Bitter Change

BitterChange

Bitter Change Mara Lee Published 2004 ISBN 1-59578-041-6 Published by Liquid Silver Books, imprint of Atlantic Bridge Publishing, 10509 Sedgegrass Dr, Indianapolis, Indiana 46235. Copyright © 2004, Mara Lee. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author. Manufactured in the United States of America Liquid Silver Books http://lsbooks.com Email: [email protected] Cover Art by Colby Hausmann This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and dialogues in this book are of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.

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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 pass 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.

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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 sex 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 passed 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. file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (3 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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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 passed 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

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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 lust fill his body. His cock 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 breasts were quite splendid. They were high and full and tipped with lush nipples two shades darker than her skin. Lothos felt his cock 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 breasts 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. file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (5 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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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 breasts. 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 breasts 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 tits and moving his fingers nimbly down her stomach. She widened her legs and groaned when he slid his thick fingers into her pussy. “Oh my God.” A ragged moan tore through her. “Please don't stop.” Ethenia was panting as her dream man began to pluck at her clit. 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 hell, 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 cock against her aching pussy. She was on fire. Her pussy 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 breasts. “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 damn dream. Why wasn't he fucking her? “Come on,” Ethenia ground out. She was frustrated when her dream lover only chuckled and teased her pussy mercilessly by rubbing his cock 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 anticipation, the pain of waiting, would make the pleasure even more intense. When she wrapped her legs around his waist and ground her pussy against him he moaned and then swore. What the hell 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 cock 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 pussy clench around his cock 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 pussy was on fire. Her dream lover was in her body so deeply that she could feel his cock hit her cervix with each pound of his hips file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (6 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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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 pussy began to contract and Ethenia screamed out, “Now, I'm coming now,” just before she crested. At the feel of her pussy muscles pulling on his cock, 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 pussy 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 pussy was still pulsing with the aftertremors of her orgasm. 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.

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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 God, 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 God 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 muffled 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.” file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (8 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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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 bullshit 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 hell did he feel like such a damned heel? He had only told her the truth as it lay in his heart. Sex 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 spawned 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.” file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (9 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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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 Marseilles.” “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, compassionate 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 sonofabitch. 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 damned helpless. Lothos rubbed a hand down her arm and nuzzled her hair. file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (10 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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“Please, little one, please stop crying.” Lothos knew the second that Ethenia's body recognized his and began to feel sexual 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 breasts. 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. “God, you're beautiful,” Lothos reached down and dipped a finger into her already wet pussy, “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 pussy 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 pussy 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 pussy he stopped and sniffed. God, 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 labia with his tongue and licked her slowly, savoring her taste and reveling in the cries that came forth from her throat. He located her clit and flicked at it. He rolled the fleshy pebble with his tongue and then planted his lips completely and firmly around her pussy. He sucked at her slit, relishing in the taste of her. He stiffened his tongue and probed her deeply, screwing 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 pussy. 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 clit 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 orgasm 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 cock into her still dripping pussy. Ethenia screamed. It was too much, oh God, it was too much. Her heart was thudding and Lothos's cock 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 cock. file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (11 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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“Oh, angel, oh God angel, you feel incredible,” He crooned. Ethenia shook her head wildly. “Shut up, stop talking and fuck me.” Lothos laughed. He could not disappoint the lady. He quickened his pace and grabbed her breasts, 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 pussy was liquid fire. It was clenching and pulsing around his cock 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 cock jumped and seemed to vibrate. Her pussy 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 pussy 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 pussy. He fell, sated, against her. Reluctantly he pulled his cock 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.

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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 cock she wanted to jump him and to hell 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 glassy 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 cock, wet from her pussy, into her ass. He wanted, he wanted, oh God how he wanted her. Lothos shook his head to clear it of the powerful images that were assailing it. What was wrong with him? He could hardly file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (13 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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look at Ethenia without wanted to drive his cock into her body. Lust, yes that was it. That had to be it. Lust in the Loopin was incredibly strong. They were highly sexual creatures. It was only lust, and lust was easily sated. He had taken Ethenia and now, well now the lust 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 hell 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 participated 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 fucked a bitch 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 God, 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. God she hated her blushes. She could control her shift from woman to wolf so why the hell couldn't she control the blood that rushed to her head? “No, I don't like it.” Ethenia felt heat assail 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 file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (14 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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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. Damn 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 pissed 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 passing 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 assailed her. Well he could just go to hell. **** 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 bastard and the knowledge of that fact made Lothos wish that Kieran was before him so that he might crush the asshole'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. Fuck, 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 damned 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. file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (15 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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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 petite, 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 amusement 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 bemusement. Too bad she couldn't be so blasé about the matter. Ethenia flinched when Lothos kissed Sophie's forehead. Damn 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. file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (16 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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**** “So what the hell 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, “Cassis.” Sophie laughed. “Cassis 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 glass. When she removed her hand the goblet contained white wine and cassis. Sophie handed the glass to a stunned Ethenia. Ethenia looked up at Sophie with wide eyes. “What the hell 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 goosebumps. 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-molasses voice cut through the sexual 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 sex—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 God'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. Damn, he had forgotten about Sophie's telepathy. file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (17 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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“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. “Damn 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 shit. “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 file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (18 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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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 fucked 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, asshole. 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 passed 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 passed 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 asshole.” file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (19 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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It was Lothos's turn to look sheepish. “That's all right, angel. I'm anticipating 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.

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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 bastard 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. file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (21 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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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. “Bullshit,” 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 pussy feel like? Sophie moved her hand down Ethenia's body and when she reached the other woman's pussy she didn't hesitate. She began to press and circle her hand in rhythmic movements against file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (22 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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Ethenia's already aching mound. Ethenia groaned into Sophie's mouth. Her heart was thudding wildly against her chest and her pussy 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 lusts 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 lust rising, her need beginning to climb. She wished that Lothos was here to fill her while Sophie continued to suck at her tits. She wished, oh God how she wished for Lothos. “You needn't wish, darling,” Sophie murmured, lifting her head from Ethenia's straining breasts. 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 pussy 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 fuck 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 pussy and her body answered the call. Her breasts were tingling and her pussy 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 hell not? Sophie spread Ethenia's thighs, dropped to her knees and drove her tongue deep into the Loopin's wet pussy. Oh God, 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 clit 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 pussy pulse with each lap of Sophie's very talented tongue. Her breasts were heavy and her nipples rock hard. She couldn't stop the short screams or the breathless pants that she emitted. God, it was heaven. Or perhaps perdition. **** Lothos's eyes were wide and hot, his cock was unbearably hard. He stroked himself and tried to

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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 sex. The rich aroma of pussy 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 sexual 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 cock 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 clit. Oh God, 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 anus and slowly, gently, inserted the very tip of his finger into her ass. God she was tight. He couldn't wait to replace his finger with his cock. He heard Ethenia's moans grow louder and he felt her slowly relax her butt muscles. When she was relaxed he pushed deeper into her ass, loving the way her hole clenched his finger. His cock was so hard and full that he was going to cum 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 pussy muscles jumped and throbbed and with the flick of Sophie's tongue against her clit and the feel of Lothos's thick finger in her ass, 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 hoarse and full of need. He stood naked in the doorway, stroking his hard cock. Sophie smiled at him. With a flick of her fingers she was naked, gloriously so. She licked her lips file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (24 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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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 cock into her pussy 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 pussy muscles around his cock, hard. Goddammit, the woman knew how to fuck. 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 cock 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 sex 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 lust 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 sexed 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 balls. 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?

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“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 thoroughly. You did not give your beast time to recognize its mate.” Lothos moved the length of his body fully against Ethenia and breathed in the sweet scent of her hair. It still smelled like honey and chamomile. He was an asshole. He had almost let his soul slip away from him. He had almost tossed away his very heart, the reason for his survival. It was Ethenia. It had always been Ethenia. Sophie smiled against Xethre's back. Finally Lothos understood. It was about fucking time.

