Passion Untamed - Памела Палмер 16 стр.


Birik shouted. Cease! Stop him.

Skye grabbed Vhypers arm, her mouth moving to the words as she whispered them along with him. Her face contorted with pain, her pain fueling the battle inside him, strengthening his resolve to hold on, to fight for her. For Vhyper. For his own soul. Discord rippled through the evil, as he felt the battle raging inside Vhyper even as he was consumed by a battle of his own with Skyes power struggling to save them both.

Stop him! Birik yelled a second time.

Hell stop on his own, one of the sorcerers said. Once we have his soul.

Birik whirled on Skye instead. He grabbed her from behind, slamming her jaw closed as he pulled her away from Vhyper.

Paenther felt the cold surge inside him, the evil pulling at him, tearing him apart at the most fundamental level. Darkness swirled around his head, but he continued to chant, clinging tenaciously to Skye. She was all that kept him tethered. All that gave him the might he needed to hold on.

But he was losing. The chanting went silent as the words would no longer come.

Through the dark fog, he saw lights flash and sparkle. Where Vhyper had stood, now sat a great snake, growing by the second until it was the width of a man and five times as long.

The snake slithered across the floor, coiling and rising beside the sorcerers. As the darkness closed in on him, the snake rose, his eyes pinning Paenther. And in those eyes, he saw pain and joy, grief and love. He saw his friend.

The snake struck lightning fast, tearing off the heads of two of the sorcerers before they could move. The third ran.

For one searing moment, Panther thought it was too late, then warmth rushed in, dispelling the cold as the invisible bonds disappeared. In a rush of dizziness, he fell to one knee. And felt his soul tumble back into place.

Vhypers voice, warm and rich with the deep bond of brotherhood, whispered in his mind. The head or the heart, B.P.? Birik is going down.

Paenther looked up with a fierce grin. The heart. Welcome back, Vhype.

He called on the power within him and shifted into his cats form in a burst of pain and furious joy, then leaped to Vhypers side.

The snake let out a hissing sound Paenther knew well. A vipers battle cry. Were getting out of this together, B.P. Now, lets do it!

Capture them! Birik yelled.

As the sentinels drew their swords, Skyes voice rang in his head, ringing with excitement and love. Paenther, help me say the chant again!

Paenthers gaze swung to Skye, loving her with his panthers eyes. He said the words as he leaped at Birik, Vhyper at his side. Skye chanted loudly, her voice ringing over the stone as she raised her unique power and sent a blast at the sentinels, knocking them back. He felt her pain, heard it in her voice, but his witch was at heart a stubborn little fighter, and she kept the guards at bay.

Birik tried to run for the door, but Paenther leaped on him, taking him down. As he sank his teeth into the bastards chest, the great snake bit off his head. Paenther pulled out Biriks heart and ate it.

Beneath him the ground began to shake. Chaos erupted in the room as the Mage fled, sprinting for the door. Paenther shifted back into his human form and ran for Skye.

She flew at him, her arms wrapping around his neck as he gathered her tight against him.

Youre okay, she whispered.

The sound of battle erupted behind them. Animal battle. Paenther set Skye on her feet and pushed her behind him as he whirled to find Jag and Foxx fighting as no Ferals should, going for one anothers throats. Mortal combat. Jags fur was soaked with blood where the huge fox had taken a chunk out of his neck. Part of Foxxs face had already been torn away. Each was fighting for his life.

Foxx!

But the fox ignored him.

I tried to stop him from leaving, Jag said. He attacked me again. His eyes are empty, B.P. Theres nobody home.

Wait here, Paenther told Skye, but as he prepared to shift, Vhyper struck the fox, six-inch-long fangs burying deep in the animals hindquarters.

Almost at once, the fox fell back, shifting to a man as he hit the floor. A chunk of rock fell from the ceiling not far away, crashing and splintering as the ground shook even harder.

Paenther grabbed Skye, shielding her in case anything else fell. Weve got to get out of here.

Vhyper and Jag both shifted back into men as Paenther and Skye joined them. At their feet, Foxx lay groaning, twisting in pain.

He looked up at them, his gaze locking on Paenthers. A gaze as cold as any hed ever seen. Soulless.

