Raining Kisses (The Opeth Pack Saga Book 2) (19 page)

Savas laughed and took a step forward.
You can’t touch me like this. Pity you have to die. You were fun.

Nicholaus stumbled to his feet and commanded his limbs to work while electricity ran through him still, the last of the pulses shocking him and forcing jacked movements rather than smooth steps. The scent of blood in the air reminded Nicholaus just how much he’d lost in the last few minutes.

He wouldn’t back down.

He refused.
No. You die.

Savas huffed.
You can’t kill me, wolf. You are nothing.
Savas crouched down, ready to spring into the air.

By this time Józsi had dropped his magic too. Starting for Savas, He got only a few feet before Nicholaus barked for him to back off.

This is my fight.

Józsi nodded and remained on guard.
You cannot win it if you don't give it everything, Nicholaus. You're protecting them
. He motioned to Nicholaus' two mates with a nod.

Nicholaus let all of his anger over the past twenty-five years fill him, occupy the space in his mind. Fury built so powerfully that he began to glow. Panting, he took one slow step after another toward Savas.
I’m going to kill you and eradicate the rest of your pack.

Savas laughed harder until he studied Nicholaus. Cocking his head, his eyes went wild and the glow disappeared from them.

Still in pain, power flowing through him now, red hot anger had become something to mold from his emotions. Nicholaus looked over at his mates, how Krystyna had been prepared to give up her life for him even through the hurt. Katarina threatened to come after him, and she had.

He couldn’t let either of them down.

And now it looked like if he were going to man up, he'd even have a pack to rejoin.

Energy surrounded him, not healing him however, but it gave him the strength to know what he had to do.

No. It can’t be. Your eyes…you’re—

Nicholaus blinked, leapt into the air and found himself praying he pulled the controls, not the other way around.

Cue the outro. Fade to black.

* * *

A
sweet voice
whispered against his ear. “Nicholaus. Nicholaus, wake up.”

Nicholaus moved slowly. Jerking from the pain shooting through his legs and sides, he grit his teeth and tried to relax. The haze he’d forced himself through revealed Krystyna, her hair framing her beautiful round face, while curious eyes stared back at him.

Katarina’s hand snaked across his chest from the other side. “You’re alive,
szeretőm
.”

Nodding, Nicholaus smiled weakly. He'd found himself in his bed, recognized the 800 thread-count sheets around his body, the soft down pillow beneath his head. And of course, in front of him, his potential for a new life.

“You took him out. And then stopped. Selene was amazed at your ability to control your violence and the mark.” Katarina patted the spot on him where they bit and drank from him.

Nicholaus frowned. “What mark?”

“The mark we gave you. Selene explained a bit more about our bond while you were out.”

Arching an eyebrow, Nicholaus jerked his head around to look at Krystyna. “What did she tell you?”

“That you are a dangerous weapon and she’s glad you are Opeth Pack.”

Nicholaus scowled. Like he wanted to deal with this right now. “What exactly does that mean?”

Krystyna smirked. “It means you are a threat to those who would challenge what is yours. Our love fuels you, helps you control the wolf and keep you calm when your mind is overrun by the natural violent instincts to protect. And because we are mated, bound, we can free your mind of the murderous fog when it's time.”

“I see.” Nicholaus inhaled slowly. Yeah, he hadn't been tracking since the fight. He'd have to ask what happened when he had energy to hear the play by play shit but for now, he shifted his weight, careful this time, but felt a soft hand press him back onto the bed.

Krystyna adjusted the blanket over him, brushing strands of his hair from his face. “Look at you, baby. Your body is a wreck. You need more sleep.”

He shifted against the covers, every muscle aching. “I can’t sleep any more. I’m tired of sleeping.”

Katarina stroked his hair. “
Szeretőm,
we need to talk.”

Nicholaus groaned. This was where things got heavy even though he was too tired to deal with anything. Sure he had questions, plenty of them in fact. Like what the fuck was Krystyna doing thinking she could act like him? And why didn't she just ask or—it didn't matter. Lukina had to find him, when his mates could not. “I’d rather not.”

Frowning, Krystyna sat up and set her hands on her hips. “You need to hear me out. Please?”

The sensual pout of her mouth tugged at his groin. Of course that thing still worked. He doubted he could fuck her right now but making love to them would be a sweet way to pass. Nodding, he thought about the things Katarina told him, let the words sink in. “Yeah, I need to hear you out.” He let out a long, slow breath. “Talk to me, sweetheart.”