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Chapter Five Ethenia hated male PMS. It was hard enough to deal with woman when they were menstrual, but God save her from pissy man syndrome. Lothos had been jittery and short-tempered all day, and it was driving her absolutely insane. Didn't she have enough to deal with already, without having to decipher Lothos's quickly shifting moods? She wished she had some Midol. Did Midol work on men? Ethenia groaned when Lothos got up to pace the kitchen for the umpteenth time. “Oh my God, will you just tell me what the hell is wrong? What? Have you decided that this isn't the right place for me? Are you going to cart me across the country and dump me in somebody else's lap?” Ethenia heard Lothos growl and she held up a hand. “Oh come on, it was a joke. Lothos. Relax.” Ethenia smiled. She wasn't nearly as afraid of Lothos now as she had been when she had first met him. Indeed, he was just a big teddy bear, uh, a big teddy bear with razor-sharp canines and talonlike fingernails. Lothos was at a loss as how to continue now that he knew what Ethenia was to him. How did he tell her that she was the other part of his soul? What did that even mean for them? All morning he had been stewing over how to break the news to her. Sophie was no help. She had decided to take this very morning to go practice mixing potions. And the sun had seen to it, that the bloodsucker was all tucked in and dead to the world. So it was just him and Ethenia. Just him and his bond mate, the bond mate who didn't know she was a bond mate yet. Damn it all, shouldn't there be like some handbook for this shit—something along the lines of 'How to tell your intended mate that you want to brand her?' How many hours had gone by, wasted, as he tried to find the words? Ethenia bit into a juicy tangerine and continued to watch him. “Lothos, sit, please.” Ethenia pulled out the seat next to her. Lothos took the offered seat, lumbering his large frame down. He still couldn't look at her. When he looked at her he wanted to fuck her, and fucking her, although incredible, would only serve to distract him. “Ethenia,” he began. “Yes?” “I…” He was cut short by the harried arrival of Sophie. Her eyes were glazed and her usual neat curls were falling in hectic disarray around her flushed face. “Sophie, God, dear one, are you all right?” Lothos quickly moved to Sophie's side, missing Ethenia's look of displeasure. “Baby?” Sophie swallowed and when she spoke her voice was hoarse. “Something evil is coming, Lothos.” What?” “Something very evil is coming. I was mixing a seer spell when the potion cleared and showed me a vision, a vision of pure evil.” “What did you see?” “Just shadows. Shadows of things that are to be. But the auras were black—they were black and file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (27 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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tainted, Lothos. Something is coming.” Sophie began to shiver uncontrollably. She felt the taint of the evil spreading over her body like butter. It clung to her skin and made her sick. “Quick, Lothos, kiss me.” She didn't give him time to respond to her request. She grabbed his face and planted her lips firmly over his. She felt him rumble and she felt the anger that was shooting forth from Ethenia, but she did not have time to deal with petty jealousy right now. She had evil to ward away. Sophie parted Lothos's mouth and quickly speared her tongue into his wet cavern. She gripped his hard arms and continued to ravage his mouth. Her body began to heat up quickly, and her pussy was creaming. She felt light and horny and she could no longer feel the sick molasses of evil crawling up her spine. She pushed away from him reluctantly. “Thank you,” she said. Ethenia advanced slowly. Her anger was a hot and audible thing. She knew that she had no claim over Lothos, but for Sophie to maul him so in front of her was unacceptable. Sophie sighed and nodded. “I know, I know. I am sorry I had to do that. But you must understand it was the only way to ward off the clinging evil. I needed a distraction. Since Xethre was not available, well…” “You had to use me,” Lothos finished with a small weary smile. “So, I was better than nothing.” Sophie laughed. “You are better than most things.” Lothos joined Sophie in her laughter. Ethenia was still not amused. But thought it wise to change the subject. “What did you see, Sophie?” Sophie's expression turned somber. “I saw the black aura of one so evil that hell must have spat him out.” Ethenia swallowed. Well that was certainly a colorful depiction. “Could you be a little bit clearer?” she asked sarcastically, ignoring Lothos's chiding gaze. “Some of us don't read tea leaves.” Sophie's eyes shot a fiery warning. “Do be careful what you say, darling.” Ethenia felt the hairs on her arm beginning to stand on end. She leaned forward, anger blazing inside. “Are you threatening me?” Sophie grinned, “I believe I am.” Ethenia was incensed. She was not a powerful Pack member, but she was still Loopin. She could still kick this witch's butt. Lothos couldn't believe what he was witnessing. His beautiful, shy, quiet Ethenia was facing down Sophie, who at her best appeared to be the second coming of Joan of Arc. He would never have guessed that Ethenia had it in her. It was amazing how his Loopin instincts had been failing him lately, at least failing him where Ethenia was concerned. She had the power to rob him of all his senses. Sophie tilted her head to one side. She had no intention of fighting Ethenia, unless of course the arena was a nice soft bed. However it was nice to see that the little Loopin had claws. Sophie sensed a great pain, a world of hurt that still lingered in Ethenia's soul. She knew it was this very pain that kept the wild Loopin tame and meek. She also knew that Ethenia's nature was not one of file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (28 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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servitude and submission. Sophie intended to learn why Ethenia's aura was so stifled, why she seemed to keep a leash on her Loopin beast. “You can sheathe the claws, Ethenia; they'll be no fighting here.” Ethenia still eyed her warily. Lothos bent down and blew gently into Ethenia's ear. She shivered and her concentration broke. Her claws retracted and her eyes went hot. Ethenia turned an accusing eye towards Lothos. “Why did you do that? Why did you interfere?” Lothos grinned. “There are better ways to spend our time than arguing with Sophie. She will always be here later, if you find that you wish to pick up where you left off.” Sophie laughed. Lothos always did have a way of putting things into perspective—his own, that is. She turned to see how Ethenia was taking Lothos's domineering ways. Ethenia narrowed her eyes. However much she had enjoyed having Lothos blowing into her sensitive ears she was beginning to realize that she didn't want him thinking that she was a pushover. She was finally beginning to enjoy the possibilities that came with her freedom. So Lothos was devilishly handsome. So he was sweet and the most incredible lover she had ever had, but he didn't plan on sticking around, and that meant she could not get attached. It was times like these that Lothos wished that he were telepathic like Sophie. He could see the wheels in Ethenia's head spinning round and round and it was driving him crazy. Finally Ethenia found her voice, her words were not soft. “Why do you care? You're dumping me here, aren't you?” Lothos was surprised at Ethenia's harsh and bitter words. Before he could speak, Sophie jumped in. “Lothos isn't going anywhere. Indeed, I believe we will need all of the help we can get. I may even call for reinforcements.” Now both turned to Sophie, surprised. It was Lothos who spoke first. “You anticipate that much trouble?” Sophie swallowed. She remembered how the evil had seeped into her skin and taken hold of her body. She remembered the fear that had blinded her. Oh yes, there was great trouble on the way. “I anticipate much.” Lothos frowned, concern etching his face. “Is there anything else you can tell us about what you saw?” Sophie shivered from the memory. She cleared her throat. “There is magic being used. Black magic. And right before the waters cleared I saw a face. The face of a man.” “Describe the face,” Lothos demanded. Sophie did. “Square jaw line, high cheekbones, blue eyes and dark lashes. He was handsome, oh, and he had a large scar above his left eye.” Ethenia gasped. Sophie turned to her. “Ethenia?” Ethenia went pale. “Sophie … the scar, was it shaped like a half moon?” Sophie nodded. “How did you know?” Sophie watched as Ethenia sank. If Lothos hadn't grabbed her she would have fallen boneless to file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (29 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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the ground. She watched as Lothos cradled the little Loopin in his arms and comforted her. It was obvious to her that something had spooked Ethenia, something had spooked her good. Lothos was concerned. Ethenia's eyes were foggy and her skin had paled so, that she wore the complexion of death. Her heart was pounding furiously, he could hear its desperate beats against him and she seemed, suddenly, in another world. What was wrong with her? He turned helpless eyes towards Sophie. Sophie walked over to the couple. She placed her warm hand on Ethenia's cool forehead and frowned. “She scared shitless, Lothos.” Sophie pulled a small tin from her apron pocket and opened it. She forced Ethenia's mouth open and placed a small thin wafer on Ethenia's tongue. “Just let it dissolve, darling, it will help.” Sophie was right. In a matter of moments Ethenia felt considerably better. Her head was clearing and her heart rate slowed down to a more normal pace. “What was that?” Sophie smiled, “A cinnamon and paprika wafer, it helps to clear the head.” “Nothing else?” Ethenia asked, ever cautious. Sophie laughed and shook her head. “Yes, several other elements, but all of them natural, I assure you.” Ethenia sighed. She knew that Sophie was not about to divulge the other ingredients. And as long as she was feeling better, and didn't seem to be experiencing any bad side-effects, she had to assume that the wafer was harmless. “All right, thank you.” “Don't mention it. Now,” Sophie's eyes darkened, “why don't you tell us what this is about.” Ethenia swallowed, her throat felt tight. “What do you mean?” Sophie softened her tone. “Ethenia, really, you didn't need that wafer for nothing. The moment I mentioned the man I saw in the seer spell you disappeared from our radar. You were in another world,” Sophie's eyes were filled with knowledge, “and not a good one. Darling, tell us…” Ethenia shivered involuntarily. Lothos murmured soothing words in her ear and continued to stroke her hair. He had moved to sit in a chair, and had Ethenia cradled in his lap. “It is my fault, the evil you detected, it is entirely my fault,” Ethenia whispered out. Sophie took the seat opposite of Lothos and Ethenia. “Tell me, Ethenia.” Ethenia swallowed and had to try twice before words came forth, past her dry throat. “My Pack Alpha,” her voice broke, she tried again, “my Pack Alpha would never have let me go. He owned me, body and soul, and he liked to remind me of that fact every day. He kept me isolated in his home, away from the rest of the Pack. He said I was a fitting slave, but an ill-fitting Pack member. I had no spine, no guts. I was hardly the Loopin mate he wanted.” Ethenia kept her eyes trained to the floor. She didn't want to see the look that surely had to be in Lothos's and Sophie's eyes. “He didn't want me, but he didn't want anyone else to have me either. At first, I dealt with the pain and humiliation. I mean, he had taken me from the orphanage and all but raised me. I owed him, or so I thought.” Ethenia felt a sob work its way up her throat. She took a deep breath. She glanced at Lothos. Lothos was so stiff he had the appearance of a vampire. Every muscle in his body was tense and taut and the straight line of his mouth and coldness in his eyes bespoke of his anger. file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (30 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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Sophie handed Ethenia a glass of water and urged her with her eyes, and her soft reassuring look, to continue. Ethenia took two sips of the water and began to speak once again. “I … I dropped a plate,” Ethenia's voice quivered, “I dropped one of his dinner plates, one of the good ones. They had a small rim of blue flowers and a larger rim of silver ones.” Ethenia would never forget those plates. “He had beaten me so badly the night before and I hadn't had the opportunity to heal completely. I was shaky and in pain, and I dropped his plate. He … he took the shattered pieces and ground them into my skin. When the wounds began to bleed and tear, he filled them with silver to prolong, even stilt the healing process.” Ethenia's eyes had gone dull. Her voice was now almost mechanical and she recalled the events. “It was at that moment that he realized that beating me was not enough. Torture was necessary to obtain his pleasure. I could deal with the beatings, but I could not deal with the torture.” Ethenia took several deep breaths, trying to calm herself. It was then that she saw Sophie, whose face was mottled red. Ethenia was startled at the fury she saw on Sophie's face. The majii's cheeks had flushed and her eyes were bright with anger. “Sophie,” she asked questioningly. “I'll hex him, that's what I'll do.” Sophie began to pace. “I'll have his heart shrivel … no … I'll let his manhood rot away.” She smiled then. “Perfect. Just let it rot away little by little until…” “—Sophie, get a hold of yourself. Your anger is not helping Ethenia. It is feeding her fear.” Sophie nodded curtly. “I apologize. I got carried away.” Sophie turned to Ethenia. “Would you continue, please.” Ethenia swallowed. Her heart was still beating furiously. It seemed her relaxation techniques hadn't helped. But she needed to tell this. Sophie, Lothos needed to know the evil that was headed their way. “Kieran, my Pack Alpha, he broke my spirit, he thought that was enough to keep me under his heel forever, or at least until he tired of me and killed me. But it wasn't enough. Kieran took my spirit, but he didn't steal my strength of will. I still had that. When he was attending to Pack matters in Paris … I fled. One of the servants in Kieran's household aided me. His name was Pierre.” “Was?” Lothos asked quietly. Ethenia nodded, “I am assuming that Kieran killed him. Rarely did things go unseen in Kieran's household, he was master of everything. He would have discovered Pierre's betrayal and killed him. I owe Pierre everything. He gave me money, but most importantly he gave me hope and faith. Faith that there are people, good people out there who are willing to help those in need, even if it means handing over their own lives.” Ethenia laughed then, but it was a brittle laugh. “I was so stupid, God, I was so stupid. I truly thought that if I escaped and got far away enough from Kieran that he would let me be. I had never meant anything to him, if I was no longer in his territory, fuck,” Ethenia swore, “no longer in his country, he would forget about me. I should have known better. Kieran could never let anything or anybody defy him.” Ethenia unconsciously began to dig her fingers into Lothos's thigh, bruisingly. “I made it as far as Pennsylvania.” file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (31 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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“Why Pennsylvania?” Sophie asked gently. Ethenia smiled slightly. “Pierre,” she said his name reverently. “Pierre had family living in Pennsylvania. He promised me that they would help me, that they would hide me from Kieran. I made it to the Blanchard's farm,” Ethenia's eyes went dull, “and I got them killed.” “Kieran,” Lothos spat the name out. Ethenia shook her head. “No, it wasn't Kieran. But Kieran has friends loyal to him everywhere. The moment I hit the soil, I was tracked. They followed me to the Blanchard's farm … they made me watch as they tortured and killed the family and then they turned on me. They didn't kill me and they didn't rape me. No, those pleasures were being reserved for Kieran, but they made me bleed. They reveled in it. When I was unconscious they left me in the barn. They went to the house to find food and to wash up.” Ethenia laughed wildly. “They should have checked the barn. Morons. It seemed that Mr. and Mrs. Blanchard kept a shotgun there in case of emergencies.” Ethenia's eyes twinkled with malice and seething fury. “The shotgun was full of silver bullets.” Sophie and Lothos both smiled tightly. “I picked up the gun… I could have run, but I didn't. I went to the house. They were sitting at Mrs. Blanchard's table eating the supper she had laid out for her husband and herself.” Ethenia ignored the tears rolling down her cheeks and pressed ahead. “They laughed at me. They dared me to shoot. I told them the bullets were silver. They told me that even if they believed me, which they didn't, that the silver would only wound them. Not kill them. And that once they had taken the shots, they would tear me limb from limb, friendship with Kieran notwithstanding. They taunted me, told me to shoot if I dared,” Ethenia's smile was bitter cold, “I did. I took their heads off with the first two shots.” “You dealt a killing blow on the first shot?” Lothos's eyes were filled with admiration. Ethenia clenched her hands. “Yes. Kieran kept me isolated, not stupid. I know what I am, what I am capable of. I am Loopin. I may not be a strong Loopin, but I am one, nonetheless. Those idiots thought that just because I am not a Lupe, that I could not kill them. Lupe or not, blowing one's head off of their shoulders effectively sees them dead.” Ethenia bit her lip. “I ran after that. I ran and I ran until I could run no further. I was … I was contemplating my demise when I saw the light,” Ethenia turned her head to look into Lothos's deep eyes, “Your light. I thought that it had to be a sign from above. And who am I to ignore a sign from the heavens?” Lothos brought his head to rest atop hers. He caressed her cheek. “It was a sign, angel. Someone was watching out for you.” Sophie nodded and quoted from the Book of Beasts. “A mate for each man that does not deny his beast,” she said softly. “What?” Lothos asked. Sophie smiled, “I am quoting from the old texts.” Lothos's eyes widened. “You've seen the old texts?” Sophie nodded, “I've seen many things, Lothos. And I know, as truly as I know that the sun will rise and fall, that you and Ethenia were meant to find one another. Someone was watching out for Ethenia, and someone was watching out for you, too.” file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (32 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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Ethenia began to struggle in Lothos's lap. What was Sophie talking about? “What are you saying, Sophie? Lothos is searching for his amouratesh, you heard him.” “Yes, I did.” Sophie's eyes bore into Ethenia's. Ethenia shook her head, disbelieving. “No, no it isn't possible. I can't be any Loopin's amouratesh.” Sophie smiled sweetly. “Why not?” “Because, well, because, you know why. I'm not strong enough, Sophie. And, well, I'm defective.” Sophie laughed heartily. “Defective? What on earth are you talking about, darling? You're not defective.” Ethenia's eyes and voice went flat. “Kieran,” she began. Sophie cut her off. “Kieran is an evil man. And he is NOT the Loopin for you. Just because he was your mentor, just because he initiated you in the way of the wolf, does not mean that he was your bond mate. Was he the one to tell you that proper Loopin are submissive and docile?” Ethenia nodded. Sophie growled. “He probably poisoned your mind with all sorts of rubbish. That is why your beast is sluggish, that is why your instincts, although good, are slow to work. You have the ability to be a strong Loopin.” Sophie knew that there was much more to it than that, but she was willing to wait for a more opportune moment to fill Ethenia in. Right now she just had to get the girl to understand that she was able to be a bond mate. That there was nothing wrong with her wolf. “You have the power and,” she winked, “all the working parts. You just have to get over your fear. You have to realize that your inherent nature, your beast will never fail you. It will not steer you wrong.” Ethenia's eyes were wide and unblinking. She turned to look at Lothos who was staring at her with those beautiful dark green eyes of his. “Lothos,” she asked questioningly. Lothos's smile was brilliant. “Sophie is right, angel. You are my amouratesh, my bond mate.” His eyes went hard. “Mine.” Ethenia's mouth formed a giant O. She stared at this beautiful man who was claiming her as his amouratesh and could think of not one good thing to say to break the silence. She settled for punching him soundly on the arm. She was very pleased when he winced. “Why did you do that?” Lothos's voice came out in the form of a growl. Ethenia clenched her hands together and forced herself to remain calm. “You jerk. You knew all of this and you didn't tell me?” “I was going to,” Lothos said belligerently. “Oh?” Ethenia's voice was sweetly sarcastic. “When? After you bit me, bled me, and said the ritual words?” Sophie was chuckling at their exchange. Lothos shot her a dirty look. “No, listen, angel … I was trying to tell you this morning when…” Ethenia cut him off. “Trying? You didn't tell me anything. You were pacing back and forth and behaving like a jackass. If that was your way of telling me, well then,” she growled, “it sucked!” file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (33 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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For once in his life, Lothos was completely stupefied. He stared at this she-wolf in his lap. Speechless? This was his meek little angel? She had claws and they seemed more than willing to take his head, along with some other important appendages, off with one strike. “Oh for God's sake, darling, don't look so surprised.” Sophie said. “She has every right to be furious. It is a lot to take in at once.” Ethenia turned her blazing eyes onto Sophie. “Don't think I'm not pissed at you.” Sophie's mouth dropped open. “Me? What did I do?” “It's what you didn't do. You didn't bother telling me any of this, either. You just sat around, knowing what a lunkhead Lothos can be and waited for him to come out and spill the beans.” Sophie's eyes widened. “Is anyone safe from your anger?” Lothos asked blandly, having found his voice at last. Ethenia seemed to genuinely ponder that question before she pointed to the kitchen door, “Him. I'm not pissed at him.” Both Sophie and Lothos turned to the door. Xethre stood, half naked in the doorway, watching them all with laughing blue eyes. Lothos growled. “Vampire,” he hissed. “Wolf,” Xethre's mouth quirked up in the corners. Ethenia jumped out of Lothos's lap and padded over to where Xethre stood, deathly still. “He— didn't keep anything from me. He didn't lie to me, and he doesn't have something to gain from all these machinations.” “Not quite true,” Sophie said dryly under her breath. Ethenia, if she heard her, ignored her. “So he's the only one I don't feel like kicking the shit out of right now.” Xethre looked down at the golden-haired wolf standing so fiercely beside him. She truly was magnificent. Too bad she was spoken for. He shot a look full of humor toward where Lothos sat, fuming and stewing. Oh, he would still love to have a taste of this little Loopin she-cub, but he would never consider keeping her. The two wolves were obviously a mated pair, or as good as mated. And, well, he would never be content to merely share someone's heart. He was greedy. In the end, he wanted it all. “You're being childish,” Lothos said. At the darkening of Ethenia's eyes, he guessed that that had been the wrong thing to say. “Childish am I? Oh really?” Ethenia narrowed her eyes. “Well, while I'm on the childish kick, how's this,” she extended her arm, rotated her wrist, and stuck her middle finger out at him, right before she turned and stomped out of the kitchen. Right after she stormed past him, Xethre trod barefoot into the kitchen. “What was that about?” Lothos sent him a dark look. Sophie sighed, “Ethenia has just been informed that she is Lothos's bond mate.” Xethre laughed, “You mean she didn't realize this before?” Sophie cleared her throat, “Apparently not.” “Well, that must have made for an interesting conversation.” Xethre said blandly. file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (34 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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“Extremely.” Lothos growled and began to pace. He gritted his teeth, jaws clenching. Sophie sighed, “Lothos, goodness, will you just relax. She is just blowing off some steam.” “I'm going after her.” Xethre grinned. “It's your funeral.” Sophie glared at Xethre and cleared her throat before turning back toward Lothos. “Lothos, I would strongly advise that you wait until she has calmed down a bit. Right now she is sorting everything out. She is an intelligent girl; it won't take her long. If you push her,” Sophie's eyes deepened, “you'll lose her. She's only now beginning to realize everything that she is capable of. Too much, too soon, will frighten and scare her off.” Lothos sank back into the chair. He was Loopin and used to being in control. What was he to do with this confounded woman? “Then what?” He asked of Sophie. Sophie came over and stroked his cheek. “You could always go take a run.” At the mention of a run, Lothos's already dark eyes darkened even further. He felt the beast in him hunger, and he nodded. He gave Xethre a short cursory look before he sprinted out of the kitchen. Sophie and Xethre shared a knowing look. The Loopin could not ignore the call of the forest. Lothos would find some peace in the wood. **** Xethre watched as Sophie prepared dinner. He liked her tidy, neat movements. He liked how she measured and weighed everything so precisely and with such care. She took care in everything that she did—it was one of the reasons that he loved her. Xethre swallowed. The first time he had made such an admission to himself, it had stunned him so greatly that he had had to go out and kill something to relieve the tension. Now, admitting that he felt love, that he was even capable of feeling love, merely brought a lump to his dry throat. Xethre was aware that he didn't love Sophie, not as Lothos loved and hungered for Ethenia. His love was that of a dear friend, a partner. And he knew that Sophie felt the same. It was all right for the time being, their relationship—strange as it was. But eventually Sophie would find her missing half, as she was destined to do, and would leave him. Xethre tried not to feel pain at the thought. It was natural. Sophie wasn't his. No, he could only hope that somewhere in the wide universe that there was a piece of soul that longed for him—and hopefully, it would be attached to a great set of— “Don't finish that thought, Xethre.” Sophie admonished. Xethre laughed. “How long have you been listening in, you termagant.” Sophie grinned, “Not long, but long enough.” Xethre glided over. It was good that she had interrupted his turbulent thoughts. He was melancholy enough as it was. Xethre was unaware of his somber expression. Sophie looked up from her skillet. As always, she was made breathless by those deep turquoise file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (35 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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eyes of his. No one, living or dead, had such amazing eyes. They were fathomless, a true sea of turquoise, on occasion so blue and swirling, they appeared to be a stormy meridian. But she had seen those eyes a different shade. When the hunger, be it for blood or flesh was on him—oh yes, she had seen those eyes a different shade. “You will find her.” Sophie reached out and stroked Xethre's pale cheek. Xethre said nothing. He knew of what she spoke. “You just must be patient.” Only the brief flicker in Xethre's eyes gave him away. “Patience,” he murmured. “It all takes time,” Sophie said, “You have a lot of that, darling.” Xethre looked away. “Perhaps I am getting tired of having all of time at my feet.” Sophie didn't like the flat tone of his voice, or the hard edge to his words. She walked over to the kitchen table, quietly. “There are wondrous things to be had in the span of time.” “For you, perhaps. You're mortal.” Sophie divested her clothes magically, hopped up on the kitchen table, legs spread. “For you as well, darling,” smiling at his expression when he turned around to face her. Xethre was dead, not a eunuch. His cock was instantly hard at the sight of Sophie so beautiful, so open, in front of him. He walked slowly over to her. The tent in the front of his pajama bottoms spoke of his intense desire. “Sophie…” he said warningly. “You try to distract me, woman.” Sophie's laugh was musical. “Is it working?” She watched him standing so still in front of her, and felt her nipples pucker under the weigh of his stare. She flipped her head, the fall of her chestnut curls rippled down her back. She wet her lips with her tongue, slowly gliding them back and forth, never taking her eyes off of him. Spreading her legs wider, she scooted to the edge of the table. Sophie knew that Xethre's control hung by a thread. She smiled. Well tough, he would just have to take it. “Too well, perhaps.” Xethre clenched his hands into tight little fists. He was unaware that his skin was already stretching tight and his talons were coming unsheathed. Sophie clucked her tongue. “Now, now, darling, you can do better than that. Put away the claws…” She waited until his talons had retracted to continue. She reached down slowly with one slender hand to part the soft folds of her labia. She stroked the delicate flesh tenderly, lovingly, right before she inserted two fingers into her pussy. She moaned. Her juices were already beginning to flow and she could feel them cooling on her fingers when she withdrew them. She brought her wet fingers to her mouth and sucked them clean, one by one. Her smile was feral when she heard the hiss that escaped Xethre's mouth. Xethre stepped forward and stopped when Sophie held up her hand. She shook her head and the look in her eyes brooked no argument. Sophie dipped her fingers into her aching pussy once again. This time she hooked her two fingers together and screwed them gently back and forth. The pleasure was so intense. She could feel her clit puff and pulse and she had to touch it. She captured the hard, full bud in her fingers and twisted lightly. Her mouth dropped open and her head fell back. She arched her hips higher towards the source of its pleasure and continued to rub and tease her aching flesh. She felt her file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (36 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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heart hammering in her chest and her blood beginning to burn and build. There was a great humming sound in her head and her body was vibrating. She gave her clit one more pinch and came. Her juices openly broke through, flooding her fingers and dripping down her hands. She fell back on the table, gasping and panting. Xethre put his two large hands on Sophie's soft thighs and kept them anchored. He knelt down and slowly, with intense pleasure, lapped up the cream that was cooling on her body. He felt the shivers that wracked her body and gave no quarter. He licked, lapped, teasing the highly sensitized flesh with his talented tongue. He loved the taste of her, so thick on his tongue, she was delicious, his little witch. Sophie's groan was wrenched from her throat. God, the vampire knew how to eat pussy. She tried to move her hips but found that Xethre's hands held her tight. He was taking his sweet time, pulling out each second that he could, tormenting her. Sophie felt her blood boil—her muscles tense and vibrate. Her chest was heaving with exertion. She felt Xethre's tongue curl around her clit and pluck. She screamed and let her climax roll through her. Sophie was allowed one minute of sated pleasure before she felt Xethre's cock, hard and smooth, begging for entrance. She smiled. “What are you waiting for, darling?” Xethre laughed and thrust home. Xethre stilled Sophie's already moving hips with his hands, reveling in the tight, wet feel of her flesh against his cock. She was so unbelievably hot. “Damn you're tight, Soph,” Xethre ground out. He resisted the urge to plunge and take her hard. Sophie was near tears. She needed to move. She wiggled her hips and groaned when Xethre only raked her belly with his teeth. “Xethre…” Xethre's face was tense with the strain of keeping still. “Tell me, tell me what you need, Sophie Anne Alexander.” Xethre rarely used Sophie's full name, but now it rolled down his tongue thick as molasses in winter. “I need you to fuck me,” Sophie's eyes were dark and glassy, “Fuck me hard.” Xethre felt the pinch of her pussy against his cock and groaned. “Whatever the lady wishes,” Xethre said. Xethre pulled Sophie to the edge of the table, never breaking contact with her hot body. He grabbed her legs and locked them around his back and thrust surely into her wet, welcoming warmth. Sophie moaned helplessly and Xethre began to pump with hard thorough strokes into her pussy. He could feel her muscles clenching and contracting and hear the slap of their bodies against one another. Xethre saw Sophie's breasts so plump and full beneath his avid gaze. He leaned down and captured one taut nipple in his mouth, worrying it with his teeth. His thrusts became harder more brutal and he took his pleasure mercilessly. His body was screaming for release. And Sophie's moans and the reach of her hands did nothing but fuel his fire on. Sophie's breathing was becoming ragged and pained. Her pussy clenched and she arched up against the hard wood at her back. Xethre felt his cock leap and pulse and knew he was close. He dug his hands into her soft flesh and looked into her eyes pleadingly. Sophie saw his desire. She gasped as he executed another deep thrust into her pliant flesh. She had to try twice to find her voice, and when she spoke her voice was laced with heavy passion. “Yes, yes, Xethre, oh God yes.” file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (37 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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Xethre used his arm as leverage, bringing Sophie's body up and off the table. He ground their pelvises together, and leaned over her neck. He located the vein, quickly, easily, and licked the soft, nearly translucent skin above it. The vein was a soft molten blue and shimmering from his saliva. He caught the flesh in his mouth. He pumped his hips, roughly thrusting their bodies together, and when he heard Sophie's ragged, pleading moan, he pierced her flesh and drank. Sophie's blood was thick and sweet. The rich, red copper filled his mouth to overflowing. He felt Sophie's body jerking and vibrating under his and knew the moment she achieved orgasm. His cock was begging for release. With the warm richness of her blood in his mouth he allowed himself to peak. Xethre lifted his mouth from Sophie's neck and roared. His body pumped out its seed in a great wild rush. He felt Sophie's blood coating his lips and dripping down his chin. He brought his tongue out to lap up what he could, loving the sweet tang of her blood. He gently placed her back down on the table's wooden surface. He placed a tender kiss to her sweaty forehead. “My wild witch,” he murmured softly. Sophie smiled, but didn't open her eyes as she spoke. “I forgot about dinner.” Xethre grinned—his eyes were alight with mischief and just buried passion. “Doesn't matter … there are much better things to eat.” Sophie's eyes popped open and she broke out into peals of laughter.

