Josh! Stand down. Goddamnit, stand down. Dave. Yes it was Dave who was ordering him to stop killing the mage whod shot his mate. The wolf didnt care for Daves orders and went back to the ripping and tearing of flesh, the taste of blood.
We have to get her to Grace.
Dave picked the wolf up and got right in his face, screaming at him, shaking him. The man roused and fought his way to the surface, shifting hard and fast, and the grief nearly swallowed him.
Shes not dead yet, but shes close. We have to get her to Grace. Pick her up and get her in the car.
Josh saw her there on the pavement in a pool of blood. She was pale as parchment, and he rushed over with a cry. He picked her up and felt her presence through the link, but it was so very faint.
One of the wolves who had shown up while they fought the mages drove up and opened the door to the car.
Go! Ill clean up here. Save her life, damn it.
Why didnt you take her already? Why not the hospital?
Akio jumped in and growled until Josh snapped out of it and slid in beside him.
The car screamed off into the night, weaving around bodies and the cars that had been wrecked.
Akio shifted back and moved to them, putting his arms around Josh and Michelle both. He kissed her forehead and looked up to Josh. Dave didnt touch her himself because he was afraid of how youd react if you smelled her on him. And no hospital can help her. Shes been too
That made sense.
He didnt know what to do.
Give me your shirt so we can stanch some of the worst wounds, Josh called out to the wolf in the passenger seat. He and Akio were naked after the shift.
They raced through the streets as the wolf driving called the pack house and spoke through the speakers to Grace Warden.
Were about three minutes out.
Well have the gates open, pull right up to the sliding glass doors and bring her into my office. Ive set up a triage table. Hold on, Michelle, Grace called out. Talk to her, Josh and Akio. Keep her with us.
Josh leaned down to her ear. You cant die. I wont let you so dont even try. I hadnt realized how much it had hurt to lose you the first time. Youre my mate. My life. Dont leave me, Michelle. You and I have a future to live. We have future babies to raise and a wedding to plan.
Akio brushed his fingertips across her forehead and spoke to her in the other ear as well, the fingers of his other hand tangled with Joshs as he did.
Dont leave me alone, Josh repeated, tears in his voice. We just found each other again. We were supposed to. I know it. I know you were meant to be in my life and I was meant for yours. I was born to love you, Michelle. I cant imagine a world without you in it, busting my chops. Making me laugh. Loving me. No one has ever loved me like you do.
They arrived, and the doors of what he remembered as Graces office were yanked open. Instead of yelling and panic, the wolves that streamed out were calm and in charge, and it helped him to carry her at a runas gently as he could under the circumstancesinto the house, following directions as they were given to him.
On the table. Grace Warden was a petite woman, but a powerful wolf. She gave the order and he complied immediately. Step back. You dont have to leave the room but I need space to work.
Akio joined him, standing close enough that they touched shoulders. Touch was always important to shifters. Add to it that as their anchor, Akio was in many ways bound to him and Michelle as well, and Josh was glad as hell Akio was there to keep him from losing his shit. He wanted to pace but all his energy was focused on keeping the wolf leashed. The wolf didnt give a fuck about staying calm, the wolf wanted to protect his mate.
He gave in and began to pace in the very small corner they waited in. Two steps. Turn. Two steps. Turn.
Quietly she gave orders to the wolves assisting her as she cut Michelles clothes off. Someone put an oxygen mask on Michelle, who was so very still Joshs breath caught.
Even as a witch, shes notshes been shot more than a dozen times across her abdomen and chest. Grace didnt turn to face him as she spoke. She continued to work on Michelle.
Their bond got thinner and thinner, and he knew in his gut that Michelle was going to die and that could not happen.
Dimly, he noted that Dave had positioned himself close enough to take Josh down should he lose his shit when Michelle died.
Youre telling me shes dying. His voice was flat.
