Bitter Change.

Mara Lee.

Prologue:.

Ethenia felt the cool press of earth against her cheek. She could smell the rich aroma of mud and pine and she knew that if she were to die, then she would die with the forest that she so loved as her burial ground. She had run so far and for so long that she could no longer recall when and where it had all begun. She only knew that her very survival depended on her using the instincts that were inherent in her kind. She was not the strongest or the most powerful of her kind but she had sharp intellect and a fierce will to live. She would not pa.s.s from this world without a fight. She had given too much already. With dogged determination, Ethenia pulled herself to her feet. She swayed only slightly before finding her balance once more. All around her the night was alive with sounds and smells. The pitch black darkness housed secrets-many of which Ethenia was privy to and reveled in. Suddenly, Ethenia saw it, a light in the dark. Far off, on the horizon there was a wavering light. Ethenia knew that approaching such a light could be dangerous, but she had nowhere else to go and no one to turn to. She forced her weary body in the direction of the flickering flame.

Chapter One.

Alone. He was always alone-a solitary wolf in search of his mate. He felt hunger burning a hole through his body. He yearned and ached for his other half, the half that would complete him. Without her, without his mate, he was dangerous and therefore a liability to the Pack. Lothos tossed his mane of jet black hair over his shoulder and howled his pain to the beckoning moon. There was nothing for him here. Lothos had joined Airek's Pack over a year ago and since then had watched as male after male claimed his mate. Even though he had celebrated the finding of his beloved brothers' mates, in the end the result was the same, he was alone. The final straw was the acceptance of Airek's Lupe into their inner circle, into their family. Sheila McKay was more beautiful, more powerful than any Lupe he had ever encountered, and her complete devotion to her mate, Airek, humbled him. Lothos watched with envy as Sheila and Airek brought Pack members Sira and Thane to their bed. In the morn, all four had the look of those who had engaged in fierce s.e.x play. Lothos loved and respected Airek and Sheila, and he felt like a brother to Sira and Thane. But he longed for territory of his own and more than that, he longed for a woman of his own. He could not remain with Airek's Pack as he now was. He hungered too greatly and his control was nearly at an end. Suddenly he stiffened. Lothos smelled the woman before he saw her. She smelled of death. He grit his teeth and lumbered low to the ground. The closer he was to the earth, the better he could hear and smell the intruder. Lothos partially shifted, his hands became wicked claws and his teeth elongated and pulled until they resembled the fangs of a vampire. But he was no vampire-there was only wolf here tonight. Lothos moved back on his haunches and was ready to pounce when the intruder half stumbled, half fell into his camp.

Ethenia could go no further. Her body ached and her heart was bruised and broken from years of pain and abuse. Her feet would take her no further. She would fall here and give herself over to the light willingly. Ethenia's pain-dulled eyes saw only the surprised face of a man before she hit the ground and pa.s.sed out.

Lothos stared at the bundle in front of him in astonishment. It was a woman, a naked woman. She had fallen, literally, at his feet. When he saw no movement he gingerly moved to her side and began his inspection. He wrinkled his nose. Not much of a woman at first inspection. She was caked with dirt, blood and grime and her hair was a tangled nest of twigs and leaves. He could smell nothing but filth.

Her body, covered with old scars and some new, was way too thin and gaunt for his liking. No, this was hardly a prize worth claiming. "Now, what to do with you," Lothos murmured under his breath. He could bring her back to the Pack but he had exiled himself. Lothos knew that he needed time to find what he was looking for before he committed himself any further to Airek's Pack. He couldn't bring this wild, half-dead creature back to Airek when he had left so suddenly. Lothos sighed, there was nothing left to do but bring her to the caves. He couldn't leave her here. He might be a beast, but he didn't have to act like one.

Ethenia blinked. Mellow light surrounded and blanketed her. She felt heat and smelled the delicious aroma of roasting meat. She fully opened her eyes and her mouth formed a surprised O. She was in a cave, a beautiful one. The walls of the cave were flickering and dancing with the shadows produced from the soft candlelight. She was resting on a soft, cushioned fur and some of her wounds were freshly cleaned and wrapped with expertly donned bandages. "I am glad to see you awake, little Loopin."Ethenia gasped and immediately turned toward the voice. It was the man she had seen before she had pa.s.sed out. He was here and he was studying her intently. Ethenia swallowed. He was beautiful. Thick black hair fell unhindered to his waist and his muscles flexed and gleamed in the rich light. He had eyes the color of pine, dark, lush green, and a mouth-well his mouth was sinfully full and plump. Ethenia shook her head to clear it and felt a blush warm her cheeks. She couldn't believe her impudence, staring so at a naked man. "I cannot believe I missed your scent," Lothos frowned, "Of course the dirt, blood and filth hid it well."Ethenia bit back a tart response. It was obvious what and who he was. This was no ordinary man standing in front of her. He was of her kind, he was Loopin, and he had the smell of alpha about him. However much he taunted her, however much he hurt her, she could never think to win against him. Ethenia felt hot, wet, tears scald her cheek. To escape and survive from one tormentor only to find herself trapped by another, it was too much for her to take in. No, better to be dead than to find herself caged once again. Lothos couldn't understand the fear, the pain he felt emanating off of the little Loopin in front of him. She was practically shaking in her agony. Had he harmed her? Had he done something to hurt her? Why was she behaving thus? He had thought that her inherent abilities would help her to forage out the truth, help her to know what he was, who he was. But instead she was quivering in front of him. It was not like a Loopin to quiver. This was most odd. Loopin woman were often feisty, fierce and as arrogant as their men. Some, of course, were more dominant and moved quickly up the ranks of the Pack, but all Loopin women knew their worth. Lothos narrowed his eyes as the truth began to cipher through his brain. Someone had abused this poor woman, had broken her spirit. He felt red-hot rage pour through him. To break the spirit, to hurt a cherished female wolf was unthinkable. It was a death sentence in most Packs. Who would dare to harm their mate? "Please." It was all that Ethenia could manage to get out past her fear. She hated how pitiful she sounded, but she was afraid. She was afraid that she could no longer take the pain of her life. Perhaps this alpha would take mercy on her and end her pain right now. Lothos looked down at the little Loopin grimly. She was filthy. The wounds he had been able to get at he had cleaned, but there were too many unknown wounds probably lying beneath the caked-on dirt and grit. "I am going to lift you now, little one." He saw the fear in her eyes and sighed. "I promise that I am not going to hurt you." Lothos gently wrapped his arms around her skinny frame and pulled her against his body. He began to walk toward the back of the cave. "Never make promises that you cannot keep," Ethenia murmured. Lothos's face tightened. He might not know this woman, but when he found the person or persons who had hurt her; he would rip out their hearts. Lothos looked down at her dirty, tear stained face and shook his head. Poor little thing.

