Unclaimed (17 page)

Dominic, Kerry, and Dante moved in on either side of Tatiana, and they all watched the animals in heavy silence. The one threat they'd truly feared had been confirmed. There was a traitor among them.

A cool breeze wafted over them, providing relief from the stuffy air of the barn, and Tatiana let out a sigh as she closed her eyes, reveling in the sensation.

“It may not be an Amoveo,” Dominic said quietly.

“Really?” Tatiana sliced a look in his direction and let out a short laugh. “Who else could it be? One of the other horses? Other than Amoveo, that's all we've got on this ranch.”

Dominic's brow furrowed, and he flicked a knowing glance to Kerry and Dante. The looks exchanged between them sent a chill up her spine because it gave her the distinct impression she was out of the loop. Tatiana stepped back with her hands on her hips and looked at each of them intently.

“What's going on?” Her voice wavered. “Why do I feel like there's inside info that I'm not privy to?”

Tatiana folded her arms over her breasts and arched an eyebrow at Dominic. He let out a slow breath, and his mouth set in a tight line. She could tell he was debating what to tell her, which pissed her off even more.

“You better start talking before I shift into my wolf and tear you a new asshole.”

“Matt could be involved.”

“What are you talking about?” Her voice rose with frustration. “Matt isn't even here. He left. Remember? Besides, Kerry read him and said he was clear.”

“I'm not always right.”

“Can I get that in writing?” Dante teased.

“Just listen.” Dominic held up her hand to stop her from interrupting. “Last night they discovered another Purist energy signature on Matt's note and in your cabin. The energy pattern belonged to Savannah, and it looks as though the Purists abducted Matt.”

“What?” she cried. “Why wouldn't you tell me about this.”

“I didn't want to upset you before you tried to make contact with the horse.”

“I'll deal with you later.” She narrowed her eyes at him and turned to Kerry and Dante. “I don't get it.” She shook her head as confusion washed through her. “Why would they want to abduct Matt? He's human.”

“Our thinking was that they grabbed him as leverage to get to you and Dominic.” Dante's mouth set in a tight line. “But there is another possibility.”

“Matt could be conspiring with them,” Dominic said.

“No way.” Tatiana's hand went to her mouth, but she dropped it abruptly. “There's no chance he's involved. I refuse to believe that. If he's with them, it sure as hell isn't by choice. We have to get him back. I mean, we can't just let them have him.”

“We already have a plan to do exactly that. Tonight I'm meeting with Moravian and performing a prisoner exchange—Daniella for Matt.”

“When were you planning on sharing that with me?” Tatiana seethed. “More secrets?”

“I was going to talk to you about it this afternoon.” Dominic kept his voice even. “However, given what Obsidian told you, we can't rule out the possibility that Matt is working with the Purists.”

“Shit,” Dante said. “He could have helped stage the whole thing.”

“No way,” Tatiana said adamantly. “If Matt is with these Purists, then he was taken against his will.”

“Possibly.” Dominic folded his arms over his chest and stared. “But given what we know now, we can't rule it out.”

“Fine.” Tatiana crossed her arms and stepped closer, so they were almost touching. She dropped her voice to a low, challenging tone. “Then you can't rule out the possibility that one of your so-called friends is in bed with the Purists, pretending to be on your side.”

“She's not wrong,” Kerry chimed in. “My money's on Eric or that Zachary guy.”

“No way.” Dominic's sharp gaze flew to Kerry's face, and his jaw set. “No fucking way is Eric involved, or Zachary. They are both Guardians.”

“They're both unmated, Dominic,” Kerry said gently. “You, Dante, Malcolm, and William are all mated to hybrid women, so it's obviously none of you. Oh, and not to be a bitch by bringing up a sore subject, but your sister was a Guardian too. At least, before she declared herself a Purist.”

“I know,” Dominic growled, his eyes glowing brightly. He swore under his breath and faced the mountains, his energy waves flickering with agitation. “If either were Purists, why wouldn't they have come out and sided with the rest of them publicly?”

“We assumed all the Purists came out and declared a side,” Dante added. “But it would make sense, strategically speaking, to keep some people under wraps as spies. Think about it. Steven was a spy for Richard. Why wouldn't the Purists do the same?”

