Unimaginable Lover Page 14

  Rays from the rising sun colored the scattered clouds in shades of pink and orange.

  The tense muscles in Saar’s back and shoulders burned with unspent energy. Returning to the Keep without the traitors didn’t sit well with him, but the brightening sky made the decision easy. He glanced at his two warriors. “We call for a portal and resume our search tomorrow.”

  They each nodded, but Quoron’s mouth pursed and Revin rubbed the back of his neck. As they blended into the forest to find the nearest clearing, Saar peered over his shoulder at the human home. Tomorrow, Tanen…tomorrow.

  CHAPTER 30

  Tanen paced at the edge of Sheri’s property, his boots crunching over the gravel driveway. Even from several yards away, he heard Sheri moving around in her home. He glanced at her front door, willing her to open it and invite him back in so they could continue their conversation. “If I could take it all back, Sheri, I would.”

  His marking for honesty burned against his skin, darkening at the truth in his words. Not since he’d held her necklace while in the small shelter had the trinket crossed his mind. Not, that is, until the bauble had fallen out of his pants pocket. An ache built in his chest. As much as he regretted stealing her necklace, what really bothered him was how he’d upended her life, traumatizing her, bringing her into this war. That she was no longer human was another complication altogether. The sparks that had radiated from her hands weren’t natural. Somehow, his saliva must’ve gotten into her bloodstream, changing her into a Dren.

  Anxiety raced through his bloodstream. She must be scared. Given the events over the past few nights, and despite her anger toward him, how could she be anything but? Soon, she wouldn’t be able to handle the sun and would need to drink blood to stave off the madness. There was no way she’d want to go with him, not after what he’d done, but he’d find a way to convince her—or die trying. As much as he wanted to race back to her this instant, he’d give her a few minutes to calm down before he returned.

  “If not for Mauree…” The muscles in his legs tensed.

  The evil bitch had the sacred blue sunstone. A tendril of fear raced over his nerves, and the hair at his nape stiffened. She planned to use the crystal against Noeh at the Ostrum ceremony. He needed to warn Noeh, but he couldn’t move, his legs locked firmly in place. There was no way he would leave Sheri.

  Light from the impending day coated the clouds in shades of orange and red. He didn’t have much time. If Sheri didn’t let him in soon, he’d have to spend another day in the shed. No…absolutely not. With a new determination burning in his veins, he headed toward her house.

  The front door opened, a creak issuing from its hinge. Sheri peered at him. Their gazes met, and her brow furrowed. Before he could speak, she bolted for her car.

  A shot of adrenaline propelled him forward. He wouldn’t reach her before she enclosed herself in her vehicle. Panic welled in his chest.

  As he lunged past the rear bumper, the slam of her car door reverberated off the trees. He gripped the handle and pulled—locked.

  Sheri looked at him through the window. Anger and fear radiated from her hazel eyes. The car’s engine rumbled to life.

  “Sheri, wait. Don’t go—”

  The car lurched, yanking him forward. He tightened his grip on the handle. Even his Lemurian speed was no match for a racing car, but he refused to let go. With blood pumping through his muscles, he ran at her side, his boots pounding on the gravel.

  His breaths came hard and fast. He couldn’t maintain this pace.

  His fingers slipped.

  As her car sped down the driveway, all he could do was watch her leave. His inner beast clawed to get free, continue the chase, but that would be pointless. A growl born of frustration burst from his lips. She was gone.

  Worry tightened his chest. Be safe, my love.

  With a quick glance into the lightening sky, he headed back the way he’d come, electing to cut through the forest instead of following the curve of the driveway. The pointy ends of tree branches pricked his face and long vines pulled at his legs, as if the Earth tried to keep him from his task.

  He approached the house. Sheri’s front door was wide open. Coop stood in the doorway. He barked once and wagged his tail.

  “Ah, Coop. I’m glad to see you, too.” Coop whined, and Tanen stroked the animal’s fur. That she hadn’t taken her pet was a good sign. She’d be back. “Good boy, Coop.”