Ethenia let the soothing, bubbling water work its magic. She had been yet again surprised when the man had set her down gently in a hot spring. The hot water was rejuvenating her aching bones and she was already feeling a little bit better. Ethenia dipped her hand into the jar that the man had left for her and sniffed. It smelled like honey. She brought her hand to her lips to taste-it was honey, honey and perhaps chamomile. She was delighted. She poured a generous amount of the mixture into her hand and began to work it into her knotted, filthy hair. She smiled as she washed her dirty strands. Humans were often such strange creatures. They put chemicals into their hair to wash it, calling the foul concoction 'shampoo', when the best way to clean your body and hair was with what nature offered openly. When her hair and body were fully clean, Ethenia sank deeper into the welcoming water, letting her eyes drift closed and her mind wander. Lothos felt the hot energy of l.u.s.t fill his body. His c.o.c.k was unbelievably hard and his mind was clouded with need and desperate want. He couldn't believe that the angel that lay sleeping in his hot spring was the same filthy urchin he had brought to his caves. The young woman in the water was beautiful. Her hair, now free of dirt and grime, was the color of molten gold, her skin was honey-hued and her features soft and delicate. She was still, of course, much too skinny, but her b.r.e.a.s.t.s were quite splendid. They were high and full and tipped with lush nipples two shades darker than her skin. Lothos felt his c.o.c.k jump and he calmed his racing heart. It wouldn't do scaring the girl off. He needed answers; he needed answers fast. Lothos knelt down beside the pool and shook the girl gently by her shoulder. He sighed when she merely moaned and tossed her head. He shook her a little bit harder and her b.r.e.a.s.t.s bounced lightly, and when she turned her head to the side he couldn't help himself-he brought his head down, and gently bit her neck. She arched, and reached out her arms to him. Lothos growled and slipped into the water beside her. The beast in him could not resist such a sweetly offered temptation.

Ethenia pushed away the cobwebs of her dream. Her limbs felt deliciously sluggish and pleasure was seeping its way through her sleep-drugged body. She felt the soft nip of teeth against her neck and large, gentle hands cupping her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. She moaned. It felt wonderful-the water, the hands caressing her slick flesh. Now all she wanted was more, more of the sensations that were bombarding her body. Ethenia moved closer toward the beckoning hands and wondrous lips. She let out a sigh of pleasure when lips closed over her straining b.r.e.a.s.t.s and began to suckle at her tautened nipples. "So good," Ethenia muttered. She couldn't remember the last time she had felt such pleasure-indeed, she had never felt desire such as this. The dream man was suckling at her t.i.ts and moving his fingers nimbly down her stomach. She widened her legs and groaned when he slid his thick fingers into her p.u.s.s.y. "Oh my G.o.d." A ragged moan tore through her. "Please don't stop." Ethenia was panting as her dream man began to pluck at her c.l.i.t. He was rolling the hard bud between his fingers and it was driving her mad. "More, I need more," Ethenia realized she was begging, but what the h.e.l.l, it was her dream. She could beg if she wanted to. "Then you will have more," Her mystery man said. His voice was low and melodic and just a little bit familiar. Ethenia pushed away such thoughts the moment she felt the press of a hard c.o.c.k against her aching p.u.s.s.y. She was on fire. Her p.u.s.s.y was dripping and the hot water of the springs did nothing but fuel the fire burning within her body. She reached out to grab her dream lover and moaned when he dropped his head down to nip and suck at her tender b.r.e.a.s.t.s. "So beautiful," he said. Ethenia gasped and brought her hips forward. She wanted him. She wanted him so badly that she thought she would burst. It was her d.a.m.n dream. Why wasn't he f.u.c.king her? "Come on,"Ethenia ground out. She was frustrated when her dream lover only chuckled and teased her p.u.s.s.y mercilessly by rubbing his c.o.c.k against her. "Not fair, please, please I need you," She moaned. Lothos was sweating from the exertion of keeping his body still and calm. All he wanted to do was plow his beautiful golden angel until she cried out his name, but he knew that the antic.i.p.ation, the pain of waiting, would make the pleasure even more intense. When she wrapped her legs around his waist and ground her p.u.s.s.y against him he moaned and then swore. What the h.e.l.l was he waiting for? He had a hot Loopin begging for him. Lothos grabbed her legs and pulled them a little higher up his body. He dug his hands into the tender flesh of her thighs and drove his c.o.c.k deep into her welcoming warmth. They moaned simultaneously. Lothos set a shallow pace, loving the feel of her honeyed warmth on his flesh. She was tight as a vise and wet as the water that bathed them. Lothos bent his head and began to lick his angel's skin. She tasted sweet, sweeter than the honey and chamomile she had used on her hair and body. He could feel the pulse jumping in her neck and it took all his strength not to bite, break through the tender skin, and taste the bitter copper of her blood. He knew that her blood would be beyond wonderful, as her body was robbing him of his senses. Lothos felt her p.u.s.s.y clench around his c.o.c.k and he could remain still no longer. His body was thrumming with need and he became desperate for release. Ethenia's heart was pounding and every nerve ending in her p.u.s.s.y was on fire. Her dream lover was in her body so deeply that she could feel his c.o.c.k hit her cervix with each pound of his hips against hers. The mixture of pain and pleasure was so intense that her Loopin energy began to crawl up her skin. She could not hold back the howl that broke past her lips or the fact that her claws raked down the taut skin of her dream lover's back. She locked her hips around his waist and felt the shimmy of energy move from her skin into her body. Her p.u.s.s.y began to contract and Ethenia screamed out, "Now, I'm coming now," just before she crested. At the feel of her p.u.s.s.y muscles pulling on his c.o.c.k, Lothos could no longer hold back his climax. He pierced the delicate skin at her neck and drank deep of her blood. She began to quiver and her p.u.s.s.y clenched temptingly, Lothos joined his angel and began to howl and let his body empty its seed within the warm, wet recesses of her delicious body. Lothos sank against his wet angel and nuzzled her neck. She was panting and her p.u.s.s.y was still pulsing with the after-tremors of her o.r.g.a.s.m. Lothos caressed her hot face and kissed her forehead. He gently wrapped his arms around her and lifted her out of the water effortlessly. He walked over to the sleeping pallet and placed her upon it, still awed by the beauty of her face and form. He smiled. His angel was out cold. Well, he supposed that his questions could wait for tomorrow.

Chapter Two.

Ethenia opened her eyes and blinked groggily. This scene was familiar. She was lying on a soft pallet of fur and staring at the walls of a cave, only now there was sunlight streaming through the cave and bathing her body in warmth. She felt remarkably better this morning though. Her body was less sore and she was wonderfully clean. Ethenia sat up and let out a short shriek of alarm when she encountered the very naked form of a man lying next to her. Oh G.o.d, what had she done? Images of the dream she had last night bombarded her. The hot hands and mouth of her dream lover became solid and formed into the man lying next to her. It hadn't been a dream, oh G.o.d it hadn't been a dream. Ethenia dropped her head into her hands and told herself she wouldn't cry. She had sealed her fate when she had let the needs of her body overrule the sense of her mind. She had just sold her soul. "Good morning angel," Lothos smiled broadly. Ethenia just stared at him, mute. Lothos was befuddled. His angel's face was grim and her eyes were dull. She stared at him, not with the fear she had shown yesterday, but worse, with resignation. Her body had welcomed him so unbelievably last night, what had changed in the span of twelve hours? "Angel?""Ethenia, my name is Ethenia." Her voice cracked with emotion. Lothos nodded, "Ethenia it is, then. It is a lovely name."Ethenia shrugged her shoulders. "It is only a name."Lothos ran a hand through his hair, discouraged. "I am Lothos." Perhaps telling her his name would lessen her fear. "Lothos," Ethenia tested his name upon her tongue. "Thank you for, uh, helping me, and uhm, for the bath." Ethenia felt heat crawl up her cheeks. She had engaged, and loved every moment she had spent in Lothos's arms last night, but now in the light of the morning she was mortified at her behavior. A good Loopin was never brazen. Ethenia saw his eyes flicker and she instantly supplicated herself. She fell to her knees and bowed her head low. "I am sorry, I didn't mean it.""Didn't mean what?" Lothos could not get over her strange behavior. Ethenia's knees m.u.f.fled her words. "I didn't mean to speak out of turn."Lothos brought his hand to her face and lifted her chin with his fingers. "Little one, do you fear me?"Ethenia swallowed and nodded. "How can I not fear the man who holds my life in his hands?""Ethenia, I do not want your life. I just want some answers."Ethenia nodded. "Whatever you wish to know I will tell you, master."Lothos's eyes grew hard and he withdrew his hand. He moved away from her still kneeling figure. "Do not call me that."Ethenia lifted her head, "What would you have me call you?"Lothos swore. "Lothos. Just call me by my name."

