellanyone.It’smysecretweapon.”
Shepassedhimatowelwhenhenoddedatwhereitwasslungoveranothermachine.Waitinguntilhe’dwipedoffhisfaceandputdownthetowel,shetookaseatonthebenchopposite.Itgaveheragoodviewofhisnakedchest,andyes,gleamingwithsweatandlightlyfurredwithpalesilver-gold,itwasadamnniceview,thekindofviewthatwouldhavemademostwomendroolandbegforachancetostrokehimuntilhegrowledandtookover.
“Ouch,”Hawkemuttered,butthewolf’slaughterwasapparentinhisgaze.“HereIsitinallmyglory,andshe’scomparingmetoanotherman.”
Blowingoutabreath,Indigofellbackonthebench,staringupattheceiling.“Idon’tknowwhatI’mdoing.”
“Thefirststeptowardrecoveryisadmittingthat.”
Sheshowedhimthemiddlefingerofherlefthandforthatpithystatement.“AmIastubbornfool?”Asevidencedbythefactthatshemightjusthavedrivenawaytheonlymanwho’deverthreatenedtobreachherdefenses…who’dmadeherfeelvulnerableenoughthatshe’dstruckoutinself-protectivepanic.
“Yourdeterminationispartofwhatmakesyouagoodlieutenant.”
Sittingbackup,shestaredathimashebegantodocurlsagain,themusclesofhisupperarmbunchingandflexinginallsortsofinterestingways.Itwasniceeyecandy—butshestilldidn’twanttobite.“Dominantfemale,equallydominantormoredominantmale,that’stheequation.That’showitalwaysgoes.”
Iceblueeyes,shimmeringwithflickersofcolorfromthescreenopposite,methers.“Youalreadyknowthat’snothowitalwaysworkssowhyareyouwastingtimerepeatingthesameargument?JustgofindDrewandsortitout.”
“It’sannoying,youknow,thathabityouhaveofknowingeverything.”
“GoodthingI’mbiggerthanyouandyoucan’tbeatmetoapulp.”Placingtheweightonarack,hegotupandmovedtoanexercisemat.“Standonmyfeet,”hesaid,lyingonhisback.
“I’mwearingboots.”Butshewalkedoverandpresseddownwithherpalmsonhisraisedkneesashedidsit-upaftersit-upwithoutsomuchashisbreathingaltering.“YouknowaboutAdria.”
Hawkecurledhislip.“Forasmartwoman,you’rebeingamazinglydense.”Whensheglared,hedeignedtoexplainhimself.“You’renotAdria,Indigo.”
No,shethought,shewasn’t.She’dneverletamantreatherthewayMartintreatedAdria—hadalwaystreatedher.Drew,bycontrast…no,hewasn’tMartin.
“Whyareyoustillthinking?”Hawkeasked,abdomenmusclescrunchingashecontinuedtoexercisewhiletheyspoke.“Youneedtoworkthisoutface-to-facewithDrew.”
“Damnit,Hawke.IthinkImight’vereallymessedup.”Tanglingwitheachother,fightingwitheachother,thatwasallfine.Butshe’dcrossedalinewhenshe’dbroughtathirdplayerintotheequation—ithadbeendoneinthatsameself-protectivepanic,butithadchangedtheequilibriumbetweentheminasickeningway.
“Yeah,Ithinkyoumighthave,too.”Brutallyhonestwords.“Buthe’sonlygotaboutthreehours’headstart,soyoucancatchhimifyouleavenow.”
Shelookeddownintohisfaceashestoppeddoingthesit-upstowatchherwiththoseeerilypiercingeyes.“Willhewelcomeme?”
“Nope.”Flowingupintoastandingpositionwhenshereleasedhisknees,hepickeduptheremotetochangethechannelfromstockreportstoaroundupoftheday’ssportsnews.“Butyou’renotthegiving-uptype.Ofcourse,”headdedassheturnedtoleave,“that’syourbiggestweakness,too.”
Indigotestedthestrapsofthepackonherbackasshesteppedoutofthedenandintothecoolnightair.Shecould’verunupinwolfform,huntedtokeepherselffed,butshewasalreadygoingtobeplentyemotionallyexposedwhenshereachedDrew.Nousebeingnakedontopofthat.
HawkehadnoideawhichwayDrewhadgone,andtherain-lacedwindhadmadeamessofthescenttrail,soshewasgoingtohavetodothisthehardway—usinghertrackingskills.Whichwouldhavebeeneasierifthewindhadn’tdecidetoswirlupandmerrilythrowaroundtheleaves,erasinganytraceofDrew’spassage.
Somethingrustledtoherleftjustasshebentdowntocheckformoresubtleevidencethatmightindicateamaleofhisheightandweighthadpassedthisway.Jerkingupherhead,sherealizedshe’dbeensodeepinthought,she’dleftherflankunprotected.Ofcourse,thiswasSnowDancerland,andthemanwhowalkedoutwasafellowlieutenant,butstill…“What’reyoudoinglurkinginthedark?”
Juddcametocrouchbesideher.“It’sanaturalgift.”Hewasdressedallinblack,thequintessentialassassin.He’dgivenuphisformercareer,butsheknewhecontinuedtobeinvolvedwiththePsy—andmoreparticularly,withtheGhost,themostdangerousPsyrebelofthemall.
“Offtoseeyourlethalbuddy?”
Juddshookhishead,darkbrownhairgleamingblackinthedark.“I’mnotheretochat—I’vegotameetinginanhour.”Unspokenwasthefactthatthepeoplehemetwithwouldbeunlikelytowait.“Drewwentinthatdirection.”Hepointedstraightinfrontofhimandup.“Itrackedhimforawhiletomakesurehewasn’tdoinganythingstupid.LastIsaw,hewasattheSerpentPass.”
IndigogottoherfeetasJuddrose.“Thanks.”Shetuggedalittleuncomfortablyonastrap.“Why?”
Juddfadedbackintothedarkness.“BecauseIwasyou,once.”
AssheshiftedonherheelandbegantotrektotheSerpentPass,Judd’swordsreverberatedinherskull.TheotherlieutenantwasPsy,hadbeenanice-coldbastardwhenhefirstjoinedthepack,asemotionless,asharshastherockfacesintheSierraNevada.
Shewaschangeling.Touchwasherlifeblood,andshewastiedtothepackbycountlessthreads.Therewerenosimilaritiesbetweenthem.
Except…
Aflickerofmemory,ofholdingbacktearsafterabadfallbecauseshedidn’twanttocryandgiveherparentssomethingelsetoworryabout.Ithadbeeninstinct—she’dknowntheyneededalltheirenergytocareforEvie.LovinghersisterasIndigodid,thatchoice,andtheonesthatcameafter,weren’tanythingsheregretted—herindependenceandstrengthwerequalitiesshewasproudof.
Therewasnothingwrongwithbeingsteel,nothingwrongwithbeingstrong.Itwasexpectedwithmen.Justbecauseshewasawoman…Butrightwhenshewasworkingupagoodheadofsteam,sherememberedwho’dsaidthewordsthathadbegunthistumbleofmemoriesandthoughts.
Ifanyoneknewaboutbeingice,aboutbeingsteel,itwasJudd.
Herfootcaughtonatwistedrootandshealmostwentflying.“Shit.”Steadyingherself,shewrenchedherfocusfirmlybacktothepresent.Thepastandhowithadshapedhercouldallcomelater.Muchlater.
Fourhoursaftershebegan,inaruggedarealightlysprinkledwithpatchesofsnow,shecaughtthefirsthintofDrew’sscent.Herinstinctwastomoveatafasterclip,catchuptohimassoonaspossible,butsheforcedherselftoslowdown,considerwhatshewasgoingtosaywhenshereachedhim.
Ablank.
“Great.Justgreat,Indigo,”shemutteredunderherbreath,unscrewingthewaterbottleshe’drefilledataspringacoupleofhoursearlierandgulpingdownhalfofitwithoutpause.Thirstquenched,butmindnomoreforthcoming,shesliditbackintoitsspotalongthesideofherpackandbegantoclimbthejaggedpathwayinfrontofher.Intruth,itwasn’treallyapath,morelikearockslidethathadsolidifiedovertimeandthatthepackusedasstairswheninwolfform.
Itwasn’tasstraightforwardinahumanbody.Herhandsgotbangedupalittleonthesharpedges,andshewhackedherkneesacoupleoftimes,butshehardlynoticedthesmallhurtsasshecrestedtherise.BecauseDrewhadstopped—onasmallplateaubareofsnowthatwouldcatchdirectsunlightwhenthesunrose,thoughtheareabeyonditwasthickwithtrees,theirarmsreachingintotheclouds.
He’dsetupaportablelaz-fireandunrolledhissleepingbagontopofagroundsheetthatwouldkeepthedampfromsoakingin.Itwould’vestillbeentoocoldformosthumans—probablyalotofchangelings,too.Butshe’dfeltDrew’sbodyagainsthers,knewheburnedwhite-hot.Takingadeepbreath,shemadeherwaydowntothecampsite.
Aboveher,thenightwasacrystallinedarkness,thestarsasbrightasshardsofdiamond;belowher,onlysilence.Halfwaydown,sheglimpsedDrew’spacklyingagainstatreenotfarfromthefire,buttherewasnosignofthemanshe’dcometofind.Itwasonlywhenshewasalmostattheplateauthatsheheardthegurgleofwaterinthedistance.Shruggingoffherownpackalongwithherjacket,sheleftthembyDrew’sandfollowedthatsoundtowhatturnedouttobeastream.
Swollenfromtherainsandmeltedsnow,itcrasheddownintoanaturalpoolformedbythelongpassageofwateragainstrock,whereitturnedquiescentatlast.Thepoolwasblackbeyondthefoamofthefallingwater,butshedidn’tneedanythingotherthanthestarlight—hereyeswentunerringlytothemuscledbodyofthemancuttingthroughthedarksurface.
Scramblingdowntothesideofthepool,shesawtherockwhereDrewhadabandonedhisclothes.Sweatsoakedherownclothesinspiteofthechillair,andshelookedlonginglyatthewater.Drewhadn’tnoticedheryet,andwhenhedid,sheknewitwasn’tgoingtobepretty.“Hellwithit,”shemutteredandreacheddowntopulloffherboots.
She’djusttakenoffherturtleneckanddumpeditontherestofthepilewhenDrew’sheadsnappedupoutofthewater.Theireyesmetanditfeltasiftheuniverseitselfwasholdingitsbreath.CHAPTER22
Andrewwould’vethoughthewashallucinating,exceptthatIndigo’sscentsurroundedhimoneveryside,theaircurrentscruelandcapricious.Staringatherstandingtheresoproudandsobeautiful—sogoddamnbeautiful—hehadtofightwitheveryounceofhisstrengthnottopowerthroughthewaterandpullherdownsohecouldslickhishandsoverherbreasts,claimhermouthwithhisown.
Continuingtoholdhisgaze,shereachedupandreleasedherhairfromitsponytail.Thedarkmassrippleddownherback,overhershoulders.Shesweptitaway,baringtheblackcurvesofthebrathatshapedherbody.Evenfromthisfaraway,hecouldtellitwasnoflimsy,lacything.No,itwasfunctional,supportedher…andcuppedherwithbreathtakingintimacy.
He’dheldherwhenshewasnaked,evenkissedherwhenshewasnaked.Butnomomenthadfeltasintimateasthis.Ashewatched,hisbodyrockhardwithasudden,furiousarousalthatmadehimburn,shereachedbehindherselfandunhookedherbra.
No.
Hedoveunder,deepenoughthattherewasnothingbutsilence,nothingbutdarkness,thewaterglidingoverhisbodyinacaressofliquidsatin,coldandsweet.Emergingonlywhenhislungsprotested,heshovedthehairoutofhiseyestoseethattheshorelinewasempty,Indigo’sclothesabandonedbesidehis.
Arippleofwateragainsthissideandheknewshewasinthestonepoolwithhim,herbodyassleekandfastasthatofafursealasshedoveunderandcameupafewfeettohisleft.Bodygleamingwet,shemadeherwaytohim,hermovementsslowandeasy—asifshewasafraidhe’ddisappear.
Hercautionmadehimbarehisteeth.“I’mnotafuckingrabbit.”
“No,you’reapissed-offmalewolf,”Indigoanswered,herpulsehammeringdoubletime.“Ruleofthumbthereistomoveslowlyandtrynottogetyourthroatrippedout.”
Alowsnarlvibratedinthesuddensilencearoundthemastheforestcreaturesfroze.“Idon’tneedmyegostroked,Indigo.Youmadeyourdecision.It’sdone.”
“Drew—”
“Whyareyouhere?”Bluntwords,withnoneofthecharmshe’dcometoexpect.“Wereyouworriedthatoneofyourchickswasintrouble?”
“You’renotlettin—”
“Well,asyoucansee,I’mfine.Soyoucangobacktothedenwithaclearconscience.”
He’dcutthroughthewaterandwaspullinghimselfoutbeforeshecouldstophim.Usedtogivingpackmatesprivacy,shewenttoclosehereyes,thenthought,tohellwithit,andkeptthemopen.Hewasbuiltgorgeously,allfluidlinesandsupplemusclethathidaferociouspowerandstrength.
Hedidn’tlookatherashepickeduphisdirtyclothesandleft,butsheknewhewasawareshewaswatching.Ashedisappearedintotheforest,sheblewoutabreathand,floatingonherback,staredupatthejewel-strewnsky.“Well,thatwentwell.”Nooneansweredher,theforestdenizensgoingabouttheirbusinessoncemore,uninterestedinthefactthattherulesshelivedherlifebywerecrumblingaroundher.
Shedidn’tknowhowlongsheremainedinthepool,butwhenshiversbegantocrawloverherskin,shefinallyhauledherselfout…tofindacleanT-shirtandtowelplacedwhereherdirtyclotheshadbeen.Herheartgavealittlebeatofhope.Towelingherselfdownasfastaspossibleinanattempttorubheatintoherskin,shepulledontheT-shirt.
Earthywarmthandsunshineandlaughter.
ItwasDrew’sT-shirt.Nuzzlingherfaceintotheshoulder,sheinhaleddeeplyofhisscentbeforewrappingthetowelaroundherhairandmakingherwaybacktothecampsite.ThescenttrailDrewhadleftbehindledherupaneasierpaththantheoneshe’dusedtocomedown,andshereachedthewarmlightofthelaz-firenotlongafterward.
Drewwaslyingonhisbackontopofhissleepingbagwhenshearrived,hisarmsfoldedbehindhishead,hisbodycladinfadedjeansandnothingelse.He’dmadenoefforttorollouthersleepingbag.Infact,evenherdirtyclotheshadbeenpackedaway.Thehintwasasclearasabillboardsign.
Growlinglowinherthroat,sherippedoffthetowelanddumpeditonhispack.Then,drivenbyangerandthestubbornwillthathadcreatedthismessinthefirstplace,shewalkedovertostraddlehisfake-sleepingbody.Hiseyessnappedopenasherweightcamedownonhiships,herarmscrossedoverherchest.
Sheglimpsedafuriousmixofrawhungerandpurerageintheblueofhiseyesinthesplitsecondbeforeheproppedhimselfuponhiselbowsandsaid,“What?Riazdoesn’tknowwhathe’sdoinginbed?”inavoiceharshenoughtostrippaint.
“Isthatanoffer?”Itwasasweetquestionassheshiftedtocradlethepowerfuljutofhisarousalbetweenherthighs.Hefelt…Herstomachwentalltightandtwisty,herskinshimmeringwithasudden,blindingheatthathadnothingtodowiththefiretoherleft.
Hisfacewaspurescowlwhenheresponded.“I’mnotlookingtobethefuckingboobyprize,sono,it’snotanoffer.”
Unfoldingherarms,Indigoleaneddowntobraceherselfwithherpalmsflatoneithersideofhishead.Drewfellback,hishandscomingtocloseoverherhips.“Whatareyoudoing?”Grittedoutthroughclenchedteeth.
Thosehands,thosefingers,theyfeltlikebrandsonherskin,burningthroughthefabricoftheteetoimprintherskin.“TryingtofigureoutwhythehellIcameallthiswaytogetabused.”
Hisfingerstightened.“Yeah,whydidyou?”
“MaybebecauseIwantedtodothis.”Shenippedsharplyathisfulllowerlip.“Andthis.”Suckinghisupperlipintohermouth,shereleaseditwithslowpleasure.“Andthis,too.”Pushingherfingersintohisdamphair,sheswepthertongueinsidehismouthinabrazenkissthatheldnothingback.
Agrowlvibratedinhischestanditmadehershiver.“Thatfeltgood,”shesaid,breakingthekisstogaspinabreath.“DoitagainwhenI’mnaked.”
Hishandssliddown,thenbackupherthighstocloseoverherbarebuttocks.“Whatareyoudoing,Indigo?”
Butshestolethequestionwithhermouth,raisingonehandoffthesoftcushionofthesleepingbagtostrokeagainsthischeek.Thestubbleofhisunshavenjawraspedoverherpalm,andshewantedtofeelthatsamesensationonsofter,farmoredelicateskin.Herthighsclenchedaroundhim,andhefeltit,ifhisresponsewasanyindication.
Squeezingthefleshhe’dpalmed,heslidhishandsdowntoherupperthighs,playedhisfingersalongthehighlysensitiveinnerfacesjustenoughtomakehergasp…thenslidhishandsrightbacktowherethey’dbeen.“Tease.”Shebrokethekiss,lookeddownathim.Andsawsomethingthatmadeherburyherfaceinhisneckasshestretchedoutherlegsuntilshelayontopofhim,hishandsstillonherbareflesh,hiserectionrigidbeneathherthigh,hischestrisingandfallinginajaggedrhythm.
Herownbreathingwasn’texactlysteadyeither,butshelickedherlips,triedtotalk.“Thisisn’tagame.”Itcameoutsoft,husky.
ButDrewwasawolf,hisearspredator-sharp.Shifting,herearrangedherwithpossessivehandsuntilshelayonherback,withhimbracedononeelbowaboveher.Hisdamphairwasmessyfromherhands,tumblingoverhisforehead,makinghimappearevenyoungerthanhewas.
Yetthefirelightflickeringoverhiseyestoldadifferentstory.Therewereshadowsthere,echoesofpainandsorrow,lossandhope.He’dlived,thiswolf,foughtandbledforthepack,andshehadnorighttodevaluethatsimplybecauseshehadfouryearsonhim.“Nogames,”shesaidagain,daringtoraiseherhandtostrokehishairoffhisforehead.
“Thenwhat?”heasked,allowingthetouch,continuingtopinherwithonelegthrownoverherown,butstillsocoollydistant,stillnottheDrewsheknew.
Sheranherfingersdownhischeek,alonghisjaw,strokingtheheatedsilkofhisshoulder.Herthighsclenchedinsilent,sensualresponseasthemusclesflexedunderhertouch.“I’mwillingtotry.”
“That’snotgoodenough.”Hardwords,hisjawabrutalline.
Herwolfgrowledatthechallenge.Drewstaredbackinunflinchingdemand.“Iwanttotry,”shesaidwhenherefusedtobreakthedeadlock.“Iwantyou.ButIdon’tknowifmywolfwillacceptwhatitisyouwantfromme.”
Itremaineduncertainaboutamalewhosimplydidnotfitintowhatitconsideredtheacceptableparametersforthemateitwouldtakeasitsown—nomatterhowmuchhecalledtobothwomanandwolf.“Idon’twanttohurtyou.”Whatshedidn’taddwasthatshewasterrifiedhe’dhurther,thathe’dbeunabletoacceptthetruthofwhoshewas.Thatwouldbetraytoobigavulnerability.Butonethingshedidhavetosay.“Idon’twanttomakepromisesImaynotbeabletokeep.”
Liftinghishand,Drewtooktheoneshehadonhisshoulderandpressedakisstoherpalm.Herhearttwistedsharplyinsideherchest,anditmight’vemadeherpanicifhehadn’tshiftedhislegatthatmoment—theroughcaressofdenimacrossherthighsmadeherhissoutabreath.“Drew.”
Nosmile,buthereleasedherhandandplacedhisownonherribsjustbelowthecurveofherbreasts.
“Youletmeworryaboutmyself,”hesaidintothechargedsilence.“Butyouhavetobesure,Indigo.”Sheopenedhermouthtoreply,buthepressedafingertoherlips,silencingher.“IletyouwalkawaywithRiazbecauseIthoughthemadeyouhappy.”
Oh,shethought,evenashecontinuedwithanunfamiliarruthlessnessinhistone,“Iwon’thavethenobilitytowalkawayasecondtimeifyoudecideyoupreferanotherman.I’llfighttothefuckingbitterendandIwon’tcareabouttheconsequences.I’lltakehim,bloodyhimifIhaveto.”
Herwolfflexeditsclawsinsidehermind.“IfIdecideagainstyou,”shesaid,raisingherselfuponherelbowsandtighteningherstomachmusclesagainsttheimpactofhisthighslidingbetweenherlegs,“I’llfightmyownbattles.”She’dcometohimbecauseshe’dfuckedup,butthatdidn’tmeanshewasn’twhoshe’dalwaysbeen.“Idon’tneedanothermantodoitforme.”
“Good.”Hekissedher.
Hot.
Hard.
Exquisite.
“Justsoweunderstandeachother.”Aniptoherlowerlip.Anothertothecurveofherneckandshoulderasheusedhisweighttopressherdownintothesoftnessofthesleepingbag.
Morethanreadytodancewithhim,shewoveherfingersthroughhishair.Buthepulledawayandwascrouchingonhisfeetseveralfeetfromherbeforesheknewhe’dgone.Hiseyesglintednight-glowinthedarkness.“Run.”
Adrenalinepumpedthroughher.Shiftingintothesamepositionoppositehim,sheangledherhead.“Feelingfrisky?”
Hiseyes,gonethatbeautiful,strange,wolfcopper,followedhereveryminutestir.“Run.”
Thetinyhairsonthebackofherneckroseup,butitwasasignofanticipation,notfear.“You’llnevercatchme.”Itwasalazytauntasshefeignedright…thenjumpedoverthefireinaleapnoonebutachangelingwouldevermake.
Sheheardhimgrowlbehindher,butshewasalreadyintheforestanddoingeverythingshecouldtomessupherscenttrail.Shewentthroughashallowportionofthestreamtwice,doubledback,thenretracedherstepsbeforeheadingdownwind.Cheekspulsingwithcolor,herheartthumpinginherchest,shelookedaround.
Silence.
Toomuchsilence.
Hewascloseandtheforestknewit.
Grinning,shemessedupthetrailsomemore,thenfoundherselfahidingplaceontheothersideofthestream—behindabushhungwithtinyredwinterberriesthatweresoinedible,eventhebirdspassedthemby.Lookingoverthetop,shetrackedtheothersideoftheriverusingthewolf’snightvision.
There.
Heflowedoutofthedark,awolfinhumanform.Shesawhimscenttheareaaroundthestreamanddisappearbackthewayhe’dcome.Whatwashedoing?Sheknewhewouldn’thavefallenforthatlittletrick—shewasn’treallytryingtolosehim.Theywereplaying.Thefunwasinthechase.
AndDrewwascunning.
Realizingwhathe’ddone,shespunaroundjustintimetoseehimstreakoutofthetreesbehindher.Herchestfillingwithlaughter,shemanagedtogetontheothersideofthebushashecametocrouchoppositeherandsaid,“Ifoundyou,”inaverywolfishtone.
Shewidenedhereyes,lookingbeyondhim.“Oh,no!”
Protectivenessbuiltintohismakeup,heturnedtocheckonthethreat…andshewasgone,hoppingacrosstherocksthatfordedthestreamandupontheotherside,herwolflaughingallthewhile.
Andrewhadn’thadthismuchfunin…ever.ChasingafterIndigoasshetookoff,helethergetaheadthencircledaroundtowaitinambushbehindasmalltree.Shescentedhim,stopped,butthey’dpassedthroughthisareasomanytimes,shehadnowayofknowingifhewasactuallythereorifitwasonlyhisscentthatlingered.
Hesawherbiteherlowerlipandknewtheinstantshedecidedtogoforit.Snappingherbackagainsthischestasshepaddedpasthishidingspot,henippedattheplaceinherneckthatfascinatedhimandspunherfree.Hewantedtoplaysomemore.
Sheunderstood.
Throwinghimagrinfilledwithpuredelight,shepointedbehindhim.Heturned,givingheraheadstart.Hewaitedalmostfiveminutesbeforebeginningtolookforher.Shewashiding,notrunningthistime.Hecouldn’tfeelthevibrationsofherflightbeneaththepadsofhisfeet,andtheforestcreatureswerechatteringquietlyoncemore,herwillingaccomplicesinofferingacoverofnoise
Prowlingoverthegroundinaswifthalfrunthatwassofluiditwould’veappearedimpossibletohumaneyes,hecaughtahintofsteelintheair,ahintofspringrainstorms…andwasreadywhenshe“attacked.”Spinningwhileshewasinmidjump,hecaughtheragainsthischest,lethertakehimtothepine-needle-strewnearthinatangleoflimbsandhair.Whenshenippedathisjaw,hegrowled,butshelaughedandrepeatedtheprovocation.
Pushingherhairoffherface,hetuggedherdownuntiltheywerenosetonose,theirwolvesstaringintoeachother’seyes.Whenhesnappedhisteethather,shesnappedback.Hissmilespreaduntilitfeltasifitmightcreasehisfaceforever.Theirkisswasaswildastheirchase,asplayfulastheirgame.
Shewrappedherarmsaroundhimanddidn’tprotestwhenherosewithherinhisembrace,unwillingtodothisonthecoldearth,nomatterthatthepineneedlesprovidedathickmattress.Boldandunashamed,shetookhismouthwiththepassionofawomanwhoknewwhatshewanted…andthemanshewanteditwith.Itwasbecomingimpossibletohaveanykindofarationalthought,buthebrokethekiss,putheronherfeetbythefire.“Wait.”
Stretchingherarmsaboveherhead,sheteasedhimwiththepromiseofherbodyashepulledhersleepingbagopen,unzippedit,andlaiditontopofhis.There,hethought,thatwouldbesofteronherback.Shejumpedtocrouchonitevenashefinished,havingusedthediscardedtoweltocleanoffthebottomsofherfeet.Herplayfulmoodstillapparent,shesaid,“You’rewearingtoomanyclothes,”andreachedforthebuttonatthetopofhisfly.CHAPTER23
Hedidn’tstopher,thoughthesight,thetouchofherfingerssoclosetohisachingcockwastorture.Buttonundone,shetuggedhimforward,pushed.Hesprawledbackwardontothesleepingbags,spreadinghislegstogiveherroomasshecametokneelinbetween.Butshedidn’tlowerhiszipper.
No,shebentherhead,and—continuingtoholdthesearingeyecontact—pressedherlipstotheverytopofhisgroin,abarecentimeterabovethepulsingthicknessofhiserection.Groaning,heclenchedhishandinherhairandtuggedherup.Shecame…togivehimabone-tinglingkiss.
“I’mnottheonlyonewho’soverdressed,”hesaidagainstherlips.
“Howremissofme.”HersmilewasfullofpuresensualtemptationasshereacheddownandpulledtheT-shirthe’dgivenher—theT-shirtthathadcoveredherinhisscent—offoverthetopofherhead.
Hismouthdriedup,hisbraincellsscrambledlikesomuchspaghetti.
DearGodbutshewasstunning,herbreastslushagainstthetonedandsleeklymuscularbuildofawomanwhowasaSnowDancerlieutenant.Herskinwaslightlytanned,hernipplesdarker,theplaneofherabdomenhavingtheslightestcurvethathehadeveryintentionoflavingwithhistonguebeforemovinglowertonuzzlethosedarkcurlsthathidthemoist,earthyscentofherdesire.He’dpartherdelicatefoldsandstrokeandlickandpetuntilshescreamedhisname.
Ashewatched,entranced,sheshiftedbacktoherpositionbetweenhiskneesandbegantotugatthetabofhiszipper.Hesuckedinabreath,suckedinhisabdomen,andhopedhewouldn’tfuckingembarrasshimself.Lightsflashedbehindhisclosedeyelidsashiserectionsprangmercifullyfree,andhefeltmorethanheardIndigourgehimtoliftuphisbodysoshecouldtugoffhisjeans.
Openinghiseyes,heobeyed,andthejeanswentflyingsomewheretotheside.Indigoputherhandsonhisthighs,hergazeonhiserection.“Iwantto…”shebegan,buthereacheddownandpulledherup.
ThedampheatofherstrokedoverhisabdomenandhehadtogrithisteethtokeepfromblowingliketheFourthofJuly.“Igettotasteyoufirst.”Hesqueezedherhips.“ThenIgettodoitagain.”
Shewasstraddlinghim,herkneesoneithersideofhischest.Whenheurgedherhigher,hereyeswenthuge.“Likethis?”
Achucklebrokeitswaythroughthesensualhaze.“Don’ttellmeI’veshockedtheunshockablelieutenant.”
“Ishould’veexpectedyou’dknowallsortsofdebauchedthings.”Butsheobeyedhimandshiftedup…untilallhehadtodowasholdherinplacewithhisgriponherthighs,drawinthedarkheatofherpassion,andlapatwhathe’dbeenachingtotaste.
Indigo’sspinearchedatthefirsttouch,andsherealizedthedamnwolfhadherinasteelygrip,wouldnotallowhertowriggleaway.Thepleasurewasexcruciating.Herclawsslicedoutofherskin.Shefoughttopullthembackin,failed.
“Nomore.”She’dbeenhungrytoolong,anditonlytookafewwickedcaressestohaveherbodyridinganear-painfuledge.“Drew.”
Heletherescapewithonefinallick.Hiseyeswerepurewolf.“Nexttime,”hesaidinavoicegonehuskyanddeepandinnowayhuman,“you’regoingtoliestilluntilI’vefinishedtastingyou.”
Agrowlrumbledinthebackofherthroat.“AmI?”
“Fair’sfair.”
Herwolfdidn’tunderstandhislogic,itsmindtootornwiththehungerforthemostintimate,mostluscious,ofskinprivileges.“What?”Slidingdownhisbody,shebrushedherselfagainstthevelvetsteelofhisarousal.
Drew’sabdomenwastautasrockunderherpalms,hiscockevenmorerigid.“Because,”hesaidinthatgravelly,inhumanvoice,“I’llliehereandletyoudowhateveryouwant,too.”
Herwolffroze,lookedathim,lickeditslips.Bigandgorgeousanddangerouslyaroused,hemadeherwantto…Thewordswouldn’tcome,herbodytoohot,tooneedy.Endingtheteasingplayofherbodyagainsthis,shesaid,“Now.”
Hishandstightenedonherhips,andthenhewasflippinghersoshelaybeneathhim,herlegsspreadwidetoaccommodatehisbigger,heavierbody.Hisskinshimmeredwithperspiration,andthetensioninhismuscleshadturnedthemtosteel.Butthoughhenudgedatherwiththebluntheadofhiserection,theshaftpushingeagerlyattheentrancetoherbody,hestoppedlongenoughtogiveherawet,openmouthedkissthatwasalllicksandlittlebites,tenderandaffectionateandsexyallatonce.
Andthen,asherbodyarchedup,hethrustintoherinasinglehardpush.
Herscreamfellintohismouth,herfingersclenchingonhisbiceps.
Neitherofthemmovedforthenextfewseconds.Shecouldfeelhisheartpoundingbeneathherpalms,anditechoedthefranticpaceofherown.Realizingherclawswereoutjustatinybit,justenoughtobloodhiminthethroesofpassion,shewenttopullthemback.
Hebitherlowerjaw.“Ilikeit.”
Takinghimathisword,shescratchedlightlyathimasshetriedtogetusedtothefeelofhiminsideher.Hardandthickanddeliciouslylong,hestretchedhertothelimit,buttheyfit.Oh,theyfitvery,verynicely.“Guess,”shemanagedtogaspoutafterseveralseconds,“therumorsweren’texaggerations.”
Hedidn’tanswer,hisentirebodytremblingwiththeeffortitwasobviouslytakingforhimnottopoundherintotheearth.
“Drew,”shewhispered,nippingathisear,“I’mnotfragile.”
Wolf-coppereyesmethers,nothingofhumanityinthem.“No,you’remine.”Grippingherhipwithonehand,hebracedhimselfoverherwiththeother,andthenherodeher.
Therewas,Indigothoughtashersensesexploded,nootherwordforit.Itwasn’tanykindofsophisticatedmating—itwasrawandhardandprimal,thepowerofDrew’sthrustssendingshockwavesthroughherentirebody.She’dhavebeenshovedoffthesleepingbagsmorethanonceifhisgriphadn’tpinnedhertotheearth,ifshehadn’tlockedherlegsaroundhimandgivenintotheheatandstrengthanddrivingsexualhungerofhim.She’dneverhadaloverasabandonedinherlife,andshelovedit.Adoredit.
Adoredhim.
Clawingathisback,sheliftedherhipstomeethisstrokes,buthisrhythmwastoofast,tooaggressive,andherbodywasalreadytighteningintoanexplosivebow.Itdidn’tmatter—itwasimpossibletohaltthemovementsofherhipsnow,herfleshclaimingandreleasinghisinanabandonedsexualrhythmthatdrovehimimpossiblydeeper.Somewhereinbetween,sherealizedthefingersofhisfreehandwerelockedwithhersasitlaypalmupbesideherhead.
Thetensionbuiltinsideher.Tighter.Hotter.Agonizing.“Drew!”Itwasascreamasthepressurereachedboilingpointandexploded.
HerlastthoughtwasthatDrew,too,hadfinallyletgo.
Sherousedsometimelatertofindthathe’dflippedthemagain,sothatshelaysprawledonhischest.Herrighthandremainedentangledwithhis,whileherlefthandwascurvedaroundthebackofhisneck.She’dhookedonelegoverhiship;theotherlaystretchedoveronemuscularmaleleg,thehairsonhisskindeliciouslyabrasiveagainsthersensitizedflesh
Hisownhandstrokedupanddownherback,alittlerough,allperfect.“Wakeup,Indy.”
“Mmm.”Shiftingafraction,shefelthisrenewederectionagainsttheskinofherinnerthigh.“Evenchangelingscan’trecoverthatfast.”Herheartwasstillpumpingfromtheecstasyofthefirstride.Shewasfairlysurethestarsdancinginhervisionhadnothingtodowiththeonesinthesky.
Heturnedherontoherback,oneofhisarmscushioningherhead.“See,”hesaid,“thisiswhatyougetforchoosingayoungerlover.”Thatcocky,teasinglightwasbackinhiseyes.
Shehadn’trealizedhowmuchshe’dmissedit,missedhim.
Swingingherlegbackoverhiship,shepulledhimdownuntilhewasbracedonhiselbowsaboveher.“IsthiswhereIhavetoliestill?”
“Yes.”Hepushedupherotherlegsoitwasbentattheknee…andslidintoherinabluntthrust.
Herspinearchedoffthesleepingbag.“Drew!”
Freezing,hebrushedherhairoffherface.“Youweren’tready?”
Sheheardthenakedconcern,sawthewolfflickerinhiseyes.Strokingherarmsaroundhischest,shenippedathisjaw.“Oh,Iwasready—butalittlewarningmightbenice.”
Aslowsmilespreadacrosshisface,thewolfcontinuingtoglowinhiseyes,butamusednowinthemostsensualofways.“No,Idon’tthinkso.”Takinghermouthbeforeshecouldsnapathimforthatadorablyarrogantstatement,hebegantomoveinher.
She’denjoyedthehelloutoftheirfirstride,expectedhard,roughstrokesagain;hewasayoung(younger!)maleandfinessewasn’texactlyastrongpointatthatage.ExceptthiswasDrew—unpredictable,wildDrew.Hisstrokeswerelongandslowanddeepthistime,andherclawswerediggingintohisshouldersbythefourth,herbodyundulatingbeneathhis.
Heclosedhisteethoverherlowerlipinplayfulreprimand.“You’renotlyingstill.”Onehandcuppedherbreast,fingerstuggingatthetautpeakofhernipple.
Inhalingagaspingbreath,sheopenedhereyestofirearetort…andsawthewolflookingdownather.“Hello,”shewhispered.
Hisanswerwastokissher,histonguepushinginsidehermouthinaudaciousdemand,hisbodystrongandbeautifulaboveherashedroveherstrokebyslowstroketoanothershimmeringpeak.Thistime,sheheldhimasheshattered,hisbodygoingtautaboveher.
Whenhecollapsedontopofher,shenuzzledhimclose,onelegwrappedaroundhim,theotherraisedatthekneebyhisside.Itfeltsinfullyluxurioustolieheresovery,verysatedwithamanwhomadeherbodysing…andwhoapparently,shethought,lickinghertongueoverafewoftheclawmarksonhisshoulders,hadnotroublewiththefactthatshegotmorethanalittlewildduringsex.
Tobehonest—hergrinwaswideandbright—itwouldbeprettymuchimpossibletobetoowildwithaloverasunrestrainedandasenthusiasticasDrew.Rubbinghercheekagainstthesideofhishead,sheranherfingersthroughhishair,massaginghisnape.
Stirringalittle,herelaxedevenmoreheavilyontopofher.
Andwiththatmuchmuscle,hewasheavy.Butshewasn’tmadeofglass—andtherewassomethingtobesaidforbeingcoveredbythehotblanketofasatedmalewolf.Smilecurvinghermouth,shetuggedthetopofthesleepingbagoverhimsohewouldn’tfreeze,andthenshecontinuedtopethim,thiswolfwho’dmadeeveryoneofherpreconceptionscomecrashingdownaroundherankles
Now…nowthey’dseewhatthefutureheld.
Theychangedpositionswhenhemutteredhewas“squashingher”andmovedtotuckherbyhisside,onehandspreadacrossherabdomen.Curlingherbodyintohis,shewenttosleep,wellpleasured,warm,andcertaintheareawassafe.Herwolfwasn’treadytogiveupfullprotectionofherbody,herself,tohim—mightneverbereadytogivethatuptoanyman—butitwascontentenoughwithhisskillandstrengthtocloseitseyesandletsleepsweepthembothunder.
Shewoketofindhernosesnuggledintothecrookofamaleshoulder.Therewasnodisorientation,nomomentofwonderingwhohewas—hisscentwastoofamiliar,toowelcome.Allowingherselfanuncharacteristicmomentoflaziness,shestrokedherhanddownhischest.Hewasasleep,hisarmslockedaroundher—nodoubtaboutit,itwasapossessivehold.Shewasn’tquitesurehowshefeltaboutthat,butbeingwithadominantpredatorychangelingmalerequiredsomeadjustments.
Adjustments.
Shethoughtofheraunt,Adria,thought,too,oftheadjustmentsAdriamadedaily,andfelthermusclesbegintolock.No,shewhisperedinsidehermind,no.Hawkewasright—shewasn’tAdria.She’dkickDrew’sassoutthedoortheinstanthepulledshitlikeMartinpulledwithAdria.
Notthatshecouldimaginethatkindofpassive-aggressivebehaviorfromDrew.Forallhissneakiness,hewasn’tsubtleenoughforthattypeofhostility,shethoughtwithopenaffection.No,hewasmorelikelytoyellather,andifthatdidn’twork—nowthattheywereintimate—striphernakedandtrytowinbydrowningherinpleasure.Thosekindsofdominancegames,sheunderstoodandwelcomed.
Cheeredupbytherealization,shepressedakisstothepartofhimclosesttohermouth.Hestirredbutdidn’trouse.Droppinganotherkissonhisskin,shepushedgentlyathim.Hemadearumblingsoundinhischest,thevibrationscausinghernipplestotingle,pressedastheywereagainsthismuscularform,buthedidn’tletgo.Shebithimonthejaw.“Ineedtogetup.”Whenhestilldidn’tmove,shepushedharder.
Grumbling,heloosenedhisholdenoughthatshewasabletowigglefree.Heimmediatelysprawledoverthespaceshe’dvacated,hisfaceonitsside,hairallrumpled.Shecouldn’thelpit.Shereachedoverandnuzzledakissintothewarmcurveofhisneck.Anothergrumble.“Notamorningperson,”shesaid,nippingprovokinglyathisear—thatgotherasleepysnarl.“Ineverknewthat.”Itwasahalf-wonderingstatement.She’dthoughtshe’dknowneverythingabouthim,butshehadn’tknownthis.
Startled,shekissedhimonemoretimebeforetryingtofindaT-shirt.Shefinallylocatedtheoneshe’dbeenwearingthenightbeforehangingoverthelimbofatreebranch.Howithadgottenthatfarup,shehadnoidea.Standingontiptoe,she’djustsnaggeditwhensheheardanappreciativewolfwhistle.CHAPTER24
Smiling,shepulledontheT-shirtandglancedoverhershoulder.Adrowsy-eyedmale—adefinitewolf—watchedherwithobvioussensualintent.“Indy.”Itwasaninvitation.
Itwasvery,verytemptingtogotohim.Sotemptingthatitmadeherwolfbackoffinsuddenwariness.“Givemeasecond.”Headingintotheforest,shewalkeddowntothestreamtothrowsomewateronherface,herfingerstremblingasshethrustthemthroughherhair.This,withDrew,itfitnoneoftheparametersofwhatsheknew.Forawomanasusedtoexercisingcontroloverallaspectsofherlifeasshewas,it—
“Iknewyou’dbeheredoingthis.”Ahandclosingoverthebackofherneck,akissdroppedonherpartedlipsbeforeDrewbentdowntothrowsomewaterontohisownface.
Dressedonlyinapairofkhakicargopants,helookedoh-so-touchable.
“Doingwhat?”Risingtoherfeet,shecurledherfingersintoherpalms.ThisinexorablesensualpullshefelttowardDrew,itunsettledher—morethanunsettledher,ifshewashonest.Shewasusedtoholdingthereinsinherdealingswiththeoppositesex.
Shakinghisheadinawaythatwasdistinctlywolfish,hecurvedonehandaroundhercalf,lookingupwiththosewonderful,changeableeyes.“Worryingaboutallthethingsthatcouldgowrong.Enjoythemoment,Indy.Enjoywhatweare—”
“IfyouthinkIcandothat,”shesaidwithawrysmile,someofhertensiondissipating,“youdon’tknowme.”
Hesqueezedherleg.“Yeah,that’swhyIdecidedtohaulmyselfawakeatthisungodlyhourandcomerescueyou.”
“It’satleastacoupleofhourspastdawn.”Theforestwasawashinthechatterofbirds,theskyapaleazurewithshimmeringundertonesofgoldandpinkthatpresagedabrilliantday.
Drewmadeaface,eyesontheplayofsunlightdapplingthewater.“Acoupleofhourspastdawn?Areyouinsane?Nooniswhenrationalpeoplewakeup.”
Laughing,sheleanedlightlyagainsthimashemovedhishandoverherleginalazycaress.“Howdoyoufunctionwhenyou’reonnightwatchortheearlyshift?”
“Ifunctionfine.Ijustprefertolieinbedifatallpossible.”
“Yousureyou’reawolf?”sheteased.“Yousoundlikeabigolelazycattome.”
Hegrumbledlowinhisthroat.“I’dthrowyouinthepoolforthat,butI’mfeelingtoomellowafterthewayyouworkedmeoverlastnight.”
“You’renottheonewithbruisesonyourback.”
Anunrepentantsmile.“Youdon’thaveany—Icheckedalready.”Risingwhenshemadeasiftopushhimintothewater,heslidhishandsunderherteetocuphernakedbottom.“Hey,Indy?”
