Eternally Bound: Paranormal Romance Boxed Set (24 page)

What the hell? Just as he started to go after her, Mahpiya’s powerful presence charged back into the familiar place in his head.

*Hoksila,
leave her be for now
.*

Fuck.

‘No worries, Mah. I can tell she needs a minute alone and so do I.’

His mate. Wow, he’d never expected such a thing. With that, Rahn climbed out of the tub and went back to his room. He flopped backward onto the bed, wrapped his fingers around his aching erection and closed his eyes. What would Chrysalyn’s hot cunt feel like wrapped around him? Would she grip him tight? Would she yell like she’d done a few moments ago?

With his mind full of fantasy and his cock as hard as iron, he pulled and stroked himself until his balls drew up tight against his body. His come geysered onto his chest. The eruption provided scant relief, knowing he wouldn’t be fully satisfied until he’d sunk into Chrysalyn’s sweetness, binding her to him completely.

But why hadn’t he realized this years ago? Mahpiya chimed in.

*
Because you were not ready to receive such a gift
, hoksila.
Certain events in your life have brought you to a place where you can appreciate her. Rest assured, Chrysalyn is the one
.*

‘Thank you, Mah. Thanks for looking out for me.’

*
My pleasure and my duty
,* she whispered, retreating to her favorite corner with a yawn.

After a catnap, Rahn rose, showered again and headed to Chrysalyn’s room. He was determined to win her, heart and soul. May as well start now.

It was still early enough, couldn’t be much past ten a.m. Perhaps she would have breakfast with him?

“Chrys,” he called quietly, tapping on her door.

No answer. Maybe she was napping as well?

“Chrys, love?”

Easing the door open, he was hit square in the chest by her scent, followed keenly by a disappointment so palpable he could have torn it in two and thrown it overboard. The room was empty. Chrys was gone.

Chapter Four

Over the years, he’d thought of Chrys often, but never contacted her out of respect. After all, she had someone else in her life, or he thought she had until this morning. But after tasting and touching the woman, after being in her presence again, he had to have her.

“Mahpiya, come to me,” Rahn grumbled, deep in thought. He walked across the expanse of the living room and sat in the overstuffed chair directly across from Chrys’ bedroom. His arm hung over the side of the linen-covered chair and was immediately propped up by the sleek back of an African female lion. Rahn’s fingers automatically smoothed over the thick pelt, but stilled at Mahpiya’s irritated growl.

*
May I remind you I am not one of your pathetic home cats
.*

“That’s housecat, Mah,” Rahn said with a grin. He knew where this conversation was going.

*
Whatever.
* She yawned with a muted roar. *
I am queen of my domain and have no need of petting.
*

Yep, she was proud all right. And beautiful and strong. But Rahn knew every woman needed a little stroking, no matter the species. “So, what if I need to do the petting? What if it soothes me? What then?”

*
If it is something you need, then I shall, of course, allow it
.* She sniffed and stretched her big body out on the plush carpet and Rahn buried his hand in her fur. Corded tendons and thick muscles bunched and twitched when his fingertips slipped over the spot just above her left shoulder. That was her sweet spot.

She rolled over on her side.

*
So why have you summoned me, my charge?
* the powerful spirit guide asked on a purr. Direct and to the point had always been her style. Rahn wished all females were this way. At least with Mahpiya, he always knew where he stood. If all was well, she said so. If he was being an idiot, Mahpiya had no bones about telling him. No second-guessing required.

“When I went to look for Chrys, she wasn’t in her room. Is she running from me?”

*Hoksila,
you know I am not allowed to touch the thoughts of one who is not in my charge. I can only sense the emotions of others, however, with Chrysalyn I may be able to see somewhat deeper.
*

“Mah, what are you getting at?” Rahn asked, his eyebrows bunched in question.

*
If I answer your question, it would mean revealing a secret that is not mine.
*

With a frustrated sigh, Rahn pushed out of the chair and paced in front of the corporeal body of his guide before flopping back into the cushions.

“You can trust me, Mah. You know that.”

*
Yes, I know, but I am not the one who must trust you. It is someone else
.*

“Chrys?”

