My Magic Mate Page 4

  Brencis ran a little faster and caught a glimpse of his mate as she ran and skipped her way deeper into the forest. From his brief glance at her, he thought she wore an oversized sleeping-shirt with a green witch on the front. She seemed to caress the bushes and trees as she went by. Was it his imagination or did the plants seem to lean toward her as if asking for her touch?

  Increasing his pace, Brencis reached the edge of a ring of trees. He saw a second pack member creeping closer to where Meadow stopped. Brencis growled low in his throat, telling the younger pack member to leave this prey. Instead of leaving, the young male wagged his tail and sat down, his gaze going from Brencis to the clearing.

  Brencis recognized the coloring of this young wolf. He was whiter and grayer than the other teens. This was Seth, and one day soon, Seth would receive alpha status in the pack. But for now, Seth should not try to provoke the Beta in the pack. Brencis walked in front of the young wolf, and when Brencis saw what Meadow was doing, he was glad he blocked Seth's sight of her.

  Meadow was kneeling on the ground, pouring a generous amount of honey over a broken loaf of bread. Where did she get that? Did she bring it with her? He heard her clearly as she rose to her feet and held out her arms.

  “Fey and Fairy-folk alike, Leprechauns and Flitting Sprite, I pay due homage now to Thee. Upon you, may all blessings be,” she said.

  Then, she pulled off her sleeping-shirt and started to dance naked in a circle around her offering. Brencis was frozen in awe. The moon shone down on Meadow, illuminating her white-blond hair and porcelain skin. Small lights seemed to surround her as she danced. The grass seemed greener, and the trees seemed to be reaching out to her as she passed. She looked unearthly, a goddess or a true fairy princess.

  Hearing movement behind him, Brencis remembered Seth. He snapped at the young wolf, then nudged him away with his shoulder. The message was clear, leave. Seth bowed his head toward Brencis and slowly backed away, turned, and started to head toward the house.

  Suddenly, Seth stopped and looked back to see Brencis watching him. Seth winked at him and trotted out of sight. Brencis wanted to laugh at the cheeky youth, instead he turned back to his mate. She finished dancing and stood still a moment, looking up at the star-filled sky, her hands raised in supplication.

  The urge to go to her was like a whip across Brencis’ backside. She was so beautiful, the line of her figure a work of art. His body stiffened with desire. He needed to go to her. Trotting out of the trees, he entered the moonlit clearing. Meadow's eyes widened and he heard her sharp intake of breath. He knew what she saw, a large silver-and-white wolf in its prime.

  Not wanting to scare her, he raised himself up on his hindquarters and hopped around in a parody of her dance. She giggled, and he felt her delight coming through the mating bond.

  Next, he lowered himself back to all four feet, then lowered his front half down, while waving his backside and tail in the air, the symbol of play. Meadow laughed out loud and ran toward the side of the clearing. Brencis hurried to block her. She squealed and darted toward the other side. Brencis rushed to block her again. Meadow chuckled and sprinted again. This time Brencis chased her. Meadow dodged behind a tree and circled the trunk. Brencis realized her intent and changed direction, coming up on her from the front. Meadow shouted and ran back toward the center of the clearing. Brencis decided he wanted to change the play. It was time to catch his prey. He ran after her, then leapt, knocking her down to the ground.

  Meadow lay on her stomach, her head on her arm, and giggled as she tried to catch her breath. Brencis reached down and licked her neck. Meadow gasped and wiggled, Brencis wasn't through teasing her. So he licked her again and again.

  Meadow gave a low moan, and suddenly Brencis wasn't happy being a wolf any longer. He needed his hands and his lips to tantalize Meadow. Brencis called the change and let the transformation take him.

  He reached down and turned Meadow over, then blanketed her again. He kissed her eyes, her lips, and her neck. He hummed in happiness when Meadow kissed him back and began running her hands over his chest and arms.

  His tongue licked along the seam of her mouth. She opened to him, and he dived in, licking and tasting her essence. He sucked on her lips and plundered the treasure of her mouth. Finally, he pulled back, looking down at his little mate, satisfied to see her panting for breath. Her nipples were hard and rubbed against his chest.