Ethenia's eyes grew wide and she swallowed. "It isn't proper. You saved me. We mated. You are technically now my master.""Technically your master? What sort of bulls.h.i.t is this? Listen, uh, you were unbelievably hot last night, and we had a great time. But this isn't going to be some long term thing, if that is what you're thinking."Ethenia couldn't understand what he was saying. Was he telling her that he didn't want her? It confused her. What alpha would willingly give up a slave? "You do not want me?"Lothos laughed. "Not want you? Yes, I want you. I just don't want you, understand?"Ethenia shook her head no. "I don't want anyone but my true mate." Lothos sighed. "I am searching for my amouratesh. Do you understand now?"Ethenia was defeated. He didn't want her. Lothos, her dream lover, was looking for his amouratesh-his bond mate. Ethenia knew what an amouratesh was, she was Loopin after all. Kieran had nearly broken her spirit and had all but destroyed her. He had imprisoned her and kept her cut off from everything and everyone. But he had not been able to crush the Loopin in her. He had not been able to take away her natural instincts and her will to survive. She had survived Kieran, and she would survive this. "I understand," Ethenia said quietly. Lothos grunted. Why in the h.e.l.l did he feel like such a d.a.m.ned heel? He had only told her the truth as it lay in his heart. s.e.x with her was wonderful, but that was all it could be. He needed to find his bond mate before it was too late. Without the other half of his soul the darkness would eventually overtake him and he would be lost in his beast forever. Those Loopin who did not find their soul mates eventually were swallowed up by their animal selves and lost to the human world altogether. Often they became ravaging beasts that had to be hunted down and destroyed. It had happened to Airek's cousin, Rex. Yes, Rex had been evil, and yes, his evil stemmed deep from his soul, but Lothos knew that some of that evil had been sp.a.w.ned from the fact that Rex had never met his mate. His soul had been swallowed up by his beast and if Airek had not killed him he would have shifted to wolf form and remained thus for the rest of his very unnatural life. Lothos would kill himself first. He would kill himself before he let his beast eat him alive. Lothos was Loopin, and Loopin were both man and beast, one half could not survive without the other. "I thank you for your hospitality," Ethenia said. "I will leave as soon as I have gathered provisions."Lothos shook his head. "Don't be ridiculous. I have more than enough for two. You may take whatever you need from the cave." Lothos dropped his mental shields and felt Ethenia's wild Loopin energy crawling off of her skin. She was frightened. He could smell her fear in the air. "Do you still fear me?" Lothos asked. Ethenia said nothing. Lothos moved forward and stopped when he saw her flinch. "Ethenia," Lothos sighed, "Ethenia, speak to me. Do you still fear me?"Ethenia had to try twice before she found her voice. "I fear what will happen once I leave your dwelling."

It was high time that he got some answers. They were overdue. Lothos sat back on his haunches and stared at her pointedly. "Explain.""Where do you want me to start?" Ethenia asked. "From the beginning would be good. Who are you? Where are you from?"Ethenia took a deep breath. Lothos had proven that he would not hurt her. Indeed, he had gifted her with pleasure she had never known possible last night. She owed him answers. "I am Ethenia Deveux, my Pack is Pack Teibelle. We are located just outside of Ma.r.s.eilles.""You've had a long journey, little angel.""Longer than you know," Ethenia murmured. Ethenia began to twist her hair between her fingers, a gesture she often indulged in when she was nervous. "I have been with Pack Teibelle since their Alpha, Kieran, took me in when I was a child."Lothos saw Ethenia shoulders tense and her face twist the moment she uttered her Alpha's name. Lothos quelled his fury. At least he had one of his answers-he knew now who had hurt her. "Go on," Lothos urged. Ethenia's mouth was dry and she took a deep breath to calm herself. "K-Kieran took me in after my parents were killed. He brought me into the Pack and taught me their ways. He ... he initiated me in the way of the wolf, all their ways."Lothos knuckles went white as he clenched his hands. This Kieran had laid his hands upon his angel's honeyed skin. He had been the first to touch her, the first to have her. "At first Kieran was the mentor every young Loopin wishes to have," Ethenia said quietly. "He was a tender, compa.s.sionate lover and had absolute power over his Pack. But...""What Ethenia? Tell me." Lothos urged. "He became brutal." Ethenia's eyes went hard at the memory of her first beating. "In the beginning he beat me because his dinner was late, or because I didn't bow low enough for his liking. But in the end he hurt me because it gave him pleasure." Tears glittered in her eyes. "He beat me every day and then..." her voice quivered, "then the torture began."Lothos could barely see past the red haze that covered his eyes. He would destroy the man. He would take this Kieran apart piece by piece but he would choose his pieces carefully in order to keep Kieran alive until the very end. He would make sure Kieran suffered, suffered for each day he had made Ethenia hurt. Ethenia rushed on, the weight of her admissions etched on her face. "Kieran could not obtain ...obtain," she blushed, "an erection unless he hurt me. The more pain he inflicted the greater his pleasure was. He ... he cut me and bled me and he stuffed my wounds with silver to keep them from healing." Her tears burst forth in great waves and she rocked back from the force of her pain, hugging herself. Lothos fangs extended and his claws unsheathed. He would kill the sonofab.i.t.c.h. Ethenia's sobs reached him and he moved to her back. He brought his arms around her and cradled her against his chest. "Shhhhhh, angel, shhhh, you're free of him now. You're free." Lothos swallowed, nervous, when she continued to sob. Women and tears, he had never been able to deal with crying women. He felt so d.a.m.ned helpless. Lothos rubbed a hand down her arm and nuzzled her hair.