Surprisedbyhisoddlysolemntone,shelookedup.“Whatisit?”
“Howcomeyou’reavoidingtouchingme?”
Sheglanceddownatherhandstoseethatshe’dclenchedthemintofistsagain.Groaning,shepressedherforeheadagainsthischest.“I’msorry.”Hedidn’tdeservethis.
Akissonhertemple,stronghandspettingtheglobesthey’dpalmed.“Haveyouhadenoughafteronlyonenight?”
Shealmostfellforthatmournfulvoice—butthefiend’seyesweredancingwhenshelookedup.“Veryfunny.”
Hesqueezedthefleshhe’dbeenstroking.“Freak-out,huh?Itoldyou,Ikindaexpectedit.”
Wrappingherarmsaroundhim,shenodded.“I’mnotusedtobeingthis…”Closetoaddiction.
Hedippedhishead,methergaze.“DoesithelpifItellyouI’malreadyajunkie?AndthatIintendtoindulgeasmuchaspossible—andthendoitsomemore?Icantieyoutothebedifyoulike,soyoucan’ttouch.”
Herwolfswipedapawathimattheoutrageousteasing.“Ithinkit’syouwhoneedstobetiedup,”shemuttereddarkly,buthiscompleteeasewiththehungerbetweenthemdidgoalongwaytowardmakinghermorecomfortablewiththedepthofherownneed.“Comehere.”
“Forwhat?”heasked,suspicionineverysyllable.
Herwolflaughed.“Foragood-morningkiss—I’vedecidedtoletyoulive.”
Hiseyesgleamed.“Excellentidea.”He’dsliddowntohiskneesandpulledhersextothevoraciousdemandofhismouthbeforeshecoulddomorethangaspinabreath.Clenchingherhandinhishair,shewenttopullhimbackup…butthenhedidsomethingwithhistonguethatmadehertoescurl,andshefoundherselfspreadingherlegstogivehimbetteraccess.
Apleasedrumbleagainsther,followedbypleasureuponpleasure.
Later,afterhe’dteasedhertothepointthatshe’dbeendriventothreatsofmurder,theytookadipandate.
“Sincewe’rebothupatthisridiculoushouranyway,”Drewgrumbledafterward,“doyouwanttohikeuptoWolfPoint?”
WolfPoint,sonamedbythefirstwolveswho’dsettledinthisregion,offeredabreathtakingviewacrossthelakesthatdottedthearea.Onadaylikethis,theskyuptherewouldbeanexcruciatingblue,thesun’sraysbrightandharsh.Herskintingledinsensorypleasure.“Yes,let’s.”
“Takeourpackssowecancampupthere?”
Athernod,hebegantorollupthesleepingbagswhilesheturnedoffandpackedthelaz-fire.“Weshouldgobacktothedentomorrow,”shesaidastheyfinished.
“Yeah.”Drew’sgazewasserious.“WeleftHawkeshort-handed.Youthinkweshouldheadbacknow?”
Mentallyreviewingwhowasinthedenandabletofillin,sheshookherhead.“Ihavemycell—he’dhavecalledifheneededus.”ShewantedmoretimetoexplorethisunexpectedbondbetweenherandDrew.Becausethere’dbenohidingitwhentheyreturnedtotheden,notwiththeintimaciesthey’dshared—andwouldcontinuetoshare.Wolfnoseswouldsniffitoutinaboutonesecondflat.
“Doyouwanttohideit?”Drewaskedwithoutwarning.
Hearingtheabsoluteneutralityofhisvoice,herspinewentstiff.“What?”
“This.Us.”
Itstartledherthathe’dguessedthedirectionofherthoughts,butheranswerwasimmediate.“No.”Shewasunsureandconfused,butshewasnocoward—notnowthatshe’dmadethedecisiontodancewithhim.More,shewasproudofthemaleshe’dchosen.Whateverhappened,hewashers,andotherwomenwoulddowelltokeeptheirpawsoffhim.“I’llgiveyouonephonecalltowarnyourharemyou’renowoff-limits.”
Asurprisedexpression…thatseguedintopleasedarrogance.“Noone’lldarecomenearmenowthatyou’vemadeaclaim.”Apause.“You’reworriedaboutthenoseyparkers?”
“Maybethey’llhaveworkeditoutoftheirsystemwithRileyandMercy,”shesaidinaburstofhope.“We’retwowolves—nobigdeal.”
Drewsnorted,leaningovertopatherasswithcasualproprietariness.“You’resocutewhenyou’redeludingyourself.”Easilydodgingherrespondingpunchonthearm,hegrabbedherpackandhandedittoher.“They’llhaveafieldday—thelieutenantwhocandropamaninhistrackswithnothingbuttheiceinhergaze,and…Drew?”Hemadeaconfused,disbelievingface.
Snorting,Indigoputherarmsthroughthestrapsofherpack.“I’veknownyouforever,andIstilldon’tunderstandthatthingyoudo.”
Aquestioninglookashewenttopickuphisownpack.
“Makingpeoplethinkyou’reharmless.”Sheclickedthesupportstrapsacrossherhips.“Youdidn’tanswermyquestion,Mr.Harmless.”
“It’sagift.”Packon,hewalkedovertoclickthesecondsupportstrapabovetheUCBerkeleyemblemonhersweatshirtasshedidthesameforhim.
“Thanks,Indy.”Acasualcomment,butrightthen,theblueofhiseyeshitherintheheart.
Hecouldhurther.Reallyhurther.Andthey’dbarelytakenthefirststepintothisunexpectedrelationship.“You’rewelcome,”shesaid,fightingthewolf’swarinesswiththememoryofhowhe’dteasedherearlierbythestream.
Takingcareofher.
Herwolffrozeattherealization,andshehadtoconsciouslykickherselfintogearasDrewturnedtoleadthewayoutofcamp.She’dneverhaveallowedhimtocareforherifhe’dtriedtodoitstraightout,butshe’dbeenfooledbyhisplayfulnessintomissingtheprotectivedrivebeneath.
You’dthinkshe’dknowbetterbynow,shethoughtwithaninwardshakeofherhead,buthecontinuedtosurpriseherwiththatquicksilvermind.Ifshewasbeinghonest,hiskeenintelligencewasoneofthemostattractivethingsabouthim—evenifitdidmeanhehadawayofcatchingheroffguard.Thethoughtmadeherfrown,considersomethingelse.“Drew?”
Whenhelookedover,shesaid,“Isitbecauseyou’rethepack’stracker?Thatyoumakesuchanefforttoappearharmless?”Itwasaquestionshe’dneverthoughttoaskbefore—becausehewassoverygoodatmakingpeopleforgetwhathewas.
Drew’shandtangledwithherown,hisexpressionsolemn.“Ididn’treallythinkaboutitconsciouslywhenIwasgrowingup,”hesaid,“butasanadult,yeah,that’spartofit.I’mwolf—Ineedtobeafullpartofthepack.”
And,sheunderstood,hecouldn’tbethatifeveryonewasafraidofhim.
Nodding,sheletitgoatthat—thisrelationshipwastoonewtopushhimtosharesuchanintenselyprivateaspectofhimself.ButDrewsqueezedherhand.“It’sokay,Indy.Idon’tmindtalkingaboutit.HawkeandRileymakemedoitonaregularbasis.”
“Theydo?”Sheblinked.
“Uh-huh.”Agrin.“IthinktheywanttomakesureI’mnotgoingtocrackunderthepressure.”
Itwasthen,lookingintothoseamusedeyes,thatsherealizedtheincredibledepthofstrengthinsidehim.“Itmustbebeyondhardtoknowthatyoucouldbecalledupontotrackandexecuteapackmateatanytime.”
Hedidn’tdenyit.“Thethingis,Iwasbornwiththisuncannyabilitytotrackmypackmates,betterthanevenHawke’s—soitwasobviouswhatroleIwasmeanttoplayinthepack.Ihadtoeitherlearntodealwithitor,onceIwasoldenoughtounderstand,giveoverthemantlesosomeoneelsecouldbetrained.”
Thoughshehadn’tunderstooduntiltodaywhyhecultivatedthatairofirresponsibility,she’dknownhimfartoolongnottohaveseenbeneaththesurfaceyearsago—andtothewolfwhowasoneofthemosttrustedinthepack.“Younevereventhoughtaboutgivingitup,didyou?”
“Whenwolvesgorogue”—quietwords,powerfulwords—“theydothingsthey’dneverhavecountenancedhadtheybeenthinking.Theyattempttohunt,toslaughtertheirpackmates,childrenincluded.Ifthathappenedtome,I’dwantsomeonelikemeonmytrail,someonewhocouldfindmebeforeIdidharm,andoffermercy.”
Emotionaknotinherthroat,Indigostoppedandreacheduptocuphischeek.Herubbedagainstit.“Don’tlookthatway,Indy.”Fingersonhertemple,tuggingataflyawaystrandofherhair.“SnowDancerisastrong,coherentpack.YouknowthatwhileI’vetrackedalotofpeople,I’veonlyhadtoexecuteonewolfonceIfoundhim—andIdon’tthinkhewould’vejudgedmeforit.”
“Hewasold,”Indigosaid,rememberingthesorrowinthedenattheelder’spassing.“Hehadadiseaseofthemindthatsomehowevadedthehealthchecks.”Buthe’dlivedalongandhappylifebeforethat,beenagreat-grandfatherthreetimesover.“No,hewouldn’thavewantedtoharmthosehe’dspenthislifeprotecting.”
Drewtuggedatherhand,histouchwarmandsolid.“Comeon.”
Astheywalkedhandinhand,sheconsideredthetitanicshiftthathadjustoccurredinsideherwhenitcametothisman.Alwaysbefore,she’dsimplynotunderstoodalargepartofwhatmadehimwhohewas—butnowsheknew…nowherwolfknew.
Aglimpseofcolor,womanandwolfbothstillinginwonder.
“Lookup,”shesaidtoDrew,“very,veryslowly.”
Whenheobeyed,shesaid,“Toyourleftalittle.Doyouseeit?”
Along,slowexhalewasheranswer.“Beautiful.”
Theblue-graybirdsatproudandimperiousonasnow-dustedbranch,itsclawsprovidingafirmgrip.“Northerngoshawk?”
Drewhummedinagreement.“Hastheeyebrowstripe,taillookstobetherightsize—wouldlovetoseethatbeautyflythroughthetrees.”
Astheywatched,thebirdangleditsheadtotellherandDrewitsawthem,butthattheywerebeneathitsnotice.Laughingsoftly,shewasstartledwhenDrewbroughttheirclaspedhandstohismouth,droppedakissonherknuckles.
Itwasanaffectionateact,apossessiveone,too.Herwolfconsidereditalongsideallelseshe’dgleanedabouthisnature.“Don’tthinkI’mnotnoticingallyour‘mine’gestures,”shesaidtoseewhathe’ddo.
Hislipswereonhersaninstantlater,hisfreehandcuppinghercheekashemadeathoroughexplorationofhermouth.“Thatwasone,too.”
Herlipstwitched.Jerkingupahandbeforehecouldavoidit,sheslashedaverycarefullineonhischeekbone.Hiswolfflaredinhiseyesinablazeofwildcopperbeforethehumansmiled,touchedthesmallhurt.“It’llhealbeforewereturntotheden.”Acomplaint.
“No,itwon’t.”Shealmostcouldn’tbelieveshe’ddonethat,markedhimsoopenly—there’dbenoendofribbingfromherpackmatesnow.“Andifitdoes,I’msurealltheclawmarksonyourbackwilldothejob.”Predatorychangelingmenwereterribleexhibitionistswhenitcametoflauntingtheirclaimoverawoman.
Satisfiedbythat,Drewmovedbackandtheycontinuedontheirtrek.“Look,”hemurmuredalmosthalfanhourlater,pointingoutadelicatewhiteblossomwhereitpeekedoutfrombetweentworocks.
Shewasabouttodrawhisattentiontoafossilizedshellinoneoftheslabsofrockwhenhefrozetopredatorstillness.Indigowentquietwithhim,tiltingupherchininasilentquestionmark.
Eyesgonewolf-coppercrashedintohersashemouthed,“Psy.”CHAPTER25
Indigoletherownwolfrisetothesurface,hersensesexpanding.Amomentlater,shecaughtit,thefaintestwhisperofscent,bornetothemoncoolmountainaircurrents.TouchingDrew’ship,shecaughthisattentionandtuggedonthestrapsofherpack.
Henodded,andtheyhelpedeachotherremovetheirpacksinsilence.Stowingtheminthehidingspotcreatedbythegnarledrootsofanancienttree,theystripped;theirwolveswouldbequieter,thepadsoftheirfeetmadeforthesnowandleaf-strewnterrainoftherockyground.
HereyecaughtbytheflexingmuscleofDrew’sbackashepulledoffhisclothing,shegaveherselfafleetingsecondtodrinkinthesight.Hewasherlover,shethought,herclawsbeginningtoslideoutofherskinasshegaveintotheshift—shehadtherighttowatchhim.Andiftherewasalittlepossessivenessmixedinwithhervisualstroking…well,he’dchosenher.Nowhe’dhavetodeal.
Itwasherlastthoughtbeforetheshifttookover.
Bone-deeppleasuresplicedwithelectricpainasherbodyturnedintoathousandsparksoflightbeforere-formingintoanewshapethatwaslowertotheground,thewolf’ssenseofsmellsoclear,socrisp,shecouldalmostseethesignsofthePsytrespassersasglitteringmetallicstrandsintheair.
Comingtoherfeet,shefoundthatDrew,too,hadcompletedhisshift.Hewasbiggerthanher,butnolessgraceful,hisearsprickedtocatchtheslightestsound.Nudgingatherwithhisshoulder,hebegantopadtowardtheirprey.Theywentatalighttrotuntiltheywerealmostontopofthescent,andthen,withoutspeaking,theysplittocirclearoundthetarget.
Indigocreptuptothespotonherbelly,notwantingtoalertthePsymaleatthecenterofthesmallclearing.SheglimpsedDrew’ssilverfurappearbetweenthedarktrunksontheotherside,butknewtheirtargethadnoideahe’dbeenflanked.Hewasintentonwhateveritwashewasdoingtotheearthathisfeet.
Asshewatched,hedustedoffhishandsandrose—asifhewaswaiting.
GiventhatSnowDancersecuritywould’vedetectedanyunauthorizedairborneorgroundvehicle,thatcouldonlymeanhe’dtelepathedforatelekineticpickup.TheyhadmaybeasecondortwototakethismandownbeforetheTkarrived…butIndigodecidedagainstit.
AlittlewormofworrywriggledintohermindasshewonderedifDrewwouldfollowherleadorgoinhimself.Inanyotheroperation,thatwouldn’thavebeenaquestion—asthemostseniormemberofthepackinthearea,shehadautomaticauthority.Butmen—eventhemostintelligent—sometimeshadawayofseeingthingsdifferentlyaftertheysleptwithawoman.
Evenasthethoughtpassedthroughherhead,theTkappearedinthecircle.Thirtysecondsafterthat,bothPsyweregone,thatgratingmetallicscenttheonlysignoftheirrecentpresence.
Thirtyseconds.ShemadeamentalnotetocheckwithJudd,buttoher,thatindicatedtheTkhadbeenoneofthelesspowerfulones.Juddhimselfonlyneededtoconcentrateforacoupleofsecondsbeforeteleporting,whilehe’dtoldherthatthemostpowerfultookliterallynotimeatall.
WaitingafulltenminutestoensurethePsydidn’tintendtoreturn,IndigoglidedoutofherhidingspotasDrewappearedoutofhis.Hestayedinwolfformassheshifted;he’dbemorelethalthatwayshouldthePsyreappearwithoutwarning.Releasingherclaws,IndigobegantoscrapeawaythedirtontopofwhateveritwasthePsyoperativehadburied.Herhandtouchedmetalaboutthirtycentimetersdown.
Hersensesdidn’talerthertoanyexplosives,butshewavedDrewforward.“Doyouscentanythingdangerous?”Hecame,hispawssilentontheleaf-strewnground.Waitinguntilheshookhishead,shereachedinandkeptdigginguntiltheearthwaslooseenoughtoallowhertoseemostofit.“ItlooksidenticaltothatmetalballSilviafound.”Exceptthisonewasclearlystillinonepiece.Gleamingsteelonceshebrushedoffthedirt,itappearedinertexceptforaredlightblinkingatthetop.
Scentornoscent,instincttoldherthisaugureddanger,butshewasnotech.“Idon’tthinkweshouldmoveituntilweknowwhatitis.”
Drew,havingcometostandbyhershoulder,growledinagreement.Then,paddingaroundtotakeapositionoppositeher,heshifted.Itamazedhertowatchhimdissolveinashimmerofmulticoloredsparksbeforere-formingintothemuscledhumanmalesheknewsowell.“Weneedatechtodoafullevaluation.”
Indigopushedthedirtbackintothehole.“Justincasetheycomebacktocheck.”
“Goodidea.”DrewpatteditdownasthePsyoperativehaddone,hidingallevidenceofinterference.
“I’llgogetmycell.”Butwhenshedid,shefoundshehadnosignaleitheratthespotwherethey’dstashedthepacksorattheclearingitself.“Damn,thestormmust’vedamagedthecelltransmitteruphere.I’llhavetoruntolowerground.”Thephonehadworkedfineatthecampsite.
“Idon’tthinkthere’sanyhugeurgency,”Drewsaid.“They’dhavehadnoneedtohidetheobjectifitwasmeanttodosomethingsoon.”
Indigoagreed.“Thenoneofusmightaswellheadallthewaybacktotheden.It’llbeeasiertoleadthetechsupherethantrytodirectthemtothespot.”
“You’refaster,”hesaid.“Youdotherun.I’llshiftandstayinthetrees.”
Stashingthephoneinthehollowofafallentree,Indigoshifted.Drewwaiteduntilshewasinwolfformbeforestrokinghishanddownherbackinalong,slowcaress.“Becareful.”Apause.“Youbelongtomenow.”
Hewaspushing.That’swhatpredatorychangelingmendid—anditwassomethingshecouldhandle.Bitinglightlyathisarminmockreproof,shestreakedoutfromunderhistouch,hisfingerstrailingwarmandheavythroughherfur.
ItwasonlywhenshewasalmosthalfwaydownthatsherealizedDrewhadn’tevenhesitatedbeforestatingthatshewasthefasterrunner.Inspiteofthefactthathe’dfollowedherleadearlier,partofherhadstillbeenexpectingsomestupidmaleact,butagain,he’dsurprisedh—
Sheyipped,havingalmostmissedajump.
Takingthatasasign,shepushedallhumanthoughtoutofhermindandletherwolftakeover.Thedenappearedoutoftheforestjustasshewasstartingtotirefromtheintensityoftherun,awelcomesight.Inside,shefollowedHawke’sscenttohisquartersintheareasetasideforunmatedsoldiers.Asalpha,hecould’vecommandedafarbiggerspace,buthehadaroomalmostidenticaltoDrew’s.Thesoledifferencewasthathehadanother,slightlybigger,connectedroom—withanattachedgalley—wherehecouldholdprivate,relaxedmeetingswiththeseniormembersofthepack.
Scrapingherpawonhisdoor,shewaitedforhimtoopenit.Hedidsoalmostatonce.“Indigo,”hesaid,histonesharp.“I’llgetyouaT-shirt.”
Shenodded,grateful.Nuditywithheralphawasnobigdeal,butshe’djustcomefromDrew’sarms—somethingHawkehadobviouslyscented—anditwouldfeeloddtobenakedinfrontofanothermanwhenthingsbetweenherandDrewweresonew,sofragile.Movingbehindoneofthearmchairsinthefrontroom,sheshifted.
Hawkethrewalargeplainblackteetoherontheheelsoftheshiftandshepulleditoverherheadassherosetoherfeet.“We’vegotasituation,”shesaidandlaidoutthefacts.“Brenna’sworkedwithPsytechnology.Shemightbeabletofigurethisthingout.”
Hawkegaveanimmediatenod.“Dorian’shere.HebroughtupsomethinghismatewantedBrentolookat.”
Ayearago,Indigowould’vebeenstunnedattheideaofbringingaleopardintopackbusiness,butnowtheleopardswere,inasense,Pack.Herwolfcontinuedtofindthatodd,butevenitacceptedthatthecatshadproventheirmettle,earnedSnowDancer’strust.“Great,”shesaid,knowingthatthoughtheDarkRiversentinelwasanarchitectbytrade,hehadbothakeeninterestinandexperiencewithcomplexcomputronicsystems.“Thetwoofthemtogethershouldbeabletofigureoutwhatitis—andtheycanropeinAshaya”—Dorian’smate—“ifnecessary.”
Hawkewasalreadymakingthecalls.Whilehedidso,shewentintothewell-stockedgalleyandmadeherselfahugesandwichtooffsetthecaloriesusedupduringherhigh-speedrun.ShewaschewingthefinalbitewhenHawkewalkedin.“DorianandBrennawillmeetyououtfrontinfive.They’llhavetocomeupinhumanform—withequipmenttotesttheobject.”
“Ifigured.”Shegulpeddownaglassofmilkfortifiedwithaproteinmix,thenmadeasecond—larger—sandwich,whichshesealedinalunchbag.“I’llgraboneoftheall-wheeldrives.”They’dstillhavetodothelastpartofthetrekonfoot,buttheycouldalwaysreturntothevehiclefortheheavierequipmentifnecessary.
Hawke’sfacewasgrimwhenshelookedup.“I’mnotlettingthePsypoisonourpackagain,notwiththosee-mailsabout‘Purity’andnotwiththisshit.”
“We’restrongerthanwewerebefore.”TheyrarelyspokeofthedarkyearswhenHawkehadbeenonlyachild,butthoseyearshadshapedsomuchofwhatSnowDancerwastoday.“Andwe’renolongeralone.”
Hawkedidn’tsayanything.
Herenergylevelsbacktofullstrengthafterthesnack,shewalkedovertopathimaffectionatelyonthecheek.“YouandRiley,nowonderyou’rebestbuds.Youbothholdthingstootight,tooclose.”
Hedidn’tshakeoffhertouch,theirfriendshipoldenough,deepenough,thatsuchskinprivilegeswereanacceptedpartoftheirrelationship.“Lookwho’stalking,”hepointedout,tappingheronthenose.
Shrugging,shedroppedherhandbutdidn’tmoveaway.“Takesonetoknowone.”
“Yougoingtotellmewhat’shappeningbetweenyouandDrew?”
“No.”Itwastoonew,tooprivate,toexposetothelightofday.
Hawkeraisedaneyebrow.“Wordofadvice—DrewandRileyaremoresimilarthanpeoplerealize.”
IndigothoughtofthewayDrewpushedather,thewayhetriedtosteamrollinhisowncharmingfashion.“Youcould’vewarnedmeearlier.”Itwasadisgruntledstatement.
“Andmissallthefun?”Atugatacurlingstrandofherhair.“NowwhywouldIdothat?”
Scowling,shecomfortedherselfwiththethoughtthathistimewouldcome.Boy,woulditcome.“Ibettergoputonsomeproperclothesforthedrive.”Borrowingapairofhissweats—waytoolargeforherframe—fortheshortwalktoherquarters,shequicklyshimmiedintojeansandalongsleevedsweatshirtforthedriveback.
Evenwiththatdetour,shewasthefirstpersonatthevehicle,DorianandBrennahavingstoppedtoassessandgrabthenecessarygearfromSnowDancer’stechlab.Afterplacingthecasesintheback,DoriantookthefrontpassengerseatwhileBrennaduckedintothebackwhereshecouldfiddlewithoneofthescanners.
“Oldermodel,”shemuttered.“Itswitchedonokay,butIwanttocheckthatit’sfullyfunctional.Haven’thadcausetouseitforawhile.”
ThedrivepassedbyinaflowoftechnicaldialoguebetweenDorianandBrenna,andtheyweresoonsteppingoutforthefinalpartofthejourney—withonlytheessentialgear.“Bren,”Indigosaid,pickingupthesandwichshe’dmadefromthedash,“canyoustowthisinyourbag?”
“Sure.”
LeadingthemtowheresheandDrewhadlefttheirpacks,shestoppedjustlongenoughtopickoutaskyblueT-shirtandjeans.Goingcommando,shethoughtwithahintofamusement,wouldn’tbeaproblemforDrew.Hewastheleastself-consciousmalesheknew,andthatwassayingsomethinginapackofwolves.“Alright.Let’sgo.”
Whentheyarrived,Drewpaddedoutofthetreestogreetthem—itwasclearfromhisrelaxedstatethatthePsyhadn’treturned.
Herwolfwantedtonuzzleathim,butshekepthertoneprofessional.“Clothes,”shesaid,placingthembehindatree.
Asshereturnedtojointheothers,Drewbrushedpasthercloseenoughthatherfingertipsstrokedoverhisfur.Fightingtheurgetofollowhim,tostrokehimalittlemore,shecamedownonherhaunchesbesideBrenandDorian.“Anyideawhatitmightbe?”
BrennatappedsomethingonthelittlecomputerconnectedwirelesslytoadeviceDorianwasrunningovertheground.“Nothingunusualaboutthemetalliccompound,”shemuttered.“Deviceiscomputronicwithoutadoubt,andfunctional.”
“Ithastohaveapowersource,”Doriansaid,puttingdownthescanner.“Batteryofsomekind.”
Brennabrushedherbangsoutofhereyes.“Timetodig,Ithink.”
Indigohelped,andittookonlyaminutetounearththemetalball.Insteadofliftingitout,BrennaandDorianputtheirheadstogetherandmutteredmoretechnospeak.HavingfeltDrewcometostandathershoulder,IndigoretrievedthesandwichfromBrenna’sbagandgottoherfeet.“Eat,”shesaid,knowinghewouldn’thaveleftthedeviceunattendedinordertohunt.
Heranhisknucklesoverhercheek.“Thanks.”
Ashetookabigbite,sherealizedshe’dforgottentopickuphisdrinkbottle.“Istherewaternearby?”
“Yep,butit’llbefastertorundowntothepacks.”He’dalreadydemolishedhalfthesandwich.“Bebacksoon.”
AwareBrennaandDorianhadmattersinhand,shewalkedtotheedgesoftheclearingafterDrewleftandbegantodoadetailedquadrant-by-quadrantsearch,justincasethePsyhadleftsomethingelsebehind.Nothingintheimmediatearea.Andmorenothinginaradiusofseveralmetersfromthesiteofthedevice.ShewasabouttoturnbackwhenshecaughtDrew’sscentonthebreeze.
Hefoundherafewsecondslater.“Hey,Lieutenant.”Hismouthwasonhersbeforeshecoulddomorethanpartherlipstorespond.
Sheshould’vebeenusedtothewayhehadofdoingthat,butshestaggeredbackalittle,grippingathiswaisttokeepherselfupright.Notthatitwasnecessary;hisarmswerealreadylockedtightaroundher,hismouthexploringherswithalazysensualitythatmadeherwanttopurrlikeadamncat.
“This,”shesaidonabreath,“ishardlythetime.”
Anotherkiss,onebighandmovingdowntoshapeherbuttocks.“I’mbehaving,”hetoldher,allinnocence.“Ididn’tdoitinfrontofDorianandBren,didI?”
Herwolflaughing,shewiggledherarmsoutfromaroundhimandreacheduptocuphisface.ThenshekissedthehelloutofAndrewLiamKincaid.CHAPTER26
Andrewwassurehe’dhadarationalthoughtaminuteorsoago,butitwasadistantmemory.Thelieutenantwasmakinghisbrainsleakouthisears,hertongueafast,sleekdartinhismouth,herteethsharplittleaccentsonhislips,herhandsbrandsagainsthisskin.Groaning,hegrippedherhipsandgavein.
Hisrewardwasakisssohot,itturnedhisjeansuncomfortablytight.Unabletokeephishandsstill,hestrokedupoverhersweatshirttoclosehishandaroundonelushbreast.Hernipplewasalreadypebbledbehindthesoftfabricofherbra,andheplayedwithitthroughtheclothing,wantingtolearneachandeveryfacetofwhatdrovehercrazy
Thesoundtooktimetofilterintohisconsciousness,thevoicerecognizable.Dorian,callingIndigo’sname.“Timetogoback,”hemurmuredagainstthoselushlipsthathadturnedhimintoawillingslave.
“Ifyou’reaverygoodboy,”Indigomurmuredinasexy,huskytoneasshereacheddowntocuphisstrainingcockforoneelectricsecond,“Imightkissyouotherplaces,too.”
Hebitbackaverybluewordasshewithdrewherhandandsteppedback.“HowthehellamIsupposedtogobackandfacemylittlesisterifIhavearaginghard-on?”
“Poorbaby.”Excepthereyesweredancingwithunfamiliarwickedness.“I’msureyou’llthinkofsomething.”Shewalkedaway,herhipsswivelinginafashionthatheknewwasmeanttoshoothisalreadyboilingtemperaturethroughtheroof.Sexualfrustrationwasabitch,buthiswolfsmiled—becausethelieutenantwasplayingwithhimagain.AndIndigoRivierewasawomanwhoplayedwithveryfew.
Blowingoutabreath,hegrittedhisteethandcountedtoathousand,somehowmanagingtogethisbodyundercontrol.“So,whatdidImiss?”heasked,rejoiningtheotherswheretheycrouchedaroundtheobject.
“It’satransmitter,”Doriansaid,holdingthesteelorbinhand.
Hemettheleopardsentinel’ssurferblueeyes.“Yousoundverysure.”
Butitwashissisterwhoreplied.“Thetechisprettycommononceyoustripawaythefancyexterior.”
“Rangeisn’thuge,”Dorianadded.“Maybefivehundredmetersorso.”
Brenna’seyesmetAndrew’s,asmiletuggingatthecornersofhermouththatauguredtrouble—butherwordswerepractical.“Wethinkit’smeanttoactasalocatorbeacon.”
“Locatorforwhat?”Indigomurmured.“Thisareaiswilderness.Asidefromtheforestcreatures,onlywolvescome—”
ApointedcoughfromDorian.
“Wolvesandleopards,”Indigosaid,shakingherheadattheblondsentinel’ssmirk,“aretheonlyoneswhocomeuphere.”Linesformedbetweenherbrows.“Theonlyoneswhoshould.IwonderifthePsywescentedwhenwewerewiththejuvenileswerescoutingforplacestoputthesethings.”
“Wouldmakesense,”Brennasaid.“Youwereabitmoreeastofhere,butnotthatmuchlowerdownintermsoftheelevation.”
Dorian’shairflashedalmostwhiteintheharshsunlightasheloweredhisheadtothedeviceoncemore.“Wecansweepthegroundwithhigh-strengthscanners,butwehavealogisticalproblem—denterritorycoverstoowideanarea.”AglanceatBrenna.
Andrew’ssisternoddedinconfirmation.“Weneedtofigureoutsomesortofspecificregiontosearch.”
“Howlongwouldthebatterieslastinthosethings?”Indigoasked.“Bestguess?”
“I’llconfirmwhenwedismantleone,butthreemonthswouldbetheouterlimits,”Brennasaid,lookingatDorian.
Henoddedandadded,“Thetransmittingfunctionsucksjuice.Threeforsafety,butI’dsaytwomonthswouldbeamorerealisticestimate.”
AndrewsawwhereIndigowasgoing.“Sowecanprobablyeliminatealltheareaswherethesnowpackhasbeenprettymuchsolidforovertwomonths.”Thatwouldtakecareofagoodchunkoftheirterritory.
“Yes.”Brenna’seyessparked.“Atelekineticcouldhavemovedthesnow,butone,it’samassivewasteofpower,andtwo,againstallthatwhite,anyintruderswouldhavestoodoutlikesorethumbstooursatellite.”
Indigonodded.“Iagree—wecansafelyeliminatethesnowpackareasfornow.Wecanalsoeliminateallthoseareasthatgetahighamountoftraffic.”
Andrewlookedathissister.“Yougotapieceofpaper,Bren?”
“Ithinkthere’sapadinthisbag…”Turningtorummageinit,shemadeasoundofsuccess.“Hereitis.Andapen.”
“Thanks,babysis.”Grinningatthekisssheblewhim,heflippedopenthepadandsketchedthebasicoutlineoftheirterritory.“Okay,sothisishere.”HemadeanXonthemap.“Theotherone’suselessasamarkersinceitcould’vecomefromanywhere,buthowaboutthis?”Hedrewaroughsemicircle,usingtheircurrentspotasthecenterofthearc.
Indigolookedoverhisshoulder.“Theentirearea’sequidistantfromtheveryedgeofdenterritory.”Shetookamomenttothinkaboutit,nodded.“We’vegotenoughlightthatwecantestthetheoryatleast.”
“Wehavetwoscanners,”Brennaremindedthem,“sowecangoinbothdirections.”
“Drew,”Indigosaid,hertonecrispassheslippedintofullworkmode,“yougowithBren.I’llworkwithDorian.”
Heknewwhatshewasdoing—pairingeachtechexpertwithsomeonewhocouldkeepaneyeonsecurity,buthefoundhedidn’twantheralonewiththegood-lookingleopardmale.Hereyesmethisatthatmoment,andfromthesuddenfrostinthem,heknewshe’daccuratelyreadthehotlypossessiveurge.Grittingitbackwithsheerstrengthofwill—andhavingtofighthiswolftodoso—heturnedtoBrenna.“Youneedallthegear?”
“Justthescannerpack.”Sheslidthelittlecomputerintoacarrybagandswungitcrosswiseoverherbody,thescanneritselfheldinherhand.“Dorian,areyouokayusingthe—”
“Noproblem,sweetheart.”SettingthecomputeroverhisbodythesamewayasBrenna,Dorianpickedupthesomewhatbulkierscanner.“It’lldothetrick,buttherangeisshorter,”hesaidtoIndigo,“sowemightcoverlessdistance.”
Brennabegantomoveout.Andrewfollowed,forcinghimselftokeephisattentiononhissisterandnotonawomanwhowasquietlyfuriouswithhim.Brennadidn’tsayanythinguntiltheywerewelloutofearshot.“Juddtoldme.”
Andrewgrunted,notinthemoodtobeteased.
“She’salieutenant,dumb-ass,”Brennamuttered.“Goingallhe-manonherisn’texactlygoingtoputyouinhergoodbook.”
Heblinked.“Youhaveeyesinthebackofyourheadnow?”
Abeatificsmile.“Ihaveexperiencewithhardheadedmen—thoughIneverthoughtI’dbegivingyouthislittletalk.IalwaysthoughtRileywastheonewho’dhavetrouble.Andhewentandgothimselfhappilymatedtoasentinel.”
Checkingtheareaforthreatsandmakingtheassessmentthattheyweretheonlytwooutthere,heallowedhisattentiontoreturntothesubjectofhimandIndigo.“Icouldn’thelpit,”hemuttered,feelingsulkyandgrumpy—thoughhe’dhaveshownthattonoonebutthesisterhe’dwatchedoversinceshe’dbeenbutababe.“MybrainknewIwasdoingsomethingstupid,butmyhormonestellmetoprotecther—andrightnow,instinctiskickingreason’swhinyass.”
Brennashookherhead,thelateafternoonsunmakingthefinestrandsofherhairshimmerlikespungold.“Theeasyfixisthatyougrovelandsheforgivesyou…”
“But?”Henudgedhershoulderwithhis,hiswolfwillingtolistentoherevenifshewasyoungerandfarlessdominant.
“Butthisiswhosheis,”Brennamurmured,hereyestroubledwhenshelookedup.“Youstoodinfrontofabulletforme,Drew.”Hervoicehitched.“That’swhoyouare.”
“Hey.”Hehuggedhertohim,kissingthetopofherhead.“I’mnotgoinganywhere.”
Holdingontohimforacouplemoreseconds,Brennasteppedbackandstartedscanningagain.“WhatI’msayingisthatyouprotect—doyouthinkyoucanhandle,reallyhandle,beingwithawomanwhonotonlydoesn’tneedyourprotection,butforwhomitwouldbeaninsultthatyou’devenoffer?”
Thewordshithard,cutdeep.ButthetruthhadnothingtodowithhisacceptanceofIndigo’srank.
“I’mjealous,”headmittedbluntly,totheonepersonwithwhomhecouldadmitthevulnerability.“IknowIdon’tfittheimageshehasinhermindofherperfectpartner,anditrubsmethewrongwaywheneversheinteractswithanothermalewhodoesfitthatimage.”Amalewhowasprobablyfarmoreacceptabletoherwolf,forallthatthatwolfhadacceptedhimonacertainlevel.
“EventhoughDorian’smatedandaleopardtoboot?”
“Yeah.Stupid,huh?”
“We’reallalittlestupidwhenwe’reinlove.”Hermachinebeepedontheheelsofherstatement.“Holdup.”
Hewaitedpatientlywhileshedidadeeperscan.
“Nothing,”shesaidafteraminute.“Itwassetoffbysomemetalliccontentintherocks,Ithink.”
Dorian,Indigothought,movedlikethecathewas.Allfluidandgraceful.She’dhavepeggedhimforaleopardevenifshehadn’tknownhischangelingaffiliation.Hamilton,theleopardshe’ddatedacoupleoftimesafewmonthsback,hadmovedwiththatsamefelinegrace.
Sexy…exceptthatitwasn’tforIndigo.
Ofcourse,inhumanform,Dorianwasalsoridiculouslyattractivewithhiswhite-blondhairandeyesofelectricblue.Inthesharpmountainsunlight,hishairburnedwithpurewhitefire,drawingtheeye.Hamilton,too,hadmadeeveryfemaleheadturnwhenthey’dgoneouttogetherinpublic.
Indigohadappreciatedthevisualimpact—thesamewaysheappreciatedHawkeandRiaz.Herlungshadfunctionedjustfine,herheartcontinuingtobeatinasteadyrhythmevenwhenHamiltonkissedher.She’dallowedthecaress,allowedhimtoslidehishandtohernapeandholdherinplaceasheexploredhermouth—becauseshe’dwantedtoknowiftherewasanychanceofchemistry.Nothing.Nada.Zilch.
Incomparison,Drewonlyhadto—
“EarthtoLieutenantLegs.”
IndigosnappedherattentiontoDorian.“Youpickupsomething,Blondie?”
“Notsure.”Afelinesmilethatmadeherinstinctsprickleinwarningevenbeforehesaid,“IsthatalovebiteIseeonyourneck?”
Shewasn’tgullibleenoughtofallforthat.“Iknowthat’sagreatbigbunchofbaloneyIseeonyourface.”
Theleopardmalelaughed,utterlyunashamedofhisblatantfishingashereturnedhisattentiontothescanner.“Iwastryingforsubtle.”
“Uh-huh.”Needingtoburnoffthisrestlessenergy,shelookedathim.“Canyoukeepaneyearoundyouwhileyouscan?”HewasoneofthestrongestcatsinDarkRiver,andhetrainedinhand-to-handcombatwithaformerassassin—shewasprettysuretherewereveryfewthingsDoriancouldn’thandle.
Hegaveheracuriouslook.“Sure.Yougoingsomewhere?”
“Iwanttodoabitofascoutaround—mightseeevidenceofplacesbeingdugup.”
Doriandidn’ttellherthatwasacrapshoot,simplynodded.“Hey,Indigo.”
“What?”
“Youcanrun,”Doriansaidinaneutraltonethatdidnothingtolessentheintensityofhisexpression,“butsoonerorlater,yourunoutofplacestorunto.”
Alreadylopinguptheslightinclinetoherright,shedidn’tanswer.Buthiswordscircledaroundandaroundinherheadassheslicedthroughthecoldmountainair.Wasthatwhatshewasdoing?Running?Itmadeherwolfshakeitsheadinviolentrejection;she’dalwaysstoodherground,takenthehitsastheycame.Dorianwastalkingoutofhisass.Hewasacat,soreally,whywasshesurprised?
Thatkepthergoingforafewmoreminutes,untilherpracticalnaturepointedoutthatitwasn’tthecatshewasmadat.ItwasDrew.She’dseenthatlook,seenthewayhishackleshadrisenwhenshe’dgivenhimtheassignment.Though,tohiscredit,he’dkepthismouthshut.“Nottoomuchcredit,though,”shemutteredunderherbreath.Becausethefactwas,hewasadominantpredatorychangelingmale.Thewords“possessive,”“protective,”and“annoying”wereindeliblyetchedintohisprofile.
Justasindependence,control,andstubbornnesswereetchedintohers.
There.
Shewasalmostfiftymetersawayinthetimeittookhertorealizewhatshe’dseen.Stopping,shecircledbacktotheclearingthatboreseveralpatchesofspringgreengrassthatwerestartingtobrown—wherethebladeshadbeencrushed…asifbythetreadofheavyboots.Shecouldseenothingthatindicatedadevicemight’vebeenburiedthere,butshedidn’tlikethelookoftheplace.Trustingherinstincts,shemarkedthelocationinhermind,thenranbacktogetDorian.
Ittookhimlessthantensecondstofindthetransmitter.“Beenhereawhile,”hesaidastheybegantodigusingtheirclaws.“Grasshasgrownupoverit.”
“ButthesepatchesofcrushedgrasssaythePsyreturnedrecently,maybetocheckuponit.”Narroweyed,shefeltherclawtaptheedgeofthedevice.“There.”
“Rustedalittle,butotherwiseingoodcondition,”Doriansaidaftertheyunearthedit,“andidenticaltotheotheronewefound.”Hisgazemethers.“Whatthehellaretheyplanning?”
Theymetbackatthestartingpointanhourlater.DrewandBrennahadcomeupempty,butwiththeseconddeviceIndigohadfound,theynowhadabetterideaofhowtostructurethesearchradius.
“Theseobjectscan’tgoanywhereneartheden,”Indigosaid.They’dspenttoomuchtimeandefforthidingtheexactlocationofthepack’struehometogiveitawaysoeasily.“Canyoudeactivatethem?”
BrennaconferredwithDorian,thennodded.“Noproblem.LikeIsaid,they’refairlybasicatthetechlevel.Tobesafe,Iwon’teventakethecomponentsdown,butdoalltheworkuphere—theoneSilviafoundwasahusk,sowe’resafeonthatfront.”
Drewrubbedathisjaw,hiseyesnarrowed.“Idon’tthinkweshoulddeactivatethem,notyet.”CHAPTER27
Whentheyalllookedathim,heputhishandsonhiships,theglossybrownstrandsofhishairliftingintheearlyeveningbreeze.“Ifweswitchofftwoinsuchcloseproximity,thePsymightcomeouttocheck—andwehaven’tgotthenumberstocoverthemifawholelotarriveatonce.”
Indigo’swolfwasstillirritatedathiminspiteofheracknowledgmentthathealmostcertainlyhadn’tdonewhathehadonpurpose,butshecouldseethelogicofhissuggestion.“Weshouldfindasmanyofthesethingsaspossiblebeforewestartdisablingthem.”
“Ifweputallthesoldiersandtraineesfrombothpackstosearching,”Doriansaid,“we’llprobablyfindthemajorityofthetransmitters,butassoonaswestartdeactivatingthemenmasse,thePsywillknowthey’vebeendiscovered.”
“Andweloseourchancetocollarthem.”Indigoblewoutabreath,frowned.“Ithinkwetakethathit;getthesethingsoffourlandandworryaboutthewhylater.”Shepulledoutthecellphoneshe’dretrievedearlier.“IneedtodiscussthiswithHaw—Damn.”ShelookedatBrenna.“Thecelltransmitteruphereneedstobechecked.”Thatmadeherwonder—“Anychancethesedevicesareaffectingit?”