  “Brencis? You are a magical creature,” she said, staring at him in awe.

  “As magical as you, printsessa volshebnaya moya,” he answered between kisses and caresses. “That's why you are my mate.” She fit him so perfectly. For the first time, it began to sink in. This woman was meant to be his.

  “You are a werewolf? A lycan? Brencis, you’re naked.”

  “You know about lycanthropes?” How was that possible? He took her scent deep into his lungs. She wasn’t afraid. He reached for her mind through the mating bond. All he found was awe in her thoughts.

  “Well, I’ve read about them, or at least I’ve read about werewolves. I am a witch, you know. I didn’t realize they were real. But then most people don’t believe witches have power, either.”

  “I am very real. Can you feel how much I want you? Let me show you how real I can be,” Brencis said. Leaning down, he took her puckered nipple into this mouth. They both moaned in delight, the sensations of pleasure flowing between them physically and mentally.

  Meadow buried her hands in Brencis’ dark curls and held him to her chest. He licked at her breast, circling and sucking on her nipple before biting down lightly, causing a little sting. Meadow gasped. It felt so good. She could feel the answering warmth stealing into her womb with each pull, and Brencis’ pleasure in the act as well.

  This was her dream, her soul mate making love to her. Then, he kissed his way to the other side, giving equal attention to both. Meadow’s back arched, pushing her breast deeper into his mouth. Moisture wept from between her thighs as her desire built.

  Releasing her breast, Brencis kissed his way up her neck to her ear. There, he licked and nipped, before sucking her lobe into his mouth and biting gently.

  “Are you wet for me, detka, baby?” he whispered, inserting a finger through her folds and finding her moist and creamy center.

  “Gods, yes. Please, Brencis,” Meadow said, running her hands down his back and to his butt, pulling him closer.

  Suddenly an alarm started sounding and lights came on around the complex. Brencis and Meadow both stiffened.

  “Perimeter breach,” Brencis shouted as he jumped off Meadow.

  Spying her shirt on the ground, he picked it up. Grabbing her hand, he lifted her off the grassy field and into his arms and started running toward the house. Meadow wrapped her arms around his neck and held on tight, her face buried against his chest, as he put on a burst of preternatural speed.

  Brencis kept Meadow well-sheltered in his embrace. He needed to get her inside the safe room, before he could help secure the property. What was going on? Were they under attack?

  Grigori would have already locked Melisande into the safe room next to the master bedroom, which left the one near the kitchen. Hopefully Rosie would be making her way to the safe room. Now if only she didn't seal the door before he could get Meadow inside.

  Valerii was standing with the kitchen door open and a gun in his hand.

  “The way is clear. Get her inside and hurry,” he called.

  Brencis dived through the door and turned right into the kitchen. Rosie stood in the safe room, her body blocking the door.

  “Bring the dear in here, Brencis. Don't you worry. I'll see to her,” she said.

  “Bren? What is going on? What is that alarm? Is there a fire?” Meadow asked in confusion, holding onto his neck like a vise.

  “No, love. It means we have unwanted visitors. This is Rosie, our cook. Stay with her, and I will be back as soon as I can,” Brencis said as he lowered Meadow into a chair, dropping the shirt into her lap. H
e kissed her quickly.

  “You know the drill, Rosie. Lock her up tight,” Brencis said as he ran back outside the safe-room.

  Brencis hoped Meadow wouldn’t get too upset. She would be safe with Rosie. He heard the door click and lock. Then, he was running out the back door, transforming to wolf as he ran. He saw Valerii firing toward the front gate and circled around to the side. There appeared to be two men with guns, trying to hold the gate open. That meant there were more men, probably in the house. Brencis reached with his telepathy.

  Grigori, is Melisande secure? Are you safe?

  Yes, what about Meadow?

  She is with Rosie. They are secure.

  I have three unknown men in the house, Grigori sent. Seth is with me. We are listening to them panic. Sounds like a kidnapping attempt. I will try to keep one of them for questioning.

  Valerii and I will take out the two by the gate, sent Brencis.

  I warned the other pups to stay away from the house. Be careful, Grigori replied.