"Please, little one, please stop crying."Lothos knew the second that Ethenia's body recognized his and began to feel s.e.xual awareness. She began to shiver and her nipples became as hard as acorns. Lothos moved his hands up Ethenia's ribcage to cup her full b.r.e.a.s.t.s. He rubbed her nipples and then gently plucked at the hard buds. When she moaned he smiled against her hair. It seemed that he had discovered a way to stop her tears. "G.o.d, you're beautiful," Lothos reached down and dipped a finger into her already wet p.u.s.s.y, "And hot, you're so hot, sweetheart."Ethenia moaned. "Lothos, Lothos, I don't think..." she began. "Good. Don't think, Ethenia." Lothos rubbed his hand against her p.u.s.s.y and teased her delicate folds with his nimble fingers. When Ethenia's head dropped back against him, he could not resist. He inserted two fingers into her sopping p.u.s.s.y and began to scissor them back and forth. When he withdrew his hand it was coated in her thick juices. Lothos brought his fingers to his mouth and licked them clean. She tasted incredible-he couldn't wait to have more. Lothos arranged Ethenia on her back, legs splayed wide. He smiled. She looked like a wanton angel, all open and flushed before him. Lothos dropped to all fours and crawled slowly up her body. He tickled her legs with his hair and licked a path up to her thighs. When he reached her p.u.s.s.y he stopped and sniffed. G.o.d, she smelled incredible, sweet and musky, a complete Loopin woman. Ethenia held her breath. Her body was quivering with intense sensations. He wasn't going to, no he wouldn't. No one had ever done this to her before. Lothos smiled wolfishly. He parted her l.a.b.i.a with his tongue and licked her slowly, savoring her taste and reveling in the cries that came forth from her throat. He located her c.l.i.t and flicked at it. He rolled the fleshy pebble with his tongue and then planted his lips completely and firmly around her p.u.s.s.y. He sucked at her slit, relishing in the taste of her. He stiffened his tongue and probed her deeply, s.c.r.e.w.i.n.g in and out. She trembled. Ethenia arched her hips and groaned. She couldn't believe it; she couldn't believe how good his tongue felt foraging in and out of her p.u.s.s.y. Her body was burning up and she could feel her muscles beginning to clench. She reached down and buried her hands within Lothos's lush hair. "Ohhh, ohhhh, I'm, I'm..."When she cried with pleasure, Lothos buried his face up to his nose into her wet flesh and took her c.l.i.t gently between his teeth and bit. That was it. Ethenia screamed, pulled his hair and erupted. Her creamy juices coated Lothos's face and her cries echoed off of the walls of the cave. She let her head fall limply back and let the glow of her o.r.g.a.s.m overtake her. Lothos was far from through with his golden angel. He spread her legs wider apart and lifted her hips none too gently off of the ground. With one look into her misty amber eyes, he plunged his c.o.c.k into her still dripping p.u.s.s.y. Ethenia screamed. It was too much, oh G.o.d, it was too much. Her heart was thudding and Lothos's c.o.c.k in her body felt like molten steel. She arched her hips and dug her heels into the ground, trying to get closer to his body, to his c.o.c.k.

"Oh, angel, oh G.o.d angel, you feel incredible," He crooned. Ethenia shook her head wildly. "Shut up, stop talking and f.u.c.k me."Lothos laughed. He could not disappoint the lady. He quickened his pace and grabbed her b.r.e.a.s.t.s, twisting and pinching her taut nipples. Her breath caught in her throat, and he wrapped her legs high around his waist and screwed her harder. He needed her as much as he needed air to survive. Her p.u.s.s.y was liquid fire. It was clenching and pulsing around his c.o.c.k and every little spasm sent him into orbit. Lothos bent down and took one hard nipple into his mouth. He licked and sucked the taut bud and fought the urge to plant his mouth over her heart and bite. He could not. She was not his mate to bind. "Lothos, Lothos..." Ethenia could do nothing but chant his name. Lothos loved the sound of his name of Ethenia's lips. His c.o.c.k jumped and seemed to vibrate. Her p.u.s.s.y was scalding his hard flesh and he could no longer keep himself from pumping into her needy sheath. His thrusts were hard and demanding and he grunted as she met him stroke for stroke. Ethenia was shaking and shivering. Her p.u.s.s.y began to hum and jump and her eyes rolled back in her head. She slammed her body against Lothos, arched helplessly upwards and screamed long and gloriously. Lothos waited until the moment that Ethenia peaked to let go. He gave two more thrusts, let out a roar and spilled his seed into her p.u.s.s.y. He fell, sated, against her. Reluctantly he pulled his c.o.c.k out of her and turned her so that they could spoon. His last thought before he slept, was that he sure liked the feel of her warm body against his. A little piece of paradise, that's what it was.

Chapter Three.

Ethenia ran her hand lightly over the rough canvas. The painting was beautiful. She hadn't been able to resist touching the surface when she had seen it standing so solitary against the wall. The painting depicted two wolves at rest. They lay side by side, their bodies almost melting into one another. The moon was full overhead and the forest sheltered their sleeping bodies. It was obvious to Ethenia that the artist who had painted the picture had loved the subjects. "What are you doing?"Ethenia spun around. Why did she just feel like she had gotten caught sticking her hand into the cookie jar? "Uh, good morning," she stammered out. Heat rushed into her face, making her blush. Lothos narrowed his eyes. "Why are you back here?" He asked. "You told me that I could have what I needed from the caves. I didn't know what you had, I had to look around."Lothos was instantly contrite. He ran a hand through his hair. "I see." It was then that he saw the painting. He clenched his hands. "I do not think the painting is a preserve. You will not be taking it with you."Ethenia's blush deepened. "Of course not," she said. Ethenia swallowed. "It is beautiful, though. Do you know who painted it?" Ethenia saw Lothos's jaw clench and she could have hit herself. How could she have been so stupid? Obviously she had touched on a sore subject. Lothos sighed. His eyes darted away for a moment, then he met her gaze again. "I did.""You did?"Lothos frowned. "You need not sound so surprised."Ethenia shook her head quickly. "No, I mean, I'm sorry, I just didn't expect that you..." she stopped. She was only digging her hole deeper. Lothos smiled. "Don't worry. I guess I do not look the type.""The type?" She asked. "Yes, the type to sit around painting oils," he answered. Ethenia took in his flowing hair and his rippling muscles and sighed. Perhaps he didn't look the artist, but he certainly could inspire one. She shook her head. Jeez, she had to remain focused. Every time she thought of his muscles, his hair, those eyes and his incredible c.o.c.k she wanted to jump him and to h.e.l.l with the rest of the world. See, she was doing it again, getting distracted. Lothos wondered what was going through that beautiful head of hers. Her eyes were gla.s.sy and her heart rate had increased, he could hear it-thump, thump, thump in her chest. He knew what was going through his head though. Standing naked, bathed in light, she had never seemed more his golden angel. He wanted to turn her around, plant her hands against the wall and take her from behind. He wanted to run his hands over her golden body and slip his c.o.c.k, wet from her p.u.s.s.y, into her a.s.s. He wanted, he wanted, oh G.o.d how he wanted her. Lothos shook his head to clear it of the powerful images that were a.s.sailing it. What was wrong with him? He could hardly look at Ethenia without wanted to drive his c.o.c.k into her body. l.u.s.t, yes that was it. That had to be it. l.u.s.t in the Loopin was incredibly strong. They were highly s.e.xual creatures. It was only l.u.s.t, and l.u.s.t was easily sated. He had taken Ethenia and now, well now the l.u.s.t would be satisfied, right? Lothos swallowed. He could not become distracted. He had gone on this pilgrimage to cleanse his soul and to find his bond mate. He could not become distracted by this wild angel. Her story tugged at his soul but it wasn't his problem. No, he wasn't Alpha of a Pack. It was natural that when she had told him about the evil Kieran that he had wanted to tear the man limb from limb, but now, well now he saw things clearer. He had to bring Ethenia to someone who could care for her, watch over her and ultimately, protect her. Airek would have been a good choice before he had met Sheila. But now that Airek and Sheila were bonded and ruled Pack Hestra, he knew that they had their hands full with the Pack members already under their rule. Lothos didn't think it wise to bring Ethenia to Airek. Airek could not care for her as she deserved to be cared for. Lothos didn't like the fact that he was beginning to think upon the lines that he was the only one suited to care for Ethenia. He had to shed himself of such thoughts. Suddenly he had a thought. Why couldn't he bring Ethenia to Sophie? Sophie was a powerful psychic and had abnormally strong magical abilities. Sophie would keep Ethenia safe. "Lothos?" Ethenia said his name tentatively. Lothos smiled. "So, angel, what do you think about a trip to Connecticut?"