“Iwouldn’tthinkso,”Brennasaid.“ButI’lloverseethemaintenancemyselftomakesure.”
“Probablyjuststormdamage.”Dorianwastakingsomethingoutofhispocketashespoke.“Satellitephone,”hesaid,passingitover.“Ithoughtyouguysswitchedover.”
“Wedid,”BrennasaidasIndigosteppedawaytomakethecall.“Buttherewasaproblemwiththebatteriesintheshipment.We’rewaitingforreplacements.”
Indigoreturnedtotheirsidelessthanaminutelater.“Bren,”shesaid,“youandDoriangodown,gatherupasmanytechsasyoucan.Hawke’salreadyorganizingthesoldiers.DrewandIwillstayuphere,keepaneyeonthings.”
“I’llleavethephonewithyoutwo,”Doriansaid.
Thankingthecat,AndrewborroweditlongenoughtocallMaxandrescheduletheirmeetingbeforehandingittoIndigo.Shetookitandlefttocampoutatthesecondsite—justincasetheiractionshadalertedthePsy.
“Best-casescenario,”Hawkesaidatdaybreakthenextmorningwheneveryoneconvergedatacentralmeetingpoint,“theytakethehintandstayoutofourterritory.”Hisvoiceshifted,turnedwolf-rough.“Butsomehow,Idoubtthat’llhappen.”
Indigonodded.“Weneedtoextendourpatrolsevenfartherthanwe’vealreadydone.Itmightbeanideatoaskunitsofmentospendafewdaysroamingthemorefar-flungareasinrotatingshifts.”
“Organizeit,”HawkesaidbeforeturninghisattentiontoRiaz.“CanyoupickupsomeofIndigo’snormalduties?”
Themalelieutenantgaveaquicknod.“HasJuddgotanythingyet?”
Hawke’sbreathwaswhiteintheearlymorningchill.“ThissmellslikeCouncil,buthe’sconfirmedtheCouncilisnolongerfunctioningasacohesiveunitsoitcouldbeanyoneofthem.”
That,Andrewthought,wasvery,veryinteresting.He’dhavetobringitupwithMaxwhenhemetwithNikita’ssecuritychief.
HawketurnedtoIndigo.“DoweneedtoaskRileyandMercytocutshorttheirtrip?”
“Idon’tthinkit’sthatseriousyet.”Indigo’seyeswerealmostazureinthelightuphere,vividagainsthergoldentan.“Wecanhandleitforthetimebeing—someofthesoldierscanpullafewextrashiftstocover.”
Andrewleanedupagainstthetrunkofanearbypine,foldinghisarmstokeepfromreachingforIndigoandmakinghisclaimcleartotheotherdominants—especiallyRiaz.“Theybothneedthebreak.”HisbrotherhadbeenshatteredwhenMercywasinjuredjustaftertheyhadmated.Thecouplehadcomethroughthetrialwiththeirbondevenstrongerbut—“Idon’tthinkthey’vehadmuchofachancetohoneymoon.”
Hawke’slipscurvedupward.“IwonderifRileyconsidershiscurrentsituationahoneymoonorpurgatory.”
Everyonelaughed,butthesoundwasmuted,theirinstinctsonalertforanysignofintruders.Assoonastherewasenoughlight,theysplitupintotheirassignedgroupsandheadedouttocombforneedlesinhaystacks.
“Wefoundtendeviceslocatedonthenorthernedgeofourterritory,”AndrewtoldMaxoverabeerthatnightinadarklittleChinatowntavernthatservedthebestmicrobrewinthecity.“Wedidafairlycomprehensivesweepalongtheothersides,butgotnothing.”
“Still,it’sanenormousarea,”Maxsaid,“andthesedevicessoundsmall.”
“Yeah.”Watchingthecondensationrundowntheglassofhisbottle,hemetthecop’seyes.“Butwhatevertheywereupto,we’veputadentintheirplansbyincreasingsecurityacrossalltheisolatedsections.”
“Youhaveatheory?”
“Acouple.”Heleftitatthat.
“Icanconfirmit’snotNikita,”Maxsaid,withoutwaitingforAndrewtoask.
“Howcanyoubecertain?”
“Noreasontohiremeifshe’sgotsomeonecapableoforganizingthatkindofanoperation.”Ashrug.“And,giventheaccessshe’shandedmetoPsydata,Idon’tthinkit’ssomekindofamassivedoublecross.”
TheonlyotherCouncilorintheareawasAnthonyKyriakus,whosedaughter,Faith,wasmatedtoanotherDarkRiversentinel.ThecatshadalreadysentthroughwordthatAnthonywasn’tinvolved.Itwasn’tlikeSnowDancertoacceptanythingonfacevalue,butthistime,Hawkehad.WhichsaidahellofalotabouttheSnowDancer-DarkRiveralliance.
“DidNikitahaveanythingelsetosayaboutthis?”Andrewasked.
Maxtookasipofhisbeer,makinganappreciativenoiseatthebackofhisthroat.“ShepaidattentionwhenItoldher,butsomethingelseiskeepingherdistracted.”
“Wanttoshare?”Hedranksomeofhisownbeer.
Maxleanedbackagainstthemaroonleatherofthebooth.“Ididn’twanttoworkforaCouncilor,butnowIdo—andaslongasshedoesn’tbreakthedealwe’vegotgoing,I’mloyal.”
Andrewdidn’taskwhatthedealwas.Hecouldguess.“Fairenough.”Itwouldmakehistaskharder,butatthesametime,itsolidifiedhiswolf’srespectforthecop.“ButdoesithaveanythingtodowithdeadPsyinthecity?”
MaxtiltedhisbeerbottleatDrew.“Iwonderedhowlongitwouldtakeforyoulottotwigtothat.”Puttingdownthebottle,hebracedhisforearmsonthetable.“Foursuspiciousdeaths,allpsychichits.”
“Nothinginthemedia.YoucoveringupforNikita?”
Max’sskinpulledtightoverhisjaw.“I’llallowthatonlybecauseIwould’vecometothesameconclusionsixmonthsago.”Hisangerwasacoolflameinhiseyes.“It’snocover-up.Enforcement’sfullyawareofthesituation,justkeepingitsmouthshutforonce.”
Andrewheardtheringoftruthinthat.“Sorry,man.Ihadtoask.”
“Yeah,well,don’tdoitagain.”Thecopblewoutabreath.“Look,we’vewarnedthetargetedgroup—low-GradientPsy—butwe’vedonesoquietlybecausethere’sagoodchancethekillsarepoliticallymotivated,meanttocauseunrestinthecivilianpopulation.”
“We’veheardrumorsoftroubleintheCouncilranks.”
Maxnodded.“Probabilitythemurdersarepartofthatisveryhigh.”
“Interesting.”Andrewsharedthee-mailPurePsyhadsenttoSnowDancerwolves.“Connected,youthink?”
“I’dbetonit.”Maxhandedbacktheuglye-mail.“Ihavetokeepanopenmindaboutthemurdersincasesomeothercrazieswere‘inspired’byPurePsy,butmygutsaysHenryScottandhisfanaticsareknee-deepinit.”
“Gloria,”Andrewsaid,watchingthecop’sface,“shewaserased.”
Linesflaredoutatthecornersofthecop’sslightlyuptiltedeyes.“Youhaveverygoodintel.Thatwasdonewithoutmyknowledge;theothersitesarebeingprocessedastheyshouldbe.”
Andrewknewwithoutaskingthatwhoeverhadgiventheorderforerasurewouldn’tbedoingsoagain.ItmadehimverycuriousastoexactlywhatkindofadealNikitahadstruckwiththecopthatallowedhimthatmuchpower,butheknewthatwasn’taquestionMaxwouldanswer.Soheaskedanother.“What’sitlike,workingforaCouncilor?”
“HalfthetimeI’mrubbingmyhandsininsanegleeattheinformationIhaveaccessto.”
“Andtheotherhalf?”
“I’mtryingnottofuckingmurdersomeonemyself—usuallyNikita.”Max’sphonebeepedontheheelsofthatcomment.Thecopglancedatthereadoutwithasmile.“Mywifewantsmehomefordinner.”
Andrewdidn’thavetobepsychictosensetheotherman’sunadulteratedpleasure.FeelingbadtemperedfornootherreasonthanthatIndigowasmadathim,hesaid,“Haveyouevermadeherangry?”Ifthecopsaidthatheandhiswifelivedinastateofconstantconnubialbliss,Andrewdecidedhe’dhavefullcausetothrowapunch.
Maxraisedaneyebrow.“Sure,I’mhuman.”Heslidthephoneintothepocketofhissuitpantsandrosetohisfeetwithadistinctlyamusedglintinhiseye.“Makingupisthefunpart,incaseyouhaven’tfiguredthatoutyet.”
Indigosankintowhatshethoughtwasawell-deservedbathlatethatnight,havingonlynowfinishedupdatingtheotherlieutenantsastothesituationwiththePsyincursions.Tomáshadhadfurtherdisturbingnewstoshare—moredeadPsy,thistimeontheedgesofthestateandleftinpublicareaswheretheycouldn’tbemissed.
Judd,havingtakenchargeofkeepingtrackofthatsituationearlier,hadvolunteeredtocontinuetohandleit,andIndigowassograteful,shecould’vekissedhim.Shewastiredfromthesearch,hermusclestense,butmostlyshehadanitchandnoonetoscratchit.Hissingoutabreath,shesankdeeperintothehotwater,damngladshe’dchosenoneoftheroomswithabathratherthanashower.She’djustpickeduptheloofahtorunitdownherlegwhensheheardsomeoneenterherapartment.
Very,veryfewpeoplewould’vefelttheyhadtherighttowaltzonin.
Thenshecaughtthescentofwild,wickedmaleandtheliquidheatbetweenherlegshadnothingtodowiththebath.“Howdidthemeetinggo?”sheaskedasDrewappearedinthedoorway,hiseyesskatingoverthebubblesthatcoveredherfromnecktotoe.
“DeadPsymightbeconnectedtoPurePsy.Lookslikethey’recollateraldamageinapoliticalshowdown.”
ThePsyweretheenemy,buttoday,shefeltpityforthosewhohadnochoicebuttoremaininthePsyNet.“God,imaginehavingsociopathicbastardslikethatasyourleadership.”
“I’drathernottalkabouttheCouncilrightnow.”
“Oh?Whatwouldyouliketodiscuss?”Sheraisedanarmoutofthetubandbegantoruntheloofahdownit,wantingtotorturehiminrevengeforherkeeningsexualfrustration.
Closingthedistancebetweenthem,heperchedontheedgeofthetub,dippinghisfingersintothefoam,hiseyesonherface.“Indigo.”
Shelookedup,raisedaneyebrow.
Andheldhisgazeasheshiftedhisholdsothatoneofhishandswasoneithersideofthetub,enclosingherinaprisonofsteelymalemuscle.“I,”hesaidquietly,“amadominantmale.Youneedtolearntodealwiththat.”
Histonemadeherclawspricktheinsidesofherskin,butshekeptherowntoneneutral.“I’mmorethanusedtodealingwithdominantmales.”
“Bull.Shit.”Quiet.Intense.“You’vehadlovers,butneveronewhomyou’veletinenoughthatyouactuallyhadtodealwiththeimplications.”
“Whatmakesyouthinkyou’reabouttobreakthepattern?”
WatersloshedovertheedgeandontothetilefloorasDrewgotintothetub,jeansandall,andknelttostraddleher.Inspiteofhershock,shewasreadyforhimwhenhecuppedherfaceinhishandsandswepthistongueintohermouth.Shetastedanearthymasculinesensuality,ahintofbeer—smoothanddark—andsomethingthatlickedathersenseslikefire.Drew.Histonguestrokedandlicked,whilehishandskeptherinplaceforhisdelectation,histeethbitingonherlowerlip,teasingherupperone.
Heatuncurledinherabdomen,thoughsherecognizedexactlywhathewasdoing.Itwasanotherdisplayofpossession.Herwolfbareditsfangsattheidea,givingherenoughstrengthofwilltobreakthekiss,pushathisshoulderswithherclaws.Herefusedtomove,butheputhishandsontheedgeofthebathbehindher.
Shewassuckinginabreathtospeakwhenhesimplybenthisheadandkissedheragain.Allhotandwarmandsexyanddemanding.Sex,shethought,wasn’tgoingtosolveanything…butthenheslidonehanddowntosqueezeherbreastandasurgeofblindingpassioneclipsedeveryotherthought.Bitingdownonhislowerlip,shetuggeduphisheadwithahandfistedinhishair.“TakeofftheT-shirt.”
Tohersurprise,hedidn’targue,reachingdownandpullingthehalf-soddenmaterialoverhishead.Itlandedsoundlesslyonthefluffybathmatashethrewitovertheside.Shewasstrokingherhandsuphischest,delightingintheheatedsilkofhisbody,whenhekissedheragain—andthistime,therewasnobuildup.No,hejustcontinuedonfromwherehe’dleftoff,fondlingherbreastwithaproprietarytouchthatmadeherwanttomoanandtobitehimatthesametime.
Hisfreehand,hestrokeddowntopressagainstherabdomen.
Asshewenttoreachforhiserection,heangledthathanddown,spearinghisfingersthroughhercurlsto—
Shescreamedintohismouthashethrusttwofingersinsideher.“Damnit,Drew,”shegasped,“thatisnotforeplay.”
Hebitatherneck,smoothinghisotherhanddownherribs,thenbackuptosqueezeandcaressherbreasts,rubbinghisthumboveronetightlyfurlednipple.“Yes,itis.”Anotherkiss,anothertanglingoflipsandteethandtongue.“Icanfeelyouallsilkyandluscious”—twofastthruststhatthrewhershockinglyclosetoorgasm—“andready,sohotandready.”
Groaning,shereacheddowntostrugglewithhissoakedjeans.Thestupidbuttonrefusedtocomeundone—andherefusedtohelp,intentondrivinghertomadness—sosheflickedoutherclawsandshreddedthedenim.Herhandmetmoresoddenfabric,hidingthehot,throbbingridgeofhisimpressivearousal.“Youdecidetowearunderweartodayofalldays,”shemutteredwhenhegaveherasecondtobreathe.
Drew,she’dlearned,likedtokiss.Andshewasbecomingaddictedtohisbrandofit.
“Touchme,Indy.”Ahuskyrequestagainsthermouth.
Oh,God,thatvoice.
Sheshiveredinpuresensorypleasure.“I’mtrying.”
Squeezingandpettinghimthroughthefabric,shewasgratifiedtofeelhisfingerslosetheirrhythminsideherbody.
Butherecoveredfast,slidinghisfreehanduptoclenchinherhairsohecouldtugbackherheadanddevourhermouthwhilehisfingersbeganpumpingharder,faster.StarsflickeredatthecornersofIndigo’svision,butshegrittedherteethandheldon—shewantedthedamnwolfinsideher.Shreddingtheunderwear—withconsiderablecare,becauseshesodidnotwanttodamagehim—sheshovedathischestwithallherstrength.
Hebrokethekiss,removinghisfingersfromherwithalingeringstroke,andletherpushhimbackuntilshecouldstraddlehim.Thatwasallthecontrolhegaveher.Aninstantlater,hishandswereonherhipsandhiserectionwasnudgingather,andhewasthrustingintoherwithbluntpromise.
Cryingout,Indigogrippedtheedgesofthebath,herbreastsdampandgleamingabovehimastheirbodiesdancedslickandhotbeneaththewater.Thejoiningwasalittlerough,allraw.Andthenheclosedhisteethoverthedelicatefleshofherbreastandherbodywenttautinanexplosionofpleasure,hermusclessqueezinghimtightashecrushedhertohimandcamewithahard,explosivegrunt.CHAPTER28
HavingreceivedacallfromDrewafterhespoketoMax,Juddmadeacallofhisown.“TheCouncilsplit,”hesaid,“howbadisit?”
“Bad.TheScottsaredeterminedtogetridofNikitaforone.She’smadesomeprovocativestatementsagainstSilence—andactedonthem.”
JuddconsideredwhatheknewofCouncilorNikitaDuncan,wonderedwhatwasinthisforher.“Youcan’tkillthemall,”hesaid,rememberingtheGhost’sstatementthelasttimethey’dspoken.
“Theyareadisease,avirusthatfeedsuponourpeople.”
“HaveyouconsideredhowcloseyouaretotheNet?”Darkpatches,deadpatches,thatwastheinformationhehadaboutthesprawlingpsychicnetworkthatfedthemindsofmillionsofPsyontheplanet—asifpartofitspsychicfabricwasrottingaway.“Thedegenerationcouldbeaffectingyou.”
“No,”theGhostsaid.“Iamquitesane.”
Juddwasn’tcertaintheGhosthadeverbeentrulysane—noonewiththatmuchpowercouldbe.Buthe’dalwaysbeenlogical.“TheCouncil’scollapse,withnonewsysteminplace,willdestabilizetheNet,killhundredsofthousandsofinnocents.”
“DoyouthinkIhaveaheart?”theGhostaskedcuriously.“Tobeaffectedbysuchafact?”
JuddknewtheGhostwasgettingcloserandclosertoslippingovertheedge—andheknewhecouldn’tlethim.Notsimplybecauseoftherebel’slethalpower,butbecauseJuddconsideredhimafriend.“Oneperson,”Juddsaid.“Theremustbeonepersonwhoyoudonotwanttodie.”
Along,longpause.“Ifthereis?”
Judd’sreliefwascrushing.“Considerthatpersoneachtimeyoumakeadecision.”
Thistime,thepausewaslonger,thicker,darker.“Iwillconsider.Fornow.”CHAPTER29
Indigowasn’tentirelysurehowtheymadeitfromthebathtothebed,butshesurfacedtofindherselfwarm,dry,andsprawledonherfrontonthebed,withanequallyrelaxedAndrewonhisbackbesideher.Ofcourse,oneofhishandswasonherbutt,strokinginawaythatsaid“mine”morestronglythanwordsevercould.
Findingstrengthfromsomewhere,shepokedhiminthearm.“Whatwasthat?”
Hesqueezedtheglobehewascaressing.“Reallyexcellentsex.”
Herwolfgrowled,butitwasallpretend.Drewhadwrungthemeanoutofbothofthem.“Youweretryingtosexmeintosubmission.”
“Diditwork?”Alazygrinasheturnedtolookather.“Iwasjustbeingme.”
Itwasveryclosetowhathe’dsaidatthestart.“I’mnotgoingtosuddenlyacceptallthedominancebullshit.”
“DidIaskyouto?”Blueeyesnarrowing.“ButifI’mlearninghowtodealwithalieutenantwithamilewidestreakofstubbornandatendencytoputupwallsofice,youbetterfuckinglearntodealwithatrackerwhoisn’tabouttoletyouwalkalloverhim.”
Thatmadeherrollhereyes.“TheonlysteamrollerIseearoundhereisaboutsixfeettwoandtwo-hundred-pluspoundsofmuscle.”
Insteadofaddingfueltothefireofhisanger,thatmadehiseyesturnwarm.Heshiftedtothrowonelegoverher,pettingherexposedbodywithanevenmorepossessivehand.“YoubrokemyheartwhenyousaidIdidn’tknowaboutforeplay.”
Herlipstwitched.“Yes,you’reterribleatsex.Terrible.”Thatwaswhyshewaslyingherewithmeltedbonesandaninnerwolfwhowassodozy,shewassprawledoutincompleteabandon.
“Hmm.”Akisspressedtohershoulder.“IguessIshouldworkonthat.”
Shewasabouttoreplywhenhemovedsothathewasbracedoverher,supportinghimselfwithonearmbentattheelbow,whilehereacheddowntopartherthighswiththeother.Theheatofhischestburned,andshesighedatthepleasureofhavinghimsoclose.“Ifyoutellmeyou’rereadyagainafterthat,I’llhavetocallyoualiar.”
“Well,now,Lieutenant,Itakethatasachallenge.”
Shejerkedasshefeltthehard,silkenheatofhimnudgingather.“Drew…”Exhaustionforgotten,sheraisedherbottomalittle,wantinghiminsideher.Shelovedthewayhefelt,lovedthewayhetouchedandstrokedandpetted.
“Uh-huh.”Stillteasingherwiththebaresttouchofhiscock,hekissedthebackofherneck,thetopofherspine,strokingasinglemaddeningfingeraroundtheplacethatwasdampandhotandreadyforhispenetration.“Ineedtoregainmypride.”Morekissesdownthelineofhervertebrae,hishandsgrippingherhips.“Giveyouthatforeplay.”
Sheshiveredashisunshavenchinbrushedagainstherlowerback,ashislipstouchedthedipofherspine,histongueflickingouttowetthespotbeforeheblewahotbreathonit.“Mmm.”Itwasasoundoflazypleasureasheshiftedhisbodyfartherdownthebed…andthenhewasgone.
Confused,shewasabouttoturnwhenhegrippedheranklesandtuggedheruntilherhipswereontheedgeofthebed,herfeettouchingthefloor.Hishandsmovedagain—tothebacksofherthighs.Spreadingthem,heblewabreathagainsther.“Whatdoyoulike,Indy?Licks”—quick,catlikeflicksagainstherscreaminglysensitiveflesh—“nips”—thefeelofteethonherclitoris,herbrainhazingover—“kisses?”Wetandhotandallconsuming,hismouthclaimedher,histongueslidingintoherinateasingthrustbeforewithdrawing.
Shewastryingtofindairwhenhestopped,said,“So?”
“What?”shemanagedtogasp.
“Youdidn’ttellmewhatyouliked.Iwouldn’twanttogetitwrong.”
Shecouldfeelhimlaughing,thedemon.“Youhavenoideawhoyou’remessingwith.”
Herubbedtheroughnessofhischinagainstthesoftskinofherinnerthighs,lickingandnippinginawaythattormentedwithoutofferingrelief.“IthinkIlikethiskindofforeplay.”
Indigowenttopullaway,determinedtograbhimandridehimtoexhaustion.Buthefeltthetensenessinhermusclesandtightenedhishold.Thenhismouthdeliveredontheteasing.Shehadn’tthoughthecouldwringmorepleasurefromheralreadysatedflesh.
Shewaswrong.
Heseducedherwiththatwicked,laughingmouth,lickingandstrokingandteasinguntilshewasontheveryedge.
Whenhepulledawaythistime,shearchedherback,invitinghispossession.Histhighsmetthebacksofhersaninstantlater,hisbodyenteringhersinatight,slowpush.Bitingbackacryattheintensityofthesensation,sheclenchedherfistsonthesheets.
Hepulledherupuntilshecouldbraceherselfwithherpalmsflatonthebed.“AmIhurtingyou?”
“No.”Never
Thentherewasonlytheslickglideoffleshonflesh,heated,sensualmurmurs,andthemostsearingpleasure.
Indigocametowakefulnessclosetodawn,nottheleastsurprisedtofindherselfallbutburiedbeneathheavy,warmmale.Drew,she’dlearnedduringthenight,wasashamelessbedhog—buthelikedtokeepherwithhim,soinsteadofbeingpushedoffthebed,shewasinsteadpulledunderhim,histhighbetweenhers,hishandonherbreast,hisfacenuzzledintoherneck.
She’dneverhadaloverattempttoclaimhersototally.But,shethought,openingherheartafraction,shecouldgetusedtothiskindofaffection.Becausewhateverhetook,hegavebackwithstaggeringgenerosity.
Strokingherfingersintohishair,shethoughtoverwhathe’dsaid.Becausehewasn’tjustaffectionandlaughterandplay—asshe’dunderstoodforthefirsttimeonthemountaintwodaysago.Hewasthepack’stracker,withallthatdenoted.Hewasalsoavery,verystrongdominant.Hewasabsolutelyrighttodemandthatshelearntodealwithhimashewaslearningtodealwithher.
Herwolfgrowled,unhappyattheideaofbendingforanyman.
Butwasitreallysubmitting,Indigodaredaskforthefirsttime,ifthemanwasbendingtowardyouinreturn?
Havingbeenwideawakesincearoundthreea.m.,Hawkefinishedreadingthelatestdraftoftheproposednewbuilding/landagreementinwhichSnowDancerwastobeasilentpartnerandwasabouttopushawayfromthedeskwhenhisphonebeeped.SeeingthecallerID,hereinedinhisimpatience.“Lucas,whatisit?”
“WegothitwiththePurePsye-maillastnight,”theDarkRiveralphasaid,“andacoupleofourjuvenilescametomewithstoriesofbeingapproachedinonlinechatrooms.”
Hawke’swolfpeeledbackitslipsattheboldnessofthegroup.“Juvenilesokay?”
“Justinsulted,”Lucassaid,athreadofprideinhistone.
“I’vegotDorianwatchingthechatroomsincasetheytryagain.Wemightbeabletogetsomethingoutofit.I’llkeepyouupdated.”
Hangingupafterafewmorewords,HawkefiredoffaquicknotetoDrewwiththenewinformation,thenstrodetothedoor.Heenjoyedbeinginsidelessthanevenmostchangelings,butthisworkwasasimportanttothehealthofthepackashismorephysicalprotection.So—hislieutenantsbyhisside—he’dlearnedtodoitwell.
But,havingclearedhisdesk,andwithIndigomorethancapableofholdingthefort—andRiazinchargeofthesecurity/searchpatrolsinthemountainstoday—hesurrenderedtothewildhungerwithinandheadedoutforaruninwolfform.Severalearlyrisersamonghispacksawhimbutnonebrokeintohissolitude.Theyallunderstoodthat,sometimes,awolfneededtoroamonitsown.
However,he’dbarelyclearedthedoorwaywhenhecaughtascentthatinstantlyruffledhisfurthewrongway.Shesmelledlikeautumnfireandsomerich,exoticspice.Fartoopotentascentforsomeonesoyoung,someonefromwhomheshouldkeephisdistance.Instead,hedrewthespice-lacedairintohislungsandranataground-devouringlopethatbroughthimtoasmallrisefromwherehecouldwatchhisprey.
Wearingasmallpackandcarryingwhatlookedlikeasleekholographiccamera,shewalkeddownthetrackthatwouldeventuallybringhertooneofthemidwayareasindenterritory,whereheknewshe’dparkedthecarshe’dsignedoutofthegarageforhertripstoandfromDarkRiverland.Butitwouldstilltakeheracoupleofhourstoreachthatspotathercurrentpace.
Whenshestoppedandraisedherfacetothedewymorningsunlight,releasingherbreathinalong,slowexhale,hewentmotionless.Herunhiddenjoyatbeinginthestark,stunningbeautyoftheSierraNevadasangtohim,anditwasadangerouspull.Heshouldstepback,shouldmoveintheoppositedirection.
Heshould.
Heturnedandangleddownthroughthetreesuntilheappearedonthepathbesideherinstead.Jerkingbackinsurprise,Siennastaredathimwithwideeyes.Whenhedidnothingbutwaitforher,shecontinuedonthetrail,shootinghimsmalllooksfilledwithsuspicionuntilitbecameclearhewasintentonlyonkeepinghercompany.
Thenherstriderelaxed,andtheywalked.
Insilence.
IthadbeenoveraweeksincethedayAndrewhadambushedIndigoinherbath,andhewasfeelingcautiouslyoptimistic.Thelieutenantworehisscentinherskinand,fromwhathecouldtell,wasn’tworriedaboutit.AwarehowlongithadtakenhisbrothertogainthesameconcessionfromMercy,Andrewallowedhimselfalittleswagger—becausethatacceptancemeantIndy’swolfwasstartingtogetoveritsuncertaintywhenitcametohim.
Ofcourse,partofitlikelyhadtodowiththefactthatthelieutenantwasturningouttobeaspossessiveasanymalechangeling.Heworeherscentinhisskin,too—alongwithmorethanafewmarks.Andhewasvery,veryhappy—no,delighted—withthewholestateofaffairs,hethought,grinningashetouchedthelovebiteonhisneck.
Theirpackmates,ofcourse,foundthewholesituationhighlyentertaining,awelcomebreakfromtheconstantvigilanceofthesecuritypatrolsinthemountains.Thetechshadfoundonlythreemoretransmittersafterthemainsweep,anditwaslookingliketheymighthaveunearthedmostifnotallofthem,butSnowDancerwasn’tabouttoloweritsguardwhentheCouncilhaddaredinvadetheveryheartofthepack’sterritory.
Ofcourse,thatdidn’tmeanwolvesstoppedbeingwolves.
Andrewdealtwiththeribbingwithagrinandashrug,whileIndigoscowled.Neitherresponsehadanyeffectonthegossip—orthegood-naturedadviceAndrewbeganreceivingfromthewomeninthepack.
“Giveherherspace,”adominantfemaleadvisedhim,“butnottoomuch.”
“Whateveryoudo,forGod’ssakedon’ttreatherlikeagirl.She’sawoman.”
“Andrew,Iloveyou,butyou’rethemostsneaky,cunningwolfI’veeverknown—useit.”
Afterseveraldaysofthis,Andrewcorneredoneoftheladies.“NotthatI’mnotgrateful,”hesaid,“butwhyareyouallbeingsohelpful?”
Thatgothimachuckle,thetouchofwarm,capablehandsonhisface,andasmackingkiss.“Sillyboy.She’soursandweloveher—andwe’veallworriedathowhardsheridesherselfonbehalfofthepack.Youmakeherhappy.”
Thesimplewordswerearevelation.
SohewasreadytohandlethenextstageintheircourtshipwhenIndigoinvitedhimtoanofficialfamilyevent.
“Dinnerwithmyparentsattheirplace,”shesaidcasually,asifitwasn’tamajordeal.“Evieisn’tbackyet,butmyaunt,Adria,andherlover,Martin,willalsobethere.They’reflyinginfromneartheOregonborder.”
HavingavaguememoryofTarah’ssiblingbeingmuchyounger,heasked,“AreyouclosetoAdria?”
“Yes.”Asmile.“She’snearertomyagethanmymother’s.”
Instinctwhisperedthattherewasmoreatplayherethanasimplefamilialrelationship,buthekepthissilence.ItwouldbefareasiertogetIndytotalkoncehe’dmetheraunt,gainedanideaofwhatitwasthathadcausedIndigo’swolfto…almostshyawayatthementionofhername.
Asitwas,hefoundhimselfsurprisedbytherealityofAdria.Thephysicalresemblancebetweenthethreewomenwasstartling;standingsidebyside,Tarah,Indigo,andAdriawerealmostmirrorimagesofeachotheratdifferentstagesoflife.ButwhereTarahwassubmissive,Adriawasdominant.WhereTarahkissedhimonthecheekinmaternalaffection,Adriagavehimanarrow-eyed,assessingglare.AndwhereheknewTarahreliedwithopencontentmentonhermate,therewasarealpush-pullvibegoingonbetweenAdriaandherlover,Martin.
Indigo,herealizedatonce,wasfarmorelikeherauntthanhermother.
“So,”Adriasaidaftertheyshookhands,“you’retheone.”
Helikedher—butthen,hehadathingforcool-eyed,stubbornwomen.“Iam.”
Linesformedonherforehead,hereyebrowsdrawingtogether.“You’renotwhatIexpected.”
Heknewthatwasn’tacompliment.“Ihaveawayofsurprisingpeople.”
“Hmm.”ThewolfprowledbehindeyesashadelighterthanIndigo’s.“I’veseenyouinoursector,butwehaven’tspoken.Tellmeaboutyourself.”
Asheobeyedthebrusqueorder,hiswolfmoreamusedbyherbristlingprotectivenessthananythingelse,henoticedsomething.Martin,whilestandingbesideAdria,didn’tjoinintheconversation.That,onitsown,meantnothing—RileyhadawayofstandingsilentasasphinxbesideMercy.Therewas,however,neveranydoubtinpeople’smindsthatRileywasahundredpercenttunedin,notonlytotheconversationbuttoeverytinyaspectofhismate’spresence.
Somethingwasdisturbinglydifferenthere.
ThestiffnessofAdria’sspinewhenherlover’sshoulderbrushedherown,thewhitelinesaroundMartin’smouth,thewayneitherofthemmadeeyecontactwiththeother—thetwowerepissedatoneanother.Andrewtookthatinhisstride.Beingwithastrongwomanoccasionallymeantsomefire-works.Hecouldn’timagineIndigowithouthersass.
Hiswolfgrowlinginagreement,hecontinuedtotalkwithAdriauntilTarahcameovertocatchupwithhersister.MovingtowhereIndigowasstandingagainstthewallfinishingoffanapple,hetuggedonherponytail.“What’swithabandoningmetoyouraunttheinquisitor?”
Shebumpedherhiptohis.“Don’tsayyoursmiledidn’twork?”
“Smart-ass.”Reachingbehindher,hepattedthatass.
“Watchit.”
“Iintendto—latertonight.”
Indigothrewhimaquellingglance,buthecaughtthelaughterbehindit.“Whatdidyouthinkofmyaunt?”
“She’slikeanolderversionofyou,”hesaidwithcompletehonesty.“She’sgother‘deathstare’honedtoperfection.”
Holdingherapplecoreinonehand,Indigoputherotheroneonhisshoulder.“Givemeafewyears.”
Deeplycontentatthethoughtofwatchinghergrowfurtherintoherskin,hestoodbesideherastheothersspoke.Ittookhimalittlewhiletorealizethatinspiteofhisskillatreadingtheundercurrentsinanygivensituation,he’dmissedsomethinghere.MartinandAdriaweren’tpissedateachother—onlyoneofthemwasangry.
AdriaputherhandonMartin’sarm…onlytohaveitshakenoff.Adria’sfacebetrayedastarkheartpainintheterriblemomentbeforeshebroughtuphershields,coolandcontrolledoncemore.
FightingtheurgetopunchMartinforputtingthatexpressiononthefaceofsuchastrongwoman,Andrewthoughtbacktotheotherlittlethingshe’dnoticed,thewayMartinhadalmostpointedlywalkedintotheroomfirst,saying,“Strongestshouldbringuptherear,right?”
Atthetime,Andrewhadtakenitasajokebetweenlovers,butnow…“Who’smoredominant?”heasked,feelingachillwhisperthroughhisveins.“It’sAdria,isn’tit?”CHAPTER30
Indigo’sbodywentmotionlessbesidehim.“Youknowitis.”
Andrewrealizedatoncethathe’dhavetofightonehellofabattletowipetheimpressionthistoxicrelationshiphadtohaveleftonIndigo,buttherewasnotimetofollowuponthetopic,becauseAbelwalkedinthen,havingbeendelayedatwork—astrainingandresourcecoordinatorforSnowDancersoldiersacrosstheentirestate.
FirstAbelkissedhismate.Thenhetappedhischeeksohisdaughtercouldbraceherselfwithonehandonhisshoulderandkisshim.Afterthat,hehuggedAdriaandshookMartin’shand.Thenhewalkedover…andAndrewfoundhimselfbeingtakenoutsidefora“littlechat.”
“I’llbeblunt,”Abelsaidastheystoodinthecrispnightair,drinksinhand,“Indigo’sagrownwomanwhoknowswhatshewants.She’llchoosewhoshe’llchoose.”
SinceAbelpausedforaresponse,Andrewsaid,“Yes,sir.”WherehiswolfhadhandledAdriafine,itwaswaryofAbel.
Itwasn’taquestionofdominance,asAndrewoutrankedhim,butoffamily.
Abeltookasipofhiswhiskey.“I’vebeenaskingaboutyou.”
Andrewwaited.
“Womenlikeyou.”Agleaminthosedeepgrayeyeshe’dbequeathedhisyoungerdaughter.
“Youdon’tneedtoworryaboutmyloyalty,”Andrewsaid,wantingnomistakesormisunderstandingsonthatpoint.“Indigo’stheonlywomanIwant.”
“Iknowthat,”Abelsaidtohissurprise.“Whenwefirstmet,IlookedatTarahthewayyoulookatIndigo.”Achuckle.“Stilldo,asamatteroffact.”
Andrewrelaxed.
Toosoon.
“Justsoyouknow,”Abelsaidinthatsamewarmtone,“youhurtherandI’llbreakeveryboneinyourbody.Twice.”
HavingsurvivedbothAbelanddinner,AndrewwalkedintothekitchenandwenttostandatTarah’sshoulderwhileshecutthedessertcakeintoslices.“Tarah?”
Insteadofanswering,Tarahpickedupasliverofcakeandturnedtofeedittohim.“So?”
Hechewed,savoredtheburstofbrandyandchocolate,swallowed.“Willyoumarryme?”
Thatgothimatwinklingsmile.“Whatisityouwanttoknow,sweetheart?”
Utterlymeltedbyher,hedidn’tbothertopretendhehadn’tfollowedherinherewithanulteriormotive.“Yoursisterismuchyoungerthanyou.”
“OurparentswereveryhappilysurprisedwhenIwasalmosttwenty.”
Drewtookamomenttothinkaboutthat.ChangelingswerelessfertilethanhumansorPsy,sowhilethiskindofthingdidhappen,itwasrare.“Itmusthavebeensomecelebration.”
Havingplacedthecakeonthetray,Tarahmotionedforhimtoliftdownthecupsandsaucersfromanuppercupboard.“Oh,itwas,”shesaidasheobeyed.“EveryonethoughtI’dbejealous,butIthoughtshewasthecutest,mostadorablethingI’deverseen.”Alaughhuskywithmemory.“Iusedtostealherfrommymotherallthetimeandshowherofflikeshewasmyown.”
Hechuckled,thinkingbacktohowRileyhadtreatedhimandBrennawhenthey’dbeenyounger.“Adriacan’tbemucholderthanIndigo.”
“Ifoundmymateearly”—adazzlingechoofmemory—“andwehadourbeautifulIndigosoonafterward.Adriawasonlyfouratthetime,sotheygrewupmoreassistersthananythingelse.”
Encouragedbyheropenness,heaskedaquestiononasubjectmanywouldhavesaidwasnoneofhisbusiness.“HowlonghasAdriabeenwithMartin?”
“Tenyears,onandoff.”Havingarrangedeverythingonthetray,Tarahwenttopickitup.
Heslidhishandspasthers.“I’llgetthat.”
Lookingup,shestoppedhimwithahandonhisupperarm.“Youwereawonderfulboy,Andrew.I’msogladtoknowthemanyou’vebecome.”
Feelingtheloveinthattouch,inthosewords,heaskedthefinal,mostimportantquestion.“Howlonghasitbeenlikethatbetweenthem?”
“Sincethestart.”Painpinchedherexpression.“Theyloveeachother,butMartin’sneverquitebeenabletohandleAdria’sstrength…anditbreaksherhearteachtimehemakesthatclear.”
AsAndrewlaynakedinbedandwatchedIndigogetreadytojoinhim,hethoughtovertheimplicationsofwhathe’dlearnedtonight.Hedidn’thavetobeashrinktoseethatIndigo’sviewsonrelationshipshadtohavebeenshapedbythetwoclosesttoher.
Herparents’mating,whileunsuitabletoherownsituation,fittheacceptedparametersandwasvery,verysuccessful.Adria,bycontrast,hadbrokenthemold,throwninherlotwithalessdominantman—andtheresultsweren’texactlyinspiring.
“Deepthoughts?”Indigoasked,brushingherhairinfrontofthevanityacrossfromthebed.
Heranhiseyesoverthesilkylittleboxersinacolorthatechoedhereyesthatshe’dpairedwithathinblackcamisole,herhairawaterfallofshiningebonyoverhershoulders.“You’resobeautiful,youmakemyheartstop.”
Herhandfrozeinitssmoothstrokesandshestaredathimacrossthelengthoftheroom.“Drew…youcan’tgoaroundsayingthingslikethat.”
“Whynot?”
Puttingthebrushonthevanity,Indigowalkedovertocrawlontothebed,straddlinghisbody.“Becausethenitmakesmeadoreyouevenmore—andI’mnotsureIcanhandleit.”Ateasingstatement,butheheardthewhisperoftruthbeneath.Hislieutenantwasafraidofthegrowingdepthofthebondsbetweenthem.
Hecouldn’tblameher.Ithadknockedhimforsix,too,whenhe’dfirstrealizedthatshewasitforhim.Forever.“Inthatcase—youreyesarefunnyandyourteetharecrooked.”
Herentirefacesparkled.“Muchbetter.”
Lettingtheemotioninhishearttranslateintoaslowsmile,hestrokedhishandsupherthighsandundertheedgeofhercamisole.“Ihavethisfantasy.”
“Really?”Anarchcomment.“Doesitinvolvemenaked?”
“Howdidyouknow?”
“You’renotthathardtoread,mister.”Sherubbedherbodyoverthepulsingridgeofhiserection.“OrshouldIsay…yourhardnessiseasytoread?”
Hesuckedinabreath,inhalingthelush,earthywarmthofherarousal.“Funny.”
“Ithoughtso.”Shestrokedherpalmsdownhischest,herclawsprickingjustenoughtoincitehiswolftosnarlinglife.“Iseesomeone’scomeouttoplay.”Herownwolfinhereyes,shebentherheadandranherteethoverhisnipple,herhairathousandteasingfingersacrosshisskin.
Fistingonehandinthesilkenmass,heclenchedtheotheronthesheets.“Isthatallyou’vegot?”
Agleamofindigobluebetweenslittedlids,andthensherubbedherbarelycoveredbreastsoh-so-slowlyagainsthischest,snakingherhanddowntocloseoverhiserectioninanopenlypossessivegrip.
“Christ.”Itwasgrittedoutbetweenclenchedteeth.Whenhewenttograbhershouldersandpullherup,shetightenedherhold,lettinghimfeelherclaws.Swearing,hedroppedhishands.“Doyourworstthen,Lieutenant.”
Strokingandsqueezingtherigidlengthofhiserectionwithwarm,stronghands,shewiggleddownoverhisthighs…lower.“Oh,Iintendto.”Ahot,dampbreathontheblunttipofhiscock,hisbodyarchingtowardthewarmwetnessofhermouth.
“Patience.”Itwasalaughingadmonitionassherosebackup,releasinghimtopressherpalmsagainsthisthighs.
Ittookeverythinghehadtokeephimselfinposition,toletherplayasshewould.Buthewasstillapredatorychangelingmalewithawomanheconsideredhis.“Top.Off.”Itcameouthusky,rough.
Sheflickedafingeratthestrapofhercamisole.“Youmeanthis?”
Narrowinghiseyes,heswipedupwithasinglepreciseclaw.
Indigojerkedback,butnotfastenough.Hermouthfellopenashercamisolepartedintwoneathalvesinfront.“Hey!”
Hetracedthebaredcurvesofherbreastswithhiseyes.“Oops.”
Rippingoffthecamisoleandthrowingittotheside,Indigoprowleduphisbody,bracingherselfwithherpalmsoneithersideofhishead.“Youthinkyou’resoclever.”
Itwasthemostblindingpleasuretostrokehishandsoverherbuttocksandlowerback,totouchherashewould.“Yep.”Nudgingherdownjustenough,hegrippedanipplebetweenhisteeth.Whenshethrustherhandintohishair,hereleaseditbeforesuckingitbackinandtugginghard.
Sheshiveredagainsthim.“More.”Itwasanorderandademandinone.
Andrewsmiledandbestowedthesamecaressonherneglectedbreast,bringingupahandtofondleherwithaproprietarypleasurehe’dneverbotheredtohide.
“You,”shemurmuredagainsthismouthasshepulledaway,“haveawayoftakingoverinbed,butIhaveintentionsofmyowntoday.”