Krystyna shrugged her shoulders and took a deep breath of her own. Letting air out slowly, she reached for Nicholaus’s hand.

Nicholaus took her hand and wrapped her fingers in his. “I’m open, okay?”

Nodding, she stroked his forearm. “I do not wish to return to Hungary. Not without you. I’ve been so terribly lost without you. Life with Katarina has been tough because she is only part of my power. I really need you, Nicholaus, you’re a part of my heart that's been missing since you left.”

Watching her face, he looked deep into the pools of her eyes and found truth in the words she spoke. “You need me out of love?”

Her eyes widened. “Of course. Katarina and I fought about that constantly. She begged me to admit my feelings for you.”

He fought the urge to smirk. “You fought against yourself?”

Nodding, Krystyna rolled up her sleeves. “And my other lover.”

Closing his eyes, he reached for Krystyna’s thigh. Touch would comfort them both. “I can certainly understand that. But you two argued?”

Moving her slender legs over his, Katarina sat up. “We did. It has been awful without you in our lives,
szeretõm
. Do you know what it’s like to function with only two thirds of your energy? In short doses, it’s easy. The longer one has to go without ever fully refilling, the harder it is to function.”

Krystyna faced them both and raised her arms. “Look, Nicholaus. Look at these scars.”

Nicholaus’ breath hitched in his throat. “What are those from?” The times they made love, he’d never noticed them; now he felt like a real asshole.

“
T
he myriad
of times I tried to…” Krystyna looked away.

Jesus fucking Christ. Those words were the last he’d ever expected to hear from his lover. Either of them. “You…” Nicholaus forced himself to sit up even as his body screamed in pain from his lower back. His rib cage burned, causing difficulty in breathing but it didn’t matter. He looked dead on at Krystyna. “You didn’t.”

Krystyna didn’t reply. Instead, she looked down at her arms, then away from Nicholaus.

Reaching for her, he brushed loose strands of hair from her forehead. “Sweetheart, no. Not over me.” He gave her a weak smile.

Krystyna sniffled. "Yes. I did. After you left, I went out running to ease some of the frustration in my head and heart and that's when I ran into Savas. No, we never did shit like he said but he did promise to ease my pain. And spending time with him made my life seem like it had purpose until I found out his real motives. He told me at one point they needed a healer, and that he'd been stalking our pack, watching you. Said he could keep you safe, so…" She sniffled again, louder this time. Tears began streaming down her face.

His heart weighed even heavier in his chest. He had to figure Krystyna would never have gone to Savas willingly, let alone sleep with him. The word games the general played were an annoyance and Nicholaus bought that shit earlier, hook line and sinker. Nicholaus wiped her tears away with the pad of his thumb. "You didn't have to worry about me. I kept me safe."

Krystyna's sobs grew louder.

“No, baby no not over someone like me. I’m…”

Katarina touched Nicholaus’ shoulder. “Yes you were and are. Yes, she did. Over you. The truth is that I’ve been the stronger one between the two of us.”

He looked askance at Katarina. “You’ve always been so quiet though.”

“Les remarked on that once, said it was my strength. I didn’t understand until I caught Krys with a knife in her hand, tears in her beautiful eyes and blood pouring down her wrists.” Katarina sniffled and took Krystyna’s hand in hers.

Nicholaus watched tears fall from Krystyna’s eyes. How he hated himself at this very moment for disappearing on them. His heart wrenched over what he’d done to them. “I’ve been the cause of so much pain. I’m so sorry.” His voice became hoarse. Tears stung the backs of his eyes. “I’ve destroyed what I was supposed to protect. I’m so sorry.” Heated tears ran down his cheeks.

A hand brushed matted hair away from his forehead. “It can be okay,
szeretõm.
We need you to help us, though.”

“To love us the way we love you.” Krystyna blinked back more tears.

“But what if I cannot give you what you want?” Nicholaus wiped away tears from Krystyna’s eyes. “What if I am not enough?”

“Let us show you what we need, Nicholaus. It’s very simple, really. You’ve given it all along.” Katarina shifted, sitting on her feet.

Nicholaus was treated to a view of her smooth sex. Her arousal filled the air, mixed with Krystyna’s. “Krys, come here.”

Sitting straight, Krystyna moved closer. Crossing and uncrossing her legs, she ran a hand down her belly.

Nicholaus grinned. “I’d very much like you to show me what you need right now, Krystyna.” Turning to face Katarina, he saw her stripping off her shirt.