Ethenia was still shaking her head in disbelief. How in h.e.l.l had she ended up on a train bound to Connecticut with Lothos? She tried to convince herself that the reason she was on this train was that she was now bound to serve him. He had taken her, yes, and she had partic.i.p.ated wholeheartedly, but that didn't diminish the claim he now had over her. Hadn't Kieran told her often enough that once an alpha male f.u.c.ked a b.i.t.c.h she was his-body and soul. Kieran had tried to beat her into submission but she had defied him. She had defied him by running as far away from him as possible. And now, here she was, with Lothos, another alpha. Yes, she was on this train with him because he now owned her. She wasn't here because ... because she cared for him. Ethenia gasped. Oh G.o.d, she couldn't care for him. She had cared for Kieran and look where that had gotten her. "Are you all right, angel?" Lothos asked. Ethenia's head snapped up. "Please don't call me that.""What? Angel?" Lothos smiled. "You don't like my nickname for you?"Ethenia blushed. G.o.d she hated her blushes. She could control her shift from woman to wolf so why the h.e.l.l couldn't she control the blood that rushed to her head? "No, I don't like it." Ethenia felt heat a.s.sail her. Lothos grinned. "You're lying.""I am not."Lothos laughed. He cleared his throat before speaking. "Ethenia, you're blushing. You're as bright as a freshly washed tomato. Don't try to tell me that you don't like my endearments. You do."Ethenia leaned back against her seat, defeated. d.a.m.n him, he was right. His endearments warmed her. She liked the way they made her feel. She just didn't like that he knew how much he affected her. It p.i.s.sed her off. Ethenia chose to change the subject. "Why Connecticut?" She asked. "My friend Sophie lives in Connecticut. She'll be able to keep an eye on you."Ethenia felt the slow build of fury work through her body. He was pa.s.sing her off? "You didn't tell me you were going to hoist me off on somebody.""I'm not hoisting you off, angel. I'm leaving you in the care of a very good friend."Ethenia found herself sulking. She knew that this mess was partly her fault because she hadn't asked any questions of him in the cave. He had asked her what she thought of a trip to Connecticut and she had shrugged her shoulders and acquiesced. She had wanted to be with him, even if it was only for one more day, even if it meant accompanying him to the Connecticut. But now to learn that he was dumping her with some stranger just so that he could free his hands of her. Pain and fury a.s.sailed her. Well he could just go to h.e.l.l.

Lothos watched the play of emotion on Ethenia's face. She was furious with him, he could feel it. He bit back a smile. He was happy to feel her anger. It was the first true display of Loopin emotion he had felt from her. Her submissive nature irked him, mostly because he knew that it was not truly her way. She had been beaten into submission by that b.a.s.t.a.r.d and the knowledge of that fact made Lothos wish that Kieran was before him so that he might crush the a.s.shole's heart where he stood. Lothos shook off his dark thoughts. He had to remain focused. He could not allow himself to become too attached to this girl. "Cheer up angel, Sophie is a delight. You'll be very happy, not to mention safe, with her."Ethenia ignored him. Lothos sighed. f.u.c.k, it was going to be a long trip. How had he forgotten that Loopin had notoriously bad tempers to boot? He looked over at Ethenia's defiant face. Yes, this trip was going to be a d.a.m.ned nightmare.

Sophie's home was lovely. It lay on a high point of a hill and overlooked lush land and deep forest. She owned ten acres and often invited the Loopin to run the woods. She was an invaluable friend. Lothos dragged Ethenia up to Sophie's door and held her in an iron embrace as he knocked soundly. He wasn't about to let her run. After two knocks the door opened, but it wasn't Sophie that answered. The man standing at the door emanated power. He had hair so black it appeared to have sapphire strands winding through it. His eyes were a startlingly bright shade of turquoise and his skin was so pale that fine blue veins were apparent just beneath the surface. He was beautiful, and obviously dead.

Lothos hissed, and instinctively pushed Ethenia behind him. What was a vampire doing in Sophie's home? If he had hurt her-"Oh for goodness sakes, Lothos, stop hissing at Xethre. Xethre, stop gawking at my guests."Sophie Alexander was a brunette beauty. She was pet.i.te, standing no more than five feet tall. Her rich chocolate curls fell in profusion to her tiny waist and her sparkling mocha eyes twinkled with mischief. "Lothos, oh it is so good to see you. Come in, come in." Much to the amus.e.m.e.nt of the man beside her, Sophie pushed him out of the way, elbowing him in the ribs to do so. "Do you wish to stand in the dark on my porch, Lothos?"Lothos still eyed the stranger standing by Sophie warily. What was Sophie doing keeping company with one of the undead? "Good evening Sophie." Lothos kept his arm wrapped around Ethenia and stilled her movements. Sophie saw the golden head that was peeking out from behind Lothos's muscular form and smiled. My, my, my, it seemed that her friend had brought someone interesting to dinner. Sophie stepped forward and opened her arms. "Well, Lothos, are you not going to greet me properly?"Lothos hesitated for but a moment before striding up and taking Sophie into his arms and giving her a huge bear hug. He lifted her up and swung her around. "It is good to see you, Sophie girl."Sophie laughed. Ethenia saw that the handsome dark stranger was eyeing Lothos and Sophie with bemus.e.m.e.nt. Too bad she couldn't be so blase about the matter. Ethenia flinched when Lothos kissed Sophie's forehead. d.a.m.n it, why did she care? He had made it clear that he didn't want her. "Put me down," Sophie said chidingly. Lothos laughingly obeyed. "So, now, will you come inside?" Sophie asked. Lothos nodded. He moved back and grabbed Ethenia's hand. He sighed when she jerked her hand free. It seemed that the young woman was angry with him. Sophie rolled her eyes. Men had no manners. "Lothos, introduce me to your friend."Lothos narrowed his eyes. "You first," he ground out. Sophie's mouth dropped open in shock. She began to laugh. Oh how she had missed him. "Lothos Freemont, meet Alexethre Roistkauff, otherwise known as Xethre."Lothos nodded curtly at the dark haired stranger before pushing Ethenia forward. "Sophie Alexander, meet Ethenia Deveux, otherwise known as angel." Lothos smiled at the blush that stained Ethenia's golden skin. Sophie watched the way Lothos eyed his 'friend'. Oh yes, but wasn't this an interesting development. "Ethenia, what an unusual and lovely name."Ethenia's blush deepened. "Uh, thank you. I was named after my grandmother."Sophie smiled. Delightful, she was just delightful. "Well, Lothos, Ethenia, please come and be welcomed in my home."Lothos shot one more look at the vampire standing so still on the porch before walking into Sophie's home. Ethenia followed hesitantly, her steps faltered when the blue-eyed stranger blew her a kiss. She rushed into the house, missing the vampire's secretive and seductive smile.