Droppinghisheadbackonthepillows,hewatchedwithoutbreathingasshefinger-walkedherwaydownhischestandbacktotheraginghardnessofhiscock.Thistime,herfingerscircledhimwithpurpose,andtherewasnowarning;oneminuteshewasstraddlinghim,thenext,she’dshimmieddowntotakehimintothewetheatofhermouth.
“Fuck!”Itwastornoutofhimaspleasureshort-circuitedhissenses.Reachingdown,hethrustonehandintoherhair.
Whenshepulledaway,teasinghimtomadness,henudgedherforward.Shelethimfeelherteeth.Hegrowled.Laughterintheeyesthatmethis.Andheknewhewassunk.
Groaning,hetookeverythingshehadtogive,andhegloriedinit.Mine,hethoughtasshelavedpleasureuponpleasure,asshegavethewolfwithinhercontrol,you’remine.
IndigobroughtDrewtotheedgeagainandagain,backingoffasplitsecondbeforehewould’velostcontrol.Herownneedwasatakeeningpitchwhenshegaveonefinallick,gotridofherboxers,andstraddledhimoncemore.
Hiswolfwasinhiseyes,intheclawshe’ddugintothebed,shreddingthesheets.“I’dapologize,”hegrowled,followinghergaze,“butIdon’tthinkyoudeserveit.”
Evennow,withhungeravoraciousbeastbetweenthem,hecouldmakehersmile.“Inthatcase…maybeI’lljustdothisforawhile.”Liftingherself,shebrushedhercoreagainstthetipofhiscock.
Itwasmeanttobeateasingpunishment.
Itdroveherwild.
Drew’shandsclampedonherhips.“Down!”Hepulled.
Slidingontohiminahardrush,shecriedoutatthealmostpainfulfullness.Hishandsflexedonher,andsherealizedhehadn’tsheathedhisclaws.Thatwasalright.Herswereprickingintohischestasshebracedherself.
“Indy?”Awordsohoarse,sheknewithadbeenastruggleforhimtogetitout.
Suckinginabreath,shesqueezedherinnermuscles,sawhiseyesrollbackinhishead,andstillhishandsstayedherhips,keepingherfrommoving.“I’mokay,”shesaid,knowinghisprotectivestreakhadrisentotheforewithhercry.“You’rejustalittlemore…significantinthisposition.”
Atugofhislips,aplayfularrogancethatmadeherwanttoteaseanddelighthiminequalmeasures.Strokingawayhishands,sheclaspedthemwithherown,andthensherodeherwolf.Theslickglideoffleshagainstflesh,therichmuskoftheircombinedscents,theblazingfireoftheheatinherbelly,italladdedtotheexotic,eroticdance.ButthemostpowerfulsensationofallwasseeingDrew’seyesflickerfrombluetocopperandbackagainasbothwolfandmansurrenderedtotheinfernobetweenthem.
Ashetookherwithhim.CHAPTER31
Henrypickedupatransmittersimilartotheoneshe’dhadhismenplaceinSnowDancerterritory.Apitytheyhadbeendiscovered;theywould’veofferedhimasmalltacticaladvantageinthefuture—butitwasnothingclosetogameover.Blindedbytheweaknessoftheiranimalnatures,thewolveshadn’tyetfoundtheotherpiecesoftechnology.
Bythetimetheydid,itwouldbetoolate.CHAPTER32
Midmorningthenextday,AndrewwalkedintoHawke’sofficejustashisalphafinishedaconversationwithJuddviacommscreen.Noddingtohisbrother-in-lawbeforethescreenblanked,heglancedatHawke.“Where’sJudd?”
“SomewhereinSouthAmerica.”
Theanswerwouldn’thavemadesensetomostpeople,giventhatJuddhadbeeninthedenuntilonlyacoupleofhoursago.Onlyalimitedfewknewthemanwasaverypowerfultelekinetic.Notatrueteleporter,butwellabletoteleportlongdistances.
“Stillnothingtoconfirmwhythetransmitterswerethere?”heasked,grabbingaseat.
“Fourpossibilities.”Hawkeraisedafinger,hisangerbankedbutnolesslethalforit.“Toactaslocatorbeaconsforteleportationorairbornevehicles”—asecondfinger—“atesttoseehowquicklywe’ddetectthattypeofintrusion”—athirdfinger—“orasmarkersonwheretoplaceexplosives.”
Andrewblewoutabreath.“Tryingtocauseamassiverockslide?”
Hawkegaveanod,tappingthescrawleddiagraminfrontofhim.“Youblowthissection,younotonlycutoffachunkofourland,anyinvadingarmyhasfarlessdistancetocovertogettotheheartofdenterritory.”
“Yousaidfourpossibilities.What’sthefourth?”
“Wefoundthesesofast,you’dthinkweweremeanttofindthem.”
“Decoys.”Andrewfrowned.“Buttowhatpurpose?”
“That’spartofwhatJudd’shopingtorundown.He’shearingwhispersthatsaythismightbelinkedtoPurePsy.I’vealsosentthetechsbackuptoscanforanythingelsethatshouldn’tbethere.”Shovinghishandsthroughhishair,Hawkeclenchedhisjaw.“Whateverthetruth,instincttellsmethingsaregoingtocometoaviolentheadsoonerratherthanlater.”
“IfJudddoesconnectthetransmitterscategoricallytoPurePsy,”Andrewsaid,slottingintheotherpiecesinhismind,“andweaddthee-mailstothemix,thenI’mcertainthepackshaven’tbeentargetedinisolation,butaspartofacampaignagainstthecityasawhole.”
ThewolflookedoutofHawke’seyeswhenheturnedtoAndrew.“Youfoundsomethingelse.”
“Teijancalledmethismorning.HispeoplehavenoticedasteadystreamofPsyslippingintothecityandsettinguphouse.Someofthemdon’tappeartohavejobs.”
Hawke’sjawtightened.“Trouble?”
“NotaccordingtowhatIgotfromMaxafterIspoketoTeijan.Seemslikeword’sgottenoutthatNikitahasacceptedaflawedPsyinheradministration.”Max’swife,Sophia,wasstillintheNet.AndshewasnolongerSilent.
Hawkethoughtaboutthecold-eyedwomanwho’ddisownedherowndaughterandknewtherehadtobesomethinginthestanceforNikita.Eitherthat,ortheCouncilorwassimplywaitingforachancetoturnonthepoorsoulswholookedtoherforhope.“Aretheymakingwaves?”
“Maxhasaneyeonthemandsaysmostareonlytryingtofindsanctuary.”
“Butit’sgoingtoshiftthebalanceofthecity.”AndHawke’sfirstprioritywasthesafetyofhispack.“I’lltalktoLucas,makesureourownpeoplehavethesituationundersurveillance.”
Drewplayedapenoverhisfingers.“ThefactthatSanFranciscoisbecominggroundzeroforPsywhoarebreakingSilence…well,itexplainsthedeadPsyinthecityandontheedgesofthestate,doesn’tit?”
“PoorbuggersgotcaughtupinthecrossfirebetweentwoCouncilfactions.”Pickingupasmallballfromthecornerofhisdesk,Hawkethrewitagainstthewall,catchingitasitrebounded.“Youthinkwe’vebeenhitbythecrossfire,too.”
Drewnodded.“Judd’sintelisthatHenryScottisouttogetridofNikita,andwealreadyknowHenrycontrolsPurePsy.AndSanFranciscomightbeachangelingcity,butit’salsoNikita’spowerbase.”
“Psychologicalwarfare,”Hawkemurmured.“HewantsthecityinturmoiltoundermineNikita—and…”Hawkecaughttheballasitreboundedagain,heldit.“Whatbetterwaytodothatthanbyincitingthehumansandchangelingsagainsteachother?”
“That’swhatworriesme,”Drewsaid.“ButIthinkwe’dhaveheard—sensed—ifthatkindofuglinesswassimmering.”
Hawkethrewtheball,bouncingitsothatitreboundedtowardDrew.“What’sthedate?”
Catchingtheball,AndrewglancedathiswatchandgavetheballtoHawke.“Why?”
“TheCherryBlossomFestivalinJapantown.”
“It’sonrightnow.”Heimmediatelyrealizedwhathisalphawantedhimtodo.“Catswillhaveamuchbetterchanceofgettinginformationfromthepopulationdownthere.”DarkRiverheldthecity,andtheyhadhelditlongenoughandwellenoughthattheywereatrustedpartofitsfabric.SnowDancer,bycomparison,evokedawarycaution—whichwashowtheywantedit.
“Workwiththem,”Hawkesaid,“butIwantyoudownthereaswell.”
“Don’ttrustthecatsevennow?”
Hawkeshrugged.“It’snotabouttrust.It’saboutPack.”
Andrewunderstood.Hawke’sjobwastoprotectSnowDancer.NomatterthebloodbondbetweenSnowDancerandDarkRiver,hewouldneverplacethelivesofhispeopleintheirhandsalone.
Indigowasn’texactlypleasedtobepulledoffher—considerable—dutiestocome“playgirlfriend,”asDrewhadputit.“Ifyouneededadecoy,”shemutteredastheymeanderedthroughthebustlingstallsthatlinedthestreet,offeringgoodiesofeveryvariety,“whydidn’tyoupickoneofyourharem?”
Tuggingherclosewiththearmhehadaroundhershoulders,henippedatthetipofhernose.“Because,”hesaidwithagrinwhensheglared,“youwould’vecutmetopieceswiththaticeglareofyours”—hishandsliddownherback—“afteryoukickedmybleeding,whimperingassoutofyourbed.AndIreallylikeyourmattress.”
Shewouldnotlaugh.“There’llbesomewhimperinggoingonverysoonifyoudon’tstoppettingmyassinpublic.”
Hestrokedhishandevenlowerand,cuppingherfacewithhisfreehand,tookhermouthinalaughingkissthatsimplymeltedanytemperoutofher.God,shethought,she’dhavetowatchhim.Hecouldcharmhimselfoutofanysituation—andmakeheraco-conspirator.
Whenhebrokethekiss,hedidn’tpullaway,butrubbedhisnoseaffectionatelyagainsthers.“Thinkofitasadate.”
Atthatmoment,forthefirsttimeinforever,Indigodecidedwhatthehell.Itwasabeautiful,sunshinydayinSanFrancisco;shewaswithagorgeous,sexymanwhocouldn’tkeephishandsoffher;and,giventheirunderhandedtacticstodate,thegroupofPsybehindthecurrentattemptstobrewuptroubleweren’tabouttocomeingunsblazinganytimesoon.“Inthatcase,”shesaid,slidingherarmaroundhiswaist,“youhavetobuymeanicecream.”
Itwasonlyastheybeganwalkingagainthatsherealizedhowmuchattentionthey’ddrawndespitethecrowd.Sheglimpsedmorethanonesmiledirectedtheirway,alongwiththeoddwink.Herwolfsighed,butevenithadtoadmititwasdelightedbyDrew’ssenseofplay.
Justthen,asDrewwenttograbtheiricecreams,IndigofoundherselfbeingwavedoverbyatinyJapaneseladyseatedatasmallstall.Intrigued,shewent.Whentheyukata-cladladyurgedherforwardwithawrinkledlittlehand,Indigobentacrossthetraysofsweetmochionthetableuntilshecouldhearthewomanoverthebuzzofthefestivalcrowd.
“Thatone,”theelderlyladysaidinasoftbutrobustvoice,“trouble.”
Indigogrinned.“Absolutely.”
Laughingoutloud,thewomanpickedupamochifromthetable.“Doesmyheartgoodtoseeamanwho’snotafraidofastrongwoman.”PuttingthetreatinIndigo’shand,shewavedawayherofferofpaymentandtoldhertogetbacktoher“trouble.”
Smilingherthanks,Indigosankherteethintothestickyriceconcoctiontodiscoverthatthecenterwasliquidchocolate.“Mmm.”Lickingthesyrupoffherlips,shelookeduptoseeAndrewinfrontofher,hiseyesverymuchonhermouth.
“Share,”hesaid,inahuskyvoice.
Deliberatelymisunderstanding—becauseitwas,she’drealizedoverthepastfewweeks,funtoteasehim—sheputtheuneatenhalfofthemochiinhismouth.Whenhescowled,shegrabbedhericecream—mangoswirl—andtookalick.“Whatdidyouget?”
Drew’sfingerstangledwithherownasheswallowedthetidbitinhismouthandsaid,“Chocolate,rumraisin,andtutti-frutti.”
Freezing,Indigostaredathistriplecone.“Doesn’tthattasteweird?”
“No.Try.”Itwasarelaxedgesture,butasshetastedhismixofflavors,theireyesmetandsuddenlythemomentseemedfarfromlighthearted.
amanwho’snotafraidofastrongwoman.
Theelderlylady’swordswhisperedthroughhermindasshepulledback,asshesqueezedherfingersaroundhisandtheystartedwalkingagainthroughthemingledscentsofsugarandice,andlater,throughseafoodstallsredolentwithhintsofthemostdelicatesashimi.Fartherdown,intheareasetasideforartsandcrafts,shepickedupscentsasdistantascuredwoodandcherryblossomsingloriouslyfullbloom.
Thedayseemedevenbrighterthanbefore—andforthefirsttime,thehopeinherheartoutweighedthefear.Becausethatelderhadbeenright.WhileDrewchallengedher,attemptedtotakeoverinhisowncharmingway,andbeyondadoubtlikedbeingincontrol,he’dnever—nomatterwhat—denigratedherstrengthormadeherfeellessfemininebecauseofwhoandwhatshewas.Infact,he’dmadeitclearincountlesswaysthathercapable,independentnaturewaspartoftheattraction.
“Comehere,”shemurmured,herheartfeelingfragileandyethugelypowerfulasshedaredconsiderthatthisunorthodox—andutterlywonderful—relationshipmightjustworkafterall.
Whenhedippedhishead,shekissedhim.“Howdoyoulikemangoswirl?”shemurmuredagainstthoselipssheknewsoverywell.
“IthinkIneedasecondtaste.”
Andrewcould’vespentthewholedayplayingwithIndigo,butawareofhowimportantitwasthattheygetafeelfortheemotionalhealthofthecity,heworkedthepeopletheymet,keepinghisquestionslight,hiscommentsinnocuous.Andpiecebypiece,wordbyword,hebegantogetfragmentsofinformation.
Indigoremaineduncharacteristicallysilent.
“Youokay?”heaskedwhentheystoppedtolookattheparade.
“I’veneverseenyoudothiskindofworkbefore,”shesaid,lookingupathim.“You’reverygood.”
Prideunfurleditswingsinsidehim,andhiswolfstrutted.
Anhourlater,whentheyranintoaDarkRivercoupletheybothknew—EmmettandRia—theyduckedoutoftherushofthecrowdstograbseatsatawrought-irontableoutsideasmallcafé.Drinksordered,Andrewaskedthecoupleifthey’dnoticedanything,awarethatallofDarkRiver’sseniorpeoplewould’vebeenbriefedonthepossiblesituation.
Emmettnoddedtohismate,asmall,curvybrunettewitheyesuptiltedjustenoughtospeakofancestryfromAsia.“Ria’sfamilyisinChinatown,andthey’vebeenworriedaboutsomeofwhatthey’vebeenhearingfromtheircustomers.”
Riapickedupthethreadoftheconversationsosmoothly,itwasobviousthetwohadbeenmatedlongenoughtolearneachother’srhythms.“Therearewhispersaroundthecityabout‘Purity,’”shesaid,makingafaceassheshiftedherbodytoleanagainsthermate.“Somegroupistryingtogethumanstobelievethey’dbebetteroffwith‘untainted’blood.”
Besideher,Emmettplayedwithstrandsofhismate’shair.“Iftheywanttocausedivision,they’rebarkingupthewrongtree.”HecurvedonehandaroundRia’sneck,fingersstrokinggently.“ThiscityanditspeopleareloyaltoDarkRiver;we’vehelpedthemwhenthePsywouldn’t,andenoughtimesthatthatloyaltyissetinstone.”
Andrewtookadrink,hiswolffascinatedbythecouple’sinteraction.Itwasn’thardtoguesswhy—hewasjustalittlebitjealous.Notbecausehecouldn’ttouchIndigo,butbecausetheyhadn’tyetreachedthatdepthofintimacy.No,thatkindoflovetookyearstosettle,togrowandform.
AndIndyhadn’tyetcommittedfullytohim.Inspiteofeverythingthey’dbecometoeachother,heknewherwolfcontinuedtoseehimasayoungermalefirst,andeverythingelsesecond.Hewasn’tanimpatientman,butneitherwasheasaint.Attimeslikethis,whenhesawwhattheycouldhave,thatsubtledistancethreatenedtogettohim.
“That’sprettymuchwhatIpickeduptoday,”hesaid,forcinghisattentiontothematterathandwhenherealizedeveryonewaswaitingforhimtorespond.“Peoplearedisturbed,butmoreattheideaofPuritythanbecausetheysubscribetoit.”
Indigoputdownhersmoothie.“Therearegoingtobepocketsofmalcontents.Nothingwecandoaboutthatexceptmonitorthesituation.”
“Yep,”Emmettagreed,hisbodyangledtowardhismateinawaythatAndrewdidn’tthinktheothermanwasevenawareof.“Butmytake?Wedon’thavetoworryaboutthepopulationingeneral.”
Andrewagreed.“Bytheway,”hesaid,figuringit’dbesillynottomentionitsincehe’dguessed,“congratulations.”
Riaglowed.“Ididn’trealizechangelingsoutsidethepackwouldknow.”
“Mostwon’t.”Indigo’stonewasdryevenasshereachedouttosqueezeRia’shand.“ButDrew’smadealifelongstudyofthefemaleform.”
Emmettlaughedandnuzzledakisstohismate’stemple.“TellthemwhatLucassaidwhenhefoundout.”
“YouknowI’mLuc’sadminassistant,right?”Attheirnods,Riacontinued,“WhenherealizedIwaspregnant,heyelledatme.”
Andrewblinked.“Seriously?”ThecatsadoredkidsasmuchastheSnowDancersdid.Hecouldn’timaginetheleopardalphanotbeingpleasedabouttheevent.
“Uh-huh.HeaskedmewhatthehellhewassupposedtodowhenIwentonmaternityleave.”Riawaitedforabeatbeforedeliveringthepunchline.“Thenhetoldmetoputmyfeetupandwouldn’tevenletmepickupastapleruntilIthreatenedtobashhisheadinwithit.”
Indigoburstoutlaughing.“Howmanytimeshasshethreatenedyousinceyoufoundout?”sheaskedEmmett.
“Onlytwentyorso.”Emmettgaveaslowsmileasheanswered,andRiajumpedalittle.
“Emmett.”
AndrewsawIndigobitebackagrinastheotherwoman’scheekscolored.“You’llhavetoexcuseEmmett,”Riasaidinalaughter-chokedvoice,“he’sabsolutelyuncivilized.Can’ttakehimoutinpubli—Emmett!”
AndrewdippedhisheadtowardIndigo.“Whatdoyouthinkhe’sdoingunderthetable?”hewhisperedinherear,evenasheslidhisownhandupherthigh.
“Don’tgetideas,hotshot.”Butherwolfflickeredashimmeringgoldinhereyes.
Andlaterthatnight,whentheylayentwinedinbed,hereyesturnednight-glowonhim,andheknewthathedancedwiththewolfandthewomanboth.Itwasn’tquiteeverything,butitwascloseenoughtosoothehisownwolf.CHAPTER33
Havingjustsentthroughanupdatetotheotherlieutenantsonthesituationinthecityandindenterritory,IndigowasheadingtoherofficetoreadthereportRiazhadfiledafterhisshiftwhenBracecamecrashingintotheden.Hewasscratchedandbloody,hisT-shirtripped.SeeingIndigo,hebegantalking.Itwasobvioushewasonestepawayfromtotalpanic.“Silviafelldownacliff.ItriedtocatchherbutIcouldn’tgrabherintime.Icouldn’t—”
Indigoputherhandsonthoselankyshoulders,madehimmeethereyes.“Where?”Itwasaquestionimbuedwithherinnatedominance.
Givingherthelocationinafastgallop,heheavedoutanotherbreath.“Shewouldn’trespondwhenIcalleddown.Indigo,shewouldn’t—”
“Focus,Brace.”Shesqueezedhisshoulders,anchoringhimwiththetouchofPack.“Howfardownissheandhowaccessibleisthearea?”
“Um”—shecouldseehimattemptingtoclearthecobwebsfromhismind—“you’llneedropes,climbinggear.Itriedtogodownbutit’salmostasheerrockface.She’strappedonaledgesofardownyoucanhardlyseeher.”
“I’llorganizetherescue,”shesaidand,knowinghe’dfunctionfarbetterifhehadaconcretetask,added,“YourjobistotrackdownLaraandbringhertothesite.Understood?”
Asharpnod,hiswolfappreciatingthedirectorder.“I’llfindher.”
MakingcallsonhercellphoneasBraceleft,Indigogatheredthesoldiersthatsheknewwereinthedenandavailable,updatingHawkeonthesituationaswell.
Hewasdrivingawayfromthedenbutturnedbackathercall.“I’llmeetyouatthesite,”hesaidinatersevoice.
Drew,Sing-Liu,andTaitookonlyminutestoanswerhersummons.Theymetatoneofthepack’ssupplylockersand,workingatrapidspeed,pickeduptheropes,climbinggear,andotherequipmentthey’dneedtowinchupSilvia’sinjuredform.
Nooneevendiscussedthepossibilityofherbeingdead.ShewasPack.She’dbebroughtback,nomatterwhat.“Let’sgo,”Indigosaid,anditwasthefirstwordsanyofthemhadspokensinceshe’dsharedthedetailsoftheaccident.Nowtheyrantogether,thelocationbeingimpossibletoreachbyeventhemostruggedofvehicles.
EverysecondthatpassedbroughtSilviaclosertodeath,sotheypushedandmadeitinunderhalftheusualtime.Droppingthegearshe’dcarriedinapilealittlewaysbackfromthecliffedge,Indigobelly-crawledtothepartthathadcrumbleduntilshecouldpeeroverit.Hereyesightwaschangelingkeen,butBracehadbeenright.ShecouldonlyjustseethepaleblueofSilvia’sjeans,theredofhercardiganasshelaycrumpledonaledgeatleastahundredmetersdown,onehandoutflung.Herlegsappearedtobetwistedunderherbodyinawaythattheysimplyshouldn’thavebeen.
AwareofDrewcrawlingupbesideher,sheturnedherhead.“Whatdoyouthink?”She’ddonemorethanoneclimbwithhim,knewhewashighlyskilled.
“Oneofuswillhavetorappeldown,”hesaidandglancedoverhisshoulder,pointingtoasturdypine.“Wecanusethattreetorigupthemainanchor,setupabelaylineforbackup.”
Indigoagreed.Waitinguntilthey’dbothdrawnbackfromtheedge,shenoddedatSing-Liutobringhertheharness.“I’ll—”
Drewputahandonherarm.“That’sonehellofadangerouscliffface.I’llgo—I’vegotmoreexperience.”
Thatfirstsentenceirritatedher,butsheshruggeditofftofocusonthepracticalreasonwhyshewasthebetterchoiceforthedescent.“Ifsomethinggoeswrong,it’llbeeasierforthepeopleupheretohandlesomeoneofmyweightthanyours.”
“NotwithTai’sstrengthaddedtoyoursandSing-Liu’s—andifSilvianeedstobestabilized,I’vehadmoremedicaltrainingthanyou.”
Indigohadforgottenaboutthemoduleshe’ddonewithLara.Addedtothefactthathewasthemoreexperiencedclimber,ittippedthescalesinfavorofhisdescent.Shewasabouttosaysowhenheshookhisheadandsaid,“Wecan’twastetimearguing,Indy.Sing-Liu,givemetheharness.”
Itwasaslapthatmadeherheadring.“I’mthelieutenant,”sheremindedhimwithiceinhertone.“Igivethecommands.”Hell,shethoughtevenasthewordsspilledout,she’ddealwithhisactionslater.Rightnow,Silvianeededthem.“Here’swhat—”
Drewgotinherfacebeforeshecouldfinish.“Youmightbethelieutenant,”hebitout,“butI’maseniormemberofthepack,andyou’vegotnocausetofuckingignoremyopinionjustbecauseyouinsistonseeingmeasalessdominantyoungmaletotheexclusionofallelse.”
Indigowasdamnedifshewasgoingtohavethisfightinpublic.Grabbingtheharness,sheslammeditontohischest.“Gearup.”
Hebegantodoso,movingathighspeed,buthistempercontinuedtoflash.“Ifweweren’tsleepingtogether,”hemuttered,“youwould’velistenedtomefromthewordgo,insteadoftryingtogoinhalf-assedbecauseyouthinkyouhavesomethingtoprove.”
Indigo’sholdonherowntempersnapped,asnarlburningitswayoutofherthroatevenasherclawsslicedout.ThatwaswhenHawkeappearedoutofthetrees.“Enough.”Itwasasnappedorder.“Drew,checkyourharness.Indigo,doyouneedtotakeawalk?”
Onlyalifetimeofcontrolallowedhertoreinbackthewolf,tosay,“I’mfine.I’llorganizethingsonthisend.”Asshespoke,sherealizedLaraandBracehadalsoarrived.Thefactthatthey’dwitnessedHawkeslappingherdownfurtherincreasedhericyrage,butshekeptitinruthlesscheck.
Drewdidn’tsayawordashedouble-checkedeverythingandslippedalisteningdeviceinhisearwhileSing-Liuclippedamiketothecollarofhistee.“I’mready.”
“Soarewe.”Indigohadsetuptheanchorusingthetreeasabase,butsheandtheotherswouldmanuallycontrolthebackup;theycouldn’tbetoocarefulwithtwolivesatstake.“Go.”
Hookinghimselfup,Drewdisappearedovertheedgeofthecliff,andIndigo’sheartslammedbruisinglyhardagainstherribsforalong,stillinstant.Thentheropewenttautandsheknewhe’dstartedtorappeldown.
Havingmadethedescentfasterthanwould’vebeensafeformost,Andrewcroucheddownbesidehisfallenpackmate,doingavisualcheckforinjuriesafterhe’densuredherairwaywasclearandfeltforapulse.“Brokenleg,brokenribs,itlookslike,”hesaidintothemike,“severebruising,abadgashonthebackofherhead.”Hecouldfeelherblood,wetandsticky.“She’sunconscious,butbreathing.”
Laraaskedhimtoassessthebreaksmoreclosely.“Doyouthinkyoucanmoveherontoastretcherforustohaulup?”
AndrewshiftedhisbodycarefullyonthenarrowledgesohecouldgetabetterangleatSilvia’sback.“I’mworriedaboutherspine,Lara.Thewayshe’stwisted…therecouldbedamageifImoveher.”Inspiteofthehugetechnologicaladvancesofthelatetwenty-firstcentury,spinalinjuriescontinuedtobeproblematic.Mostcouldbehealed,buttherecoveryprocesswasbrutal.
Lara’svoicefadedafraction,asifshewasspeakingtosomeoneelse.“Ineedtogodown.”
“I’llcomebackup,guideyoudown,”Andrewsaid,becauseevenacontrolledrappeldownthisclifffacecouldprovedangerousfortheinexperienced.“Iseesomefootholds.Ishouldbeabletoclimbupunassisted.”
“We’vegotyouifyouslip.”Indigo’svoiceinhisear,calmandsteady.
“Thanks.”Ittookhimconsiderablylongertocleartheclifffacethanithadtocomedown.Hismuscleswerescreamingbythetimehereachedthetop,butitwasaburnhecouldlivewith.
Larawasreadytogowhenhearrived.Asthehealertookadeepbreathandpreparedtodescendwithhimallbutgluedtoher,AndrewfoughttheurgetosearchforIndigo’sgaze—thatparticularfightcouldcomelater—andsteppedbackovertheedgeofthecliff.
IttookanhourforLaratohealSilviaenoughforthegirltobesafelywinchedup,anotherquarterofanhourforLaratoascend,withAndrewclimbingbehindher.InthechaosofstrippingLaraofherharnessandcoilingtheropes,hedidn’tseeIndigoleave,thoughheassumedshewashelpingcarrytheinjuredgirltotheinfirmary.
Justaswell,hethought,teethgritted.Puttinghisropeontheground,hewascoilingLara’swhenHawkereturned.“JesusChrist,Drew,”hisalphamuttered,gatheringuptheotherabandonedgear.“Ithoughtyouweregoodwithwomen.”
Andrewdumpedtheropeandturnedontheotherwolf.“Iwasright.Shewasn’tusingresourcesproperly.”
Hawkedidn’tgrowlback,simplyraisedaneyebrow.“That’snotwhatIsaid.”
Blowingoutabreath,Andrewturnedtostareoutoverthejaggedmountainousvista.Sofuckingbeautiful—andsoincrediblylethalwhenthemoodtookit.Thedescription,hethought,fithislieutenanttoaT.“Thenwhat?”
“You’retellingmeyou’restillpissedatIndigo?”
Swivelingonhisheel,hescowledathisalpha.“OfcourseIam.”
Hawkeshookhishead,sleekstrandsofsilver-goldwhippingacrosshisfaceinasuddenwind.Pushingthemback,hesaid,“Thenmaybeyouneedtogocooloffsoyourbraincanfunction.”
Andrewbentdownandrestartedcoilingthesecondrope,hisarmsscratchedanddirty.Buthehadnopatienceforthetask.Throwingthewholelotontotheground,hestoodupagain.“Shewastakingtoolongtocometoadecision.”
“FromwhatIcantell,ittookhermaybefifteenseconds,andit’sherjobtoweighuptherisksandconsideralloptionsinanygivensituation,”Hawkesaid,continuingtostackthegear.“Ifshedidn’tthinkwiththatkindofcalm,youwouldn’thaveheadedoutherewitheverypieceofequipmentyouneeded.”
Andrewstaredathisalpha’sback,knowinghewasmissingsomething.“Whataren’tyousaying?”
Hawkeshrugged.“Youcould’vegottenexactlywhatyouwantedwithnoproblemsifyou’dgoneaboutittherightway.”
“I’mnotgoingtodancewithheronthingslikethis.”Everythingelse,butnotthis.“I’vetoldhersheneedstolearntotreatmeaswhatIam.”
“Yeah,becauseyou’redoingsuchagoodjobofdoingthesamewithher.”Thesarcasmwasarazoracrosshisface.
“I—”Hepaused,feltachillcreepuphisspine.“Shit,shit,shit!”
Hawkedidn’tsayaworduntilAndrewhadgottenhimselfbackundercontrol.
“Ioverrodeherinfrontoftheothers.”Therealityofwhathe’ddoneslammedintohimlikeabodyblow.“Iforcedyoutopullrankonherinfrontofsubordinates.”Andherpride,Jesus,herpride.
Hawkenodded,linescarvedaroundhismouth.“Youshould’vetakenheraside,discussedyourclimbingskillandmedicaltraining.Hell,sheactedreasonablyevenafteryouletyourcockcontrolyourbrain.”
“ButIkeptpushinguntilshealmostlostcontrol.”ControlwaseverythingtoIndigo,anessentialpartofhowshesawherself.“Fuck.”Shovinghishandsthroughhishair,hepickeduponeoftheropesHawkehadcoiled,andputitoverhisarmasHawketooktheother.
“I’llsendTaibackfortherestofthestuff,”hisalphasaidastheybegantowalk.“She’snotgoingtoforgiveyoueasilyforthis.Tobequiteblunt,Idon’tblameher.Anyonetriedthatwithme,we’dbewipingupbloodnow.”
AndrewrememberedhowmuchithadhurtIndigotowitnessheraunt’spoisonousrelationship,knewexactlythecourageithadtakenforhertotrustinthisrelationshipwithhim.Andstillhe’dfuckedup.“Iblewit.”Maybeshe’dbeenhavingtroubleloweringherfinalbarriers,butshe’dtakenathousandsmallstepstowardit.Thismesswasallonhim.
Hawkesnorted.“Forgetaboutblowingit.Younukedit.”
SilviasafelyinLara’shands—andthankfullystable—Indigosatontheedgeofherbed.Herhairwasdampfromhershower,herpalmsbearingtheslightestofropeburns.Butshedidn’tfeelanyofthat.Allshefeltwasacrushingsenseofhumiliation…andhurt.Drewhadpushedher,challengingherinfrontoflessdominantmembersofthepack,untilherwolflashedout,goingagainsteveryruleshelivedby.
God,Hawkehadrebukedherinpublic.
Redfireflamedacrosshercheeks,butwhiletheembarrassmentburned,itwasn’tasimportantintheschemeofthings.Everyonelosttheirtempersometimes.Sing-Liu,Tai,Lara,hell,evenHawke,noneofthemwouldthinklessofher.
ItwasDrewwho’dstabbedakniferightintoherheart.Itwasonethingforthemtotanglewitheachotherinprivate,but…“Enough.”Pickingupacomb,shebegantorunitthroughherhair.Whatwasdonewasdone.She’dapologizetoHawkeforlettinghertempergetthebetterofher,pickupherduties,andcarryon.
AsforDrew…Herhearttwisted.Professional,shetoldherself,she’dbeprofessional.Thatwastheonlywaytodealwiththis.Anythingelseanditwouldhurttoo—
Herheadsnappedtowardherdoorasshecaughtthewhisperofaveryfamiliarscent.Theknockcameseveralsecondslater.Foramoment,shedebatedansweringit,butthenherwolfraiseditsheadinsteelyprideandnudgedheron.Glancingdown,shecheckedthatthebeltofherknee-lengthterry-clothrobewassecureandpaddedtothedoor.
“Yes?”shesaidtothemanontheotherside,havingpastedanexpressionofprofessionaldisinterestonherface,thoughthehandhiddenbehindthefoldsofherrobewasfistedsotightshewascuttinghalf-mooncirclesinherpalm.
Drewtookonelookatherandmutteredsomethingharshunderhisbreath.“WhatdoIdo?”
Helookedsolost,sovulnerablethatsheblinked,takenaback,butonlyforaninstant.“There’snothingtodo.Hawkesortedusouton-site—andforwhatit’sworth,Iapologizeforbringingmytemperintothesituation.”Thewordsweresincere,thoughherheartwasacoldrockinherchest.“Thatwasneitherthetimenortheplace.”
Drew’seyesshiftedtothatbrilliant,wildcopper.“Don’tdothistous,Indy.Don’tshutmeout.”
Herhandclenchedonthedoor,butshekepthercomposure,awareofpackmateswalkingbyinthecorridoroutside.“Wasthereanythinginparticularyouwanted?”
“Imessedup.”Bluntwords,unexpectedandraw.“I’msorry.”
Herresolvewavered,thestrengthofthebondbetweenthempushingathertoopenthedoor,toinvitehimin.But—“Whatyoudid,itwasadominancechallenge.”Sheheldupahandwhenhewould’veinterrupted.“Youcan’thelpit.”Hewasadominant,onehellofastrongone.“It’llkeephappening,andIcan’taffordtoletit.”
“Indigo,you—”
“No,Drew.Forthehealthofthepack,thehierarchymustbeexplicit.”Theyweretoostrong,toowildathearttoacceptanythingelse.“Ifwecontinuebeinglovers…youwon’tbeabletostopyourselffromchallengingmeagain.”Asapredatorychangelingmale,Drewcouldnomorehavestoppedhimselffromdoingwhathehadthanshecould’vestoppedherinstinctiveantagonisticresponse.
Drewdidn’timmediatelyrespond,buttherewasasettohisjawthatsherecognizedalltoowell.Thenhesaid,“Sothat’sit?Youwon’teventry?”
Herwolfpeeledbackitslips,allhopeofarationaldiscussiongoingdowntheproverbialdrain.“WhatthehelldoyouthinkI’vebeendoingallthistime?”CHAPTER34
Drewpressedhispalmsagainsttheedgesofthedoorframe,blockingouttheoutsideworld.“Butwhenpushcomestoshove,you’rechoosingtheeasyout.”
Grittingherteeth,Indigostaredstraightintothoseeyesofwolfcopper.“I’mchoosingthegoodofthepack.It’swhatalieutenantdoes.”
Drewbentuntilhisbreathwhisperedoverherlips,asweet,hot,angrycaress.“Yeah?Well,sinceyouknowpredatorychangelingmensowell,youknowexactlywhatI’mgoingtodonext.”
Sheshovedahandagainsthischest.“TouchmeandI’llsliceyoutoshreds.”
Insteadofcontinuingonhissetpathasanyothermalesheknewwould’vedone,hegaveherafaintsmileshedidn’ttrustaninch…andpushedoffthedoor.“Untilnextwemeet,Lieutenant.”
Hewasgoneasecondlater.
Indigostoodtherestupefieduntilapassingpackmatecalledoutahello.Mutteringbackaresponse,sheclosedherdoor.Herwolfshookitshead,attemptingtofigureoutwhathadjusthappened.Ithadnoidea,butitdidknowDrewwasuptosomething.
Shefistedherhands.Whateveritwas,she’dhandleit.Becausenomatterhowmuchhepulledather,nomatterhowdeeplyinterwovenhewasinherheart,she’dtakenanoathtoprotectthepackwhenshebecamealieutenant,anditwastimetoupholdit.Thatwaswhatdroveher.
Liar.
Steelingherspine,shetriedtoignorethatvoice,butitwouldn’tshutup.Becauseitwasn’tonlyaboutthepack.Itwasabouther.Herpride…andherheart.He’dhurther.She’dmadeherselfvulnerable,openedupherheart…andhe’dhurther.
Andrewmanagedtokeephimselfundercontrolonlybysheerforceofwillashewalkedaway.
“Dominancechallenge,myass,”hemutteredunderhisbreathashestalkedtohisroom.Hehadnodesiretofightforahigherrankinthehierarchy.Hewasexactlywhereheneededtobe.Sohe’dlosthistemper—everybodylosttheirtempernowandthen.Thesituationhadbeenhighlystressful.Wasitanywonderhe’dspokenbeforehe’dthought?
Hewassoinvolvedinhisinternalmonologuethatittookapackmatethreetriestogethisattention.WhenAndrewfinallylookedup,thewomansaid,“Er,Drew?Youcan’tgotothenurserylookinglikeyouwanttoshredsomeonewithyourclawsandtheneatthebloody,dismemberedpieces.”
“Nursery?”Shakinghishead,helookedaround.“Shit.”Heturnedonhisheel,throwinga“thanks”overhisshoulder.
Buttheinterruptionhadresethismind.Gettingangry,herealized,wouldachievenothing.Yes,Indigowasbeingstubborninrefusingtotalkthisthroughwithhim,butwhathe’ddone…yeah,okay,shewasrighttobepissed.
Andhurt,hisconsciencewhispered,rememberingthepainhe’dglimpsedintheshadowedvioletofhergaze.He’dhurther,anditmadehimfeellikeshit.Hewantedtostalktoherapartment,bullyhiswayin,andarguewithheruntiltheicecrackedenoughthathecouldholdhercloseandconvincehertolisten.Butofcourse,hethoughtwithanotherflareoftemper,shewouldn’tfightwithhimlikeeveryotherdominantfemaleheknewdidwithhermanwhenshewasmadorhurting.No,Indigohadtogoalldignifiedandsilent,heremotionsrigidlycontained.
“Fine,”hemuttered,pushingthroughhisdoor,“thenI’lljustmakeitsofuckingdifficultforhertoignoremethatshe’llhavetofightwithme.”
Indigofoundthefirstrosethenextmorning—inthelockersheusedtostorehergearwhentrainingindoors.Itwasadeep,deepred.Scarlet,shethought,thatwastherightword.Anditsmelledlikeheaven.Butbeneaththelushfloralbouquetlaythescentofmale—wildandplayful.
Heatuncurledinherabdomen,butshedouseditwithcoldreason.Thiswasn’tsomelover’stiffthatcouldbesmoothedoverwitharoseandanapology.Thiswenttotheheartofwhotheywere,thechoicestheyhadtomake.
Droppingtherosebackinsidethelocker,sheclosedthedoorandwentouttowhiphercurrentgroupofeighteen-year-oldsintosomekindoffightingshape.“Allright,boysandgirls,Iwanttworepsofthesetwepracticedlasttime.Go!”
Bythetimethesessionwasover,morethanonestudentwasclosetocrawling,yetIndigo’sownenergylevelremainedhigh,hersensesonalertforanyhintofDrew’spresence.Buthedidn’tcometoher.Which,shethought,ignoringthegrowlingofherwolf,wasexactlyright.Maybetherosehadbeennothingbutagood-bye.
Achillslitheredthroughherveins,andwhenshewrenchedopenherlockeragain,shewaswellonthewaytohatingroses.Stupid,shethought,shewasbeingstupid,actinglikeoneofthoseninnieswhodidn’tknowherownmind.Thedecisionwasmade.Endofstor—
Bloomstumbledoutalloverher.Softandfragrantandexquisite.
“Whatthe—”Staring,startled,sherealizedherlockerwasstuffedtothebrimwithroses.
Red,redroses.
Behindher,Sing-Liuwhistledassheclosedupherownlocker.“Nowthat’swhatIcallanapology.Man’sgotstyle.”
“Youcanhavethem.”Indigoscowled,scoopingouttherosesandputtingthemonthebenchbetweenthelockers.“Here.”
Sing-Liutookoneperfectbloomandstuckitbehindherear,thecolorshockinglybrightagainsttheshimmeringjetofherhair.“Hey,comeon,”thesoldiersaidwithasmallsmile,“Iknowhewasanass,butheshouldgetsomecreditforcreativity.Mostmenjustsnarlandgrowlandtrytosextheirloversintoagoodmood.”Asensualsmile.“NotthatImindbeingsexeduntilmytoescurl.Youshouldtryit.”
Indigosnarledatthesoldier.“Don’tyouhavesomewheretobe?”
“IguessIdo.”Lipsstillcurvedinthatprovocativesmile,thesmall,leanhumanwomanwhowasmorelethalthanalargenumberofthewolvesintheden,disappearedaroundthecorner.
Lockercleared,Indigoshutthedoorandturnedtoleave.
Herfeethesitated.
Shestaredatthedarkredspillofroses,feltthevulnerableheartofhersoften.Butshebuiltfencesaroundthatsofteningassoonasitoccurred.Ifsheacceptedthisapology,ifsheallowedtheirrelationshiptoprogressagain,thenwhatshe’dsaidwouldcometopass.Drewwouldattempttodominateherwolfinunacceptablewaysagain,wouldforcehertothepointwhereherwolfwouldstrikeout.Overandoverandoveragain.
Sucharelationshipwoulddestroythemboth,untilthelovethatboundthemwastwistedandbroken.AdriaandMartinalmosthatedeachothernow.Notenoughtoseparate,butanyremaininglovewastaintedandpitted.Indigodidn’tknowwhytheycontinuedtostaytogether—theyneverlaughedwitheachother,andtherewassomuchdeadairbetweenthemthatIndigo’swolfwashurtbythepiercingsilence.
Shewouldn’tallowthattohappentoherandDrew.
Herhandreachedout,touchedthepetalsofarose.Snappingitbackbeforethevelvetysoftnesscouldseduceherintodroppingherguard,shestalkeddownthecorridor.Noonestoppedher,thoughtherewereafewinterestedglancesthrownherway.Innomoodtogossip,sheslammedintoherroom…andcametoacompletehalt.
Thedamnwolfhaddrownedtheroominsilver-foiledchocolatekisses.
Thousandsofthem.
Shegrowled.
Andthensheopenedtheclosetdoor.
