Origins

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Origins ISBN # 978-0-85715-703-4 ©Copyright Jambrea Jo Jones 2011 Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright September 2011 Edited by Claire Siemaszkiewicz Total-E-Bound Publishing This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-E-Bound Publishing. Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution. The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork. Published in 2011 by Total-E-Bound Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL, United Kingdom.

Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Total-e-sizzling and a sexometer of 2.

Seeds of Dawn

ORIGINS Jambrea Jo Jones

Dedication Joy! Look! I gave you your man. It’s about time, huh?

Trademarks Acknowledgement The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction: Starbucks: Starbucks Corporation Jacuzzi: Jacuzzi Group Plc.

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Prologue

Africa—1600s “Dji. This is our last night before we have to be responsible for everyone. I want to go for a walk. What could happen?” Zareb shrugged. “I am not sure this is for the best, Zareb. We should sleep. Prepare for the ritual. I want to be fresh and alert.” Djimon looked around at the sleeping villagers, his face peaceful in the moonlight. “We will be I promise. I want to show you something, that is all. Let us go. Please.” Zareb all but begged. “As you wish, Zareb. Lead the way.” Djimon waved his hand for Zareb to start walking. Zareb took his friend down the path he had found a fortnight ago where he’d found something buried just beneath the ground that sparkled and called to him. He’d been called away before he could explore it and Zareb wanted to see what it was and share it with his friend. The two of them would have to turn away from childish adventures soon and stand as protectors, but one more night exploring the jungle would not hurt anyone. “Here it is. Remember when I told you I tripped over something? But we were too busy to come back to the spot? You have to see this. I bet it will shine in the moonlight. There. Can you see it? Can you hear it? It sings to me.” Zareb pointed to the ground. It did not appear as if anyone had been to the spot as the ground looked undisturbed. “What is it?” “I’m not sure. Help me.” The two knelt in the dirt and dug. It didn’t take long for the object to pull free. It did shine. Even through the dirt, something called to Zareb, told him to unfasten the lid. It had to be something special. He had never seen something so brilliant. “We should take this to the elders. They will know what to do with it.” “But it is mine, Dji.” “Yours? No, this is something magical. Can you not feel the pull, my brother? This is not something to trifle with.”

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“I said it is mine, Dji. You will turn it over to me at once.” Zareb did not care how childish he sounded. The object called to him. He must have it. “Let us see what the elders say. They will commune with the Ancients. Then we will know what we must do. Do you not listen to your lessons? Evil is everywhere. Why do you think they choose guardians? It is the right thing to do. We both know it.” He did know the right thing to do, but in this moment his heart and head were pulled in different directions. “Yes, my brother. May I carry it?” “I think the temptation is too much for you right now, Zareb. I will keep charge of it. If the elders say it is pure, I will turn it over to you.” There was nothing for it. Zareb followed Dji’s lead back to their home.

**** Africa—Present Day

Zareb shook himself from the past. He didn’t want to think of what had happened next. He had to keep Joy safe. He might have failed to protect his friend from the evils of the universe and the Vessel they’d found, but he would not fail his mate. His heart. His very soul. The plane that would bring him home to the place where it had all begun shook and rattled before crashing into the jungle.

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Chapter One

What had Joy Rockwell been thinking? Oh, that’s right. She hadn’t. The only thought racing through her pea-sized brain was hot man. Mine. Gimme. See where that had got her. Stranded on the way to Africa with a deadly Vessel, a sick God—okay Djimon wasn’t really a God, but he was powerful enough to be one—oh, and a stuck-up bitch who only had eyes for Djimon. Fat lot of help they were. Then of course there was Zareb. He was simply beautiful. And hers. Her body tingled just thinking about her mate. “Anything?” Ive whined. Okay, it wasn’t a whine, but it grated on Joy’s nerves. She took a deep breath. It was a good thing she wasn’t a violent person, or she would bitch-slap Ive so hard she’d see stars. Damn it. The urges were getting worse. The need to hurt coursed through her veins. “What? You expected a resort around the corner? We’re in the middle of the jungle. No Starbucks in sight. Sorry.” Joy shrugged and continued to chop at the vegetation with her machete. They had no idea where they were. This day officially sucked. “There is no need to—” Ive paused. “To what? Tell you to shut the fuck up? Yeah…why don’t you work on that? Or maybe you’d like to help.” Joy turned and scowled at Ive. “Why are you being so hostile?” “This too rough for you, princess? Then go home. Oh, wait—you can’t. The flippin’ pilot is dead. The plane is in pieces and…wait for it—we’re lost.” “Joy.” A warm hand settled on her shoulder. Calm rushed through her. She closed her eyes. “Sorry, Ive,” she mumbled. “Do you have the Vessel?” Zareb asked as he rubbed her shoulders. Joy’s head dropped forward, tension drained. “Yes, in my pack.” “Let me have it.” Zareb’s released her and he held out his hands for the vase. Joy pulled her backpack off, took the Vessel out and handed it over.

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“I think it needs its wards re-established.” Zareb just stared at her and waited. “I’m just hot and tired. Okay, and maybe a little pissed off.” Joy swung around and pointed the machete at Zareb. “Put the knife down and help me, my siel—my soul.” Zareb’s voice was smooth as butter. Joy stood there and stared, letting his tranquil presence wash over her. She glanced over to see Ive helping Djimon sit on the ground. The man was still weak from having the evil soul of Dmitri trapped in his body, taking over Djimon’s human form and wasn’t handling his return to the land of the living as well as had been hoped. They all had the handy dandy Vessel to thank for that clusterfuck. The thing had nasty souls trapped in it and they were waiting to get out and attach themselves to anybody they could find. It was sad that so long ago one of the souls had possessed Djimon causing such trouble for the Masters pack that Zareb was a part of. What the hell was up with that? She shouldn’t be too surprised because magic worked in weird ways. She’d grown up with it, but her life had taken a turn that she had never expected it to. Now she had a brother, Max, one she didn’t know very well, and a mate. Yep. Shifters were real and her hot man happened to turn fury. God, her life had been totally fucked. At least she didn’t have to worry about Valerie. Right now her sister was probably in the arms of her mate, who just happened to be Joy’s brother. It kind of helped that Valerie and Joy weren’t blood related—talk about a mind fuck. Max didn’t know about her either until their mutual sperm donor had come to her in a vision just before he died. She’d later found out their dear old dad had appeared to Max too, warning him to the danger heading to the Masters pack. At least that was one thing the old man got right. Still, things had changed so much in such a short time. “Joy?” Right, she had things to do. The anger eased a bit when she saw Zareb on the ground, looking at her with hope in his eyes. Joy set the machete down and made sure her pack was closed in case it managed to fall over, she didn’t want to have to pick her crap up off the ground. She settled across from

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Zareb and he held out his arms so they could form a two person circle around the Vessel and begin to chant. Everything faded away until it was just her and Zareb. His voice flowed over her, but she didn’t understand everything he said. She didn’t speak Afrikaans, after all. She needed to rectify that because Zareb did all of his spells, in his native tongue. Focus, damn it. Joy berated herself. They needed to contain the evil from the Vessel. It was seeping out and the anger she had coursing through her was not her own. She knew that. As Joy let Zareb take the lead, she just let her power flow to him. “Dankie dat jy.” Joy knew that one. “No need to thank me. It needed to be done. I’m already irritable because of the situation and the Vessel is taking advantage of that. I know that in my head, but my spirit is allowing itself to be twisted.” That corrupt piece of pottery was truly evil, in a way an inanimate object had no right to be. It held the souls of demented individuals and it was one of them that had possessed Djimon. It was the reason they were on this journey—to destroy it so it couldn’t harm anyone else. The only issue was that it emanated evil and grabbed your very soul, pushing you to do things you’d normally never do, like chop off someone’s head. It was tempting, but not something she’d ever really do unless under the influence of the oldest known evil in the history of the shifters. “I will take it for a while. The magical shield should help keep it contained. And we are not lost. Hand me your pack.” Zareb rummaged through his own pack and pulled a few things out before putting the Vessel inside. Joy watched Zareb’s strong hands as he moved things between the two bags. Then he paused and sat up straighter. Something wasn’t right. Joy closed her eyes and listened. Still she heard nothing. Her ears wouldn’t do the trick; she’d have to use magic to enhance her senses. Find the disturbance. She sent her spirit from her body and it journeyed in a circle around the general area. Shit, there it was. Her spirit slammed back into her body and she fell flat. Zareb hovered over her.