"So what the h.e.l.l is this all about, Sophie?" Lothos asked stiffly. Sophie handed Lothos a steaming cup of apple cider and grinned. "Drink your cider, Lothos."She turned to Ethenia. "What would you like to drink, darling?"Ethenia moistened her lips with her tongue. "Uh, well, it, it doesn't matter."Sophie clucked her tongue. "Now, now, don't be shy, speak up."Ethenia thought for a minute before she blurted out, "Ca.s.sis."Sophie laughed. "Ca.s.sis it is. And how would you like it prepared?""Could, well, could I have it with champagne?"Sophie nodded. "A Kir it is." Sophie picked up a goblet from the side table and poured some water into it. She murmured a couple of words and spread her hand over the top of the gla.s.s. When she removed her hand the goblet contained white wine and ca.s.sis. Sophie handed the gla.s.s to a stunned Ethenia. Ethenia looked up at Sophie with wide eyes. "What the h.e.l.l are you?"Sophie's laughter was like tinkling bells. "Don't worry darling, I'm perfectly harmless.""Yeah right," Lothos muttered under his breath. Sophie shot him a dirty look before turning her attention back to Ethenia. "I'm a majii.""A what?" Ethenia asked. "A majii, I suppose the rest of the world likes to think of us as witches.""You're a witch?" Ethenia blurted out. Well, that would explain the water to wine stuff. Sophie nodded. "Although the proper term is majii, or one who controls magic. I am also a particularly strong psychic." Sophie reached down and ran her hand down the length of Ethenia's soft hair. "And you, my darling, are a Loopin.""Yes," Ethenia murmured. She watched as Sophie petted her hair. Her skin broke out into gooseb.u.mps. Ethenia growled low in her throat. It felt wonderful. How had the woman known she loved to have her hair petted? Oh yeah, she was psychic. Sophie was entranced. This little Loopin had unbelievably soft hair. It was like silk under her hand. "Do you plan on touching her all night, pet?" Xethre's thick-as-mola.s.ses voice cut through the s.e.xual energy that was pulsing through the room. Sophie jerked her hand away from Ethenia and turned with a pout toward Xethre. "You spoil all my fun, Xethre."Xethre laughed. Even his laugh was like s.e.x-dark, heavy and full of promise. "You know that isn't true. I enjoy fun, pet-but only if I can be a part of it."Lothos was disgusted. What in G.o.d's name was going on? Who or what had Sophie gotten herself mixed up with? He knew that he had stayed away too long this time. He should have come back long ago to check up on her. "Yes, you should have come long ago, Lothos." Sophie said. Lothos swore. d.a.m.n, he had forgotten about Sophie's telepathy.

"If you had come to visit often as you promised, you wouldn't have forgotten, my old friend."Lothos sighed. Yes, yes, Sophie had every right to berate him. He had promised to visit often, and well, the last time he had seen her sunny face was..."Over a year ago," Sophie finished for him. "d.a.m.n it woman, stay out of my mind."Sophie laughed. "All right, all right, I know it wasn't right of me to pry. But your mind is open tonight, Lothos. Shield yourself better and I will attempt to stay out of that delicious mind of yours." Sophie sighed, "Now tell me why you stayed away so long, and what has happened since you left me."Lothos groaned. Where to begin? Well, he should probably begin with telling Sophie why he had brought Ethenia to her. He turned cold eyes to Xethre. "Can he leave?"Sophie sighed. The men in her life were always difficult. She always had enjoyed a good challenge, and they didn't come anymore challenging than Lothos Freemont and Alexethre Roistkauff. "I have no secrets from Xethre, and neither should you, Lothos. I think you will find that Xethre is a good man to have by your side.""He's no man. He's a corpse." Lothos spat out. Ethenia gasped at Lothos's harsh words. The silence in the room was deafening. Xethre's skin began to glow. His bluer than blue eyes began to burn and his nails stretched out and hooked into talons. He stepped forward. He would have shown the upstart Loopin a thing or two if Sophie hadn't touched him and forced his energy down. The moment her soft hand touched his skin she felt his energy crawl back inside of him. He was strong, yes, but Sophie's magic was a subduing effect. "I understand my pet," Xethre said. "I will not harm your friend." Xethre frowned. "Although I would love if you would allow me to teach him some manners."Lothos stood up abruptly. "I would like to see you try."Sophie let out a beleaguered sigh. It would serve them right if she just set a binding spell upon the both of them. She was getting tired of this s.h.i.t. "All right, enough with the theatrics. Lothos, you either accept Xethre's presence in my home, or you leave right now. Xethre you will stop taunting Lothos or your invitation will also be revoked, do you both understand me?"Lothos clenched his teeth but nodded. Xethre moved back, his feet never touching the floor. "Good, now that we understand one another, we will proceed. Lothos, you were going to tell me how you came to be here?"

Lothos sat down and took in Ethenia's pale face. He grasped her cold hand in his. "Are you all right?"Ethenia looked at him gratefully. "Yes, thank you, merely tired."Lothos nodded. It had been a long day and it was shaping up to be an even longer night, what with the vampire's presence. "I will make this quick, angel. Then we will find you a bed."Ethenia gave him a wan smile. Lothos turned back toward Sophie. She was staring at him strangely. Her eyes were twinkling and her mouth was curved up in a smile. He didn't like the look she was giving him. When she gave him a look it usually meant she was up to something. "When I left you, I joined a Pack in upstate New York. I recently left that Pack.""Why?""Don't you already know why?" Lothos said dryly. When he saw her bland expression, he sighed. "Sorry, that was rude. I left because I became discontented with the atmosphere.""You disliked the Alpha?""No, much to the contrary.""The Pack members then? Or perhaps you didn't like the politics of the Pack."Lothos shook his head. "No, although I do not always agree with Pack politics, it is not why I left. I left because I decided to go on a pilgrimage. I decided to find my amouratesh."Sophie's eyes widened. She looked quickly between Lothos and Ethenia but wisely kept her mouth shut and let Lothos continue. "I took refuge in my caves. You know the ones." Sophie nodded. "Ethenia sort of dropped into my lap."Sophie smiled coyly. "I would like to hear about that."Lothos looked at Ethenia. She was now staring down at her hands. Her shyness, her absolute meekness still made him wary, if not crazy. He did not know how to proceed with a Loopin who was as submissive as Ethenia. She was so far beyond his understanding that he couldn't fathom her. "She needed help," was all that he said. Sophie nodded and smiled. Her friend Lothos didn't realize it yet but he was hopelessly gone on this soft golden-haired wolf in front of him. Sophie was even more certain of the fact that Ethenia was her dear Lothos's amouratesh. If only the man wasn't so stubborn. If only he would open his eyes and more importantly, his heart. If he stopped trying so hard to find his bond mate he would see with clarity that it was Ethenia and only Ethenia. Sophie had known this from the moment she had seen the beautiful wolf. She had seen Ethenia's strong yellow aura and she had seen it mingling with Lothos's prominent green aura. Plus she knew that the two had already f.u.c.ked like bunnies. Auras never lied. "So you helped her."Lothos shrugged. "As much as I could." His eyes grew dark and sad. "But I cannot help her any longer, Sophie. I must return to my search and I need someone to look after her."Ethenia's eyes snapped open at Lothos's callous words. She might be meek, but she wasn't deaf. "Hey, don't talk about me like I'm not here, a.s.shole. And, by the by, I am not a dog, I don't need looking after, as you so quaintly put it." Ethenia was incensed. How dare he treat her like some piece of baggage to be pa.s.sed around, how dare he ... not want her. Lothos's eyes went wide with shock at her words. Sophie and Xethre laughed. Sophie nodded. "Ethenia is quite right. She is not something to be pa.s.sed around so casually." Sophie turned to Ethenia. "I apologize for our lack of manners. It is appalling, speaking about you as if you weren't here."Ethenia felt sheepish. "That's okay." Trouble, she turned her gaze to Lothos. "I'm sorry I called you an a.s.shole."

