Unleashed (15 page)

“You do.” He folded his arms across his bare chest.

“I do not turn into a bird.” She laughed nervously. He knew she tried to keep her voice down. The last they needed was Nonie waking up and finding him in her room. “And we're not talking about me. We're talking about you. So, if you're not a vampire or an alien, what the hell are you?”

He could tell she was struggling to maintain her composure. Her determined little chin tilted up at him defiantly. She was feeling pretty defensive, and he couldn't blame her. This was not exactly something normal for her. He knew that he just had to tell her. Rip off the Band-Aid so to speak.

“I am Amoveo.” He sat up just a bit taller. “We are an ancient race of shapeshifters. There are ten clans among our race. I am of the Eagle Clan, a golden eagle, as you've seen.”

“Uh-huh,” she muttered with skepticism.

“Shall I continue?”

“Oh, I am all ears. Please go on.” Sam waved her hand. “This should be good.”

“All Amoveo are shifters. We can communicate telepathically. We have the power of visualization. Once we are mated, we age much slower than humans and live considerably longer. The older we get, the more powerful we become.”

“Anything else?”

“Yes. We can travel at the speed of thought.”

“Ah ha.” Sam pointed at him. “That guy did just vanish from your balcony the other day! I knew it! I didn't just blink and miss his exit.”

“Yes. That was Richard, our Prince.”

“Well, at least I didn't imagine it.” She rubbed her temples and sat back down. “A Prince, huh? Okay so this whole Amoveo thing sounds good. You guys seem to have it made. You've got pretty good powers. You don't really age. Not a bad deal.”

“Unfortunately we are not without our own set of problems. We've lived in secret for centuries because we are being hunted.”

“Hunted? By who?”

“The Caedo.” A shadow passed over his stone-like features.

“The Caedo? Who are they?” Sam's brows knitted in concern.

“They are one of only two groups of humans that know about us. They've made it their family's mission to annihilate our race.”

“Why? Did you eat their babies or something?”

“Don't be ridiculous.” He stood swiftly and threw his shirt back on. “We are peaceful. The Caedo, like so many
humans
throughout history, fear what is different and what they don't understand.”

“Okay, so they killed a few of you over the years.”

“You don't understand, Samantha.” He loomed over her.

His frustration mixed in the air with her fear and uncertainty and created a volatile force in the room. Sam grew pale, wavered slightly, and braced herself against the wall with one hand. He scolded himself silently. He wouldn't make this any easier on her by getting frustrated. He took a deep breath and focused on sending her a sense of calm. A flicker of confusion came over her face, and she relaxed slightly as he soothed her, the color returning to her cheeks.

Better.

“All Amoveos are born into this world with one predestined soul mate, and we can only have children with our mate. When they kill one of us, they kill off potential offspring.” He looked away from her. “For all of our strengths, we are actually a rather fragile race.”

“Okay. So how do you find this ‘mate'?” She made air quotes with her fingers.

“From the time we are born, we are taught to look for our mate in the dream realm. Once we connect there, we can connect in the physical realm and complete the mating ceremony. If we do not find our mate by our thirtieth birthday, we begin to lose our abilities, and we eventually die.”

“That sucks,” Sam said. “Actually, I know a lot of human women who feel that way about being single in their thirties.” She chuckled wryly. “So where's your mate?”

“Right here.” He took her delicate hand in his.

“What!” She snatched her hand back from him and quickly walked around to the other side of the bed. “You said you had to mate with another Amoveo.” Sam pointed at him accusingly.

“True.”

“Well.
I
am not Amoveo. I'm just your good old-fashioned, run-of-the-mill human,” Sam said, not really believing it. Until recently, she never would've doubted it.

“Well actually, you're both.”

“I beg your pardon?” A look of dread came over her, and she wrapped her arms tightly across her chest.

“You are a hybrid, the only one that we know of. Your mother was human, but your father was an Amoveo. Lucas Logan was of the Wolf Clan.”

“So you're telling me my father was a dog?”

“No,” he said, exasperated. “Lucas was a member of the Gray Wolf Clan bloodline. And so are you.”