  Brencis crept closer to the men at the gate. Both men were jumpy, and were too busy returning fire at Valerii to notice the bushes by the gate move as something passed by. Brencis jumped and took out the first man, ripping his throat with his teeth. He tasted the man's blood, and his wolf spirit acknowledged the kill. These men were a threat to his mate and his Alpha. Killing them was a necessity.

  Brencis left the body of the first man and crept closer to the second. This kill would be harder. Brencis would be in his line of sight for the last six feet. As long as the man kept his attention on Valerii, it would be fine. Brencis crept closer. He was about to jump, when the man turned and looked right at him. Brencis knew he wasn't going to make it. He saw the man raise his gun and point. Brencis only hoped he could heal the damage. There was so much to live for now that Meadow was part of his life. Suddenly, a bullet went through the intruder’s forehead. Valerii had made the shot. The man crumpled to the ground as Valerii ran up.

  Thanks my friend, Brencis sent to Valerii telepathically.

  My pleasure. How many are inside?

  Grigori says three, Brencis sent. Check their pockets for any clues. I doubt you'll find any, but check in case. I'm going into the house to help.

  Brencis ran up to the front of the structure. The tall broken window on the side showed how the men got in. It was surprising they entered the house. Normal criminals would have left when the perimeter alarms and lights went on. Whoever these men were, they were serious about getting in.

  Brencis crept through the window and followed the scent of nervous human males to the stairs.

  The fact they went upstairs proved they were looking for someone in a bedroom. It was a well-guarded secret that Melisande had moved the master bedroom downstairs into one of the original parlors.

  Grigori, are they still upstairs? Brencis asked.

  Just a moment. Now Seth, Grigori sent.

  Brencis heard growls and men crying out as well as two gunshots. Afraid for his pack mates, Brencis ran up the stairs. He ran into one of the guest rooms to find Grigori tying up one man and Seth standing over the bodies of two more. The smell of blood was strong in the air. Both Grigori and Seth appeared to be fine.

  Grigori?

  Fine, Bren. They missed us both. Go get changed. I'll need your help with questioning this man. Have Valerii call Detective Inspector Ralf Lewis at Scotland Yard.

  Brencis ran into his room and shifted, pulling on a pair of pants and a shirt. He relayed Grigori's instructions to Valerii. Then, he ran back into the guest room and knelt down next to the wolf Seth, who was checking for any signs of life from their intruders. Both men were dead.

  “You did well, Seth. Now, I need you to check on the rest of the pack. Make sure Adam, Jeremy, and Donny are okay at their posts, and check on little Joe. If anyone needs anything, use telepathy and call me,” Brencis said as he patted Seth on the head and scratched him behind the ear.

  The young wolf wagged his tail and headed out to do as he was bid.

  “Shouldn't you let Valerii check on Joe?” Grigori asked.

  “Not yet,” Brencis said. “Right now, I think we need to keep her secret. She won't be able to hide it from anyone when she comes into her first mating heat.”

  “And if Valerii isn't her mate?” Grigori asked.

  “Then, we send her home to Russia to find one,” Brencis said. “I'm pretty sure Valerii is the one. Even now he is careful with her.”

  “That's because he thinks she is a fifteen-year-old boy who is small for his age,” Grigori said. “Valerii won't thank you for not telling him.”

  “Everyone thinks Joe is a fifteen-year-old boy,” Brencis said. “She can whip all the youngsters in a fair fight and is pretty good with a gun as well. Right now, she gets the same training as everyone else. She needs that. She is hiding from something bad in her past. We need to let her hide for a while longer.”

  “I agree with you, but make sure she is not alone on duty,” Grigori said. “Female lycanthropes are too precious to endanger.”

  Brencis remembered the first time he had seen little Joe with the other boys. Her disguise was perfect. Not even her playmates realized he was a she. Or did they? Rosie knew, of course, and Grigori saw through her disguise, and because Grigori knew, Brencis knew. He thought she was probably around eighteen. She was small even for a female lycan.

  Joe was actually Josephine and took one look at Valerii and started stammering. Brencis recognized her crush and hoped it turned into a mating. He couldn't wait for the day Valerii realized little Joe was his mate.