Thetreatsstartedshowingupthenextday.Abowlofdecadentchampagne-soakedberriesonthedeskofhersmalloffice,passionfruitcheesecakewithwhitechocolateswirlsmysteriouslyinherfridge,crystallizedfruitinthepocketofherjacket.Andalways,alwayskisses.Chocolatekisses.Everywheresheturned.
Bycontrast,sheneversawDrew,thoughshecaughthisscenteveryplaceshewent.Hisshadowypresenceservedtoratchetupherfrustration,evenasitfedherever-growinghungerforhim.She’dthoughtdistancewouldlessentheneed.Instead,itonlyseemedtobemakingitstronger—untiltheachewasaconstantpulseinherbody,andshewasstartingtolookforthosedamnchocolatekisses.
“Iswear,”shemutteredunderherbreathasanotherpackmategrinnedatherasshestrodetoameetingwithHawke,“I’mgoingtowringhisneck.”Becausethedemonhadgottenthepackonhissidenow.
“Hejustlosthistemper,Indigo,”Yukihadsaidtoheracoupleofnightsago.“Canhappentoanyone.”
“Ifyoudon’tgivehimachance,”Jemhadoffered,allthewayfromLosAngeles—knowingeverything,thankstothepackrumormill—“howwillheeverlearn?”
“Miamigoishurting,”Tomáshadsaidnotmuchlater,alllongfaceandsoulfuldarkeyesthatshedidn’ttrustaninch.“Howcanyoubesocrueltosomeonewhoadoresyousomuch?”
“Cuthimabreak,”Larahadsaidonlyyesterday.“Helookssodepressedit’sbreakingmyheart.”
“Depressed,myfoot,”Indigomuttered.Sheknewhimfartoowell.Hewasusingthatcharmofhistofooleveryo—“Damn.”Realizingshe’dforgottenthelittlenotepadonwhichshe’djotteddownafewthingssheneededtodiscusswithHawke,sheturnedonherheelandheadedbacktoherroom.
Thegrinsshould’vewarnedher,butshejustfiguredonanotherrose.Andmaybeherheartskippedabeatatthethought,butshewasdeterminednottogiveintothisrelentlesspursuit.AndrewLiamKincaidwasnotgoingtowearherdown
Thenshecamewithinsightofherdoor.Andfroze.
Itwasasofttoy.Awolf,tobeprecise.Awolfwithlushsilverfurandblue,blueeyes.Itwascarryinganenvelopeinitsmouth.
Glancingaroundthesuspiciouslyemptycorridor—hah!—herpackmateswerelikelystackedupfivedeeparoundthecorner—shestareddownatthefurrything.Sheshouldignoreit.
Openingherdoor,shewalkedinsideandpickedupthenotepad,stickingitinapocket.Butasshewenttowalkbackout,thewolflookedsoadorablysweetthatshecouldn’tleaveitabandonedinthecorridor.Growling,shepickedupthetoyandbroughtitinside,shuttingthedoorbehindher.
Nowthatshehadthecuddlythinginherhand,shecouldn’tstopfromreachingfortheenvelope.Holdingthetoybyherside,sheslitopentheflapandwithdrewacardembossedwitharosethatsomeonehadembellishedwithhand-drawnthorns—bigones.“Cute,”shesaid,herwolfflexingitsclawsinsidehermind.
Openingtheflap,shefoundherselflookingatfinehandwritingthatcouldn’tbeDrew’s.Writteningoldink,itwasaninvitationtodinnerthatnightatoneofSanFrancisco’sswankiestrestaurants,fortheoccasionof…Indigoblinked,readthelineagain.
fortheoccasionofAndrewKincaid’sgood-byeparty.Indigonarrowedhereyes,herwolfmotionlesswithsuspicion.Whatwasheuptonow?Becausenowaydidshebelievethathewasgivingup.Predatorychangelingmendidn’thavetheword“surrender”intheirvocabularies.
Ormaybe,partofherwhispered,shejustdidn’twanttobelievethat.Becauseifhegaveup,thenthiswasit.Overanddonewith.Forever.Herwolfwouldneverinamillionyearsacceptaquitter.
“Argh!”shesaid,shakingherhead.He’ddoneitagain,gotherthinkingasiftheywerestillcourting.When,inspiteofhispersistence,theywerenot.But,shethought,glaringatthethornyrose,shewouldbeacceptingtheinvitation.
ItwastimesheandDrewhadthisoutface-to-face.CHAPTER35
AndrewgaveasighofreliefwhenthepackrumormillinformedhimthatIndigohadtakenthetoyinside,andnotonlythat,she’dlookedpissed.“Good,”hesaidtoBrennaashesatbotheringherwhileshetriedtowork.Puttinghisfeetuponthetableoppositehim,heleanedhisbackagainsttheconsolenexttohissister’s.
Sheglancedupfromwhereshewasdoingsomethingonthetouchscreen.“Good?You’rehappybecausethestrongest,mostlethalwomaninthedenwantstoturnyouintoashishkebab?”
“Shedoestheicething,”hesaidtohissister,hiswolfgrowlingatthemerethoughtofit.“Ihatetheicething.”
Brennapaused,threwhimastartledglance.“Yeah,me,too.”Stoppinginhertaskforasecond,sherubbedthebridgeofhernose.“Juddcan’tgetawaywiththeicethinganymore.”
AndrewrememberedhowcoldthePsymalehadbeenbeforehismatingtoBrenna.“How’dyoumanagethat?”Maybehecouldlearnsomething.
“NothingI’dliketosharewithmybrother,”Brennasaidwithasaucysmile
“Brat.”
“Thankyou.”
Hersmirkmadehiswolflaugh.“How’reyoudoingwithJuddstillaway?”
“Hecamebackafewnightsago.”Shescowled.“IsworeI’dstriphishideifhediditagain.Teleportingthatfarreallywipeshimout,evenifhedoesitinstages.Hewasallbutunconsciousforhours.”
AndrewknewwithoutaskingthatJuddhadleftasquietlyashe’darrived.ThePsymalehadsentthemdispatchesfromvariousSouthAmericancountrieswherehewasfollowingthescentofaPurePsyoperation.Hewasnowcertainthatthegroup,withHenry’sbacking,wasbehindthetransmittersonSnowDancerland.
“Youknow,”Andrewsaid,turninghismindawayfromthatsituationfornow,“thatyoucancometomeforanythingwhilehe’saway,right?”
“AsifI’dhaveto,”shemuttered,“whensomebodyinthepackwouldratmeouttoyoutheinstantIevenvaguelylookedlikeImightbeintrouble.”Butsheleanedoverandbrushedakissonhisjawbeforebeginningtoworkonthescreenagain,erasingandredrawingpointsofwhatappearedtobepartsofacomplexcomputronicdesign.
“Isthatyourteleportationmachine?”TheFASTprojectwas,heknew,hermostimportantlong-termundertaking.Ifshecouldonedayinventawaytosendanyone—notjustTks—placetoplacewithsuchspeed,itwouldchangetheworld.
“Uh-huh.”Tinyfrownlinesbetweenherbrows.“Nowthatyou’vegotthelieutenant’sattention,”shesaid,returningtotheirearliersubject,“what’reyouplanningondoingnext?”
“Neveryoumind.”Shootingherasmuglookwhenshegaveadisgruntledscowl,heswunghislegsoffthetable.“Ineedtogohaveacomm-conferencewithmyteam,makesurethere’snothingthatneedstobebroughttoHawke’sattentionaroundtheterritory.”
“Youcanusetheroomthroughthere,”Brennasaid,pointingtoherright.“Noone’sbookeditfornow.”Apause,laughingeyeslookingupathim.“Andit’llletyouhidefromIndigountilyou’rereadytospringtheambush.”
Leaningdown,Andrewkissedthetopofhissister’shead.“Iloveyou.”Itwasasmilingstatement,butnolesstrueforit.
“Iloveyou,too,”Brennasaid,“evenifyouaredrivingIndigosoinsane,she’sstartingtosnapateveryoneintheden.Didyoureallystealherphoneandrecordyourvoicehowlinghernameastheringtone?”
“Maybe.”Deeplysatisfiedbythecurrentstateofaffairs,Andrewstrolledintotheconferenceroom,shutthedoor,andinitiatedthecalls.HetrustedBren,butothertechscouldcomeinatanymoment,andtheinformationhisteamgatheredwasquiteoftensensitive.Havingbroughtthemallintothecall,hesatbackandlistened,makingnotesasnecessary.
Thankfully,thingswereverysteadyatpresent,partlyasaresultofRileyandMercy’smating.Astrongmatedcouplewasn’tessentialatthetopofthehierarchy,butitdidhelpsteadythepackasawhole.“Whataboutthatgroupofoldones?”heaskedoneofthewomenonhisteam.“Theonesyouwereworriedwerestewingoversomething?”
“I’vecometotheconclusionthatthey’rejustbeinggrumpyoldmen.”
Laughter,thenafewmoresnippetsofinformationbeforetheywrappedupthemeetingearlyandAndrewsnuckthroughthecorridorstoupdateHawkeonsomeofthesmallermatters.Hisalphalikedtokeephisfingeronthepulseofhispack.
“We’reingoodshape,”HawkesaidafterAndrewfinished,neitherofthemhavingelectedtositfortheshortbriefing.“ExceptforthesegamesthePsyareplaying.”
“PurePsyseemstohaveaccepteddefeatinitsproselytizingeffortsatleast,”Andrewsaid,havingmonitoredthesituation.“Nonewreportswithinthepackorinthecity.”
“Andwe’vehadnomoredetectedincursionsontoourland.”Hawkefoldedhisarms,staringattheterritorialmaponthewall.“Butsomethingtellsmethat’snotoveryet.”
“No,”Andrewagreed,“therewastoomuchplanningthereforthemtogiveuptheiraim—whateveritis—soeasily.”
“Wemight,atsomestage,havetogiveCouncilorHenryScottalittlewarningtaptolethimknowhe’snotwelcomehere.”
SinceSnowDancer,togetherwithDarkRiver,hadalreadytakendownoneCouncilor,Andrewknewthat“warningtap”wasarealpossibility.“Areyouthinkingsometimesoon?”
“No.Weneedmoreintelonthebastard.He’ssmart.”Turningfromthemap,Hawkeraisedaneyebrow.“Asofrightnow,you’reoffshiftforthenextforty-eighthours.Goplayyourfavoritegame.”
Feelingthehumofanticipationinhisbelly,Andrewgavehisalphaaninnocentsmile.“Ihavenoideawhatyoumean.”
Hawkepointedafingerathim.“Iwantmycalm,collectedlieutenantbackbytheendoftheweek,orI’mpackingyouinaboxandshippingyoutofuckingSiberia.”
Andrewgrinned.“Ihearit’snicetherethistimeofyear.”
Indigoknewshelookedgoodinthestraplesslittleblackdressthatcametomidthighandskimmedoverherbodylikealover’scaress.Feetencasedinthree-inchheels,haircascadingdowntothedipofherspine,andlipsplumpandred,sheintendedtomakeAndrewKincaid’seyespopoutinrevengefortherelentlesspressureshewasunderto“forgivehim.”Itdidn’tmatterhowmanytimessheexplainedthatitwasn’taboutforgiveness,butaboutthehealthofthepack;noonelistened.
She’dhadenough.
Severalmenwaitingatthebarwentstock-stillassheenteredtherestaurant.“AndrewKincaid,”shesaidtothehostess,ignoringeveryoneelse.
Thepetitebrunettecheckedhersleekcomputronicorganizer.“Thisway,Ms.Riviere.”
Indigonarrowedhereyes,butsaidnothingasshefollowedthewomanthroughthecarpetedcenteroftherestaurantandupthesmallflightofstairsattheback.Sheheardseveralmensuckinabreathasshepassed,whileoneaudiblymoaned,“Oh,God,thosearewhatIcalllegs,”butnoneofiteasedhertemper.
Insteadofshowinghertoatableontheupperlevel,thehostesstookhertothedoorofasmallprivateroom.“Ihopeyouenjoyyourmeal,Ms.Riviere,”thewomansaid,openingthedoorandwaitingforIndigotoenter.
“Thankyou.”Sheheardthedoorclosebehindher,buthereyeswereonthemanwhostoodbesidethetabledressedinatuxedothatturnedhimfromgorgeousanddeliciouslysexytodevastatinglyhandsome—butwiththewickedstillinhiseye.
“Wow.”Heranhiseyesdownherbody,backup,thendownagain.Slowly.Very,veryslowly.
Everyinchofherskinfelthypersensitivebythetimethoseplayfulblueeyesmethersagain.“I’mofficiallyslayed,”hesaid,placingahandonhisheart.
Shewouldnotsmile.“Ithoughtthiswasaparty.”
“Oftwo.”Pullingoutherchair,heinclinedhishead.“Won’tyoutakeaseat,Indigo?”
Itfeltstrangetohearhimuseherfullname.Butdecidingtotakehimuponhisoffersincethewholepointoftonightwastotalktohimface-to-face,sheclosedthedistancebetweenthemand,placingherpurseonthetable,satdown.Heeasedthechairinbehindher,hisarmsoneithersideofherbody.“Yousmell…”Along,slowbreath,asifhewassavoringthescentofher.
Shedidn’treply,overwhelmedbythesensoryimpactofhim.Thewarmthofhisbodylappedagainstherskinevenasthewildmalescentofhimwrappedaroundherlikeaninvisiblecaress.Shealmostexpectedhimtobendhisheadandkisshernape,somuchsothatherbodytightenedinanticipation,buthereleasedhisholdonthearmsofthechairandmovedaroundtositacrossfromher.
“Youstillcarrymyscentinyourskin.”
Sheclosedherhandshardonthechairarmstogetherselfundercontrol.“It’llfade.”Painandanuntamed,unnamedemotionflaredwithinherevenasshespoke.
“I’vegotyouinmyskin,too,”hesaidinatonethatshecouldn’tread,beforepushingacodeonthelittletouchpadsittingtotheside.“Ihopeyoudon’tmind,butIplacedanorderforbothofusearlier.Iwantedtobeabletotalktoyouwithoutinterruptions.”
Unsurehowtoreadhisbehavior,shesaid,“That’sfine,”andwatchedasthedooropenedtoadmitanattendantdressedinasmartblacksuit.Rollingintheservingcart,theslendermanplaceditquietlybythesideofthetable.“You’recertainyoudonotwishformetostay,sir?”
“No,we’llmanage.”
ThemanleftwithanodtobothDrewandIndigo.
Rising,Drewliftedoffacovertoplaceaplateofdelicaciesinfrontofher.“Ithoughtyou’dlikeachoiceofstarters.”
Startingtofeelanoddpricklingatthebackofherneck—asifshe’dwalkedunawaresintoatrap—Indigononethelesspickedupanartworkofapastryandpoppeditintohermouthasheretrievedhisownplate.Theflavorsexplodedonhertongueinaburstofsweetnessandspice.“Delicious.”
Drew’ssmilewassharp,satisfied…andsomethingelse,somethingshecouldn’tquiteputherfingeronbutthatmadeherwolfgrowlinwarningashemurmured,“Good.”
Decidingtotakethebullbythehorns,sheallowedhimtopourthewinebeforesaying,“So,what’sthisabout?”
“I’mleavingthepack.”
Herheartskippedabeatbeforeshenarrowedhereyes.“Uh-huh.”
Hegaveheracrookedsmile.“Nojoke.IspoketoWinterFireinNorthDakota.They’rewillingtowelcomemeintothefold.”
WinterFirewasastrong,butmuch,muchsmallerpack.“AndwhatwillyoudoinWinterFire?”Shewasn’tbuyingit,notforaninstant.
“SamethingIdohere.”
“You’llbeboredoutofyourskull.”Thebreadthoftheirterritorysuitedhisskillsparticularlywell.
Drewshrugged.“I’mwillingtotakethatrisk.”
Rollinghereyes,sheleanedforwardandsawhisgazediptohercleavage.Hedidn’tevenbothertopretendhewasn’tcheckingheroutasshesaid,“Cutthecrap,Drew.What’reyoureallyupto?”Herbreastssuddenlyfelttootight,tooconfined,herskinhotandaching.
Puttingdownhisglass,Drewliftedhisgazetohers.“I’mserious,Indigo.”Solemnwords.
Forthefirsttime,shefeltahintofuncertainty.“Areyouinsane?Wecan’taffordtoloseoneofthestrongestmalesinthepack!Nottomentionourtracker!”
“Iwantyou,”hesaidwithablunthonestythatmadehermindspin.“Andyouwantme.”
Sinceherentirebodywasaflameathisproximity—tothepointwherehehadtobeabletoscentherarousal—shecouldhardlydenythat.“I’mnotfollowingyourlogic.”
“FarasIcansee,”hemurmured,strokingherflushedbreastswithhisgaze,“onlytwothingsarekeepingusapart.Thefirstisthefactthatyoudon’tthinkourunionwouldbegoodforthehealthofthepack.”
“Removingyourselffromthepackwon’texactlyhelpthesituation.”
“Yes,”hesaid,histoneintent,“itwill.Youwon’thavetoworryaboutconfusionwhenitcomestothehierarchy—andWinterFireishappyformetocontinuetoworkwithSnowDancerasnecessary.”
Hearingtherationalargument,shefeltherwolf’sclawsdigintoherskin,notinanger,butinastrange,wildpanic.“You’vethoughtthisout.”
Amusclepulledtautinhisjaw.“Yeah,Ihave.BecauseI’mnotwalkingawayfromus,Indigo.Idon’tcarehowhardIhavetofightyou.”
Shecurledherhandintoafistunderthetable.“Yousaidtwothings.What’sthesecond?”
“Yourmule-headedness.”
Scrunchinguphernapkin,shethrewitathim.“Mymule-headedness?I’mnottheonewhorefusestoacceptthatwe’reover!”
Havingcaughtthenapkinwithouteffort,Drewputitdownonthetable.“Isthatwhatyoureallywant,Indy?”
“Ofcourse!Idon’tgoaroundsayingthingsIdon’tmean.”
Hegotup,walkingaroundandbehindherwhilesheremainedinplace—courtesyofher“mule-headedness.”Puttinghishandsonthearmsofherchair,heleaneddownuntilhislipsbrushedherear.“Liar.”
“Drew,I’minnomood—”
Kissesonherneck,slow,wet,coaxing.“Icanputyouinthemood.”Teeth,littlenipsandbitesthatmadeherentirebodyclench.
“Stopit.”Sheputherhandsonhisbutdidn’tpushhimaway,toostarvedforskin-to-skincontactwithhim.God,buthe’daddictedhertohim.Therealizationterrifiedher,butnotenoughtobreaktheconnection.“We’retalkingaboutyourfoolhardyideatoleavethepack.”
“Decision’smade.”Anotherkiss.
Clawsthreateningtorelease,shepushedbackherchairandrosetofacehim.Hewatchedherwithoutblinking.“Where’sthezipperonyourdress?”
Indigoliftedashakingfinger,pointed.“YouarenotleavingSnowDancer.”
“Decision’snotyourstomake.”Coolwords,dominanceshimmeringbeneaththesurface.CHAPTER36
Movingoutfrombehindthechair,sheglaredathim,onehandonthechairback,theotheronherhip.“You’rebeinganidiot.”
“No,I’mbeingsmart.”Takingasteptowardher,heputhishandonthebackofherneckandhauledherforwardtomeethislips.
Shewassoshockedbythehard,fastmove—thoughwhy,shedidn’tknow—shedidn’tputupherdefensesintime.Herhandsflewtogriphiswaist,andshefoundherselfnotonlygivinghimfullaccess,buttakinglibertiesofherown,hertonguetanglingdeliciouslywithhis.Hetastedofsinandtemptationandallkindsofwicked.Andherbody,herbodywasstarvedforhim.
Whenhemovedbothhandsuptocupherface,sheshiveredandfeltanotherbarriercrumble.Becausewherethekissravaged,took,anddemanded,hisholdwasalmostunbearablytender.“You’reastubbornfool,”shemutteredagainsthismouth.“ButIcan’tseemtostopadoringyou.”
Hefroze,hisexpressionshowingasudden,unexpectedvulnerability.“Don’tplaywithmelikethat,Indy.”
Thistime,shekissedhim,wrappingherarmsaroundhisneckandshovingonehandintotherichsilkofhishairtopullhismouthdowntohers.“YouarenotleavingSnowDancer.”Shebithimhardonhislowerlip.“Youdoandwe’redone.”
Slitsofbluegleamedbeneathloweredlashes.“Ithoughtwewerealreadydone.”
“Ichangedmymind.”Factwas,shehadn’tstoppedthinkingabouthimsincetheinstantshe’dtoldhimtheywereover—andthoughshe’dneverinamillionyearsadmitit,itwould’vedestroyedherifhehadtakenheratherwordandbackedoff.Thatwasn’thowdominantwolvescourted,andsomewhattohersurprise,shefoundshe’dstillbeentanglingwithhimonthatlevel.“Wouldyouliketoargue,orwouldyouliketogohomeandteareachother’sclothesoff?”
Thecurveofhislipsagainsthers.“IneverreallylikedNorthDakotaanyway.”
Hearingthewolf’slaughterinthat,shelookedup,felthereyeswiden,herownwolfsittingupinshockeddisbelief.“Youplayedme!”Noonehadeverfooledeitherwomanorwolftothisextent.
Henibbledonherear.“Iwasseriousaboutleaving,butIwashopingyouwouldn’tletme.”Alooksoguilelesssheknewitwasthewolfattemptingtoappearinnocent.
Leaving,herfoot,shethought.He’dhadnointentionwhatsoeverofdoingthat.
Forsomereason,hiswickednessmadeherownwolfshakeitsheadandgrin.“Justforthat,”shesaid,nippingathischin,abletofeeltheeagerthrustofhiserectionagainstherabdomen,“I’mgoingtomakeyoufinishtreatingmetodinner.”Herthighstightenedwithanticipation,herskinshimmeringwithatouch-hungeronlyDrewcouldsatisfy.
Takingherlipsinasweet,hotkiss,heslidhishandtoherbottom,squeezed.“You’reon,Lieutenant.”
Thestartersandthemainspassedbyrelativelysmoothly—ifIndigodisregardedthefactthatDrewwaseatingherupwithhiseyes—butthentheygottodessert.“Oh,”sheallbutpurredasshesawwhathe’dordered.
Aminiaturetriple-chocolatebakedcheesecakewithlimesorbetontheside.
Whenheputtheplateinfrontofhimselfandcrookedafinger,herwolfbareditsteethbutdecidedtoplayalong…andtorturehimalittle.Walkingover,sheputonehandonthebackofhisneckandslidherfingersintohishairasshesettledherselfonhislap.“Oh,my,”shemurmured,flickinghertongueoverherlowerlip,“whatisthatIfeelbeneathme?”
Drew’slaughwaspained.“Witch.”Dippingthespoonintothesorbet,hebroughtittoherlips.
Holdingher.Claimingher.
Asthecoolsilvertouchedherlips,hereyeslockedwithhis…andalllaughterleachedaway.Hewaited,patient.“Icanseeyourwolf,”hesaidtoher
Herwolfsawhim,too.Anditdecidedthatthismalewhoconfused,puzzled,amused,delighted,andpleasuredtheminequalmeasureswasaworthyopponent.Partingherlips,shelethimslipthespooninside.“Mmm.”Itwasathroatysoundofblissasshesavoredthecrisptasteoflime,tartandsweetatthesametime.
Drew’shandspreadonherlowerbackashereturnedtoscoopupapieceofcheesecake.Whenheputittoherlipsthistime,sheopenedwithouthesitation,holdinghisgazetheentiretime,knowingherownhadgonewolfonhim.ThenthechocolateflavorsbursttolifeonhertongueandshedecidedthatDrewKincaidhadearnedthemind-blowingsexshewasgoingtogivehimtonight.
Leaningdown,shesharedthetasteofthecheesecakewithhiminthemostintimateofways.“Good,isn’tit?”Shestrokedhertonguelazilyagainsthisashishandclenchedonherhip.
Thespoonclatteredontotheplate,andDrew’shandwassuddenlybetweenherthighs,cuppingherwithshocking,rawintimacy.“Drew.”
Heshuddered.“You’resowet,soready.”Thesoundofsomethingtearing,andthenblacklacewasflutteringtothefloor.“Straddleme.”
“I—wecan’t—whatif—”
Hewasalreadymaneuveringherbodyintoposition,hishandspushingupherdresstotheedgeofherbutt.“Noonewillcomein.Iinitiatedthelockafterthemealwasdelivered.”
Indigoshiveredashemovedhishandsuptocupherbuttocks.“Wecan’thavesexinarestaurant.”Shewasscandalizedattheidea.
“Takemeout,Indy.”Kissesonherneck,hot,passionate,earthy.
Shecouldnomorestopherhandsfromsmoothingdownhisclothedchesttothebuckleofhisbeltthanshecouldstopherbodyfromrubbingsensuouslyagainsthis.Managingtoundothebeltinspiteofhersuddenlyclumsyfingers,sheunbuttonedthetopbuttonofhispantsbeforegivingintotemptationandplacingfingersoverhim.Hesuckedinabreathandseemedtofreezeagainsther.“Zipper,Indy.”Thehoarseneedinhisvoicefurtherincitedherownhungerassheloweredthezipper,herfingersbrushingagainstthewarm,stiffridgeofhisarousal.
“Whatdoyouhaveagainstunderwear?”Notthatshewascomplaining.Notwhenhewassohardandbeautifulinherhand.Thickandsilkyandpulsingwithlust.Forher.Onlyforher.Possessivenessmadeherstrokehimslowandeasy,takinghertime,placinghermark.
Hebithernipplethroughthedress—ashort,sharpwarning.“Underwearisoverrated.”Inherhands,hepulsedhotter,andsuddenlyshecouldn’twaitanylonger.
Changingpositionafraction,shebroughtthemintoperfectsync.Feelinghimpushintoherwas…Shuddering,sheclenchedherhandsinhishairandlethimeaseherdownonthatbeautifulcock.“Mine.”Shenippedhisear.“TouchanyotherwomanandI’llcutitoff.”
Hetappedherlightlyonthebottom.“TouchanyothermanandI’lltieyounakedtothebedandkeepyouthatwayuntilyourealizetheerrorofyourways.”
Shesmiledagainsthismouth.“Justsowe’reclear.”
“Crystal.”Andthenhewasslidinghilt-deepintoher,andshecouldn’tcontainhercryofdelight.
Drewcaughtitwithhismouth,movinguphishandstopulldownthetopofherdressuntilherbreastspoppedfreeoftheirconfines.Murmuringrough,sexualwordsofappreciationandpleasure,helickedandkissedandpettedashelethersetthepace.Bracingherselfwithherfeetontherungsofhischair,herhandsonhisjacket-coveredshoulders,shewentslowandeasy…forthefirstfewstrokes.Butithadbeentoolong.She’dmissedhimtoomuch.
Sowhenhedroppedhishandsbackdowntoherhipsandurgedhertopickupthepace,shemadenoargument.Instead,shefusedhermouthwithhisashesetafarmorepunishingrhythm,rockingthembothtoanorgasmthathadbeendaysinthemaking.
“Icannotbelieveyoutalkedmeintosexinapublicplace,”Indigosaidlaterthatnightastheystrolleddownthecorridortothehotelroomthey’ddecidedtotakeinthecity.Theyneededtospendsometimealone,apartfromeveryone.Thingshadchanged,andtheybothneededtimetoacceptandassess.
Drewstrokedhishandoverherbottominthatpossessivewayofhisasheopenedthedoorandusheredherinside.“AsIkeeptellingyou,thereareadvantagestodatingayoungerman.”
Shefeltherlipstwitch.“I’mbeginningtoseethat.”Itwasalightheartedcomment,buttherewasanelementoftruthinit.Drew’ssexualitywaswild,open,exuberant.Ofcourse,shethought,mostofthatwassimplywhohewas.Agemadelittledifference.He’dprobablybeambushingherwithkisseswellintohiseighthdecade.
Wasn’tthatathought…thattheymightmakeit,betogetherthatlong.
Abouttokickoffherheelsnowthattheywereintheprivacyoftheroom,shewashaltedbyDrew’shandsonherhips.“Keepthemon?”Itwasahuskyrequest,hisbodystrongandhardbehindhers.
Reachingbackwithherarms,shewrappedthemaroundhisneck.“Thezipperishiddenalongtheside.”
AndrewstrokedhishanddownIndigo’sside,curvinghisfingersoverherbreastandsmoothingthemoverherhipbeforestrokingbackuptofindthecleverlyhiddentag.Onepullandtheblackmaterialbegantopartinasensuouswhisper.Shewasnakedbeneaththedress,theremainsofherpantiesstuffedinoneofhispockets.
Hiswolfgrinnedasitrememberedthewayshe’dglaredathimwhenhe’dteasedherbysuggestingtheyleaveitbehindtoshockthewaiter.“Ilikethisdress,”hemurmured.Thezipperwasalmosttoherhipnowandthedresswasallbutfallingoffherbody.
“That’sbecauseitallowsyoueasyaccess.”Givingalittleshimmerthatwasunalterablyfeminine,shedroppedherarmsfromaroundhisneckasthedressfelloffherbody.Steppingoutofit,shenudgeditdelicatelytotheside.
Hedidn’tsayanything—becausehisbrainseemedtohavedesertedhim.Stillwearingthosespikedheels,andunashamedlynakedotherwise,shewasafantasycometolife,strongandsexyandsopettablethathecouldn’tkeephishandsfromroaming.Whensheshiveredandleanedbackintohim,hiswolfgrowledwithpride.Mine,hethought,she’smine.
Slidinghishandsupherribcagetocupherbreasts,heteasedhernipplesbeforecaressingherwithaslightlyroughertouch.Shemadealow,throatysoundofpleasurebutpulledaway.Ashewatched,shewalkedtothebedandclimbedontolieonherfrontfacinghim.Bracingherselfuponherelbows,shebentherkneesupandcrossedherankles,thosesexyheelsintheair.“Strip.”Itwasasensualorder.
Butmore,Andrewrealizedwithaleapofjoyinhissoul,itwasaninvitationtoplay.Andthelieutenantrarelyinitiatedtheirplay.
“Yourwish.Mycommand.”Bowingwithatheatricalflourish,heshruggedoffhisjacketandhungitcarefullyonachairbeforemovinghisfingerstothebowtieathisthroat.Thestripofblackfabrictookbaresecondstoslipoutfromaroundhisneck,buthespentseveralmoreplacingitoverthejacketwithcare
Onlythendidhemovehisfingerstohiscufflinks,awareofIndigowatchinghiseverymove,theperfumeofherdesirescentingtheairinarichmuskthatmadehiscockthrob.Cufflinksinhand,hewalkedtoplacethemonthedresser,thenreturnedtostandinfrontofherandbegantounbuttonhisshirt.Halfwaydown,hesaid,“Shoesfirst,don’tyouthink?”
Hernodwasslow,hereyesonthestripofskinrevealedbytheopensidesofhisshirt.Masculineprideshotwarmththrougheverypartofhimashegotridofhisshoesandsocks.
“Faster,”shecommanded,everyinchtheimperiousfemale,whenherosebacktohisfullheight.
Heobeyed,tugginghisshirtoutfromhispantsandbeginningtoundotheremainingbuttonsevenasheusedhisgazetocaressthelushcurvesofherbreasts,thesleeklengthofherlegs,thesexydipofherspine.
“An…drew…”Indigodrawledouthisnameandonlythendidherealizehe’dfinishedwiththebuttons.
Toodelightedinthemomenttocarehowmuchofhisemotionshewasexposing,heshruggedofftheshirtandthrewitcarelesslyonthechair.“Shouldn’ttherebesomewhippedcreamandoilatthispoint?”
Brightindigo-coloredeyesmethis.“I’llmakeanoteofthatfornexttime.”Thewordswereasultrypromise.“Youplanningtotakeoffyourpantsanytimesoon?”
“Depends,”Andrewsaid,steppingclosertothebedashebegantoundohisbelt.“Areyouplanningtouseandabusemypoorbodylikeyoudidattherestaurant?”
“Thatwasnothing.”Flowingupintoakneelingpositionontheendofthebed,shetuggedoffhisbeltandthrewittothefloor.“You’llbewhimperingbythetimeI’mthroughwithyou.”
“Yeah?We’llsee.”Hesteppedoutofreachandunzippedhispants,turningtogiveherhisback.“Closeyoureyes.”
“Why?”
“I’mshy.”
Somethinghithimintheback,andherealizedshe’dthrownoneofthesmallcushionspiledupbesidethepillowsonthebed.“Demon.”
Hiswolfsmiledatthewayshesaidthat—withopen,sensualaffection.Notsayinganythinginresponse,hepulledoffhispantsandthrewthemtotheside.
Indigosighedatthesheergorgeousperfectionofthemaninfrontofher.“ComeheresoIcantakemercilessadvantageofyou.”Hisbodywasallsmoothgoldenskinandtonedmuscle,hisbuttjustmadeforherteeth.
Whenheturned,hisfingerscirclinghiserection,shefeltherownbodygrowimpossiblymorereadyforhim.Lookingintohiseyes,shesawpureblueflame…andsomethingelse.Adeep,inexorablepossessiveness.Herwolfdidn’tsnarl,notthistime.Becausewhateverthefutureheld,she’dclaimedhimashers,too.Thiswasthetrade-off,andifshewashonestwithherself,shedidn’tmindbelongingtosomeonewhowashappytobelongtoher.
“Onyourback,”hesaidinavoicegoneroughwithdesire.
Sheslidupthebeduntilshelayhalfbracedonthepillows,herlegsbent,herkneestogether.“IthoughtIwastheonetakingadvantage.”
Releasingtherigidlengthofhiserection,hegotonthebedandputonehandoneachofherknees.“Later.”Spreadingherthighswithopensexualintent,heslidhishandsdowntotheexquisitelysensitiveskinofherinnerthighs.
Herbodyarchedupinshamelesswelcome.
Shiftingcloser,hethrustin.Thebluntpenetrationwasexactlywhatshecraved.Moaningattheshockwaveofpleasure,shewrappedherlegsaroundhiswaist,pushedherfingersintohishair.Whenhisgazemethers,shesaweyesofwildcopperlookingbackather.Wolf.Tuggingdownhishead,shenippedathislowerlipbeforesuckingitintohermouth.
Hegrowledagainsther,andthenhebegantomove.
Hardandfast,untilshehadtobraceherhandsagainsttheheadboardtokeepfrombeingpoundedrightintothewood.But,oh,itfeltgooood.Meetinghimthrustforthrust,shefeltoneofhisbighandscloseoverherbreast,squeezingandpettingwithaproprietarinessshe’dneverallowedanyoneelse.Andthekisses…hesuckedandlickedandnippedathermouth,herneck,throughout,makingherfeelunbearablycherishedevenashesexedherbrainsout.CHAPTER37
Afterward,shelaycrushedunderhardmalemuscle,almostcertainherheartwouldregainanormalrhythmsometimeinthenextcentury.CurvingonehandaroundthebackofDrew’sneckashelayslumpedoverher,hischestrisingandfallingingaspingbreaths,shenuzzledatthesideofhisface.“IdobelieveI’vejustbeenroyallytumbled.”
Hislipscurvedagainsther.“Tumbled?”
“Itseemsliketherightword.Ifeellikethecountrymaidwhogotherskirtsthrownupoverherhead.”
“Nexttime.”
Bitinglightlyathisear,sherubbedthenowbareheelofonefootoverhisbuttocks,enjoyinghavinghimalltoherself.
Forawhile,theyjustlaythere,soakingineachother’sscents.WhenDrewdidmove,itwasonlysohecouldspoonherbodywithhis.“Indy?”
Catchingtheoddlysolemnnoteinhisvoice,sheranherhandoverthearmshewasusingasapillow.“Whatisit?”
“I’msorry.”Itwasastarkstatement.“Ishouldn’thavedonewhatIdidinfrontoftheothers.Iwon’tdoitagain,nomatterhowhardIhavetofightmywolf.”
Shedidn’tbrushofftheapologythistime.Becauseitwasimportant.Notsimplywhathe’dsaid—butthathe’dsaiditaftershe’dalreadycomebacktohim.“Youwererightaboutsomething,too,”shesaid,openingherselfupinawayshe’dneverdoneforanyotherman.“Youmightbeyounger,butyouareverymuchadominantmale.I’msorryifImadeyoufeel—”
“Hush.”Akissonherneck.“We’regood.”
God,hewassogenerous,he’dspoilherterriblyifshelethim.“No,”shesaid,“letmefinish.Thismule-headedwomanmightnotsayitagain.”
Ahuskychuckle,buthedidn’tinterruptherthistime.
“InspiteofwhatItoldmyself,I’vebeenburyingmyheadinthesandaboutyou,”shesaidwithbrutalhonesty,“becauseitwaseasiertodealwiththisthingbetweenusifIstrippedyoudowntojusttheyounger,lessdominantmale.”Solongashewasthat,shecouldjustifymaintainingasubtleemotionaldistanceunderthemasqueradeofcaution.“Iwon’tbedoingthatagain.I’mgoingtolearntodealwithyouexactlyasyouare.”Andthatman,shethought,wasmorethanamatchforherwolf.
Heranahandoverherhip,thetouchwarmandaffectionate.“YouknowthismeansIgetafreepassoncertainactionsthatarelikelytodriveyouinsane.”Lightwords,andyettherewasagrainoftruthinthem.
Strokinghisarm,abletofeelthecaressofthecrisphairsbeneathherpalm,shesaid,“Nofreepass.I’llgetmad.Imightevenyell.”
Hehuggedherclosertohim.“ThatIcantake.Hell,Ilikearguingwithyou.”Akissonthecurveofhershoulder.“ButIwon’tletyouputupthosewallsoficebetweenusagain,Indy.Fairwarning.”
“Whatdoyoumean‘letme’?”sheaskedinatonethatsheknewwasdisgruntled.“Youcallbombardingmewithroses,kisses,andadorablesofttoys‘lettingme’?I’mnotevengoingtomentionmycellphoneorthecloset.”
Achuckle.“Yes—nowimaginehowmuchworseIcanget.”
Unabletoresistsmiling,sheshookherhead.“You’llprobablycomeupagainsttheicewallsagaininthefuture,”shesaid,knowingherself.“Butyouhavefullpermissiontodoyourworst.”
Hislaughterwaswarmandopen.“Snuggleclosertome.”
“Ican’tgetanycloser.”Butshepresseddeeperintohim,herwolfstillsprawledoutinabandoninsideofherfromtheirrecentloving.AndrewKincaid,shethoughtsleepilyasDrewcontinuedtorunhishandoverherhip,hisbreathsteadyagainstherhair,hadsomeseriousmoves.
Healsohadanendlesssupplyofenergy.
Shewokeindarknesstohisnibblingkissalongthelineofherneck,hisfingersplayingbetweenherthighs.Melting,shepulledhisheaddownforakiss.Whenheliftedupherlegandslidintoher,itmadehernerveendingssizzlewithdelight.
Itwasalazylovingthistime,Drewrockinghertoalong,deeporgasmbeforecominginapulseofheatinsideher.
AndrewknewhehadasmugarrogancetohisstepwhenhewalkedbackintothedenwithIndigobyhisside,buthecouldn’thelpit.Hewassodamnhappy,thejoybubbledthroughhisveins.EvenwhenIndigogavehimascowlinglookthatsaid“behave,”allhewantedtodowasgrinandshouttotheworldthatshewashis
Andhewaskeepingher,matingdanceornomatingdance.
“What’reyoudoingtoday,Lieutenant?”heaskedafterthey’dgottenchanged.
“I’mgoingtocheckuponSilvia.”
Andrewhadlookedinonthegirlthepreviousday,happytoseethatshewasconsciousandwellontheroadtorecovery.“I’llcomewithyou.Lara’scertainnowthatshewon’thaveanylong-terminjuries.”
“Damnlucky,giventheheightshefellfrom.”Wrappinganarmaroundhiswaist,shesaid,“Didthecats’littlehealershaveanythingtodowithit?”
Andrewshookhishead,curvinghisownarmaroundhershoulders.The“littlehealers”weretwoverygiftedchildren—whosetalentsDarkRiverhadonlydivulgedtoatightgroupinSnowDancerbecausethekidsoftencametoplaywiththeirfriendsintheden,andthewolvesneededtoknowtokeepthemawayfromtheinfirmary.“Everyone’sinagreementthatthosetwoneedtheirchildhood,”hesaid.“Ithinkthecatshavedecidedtoputthemoff-limitsuntiltheyturneighteen.”
“Good.Pupsneedtobepups.”
“And,”Andrewadded,“mightbe,thekidscan’thealallphysicalinjuries.LaraandtheDarkRiverhealerarestartingtothinktheirgiftmaybelinkeddirectlytotraumaticbraininjuries.”
“Makessense,”Indigomurmured,“sincethePsyaresocerebral.”
Andrewnoddedinagreementastheynearedtheinfirmary.“TheregoesBrace.”Theboywasheadingintheotherdirection.
“Ihearhe’sbeenskippingclassestogositwithSilvia.”
“Boy’sgotitbad.Teachersarelettingitslideforthemomentsincehe’snormallysuchagoodstudent.”Smilingatthewayshewalkedcloseenoughtohimthattheirbodiesoccasionallybrushed,muchascourtingwolveswalkedinthewild,hedrewinthescentofherskin—whichnowcarriedhisownsodeepandtrue,there’dbenomoretalkofitfading.
IndigoshothimawarningglancewhentheyheadedoutoftheinfirmaryaftervisitingSilvia.“We’redoingtheoutsiderunwiththenovicestoday.Riazishelpingme.”
Hiswolfsnarled,butAndrewwasn’tstupid.Shewaswaitingtoseewhathe’ddo.Maybeitwould’vebeenbettertopretendhedidn’tstillwantRiaz’sblood,buthewasn’tabouttolietothewomanhewantedbyhissideforever.Showingherhisteeth,hesaid,“ThenI’llmakesureI’mnotinthevicinity.”
Indigopausedinthecorridor.“You’regoingtobehave?”
“Maybe.”Helethiswolfrisetothesurface.“WebothknowwhoandwhatIam.Therefore,webothalsoknowIdon’tthinktoostraightwhenanothermaleisnearthewomanIconsidermine.SoIcan’tpromiseyoucompletelyrationalbehavior,butsinceyouletmetumbleyousothoroughly,Iwilltry.”
Indigo’slipstwitchedalittle.“Awfulman.”Grippingthelapelsofhiswhiteshirt,shetuggedhimdownforakiss.
Apassingpackmatewhistledatthemandwasignored.
“Tryhard.”Shelethimfeeltheprickofherclawsbeforesheletgo.“What’reyoudoingtoday?”
“IhadamessageonmyphonetoseeHawkewhenIreturnedtotheden,sohe’sprobablygotajobforme.”
FrownlinesmarredIndigo’sbrow.“Whenareyousupposedtoheadbackoutagaintodoyourroundsofourterritory?”
“Acoupleofweeks.”Hehatedtheideaofbeingawayfromherforthatlong.Especiallysincetheywerefinallyreally,trulybonding.Because,thoughstrong,thatbondwasn’tyetsetinstone.“Imightbeabletoreworkthings,comebacktothedenonamoreregularbasis.”
Indigo’sgazewasdarkwhenshelookedathim.“Whatyoudo,it’simportant,Drew.Don’tshortchangethepackbecause—”
“Shh.”Hekissedherthistime.“Youmakemehappy.AhappyAndrewisamoreproductiveAndrew.”