Grace turned to him, her face grave. Yes. Unless
Damn it, Josh. Now! It has to be now. Akio squeezed his shoulder hard enough for it to hurt.
I havent even asked her! But even as he said it, he knew it didnt matter if she hated him forever for changing her without talking to her first. At least shed be alive for it.
Cade approached him slowly, his palms showing. Joshs wolf uneasily prowled just beneath the human skin. Josh went very still, breathing in to assure himself that Michelle still lived and that the male standing there was his Alpha as much as Tracy, Nick and Gabe were.
Id be honored to do the change, Josh. But it has to be now.
He blew out a breath, and Akio put his arms around him and held Josh tight, burying his face in Joshs neck. Do it.
Josh hugged Akio back and looked to Cade. Nodding.
Do it while I get these bullets out. I dont want her healing with anything inside her that Ill have to remove later. Grace didnt look up as she worked. Josh, shes going to live and be strong, and shes only going to know you made the choice that saved her life.
Even if shes mad, shell be alive, Josh muttered.
Yes. Listen, we had to change Ben over when he nearly died. Hes got forever with my sister Tegan because of that. He doesnt regret it one bit.
Cade got rid of his clothes and shifted so fast it left Josh blinking. The more power a wolf had, the faster he could shift.
Im done, Grace told Cade and then she turned to Josh. Hold her hand. Talk to her. She needs to hear you.
Hed been bitten and turned a decade ago. It wasnt by choice and hed been unconscious for most of it, so he didnt really know what to expect. His wolf pushed into the forefront and took over, allowing the man to keep his skin.
He put his face in her neck and breathed her in. Beautiful, Im here. Im here and Im not going anywhere. Hold on and fight. When you wake up youll be stronger and faster. Youll be a wolf, and if youre mad about that, you cant do anything unless you survive. So if you want to kick my ass you have to live to do it. You hear me? Dont you let go. Stay with me, Michelle.
Cade snarled and bit. Michelle cried out and arched, trying to get away, even though she barely held on to her life.
Josh knew tears ran down his face, but he held on to her hand and kept talking to her. Urging her to fight and embrace the wolf racing through her veins. The wolf that would save her life.
Chapter Fifteen
She awoke from dreams of the forest. Of running. Of pain, quicksilver, burning through her like fire.
She remembered dying. Of the way shed lost more of her anchor to her body as her essence and magick bled from her. And Joshs voice. His hands on her and his voice urging her to fight. Telling her he loved her.
She heard her heartbeat. Smelled blood and pain andJosh. Other Weres too. Other types of magick.
Teeth. She gasped, choking on her spit at the memory of teeth, and began to cough, expecting there to be pain.
Hands on her and a voice. A female voice and then Josh. That gave her strength to open her eyes. Why is a woman here?
The words, as they left her body, had a life of their own. She couldnt quite grasp the thoughts but everything was different.
Joshs face swam into focus. There you are, beautiful. His smile wavered at the edges. He was pale, but he smelled good. He smelled hers. Had she been able to smell him like this before?
Whos the dish?
The female in the room laughed and stepped into Michelles vision. Inside her, an irrational anger stirred that such a pretty woman stood so near Josh. She pushed it back and nearly puked when a growl came from her lips.
Michelle knew she blushed as heat blasted her neck and cheeks.
Im wildly flattered. I dont think Ive been thought of as a dish in years. Maybe never. Im Grace Warden. Im Supreme Alpha here in North America. Im also a doctor. Is it all right if I check you over? Take your vitals and the like?
Yes, sure. What happened?
Can I keep her hand while you do? Josh asked, his voice rusty.
She squeezed the hand in hers. Better not let go. She croaked this out and realized how thirsty she was. When she got the energy to speak again, shed ask for water.
Never. He brushed a kiss against her knuckles. Knuckles covered in dried blood.
Grace efficiently moved, measuring, doing her doctor thing as Michelle struggled to stay awake.