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Chapter Six Lothos realized he was in dangerous new territory. He had longed for his amouratesh with every breath that was in his body, but he had never looked past the actual finding. Now that he had found Ethenia—he wasn't sure what to do. He wasn't sure how to keep her, how to make her love him. He had always just assumed that once you found the missing part of your soul that, well, things just clicked. He hadn't thought that Ethenia would need convincing of this fact. Just went to show how stupid he could be. Or perhaps Sophie was right—he was just one stubborn wolf. Lothos slowed his gait. He allowed his large body to flatten to the ground. He dug his snout into the rich soil of the earth and took in the scents and sounds of the enveloping night. The forest always calmed him. You could not take a wolf from its natural habitat, not even a man-wolf. Lothos heard the snap of a twig and smiled. It was his she-wolf. He now knew her scent better than his own. Lothos pulled back and ducked behind a tree to wait. He didn't have to wait long. Ethenia appeared and was in wolf form. Lothos felt hunger, hot and heavy unfurl in his belly. His angel made a beautiful wolf. Her fur was molten gold, very, very unusual for a wolf. It appeared to be softer than silk in the moonlight. She was a petite wolf but her lush form nearly took his breath away. Lothos felt his heart thudding wildly and he could not keep a lustful howl from escaping. Ethenia turned toward the tree. “Even if I did not smell your scent, Lothos, no one for a quarter of a mile could have missed that howl. You are very loud.” Lothos found that he was gritting his teeth. He padded out from behind the tree and came to stand before Ethenia. “Angel.” Ethenia flipped her tail in Lothos's face and began to walk away. Lothos cut across her path, stopping her escape. He growled menacingly. Ethenia sighed—the sigh came out strangely from her long snout. “All right Lothos, we'll do it your way.” Ethenia circled Lothos for a moment before she tackled him straight on. She saw the surprise register on his face before she landed on top of him. Before he could pin her she jumped up and swatted him away. She growled, bearing her teeth. Lothos was shocked, but not unpleasantly. His Ethenia was physically fighting him, as best she could. It was obvious who the winner would be. She was only a female after all. Lothos sidestepped a wicked claw to his face just in time. Whoa, it seemed that she was out for some blood tonight. Not wanting to hurt her, well, not too badly, he bit her hind-legs, bringing her down. Ethenia growled and struggled, kicking her legs and snarling wildly at him. Lothos laughed and brought his considerable weight to rest entirely on top of Ethenia's petite body. He ignored her snarls and pants and nipped her shoulder. “Would you like to go another round, angel?” Ethenia bared her teeth and forced out a no. Lothos nodded, “Now, perhaps we can talk rationally.” file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (39 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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Ethenia said nothing. Lothos sighed, “Or not.” He looked into her golden eyes. “Are you truly not going to forgive me, angel?” Lothos found it exceedingly difficult to speak in true wolf form. It was not impossible, obviously, but uncomfortable. “If I get up off of you will you promise not to run away?” Ethenia nodded reluctantly. Lothos rolled over and let Ethenia out from under him. She scampered away. “Now, will you answer my question, angel?” Ethenia looked away. She found it difficult to concentrate when staring into Lothos's forest green eyes. “Ethenia,” his soft voice beckoned to her. Ethenia looked up. He had shifted into human form. He was gloriously naked and already semierect. Ethenia swallowed. And she thought looking into his eyes was distracting. She followed suit and shifted into human form. She was not ashamed of her nakedness but for once she wished she had at least a small scrap of clothing. It was difficult to talk about serious matters in the buff. She lowered her eyes. “I've already forgiven you, Lothos,” she said softly. She sighed, “I was upset that you didn't let me in—that you didn't confide in me.” Lothos nodded. He moved closer. “I am sorry Ethenia, truly I am. I only, well, I only just realized it myself.” He saw the dubious look on her face. “I promise you that I only just came to the realization myself. I was trying to find the words and the courage to tell you earlier today when Sophie interrupted us.” Ethenia frowned. “About Sophie…” “What about her?” Ethenia blushed furiously. Damn it all, why did she still blush? “What, well what is the nature of your relationship with her?” Ethenia knew that it was a brazen question but she had just been informed that she was Lothos's amouratesh, didn't she have the right to know what was going on between him and Sophie?” Lothos grinned, “Jealous, my angel?” “No,” Ethenia saw his look and sighed, “Yes. So what?” Lothos laughed. “I'm glad that you're jealous. But you need not be.” “You and Sophie are very close.” “Yes, but it is not like the closeness that you and I share, angel.” Lothos settled himself next to Ethenia. He took her hand in his and gently rubbed her palm. “Sophie is my friend, my dear friend. You, my angel, are my heart. There can be no one in this world for me but you.” Ethenia told herself that she would not cry. She blinked back tears. Damn. “You were awful eager to get rid of me,” she murmured. Lothos nodded. “I was an ass. God, I am so sorry, Ethenia. I was a real jerk. I … I didn't know how to handle the situation. You just sort of fell at my feet.” Ethenia smiled at the memory. Lothos continued. “I told myself that I only felt the normal lusts of a wolf in heat. That you were beautiful and that it was natural that I wanted you. I tricked myself into believing that by bringing file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (40 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:04 PM]

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you to Sophie I was doing the chivalrous thing. That you would be safe here, with Sophie, that my hands and my conscience would be clear. I was such a blind fool, Ethenia.” Lothos's eyes were pleading. “Please tell me that you forgive me, angel.” Ethenia was at a loss for words. Oh God, the Loopin of her dreams was declaring his love for her. Lothos was telling her that she was his amouratesh, and that he couldn't be without her. Tears began to fall silently down her cheek. Kieran had taken so much from her. She had thought he had taken her ability to love, too. But here was Lothos, so shining and beautiful before her, and she knew without a doubt that she loved him. “Ethenia … angel … please say something.” Ethenia threw her arms around Lothos's neck—hugging him for all that she was worth. She breathed in his scent, a delicious mixture of salt, pine and peppermint? She snuggled into his body. “I love you Lothos, God how I love you. I know now why I survived all of these years … it was so that I could come to you, come to you as I am now, strong and ready to share with you my soul.” Ethenia was unprepared for the holler of delight that came from Lothos, or for being tumbled to the ground. She looked into Lothos's eyes and saw a deep hunger lingering there. Ethenia gasped when she felt Lothos's tongue laving the soft flesh above her heart. His tongue was rough and warm against her skin. It felt wonderful. She swallowed when his took her flesh between his teeth and nipped. “What are you doing?” Ethenia asked breathlessly. “Biting you.” Ethenia smiled. “Yes, I … I can see that.” Lothos looked up. “Do you trust me, angel?” Ethenia groaned as Lothos's large hands began to knead the flesh of her thighs. His mouth was still warm against her chest. “Yes.” “My angel.” Lothos once again took her flesh between his teeth, but this time he bit down—hard. “Oh my GOD!” Ethenia began to writhe. She could feel him, teeth digging into her skin, warm mouth and tongue. He was everywhere. She vaguely heard him whisper, when lights exploded within her head and the world went black. **** “I've never felt anything like that before,” Ethenia murmured. She had come back to consciousness slowly, feeling incredible. Lothos laughed. “You had better have not.” Ethenia saw Lothos's eyes deepen. “What did you do, Lothos?” “I marked you.” Ethenia looked down, sure enough—above her heart was a set of teeth marks. The wound was puffy and the mark deep. “A brand.” She said, pleased. She was marked by Lothos, her amouratesh. She had never known such happiness existed. “I love you, Lothos. You are my heart.” file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (41 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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Lothos grinned foolishly and wrapped his arms around Ethenia. “Oh, angel, you are everything.” Ethenia pulled away so that she could see Lothos's beautiful face smiling at her. “Now, tell me about Sophie,” she said cheekily. She hadn't forgotten about Sophie. Lothos burst out laughing, “Now? When I've just told you that I love you and can't be without you.” Ethenia nodded, “Is there a better time to tell me about another woman?” Lothos pressed Ethenia back into the soft cushion of the ground and positioned his body lengthwise on top of her. He twisted a long lock of her hair around his finger. “I met Sophie in college.” Ethenia felt her eyes grow wide, surprise filling her. “You went to college?” Lothos laughed, “Yes angel, I went to college. What? I don't look like the sort to have attended college?” “Well…” she said hesitantly. Lothos grinned and nipped her neck. “What did you study?” “Oh everything, but my major was visual arts.” Ethenia gasped as she recalled the painting in the caves. “You're an artist?” Lothos smiled brightly. “I'm an artist.” Whatever she was expecting, it hadn't been this. Her Lothos was an artist, and a good one, if the painting she had seen was any indication of his talent. “You … you still paint?” Lothos nodded. “Oh yes, whenever I get the chance, or the time. I sell my pieces to various galleries around the country. It seems that landscapes and nature-themed pieces are making a comeback. My paintings of wolves are very popular.” “The one in the cave was beautiful.” “Thanks, it was actually one of my earlier pieces, which is why I keep it with me. I've gotten better since then.” “Better than the piece in the caves?” Ethenia asked, awed “Yes.” Ethenia couldn't wait to see the rest of his pieces. “What was Sophie studying,” she asked—still not content to drop the subject of her annoying nemesis. Lothos grinned, “Oh, she was a character. She must've changed her major at least three times. I think she settled on a double major in Physics and English Lit, and minored in Philosophy.” Ethenia swallowed, “Isn't that, like, uh, a lot?” Lothos laughed, “Sophie always has been the overachiever. She graduated Summa Cum Laude, too.” Holy shit, Ethenia didn't like knowing the rival for her man's attention was so brilliant. As if reading her mind, Lothos shook his head and said, “Angel, don't worry. There is nothing but friendship between us.” “But you fuck her.” Lothos rolled his eyes. file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (42 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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Ethenia blushed. Yes, that had been crude of her. She knew, she knew better than to judge. They were Loopin, creatures with high sexual demands. Sex was oftentimes more important to them than blood. “Sorry, that was rude of me.” “Don't mention it—just be careful what you say to Soph. I wouldn't want her to lay a curse on you.” Ethenia's eyes went wide. “Could she do that?” Lothos grinned and nodded. “Sophie's one of the most powerful majii I have every encountered. Her mother was majii and her father was a topnotch sorcerer. You can imagine what they passed off to their little girl.” Lothos's eyes went dark. “Believe me, when Sophie gets mad, you do not want to be in her way.” “That bad?” Ethenia asked quietly. “Worse. You know how I told you that we met in college … well there's more.” “Tell me.” “I was a year ahead of Sophie, and our paths never crossed, until…” Lothos's voice went cold, “until the night of Halloween. I was invited to a party. I rarely attended school functions. I pretty much stayed to myself.” Ethenia could imagine. It was difficult for Loopin to fit into the human world. They weren't animals, but they weren't human either. “Uh, but I attended this party.” Lothos cleared his throat, “there was this uh, girl that I wanted…” he couldn't finish the sentence. Ethenia's eyebrows raised, “Oh? Do go on.” She laughed when she saw a slow blush work its way up his neck. “Well, anyway … I went to the party. It was a real dud. There were kids drinking too much and puking everywhere. Really disgusting. The girl that I was interested in, I caught her making out with someone else. I was going to leave when I smelled it.” “What?” Ethenia asked. Lothos's eyes went flinty. “Predatory excitement, like during a hunt.” “You smelled Loopin?” “No, it wasn't one of us. It was just the scent of wild energy and excitement. I tracked the scent to the pool house and that is where I came upon them.” Lothos gripped Ethenia's arms brutally. She winced and he instantly let go. “There were three of them, three guys, naked and jacking off onto an unconscious girl. They were touching her, fondling her, they were getting ready to gang rape her when…” Lothos's voice broke. Ethenia touched him softly, comfortingly. “When you came along and rescued her.” Lothos ground his teeth. “Yes.” “What happened to the boys?” “Do you really want to know?” Lothos asked quietly. Ethenia thought for a moment before speaking. “Did you leave enough of them for Sophie to curse?” Lothos's eyes glittered and his mouth curved up into an evil smile. “Oh yessss,” he said. file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (43 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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Ethenia nodded curtly. “Good.” Lothos sighed, “They'd drugged her. Soph didn't even see it coming. She had been so flattered that she had been invited to a senior party, since she was only a freshman. She didn't have much experience reading auras yet and she was shielding her mind really tightly. She didn't want to eavesdrop on people. She thought it was impolite.” Lothos snorted, “When she was at the party, one of the guys brought her a glass of punch. He'd spiked it and she was already feeling the effects when the second guy brought her another drink. She had no idea it was coming, she hadn't been able to ward herself properly. When she woke up after the attack she was fuzzy and terrified. I … I brought her to my house. I didn't know where else to bring her.” “So she woke up in a strange man's bed.” Ethenia said. Lothos nodded. “She started screaming, totally freaking out. It was natural, of course. I tried to explain, but she was petrified. She was just sprinting to the door when she stopped. I thought she was going to yell at me some more, perhaps threaten to call the police, again. But she just stood there.” Lothos smiled a little at the memory of young Sophie standing so bravely at his door. “She told me that she knew that I wasn't the one who had tried to hurt me. She told me that my aura was pure. Then she asked to know what had happened. I told her.” Ethenia nodded. “It must have been awful for her.” Lothos's face was grim. “No more awful than what you went through, angel.” Ethenia waved his comment away. She didn't want to think about Kieran right now. “So you rescued her and that is how you became friends.” Lothos nodded, “That about sums it up. We made an odd pair, the Loopin and the majii. Most of the students thought we were crazy. But finding one another, well, I don't know if we would have made it through that difficult time without each another.” Ethenia fought back the jealousy. She had no right to feel jealous of Sophie. Sophie had gone through a horrible trauma, much as she had, and she luckily had found a protector and friend in Lothos. She should be happy that her mate had found such a loyal friend and that he was such a good person. “You're not jealous again, are you?” “No,” Ethenia sighed, “Just a little. But don't worry… I'm not angry, and I'll get over it. I like Sophie.” When she saw his look, she laughed. “No, really, I do like Sophie. I think she's amazing. I just can't help if I find the thought of my mate fucking someone else, rather … annoying.” “Annoying?” Lothos said, amused. “All right, I hate it. I hate the thought of you and Sophie together.” “We were all together the other night,” Lothos reminded her. Ethenia blushed. “That was different. We were sharing a bed, not bodies.” “If I remember correctly, you were sharing your body when I came in.” Ethenia groaned. “Will you stop embarrassing me?” Lothos laughed. “Anyway, it was different. You didn't fuck Sophie.” “Nor did I want to. I wanted to fuck you.” Lothos smiled widely, “However, you sort of passed file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (44 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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out before that could happen.” Ethenia felt blood rushing to her head. “Well, what I mean, anyway…” she began to stutter. She tried again. “I wouldn't sleep with Xethre.” Ethenia was startled when Lothos began to growl and his hold on her tightened. “You had better not.” She was triumphant. “You see, that's what I mean.” “What?” “Are you jealous?” “I don't get jealous,” Lothos said flippantly. Ethenia's mouth dropped open. She growled at him. “Liar,” she said. Lothos laughed heartily. “Yes, yes, you're right, you win. I am jealous of the vampire, though it pains me to admit it.” “Well, I'm jealous of the witch.” Lothos grinned. “Then we agree, my angel.” “Agree?” she asked cautiously, “to what?” “Agree to cleave unto one another. Agree that your body will be mine and mine yours.” Lothos pressed harder against her. His eyes were two sparkling emeralds, deep and clear. “Agree to love one another, and only one another.” Ethenia nodded, speechless. Lothos would forsake all others, for her? “I want your promise my love. I want you to promise the same.” Ethenia reached up and cupped Lothos's cool cheeks. “Oh my wolf … I swear to it—you, to the end of my days.” Lothos wrapped his arms tightly around Ethenia, burying his head in her lush hair.