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“People—” she managed to croak out. “Coming. Not good.” Zareb left her and scrambled to hide the Vessel. No way could they let some unknown person stumble over it. And the aura surrounding the group was—bad. Whoever they were, they had blow-darts and she had no way of knowing if they were poisonous or not. Joy gave herself a second before standing. They would have to run. Things went from bad to worse. They didn’t have much time. Zareb pulled some things from Joy’s pack before tossing it to Ive and Djimon. “Take the Vessel.” Zareb’s voice echoed around the jungle. Joy cleared her mind—if these individuals had magic, there was no way she would be the one to give them away. Djimon looked confused. That was good. The less he knew the better. They couldn’t have Dmitri’s soul resurfacing to take over Djimon’s body. Ive took Djimon’s hand and huddled closer. Time seemed be going in slow motion. Zareb crumbled before her with a dart sticking out of his neck. She couldn’t reach him fast enough—it took her a second to realise she had been hit too. Her legs wouldn’t move and her knees buckled. Joy held out a hand, but she couldn’t make it. With her last ounce of energy she reached for the wolf pendant around her throat. The one Bella, from her sister’s new pack, had given her. Joy used her magic and that of the necklace to send the images to Bella. Bella was a seer—hopefully she’d get the message and send help. This wasn’t going well at all. Ive was screaming, but Joy couldn’t make out the words. A tall man had Ive over his shoulder and Djimon was yelling now too. Joy couldn’t understand—it could be the language or the darts were drugged, maybe both, she was confused. She blinked and they were gone. Had she passed out? One second they were there in the clearing, then they were gone. No Ive, no Djimon and no bags. Wait—that wasn’t right. There was one and she was on top of it. When Joy fell she must have collapsed on top of her satchel. Her movements were still slow, but she was alive—something she hadn’t been sure would be the case. She couldn’t say the same for Ive and Djimon, or even Zareb for that matter. Joy still clutched the wolf necklace. She let it go and hoped Bella got the message. She smacked her lips together—they were so dry. Whatever she was drugged with had given her cotton mouth.

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Her neck ached where she’d finally managed to pull the dart out of her skin. She crawled over to Zareb, but he didn’t move. “Are they gone?” he whispered. Zareb’s lips hadn’t moved. But Joy understood him. “Yes. As far as I can tell. They took Ive and Djimon. We need to track them.” “No.” “What do you mean no? We can’t leave them at the mercy of those—people.” Joy stood up and put her hands on her hips. Dizziness washed over her, but she held her position. “We have no choice. At least not right now. We have to get rid of the Vessel. That is our primary goal. Nothing else matters right now. You know our lives are forfeit if the evil isn’t destroyed. It’s why we’re out here, to save the world from the Vessel. Djimon would understand that, as would Ive. She is a warrior.” “Yeah, well I don’t understand. We are stronger as a group. We find them then worry about that—that thing!” She was getting hysterical. Everything was wrong. “Joy…please, listen to me.” Zareb sat up. “If this”—Zareb dragged the bag from its hiding place—“falls into the wrong hands, we will have more to worry about than just our deaths. Do you understand? We are talking about the world changing. No one will be safe.” “Yeah, dramatic much?” Joy glared. She’d calmed down a little after his talk of world destruction, her hysterics sounding over the top to even her. They had to have a plan to get the rest of their group back. That was the most important thing—human life. “You saw what it was capable of. You know we need to fix this.” Now Zareb stood and towered over her. “If you wouldn’t have gone all ‘curious cat’ in the first place this wouldn’t be a problem.” Joy invaded his space. The heat rolled off him. Even when she was upset with him the man was a sexy stud and she wanted sex him up. Not the time or the place. Joy watch Zareb’s shoulders slump. God, she was such a bitch. What was wrong with her? “I’m sorry, Zareb.” She stepped back. “No need. You are correct. If Djimon and I had left the Vessel hidden, none of this would have happened.” Zareb looked down at her. “But did you ever stop to think that this

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is the path we were meant to take? That we should be here, and now? If the past had not occurred I may have never found—” Zareb stopped mid sentence. Yep. It was official. She was a stone cold bitch. “So what do we do now?” Joy huffed out a breath. “We destroy the Vessel where Djimon and I found it over a century a go.” “Let’s do this.

**** Zareb was at a loss for the first time in his existence. Every pore in his being wanted to mark his mate. To make her his. But it was not the time, nor the place. They couldn’t afford for her first shift to be out in the jungle. It was too dangerous for Joy and for him when they both knew the mating serum released with each bite would cause her to turn into a shifter. He would have to let his guard down. Zareb knew the dangers of the jungle, but he had no idea what Dmitri had set up before they had got rid of his spirit. There could be traps and Zareb had to be on top of his game. Through the centuries he had given up the thought of ever having a mate. Zareb figured he would be following his old friend over the globe trying to stop him from taking over. At least now he knew that Djimon wasn’t behind the evil that had taken place. He adjusted the pack on his shoulder. The need to destroy the Vessel was strong, but he ignored it for now, they needed to get it back to the place he found it to ensure it couldn’t surface again. He had too much else going on to hear any singing coming from the Vessel this time. It wouldn’t sway him as it had in the past; Zareb was stronger now. So many of their kind were dead. And, when all was said and done, it was his fault. He was the one who had talked Dji into going on the walk to find the Vessel before they were transformed into protectors for their tribe. It was his idea to dig up the shiny object and take it back to the tribe. The Ancients only knew why he was the one who kept his soul. Why he was the one who had to take charge and be the champion of good. It weighed heavily on his mind. “Zareb?” He must have zoned out. Joy stood looking at him, resting with her pack on her back. By the Ancients, she was beautiful. Her sparkling green eyes were so full of curiosity, her

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long black hair pulled back in a band to combat the oppressive heat that surrounded them. Her skin was so light and creamy, like his favourite chocolate and he wanted to lick her. “Sorry. Yes. We need to go that way.” Zareb pointed to his left. There was a path, but it was covered with vines. “Wait. Before we go, I want to leave this necklace Bella gave me. If she got the message I projected, the pack could be sending someone.” “Why would that matter? There is no guarantee they would send magic users. If they send a group of shifters they would not know what to do with the amulet.” “So I’ll put an incantation on it. That way whoever picks it up can see what happened.” “That is all well and good, my siel, but what if one of the others in this jungle picks it up. They will know to look for us. Your scent and signature would be all over that pendant.” Zareb wanted to reason with her, but they were wasting time. “It’s a chance I’m going to take. If your pack gets here I want them to go after Ive and Djimon. Not us, because they will need more help. Once those men realise that Dmitri is gone there is no telling what they will do and I don’t want Ive and Djimon’s deaths on my conscience.” “Do what you must, Joy, but hurry. Dark will be here soon and we have much ground to cover.” Zareb glared at the path, anxious to get this mission over with. He would never fully be at peace. The whole situation was his fault. He could never forget the way to where the Vessel lay. It was mapped in his head. He did not like to think about it, but he made himself—day in and day out. He would never forget the carnage.

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Chapter Two

“Fuck!” Joy screamed. Zareb stopped and turned. He’d got too far ahead. In his haste to get this finished, he had allowed her to fall behind. “What happened?” Joy was on the ground, clutching her ankle. “There was a vine and I wasn’t paying attention; I tripped over the stupid thing. I’m sorry, Zareb, I think I twisted it.” “Can you stand?” Zareb held out a hand to help her up. The warmth from her fingers surged through his body. His cock stood at attention. His body didn’t get the memo that now was not the time. His cat clawed at him—wanting release, wanting his mate. The panther inside him wanted out to play and it had been too long since his last shift. He tended to do it away from the others in their pack, being the only cat among wolves. Joy started to crumple back to the ground. Zareb pulled her body to his, pressed tight breast to chest with his hands grasping her ass. There was no way she could miss his erection. She jerked back and fell down again. Zareb closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath. He was in control of his body and was not an animal; he could keep his mating instincts at bay for the time being. “Maybe we should stop for the night,” Joy suggested from her spot on the ground. “That might be for the best. The sun is going down and I do not think we should walk the jungle at night. If you were a shifter I would suggest changing and continuing on.” “Listen here, cat man, I can do things you can’t even imagine. If you want to continue, we will.” Zareb allowed himself to smile. Joy was so refreshing. Not like women he knew—not that he was acquainted with many. Zareb kept to himself for the most part—it was his job to protect, not interact.

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“We will rest for now. If you want to go crazy, we can leave again in a couple of hours. I think I have a first aid kit in one of these bags. We need to at least wrap that ankle.” Zareb took Joy’s bag and moved away from her. He wanted the Vessel out of sight. There was a bush off to the side and he shoved his satchel under it. It should be safe for the night; he could put a ward up if he needed to. Being a source of pure evil, it could draw unwanted attention. Masking it so it didn’t sing to others would be the best route to take— he’d talk to Joy about it in the morning when they were both rested. Joy didn’t stand back up. There was a log not too far from her, so she shifted back against it. While he searched the bag, Joy gathered twigs and vines around her, then she started to dig into the ground with her hand. When that wasn’t fast enough for her, Joy started to chant. Zareb stopped what he was doing to just watch her. She was so fluid in her movements. Her magic was like a dance. Her voice called to him. “Let there be light!” At Joy’s last word the pile of kindling she’d gathered blazed to life. The delight on her face made him smile. When was the last time Zareb had enjoyed life? He could not remember a time recently. He ripped his focus from Joy and searched for the first aid kit. It was a good thing he’d had the presence of mind to swap out the bags when the tribe had invaded. Throwing one of the satchels at Dji was a good distraction, at least until they looked inside and didn’t find the Vessel. He did not want to think of what torture Dji would be going through. Once again it was his fault that his brother was in hell. If not for his stupid weakness things would be so different.