“You're crazy,” she scoffed. “I am not a wolf.”

“Really? Had any good dreams lately?” He didn't take his gaze from her shocked face.

“Oh my God. It's you. You're the one who's been calling me. The voice in the house.” Tears glittered in her eyes as all the pieces came together. “The wolf dreams. All of it,” she whispered.

“You are the only one of your kind.” Malcolm slowly approached her around the bed. He kept his voice steady as he continued. “Your parents' mating was the first known pairing between a human and an Amoveo. From what we know, your mother possessed some psychic abilities. That's the only way she could possibly have paired with an Amoveo.”

“This is insane.” Tears swam in her deep blue eyes. He knew that her mind scrambled to make sense of his words.

“Humans and Amoveos are from the same origins. We're just two different branches on the same family tree. It was only a matter of time before our two races evolved enough to mix.” He kept talking quietly, all the while moving closer, and closing the distance between them. “Think about it, Samantha. The dream you had before you decided to come home—that was the first time I connected with you. I finally found you and called you here to me.” He reached out and wrapped her delicate body in his arms. He held her to his chest and kissed the top of her head. She didn't embrace him but kept her arms folded over her breasts. He was just happy she didn't flinch and that she allowed him to hold her.

Her confusion wounded him deep in his soul. Now, more than ever, he felt the connection to her, and it terrified him. The idea that she would reject him alarmed him beyond all reason.

“We've walked in the dream realm together several times now. That was how I knew your necklace was lost. Remember?” He stroked her long silky hair and rocked her gently.

Sam leaned her forehead on Malcolm's chest and let the tears fall silently. Finally, she pushed at him, and reluctantly he released her from his hold. She sniffled and wiped the tears away with the back of her hands, trying to pull herself together. “Okay. So all of the crazy dreams I've had in my life and the weird things that have been happening since I got home…You're telling me this has all been part of some elaborate matchmaking scheme by the universe?” Her confusion was now replaced by anger. “All of these things that have started happening to me since I met you…this is your fault.”

“Your abilities have obviously been dormant, and now that we've connected they'll continue to come out. I suppose you could blame me.” He shrugged. “That's fine if it will make you feel better. I'll help you, Samantha. I can show you how to control your gifts.”

“Well, that's just great.” She shoved his chest, but he didn't move. She may as well have been shoving at a brick wall. “So what? Now I'm going to sprout fur and get fangs? No thanks! You can keep your
gifts
. I want no part of this.”

Malcolm stood there watching Sam's reaction, amused. She was even more beautiful when she got angry. Her eyes flashed at him, and her chin set in determined defiance. Malcolm could see that he would never be bored with his mate. She was one feisty woman.

“Don't be ridiculous. You are Amoveo. You are my mate, Samantha. I am yours. This cannot be questioned or changed. It simply
is
.” He reached out and brushed the hair from her forehead.

***

Much to Sam's dismay, her body's reaction betrayed her, and Malcolm knew it. He leaned toward her, and she stiffened, helpless to the power he seemed to have over her. He tipped her chin up with his fingers and brushed his lips softly over hers. It was a featherlight touch that she felt all the way down to her toes. It took every ounce of resolve she had not to kiss him back. Her eyes tingled, shifted to their wolf state, and remained locked on his in a look of utter defiance. Malcolm flashed that arrogant grin, which reduced her insides to jelly.

He took a few steps back, tilted his head back, spread his arms wide, and whispered, “Verto.” Instantly, the air in the room thickened and crackled. Malcolm shimmered and shifted into the huge Golden Eagle. With a shriek, he flapped his massive wings and swooped out the window into the night.

Sam looked out after him. He was silhouetted against the enormous moon looming high above the whitecapped ocean. She closed her eyes as the breeze brushed her hair back. Instinctively, she touched her necklace. It was once again thankfully at the base of her throat, but the comfort she sought eluded her. When Sam opened her eyes, Malcolm was nowhere in sight.