“I'll notify Malcolm and William about what we discovered,” Dominic said. “Dante, I want you to keep an eye on Zachary, and I'll have Malcolm keep tabs on Eric. Under no circumstances will either of them be left alone with Richard. He'll be back in a few hours, and I don't want him unprotected when he returns.”

“Dominic,” Kerry interjected. “What about the prisoner exchange tonight? If Matt is with the Purists by choice and is part of some larger plan, I don't think you should be the one to go. He wasn't your biggest fan. Aside from the fact that you stole his girl.”

“It wasn't like that,” Tatiana said.

“Not for you, but you can bet your bottom dollar that kid had the hots for you somethin' fierce. The sexual chemistry between you and Dominic is off the charts.” Tatiana blushed, but Kerry waved her hand dismissively. “Don't freak out, girl. The sexplosions are part of being mates, and even though Matt was human, you'd have to be deaf, blind, and dumb not to notice what's going on with you two crazy kids.”

“Kerry's right, Dom.” Dante linked his arm around Kerry's waist. “The more I think about it, the worse this whole prisoner swap feels. At the very least, you shouldn't do it alone.”

“It's not up for debate. I need you and the others here to protect the prince,” Dominic said firmly. “I'll do the exchange and deal with whatever consequences come of it.”

“Oh really?” Anger, resentment, and fear flooded Tatiana. She shoved at Dominic with both hands and growled in frustration. “You're a macho butt-head. Do you know that?”

“That's our cue.” Kerry stifled a giggle, grabbed Dante by the hand, and dragged him back into the stables. “We'll let you two talk, and in the meantime, I'm going to see if I can get a reading off Zachary or Eric. Getting a clear reading on pure-blood Amoveo isn't always a guarantee, but I'll give it a shot.”

“You do that, but be subtle,” Dominic said while he held Tatiana's furious gaze.

“Of course, kitten,” Kerry purred.

Tatiana waited until Kerry and Dante left the barn, and then she let him have it. “You know something,” she ground out. “You almost had me fooled into thinking you and I were a team, but that's obviously not the case.”

Tatiana turned on her heels, stormed into the barn, and hung the lead line on the wall before turning to face him again. He'd followed her into the stables, and the confused look on his face stopped her in her tracks.

“You really don't get it, do you?”

Casanova, who had been sleeping on a bale of hay, was now whining at Tatiana's feet, but she ignored him.

“No.” Dominic rested his hands on his narrow hips and shrugged. “I guess not. Why don't you explain it to me? I'm baffled as to why you're pissed at me for wanting to rescue your friend, even if there's a chance he's involved with the Purists.”

“So, what?” She threw up her hands and glared. “You're willingly going into a volatile situation, one that could get you killed, and you don't think that requires discussion with me?”

“I'm sorry.” He hung his head and ran one hand over his hair as he let out a slow breath before looking at her again. “I'm not cutting you out of decision-making, but there's really no decision to be made. I'm Head Guardian. Daniella is
my
sister, and Matt is
your
friend. All of these things add up to me making the exchange alone. I refuse to put anyone else in danger over this. This is
my
responsibility, Tatiana.” He moved closer and cradled her face in his hand. “
Mine.
”

“That's all true.” Tears filled her eyes, and her lower lip quivered as she held his glowing stare. “But
you
are also
mine
. You can't make me fall in love with you and then go off and get yourself killed. It's not fair, Dominic.”

“I have no intention of getting killed,” he said through a laugh. Dominic wiped a single tear from her cheek, the rough pad of his thumb grazing enticingly along her flesh. “I plan on spending the rest of my life finding out how many different ways I can piss you off.”

“Is that so?” She giggled. “Why on earth do you want to fight and piss me off?”

“Are you kidding?” He wiggled his eyebrows. “For the make-up sex.”

Tatiana laughed, but before she could tell him what an ass he was, he covered her mouth with his and swept her into his arms. He lifted her off the ground as he devoured her lips and tangled his tongue with hers. Still kissing her, he walked through the stable toward the doors with the puppy yapping at their heels.

Tatiana suckled his bottom lip and pulled back to look him in the eye.