**** “That thing must be destroyed. Lead us to where you found that abomination and we will take care of it. Are you not guardians? Why did you bring that evil into our tribe?” The elder’s voice shook with anger. “Elder, Djimon and I will return the Vessel to the clearing after the ceremony. If you think it is so evil, it would be for the best. We would have our full powers to deal with it.” No way did Zareb want to get rid of that beautiful object. It would be his. If he could ever get his hands on it. Dji had not let go of it and now the tribe wanted to take away the object before he could fully inspect the wonders it held inside. It was his.

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“You speak true, Zareb. Let us begin. Gather your brothers. Let us bring forth our champions, it looks as if we are in grave need. Djimon, you must set that thing down so we can conduct the ceremony.” Dji nodded. Zareb kept his gaze on the vase, making sure it was in his sight. The village shaman appeared and the guardian ceremony started. After this, they would be charged with protecting the tribe with their very lives if need be. Dji and Zareb disrobed and stood, naked and proud. The chants rose around him, louder and louder. Zareb closed his eyes. The power settled over him, through him—he could feel everything—the wind on the foliage, the animals looking on in the jungle. The screams brought him out of his trance. Chaos surrounded him. His tribe brothers writhed on the ground. “Shaman, help them. Do something.” Zareb begged. “There is only one thing I can think to do.” “Why do you wait? Do it.” “The balance will be off. It could make it worse.” The man began to chant. “No! What are you doing? Zareb, make him stop. He is changing the others. It should only be the two of us. This is wrong.” “Dji, he has to. They are dying.” Zareb gestured around him. “Then they die. We must protect everything. Not just our tribe. If this happens, everything will change,” Dji begged. Zareb ignored him and moved towards the Vessel. Now would be the time to claim it. While everything was going crazy. The screams had stopped for a brief moment before they started again. He was almost there when Dji took the vase up in his hands. It flared a bright blinding white, bringing Zareb to his knees. The urge he had to have the Vessel vanished. Zareb shook his head to clear it. It hurt. Something was not right. His tribe surrounded him, but they were all shifted into cats and attacking each other. Blood spattered the ground bright red. Djimon looked broken, lying there, not moving but clutching the object that Zareb had wanted so badly just moments ago. The elders were correct. It was evil, pure unadulterated evil, and Dji had not dropped it when the world went white. They must destroy it. Zareb walked with new purpose. His body wanted to shift and join in the fight. That was his friend, the brother of his heart and soul. They would protect everything together—once that vase was taken care of.

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“Kill them, all my warriors. Kill them and come to me!” Dji’s voice roared through the jungle. Some of the shifters turned to Dji. Others ignored him and held their ground. It looked like not all of them had turned bad. Zareb could use that to his advantage. “Dji, what are you doing?” Zareb took a cautious step forward. “What needs to be done. The weak will die and I will rule.” Dji hugged the Vessel close to his body. How could all of that evil come from such a beautiful object? Zareb noticed it didn’t sing to him anymore. That couldn’t be good. “No, this is not you talking. It cannot be.” Dji was the purest soul Zareb had ever known. There was no way evil could penetrate him. Zareb refused to believe it! If anyone should have been tempted, it was him. “Join me, brother, and we will take over the world, one village at a time.” A malevolent gleam shone in his friend’s dark eyes. “I do not believe what you are saying. Was it not you who said we must protect everything? We need to get the balance back. The shaman said the change—” “It matters not. They made our being guardians a joke. Look at all of them. They must die, then we can take over.” “This is not you speaking, Dji. Come back to me. We can fix this.” “You are either with me or against me, brother. Choose, but make it fast or I will kill you myself.”

**** “Zareb!” The voice sounded as if it came through a fog. Zareb took a moment to gather himself. The past was so clear, almost as if he was there. “Sorry, my siel.” “You’ve been standing there with a blank look on your face for a long time. I was beginning to worry.” “The past haunts me. Even more so now that I am on my home soil.” “The memories from here in Africa can’t all be bad.” Joy once again broke through his thoughts.

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“Let us not talk of that. We need to wrap your ankle and eat. I managed to keep some protein bars and water when I swapped out the packs.” He moved to where Joy had propped herself against a log. The fire was still going strong—he must not have been lost in the past for too long. Zareb knelt beside Joy and took her foot in his hand. He paused for a moment when she hissed in pain. Zareb made quick work of securing the ankle. He couldn’t touch her for long because his desire was building and he wanted release. Not only because she was his mate but because the memories would not go away. In her arms he could be happy and forget what a bastard he was. He did not deserve Joy. His cat was not happy with that thought, but Zareb did not care. He must be punished for bringing pain and suffering to so many. If need be, he would sacrifice himself to destroy the Vessel.

**** Joy needed to comfort Zareb. Everything in her told her to go to her mate, the man who made up the other half of who she was—the part that she hadn’t even known was missing until she met him. He was so distant—when he touched her he seemed to hold part of himself back. Joy wanted it all, and she would have it, now. Who knew what tomorrow would bring? They were in danger and she wasn’t an idiot—it might be their only chance and she would not waste it. Decision made, Joy crawled over to where Zareb rested on the ground. Dinner was long over. Not that they’d had much, but enough to tide her over for now. The fire still burned bright and she didn’t expect it to die out anytime soon, that was the beauty of magic. First she needed to take care of their safety. Living on the edge was one thing, stupidity was another. “Keep me safe and keep me warm. Ward my camp against man and animal.” Joy took a deep breath and moved her arms around, marking their safe haven. The power flowed through her. Her magic was stronger here, but she didn’t know if it was how old the country was or if it was the influence of Zareb. “Joy?” Zareb sounded groggy.

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He’d been so lost in thought since they’d got to this godforsaken country. She’d take care of that—at least for a little bit she could keep the memories at bay. Joy moved up Zareb’s body and straddled his lap. A simple kiss to start. Zareb moved his hands up as if to stop her, but she wouldn’t have any of that. She clasped his hands in hers and pinned them to the ground. If he wanted, he could have stopped her, but he didn’t. Joy took that as a positive sign and brushed her lips against his. She licked at Zareb’s mouth, wanting in. His groan gave her the opportunity she needed. Zareb didn’t let her stay in control of the kiss for long. Not that she cared. Her mouth was his to do with as he wished. Joy released Zareb’s hands so she could explore his body. His dark skin was a nice contrast to her lighter brown. She loved how her fingers looked running along the opening of his shirt—that would have to go, she needed skin. As if he read her mind, Zareb sat up and wrapped his arms around her, squeezing her tight, never once breaking the kiss, but it gave her what she needed. Joy grasped the bottom of his shirt and lifted. She tugged when it looked like he wouldn’t release her. “Help me or I’m ripping it off,” she whispered against his lips. “Joy. No. I cannot—not here.” “Yes, Zareb. Here and now. Who knows if we’ll have this chance again. We could die out here and I won’t do that without a taste of you.” “If we mate—” “Who said mating? I’m talking about wild, hot monkey sex. You, me and the naked mambo. Got it?” He was distracted enough she was able to get his shirt off. God, he was all muscle. Joy kissed his shoulder and nuzzled her way down to his dark brown nipple. This was going to be dirty and messy. Normally she was all about the clean, but not now. She wanted him any way she could get him. “My panther wants to make you his. If I—” Joy bit and licked his nipple, cutting off what he was about to say. “Then don’t, that simple. Whatever it is that needs to be done to bind us, don’t do it. We know how fast Valerie shifted, we can’t have that, not here. There’s too much danger. If—” “When?” Zareb interrupted her. “Okay then, when we make it out of here alive we can mate where it won’t put us both in danger. We’re both too powerful to take it lightly and I’d like my family around when it’s

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time for me to shift in case we need help. Now get naked and let’s do this. God I want you inside me. I’m so wet for you, Zareb.” Joy took his hand and trailed it down her body until it reached the bottom of her shorts. She wedged his fingers inside so he could feel her drenched panties. “Joy.” Zareb’s finger slid into her folds. She moaned and rocked against him. It wasn’t enough. Joy managed to move back so she could stand, and Zareb’s digits slid from her body. Joy steadied herself and stripped off all of her clothes. Maybe another time she could tease Zareb all night long, but right now she wanted to feel alive in the most primitive way. When Zareb saw what she was doing he followed suit, but not before he licked his fingers. That was so hot. Joy wondered what she would taste like mixed with him. She didn’t have long to wait. Once all of her clothes were gone, Zareb pulled her down on top of him then rolled. She was under him as he took her mouth in a kiss and she tasted the wonderful mix that was her and the pure flavour of Zareb. Zareb pressed his lips to her pulse point. He was struggling and she knew he wanted to bite her. “It’s okay, Zareb, bite me. God I want you to. Just—not in a mating spot. Don’t tempt us that much.” Zareb nodded against Joy’s skin. He made his way down her body until he reached her nipple. Her hips rocked, seeking friction when he bit down. She wasn’t expecting it, but her orgasm raced through her body. Her pussy clenched and she wished Zareb was inside her to fill the empty space so she could milk him dry. “Zareb!” He took that as a cue and sank inside her, his girth stretching her pussy. The slight pinch had Joy biting her lip. She liked the little edge of pain—it made her feel alive. His hard cock plunged into her depths again and again, she was so full. Joy’s body wouldn’t stop shaking. Her climax rippled through her. It seemed to never end. Zareb’s body fed hers. “More. Zareb. I need—” She had no idea what she really needed. Her orgasm should have been enough, but it wasn’t—and her body craved more. Never had a sexual encounter been this extreme or intense, with each nerve ending twitching. He hit every button she had. Each thrust brought her to a higher level of excitement. The very sweat that dripped off Zareb’s face and landed on her body turned her on. She ran

