Resurrection (10 page)

His tongued teased her lips as he pulled back. “Ready for that drink?”

“Hmm?” She blinked. “Uh, what?”

“Drinks. Remember?” He stepped back and picked up the shaker, pushed on the top and began to shake.

Weren’t we talking about something?
She tugged on the collar of her blouse, feeling a bit too warm. “I’ll just, uh, waiting in…over there, the living room.” She turned on her heel and bumped into the wall. The heat from the kiss was damned near unbearable, but the added prickle of embarrassment had her cheeks ablaze. She cursed, stepped around the wall, and darted for the living room.

I’m acting like a star-struck teenage girl. Get a grip already!
She fanned herself and took a seat on the sofa, the cool faux leather offering a bit of relief. That was, until
he
came in the room carting two martini glasses. Every nerve felt raw.

“I’m sorry, but could you, um, control yourself for just a moment. I need to regroup,” she asked, feeling thoroughly ashamed for the request.

“I would if I could, but I’m already firmly in control of myself, Wendy.” He laughed as he placed the glasses on the table. “Perhaps I’m not the one who needs to rein things in a bit.”

“Are you teasing me?” Her mouth fell slack.

“Perhaps.” With a wink in her direction, he picked up a glass and handed it to her.

She sipped at the cocktail. It was a bit strong but fruity. The liquid was cool at first, then warm as it rolled down her throat and made its way into her belly. She took a big breath of air and let it out. It had the relaxing effect she was hoping for. “That’s pretty delicious, but a little strong.”

“Still what the doctor ordered?”

She eyed him and tightened her lips. “You always make me smile.”

“Likewise.” He lifted his glass in a mock toast. “Now, what I’m really wondering is if you’re ready for my class tomorrow.”

“I’m not ready for any of this if I’m honest. But sure, I’ll enjoy a little combat training. I’m dying to know what a Centaur is going to teach a Lycan.” It was her turn to tease and she wasn’t going to miss out.

With a glint in his eye and a smirk on his lips, he said, “So it’s like that, huh? We’ll see in class.”

She saw an orange glow reflecting off the television surface, she turned around to see a small campfire burning outside. “Oh I do miss the fires.”

“Would you like to go?”

“Please? It’s something my pack used to do several times a week. There’s just something about sitting around a fire with your pack. It’s really a bonding thing.” She looked down at the martini glasses. “Maybe we can take something a bit more portable.”

He shook his head and chuckled.

“What?”

“Nothing. How does wine sound?” He stood and held out a hand. She took it and lifted herself off of the couch.

“Good but,” she picked up the martini and knocked it back, “that was too good to waste.” She handed him the empty glass. “Meet you out there!” She moved quickly through the patio doors in the rear of the apartment to the courtyard outside.

“Wendy!” Tiffany stood next to Grace.

“Oh, Tiff! It’s so good to see you.” She hurried over to her and threw her arms around her. “How are you little girl? My gosh, you look so different.” She pulled Tiffany back and eyed her. “You’ve lost weight.”

Her shoulders rose and fell in a noncommittal shrug. “Yeah, they don’t give Lycan portions at that school. Humans must eat a lot less.”

Grace laughed. “Yes, I always took extra food with me to school. The food is barely enough to survive on. Sorry, I forgot to say something.”

“Here’s your wine,” Zoltar joined them handing her a glass.

“Uh, Tiffany, Zoltar,” Wendy waved back and forth.

Tiffany elbowed her and grinned. “How could I forget the Centaur King? Very nice to see you again.”

“Likewise.” He nodded and after a quick glance at Wendy, left to take a seat by the fire.

Tiffany leaned in and whispered. “So you and the king, eh? Nice!” She giggled. “Sorry, I’ve been sipping whiskey for the last hour—good Lycan whiskey too.”

Placing her free arm around her, she gave her another squeeze. “I’m so happy you’re here. It’s nice to have another familiar face.”

Tiffany nodded and Wendy followed her over to the fire, sitting next to Zoltar.

“Really magnificent, you two!” Grace beamed. Her face lit by the fire and whatever she’d been drinking.

Roman put his arm around her as he sat down. “I think my wife is talking about the cars for the Gnomes.”

“Not just that. Wendy, the dancing…nice. Very nice, indeed.” Grace raised her glass.

Desperate for a change in attention, she scrambled to find another topic. “I really like the courtyard. It’s such a wonderful touch of home.”

“This is for the staff only. The students’ dorms are not connected so we can have a bit of comradery out here.” Zoltar nudged her. “You know, for strengthening the pack.”