“As much as I want to spend the afternoon having make-up sex,” she said with a sigh and clasped her hands at the base of his neck, “I'd really like to check on Courtney.”

Dominic stopped and let out a sound that hovered between a growl and a sigh as he placed her gently on her feet.

“Fine.” He linked her fingers with his and walked with her toward the house. “But then we're going to have some major make-up sex.”

“I would hope so.” She bumped her hip into his playfully before picking up the puppy. “I bet we could break more than the dishes.”

Dominic accompanied Tatiana to the medical suite while she tended to Courtney and Steven. He developed admiration for her over the past twenty-four hours. She was unshakable in a crisis and kept a cool head better than anyone he'd ever known. Male or female. Human or Amoveo. The woman was a rock.

Unfortunately, Courtney was still unconscious, and Steven was growing more concerned, along with everyone else. Tatiana, a healer and a naturally empathetic woman, was clearly disturbed, not only by Courtney's condition but by Steven's as well.

Casanova trotted into the room at Tatiana's heels and went immediately to Steven, attempting to soothe him. Tatiana was right about the little beagle being a good therapy dog. He definitely tuned into anyone who was hurting. Dominic's gaze landed on Steven.

“Nothing's working,” Steven whispered. “I've never felt more helpless in my life. I can't heal her. I've tried everything, and she's not responding. Her body is healing, but mentally she's fading. She's getting worse, and I don't know how to fix it. I keep telling her to come back to me and our son.”

“You have to eat something,” Tatiana said gently as she pulled up a stool and sat next to a disheveled Steven. “Take care of yourself for her and the baby.”

“I'm fine,” he bit out. Steven leaned on the bed with both elbows and held Courtney's limp hand. “I'm not leaving her.”

“Alright.” Tatiana looked at Dominic briefly before continuing, drawing strength from him. “What about the dream realm, Steven? Have you tried connecting with her there? The others told me that when Courtney was missing you stayed in a perpetual dream state so you could connect with her.”

“I tried,” he whispered as he kissed her fingers. “I looked for her, and I could feel her there in the mists, but I kept losing her. She slipped away time and again.” A choking sob escaped his lips as he pressed them to her hand, and the sound of the heart monitor beeped loudly. “Even after Courtney came back, we never walked in the realm. She… she said the dream realm was too difficult to reach and that it had something to do with the pregnancy. I tried to help her, to guide her, but it never worked.”

“I thought you said you did connect?” Dominic added.

“I lied,” Steven rasped. “You think I wanted to admit I was a total failure as an Amoveo man? That I couldn't join my mate and walk in the dream realm with her?” His voice hovered above a whisper. “I couldn't save her at the Purist compound, and I can't save her now.”

Dominic shifted his feet and adjusted the gun in his hands, feeling as if he'd spoken out of turn. It made him uncomfortable to hear Steven discussing his mating difficulties, but there was no way he would leave Tatiana alone, and she clearly wasn't going anywhere. He saw that determined look—the way her jaw set and lines between her eyes deepened as she processed what Steven told her. Oh yeah, the woman had a bee in her bonnet about something.

“Steven?” she began tentatively and dropped her voice to above a whisper. “I have to ask you something, but it's… personal.”

“What?” He swiped at his eyes with the back of his hand but kept his gaze on Courtney.

“I know that your baby was conceived through nontraditional methods at the Purist compound. Right?” Steven stilled but gave a curt nod. “Well, have you and Courtney ever actually…
you
know
?”

Steven gave her a sidelong glance and let out a long breath before answering. “No.”

Now Dominic felt
really
uncomfortable, but Tatiana gave him a reassuring look that told her she had it under control.

“Okay, so then you never actually said the bonding rite, correct?”

“Correct.” He turned his head and leveled a serious look at Tatiana. “She was afraid to make love. She wouldn't let me touch her, and I didn't blame her, especially after everything she'd been through. The pregnancy was touch and go at best, and neither of us wanted to do anything to jeopardize the baby's health or hers.”

Steven straightened the sheet over Courtney's motionless body in a simple but loving gesture. “She'll be fine,” he said adamantly. “She needs more time. That's all. I'd like to be alone with her if you don't mind.”

