Unleashed (13 page)

“I know,” Malcolm said quietly. “I was just so preoccupied with finding this necklace for her. Quite frankly, I couldn't do anything else until I found it.” Malcolm shook his head with a small smile. “You know, Davis, no one tells you how hard it is.”

“How hard what is, sir?”

“This whole life mate thing. It may well do me in.” He furrowed his brow.

“Ah yes.” Davis smiled sadly. “Love of your life. We only get one of those. Even human beings, sir.” He sprinkled basil and oregano into the sauce bubbling up in a neighboring pot. “Sadie was mine. I miss her every day,” he said in a shaky voice. “She was taken from me so quickly, but I loved her a lifetime's worth.” A pained expression came over him, and tears threatened behind his eyes. Malcolm knew that Davis didn't want to break down in front of him. The old boy cleared his throat and focused more intensely on the sauce.

“I'm sorry.” Malcolm placed a strong hand on Davis's shoulder. He'd always felt a kinship with Davis, but now he truly could empathize. The idea of losing Samantha the way Davis had lost Sadie terrified him. He knew that if something happened to her, he wouldn't want to go on without her, and death would likely be a welcome relief.

“Not to worry, sir.” Davis sniffled and cleared his throat in an attempt to dispel the sudden onset of emotion. “Will you be having your dinner in your office this evening?”

“No. I'll come in for it later. I've got to speak with Richard and Brendan about the man from the other night.” Malcolm turned to go to his office. “Davis?”

“Yes, sir?”

“I almost forgot to ask. Did Samantha's paintings arrive?”

A large grin cracked Davis's wrinkled face, and he clapped his hands. “Yes, of course. I'm sorry sir. I forgot to tell you. Barkley had them hung throughout the house in the locations that you requested.”

Malcolm smiled and took a deep breath. “Thank you, for everything. You know I don't think I've ever said that to you before.”

“No worries, sir. You are more than welcome.” Davis bowed slightly with a smile. Davis was only about five foot ten and looked like he'd been shrinking for the past couple of years. He stood in that kitchen with a sauce-stained apron over a crisp white shirt, his signature bow tie and pressed pants, and still managed to look like the most regal gentleman Malcolm had ever met.

Smiling, Malcolm walked into the living room. Sure enough, set perfectly centered above the large fireplace was Samantha's painting
Woman and the Wolf
. He suspected it was something of a self-portrait, although she probably didn't realize it yet. He closed his eyes and focused on the painting. A slow smile spread across his face as her energy signature slipped over him. He opened his mind and concentrated on finding the other paintings. Each sent out a tentacle of energy that was distinctly Samantha. He sucked a deep breath and took it all in. Her sweet warmth and quiet strength rippled over him like the summer ocean. He felt his own strength increase, and his eyes shifted abruptly.

“Perfect,” he breathed. He knew that when she came into his home, she'd instantly feel at ease. Having her paintings here would give her the emotional equivalent of a blood transfusion.

Malcolm made his way back to his office with the necklace clutched tightly in his hand. In the office, he gently placed the jewelry on top of his desk. He laid it out delicately so that the chain would stay free of tangles and snags. His smile faded as he thought about the man from last night. The confrontation with Roger was nothing compared to what could happen if this Caedo got to her. Malcolm knew deep down that the man watching them at Paddy's had been Caedo; there could be no other explanation. He'd reeked of hatred, bigotry, and rage. Malcolm hated to admit it, but he needed help. He wanted Samantha's transition into their world to be as trauma-free as possible. He couldn't possibly do that and devote his attention to seeking out the Caedo. No. He definitely needed help. His pride would have to take a backseat to her safety.

He stood in the center of the room, closed his eyes, and reached out to Richard and his uncle Brendan at the same time. He focused on creating a mental link with both men and did it with much better speed than he had in a long time.

Richard and Brendan, I need to speak with you both. I am certain that the Caedo have found us once again, and I believe we are being hunted.

