Unclaimed (15 page)

“That dark piece of myself,” he said, his voice barely audible, as if he couldn't quite believe he was saying it, “the hard, demanding man who saw nothing but duty has been shattered, and now, I find myself laid bare. I am yours, Tatiana Winters. Totally and completely… if you'll have me.”

Time seemed to stand still as she stared at him, attempting to process everything he said. No one had ever been so thoroughly honest with her, so clear about feelings or intentions. Yet, this man, the one she dreaded finding, bared his soul and set everything out on the table.

There was no uncertainty in what he said, and for the first time in her life, Tatiana felt sure-footed. She knew where she stood, and there was no more guessing, no more wondering what might happen.

The one man she worried would take her independence ended up being the one to give her freedom—freedom from fear and an ambiguous future.

“So that's it.” He spread his arms out and lifted his shoulders. “Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going upstairs to take a shower to see if I can wash away my embarrassment. Based on the look on your face, you think I'm an ass.”

Dominic turned to go but stopped and spun to face her again.

“One more thing. I'm not sorry I said the bonding rite. I do love you, and I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life figuring out how to make you happy. I'm sure I'll keep making mistakes, Tatiana—lots of them. But I'll never stop trying. I'll keep going until you can see
me
—not a predestined mate you have to be with—but
me.
A man who loves you and would do anything for you.” His jaw clenched. “Even if that means letting you go back to Oregon without me.”

Tatiana scrambled off the stool as he turned and started to leave.

“Dominic.” She placed her hand on his arm tentatively. “Please wait.”

“Don't.” His hands clenched into fists as he glanced over his shoulder, looking at her out of the corner of his eye. “Tatiana,” he breathed her name.

“Please don't go.” Tatiana inched closer until their bodies were a breath apart.

Tension radiated off him, but he didn't move, not even when her bare knees brushed the back of his legs. She trailed her fingers up his arms, along the broad swath of his shoulders, and down his back, following the path of muscles. He remained motionless, but she sensed his heart beating faster and in perfect time with hers.

Tatiana pressed her lips against his shoulder and ran her hand over the curve of his ass as she walked around to stand in front of him. His hooded gaze glowed down at her brightly as she held his stare and rested her hands on his narrow waist. Dominic didn't flinch, but his body was wound tight, and he looked ready to pounce, to devour, and to consume her like wildfire.

“You're right,” she whispered and inched closer, pressing her body against his, which hardened beneath her touch. “Before I met you, I was terrified of my future, of who I was and what I was capable of. Nothing about me made sense.”

Taking a deep breath, Tatiana steeled her strength and tightened her grip. Sensing her struggle, his brow furrowed, and he cradled her cheek with one hand, showing her with that tiny gesture his innate capability for compassion. Tears pricked her eyes, and her throat tightened with emotion as she fought to get the words out.

“The truth is, Dominic, everything about me that didn't make sense before… makes sense when I'm with you.”

***

Stark need blazed through him as the weight of her words registered, and Dominic's last shred of restraint ruptured. His mouth crashed over hers and plundered. Tatiana opened to him, her tongue tangling with his. He picked her up as he kissed her, and she wrapped her legs around his waist, clinging to him as he drank from her sweet lips. He couldn't help but wonder if this was real. Was she truly his, was she giving herself to him forever, or just for tonight?

If tonight was all she could give, he'd take it. He'd take it all.

Dominic grabbed the hem of the T-shirt she wore and broke the kiss long enough to whip it from her body, leaving her naked in his arms. He swore as her heated skin pressed against his.

Holding her around the waist with one arm, he shucked his shorts with the other and kicked them off as she trailed hot, wet kisses along his throat, and her fingers threaded through his hair.

Dominic backed blindly into the kitchen and eagerly captured her lips again. He held her soft bottom in his hands as his cock pressed between them, begging to be inside of her. Dominic spun around, and in one fell swoop, shoved all the clutter on the counter aside and sent it flying. He barely registered the crash of the dishes as they shattered to the floor.

He placed her bottom on the edge of the counter, and in one swift thrust he was inside her. Tatiana's fingernails raked his shoulders, and her heels dug into his lower back as he pumped into her like a man possessed.

Dominic rode the wave of carnal pleasure and groaned as her velvety sheath covered him with every long, hard stroke. As her body moved with his in perfect unison, taking all he had to give, he knew there was no other woman who could satisfy him.

Tatiana cried his name, clutching him closer as he drove into her hot channel with a quick, hard thrust. In one final surge, he took them both to the crest and tumbling over the edge into oblivion as she milked him dry.