Vhyperwas right. Foxxs face twisted with pain. All this timedidnt know. The Mages weapon andI didnt know.

Paenther looked at Vhyper. How bad?

The poison? A lethal dose.

Paenther stared at his friend, then nodded and looked down at Foxx. Im sorry, Cub. And, goddess, he was. The kid had shown some real promise. He could have been a damn fine Feral once he matured. Once more the Mage had cut off a promising life before it had a chance to bloom. It shouldnt have ended this way.

Foxx opened his mouth as if to speak, then said nothing as his body relaxed, his head lolling to the side.

Hes gone, Skye said quietly.

A massive stalactite dropped from the roof and shattered, spraying them with stinging bits of limestone.

Out, Paenther said. Now.

Vhyper lifted Foxx in his arms as Paenther shielded Skye.

Wheres that Daemon blade? Jag asked.

Vhyper shook his head. The last time I saw it, it was sitting between the two circles.

As they reached the door, Paenther turned right, but Skye pulled against him, fighting him.

This isnt the way out? he asked her.

It is. But I have to get Faithful. Go with Vhyper. Ill meet you outside.

Like hell. Whos Faithful?

One of my deer. I have to save my deer.

Skye

Im not leaving them in here to die!

Jag grabbed her arm, but his gaze met Paenthers. Im going after the blade. Ill bring the deer.

Ill go with you Paenther began, and cut off as a chunk of ceiling nearly crashed on top of them. He hauled Skye out of the way barely in time.

Go, B.P.! Get her out of here.

Youve got three minutes, Jag, then Im coming after you.

Deal.

Vhyper led the way out of the caverns and into near-hurricane-force winds and driving rain. Mother Nature was furious, but Skye could hardly care. Paenther was alive, Birik dead, Vhyper saved. Now if only Jag, Faithful, and the other deer made it out alive.

Paenther held her tight against his chest as cold rain lashed her body. She glanced at Vhyper as he held Foxx, his gaze searching the forest. No longer was he the cold, casually cruel Feral shed known in the caverns. But the dark, swirling intensity she felt in him made him seem every bit as dangerous. Inside him, she could feel the snake, coiled and agitated, but she didnt think it had anything to do with her this time.

Do you see any sign of them? Paenther asked.

None. The Mage may be soulless, but theyre not stupid. Theres nothing more for them here.

Three minutes, Paenther said softly, as if to himself. Then I want you to take Skye and get out of here, Vhype. She can lead you to the others.

No, Skye said. I have to see Faithful.

Paenther stroked her, the cold rain sliding between their naked bodies. Were not going to have room in the car for a deer, Beauty.

I wouldnt take her from her family. I just need to know she made it. I need to say good-bye.

Vhyper laid Foxx on the ground and stripped him, tossing Paenther the clothes. You need these more than he does.

Paenther slipped Foxxs shirt over Skyes head, a soft cotton dress shirt that fell nearly to her knees, then pulled on the pants and boots for himself.

Beneath them, the ground rumbled and shook. Get her off this mountain, Vhyper, before it implodes.

But Skye shook her head. Deep inside she could feel the pull of the animals. Jags coming. As the Feral cleared the entrance to the cave with four deer, elation flared inside her. It was done, and theyd all made it. Except Foxx.

Skye pulled away from Paenther and ran to Jag as he led the deer by the ends of their tethers. He might be holding them by the ends of ropes, but she noted with interest that Faithful was pressing as tightly against him as she usually did her. Which was extraordinary, really, considering the man was part predatory cat.

She also noticed that Jags hand stroked the side of her friends neck, long, gentle strokes. Skye pushed between the deer gathered around him and gave the Feral a kiss on the cheek.

He scowled as she knelt to pull the tethers from around the deers heads, his face screwed up against the driving wind and rain. Can the gratitude, Glinda. I told you Id get em, and I got em. You saved us, I saved your friends. Were even.

The blade? Paenther called.

No sign of it. And that hall is gone, now. It pan-caked about two seconds after I got Bambi and her friends out of there.

One by one, Skye looked into the beautiful creatures eyes, sharing her joy in their survival, feeling their warming love in return, then sent them far away.

Finally, she kissed Faithful. Go, dear one. Be safe. Faithful hesitated, then pressed her cheek against Skye one last time and took off.