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her hands over his bald head, and had the urge to lick it and roll herself in his scent. Joy rubbed her cheek against his chest, the smooth skin so hot it scorched her face. Her hard-asrock nipples crushed against the planes of Zareb’s skin. They ached with the need of his touch. Something deep inside her clicked. “Joy,” Zareb whispered against her throat, and his sharp teeth pierced her skin. Her orgasm started all over again. Her body quivered. Zareb threw his head back and snarled. Losing what little control he had, he bucked against her until he collapsed on top of her. Both of them were stated yet neither could stop their bodies from squirming, wanting more. White hot pain caused her whole body to spasm—something was wrong. This wasn’t post-sex euphoria. She rolled into a ball. Her head pounded and her body ached. Her vision faded in on itself and everything went black.

“Joy. My siel. Please wake up.” Something stroked over her. The voice sounded familiar, but she couldn’t place where she was—and what was the smell? “That’s a pretty girl. It will be okay. It is me—Zareb.” Zareb, mate. He had a voice she could wallow in. Joy got up and stretched, but things looked different. Couldn’t she stand? And that smell was there again. Heavenly. She cocked her head, nudging Zareb’s thigh with it, and there it was, the best scent in the world. Joy licked Zareb’s leg and the taste exploded on her tongue—she wanted to sink her teeth into the skin and she growled with the need for more. Did that come from me? Did I really—lick him? Joy sat back on her haunches and looked down to see furry black paws. Paws? What the hell? Joy leapt back. This was wrong—all wrong. They hadn’t mated so she shouldn’t have changed. “Please, my siel, do not panic. We will figure this out. I did not do the mating ritual with you, this should not have happened, but it has and we have to deal with it. I need you to shift back now. Can you do that?”

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Could she? Joy had no idea because she didn’t remember shifting in the first place. Joy did the only thing she could think of—she closed her eyes and pictured herself as a human. I am Joy. Shift. Shift. Shift. The pain wasn’t as intense as she moved from cat to human. She lay panting on the ground and was thankful she’d been naked when the change had happened because her back up clothes had gone in the bag Djimon and Ive had taken with them. Clothes—she was worried about what to wear when her life had been taken out from under her? “What did you do?” Joy asked, as calmly as she could. “Me? I did nothing. You asked me not to mate-mark you so I did not do the ritual. Well—I did bite one spot that usually starts the ritual, but you need all the marks to be bonded. There was none of that; you should not have shifted.” “Has this ever happened before?” “The only time others have changed has been through ritual. Even when the first massive shift happened in my village, a shaman led the chant.” “So we aren’t mated?” “No, we are not.” He sounded disappointed. “Okay. I can deal—I can, damn it. Everything has been taken out of my control and I fucking hate this.” Not that she would throw a big hissy fit. She knew they were destined to be mates, but she wanted her shift to happen on her terms, not have it sprung on her. She wasn’t ready for this. “We can now, you know that, right?” “Can what?” Joy was confused. “Mate. It would make us both stronger and we need not worry about your shift because it has already happened.” Her inner cat screamed yes, and Zareb’s thought that they’d be stronger was appealing to her. It could help them get out of Africa alive. “No. Yes. Hell, Zareb, I don’t know.”And she didn’t. Her life had changed the moment she’d stepped into her sister Valerie’s apartment and seen the evil magic trying to take over. It was then she’d known everything she’d been taught would be put to the test.

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“You say all your choices were taken from you and I will not be the one to take this one away. Our mating will be of your choosing, but make no mistake, Joy, you will be mine in all ways possible.” Zareb pulled her towards him and took a kiss. Nothing lingering—a hard, quick, possessive meeting of mouths. “We will sleep now. Morning will be here soon enough and we are getting closer to the burial site. We need to be alert.” Joy didn’t bother to argue. Zareb handed her the clothes she had ripped off earlier. They both got dressed and when Joy would have gone to the other side of the fire, Zareb tugged her closer and pulled her down on the ground beside him. He positioned them so he was between her and the jungle—the fire nice, bright and hot in front of her. Zareb spooned his body to her and his calm breathing relaxed her enough that she slipped into sleep—but not before she checked the wards she had placed around their camp to alert her if someone got too close. Everything seemed to be holding and she slid into oblivion.

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Chapter Three

Zareb woke up when Joy bolted upright. “Something’s wrong.” A lot of things were wrong. Not just wrong, but out of his control. Joy wasn’t the only one who had choices taken from her. He would need some time to commune with the Ancients. There was no way his mate should have shifted after sex, even after he’d bitten her. The magic words along with the three bites were what should usher in the change. That was what he had always been told. “What is it, my siel?” he whispered. “Something is poking at the ward I set.” “Something or someone?” Joy closed her eyes. By the Ancients, she really was beautiful. And in panther form she shone. Her coat was a dark, inky black. He’d expected her to be lighter, like her skin tone, but her form mirrored his. “A person.” “Take my hand and show me what you see.” Joy clasped his palm, brought it to her heart and rested it against her chest. His fingers brushed her breast. Now is not the time for sexual thoughts. Her magic flowed through him with little effort. It was almost like they were already one. He was pleasantly surprised by who lurked in the jungle. “Do you see him?” “Yes, he is an old friend. You may let him in through your ward into the camp, I believe he can help.” The trust she had for him almost blinded him. Her faith was astounding— she had released a tiny portion of the ward just because he’d asked it of her. His tribe mate, Baakir strutted through the opening Joy had created with her magic. The power in Joy’s body fascinated him—she had so much control. Not many people could do what she did with the little effort she put into it. Just how deep did her power go? He knew who her father was, but what of her mother?

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“Zareb! I thought that was you, old friend. What brings you here?” “Baakir. I thought you long gone.” The two men hugged and pounded on each other’s backs. Zareb closed his eyes. It was such a reminder of the old ways and what could have been if he had not been so struck by the power of evil. “Someone needed to protect the land. I knew you would be back sooner or later. The Ancients told me to be here, that you might need me. So here I am.” Joy stood off to the side, just watching the two of them. “Baakir, this is Joy. We are here to return the Vessel to the resting ground and destroy it, as should have been done centuries ago.” Baakir bowed over Joy’s hand. Zareb held his cat in check. Kir was a friend. Not an enemy. “Ah, you have found your mate at last. I wish you both much happiness.” Kir smiled at him. “How did you know—we haven’t—that is—” Well, that was a first—a speechless Joy. “What my mate is trying to say is how did you know?” “She smells of you, brother.” “Kir, that is not possible as we have not mated. There was no ritual.” “Who told you there must be a ritual? Maybe for the newer shifters, but not you. When was the last time you spoke to the Ancients?” “It has not been that long. I am in constant contact with them. They told me of the mating ritual and I passed it down through the generations.” “Yes, but those of us from Africa are special. You should know this, Zar.” “Know what?” Zareb was exasperated. “All you have to do is bite your mate on the throat during sex and you are mated.” “How is this possible?” “The magic from here is strong. This country is old—the magic even older. It weakened when it was taken overseas, and the younger generations need more powerful magic. From what I sense here, Joy is already full of much magic. When the two of you came together the pull to mate must have been strong.” Zareb sat down hard on the ground.

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“I am so sorry, Joy, I should have known. It is always my fault.” Zareb rested his head in his palms. He shoulders slumped. “Stop it right fucking there. I wanted what happened. No one forced me.” Joy squeezed his shoulder. He was so out of it he had not heard her approach. That was unsafe, there was too much danger for him to be off his game. “But I should have—” “You’re not a God. You don’t know everything. This happened, so what? It was meant to be. Now let’s get this show on the road. I want out of this place before more freaky shit goes down.” “There is much passion in this one.” Kir grinned at him. “Yes, there is.” Zareb stared at his new mate with hope that he thought he lost long gone. With a few words, Joy had put the fire out and got her bags packed. “Kir?” Joy asked. “Yes, Joy.” “How did you know where to find us?” That had worried Zareb a little as well, but he trusted his old tribe mate. They had been through so much together. “The Ancients told me you might need my help today and pointed me in this direction. So here I am, at your disposal.” “They just have their mitts in everything, don’t they? I don’t think I like that, not one little bit.” Kir threw his head back and laughed. Zareb smiled. His peace was coming back. Joy was right, this was for the best and meant to be. He turned to Kir and felt tension through his body, something pulled him into an old memory making him rush back in time. Like the Ancients needed him to see these thoughts of his past.