Indigorolledhereyes.“Whenwasthelasttimeyoulostanargument?”
Hepretendedtothinkaboutit.Then,leaningdown,hewhisperedinherear,“Afewhoursagowhenyourefusedtostopthecarandcrawlintothebackseatwithme.”
Notlongafterward,Andrewstaredathisalphaastheystoodlookingdownoverabeautifulgreenvalley.“Huh.”
Hawkeraisedaneyebrow.“NotquitethereactionIwashopingfor.”
“Justalittleunexpected,that’sall.”Hetookamomenttothinkabouttheproposal.“Whyme?”
“Adamlikesyou,”Hawkesaid,namingtheleaderoftheWindHavenfalconsasheleanedagainstalargefir,hishairalmostpuresilverinthislight.Butitwasn’tasilverthatshoutedofage—no,itwasthesilverofpreciousmetals,uniqueandstartling.Especiallygiventheotherman’swolf-paleeyes.“Youokaywithtakingiton?”
Lookingawayfromhisalpha,Andrewpacedtotheedgeofthecliff.“Sure.Imean,I’vegotnoproblemactingasliaisonwiththefalcons,butwon’tAdambetalkingtoyoudirectlyonmostmatters?”
“Thebigthings,yes,”Hawkesaid.“But,aswithDarkRiver,therearegoingtobemattersthatdon’tneedanalpha’sattention,butdoneedtobelookedatbysomeonesenior.”
Andrewnodded.Asalpha,Hawkehadathousandthingsonhisplate.Delegationofsomeresponsibilitywaskeynotonlytohisownsanity,buttoensuringthehealthofhispack;thatmanystrongwolveswithnothingtodowouldbearecipefordisaster.“Whynotaskoneofthelieutenants?”
“They’veallgotheavyresponsibilitiesalready…andwebothknowyoucouldbealieutenantifyouwantedtobe.”
Andrewshookhishead.“Icouldn’tdowhatIdoifIwas.”Heneededtobeseenasapproachablebyeventheirweakestandleastconfident,notsomeonewhowasautomaticallyidentifiedaspartofthepack’spowerstructure.
“ItwouldmakeyourrelationshipwithIndigoeasier,”Hawkesaid,andAndrewknewitwasaquestion.
“No,itwouldn’t.Thebasicissueswouldremain.”Hisage,thefactofherhigherdominance.“Outofcuriosity—whendidIhityourradarasapossiblelieutenant?”
“Ialwaysknewyouhaditinyou,”Hawkesaid,surprisinghim.“That’swhyIoriginallyhadyoustationedasthesectorleaderinSanDiego,andyoumorethandelivered.Yourworkoverthepasttenmonthshasonlybeentheicingonthecake.ButI’mruthlesswhenitcomestothepack.Youwereusefultomeexactlywhereyouwere.”
“You,ruthless?”Andrewputahandonhischest,feigningaheartattack.
Hawke’sgrinwassharp.“AdamsaystheliaisonontheirsidewillbeJacques.”
“Imethim.He’sokay.”Alittlequiet,butaftergrowingupwithRiley,Andrewcoulddealwiththatfine.Youjusthadtopokeatthequietonesuntiltheyspokeup.“Who’rethecatsusingastheirliaison?”BecauseAndrewwouldhavetoworkwithhimorher.
“Nathan,”Hawkesaid,namingthemostseniorofDarkRiver’ssentinels.
“Weshouldprobablysetupameetingtonutoutsomebasics.”Pushinghishandsintothepocketsofhisjeans,herockedbackonhisheels.“I’lltryandhookusallupforaquickcomm-conferencewhenIgetbacktotheden.”
Hawkenoddedandpushedoffthetree.“I’mgoingtorunuptothenorthernedge,seehowthingsaregoing.”
“AnyfurtherindicationsofPsyinterference?”
“No.Andthetechshavefoundnootherburiedobjectsofanykind.”DeepgroovesappearedoneithersideofHawke’smouth.“ButJuddcalledwithsomeinformationlastnight.He’sheardwhispersthatsuggestHenryScottwanted—stillwants—ourlandtouseasastagingpostforanarmedtake-overoftheentirecity.”
“Wouldn’ttheybetoofar,physicallyspeaking?”Andrewasked.
“Yes,butevidenceindicatestheyhaveseveralteleport-capabletelekineticsintheirgroup.”
Andrewthoughtaboutit.“Yeah,thatcouldhaveworked.”SnowDancerlandwasremoteenoughthatanyinvadingarmywouldn’tbeimmediatelynotedfromthecity.“Especiallyifthey’reconsideringsurgicalstrikes,ratherthanafullassault.”
“Youreallyneedtostartsittinginonthelieutenantmeetings,”Hawkesaid.“Sinceintelisyourjob.”
Andrewnodded.Whenhe’dfirsttakenonthisposition,ithadonlybeenaboutkeepingafingeronthepulseofthepack,butthenetworkhe’dconstructednowmeantinformationofallkindsflowedthroughtohim.“I’llhaveIndygivemeaheads-upbeforethenextone.”
“Good.”Hawkereacheddowntopetawildwolfthatappearedoutofthetrees.“Juddfoundsomethingelse,too—lookslikePurePsyhascommandeeredaremotemountainvillagetouseasitsgatheringplaceforarmsandsupplies,andasatrainingground.”
“What’sherecommend?”
“Leavingtheoperationinplace.Hesayshecankeepaneyeonthem—andit’sbettertoknowwherethevipersarehiding.”Hawke’sfacewaswithoutmercywhenhelookedup.“Thatway,wecanhitthemhardiftheScottsdomovetostrikeagainstthecity,disablingalargepartoftheirstrengthatacriticaltime.”
Dismissingthegroupofherpeoplethatshe’dbroughtoutsideforameetingonhowbesttocover—inthelongterm—thewiderpatrolareanecessitatedbythePsyincursions,Indigopickedupabraceletthathadslippedoffsomeone’swristandwasabouttoheadbackuptothedenherselfwhenshecaughtanunexpected—butnotunknown—scentonthewind.HerwolfwasalreadycrouchingtoleapinwelcomewhenMatthiaswalkedintotheclearing.Givingawhoop,sheflewintohisarms,wrappingherlegsaroundhiships.
Notmanymencould’vestoodfirmagainsttheimpactofherwelcome,butsinceMatthiaswasbuiltlikeatank,hejustcaughther,givingheroneofthosesmall,quietsmilesthathadfooledmanyawomanintothinkinghimshy.Halfanhourafterthatandmostofthosewomenhadprobablyfoundthemselvessprawlednakedunderhim.
“What’reyoudoinghere?”sheaskedaftergivinghimanaffectionatekiss.
Eyesasdarkasmountainskiesatmidnightmethersashesqueezedthearmhehadaroundherhips.“I’vebeenhearingsomemightysurprisingrumorsaboutyou,darling.”
“Isthatright?”Archinganeyebrow,sheunhookedherselffromhisbodyandtookenoughofastepbackthatshecouldlookupintohisface.
Matthiaswasn’tonlybuiltlikeatank,hewastallerthaneveryothermaleinthepack,comingtosomethinglikesixfeetsix.Allofwhichwould’vemadehimathreatening-lookingpackagebutforthatamazingface;ahauntingmixtureofSpain,theFarEast,andthewarmdarkofhismother’shome-landofTanzania,ithadawayofmakingpeopleforgetjusthowlethalhecouldbe.
ButIndigohadknownhimtoolongtobebamboozled—andrightnow,shewasveryawareoftheteasinglightinthoseeyesofliquidnight.“Andwhatexactly,”shedrawled,“haveyoubeenhearing?”
“SomethingaboutyousettinguphousewithRiley’sbabybrother.”
Sheknewitwasadeliberatedig,meanttogethertogiveupinformation,sosheplasteredaninnocentexpressiononherface.“Really?Howinteresting.”Thehairsonthebackofherneckroseatthatmoment,andshesuddenlyrealizedshecouldscentanothermalegettingevercloser.
“Yeah,”Matthiassaidevenasshewasturningonherheel,“soIthoughtIbettercomeonoverandmakesureyouhadn’tforgottenwhoyoubelongedto.”
AgrowlofragefilledtheairaninstantbeforeDrew’sbodyslammedoutoftheforestandintoMatthias’s,takingthemalelieutenantdowntotheground.CHAPTER38
“Fuck,”IndigomutteredasMatthiasretaliatedinstinctively,oneofthosemassivefistsclockingDrewintheribs.
Shakingofftheblowasifhehadn’tevenfeltit,DrewslammedapunchintoMatthias’sface,snappingitback.MatthiassnarledandshovedDrewoffhischest.ExceptDrewdidn’tbudge,crunchinganotherfistintotheotherman’sjaw.Thistime,Matthiasrespondedwithasimilarhit.
Indigo,havingwatchedforagap,jumpedinbetweenthetwomenastheyflowedtotheirfeet.“Stop!”
Drew’seyeswerewolf-copperwhenshelookedupathim,andtheywerefocusedonMatthias.Whowasdoingagoodjobofimitatingawolfinhumanform.“Getoutofmyway,Indigo,”thebiglieutenantsnarled.
Drew’sbodyvibratedagainstherpalm.“Don’tgiveherorders!”Reachingasiftopullherbehindhim,DrewsuckedinabreathwhensheelbowedhimsharplyinthestomachatthesametimethatshekickedMatthiasintheknee.Hewastoobigtogodown,butitdidsnaphisattentiontoher.
“Enough,”shesaid,speakingtobothofthem.“Matthias,Ineedyoutogototheden.”
“Whythefuc—”Matthiasfroze,blinked,andsuddenlyhewashumanagain.“Aw,shit.”
Indigostaredathim.“What?”She’dexpectedtohavetodealwithhisconsiderablesleepingvolcanoofatemper…exceptthatitlookedlikehewasgoingtoapologize.“What?”
MatthiascontinuedtolookatDrew.“Iwasonlykidding,man,youknowthat.I’dneverhavesaiditifI’dknown.”
Drewwasstillgrowlinglowinhisthroat,hiseyesthatstrange,fascinatingcopper.TheytrackedMatthiaswithunrelentingfocusastheothermanbegantobackofftowardtheden,rubbingathisbruisedjawwithonehand.
“Matthias,”Indigosnapped.“What—”
Drewgrippedthebackofherneck,hismouthsuddenlyatherear.“Don’ttalktohim.”
Snarling,shewasabouttoturnherowntemperonhimwhenthepiecesfellintoplacewithdizzyingsuddenness.Yes,Drewwasdominant.Yes,Drewhadatemper—onehewasusuallyverygoodathiding.ButDrewwasalsovery,verysmart.He’dneverhavecomeoutatabigger,strongeropponentthewayhehadunlesshe’dbeendrivenbysomethingotherthanlogicandreason.
BarelyawareofMatthiasdisappearingintothetrees,sheputherhandonDrew’schest.“Andrew,”shesaidinacalm,rationaltone,“letmegoorI’llmakespaghettioutofyourinsides.”
Hishandstillaroundhernape,hebenthisheaduntilhiseyeswerestaringintohers—dominant,primitive,anddevoidofcivilizedthought.Itdidn’tsurpriseherintheleastwhenhegrowledandsankhisteethintothetendercurvewhereherneckmethershoulder.
Hissingoutabreath,sheclenchedonehandinhishair.Rationalobviouslywasnotgoingtowork.Inanyothersituation,herwolfwouldhavegoneforblood.Butthiswasn’tanyothersituation.Thiswasn’tanyotherman.
He’dbentforhermorethanonce.
Sotoday,shebentforhim.
Lettingherbodysofteninwelcome,sheheldhisheadagainstherwhilesheshovedherfreehandunderhisT-shirttolieontheheatedskinofhisback.Skinprivileges.Hedidn’tchangepositionforseveralseconds.Whenshedidn’tmoveeither,excepttostrokeherhandoverhisback,hefinallyreleasedthegriphehadonherwithhisteeth,lavinghistongueoverthesmallhurtevenashisarmscamearoundherinamuchgentler—thoughnolesspossessive—hold.
Hislipsonherneck,overhercheek,onherlips.
Shegroanedashedemandedsheopenhermouth,andgavein.Hardandhotanddeep,thekisscouldhaveonlyoneconclusion.Shedidn’tstophimwhenherippedawayherT-shirttoexposethesportsbrasheworeunderneath,criedoutwhenhebrokethekisstotakeherrightnippleintohismouththroughthesoftfabric,hishandcoveringthemoundofherneglectedbreast,fondlingandteasing.
He’dneverstoppedgrowlinglowinhisthroat,butnowthatgrowlbecamemoreaquietrumblethanaroar.Shewasreadywhenhepushedherdowntotheearth,readywhenheliftedhisheadandkissedheragain,readywhenhishandstrokedandpettedherbodywithroughpromise.
Whatshewasn’treadyforwasforhimtoraisehisheadandgiveheradazedlook.“Indy?”
Sheclosedherhandsoverthetautmusclesilkofhisshoulders.“It’sokay,”shesaid,tugginghimbackdown.
Butheresisted,shakinghisheadasheknelttostraddleherbody.Ablink,andwhenhelookedatheragain,hiseyesweretheblueofSierralakesinsunshineoncemore.“Ihurtyou.”Hetouchedthebitemarkwithcarefulfingers.
Shepushedherselfuponherelbows,unabletogoanyfarther—he’dtrappedherlowerbodywithhisown.“Yeah,well,I’veclawedyoumorethanafewtimesduringsexandyoudon’tseemtomind.”
“That’sdifferent.”Athunderousscowl.
Once,herresponsewould’vebeenanger…butbeingwithDrewhadchangedsomethinginher,taughtherthatlaughtercouldbeaspowerfulasfury.“Becauseit’sokayforyoutobeashow-offbutnotme?”
Puttinghishandspalmsdownoneithersideofher,heglowered.“Amaledoesn’thurthismate.”
Andthereitwas.Thereasonhergorgeous,generous,laughingloverhadturnedintoacrazedbeastwithoutwarning.
Thewordsseemedtopenetratehismindatthesamemoment.“We’reinthematingdance.”
Theystaredateachotherforseverallongminutes.ThenDrewbegantosmile,hiseyesshiftingfrombluetocopperandbackagain.“We’reinthematingdance.”
Fallingbackontotheearth,shepokedhiminthechest.“Don’tlooksosatisfied.Justbecausewe’reinthedancedoesn’tmeanmywolfwillacceptthematingitself.”Exhilarationracedthroughher,alongwithahealthydoseofpanic.
Andrew,abletothinkagainnowthattheredhazeofjealousragewasnolongercloudinghisjudgment,lookeddownintothosestunningeyes,sawthewolfprowlingbeyond,andknewhe’dhavetowalkcarefully.He’dcourtedher,playedwithher,andwonher.Butnowthestakeshadchangedagain,becomemuch,muchhigher.Becausetherewasno“out”oncewolvesmated—itwasforlife.
“Yeah?”hemurmured,changingpositionsothathislegstangledwithhers,thoughhekepthisupperbodybracedonhisforearms.“ThenmaybeI’lljusthavetoseduceyourwolfintoit.”
Shestrokedherhandsacrosshisshoulderstocurveoverhisnape.“Whydidn’tyouknow?”sheasked,herholdpossessiveinawaythatmadehisownwolfsing.“Themalealwaysknowswhenthedancebegins.”
“That’swhyIheadedouttoseeyou—Ifeltitkickinwithoutwarning.”Ithadbeenashocktohissystem,ajoyhe’dneverexpected,andhehadn’teventhoughtaboutnotsharingitwithIndigo,whatevertheconsequences.“ThenIreachedhereandheardwhatMatthiaswassayingandsmelledyourscentmixedwithhisand…”
“Kaboom,”Indigocompletedwithalaugh.“Well,nowweknowonething—Matthiascanbetakendownifyouhithimhardenough.”
Andrew’swolfgrowledinpride.“Iwasfeelingnopain.Ican’tactuallyremembermostofit—ouch!”hecriedasIndigopokedgentlyathisside.
Shewinced.“Sorry.Letmelook.”
Bracinghisweightonhisoppositeside,heallowedhertotuguphisT-shirt.Anglingherhead,shewincedagain.“Ithinkheprobablybrokeyourribs.Thebruiseisalreadyforming.”
“Worthit,”hesaid,nuzzlinghisnoseagainsthersasshepettedthehurtspotwithatendertouch.“Whenareyougoingtomatewithme?”
Shenippedhisjaw.“Whenyouconvincemeit’sworthmywhile.”
Dippinghisheadintoherneck,hekissedthebitemarkandhidhissmileagainstherskin.
Becauseshehadn’tpulledback,hadn’tpulledaway.He’dbeenhalf-terrifiedthatshewould,thatallthey’dachievedwouldbeburiedunderherwolf’ssavagerefusaltosurrendertothatdepthofvulnerability.Instead,thatwolfhadlookedoutofhereyeswithpurechallengeamomentago.Catchme,ithadsaid,catchmeandmaybeI’llbeyours.
Dressingforworkthenextday—andgiventhatshewouldn’tbedoinganyphysicaltraining—Indigopulledonapairofjeansthatfitherlikeasecondskinandsateasilyonherhips,herfavoriteboots,andablackteewitharespectablescoopneck.Whenshepulledherhairoffherfaceandintoherusualponytail,thebitemarkonthelowercurveofherneckstoodoutlikeabeacon.
Smiling,shefinishedgettingready,throwingonahip-lengthleather-synthjacketasafinaltouch.Shewasabouttoheadoutwhenshehesitated.Shewasn’tbotheredbythemark—herwolfactuallyapprovedoftheaggressivewayDrewhadreactedtowhathe’dreadasathreattohisclaimoverhismate.ButDrewwasstillbeatinghimselfupoverit.Everytimehesawthemark,hegotablacklookonhisface.
Shecouldcoveritup…butherwolfrejectedtheidea.Thiswaswhoshewas,andifthemanwhowantedtobehermatedidn’tknowthatbynow,well,she’dhavetobeathimovertheheadwiththetruthuntilhegotit.
Scowlingatthethought,shewrenchedopenherdoorandstalkedout.
Thefirstpackmatewhocameuponherstaredatthemarkuntilshehadtogrowlathim.Raisinghishands,hewalkedoff…butnotbeforeshe’dcaughtthestartledlookonhisface.Shesawthatsamelookeverywhere,untilitbegantomakeherskinitch.Yeah,shecouldunderstandabitofsurprise,butusuallyit’dhavebeenteamedwithcatcallsandteasingsuggestionsforrevenge.
Today,nothing.
ShecorneredHawkeinhisroombeforehe’devenhadhisfirstcupofcoffee,hisjeanshangingperilouslylowonleanhips.Whenheblinkeddrowsilyather,shepushedpasthim,foldedherarms,andstartedtorantabouttheover-the-topreaction.“Hedidn’thurtme,soIdon’tknowwhythey’re—”
Shakinghisheadasifsnappinghimselfawake,Hawkepressedafingertoherlips.“Themarkisveryprecise,”hesaid,hiseyesonthefleshofherneck.“Norips,notears.Meansyoudidn’tstruggle.”
“So?”sheasked,knowingshesoundedbelligerentbuttooannoyedtocare.
“Soyou’reIndigo,”Hawkemurmured.“Foryoutohaveallowedthismeanssomething,andthepackunderstandsthat.”
Scowlingbecauseshestilldidn’tthinkitwasabigdeal,sheunfoldedherarmsandsaid,“Aslongastheydon’thassleDrewaboutit.”
Alookinhiseyesshedidn’ttrust—itwastoosneaky.“Iwouldn’tworryaboutDrew.”Apause.“I’dworryabouthowhe’splanningtowinthematingdance.”
“Hmph.”IndigoknewDrewverywellbynow.Shewasreadyforhistricks.Raisingherhand,shestraightenedHawke’sthickhairwiththefamiliarityofalonganddeepfriendship.“Youneedtogohavesex.”
Hawkeblinked,thenstaredather.“What?”
Sherolledhereyes.“Icansenseyourwolfstrainingatthereins,almostfeelitshunger.It’sgoingtobecomeobvioustothelessdominantwolvessoonerratherthanlater.”Ignoringthefactthathewasgrowlinglowinhisthroat,shesteppedcloser.“Andbecauseyou’realpha,yourcrazinesswillaffecttherestofthepack.”
Shewasright;Hawkeknewshewasright.Thatdidn’tmeanhewantedtolistentoher.“There’sthedoor.Useit.”
Blowingoutabreath,sheturnedandheadedaway.“Shehasn’tsleptwithhim,youknow.”
Hawkefroze,hiseyesonhislieutenant’sretreatingback.
Indigoputherhandontheknobandshothimalookoverhershoulder.“Awomancantell,”shesaid,answeringhisunaskedquestion.“Don’tleaveittoolate,Hawke,oryoumightjustloseher.”CHAPTER39
NikitametAnthony’seyesastheysatattheTahoecabinagain,havingagreedonphysicalmeetingsasmuchaspossible.WordsspokenonthePsyNethadtoohighariskofbeingheardbyotherears.“Henry’sarmyisgettingbiggerdaybyday.”
“ThereareenoughpeopleinthepopulationdisturbedbytheproblemsintheNetthathehasawidepooltochoosefrom.”
“Yes.”ThePsyracehadbecomeusedtotheillusionofsafetyprovidedbySilence,wouldcontinuetoclingtoitaslongastheypossiblycould—evenwhenitwascleartheillusionwasslowlyturningdark,rottingawayuntiltheNetwasriddledwithsickness.
“WehavethestrengthtoholdtheScottsoffforaperiodoftime,butneitherofusisamilitarypowerhouse,”Anthonypointedoutwithperfectcalm.“Weneedtoconsiderouroptions.”
“Ihavestrongsupportinthecity’spopulationbase,”Nikitasaid,“andthatstrengthwillcontinuetogrow.”Henryhadmadeacriticalmistakeinthemurders.Intruth,therewerevery,veryfew“perfect”PsyintheNet,andnowtheyallknew,thankstoNikita’scarefulwhispers,thatHenryfoundthemdispensable.“Thepopulacehasreactedunfavorablytohisattemptsatintimidatingthemawayfromthisregion.”
“AndKaleb?”Anthonyasked.“Thereisahighchancehe’llseizecontroloftheArrows.”
OneArrowwasworthdozensofordinarysoldiers,but—“AskingKalebforassistancehastobealast-casescenario.”Becauseitwashighlylikelyhe’dwalkinandcapturethecityhimself.“Thereisonemoreoption.”Iftheytookit,itwouldshiftthebalanceofpowerintheworldforever.CHAPTER40
Twodaysafterthebeginningofthematingdance,IndigofoundherselfstandingonaridgealongthenorthernedgeoftheirterritorythankstoareportfromJudd.Theotherlieutenanthadsomehowmanagedto“listenin”onameetingbetweentwohigh-levelpeopleinPurePsy,andhadcomeoutwithadisturbingaccountoftheirconfidenceinbeingabletotakeSnowDancerwhenevertheychose.
“There’ssomethingelseonthelandthatwehaven’tfound,”he’dsaidinhislastmessage,“somethingthey’recertainwillgivethemaninsurmountabletacticaladvantage.”
Hawkehadimmediatelyprioritizedthetask,placingIndigoincharge.
“We’vesweptthisarea,andotheroutlyingareas,severaltimessincethetransmitterswereoriginallydiscovered,”IndigonowsaidtoRiazandElias,bothofwhomstoodwithher,“andgotnothing.Sowhatarewemissing?”Evennow,thetechsspreadoutbelowthemlikeanarmyofants,butshecouldtelltheywerediscouraged.
“ChancethePsypenetrateddeeperintoregionswehaven’tchecked?”Riazasked.
Eliaswastheonewhoanswered.“Askme,zeropercent.We’retoounpredictableinthoseareas.Anadultwolfcoulddecidetogoforarunatanytime,nightorday.”
“IagreewithEli.Theisolatedsectionsaretheonlypartswheretheywould’vebeensureofhavinganuninterruptedstretchoftime.”Lettingherwolfrisetothesurface,itsvisionmoreacute,Indigofocusedinthedistance—toseeaheavilymuscledwolfwithfurtherichcolorofsilver-birchbarklopinguptowardher.Herlipscurved.
“Doweneedtodisappear?”Eliasaskedwithacoughthatstruckherassuspicious.
WhenIndigoraisedaneyebrowathim,hewinked.“Drew’sstyleofcourtshipseemstoinvolvepullingyouintoasmanyshadowycornersashecan.”
Riazsnickered.
Shedecidedtohandletheribbingwithgrace.“Didn’tyouoncegetcaughtbuttnakedwithYuki?”sheaskedElias.“Weren’tyoucoveredinchocolatesauceatthetime?”
“Shuddup.”Eliasfoldedhisarms.“Andforyourinformation,itwashoney.”
Riazwasdoubledoverbynow,andthoughhishilaritywaspartlyatherexpense,Indigo’swolfwasgladtoseehim,ifnothappy,thenatleastabletofindsomejoy.TurningtowatchasDrewcrestedthefinalhilltocirclearoundandstandbesideher,shestrokedherfingersoverthatproudhead.
Havingrecoveredfromhisfitoflaughter,Riazpointedtoasmallvalleytothewest.“Theycould’vehiddensomethingthere.Wehaven’tpaidmuchattentiontothatareabecauseit’ssofloodprone.”
Indigo,herwolfrubbingcontentedlyinsideherskinasDrewleanedhisweightagainsther,nodded.“Thefourofusarefreerightnow.Wecanborrowacoupleofscannersandgohaveapreliminarylook.”ButwhensheglanceddownintoDrew’scoppergaze,shesawdisagreement.“What?”
Helookedup.
“Areyourollingyoureyes?”Herwolfwasmiffed.
Alongsigh,andthenhelookedupagain.Pointedly.
Indigofollowedhisgaze.“Eli,Riaz,amIblind?”
“No.”Riaz’sdeepvoice.“Iseeskyandtreebranchessameasyou.”
“IthinkIspottedasquirrel,”Eliasputin.
Thistime,theyallturnedtolookatDrew.
Ifawolfcouldbesaidtolookexasperated,hedid.
Abouttoaskhimtoshiftandexplainhimself,shesawhisheadsnaptowardthesky,hisgazefollowingsomething.
Agoshawk,itswingsspreadinawashofblue-grayandwhiteasitsweptdowntograbitshaplesspreyinpowerfulclawsbeforerising.
Intothesky.
“Up,”Indigobreathed.“We’recreaturesoftheearth—werarelylookup.”
Drewgaveashortbarktoindicateshe’dgotit.Goingtoherkneesbesidethiswolfwhowasabletoseetheworldthroughsomanydifferentlenses,sheclenchedherfingersinthefurattheruffofhisneck.“I’llgetthetechstoscanning,butIneedyoutofindmesomecats.”TheleopardsweremuchmorearborealthanSnowDancers,couldsearchinawaythewolvescouldn’t.“Youknowwho’llbegoodatthis.”
Hehesitated,glancingatRiaz.
Sherubbedhercheekagainsthisfur,consciousthematingdancehadtobeplayinghavocwithhisinstincts.“I’llbewaitingforyou.”
Thoughitwasclearthewolfwasinnowaypleased,hewent.Risingtoherfeet,sheglancedatasilentRiaz.Heshookhishead.“Damn,buthiscontrolmustbegood.”
Seeingthelargesilverwolfdisappearfromsight,sherealizedRiazwasabsolutelyright.Atthatsamemoment,sheunderstoodthatDrewhadfollowedherrequestforonereasononly—becausehe’dpromisedherhe’dneveragaindoanythingthatwouldleadanyonetoquestionherrank.
Comprehendingasitdidthecompulsionsofthematingdance,herwolfwasstaggeredbythefactthathe’drememberedhispromiseevennow.
Onemorebarrierfell.
Bringinginthecatsturnedouttobeawisedecision.Drewhadroundedupseveralofthenimble,curious,andenergeticjuvenilesandyoungadults.Amongthem,Kit—whowasasgorgeousinleopardformashewasinhuman.
However,itwasn’tSienna’smaybe-boyfriendwhofoundit,butasleeklittleleopardnamedGrey.“Mercy’syoungestbrother,”IndigosaidtoRiazasGreyranoverand,havinggottheirattention,ledthembacktoagnarledoldtree.
Ittookhimonelungeandtwosecondstoscaleit.
Releasingherclaws,Indigofollowedalittlemoreslowly.Onceintheleeofthebranches,shewatchedasGreyjumpeduptoahigherbranchandpointedapawtotheonebelow.Balancingcarefully,shewalkedovertothespothe’dindicated.Foraninstant,shesawnothing—andthenshedid.“Shit.”Thecamouflagewasbrilliant,thepieceoftechnologyblendingsowellintotheleavesthatshewasastoundedGreyhadspottedit.
Lookingdown,shesawDrewhadfollowedherscent.“Bren,”shesaid.
Heleftatoncetotrackdownhissister,who’dcomeuptohelpsweepthearea.WhenBrennasawthedevice,shehissedoutabreath.“It’sacamera,”shesaid,removingthebatteryatonce.“Short-rangetransmissioncapacity—morethanenoughifyouhadareceiverjustbeyondtheedgeofourterritory.”
Indigo’sbloodrancold,butshehadnotimetoworryaboutthedevastatingimpactthesurveillancecould’vehad.Notrightnow.“Grey,”shesaid,jumpingontothegroundbesideMercy’sbrother,“canyouexplaintotheothershowyoufoundit?”
Henodded,eyesacrystalclearblue-greenamidthegoldandblackofhisfur.
“Doit.”
Withthecatshelping—morearrivingaswordspread—andthetechsclimbingthroughthetreesasbesttheycould,theyfoundfifteenmorecamerasintheareabynightfall,alongwithonelargerobjectthatBrennadeterminedactedasasignalbooster.
“Nowaytoknowhowfarthey’respreadout,”IndigoreportedtoHawkethatnight.“It’sgoingtotakealongtimetosweeptheentirecompromisedsection—andwhileitremainsalow-probabilitytarget,weshouldcheckthesnowpackareas,too.I’vealreadyrejiggedourschedules,butwe’regoingtocontinuetoneedthecats’help.”
Whitelinesbracketedheralpha’smouth,buthiswordswerecalm.“I’lltalktoLucas.”Hemethergaze.“Theywerewatchingoursentries,learningourpatterns.”
ThatwasIndigo’stakeaswell.“Judd’sintelwasonthemoney.Noonegoestothismuchtroubleunlessthey’replanningtolaunchamajoroffensive.”Though,she’dbeenthinking…“IfIwereaCouncilorwhowantedtotakeSnowDancer,I’dgoafteryoufirst.”Thepackhadoneweaknessandperhaps,justperhaps,HenryScotthadfigureditout.
Hawke’seyeswerechipsoficebynow.“Riley,you,orCoopercouldstepintothebreach.”
“Yes,butwe’dbeconstantlychallenged.Itwouldtakeusmonthstofendoffthechallengers,andit’dleavethepackindisarray.”NoonechallengedHawkebecausehe’dprovenhimself,beenbathedinbloodforthepack.
“EvenifIamatarget,”hesaid,“thiskindofplanninggoesbeyondthat.”
“Yes.Theyundeniablywantwhatwehold.”
“They’llhavetokilleverylastSnowDancertogetit.”
Exhaustedbytheeventsoftheday,Indigoshould’vegonetoherroomandcrashedinreadinessforthenextday’sexertions.ButDrewwaswaitingforherwhensheturnedthecorner,hiseyessolemnbuthiswordslight.“Massageandasliceofwhitechocolategateauwithfreshcherries?”
Whichwashowshefoundherselfnakedinhisbednotmuchlater.
Headonhischest,shestrokedhimastheyspoke.“Idon’twantthepacktogothroughwhatwedidallthoseyearsago,”shemurmured.“Ican’tforgettheblood,theloss.”
Drewranhishanddownherback.“Iwasyounger,butIrememberpartsofit.Myparentswerelostinthefirstwaveoftrouble,onlyacoupleofyearsearlier.”
Hugginghimtight,shetookamomenttoappreciatejusthowverygooditfelttoliewithhim,todiscusstheirday.Shecouldn’timaginebeingthiscomfortablewithanyoneelse.“Drew?”
“Hmm?”
“Thankyouforgettingthecats.”Forfollowingherordersnomatterthepossessivedrivethathadtobepushinghimclosetoinsanitythesedays.
“That’sokay.”Herubbedthebackofherneck.“I’vedecidedtokillRiazlater,whenyou’renotwatching.”
Sittingup,shelookedintohiseyes.“Iwantyoutoknowsomething.”
“Soserious.”Hebrushedstrandsofhairoffherface.“Tellme.”
“IfIamevertalkingoutofmyass,Ifullyexpectyoutocallmeonit.”
“Don’tworryaboutthat,Lieutenant.”Hetappedherbottom.“I’llneverletthingsslide.”Amoresoberlook.“Butanyarguingwedoonpackissueswon’tbeinfrontofothers.”
Sheknewthatwouldbehardonhim,predatorychangelingmalethathewas.Butthepastweekshadshownherthestaggeringdepthofhiswill.He’dbitehistongueuntilitbled,buthewouldneveragaindiminishherinpublic—andwouldcertainlyneverfailtobackherupwhensheneededit,likeMartinsooftendidwithAdria.
Andthat,shedecidedwithabsolutefinality,wouldbethelasttimesheevercomparedhermantoheraunt’s.BecauseDrewwasathousandtimestheman,thewolf,thatMartinwas.“Ithoughttherewascake,”shesaid,tracinghislipwithherfingertip.
Henippedather.“Iwouldneverlietoyouaboutcake.”
Nibblingatthatprettymouth,shesaid,“Yeah?”
Hegroaned.“Inthecooler.But—”
Laughing,shepushedoffhim.“Letmereplenishmyenergyfirst.Youboytoysareexhausting.”
“Toys?”hegrowled.
Shewinkedathimasshejumpedoffthebed.“I,ofcourse,amonlyinterestedinmyownpersonalboytoy.”
“That’sbetter,”hesaid,stealingakissashegotout,too,andwalked—gloriouslynude—tothecooler.
“Haveyounoshame?”Shetriedherbesttosoundscandalized,difficultwhentheonlythingshewantedtodowaslickhimallover.
“Nope.”
Notasreadytoeatnaked,shewenttoDrew’sdressertopulloutaT-shirt.“Sincesomebodytoremine.”Herglarehadnoeffectonthegorgeousmanwhowascurrentlychuggingdownmilkstraightfromthecarton.
Wipinghismouth,heputdownthemilkandcrookedafinger.“Come’ere.”
“Idon’tknowthatI—”HandonaT-shirt,shefrowned.“What’sthis?”
Drewwassuddenlybesideher,tryingtoshutthedrawer.“Don’tworryaboutit.It’sjust—”
Butshe’dalreadypulledouttheraggedysofttoy.Itwasabear,probablyonceaplushbrownbutnowsadlybedraggled,mostofitsfurgone,oneeyemissing,andtheearsnibbledhalf-off.Definitelyinroughshape,butnotuncaredfor,sherealized,noticingtheneatstitchesthathadmendedthetears.
AwareDrewhadgonesilentbesideher,sheglancedup.Andforthefirsttimeinherlife,shesawamaskonDrew’sface.Ithitherlikeapunchtothegut.CHAPTER41
“I’msorry,”shesaid,certainshe’dhurthiminsometerribleway.“Ididn’tmeanto—”
Drew’shandslippedbehindhernecktotughertohischest.“Shh.”Thewarmthhadreturnedtohisvoice,thetonehusky.“Ijustwasn’tready.”
“It’sokay.”Shestrokedhisbackwithherfreehand,thebearbetweenthem.“We’llputitbackuntilyouare.”Ithurthertoknowthathewashurting.Reallyhurther.
Drewnuzzledatherneck.“No,IthinkPlatypusisprobablytiredofbeinginthatdrawer.”
Sheblinked.“YouhaveabearnamedPlatypus?”
Agrinashetookthebearfromherandranhishandsaffectionatelyoverthechewed-offears.“Hey,Iwasakid.HowwasIsupposedtoknowwhataplatypuswas?”Walkingtothebed,hesatdown,tuggingthesheetacrossjustenoughtocoverthemostdistractingpartofhim.“Come,sit.”
PullingontheT-shirt,shewenttositbesidehim,herlegscurledunderher.Stilluncertainwhatshe’dinadvertentlydone,sheputonehandonhisshoulder,pressingherbodyalittleagainsthis.“Hewasyours?”
“WhenIwassmall.”
Shesawhimswallow,rememberedhowyounghe’dbeenwhenhe’dlostbothparents.Herownthroatgrewchoked.“Youwereaferallittlething,weren’tyou?”shesaidpasttheknotofemotion,tuggingatthebear’sabbreviatedears.
Drewgaveasmalllaugh,andthetightnessinherchestrelaxed.Herwolfdidn’tlikeseeinghimindistress.
“MymomgavePlattytome.”Hebroughtthebearuptohisnose,drewinalongbreath.“Sometimes,IthinkIcanscentherperfumeifItryhardenough.”
AtearthreatenedtostreakitswaydownIndigo’scheek,butsheblinkeditback,knowingDrewneededhertolistentoday.“You’vetakengoodcareofhim.”
“Youknowwewerefosteredinthepack,”hesaidquietly.“Ourfosterparentsweregood,reallygoodtoallthreeofus.They’dbroughtuptheirownkids,understoodexactlywhatweneeded.”
“Buttheyweren’tyourparents.”Indigounderstood,knewthathisfosterparents—who’dbothgoneroamingaroundtheworldafewyearsago—would’veunderstoodaswell.
Drewsurprisedherbylaughing.“Idon’tthinkRileywould’veallowedthemtotakeover.”Asharpgrin,fullofaffection.“Hewastheoneweinstinctivelylookedtoward,astheoldest,andheneverletusdown.Welovedourfosterparentsforthehometheygaveus,butwebondedthestrongestwitheachother.”
“ThatmakesmebetterunderstandthewayRileytreatsthetwoofyou.”EspeciallywithBrenna,theotherlieutenantwasseverelyoverprotective—morelikeafatherthanabrother.HewaslesssowithDrew,buttherewasstillahintofitinhisdealingswithhisbrother.
“Yeah.”HoldingPlatypusinonehand,Drewputhisotheroneonherthigh,hisfingersstrokingwithanaffectionthatshe’dlongunderstoodwasasnaturaltohimasbreathing.“Youknow,partofthewayheis,isbecauseofthefactthatheallbutbroughtusup,but—”
“—partofitisjustRiley,”Indigocompleted.“Irememberhimasakid,youknow.Sointense,sofocused.Ifyouneededtogetsomethingdoneinthekidcircles,youwenttoeitherHawkeorRiley.Hawketoleadthetrouble,andRileytomakesurewedidn’tgetcaught.”
Drewsqueezedherthigh.“IkeptPlatypuswithmeallthroughmychildhood,”hesaid,thengaveaself-consciousshrug.“WhenIturnedintoateenager,Ihidhiminthecupboard,butIusedtotakehimoutatnightsometimesandtalktohim.”
Shiftingherhold,shehuggedhimaroundtheshoulders,puttingherfacecheek-firstagainsthisback.“Itwaslikebeingwithyourmomagain.”
“Yeah.”Drewstrokedthebear’sraggedearsoncemore.“RileyandBrennadon’tknowIstillhavehim.”
Herwolfunderstoodwhathewastellingher,acceptedthegift.“Ithinkhe’dlookgoodontopofthedresser,”shemurmured,pressingakisstohisnape.“Don’tyou?”
DrewthoughtaboutitforalongsecondbeforeliftingherhanduptohislipsandrisingtoplacePlatypusinprideofplaceonthepolishedwoodofhisdresser.Therewasavulnerabilitytohimshecouldalmosttouch—andsheknewhewasembarrassedbyit.Yetstillhe’dsharedsomuchofhisheart.Ithumbledher,hiscourage.
Anditpushedhertotheprecipiceofacceptingthematingbond.
Herremaininghesitationhadnothingtodowithhisyouthordominance.Itwasfarmorevisceral.HerwolfadoredDrewnow,butusedtocontrol,toprotectingitself,itwasuneasyattheideaofthetotal,absolutesurrendersignifiedbythematingbond.Yetinspiteofthat,itfounditselfcompelledtotheedgebyDrew’sopencommitment,bythefearlesswayhegrabbedontolife…ontolove.
AndrewcouldalmosttastethematingbondthenextmorningasheworkedbesideIndigotoclearthenorthernedgeoftheirterritoryofsurveillancedevices.Itwasseriouswork—buthewasawolf.“Hey,Indy,”hesaidaroundmidmorning,feelingalittlerawafterthepreviousnight.Butbecauseithadbeenhismatewho’dseenhimsoveryvulnerable,hewasabletodeal
“Nomorekisses,”shewarnedwithascowlthatheknewwasallpretend.“Peopleareplacingbetsnowonhowlongtillyouambushmeagain.”
“It’sgoodformorale.”
Indigoshothimanarrow-eyedlook.“You’reright.Sneak.”
“Fringebenefit,”hesaid.“Ijustlikekissingyou.”Infrontofpeople.Soeveryonewouldknowshewashis.“ButthistimeIwantedtotellyouthatyouhavesomethinginyourhair.”
Reachingup,shestrokedoverandstoppedatherhairtie.“Whatthe—”Achocolatekisssatinherhand.
Hewaitedforherreaction.
Holdinghisgaze,shepeeledawaythesilverwrapperandclosedherlipsoveritinawaydesignedtomakeacertainpartofhisanatomythrob.“Delicious.”Lickingherlips,shepointedsouth.“Timetowork.”
Heworked,butbythetimeIndigolefttoreturntothedentotakeoneofherclasses—theycouldn’taffordtobeslackonthat,especiallynow—he’dkissedheronthelipsfivemoretimesandshoweredherwithseveralhiddencandykisses.
Afewwerefoundbygleefulpackmates,whosolemnlydeliveredthemtoIndigo…whojustassolemnlyacceptedeachoffering.Hiswolfwaspleasedwiththisday’swork.
TaicameuptohimafterIndigoleft.“Teachme,”hedemanded.
“What?”
“Courtship.Because,fromthesmileonIndigo’sface,you’rereallygoodatit.”
Andrewthoughtoflastnight,ofthepoweroftheemotionsthathadpassedbetweenthem.She’dopenedherarmstohimwhenhe’dreturnedtothebed,andhe’dfeltherwolf’spresenceineveryatomofherbeingastheylayintertwined.Ithadbeenastunningintimacy,but—“Shehasn’tacceptedthematingyet.”Youcouldnever,everbecertainofadominantfemale’schoiceuntilthatmoment.
“IknowI’monlyanovice,butIthinkthat’sbecausefemalewolvesliketoruntheirmenragged.”Ascowl.“Andbecauseshe’shavingtoomuchfunplayingwithyou.”
AndrewwasstillthinkingoverTai’swordsasheenteredhisroomthatnight,havingspentalldaywiththesearchteam.They’ddiscoveredonlyoneothercamera,buttheyweren’tgoingtoletup.Thebloodythingsweresosmallandcunninglycamouflagedthattheycouldbeeasilyoverlooked.
Frowning,hestoppedonthewaytotheshower.
Therewassomethingwrongwiththeroom,buthecouldn’tputafingeronit.Shuckinghisclothes,hewashed,thenwalkedout.Hestillcouldn’tfigureoutwhatwasdifferent…untilhewenttograbapairofsweatpantsfromthedresser.
