Jacob's Ladder (String of Fate) (12 page)

But all too soon, they had to get up. Jake didn’t seem to want to let her go, nor did she want to leave this idyllic place, but they both knew their duty and what they had to do to prepare. As she hopped off the altar stone, Ria looked toward the north, unsurprised to find both Rojas brothers gone. They had left as silently as they’d arrived, and with as little fanfare.

Ria and Jake walked back to the mossy glade, sharing the sounds of the forest in a companionable silence. When they got to where they had left her clothes, Jake spun her into his arms and kissed her. Things escalated and before she really knew what she was doing, she had unfastened his pants and pushed them away. His cock was hard and ready again. And she was just as ready.

Jake paused, his hard cock between her eager thighs.

“Did that get you hot, Ria? Making three men come for you?” Jake’s harsh whisper dared her to admit the truth. She pulled back to look into his eyes and what she saw there enflamed her even further.

“Yes,” she moaned as he drove into her in one long, hard glide.

“Did you like being watched?” He demanded, still in that sultry whisper that drove her wild. He began to thrust in earnest, her body shaking in heated response. “Did you like being the center of three guys’ hottest fantasy?”

She could only moan as his pace increased. Jake might not be a shifter, but he had more than his share of agility and stamina. He rode her hard and left her crying out for more. He touched her deep and hard, just the way she liked it. He gave her all and demanded everything in return.

“I’ll let them watch,” Jake gritted out. “But I’ll never let another man touch you. Are you okay with that?” His words were hard and fast, like his thrusts into her body.

She nodded. “I…only want…you,” she gasped as he drove her senses higher with each tempestuous move.

“Poor bastards. They’ll never know how truly amazing you are, Ria.” He leaned down and kissed her, then moved his mouth to her neck, baring his teeth in a way that made her want to scream.

It wasn’t unheard of for shifters to bite or claw during sex, but Ria had never really been interested in pain. Still, she had to admit, something primitive in her loved the feel of his teeth on her skin. When he nipped, she squeaked in pleasure. When he bit, she rocketed to the stars.

The cat screeched inside her head, signaling her approval. The cat liked it rough, apparently, and now, so did Ria. But only with Jake. No other man would ever touch her again and there was a sense of pride and possessiveness that filled her just thinking about the mating bond that had formed between them.

“Are you ready?” Jake asked her, his voice rough.

She could feel his body tensing and she found an answering tension in her own muscles, even though she’d just come. Only Jake had ever made her respond so readily. For him, she could come pretty much on command…and didn’t that thought set off a whole new set of shivers in her pleasure centers.

“Yes!” she gasped, wanting to find the stars again in his arms. Wanting to be possessed as fully as she could be. Wanting to be his, and his alone.

“Then come with me now, baby,” Jake ground out as he pounded into her once, twice, and then a third and final time before they exploded into ecstasy together. As one.

Chapter Ten

They rested for a few minutes on the mossy ground, but all too soon, Jake knew, they had to get dressed and go back. The time for action was almost upon them. Night was falling hard under the trees.

“Are you okay?” he asked gently, stroking her back as she lay against him on the soft ground. He’d pushed her pretty hard just now and he wasn’t quite sure what was fine in the heat of passion would still be all right when saner heads prevailed.

She rose up, resting her chin on his chest while she met his gaze at an awkward angle. But even so, he could see her gaze was lazy and loving…and supremely satisfied. He felt an answering echo in his own body. Maybe he shouldn’t have worried. It looked like his lady was on board with the kinky desires he hadn’t quite known he’d had before now.

“I’m spectacular,” she answered, drawing out each syllable. “And you are pretty spectacular too.” She looked at him a moment more, then rose higher, comfortable in her nudity, stretching like the cat she was as she looked around the enchanted glade. “I guess we have to get back, huh?” Her expression fell just a bit. “It’s a shame. I would’ve liked to spend an eternity or two right here, making love with you, but as usual, duty calls and I must answer.”

He caught her hand as she started to move away and she looked over her shoulder at him.

“But this time, you’re not alone.” He waited, feeling their heartbeats draw out the time. One beat, then two. “You’ll never be all on your own again, Ria. Not while I live.”

Her smile broadened, even as a tear fell from her eye. “It’s a wonderful thing, having a mate. And even more wonderful that my mate is you, Jake.” She leaned in and kissed him, long and delicate, as if sealing their bond.

But all too soon, she drew away and even though he wanted to draw her back into his arms, he knew he couldn’t. Time was not on their side right now. They’d managed to steal a couple of precious hours away from all the craziness that had overtaken their lives, but now they had to rejoin the battle and be on their toes.