Youre doing better than the last time I checked you. Grace smiled down, brushing the hair from Michelles forehead. Im going to tell you that you were shot sixteen times. Your kidneys were both destroyed, three shots to your lungs, your intestines had multiple holes. You lost so much blood Im quite frankly shocked you were still alive when they got you here to me. The only explanation is that youre a badass bitch, as my sister-in-law Nina would say.
Grace held a glass of water with a straw to Josh, who brought it to Michelles lips, and she drank greedily.
Take it easy or youre going to throw it back up.
She might have been exhausted and weak and woozy, but her brain wasnt broken. And she knew with all that damage, it had to be two months later, which wasnt true as Josh wore the same clothes and was still covered in blood. Her blood. It was hours later, not weeks or days.
Want to tell me why Im still breathing after all that damage?
Grace stood back, and Josh got closer, brushing his lips over hers, over her eyelids, rubbing his face against her cheek and things that had knotted up inside seemed to ease. She responded to him with a rumbled sigh, and she knew right then, before he said anything.
You were going to die. This man of hers who kept his control even when things got very bad, who protected her and soothed her, lost it then as tears ran down his cheeks. I couldnt lose you.
Im like you now.
He nodded and then shrugged. Yes. No. Not quite. Youre better. I mean, aside from being shot sixteen times. Cade is the one who bit you. Im strong, but if Id bit you, youd have been out a few days. Its only been seven hours. Youre a strong wolf. A live one. I know youre angry we didnt ask you first. I apologize
Hush! Did you really think Id be mad that you saved my life? Am I that high strung and difficult then?
He paused, his look of anguish softening to humor and affection. Yeah? Well youre beautiful and really good with a gun so I guess you can afford to be difficult. Occasionally. Its just that I never brought it up to you much less asked, and your life iswell, utterly changed.
Im alive. To be with you. To find Allies killers. Im. Alive. Thank you. And really considering the last ten days or so, being alive as a wolf fell into the plus category.
Grace smiled and thumped Josh on the head with a folder. See? I told you. She smiled down at Michelle. They were all so worried, and I said you seemed a practical sort and would prefer a life with Josh and vengeance for what these monsters did to your friend to death over a silly thing like being so near death you couldnt be consulted about being turned.
Id laugh but I might vomit if I do.
By all means, youre free not to do that. Josh has been waiting to move you until you woke up, but hes going to take you to one of our guest rooms so you can sleep. Youre going to need it to let your wolf get acclimated. Youve done a lot in the last week. Mated, anchored, turned. Your wolf needs as much rest and time with the human as the human needs the same.
Michelle had a million questions, but she was so tired she couldnt think. But she did need to tell them about what shed seen at that house back in Portland.
Have to tell you what I saw. We rushed here for a reason.
Grace looked to Josh, who sighed heavily. I told you, he said.
What?
Stubborn. But he smiled when he said it.
Ill make you a deal. Grace nodded at Josh, who bent and picked Michelle up. Let him get you cleaned up. Youll feel better after that. Then Cade and I will come up once youre settled in bed and you can tell him then. And, I hope you dont mind, but one of the de La Vegas wants to hear whats going on too.
Josh growled, and Grace winked at Michelle before she addressed Josh. This one is Renee, shes Jacks mate and a witch. I think shes going to bring her sister Kendra, who is the female Alpha of the jaguar jamboree. Shes also a witch who took on a cat so shes eager to meet you. Youll like her, and we can avoid all this silly boy stuff you guys do anytime another male gets near your mate.
What about me? I wanted to scratch your eyes out earlier when you stood near Josh.
Josh made a grumbly sound that vibrated through her, and she stiffened when she realized the wolf inside her moved. Like, actually moved.
He carried her up some stairs as Grace followed. Its all right. You get used to the wolf inside. Shell help you. But shell rise when Im near. My wolf always does when youre around. Josh kept his voice calm and quiet, and she couldnt help but snuggle into him.