**** “They are gone and it is my fault, Kir. Dji has turned evil and the tribe has been destroyed. What do we do now?” “You do what you were born to do—protect. Go after Djimon and bring him back to the fold and make this right.”

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Zareb gazed around the bloody mess. This was his doing. Everyone was dead because of some silly trinket in the jungle that had sung to him. “I have no way to know where he went.” “We will guide you, my son.” “Who is that?” “What are you talking about, Zareb?” “You did not hear the voice?” Zareb stared unbelievingly at Kir. He had to have heard it. “No, I did not.” “Someone told me they would guide me.” “You have been truly blessed. The Ancients are with you now. Believe and things will be all right.” Kir squeezed his shoulder and grinned. “How blessed could I truly be? Everyone is dead and those who are not have gone away with Dji. You and I both know that Dji was the better guardian. No purer soul could be found.” “Maybe that is why evil was able to take over. We will not know until you bring him home. Go. Take what you need. I will stay here and await your return.” “You are a true friend. You should have been guardian with Dji. If you were, none of this would have happened.” “You do not know that for sure. Our path was set in motion before we were born. We are all taught this.” “I know in my head that this is the truth, but my heart is not so sure.” “Go. Let the Ancients guide your way.”

**** So much time had passed, but Kir was true to his word. Here, now, when Zareb needed him. The Ancients must be trying to tell him to trust his old friend. Zareb had stayed away from Africa, not wanting to come home until he had Dji with him and now he had even messed that up. “Did you ever find Dji?” “Yes. It should ease your mind to know that the evil that infected Dji was a spirit from the Vessel. Dji was trapped in his own body. We brought him home, but he was taken from me yesterday. We cannot go search for him until we destroy the Vessel, but we must hurry. Once the kidnappers figure out that we banished the evil soul and only Dji remains, they

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could kill him and come after us. We will not allow them to get their hands on the Vessel. No one else will be possessed. Not on my watch.” Zareb finally stood, ferreted the Vessel out of its hiding place and led the way to the path that would get them to their burial spot. He just hoped he wouldn’t need Dji there with him to destroy the thing. If so, he’d made another error. “No more self-doubt, my mate. I want this finished. We have to find the others.” Zareb felt the ward being released and realised the danger was all around them. Not only had the wards kept them safe, but, as long as the evil minions waiting for them in the forest hadn’t touched it, it kept him from sensing they were out there waiting. “Zareb!” Joy shouted from his left. Her form shimmered and she changed into her panther self, but she didn’t have the necessary control to halt the shift. She tore after two of the men that surrounded their camp and brought them down. She snapped their necks in her jaw and looked around her for the next victim. Zareb couldn’t allow her to kill more of them. They needed at least one alive to question and he did not want that on Joy conscience. A spear whizzed by his head. He ducked just in time, still clutching the satchel. He couldn’t let on that he had the Vessel. A hiss came from Joy’s direction. She charged and the man beside him went down. “Joy. Do not kill this one. Shift back.” Zareb forced power into his words. Kir rushed to his side, his own spear at the ready, just before he collapsed. “No!” Zareb lost control. His power flooded his body. He dropped the bag and slapped his hand down on the ground. It quaked with his wrath. The men stumbled and fell all over themselves, trying to escape. Joy had shifted back and he withdrew his power, not wanting to hurt her. They both went to Kir. The man Joy had spared was long gone, but Zareb couldn’t worry about that right now. “Is he—” “I am not sure, my siel.” Zareb knelt beside his old friend. He might not have seen Baakir in centuries, but that didn’t mean he felt the pain of his injuries any less. Just one more thing to add to the growing list of wrongs. Zareb knew the group who had taken Ive and Dji would still be lurking around, hedging their bets. Who knew if they’d found out Dmitri was no more.

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“He has a pulse.” “Yes, but there are no good medical facilities anywhere nearby. It has been so long that I do not even know if there is a local shaman around to help heal him.” “Give me your hand, Zareb.” He looked at Joy and wondered what she was about. He reached for her, trusting in her as she had in him. Joy entwined their fingers and placed them over the seeping wound in Kir’s side and Zareb opened his powers to Joy. It felt different from in the past. Their souls merged. Peace, home—everything. This time Zareb let Joy take control of their combined forces. He had no healing knowledge and was out of his depth. The skin under his hand began to warm, his flesh tingling. By letting Joy take the lead, he was able to keep watch and make sure none of the men who attacked circled back, they had to be the ones who had Dji. Zareb had to hope his friend and Ive were still okay. He knew they weren’t completely gone because he could sense their presence and they still had a day, maybe two, before they got to the site where they would destroy the Vessel. “There, I’ve done all I can.” Joy slumped down. “We still have a couple of days until we reach our destination. We should stay here one more night. I cannot leave Kir here and I do not think I could carry him far.” “I agree, we should stay.” “Not”—Kir coughed—“on my account.” “You live.” Zareb closed his eyes. Maybe one more death would not be his to accept. The bloodshed needed to end. “You should have some water and a little food. The healing took a lot out of all of us and we need to be on top of our game. They’ll be back and both you and Zareb know that, but this time we’ll be prepared and kick their asses all over the jungle.” They got Kir as comfortable as they could, giving him some of their precious water and a protein bar. Zareb just hoped this trip was not doomed to failure. Nothing was going as it should, starting with the crash of their plane and the death of the pilot. He still did not know what had happened there. The plane had been fine when they’d left. Joy had moved to the outskirts of the camp. Lost in thought, she didn’t hear him approach. He paused to watch her. He wouldn’t let anything happen to her. Not as long as

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he had breath in his body. She was his other half, part of his very soul, and he would die protecting her if necessary. For the first time he felt—whole. Like his place in the universe was finally being revealed to him. “My siel, are you all right?” he asked quietly. He’d startled her, but she pulled herself together. “I’ve never killed before. But those assholes got what was coming to them. I refuse to feel bad. Refuse I tell you!” Her tears belied her statement. “Oh, joyous one, do not cry. It breaks me in two seeing you like this.” “I value my ability to control what happens to me. My life has been ripped out from under me, starting with finding out who my father was—and not only was he magical, but I also have a brother. A real, honest-to-God blood relative who was kept from me. I would have never known about Max if the rat who donated his sperm hadn’t died when trying to take out the Masters pack. After that—nothing was the same, as you know. Now the woman I grew up with as a sister is mated to my blood brother, so I deal with it. Finding out I have a destined mate and will end up becoming a shifter, yeah, big fucking changes. But I deal. I figured I’d have time. But guess what, that was taken from me too. I’m ready for this to be over now.” Joy crawled over to him and snuggled into his lap. “My liefie, my love, it will be okay. I promise.” Zareb rocked her back and forth, soothing her with his touch. “I want to feel you inside me again, Zareb. To be one with you.” Joy nuzzled his neck. Zareb closed his eyes and hoped for strength. “I want that too, but we cannot, at least not yet. I need to have a talk with the Ancients. Will you be all right until I return?” Joy wiped her eyes and nodded. She was so strong and he was proud to call her mate. “I’ll check on Kir and the wards and one of these days you’re going to have to teach me some Afrikaans so I know what you’re calling me. Joy winked at him before kissing him. He wasn’t ready for her to get off his lap and move over to Kir, but it was time. Zareb moved away from the camp. Not too far, and he stayed within the wards Joy had created. He knelt on the ground and called forth his creators. “Ancients kom na my in my tyd van nood.Gids vir jou seun wanneer hy nodig het jy die meeste.”

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“We hear you my son. Your call has been answered. Yet you know we cannot show you the direct path to take. Just know that the path you are on is the right one. Believe in yourself and those around you. Lean on your mate. The two of you are powerful.” “What of my brother, Djimon?” “His fate is in his own hands.” “Can I not help?” “You have your own realities to deal with. Focus or all will be lost. He has his own path that you are not a part of. Just know that if the right choices are made the four of you will fulfil the destiny foretold to your seer, Bella on the fateful night all was brought together.” “I don’t understand.” But they didn’t answer. Not that Zareb was surprised. That was how they worked. Riddles wrapped in riddles, with no real answers. It could be frustrating to most, but he had come to depend on the Ancients’ vague answers—it was a comfort. He took air into his lungs and released it. And again. One more time and he was ready to face Joy. When he got back to the middle of the camp, Kir was resting comfortably and Joy was gazing into the fire. “Did you get your answers?” Her question was so soft he almost didn’t hear it. “Not really, but I did it more for the comfort. They never give you an answer just told me I needed to focus and let Djimon make his own way, as well as to believe in myself.” “Sounds like a good pep talk to me.” “It was. I needed the calm they can give me.” Joy reached for him and he willingly went into her arms. “It’s been a rough day. Hell—a rough few weeks. Getting back to normal sounds good to me. I want this over with.” “I hope we can be finished with this soon as well. I want to get to know my mate better.” Joy flushed red and he had to smile. They really needed to explore each other more. Not just sexually, but emotionally and magically as well. “How are you really, my siel?” “I’m hanging in there. It helps that I haven’t had to carry the Vessel for a while and the ward seems to be holding.”