She pulled the window closed and lay down in the welcoming cloud of her bed. She silently prayed that sleep would claim her. His scent still clung to the pillow. She breathed it in. It was familiar and unsettling at the same time. She replayed the information he'd told her in her head. The last thing she heard before drifting into a fitful sleep was Malcolm. He whispered along the edges of her mind.

Sleep well
, mia piccola lupa.

The next morning, Sam woke up exhausted. Her sleep had been dreamless and fitful. She couldn't stop thinking about everything Malcolm had revealed to her the night before. As the sun began to rise, she knew lying in bed tossing and turning was getting her nowhere. She decided the best way to clear her muddied brain was to go for a run.

She looked in the mirror and couldn't believe how puffy her eyes were.
Well, at least they're my eyes.
Sam threw her hair into a ponytail and got into her running clothes. She was shocked that none of their
conversation
from last night had awakened Nonie. If it had, she was kind enough not to bang on the walls. Sam's cheeks reddened at the very thought of it.

She tiptoed downstairs to the kitchen and chugged a quick glass of orange juice before she headed out. Sam did her warm up and listened to all of the sounds around her, the gulls shrieking, the ocean, and even the gravel crunching under her Nikes. She wanted to focus on normal sounds, not the insane story he'd told her and shown her. Yet no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't stop thinking about it.

“What a crock. Amoveo. Shapeshifters. Right.” She shook her head as she walked down to the beach.

It is not a crock and deep down you know who and what you really are. The sooner you accept that, Samantha, the better off we'll both be.

She stopped dead in her tracks as Malcolm's voice invaded her head. Now she was really getting pissed. Who did this guy think he was? Can't a girl have any privacy?

Get out of my head and leave me alone.
Her fists curled up tightly at her side. She wasn't even sure if she was doing it right.

You're being silly, Samantha.
His usual smug confidence seeped through.

She could picture the smirk on his face and had the sudden urge to smack it off. The man was completely infuriating.
Fine. You can call me whatever you want. Just leave me alone. I'm going for a run, and I'd like to do that without you in my head.

You should not be out alone. It's not safe.

Oh please. I think you scared Roger off for good. Look, spare me the caveman routine, bird boy.
Sam rolled her eyes and continued to make her way onto the beach.

I will go with you then.

No you won't. Good-bye. I'm hanging up now. Or…whatever.
She stood with hands set on her hips. She listened for a reply, but was met with silence. She gave a sharp nod, feeling rather pleased for getting her way. “Jeez, what an ego.” She began her jog along the shore.

Sam loved running on the beach early in the morning. Usually there weren't too many people around, especially on a weekday morning. Today the sand along the edge of the ocean was packed nice and tight. It was perfect for running and much easier on the knees than pavement. She kept thinking about all of the things she'd experienced. She hated to admit it, but his story was getting harder and harder to deny. Her dreams were pretty solid proof.

She had several about being a wolf, running on this very beach. How would he know that? She dreamed of being with that eagle, with Malcolm. It was true that nothing was known about her father. He had no family they knew of, and her parents' courtship had been extremely brief. They'd only known each other a few weeks before they were married. Could her mother have been psychic? Was Nonie? She did know about stuff before it actually happened. She always had an uncanny sense of what was needed. As Sam approached the halfway mark of her run, she realized that Nonie might know much more than she'd let on.

Samantha's run seemed longer than normal, and she was beginning to feel nauseous. After what felt like forever, she reached her halfway mark at the jetty. Gratefully, she turned to head back to the house, hoping the second half would go by more quickly, and her stomach would settle down. As she jogged by the beach club, she heard someone calling her name. She looked over and saw Millie, perched in her beach chair underneath an enormous plaid umbrella.

“Hey, Sammy girl.” She waved.

Sam didn't really want to stop and lose her momentum, but for Millie she could make an exception. Millie was surrounded by various sand toys, a cooler, and a few chairs. There was an adorable little boy playing at her feet. He couldn't have been more than a year old. He was bald as a cue ball with big brown eyes in a spectacularly chubby face. His entire body was covered in sand. He was deeply engaged in eating a shovel.

“Come on now. Don't eat that. You'll be poopin' sand castles all week long.” Millie hoisted the boy and tried in vain to free him of his sandy snack.