All in all, he thought taking the time out was a good thing. This little interlude had drawn them closer together, cementing their relationship in the physical sense and helping them get to know more about each other emotionally too. Being with his mate could never be considered a bad thing, but if they had to face danger together tonight, he was glad he could at least give her pleasure before they had to do the really difficult stuff.

“I love you, Ria,” he stated, needing her to know what was in his heart before they faced down evil together.

Ria paused. She had been getting dressed, but she stilled, turning slightly to look at him. She had a bit of the deer-in-the-headlights look on her face and he wasn’t quite sure if that was good or bad until she spoke.

“I…” She seemed to fumble for words for a moment while he sweated. He didn’t understand all the nuances of shifter mating. Maybe he’d made a misstep? Should he not have spoken of feelings? Was he only supposed to focus on the animal attraction? He just didn’t know.

“Jake, I love you too,” she finally got out, her voice breathy. “Forgive me. I wasn’t sure…” She trailed off again, but he gave her time to collect her thoughts and find the right words. “I didn’t know if you would feel the same things a shifter feels for their mate because you’re human, but when I felt the bond…”

“You mean that energy bolt that hit us on the altar?” He had to laugh even as he stood to search for his jeans. He was both thrilled and a little uncomfortable with the words he’d somehow felt compelled to blurt out. “I felt that, Ria. Like lightning down my spine that went from me to you and back again. It drew us closer than I’ve ever been to anyone in my life.”

“The mating bond.” Her grin was full of wonder and pleased happiness. “I never realized it would be so intense. Then again, the location we chose to seal our troth could have had something to do with it.” She chuckled and continued dressing. “Or you could just be the most amazing lover in the history of the universe. I haven’t decided.”

“I’d go with number two, but if you need more convincing, I’m up for that anytime you want, baby.” He winked at her, getting into the spirit of their teasing as they put on their clothing.

It was a little rumpled and there were a few stray leaves and pine needles here and there, but they were presentable soon enough. They were arm in arm as they headed back down to the cabin, under the deepening cover of the trees.

The Rojas brothers flanked them and Ria only blushed a little when she caught sight of them, but the men were all business. They had their hands on their weapons—the metal ones this time—and were guarding Ria’s descent to the cabin with serious intent. They were good men and although Jake hadn’t planned the admittedly kinky scene that had happened up at the stone circle, he didn’t regret it. Ria’s response had made it clear that their presence was something unexpected and amazingly hot for her—and Jake was in the business now of giving Ria anything and everything she didn’t even know she wanted.

He started to think about things he could introduce her to in the future. If they survived this night. But being with his mate just now only reinforced how much was on the line. He would do all in his power to keep them both alive so that they could make love for many years to come, growing old together, holding each other’s hearts into eternity.

And when had he become a damn poet, Jake wondered? He almost had to laugh at himself. Ria had changed him in fundamental ways, but he liked it. He liked being with her and what it had done to him. He liked the man he was when he was with her. And he loved her more than life itself.

He would move heaven and earth to keep her safe. And he had seen what was in store. The real test would come later tonight.

The cabin had become a war room, more or less, in the time they’d been gone, Ria discovered. There were maps of the area up on one wall and more than just her Royal Guard gathered around, discussing coverage. There were a lot of foxes in the room, by the scent of things. At least a half dozen of them were briefing her people on the terrain and being briefed in return on what to expect from the newcomers in their territory.

All in all, Ria was impressed by the way the different kinds of shifters were working together.
Pantera noir
usually lived somewhat apart from all other shifters because of their rarity and the danger their queen always seemed to be in. Before Ria’s mother was killed by their enemies, she had been hunted. It was her mother who had started the tradition of the Nyx being almost constantly on the move.

In the old days, access to the Nyx had been open to all shifters who wanted to breach the veil and talk to their departed. It was the Nyx’s sacred duty to be the intermediary, helping those still in this mortal realm by delivering the wisdom of those who had passed on to the next.

The Nyxs of old had made their homes in different places around the world, usually setting it up so that other shifters could reach them for open sessions during the three nights each month surrounding the new moon. Many pilgrimages had been made to wherever the Nyx chose to hold court over the centuries. It was only in recent years that she’d had to take to the road and hide her presence as much as possible.

Those who needed to find her could, of course. There was a screening system that would line up those who sought an audience during the new moon ceremony. Modern shifters would call a number, leave their information and if they checked out with a specially tasked Guard contingent, they would be given a time and place to be, if the Nyx was nearby. And in very special cases, she would make surprise visits to those who couldn’t come to her.