“We’ll show you just what we want.” She wore nothing but a sensual smile. Rosy nipples peaked from round breasts. Katarina crawled on the bed and began to glow. “We’ll heal your body,
szeretõm.
Just love our hearts the way ours love yours.”

Nodding, Nicholaus felt his cock grow. It would be a long, slow recovery process indeed.

“I can give you that. I can…I will.” He had no other choice, really. Not if he were honest with himself. Which, would be a first.

He’d let himself buy the lies he’d been told by Kiba and all the others beforehand. Even the occasional human disregarded him for some unknown reason, those feelings never disappeared.

But now, with his lovers in his loft, what was he to do?

The one thing that made sense, natur-fucking-ally. “Krystyna, come here. Please.” He shifted more among more grunts and groans from the pain lacerating his body.

Slowly she made her way into the crook of his arm. Katarina followed suit.

As usual, the feeling of home hit him, overriding the pain in his body. Nicholaus realized for the first time in his life, home wasn’t a place; it was a state of mind. Here, or in Hungary, as long as he had Krystyna and Katarina, he’d be good.

Of course Katarina he'd always counted on. Her natural ability toward healing, toward being outgoing had made things easy when he needed someone. Krystyna told him once that never stopped, not after the rape or abuse, could she be shut down. He only needed to guide her, catch her when she fell and pick her up when she asked.

He could do that. But he’d spent so much time focusing on the one thing guaranteed to screw his head up that he’d missed how fragile Krystyna's mental state had become.

Go back to the pack? Sure. Fuck it. Assume a role he was uncertain about? Fine. If it meant he’d be able to be around them, then yeah. He’d do it. Everything else was up for grabs.

Besides, it’d be nice to belong for once.

He looked into Krystyna's eyes, saw her expression change, the twinkle of hope reappeared. “I love you, Krystyna. Please forgive me.”

Katarina snuggled closer, careful not to disturb his wounds.

Krystyna huddled against him, laying her head on his chest. “I love you too. I’ve needed…”

Carefully, he lifted a hand, pressed two fingers against her lips. “I know. Forever now, you both shall have.”

* * *

“
W
e can return
to Hungary in a few days with Selene and Józsi if you’d like. I could use a vacation.” Nicholaus sat out on the balcony of his loft, overlooking Central Avenue. Big band swing played on the radio that sat on a table with two other chairs, which were presently occupied.

“I’d like that very much.” Katarina sipped her glass of port.

A loud knock caught Nicholaus’s attention, forcing his glance in the direction of his door. “How the hell do they keep getting past the key card reader?”

Krystyna stood. “That sounds like you have company.”

Krystyna’s sense of hearing had certainly improved since she drank from Nicholaus. “Odd she can hear so well from so far out.”

“Indeed.” Katarina reached across the table and took his hand in hers.

A moment later, Krystyna returned with Józsi and Selene in tow.

“Hi!” Nicholaus nodded at Józsi.

Dressed in black jeans and a form fitting t-shirt, Józsi strutted across the loft with a new confidence. Dark hair hung down over massive shoulders, giving the image of largeness. With his jean jacket shirt slung over one shoulder and other hand in his pocket, he stepped out on the balcony and gestured a greeting. “Cigar?”

He nodded. “Sure. You know where they are.”

Józsi smiled and walked back inside.

Selene slipped out of her long black trench coat and hung it over the chair beside the door. Nicholaus looked at her, licking his lips at just how form fitting her clothes truly were. Her red top matched Katarina’s and hugged her breasts almost as nicely. Marco was a young pup, but damn. The women of this pack were beautiful.

Selene picked up an empty glass and poured herself port. “Hi, Nicholaus. How are you feeling?”

He patted his rib cage. “Much better. My wounds are healing, thanks to the blood rite.”

Sipping her port, she set a hand on Nicholaus’ shoulder. “I figured they would. The blood rite strengthens the body of lupines. It’s also a way to make sure we all find our match.”

Warmth flowed through him from her touch. Nicholaus tilted his head. “Wait a minute, we?”

“Yes. All the wolves.”

“I thought you weren’t a wolf, Selene.” Katarina’s eyes lit up. “You are one of us?”

Selene looked up at the sky then back at Nicholaus and Katarina.

Józsi came out with two more cigars and handed one to Nicholaus. “She is what?”

“I have lupine blood in me. I don’t know how. I don’t know much about it, but I am linked to all of you through blood. As I’ve said before it’s like you’re all my children. That’s why it’s important for us to find the rest of your mates and restore the pack. There is so much mystery surrounding this pack and its magic. I’m just beginning to understand the texts my great grandmother left us describing the pack’s beginnings and this damnable prophecy.”