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Chapter Seven It was a little after ten o'clock and the odd foursome, the two wolves, the witch and the vampire, found themselves seated quite formally around the kitchen table having a late supper. Xethre watched intently as the food worked its way down his companion's throats. Lothos glared at Xethre from over the rim of his glass. “Does he have to stare at us like that?” Sophie sighed. She was clearly annoyed at his childish comment. “Lothos, behave.” Ethenia squeezed Lothos's knee under the table, instantly calming him. “He has a name,” Xethre said calmly, obviously unruffled by Lothos's outburst. Sophie rolled her eyes. “Don't you start too, Xethre.” Xethre inclined his head, silently acknowledging that he heard and understood her implied warning. Ethenia swallowed. “So, tell me, Xethre, how did you meet Sophie?” she asked, trying to break the strained silence. Lothos sent Ethenia a withering look. Obviously disapproving of her question to Xethre, or perhaps he just disapproved of her speaking to the vampire at all. Xethre's face remained stoic when he said, “She saved my ass.” Lothos, Ethenia and Sophie turned to him, startled. Xethre bestowed a fond look on Sophie, “What, my dear? You did.” Sophie blushed and quickly took another bite of food. Ethenia sighed. “You all certainly have strange ways of meeting friends.” Xethre laughed robustly. “That we do, that we do.” He turned his head back towards Sophie. “Sophie came to my aid a little over a year ago when I found myself beaten, staked and left out to die.” Ethenia gasped. Lothos looked up from his food blandly. “What had you done?” Ethenia pinched Lothos on the thigh, hard. He winced. Xethre held back a smile. “Quite on the contrary, it was what I hadn't done.” He hestitated, then pushed ahead. “I refused to fuck a fellow vampire.” Ethenia was shocked. “You were left to die because you wouldn't sleep with someone?” Xethre cleared his throat, “You know what they say, a woman scorned and all…” Now Ethenia had to laugh. “You were beaten up by a girl?” “A vampire,” Xethre said, his voice no longer bland. “We had indulged in a fling years back. She wished to start the affair again. I did not. When I refused she went quite berserk. I expected the tantrum. I did not expect the stake.” Lothos's mouth dropped open. “She took me quite by surprise. She staked me. As you know we can survive being staked as long as it is not a killing blow. It wasn't. She didn't want me to die quickly. She wrapped me in silver file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (46 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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chains and dumped me quite unceremoniously in the middle of nowhere.” Xethre's eyes were now hot with anger. “She left with me a few choice words, and a promise that she would return next nightfall to collect my ashes.” Ethenia swallowed. Whoa, what a bitch, and she didn't mean bitch kindly. Xethre reached over and took Sophie's hand in his. He smiled at her. Neither Lothos nor Ethenia could miss the affection that passed between the two. “Sophie, it seems, likes to take drives in remote areas. Quite a quirk of hers.” Xethre laughed at the rueful expression that now graced Sophie's lovely face. “She found me, patched me up and better yet,” Xethre's smile was chilly. “She performed a seer spell to locate Lana. “I take it Lana was the vampire who staked you,” Lothos said. Xethre nodded curtly. Ethenia whistled. “That is some meeting story.” Lothos looked over at Sophie. “I never thought you would take up with the undead, Soph.” Sophie smiled at Xethre before turning to Lothos. “He is still a man, Lothos.” Lothos frowned. “That's debatable.” Sophie sighed. “He's a good man, Lothos. A very good one. I am lucky to call him friend, as I am lucky to call you and now Ethenia friend. Will you not try to put aside your prejudices? Can you not scent him? He does not have the scent of evil about him, does he?” Lothos loathed admitting it, but Sophie was right. Damn it all, Sophie was always right. He wanted to hate the vampire. Jeez, the guy was a corpse, but Sophie was right, he did not smell evil —although he looked intimidating as all hell. “It comes with being dead—the dead tend to intimidate people.” Lothos growled, “Do not come where you are not invited.” Xethre nodded, “My apologies, you are correct. Some minds are open, but that does not give me the right to eavesdrop.” Lothos grunted. Sophie looked between Lothos and Xethre. “So, boys, is everything all right? Can we kiss and make up now?” Xethre and Lothos frowned and Sophie laughed. Sophie's expression suddenly turned somber as she remembered the evil that was on the horizon. “Ethenia, it was Kieran I saw in the seer potion.” It was a statement, not a question. Ethenia stiffened. It was Lothos's turn to caress her knee, gently. Ethenia nodded, “Yes. It sounds like him. I gave him that scar above his eye.” Ethenia swallowed audibly and turned her shoulder so that the table could see her marred flesh, “and he gave me this one in return.” The scar on Ethenia's shoulder was long and wide. It stretched from her right shoulder and slashed down her back. The flesh had not re-knit as it should have. It was an old wound, but it looked fresh. Lothos drew her forward by her shoulders, pressing her body close to his. He looked over her head to Sophie and Xethre who were both wearing similar expressions of fury on their faces. “He's come after me.” Ethenia turned turbulent eyes onto Sophie. “I am so sorry, Sophie. So very sorry. I've lead him to you.” Sophie's smile was positively frightening to behold. “Good.” file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (47 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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“What?” Ethenia was shocked. “I said good, let him come. I was frightened earlier, yes. The evil surrounding him is strong and I was surprised to have my seer's potion interrupted by such anger and hate. But I have you, Lothos and Xethre at my side and this Kieran doesn't stand a chance.” She smiled serenely then. “You are not the meek pup that he once knew, Ethenia. You are a strong Loopin, a strong Loopin with the love and support of her mate. Do not worry.” But Ethenia could not help worrying. She remembered the Blanchards, their faces twisted in still death masks, and she remembered the pain and hurt of each blow that Kieran had ever rained upon her body. No, how could she not worry? “Lothos and Xethre are not human, Ethenia. Kieran and his men cannot take them on as they took on the Blanchards.” “You're human,” Ethenia murmured. Sophie's laugh was like the tinkling of many silver bells. “Mortal, perhaps. Human … well, that still remains to be seen.” “I fear for you all. I … I have seen, felt, what Kieran can do.” Sophie nodded. “I admit that I sensed some of the dark arts.” Sophie narrowed her eyes. “Did Kieran possess any magic?” Ethenia shook her head. “Not that I know of. He never used any on me.” She shivered. “He didn't need to. His fists and whip did the job well enough.” Sophie thought for a moment. She knew that she detected black magic surrounding the man in the seer potion. The man did not worry her, the magic—that was another matter entirely. “Will you make a call to Matthew and Michaela?” Sophie directed her question to Xethre. Xethre nodded, “Of course, they will be happy to come. I think they have been longing for a little excitement,” he smiled slightly, “Southern Indiana seems to lack … well, lack,” Xethre finished. “Good, I have already called Venus; she's on her way.” Lothos's eyes widened at the mention of the other woman. “Venus is coming?” Sophie nodded, “Yes. How long since you two have seen one another?” Lothos mentally tallied up the years. “It's been a long time.” Ethenia pulled her head away from Lothos. She eyed him wearily. “Who's Venus?” “A friend, a fellow Loopin.” Lothos said tersely. Ethenia narrowed her eyes. “How many damned ex-girlfriends do I have to contend with, you beast?” Lothos's mouth dropped open. “I never said she was an ex-girlfriend,” he said. “You didn't have to. It was written all over that guilty face of yours.” Ethenia turned toward Sophie. “And you, why would you invite one of his exes here?” Sophie laughed, “Because she's very powerful, loyal, and a good friend. We need all the friends we can get right now.” Sophie saw Ethenia's puckered expression and laughed, “Do not worry. If you feel left out, Venus favors the softer sex as well.” Ethenia gasped. “I never, I mean … I didn't…” she finished helplessly. Sophie took pity on her then, and stopped teasing. “How quickly can Matthew and Michaela get file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (48 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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here?” Sophie asked. Xethre shrugged, “Since they abhor public transportation, quickly.” Sophie nodded pleased. She knew that meant that they would be flying—literally, to reach her home. “Good, so,” Sophie laughed, “I suppose I will be setting more places at the table for tomorrow night's dinner.” **** Later, Lothos found himself growling again, but for a very good reason. He reached down to clutch at his angel's hair but she pulled away from him and shook her head. He wanted to scream in frustration. Ethenia knelt before him—her delectable mouth open and running itself up and down his hard cock. “Oh, angel,” he ground out. Ethenia smiled around the hard flesh in her mouth. She clearly loved the taste of him. He was achingly hard in her mouth. She could feel each vein in his cock pulsing as she licked and sucked him down. She relaxed her throat and let him slide even further. When he hit the back of her throat she hummed, the vibrations shook him to his very core. He began to grow, if possible, even harder. Ethenia dug her hands into the taut flesh of his thighs and continued to suck him off. She rolled her tongue down the length of cock. When she reached his balls she gently sucked each one into her warm mouth. She seemed to love to make him moan and growl. To torture him. Lothos felt sweat popping out on his brow. God, how much longer could he endure this torture? His heart was pounding so hard he could hear it thudding in his ears. His cock was jumping and pulsing under Ethenia's expert ministrations. He felt his blood, alive and screaming through every pore. He reached down to touch her, but the shake of her head, stopped him. “Angel, you're killing me.” Ethenia grinned, “I don't want you dead, Lothos,” punctuating her point by licking the head of his cock with one sure stroke of her tongue. “I still have use of you, yet,” she said with a broad smile. Ethenia dove down and took the entire length of him in her mouth. She reached down to play with her moist pussy, teasing her hard clit with her fingers. Lothos began to pant. His breaths were coming out short and ragged. He thrust his hips forward. He felt it building, higher and higher. His cock began to swell and he bit his lip so hard he drew blood. “Angel, angel, I'm … God I'm coming…” he shouted before he released his seed into her mouth. He felt the shakes overtake his body and he looked down and saw his golden angel licking her lips. Ethenia captured a stray drop of seed on her tongue. She savored it and swallowed. She smiled when Lothos groaned raggedly. Lothos reached down for Ethenia. She came into his arms eagerly. When their flesh met they both moaned, simultaneously. Lothos ran his large hands down the expanse of her back, loving the feel of her skin. He had just inserted one of his fingers into her dripping pussy when the doorbell rang. Lothos swore. Ethenia groaned. Lothos clenched his hands into fists. He bent his head over Ethenia's neck and began to ply her file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (49 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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skin with soft bites. The doorbell sounded again. “Fuck.” He shouted out. “Yes, let's,” Ethenia said, grabbing at his back. She screamed her frustration when he pulled reluctantly away from. “Ignore it. Let Sophie get it, it's her damned house.” Lothos nodded, “I know, I know. But Sophie is otherwise engaged, as you well know it.” He knew Ethenia could smell sex in the air, and it wasn't from the oral sex or foreplay that she and Lothos had just engaged in. Shit. Sophie and Xethre were fucking like bunnies, just like she and Lothos should be doing right now, instead of arguing about who was going to answer the damned door. “Fine, get the door,” Ethenia crossed her arms and sulked. Lothos gave her a loving smile before walking out of the room and rushing to answer the door. The quicker he answered the door, the quicker he could get back to more important matters. **** Venus Porter waited impatiently on Sophie's porch. She tapped her foot and narrowed her eyes. If the reason she was standing outside was because Sophie was screwing somebody upstairs, she would kill her. Sophie knew better than to start without her. Venus tossed her fiery hair over her shoulder and swore. She was just getting ready to open the door the good old-fashioned way—with her fist—when it swung open. Venus's mouth dropped open in surprise right before she laughed and launched herself at the person standing in the doorway. “Lothos, baby!” Lothos gripped Venus by the ass. Her legs were twined around his waist and her arms were around his neck in seconds. “Hey carrot,” he said, laughingly. Venus pulled back. She couldn't believe that Lothos was here. Why was he here? “Lothos, what are you doing here?” “Sophie didn't tell you?” he asked. Venus snorted. It was just like Sophie not to tell Venus everything, or even anything. Sophie loved throwing everyone for a loop. She liked holding all the cards. “That one? She keeps secrets better than a mute person. Sophie only told me that she was in a spot of trouble and that she could use my help.” Lothos rolled his eyes. “It's good to see you Venus.” “Do you mind letting go of my man?” The woman's voice was frigid as the north wind from behind the couple. Venus craned her head. Her eyes opened wide. She looked from the woman who stood in the doorway to Lothos. “Yours?” Lothos nodded, proudly. Venus smiled broadly and planted a fat kiss on his mouth. “Oh, Lothos, I am so happy for you. You found her, your bond mate.” “Yes, he did. Now will you get off of him,” the golden-haired beauty said through clenched teeth. Venus laughed as Lothos set her down on her feet. Well, it would seem that Lothos had bagged himself a jealous bitch. She stuck her hand out. “Hi, I'm Venus. Venus Porter. It's nice to meet file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (50 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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you…” She waited. Lothos's mate hesitated only a moment before taking the woman's offered hand. “Ethenia, Ethenia Deveux.” “Well, glad to make your acquaintance, Ethenia. Now that the introductions are over can we go inside?” Lothos laughed. “Sure. Sophie would be here to greet you if…” “She wasn't screwing someone upstairs?” Ethenia gasped, “You could smell her from outside?” Venus laughed, “No, I know her, well. Come on kiddies, let's get our butts inside.” She walked right past the startled couple. Ethenia turned to Lothos, “Well, she's something all right.” Lothos grinned, “You haven't seen anything yet, angel.” Ethenia's brows drew down. She wasn't sure if she liked the sound of that.