Shaking and spent, he swept his lips over hers, wanting to savor the way it felt to have her in his arms and be locked firmly inside her. Dominic suckled her lower lip before breaking the kiss and looked into the glowing eyes of her clan. Her mouth was red and swollen from their kisses, her cheeks were flushed with satisfied desire, and he didn't think she could look more beautiful than she did right at this moment.

“Yikes.” She giggled breathlessly. Tatiana kissed his nose as she sliced a glance toward the floor. “If we keep this up, I think you're going to have to invest in paper plates.”

“Good idea,” he said, struggling to catch his breath.

A chewing sound caught their attention, and when they looked down, the sight on the floor had them laughing. Cass sat on the other side of the kitchen, making quick work of eating the bacon and eggs that had fallen on the floor during their latest encounter.

“So much for not giving him any bacon.” Dominic laughed.

Cass sat on his haunches and burped.

“Great.” Tatiana linked her arms around Dominic's neck and rested her head on his chest as she grinned at the puppy. “Looks like he's going to be a beggar after all.”

“He's not the only one.” Dominic, still buried in the warmth of her body, felt himself stirring to life again. He gave Tatiana a wicked grin and wiggled his eyebrows. “Wanna break more dishes?”

“Oh yeah.” She leaned in his embrace and tightened her legs around his waist. “Something tells me,” Tatiana said with a sigh as she licked his lower lip, “the only begging I'll do is when I'm begging you not to stop.”

Dominic swept her up in his arms, carried her upstairs, and reveled in the feel of her flesh as it slid along his. As he placed her on the bed and covered her body with his own, he feared the only one begging would be him—when he begged her not to leave.

Dominic and Tatiana walked to the main house together hand in hand with Cass running alongside. The bright summer sun beat down on them, and he squinted against the light as he stole a glance at her. No makeup, and her hair was drying in the wind, but she was still a stunner.

The freckles sprinkled across the bridge of her nose gave her a particularly youthful look. Wearing a simple tank top and shorts, she was a natural beauty, which he loved. He'd never been a fan of makeup and high heels. Give him a woman in a T-shirt and jeans, but not just any woman—his woman.

Courtney's condition hadn't changed, but Richard asked everyone to gather at the main house this morning. There had been no other attempts from the Purists overnight, but with Moravian still out there, the threat loomed. Dominic knew Richard well enough to know he wouldn't sit and wait for another strike. Chances are he was planning a counterattack.

Normally, Dominic would use his visualization abilities to go back, but Tatiana made it clear she wasn't fond of the Amoveo's usual form of travel. He'd tried to get her to try it again, but she adamantly refused.

“I can show you how to do it, you know,” he said after a few minutes of silence. “You're perfectly capable of doing it on your own, and maybe it won't make you feel as strange if you're the one controlling it.”

“No way.” Tatiana laughed and squeezed his hand before releasing it.

Dominic fought the urge to touch her, and instead, gave her the space she obviously wanted. They made love two more times last night after their kitchen escapade. However, when she woke up this morning, she seemed distant. He was itching to ask her if she was staying with him or going back to Oregon alone, but he refrained. He told her how he felt, and the rest was up to Tatiana.

“I'll stick with the usual human modes of transportation.” She avoided his gaze and watched Cass run up the hill. “That blinky thing makes me feel like I'm going to barf.”

“Whatever you say, Doc,” he said through a chuckle.

The main house came into view, and they saw Richard, Eric, Malcolm, Kerry, and Dante gathered outside. Cass barked and ran ahead, clearly excited to see the rest of the group. Richard waved them over, and Dominic noticed everyone carried a gun, and they were all dressed in black fatigues.

Tatiana must have noticed it as well because the instant she saw them, her energy waves rippled with apprehension.
Everyone
has
a
gun.
Her voice touched his mind along the protected telepathic channel between mates.
What
the
hell
is
going
on
now?

Just
take
it
easy, Tatiana.
He brushed his hand along her lower back.
I'm sure they're only being cautious.

Tatiana didn't respond, but she didn't have to because her energy signature was wracked with tension. As they approached the group, she immediately trotted over to Cass and scooped him up. She snuggled the puppy in a move that was surely meant to comfort her more than the dog.

Dominic tried not to be insulted that she sought reassurance from the dog and not him. He'd hoped that after everything they shared last night, she would be more comfortable with him around the others, but apparently she wasn't.