  With the sun cresting over the horizon, Tanen had little choice but to seek shelter in Sheri’s home. Hopefully, she’d return soon, and he’d get his chance to explain everything—who he was, where he lived, what she’d become. Then after sunset, he’d convince Sheri to go with him to Roan’s Rock and warn Noeh about Mauree and the blue sunstone. He exhaled a long, slow breath. To wait out the sun tortured his mind. He needed something to do, anything to occupy his time.

  The devastation in the living room was worse than he’d remembered. Heaviness settled over his limbs. Several long gashes marred the back of the couch. Shards of glass from a broken flower vase littered the carpet. Although Sheri had righted the coffee table, the magazines and papers were strewn throughout the room, some on the chair, some on the couch, some lying on the floor. The topper, though, was the bookcase.

  It tilted against the wall, the books scattered across the floor. Her precious books. He understood her love of the treasured tomes. The skin on the back of his neck heated. Sheri, sweet Sheri. He couldn’t change the past and how he’d ruined her life, but he’d clean up the mess. Resolve cut deep, tightening the muscles in his chest. He cracked his knuckles and started on his task.

  CHAPTER 31

  M auree trailed her fingers over the carved footboard and admired the deep green and blue pillows atop her bed. The opulence matched her old quarters at the Keep, and she let out a satisfied exhale. Still damp from her shower, a few wet hairs tickled the back of her neck. After a quick rub behind her ears, she tossed the towel onto the back of a nearby chair. The material hit the bedside table in the process, knocking a small frame to the carpet.

  In the picture—a human male with a baseball cap and a quirky grin held up his hand. A large fish dangled from the end of a line. Thanks to Jakar’s internet skills, seems the solitary owner had died and the place was tied up in the human legal courts. They could stay here for months without fear of discovery. Mauree curled her lip and kicked the frame under the bed. So much for the prior owner.

  Mauree crossed the large room and entered the walk-in closet. She slid on a clean skirt, the hem several inches above her knees, and pulled a tight sweater over her head. Turning, she glanced into the mirror and paused before her reflection. The material formed perfectly to her well-rounded hips and ample breasts. She took a deep, satisfying breath and winked at her reflection. Who could resist her?

  Mauree returned to her room and yanked open the drawer of the small bedside table. Ah, the blue sunstone of legend. The crystal pulsed with a soft glow, mesmerizing her. She couldn’t resist its allure.

  With attentive interest, she traced her finger over the stone’s edge. The light brightened, and a careening sound buzzed in her ears. She gripped the gem, cradling it in her palm.

  An unnerving warmth traveled up her arm and into her chest, fueling her bitterness and rage, deepening her desire for destruction and pain. Caught in its web, she could only stare at its beauty. A tiny scream echoed in the back of her mind. She acknowledged the cry for what it was—the loss of her soul. She didn’t want to see what was in its place.

  “Mauree!” Jakar’s call brought her out of her trance.

  The stone tumbled from her fingers and landed back in the drawer. The light extinguished, and her bitterness and rage ebbed.

  “Mauree. We have company.” Jakar stood in the doorway, his hands clasped behind his back. His gaze traveled over her body.

  She curled her lip. “Stop staring. Who’s here?”

  “The Ursus and the new Gossum.”

  She inhaled.
“How many?”

  “Forty-three Gossum and thirty-one Ursus.” He shrugged. “Good thing there’s a few small cottages on the property.”

  She grabbed the stone and shoved it between her breasts. Warmth filtered along her skin, and her stomach fluttered. “Where are they?”

  “Downstairs.” He tilted his head. “Can’t you hear them?”

  She’d been so engrossed in the stone, she hadn’t heard a thing. The quiet sound of chatter filtered through the doorway. She raised her chin, smiling. “Well, let’s not keep them waiting.”

  He gestured with his hand. “After you.”

  She stood at the top of the circular staircase and peered at the crowd. Below, clustered in groups of three or four were her new fighters, her soldiers in this battle over Earth’s water. Some sat on the cushioned couch and the recliner chairs, others congregated by the windows.

