Chance Lost (20 page)

Chapter 36

Sylas drove the Jeep to the canyon but stayed out of the park since it would be dark soon and the park closed the gates at 10pm. He drove in as far he could without drawing attention of any forest rangers. When they got out, Sylas went to the back and found a picnic basket full of snacks and a blanket stuffed between the handles.
Leave it to Jack to think of everything
, he thought chuckling to himself. Chance looked at him and raised her eyebrows but didn’t say anything.

Hand in hand, they headed down into the canyon, wanting to get towards the bottom before it got too dark. Not that it mattered, since they could both see perfectly no matter the time of day. An hour later and they found a perfect spot near one of the waterfalls. The view was spectacular. The sun was starting to set beyond the walls of the canyon causing the light to streak across the sky. There were woods right behind them and a large open area to set the picnic out on. The forest was full of animal and bird sounds and the air was crisp, smelling of fresh pine.

Sylas opened the blanket and spread it out and moved the basket to one side. He opened it and took out an array of cheeses, meats, and crackers. He found two wineglasses and a chilled bottle of light Chardonnay. Jack even remembered to include a cork wine opener. Sylas opened the bottle and poured them both a glass. Turning to Chance, he smiled and handed her one.

“A toast to the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. I love you now and forever, Chance Cadens. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you. This is for day one of forever.”

Chance gasped, suddenly understanding his meaning of day one. She quickly touched her glass to his and took a swallow. Sylas could tell she was nervous and excited by the look on her face.

“Are you saying what I think you are, Sylas?”

“Chance, you have been through so much and I want for you to have a special memory to wipe out all the bad ones. My love for you comes from the depths of my soul and beyond. I think it’s time to make a certain dream become reality.”

Sylas took her glass and placed it along side his on the basket lid. He stepped closer to her and pulled her in for a world-shattering kiss. He reached back and pulled her braid slightly, exposing her neck. His kisses rained down her neck like gentle droplets. He savored every one of them. She tasted like honey and wine and he could not get enough. She leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his waist, moaning her pleasure.

Sylas leaned back and pulled the braid around so he could pull the silky strands loose. Running his fingers through it, waves cascaded over them both as the strands came free of their bonds.

“I love your hair, baby. Please don’t ever cut it or change it. It is one of many things that are perfect about you.” Chance sighed as he ran his fingers up to her scalp, tangling them there on purpose.

The last of the daylight faded from the sky while he kissed her again. He needed to feel her skin against his and so he began to pull up her shirt. She stepped back to let him pull it over her head. She was not wearing a bra as usual and her nipples were standing erect, waiting to be nibbled on. He pulled his t-shirt off and pulled her back into him, relishing the feel of her against him.

Chance’s hands were roaming his back and one found its way down to cup his ass, pulling his erection into her. She was grinding her hips into him as if she was dancing and he soon he found he was matching her rhythm. He wasn’t sure what song was playing in her mind until he felt her in his head. It was the song he sang to her first, On the Dock of the Bay, and they danced as he sang along once again.

When the song ended, Sylas pulled her down to her knees to the blanket and then gently laid her back so he could roam her body some more. He suckled and kissed each nipple in turn before moving down to her navel. His tongue circled the crystal in her navel before moving lower. Sylas reached down and pulled her shoes off and then used his teeth to pull down her zipper. His tongue was everywhere, tasting her essence and sweetness. As expected, she was commando under her pants and he could smell her arousal as he tugged them down and off. Every time he touched her, he could hear her moans in his mind.

Chance was mentally telling him what she wanted and where. He took his time, teasing her with his hands and tongue, running them up and down her thighs. He found all the spots that spiked her need. Deciding he could wait no longer he dove into her honey pot with his tongue and she was dripping and ready for more. He lapped up every drop and teased her for more. His tongue sucked her nub, readying her for him. Sylas finally let her come and the sound of it in his head was more than his beast could take.

Sylas was shaking, fighting the need to shift and let his cat take over.
Not yet! This is my time! You will have yours soon
, he told the beast. Chance sat up and reached for him. She could sense the war happening in his head. Her hands found his zipper and she helped him remove his jeans.

“I’m ready, Sylas. We both are. It is time for our souls to complete their journey.”