“Morning.” Eric handed Dominic a rifle and slung another over his shoulder.

“Thanks.” Dominic checked the ammo chamber and gave him a satisfied look. “You know just what I like.”

“I usually wake up with coffee.” Tatiana shot Dominic an uneasy look as she tried to make light of a tense situation. “But hey, to each his own.”

“I'm not a fan of guns either,” Kerry interjected. “If I have to fight, it's all teeth and claws for me.”

“Right.” Tatiana kissed the dog's head and frowned as she looked around. “Where are Layla and William?”

“They're staying with Courtney and Steven,” Richard said. “I'm sure you want to check on her yourself, but I am sad to say her condition hasn't improved.”

“I was afraid of that,” Tatiana said quietly. “Has anyone checked on the horses?”

“Sure have,” Kerry said cheerfully. “The feed got delivered last night. Luckily, it was after the visit from our friendly neighborhood Purists. Dante and I fed and watered them this morning. We also let them out to graze.”

“Thank you.” Tatiana turned her attention to Richard. “I'll have a look, and then I should go check on Courtney.”

“The horses look better to me, but I'm not a vet,” Kerry said with a shrug. “They're still kinda agitated though. Antsy, you know?”

“Yes.” Tatiana flicked her eyes to Dominic briefly. “I know exactly what you mean.”

“Tell them, Tatiana,” Dominic said gently. He moved closer and ran one hand down her back. “Tell Richard about the dream realm.”

Everyone stared at her intently, and for a second, he thought she was pissed at him for bringing that up in front of the group. To his relief, she nodded and let out a slow breath.

“What is it?” Malcolm asked.

“My powers have grown significantly since—” Tatiana paused for a moment and straightened her back. “Well, since I came here and met Dominic.”

“That's quite common for hybrid Amoveo,” Malcolm added with a smile. “Once we connect with our mates, the possibilities are limitless.”

“Before I came here, I could read animal energy, but now I can connect with their thoughts, and I hear actual words. It happened with Spirit in the barn, the day before she was killed, and then that night, I'm pretty sure she connected with me in the dream realm.”

“What happened?” Eric asked as his brow furrowed in concentration. “What did she say?”

“Nothing that made much sense.” Tatiana shrugged and gave them an apologetic look. “It was along the lines of…
lies
and
betrayer…
I think she wanted to tell me who was hurting them.”

“Betrayer?” Eric scoffed and adjusted the gun on his shoulder. “It's obviously the Purists. They're the biggest traitors of all.”

“I'm not so sure about that,” Tatiana said slowly. She looked at each of them. “I can't explain, but it was more desperate, like she was warning me about someone specific. As though the danger was more imminent or close or something.”

“Interesting.” Richard's face was carved with concentration, and he nodded his understanding. “And you say that she came to you in the dream realm the night she was killed.”

“Yes.” She let out sigh. “I'd like to see if I am able to connect with Obsidian, one of the other mares. Perhaps she can tell us more about what happened, and maybe, even tell us who killed Spirit.”

“I still think that human of yours had something to do with it,” Eric muttered as Dominic shot him a look. “I didn't like the look of him.”

“The kid split.” Dominic lifted one shoulder. “If he was some kind of Caedo spy, he would have stuck around, gained our trust, and then made his move. Leaving like he did wouldn't benefit him.” He shook his head. “No way Matt's involved.”

“I already told you guys that,” Kerry said firmly. “Matt was not part of this, and honestly, it's probably better he left.”

“He was not involved, Eric. You know that,” Richard said evenly. He flicked a brief glance to Dominic, and a sense of unease flickered up his back. “Kerry, would you and Dante accompany Tatiana to the barn. I want to be sure we took care of things properly, and since her assistant is no longer with us, perhaps you could lend a hand?”

As Richard finished speaking, a subtle change in the atmosphere caught Dominic's attention. A familiar prickle of awareness flickered over his skin as he detected two Amoveo energy signatures. He stepped back and raised his rifle as his eyes flickered to their clan form.

“Someone's coming.” Dominic pulled Tatiana behind him as Eric and Malcolm raised their weapons. “Two. A male and female…” His voice trailed off as the energy waves grew stronger, and he recognized them.

“It's alright, Dominic.” Richard raised his hand, asking for calm. “I called them here.”

They all stepped back and formed a circle, but Dominic and Eric kept their guns raised. The thick summer air filled with static, and seconds later, a man and a woman materialized at the center of the circle.