“Hey, Millie.” Sam tried to catch her breath. “Is this your grandson? He's adorable.”

“This is my little man. They're all stayin' at my place right now. Y'know, while they finish some renovations on their apartment.” She plopped him back down on the blanket and brushed him off a bit. “Well, this little bugger gets up so damn early. This morning I just had to get us all outta there. Too nice to be hanging around inside, and Lord knows we spend enough time in the diner.”

“So you really did it? You closed the diner?” Sam said in disbelief. She leaned on her knees, still trying to calm her breathing.

“Hell yes.” She winked.

“Is Billy here too?” Sam looked around.

“Yeah. He's up at the cabana getting a bottle out of the fridge for our boy here.” She glanced to the large white building behind them.

“So your grandmamma tells me she met your new man too.” Millie smiled briefly. “I liked him lots better than that city fella. I hope you're not seeing him anymore.”

“No ma'am.”

“Well, I like that big handsome devil.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “Your grandmamma told me that y'all are going out again.”

“Oh really? Well, no secrets around here, huh?” She raised her eyebrows and thought desperately for another topic to talk about. “I guess you already knew about Nonie's new man though.”

“You mean Davis?” She laughed. “He's a fine fella. Good card player too. You know, she wanted to tell you about it, but I think she felt funny. Y'know, she didn't want you to think she was replacing Jack, your pop.”

“I know. It's just going to take some getting used to.” She squatted down and brushed some sand off the baby's arms.

“Where in the name of Davy Crockett is Billy?” Millie looked behind her. “He's takin' a dog's age up there getting that bottle.”

“Well, tell him I said
hi
.” Sam stood and felt another wave of nausea.

“You okay, Sammy girl? You look a little green around the gills.”

“Yeah, I haven't gone for a run for a few weeks. I guess I pushed it too hard today.”

Millie shook her head. “I told you. You young girls are so worried about being skinny. Not good for ya.” She winked.

Sam laughed softly. “I'll keep that in mind. Well, I've got to get back. I'm working on a portrait for Nonie, and I really want to get it finished today. Bye, little guy,” Sam said to the sandy little cherub. She was rewarded with a big drool-filled smile and giggles.

***

Malcolm had gone out to his balcony and watched Samantha as she began her run. He was very concerned about the Caedo from the other night. Guilt reared its ugly head. She thought the danger he referred to was Roger, and he did nothing to make her think otherwise. Malcolm scoffed audibly. As if that runt was any match for him. He realized that he'd made a mistake to keep the information about the Caedo from her. However, if she knew how dangerous her situation was, she'd never willingly give herself to him. It would make the world of his people even more terrifying. He wanted to respect her wishes, but her safety was more important than anything else.

He visualized his eagle form and shifted. He flew high above the ocean and followed her. He stayed far enough away to avoid being spotted, but was still able to keep her within his sight. He enjoyed watching her jog as her long blonde ponytail swayed hypnotically.

He felt very satisfied with himself for getting his way. The flight was invigorating and made him appreciate her even more. Before he'd found her, his powers were all but gone, and now they were back full force. He'd missed flights like this one very much. He kept pace with her all the way along the shore to the jetty. He moved in closer when he saw she was no longer alone on the beach. Suddenly, he was hit by the same wave of hostility that he'd felt at the restaurant the other night. It slammed into him, throwing his flight off balance.

He scanned the beach below, searching the minds of the few people in the area. There was an old man fishing who was thinking of his late wife. The young mother playing with her two children in the waves, thinking about the errands she had to do that day. He scanned the rest, but none of them were the source of this hatred. Someone down there hated Sam. He flew over and landed on the roof of the beach club adjacent to the jetty. It was a better vantage point, and he could see Sam and everything around her.