Sylas moaned and leaned over her, no longer able to contain his need to make her his mate. He pulled her up to her knees. He sat on his legs between her legs and let her straddle him.

“Take me in hand, Chance, and guide me in. This is for both of us. I need this to know you are absolutely sure.”

Chance reached down and took a gentle hold of him. She stroked him, all the while her eyes never looking away from his. He was already hard, but it was her way of letting him know this was what she wanted. Guiding him to her entrance, she eased down over him, letting the tip enter her.

Sylas held her still, wanting to control this to make sure he didn’t hurt her any more than necessary. He lifted his hips and watched her face for any signs of discomfort. He eased in a little and felt the resistance he was looking for.

“This is the part that will hurt a little, baby. It will only hurt once and that will be the last of it. Pleasure will be yours thereafter.”

Chance nodded and he eased back and then pushed until he broke through. He held still a moment, watching as a single tear traced down her cheek.

“It doesn’t hurt, love. That was a happy tear. I love you so very much, Sylas. Make me yours forever.”

Gazes locked on each other, Sylas increased his speed a little and drove himself deeper. She fit him like a glove and she was hot with need. When he finally drove himself in all the way, he groaned at the perfect feel of her.

Chance started to circle her hips and he could hold still no longer. They rose and collided in perfect harmony, both feeling the tingles building in their bodies. Sylas felt his fangs descending and noticed hers doing the same. She paid it no mind and moved her head closer to his shoulder. Sylas pulled her hair aside and they both turned their necks to give each other access. It was the first time their eyes were not locked on the other. Their motions increased as the need rose to release.

At the same moment, they each bit into the other and they both exploded in one mind-blowing orgasm. The world turned into colors and sparks flew through their minds as they became one entity, four souls finally together. Chance screamed his name as she released her bite, still in the throes of becoming an immortal.

Sylas shook with emotion and ecstasy. His thoughts were a jumble of his cat roaring his gratification over his mate, Chance’s exultation, and his completion of a lifelong search. They sat wrapped in each other’s arms, both trembling now. His joy was overwhelming and he became hard again.

Chance felt his desire growing inside and she smiled up at him. Her hips moved of their own accord, her need matching his. Sylas held her as he moved them both down to the blanket with her under him. He wanted control this time and he took it. She opened wider for him, letting him drive as deep as he wanted and he did. This time he didn’t want careful or slow and she understood it, matching him stroke for stroke. They both came screaming the others name.

Sylas never wanted this to end, but he knew they had no choice. He reached for their glasses and they downed the wine in a few gulps.

“We need to go soon, but not before you shift, love. Our cats are getting impatient.” He chuckled when she nodded her agreement a little too enthusiastically. Sylas shifted and sat on his haunches, bumping his huge head into her in encouragement. Chance closed her eyes and smiled. Her body vibrated less than a few seconds and then she was there in all her feline beauty and grace.

She nudged him and licked his face, purring her love for him. Sylas roared, reveling in her. They turned and sprinted into the trees, running with pure joy. She tackled him to the ground and he chuffed at her, laughing. His beast took over, needing to seal the mating process. Afterwards, they trotted back, shifting before they broke the tree line. Sylas made love to her again against the tree they were standing by, her back was to him and he entered her like in the dream.

He couldn’t get enough of her. He wanted to make love to her and become one. He shared his thoughts with her and she with him. It enhanced every emotion and feeling that was coursing through them.

Love was the main emotion and it brought them both nearer to each other, if that was even possible. Sylas latched onto her shoulder and drove into her until they came together in perfect harmony. Their mutual orgasm shattering all thought processes. This time it was so intense Chance passed out and he had to catch her before she hit the ground.

Sylas carried her back to the blanket as she came to. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him silly.

“You have taken every bad memory from me, my love. They no longer exist. Nothing will ever take this time and moment away from me, Sylas. The world could end tomorrow and I would die a happy woman. I never felt such love and tenderness from anyone before you. I don’t think I have the words to express what this has meant in healing my heart and soul. I love you with all that I am and from deep within my heart. I am filled with it and it feels as if I could explode from happiness.”

Exalted in Chance’s declaration, he whispered in her ear, “This is what I want to give you every day, from now until eternity, and I will, Chance. I waited for this moment for over 500 years. You make me whole and yet, I still feel as if I cannot get enough of you.”