“How is that coming along?” Tiffany chimed in.

Everyone glanced around.

Grace smiled and blinked heavy lids. “Slow. But it’ll happen.”

There was an uneasy silence that lasted a few moments. Wendy worried about the others and their doubts about forming an integrated pack. It wasn’t that she didn’t share those doubts so much as she wanted to overcome them.

“I think we’re making headway. Don’t you?” Zoltar whispered.

She leaned against him, feeling his warmth ooze into her. “Baby steps.” She took a sip of wine, enjoying the earthiness and warmth of it. Then she felt the overwhelming urge come over her—Zoltar had finally released his hold.

Grace and Tiffany both looked at him with their mouths open.

“Sorry, I need to relax for a few moments.” He stood to leave.

Roman jumped out of his seat. “Sit down, Z. The girls will have to control themselves.” He glanced at Grace and Tiffany. “Or is that not possible?”

Grace giggled. Tiffany followed.

“We’re fine,” Grace said leaning into Roman. “I have you after all.”

Rolling her eyes, Tiffany waved her hands as if to shoo him away. “Just, uh, stay on your side of the fire.”

Wendy smiled up at him and patted the bench next to her. “Yeah, keep it over here, you filthy Centaur.”

An outburst of laughter from Grace was quickly contagious as it spread around the fire.

He smiled at her and reclaimed his seat. “Yes, ma’am.” He pulled the bottle around to fill her glass. “We probably should eat something.”

“Over there,” Tiffany pointed to a table in the corner. “I brought deep dish pizza.”

With a pat to his stomach, he grinned. “I thought I smelled sausage.”

“I’ll get it. Just relax.” Wendy giggled. She shook her head. The martini must have been stronger than she thought. She was feeling giddy.

After pizza and the remainder of the wine, Grace, Tiffany, and Roman left the campfire.

“You know, I saw this,” Zoltar took the glass out of her hand. “I saw you and me by this fire in a vision. I didn’t know what it meant but now that it’s come to fruition, I couldn’t be happier.”

Her mouth fell slack.

Disbelief washed over him. He was sitting by the fire with the woman he’d been falling for. She’d been receptive, even eager to spend time with him. Fear and regret had plagued him after running out the morning after their first lovemaking session. Treating her like a fling was not in his repertoire.

But here, the orange glow of the fire illuminated her beautiful face and her silky blonde hair. Every time she smiled he melted inside. He’d never thought a mate to be a possibility, yet here she was, a potential interested mate.

He listened to her talk about their classes, her excitement and trepidation. Her dancing eyes were wild as she spoke about the possibilities of their future. Her full lips moving so quickly, he fought not to still them with his own. Wendy was perfect in every way. How could he keep from rushing things when all he wanted to do was experience the bond he’d heard about so many times before? Longing to be so connected with someone, someone special, like the beautiful Lycan before him—so full of compassion for others.

“It’s getting late. We should douse the fire and turn in.” She stood looking around. “Ah, a bucket of water.” She picked it up and poured it on the logs.

He silently punished himself for not taking care of it for her. “After you,” he said in an attempt to reclaim some chivalry. He’d fought hard to maintain control by the fire, but had been overcome with pride looking at her, he’d nearly cried.

Following her through the sliding glass doors, he knew he’d have to make a choice and quickly. Did he pursue another moment of intimacy with her, or let her go to her own place alone?

Delightfully, the choice had been made for him, when she took a sharp left turn toward the bedroom rather than walk to the front door.

“Am I being presumptuous?” she asked with a grin.

He crossed the threshold into the bedroom and scooped her up in his arms. “You’re taking a very difficult choice out of my hands.” He crushed her lips with his, eager to feel her silky skin against him; to feel her soft folds accepting—enveloping him. After carefully carrying her to the bed, he released her from his kiss long enough to rip his shirt over his head.

“I could get used to this,” she cooed as he kissed the length of her neck.

That’s what I’m hoping for!

Her warm hands ran the length of his arms before strong fingers curled into the flesh on his back. The pressure in his pants grew increasingly uncomfortable. He reached down and popped the button and unzipped himself, freeing his throbbing cock from captivity.

Running his hand from her ankle, he massaged his way up to her hips, and then unbuttoned her as well. He curled his fingers around the waistband and gave them a gentle tug, slowly pulling her pants down under her bottom, over the peaks of her knees and down to her ankles.

She kicked them off to the side and pulled at his arms. “Please,” she panted, “I love foreplay, but please, just…take me this time.”

