Tethered - Aquarius Read online

  They waited while the waitress delivered a basket of biscuits and their drinks. After she retreated, Evelyn’s eyes became unfocused.

  “I was born in February of 1887. Both my parents were Cooper’s hawks but my older brother was a Gryfalcon. We lived along the coast in Washington with a small colony of other raptors.”

  Their food arrived and Evelyn remained quiet a few minutes to enjoy breakfast.

  “We lived relatively normal lives. The farthest I traveled was into California. Until World War I. My parents believed in supporting their country, so they went to Europe and never returned.” Her voice cracked.

  “So shapeshifters can be killed by something other than silver?” He was only half teasing.

  “Our normal lifespan is about two hundred and fifty years. While our bodies will repair many injuries, too much poison, any type of bullets to the heart or head, and bombs will kill us.”

  Their waitress returned. “How’s everything taste? Need any refills?”

  “Everything’s great. I think we just need the check.” The meal had been good, but it wasn’t what had his attention.

  “Great. Stay as long as you like.” She slapped the check on the table and left to greet another couple who had walked in.

  Evelyn trailed a piece of French toast through the syrup on her plate. She’d lost her parents nearly one hundred years ago. It had been hard when he and Stanford lost their parents five years ago. He couldn’t imagine missing them for so long.

  “So you’re not immortal.”

  Her laugh had a hard edge. “No. We’re not. After my parents didn’t come back, my brother married and had a family. I started traveling, seeing the world. I came back every few years until it became decades between visits. My brother’s family and half the colony died in a poisoning incident in the seventies. I returned to help safeguard the young. The colony grew, and I left again.”

  Her recitation was dry, clipped, yet contained years of loneliness. He gripped her left hand, made a connection.

  “When I returned this last time and sensed danger, I had no reason to stay. They would be safer without me, and it was no longer my home. I gave my aerie to a newlywed couple and decided to try my luck on the East Coast.”

  “How’s that working out for you?” His words had a bit of a bite.

  A sparkle returned to her eyes. “It’s been full of unexpected surprises, and one or two less-than-ideal incidents.”

  “We do try to treat our visitors right here in North Carolina.”

  She chuckled and grabbed the check. “Let’s go.”

  He bit his tongue to keep from causing a scene. Gentlemen in the South didn’t let their ladies pay. But she clung to her independence like a shield and would fight for the right to pay. Some things weren’t worth the fight.

  Unlike Zoe. He would do more than steal to get her back. No matter what magic they faced, he’d get his daughter back.

  8

  Each day at six o’clock, day and night, the brothers transformed. One became an animal while the other took human form. They never talked, yet Lawke was sure they communicated with each other.

  Like clockwork, the brothers met at the house for each transformation. It was the only predictable routine to their schedules. Lawke would rather face the owl than the wolf, which put them breaking in during daylight. Plus, his backup could fly, so that evened their odds so long as Freemont Woodward left long enough for them to complete the break-in.

  It was nine in the morning and the forest was at peace. Lawke struggled to hold back a yawn. Every night he had nightmares of his daughter having her heart ripped out on a stone altar.

  Each iteration became more savage, more pain filled. Last night it happened three times. The priest’s forbearance was at an end.

  The basement garage opened and the bike roared away. An exercise in patience ensured Freemont didn’t immediately return. Lawke glanced at the tree across the way. Hunched within the upper branches, Evelyn roosted, watching for the brother. After fifteen minutes and the bike hadn’t come back, he stepped out of the cover of trees. Going to the thick wooden back door, he removed his tools and attempted to pick the lock.

  A deadbolt was harder to pick, but not impossible.

  He entered the living room and glanced around. The walls were empty. Only the wooden timbers could be seen. Nope, they couldn’t get lucky; he’d have to search the whole house. He entered the bottom master. At least there was a picture in this room. It was a large, metallic abstract silver painting.