Skye rose and turned back to Jaguar, tears in her eyes. Youre a better man than you want the world to think, Jag, she said softly.

He scowled at her again. Youre wrong, Sabrina. My heart is as black as they come, and it always has been.

She could see the utter truth of his words in his eyes. Or at least, a truth he fully believed. He was wrong.

But she had a feeling telling him that wouldnt do a bit of good.

The ground rumbled again, violently. Paenthers hand landed on her soaked head. We have to go. Now! Just how many Mage did you kill in there, Jag?

Eight. Maybe nine.

Vhyper laughed. Serves the fuckers right.

Yeah, well lets hope we can get out of here before Natures fury rips this mountain out from under us.

Skye grabbed Paenthers hand and ran as the earth began to cave in behind them. Birik and the caverns were gone. There was no going back.

But she feared the only future she wanted, one with Paenther at her side, was nothing more than a dream.

How did Foxx die? Tighe asked grimly as he drove them back to Feral House.

I killed him. Vhypers raw confession rang through the closed car.

Paenther looked at him sharply, hating the pain he heard in his friends voice. They were in Tighes Land Rover, Delaney riding in front with her mate, Vhyper in back with Skye and him. Foxxs body lay in the cargo area behind them. Hawke was driving Jag and Wulfe back in Paenthers Escalade.

You didnt kill him, Vhype, Paenther said, willing his friend to believe the words he knew were true. The Mage killed him when they stole his soul.

The car went silent except for the swish of the windshield wipers and the gusts of wind buffeting the Land Rover. Any rejoicing at Vhypers and Jags return was dampened by the hard truth of Foxxs death and Vhypers earlier announcement that the three wraith Daemons had been set free just that morning. Goddess knew where the Daemons had gone, but Paenther felt certain theyd know soon enough. Just as soon as the first bodies of their victims were found.

His own satisfaction at finally freeing Vhyper was tempered by the pain lancing his body in harsh, regular waves. He didnt know what the sorcerers had done to him when they tried to steal his soul, but he felt strange in a way he never had before. Like there was still something inside him.

Skye lifted her head off his shoulder. Somethings wrong with your animal spirit, Paenther. Hes acting like hes sick. Im worried about him.

He looked down into the copper-and-blue eyes hed come to love. Me, too, Beauty. Me, too. Pressing her head against his shoulder again, he held her, needing the feel of her against him.

If this is too insensitive, tell me and Ill shut up, Delaney said from the front seat. But what happens now? With Foxx? Or the fox spirit?

Tighe answered her without hesitation clearly relieved to end the silence. Within the next few weeks a new Feral will be marked. Sometime in the next year or two, hell find his way to us. If he doesnt, hell die, clearing the way for one who will.

Vhyper met Paenthers gaze over Skyes head. I cant decide if I should thank you for freeing me or kill you for it. His eyes swam with a guilt thick enough to choke. Im not sure I can live with the things Ive done, B.P.

You will, Vhype. Because you didnt do them. The darkness that held you captive did. And because Im not ever giving up on you. Just as youve never given up on me.

He saw Skyes hand reach out and take Vhypers. To his surprise and relief, his friend didnt pull away but curved his hand around her smaller one and held on as if her touch alone kept him from flying apart into a million pieces. A tiny curl of jealousy slid around Paenthers heart, then dissipated. He was about to take as his mate a woman, an enchantress, to whom all the Ferals would be drawn on some level. And while shed told him she had no particular affinity for snakes, she had a heart big enough to care for all creatures, two-legged and four-. And those without any legs at all, for that matter.

It was a moment before his mind backpedaled to the words hed thought without hesitation. He was about to take as his mate

He stared out the window, stunned, and yetcertain. He was taking her as his mate. If she agreed, if she wanted him, he would willingly bind himself to her for all eternity.

They wouldnt be able to live at Feral House, of course. Not with her being Mage, but it didnt matter. Hed find a safe house nearby and split his time between them. This woman wasnt getting away from him. Ever. He just hoped whatever was going on inside him gave him the time to make good on that promise.