It was Lothos's turn to look sheepish. "That's all right, angel. I'm antic.i.p.ating that they'll be times when you call me much worse."Ethenia felt blossoming joy. Did his words mean that he meant to stay with her? Sophie pressed a hand to Ethenia's flushed face. She stroked the Loopin's skin slowly and forced her own desire down. She looked into Xethre's eyes and saw the knowledge there. He knew her desires and he shared them. Sophie heard Ethenia's moan and jerked her hand away. She hadn't even realized that she had stopped stroking Ethenia's cheek and begun to stroke and press the Loopin's shoulders. Sophie took a deep breath. "I believe I should show Ethenia to her room, it has been a long day for her."Ethenia sighed, relief clearly showing in her tired eyes. Sophie smiled. "Come darling ... let me show you to your room." She turned to Xethre and Lothos, her eyes narrowing warningly. "Don't start something that I will have to finish. Behave, boys."Lothos nodded curtly. Xethre merely smiled. Sophie sighed-she would cut her losses and accept those vague gestures as yes.

Chapter Four.

Lothos eyed the black-haired, blue-eyed vampire with distaste and distrust. In turn, the vampire smiled at him. Lothos's mind was still a jumble of unanswered questions. How had Sophie become mixed up with Roistkauff? Had the b.a.s.t.a.r.d bespelled her with his eyes? "You know better than to believe that nonsense," Xethre said impatiently. "Sophie's psychic powers protect her from mind ensnarement. Even so, I would never play such games with one such as she."Lothos's jaw fell open. The vampire had heard him? The vampire had been in his mind. Xethre sighed. "I am telepathic, yes. It is one of my inherent abilities. It is one of the reasons I connect so well to Sophie.""Are you and Sophie...?" Lothos couldn't finish the question. "Lovers? Is that what you were going to ask?"Lothos nodded. His eyes were hot with anger. "At times, we both have needs, and such needs will not be denied."Lothos felt heat overtake him. The thought of this ... this vampire touching Sophie, well, the thought made his skin crawl. "What angers you more, wolf, the thought that I touch your friend Sophie-or the thought that she may enjoy such touches?""You go too far," Lothos cried. Xethre shook his head. "On the contrary, I do not go far enough. You, my friend, must learn some truths.""I am no friend of yours," Lothos ground out. Xethre threw up his hands in disgust. Why he even bothered he didn't know. Alpha wolves were such annoying creatures. "Fine, we are not friends. We do however share a mutual friend."Xethre saw the dawning of comprehension on Lothos's face. Perhaps the wolf would come around yet. Lothos was obviously an intelligent Loopin; he only just had to open his mind a little to the possibilities that lay on the horizon. "Sophie and I are friends, as you and Sophie are friends. I would not hurt her, wolf.""Perhaps not willingly," Lothos said. He held up a hand when Xethre would have spoken. "Hear me out, vampire. I understand now that perhaps you are honest in what you say, that you and Sophie are friends. But now you must understand my position. Your presence in her life only brings darkness down upon her house. I cannot tolerate, nor can I stand seeing Sophie put into harm's way."Xethre nodded. "It does you credit that you care so much for your friends. But perhaps you should begin to worry about your own mate."Lothos shook his head. "Ethenia is not my mate.""Oh isn't she?" Xethre asked innocently.

Lothos's shook his head. "No.""Then you will not mind if I have a go at her."Lothos shot to his feet, claws instantly unsheathed and pointed at Xethre's white neck. "If you go near her I will slit that pretty throat of yours."Xethre laughed. The wolf was so predictable. He obviously was besotted with his mate. Why was he fighting it? "Do not worry, wolf. I will not touch your mate, unless of course you invite me to."Lothos growled, and Xethre laughed harder. The wolf didn't know it yet but he was caught in a web of his own making.

Sophie watched as Ethenia paced across the room. The poor thing was exhausted and yet she stayed awake and worried over Lothos's well being. Sophie smiled. "Do not worry for Lothos. He can take care of himself."Ethenia nodded. "Of course, it is just that ... well, that vampire didn't seem so trustworthy."Sophie laughed. "Xethre? Xethre is as dependable as a rock. He would never hurt Lothos. Taunt him, yes, but hurt him-no." Sophie walked over to Ethenia and put her hand on her taut shoulder. "What is really bothering you, darling?"Ethenia swallowed. "It's Lothos. He doesn't want me." Ethenia knew that she sounded pitiful, but she couldn't help it. Every time she thought of Lothos leaving, the pain worked its way around her heart. "Bulls.h.i.t," Sophie spat out. Ethenia was shocked. It was so strange hearing this lovely, delicate young woman swear. "Lothos doesn't know what he wants, darling. For a strong and intelligent man, he sure can be stupid sometimes." Sophie smiled when Ethenia chuckled. "Lothos has always been headstrong and impetuous. He has always yearned for, and has always sought out, knowledge. But he has never been content with the answers he finds. He always feels that there must be more. It is because of this that he still struggles, that he still feels unrest and unease in his soul. It is up to you to show him what he wants, what he needs, Ethenia.""But how?" Ethenia hated how her voice trembled. Sophie grinned, revealing two rows of perfectly pearled teeth. She ran her hand slowly down Ethenia's soft hair. Sophie leaned in close, until her mouth was but an inch away from Ethenia's and said, "Like this." Sophie planted her mouth firmly onto Ethenia's before she could utter a protest. Sophie let her soft lips tease Ethenia's and felt the moment that Ethenia began to respond. Her lips relaxed and her mouth opened, just a bit. Sophie took her tongue and teased Ethenia's mouth. She let her tongue press for entrance and was delighted when the other young woman's mouth opened, eagerly. Sophie was lost in pleasure. Ethenia's mouth was heaven. She was hot and wet and all Sophie could think about was if this was how Ethenia's mouth felt, what would her p.u.s.s.y feel like? Sophie moved her hand down Ethenia's body and when she reached the other woman's p.u.s.s.y she didn't hesitate. She began to press and circle her hand in rhythmic movements against Ethenia's already aching mound. Ethenia groaned into Sophie's mouth. Her heart was thudding wildly against her chest and her p.u.s.s.y was wet and wanting. The feel of Sophie's lips upon her was incredible. It was so unlike the hard press of Lothos's lips. Sophie's lips were soft, soft like satin and smooth to finish. Her tongue was a gliding path of pleasure and her small hands were instruments of divine torture. Ethenia had never felt the pleasures that a woman could offer. Kieran had never allowed it. Kieran had never allowed Ethenia to be with, or even to see, other Pack members once he had taken her. He had told her that her l.u.s.ts had to be reined in and that she had to be tamed. Kieran had taught her that his dominance was absolute and that his word was law. He was the only body she would know. When she had rebelled, he had beaten her. When she spoke up, he had tortured her. She had learned that strength came from surviving to fight another day. "But you are strong, Ethenia, stronger than even you know." Sophie closed her mouth over Ethenia's breast. She suckled Ethenia through the fabric of her blouse. Ethenia's nipple went instantly hard. She thrust her breast against Sophie's questing mouth, silently demanding more. She felt her l.u.s.t rising, her need beginning to climb. She wished that Lothos was here to fill her while Sophie continued to suck at her t.i.ts. She wished, oh G.o.d how she wished for Lothos. "You needn't wish, darling," Sophie murmured, lifting her head from Ethenia's straining b.r.e.a.s.t.s. She bit down gently on one taut nipple, "You only need to feel, your power will call to him. He will not be able to resist the scent." With those words Sophie hitched Ethenia's long blouse up over her hips. She bunched the fabric in one hand while she sought out Ethenia's moist p.u.s.s.y with the other. When she reached Ethenia's mound she did not hesitate. She inserted two slim fingers into the wild Loopin and began to finger f.u.c.k her. Sophie groaned. The wild Loopin was so hot. Her juices were thick and creamy and coating her fingers. Sophie felt the scalding heat of Ethenia's p.u.s.s.y and her body answered the call. Her b.r.e.a.s.t.s were tingling and her p.u.s.s.y was on fire. She wanted to bury her head between the Loopin's legs and lick the cream right out of her. Well, why the h.e.l.l not? Sophie spread Ethenia's thighs, dropped to her knees and drove her tongue deep into the Loopin's wet p.u.s.s.y. Oh G.o.d, she was delicious. Her sweet, tangy juices were rich and flowed over Sophie's tongue, dripping down her face. Sophie relished Ethenia's short, breathless pants and dipped further into her soft, sweet flesh. She rolled her tongue around Ethenia's c.l.i.t and flicked it back and forth. The nub was hard as a pebble and fat as a pomegranate seed. Ethenia strained and pushed against Sophie's questing mouth. She felt her muscles contract and her p.u.s.s.y pulse with each lap of Sophie's very talented tongue. Her b.r.e.a.s.t.s were heavy and her nipples rock hard. She couldn't stop the short screams or the breathless pants that she emitted. G.o.d, it was heaven. Or perhaps perdition.