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Zareb looked around—where had he dropped the bag? This was not good. He stood and searched the camp. “What’s wrong?” Joy rubbed his arm. “Where is the Vessel?” “I put it back in the bush you had it under last night. I didn’t want it out in plain sight and you know how easily I’m affected by it.” “I am a bad guardian.” “No, you’re not. I won’t have you talking about yourself this way. You’re strong and brave. Don’t you forget it.” Joy wrapped her body around his. Her very presence was a calming factor for him. Something he’d never had. Not even centuries ago when he was preparing to become a guardian. Dji had always had it. He could now admit he was envious of the other man. That could be why the Vessel had called to him in the first place. Now he’d never really know. Maybe it was time for him to let the guilt that ate away at his soul go so he could be happy.

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Chapter Four

Joy was pacing the camp area. She once again took care of the fire, making sure it was out and they were ready to go. She didn’t want to release the wards. Not again, after what had happened yesterday. But she was so tired of all the bullshit. This had to end. Didn’t it? Who knew what was happening to Ive and Dji. It worried her that they couldn’t rush off to save them. She wanted to have a way to contact Valerie to see if Bella had got the message. Would someone come after them? At least Kir looked better. The rest and bit of healing she’d been able to do for him and must have helped. He wouldn’t slow them down, but Zareb tried to convince Kir to stay behind. While they argued, Joy did what she should have yesterday. Sitting close to the fire, she took a deep breath. Then another. And another. Her body was loose and relaxed. Search. She sent her spirit away, through the ward. The jungle appeared clear. Could she stretch it farther? Power coursed through her, stronger than ever before. Joy had never attempted to scan this far away from her body. If she went a little more—was that smoke? Maybe Ive and Dji were there. “JOY!” Her face hurt and she slammed back into her body. What was that? She shook her head. “Huh?” she managed. “Do not ever do that again. What were you thinking?” Joy jumped to her feet. How dare Zareb? Who was he to tell her what to do? A wave of dizziness hit her hard. She grasped Zareb’s arm to steady herself. With her eyes still closed she answered her mate. “I’m a big girl. I know what I’m doing.” “Then why could you not respond to me? You push too far.” “I didn’t push far enough. To the south there is an encampment. I was almost there. If you’d left me alone for just a bit longer I would have been able to tell you if Ive and Dji were there.”

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“Did you ever think to tell me what you were up to? If I had known, I could have lent my power or at least been prepared for you to zone out. Don’t you understand? You scared me.” Zareb pulled her roughly to him and squeezed her tight. “I’m sorry, Zareb,” she whispered against his chest. “I’m not used to having support. Fuck. I’m not good at this shit. I do what I need to and get the job done. Damn the consequences.” “No more.” Joy glared at Zareb. “Please, my liefie.” He added. “You two need to talk about this later. We must leave.” Kir stood on the outer edge, close to the ward Joy had established. “Yes, we’ll talk later.” Joy caressed Zareb’s face, trailing her thumb over his lips. “The reason I went looking was to see if those men were still out there. I didn’t see them, so unless they have some magic we don’t know about, the coast is clear.” Zareb nodded and picked up the Vessel. “Then let us leave.” “Zareb, should we strengthen the wards on the Vessel? What if it calls out to the others? We’re sitting ducks out here.” “I did that while you were zoned out.” It was Joy’s turn to nod. She released their area with a wave of her hand, the jungle noises loud in her ears and her new senses on high alert. The group walked single file with her in the middle. Kir took point and Zareb brought up the rear. She was good with that—Joy liked that Zareb had her back. They didn’t make noise and Joy handed her machete over to Kir. His strength appeared to have returned full force. “Joy, stop.” “What is it?” She kept walking for a bit. “Something is wrong.” She fell back a little, letting Kir get a stronger lead. “What?” “This is not the way we should be heading.” Zareb’s tone worried her. He whispered and she had to focus to hear him. “Could Kir have got confused?” She worried her lips with her fingers. A nervous habit, but it helped her think.

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“I do not think so.” Zareb shook his head. “Do you think he’s with the guys who attacked us, the ones that almost killed him?” She hoped not. She liked Kir. “I am uncertain. I have had no contact with him or anyone who stayed behind. I was too ashamed to ever come back after the disaster I caused bringing the Vessel into my tribe.” “So what you’re saying is this could be a trap.” Fuck. Screw that, double fuck. Joy’s day had just gone from halfway decent to in the shitter in two point five seconds. “Yes.” That is what she had been afraid of. When this was over she would demand a vacation, because enough was enough. She’d had no shower and was a sticky mess. She probably stunk to high heaven and all she wanted to do was jump Zareb’s bones—in a nice pool where it was cool. Maybe even a drink with an umbrella in it. “Well, okay then. What should we do?” “Nothing yet. How far off did you say that village was?” Zareb questioned her. “Maybe a day, day and a half away by foot.” They kept walking, Joy never taking her gaze off Kir. She didn’t want him turning around and catching them talking about him, especially not if he was a spy. “Once we stop for the night I will do some scouting. Be prepared to run. How is your ankle?” “Sore, but much better.” “Probably from when you shift. It does not cure all, but it helps the healing process.” “What are you two slow pokes whispering about back there? Daylight is waning, we should hustle,” Kir shouted back and turned towards them. Joy let her fingers brush over Zareb’s skin, making it look like she couldn’t keep her hand off him. Not that she could. If given half the chance, she’d sex him up here and now. The feel of him over her and inside was one she wanted again. And again. Maybe she could keep him in bed for weeks. Now that would be a vacation. “We are coming. Joy twisted her ankle and I was checking on it,” Zareb reassured Kir. And he wasn’t lying, that had been the last thing they’d talked about. Joy smiled up at him. He winked at her and she shivered. Dirty or not, she wanted a piece of him. “Should we take a break?” Kir sounded concerned.

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“No, I’m fine—really. We have a lot of ground to cover before night fall. Zareb said we should be at your old tribe sometime tomorrow.” “Yes, we should.” Kir turned and continued to cut the bush. The vines swung every which way and the vegetation was thick. Like not many people walked here. Joy was in the land that time forgot. It would be beautiful if she wasn’t so nervous and scared.

By the time they reached a suitable place to call it quits for the night, Joy was on edge and jumping at shadows. Only Zareb’s presence kept her calm. “I will take first watch tonight. The both of you have been injured. You should rest while you can.” “I’ll take the second shift,” Joy volunteered. That way she could do some scouting of her own. She knew that Zareb would not sleep while Kir was on duty. Neither would she. “Then I shall take the last.” Kir smiled. Joy looked for ulterior meaning behind the grin. She couldn’t see anything. It was at times like these she wished she had her sister’s ability to see auras. Kir didn’t seem evil, but that didn’t mean anything. Not in the grand scheme of things. “Joy, will you start a fire? Then I would like to speak to you before you rest.” She nodded at him. Kir waited for her to finish her spell and settled next to the fire with his back towards her. Could he really sleep that easily, or did he suspect that they knew something was wrong? Joy needed to stop second-guessing herself. Things would happen as they were meant to—they could change some of it, but sometimes they could only survive the fallout. Satisfied that the fire was strong and Kir settled, she went to Zareb as he’d requested. “I need you to really rest, because once my shift is over there is a good chance we will need to run. And we both know if we do not run we will be watching Kir.” “He appears to be asleep right now.” “Looks can be deceiving.” “Yes, they can. I promise to sleep if you try and do the same when I’m on watch. Both of us will need to be at our best and if we don’t recharge a little we’re so screwed—and I want to get out of this alive.” “I promise. Now go to sleep.”

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Joy stood on tiptoes. Zareb was so much taller than she was, but it didn’t stop her from locking lips with him. His kisses were the best she’d ever had. He worshipped her with his mouth. Like nothing else mattered, but the two of them. She liked it. “Does Kir have any magic?” “No. When the change happened, the rest of the tribe got the shifter gene. Dji and I received magic because the guardian ceremony was already finished when the shaman had to change the others into panthers.” “Good, then I’m going to place a ward around him. I’ll know if he moves.” “That is a good idea.” “I do have those on occasion,” Joy teased. And there it was, the smile. It didn’t come out to play often, but when Zareb smiled his whole face lit up. She wanted to see it more. He was so serious and focused. Maybe that was why she was chosen as his mate. It was time to give him a little fun. He deserved it, and when this situation was over, it would be her pleasure to give it to him. She would get some sleep. Her recon would make her tired. She doubted the others would be where Zareb would be able to find them unless he used magic to locate them. She caressed his face and turned towards the fire. It was go time, and she would make her mate proud.