Alaughescapedhim.
Platypushadbeengivenaneyepatchembroideredwithaskullandcrossbones.
Pickingupthelittlenoteunderthebear’spaw,hesawIndigo’sscrawl:Ithinkhelooksratherdashing,don’tyou?Comesleepwithmewhenyougetback.
Thatwasexactlywhathedid.“Whenareyougoingtomatewithme?”heaskedherinthemidnighthours,asheslidintothemeltingheatofherbody.
Hereyes,gonewolf-gold,gleamedinthedarknessathim.“We’reconsideringit.”
Hisownwolfbitbackagrinoftriumph,evenashisheartexpanded.“I’mgoingtosleepwithyoueverynight.”
“Yousoundverycertain.”Anedgeofdominance.
“Oh,Iam.”Insteadofsnarlingather,hekissedherslowandeasy.“You’dmissmeifIwasn’there.”
Herbodyarchedupashestoppedhisstrokes.“Drew.”Itwasawarning.
Buthewasbiggerandheavier,sohepinnedhertothesheets.“Admitit.”Kissesonherlips,nibblesonherjaw,licksonthelineofherthroat.“Sayit.”
Shetwistedherbodyandalmostmanagedtoputhimonhisback.Laughing,hepinnedheragain.“Hey,younearlybrokeaveryimportantpartofmyanatomyinhalf.”Unabletoresisttheslickheatofher,hebegantomoveagain,deepandhard.
Indigofracturedunderhimmomentslater,andhewasn’tfarbehind.Herealizedshehadn’tsaidwhathe’daskedherto,hadn’tadmittedthatvulnerability,andthatworriedhim,becauseforthematingbondtosnapintoplace,shehadtoopenhersoultohim.
Noshields,nowalls,noprotections.
Still,hethought,cuddlingherclose,shewaswithoutadoubttakinganactivepartinthematingdance,andthatwasaverygoodsign.Patience,hecounseledhiswolf,justalittlemorepatience.CHAPTER42
CouncilorHenryScottlookedatthemanhe’dputinchargeoftheSnowDanceroperation.“Youassuredmetheywouldn’tuncoverthesurveillance.”
“Theyshouldn’thave,butatthecurrentpace,they’llhavetheentireareaclearedwithinaweek,twoatmost.”
Henryshookhishead.“Wecan’trelyonhavingthatlengthoftime.Weneedtoactnow.”Whiletheystillmaintainedsomethingofanelementofsurprise.
“Ihaveateamreadytogo.Whenwouldyoulikeustomobilize?”
“Tomorrow.Focusontheprimarytarget.”
“It’llbedone.”
“Wait.”Henryflickedupasecondimage.“Sendacoupleofyourmentoremovehim,too.”Therewasnopointinwaiting,notwhenadualassassinationwouldhaveamuchstrongerimpact.CHAPTER43
Earlythenextmorning,herheartsmilingatthewayshe’dwokentofindDrewsprawledalloverher—andthebed—IndigosatbesideJoshuaonthepebbledshoreofthelakenearesttheden.
Thesearchforthecameraswasongoinginthemountains,withdifferentmenandwomenbeingrotatedineachday,butsheandHawkehadbothagreedsheneededtocontinuetoworkwiththeiryoung.Theydidn’twanttolosealltheprogressthey’dmadetodate.
“So?”sheaskedtheboybesideher,examininghisexpression,hisposture,foranyhintthathecontinuedtohaveproblemswithhiswolf.
Aquicksmile.“I’mdoingbetter.Hawke’sbeenkeepinganeyeonme,too.”
“Good.”Indigo’swolflookedoutattheboy,madeajudgment.“Yourwolfisstillverynearthesurface.”
“Yeah,butHawkesaidit’slikethatforsomeofus.”
“Heshouldknow.”Hawke’sownwolfwasdifficulttospot,becausehiseyesneverchangedcolor—which,ofcourse,wasananswerinitself.“Buthecancontrolit.Hashebeenteachingyoutohandleyourwolfwhenitgetspushy?”
Joshuanodded.“Thethingsyou’vebeenteachingme—aboutfocusanddiscipline—that’shelpingaswell.IthinkI’mcomingtoanunderstandingwithmywolf.”
ThatmadeIndigorelax,becausetheboywastalkingofhiswolfasapartner,notacombatant.“Ihearyou’reseeingMolly,”shesaid,havingmadeafewdiscreetinquiriesafterDrewhintedatitthismorning.
Joshua’seyeswentwiderightbeforeahotflushburnedacrosshischeekbones.“Jesus,Indigo,doyouhavespieseverywhere?”
“Yep.”Laughingathisembarrassment,shereachedouttorufflehishair.“She’sgoodforyou,puppy.Andtoogoodforyou.”
Heboretheaffectioninsilencebutshotherapleasedlook.“Iknow,butI’mkeepingheranyway.”Suchasmugexpression,shecouldn’tdecidewhethertolaughorgrowl.“She’smuchmorematurethanIam,”hesaidbluntly,“socalmandeasywithherwolf.”
Surprisedathisinsight,shelookedathim.“Thatdoesn’tbotheryou?”
“No.”Hisshoulderswererelaxed,hislipscurved.“Mywolfwantstopleaseherssomuch,itbehaves…andIthinkwe’rebothlearningandbecomingbetterfromit.”
ItwassuchanastutecommentthatIndigowassilentforawhile.Becauseshe,too,understoodaboutlearningfromanotherwolf.
“So,”Joshuasaidintothesilence,“areyouandDrewgoingtomate?”
Indigo’swolfflexeditsclaws.“Whyexactly,”shesaid,lookingattheboywhowasverymuchhersubordinate,“doyoufeelyouhavetherighttoaskmethatquestion?”
Joshuawincedathertone.“Um,nevermind.I’lljustgogetacluenow.”
Herwolfresheatheditsclaws.“Don’tforgetyoursessiontomorrow.”
“Iwon’t.”Apauseashegottohisfeet.“AndIndigo…thanks.”
Indigosattherestaringatthewaterlongafterheleft.Mate.SheknewDrewwasitforher,buttheideaoftakingthatfinalstep…itmadeherbreathcatchinherthroat,herwolfpacefromsidetosidewithinhermind.
“Indigo!”
Startled,shelookeduptoseeMercyscramblingdownthebank.Dressedinawhitepeasantblouseembroideredwithredrosesaroundthedeepnecklineandfadedjeans,theDarkRiversentinel’sfrecklesglowedagainsthercreamyskin.Herredhair,incontrast,appearedlighter,shotwithstrandsofblonde.
“Whendidyougetback?”Indigocried,risingtoherfeetandgrabbingMercyinahugastheotherwomanreachedtheedgeofthelake.Oddasitwas,Mercyhadsomehowbecomeoneofherclosestfriends—andevenodder,thefeelingseemedtobemutual.Theywereboththelonehigh-rankingfemaledominantsinagroupofmeninthisarea,anditwasdamnnicetohavesomeonetotalktowhounderstoodtheuniqueissuestheyhadtoface.
Drawingbackfromthehug,Mercysaid,“Justnow.Riley’stalkingwithDrewandHawke,butIcaughtyourscentanddecidedtofollowyoudownhere.”
“Wanttosit?”
Nodding,Mercytookaseatonthepebblesbesideher,hergazeonthetranquilsurfaceofthelake.“It’sgoodtobehome.”
Indigoshotheraglance.“DoyouthinkofSnowDancerterritoryashome,too?”
“AnywhereRileyis,”Mercysaidsimply.“Westoppedinatmyparents’,too,onthewayup.Oh,andtheDarkRiverbuilding—Dorianwould’veneverforgivenmeotherwise.”
Indigolaughedandaskedaquestionshe’dalwayswonderedabout.“WhydidyouandDoriannever…youknow?”
“God,itwould’vebeenlikesleepingwithoneofmybrothers.”Mercyshuddered.“Buthey,I’mnottheonewithallthehotnews.YouandDrew,huh?Rileytoldmehescentedthematingdance.”
Indigoblewoutabreath,triedtokeepherwordslightinspiteofthechaosofemotionwithinher.“Idon’tknowhowithappened.Hejustsortofsnuckuponme.”
Mercypattedherontheshoulder.“He’sgotsneakydownpat.But”—apause—“there’sadamnpowerfulheartinthere,Indigo.”
“Iknow.”Swallowing,sheglancedatMercy’ssuddenlysolemnface.“I’mafraid,Mercy,”shesaid,admittingthetruthtoperhapstheonlypersonwho’dtrulyunderstand.
Mercydidn’tgiveherplatitudes.Hookingherarmsaroundherraisedknees,shenodded.“It’sterrifying,”shesaidwithfrankhonesty,“whenyoufindyourselffacingtheonemanwhoyouknowcouldcutthroughyourdefensesandlayyoubare.Ouranimalsdon’tlikethat,don’tevenliketheideaofit.”
“ThatscaredpartofmewantstosnarlathimuntilhedecidesI’mnotworththeeffort,”Indigoadmitted.“ButIknowhe’dneverleave—andthatmakesmewanttotakehisfaceinmyhandsandkissthehelloutofhim.”
Mercysnorted.“ThatsoundslikethekindofresponseDrewwouldprovoke.”Apause,thentheleopardsentinelsaid,“Idon’tknowifIshouldpointthisout,but…youdorealizehe’snotatfullstrengthyet.”
Indigowhippedherheadaroundsofastshegotwhiplash.“What?”
“RileytoldmethatDrewhasgainedinstrength,indominance,everyyearsincehereachedadulthood,andheshowsnosignsofstopping.”
Indigohadknownthat,vaguely—butshe’dneverreallythoughtabouttheimplications.“Hecouldendupmoredominantthanme.”Herwolfsatstunned.
“Yep.”Mercyplayedwithapebble.“Thatbotheryou?”
Indigoopenedhermouthtorespond,closedit,thoughtaboutwhatshefelt.“I’mnostrangertodealingwithdominantmen—andDrew’splentydominantnow.”She’dlearnandgrow,ashewould.“We’llworkoutourownbalance.”
“Soyoutrusthim,trustyourrelationship”—Mercy’shairliftedinthebreezeassheturnedtolookatIndigo—“butsomething’sstillholdingyouback.”
“It’snothingconcrete,just…”Indigosqueezedherarmsaroundherknees.“Itfeelslikestandingontheedgeofacliff,knowingallit’dtakeisonesteptochangeeverythingforever.”Terrorandexcitementandawild,wildhungerchurnedwithinher.
“Thethingis,”Mercysaid,“it’ssoamazingwhenyougiveinandfall.Ifyoucanfightthepanic,ifyoucanfightyouranimal’sinstinctiveneedtoprotectyouagainstthatkindofvulnerability,theprizeissomething—”Sheshookherhead,acatchinhervoice.“He’smyforever.”
Indigofeltherowneyesburnatthesimpletruthinthatstatement.Itwasaswellthatsheheardmalevoicesthatinstant.Riley,Drew,andHawkeallappearedoutoftheforestamomentlaterandbegantomaketheirwaydowntheincline
DrewwaslaughingatsomethingRileyhadsaid,hisfacetiltedtowardhisbrother.Itwasanordinarymoment,onanordinaryday.HewassimplybeingDrew,withhiseasysmileandhiswayofteasingthathadhisbrotherscowlingandHawkegrinning.Andshefeltthemostinsaneurgetoriseup,pressherlipstothatjaw,andmarkhim.
Mine,herwolfmurmuredforthefirsttime,he’smine.
HavingleftIndigosoonafterhisbrotherandMercy’sarrival,togoupandspendseveralhoursinthesearcharea—whileIndybriefedthehoneymooners—AndrewreturnedhomejustasdaylightwasfadingtofindBrennahauntingtheentrance.“What’sup,babysis?”Huggingher,hepressedakisstoherforehead.
Shesqueezedhimtight.“IgotamessagefromJuddtosayhewasbackinthecityandheadingup.”
Movingaside,hestoodwithherbytheentrance.“Hetoowipedouttodohis‘thing’?”
Brennanodded,leaningcloseenoughtoresthercheekagainsthisarm.“Hefoundoutsomereallydisturbingstuff.”
HavingseenJudd’searlierreports,Andrewcouldwellbelievethat.“I’llwaitwithyou.”
Brennathrewhimateasinglook.“Goon,you’reallbutsalivatingtogetyourpawsonIndigo.”
“Hey,Iresentthatremark.”Leaningovertotugatherhair,hefeltthewindshifttobringhimafamiliarscent.“Isn’tthat—”
ButBrennawasalreadygone,runningouttowardthescentthatannouncedhermatewasnearby.Hiswolfwashappyforitssibling,butitwanteditsownmate.
BrennafelttherumbleofthevehiclegettingcloserandguessedthatJuddhadpickeduponeofthecarsthepackkeptinthecity.Butshedidn’tstoprunningtowardhim,knowinghe’dsenseherapproach.Andhedid.Thevehiclepulledofftothesideofthetrackasshecamearoundthecorner,andhermatesteppedout.
“Judd!”Sheflewintohisarms,lockingherownaroundhisneck,herfaceburiedinthewarmthofhisskin.Herwolfbattedathisscent,delightedanddrunkonthepleasureofhispresence.Womanandwolf,they’dbothmissedhimuntiltheycouldn’tbreathe,thoughthematingbondhadmadethingseasier.
Whenhekissedthecurveofherneck,hisarmssteelbandsaroundher,shesmiledandechoedthecaressbeforepullingbackenoughthatshecouldlookathisface.“Baby,youlookexhausted,”shesaid,notingthedeepshadowsunderhiseyes,thegauntlinesofhisface.“Areyouclosetoflamingout?”Thelasttimehe’dlookedthisbad,he’dbeenkickedintounconsciousnesssoonafterward,hispowerreserveswipedout.
“Yes,”Juddsaid,duckinghisheadasifheexpectedaseveretalking-to.
“Youneedrest.”She’dyellathimlaterfornottakingbettercareofhimself.“Getbackinthecarandletmedriveushome.”
“Bossy.”
Shefrownedathimwhenherefusedtoreleaseher.“Someonehastobeoryou’llrunyourselfintotheground.”Then,unabletoresist,shecuppedhisfaceinherhands,hisunshavenjawraspingagainstherpalms,andkissedhim…andkissedhim.Phantomfingersstrokedintimatelybetweenherlegsintimetothethrustofhistongueinhermouthandshegasped.“Stopthat,”shesaid.“You’rerunningonemptyasitis.”
Heusedhistelekinesistocaressheroncemorebeforethesensationfaded.“Unfortunately,you’reright.Icanfeelmybrainshuttingdown.”
Thatdecidedit.Shebulliedhermuchbiggerandstrongermateintothecarandtookthemhome.Heinsistedonashower,butshemadesureitwasaquickone,pullingbackthesheetssohecouldfallfacedownonthefutonafterdoingahaphazardjobofdryinghimself.Pickingupthetowelhe’ddroppedonthefloor,sherubbeditoverhishairasheturnedhisfacesidewaysonthepillow,hisstrongbodysprawlednakedacrossthebedding.
Herownbodyshimmeredwithflameatthetemptationofhim,andshecouldn’tresistrunningthetowelslowlyoverthesweepofhisbackandlower,pattinghimdrywithlovingmotions.“Sleep,”shemurmured,kissingthesoftskinbehindhisear.“I’vegotplansforyouwhenyouwake.”
“Stay.”Itwasanalmostsoundlessrequestassleepsuckedhimunder,butshehadnointentionofdoinganythingelse.Shuckingoffherclothesafterputtingawaythetowel,shecrawledintobedbesidehermate.Thoughhewaslostindeepestsleepbythen,hereachedoutandhauledheragainsttheheatofhisbody.
Forthefirsttimesincehe’dlefttheden,sheclosedhereyesandfellintotrue,deepsleep.
AndrewhadmanagedtocornerIndigoinherofficeandwasdemandingakissinexchangeforthelittlefossilhe’dpickedupforherwhenhercellphonestartedbeepinginwhatheknewastheemergencycode.Hestoodbackasshetookthecall.
“Whatisit?”heaskedaftershehungup.
“SignsofPsyincursioninanentirelydifferentlocationfromwherewe’vegotmostofourpeople,”Indigosaid,leavingtheofficeatajog.“Equipment,scentofexplosives.”
“Canweredirectoursoldierstothatarea?”heaskedashewentwithhertofindHawke.
Sheshookherhead,toldhimthepositionofthesite.“Theterrainmeanswehaveabetterchanceofreachingitfasterfromhere.”TheywalkedintoasmalltrainingroomtofindHawkesparringhandtohandwithasweatingHarley.
DismissingtheboywhenhesawIndigo,Hawkecametojointhem.HiswolfwasinhisvoicebythetimeIndigofinishedspeaking,buthisorderswerecool,intelligent.“Prepateam.Wewon’tletthempushusintorespondinghalf-assed,butneitherarewegoingtositbackwhiletheyplaygames.”
“It’satrap,”Indigosaid,voicingwhatAndrewwasthinking.“Noquestionaboutit.Theyprobablychosethatlocationbecausetheystillhavecamerasthere.They’llbeabletoconfirmifyou’rewithusbeforetheystrike.”
“Areyouaskingmetostaybehind?”Asoftquestion.
AndrewsteppedupbesideIndigo.“Theycan’tassassinateyouifyou’renotthere.”
“HowdoyouthinkthepackwilltaketheknowledgethatIsatheresafewhilemypeoplewalkedintodanger?”
Shit.AndrewlookedatIndigo,sawthesamerealizationonherface.Hawke’slackofparticipationwoulddoasmuchdamageashisbeinghurt.
Afterthat,ittookonlytwentyminutestoputtogetherateam.Indigo,Andrew,D’Arn,Riaz,andsixothersoldierswouldgowithHawke,whileRileywouldorganizeateamtoprotectthedenjustincase.“Where’sJudd?”Rileyasked.
“Down,”Indigoanswered,“butthat’saswell.Wecan’triskexposinghim—notunlessit’sabsolutelynecessary.”Asfarastherestoftheworld—especiallythePsyNet—wasconcerned,theentireLaurenfamilywaslongdead.
Rileygaveaswiftnod.“I’veletMercyknowwhat’shappening.She’llgetthewordouttothecatsthattheremightbetroubleinthecity,too.”
Grabbinghigh-poweredweapons,theystreamedoutofthedenandtowardtheareathatlookedtobethefocalpointofactivity.ThethreeSnowDancersentrieswho’ddetectedtheintrusionwerealreadyinposition.
ButthePsyhadlearnedfromtheirearliermistakeswhencomingupagainstkeenchangelingsenses.Theyteleportedinjustasthechangelinggroupbegantocrestariseatleastaten-minutewalkfromthesiteofthereportedincursion.
Theblack-garbedmenwereshootingwithhigh-impactprojectileweaponsastheyappeared,thebulletsdesignedtohithardandsplinterinsidethebody,ensuringtheshrapnelwouldricochetwithinwallsofflesh,causingsevereorgandamage.
TheSnowDancergroupwasdirectlyinthelineoffire.CHAPTER44
“Down!”Hawke’scallcameashetwistedoutofthewayofabullet,slammingD’Arnoutofthewayofanother.
Noonewashitinthefirstvolleyastheyusedburstsofchangelingspeedtofindcover,butAndrewfeltahardpunchacrosshismindaninstantlater.Hisnaturalmentalshieldprotectedhimfrombraindamage,buthisearsrang—andheknewtheshieldwouldn’tprotecthimifthePsypausedlongenoughtoconcentratetheblastoftelepathicpower.
Whichmeantthechangelingscouldn’tallowthemtimetofocus.
Leavingthesharpshootingtothemarksmeninthegroup,AndrewcircledoutandaroundthePsyintheearlyeveninggloom,sensingmorethanseeingtwootherSnowDancersmeltawayintotheforesttodolikewise.ThePsyspunaround,attemptingtopickthemoffinthetrees.Butthiswaswolfterritory,andAndrewdidn’tevenneedtolooktoseewherehewasgoing.
Notbotheringtostrip,heshiftedintowolfform.Andwaited.WhenthePsywho’dtrainedhisgunonthetreesfinallydecidedhe’dkilledwhatawaitedwithinandturned,Andrewmadehismove,streakingouttosinkhisteethintotheman’sthroat.He’drippedoutthatthroatandwasgonebeforethePsy’scolleaguenoticedhowfarhispartnerhadventuredfromthetightformationoftheattackinggroup.Evenwhentheydidnoticethefallenmale,alonemanturnedtoprotecttheirflank.
Somethingwaswrong.Verywrong.
Anditdidn’thavetodowiththefactthattheywereunmistakablyonlyinterestedinHawke—eventotheextentofleavingthemselvesopentoenemyfire.Amomentlater,heheardgunshotsfromtheotherside.Somehow,inspiteofthesecuritybeyond,thePsyhadflankedthem,pinningtheSnowDancers.
ThehumanhalfofAndrewmight’vesworn,butthewolfthoughtonlyintermsofturningthetablesonthisthreat.Runningtoabetterposition,hesawHawke,Riaz,andD’Arnstandingback-to-back,holdingoffthePsywithwell-placedbulletsfromweaponsoftheirown.Indigowasgone,aswereElias,Sing-Liu,andacoupleofothers,andheknewHawkehadspunthemofftodealwiththegroupapproachingfromtheotherside.
Thetwootherwolveswho’dshiftedhadstayedbehind,andAndrewsawoneofthemdartoutandtakedownanotherPsysoldierwhenthemanloweredhisguard.Ashotrangoutandthewolfdisappearedbackintothetrees,butthePsymalewasalreadydeadordying,histhroatsomuchmeat.
Good.Onelessenemytoworryabout.
AsAndrewshimmiedforwardonhisbelly,havingcreptupbehindanotherPsyattacker,hescentedD’Arn’snosestarttorun.Thementalassaultswerebeginningtogetthrough.Seeingthathispreyhadmovedfarenoughawayfromthemaingrouptobevulnerable,Andrewbunchedhismuscles,readytotakehimout.Butthenhenoticedthemaninthecenter.Hewasshooting,butonlyenoughtocoverhimself,mostofhisattentionseemingtobeonlookingatHawke…asifhewassendingthroughavisualtransmission.
AndrewrealizedwhatwasabouttohappenafractionofasecondbeforeanotherPsyteleportedindirectlyinfrontofhisalpha.EvenHawke’ssuperhumanspeedcouldn’thaveavoidedabulletatthatrange.ButAndrewhadjumpedtowardHawkeinthesplitsecondbetweenrealizationandtheappearanceoftheassassin.
Thebulletfeltlikeafuckinganvilthrustintohisabdomen,bloodyinghisfurandsendinghimcrashingintoHawkeandtheothers.Hisalphawentdown,butdidn’tstayinplace,rollingwithAndrewtotakeupamoresecurepositionbehindatree,RiazandD’Arndoingthesameontheotherside.“Staywithme,Drew,”Hawkeordered,puttingpressureonAndrew’sgushingwound.“Ifyoudie,Indigowillfuckingskinme.”
Andrew,hisbodystartingtoshutdown,kepthiseyesopenlongenoughtoseethePsyfall.They’dleftthemselvestooopeninfocusingontheirchargetowardHawkeandnowhadnocover.Riaztookdowntwo,D’Arnanother.TwoofthePsymanagedtoteleportout.Thatleftthree.KeepingpressureonAndrew’swoundwithhisknee,Hawkesteadiedhisarmsandtookaim.HeshottheclosestPsyoperativeinthekneecaps.Asthetargetcollapsed,HawketookaimatthemannexttothefallenPsy,hismouthgrim,bloodstreakinghischestfromAndrew’swounds.
ButbeforeHawkecouldshoot,thesecondmanturnedhisgunonhiscolleagueanddrilledabulletthroughtheinjuredmale’sskull.Hawke’sbullettookhimoutasecondlater.ThelastmanfelltoashotfromRiaz.
Silence.
Indigo,Andrewthoughtashischestspasmed,asbloodbegantopouroutofhismouth,wherewasIndigo?
Arushofscentaninstantlater,ofwindstormscutbysteel.
Hissoulsighedinpeace.Hiseyesclosed.
Indigofeltherheartstop.“No,no!”Fallingbesidetheseverelyinjuredwolf,shereplacedHawke’shandswithherown.
“Judd,”Hawkesaid,hisgazeicywithcontrol.“Hecanfix—”
“Hewasn’tjustsleepingwhenweleft—hewasunconscious,”Indigosaid,throwingHawkehernewsatphone.“Seeifhe’sawake.”
Hawkemadethecall,andsheknewfromhisbleakexpressionthatJuddremainedunconscious.Hispowerstousetelekinesisonthecelllevel,literallyputtingshatteredbodiesbacktogether,wouldtaketimetoregenerateafterhisrecenttrip.
TimeDrewdidn’thave.
“Lara,”Indigosaid,determinednottolosethiswolfwho’dchased,charmed,andplayedhiswayintoherheart.“WeneedtogethimtoLara.”
Hawkedidn’tbothertotellherthatDrewwastoobadlyinjured,thatthey’dneverbeabletogethimdowntothedenintime.Hesimplyslippedhisarmsbeneaththeheavybodyofthewolfandsaid,“Holdhimhere.”
Holdhimhere.
Herwolfdidn’thesitate.Itdroppedevenitsinnermostbarriers,andIndigo’sheart,hersoulwentwideopen.Foraninstant,nothinghappened,andshewantedtokeeninagony.Itwasn’tfair.Hewashers!Amatecouldholdherotherhalftolife,couldwillhimtolive.
Thenuntrammeledpowerslammedintoherwithsuchforcethatshewenttoherknees,hermindcrashingwithpainthatwasn’thersasthematingbondsnappedintoplace.“I’vegothim,”shesaid,holdingontoDrew’sfadingspiritwithsteelyhands.“I’vegotyou,Drew.Don’tyoudaremakemefallinlovewithyouandthenleave.I’llhuntyoudownintheafterlifeifIhaveto.”
Hawkewasalreadymoving.And,somehow,shewaswalkingbesidehim.
Riaz,shebelatedlyrealized,hadonemusculararmaroundherwaist,wasalmostcarryingher.“Youjustholdhim,”thelieutenantwhisperedinherear,hisvoiceharsh.“Holdhim,Indigo.”
She’dhavenodded,butshedidn’thavetheenergy.Itwastakingeverythingshehadtokeeppushingherwill,heranger,herfear,intothematingbond.Shewasn’tPsy,couldn’tseethebond.Butshecouldfeelit,couldalmosttouchit.Andsheknewwhenitflickered.Soshepouredmoreofherenergy,herstrengthintoit.Sherefusedtoallowherselftothinkofanythingbutsuccess.
Ofcourseitwouldwork.OfcourseDrewwouldawakentotormentheragain.Ofcoursehewouldn’tleaveher.Please,Drew.Shedidn’tknowifshesaidthewordsoutloud,butsheknewwhenLararanoutofthetreesclosetotheden,herhealer’shearthavingfeltthetugofhurt
“Drew,”thehealersaidwithpainshatteringhervoicebeforeherexpressionturnedpractical,hershouldersgoingstiff.“Puthimdown.I’llseeifIcanhealsomeofthedamagehere.”
ThatwasthelastthingIndigowasawareofhearing,hermindencasingherinadarkgood-night.ButsheheldontoDreweventhen.Hewashers.Shewouldnotlethimgo.
LaraglancedatIndigoevenassheplacedherhandsoverDrew’sinjuryandfedherhealingpowerintohim.“God,she’sstubborn.I’mgoingtohavetokissheraftershewakes.Sheheldhim.She’sstillholdinghim.”
HawkeglancedatIndigo’sunconsciousbodyandthenatDrew.Hesaidnothing,knowingLarawaswellawareshecouldpullPackenergyfromhisbody.Itwassomethingeveryhealercoulddo,butonlywhenitcametoherownpack,herownalpha.Hefeltitwhenshebegantopull,openedhimselfuptogivemoreandmore.He’dgivethelastdropofhisbloodforhispack.
Exceptthistime,hewasn’tsureifitwouldbeenoughtosavetwolives.BecauseiftheylostAndrew,Indigowouldgowithhim,stubbornlyholdingontotheveryend.“Lara?”
“He’sstableenoughtomove,”thehealersaid,linesofstrainflaringatthecornersofhereyes.“Butthere’ssomuchdamage.Thebulletshardsrippedthroughmostofhismajororgans.”
HawkesaidnothingashecarriedDrew,withRiazathisheelswithIndigo.Hesimplyconcentratedongatheringstrengthfromhisbloodbondwithhislieutenants.ItflowedinfromRiley,fromRiaz,fromallofthemacrossthestate,strongandpureandgivenfreely.HeevenfeltJudd’scoolenergyasthePsymalerespondedinspiteofhisunconsciousstate.“Wecan’tlosethem,Lara.”
Andrewwasoneofthe“heart”piecesofthepack,thosewolveswhoconnectedthemalltoeachotherinawaythatwasdifficulttoexplain,butintegraltothefunctioningofahealthypack.Losinghimwouldcutthatheartwideopen,leavethemallbleeding…andlosingIndigowouldcrushwhathoperemained.ShewasoneofSnowDancer’sstrongestsupportpillars,thewomaneveryone—evenHawke—wenttoforadvice.
“Wewon’t,”Larasaidastheyreachedtheinfirmary,andshebegantowork,usingbothherhealinggiftsandherskillasamedicalpractitioner.Herassistant,Lucy,chasedouteveryoneexceptHawke,whostayedwithonehandonLara’sshouldertoeaseheraccesstothePackenergyinsidehim—andofcourseIndigo,whohadwokenlongenoughtocollapseintoachairatthetopofthebed,herhandonDrew’shead.
Ittookhours.
Indigocametoconsciousnessagaintowardtheend.Hemethernamesakeeyes,sawthattheyweredevoidoftears.Heunderstood.Nowwasnotthetimetocry.Nowwasthetimetofight.Finally,deepintheearlyhoursofmorning,hefeltLarastopdrawingfromhim,fromhislieutenants.
Hernormallytan-brownskinholdingatingeofgray,shenoddedatIndigo.“Tellhimtostayinwolfformforthetimebeing.”
Indigodidn’targue,justsaidthewords,andHawkeknewshe’dbesendingtheforceofhercommanddownthematingbondaswell.“Don’tyoudareshiftuntilIsayit’sokay.”Hervoicewastaut,herwillabsolute.“Lara?”
“IthinkIgotthemajordamage,”thehealersaid,herbodytremblingfromtheexertion.
HawketuggedLaratothewarmthofhisbody.“HefinallygotIndigotoacceptthematingbond,”hesaid.“Doyoureallythinkthedamnstubbornwolfwillgivethatup?”
ThatmadeLara’slipscurvealittleandsherestedagainsthimasLucystartedtocleanup.Butsheonlyallowedherselfashortbreak.“Idon’tthinkweshouldmovehim,butweneedtochangethissheet.Ihavejustaboutenoughenergyleftforthat.”
“Holdon.”Releasingherafterasmallsqueeze,hemovedaroundtoslidehisarmsunderthebodyofthelargesilverwolfasIndigodidthesameforhishead.“Lucy?”
Thetraineenurse,hereyesredwithunshedtears,nodded.“Ready.”
Astheylifted,shewhippedoutthebloodiedsheetandslippedinanewone,withLarahelpingfromtheotherside.Itonlytookafewseconds,andDrewdidn’tstironce.CHAPTER45
Shoshannaputdowntheincidentreport.“Yourunitfailed.”
“Yes.”Theonlypositivenewswasthatthehighlyintelligentmanwho’dorganizedtheoperationhadmadeitoutalive.“Wewon’tgetanotherchance.They’recontinuingtodismantlethesurveillanceandthey’vefurtherstrengthenedtheirsecurity.”
“Youshouldhavehitthewolfalphainthecity.”
Henrywonderedifhiswifethoughtshewasinchargeoftheir“partnership”again.Buthesaidnothingonthatpoint.LetShoshannalullherselfintoafalsesenseofsuperiority.Itwould,intheend,makehereasiertokill.“Suchanoperationwouldnothavefitinwithourlong-rangeplan.”
Asthatplanincludedtakingthecityanditsresourcesascleanlyaspossible,Shoshannahadtoagreewithherhusband.“Theothers?”
“MymenwereorderedtoeliminatetheDarkRiveralpha,butasoursurveillanceeffortswerefocusedonthewolves,theycouldnotgettohim.Itappearshespendsmostofhistimeawayfromthecityatpresent.”
“Protectinghisunbornchild,”Shoshannasaid.“Achildthatshouldnotexist.”
“Bethatasitmay,we’vetippedourhandandtheyarenowallonhighalert.”Henry’sheadgleamedmahoganydarkunderthelightsasherosetohisfeet.“Itmaybetimetochangethelong-rangeplan.”
Shoshannawasn’tHenry’swifeexceptinthelegalsense,butshe’dworkedwithhimlongenoughtocomprehendhismeaning.“YouwanttosacrificeSanFrancisco.”
Henryturnedfromthewindow.“Itwillcauseeconomicchaosonamassscale,butthatcanbemanagedonceweremovetherootsofthetrouble.”
Shoshannaconsideredtheiroptions.Anall-outwarwouldhaveaseriousimpactontheworld,includingonthebusinessesthathadbackedtheScottstodate,butbythesametoken,acleanstrikewouldeliminateninetypercentoftheproblem.“Howstrongisyourarmy?”
“Givemetwomoremonths.”
Andthen,Shoshannathought,SanFranciscowouldburn.CHAPTER46
Indigosatinthecurveofherfather’sarmontheedgeoftheWhiteZoneforty-eighthoursaftertheshooting.Shehadn’twantedtoleaveDrewevenforaninstant,butLarahadpulledinHawke,andheralphahadorderedIndigototakeabreakorhe’dcarryherout.
“I’ddecidedonhim,”shetoldherfather.“Mywolfhaddecidedonhim,buthedidn’tknow.”Therehadbeentoomanypeoplearoundbeforehewentupforhissecurityshift,andshe’dwantedittobeaspecial,privatemoment.“Iwasgoingtotellhimwhenhegothome,but—”
Herfatherstrokedabighandoverherhair,slowandeasy.“Doyouthinkhedidn’tknowwhenthebondsnappedintoplace?”
“IjustkeepthinkingifI’dacceptedthebondearlier,Icould’ve—”
“Youheldhim,”herfathersaid,hisvoicestern.“That’sallamatecandointhatsituation.Youdidit.You’restilldoingit.”
“Drew’sinmyheart.Sodeep,”shesaid,“untilthethoughtoflosinghimfeelslikerazorscuttingacrossmysoul.”
“It’swhoweare,pumpkin.”
Sheknewthechildhoodnicknamewasmeanttomakehersmile.Nothingcould.Butsheacceptedthecomfortofhishold.“Allthistime,thiswaswhatIwassoscaredof—oflovingsomeonethismuchandlosingthem.”
Abelbrushedherhairoffherface.“Youwerealwaysgoingtolovewithallyoursoul,sweetheart.You’rebuiltthatway.”
“Soishe,”shewhispered.“There’ssomuchloveinhim,Dad.”Thematingbondshowedheradepthoffeeling,ofheart,evengreaterthanshe’dimagined.Hewassomeonespecial,AndrewLiamKincaid,andhewashers.“IwishyoucouldseehimasIdo.”
“Thatwouldbeagainstthelawsofnature,”Abelsaidinasombertone.“Ihavetobeabletokickhisassifnecessary—therefore,Imustseehimasthefilthybastardwhodaredhurtmydaughterbygettinghimselfshot.”
“Areyouthreateningmymortallywoundedmate?”
Herfatherpressedakisstohertemple.“I’llholdoffuntilhe’shealthy.”
Abouttorespond,shecaughtagentlescentasfamiliartoherasherown.“Evie’shere.”
“Ofcoursesheis.”
Hersister’sembracealmostbroughtmoisturetoIndigo’seyes,butsheswallowedbackthetears.Shewouldnotcry.Todosowouldbeasurrender.AndsherefusedtogiveDrewup.
HavingjustspentanhourbesideDrew’smotionlessform,Hawkepressedhispalmstothewalloutsidetheinfirmary,wantingtodosomedamage,findhisrevenge,butknowingthatevenifhewasabletogethishandsaroundCouncilorHenryScott’sneckrightthisinstant,itwouldn’thelpDrew.
Logicdidn’tmattertohiswolf.Itwasenragedand—
Ascent.Richandexotic.Sandpaperacrosshisskin.
Hestayedstill,hopinglikehellshe’dpassby.
Butshestoppedandtohisshock,putahesitanthandonhisback.“Ishe…?”
Hedidn’tturn,knowingthatifhelookedatherrightnow,hemightdothingsthatcouldneverbetakenback.“He’sstable,butotherwise,nochange.”
HerfingernailsscrapedagainsthisT-shirtasshecurledherhandintoafist.“He’llbeokay,though,won’the?”
Shewasaskinghimforreassurance,andhaditbeenanyothermemberofthepack,hewould’veturnedandtakenthemintohisarms.ButthiswasSiennaLauren,andhecouldn’ttrusthimselfaroundher.“He’sstrong.”Whenherhanddroppedfromhisback,hefeltthelosslikeaknifewound.“Lara’shopeful—andyouruncle’sworkedonhim,too,helpedrepairsomeofthemicroscopicdamage.”ButthebulletfragmentshadcausedsomuchharmthatevenJuddcouldn’tbesurehe’dfoundeverylethalcutandnick.
Siennanoddedandhejustcaughtthemovementwithhisperipheralvision.Ashewatched,shewenttothedooroftheinfirmaryandslippedin.Onlythendidhepushoffthewall,hismusclestautasiron.
Itwasagonizinglytemptingtogiveintohiswolf,torununtiltheviolentemotionswithinhimwereexhaustedtosilence,buthewasalpha.Andtherewasworktobedone.Oneofthemostimportantthingswasensuringthateverysinglesurveillancedevicewithintheentiretyofdenterritoryhadbeenfoundanddestroyed.SnowDancer,inconcertwithDarkRiver,hadalreadylaunchedanall-outsearch,buttherewasstillachanceofoverlookingoneortwo.
“Doyouhaveanyonewhocanhelpusbecertainthelandisclear?”HawkeaskedLucasonthephoneafewminuteslater,thinkingaboutthePsymembersoftheleopardpack.
Lucasdidn’t.Buthemadeadiscreetinquiry,whichledhimtoaskHawkeanoddquestion.“Thedevicesyou’vefoundallhavemetalliccomponents?”
HawkecheckedwithBrenna.“Yeah,there’satleastalittlemetalinsomeformoranotherineverysingleoneofthesethings.”
“Givemeafewminutes.”
WhenLucascalledback,itwaswithanofferofassistancefromonehellofanunexpectedsource.DevrajSantos,directoroftheShineFoundationandoneoftheForgotten—descendantsofthosePsywho’ddroppedoutoftheNetbeforeSilence—hadvolunteeredhisservices.
“Howishegoingtofindthem?”Hawkeasked,hiswolfunwillingtoputitsfaithinamanhehadn’tevermet.“Andwhatdoesthemetalhavetodowithit?”
Theleopardalphasoundedannoyedwhenheanswered.“Hewon’tsay,butItrusthim.TheForgottenhatetheCouncilevenmorethanwedo.”
Thatmuchwastrue,anditmadehimconsiderSantos’soffer.“Whatdoeshewantinexchange?”HawkeknewofShine,knewSantoswieldedconsiderablepower.NomankeptthatmanypeoplesafefromtheCouncil’sassassinsbydoinggooddeedsforfree.
“We’realreadylinkedtoShine,”Lucassaid.“HewantssomekindofrelationshipwithSnowDancer.”
“Noalliance.”Hawkedidn’tallywithanyonehedidn’tknowinsideout.“Butwe’llowehimoneifhecandeliver.”AfavorfromSnowDancerwasworthahellofalot.
DevSantosagreedtothedeal.
IttooktheShinedirectoraweekofeighteen-hourdays—themanlocatedthecamerasunerringlyevenintheblackestdarknessandacrossimmensedistances—tocleartheirentireterritory.
HawkedecidedtoupthefavorcounttoSantos’sbenefit.
“Ioccasionallyneedto‘disappear’peoplewhentheCouncilgetstoointerestedinthem,”themansaidafterward.“Can’tthinkofanyplacebetterthaninapackofwolves.You’resosecretive,Ihadtosignmynameinbloodintriplicatebeforebeingallowedtosetfootonyourland.”
“Nopromises,”Hawkesaid,“butcontactmewhenyouneedadisappearanceandwe’lltalk.”Therewerehundredsofplacesacrossthestatecontrolledbywolveswhereamanorwomancouldvanishandnotbefound.AndDevSantos’speoplehadPsygenes;asthemanhimselfhadshown,thosegenescouldproveveryuseful.
DevrajSantosheldoutahand.
Hawke’swolfdecidedtheycoulddealwiththeman.Theyshook.CHAPTER47
IndigotouchedherlipstoDrew’s.Theyweresoft,warm,asifhewassimplyresting.He’dshiftedintohumanformspontaneouslyearlierthatmorning,andtheywereallhopingthatmeanthewasabouttobreakthroughthecomalikesleepthathadheldhiminthrall.Shehatedseeinghimsoquiet,sostill.
Drewwasneverquiet.Hewasenergyandlifeandmischief.
“Indigo?”Laraasked.“Youokay?”
“Yes.”No.“What’sthis?”sheasked,distractingthehealerbygesturingatsomethingonDrew’sbedsidetable.
“What?”
Sheheldupasmallyellowactionfigure,completewithfangsandclaws.
“Ben.”Larasmiled.“Hekeepssneakinginhereandleavinghissoldiersto‘guard’Drew.”
“See,Drew,”IndigosaidasLaralefttocheckonSilvia,whowaswellonthewaytorecovery,“youhavetowakeupnow.What’sBengoingtoplaywithifhegivesyouallhissoldiers?”
ShewasbrushingDrew’shairoffhisfacewhenshecaughtRiley’sscent.Theotherlieutenantcameinandtookhisbrother’shand.“Howishe?”
Rileyalwaysaskedher,notLara.Becausehewasmated.Andhe’dalmostlosthismateonce.“Strong,”Indigosaid,“sostrongthatwhenIfallasleep,Iswearhe’scurleduparoundme.”Sometimesshewokefeelingasifshe’dbeenrubbingherfaceagainstthick,lustrousfurtheshadeofsilver-birchbark.Itcomfortedherinsleep…andcausedincredibledesolationwhenshewoke.
Meetinghergazeinsilentunderstanding,RileyleaneddowntowhispersomethinginDrew’searbeforeleavingseveralminuteslater.Brennahadalreadybeenbythatmorningandwouldlikelyreturnagainwithinthehour.
LaratouchedIndigo’sshouldersometimeafterward.“Comehaveacupofcoffee.”
Indigoshookherhead.
“Fine,thenI’mpullingrank,”Larasaidinasteelyvoice.“Youwillgetuprightnow,sityourassdownatmydesk,andeatwhatIputinfrontofyou.”
Startled,IndigostaredatLara.“Youcanonlypullrankwhenapackmemberisindangerofharmingherself.”Inthatsituation,LaraoutrankedevenHawke.
LarapokedIndigointheribs.“Whenwasthelasttimeyouate?”Shedidn’twaitforaresponse.“Ifyoudon’tdothisvoluntarily,I’llcallHawkeandRiazandhavethemhog-tieyoutoachair.ThenI’llspoon-feedyou,andafterthat,I’llpumpyoufullofnarcoticssothatyougetatleasteightsolidhoursofrest.”
