Therian Promise(50)

An enraged growl erupted from the stranger as Carissa’s head connected with his groin. He sank to his knees, the pistol dropping to the carpet as he crossed his arms over the injured area. The maid darted forward and grabbed the weapon. She stepped back and covered the intruder as Carissa slowly circled him. Their movements were confident and smooth, as if the attack had been orchestrated. And Ava had never felt so useless in her life.

For just a moment she thought the fight was over then the stranger lunged to the side and shifted with a furious snarl. His body shrank and compacted, bones snapped and fur sprouted through his skin. The change was grotesque yet fascinating, far less…graceful than Carissa’s shift had been. With a long snout and sharp-looking teeth, he was much larger than any wolf Ava had ever seen.

A feline cry drew Ava’s attention to the kitchen as Kyle, in cougar form, came bounding into sight. Carissa moved closer to the maid, respectfully yielding the fight to Kyle.

The wolf seemed pleased by his new opponent. He charged Kyle only to connect with one of the cougar’s powerful claws. Bloody slashes parted the wolf’s fur from shoulder to chest. The wolf yelped, knocked sideways by the force of the blow.

Kyle was bigger and more controlled, but apparently the wolf wasn’t ready to accept defeat. The wolf charged again. Kyle caught him by the throat and flipped him over, pinning him to the floor. The wolf flailed, twisting and kicking as Kyle’s teeth sank deeper into his flesh.

“Kyle!” The maid’s voice snapped with sudden authority, her stance suspiciously militant. “Bruce spilled no blood. Nate deserves the opportunity to discipline his son.”

After a long, anxious moment, Kyle released his shift, smoothly transferring his hand to the wolf’s throat as his body changed. “Would Nate hesitate if one of his females were threatened?” Blood smeared his lower face and both hands. His eyes still glowed with amber light. Ava shivered. He looked every bit as savage as he had a few minutes before.

Carissa had released her shift as well and Quinn quickly wrapped her in a blanket. They stood near the archway leading to the kitchen. Erin on Carissa’s other side. They all stayed back and remained silent. This was Kyle’s choice to make. Kyle’s woman had been the focus of the attack. It was his right to seek retaliation. The realization sent another shiver down Ava’s spine. Kyle’s claim on her might be temporary, but for the next three months she was his to protect, his to pleasure and enjoy.

“It doesn’t matter what Nate would or would not do.” The woman remained poised and ready, pistol now aimed at Kyle. “If you’re a man of honor—as you claim—you’ll abide by the rules.”

After another long pause, Kyle stood, utterly unconcerned with his nudity. “Why did you let him use you? You’re one of Jake’s sentinels. You could have overpowered him at any time.”

“Exactly.” She grinned and lowered the gun. “That idiot mistook me for a maid and I couldn’t resist. I knew he was up to no good. I just needed to find out exactly what he wanted.” She picked up Bruce’s jeans and moved closer to the panting wolf. “Shift back, asshole. Daddy is going to be very upset with you.”





Chapter Seven




Ian returned shortly after sundown. Ava’s mind was still reeling from the events of the day. It was wonderful to see Carissa, to know she was safe, happy and very much in love. But all of Ava’s choices still lay ahead, threatening to shape her life into something she no longer recognized. She stood by the sliding glass door in the spacious country kitchen, watching the sun sink behind the mountains. The others sat around the kitchen table, debating strategy. Light began to fade as shadows crept across the land and a sudden motion drew her gaze to the sky.

A massive bird sailed over the treetops then swooped toward the house. She shifted position, tilting her head as the bird flew nearer. Its long, powerful wings spread wide, slowing its descent as it landed on the deck’s wooden rail. The eagle hopped off the rail and the outline of its body shimmered as the shape stretched and expanded, growing longer and broader in a smooth, streaming motion. Light from the house spilled onto the deck, allowing her to witness the miraculous transformation. Legs and arms stretched outward then the torso and head took on detail and definition. Regal features and rippling muscles arranged with perfect symmetry.

Ava was mesmerized by the surreal display and the masculine beauty of both bird and man. A sensual smile curved his lips and he inclined his head, acknowledging her presence—and the fact that she was staring at him.

She turned from the window as a guilty flush crept up her neck. “Ian’s back.”