*
In a manner of speaking
.*

“Is Chrys okay? Is everything all right?” He was no longer easing his hands along Mahpiya’s back, but sat ramrod straight, brow knotted with tension. If something was wrong with Chrys, he wanted to know about it.

*
It is not what you think,
hoksila.
It is, in fact, a wondrous thing
.*

“Then tell me, before I go out of my mind with worry, damn it,” he pressed. Rahn knew he was being less than polite with a female who tolerated no disrespect. But she did recognize that, while she was his spirit guide, he was all man. It was second nature to him to demand what was needed.

The lioness’s tawny-eyed stare bore into his. Rahn couldn’t have cared less.

“Tell me, Mah. Right this instant. What the hell is this secret that involves Chrys? You know I’m trustworthy, now out with it.”

*
If you insist
.*

Seconds ticked by. Felt more like eons as they sat, holding each other’s gaze. Suddenly, Mahpiya’s expression softened, and she grinned as only a feline could.

*
I told you earlier Chrysalyn is your mate. What I did not tell you is that she has a spirit guide. An African lion, like me
.*

“What?” Rahn couldn’t believe it. What were the odds of that? Of all the women he knew, the one he wanted more than anything had a spirit guide. But the realization raised more questions. If he and Chrys did get together, would the two spirit guides get along? Which one of the lionesses would lead their little pride? It was too amazing to conceive and sent his thoughts tumbling one over the other until they gelled enough to form a logical question.

“So what’s her spirit guide’s name?”

*
Adonei
,* Mahpiya said fondly. Rahn’s brows rose. Well, it was obvious Mah already got along with the other lioness. Strange name, though.

“Adonei? What kind of a name is Adonei for a female?” he queried. At her response, his mouth fell wide open and practically hit the carpet.

*
Adonei is not a female. Adonei is a male, and he is my mate, as Chrysalyn is yours.
*

“You have got to be shitting me!”

Mates? Mah and this Adonei lion? Finally, his faithful companion would have someone especially for her. She was such a good guide, she deserved another who would love her, hunt with her and maybe even give her little spirit babies, if there was such a thing. Wait a minute. How did he know this Adonei was a good spirit? Sure, Mahpiya could sense such things, but they’d been together for years and he wouldn’t just let anyone waltz into her life. After all, she deserved the best. Perhaps it was time for a little interview with Mr. Adonei.

“So,” Rahn said evenly. “When can I expect to meet this Adonei?” Fingers steepled under his chin, the tips tapped together as he pinned Mahpiya with a glare. “If he’s your mate, then as your only male relative, I demand to have a talk with him.”

*
I appreciate your concern
, hoksila.
I love you as well
.*

“Mah,” he growled impatiently when she didn’t answer his question. She laughed! And when he was totally serious too!

*
You cannot speak directly with Adonei because you and Chrysalyn have not joined yet. But once your bond begins to form, you will be able to talk with him as easily as you speak with me. And there is more
.*

“Hell, Mah, I don’t know if I can take any more news.”

*
Adonei and I offer our assistance in securing your mate
.*

“Huh?” he asked as his mind tried to wrap around what his spirit guide said.

*
I said, we wish to help you win Chrysalyn
.*

Boy, this just got better and better. He felt an idiotic grin spread across his lips, but couldn’t seem to control his facial muscles.

*
If you want her, that is
.*

“Of course I want her. I’ve always wanted her. What man in his right mind wouldn’t want a woman like Chrys?” Regret had been his constant companion since he’d blown his first chance with Chrys. The woman evoked such strong feelings in him, she was the only female he knew who made him feel so…unsteady. But like a fool, he’d allowed himself to be distracted by other things. By the time he’d figured out she was everything he’d ever wanted in a woman, she was engaged to what’s-his-butt.

So what happened between the two of them? Why hadn’t they gotten married?

*
I know you have questions, but until Chrysalyn accepts you, spirit, soul and body, you must speak to Adonei through me. I will do my best to ensure we communicate well
.*

“Thanks, Mah. I love you, you know that, you big beautiful cat?”