Indigo’swolfwantedtosnarl,butitlovedthepackhealertoomuch.“Youplaymean,Lara.”Bendingdown,shepressedherlipstoDrew’s.“I’llbebackafterIsatisfyGeneralLara.”Itwashardtopullherselfaway,harderstilltostufffooddownhergullet.
Ittookhertenminutes—becauseLararefusedtolethergountilshe’dfinishedeverybite.“Drew,sweetie,Ihavesomebadnews,”Larasaid,afterIndigoreturnedtohisside.“Yourmate’slosttwentypoundsandlookslikeafishstick.You’regoingtofindyourselfmatedtoaskeletonifyoudon’topenthosebabyblues.”
Indigoscowled,butherresponsewaslostinarushofnoiseasRiley,Brenna,andJuddallreturned,alongwithHawkeandacoupleoftheteenagerswho’dgoneupintothemountainswithherandDrew.Toomanypeople—butthiswashowtheyhealed.
Bytouch.ByPack.
HawkeaskedLaraforanupdate,andthehealerbegantospeak,butIndigowasfocusedonlyonDrew…andherwolfcaughtittheinstanthisbreathingchanged.
Thensheheardthesweetestsoundofall.
“Where’sIndy?”Itwasagroggyquestion.
AwhirlofsoundsandscentscrashedagainstAndrew’ssenses.HefeltLara’swarmhandsonhisface,hischest,heardhissister’scryofwelcome,sawHawke’sdistinctivehairglintinthelight,but—
Thereshewas.
“Hey.”Memoriestumbledintohim,painandanguish…andtheincrediblepowerofsomeoneholdinghimtolife.
Hismate.
Shedidn’tsayaword,justpushedpastLaratocrawlintobedbesidehim,herfaceburiedinhisneck.Hisheartalmoststopped.She’ddoneitinfrontofeveryone,hisstrong,private,incrediblyproudmate.Andthenhedidn’tcare,becausehecouldfeeldampheatagainsthisskin.“Out,”hesnapped.
Everyoneleft.
“Indy,pleasedon’tcry.”Hecouldn’tstandit.Indigowastoughtoherbones;he’dneverseenhercry.“Please,baby,please.”
Herhandclenchedonhisshoulder,hertearsheartbreakinglysilent.
Hestrokedonehandintoherhair,alittlelost,butdeterminedtogivehismatewhatsheneeded.“Ipromisenottogetshotagain.Twiceinonelifetimeshouldbeenoughtofulfillanyone’squota.”Hekissedthepartsofherfacehecouldsee,herear,thecornerofhereye.“Baby,youhavetostop.”
Hiswolfwasgoinginsaneinsidehim,scratchingandclawingindistress.Givingintotheanimal—andignoringthesharpachesandtwingesofhisbody—heshiftedtotakehermouthinakissthatwasapassionatemixofapology,possession,andsheertenderness.Whenhefinallyallowedhertobreathe,hereyesglitteredupathim,abright,brilliantindigo.
Unabletobearthesightoftheteartrailsthatmarkedhercheeks,hekissedthemoff.“I’msorry,”hesaidagainstherlips.
“Youshouldbe.”Ahuskyreprimand,hisIndigocomingbacktosparkinglife.“Ifyoumakemegothroughthatagain”—herfingersclenchinginhishair,holdinghimclose—“sohelpme,God,I’mgoingtokickyourassthreewaystoSunday.”
Hebenthisheadandlethertellhimoff,hidingthewolf’ssmileagainstherneck.Becauseherhandswerestrokingoverhisbodyevenasshespoke,herlegslockedaroundhim.Sighingbecausehewashome,heclosedhiseyesandgaveintothedemandsofhisbruisedandbatteredbody.
IndigoknewtheinstantDrewfellasleep,sprawledoverherinabig,gorgeousspreadofmuscledmaleflesh.Feelingherthroatthickenagainatthethoughtofhowcloseshe’dcometolosinghim,shepressedakisstohistempleandforcedherselftounhookherlegsfromaroundhim,afraidshe’dputpressureonhiswounds.
“Isitsafetocomein?”Itwasawhisperfromthedoorway.
IndigonoddedatLara.“He’sout.”
Laratiptoedin—thoughIndigohadafeelingDrewwaswellandtrulydownforthecount—andranherhandsoverhisbody.“He’sfine.”Relievedwords.“Hisbody’shealingtheremainingdamageatitsownpace,andI’mgoingtoletit.It’llensureherests.”
“I’llmakesurehedoesexactlyasyouorder.”Indigo’shandstightenedinDrew’shair.“God,buthe’sgotmegood.”Itwasaheart-shudderingjolt,therushofemotionshe’dfinallyallowedherselftofeelnowthathewassafe.
Larahitchedherselfuptositonthebed.“We’realljealous,youknow,alltheunmatedwomen.”Asmilefullofthewolf’slaughter.“Notonlyisheastrong,youngermalewho’llprobablydriveyouraggedinbed—”
Indigo’sglarehadnoeffect.
“—headoresthegroundyouwalkon.”ThehealerplacedonehandonthebackofDrew’sshoulderingentleaffection.“I’dcutoffmyrightarmtohaveamanlookatmethewayDrewlooksatyou.”
“Sorry,he’smine.”Thesudden,violentneedtoholdhimclose,toquenchherthirstforhim,hadherscowlingatLara’shand.
Thehealerlifteditoffwithagrin.“Howareyougoingtogetoutfromunderhim?”
IndigotriedtoshiftDrewoffafraction.HegrumbledinhissleepandshovedahandunderherT-shirttocupherbreastashesnuggledhisfacedeeperintoherneck.LookinguptoseeLaratryingnottoburstoutlaughing,Indigofeltherownlipstwitch.“Maybeyoushouldlockthedooronyourwayout.”
Thehealerdidjustthat…andIndigodecidedshe’dearnedsometimeoff.HookingonelegcarefullyoverDrew’suninjuredside,sheputherarmsaroundtheheavyheatofhimandletsleepsweepherunder.
IndigoleftDrewtobriefHawkeonanunexpectedmessageDrewdiscoveredonhisphonewhenheroseagainandwasabletocheckhismessages.Asaresult,shefoundherselfatahighlysecureandprivatelocationthreedayslater,abouttotakepartinameetingnoneofthemcould’vedreamedup,evenintheirwildest,mostinsanedreams.
Hawkesatononesideofthetable,RileytohisleftandaheavilypregnantSaschaDuncantohisright,withhermate,Lucas,nexttoher.Indigo,DarkRiversentinelsNathanandDorian,andastill-healingbutstubbornDrew,heldupthewallattheirback,whileRiazwasstandingwatchoutsidethemeetingroomwithMercybyhisside.
AcrossfromthemsatCouncilorsNikitaDuncanandAnthonyKyriakus.NikitahadMaxShannontoherright,withMax’swife,Sophia,sittingbesidehim;whileAnthonyhadatall,brown-eyed,brown-skinnedyoungmannexttohim.TaniqueGraywasapparentlyAnthony’ssonandFaith’shalfbrother,and,fromthelooksofthings,hehadchosentoallyhimselfwithhisfatherinadulthood.
Indigo’sjobwastoprotectheralpha,andtothataim,shekepthereyesresolutelyonthethreatposedbytheCouncilors.Shehad,shethought,neverbrushedagainstsocoldapersonalityasthatofNikitaDuncan.EvenAnthonyKyriakus,forallhispower,didn’truffleherwolf’sfurasbadly.
“Isupposesomeoneneedstospeakfirst,”Saschasaid,hervoicetheonlysoundinthesilence.
NikitaDuncangaveasingleshortnodtoacknowledgeherdaughter’swords.ButitwasLucaswhospokenext.“Weallknowwhywe’rehere.Thisterritorybelongs—insomepartoranother—toallofus.”
NikitalookedstraightattheDarkRiveralpha.“Thatterritoryisnowunderthreat.”
IndigocouldsenseHawkeexercisingsavagecontroltoreininhisinstinctiveandferaldislikeoftheCouncilors.TheCouncilhadalmostdestroyedSnowDanceronce,andnoneofthemwouldevertrustitsmembersagain.
“You”—NikitaglancedfromHawketoLucas—“werebothtargeted,becauseyourdeathswould’vesentyourpacksintoatleasttemporarydisarray.”
Neitheralphasaidanything,thoughthey’dfiguredoutthatmuchforthemselves.
“TakedownSnowDancerandDarkRiver,”Anthonyadded,histonemeasured,calm,“andyoucrackthecity’sdefenses.”
Indigowasn’tfooledbyhisoutwardlymilddemeanor.AccordingtoSnowDancer’sresearch,thereclusiveCouncilorhadaccesstoanetworkofF-Psystrongerthananyother.AnthonyKyriakusknewmoresecretsthananyoneelseinthisroom,andshewasquitecertaintheCouncilordidn’thesitatetousethosesecretstoleveragepowerwhennecessary.
Rileybrokehissilencetosay,“OurinformationisthattheCouncilisatwar.”Thestatementwasatest.Juddhadalreadyconfirmedtherumors.Now,IndigowaitedtoseewhatNikitawouldsay.
Sascha’smotherdidn’tevenblinkassheanswered.“Henry,Shoshanna,andpossiblyTatianahavedecidedthatSilencemustholdatallcosts.Theyseektoeliminateanyonewhogoesagainstthatrhetoric.”
Rileyspokeagain,histonesocalm,you’dthinktheywerediscussingthewatchrotation.“WhysharethatwhentheCouncilpreferstokeepitssecrets?”
“Thereasonthey’refocusingonthiscity,thisstate,”Anthonyresponded,“isbecausebothNikitaandIcallithome,asdothetwomostpowerfulchangelingpacksinthecountry.Givenallthat—takethiscity,andtheytakethecountry.”
True,Indigothought.BecauseevenifAnthonyorNikitasurvivedanattack,Henryandtheothers,havingproventheirstrengthonthisbattleground,wouldcontinuetoclaimcityaftercity,stateafterstate.
“Whytargetusatall?”Hawkeasked,andIndigoknewhiswolfwasweighingalltheoptionswithcold,hardfocus.PartofwhatmadeHawkesuchagoodalphawasthatnomatterhowsavagehisemotions,bothmanandwolfneverstoppedthinking.“Whatmakesthemthinkwe’dcareonewayoranotheraboutaninternalPsywar?”
Saschawastheonewhospoke,hergazelockedtohermother’s.“Becauseofme,becauseofFaith.”Quietwordsfromawomanwho’doncebeenviciouslyrejectedbytheCouncilorinfrontofher.“DarkRiver’semotionalconnectiontous,thepack’sinabilitytositbyandletourparentsdie,willhavebeenfactoredintotheircalculations.”
“It’smorethanthat,”MaxsaidasDrewshiftedhispositionafraction,placinghisweightonhisotherfoot.
Indigomovedherbodyatinyincrementtothelefttosupporthimifnecessary.Apulseoflovecamedownthematingbond,anaffectionatecaressthat“tasted”ofDrew.Itwasstillnew,thatintimateconnection,butitwasalreadysomuchapartofherlifethatshecouldn’timaginehowshe’dexistedwithoutit.
Wrappinghermate’slovearoundherself,shewatchedNikitashoothersecuritychiefacoolglance,butthehumanmaleshookhishead,agrimlinetohisjaw.“Theyneedalltheinformation,”hesaidtoNikita.“Otherwise,Hawkewillbemorethanhappytothrowusto”—awrygrin—“thewolves.”
Nikitatookseveralsecondstoreply.“ItappearsMr.Shannoniscorrect.TheyaretargetingallofusbecauseIamseenastooliberalinmybusinessdealingswithyou.”Anotherpause,andthenshemetherdaughter’seyes.“AndbecauseInolongersupporttheProtocol.”
Quiet,soquietIndigocouldheartheheartbeatofeverypersonintheroom.
EventhatofthechildinSascha’swomb.CHAPTER48
They’dallheardtherumors,seenthePsycomingintothecity,butforNikitatoadmitit…
“Whatareyousaying,Mother?”Saschaaskedatlast.“AreyouadvocatingthefallofSilence?”
“Silencecannotfallwithsuchquickness,”Nikitaretorted,“notwithoutimmensedevastation.Butitisstartingtocrumbleattheedges—andIhaveneverstayedonasinkingshipinmylife.I’munlikelytostartnow.”
Saschamovedalittleinherchair,onehandonthehardmoundofherbelly.“No,you’vealwaysknownhowtoridethetides.”
“Youhaven’tmentionedMingorKaleb,”Lucaspointedout,massaginghismate’slowerbackunobtrusivelyashespoke.
NikitaturnedhereyestotheDarkRiveralpha.“Kalebishighlyunpredictableandmay,intheend,double-crosseveryone,buthedoesn’tstayonsinkingships,either.Mingishavingissuesofhisownandismoreconcernedwiththatthantakingoverthisoranyterritory.”
“HenryandShoshannaarethestrongestadvocatesofSilenceproceedingasithasforthepastcentury,”Anthonyadded.“Theywanttoincreasetheinvoluntaryreconditionings,forcethosewhoarefracturedtosubmit—orfacetotalrehabilitation.”
Max’swife,Sophia,spokeforthefirsttime.“Byrefusingtosignmyrehabilitationwarrant,Nikitasentasignalthatshewasnolongertoeingthepartyline.Ithaslefther…unpopular.”
“Ifthepacksstepbackinapublicfashion,”Saschasaid,toIndigo’ssurprise,“makeitclearwe’renotalliedwithyou,whatwillhappen?”
Tensiongrippedtheroom.
“Theymayleaveyoualone,”Anthonysaid,“comeafterNikitaandmeinforce.”
“ButIwouldn’tbetonit,”Maxadded,pushingbackstrandsofhisjet-blackhair.“FromwhatSophieheretellsme,farasthePsyNetisconcerned,thisareaisalreadyseentobefunctioningasacohesiveunit.There’sahellofalotmorecross-pollinationthaninanyothersector.”
IndigothoughtoftheconnectionsthattiedthepeopleinthisroomtoeachotherandknewMaxShannonwasright.TherewasalsothefactthatbothpackshadproventhemselvesathreattoeventhemostpowerfulPsy.Nomatterwhat,theotherCouncilorswouldnotleavetheminpeace.
Nikitaspokeintothequiet,herwordsdirectedatherdaughter.“Thatisadecisionyouremotionalnaturewouldneverallowyoutomake,”shesaidwithicypracticality,“sowhydidyouaskthequestion?”
“Ihaveachildtoprotectnow,Mother.”Soft,powerfulwords.“Prioritieschange.”
Nikitasaidnothing,andIndigo’swolfwantedtoclawather.Becausethatwolfunderstoodonlyfamily,knewthatitsownmotherwouldneverlookatherchildwithsuchcoldness.
“But,”Saschasaid,“itdoesn’tmatterhowwetrytodistanceourselves.Maxisright—we’reallconnectednow.Weallcallthisregionhome.Theycan’tattackonewithoutaffectingtheother.”
That,Andrewthought,leaningalittleonhismateashisbodybegantoprotestatbeingforceduprightforthislong,wasthecruxofitall.
Theenemyofmyenemyismyfriend.
Andrewwouldn’tgothatfar,buthecouldalmostseeHawkecalculatingthepossibleoptionsbeforesaying,“We’dbemoreapttotakeyouseriouslyifyougaveusinformationwecouldactuallyuse.”Itwasachallenge.
“HenryandShoshannaareassemblinganarmy,”Anthonysaid,meetingHawke’sgaze.“They’vegotafewArrowsontheirside,alongwithallthosewhobelieveinPurity.”
“TheylostpeoplewhentheycameafterHawke”—Riley’ssteadyvoiceagain—“andatleastoneofthemwasateleport-capabletelekinetic.”
“Ascarceresource,”Anthonyagreed.“Itmayproveaset-backtotheirplans—butasmallone.AsTkshaveoneofthemostdangerousabilities,theytendtomoststronglyembracetheProtocol.”
GivingtheScottsapowerfulpoolofassassins.
“MingandKalebmayassistuswhentheScottsstrike,”Nikitaadded.“Butonlyifthatassistanceservestheirowninterests.”
“Someassistance,”Hawkesaid,“wedon’tneed.”
Andrewagreed.MingLeBon,byallaccounts,wasasociopathmasqueradingasaCouncilor.KalebKrychekwashardertopindown,whichmightsimplymeanhewasbetterathidinghiscrimes—becauseaccordingtotheintelAndrewhadunearthed,KalebKrychekhadbeenmentoredbythesamesadistickillerwho’dnotonlytorturedBrenna,butkilledanumberofotheryoungchangelingwomen.
“Yes,”Nikitasaid,“soanydefensivemeasureswetakewillhavetobebasedonourownresources.Ihaveanotinsignificantpoolofstrongtelepathsundermydirectcommand,buttheprimaryassetIbringtothetableismyconsiderableeconomicstrength.IamalreadyintheprocessofstranglingsomeoftheScotts’finances.”
Anthony,itwentwithoutsaying,broughthisforeseerstothetable.
“Haveyouconsideredapreemptivestrike?”Hawkeasked,andAndrewrecalledthe“warningtap”they’ddiscussednotlongago.
Anthonynodded.“However,theyhaveastrongadvantageonhomeground.Theoppositeistruehere.”
Along,silentpausebrokenbyHawke.“Anothermeeting.Oneweek.”
“Verywell.”Anthonyinclinedhishead,thethreadsofsilverathistemplescatchingthelight.“Thereisonemorethingyoushouldknow.EverystrongF-PsyintheNightStarGrouphasmadeatleastonespontaneousnonbusinesspredictionoverthepastmonth,ahighlyunusualevent.”
“Whatdidtheysee?”Lucasasked.
“Bloodanddeathandfire.Overandover,withnoalternatefutureslogged.Whateverwedecideatthenextmeeting,Idonotbelieveanyofuswillescapethecomingholocaust.”
DrewpattedIndigo’sbuttasshelaysprawledoverhimlaterthatnight.“IthinkI’mdead.”Hesqueezedhertonedfleshwithblatantpossessiveness.“Andthisismyideaofheaven.”
Wellawareshehadtokeepawatchonthosesneakysteamrollertacticsofhis,Indigogaveahalfheartedgrowl,butshewastoosatedtoworkupanyrealoutrage.
“Ilikeseeingyouthisway.”Hepettedherassagainbeforebeginningtodrawdesignsonherlowerbackwithadesultoryfinger.“Allpleasuredandwarmandmine.”
Possessivedemon.Butshewasthesame,soshecouldn’tcomplain.Yawning,shesnuggledcloser,hereyesheavylidded.Hisbodywashotandmuscledunderhertouch,hisheartbeatstillalittleerratic,andhisscent…
Herwolfrolledintoahappylittleball,butshedraggedupthewillpowertosay,“IthoughtLaraorderedyoutorest.”He’dliterallyambushedherasshewalkedinthedoor,hismouthonhersandhisbodyinsidehersbeforeshecouldcorralherbraincellsintoobjecting.
Hekissedheragain.“Idecidedpouncingonyousoundedlikemorefun.”
Smilingagainsthismouth,shestrokedherhandoverhisribs.“Thatwassomemeeting,huh?”
“EspeciallythatlastcommentbyAnthony.”ShiftingtoaccommodateIndigowhenshetangledherlegswithhis,Andrewplayedhisfingersthroughherhair.“CatssayFaithconfirmedtheprediction.”AndFaithNightStarwasthestrongestforeseerinoroutofthePsyNet.
Indigocircledafingeroverhischest.“Whateverhappens,we’llhandleit.SnowDancerhasn’tsurvivedthislongtofalltotheCouncilors’megalomania.”Anotherlazycircle.“Icouldn’treadHawke—guesswe’llfindoutwhathethinksatthelieutenantmeetingtomorrow.”
“Ikeptexpectinghimtogetupandtearoutsomeone’sjugulartoday.”
Indigolaughed.“Yousoundsodisappointed.”
“He’sactingreasonable.It’svaguelyterrifying.”
Thistime,Indigo’slaughterwaslonganddeep.Shiftingontoherback,sheuntangledtheirlegsandloopedherarmsaroundhisneckasheroseoverher.“You’reterrible,youknowthat?”
“That’swhyyouloveme.”Rubbinghisnoseagainsthers,hefelthiswolfstretchoutinsidehiminnakedpleasure.
Shenippedathischin,droppedakissontohislips.“Yeah.Thedayyoubeginbehaving,I’llknowIhaveanimpostoronmyhands.”Playingherfingersintohishair,sheswungalegoverhiship.“I’vebeenthinkingaboutwhatwe’regoingtodowiththetravelingyouhavetodoforyourpositioninthepack.”
“Myteam’sgotthingsundercontrolfornow,”Drewsaid,hiseyessuchaclearbluethatshefeltbathedinsunlight.
“Buttheyneedyou.”Pridewasafiercebeatinsideofher,forthiswolfwhowassmartenough,strongenough,toreachtheirmostvulnerable.“WithRiazhere,intheden,Icancomeonalotofthetripswithyou.”
Drewblinked,hislasheslongandbeautiful.“IfRileyisHawke’srightarm,you’rehisleft.Heneedsyouhere.Especiallynow.”
“I’vespokentohim.”Shepulledhimdownagainsther,enjoyingtheallovercontact.Suchexquisiteskinprivileges.
“Wewon’tbegoneformonthsatatime;you’vegotyournetworksetupnow.”
“That’strue.ButI’mstillgoingtoneedtomakealotofshorttrips—especiallytoSanDiego.Sebisdamnstrong,”hesaidofhisreplacementinthatsector,“buthe’syoungerthanme.”
“Wecanplaythosetimesbyear,”Indigosaid,knowingshe’dmisshimwhenhewasaway,butalsoknowingthematingbondwouldensureshewasneverlonely.
Along,quietpause.Then,“Indy?”
Hearingtheedgeinhistone,shenuzzledakissagainsthisneck.“Whatisit?”
“Youwereputinasituationwhereyouhadtoacceptthematingbond,”Drewsaid,shadowswhisperingovertheclarityofhisgazewhenshelookedup.“Doyouregretit?”
Sheknewexactlyhowmuchithadtohavecosthimtoaskthat.“TheonlythingIregretisnotbeingabletoendthematingdanceasIplanned.”
Asparkintheblue.“Youhadaplan?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Tell.”Fingersdancingoverherabdomen,threateningtotickle.
“Well,”shesaid,brushingherlipsagainsthisear,“itinvolvedtyingyounakedtomybed,havingmywickedwaywithyouinrevengeforallyourcrazy-makingtactics…andthentellingyouthatyoubelongtome.Forever.Noouts.Nogivebacks.”
Drewthrusthishandintoherhair,hisgazegonethatstartlingwolf-copper.“Tellmenow.”
Shedid.Andthen,becauseshewasinagoodmoodandsheadoredhimandhe’dtaughtheraboutopeningherheart,shewhisperedmorelovewordsinhisear,untilhebrokeeverysingleoneofLara’srulesanddrovethembothtoheavenasecondtimearound.TurnthepageforaspecialpreviewofNaliniSingh’snextGuildHunterNovel
Archangel’sConsort
ComingFebruary2011fromBerkleySensation!
Swathedinthesilkenshadowsofdeepestnight,NewYorkwasthesame…andalteredbeyondcompare.Once,Elenahadwatchedangelstakeflightfromthelight-filledcolumnoftheTowerasshesatinfrontofthedistantwindowofhercherishedapartment.Now,shewasoneofthoseangels,perchedhighatopabalconythathadnorailing,nothingtopreventadeadlyfall.
Except,ofcourse,shewouldnolongerfall.
Herwingswerestrongernow.Shewasstronger.
Flaringoutthosewings,shetookadeepbreathoftheairofhome.Afusionofscents—spiceandsmoke,humanandvampire,earthyandsophisticated—hitherwiththewildfeverofawelcomingrainstorm.Herchest,tightforsolong,relaxed,andshestretchedherwingsouttotheirgreatestwidth.Itwastimetoexplorethisfamiliarplacethathadbecomeaforeignland,thishomethatwassuddenlynewagain.
Divingdownfromthebalcony,shesweptacrossManhattanonaircurrentskissedbythecoolbiteofspring.Thebrightgreenseasonhadthawedthesnowsthathadkeptthecityinthrallthiswinter,andnowheldcourt,summernotevenapeach-coloredblushonthehorizon.Thiswasthetimeofrebirth,ofbloomingthingsandbabybirds,brightandyoungandfragileeveninthefreneticrushofacitythatneverslept.
Home.Shewashome.
Lettingtheaircurrentssweepherwheretheywouldabovethediamond-studdedlightsofthecity,shetestedherwings,testedherstrength.
Stronger.
Butstillweak.AnimmortalbarelyMade.
Onewhoseheartremainedpainfullymortal.
Soitwasnosurprisewhenshefoundherselftryingtohoveroutsidetheplate-glasswindowofherapartment.Shedidn’tyethavetheskilltoexecutethemaneuver,andshekeptdropping,thenhavingtopullherselfbackupwithfastwingbeats.Still,shesawenoughinthosefleetingglimpsestoknowthatwhiletheonce-shatteredglasshadbeenflawlesslyrepaired,theroomswereempty.
Therewasn’tevenabloodstainonthecarpettomarkthespotwhereshe’dspilledRaphael’sblood,whereshe’dtriedtostaunchthecrimsonriveruntilherfingerswerethesamemurderousshade.
Elena.
Thescentofthewindandtherain,freshandwild,aroundher,insideher,andthenstronghandsonherhipsasRaphaelheldhereffortlesslyinpositionsoshecouldlookthroughthewindow,herhandsflatontheglass.
Emptiness.
Nosignremainedofthehomeshe’dcreatedpiecebypreciouspiece.
“Youmustteachmethehovering,”shesaid,forcingherselftospeakpasttheknotofloss.Itwasjustaplace.Justthings.“It’llbeaverygoodwaytospyonpotentialtargets.”
“Iintendtoteachyoumanythings.”Tuggingherbackagainsthisbody,herwingstrappedinbetween,theArchangelofNewYorkpressedhislipstothetipofherear.“Youarefullofsorrow.”
Itwasinstincttolie,toprotectherself,butthey’dgonebeyondthat,sheandherarchangel.“IguessIsomehowexpectedmyapartmenttostillbehere.Saradidn’tsayanythingwhenshesentmemythings.”Andherbestfriendhadneverliedtoher.
“ItwasasyouleftitwhenSaravisited,”Raphaelsaid,drawingbackenoughthatshecouldflareoutherwingsandangleherbodyintotheaircurrentsonceagain.Come,Ihavesomethingtoshowyou.
Thewordswereinhermind,alongwiththewindandtherain.Shedidn’torderhimtogetout—becausesheknewhewasn’tinit.This,thewayshecouldsensehimsodeeply,speaktohimwithsuchease,waspartofwhateveritwasthattiedthemtoeachother…thattaut,twistingemotionthatrippedawayoldscarsandcreatednewvulnerabilitiesinawhipoffireacrossthesoul.
Butasshewatchedhimflythroughthelushblackoftheskyhighovertheglitteringcity,herarchangelwithhiswingsofwhite-goldandeyesofendless,relentlessblue,shewasn’tsorry.Shedidn’twanttoturnbacktheclock,didn’twanttoreturntoalifeinwhichshe’dneverbeenheldinthearmsofanarchangel,neverfeltherhearttearopenandreformintosomethingstronger,capableofsuchfuriesofemotionthatitscaredherattimes.Whereareyoutakingme,Archangel?
Patience,GuildHunter.
Shesmiled,hergriefatthelossofherapartmentburiedunderawaveofamusement.NomatterhowmanytimeshedecreedthatherloyaltywasnowtotheangelsandnottotheHuntersGuild,hekeptbetrayinghowhesawher—asahunter,asawarrior.Shootingdownbelowhim,shedoveandthenrosethroughthebitingfreshnessoftheairwithhard,strongwingbeats.Herbackandshouldermusclesprotestedtheacrobatics,butshewashavingtoomuchfuntoworry—she’dpayforitinafewhours,nodoubtaboutit,butfornow,shefeltfreeandprotectedinthedark.
“Doyouthinkanyoneiswatching?”sheasked,breathlessfromtheexertion,oncetheyweresidebysideoncemore.
“Perhaps.Butthedarknesswillconcealyouridentityforthemoment.”
Tomorrow,sheknew,whenlightbroke,thecircuswouldbegin.Anangel-Made…Eventheoldestofvampiresandtheangelsthemselvesfoundheracuriosity.Shehadnodoubtsabouthowthehumanpopulationwouldreact.“Can’tyoudoyourscarythingandmakethemkeeptheirdistance?”However,evenasshespoke,sheknewitwasn’tthereactionofthegeneralpopulationthatworriedher.
Herfather…No.Shewouldn’tthinkaboutJeffrey.Nottonight.
Assheforcedawaythoughtsofthemanwhohadrepudiatedherwhenshe’dbeenbarelyeighteen,RaphaelsweptoutovertheHudson,droppingsohardandfastthatsheyelpedbeforeshecouldcatchherself.TheArchangelofNewYorkwasonehellofaflier—heskimmedalongthewateruntilhecould’vetrailedhisfingersinitsrushingcold,beforepullinghimselfupinasteepascent.Showingoff.
Forher.
Itmadeherheartlighten,herlipscurve.
Dippingdowntojoinhimataloweraltitude,shewatchedthenightwindswhipthatsleekebonyhairacrosshisface,asiftheycouldnotresisttouchinghim
Itwilldonogood.
“What?”Fascinatedbythealmostcruelbeautyofhim,thismaleshedaredcallherlover,she’dforgottenwhatshe’daskedhim.
Formetoscarethemaway—youarenotawomantostayinseclusion.
“Damn.You’reright.”Feelinghershouldermusclesbegintopullinominouswarning,shewinced.“IthinkIneedtosetdownsoon.”HerbodyhadbeendamagedinthefightagainstLijuan.Notmuch,andtheinjurieshadhealed,buttheenforcedrestperiodmeantshe’dlostsomeofthemuscleshe’dbuiltuppriortothefightthathadturnedBeijingintoacrater,itsvoicethesilentcryofthedead.
We’realmosthome.
Concentratingonkeepingherselfheadinginastraightline,sherealizedhe’dshiftedpositionsoshewaseffectivelyridinghiswake—meaningshenolongerhadtomakeasmuchefforttoholdherselfaloft.Pridehadherscrunchingherfaceintoascowl,butcontrastingwiththatwasadeepwarmththatcamefromknowingshewasimportant,morethanimportant,toRaphael.
Andthenshesawit,thesprawlingmansionthatwasRaphael’scliff-tophomeontheothersideoftheriver.ThoughthelandbackedupagainsttheHudson,theplacewashiddenfromcasualviewbyathickvergeoftrees.However,theywerecomingatitfromabove,andfromthereitlookedlikeajewelsetinthevelvetdarkness,warmgoldenlightineverywindow—turningintopulsesofcolorwhereithitthecleanlinesofthestainedglassononesideofthebuilding.Therosebushesweren’tvisiblefromthisangle,butsheknewtheywerethere,theirleaveslushandglossyagainsttheelegantwhiteofthehouse,hundredsofbudsreadytobloominaprofusionofcolorastheweathergrewwarmer.
ShefollowedRaphaeldownashelandedintheyard,thelightfromthestainedglassturninghiswingsintoakaleidoscopeofwildblue,crystallinegreen,andrubyred.Youcould’velandedononeofthebalconies,shesaid,toofocusedonensuringagoodlandingtospeakthewordsaloud.
Raphaeldidn’tdisagree,waitinguntilshewasonthegroundbesidehimtosay,“Icouldhave.”Reachingoutasshefoldedawayherwings,hegrippedhergentlyatthecurvewhereherneckflowedintohershoulder,hisfingerspressingintothesensitiveinnerseamofherrightwing.“Butthenyourlipswouldnothavebeensoveryclosetomine.”
Hertoescurledashetuggedherforward,pleasurebloominginherstomach.“Nothere,”shemurmured,voicehusky.“Idon’twanttoshockJeeves.”
Raphaelkissedawayherwordswithanunhurriedthoroughnessthathadherforgettingallabouthisbutler,herbodywarmingwithaslow,luscioussenseofanticipation.Raphael.
Youtremble,Elena.Youaretired.
Nevertootiredforyourtouch.Itterrifiedherhowaddictedshe’dbecometohim.Theonlythingthatmadeitbearablewasthathishunger,too,wasaraw,near-violentcraving.
Alickofstormranupagainsthersensesbeforehedrewbackwithahotlysexualpromise.Later.Aslow,intimatestrokealongtheuppercurveofherwing.Iwouldtakemytimewithyou.Hislipsparted,hisspokenwordsfarlessincendiary.“Montgomerywilllikehavingyouforhismistress,Elena.”
Shelickedherlips,triedtobreathe—andheardtherapidtattooofherheartagainstherribs.Yeah,thearchangelknewhowtokiss.“Why?”shefinallymanagedtosay,fallingintostepbesidehimashewalkedtothedoor.
“You’relikelytogetdirtyanddestroyyourclothesonaregularbasis.”Raphael’shumorwasdry,hisvoiceanexquisitecaressinthenight.“ItisthesamereasonhelikesitwhenIlliumoccasionallystayshere.Youbothgivehimplentytodo.”
Shemadeafaceathim,butherlipskickedupatthecorners.“IsIlliumcomingtojoinus?”Theblue-wingedangelwaspartofRaphael’sSeven,thevampiresandangelswhohadgiventheirloyaltytotheArchangelofNewYork—eventotheextentofplacinghislifebeforetheirown.IlliumwastheonlyoneoftheSevenwhosawherhumanheartnotasaweakness,butasagift.Andinhim,shesawakindofinnocencethathadbeenlostintheotherimmortals.
ThedooropenedatthatmomenttoexposethebeamingfaceofRaphael’sbutler.“Sire,”hesaidinaplummyEnglishaccentshewascertaincouldturncoldandintimidatingoncommand.“Itisgoodtohaveyouhome.”
“Montgomery.”Raphaelplacedahandonthevampire’sshoulderashepassed.
Elenasmiledatthebutler,delightedbyhimalloveragain.“Hello.”
“Mistress.”
Sheblinked.“Elena,”shesaidfirmly.“I’mnoone’smistressbutmyown.”Andforallthathechosetoworkintheserviceofanarchangel,Montgomerywasastrongvampire,hundredsofyearsold.
Thebutler’sspinewentstiffasaboard,hiseyesshootingtoRaphael—whogavealanguidsmile.“YoumustnotshockMontgomeryso,Elena.”Reachingouttotakeherhand,hetuggedhertohisside.“PerhapsyouwillallowhimtocallyouGuildHunter?”
Elenalookedup,certainthearchangelwaslaughing.Buthisexpressionwasclear,hislipssetwiththeirfamiliarsensualgrace.“Um,yes,okay.”ShenoddedatMontgomery,thenfeltcompelledtoask,“Willthatdo?”
“Ofcourse,GuildHunter.”Hegaveasmallbowandwavedhishand.“Iwasnotsureifyouwouldwishameal,Sire,butIhavesentasmalltrayuptoyourrooms.”
“Thatwillbeallfortonight,Montgomery.”
Asthebutlerwhisperedaway,ElenalookedwithgrowingsuspicionatalargeChinesevaseinonecornerofthehall,oppositethestainedglasswallbesidethedoor.Itwasdecoratedwithapatternofsunflowersthatseemedoddlyfamiliar.LettinggoofRaphael’shand,shesteppedcloser…closer.Hereyeswentwide.“Thisismine!”GivenasagiftbyanangelinChinaafterElenacompletedaparticularlydangeroushunt,onethathadtakenherintothebowelsoftheShanghaiunderworld.
Raphaeltouchedhisfingerstothesmallofherback,asearingbrand.“Allofyourthingsarehere.”Hewaiteduntilshelookedupbeforesaying,“Theyweremovedtothishouseforsafekeepinguntilyourreturn.
“However,”hecontinuedwhensheremainedsilent,herthroataknotofemotion,“itseemsMontgomerycouldnothelphimselfwhenitcametothisvase.I’mafraidhehasaweaknessforbeautifulthingsandhasbeenknowntorelocateanitemifhefeelsitsbeautyisnotbeingproperlyappreciated.Once,he‘relocated’anancientsculpturefromthehomeofanotherarchangel.”
Elenastareddownthecorridorwherethebutlerhaddisappearedinrefinedsilence.“Idon’tbelieveyou.He’stooprimandproper.”Itwaseasiertosaythat,tofocusonthehumor,thantoacceptthetightnessinherheart,thefeelingslockingupherthroat.
“Youwouldbesurprised.”Touchingherlowerbackagain,henudgedherdownthehallandupaflightofstairs.“Come,youcanlookatyourthingsinthemorning.”
Shedraggedherfeetatthetopofthestaircase.“No.”
Raphaelmeasuredherexpressionwiththoseeyesnomortalwouldeverpossess,asilentvisualreminderthathehadneverbeenhuman,wouldneverbeanythingclosetomortal.“Suchwill.”Leadinghertoaroomthatflowedoffwhatsheknewtobethemasterbedroom,heopenedthedoor.
Everythingfromherapartmentlayneatlystacked,slipcoversoverthefurnishings,herknickknacksinboxes.
Shefrozeonthedoorstep,uncertainhowshefelt—reliefandangerandjoyallbattledforspaceinsideofher.She’dknownshecouldnevergobacktotheapartmentthathadbeenherhaven,andmore,afuriousrebuttalagainstherfather’sabandonment.Theplacewasn’tbuiltforabeingwithwings—butthelosshadhurt.Somuch.
Now…“Why?”
Hishandclosedaroundhernapewithnoattempttohidethepossessioninherentintheact.“Youaremine,Elena.Ifyouchoosetosleepinanotherbed,Iwillsimplypickyouupandbringyouhome.”
Arrogantwords.Buthewasanarchangel.Andshe’dmadeaclaimofherown.“Aslongasyourememberthatgoesbothways.”
Acknowledged,GuildHunter.Akisspressedtothecurveofhershoulder,hisfingerstighteningonhernapejustafraction.Cometobed.
Arousalkickedherhard,herbodyknowingfullwellwhatpleasureawaitedheratthosestrong,lethalhands.“Sowecantalkknivesandsheaths?”
Sensualmalelaughter,anotherkiss,thecaressofteeth.Buthereleasedhishold,watchinginsilenceasshesteppedintotheroomandranherfingersoverthedelicatelyembroideredcomforteronthebedthathadbeenherown,beforeshemovedtoexplorethevanitywithitsstoreofprettyglassbottlesandbrushessettidilyinsideasmallbox.Shefeltlikeachild,wantingtoreassureherselfthateverythingwasthere,theneedvisceralenoughtohurt.
Asshegaveintothatemotionalhunger,herminddisgorgedimagesofanotherhomecoming,oftheshockandhumiliationthathadburnedherthroatwhenshe’dfoundherthingspileduplikesomuchgarbageonthestreet.Nothingwouldevererasethathurt,thepainoftheknowledgethatthatwasexactlywhatshewastoherfather,buttonight,Raphaelhadcrushedthememoryundertheweightofafarmorepowerfulact.
Shehadnoillusionsaboutherarchangel,knewhe’ddoneitinpartpreciselyforthereasonhe’dgivenher—soshewouldn’tbetemptedtotreatherapartmentasabolt-hole.Buthadthatbeenhissolemotivation,hecouldaseasilyhavesentherstufftothedump.Instead,everysinglepiecehadbeencarefullypackedandmovedhere.Someofithadbeenexposedtotheelementswhenherwindowshatteredthatnight,andyetnowlookedpristine,speakingofmeticulousrestoration.
Heartachingatthewonderofbeingsocherished,shesaid,“Wecangonow.”She’dcomebacklater,decidewhattodowitheverything.“Raphael—thankyou.”
Thebrushofhiswingagainstherown,asilenttendernessastheyenteredthemastersuite.Nooneelseeversawthispartofhim,shethought,eyesonherarchangelashemovedclosertothebedandbegantostripwithoutflickingonthelights.Hisshirtfelloffhisbody,revealingthatmagnificentchestshe’dkissedherwayacrossmorethanonce.Andsuddenly,theoverwhelmingweightofheremotionswasgone,buriedunderanavalancheofgut-wrenchingneed.
Raphaellookedupatthatmoment,hisgazeglitteringwithanearthyhungerthatsaidhe’dsensedherarousal.Decidingtosavethetalkingforlater,shewasraisingherfingerstotugoffherowntopwhenrain—no,hail—hitthewindowsinstaccatobulletsthatmadeherjump.She’dhaveignoredit,exceptthehardlittlepelletsoficekeptsmashingintotheglassoverandoveragain.“Mustbeastorm.”Droppingherhands,shewalkedtotheoneofthewindowsafterglancingovertoensuretheFrenchdoorstothebalconyweresecure.
Lightingflashedinviciousspikesinfrontofherassavagewindsbegantopoundthehousewithunremittingfury,thehailturningtotorrentialrainbetweenoneblinkandthenext.“I’veneverseenitcomeinthishard,thisfast.”
Raphaelwalkedtostandbesideher,hisnakedupperbodypatternedwiththeimageoftheraindropsagainstthewindow.Shelookedupwhenhedidn’tsayanything,sawtheshadowsthathadturnedhisgazeturbulentinanunexpectedreflectionofthestorm.“Whatisit?WhatamInotseeing?”Becausethatlookinhiseyes…
“Whatdoyouknowofrecentweatherpatternsacrosstheworld?”
Elenatracedaraindropwithhergazeasittunneledacrosstheglass.“IcaughtaweatherupdatewhilewewereattheTower.ThereportersaidatsunamihadjusthittheeastcoastofNewZealand,andthatthefloodsinIndiaaregettingworse.”SriLankaandtheMaldiveshadapparentlyalreadybeenevacuated,buttheywerestartingtorunoutofplacestoputpeople.
“EarthquakeshavebeenrockingElijah’sterritory,”Raphaeltoldher,speakingoftheSouthAmericanarchangel,“andhefearsthatatleastonemajorvolcanoisabouttoerupt.Thatisnotall.MichaelatellsmemostofEuropeisshudderinginthegripofanunseasonalicestormsovicious,itthreatenstokillthousands.”
Elena’sshouldermuscleswentstiffatthementionofthemostbeautiful—andmostvenomous—ofarchangels.“TheMiddleEast,atleast,”shesaid,forcingherselftorelax,“seemstohaveescapedmajorcatastrophefromwhatIsawonthenews.”
“Yes.FavashiishelpingNehadealwiththedisastersinherregion.”
TheArchangelofPersiaandtheArchangelofIndia,Elenaknew,hadworkedtogetherpreviously.Andnow,whenNehahatedalmosteveryoneelseintheCadre,sheseemedtobeabletotolerateFavashi—perhapsbecausetheotherarchangelwassomuchyounger.“Itmeanssomething,doesn’tit?”shesaid,turningtoplaceherhandonthewildheatofRaphael’schest,theshadowyraindropswhisperingoverherskin.“Allthisextremeweather.”
“Thereisalegend,”Raphaelmurmured,hiswingsflaringoutashetuggedherintothecurveofhisbody—asifhewouldprotecther.“Thatmountainswillshakeandriversoverflow,whileicecreepsacrosstheworldandfieldsdrowninrain.”Helookeddownather,hiseyesthatimpossible,inhumanchromeblue.“Allthiswillcometopass…whenanAncientawakens.”
Thechillinhistoneraisedeveryhaironherbody.