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Chapter Eight Ethenia stared warily at the redhead now occupying the kitchen. Venus had promptly dropped her bags and headed to the kitchen. She was now foraging through the fridge. Every now and then she pulled out armloads of food. “Are you intending on hibernating,” Ethenia asked dryly. Venus laughed and took a bite out of a raw piece of steak. “Nope, eating, I'm starved.” “Yeah, I can see that.” Venus handed the raw piece of meat to Ethenia. “Want some? Ethenia shook her head, “I prefer my meat cooked.” Venus gasped, “Why?” “I like how it tastes.” Venus was still shocked. “Tastes? How can it possibly taste like anything? You've killed the flavor entirely. It only tastes like something when it's raw.” Ethenia shrugged. “To each their own,” she said blandly. Venus shuddered, as if Ethenia's comment about cooked meat was like eating poison. Ethenia took the time that Venus was eating to study the other woman. She frowned. Lothos's ex was stunningly beautiful. Why didn't he have any ugly exes? Venus was about five foot five and voluptuous. She had large breasts that were currently hidden under a tight white t-shirt, but it was obvious that she wasn't wearing a bra. Her hips were full and her legs tapered down to muscular calves and slim ankles. She had shockingly red hair that fell to her butt in an abundance of cascading curls. Her eyes were bright green. Not the forest pine of Lothos's, but the color of rich emeralds. She had pale skin but her cheeks were tinged a fine pink, along with her full lips. Ethenia wished that Venus wasn't so cheerful. She wanted to hate her. Venus caught Ethenia's inspection of her and grinned. “So, what's this all about,” she asked past a full mouth. “Ethenia's ex is an asshole, he's coming for her and we're going to kill his ass,” Lothos said, walking into the kitchen. Venus scowled. “Sophie pulled me away from work, for a domestic problem?” Lothos sighed. “It's complicated.” Venus threw down the chicken leg she had been devouring. “Oh come on, how complicated can it be? She's with you, she's no longer with the jerk, the jerk wants her back and you want to keep her. You don't need me, you need a damned counselor.” Ethenia colored. Lothos's expression went seriously dark. Venus's eyes went wide with surprise. “You will watch the tone you take in the presence of my mate, Venus.” The power that rolled off of his words was frightening. His energy filled the room and the pulsations were hot. Venus registered shock. She touched her cheek as if she had been slapped. file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (52 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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“Venus, thank you for coming,” Sophie strode into the room, wearing nothing but a smile. Xethre glided in after her. Sophie clucked her tongue. “Venus, are you brandishing that sharp tongue of yours?” She didn't let Venus answer before she turned on Lothos. “Lothos, be mindful of the energy you expend. You're playing with things that you cannot yet control.” Lothos was shocked at what he had just done. It wasn't supposed to be possible. He was Loopin, yes, but he was not an alpha? What had just happened? It had looked as if his words had physically stung Venus. He turned questioning eyes to Sophie. Sophie sighed, “We'll discuss it later, I promise.” She came and gave Venus a big hug. When she pulled away the look in her eyes was chiding. “Venus…” Venus sighed. “Ah, you've been picking my brain, haven't you?” She looked slightly chastised. “Yes, yes, I know. I spoke out of turn, I was rude. But I was angry that you pulled me away to deal with someone's pissed-off ex-boyfriend.” “He's Ethenia's pissed-off and abusive ex-alpha-boyfriend.” Venus's eyes went wide and her mouth dropped open to form a gigantic O. Sophie nodded, “He's tracking Ethenia, and it won't be too much longer until he finds her. He's evil, Venus, and very strong. I think he's using black magic.” “Oh boy.” Venus said, whistling. “Uh-huh. I didn't want to tackle the situation alone. I believe that he's going to bring people with him, possibly Pack members, and I wanted to be prepared.” Venus nodded. “Of course, of course, well, I've been spoiling for a good fight.” “This is serious, Venus.” Sophie said. “So am I. Work, work, work, I never get out to play anymore.” Venus flipped her hair back. “I'm due for a good workout.” Venus went back to eating her chicken leg that she had retrieved. She looked at Xethre. “He the vampire you told me about?” Sophie nodded. Venus looked Xethre up and down. The vampire smiled at her intense perusal. “Not bad, not bad. Killer eyes.” Xethre laughed. “So, it's you, me, the vampire, Lothos and his mate, against what…” Sophie sighed, “I don't know how many we'll be against. And the vampire and the mate have names, Venus.” Venus groaned. “Yes mother,” she said sarcastically. She turned to Xethre first. “Nice to meet you, I'm Venus Porter.” Xethre inclined his head regally. “Alexethre Roistkauff.” Venus nodded, and turned then to Ethenia. “We've already been introduced.” “So, be polite and address her by her name, Venus,” Sophie said, annoyed. “All right, all right.” Venus hopped up on the kitchen counter and continued to eat. Sophie rolled her eyes. Lothos felt like laughing. Yes, Venus was just as he remembered her to be. He winced when Ethenia punched him on his arm. “You've got to stop doing that, angel.” file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (53 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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Ethenia glared at him. “Then stop looking at her.” Lothos smiled. “It's nothing, angel.” Ethenia grunted and gave him a warning look. “I believe we should all bed down for the night,” Sophie said with a wide smile. Venus nodded, still munching contentedly. She looked over at Xethre; he was staring at her with laughing eyes. She grinned, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “How about the dead guy shows me where I'm going to sleep tonight.” Before anyone could answer, Xethre bowed chivalrously. “I would be delighted to lead the way, Ms. Porter.” Venus cocked her head to one side and sashayed forward. She winked at Sophie before leaving the kitchen. **** Xethre ran his tongue over his sharp teeth. The red haired wolf had a beautiful ass. It was round and cushioned nicely. He would love to sink his teeth into her soft flesh, love to feel her blood flowing, love to— “Going to stare at me all night?” Venus turned on her heel to face Xethre. Her eyes glittered with challenge. Xethre blinked, surprised. When was the last time he had encountered such forwardness? Venus Porter was more than brazen. Her complete lack of fear delighted and tempted him. Venus grinned, “Well?” Xethre was by her side before she could say another word. He saw by the look in her eyes that she was shocked at his materialization ability. Good, he liked to keep them on their toes. “Do not bite off more than you can chew, little girl,” Xethre growled low in her ear. Venus moved to Xethre's front and rubbed against him slowly. “Oh, but don't you know, we wolves have really sharp teeth. Biting is our favorite pastime.” Xethre tensed. He could feel her soft, rounded flesh pressing against his cock and his cold blood was beginning to warm. He closed his eyes and let his body sweep in the sensations of her practiced moves. When he opened his eyes, he found himself face-to-face with Venus's very naked and very luscious form. Venus felt her nipples tighten under the heat of Xethre's stare. Cream was already beginning to pool between her thighs and she felt decidedly light-headed. He was a handsome devil, with those strange blue eyes and that blacker than black hair of his. She felt the muscles in her stomach clench at the thought of those strong hands on her body. Loopin were highly sensual creatures. Venus had denied herself for too long and now her body was protesting loud and clear. “Like what you see?” Xethre certainly did like what he was seeing. He was also beginning to warm to the idea of taking Ms. Porter down a notch or two—she was obviously used to being in charge. Xethre's eyes twinkled with merriment and his body tightened with awareness of what was to come. “Come here, wolf.” file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (54 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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Venus's eyebrows shot up. Come here? Had he just demanded something of her? No one told Venus Porter what to do. Venus remained where she was. Xethre laughed inwardly. He had known that Venus would protest in her own way. He had only just met her, but already he knew how fiercely she coveted her independence. Her actions in Sophie's kitchen had spoken loud and clear. Xethre walked slowly over to the antique cherry wood dresser that stood to Venus's right and opened the top drawer. He pulled out two lengths of silken cord and wrapped them halfway up his arm. They were smooth and cool against his now warmed skin. He saw the flicker in Venus's eyes and knew that she was curious and more than a little tempted by his actions. He couldn't help but wonder if this little red-haired wolf had ever indulged in a little role-playing. He could tap into her mind but he knew that would be rude. Instead he decided on a different course of action. He already had the upper hand, the dominant position—so to speak. Why not use it to his advantage? Before Venus could figure out what he was up to he had materialized at her side and taken her wrists into his hands. His grip was steel. He was vampire after all. Venus struggled. The vampire had her wrists in an unbreakable hold. As he was taller than her, he had pulled her hands up and over her head and now he held them there quite effortlessly. Her eyes flared with temper. She was not one to be controlled. This did not suit her. “Let go.” Venus instilled iron into her words. Xethre ignored her. Venus snorted. “What now? You gonna sit and stare at my tits all night, while you get your jollies off holding me against my will?” “Oh, but I do not believe anything will be taken against your will,” Xethre murmured, his voice was smooth and lush like cream. Xethre looked deeply into Venus's eyes and was not surprised when she blinked and began to sway. The Loopin were a strong breed, but he was vampire and his mind-spells were still stronger than anything the Loopin could conjure. When Venus's eyes snapped fully open she was tied, spreadeagled upon the large bed. Venus licked her dry lips. Her heart was pounding furiously in her chest and her belly was quivering, but not from fear. Venus was fully aware that she could break the binds at any time. She was Loopin, and with her strength she could easily snap the silken threads, but strangely she found that her curiosity was riding her. Venus had never been dominated before. She was a high member Loopin, strong, sexy, intelligent and fierce. She had always known her role, the role she had been blessed to fill. Venus would make any alpha proud, and she could and would fill the place next to any Pack Leader. Venus was destined for great things and she knew that it was her right to be choosy. She had spent her life searching for her amouratesh, much like Lothos, and she knew that any man that was lucky to have her in his life had to be worthy of her. This knowledge made her arrogant and more than a little dominant. “I can see in your eyes the need for this,” Xethre said, interrupting Venus's furiously racing thoughts. “You are much too arrogant for your own good, little wolf.” Xethre trailed a lock of his hair down Venus's front, tracing it from her neck to her full breasts. Xethre loved her breasts, so round and full and tipped with beautiful strawberry colored nipples. He wrapped a piece of his file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (55 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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silky hair around her tit and teased the peak until it became hard as a small kernel. “Oh,” Venus cried out, just before she set her head at an obstinate angle. She would not give this dead guy the pleasure of knowing how he affected her. It took more than a little 'tickling' to get her off. Venus was still thinking about how un-affected she was when she felt the first whisper of Xethre's breath against her throat. Her breath hitched in her body. Xethre breathed lightly against Venus's swan-like neck. She smelled delicious, like sweat and woman. His tongue darted out and he licked a path from her ear to her collar bone. He felt the shivers course down her body and he smiled against her skin. Oh yes, Venus Porter just needed a firm hand to make things right. Xethre gripped the taut skin of Venus's collar bone between his sharp teeth and bit lightly. He was careful not to draw blood—not yet. He had to save some pleasures for later. When he heard her moan he could no longer resist; he gently parted the soft folds of her pussy and inserted one finger into her hot cavern. Venus jerked against the pleasurable intrusion. Xethre moved his head down her body and took her breast into his mouth. He sucked the soft skin hard, leaving pink and purple bruises on her fair skin. The sight of her marked breasts drove him into a frenzy—his body was screaming and he wanted nothing better than to mount her and fuck her until she cried his name to the heavens. Xethre shook his head to clear it. He had more control than this. He added a second finger into her hot pussy and smiled at the glazed expression on her flushed face. He felt her cream coating his finger and had to indulge. Withdrawing one finger, slowly, he brought his hand to his mouth and licked his finger clean. She was tangy and sweet and he knew that he had to have more. Xethre quickly moved down Venus's already sweating body and inhaled her rich aroma. With surprising tenderness, Xethre kneaded the corded muscles of Venus's thighs before ducking his head between her legs and licking her like a greedy cat. He chuckled against her aching flesh as she moaned and twisted her body side to side. With deliciously slow laps he moved his talented tongue up and down her slit, loving the feel of her thick and sweet against his mouth. Xethre found her taut kernel, hidden beneath her soft fold of flesh and sucked it deep into his mouth. Venus screamed. “Oh my sweet wolf, you like that.” Xethre continued to bite and nibble at the sensitive bud, and when Venus's screams turned into short pants he gently re-inserted his finger into her pussy. He felt her muscles clench around his hand and knew that she was close. Working her sweet kernel of flesh around his tongue and rubbing his finger back and forth against her slick folds he waited until she arched her back. Then he thrust his mouth against her to inhale and breathe deeply into her pussy. It was too much for Venus. With a low keening cry she felt herself spasm, jolt and spend into Xethre's delighted mouth. Xethre licked his lips and smiled a self-satisfied smile. His red-haired wolf was flushed and sweaty. Her eyes were closed and there was a dreamy look riding her lovely features. He wished to give her a moment to recover, but he could not let her get too comfortable in the aftermath of her orgasm. He had plans for his arrogant wolf, plans that would take them well into the night. “So soft,” Xethre whispered. He ran a hand down her fiery hair and loved how the color crackled and shimmered in the dim light. She was, in every way, the epitome of her name. file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (56 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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“Please…” Venus implored of Xethre. Xethre was amused. He nuzzled Venus's throat. “Did you say something, sweet wolf?” Venus swallowed, she had never, never begged for anything in her life, but for this, for him she would beg. “Please, Xethre … I want you.” Xethre laughed throatily. “Ahhh yes, I know you want me.” Xethre easily straddled Venus's bound body and cupped her full breasts. “You have the most beautiful skin, soft and white as pearl.” Xethre's eyes glowed, “You are stunning.” Venus's breath was lodged in her throat and she forced her force to come out. “Are, are you just going to talk me to death?” She asked, her spunk returning. Xethre splayed his hands wide across her thighs and kneaded her tense and taut muscles. He knew that each touch, each caress was igniting her and driving her crazy. He loved the feeling of control, the fact that this powerful and strong-willed woman was bowing and begging for him. Bringing his body low, Xethre positioned himself between Venus's thighs and bent his head until his mouth was right next to her shell shaped ear. “Tell me again, little wolf. Tell me you want me.” Venus gritted her teeth. Damn him. She had already told him. Xethre blew gently in Venus's ear. “If you want me, wolf, then you must tell me so.” Venus gasped when she felt Xethre's hand playing with the slick folds of her pussy. She began to pant and curse. How could she deny herself this pleasure, she wanted the dead guy. But how could she give into his will? How could she beg him for this? Xethre read the frustration and the desire in her turbulent eyes and smiled. He stroked her gently, reveling in her little cries. “My red-haired wolf, there is no winner here. We will both obtain such pleasure from this act. You cannot beg for what I will give to you freely and eagerly. I ask only that you tell me your desires.” Venus smiled then. The vampire spoke the truth. This was for both of them. There were no losers, only two victorious players. “Then I tell you this, I want you. I want you buried so deep that you can feel the core of me.” Xethre laughed joyously and with one perfect thrust imbedded himself deep within Venus's hot pussy. He groaned, how could he not? Venus's pussy was scalding him with delicious heat and her wetness was flooding his body already. He wanted this, he wanted everything. Xethre gripped Venus's thighs forcefully and rode her sweaty body. He took in every one of her cries and matched them with his own. Venus felt her body shaking and shimmering. Her pussy was on fire and her inner muscles were clenching. She had never felt so alive before, never felt as if her head and body were going to implode. Venus clenched her hands into fists and drew them up an inch before she remembered that they were tethered to the bed. She screamed in frustration and had only one moment to wonder if she should break free before Xethre plunged even more deeply into her body. Venus forgot, then, about freedom and thought only about pleasure. She dug her heels into the soft cushion of the mattress and arched her hips upward. That she could do, her hips were not bound to the bed, thank goodness. Venus heard Xethre's appreciative laugh and she smiled through her file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (57 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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sweat and hitched moans. Xethre could feel the blood in his cock and the pulsing of each and every vein in his body. His little red-haired wolf was igniting his body and he knew release was only moments away, but he would not go without her. Xethre leaned down and bit the soft skin beneath Venus's ear. “Ooohhhh,” Venus could not suppress her sigh and moan of delight. “Yes, yes my wolf, moan for me.” Xethre bit again, this time with a little more force. He pumped his hips forward and let her slick folds embrace and suck him in. “I'm… I… I…” Xethre laughed, “Have words failed you?” Venus groaned and her pussy clenched. She bit her lip so hard she drew blood and she watched as Xethre's eyes dilated. She felt her blood boil at the heat she saw there, the heat she wanted in her. Venus gasped as another shiver hit her. “If you are going to suck my blood, please just wait until I come…” Venus groaned out. Xethre laughed a rich laugh. She was delightful. “I wouldn't dream of tasting that liquid until I've tasted the other…” Venus grinned and gasped when Xethre's hand gently caressed her thigh before joining his cock in her pussy. She let out a small screech before moaning out, “Have you forgotten, you have already tasted that other liquid.” Xethre licked Venus's lips, drawing the blood from her pliant flesh. “Ahhh, yes, you are right. Then I will take what you offer readily.” Xethre crushed his mouth to Venus's and drew every last drop of blood from her mouth. He nibbled and bit at her lips and sucked on her tongue. When Xethre felt Venus's frantic gyrations he knew she was close. He quickened his movements and deepened his caresses. Each one of her moans, each one of her movements inflamed him further. Venus threw her head back and thrust her hips forward. She felt her peak and embraced it. Her breathing became short, staccato pants and when she could no longer contain them, she began to scream. Xethre felt Venus's orgasm hit her in one wild rush, and he stilled himself to feel each one of her delicious shivers. When her body began to shudder he joined her, spilling himself into her welcomed warmth. Spent, he rolled to the side of her. Xethre smoothed back a tendril of Venus's wild, wet hair and kissed her forehead gently. She was magnificent, and she would make some alpha proud. “That was some ruckus sex,” Venus growled out. She grinned when Xethre only murmured out his response. “Mmmmm, we should do that again sometime,” She said. Xethre licked her ear, “Most definitely, my red-haired wolf.” Venus turned her head and grinned into her pillow. “The dead sure can fuck.” She let Xethre's wild, rich laughter follow her into slumber.

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Chapter Nine The dark twins were fearsome to behold. They were so beautiful, stoic and similar they seemed to be carved from the same piece of stone. Standing on Sophie's doorstep they moved not an inch and yet seemed to command the elements. The wind ripped and tumbled in the sky and rain began to fall. Still the twins remained immobile. Sophie tossed the door open and sighed. “Will you two stop playing with the weather? Don't you think the meteorologists have enough to worry about without you playing havoc with their minds?” Michaela was the first to answer. “Sophie,” her voice was soft and melodic, “it is good to see you.” Sophie nodded, “It is good to see you to, Michaela,” she turned, “and you, Matthew.” Matthew inclined his head, but said nothing. “Well, won't you come in?” Michaela smiled beguilingly. “Yes, thank you for your kind invitation.” Michaela breezed past Sophie, and felt her brother's presence right behind her. They were never far apart. “Have you made additions to your home?” Michaela asked as she surveyed the space. Sophie nodded, surprised, “Yes, I have. How observant of you.” Michaela smiled coyly. “I am a very observant sort,” her smile broadened, “like, I observe that you seem tense, Sophie. What are you tense about?” Sophie clucked her tongue. “I don't want any of your psychological shit right now, Mickie.” Sophie used Michaela's pet name, knowing how much she hated it. Michaela didn't take the bait. She continued to look around. “Where is Xethre? I smell him…” her nose twitched, “and … I smell … Loopin.” “Yes, there are wolves amongst us.” Michaela licked her lips slowly. “I looooove the Loopin,” she said. “Their blood is ever so sweet.” Sophie rolled her eyes. “They are also very touchy, at least some of them are. I suggest that you don't imply that they are a meal, Michaela. It may ruffle some feathers.” “They have no feathers, Sophie.” Sophie made a disgusted sound deep in her throat and turned away from Michaela, toward Matthew. Matthew was standing right behind his sister, standing absolutely still. He had spoken not a word, and his dark eyes were probing and filled with depth. Sophie felt a shiver shimmer up her spine. Matthew always evoked shivers. His beauty, quiet nature and the stillness about him could do no less. “Matthew, Michaela, so good to see you,” Xethre said, striding confidently down the stairs. Matthew and Michaela nodded their greetings but their attention was not for Xethre, but for the vision that followed him. Venus strode down the steps right after Xethre, naked as the day she file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (59 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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was born. Her flaming red hair crackled with life and surrounded her like a blanket of burnt orange fire. Her golden skin was shining and glowing, even in the muted light of the house, and she walked with the ease and confidence of a queen. “Well, well, what do we have here?” Venus said with a smile. “Do we have more guests, Soph?” Sophie cleared her throat. “Yes, Venus, I'd like to introduce you to the twins, Michaela and her brother Matthew.” Venus sidled over to the twins and placed herself between them. She turned her shining eyes to one and then the other right before she licked her full lips. Michaela's breath hitched and Matthew's already dark eyes deepened. Xethre pressed his body against Venus's naked back and smiled at the look that passed between the twins. “Thank you for coming when I called.” For the first time Matthew spoke. “We are happy to help, old friend.” Michaela echoed her brother's sentiment. She turned to Sophie. “Will it be a big battle, Sophie?” Sophie shrugged her dainty shoulders. “I have no idea. I know that the alpha Kieran is strong and that he is wielding black magic. I do not fear the wolf, but I fear the magic.” Michaela nodded her understanding. “The alpha uses magic that he cannot control,” Sophie said. “I have felt the evil in his soul and I know that he will come at us with everything and everyone that he commands.” “Do we know how large a force he commands?” Venus asked. Sophie shook her head. “I don't know. But we should ask Ethenia. She was once part of his Pack, she may be able to answer that question for us.” “Answer what question?” Ethenia asked, as she moved stealthily into the room. Sophie was struck once again by the young wolf's beauty. “How large is Kieran's force of arms?” Ethenia stiffened. Just the mention of her former Alpha leader made her sick. She took a deep breath and forced calm back into her body. She had a life now, a life that was far away from Kieran and his tyranny. She had Lothos, her mate, her alpha, and she was strong. Kieran had tried to take that away from her, he had tried to make her lose herself. But he had not succeeded. That alone showed her strength, her will to survive. “Ethenia?” Sophie tried again. Ethenia nodded and cleared her throat. “His pack was small, no more than thirty or so members at last count, I think.” Ethenia's eyes narrowed. “Although exact numbers I cannot guarantee, he kept me separated from them most of the time. He did not like interaction between us.” Michaela listened intently, distaste revealing itself in her expression as Ethenia spoke. “Thirty is a small number, Matthew and I could rid you of them easily enough with just one storm.” “Huh?” Ethenia was bewildered. Sophie sighed, “I will tell you later.” Ethenia shook her head. “No, you'll tell me now.” Sophie laughed, obviously happy with Ethenia's reacquaintence with her backbone. “Very well, Matthew and Michaela have some control over the elements.” “As in, they control the weather?” Ethenia asked. file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (60 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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“Not all of it,” Sophie quipped. Ethenia's jaw dropped open. She turned to the twins and eyed them suspiciously. If they could do what Sophie said they could do, then they were dangerous indeed. Ethenia did not know how she felt about that. Anyone who could control the elements was messing with things that Ethenia did not think should be messed with. “Do you think power is wrong?” Michaela asked. Her voice was smooth as cream and soft as silk. “Some power is not meant to be held within human hands.” Michaela laughed and shared a fond look with her brother. “You are too cute,” she ignored Ethenia's frown and continued, “Is that what you see when you look at us, humanity? We are not human, little wolf, we are vampire. Humans cannot begin to touch our power. They will never understand it. We are vampire and vampires are more, so much more. You had best never forget that, my little one.” Ethenia hated the vampire's condescending tone. She strode forward until she was nearly nose to nose with Michaela and said, “I am not your little one.” Michaela grinned. “No, you're not. Would you like to be?” Ethenia's eyes widened. Sophie let out an exasperated sigh. “Come now, we have much better things to be doing than baiting one another.” Michaela smiled, “Do we?” “Yes, it is time to think strategy, Ethenia's old alpha will be here soon and we do not wish to be unprepared.” Michaela grinned, “I am never unprepared.” She turned away from Sophie and smiled, “I smell, alpha.” Michaela's eyes filled with appreciation when Lothos took that moment to walk into the room. His hair was tousled, his chest was bare, and the top two buttons of his jeans were undone. He had the appearance of one just roused from bed. Ethenia growled, sensing Michaela's arrousal. She did not like the way the vampire was staring at her mate. Ethenia moved into Lothos's side and nuzzled against his chest. Lothos immediately enveloped her in his arms and bent down to kiss her head affectionately. Michaela laughed when she saw the display. “I see how it is then,” she said quietly. Michaela glided gently over to Lothos and held out one delicate, slim hand. “I am Michaela. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Lothos hesitated only a moment before taking her hand. “Hello, I'm Lothos.” “Lothos, may I introduce my brother, Matthew?” Michaela moved back to allow her brother to step forward and shake Lothos's hand. Lothos swallowed. He had thought Xethre was the most disturbingly beautiful 'man' he had ever seen, but the dark twins surpassed even Xethre's deep beauty. Michaela's thick mane of hair was the jet black of a well of ink. Her eyes were a turbulent gray, like the cast of the sky on a storm-lit evening. She was slender with an abundant bosom, and had the complexion of Snow White on arsenic. Lothos felt pulled to her quiet beauty and had to shake his head to clear it of besotted file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (61 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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thoughts. Lothos quickly turned his attention to Matthew, trying to drive Michaela's beauty from his mind—it was not a smart move. Matthew was as beautiful, if not more so, than his sister. Matthew shared his sister's dove white complexion, jet-black hair and slim build. But his eyes were meridian blue, so fathomless and deep that Lothos thought of the sea. He said nothing but Lothos could 'hear' him in his head, calling to him, beckoning him forth. “STOP!” Ethenia rushed forward, planting herself between Lothos and Matthew. She bared her teeth and growled. Lothos blinked. What had just happened? “You will not do that again,” Ethenia said. Her voice brooked no argument. She was glaring at the twins. Michaela began to speak and looked surprised when her brother cut her off. “I apologize, that was indeed rude of us. We sometimes forget ourselves. Our power is such that it seeks an instrument to ensnare. We should not have tried it on your mate.” Lothos suddenly understood, and was aghast. The vampires had used compulsion on him. They had tried to mind-ensnare him. He felt anger burn a slow path through his body. The twins' beauty was intoxicating, but what he had felt moments before had been like a drug. He had felt a great weight pulling him towards them, a deep need to be with them. He should have known they were trying something on him. Sophie saw the anger in Lothos's eyes and the snarl the curled Ethenia's mouth and knew that this could all go to hell in one moment's time. She did not feel like getting blood out of her carpet tonight. “Lothos, darling, they have apologized.” Sophie turned to Matthew and Michaela then, “You are sincerely sorry for what you just did, are you not?” Both Matthew and Michaela nodded. “Lothos, you do not understand the nature of their power. I do not believe they meant to ensnare you. When their power has lain dormant for too long it reaches out and seeks a home. You were the first to receive a taste of their power.” Lothos looked unconvinced but nodded slowly, showing his reserve. Michaela stepped forward and gently touched Lothos's brow. She ignored Ethenia's growl and pointed stare and turned Lothos's face gently towards her. It was there, the beast. This was a man who had barely begun to tap into his power and when he came into his own they had best all step back. Lothos swallowed but did not move. Michaela held him captive with her eyes. This time, she used no compulsion—just her, just her eyes and wild power. He remained still and let Michaela probe him. “Get your hands off of my mate!” Ethenia literally shivered with anger. Michaela laughed and with a gesture that surprised the other woman, brought her other hand up to cup Ethenia's cold face. She leaned into the pair and studied the tense lines of their beautiful faces. “You, alpha, your power is wild, but when controlled will be fearsome to behold. And you,” Michaela graced Ethenia with a beatific smile, “are just beginning to find your mettle. Such a pair file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (62 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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you are. Run the wind together, and you will never know loneliness.” Michaela kissed Lothos full on the mouth and then did the same for Ethenia. These two did not realize how lucky they were to have found one another. How lucky they were to be mated. She pulled back and graced them with a smile. “I suggest we either retire for the evening, or find a bottle of wine we can polish off.” **** Sophie heard the creaking of wood and knew that the dark twins were still awake. Lothos and Ethenia had taken Michaela's advice, and retired. Xethre and Venus had snuck away for some playtime and Sophie had taken to her bed with a glass of wine and a good book. But now she heard it, the steps on the floorboards above her. The dead could walk whisper soft, but Michaela and Matthew made no move to shield their restless nature. Their feet dug into the wood, wore a groove through the soft floor, and Sophie ached for them, ached for the lonely children she knew them to be. They were power, beauty and dominance, and they were alone. That same all-consuming power set them aside from others, made them different and forced them to walk alone, separate. Mortals feared them, and the dead shuddered in their wake. They were strange entities, the undead that ruled the dead. Sophie knew one thing—all creatures feared the dark twins. And thus, it was a life of solitude for them. They had one another and no one else. And although it helped the burden to have each other, they could not keep each other warm on cold nights. Sophie could feel their pain and longing, and wished to ease some of their hurt. Sophie slipped out of bed, lit a candle and began to make her way upstairs, to the room where Michaela and Matthew now lay. She would offer them blood and comfort, for she could offer them nothing else.