Within moments, both Richard and Brendan materialized on either side of him. He immediately turned and embraced his uncle. Anyone could tell that the two men were related, although they looked more like brothers. Brendan was over one hundred years old. As with all Amoveo, the aging process slowed significantly once he'd found his mate. His uncle was also just over six feet tall with chestnut hair, although he kept his longer and tied back in a low ponytail at the base of his neck. The most obvious physical difference between the two men was their eyes. Brendan's were almost black. He was his mother's brother and a member of the Kodiak Bear Clan.

It was unknown which clan a child would favor until adolescence. In addition to the challenges of human physical changes, Amoveos also undergo their first shift to their animal form at the onset of puberty. Malcolm knew his father was very proud that his son favored the Eagle Clan and would often give Brendan a hard time about it. Brendan and his mate, Sophia, of the Fox Clan, had twins. His daughter, Mariana, favored the Bear, while her twin, Dante, was of the Fox Clan.

“Hello, Nephew. I see Davis is still feeding you well. Good God, you are a big fellow.” Brendan released Malcolm from a good old bear hug.

“Good to see you, Uncle Brendan. And you as well Richard.” Malcolm turned to shake his friend's hand. “Thank you both for coming so quickly. Let's go into the living room.”

Malcolm gestured toward the doorway and allowed the Prince to lead the way.

The three men entered the room, and Brendan stopped short. His gaze was fixed on the painting above the fireplace. “Is that hers?” he asked quietly.

Malcolm puffed up with pride. “Yes.” He smiled and stood next to his uncle and admired his mate's work. “It's quite good isn't it?”

Brendan nodded slowly. “Her father, Lucas Logan, was quite a talented artist as well. Wasn't he?” He delivered a sideways glance to Malcolm and crossed his arms over his chest. “It's interesting. Her artistic abilities don't seem to be diluted at all. It will be interesting to see if her Amoveo talents are as strong or if they're diluted also.”

“Diluted?” Malcolm's body tensed, and he eyed his uncle.

“Well, she is a hybrid Malcolm. We've never had one before. We don't know what she'll be capable of,” Richard interrupted and sat in the large leather chair next to the fireplace.

Malcolm's eyes narrowed. “I see,” he said quietly. He instantly felt defensive. She was his mate. Hybrid or not, she was Amoveo. He felt some anxiety coming from Richard, but Brendan was a blank slate. Nothing.

Brendan slapped his shoulder and let out a short laugh. “Easy nephew, remember we're all here for the same reason.”

Malcolm searched Brendan's face and found the same smiling eyes he'd seen all his life. Some of the tension left his body, and he ran his hand through his hair with some embarrassment. “I know,” he breathed. “Please Uncle, sit down.”

Richard's sharp eyes stayed fixed on the two men, and he cleared his throat. They seated themselves on the brown leather sofa across from him. “I filled Brendan and the Council in on the earlier issue you had with the dream interloper. As you can imagine, we are all concerned for you and your mate,” Richard said solemnly. His sharp gaze flicked between Brendan and Malcolm. “You are a very unusual coupling. The truth is that your mating could hold the key to our race not only surviving, but thriving in the future. It is in everyone's best interest that you are protected. Brendan and a few of the others have been researching to see if we can find other humans like Samantha and her mother.”

“What happened last night?” Brendan interrupted.

“As I'm sure Richard delighted in telling you,” he began tensely. “I took Samantha out on a date.” He put his hand up to stifle any comments. “Yes, before you say anything, like a human.”

“I didn't say a word.” Brendan smiled, his hands up in a position of surrender.

Malcolm shot him a look of warning. “At any rate, we were listening to the music, and I suddenly felt this hatred. It rolled throughout the entire crowd in waves. I saw a man. He was definitely tracking Sam. I reached out to read him, and he blocked me,” Malcolm said with strangled frustration. He quickly waved his hand, and a fire burst to life in the fireplace next to Richard. He needed to put his anger somewhere, and the fireplace was as good a place as any.

“He blocked you?” Richard leaned forward in his chair. “He's a telepath,” he said with disbelief.

“Apparently,” Malcolm murmured and stared into the fire.

“Well, we have heard rumors that the Caedo have been actively trying to develop certain psychic abilities. I must say the ability to block a telepathic probe is a good one,” Brendan said quietly.