CHAPTER 26

Once more, Skye stood on the goddess stone, dressed in nothing but a filmy ritual gown, Kara and Delaney on either side of her as they waited for the Ferals to raise the Feral Circle. The winds werent as bad this far from the mountains, and the rains had ended, but the sky was still dark despite sunrise being nearly upon them.

Paenther stood with the others, his strong form tense with a pain she prayed she could ease. Inside him, the panther no longer leaped to greet her. He barely lifted his head at all. But she felt his will, felt him demanding help that only she could give.

Tighe had called Lyon as theyd driven in from the mountains and told him Paenther was in bad shape.

When theyd arrived at Feral House, the Shaman had been waiting, ready to clear Biriks spells from her cantric now that the Mage was dead. Kara had helped her change into the ritual gown once he was done. The moment she was ready, Lyon had ushered them all down to the goddess stone.

All but Vhyper. Vhyper alone remained at Feral House, at Lyons command. He was glad to have the warrior back, but he didnt entirely trust him yet. None of the Ferals did, except Paenther. Sadly, they seemed to trust her not to hijack the ritual more than they trusted one of their own.

Paenther came to her and took her hands. Are you ready?

I need to know something. Ive been thinking about how to make this work, and I need to know what Ancreta did to you to cause this rift in the first place. It might be important to repairing it. She touched his face, loving him with her eyes. Tell me what you remember.

As little as possible. He gazed down at her, his eyes pained, yet filled with love. Once more, the feral mark across his eye was nearly gone. She opened my mind, then chanted some words I cant begin to remember.

I dont need the words. My powers enough. But I think we need to open your mind as I pull the power.

He released one hand to stroke her jaw, his eyes gentle on her face. Do you want to do this somewhere more private?

She gave him a rueful smile. I got over any shyness about my body a long, long time ago. No, I think we need to do it here. Were going to need to raise the power of the panther again. Hes the one who has to do most of the work, and hes weak, Paenther. He has to breach the gap Ancreta formed between you, and hes going to need all the strength you can give him to do it.

She pressed her palms to his bare chest. He was wearing his leather pants again, but all the Ferals had doffed their shirts to prepare for the ritual. Through the link of flesh, she stroked the animal spirit inside him, telling him with her heart that she would do what he wanted and try to get him the power he needed to find his way back to Paenther.

Does he know what were doing?

The panther brushed her mind, a growl of gratitude and approval. She nodded. He knows. Hes ready.

It amazes me you understand him.

If this works, you will too, soon enough.

Then lets do it. He led her down to the circle, told his friends what they were going to do, then swept her into his arms, kissing her with a hot, deep-throated kiss. When he pulled back, he growled to his men, Close your eyes. This is about to get private.

Grunts and groans rose around them, but Skye closed her eyes, shutting them out. The only thing that mattered was healing Paenther. The only one who mattered was the one she loved.

Look at me, Skye.

She did, gazing into Paenthers strong, beloved face, and tumbling into the dark depths of his eyes.

Holding her gaze, he reached for her breast, kneading, teasing, then grabbed the back of her head and tilted her face to meet his hard, passion-ate kiss. She knew his intent was to drive her up, hard and fast, and he knew just how to do it. The hand on her head slid down her back and grabbed her rear. Then he yanked on her gown until he was able to reach beneath. His warm hand slid between her thighs. His fingers stroked that sensitive flesh, nearly melting her, before they dove deep inside.

His scent, his taste, the feel of his muscled shoulders beneath her hands combined with the blissful feel of his fingers inside her, had her quickly weeping with need.

He pulled away, unfastened his pants to free his erection, then grabbed her hips.

Wrap your arms around my neck and hold on, Beauty.

Paenther lifted Skyes dress to her waist, then gripped the backs of her thighs, spreading her wide for him as he lifted her. He probed between her legs with his shaft, seeking her entrance. Finding it, he pulled her hips toward him and thrust inside her tight, wet sheath on a stab of ecstasy.

Skye threw her head back with a moan of pure pleasure.

Oh, Paenther.

His name on her lips destroyed his control. He pulled nearly all the way out of her before pressing home a second time and a third, over and over, each thrust more desperate than the last.

So intense was the pleasure he nearly forgot the reason for it. Say the words, Beauty. Ill help you say the right ones. Together they called her power.