The jungle was never silent, but within the cocoon she’d created nothing penetrated their bubble. Things were muted when her spirit travelled, but she could still hear them. Joy floated in the direction she had taken before. The smoke was still strong in the sky. The scent couldn’t reach her in this form. They were much closer than they had been yesterday when she had released her spirit to search for the guys who were waiting to capture them. Kir was taking them right to the kidnappers campsite, he had to be. Now that she looked down she saw it wasn’t really a village. No women were around, no children, just armed men. There had to be at least twenty to thirty men scattered around the area. Could they fight them all off? Wait, what was that? Off to the side on the outskirts of the area two people were tied to a post. They didn’t look like they had been harmed. Was it— yes, it was Ive and Dji. They looked okay. Joy got closer. Could she talk to Dji in this form? One way to find out.

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Joy let her spirit get right next to Dji and whispered in his ear, hoping he could hear her in his mind. “Don’t be startled. This is Joy and we’re not far off. We’ll get you out of here.” “No.” Dji spoke directly to her spirit. His lips never moved, but he looked right at her. This must mean he could hear her and maybe even see her. She would have to learn more about communicating this way when they got home. “We can be here tomorrow.” “It is a trap. Kir has been turned. Do not come here—destroy the Vessel and we can hold out as long as we need to, just warn Zareb.” A native walked up to Dji and smacked him in the face with the butt of his spear. Ive screamed, “What are you doing? Stop!” Joy wanted to scream as well. She was surprised when the guy spoke English. “Who you talk to?” Not good—someone here had magic and could sense her. Joy began to pull back, but a force drew her to the other end of the camp. A person chanted and Joy couldn’t breathe. Not that she really had breath in this form, but the magic user wanted to keep her spirit here and there was no way that could happen. With a burst of speed she vacated the camp and found her body. She really needed to stop the slam of spirit and flesh, or she was going to hurt herself. If it was possible her soul needed a good wash. The evil from the camp penetrated every inch of her. Joy closed her eyes and processed all of the information from the trip. She was missing something, maybe if she thought real hard she could remember, it was just on the fringe of thought. Oh my God. Yes! She would have to wake up Zareb. Peter from the Masters pack and Grey, Ive’s brother, had come. Bella must have gotten her message and sent them, good thing she’d put a spell on the wolf necklace because those two were pure shifter with no magic to speak of between them. She didn’t know them that well, but Grey was Ive’s twin so that had to be good. They would have a special connection to lead Grey right to them, she hoped. The only downside was there the shaman type person in charge. There was no way the shifters could win in a battle against magic. Peter and Grey could end up dead unless Dji could take charge.

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Joy itched to make her way back to the campsite to help, but Dji was right, it was a trap. They had to destroy the Vessel before anything else. The situation sucked donkey balls. What would her sister do? Hell, what would their mother Catherine do? V would question them to death before they shut her up, but Catherine was a different story. That woman would do what she had to do and hope the universe would take care of the others. Fuck. She could do this, she would do this. The question was—what to do with Kir? They could leave him here and continue on, but Joy didn’t want to do that, it could come back to bite them in the ass. But how could they dupe the man into helping them? A tug on the magic surrounding Kir made her pause. He was waking up and if she didn’t remove the binding he would know something was wrong when he couldn’t get up. Joy didn’t want to release him, but she had no choice at this point. She couldn’t give away what she knew. “Is it my turn for watch?” Kir whispered from his resting spot. Joy called the binding back to her and released Kir. “Yep, you’re up.” Joy went to where Zareb slept. “My siel,” Zareb spoke softly. “We need to talk, but not yet.” Joy wanted to give Kir time to start his watch, letting him think they both slept. Then she would sequester herself with Zareb. She snuggled into her mate and tried not to fall asleep. Minutes passed, but it felt like hours. Kir was on the other side of the camp keeping a look out—it was time. With a small spell she and Zareb could speak freely without Kir hearing a thing. “Kir is leading us into a trap. I’m sorry Zareb. Ive and Dji appear to be fine, but there is a magic user or shaman there. They knew Dji spoke to someone, and hit him. I don’t know how much time we have. The good news is the pack sent Grey and Peter, and they aren’t too far from the camp, but they are walking into a situation that is above them. They have no magic and unless Dji is holding back they don’t have a fighting chance.” “We can’t go to them.” “I know. I fucking hate it, but I know.”

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“It will work out. I have faith.” “Faith is all well and good, but how do we ditch Kir and get to the burial site for the Vessel? Once we get rid of the Vessel we can help the others and get home. I need a hot bath and a month in bed.” “I love the way you think, my liefie. I would like to peel your clothes off you and lick every inch of your beautiful body. We have not had time to explore. I want to see you wet and covered in my cum.” “Oh, God.” Joy could cum by his words alone. How did he get her so hot? Every part of her body ached with desire. They didn’t have time for this, but a kiss couldn’t hurt, right? Joy opened up to Zareb’s invasion. He licked and nibbled at her lips. She moaned into his mouth and rocked her body against his. Zareb’s hard cock rubbed against her and she wanted it deep inside, to join them, becoming one all over again. “We should stop.” Zareb didn’t sound that convincing. Joy opened his pants, just enough to get her hand inside. Her back was to Kir, so even if he looked over he couldn’t see what she was doing with her hands. Good thing because Zareb had her pants open as well. Joy’s hips bucked when Zareb’s palm met her flesh. Joy took Zareb’s cock and stroked it from root to tip. She didn’t have time to notice before, but he was uncircumcised—not that she should be surprised, they didn’t do that in Africa centuries ago. Joy pulled the skin down and gathered the bit of pre-cum on his dick, using it to help with the friction. It was Zareb’s turn to move his hips. This would have to be over with quickly, as they were both aware of the danger surrounding them. Joy couldn’t wait until they could take their time with each other. She’d make Zareb give her the mating words even if they were truly already mated. She had a few words of her own to bind them together even more strongly. Something her birth mother had taught her before she had died and Catherine had become Joy’s adoptive mom. Her thoughts scattered as Zareb flicked her clit with a finger and squeezed. Joy couldn’t contain her movement. She clutched at Zareb’s dick, her hand going faster and faster until Zareb screamed her name into the night.

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They both lay there panting and Joy was thankful she’d thought to shield them, they’d both been so loud. Something wasn’t right. Panic set in. It was happening again—couldn’t those evil bastards leave them alone? “Someone breached the shield Shit, Zareb, is the Vessel close?” Joy jumped up and adjusted her pants, wiping her cum covered hand on her shirt. No time to worry about stains now, she’d be burning this outfit when she got home anyway. “Kir and the bag are gone,” Zareb declared from the bush it had been under. “Not for long.” Joy ran in the direction of the disturbance. She let the force field shatter and charged after Kir. Not even aware she was doing it, she stripped off her clothes and shifted. Her panther stalked its prey, the scent heavy in her nose. He wouldn’t make it far.

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Chapter Five

Zareb’s mate was magnificent. Joy’s smooth shift shouldn’t be possible this soon, but she commanded her body and took charge of the situation. Joy was nothing if not confident. Not to be left behind, Zareb shifted as well. They needed to get Kir before he reached the others. The Vessel would not fall into the hands of evil again. If Joy was right, and he believed she was, then that shaman could cause serious damage to all the good they had worked through. Dmitri was back in the Vessel where he belonged and Zareb would die before Dji was possessed again. There was no way he would put his old friend in jeopardy again. He’d take Dmitri in before letting Dji go through the hell of being trapped inside himself. Without him or Joy to strengthen the ward that surrounded the Vessel, anything was possible. A scream echoed around the jungle. The prey had been caught. When Zareb got to the source of the racket, Joy had Kir pinned to the ground. A white swirl of magic covered the two of them—Joy must not be letting him shift. Zareb returned to his human form to look for the satchel with the Vessel. He found it on the ground where Kir must have dropped it when he was attacked. The lid was off, and the ward broken. Zareb rushed over and locked down the top to prevent anything souls from coming out. Who knew what had already been released. He turned to see Kir had moved out from under Joy and Joy was shifting back and forth from human to panther. “What did you do?” Zareb shouted. His anger took over. He wrapped Kir up so tight in magic the other man couldn’t even twitch. Kir was lucky Zareb didn’t kill him on the spot, the only reason the man wasn’t dead already was because of their past together and the hope Zareb could bring him away from the path he was going down. He left Kir trapped in magic, unable to move and Zareb hovered over Joy to try and figure out what had happened. Joy flailed around, he grabbed for her hand and squeezed it tight to let her know he was with her. He gasped. Dmitri or something had escaped the Vessel and was trying to take over Joy. She was putting up a fight, greater than the one Dji had. Zareb opened every pore of his being,

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funnelling his power into her, whilst with his other hand he clutched the Vessel to him. He would open the lid, but not until it was time—no other souls would be getting out. “Ek is lief vir jou, my siel. Fight. My liefie. Please. Ek is lief vir jou. Ek is lief vir jou.” Over and over again he told his mate, his soul, that he loved her. This would not be the end of them. “Open—” Joy’s voice penetrated his concentration. He understood. Not letting go of her hand, he prised open the lid, and the rush from the soul shook the Vessel. Once it was back inside, Zareb released Joy and closed the lid. This time he sealed it more thoroughly with magic, his fear and anger closing it tight. It was past time the thing went back in the ground and Zareb wasn’t taking any more chances. Zareb rose from Joy’s side and stalked towards Kir. “Why?” he seethed. It took a moment for Zareb to realise he’d bound Kir so tight the man couldn’t speak. Kir crumbled to the ground, clutching his throat. “You left us, Zareb, and I was alone. A few years ago Dmitri came back in Djimon’s form. He put me back together and cared for me. Where were you? Did you even look back to us as you travelled to where ever you went after you left here to see what your destruction wrought? No. Dmitri told me how you lived it up, leaving us to rot—that you would never come back here.” “He lied.” “Who is to say you are not the liar? I am to believe a man I have not seen in over a lifetime? You have a new family and I have nothing. Nothing! And you expect me to welcome you back with open arms?” Kir spat on the ground next to Zareb’s feet. “Believe what you will. I followed the Ancients and did their bidding. Can you not feel the evil from the Vessel?” “Leave me or kill me, I will not help you.” He backed away from Kir. “Zareb—” “Yes, my liefie?” “Let me.” Zareb offered his support as Joy struggled to come closer. She nodded her thanks and looked at Kir.