  “Melisande is going to be mad we got blood all over her carpet,” Grigori said with a shudder. “This chamber won't be able to be used until it is completely redone. Thank goodness, there aren't any tapestries in this room.”

  “Why don't you call her so she can open the safe room?” Brencis asked.

  “Not until we are sure the area is secure,” Grigori said. “I would make her wait for Inspector Lewis, but she won't put up with that. Help me move this guy downstairs. The police will take this man and the bodies when they get here.”

  Brencis wondered for a minute if Grigori planned to kill the last man as well, knowing their den had been invaded. Grigori might feel it justified, except it was unlike him to kill, unless in self-defense. Brencis hoped for the man's sake he spilled his guts and quickly.

  Meadow slipped her sleeping-shirt on over her head and looked around the small room she now shared with Rosie. There were shelves of food and water, as well as extra clothes and a rack of guns. The alarm could still be heard, with the door closed, the noise was muted and not so hard on her ears.

  “What is going on, Ma'am?” Meadow asked.

  “Oh, call me Rosie, my dear,” Rosie said. “The alarms started going off, so someone broke into the house. Mr. Grigori and Mr. Brencis will take care of it. Then, they will tell us to come out. Nothing to worry about, I assure you.”

  “This is a safe-room?” Meadow asked. Did this kind of thing happen often? Rosie didn’t seem concerned about it.

  “Yes, dear. For us, the women,” Rosie said. “Lycans protect their women. It is very important they do because they mate for life, and if one of them lost their mate, then they would rather die than live without her. You must remember and keep yourself safe. You are Brencis' mate now. Once children are born, a crib will be added to the safe rooms.”

  Meadow could hear the sound of gunfire outside the house and wished she could look out and see what was going on. Where was Brencis? Was he safe? Maybe she was overreacting.

  “Does this happen often?” Meadow asked. Maybe it was a good thing she was going home in the morning.

  “No, not at all. In fact, only one other time I know of, and that was in London in the townhouse they was renting. Poor Miss Melisande got taken right off the property. Brencis and Valerii were horrified to have lost her. Of course, they had been drugged and couldn't prevent it. Mr. Grigori was terrified something bad was gonna hap
pen to Miss Melisande. But he found her by following the mating bond. He killed a Russian mobster. No one touches the Alpha's Mate and lives to tell about it. My own boy Seth helped fight the mobsters. That's how Mr. Grigori realized he needed to stay and find the rest of the lost lycans.”

  “Lost lycans?”

  “Yes, dear, other orphaned children having a wolf spirit like my five darlings,” Rosie said. “Found them as pups, I did, and I knew they needed proper raising. They are too special to grow up as thugs, you know. They are blessed with the ability to become wolves, and they are stronger and have better senses then a mere human like me. Donny and Adam were in a traveling circus, kept in cages, the poor darlings. Little Joe found me, showed up on me doorstep, needing food and shelter. I looked at those eyes and knew I'd found another one. Their eyes are different than humans’, brighter, they glow from within. Guess it's hard to describe. But my boys and I became a family, and then when we met Mr. Grigori, we became his family, too. So here we are.”

  “So you found five children, like Brencis, who can become wolves?” Meadow asked. She had noticed Bren’s eyes glowing when he was angry this evening. Was it a sign of a lycan?

  “I know it seems hard to believe,” Rosie said. “I think it was God leading me to help these poor darlings. Mr. Grigori said I might have some kind of power or something that draws children to me. All I know is they needed me, and so I took them in and loved them.”

  Two gunshots were heard upstairs. Meadow gasped, feeling panic creep closer. She wanted out of the room. She wanted to be in Brencis' arms. Looking for an exit, she noticed there was only the locked steel door, and she didn't know the combination.

  “Don't fret so,” Rosie said. “They heal faster than normal humans, though I suppose a shot to the head would be deadly. But don't listen to old Rosie. It'll be fine. What do you feel through your mating bond?”

  “Feel?” Meadow asked.

  “You are connected to Mr. Brencis by the golden mating cord. You can feel him through it. You can even speak to him with it.”