  The Gossum were easy to distinguish—all male, all bald, all with black eyes. What set the Ursus apart was their muscular build. Both male and female alike had massive shoulders, thick torsos and burly arms and legs. Many were covered in thick coats made of leather or animal hide. Their dark pants and shirts seemed thin in comparison. A few had brown hair, but most had long jet-black strands that accentuated the deep brown of their eyes.

  Mauree inhaled at her strong and impressive warriors. “Ah-hem.”

  Conversations quieted, then ceased altogether. She puffed out her chest and raised her hand. “Welcome, Gossum. Welcome, Ursus. I am Mauree, your new leader.”

  She wasn’t sure what she’d expected, but deadly silence wasn’t it. A heavy weight settled into her stomach. She narrowed her eyes. “Who is the Ursus leader?”

  A large male strode forward, his dark, penetrating eyes focusing on her. By his side was a female with a gold stud over her eyebrow. “I am Arbane, and I lead the Ursus along with my mate, Entrania.”

  Mauree raked her gaze over him, then glanced at the female. “I suppose you’ll do.”

  Taking her time, she sauntered down the circular staircase. As she approached, the others stepped aside.

  She faced the Ursus leader and they locked eyes in a battle of wills. He narrowed his focus, and a loud rumble burst from his throat. “I must battle for Zedron, but you, I will not follow.”

  Mauree’s stomach fluttered, but she held her ground, fisting her hands at her side. “Zedron placed me in charge.” …and as much as you despise my authority, you can’t hurt me. Zedron had ensured the Ursus would protect her at all costs, but she wanted to win their loyalty on her own.

  He chuckled. “You think that matters to me or any of my kind?”

  Shouts and murmurs of agreement raced through the group. The tension in the room electrified. Several Gossum hissed.

  Mauree laughed, a long hearty chuckle.

  Silence stretched on for several seconds.

  With deliberate intent, she reached between her ample cleavage and removed the blue sunstone. The gem reflected in the overhead lights, but didn’t illuminate.

  Gossum and Ursus alike inhaled, the quick intake of breaths loud in the room. Arbane took a step back, shielding his mate.

  Mauree raised the stone for all to see. “The magical blue sunstone belongs to me. Have you heard of it?”

  Frantic whispers filled the air.

  Entrania placed her fingers over her mouth. “H…how did you get that?”

  “Irrelevant. What matters is I will use the crystal to win this war.”

  Arbane shook his head. “I am leader of my tribe. They follow my lead, not yours.”

  A male stepped behind Arbane and gripped his shoulder. “Please, brother. Not here. Wait for a better time.”

  Arbane shrugged off the male’s hand. “Theron, enough.”

  Mauree clutched the stone to her breast. The crystal darkened her heart, blackening her soul, but she didn’t care—not anymore. Her heartbeat sped, flushing heat through her body. The gem brightened until the glow hurt her eyes. Cries of discomfort and muffled shouts filled the large living space.

  As if the stone had a will of its own, Mauree had the sudden urge to lash out, hurt Arbane. A small light burst from the stone, piercing the male in the chest. Entrania gripped his arm, and the glow engulfed them both. A moment later they disintegrated, leaving only a pile of dust.

  The light extinguished.

  A scream of pure anguish rent the air.

  “My parents—you killed them.” An Ursus female, with a long dark braid, strings of gold twisted in the plait, emerged from the group. She pressed her lips into a tight line. Her eyes blazed.

  She shifted, her form growing into a large bear. The clothes she wore disappeared under dark fur and claws extended from her fingertips. A loud, pitiful roar burst from her throat. She bolted for Mauree, her thundering steps shaking the floor.

  Theron stepped in her path. His strong arm gripped her around the waist, halting her progress. She strained to get around him, but the large male held her tight. “Calm yourself, Kaelyn. Patience.”

  The Ursus female returned to her human form, her clothes reforming to her body. Hatred burned in her eyes, but she stopped fighting against Theron’s grip. She fisted her hands. “I hate you.” Spittle flew from her lips.

  Mauree smiled. “But you’ll do as I say.”

  Above the sobs and wails of the Ursus, Gossum grunts echoed.

  Pointed words pierced the din.

  “She killed one of our own.”

  “Dark…evil.”

  Mauree’s heart thudded, the black core hardening.