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Chapter Ten Ethenia smiled against Lothos's chest. She could hear his heartbeat steady and strong under her and it warmed her to the bone. She ran her hand gently down his body and thrilled at the feel of him. Hers, her beautiful mate. She had given up hope that such a wondrous gift could be bestowed upon her. She had given up hope that she could have an amouratesh. And yet here he was—her bond-mate, the other half of her soul. Ethenia leaned up on her elbow and drank in Lothos's sleeping features. He was all hard lines and planes, a contrast of slashing brows and soft skin. He was beautiful. She brought her body flush against his and leaned over to lick his nipple. It went pebble hard under the wet warmth of her tongue and she smiled, lovingly laving it with her tongue. She rolled the taut pebble in her mouth, learning the feel and texture of him and was not surprised when she heard the growl that he emitted or felt his hand wind itself through her lush hair. “Ethenia…” Lothos breathed her name roughly. Ethenia released his nipple and deftly straddled his body. She worked herself down his length, all the while licking a path across his bronzed skin. When she reached his belly button she stiffened her tongue and speared it in. She was rewarded by a harsh moan and the thrust of his hips. She stilled his restless limbs with her cool, delicate hands and continued to plunder. When he began to shudder she slipped her tongue out and inched seamlessly down his body, until her mouth was level with his engorged cock. “So beautiful,” Ethenia murmured, and laved the length of his stiff cock. She smiled when it leapt under her tongue. “Down,” she whispered, almost chastising. Ethenia dug her hands into Lothos's muscular thighs and wrapped her lips around him. In one swoop she took him to the root. She reveled in his length, and strength, and loved how he hit the back of her throat, almost painfully. She relaxed her jaw and let her soft, thick lips move their way across his aching flesh. Lothos's hips jerked in reflex and Ethenia dug her nails in further—he was not about to escape her torture. Lothos felt the fire deep in his belly. His muscles were constricting and his head and heart were pounding in rhythms unknown to him. The feel of Ethenia's lips around his cock was a pleasure so acute it was almost pain. She was achingly soft and hot, and every time she moved her head up and over he could hear the slurp and suction her mouth made when it released his hard flesh. Lothos twined his hands within her hair and pushed her brutally against him. He groaned and gasped when she but slackened her mouth and took him deeper still. He jerked his hips up and dug his feet into the mattress for leverage. She was killing him with this loving assault. “Ethenia, my love, I can't … It is too…” “Much?” Ethenia released him for but a moment, and caught his stare. “It is never too much. I want it all, my love.” And with those words she took him to the hilt. When she felt him shudder and jerk she knew that it was time to unleash it all. She began to hum, slowly, letting the vibrations pulse off of his skin. She knew he felt each tickle of sensation as she let the sweet file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (64 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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drops of his juice slide off her tongue. He was ready and she wanted it. “Lothos, let go,” Ethenia sucked harder, alternating between pulling and caressing his hard flesh. She felt him stiffen and pulse. His body jerked twice and with a great roar he released himself into her mouth. Ethenia swallowed and licked her lips slowly. She had wanted it all, and he had not disappointed. Ethenia smiled when she saw Lothos's sated expression. Did he think it was over? Her poor amouratesh had a lot to learn about his new mate, as she changed position. Lothos watched the gleaming form of his bond-mate above him and felt his heart swell. She was so beautiful, his love. Ethenia's legs were clamped around his thighs and she was riding him. Her back was arched and her glorious breasts were laid out for his attention. Her face was twisted in ecstasy and she was clawing at him, like a good Loopin. Lothos cupped Ethenia's breasts and pinched her nipples—they were two hardened berries ready to burst at his touch. Moving his hands down he grabbed her ass and shifted upwards so that he could surround her nipple, that hard flesh, with his mouth. He laved, licked and bit, loving the cries that she made from deep within her throat. Her sweet pussy was milking his cock and her sweeter cries were caressing his ears. “Oh, ohhhhh…” Ethenia felt Lothos pulsing within her and longed for more. She wrapped her arms around his head and drove his mouth against her breast. She wanted to feel his teeth scrape and gnaw against her tender flesh just as she felt his cock plunder the folds of her welcoming sheath. Her pussy was aching—each pulse driving her closer to the edge of the abyss. Lothos bore her back, and Ethenia squeaked when her naked back made contact with the soft cool sheets of the bed. She gasped when, without breaking contact, he spread her legs open and wide and pushed more deeply within her. Only content for a moment with such a position, Lothos hooked Ethenia's legs around his neck and shuffled closer to her. He covered her soft plump breasts with his large hands and began to pump furiously. Each pump brought him closer to the release that he craved, the release that they both craved. Ethenia felt her breath hitch in her throat. He was so beautiful. Sweat was pouring off of his face and down, in shallow rivulets across his body. His eyes were two pools of clouded light and his mouth was twisted in glorious lines. He was in his element, so primal and breathtakingly furious in his lust. She locked her legs more tightly around his neck and relaxed her inner pussy muscles. The moment she did this she felt him slide deeper still. Her back arched and her breasts pushed upward in his rough hands. Ethenia felt the jump of his cock and felt her own muscles spasm in response. She could not hold it in if she wanted to—she screamed—the sound wrenched from her throat like a cathedral bell. Her legs stiffened and tensed just before they dropped like jelly to his shoulders. Her back slumped, and head fell, only the comfort of the bed catching her descent. Ethenia felt the glorious tingle of her pussy as the glow of release still wracked her body and she smiled a brilliant smile just before she claimed Lothos's lips in a kiss. file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (65 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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**** Michaela gently closed the door. They were so beautiful—the two mated Loopin. She had not been able to resist when she had heard and smelled the scents of sex. She had made her way to their room and watched as they had worshipped one another. She knew that this was what she longed for. What her brother Matthew longed for. A mate, a companion in the darkness. No one could understand what it was like to be so alone. Not Xethre, with his pretty playthings, nor Sophie with her captivating charm and mortal persuasion. No, only Matthew and she knew the truth—that loneliness was the true cup of death. Nothing killed faster than the emptiness. Michaela's eyes narrowed. The bitterness of truth ate at her. Even their own kind stayed clear of them. They were afraid of the darkness that traveled in their wake. So they were condemned to a life, and afterlife, of aching solitude. Michaela laughed, but it was a dry laugh. “And the night knows no end,” she whispered. “But for the brief reprieve of a cloudless dawn, a dawn that no dark can see.” Sophie said from behind her. Michaela did not turn around. “You read it?” It was more statement than question. Michaela fought down the lump in her throat. There was a time when the pain of solitude and loneliness had threatened to take her down. She had channeled her anger and hurt into writing and had composed 'The Night Eulogy', a collection of poetry that had eased her suffering. It was a great surprise to her when her work took off and her small collection of poems had become the rage. She had not known what to do with her success and the accolades and had promptly stopped writing. She had not picked up the pen in nearly thirty years. Sophie sighed. “Of course, I own it, Michaela. It is beautiful work.” Michaela snorted. “I mean it. You can read the truth in me.” Sophie stared at Michaela's unflinching back and ached to hold her. Sophie had slipped into the dark twins' room and had offered them blood and comfort. Both had accepted, gratefully, but when Sophie had risen from a brief sleep, she found Michaela gone. Somehow she had known this was where she would find her. The dead longed for light, for a touch of dawn in their bleak night—they often found such warmth in the living. Yes, Sophie was not surprised that Michaela had come to the Loopins' room. She was not surprised that she had watched, wanted and bitterly envied the closeness they had. She was only surprised that Michaela had not joined Venus and Xethre. Those two would have welcomed her presence. Instead she chose the mated pair, the two that would know no other. “I seek that which I cannot have,” Michaela said in response to Sophie's raging thoughts. Sophie nodded, understanding. If Michaela could not have the love and companionship of a mate, she would take it in vicariously through those who shared such warmth. “The dawn draws near, Michaela.” Michaela nodded, “Yes, I know. I can feel it.” “Then come, let me bring you a peaceful slumber.” file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (66 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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Michaela allowed Sophie to draw her away from the Loopin's room. She allowed her to tuck her in, much as a mother would do for her child, and even allowed the chaste kiss that Sophie placed on her forehead. But Sophie knew that Michaela would not be allowed a peaceful slumber—that was never possible. Dawn brought the cold hand of sleep to Michaela, always harsh and merciless, another death at the breath of dawn. There was no peace in sleep for the beautiful dark one. It saddened Sophie but she could not help what she could not change.

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Chapter Eleven Kieran felt the sweat, as it trickled down his forehead and bathed his nose. He felt the brutal stare of the sun and the brisk coolness of the air, but neither did anything to damper his rising fury. She was here. His bitch was here. “Thought I wouldn't find you, didn't you, stupid Loopin,” Kieran muttered. He had followed Ethenia from France to this remote wood in the Americas. How he hated this place. How he hated her. She had thought to leave him. She had the audacity to try to run from him. Him. No one ran from him. He was Kieran, Pack Alpha, leader of all … and one day soon, everything. Kieran watched the house with knowing eyes. They were all there, his Loopin and her ragtag assemblage of friends. They thought that they could surprise and attack him. But he would be the one to take them unawares. They had no idea of the power that he wielded. He would smite them all, and make his bitch watch the slaughter. It was no less than she deserved for her insolence. And when he got Ethenia back to Marseilles her true punishment would begin. Kieran smiled. He was greatly looking forward to inflicting that punishment upon her. He couldn't wait to hear her beg. She had always begged so beautifully. He dropped low to the ground and sniffed the dirt, rearing back when he scented the unfamiliar— death. He smelled death. “What sort do you mix with now, bitch?” Kieran murmured, cheek resting casually against the soil. Kieran knew that Ethenia was ensconced within this quaint home with more of their kind. He could smell Loopin in the air. Indeed, he smelled the rich aroma of Lupe. Now that was a find. Perhaps he would not kill everyone—perhaps he would take Ethenia and this unknown Lupe back to Marseilles with him. Lupe were very rare and he was in need of one for his Pack. He was not concerned with the mortal stench that permeated the area. Mortals, bah, they should all be exterminated. Life was a food chain, and mortals were at the bottom. It mattered little to him how many mortals were within, he would rid himself of them easily enough. But the smell of death—that he could not ignore. What were the dead doing in this home with his runaway bitch? **** “Sophie, something's wrong.” Ethenia pulled back the curtain from the kitchen window and peered outside. She had come to the kitchen to take tea with Sophie, but the moment she had entered the kitchen she had felt a great weight in her head. Her heart was racing. She knew something was not right. She felt it in her bones and she could smell the stench of evil. Sophie rubbed Ethenia's shoulder comfortingly. “Shhhhh now, you are all tense.” “Sophie, I'm telling you—something is not right.” file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (68 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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“How can you tell?” Ethenia sighed and rubbed her weary eyes. “I smell it in the air. Trouble. Please, Sophie, believe me.” Sophie nodded. “All right, I'm going to the workroom to see if I can conjure up some rudimentary seer spell. Find Lothos and Venus and tell them to be on the lookout, I think they're sparring upstairs.” Sophie sighed. “Unfortunately our dead friends will not be much help to us, as nightfall is a good two hours away.” “Oh Sophie,” Ethenia's teeth began to chatter, “It's him, I know it's him.” Sophie gave Ethenia a determined look. “Well, don't just stand there, go find Lothos and Venus.” Ethenia rushed out of the room, leaving Sophie to prepare. **** Kieran conjured the power to his hands easily. The spell that he had mastered long ago allowed elemental fire to be wielded with the ease of one picking flowers. When the flames danced at his fingertips he thrust his hand forward and watched as fire shot out of his hands and took out the entire south wall of the house. It was as they had promised. The dark forces had given him the power to destroy his enemies and be master of the world, all for one small fee—his soul. He laughed. It seemed a cliché, a devil's pact, but only he knew it for what it was—truth. There was only one truth in life. Power. And now he had the power to rule all others. Kieran stepped into the house, past the fire that was still eating through the wall and looked around. “Ethenia, my sweet little bitch, I'm coming for you.” Where was she? Where was his property? **** Sophie felt the dark magic before she saw it. Her head began to pound and her heart beat erratically. Kieran was here, and he was indeed wielding black magic. Sophie fingered the talisman around her neck. It would not be enough protection against Kieran but perhaps it would afford her a little time to build up some fortification. She closed her eyes, concentrated, and began to chant. In her mind's eye she could see him— Kieran, enraged and shrouded in darkness. Surprisingly she detected no other presence, save the demented Pack Leader. Was he alone? Where was the rest of the Pack? **** Ethenia felt nausea threaten to overtake her. She braced her hand against the railing in the hallway and tried to breathe. She was so frightened. Her fear had her rooted to the spot, and she knew she was as good as a sitting duck. She could hear nothing but the wild beating of her own heart and the pounding in her head. She knew that she had to find Lothos and Venus and warn file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (69 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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them of Kieran's arrival, but she could barely see past the hazy film across her eyes. He had come. She had been a fool to think that he wouldn't find her here, a damned fool. And now, now she had led him straight to the ones that she loved most, the people closest to her heart. Ethenia's eyes darkened. Well, he couldn't have them. Damn his black soul, he couldn't have them. **** Kieran turned a corner and couldn't believe his good fortune. There she was, his impetuous little bitch. Standing gloriously naked in the hall, golden hair falling free, she was a sight to behold. Kieran felt strangely affected, why had he never seen her thus? She was beautiful, stunningly so. Her honey-hued skin was gleaming, as if a burning light were emanating off of her body. Her eyes were deep and fathomless, filled with secrets that he wished to know. She had never looked so ripe, so lush, and he couldn't wait to put his brand on her, again. “My bitch,” Kieran whispered out, a frightful smile twisting his face. Ethenia stood her ground. “Never yours, Kieran,” Ethenia answered back, her voice even and calm. “You should have let it be.” Kieran still commanded fire, and his hands were like living torches. He shot them out toward Ethenia and cackled when a ring of fire surrounded his conquest. So easy, it was so easy. Who would ever deny such power? **** Ethenia sucked in a breath when suddenly she was surrounded by fire. The heat was scorching her sensitive skin and her eyes were watering. He meant to burn her alive. Ethenia began to cough and was thankful when she found her voice. “Is this it, then? Do you mean to roast me, Kieran? You have decided upon burning me alive?” Ethenia sank to her knees as the flames burned higher and hotter. Kieran's laugh was sharp and grating. “Burn yes, you shall burn, but you shall not die, yet,” Kieran shot out. “You still do not understand, do you? I have the power of the gods in me. I can tame and temper the very winds which bathe us, the flames that now sear your skin.” With one slash of his hand Kieran subdued the raging fire. The flames were now mere flickers around Ethenia. “I will burn that luscious skin of yours Ethenia. I will burn it, then heal it, and then burn it again. You will suffer agonies untold for the humiliation you have caused me.” “The humiliation?” Ethenia fell into another fit of coughs. God, he was truly mad. She had known he was evil and cruel, but now … now the madness crawled over his skin like a living flame. He had not broken her spirit, she could not forget that. She was shocked at the change that a couple of months had made. Her Pack leader was no longer a handsome wolf. He looked three times his actual age, with lines and creases marring his once smooth skin. Stands of white ran through his hair and his eyes were red and filled with untold madness. file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (70 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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“Yes, the humiliation!” Kieran screamed. The fire roared to life once again, and Kieran watched with satisfaction as Ethenia began to pant and gasp for breath. “You ran from me. You dared to defy me.” Kieran's eyes clouded over. “I could see them … they said nothing, but their eyes mocked me … laughed at me.” “Who?” Ethenia choked out. “My Pack, your brother and sister wolves,” Kieran answered. “They said nothing, they would not dare, but they watched me avidly. They knew that you had escaped, and silently they stalked and reveled in such knowledge. I could not have it. I would not have it.” Suddenly Ethenia saw it … the truth of destruction under his mad gaze. “Oh God, oh my God, what did you do?” Kieran looked up, as if just realizing that she was there. “What I had to do. I destroyed them.” “What?” Kieran walked slowly toward Ethenia and the ring of fire. A sad smile curved his face. “I had no choice. Eventually one of the Pack might have gotten the idea to challenge me. I could not have that. They were all expendable. I can find new Pack members anywhere. There are always those who are eager to serve, eager to find a home and a protector.” Ethenia felt white-hot rage pour through her body. He had murdered them all. He had taken out his Pack. It was a crime that could not be forgiven. “You're a monster.” Kieran grinned. “Not a monster, a wolf, dear one.” Kieran stepped up to the fire and brought his hand down. Instantly the flames died down until they were but a slight ring around Ethenia's shuddering form. “How did I not see how beautiful you are, dear one.” Ethenia growled, baring her teeth. “Don't call me 'dear one'.” Kieran was delighted. Ethenia had never shown such spunk before, and he loved her new-found courage. Of course he would have to beat the disobedience out of her. Kieran brought new power to his hands. He watched, satisfied, when Ethenia began to levitate. She struggled but of course it was to no avail. He had the power. He had, and would always have the power. Kieran kept Ethenia levitated and brought her until she was but an inch from his smiling face. He reached out and brushed a strand of her molten gold hair, enjoying it when she flinched. “We are going to go somewhere more private, dear one.” Ethenia struggled against the invisible barrier that held her prisoner. It was obvious that her Pack Leader had grown in power as well as madness. Kieran led the way, stepping through the hole he had come through. “Ethenia, Ethenia, some things have changed … and some things will never change.” He eyes turned dark and stormy. “You are nothing. That will never change, dear one. Everything you are is because of me. I created you. I gave you purpose.” Ethenia struggled to find her voice. “To serve you, to fear you … that is the only purpose you gave me.” Kieran nodded. “Is there any other purpose for a bitch?” Kieran sighed. “You were the perfect submissive, Ethenia. I groomed you to be the best and most beautiful star in my collection. Eventually I might have sold you to another Pack Leader. You would have brought me great file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (71 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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wealth.” Suddenly Ethenia understood. The years of pain and torment came welling up and everything was made so very clear. “You kept me isolated. You beat and tortured me so that you could make me into the perfect footstool.” Ethenia laughed a mirthless laugh. “So stupid, I can't believe I was so stupid. You planned this from the beginning. I was nothing but some piece of clay for you to mold to your exact submissive specifications.” Kieran continued to walk. He didn't spare her a glance. “Of course, why else would I take in some stupid orphan? I had enough mouths to feed, enough wolves to support, why would I take you? You were a gangly child. Your eyes were too big, your face too pale, you were never pretty, but there was something there … something I saw. Something I could make use of. I knew that I could make you into what I wanted.” Kieran clenched his fists. “It would have worked, too, if not for that stupid servant, Pierre.” Anguish tore at Ethenia's heart at the mention of Pierre's name. “Pierre did nothing…” Kieran turned to Ethenia then—his eyes were alight with fire and madness. “Pierre did everything. He gave you strength, both physical and mental. He made you believe that you could have better, do better. He helped you.” Ethenia's stomach was churning and twisting. Heat was rising and she could feel every hair on her body stand on end. Ethenia gasped when pain spiked through her body. She twisted and gasped. Oh my God, what was happening to her? It felt as if she were about to shift, but that was impossible, she couldn't shift now. She was held prisoner by dark magic … how could she shift? She eased her head up to look at Kieran. He seemed intent on the path before him. He was paying little attention to her. He was right … some things never changed. Another spike of pain hit her and she swallowed a groan of pain. “Where … where are we going?” Ethenia managed to get the question out past her sore and aching throat. “Why, back home of course.” Ethenia couldn't keep back the snort that erupted. Kieran stopped and turned towards Ethenia. He flicked a finger and watched happily as blood streamed down her face. He repeated the gesture with the same results. “You see, dear one, it is best not to anger me.” Ethenia felt rage boil through her. She had had enough of this bullshit. Kieran had tortured and killed fellow Pack members. He was truly evil. She felt her body crawling with thick, raw energy and for the first time in her life she embraced it. Ethenia blinked as rivulets of blood clumped her lashes and fell unhindered down her face. Anger such as she had never known ripped through her, and her beast answered the call. Nothing mattered now except to show Kieran that she was not the meek, submissive wolf he thought she was, and to pay him back for all the hurt and pain he had caused. She would pay him pack threefold. file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (72 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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Ethenia allowed her beast to roll through her body. She allowed her shift to take place and she welcomed the pain mingled with pleasure. Ethenia's face elongated first. Her nose stretched and morphed to a large snout and her eyes widened, pulled and turned to bright molten gold. Her body was next. The pain of the shift deepened and Ethenia bit her lip to keep from screaming out loud. She could not alert Kieran to her change. She had the advantage as long as she could keep her power from him. Kieran anticipated no threat from her, and that was his greatest weakness. She was Loopin. She would always be a threat.