“I understand.” Tatiana rose from the stool and kissed the top of Steven's messy hair. “Call me if you need me, or if there's a change in her condition, okay?”

Steven nodded but said nothing.

Tatiana and Dominic opened the door to leave. She called to Casanova to follow, but the puppy refused to move and stayed at Steven's feet.

“It's fine,” Steven said without looking up as he absently scratched the beagle's head. “Courtney always liked dogs.”

“Okay,” Tatiana said hesitantly. “If he gets in the way, let me know, and I'll come get him.”

Dominic followed Tatiana into the hallway and found Layla and William waiting.

“Do you two want a break?” Dominic asked.

“No, we're fine.” Layla jutted a thumb toward the stairwell. “We took turns showering, and thanks to the whole mate thing, sleep is desired but not required. Any change in there, sis?”

“No.” Tatiana sighed. “I can't be sure, but I think her condition is complicated by the fact they aren't officially mated. I guess all we can do is wait and see.”

“Yes.” William nodded, his expression grim. “We suspected that was the case, but obviously, no one wanted to inquire.”

“Hey, what about the horses?” Layla tucked her long, curly red hair behind one ear and changed the subject. “Did you get more ideas about who killed Spirit?”

“It was a Purist,” Dominic interjected. He sliced a glance in Tatiana's direction.

“As I suspected,” William said haughtily.

“Not exactly.” Tatiana sighed. “There's a traitor on the ranch.”

As Tatiana explained their theory, William's face twisted into a mask of fury, and he pulled Layla into the shelter of his body. Dominic couldn't blame him. He felt pretty damn protective of everyone, but especially Tatiana.

“We need to be extra vigilant once the prince returns,” Dominic said. “I don't want him left alone under any circumstances. Either me, you, Dante, or Malcolm should be with him at all times.”

“Consider it done, but why don't we simply corner Eric and Zachary and confront them?” Layla asked.

“I don't want to rock the boat until after the prisoner swap tonight.” Dominic slung the rifles over his shoulder. “If Matt really has been taken against his will, I don't want to do anything to put him in unnecessary danger. Besides, chances are the traitor in our midst will reveal himself during the exchange. Which is precisely why I need all of you to stay here with Richard while I do the swap with Moravian.”

The four of them confirmed their plans, determining when and where to meet that evening.

When Dominic and Tatiana reached the main floor of the house, a crashing sound came from the kitchen. They ran in to find a mess of cereal and milk on the floor along with a broken bowl.

“I'm not eating that shit,” Daniella seethed.

“Fine by me,” Zachary said through a mouthful of Lucky Charms. “But you're missing out.”

Daniella sat at the kitchen table with her arms folded over her chest. Zachary sat at the other end, eating an enormous bowl of cereal with his gun in his lap. Kerry and Dante sat across from Daniella, but neither of them were eating. Dante, however, had his gun firmly in his hands.

“What's going on in here?” Dominic asked in a calm, serious tone.

Daniella's eyes widened with surprise when she saw Dominic standing in the doorway, but she quickly recovered and shot Zachary a look of contempt.

“I'm not eating that crap.” She stuck her nose in the air. “I'm on a hunger strike.”

“No one cares,” Zachary snorted.

“Zachary,” Dominic snapped. “She may be a Purist and a traitorous wretch, but she is still my sister. As much as I loathe what she's done, she is my family.”

“Sucks to be you, dude.”

“Dominic.” Daniella turned her steely glare to him. “When is this prisoner exchange? I want to get the hell out of here. I don't want to be around any of you or your half-breed whores.”

“The feeling's mutual, sweetheart,” Kerry said sweetly.

Dominic growled as his eyes snapped to their clan form, and he walked slowly around the table, keeping his sister in his sights. He moved toward her with the purposeful steps of the tiger. Grabbing her chair, he spun it so she was forced to look him in the eye. Dominic leaned close, so his face was inches from hers.

“In spite of the fact that you are a Purist, I would not let them hurt you.” His voice rumbled through the room, and sweat broke out on Daniella's forehead as he spoke. “However, if you refer to my mate as a whore ever again, make no mistake, I will think twice about keeping you safe. I don't know what happened to you, Daniella, or how you became so full of venomous hatred. All I can do is hope that
someday
, you will find someone who helps you dig your way out of the darkness.”