Richard stood and paced restlessly in front of the fire, clearly concerned with this latest development. “Good for them, bad for us.” His apprehension flowed through the room and over both men. Malcolm and Brendan exchanged a look. There wasn't much that rattled the Prince. “One of our major advantages was being able to ferret out what their plans were by searching their minds. But if they've learned to block that, then we really are flying blind.”

Brendan turned his attention to Malcolm. “You've got to take her away from here, Malcolm. You should bring her to one of our safe houses. They've found you both and will surely make a move on you sooner than later.” He laid a hand on Malcolm's shoulder and gave it a squeeze.

“Absolutely not,” Malcolm said. His golden eyes glittered with determination. “Her grandmother is everything to her. I can't possibly take her away now. Besides she still doesn't know…well…anything, really. I'm just beginning to gain her trust, and I can't very well take her away from everything she knows.”

Silence hung between the men. Malcolm's mind wandered to Roger and the way he'd tried to force himself and his very presence on Sam. He would never make her do anything against her will. His gaze flicked back to Brendan. “No,” he said adamantly, “we've got to find another option.”

Richard stood still, silently staring into the fire, his hands clasped behind his back. He glanced back over his shoulder at the two warriors behind him. “I agree with Brendan,” he said firmly.

Malcolm's heart sank. Richard was the leader of their people, an ancient one, and everyone followed his instructions without question. That was how they'd managed to stay safe for so many years.

“However, Malcolm is in very difficult and uncharted waters here. It is not a usual mating situation at all. Samantha is going to have a lot to accept in the coming days, and I agree that moving her now would cause more harm than good.”

Relief and gratitude washed over Malcolm. “Thank you, Richard.”

“My Prince, with all due respect, I disagree,” Brendan added quickly.

Richard held up his right hand and glanced sharply at Brendan, silencing him with a look from his now shifted golden, lion eyes. Richard was the Prince, and his orders were to be followed without question, especially in times of battle. Malcolm was surprised that Brendan would even think of contradicting Richard at a time like this.

Brendan bowed his head. “As you wish,” he said tightly.

Malcolm stood up and nodded with respect to Richard. “My gratitude.”

Richard gave a quick nod and turned to Malcolm's uncle. “Brendan. I want you to go back and convene the Council immediately. Inform them of the latest news. We will gather three warriors to help protect them. Your son Dante, William of the Falcon Clan, and Steven of the Coyote Clan.” He turned stoically to Malcolm. “These three will be watchful eyes for you. They will guard you and your mate until the mating rite is complete. Once she has full understanding of the situation, you can take her to one of our safe houses until we can find the source of this threat.”

Malcolm nodded his acceptance and thanks.

“Brendan, please do as I ask. I will join you there shortly.”

Brendan accepted the order with a curt nod. He then turned and looked somberly at Malcolm. “Good-bye, Nephew. You know I wish only the best for you.” With that, he uttered the ancient words and vanished into the air.

Malcolm and Richard walked outside to the deck in a shroud of silence.

Richard stood stone still and crossed his arms over his broad chest. He stared out over the seemingly endless ocean before them.

Malcolm could sense the apprehension coming from his mentor. It floated over him with the spray of the salty sea air. “I can feel your concern for us, Richard.” Malcolm stood quietly next to him, his hands behind his back, like a soldier with his commander. “I have to admit, I feel much better knowing that three of our finest warriors will be here to watch my back and watch over my mate. Especially my cousin Dante, he is fiercely protective. I am eternally grateful for all of your help.”

Richard didn't respond immediately, merely kept watching the moon dance on the water.

Malcolm sensed he was choosing his words with great care.

“I am concerned for you and Samantha on many levels. Your mating is definitely an oddity among our people and one that may be difficult for some to understand. Are you ready for what may follow?”

Malcolm cocked his head and narrowed his eyes questioningly. “I'm not exactly sure what you mean by that.”

“Never mind.” Richard waved it off. “Let's deal with the threat at hand. I will contact you as soon as we've updated the Council. I'm sure your brothers in arms will contact you once they arrive.” He offered a strained smile. “Just remember, these three men aren't mated yet.”