I think we might be able to have Josh sitting with you when they come in. Youll be possessive, thats how it works, but it should be fine. Grace opened a door to a lovely guest bedroom. Theres a bathroom through there. Akio brought your bag so you have clothes to change into. Get cleaned up. Ill be back to check on you in a few minutes.
She was already mainly naked as he sat her gently down while he turned the shower on before helping her out of the gown thing shed been wearing.
His hands shook and she leaned out to take one in her own. Im here.
He fell to his knees and buried his face in her lap. Christ. You nearly werent. You nearly died. You dontI cantIve never in my life felt worse. Thank you for being alive and okay. Thank you for not being mad.
She tipped his chin up. Only you could manage to look gorgeous with smudges of blood all over you. Are you all right? Im sorry, I should have protected you, its my job too, after all.
He stood, pulling his clothes off and tossing them in a corner. That second consciousness inside her belly perked up as pride rushed through her. He was all hers. This beautiful, masculine, powerful male.
In. He pointed at the shower. Though all that sternness fell away when he put a hand at the small of her back and helped her in carefully. Im fine. I killed a few mages, but not all of them. But I will. Theres nowhere on this planet they can hide from me.
So some of them got away?
Ill handle it all. So just stand there and look beautiful and let me do the work.
Are you mad at me? she asked, her voice sleepy as he got her hair nice and wet. One of his arms was banded around her waist, helping her stand. Her legs were rubbery, and she kept going very hot and then very cold.
He gently soaped her hair. Why would I be mad? ImIm fucked up ten ways right now because you nearly died and I have this driving need to run with you. To grab you and run and never look back because I cant bear the thought of actually losing you. I came close enough. People want to kill you and my wolf is really not down with that. And you have a wolf too. And my wolf finds that really, really hot.
He shook again as he babbled, struggling to keep control. The talking helped keep the man in charge.
Her voice softened as she gave over to the way he touched her. The bond is different now. More intense and I wasnt sure that was possible. Youre feeling some really powerful stuff.
He tried to remain clinical as he soaped the blood off her skin.
I cant believe I dont even have open wounds. She passed her fingertips over the pinked skin where shed already healed so much.
Just be glad its better. A few hours ago it was much worse.
She hugged him, staying snuggled into his body even as his cock got so hard he felt he should probably apologize.
You saved my life, Josh.
Cade did.
No, Cade turned me. You saved my life. He realized she meant something more than just the gunshots, and tears flooded him again. She was the best thing in the world. The finest gift hed ever been given.
Um, he tried to speak when she moved, slick from the soap, and her skin slid against his cock and he arched. Sorry. You just
She tipped her head back. Good to know Ive still got it. We can take care of that, you know, before the room fills up with shifters.
You were shot sixteen times. I can wait to fuck you until youve had some time to recover. Im a werewolf, not an animal.
Only you could make me laugh a sentence after you mention how many times I was shot.
Through their link he felt her wave of dizziness, and he got her rinsed off while he held her up.
Plenty of time for fucking when youre recovered. He turned the water off and helped her out, drying her off carefully, and then he assisted in getting her into soft yoga pants and a shirt.
Come on, into bed with you, and Ill let people know youre ready. Youll tell them what you saw and youll rest and thats an order.
An order?
Yes. Dont push me right now, Michelle. Im on the edge. My wolf is not happy at all that anyone will be coming in here when youre weak.
Youre here to protect me. She said it so matter of fact that he knew she simply accepted it as fact. And that eased some of his anguish.
She continued. Is everyone okay? I cant believe I didnt ask. Akio? Dave?
Ed, the wolf who was driving, was shot twice. He dove to knock you down as I was doing the same. But we were both too late. Akio is fine. He went off to eat because Cade ordered him to. He hadnt left your side since we brought you in. Thank God for his friend and their anchor. He might have lost it without Akios support.