Sylas helped her dress and then dressed himself. They packed up the picnic and finished off the wine. Just before they were ready to walk back up the canyon, he stopped and turned her toward him, dropping to one knee. “I know it is a human thing and we are already mated, but humor me for a moment. Chance, I don’t have a ring yet, but once this is over, will you do me the honor of marrying me?”

Sylas scanned her face, watching as she bit her lower lip. Tears began to fall silently down her cheeks. He panicked for a small moment when she stayed silent. He relaxed only when she gave him a beautiful smile and said yes. He jumped to his feet and grabbed her, spinning them around and around.

“Goddess bless us, I love you, Chance Cadens!” Suddenly there was a golden shimmering light surrounding them, filling them both with warmth and love. Sylas felt his mother’s presence and he thanked her aloud for the gift. He felt her touch his face and then watched, as Chance’s eyes grew round and suddenly a large diamond engagement ring appeared on her ring finger.

Sylas drove back to the campsite content and happy. Jack was still awake and waiting on them. He’d already put a bottle of champagne on ice with 3 glasses waiting for them to get back. He popped the cork and toasted the newly mated couple after they both got teary hugs from him. After he refilled their glasses, he shooed them both to the back, telling them he would have breakfast ready in the morning and not to worry about a thing.

Sylas made love to Chance in the shower and then carried her to the bed to continue his ministrations. He licked and tasted every inch of her, bringing her to ecstasy over and over again until they both finally passed out from exhaustion.

Chapter 37

Chance woke up sore but extremely content and relaxed. She was wrapped in her man’s arms and she felt like she was home for the first time in her life. He was the earth and the air all wrapped into one perfect being and he was hers. She was facing him with her head on his arm and her hand on his chest. She could feel his heart beating and it made her smile. She snuggled in closer, relishing the feel of his skin against hers. She saw his lips turn up in a smile and he pulled her up so she was lying on his chest.

“Mmmm, good morning, future wife of mine. Did you sleep well?”

“Yes I did, Mr. Taiken. Better than I can ever remember. Oooo, is that a pickle in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?” She giggled when his eyes grew big with feigned surprise.

Chance slithered down his body, but not before throwing thick strands of hair over him. She found her prize and quickly licked the pre-cum before it had a chance to escape her. She took him into her mouth and felt him shudder, his pleasure obvious. His hands found their way into her mane as she bobbed up and down over his perfect shaft. She took him in deeper and deeper into her throat, wanting to please him all the more. It wasn’t long before he lost control and was shooting his seed into her mouth. She took it all greedily and when he was done, she crawled back up to share his taste in a deep kiss.

“If you are not too sore, my lady, I would love to show you my appreciation.”

Chance grinned at him and then suddenly found herself on her hands and knees with him behind her. He drove into her in one fluid movement and she moaned, wanting more of him. She tried turned her head to watch as he drove his cock into her over and over, but he had one hand using her tresses as reins. She was nearing climax quickly with his passionate lovemaking. Sylas gave her a gentle tug, wanting her up so he could bite her. As soon as his teeth sank into her shoulder, her entire being exploded around him.

She fell back asleep with him still inside her. Neither of them wanted to break the contact it gave them. She woke later in the morning to the feeling of him growing hard again inside her and she could not put the erotic feel of it into words. It was sexual in a whole new way and it made her instantly wet with desire. She moaned when the feeling overwhelmed her senses and he took his sweet time slowly loving her once more.

After another shower, they smelled bacon cooking and reluctantly left the bedroom to join Jack in the kitchen. He was cooking a feast for breakfast and they made sure he knew it was appreciated by eating every last bite. Who knew sex could make one so ravenous? They skipped training after, figuring they had given each other enough of a work out.

Chance knew Jack was antsy to go shopping and so she helped him sort everything out. She hugged him and gave him a peck on the cheek. “Thank you, Jack. You are like a brother to me and I want you to know how much I care about you. Be careful and hurry home okay?”

He smiled at her and she stood beside Sylas as he drove off.