Lothos's eyes were wide and hot, his c.o.c.k was unbearably hard. He stroked himself and tried to

keep from rushing the two women where they stood, or in Sophie's case, knelt. He had been engaged in some serious staring-down when he had first caught the scent of fresh s.e.x. The rich aroma of p.u.s.s.y floated over him and he had felt the instant hardening of his body. He had not waited for the vampire, but had rushed up the stairs and down the hall. When he came upon the open door he stopped, shocked. Why he was surprised he didn't know. Sophie, although not a Loopin, was a highly s.e.xual woman. He should have known she wouldn't have been able to resist Ethenia's sweet form. Ethenia on the other hand, well he hadn't thought that she would be amiable to such advances. He was thrilled to be proven wrong. Lothos walked into the room and came to stand behind his golden angel. He stood, without touching her for a long minute, his body content, for the moment to merely take in her beauty. He knew that Sophie had sensed his presence, even from her position between Ethenia's beautiful thighs. Ethenia gasped and arched back, it was too much for Lothos, his c.o.c.k jumped and he pressed his naked chest against Ethenia's back. She screamed. Ethenia was shocked when a hard, muscular chest pressed against her. She began to struggle, but two thick arms wrapped themselves around her front, keeping her in place. She groaned when Sophie sucked at her c.l.i.t. Oh G.o.d, she could feel pressure building within her tightly coiled body. Lothos quickly, deftly, pulled Ethenia's blouse over her head. He gasped when their naked bodies met. She was so hot she practically burned him on contact. Lothos knew that she was close. He could hear her heart, and feel the energy that radiated off of her skin. He dipped his hand between Ethenia's thighs, sidestepping Sophie's still voracious mouth, and coated his fingers with her cream. He pressed one juiced finger against the tight bud of her a.n.u.s and slowly, gently, inserted the very tip of his finger into her a.s.s. G.o.d she was tight. He couldn't wait to replace his finger with his c.o.c.k. He heard Ethenia's moans grow louder and he felt her slowly relax her b.u.t.t muscles. When she was relaxed he pushed deeper into her a.s.s, loving the way her hole clenched his finger. His c.o.c.k was so hard and full that he was going to c.u.m without a hole to surround it. Every nerve in Ethenia's body was screaming. She thrust herself against Sophie and then quickened the motions of her hips to meet Lothos's probing fingers. Oh yes, she knew it was Lothos that had her back. There was no mistaking that body, that intoxicating scent. She would have his scent tempting her forever. Her p.u.s.s.y muscles jumped and throbbed and with the flick of Sophie's tongue against her c.l.i.t and the feel of Lothos's thick finger in her a.s.s, she came. She screamed, and shook, and let her juices flow openly over Sophie's mouth and face. Her legs would no longer hold her and she sagged weakly in Lothos's arms. Ethenia had never imagined herself with another woman and she had most certainly never imagined a threesome, but now, now she knew that she would have to repeat this scenario again, and soon.

"I was going to bow out of this one, but I do not think that after that little display I can." Xethre's voice was hoa.r.s.e and full of need. He stood naked in the doorway, stroking his hard c.o.c.k. Sophie smiled at him. With a flick of her fingers she was naked, gloriously so. She licked her lips and beckoned him with a crook of her hand to come to her. Xethre did not hesitate. He grabbed Sophie's thighs, pulled them open and up and drove his c.o.c.k into her p.u.s.s.y with one sure thrust. Her hot, wet flesh closed around him instantly, sucking him in. They both groaned. Xethre bent down to take Sophie's mouth. He tasted the sweet and salty juices of the golden haired Ethenia still lingering, cooling on Sophie's lips and face. He lapped it up. One day, soon, he would have a taste from the source itself-or so he hoped. For now this would have to do. Xethre moaned when Sophie clenched her p.u.s.s.y muscles around his c.o.c.k, hard. G.o.ddammit, the woman knew how to f.u.c.k. He quickened his thrusts and their bodies slapped soundly against one another. When Sophie began to scream and her body began to quiver, Xethre knew it was time. He locked his teeth around the soft flesh of her neck and bit, piercing her skin and drinking deep of her spicy blood. The sweet copper filled his mouth to overflowing as her body took his c.o.c.k and sucked it dry. He drank and fed as he pumped his seed into her shaking and pulsating warmth.

Ethenia lay sound asleep and unaware of the fact that she was being spooned by three people. Lothos lay at her back, Sophie took her front and Xethre, now fed and sated, had Sophie's delightful front. Lothos could not sleep. His thoughts were raging. There was a moment in the midst of their s.e.x play that he had felt Ethenia's beast call to him. But that was not possible, was it? It was not possible for beasts to call to one another unless they were a mated pair. He had to be wrong. It had to be the l.u.s.t that dulled his senses. "You always were slow on the uptake," Sophie said sleepily. Lothos stiffened. "Do you still not understand? Are you still fighting it?""I don't know what you're talking about, Sophie."Sophie sighed. Why did she deal with such difficult men? She felt her body hum and sing from her recent release and laughed lightly. Ah yes, that was why. "Lothos, my dear, dear old friend, have you not answered your own question? You asked why Ethenia's beast called to yours, is that not answer enough?"Lothos shook his head. "Why not you fool? Is she not your perfect match? Beautiful, wild, highly s.e.xed and most importantly, vulnerable. Don't you get it, Lothos? Her need, her need for you calls to your spirit, and you my friend, you have needed her for so long. You have needed to be needed. Don't be a fool and turn away from this."Lothos swallowed. His throat was tight and his mouth was dry. He felt as if he had been eating cotton b.a.l.l.s. Was it truly possible that Ethenia was his bond mate? How had he missed it when he had first found her? Wouldn't he have known then, if, of course, what Sophie was saying were true?

"You have always been too impetuous, Lothos. It is a great strength but also at times a great weakness. You were looking so hard for her that you did not take the time to scent her thorough