  Not his thing, but at least it was a personal touch. Climbing the stairs, Lawke glanced at his watch. Fifteen minutes had passed. His time could be running short.

  He searched each room and finally found the San Francisco picture in the second guest bedroom. Framed in cherry wood, it was yellowed with age and had dark brown lines. In person, it seemed to glow with an otherworldly essence.

  Or maybe that was just stress.

  He pulled the frame off the wall, carefully removed and then rolled the print into an archival tube meant to preserve the paper.

  Descending the stairs two at a time, he hurried to the backdoor. Slipping outside, he stopped to reset the lock. Just as he put his tools away, an angry screech filled the air. He ducked, assuming the owl would be incoming. Evelyn’s falcon dove across the owl’s path and screeched a challenge.

  He ran for the cabin.

  Even with her hearing, Evelyn missed the owl gliding in to attack. She launched herself into the air and raced to intercept. Her own battle cry was a challenge no male could ignore.

  The owl changed course and followed her. She had speed over him, particularly in daylight, but he was more maneuverable than her.

  She turned into an air current and glided away from the house, drawing the other predator away. Up and down she threaded across the air currents flowing east and west, trying to keep the owl’s attention.

  If she got too close, he could dig his big talons in and hurt her.

  Eventually, she’d have to fly close, otherwise he’d be able to attack Lawke. Pain sliced through her as a talon dug into her mantle. He missed her nape, saving her life, but she plummeted from the shock.

  She screamed, tucked her wings close, and turned into a dive. With her speed, she’d put distance between them.

  Unsure of how much time had passed, she pulled out and flew toward the lake. Hopefully, no one would find them before they could leave the area. In the distance were the tall pines she would disappear into.

  While the owl might be a patient hunter, she was small enough to hide within the tree branches. She weaved in and out of the trees until she landed on a thick branch. Snuggling against the trunk, she let the thick needles hide her.

  The owl sped by, a few whos echoing. In the distance, thunder rumbled. The storm had arrived earlier than expected. This could be a problem.

  The wind picked up and dark clouds blocked the sun. Her talons relaxed and then gripped the wood. Her edge in the sky dimmed with each passing minute. She hadn’t heard the owl recently, but that didn’t mean he hadn’t decided to watch and wait.

  Another bolt flashed closer, and she ran out of time. She’d have to chance going to the cabin.

  Waddling to the edge of the trunk, she extended her wings and glided between the trees. Staying low, she hoped to not draw attention to herself. Tilting her head around, she kept an eye out for the other raptor.

  High winds lifted her wings, tilted her off-course. She struggled to maintain a path toward the cabin. Big drops of water rolled off her feathers. Ahead, the clearing to the cabin appeared.

  Dropping down to the backyard, she shifted and was nearly knocked over by a gust of wind. The downpour hadn’t started yet, but a lot of water rode the winds. She raced across the grass.

  On the porch steps, large drops of water fell. It soon became a downpour. Lawke slammed the door behind her while she dripped on the hardwood floor. “Thank you.”

  “Come on. Take your clothes off, an
d we’ll throw them in the dryer.”

  Any other time and she might have found his statement enticing. “Did the priest contact you?”

  He frowned. “No. Nothing.”

  She glanced back out the windows. “We should be leaving.”

  “The storm will help cover our tracks.”

  “Will the authorities check here first because we are recent renters?”

  “There have been people in and out of the cabins around for the last few weeks. We won’t stand out.” He didn’t sound convincing.

  Aware of his eyes on her, she wiggled out of her jeans. Next she stripped off her shirt and let it fall to the floor.

  He stood before her in his shorts. Her gaze locked in on his ribbed, muscular chest. She wanted to photograph him. Up close and very personal. Know every inch of him. Rub herself against all that hot, hard flesh and lick her way down his chest.

  His throat cleared. “What are you thinking?”

  “Huh?”

  His arrogant smile ticked her off.

  “What were you thinking about? Your eyes got this faraway look and you were rubbing your fingers together.”