Dominic pushed himself away from her chair and loomed over her.

“To be sure you don't cause any trouble until the exchange, Dante and Kerry will stick close to you and Zachary.” He flicked his eyes to Zachary, wanting to see his reaction. “I'm sure you wouldn't mind the help.”

“Fine by me, brother.” Zachary wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and let out a loud belch. “She's a pain in the ass, so I'm happy to share her sparkling personality with these two.”

“You're a pig.” Daniella rolled her eyes and turned her chair back to the table.

“Sorry, baby.” He winked. “I'm all Lion Clan.”

Daniella made a sound of disgust, but Dominic didn't miss the amused look on Tatiana's face.

“I have to go back to my cabin for a little while,” Dominic said, ignoring his sister's attitude and focusing on his mate. “Tatiana and I have some things to take care of before I leave for the exchange this evening. We'll see you in the Council meeting later.”

Keep
an
eye
on
him.
Dominic telepathed to Dante through a protected mental link
. I still have a hard time believing he's involved with the Purists, but…
He didn't need to finish the thought because Dante knew as well as he did—it could be anyone.

I'm on it. By the way, I filled Malcolm in on the situation, and he's patrolling with Eric as we speak. They're still picking up a phantom energy signature around the edges of the ranch, but he can't nail it down.

Understood.

As Dominic and Tatiana left the house and headed to his cabin, he couldn't get his sister's face out of his mind. He had gotten good at hating her for what she did. However, seeing her again brought back a multitude of conflicting emotions. Daniella may be a traitor, but underneath it all, she was still his baby sister. As the dark emotions threatened to swallow him, he knew there was only one thing that could ease his pain.

As they walked down the gravel drive toward the cabins, Dominic stole a glance at Tatiana, and a funny feeling settled in his chest. He reached out and tangled her hand in his, linking their fingers and squeezing her palm tightly. It wasn't simply that he wanted to touch her—he
had
to.

Suddenly, he had an urgent, all consuming need to feel her skin rushing along his, to blaze a trail of kisses down her throat, to bury himself inside her, and to lose himself in the calm, natural beauty of her.

Tatiana smiled at him and squinted against the sun. Her eyes crinkled at the corners, making her even more gorgeous. Images of her naked body writhing beneath him filled his mind, igniting the carnal desire that always smoldered just beneath the surface. The craving slammed into him hard and fast, and in that instant he knew he couldn't wait until they got back to the cabin.

Dominic stopped and tugged her to him. He cradled her face with both hands, and as he stared into those gorgeous brown eyes, he knew he was lost.

“I have to have you, Tatiana.” He dragged one hand down her back and held her against him, his erection pressing into her belly. “Right now.”

***

Tatiana's eyes snapped to their clan form, and her lips parted on a sigh. She hooked her thumbs in the waistband of his pants, and her eyes twinkled with mischief as she ground herself against him. She wanted him too and not just for the physical connection. Ever since Steven's revelation, she'd felt uneasy, and she needed Dominic's soothing caress—the whisper of flesh brushing against flesh that made her feel safe.

“Then I suggest you use that blinky thing, and get us somewhere private.” Tatiana licked and nipped at his lower lip. “I'm sure if I get nauseous you can figure out something that will make me feel better.”

“
Verto
,” Dominic growled as he scooped her into his arms and kissed her.

The funny feeling of displacement and a rush of static were barely felt as his lips melded with hers, and their tongues collided. Tatiana held him close as she dove deep and took all that he had to offer. When he broke the kiss and came up for air, Tatiana looked around and saw they stood next to the freshwater pool in the field behind their cabins.

“I thought you might like to go for swim,” Dominic murmured between kisses along her throat. “Besides, I've been thinking about making love to you in the pool ever since you asked me about it the other day on the deck.”

Dominic placed her on her feet but didn't release her. Tatiana untucked his shirt while she held his gaze.

“It's right out in the open,” she whispered as she pushed the fabric up, exposing his gorgeous washboard abs. “Someone could see us.”