His voice broke off, midchant. Im getting close. Goddess, you send me up faster than He kissed her hard and pulled back on a groan. The power of the beasts! he called. Now!

Skye gripped his head from behind, and he knew she fought to reverse the damage Ancreta had done to him all those years ago.

The men circled tight around them even as Paenther continued to thrust inside her.

The scent of fresh blood mixed with the heady scent of sex teased his nostrils. He didnt have to look to know they were cutting themselves.

Lean back, Skye, Lyons voice said. I need to cut his chest.

She curved her back, giving Lyon minimal room to get a knife between them. Paenther shifted her, holding her rear with one arm as he slid his hand against his bloody chest, then shoved his fist in the air.

Empower the spirit of the panther!

Like before, thunder rumbled. Power roared up through the Earth. The rush of pleasure and pain sent them both over the edge in the next thrust of his body inside her, sending them tumbling in a single spiral of ecstasy. As the orgasm tore through his body, he felt the power erupt within him ten times stronger than before. Paenther shouted, half pleasure, half pain. Skye screamed.

Around them, the other Ferals shouted, but he heard no pain in the sound. Pleasure, yes. And triumph.

Holy shit!

Did you feel that?

The Ferals excited voices bombarded his ears.

Skye continued to whisper the words Ezekiel had taught her, alone this time. Now that her cantric had been disabled, she no longer needed his help. As she murmured the words, the pressure mounted in his head until he thought it would explode.

Paenther, reach for him! Skye cried. Hes trying to get to you. Reach for him!

Paenther closed his eyes, desperate to help, yet uncertain where to reach, where to turn. And suddenly he felt it, the second presence struggling toward him through a thick, bright barrier. With his Ferals strength and determination, he pushed against that invisible wall with every ounce of mental power he possessed.

It shattered. In a burst of light that rained down over him like broken glass, the barrier burst. And standing within a rainbow mist was a sleek and beautiful black panther. A creature, a spirit, hed never seen, yet knew in the deepest reaches of his being.

The panther roared, a jubilant sound of triumph and rapture. Then he leaped, and suddenly they were one, their minds brushing, intertwining, snapping together like two pieces of a puzzle. And as one, they swung their gazes to Skye, who was still in his arms, still cradling him deep within her body. The woman they both loved.

For one sharp moment Paenther felt a pinch of jealousy that the beast inside him loved her as thoroughly as he did. Then he laughed at himself. Laughed out loud. And felt the beasts pleasure caress his mind.

Within him, a sudden pressure built, a desperate need to shift. He pulled out of Skye and set her down. With a swift kiss, he stepped back.

For the first time, he didnt have to pull on the power. All he had to do was think of himself as an animal, and in a sparkling flash of light, he became one. The shift was amazingly, incredibly, without pain. Instead, he felt a rush of such pleasure he could barely credit it. The pleasure raced through his body, extinguishing the pain, flushing the rage hed lived with for three hundred years.

He stood on the rock, the cold damp wind blowing in his cats face. His vision was clearer, his senses keener, his body stronger, more vibrant, more alive as he drank in the feel of the spirit bounding through his mind. One. After all these years, one, at last.

His gaze swung to Skye. One with his beast, perhaps, but not whole. Not completely. Not yet.

Thinking of his man form, he shifted, smooth as glass.

Belatedly, he realized the wind had stopped, the sky had cleared, and in the east, the sun was starting to rise. He reached for the beauty who owned his heartand stopped midreach as he stared at the sleeve on his arm.

How is this possible? I lose my clothes when I shift. I always have.

Your gifts come through the power of your animal. Youve been lacking a lot of that power. Skyes smile was the sweetest in the world. Now that hes with you, youll both be stronger.

He gathered her hard against him, then swung her around, laughing. Finally he set her down and turned to his men, who were all watching him, bemused.

I dont think Ive ever heard you laugh, Tighe said, a quiet grin on his face and wonder in his eyes.

I feelreborn, Paenther said.

His brothers gathered around him, slapping him on the back, and pulling him into hard, male hugs. His only disappointment was that Vhyper wasnt there to share it with him. But he was up at the house, free of the evil. Trust might take a while, but it would come. He had to believe that.

Lyon grasped his forearm, then pulled him into a hard hug. When he pulled back, a rare smile lit his friends face. You look like a new man, B.P.