  “That is none of your business.” Heat crept down her skin.

  He took her hand in his and pulled her against him. “If you were thinking about me, then it’s entirely my business.”

  His chest muscles rippled beneath her touch and his heart thumped to a wild beat. She inhaled the masculine scent of the wild outdoors. Found herself drawn closer to him. Yearning for so much more.

  He tilted his head down and kissed her. Like a man drowning and only she could save his life.

  She moaned and pressed against him, wanting so much more.

  He lifted her in his arms, carried her to the couch and laid her down. His weight settled against her, and his hard cock nested between her legs. It was torture not having him inside her.

  His blue eyes glittered with need as he stared at her. “Do you want this?”

  “Yes.” Her breath caught in her throat. More than she imagined, she wanted to be his. Even if it was only this one night.

  He leaned down and kissed the side of her neck. Her eyes fluttered closed as his stubble rubbed against her skin. Her body softened while she wrapped her arms around him, drawing him closer.

  His fingers unhooked the clasp in the front of her bra, exposed her breasts to his gaze. She was thankful for finding a supplier for that particular style. His lips locked around her nipple. Heat pulsed throughout with each suckle he made.

  Her hands slid under his shorts to glide over his taut buttocks. She grasped them and pulled him closer. There was a strength within his body that she wanted to explore. To engage with in pleasurable battle.

  He lifted his head, and their eyes locked. His normally light blue eyes blazed a dark sapphire. “You’re beautiful. All mine to enjoy.”

  The intensity of his gaze inspired a well of feminine desire to soften her hunger. Their passion was more than just sex. She wanted to be his, to surrender to the ferocity of the need to mate with him.

  Outside, lightning flashed and the loud thunder boomed so close that the cabin shook. The storm reminded them of its presence.

  She pulled his head down and bit his lower lip. He growled and hungrily took her mouth in a frenzied kiss. His tongue swept in, tangled with hers in tempestuous kiss. Nothing existed but the fevered rush of his touch.

  Needing to breathe, she wrenched her mouth from his, gulped in air, and tried to regain her thoughts. “You’re dangerous to my peace of mind.”

  “And you’re thinking too much.” His smile promised more wicked deeds to come.

  She nibbled his ear before whispering, “Then make me lose all reason.”

  “Give me a minute.” He scrambled off her, slipped on the floor and scrambled into the bedroom.

  Her bra slid off her shoulders and she shimmed out of her underwear.

  Lawke stood above her and stared. A fierce craving burned in his gaze. He stuck a condom wrapper in his mouth. Grasping the bottom of his shorts, he slid them down his legs. Bared himself to her.

  Her eyes focused on his protruding cock. She licked her lips, cupped him, and then wrapped a hand around his member. Slowly, she stroked him. His hard but silky flesh added to the flames burning inside her.

  “Mmmm.” The crackle of the condom package resounded in the quiet room. He removed her hand. “Not that I wasn’t enjoying that, but I want something else now.”

  She shivered at the deep, but controlled voice. “What is it you want?”

  “You. Only you.” He stretched out on top of her. His hand reached for her heated core, first one finger and then a second slid inside her. Stretched her.

  She wiggled, tried to draw his hard length inside her. Desperate, she whimpered.

  He slid inside her and the ache turned to need. A lustful driving force demanding stimulation, anything to satisfy the building craving. He stretched her slightly and it felt good as each stroke moved in and out. He suckled and slammed into her, his control gone. Her hands curled on his shoulders as her climax over took her.

  He didn’t slow down. Each stroke hit deeper inside until a second orgasm overwhelmed her, and her muscles clamped around him. He groaned as his own release hit.

  She gasped for breath and slowly drifted into a dozing rest.

  9

  Lawke disconnected the call. About time the bastard got in touch with them. Despite the anger at the situation, he was mellow thanks to the events of last night.