* * * *

Sylas held Chance in his arms as Jack drove off in the Jeep. He had an uneasy feeling and it was eating at him from the inside out. He sniffed the air but couldn't smell any shifters around the area. They went back inside and he turned to lock the motor home down. They would enjoy each other some more, but not outside. This would be as safe as he could make it. He locked the door and pulled the shades on all the windows, including the ones over the windshield. Chance was back in the shower and he itched to join her, but this time she was trying to ease some very sore muscles in a steam bath.

Instead he called his mother, taking advantage of the small window of time where he could talk to her alone. Lachesis shimmered in, dressed in her flowing toga style dress. “Mother, thank you for coming. I can feel trouble in the air and I need to know what you might know of it.”

“The time has come son, and I can no longer help you. You know what to do. Now go to her.” Sylas started to say more but his mother had already faded away.

It was then that Sylas heard them outside. He wasn't sure how many were out there but he knew there wasn’t any time left. He ran to the back just as the first rock hit the windshield. The rock didn't break through, but did crack it. He got to Chance just as a scream was about to leave her throat.

Sylas put his hand over her mouth, startling her, but she knew who it was in an instant.

“We have to get ready now, Chance. No fear, baby, just our love.”

She nodded and hurriedly dressed in her black leathers. She pulled on her special boots and checked her gun to make sure it was ready and loaded. Then she quickly braided her wet hair, not bothering to comb through it.

Chance rummaged through a drawer and pulled out a package she had bought special for this moment and handed it to Sylas. She tried not to panic when she felt the motor home shaking and more rocks hitting the glass. Sylas opened the box and inside was a matching set of leathers in his size. She also included some armbands and a full vest like hers. She intended to survive this with both of them in one piece.

They only had a few precious moments before the fight would begin and she took advantage of every second by pulling Sylas into her arms. They locked eyes and kissed, putting all their love into it. Sylas pulled back when he heard feet running down the hallway. He braced the door and then turned to her, whispering urgently.

“Stay in human form Chance. I need you to promise me you won’t shift. Keep it a secret until absolutely necessary and do not, for any reason, shift to protect me. Remember they can’t kill us, only my parents can do that. They won’t know you are mated as long as you keep the mark covered. They won’t be able to tell by scent either. Keep your shoulder covered as long as you can, baby. I love you no matter what happens. If they should take you from me, know I will find you.”

Chance nodded and kissed him again as the wolves tried to break the door in. She was grateful she spent the extra money on a better home with solid oak doors. With tears in her eyes, they both stepped away from the door.  It shattered as a man fell through it. Sylas took the first and Chance the next. She ducked a fist and nearly ripped his arm off as she grabbed it and spun. She reached up and grabbed his head, breaking his neck in a single move. As she moved to take on the next one, she saw Sylas shift. Blood and gore flew as he ripped his claws down his attacker’s chest. He was alive when he hit the floor, but not for long.

They moved out into the hallway fighting everyone who came at them. Chance held nothing back, her training kicking into full survival gear. She slipped on some blood and started to fall, but Sylas was right there, shoving her out of the way with his body, when a knife hit the floor right where she would have been. They worked their way outside where they both had more freedom of movement. Bodies and parts flew everywhere. Blood covered her from head to foot and yet, she didn’t notice it. She stayed as close as she could to Sylas, needing to be near him. She kept his words in her head and caught herself a few times wanting to shift.

Shifters kept coming at them. She had no idea how many they killed already and still they came. Some were in wolf form. She already had a few bite wounds seeping and she knew Sylas did too. They were getting smarter and coming at them in larger numbers. She grabbed her gun and shot two that were attempting to wrestle Sylas to the ground. She turned it on three more who were rushing her. She turned again when she smelled smoke and saw they’d set the home on fire. She heard other shots ring out and wrenched herself back into the fight. She used her last 3 bullets taking out two of the shooters, missing one.

She ran to Sylas when she saw two more trying to take him down. She pulled her knife and chucked it into one of them and used her toe knife to slash into the other’s leg, effectively disabling him. Just as she turned to finish him off, she felt a sting in her thigh. She reached down and pulled a dart out of her leg, falling to her knees as it took immediate effect. She screamed for Sylas, but the sound never left her throat. Her last sight was of Sylas getting slammed to the ground by a volley of bullets. Her world faded to black before she could process another word.