“I don’t understand.” Nicholaus took a puff on his cigar. “Can you shift and become a wolf, or is it an illusion?”

Selene took a sip of her port. “I’m not sure. Normally I shift into a purple mist. I’ve never tried actually becoming an object or creature.”

“And what is the power of the blood rite?”

Katarina slapped Nicholaus on the hand. “Nicholaus!”

“No, Katarina. He has a right to ask. It affects him and the rest of the members of this pack. It strengthens the bond between lovers, strengthens the bodies and is an exchange of energy. I am guessing it brings about other gifts too but I haven’t been able to translate my great grandmother’s text books and diaries fully yet. The language is quite archaic. But ultimately it's a form of checks and balances.”

Nicholaus nodded, stroking Katarina’s palm. “Can Les help?”

“That fool?” She laughed. “He wouldn’t help me. He knows I’ll kill him if he makes a move on me, which is what he believes he wants. But even he plays a part in this damn prophecy, though I’m not sure what part that is yet. Somehow he's linked to higher powers.”

Krystyna sat beside Nicholaus and wrapped a blanket around her shoulders. “But doesn’t he have a duty to help you?”

Nicholaus reached for her hand and stroked her palm with his fingers.

“Only a moral one. He’s still not tracking properly, not like he used to. Something happened in the time he’d been gone from us and when he returned. No one knows what happened and he won’t say shit so we're all screwed, wondering what’s up. We now know someone in our pack has a direct connection to the Goddess but no one knows why or if it's Les."

“Humph.” Józsi took a long drag on his cigar before looking back at Nicholaus.

Nicholaus read Józsi’s expression.

Selene glared at both males. “Even you two are afraid of Les. Neither of you understand him though your bravado is proper form amongst this pack currently. I do to an extent, but it bothers him that he cannot figure me out. Wherever he was, he saw something. It terrified him.”

“That makes sense.” Krystyna shuddered.

Selene turned to Nicholaus. “Don’t you have a heater out here? The poor girl is cold and her baby could be lost so quickly right now.”

“Her baby?” Everyone but Selene gasped.

“Oh, like you didn’t know, Nicholaus. I’m surprised she was pregnant first, but I can wait for grandchildren from Katarina.”

“Hmph.” Nicholaus turned to Krystyna. “Is it true? Am I going to be a father?”

Krystyna patted her belly. “Come to think of it.”

“Ohmygodohmygodohmygod! You’re pregnant?” Katarina practically squealed with glee. Her eyes sparkled like the sun reflecting off Lake Balaton, luminous and abundant. “You’re going to be a mommy, Krys!” She shoved her chair back and hugged Krystyna tightly. “I’m going to watch you have children and it’ll be so wonderful and…” Tears streamed down her face now.

Nicholaus didn’t know what to say. Tears fell down his face. He started to speak but lost his voice. He watched Józsi disappear inside and return a moment later with a heater.

“Here, this’ll help.” Józsi plugged the heater in and turned it toward Krystyna.

Now that everyone had become a sobbing mess, Katarina looked up from Krystyna's shoulder, wiping her own eyes.

"You’re going to be such a good father, Nicholaus.”

He stiffened, considering her feelings. “How do you feel about all of this, Krystyna?”

Krystyna sat in silence for a moment. She leaned forward, chin on her hand. “Do you think I’ll be a good mother?”

“The best.” Nicholaus blew out a cloud of smoke. Krystyna had been such a giving lover last night. She’d been so attentive to his needs and Katarina’s that she almost forgot about her own. It didn’t matter though, he’d made sure to return the love with his entire heart and soul. The memory made him smile. “You’ll be just like I always pictured it. Children from both of you will be so beautiful. And they'll help you remain connected.”

He scooted back from his chair and set his cigar in the large porcelain ashtray. He crossed the distance between him and Krystyna and knelt. Staring deep into the blue and silver pools of her eyes, he realized he could get lost in her. He glanced toward Katarina, whose sea green eyes glowed with life.

Katarina put a hand on his shoulder.

Cautious concern filled him. He gazed at Krystyna, lowered his head and kissed her thigh, then looked at her face. “You’re pregnant with my offspring. Are you okay with this?”

Krystyna sniffled. “Of course I am. Our child will help keep you connected too. But you have to—”

“I’m not going anywhere,
szeretőm.
I’ll be here beside both of you from now on.”