Malcolm watched Samantha as she spoke with the woman from the diner and the child. He could feel the fondness that flowed between them all. However, as reassuring as that was, he could still feel the wave of evil hatred. He sensed it was coming from somewhere nearby, and it was directed right at Samantha. It was the same energy signature from the restaurant the other night. He wanted to swoop down there, grab her by the arms, and take her back home. However, a sight like that would not go unnoticed by the few humans on the beach. He had told her about the Caedo, but had not told her she was a target. If she knew that, then she may never want to be a part of his world. Although their mating was predestined, he still wanted her to be with him willingly. He would never force her to be with him. He would rather die than cause her unhappiness.

Finally, to his relief, Samantha left Millie and began to make her way back to the house. He flew to a higher altitude so he could avoid her sights, but still keep her in his, all the while, keeping his eyes peeled for the man from the other night. Malcolm knew he was down there somewhere, and it was maddening that he couldn't find him.

Malcolm watched Samantha as she approached a woman he'd never seen before. He could tell by Samantha's comfort level that this was the friend that she had spoken of so fondly. In stealth flight, he soared over and landed silently on Kerry's house. The hatred he felt continued to permeate the air around them. He grew edgier by the second because he couldn't pinpoint the source. He scanned the mind of her friend and was surprised when he couldn't get a solid read on her. She wasn't blocking him, at least not consciously. He knew she wasn't a threat to Sam, but there was something about her that he couldn't quite put his finger on. That bothered him immensely.

She's no threat to you or your mate, Malcolm. I will keep watch over her and make sure that's true,
said a steady voice.

It was his cousin Dante, of the Fox Clan. Malcolm heard the strength and resolve of a warrior. He felt better knowing that his Amoveo brothers had arrived. He scanned the sea grass in the dunes below. He spotted Dante hidden beneath the deck of the Smithson house. He was an unusually large red fox with a white face and auburn on the edges of his ears, brown socks on his paws, and dark rings around his bushy tail.

Thank you, Dante. Are the others here as well?
Malcolm could see most of the surrounding beach from his vantage point on the roof.

I am here as promised.

William's ice-cold voice resonated in Malcolm's mind. He looked over to see him perched on the eaves of Samantha's home. William was a Gyrfalcon and a formidable warrior, known for his intelligence and calculated thought. Malcolm would hate to fight him in battle and was grateful he'd been chosen to help protect Sam. He was a gigantic specimen with bright white feathers, spotted with brown. His large ebony eyes did not move from Samantha.

Me too,
added Steven.
We couldn't let you have all the fun with this Caedo hunter by yourself, now could we? Besides, I'm actually more interested in watching Malcolm try to tame his woman. From what I hear, she's kind of feisty. You know, the Wolf is known for having a bit of a temper, and they hate being told what to do.

Malcolm could hear the smile in Steven's voice. It didn't take long for Malcolm to find him. He was hidden further down the beach, also in the tall grasses of the dune. The beige coloring of his fur allowed him to blend easily with his surroundings. He lay unnaturally still, and his emerald green eyes were completely focused on Samantha.

Just wait until you find your mates. We'll see who's laughing then,
Malcolm countered.

You know, boys. I think Malcolm's gotten a bit cranky. Looks like Samantha's really got you twisted up, doesn't it?
Steven teased.

Malcolm could swear he saw a smile on the coyote's face.

William interjected with his usual seriousness.
I don't think this is a situation to make light of. You should complete the mating ceremony and be done with it. The hunter is nearby somewhere. I can feel it, but I cannot seem to pinpoint his location.

I have been having the same issue all morning.

Man, these women sure can yap,
Steven said.

Not much different from our females,
William added.

She is one of our females. You can all go inside and make yourselves at home. I will handle it from here,
Malcolm said sharply.

Someone's touchy,
Dante teased.

Malcolm could hear them chuckling as they vanished into the air.

***

Sam had picked up her pace significantly after chatting with Millie. She focused on her breathing, hoping it would settle her sour stomach. She thought about how great Millie was and how lucky they all were to have each other. Sam wished she'd had a bigger family. Holidays had been wonderful, but it was always just Sam, Nonie, and Pop. Growing up, she'd hoped that someday she'd find the man of her dreams, get married, and have a huge house full of children. Could she have that with Malcolm? He was literally the man of her dreams. However, the rules had changed. He wasn't even human, and apparently neither was she.