  After the rush of breaking in and fleeing back here, their sex had been nothing short of amazing.

  Evelyn walked out of the bedroom, her hair wet from the shower. Despite being satisfied with last night, he wanted her again. Wanted to see her eyes glow as her climax overwhelmed her. As it was, her skin shone.

  “We need to leave. The priest wants to meet by the miniature waterfall along the other trail. Outside of Willows Haven’s borders.”

  A knock on the door caused them to stare at each other.

  “Police. Open up.”

  He grabbed her shoulders and held a finger to his mouth. “Be calm,” he whispered. He leaned closer, his lips skimming her ear. “Don’t volunteer any information. You can do this.”

  Walking to the door, he swung the door open and stared into eyes the same color as his own.

  “Lawke,” Stanford stammered.

  At least he could still surprise his brother.

  “Can we come in?”

  It was his turn to be surprised. He expected the Woodward brothers, Vithar and the wolf, but Annabel and Daphne—Stanford’s ex-girlfriend—were unanticipated.

  The smile on the old lady’s face was gleeful while the twins broadcasted pissed off, including a snarl from the wolf.

  Evelyn put a hand on his shoulder. He needed to protect her, especially against his brother.

  “No harm will come to you, but we need to talk.” Annabel pushed her way in to the cabin.

  Everyone else followed her. Somehow he was losing control of the situation, if he ever had it.

  “Where is the photo?” Vithar asked. His brother snarled.

  “Photo of what? As a photographer, I’m constantly taking pictures. And since my work has been in magazines and exhibits around the world, you’ll need to be more specific before I can give you one.” Her face was clear, every word the truth—if a bit creatively presented.

  Vithar frowned and scrutinized her. Uh-oh. Lawke hadn’t considered that they’d remember her. It had been nearly one hundred years ago.

  “The one you stole.” At his side, the wolf showed more teeth. “We’d like it back.”

  Lawke’s heart raced. He could deal with their anger. Whatever they were thinking had him on guard.

  “You think we stole something?”

  Lawke had been careful to avoid his brother’s gaze, but he didn’t think Stanford would be quiet much longer.

  “Ma’am, we have proof. If you would just cooperate, this coul
d be resolved quickly.”

  Not without penalty.

  “I don’t know them. Why would you think we took something?”

  “My brother followed his trail here. We know what you are. We know what you took.”

  “I take photographs, capture memories and moments in time. I’ve been doing it a very long time. And you cannot expect me to feel threatened just because you brought along a bristling furry partner.”

  “Oh my. You are entertaining, my dear.” Annabel chuckled. “Vithar, take Freemont back to your house.”

  “Not without what we came for.”

  The power in the cabin blinked and the woman appeared to glow, her essence taking over the room. Her voice boomed. “You will do as you were told. The photo will not be returned. It is beyond time to let go of the past.”

  “But…”

  “Go. Your parents live on in your memories. You don’t need a photo to remember them. However, that picture can save a young woman’s life. What would you do?”

  “Whose life?”

  She pointed to him. “His daughter’s.”

  “Zoe. What do you mean? Her life’s in danger?” Stanford stepped forward. Outrage colored his voice.

  Vithar stared at the wolf. Eventually he said, “Very well, we’ll leave.”

  The wolf walked by them, its mouth open, and Lawke thought it might take a nip. Except all it did was lick the back of his hand. As if to express sympathy, or at least understanding.

  He watched them leave. Vithar gave a nod before closing the door.

  “How did you know?” He wondered if his coming had been a setup.

  “You’ll find, young man, that I know lots of things.” She waved her hand. “Sit down, and we will help you.”

  “They should be going to jail.” A scowl accompanied the stern words from Stanford.

  “You would arrest your brother for trying to save his daughter’s life?”

  Stanford’s face lost its color.

  “Sit. I’ve taken the issue out of your hands.”

  Stanford sat. His face would have done Grumpy Cat proud.

  “Now, what is your plan, young man?”