“Daniella?” Dominic's entire body went cold as he saw his traitorous sister held at gunpoint by Zachary, a member of the Lion Clan and newly appointed Guardian. “What is
she
doing back here?”

Is
this
the
sister
I
heard
about?
Tatiana moved closer and placed one hand on the back of his arm reassuringly.
The
one
who
sided
with
the
Purists?

Yes.
He gave a curt nod but didn't take his eyes off Daniella. After her capture all those months ago and her refusal to relinquish her Purist views, Richard had her jailed and permanently bound in her human form.

Daniella wore a simple black jumpsuit, and her hair was tied back in a ponytail. His heart squeezed in his chest because for a moment he saw the young girl he used to know, the one who wanted to be just like her big brother. Not so much anymore.

Why
doesn't she blink herself out of here?
Tatiana's voice drifted into his mind on a tentative whisper.

The
steel
bracelets
around
her
wrists
aren't ornamental.
A growl rumbled in his throat, and not even the touch of Tatiana's voice could soothe him.
They're made with a special powder that keeps her bound in her human form and void of her Amoveo abilities.

“Richard thought our little jailbird might be useful to us,” Zachary said evenly with his fierce gaze pinned to Daniella. “Good to see you again, Dominic. I'm glad to finally have a chance to practice all of the skills you taught me.”

“Wish it were under different circumstances.” Dominic lowered his weapon and linked his arm around Tatiana's waist, holding her close. “Tatiana Winters, this is Zachary Allen. A member of the Lion Clan, and currently our Guardian at the jail, where my darling
sister
has the distinct honor of being held as the first prisoner.”

Zachary, in true Guardian fashion, said nothing, but tilted his head in deference to Tatiana, all the while keeping his attention on Daniella.

“You guys have your own jail?” Tatiana asked in disbelief.

“Yes,” Richard said darkly. “We didn't have need of one until the problem with the Purists, but I must say it's come in handy. It's really quite nice as far as an incarceration facility is concerned.”

“Better than she deserves,” Dominic spat.

“Good to see you too,
brother
.” Daniella glared at him and shot Tatiana a look of disgust. “What's the matter? Not going to introduce me to this
hybrid
? One is more pathetic than the next.”

“Shut up,” Dominic snarled. He moved toward her, but Tatiana linked her arm with his, pulling him back. Her soothing energy waves swirled around him, quieting his rage but not extinguishing it. “You will not talk about Tatiana that way.”

“It's fine, Dominic.” Tatiana put Cass down on the ground, and he immediately snarled at Daniella. “Cass, you give it a rest too.”

“It sure as hell is
not
fine.” Dominic fought the urge to shift. “She's lucky to be alive after the way she betrayed our people. But I can see she still hasn't learned to hold her tongue.” His voice dropped low. “Watch the tone you take with my mate, Daniella.”

“She's your mate?” Daniella sneered. “A Guardian for the royal family is mated to a hybrid? No wonder the Caedo and Purists slipped onto the ranch so easily.” She made a
tsking
sound. “You're obviously weakened by mating with this
thing
.”

Before he could say anything, static flickered around them, and Tatiana erupted into the form of her wolf. Snarling, her hackles raised, she stalked toward Daniella with her teeth bared. Daniella paled and tried to back away but stopped when she ran into the butt of Zachary's rifle.

“Going somewhere?” Zachary asked.

Tatiana growled loudly as the others stepped aside, allowing her clear access to Dominic's sister. Daniella's eyes were wide with fear as she watched the wolf approach, and just when Dominic thought Tatiana was going to attack her, she shifted into her human form and got in Daniella's face. Shaking, but doing her best not to look terrified, Daniella stared at Tatiana, who now stood eye to eye with her.

“I may not be a pure-blood,” Tatiana said in a surprisingly calm, sweet voice. “But I can still turn into a wolf and tear your throat out. So, if I were you, I'd watch what you say about your brother. Got it?”

Daniella said nothing. Sweat broke out on her forehead, and she licked her lips as she nodded.

“Good,” Tatiana said firmly. “Come on, Kerry. I've got some animals to tend to.” She stepped back and looked Daniella up and down. “I can see that this one is a lost cause.”

“Ain't that the truth?” Kerry linked her arm through Tatiana's and led her toward the barn.

She's a lost soul, Dominic.
Tatiana touched her mind to his as she walked away.
You
can't blame yourself for her behavior. You may be a Guardian, but you're not God.
She winked at him over her shoulder.
You
may
have
the
body
of
a
Greek
god… but you're not God. So get off the cross, baby. Someone needs the wood.