I am. Thanks to Skye. Paenther reached for her where shed stepped aside and pulled her against his side.

Lyon held out his hand to her, his amber eyes turning serious as he offered her this purposeful act of trust.

Her expression uncertain, Skye placed her hand in Lyons. He sandwiched it between the two of his. The Feral Warriors are in your debt, Skye. If you ever need us, all you have to do is call. And youre welcome at Feral House for as long as you wish to stay.

Paenther watched her eyes tear as a warm, sweet smile creased her face. Thank you, Lyon.

His heart burned with love.

Skye looked at Paenther in surprise as he gave a tug on her hand, pulling her to a stop as the Ferals and their women made their way back through the rugged, rocky woods after the ritual. Shed heard Paenther say he felt reborn, but she didnt think he had anything on her. For the first time in her life, shed pulled good power instead of dark, without pain, and the rush had been breathtaking. Wonderful warmth had flowed through her body, full and strong and right.

Shed healed Paenther. And pleased Lyon. The Chief of the Ferals had accepted her and told her she could stay.

A bittersweet smile twisted her lips. While his offer had brought tears to her eyes, the decision wasnt hers. She could only stay if Paenther wanted her to.

Problem, B.P.? Tighe asked, his arm looped around Delaneys shoulders.

Paenther smiled, tumbling her heart all over again. I just want to talk to Skye without an audience, Stripes. Well be right behind you.

As the others passed, he took her into his arms and held her against him. Just held her, his arms telegraphing a tension that had her starting to worry. Was this when he would tell her that a part of him would always love her, but of course she couldnt stay? That he appreciated her help and wished her the best of luck in her life?

She buried her face against his warm chest and steeled herself for whatever he needed to say, refusing to let her grief show. She wouldnt do that to him. To either of them.

Paenther stroked her hair. Look at me, Beauty.

Taking a deep breath, struggling to hide the heart that was breaking, she pulled back and looked up into his beloved face.

His expression melted, turning infinitely tender. I love you, Skye. Since the moment I saw you in the Market, Ive been obsessed with you. Even while I still thought I hated you, I was falling in love with you. And I know now that even though my panther and I are finally one, were not whole. And we never will be without you.

Tears sprang to her eyes. What are you saying? she breathed.

He lifted his hand and cupped her cheek. I want you to be my mate, Skye. To be by my side. Forever. I cant live without you.

She stared at him, hearing the words that had lived in her deepest dreams for days now. Hearing them, but not quite believing.

PaentherIm Mage.

He grinned at her. Grinned. You dont say.

But it wasnt funny. Tears burned her eyes, tears that were part joy and part heartbreak. Dont joke, Paenther. Theyll never accept me.

He was immediately serious again, but his expression never lost that wonderful tenderness.

Dont cry, little one. Theyll accept you. Sooner or later, theyll accept you. But until then, we wont live at Feral House. Ill find a place nearby and have it warded against draden attack. Itll work, Beauty. I promise. Ill make it work.

His expression became intense, almost desperate. Youre a fighter, Skye. Dont let them scare you. Please dont. Fight. For me. For us. All three of us.

Three of us?

A tiny smile formed on his mouth. You, me, and the panther. Hes a stubborn cuss. Hes growling at me to make you say yes. He cupped her face in his hands. Youre my world, Skye. My heart. My soul.

Leaning forward, he kissed her forehead, then pulled back to look into her eyes again, love shining from his own. Be my mate.

The tears slipped down her cheeks. Yes. A hundred times yes, Paenther. A hundred times yes.

Paenther pulled her into his arms and kissed her thoroughly, the kiss tender and fierce. Everything shed ever dared dream of.

The others were waiting by the cars when they finally caught up with them.

Skyes agreed to become my mate, Paenther announced. Well find a place to live not far from here.

You dont want to live at Feral House? Kara asked. Her gaze turned to Skye. Its a little crazy, but I think youd like it.

Lyon looked at his second. Id rather you be at Feral House, B.P. He turned to her. If you dont want to live with us, Skye, Ill accept your wishes, but Id like you to reconsider. I meant what I said. Youre welcome in Feral House. Period. Wed be glad to have you join us as a permanent addition.

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