But if they didn’t prevail tonight, there would be no more traveling. No more mediating between this world and the next. No more Nyx.

They had to prevent that. And so all these good people were gathered in this cabin, ready to go to war for her and the burden she carried.

“You all have your assignments.” Jake’s voice carried to her over the murmurs of the gathered shifters.

He’d left her side when they arrived and checked in with Geir. Jake motioned to her to join him now, at the center of the group. The warriors made a path for her to join Jake and Geir at their center.

She knew her role now. She had to say something. Something inspirational that would inspire everyone. Too bad she had no idea what to say. Thanks were paltry, but all she really had. She didn’t want any more people to die on her behalf. She didn’t even want them to get hurt, but she knew what would happen tonight. They would get hurt and some might die.

Who was she kidding?
All
of them would die if the
Venifucus
succeeded. No way would Elspeth leave anybody that served the Light alive if she came through the veil. Everyone here would be the first to die. The first of many. Too many to think about.

She took her place at Jake’s side and felt the warmth of his support, which meant more than she could say. Geir too, supported her, in his way. And then she realized that everyone here was supporting her in their own way—even the foxes she had only just met. And then she knew what she had to say. She had to speak to them from her heart.

“I can’t thank you all enough for staying and being willing to face what will come with courage and brave hearts. The
Venifucus
have been chasing me for a long time and I’m sorry I brought this trouble to your Pack.” She nodded toward the fox Alpha. She hadn’t seen him before because he was standing near the center of the circle, surrounded by his people. “The sad truth is, if the enemy succeeds in their plans, there will be no safe place for anyone who serves the Light. The last time Elspeth walked this earth, many lives were lost in the battle to contain her. If the
Venifucus
succeed in bringing her back, which they have attempted several times recently, the pattern will repeat and the war will begin anew.”

She paused to look into each pair of eyes, making sure she looked at every single person gathered to support her. It was important that they knew they weren’t just faceless, nameless soldiers to her. They were people. Amazing people who were willing to stand up for what was right.

“We can’t let that happen,” she stated simply. To her surprise, an edge of steel had entered her voice and even more shocking was the answering chorus of agreement that came from the gathered warriors.

“We’ll send them straight back to hell, where they belong,” Geir shouted, raising one clenched fist above his head. He shook his fist and a cheer went up along with every other male’s fist, shaking their promise toward the heavens.

Ria watched them, realizing that this group, which consisted of three or more separate groups had united for a common cause. They were behind her, but more importantly, they were against the enemy. The foxes appeared to not only accept, but welcome the interloping
pantera
and Others in their territory.

Likewise, the different groups of Guards seemed to be meshing well with everyone—though Ria had expected they would work well together, even though they were usually on different shifts. They’d all been trained by Geir and those like him. They worked together, even if they didn’t usually work at the same time. And Geir seemed to have taken a position of leadership over all, as it should be. He was, by far, the most experienced warrior they had.

They were a united force, but would it be enough? Ria sent up a little prayer to the Goddess, hoping for the best.

This time, when Ria left the cabin, she was surrounded by her people. Guards she had known and worked with for years escorted her directly to the stone circle. They still had some time to prepare, according to Jake’s vision, but they were taking no chances. Everyone was getting in their planned positions with plenty of time to spare.

Jake was going over last minute plans with Geir as they walked. She wanted to walk with him, but she knew her Guard was nervous enough as it was without her misbehaving. She kept throwing glances back over her shoulder, catching glimpses of Jake’s strong profile as he walked along.

He’d availed himself of the fox’s armory. A giant, dark rifle of some kind was slung across his back. Two side arms were strapped to his thighs and there were other weapons tucked here and there around his person. He was armed to the teeth, as it were, and looked very comfortable with the shocking amount of gear.

When they arrived at the stone circle, her people dispersed, but didn’t go far. The Royal Guard was to remain inside the circle with her, though as out of sight as they could manage. A few shifted shape, hiding in the darkness, their black pelts blending in with the night shadows.

Ria had brought a few props with her. A shiny, shallow metal bowl and a bottle of water were the main accoutrements she would need. She placed the bowl on the altar stone, blushing at her recent memories of this particular setting. She poured out the water into the bowl and let it settle, placing a few other items nearby as if she needed them for some arcane ceremony.

In truth, all she needed was the amulet that rested around her neck and her own energy to open the portal, but hopefully the enemy didn’t know that. They seemed to know an awful lot though. And if the intel they had was correct, at least one among them knew one heck of a lot more than he should.