He pulled the blankets back and helped her into bed before he went to the door and let the wolf just outside know Michelle was ready to talk.
Josh moved back to the bed and grabbed a chair.
No.
He looked up at her. No, what, beautiful?
I need you to sit here with me. Please. I need
He understood and settled next to her on the bed. You need to be touched. And I get it. I need to touch you so that works out just fine. Shifters, the whole lot of us, we find a great deal of comfort in touching and being touched. Youre on the mend and newly changed so youll need it more.
She snuggled into his side, sucking in a breath. He sucked in his own gasp when she licked his neck.
You taste so good. Even better now. Her lips brushed over his skin as she spoke and sent shivers through him. Wow, I can feel your arousal. I mean, here. She squeezed his cock. But through the bond too. Itswow. So wow.
He smiled. When youre ready for it, Im going to fuck the hell out of you. Just sayin.
Her arousal twined around his through the bond, and he had to put a pillow over his lap before everyone came in.
Akio entered the room first and moved right to them. He approached the side Josh was on, knowing how possessive and on edge he would be after his mate nearly died. Even with an anchor.
Hey, little witch. Akio kissed her forehead. Youre looking a far sight better than you were an hour ago. Dont fucking try to die again or I will kick your ass. And then he settled in the chair Josh was going to sit in.
Grace came in next with a tray she handed to Josh. Eat. Theres a mug of soup there for you, Michelle. If you feel up to it, just sip it here and there.
Cade followed and smiled at Michelle. There she is, my newest wolf. Welcome, Michelle. And congratulations on the bond with Josh.
Thank you. Michelle cleared her throat. Josh knew how tired she was getting but shed soldier through. And I understand youre the one who turned me to save my life, so thank you for that too.
Some years ago, a short while after Grace and I were mated, she was shot and seriously injured. Of course my very stubborn mate refused to change into her wolf before she knew my sister, who had been critically wounded, was all right. I know, first hand, what it feels like, that sick, helpless nausea as you watch the person you love more than life itself on the verge of death. So it was my honor to make sure Josh didnt have to face the rest of his life without you at his side. And now youre one of mine too.
He sat at the foot of the bed in a chair Dave brought in.
Im going to ask Kendra and Renee to come in now, all right? Then you can tell us all what you saw at once and after that, get some rest. Grace posed it like a question, but Michelle heard the steel in her tone. This was a woman used to being obeyed.
And really, sleeping in Joshs arms was going to be her reward so shed make it through.
Immediately, when the two witches came into the room, the wolf inside her seemed to press against her insides. Josh took her hand and squeezed it. Drink some of that soup.
She did, and the concentration it took to pick up the mug, sip it slowly and put it back helped her focus on something other than the fact that two beautiful women had just entered the space with her mate.
I dont even know how you get through every day feeling like this, she muttered.
Youll get used to it. Things are very strong between you and Josh now. Your bond is new and you nearly died. Your wolf is establishing herself, and she and your human will have to find an equilibrium. Itll come in time and then things will be easier. I promise. Grace patted her foot.
Both witches smiled at her. Im Renee. Jack Meyers is one of my mates. He told me about you. Spoke very highly of you as it happens. Hes hard to impress so you must be pretty awesome. Renee kept her eyes on Michelle, not quite ignoring Josh, but it was enough to ease her wolf back.
Im Kendra. Im Max de La Vegas wife and the other Alpha of the de La Vega Jamboree here in Boston. Im also a witch who took on an animal. So after youre recovered, we should talk about that. How it works for me and stuff. Also, I dont know any other witch who is also a shifter so we have so much to talk about.
Tell us what you saw. Cade sat back in his chair.
Chapter Sixteen
She woke up with a start and remembered. Everything. Being shot. Nearly dying. Joshs voice as she drifted farther and farther away. She was so sure shed die even as she held on by her fingernails. And then teeth. The fire of the virus as her wolf raced through her veins.