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Chapter Twelve Lothos was unaware that he had carved deep grooves into his thighs, grooves that were bleeding steadily. His eyes were stormy and his lips curled so that his long canines were exposed. He sniffed the ground and growled. “I will rip out his heart!” Lothos ground out. His words were muffled as his wolf features were almost completely manifested. Venus pawed the ground by Lothos and nuzzled his leg. She jumped back when Lothos snapped at her with his teeth. “Don't!” Venus growled out. “I am but trying to calm you. Your anger will work against you. You cannot think clearly right now.” “I am thinking very clearly. I am thinking I will take that bastard's heart last so that he can feel each torture I will inflict upon him.” Venus sighed. “Exactly. You must use your mind as well as your might, Lothos. Think, don't just feel.” Lothos buried his snout in the dirt and sifted around. When he brought his head up and about, his eyes were glowing hot. “You are cautioning me? You, the one that always leaps before looking?” Venus snarled. “I wish the return of your mate as much as you do, Lothos. I also wish for your head to remain attached to that handsome body of yours.” Venus rushed on before Lothos could interrupt. “This Kieran, he wields black magic. You are strong, Lothos, but black magic … it is an unknown factor, an erratic variable. Who can guarantee a positive outcome when one opponent has sold his soul to the devil?” Lothos breathed heavily. “I will guarantee it, Venus.” “But…” “I will guarantee it, because that is how it must be. I will have Ethenia safe and sound by my side and I will have this Kieran's head on a platter, and his fur gracing my floor.” **** Ethenia tested the bounds of the portal holding her prisoner. They were strong, but her will was stronger. Kieran was still walking confidently in front of her. He didn't bother looking at her. Who was she anyway? Ethenia bore down and forced herself through the invisible binds. The pain was excruciating, fire and cutting heat tearing at her body, but she knew she had no choice, she had to escape. Once she was free, she scoped out the wood. She was unfamiliar with this part of the forest, and wondered if she was still on Sophie's land. It was obvious to her that Kieran had mapped out his escape route. He knew where he was going—Damn him. Well, she was going to have to take a chance. She had Loopin senses. She prayed that they wouldn't fail her now. She took off running. file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (74 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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**** “You cannot escape me, Ethenia.” Kieran screamed. Kieran was pacing furiously. He felt as if there were a million burning needles poking and prodding at his brain. “Goddamn you.” Kieran stopped moving and took in the stillness of the forest. He had to gain control of his anger. He could not even scent the forest, what with his fury riding him. And if he could not scent the forest he would not be able to locate his wayward bitch. Kieran dropped to the ground. He huddled close to the dirt and pine and sniffed. It was there. It was faint but it was there—her scent. He would find her yet and when he did… He let the thoughts of the punishment he would exact from Ethenia fill his head and comfort him. Oh, it would be so sweet. **** Ethenia made it as far as the water before she collapsed. She could see no life-threatening wounds on her body and yet she felt as if she were losing blood and strength by the minute. The pain was so great. She could only assume that Kieran had put some spell on her, or had done something to sap her strength. It could be the only explanation for her pain and weariness. Ethenia ducked her head into the water and let the cool liquid bathe her flushed face. It was fleeting relief. “You've grown stronger.” Kieran's voice was gritty and menacing as he stepped from the wood to the water. Ethenia drew herself up. She would not give in without a fight. She had not come this far to die here alone, without her mate, by the water in the wood. “I will fight you, Kieran.” Ethenia was amazed to hear her say so. There was a time when nothing could have convinced her to stand up, or even speak out against Kieran. But Lothos's love and Sophie's friendship had given her strength of will and being. Kieran's threats were now beyond her. She saw deep into that dark heart of his and knew him for what he was. “Your fight will make my victory even sweeter.” Kieran advanced slowly. “I will not let you harm my friends.” Ethenia clenched her hands. Kieran sighed. “If you had just come when I first abducted you then I wouldn't have even considered harming your friends. But now that I know how much they mean to you … well it'll teach you a lesson.” “What will?” “Their deaths,” Kieran answered flatly. “If you even…” “What? If I even … what? I will do anything I wish. Do you know why?” Kieran laughed, “Because I can. You see, Ethenia … only the strong survive, and know this … I am strong.” “You're evil.” “Perhaps, but perhaps it is necessary. I offer no apologies. I am Pack Leader and my rule is file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (75 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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absolute. You test my strength and I will strike back.” Kieran smiled evilly. “And you, dear one, tested me.” A second later there were giant claws in place of Kieran's once human hands. “And this … this is me striking back.” “You may kill me but…” Kieran made a tsking sound. “Now, dear one, whatever gave you the idea that I wish to kill you? I am not going to kill you. Hurt you, yes, perhaps even maim you … but I won't kill you. I still have use for you.” His eyes gleamed. “And you will still be able to service me … even minus a limb here or there.” “You're completely mad.” Kieran threw back his head and laughed. “People are so quick to pass judgment. They condemned Napoleon, called him crazy, when all he wished to do was change the face of the world. He was a genius whose brilliance was touted as madness. I, too, am a genius, Ethenia. I will change the Pack structure as we know it. I will bring all Packs to heel under my rule. Soon there will be no need for anonymity, as I will make sure that we, the strong, rule the weak. Do you understand? Soon we will not need to fear humankind. We will enslave humans. They will become our servants.” Kieran's voice lowered and turned wickedly deep. “It is a disgrace that puny humans hold such importance in this world. They are food, Ethenia. Food. We should not have to share our lives, our wealth with our food source.” Ethenia shook her head in disbelief. “And me, Kieran.” “What?” “I am not human. I am Loopin, but you treated me as a slave.” Kieran waved his hand nonchalantly. “Oh, but you had no bearing in the Pack. You were not strong enough to defend yourself, or to rise in the ranks, thus you were but so much meat to be used and cast aside. You are lucky that I found you and that I took you in. A Loopin such are you are would have been killed by now. I made your survival possible. I taught you the ways of the wolf, the ways of the Pack.” “You taught me to fear, to hate, and to disregard my Loopin senses. You made me believe that I was worthless, that I was not a true Loopin, when all along you knew that was not the truth.” “Truth?” Kieran grinned, revealing fangs. “There is no truth, there is only leadership. I have done what is necessary to remain strong. I have led my Pack.” “You've destroyed your Pack. You murdered them.” Something flashed across Kieran's eyes, sorrow perhaps, or dawning realization. For a moment it seemed as if sanity had returned. Kieran's eyes cleared and he frowned. He cocked his head quizzically to one side. “What nonsense are you spouting?” Ethenia took a deep breath. “You told me that you killed off your Pack members, don't you remember?” Kieran shook his head. “I did what a leader would do.” Kieran growled suddenly. “No more talk. You waste our time with witless words. Your punishment must commence and then we must return to Marseilles. There is much work to be done.” “I am not returning with you, Kieran.” Ethenia felt energy thrumming through her body. She had file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (76 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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to remain in her wolf form. She had more physical strength as a wolf than as a woman. “You will!” Kieran screamed. Ethenia stood proudly before her ex-Pack Leader. She saw the shock ripple across Kieran's face. He had not thought her capable of it. He had not thought she could keep her beast form. It took a strong Loopin to keep the change. “Well, well, well, perhaps I will not have need of the Lupe after all. You have acquired some interesting new powers, Ethenia. Powers that I am eager to explore … once we are home.” Kieran shifted quickly, drawing his thick wolf lips back to reveal the long sharp teeth housed within. “There is no hope for you, Ethenia. You cannot beat me.” Ethenia clawed the ground. “Perhaps not … but I will fight.” Kieran sighed. “Then I will try not to kill you.” With those bland words, Kieran lunged. Ethenia growled and barely dodged a swipe of a claw in her direction. She rolled quickly away from Kieran's attack and threw herself backwards to escape his fangs and striking claws. She knew that this was a battle that she had little hope of winning. But she was Loopin, and Loopin did not give in and they did not cower. Ethenia dug her fangs into Kieran's leg and was intensely satisfied when she pulled out a chunk of flesh. Kieran howled and flung Ethenia away. “Bitch!” Ethenia narrowed her eyes. “Yes?” Kieran growled low in his throat and his eyes deepened in anger. “You are trying my patience.” “And you've worn through mine.” Lothos said—his voice booming through the night from behind them. Both Ethenia and Kieran turned and found Lothos and Venus standing not four feet away. Lothos bared his teeth at Kieran and launched himself onto him. Ethenia watched stupefied as the two Loopin began to fight. “Hey, hey…!” Ethenia shifted back to her human form and threw her hands up in disgust. “I had it under control. Are you listening to me?” She watched as Lothos pinned Kieran down and tried to take a chunk out of his neck. Kieran slashed Lothos's chest and jumped away after drawing blood. “Leave them alone … they're just having a bit of fun.” Venus laughed. Ethenia flinched. “Fun? You call this fun? They're attacking one another.” “Yeah, yeah … but your Pack Leader had this coming.” “Yes, from me.” Venus grinned. “You think you could have taken him?” “I was taking him.” Ethenia shot back. “Perhaps you had him for a moment, but how long would that moment have lasted? He would have killed you.” Venus shrugged. “He's stronger.” Ethenia growled deep in her throat. “I don't like this.” “Don't like it … just accept it.” Venus sat down to watch the display.

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**** Kieran growled when Lothos dragged him toward the water. He struggled but found he could not escape as his head was plunged beneath the water. He gurgled, twisted his body and slashed at Lothos. Kieran jerked away and shifted to human form. He came up out of the water, shaking it from him. “Enough of this play … I have better things to do.” Kieran uttered a couple of words, flung out his hands and sent Lothos flying through the air. He watched in satisfaction as Lothos hit a tree and fell limply down. “Stupid Loopin, did you think you could steal her from me?” Kieran growled. “Yes … I smell her on you. I know you have been with her. She's mine, MINE!” Lothos pulled himself up. “She is not yours, could never be yours … she is my amouratesh.” Kieran flinched and shook his head wildly. “NO! That isn't true. She cannot be anyone's amouratesh, she is not even a Lupe.” Lothos snarled. “She is. She is my Lupe.” Lothos began to circle Kieran's still form. Kieran used his magic to throw up a wall of fire around Lothos. He saw Venus and Ethenia making a move toward him and did the same to them. “Well, then, I will be getting more than I expected … it is an added bonus.” Kieran watched as Lothos tried to break free. “You are strong, Loopin, but not strong enough.” “Evildoer,” Lothos growled. “You use black magic.” Kieran laughed. “And what if I do? I am stronger for it.” Kieran flicked a finger in Lothos's direction and Lothos began to bleed from wounds that had magically appeared on his chest, legs and arms. “You see … I can kill you from where I stand.” Lothos growled. He craned his neck and saw Ethenia and Venus shying away from the flames. He had to protect, he had to save. Ignoring his bleeding wounds and pained body he forced himself to break through the wall of flames. His fur caught on fire and he could feel the burning heat as it crawled through his body. Rushing to the water he submerged his fire-stricken body and collapsed at the water's edge. Ethenia howled out her pain and fear to the dark, moonlit sky. She made a move toward the wall of fire that blocked her from Lothos's side and growled out when Venus held her still with her paw. “NO!” Venus screamed. “Let me go, let me go … I must go to him.” Ethenia struck out at Venus. Venus reared back, but kept her hold on Ethenia. “No, no you cannot. You'll kill yourself.” “Lothos is not dead. I must go to him.” “Ethenia, please … please…” Ethenia whirled around and shook herself free of Venus's grasp. “How can you make me stay here? He is my amouratesh—the other part of my heart … I must go to him.” Venus saw the look in Ethenia's eyes and knew that she would not be deterred. She could not keep bond mates apart from one another. “Go, then…” Ethenia curtly inclined her head. She took a deep breath and flung herself through the flames. file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (78 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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There was a brief whoosh of air before she felt intense heat burning her entire body, inside and out. She ignored the pain and hurled herself toward the water … toward her love. Kieran shook his head sadly and made his way toward the water. Ethenia and her Loopin lover lay still in the gently lapping water. His Ethenia's molten honey-colored hair was gone, burned away, and her soft golden skin was charred. “Bastard!” Venus screamed—tears coursing down her face. Genuine remorse flickered across Kieran's face. “My Ethenia … what a waste, what foolishness, what absolute foolishness,” He muttered. He turned his head to look back at Venus's pacing, ranting form. “I will deal with you later, Lupe. It seems that I will have a place for you in my Pack after all, red one.” Kieran reached Ethenia's side and gently ran a hand down her blackened face. Suddenly, Lothos lunged from the water—his teeth sank into Kieran's neck and held him down. Kieran howled and tried to twist away, but Lothos was too strong. He tried to shift back to wolf form—he was too vulnerable in human shape—but Lothos held his hands, his neck was still pinned in Lothos's mouth and blood loss was making him weak. “Nooooooo … it cannot be, you're…” Kieran's voice was low and slurred. “Dead?” Lothos dug his teeth in deeper. “No, I am not dead. I am Alpha and you … you, by order of my Pack have been judged, and now … sentenced.” Lothos tore out Kieran's throat and flung him away. Kieran gurgled and brought his hands to his gaping throat—blood was running in great waves down his body. He tried to say healing words but could only manage to utter a few. Some flesh began to re-knit but it was not enough to heal him completely. Kieran fell to the ground and, even wounded as greatly as he was, tried to claw his way towards Lothos. Lothos gathered Ethenia in his arms and made his way toward Venus. The wall of fire had diminished and Venus was free. “Oh Lothos … is she … is she…?” “No, she still breathes. She is not dead.” Lothos lowered his head over Ethenia and his tears gathered and fell. “Why … oh my love, why did you do it?” Ethenia stirred. She blinked once, twice and attempted a smile. “I can still hear you, Lothos my love. Why do you talk as if I am fading? And by the way … I did it because I love you—you big oaf.” Lothos chuckled through his tears. “You look like shit, darling.” That rallied her. She frowned. “Where did you learn your manners?” “You need to ask? You know I have none.” Ethenia grimaced in pain. “Lothos … Lothos I hurt so badly.” “I know darling … please, hold on.” Ethenia nodded. “Yes, I will not leave you.” Lothos tried to smile. “You'd better not. I would have to follow you.” Lothos sucked in a breath when Ethenia's eyes fluttered shut. He shook her gently. “No, no you must not go to sleep my love. Wake up, wake up darling.” file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (79 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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“LOTHOS WATCH OUT!” Venus screamed, and flung herself in front of Lothos and Ethenia. Kieran had managed to stand up and his hand was outstretched—covered in blood—he was still fighting. A great arc of fire flew towards the threesome and Kieran's bloodied and scarred face smiled. “NO!” The new voice rang through the clearing. Time seemed to stand still. Suddenly the fire was consumed by ice and the bolt of flame remained paralyzed midair. Sophie stood off to the side. Her face was twisted in concentration as she controlled the ice that ate the fire. “NO! You will not win. You cannot have them.” Sophie forced her power forward and the now large blade of ice moved towards Kieran's wavering form. With a huge force of will she propelled the blade and watched as it slammed through Kieran's middle, throwing him several feet away. Kieran looked down slowly. His body was pinned against a tree by the ice-cold blade. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. Sophie sank to the ground, exhausted. She looked up when the wind picked up and the ground shook. “What took you so damn long? Thanks for the help.” Sophie said sarcastically. The Dark Twins landed gracefully. Michaela's face fell into a smile. Matthew remained somber. “It seems as if you have it all well in hand, Sophie.” Michaela studied Kieran's still wriggling form. “However … is disposal necessary?” Sophie nodded. “Yes, please.” Michaela walked over to Kieran and tsked. “You've been a naughty, naughty Loopin, haven't you?” Kieran tried to speak—but couldn't. “Matthew.” Michaela called to her brother and he was at her side instantly. Michaela and Matthew linked hands and suddenly the wind picked up, blew and formed a tornado that unpinned Kieran from the tree, holding him within its swirling depths. Kieran lay helpless within the tornado. He had regained his voice and his screams were thin, high, and terrible to hear. As blood poured forth from the wound in his stomach his face paled and eyes grew more and more flat—and yet, he still he fought. His arms flailed and he kicked his feet, desperate to free himself from the whirling wind. It was impossible. The tornado was fierce and the power that the Dark Twins commanded was stronger than Kieran. The tornado began to move. It twisted, turned, and rose. It tossed Kieran within its depths and flew away. Kieran's screams continued, slowly fading, until the tornado was lost behind the distant clouds. “Please tell me you can track his progress.” Sophie said quietly. Michaela laughed. “Of course, do not worry. He will not drop into some unsuspecting mortal's backyard.” Her eyes darkened. “We always know where they land. And we always clean up.” Sophie nodded. “Good. Now, come, I must help Ethenia and Lothos.” Sophie accepted Michaela's hand and hoisted herself up. When she had reached Lothos, Ethenia and Venus she dropped down. She reached for Ethenia and Lothos jerked her away. “Lothos, please … let me file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (80 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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see her. Let me help.” Lothos swallowed and nodded, fear flickering in his eyes. “She's alive. We must get her back to my house. I have a spell—a healing spell. It will help. I know it will.” Sophie brushed Ethenia's face with her hand and felt tears trickle down her own cheeks. She was majii witch. She could do this.