  Theron’s face reddened. “You…you…”

  “Would you like some?” Mauree held up the stone.

  He gritted his teeth, and his mouth pulled into a thin line.

  “I didn’t think so.” She raised her chin and evaluated the group. “Anyone else want to question my authority?”

  Only the sound of shuffling feet filled the air.

  Perfect. Mauree had her new warriors, now all she needed was an opportunity.

  CHAPTER 32

  Sheri peered through the windshield at the Columbia Rehabilitation Center. Angry and scared out of her mind, she’d driven without a planned destination. Anyplace to get away from the craziness that had invaded her home. Somehow, she’d ended up here, at work. Maybe her brain had been on autopilot.

  Memories of Tanen flitted across her mind—his tender touch, the longing in his gaze—and her necklace falling from his pocket. A sharp jab hit her in the chest. “Damn you, Tanen.”

  She retrieved her phone from her purse and glanced at the screen. Her hands shook so hard she could barely read the time—8:50 a.m. Ten minutes until her shift started. All she needed was to get through the day, then she could pack and head to Seattle. Starting over in a new city was a way out of this nightmare. She held on to that thought for dear life.

  She caught her reflection in the rearview mirror. Her haunted, red-rimmed, puffy eyes were the look of a stranger. Was she a vampire? Her pulse fluttered. Gingerly, she ran her tongue over her teeth. Nothing but ridges. She let loose a relieved breath. Using her fingers, she swept her hair into a tight bun and some semblance of normalcy, whatever that was anymore.

  With purse in hand, she headed into her last day of work. As she rounded the building’s corner, bright morning sunlight pierced her eyes. She raised her hand to shield herself from the hot, almost painful, glare. The sliding glass doors whooshed open and she stepped into the air-conditioned building. Her shoulders shook with relief.

  Several staff bustled around the nurses’ station, going through the daily routine of life at the rehab center. The normality seemed strange, foreign, and Sheri’s vision swam. Get a grip, Sheri. With a quick turn, she headed for the break room.

  The aroma of fresh roasted coffee filtered into her senses. A good dose of the strong elixir was what she needed. She put her purse in her locker and headed for the coffee pot. Pouring herself a cup, she took a sip. The bitterness left a sour taste in her mouth, and
she dumped the rest in the sink. As the brown water drained from the cup, the remnants reminded her of the men in her life. They used her up until there was nothing left but the sludge.

  “Hey, Sheri.” Olivia touched her shoulder. “I hear you’re moving to Seattle. Why didn’t you tell me?”

  Sheri turned to face her friend. “I’m sorry, Liv. Everything happened so fast—”

  Olivia pulled her into a hug. “I’m sure gonna miss you, but, wow, Seattle. This sounds like a great opportunity.”

  Sheri’s chest ached at her friend’s sincerity. “I’ll miss you, too. Keep me posted on your situation with Ben.”

  Olivia released her, and peered into her eyes. “That bastard? I try not to dwell on him, but sure, I’ll keep you up-to-date. Don’t worry.”

  The friendly banter helped calm Sheri’s nerves and her muscles relaxed. “You’re too much, Liv.”

  A mischievous smile pulled at Olivia’s lips. “Hey, I’ve got some info you won’t believe. Curious?”

  Olivia’s contagious smile eased some of the ache in Sheri’s chest. Maybe this would help her forget about Tanen. “Sure, tell me.”

  “Michael’s broken jaw is a lot better, and he’s had a vast improvement in his speech. Blew Matt away with how far he’s come in the past couple of days.” Olivia winked. “Michael asked about you.”

  Goosebumps formed on Sheri’s arm. “What did he say?”

  “He was afraid you weren’t coming back. We assured him you’d stop by today to say goodbye.”

  A lump formed in Sheri’s throat and she couldn’t speak, so she nodded.

  Olivia gently touched her elbow. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he has a crush on you.”

  Sheri shook her head. “N…no. Don’t go there.”

  “Well, I’ve got to make my rounds. Fetch me before you leave, okay?” Olivia raised an eyebrow.

  “Of course…and call me. Maybe you can come to the Emerald City for a visit sometime.”