He could feel the lascivious grin spread across his face, all too willing to obey and satisfy her needs. He had teased her mercilessly the first time and figured he owed her an easier time or three. Crawling up a bit, he eased himself between her legs, resting his elbows on each side of her. He brushed his lips against her, feeling her pant of need.

She was already wet and wanting. He pressed his lips on hers as he entered her, reveling in the sound of her moaning into his mouth. The slick warmth coaxed his cock as he retreated slightly and pushed into her once more. Fighting the urge to fuck her with everything he had, he kept the rhythm slow to enjoy the exquisite creature pushing against him from below.

Her hands pulled at his bottom, silently begging for more as she moaned with each stroke. He felt her calves roll onto his hips, willing him to go deeper. He pushed into her with his entirety and she gasped, her eyes closed tight. He remained there momentarily as he peppered her jaw line with kisses. He laced his fingers above her head and pushed into her again, feeling her inner walks clenching around his cock. Her body responding to the short hard thrusts calling for more.

“Ohhh,” she moaned again, pulling, clawing at his back.

He kept his slow firm pace with her and watched her face with each thrust as she pushed her head against the bed, tilting her jaw up. Her throat was utterly exposed. Every piece of literature he’d read told him this was an offering of a bond.

“Bond. Take it! Take it!”

He froze for a split second, taken aback by the voice inside his head. It was only the second time he’d heard it.

When she opened her eyes, they were ablaze, golden glow illuminating her face. Her body clenched around him as her orgasm overwhelmed her.

Her face had morphed and her fangs had elongated. She trembled beneath him. “Oh God, I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I didn’t bite you. Did I bite?” Her hand shook over her mouth.

“It’s okay. Nothing happened.” He kissed her forehead for reassurance. His heart fell, realizing her body had taken over her free will. She wasn’t so much offering a bond as her wolf was trying to do it for her.

Rolling off, he lay facing her, inspecting her emotional state. “Are you okay?”

Breathing hard, and then swallowing, she gasped before she spoke. “I don’t know what came over me. I almost…I almost bit you.” She felt her face once more and appeared to be relieved her fangs were gone. “It was the orgasm, I think.” Her fangs had retreated as she calmed.

She looked down, noting he hadn’t climaxed and pushed him to his back. He watched her move to her knees between his legs. She smiled up at him before taking him into her mouth.

He dropped his head on the pillow and closed his eyes. Her delicious lips were now wrapped around his cock. Using her hand, she pumped the shaft while licking and sucking the top. His thighs tightened as he fought the urge to thrust himself down her throat. He watched her work him, felt her moaning onto his cock. It was more than he could take. The pressure released as his orgasm washed over him, forcing his seed into her mouth.

Gelatinous goo was his body. He’d been reduced to a pile of withered Centaur, his woman pulling every drop from him.

She excused herself to the bathroom and he could not help but admire her naked backside as she left the room, her perfect ass, each cheek moving with the extension and retraction of each step. A wide admiring grin pulled at his lips.

He closed his eyes, relaxed into a state of contentment he’d never thought possible. His woman wanted him. If he was patient, maybe, just maybe, they could make it permanent. What would bonding with her entail? It seemed impossible to want her any more than he did now.

Boom! Rumble…rumble. Boom!
Loud explosions rocked the building.

He leaped from the bed, snatching up his pants.

She ran into the room, her mouth open, her hands over her chest, horror painted on her face. “What the hell was that?”

“Get dressed. Quickly!” He tossed her pants to her then yanked his shirt over his head.

Boom!

“Dear God! We are under attack!” Tears glistened in her eye and she pulled her shoes on.

He laced his boots, frantic to protect the school he’d built. “Stay by me,” he ordered as he grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her to the entryway. He looked her in the eye, seeing only fear. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

She nodded.

He pulled her into the hall, and ran toward the screams. He could hear the crackling of fire, smelled the smoke and sulfur. His heart thundered in his chest, his vision blurred as he looked around frantic and angry. Theron skidded to a halt in front of him and handed him a bow and bag of arrows.

“They’re outside!” Theron yelled.

*

Wendy couldn’t focus on one solitary thing as she ran with Zoltar toward the entry. There was so much chaos, the stench of fear and smoke overwhelming her senses. Their school had been attacked.
Why? Why would someone do this?

When they reached the door, Z shifted. She shifted to wolf, ready to defend her home…her pack. She spotted Grace and Roman, their enormous wolves chasing down smaller wolves.