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Chapter Thirteen Ethenia felt a calm stillness invade her body. She felt as if she were trudging through thick, warm molasses and it felt wonderful. She was blanketed by light and all was well. She slowly opened her eyes and blinked. Was she still amongst the living? “My love.” Lothos nuzzled Ethenia's neck. Ethenia smiled as she found herself face to face with Lothos. He was pressed against the front of her body, and he was naked. “My Lothos.” Ethenia was aware of another body pressed against her back. “Venus?” She asked questioningly. She could smell her. Lothos nodded. “You needed the warmth of the Loopin. We heal faster, quicker, when we share the warmth of our bodies with one another.” “Am I … do I…?” Ethenia's voice faltered. Understanding glowed in his eyes. “You are peeling, but the worst of the burns are gone—healed by Sophie's spell.” Lothos smiled crookedly. “It looks like bad sunburn darling.” Ethenia let out a giant sigh of relief. “I know what you must be thinking—how can she be so vain. But I…” Lothos shushed her with his finger. “I am thinking no such thing. You are and always will be the love of my life. I wish only for your happiness.” Lothos leaned in and placed a chaste kiss on her lips. Ethenia would have none of that. She grabbed the sides of Lothos's head and brought him back for an all-consuming kiss. Her tongue swept across his lips and he opened them willingly, eagerly for her. She ran her tongue across his teeth, swept into the wet recesses of his mouth and dueled with his tongue. Ethenia lifted her leg and flung it across Lothos's side. She inched closer still. “Ethenia … Ethenia my darling … it is not wise to…” He broke off with a gasp when Ethenia's warm hand closed around his cock. He went hard instantly. “Oh God…” “I think it is very wise.” Ethenia murmured against his neck. She lapped at his salty skin and nibbled gently. He tasted wonderful. She wanted more. Ethenia tightened her grip on him and began to move her hand in sure, steady strokes. She loved how he felt, hard as steel, with ridges and grooves to delight her hand. “Ethenia…” Lothos moaned and wrapped his hands deep within Ethenia's thick hair. Sophie's spell had done the trick and Ethenia's golden locks were as full and luscious as ever. “You are still weak…” Ethenia's laugh was throaty and knowing. “I am weak?” Ethenia rubbed harder and caressed his full head of his cock. She grinned when Lothos groaned and threw back his head. “Let us be weak together, my love.” Ethenia gave him one last smoldering look before crawling down his body and replacing her hand with her wet mouth. “Oh lord…” file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (82 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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Ethenia chuckled. “Shouldn't you be calling my name?” Ethenia took him shallowly within her mouth. She knew what her slow torment was doing to him. She felt Lothos's hands pressing into her scalp and she acquiesced—taking him deeper within her welcoming mouth. When she felt him hit the back of her throat she accepted him fully. Relaxing her muscles and caressing his balls lightly with her gentle hands—she began to suck. Lothos bridged the plane between heaven and hell. His Ethenia's warm, wet mouth was wreaking slow havoc on his brain—amongst other things. His chest was tight and his heart was beating erratically, frantically. When Ethenia began to hum slowly against his hard flesh he could no longer contain the cry that erupted from his throat. The vibrations were a glorious torment. A true melding of pleasure and pained discomfort all wrapped within one intense package. “More…” He ground out. He clenched his fists so not to pull against her hair. Ethenia gave more. The pressure increased and Lothos could feel the building of his climax. His balls felt heavy and tight and his breath became labored. He could barely breathe, but wouldn't stop now if his life depended on it. “You're so close my love…” Ethenia gently squeezed his balls and gave a couple of quick licks. She pulled away. “NO! For the love of all that is holy…” Lothos pulled her against him and thrust his hips forward. Ethenia's smile was luminescent. She licked her lips—wetting them, and took him to the hilt. The suction was intense, the pleasure unbearable. Lothos's head and heart were splintering. Everything had shut down—everything that is except need, want and pleasure. He was climbing … almost there. Need could no longer be contained. It burst from him and with a shout, he spilled forth. White lights danced in front of his eyes. And he slowed his labored breaths. Lothos looked down. His Ethenia was staring up at him. Her eyes were glowing—brilliant like so many stars in the sky. Her mouth was wet and she slowly, deliberately ran her tongue across her lips, cleaning them. He sucked in a breath and went hard—again. She ran her hand against the throbbing length of him. “I love your stamina…” He laughed, it was a strained laugh. “Just my stamina?” She grinned. “Oh … I can think of other things that I love just as well.” His eyes darkened. “Show me.” “Say the magic words.” Lothos took a deep breath. It seemed as if the tables had been turned. His Ethenia was not playing the submissive. His face broke into a smile. He loved it. He hoped that she had unsheathed her claws … he would love to feel them as well as her sharp bite. “Well?” Ethenia's voice was light but thick with meaning. “Are you prepared to wait the night out? Or will you submit, my handsome wolf?” Ethenia lifted both of her legs and quickly vaulted to the other side of his body. She now lay spooning his back. Her breasts cushioned him; two soft pillows with pointed peaks. They ached for his touch, his caress, but she was determined to make file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (83 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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herself wait. Her pleasure would be his. She would revel in each of her ministrations and what they did to him. Lothos growled deep in his throat. He reached back for her but she eluded him. “Yes … please…” his words were strained. Ethenia chuckled. She licked a long strait path down his sensitive spine and dug her hands into the tight, corded flesh of his backside. “Yes, please, what?” “I…” Ethenia moved up until her mouth made contact with his neck. She bit gently. “I … yes, what do you wish to say?” Lothos felt spikes of need driving through his body. He had to have her. He had to be sheathed within her body. “You're killing me,” he ground out. Her laugh was musical. “Cannot your great Loopin reserve withstand my test?” “Test? This is torture.” “Oh darling,” Ethenia reached around Lothos to grasp his straining cock. “If you want release … you need only ask.” Lothos knew that his love could not see his answering smile. He growled mockingly. “You think I won't win this battle?” She squeezed tighter. “This particular battle … no I don't think you can win, my darling. You see … I have better…” she lowered her voice, “equipment.” That was it! Lothos pulled free and easily turned within her embrace. Suddenly his legs were locked around Ethenia's and his arms were holding her prisoner. He smiled. “You question my equipment?” Lothos pulled her arms around her back and held them tightly within his grasp. “Never question a Loopin's…equipment.” She bit her lip and her eyes danced merrily. “Oh? Did I go too far?” He bent down and nipped her neck. “Not nearly far enough,” he replied. Ethenia squirmed closer and inched her leg higher—bringing her closer to Lothos's throbbing flesh. “I still have the upper hand here.” Lothos's brow raised, “Oh?” “Yes. You haven't said the magic words yet. And I don't plan on giving in to you without them.” “And what would those magic words be, my love?” Her look was coy. “If you don't know, I certainly am not going to tell you.” Lothos gritted his teeth. “Ethenia … please…” “Well … that is one of them.” Now Lothos was intrigued. “Please?” “Hasn't 'please' always been a magic word?” “Indeed.” Lothos let go of Ethenia's wrists and bent his head to kiss her. She turned her head and his mouth made contact with her cheek. He was beyond frustrated. “My love…” “I said it was one of the magic words, Lothos. You cannot have me without the rest.” Lothos cupped Ethenia's breasts and tweaked the pebbled nipples. He twisted them gently and smiled when she groaned. He continued his ministrations with one hand, the other dipped down file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (84 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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her front, seeking her dripping pussy. He inserted two thick fingers within her slick folds and began to twist them back and forth. “You were saying?” Ethenia choked back a gasp. “You can … you can … do what you will … but you will not have the entirety of me without the magic words.” Lothos straddled her. He took in her flushed face and her gleaming eyes and knew that she was lost in her pleasure and aching beyond belief—for he was exactly in the same condition. “What would you have me say?” Lothos was hard as stone and tormented beyond belief. Ethenia's soft pants filled the air and her eyes were glassy and wide with need. She pierced Lothos's soul with the look she gave him. She let every need, every desire fill her eyes and let him see what she wanted—no, needed from him. Lothos smiled a slow, predatory smile. He knew. Leaning down he pressed a soft kiss to her mouth and traced her lips with his tongue. He ground his hips against her and whispered softly into her ear. “Please—my dearest … make love to me. I need you. I will perish without the feel of your soft flesh against mine, your heart beating in time to mine. You have all of me—I am your servant.” Lothos lapped Ethenia's sweet skin, and heard her answering soft sigh. “Yes … those were the magic words.” Ethenia's eyes glittered with an outpouring of emotion. She laughed a joyous laugh. “Now … how could you not have figured it out sooner?” Lothos shrugged and rolled his eyes. “You know I am a dense wolf.” She wriggled against him enticingly. “Well … I love this dense wolf. Now, are you going to love me?” His lips curved upwards. He gripped her upper arms and with one sure thrust imbedded himself completely within her aching body. He held himself still. It was torture—he had survived torture before. Ethenia squirmed and arched her hips—begging without words for him to fuck her. She reached for him. “Lothos … Lothos please…” His laugh was hoarse. “Are you now begging for something, my love?” Ethenia tossed her head and groaned. She could feel him pulsing and throbbing within her hot core. His cock was so hard. “Say it—say it darling.” Lothos gritted his teeth. Ethenia swallowed and smiled right before she burst out laughing. “Yes, all right then, you win. I need you. I love you. I am your slave.” Ethenia gasped and giggled when Lothos growled and nipped her neck. “Satisfied?” Lothos grabbed her hips and thrust deeply. They moaned in unison. “Not nearly,” he answered. Ethenia wrapped her legs around his waist and hitched herself higher. She could feel him swelling within her. She bit her lip to keep from crying out and dug her hands into his muscular back. “Oh yes, yes my wild Lupe. Let me feel your claws.” Lothos quickened his pace, and with each thrust he demanded more. He could feel her pussy so wet and tight against his cock. Her liquid heat was delicious. She was all tremors and pulses now. Her pussy was clenching his cock like a satin vise and each pulse sent shivers up and down his body. file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (85 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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Lothos wrapped one strong arm around Ethenia and dragged her up against his body and into a sitting position. He groaned when her legs locked tight around him and she bit him soundly on the shoulder. Her teeth dug deep and her fingers scored his back. He rocked them back and forth. The sensation was wonderful but not enough—not by far. Lothos took them to the floor. “On your hands and knees,” his order was both sharp and playful. Ethenia obeyed eagerly. She moaned and bit her lip when she felt Lothos's cock hard and deep within her body. His hands kneaded her breasts and his hips pounded mercilessly against her. She could hear the slap of their bodies as they came together. Her pussy was contracting and her breathing was becoming labored and shallow. She was desperate for her release—she had waited too long. “Yes…” Lothos hissed. He pressed deeper still. “Oh, Lothos … I need…” “Yes … come for me, angel…” Lothos twisted her nipple and bit the back of her neck sharply. Ethenia gasped and climbed another notch. She could feel sweat, sweet and salty dripping down her face and she bit her lower lip so hard she drew blood. She pushed back hard against him and dug her hands into the carpet. “More … fuck me more…” Lothos chuckled and increased his pace. His cock was unbelievably hard and his balls were full and nigh to bursting. He was close—so close. But he would bring them to release together—as it should be. Ethenia began to pant and groan. Her body shook and her pussy clenched tightly. She threw back her head—tossing her hair and slammed her hips against his. “I'm … c-c-coming,” she screamed. She felt her body begin to quake and shimmy and then it was upon her. He grabbed her hips, drew his head back and let out a roar of release. His seed filled her— dripping down her thighs and cooling against her flushed and heated skin. He collapsed heavily against her back. “That was totally hot.” Venus's voice was husky from the bed. Ethenia smiled against the carpet. Her head and body felt too heavy even to lift. “Glad you enjoyed yourself.” Venus slid down to the floor. Her naked body was bright with perspiration. Her eyes twinkled brightly. “I know what I would enjoy even more…” her words were filled with innuendo. Lothos nuzzled Ethenia's neck and clucked his tongue. “Venus—Ethenia and I are not going…” “Are not going to think on that until we are better rested,” Ethenia finished for him. Lothos lifted his head. His eyes were filled with question. Ethenia's eyes were filled with mischief and latent desire and fantasy. She nodded and licked her lips. She loved him. She trusted him. She wanted this. They had agreed to love and cleave to one another for the rest of their days. Could they not include others in their cleaving? Lothos laughed and hugged her close. She was perfect—his amouratesh. Goddess bless him, his heart's desire had been realized.

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Chapter Fourteen Sophie sniffled. She wrapped her arms tightly around Ethenia and buried her head in the other woman's shoulder. “Please … no crying, Soph. You cry, I cry. And believe me—it won't be a pretty sight.” Ethenia swallowed back her tears. Sophie let go reluctantly and nodded. “Of course—I'm so silly, I know. But I'm going to miss you two.” Lothos wrapped Sophie in a giant hug and lifted her off of the ground. He spun her around and set her down when she screamed she was going to hurl. “We're going back to New York State, Soph … not to the moon. Plus we'll see you soon. Once we've settled we'll come back to visit.” “Good, good. And you promise you'll write.” “And phone,” Lothos said laughingly. “Don't worry about us. With my Lupe at my side, all is possible. It will take a bit to recruit a Pack and find a suitable dwelling. And I have no prior experience with being an Alpha Loopin. But I know now that I am and I know my instincts will not fail me.” Lothos pulled Ethenia close. “And who would not wish to join a Pack where this golden angel is queen?” Ethenia blushed. Sophie laughed and nodded. “Good. Perhaps when you're settled I'll come and visit you.” “Please do.” Ethenia said. Ethenia's eyes looked past Sophie and she inclined her head—her expression was suddenly somber. Sophie turned. “Michaela, Matthew, leaving so soon?” Michaela nodded curtly. “Matthew and I journey to Paris this night.” Her voice and words were flat. “Matthew has word of a doctor who claims a cure for vampirism.” Michaela's expression said it all—she did not believe such a cure possible. But before Sophie could ask the predictable question—why—Michaela answered softly. “Where my brother goes, so do I.” Sophie smiled tenderly at Matthew; Matthew, ever the silent emotional one—even now his face was stricken with pain. He wished for an end—one way or another—and would do anything to have it. And Michaela would never let her brother venture alone. For both their sakes she hoped they found what they needed to soothe their tormented souls. “Safe journey,” Sophie said. Michaela floated past Sophie without a word and once she reached the door she disappeared. Matthew stopped in front of Sophie and pressed a kiss to her surprised cheek. Matthew's blue eyes were turbulent. “Thank you. Your friendship has meant,” he swallowed and tried again. “If I do not—cannot find a cure…” His words broke off and he shook his head. He nodded sharply at Ethenia and Lothos and disappeared in a swirl of wind. Ethenia let out the breath she had been holding in. “Well … that was quite something.” Sophie smiled sadly. “Well … it seems as if you're the last holdouts.” Lothos nodded. Xethre the annoying dead man had left soon after the battle with Kieran. He file:///D|/STORAGE/Brighteyes%20FTP/UPLOADS/EBooks/Mara%20Lee/Bitter%20Change.htm (87 of 89) [11/11/2007 6:27:05 PM]

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claimed something important had come up. He had looked troubled and slightly frazzled. What could be so important as to trouble the laid-back dead man? Lothos shook his head to clear it. Why the hell was he thinking of the corpse? It wasn't as if he would be seeing him again. Now Venus on the other hand—Venus had left earlier with a promise to visit both Lothos and Ethenia when they had acquired a dwelling. He swallowed. He was greatly anticipating her visit. His smile was anticipatory. Ethenia laughed. She knew what he was thinking about—she couldn't wait either. “Goodbye Sophie.” Ethenia blew her a kiss. “Goodbye, you two.” “And keep the hexes to a minimum,” Lothos called out, as he and Ethenia crossed the front yard. Sophie's answer was a snort and a mirthful laugh. Sophie watched as the two mated Loopin disappeared down the winding road—their heads bent close, their hands entwined. She smiled happily—secretively. A mate for each man that does not deny his beast —she frowned—pushed back an errant lock and sighed—now what about majii? The End About the Author: Ever since I could pick up a pen, I have been writing. I became fascinated with fantasy at the age of eight, when my mother bought me a copy of ‘The Hobbit’. Not too long after that I became addicted to anything and everything about vampires. The duality of nature fascinated me. But it was an event four years later that would shape my future career as an author of erotic romance. At the age of twelve I discovered my grandmother’s stash of romance novels, hidden of course, in her closet. I devoured them. My grandmother kicked me out of the closet. But alas, the damage had been done… I was a hopeless junkie—a romance junkie. To this day I keep my love of fantasy, vampires and romance. What’s more, I have learned (through much practice) to meld the genres to create, for myself, the perfect environment to pen my erotic romance novels. I live, quite simply, for love, lust and the complex nature of the human heart. And I write to share my love, lusts and complex nature with others.

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Meet LSB authors at http://lsbooks.net We invite you to visit Liquid Silver Books http://lsbooks.com for other exciting literary erotica romances. Weekend Games—Chris Tanglen Destiny's Magick—Rae Morgan Love Lessons—Vanessa Hart Portal—Sydney Morgann Bittersweet—Louisa Trent Business or Pleasure…or Both?—Rae Morgan and Jasmine Haynes And many, many more!!

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