And then telling a room full of shifters about the magic at the murder scene. The way shed scented wolves in the energy. About the unbearable wrongness of the presence shed felt in that circle.
Shed repeated it over the phone to Lark Jaansen as well. The witch had told her to rest and not worry, that they were on the trail of the mages and Allies death would be avenged. She also urged Michelle to consider working for Owen as a hunter in Portland, perhaps as a liaison with the wolves there.
It was worth considering. And it was good to have some options when she wasnt sure what shed end up doing since she would no longer be a cop in Roseburg.
Josh stirred, opening his eyes and looking straight into her heart. She drew in a breath but it was full of his scent, and she went hot and hard and wet with such force it had her swallowing and reaching for some control.
So very slowly, he leaned in until he brushed his lips against her jaw. My beautiful wolf.
Hold that thought. She levered from the bed, thinking her legs would still be weak like they were the last time she managed to stand. But they werent. In fact she felt pretty amazing all things considered. So she brushed her teeth, washed her face and took care of her business before she went back out to him, where he was also getting back between the sheets.
Now, you should rest. He tried to tuck her into his body but she squirmed to face him, kissing him square on the mouth.
How long was I out?
About ten hours. Its been two days since we landed in Boston.
Did you rest?
Yes. Not the whole time. Once youre on the mend you wont need to sleep more than four hours or so a night. I do like a nap during the day though. He waggled his brows.
Then neither of us needs to rest right now. I feel awesome. And really horny. I havent had werewolf sex yet. Um, not that I want to as a wolf, cause, well Im not ready for that. But you know what I mean.
He laughed, kissing her slow and sweet. It can all wait. Youll need to shift at some point. Its a full moon in two days. The first shift is easiest then. Though with Cade here and being as powerful as he is and your maker, he might be able to
She shut Josh up by kissing him again while she struggled out of her pants and panties.
I dont want to wait.
You nearly died less than two days ago, damn it.
She rolled over on top of him, moving to straddle his waist to pin him there while she whipped off her shirt. He hissed, his gaze roving over her body.
I did almost die. I can remember it. Remember what it felt like as my life drained through my fingers like sand. I nearly lost you. Lost this. She undulated herself against his cock. I got a second chance. Well, I suppose you were my second chance, being alive? After being shot sixteen times? Well thats some miracle stuff right there, and I cant see any reason not to get you inside me right now. I want to live my life to the absolute fullest. One, because youre my man and you look the way you do and you have some very important and impressive skills in bed, but also? Because Allie didnt get a second chance. How can I not live every single moment, if for no other reason than I know most people dont get that extra chance?
I dont want to hurt you. You dont understand.
She pulled his shirt off and ran her hands all over the warmth of his skin.
Dont understand what? She bent to lick over a nipple, and he moaned, gripping her shoulders. She pushed back, the thrill of that restraint sliding through her.
If I hurt you I couldnt live with myself. I want you so much Im having trouble not shaking with it.
She sat up and looked into his eyes. If I can walk away after being shot, I can handle your cock.
He rolled his eyes but allowed his hands to slide down her shoulders to her arms and hands. You sure youre all right?
Not if you wont satisfy me sexually. She pouted until he took her breasts into his hands, squeezing her nipples between his fingers.
Look at me.
His gaze flicked from her nipples to her face. No. I mean my body. The gunshot wounds are barely even pink now. My muscles arent even sore. Im better than fine. Better than all right.
Are you unsatisfied then? His gaze went hooded and it sent a thrill through her.
Huh? It was hard to think with his hands on her.
You demanded I satisfy you sexually.
Oh that. Well get to it and I wont be.
He reached down and got rid of his pantsnaturally he wore no underwearand rolled his hips, sliding his cock through her pussy until she writhed.
Thing is, I dont think youre ready yet.
Gently, but quickly and with more practiced power than when shed done it, he reversed their positions, and she was on her back as he loomed over her.