“There!” Z dug his hooves in and took off toward the East wing where two human forms had some sort of large gun pointed at the building.

She snarled, curling her claws to get better traction as she launched in their direction. She sprinted, stretching her legs as far and as fast as they would carry her. She tested the air with her nose. The men were Lycan, but not anyone she knew. She caught Zoltar out the corner of her eye pull back on his bow. He aimed toward the one on the left. She darted right and leaped. The man shifted to his wolf form a split second before she connected. She latched on to the back of his neck and pulled hard as her paws connected with the earth. The move had rolled the wolf hard onto his back. Before he could scramble to his feet, she latched onto his throat.

The wolf froze.

She considered her options as she tightened her grip on the wolf’s throat. She could feel his heartbeat racing in her mouth. A little more pressure and she could rip his throat out. But she wanted answers. A dead Lycan couldn’t answer questions. Maintaining her hold on him, she shifted her gaze around. Z and Theron had taken each flank, standing over her, bows drawn, but away…guarding and protecting her.

“Good,”
she heard Grace in her mind.
“You kept him alive. Let’s find out what these bastards are after.”

She saw Grace approach in her human form and touch the wolf. The air around him shimmered as he shifted from her touch.

Wendy growled and kept her grip on the man’s throat until Grace patted her shoulder. She released him, stepped back, and shifted. She turned and looked at the school, which was remarkably still intact. Some of the wooden accents had burned and the side of the building was scorched, but the walls stood. The school was going to be okay. She breathed a sigh of relief.

“Speak!” Zoltar boomed as he placed a hoof between the man’s legs.

The man looked down at his crotch and the hoof pressing down on it. “You filthy pigs!” He spat.

Zoltar pressed a little harder.

Grace knelt down and stared the man in the face. “You will tell me why.” Her eyes burned violet, illuminating his face and the ground around him.

His jaw fell slack as he stared into her eyes. He started to shake. “No!”

Roman shifted mid run and stopped short of running over Grace.

“Separatists?” Grace shook her head and stood.

“What?” Wendy asked. “What the hell are Separatists?”

Grace looked at Roman. They must have communicated something telepathically because they both nodded in understanding.

Roman patted Zoltar on his shoulder. “Take this piece of shit to the basement and lock him up in a closet. Then I want all of the royalty and you, Wendy,” he said nodding in her direction, “to meet in the conference room next to Grace’s office.”

Grace turned to Theron. “Please see if the Fae can help with the smoke. Let’s salvage what wood we can on the exterior. Then get your men on examining the structure. I want to be sure it’s safe. I have Tiffany on triage.”

They all nodded, anger still painted on everyone’s face.

“I’ll go with you, Z, to keep this asshole in check.” She grabbed the man by his collar and jerked him to his feet. “Give me one reason, just one, to rip out your throat!”
If you hurt one member of my pack and I’ll have your ass!
She jerked back, shocked that she’d considered them all her pack.

Zoltar shifted to his human form and grabbed the man under the arm. She kept her grip firm, but had to follow him as she had no idea how to get to the basement or where they intended on keeping the cretin.

Tears stung her eyes as the smoke in the building assaulted her. She saw Gnomes, whizzing by in their cars, which were loaded down with medical supplies.

“Wendy!” Mary skidded to a halt and jumped out of her car. “You’re okay!”

“I’m so glad to see you’re okay, Mary. I’ll check on you later. Be very careful, there are a lot of folks running around.”

Mary hugged Wendy’s shin again and hurried back to her car.
Yes. My pack!
She growled at the man.

Zoltar moved with such swiftness and purpose, she had to walk fairly fast to keep up. They rounded a corner at the end of a hall and descended the stairs. She’d not seen this part of the castle before. The temperature dropped as they headed below ground.

At the bottom of the stairs, he flipped a switch on the wall and the basement illuminated. He jerked the man’s arm so hard, she lost her grip on the other. For a second, she was worried the Lycan would shift and run, having the clear advantage on the stone floors. He didn’t shift. He didn’t run. Instead he looked at Zoltar in horror.

“What are you going to do to me?” he sniveled.

With one large step toward a wall, he slammed the man into it. “I should kill you. I should rip off your arms and beat you to death with them for harming innocent creatures. But I’m not.” He squeezed his eyes shut tight for a second. “I’m going to lock you in a room while I go discuss your fate with the others. Personally, I’d like to skin you and let the Gnomes make coats out of your fur. If one of them even has a scratch…that may very well be your fate!”