*
Big cat? Humph!
*

“Okay, you and Adonei fill me in.” A noticeable pep in his step, Rahn made his way to the kitchen, listening to Mah’s sultry voice. All this news about mates and spirit guides made him hungry. Not to mention the wonderfully intimate time he’d spent with Chrys early this morning.

After a bit of rummaging around, he found everything he needed to make a nutritious brunch. Slicing a sushi-grade filet of Ahi tuna, Rahn made a quick dish of Hawaiian poké, complete with fresh ginger, spicy soy sauce, fragrant green onions and a dash of sesame oil served up on a bed of crisp lettuce. He sat down at the dining room table, picked up a single bite of the delicacy and froze with his fork in midair.

Suddenly uncomfortable, his eyes immediately scanned the area for the source of the sensation, but it seemed to come from far off and was unfamiliar as it flowed down the psychic bond he shared with his spirit guide. His skin felt stretched tight and almost itchy. His gut churned until it felt pulled inside out. An air of deep disgust settled in, so strong he wanted to rip off his t-shirt and jeans, run back to the shower and scrub until he felt clean again.

“Mah, what the hell’s going on? What’s wrong?”

*
It is not me, my charge. Adonei is uneasy with the company Chrysalyn is keeping.
*

“Show me.” Understanding dawned the second he closed his eyes and Adonei shared the situation with Mahpiya, who then shared it with Rahn. A lovely image of Chrys filled his mind, so clear he could see each individual strand of her short wavy hair. Her cocoa skin was so flawless, it reminded him of a smooth river of milk chocolate. And he’d learned this morning that it was just as sweet. The need to touch her almost overwhelmed. But if he reached out, could he brush his fingers over the curve of her shoulder?

Then the vision shifted and the hair on the back of Rahn’s neck stood at full attention. He didn’t hear his fork clatter into his plate, then down to the tiled floor. A burst of adrenaline hit his bloodstream. The urge to take off at a dead run had him clenching his leg muscles as Mah sent the unfolding situation into his mind. He wasn’t sure he’d ever felt such apprehension, even when pursuing the nastiest of villains. And these feelings came from Chrysalyn’s spirit guide through Mahpiya? And so strong?

He was out the door in two shakes.

Once on the elevator, he wished he’d taken the stairs. The damned thing was moving too slow. Surely he could have run faster than this. The thoughts flowing into his mind gave a whole new meaning to the phrase slower than molasses.

Damn, he had to get a hold of himself. Dealing with the thoughts of three entities—Mahpiya, Adonei and himself—he’d be so worked up by the time he got to Chrys, he’d simply deck the man who was causing such concern. Then he’d toss Chrys over his shoulder and carry her back to their apartment, caveman style.

The idea had merit, but it would certainly bring more attention than he wanted. Before he could say anything, Mahpiya once again proved why she was the spirit guide and he was her charge. The cat was one step ahead of him, as usual.

*
I must cease sharing Adonei’s concern with you. We do not wish for you to behave irrationally when you arrive at your destination. Adonei and I wish to assist you in winning Chrysalyn, not make her angry
.*

Thankful for the calm reassurance, Rahn took a deep breath and stilled himself.

‘Thanks, Mah,’ he whispered along their bond as the elevator doors opened with a quiet swish. ‘I’ll call if I need you, but before you stand down, ask Adonei one more question for me.’

*
Yes?
*

‘The name of the man with Chrys.’

*
Adonei says his name is Eden Pall. They met shortly after Chrys boarded a few days ago. Something about him simply does not smell right to Adonei.
*

‘Thanks, Mah. You can stand down now.’

*
As you wish
,* she whispered, retreating to the special little corner of his mind where she liked to nap.

Slowing his stride, he made his way into the restaurant. One look at Chrys’ beautiful self and his tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth. The woman was dressed in a formfitting sports bra and matching cropped workout pants. All curves and luscious skin, yet she screamed strength and ability. Damn, even her tennis shoes looked sexy. A glance at the man with whom she kept company stripped the slight smile from his face. His jaw began to hurt. Well, no wonder—he was grinding his teeth. The Eden fellow sat looking like he wanted to eat her up along with whatever he had on his breakfast plate. But not today. Or any other day, for that matter.