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“I will not listen to the mate of a traitor, so you’d best leave me be or kill me. Dmitri told me how it was you, Zareb, who urged him to go to that spot and bring that abomination back to the tribe. You are at fault here.” Kir crossed his arms over his chest. “You will listen to me, you fucking bastard. Is kidnapping innocent people a good thing? You fucker, we could have been killed at any time and what did we do? Wasted precious time making sure your lousy ass was healed. So fuck you, we have places to go and things to do. So you keep your sucky ass here while we go save the goddamn world.” Joy turned her back on them and walked in the general direction of the village he grew up in. She didn’t see Kir’s shoulders slump; the resignation on his face. “She speaks the truth, my mate or not, and you know it.” “You are lucky,” Kir whispered. “Yes I am, and you could be too. Come with us. Help us end this and you can come to the Masters pack with me.” Kir looked up at Zareb. “Are you serious?” “I may have left, but I have never lied to you, you are my brother, my broer.” “They are expecting us. When I do not show up with you they will come looking.” “Then we’d better hurry.”

Four hours and two short breaks later they approached Zareb’s old stomping ground. It was as if time had stood still, the only difference being that the overgrown vegetation had taken over—but this was home. He could feel the power of the Ancients strongly here. “Can you feel it?” Joy asked in awe. “Yes, this is the very origin of our power, where everything began to unravel. Just a little more and we will be at the site where Djimon and I found the Vessel.” “Will the two of us be enough to bury the power and make sure no one disturbs it?” Joy looked concerned. He was worried as well, but would not show it. “We will bless the ground and make it so no one can ever hear the singing of evil and be tempted.” He would stand by his word even if he was so nervous that he could not pull it off. “Never? There is temptation in everything.” Joy smiled at him. “I have faith.”

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Zareb looked at where Kir stood back. He didn’t fully trust the man, but they had things to do and someone had to watch out for the others. “Kir, you will stand watch.” “Zareb, are you sure?” Joy raised a brow in question. “I will trust that Kir will do what is right. Have faith.” “I do, in you. Le’s do this. We have family to save.” “Family? Even Djimon’s mate, Ive?” “Of course. That’s what a pack is, a big family, even if you don’t like them all.” “Ive is not that bad, my liefie.” Joy just laughed. Kir stayed behind, not saying a word. It was for the best. Zareb’s steps slowed—so many of his memories started from here. It was all gone—the only remaining members were Dji, Kir and himself. He would never see his mother or father again. His family was one he had created on his own. He remembered the first time he had met Russell Masters, he’d been so young and just coming into his stride as the alpha. Again—something, maybe the Ancients with a lesson, forced the memory to the front of his mind, almost as if he was reliving it.

**** “Why are you trespassing on my land?” Zareb looked at the proud man before him. Good radiated from his very core. Zareb would be happy to serve an alpha as pure as Russell Masters. The Ancients were right, he would lead with truth and peace. When the time came, Russell would step forward and together they could save the world. But that time wasn’t now. “I am Zareb. I was sent here to train your people and help in any way I can.” “Who sent you?” Russell sounded hesitant. Good, the man was cautious. He would become a very strong leader. “The Ancients. They should have told you I was coming.” “The dream. You’re—the panther?” “Yes.” “How will this work exactly? I am the alpha here.”

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“This I know. I will not stand in your way and will follow your orders. I need a place to stay and I have some knowledge that will be helpful in the future.” “Okay. I had a cabin on the back of the property cleared out for you in case it was more than a dream. The vision said you like your solitude, but you will be joining us for pack dinners and meetings. The others will need to meet you.” Zareb bowed. “Yes. I will be there.” “Good. As long as we understand each other, things will be fine. I’ll have my beta, Max, show you the way.” Zareb bowed again. “Thank you, alpha.”

**** Finally a happy memory during a time when he needed it most—here in the spot where evil had taken him on a different path than he’d expected. He hated remembering the death and destruction. Russ was a good man and he would continue to guard the place he considered home. “Is this it?” Joy had stopped in a patch of land that was barren. A large red dirt circle encompassed the area. “I wonder what happened here. Before we had to dig, and it was never in a pattern.” Zareb wondered out loud. “It looks ritualistic. Maybe Dmitri came back and tried something here. He did have the Vessel at that time.” “This may be another trap.” “I don’t think so. Dmitri wasn’t with me for long enough when he tried to take me over. I could feel his desperation. He wanted a body, any body would do—he is afraid of this spot,” Joy reassured him. “Then let us begin. Go to the centre of the circle.” Zareb watched Joy walk. He could look at her all day. She knelt in the middle of the pattern with her hands on the dirt and she began chanting. She had a great mastery over the elements. Her power matched his, and he hadn’t thought that would ever be possible. A big hole appeared under Joy’s fingers. Zareb moved close to see a perfect shape to drop the Vessel into. Zareb handed the vase over to Joy and placed his palm on the inside of

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the hole. With a few words he blessed the ground in the name of his ancestors and the Ancients. “Put the Vessel over the enclosure,” he instructed. Zareb joined their hands and wrapped them around the evil object. “We need to strengthen the seal.” They both chanted, their words entwining and matching in power. The ground began to shake, thunder cracked in the clear sky and the world vibrated with the magnitude of magic. Everything snapped into a bright focus, there was only him, Joy and the Vessel. White, pure light surrounded the circle. “You have done well, my children. It is time to replace the ultimate evil where it belongs, under ground.” Zareb heeded the words of his great ancestors and manipulated the vase so it was inverted. He wanted the opening as far from above ground as they could get it. Joy released it at the same time he did. The Vessel wedged down deep. Joy reached for him to complete the human circle. “Cover the evil with pure love and joy; let the earth cradle it with her very essence. Thank you,” Joy chanted. The ground filled over the vase until it was covered. Joy collapsed and Zareb gathered her close, he also felt tired from the pull of such great power. They were done here. Zareb would never return to this spot unless something happened to release the evil forces. His life could begin anew once they left Africa and returned home to the family he’d created with the Masters pack. Zareb picked up his mate and went to find Kir, hoping the man was still there. They needed to rest before they went on a rescue mission. Joy was strong, but she had used so much magic over the last few days. A good meal and twelve to twenty-four hours of sleep was what she really needed, but neither would happen any time soon. The only reason he wasn’t as depleted was because he’d been feeding off her power without realising it until just now. They were not ready for a fight. “It is done, is it not?” Kir turned at their approach. “Is she all right?” “Drained, but fine. Yes, we have resealed the Vessel, no more souls will be released.” “Good. Then you must come with me.” Zareb was confused. “What are you talking about?” “I let you complete your mission. Now you have to help me finish mine so I can leave here free and clear. That means we need to go back to the camp.”

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“The plan was always to go back there. They hold our family and there is no way we would leave Africa without them.” “You don’t understand.” “No, my broer, I do not.” “It needs to be under my power, I cannot let you wander in.” Kir squared his shoulders. “That is not going to happen. It would put Joy at risk and I will not allow that.” “I was afraid you would say that.” Kir shot him in the neck with something he must have had hidden, Zareb hadn’t searched him after Joy captured him and he thought Kir was now on their side. Zareb reached for his power but he was too late. He managed to put Joy down before crumpling to the jungle floor.

When he awoke, Joy was yelling. He opened his eyes and looked around. They hadn’t moved, but they were tied up. “You goddamn mother fucker. He trusted your fugly ass. You talk about betrayal? Look in the mirror. Let us go. Now.” “Calm down. I will not harm you, and I have to do this.” “No you don’t,” Joy snarled. “It is not like I can take your power away. You are drained, but it will come back. Zareb could get out of his ropes easily. It has to look good or they will come after me. The shaman is powerful. I want a fresh start and Zareb wouldn’t let me explain—this gave me the time I needed. Now he can listen. Thank goodness you are awake, Zar. Your woman has a mouth on her.” Kir looked over at him, his eyes pleading with him to understand. And he did. Kir would not go against them, not again. He’d seen the error of the side he was on—that was good. He would be an asset to the Masters pack and this would prove that he could be trusted. There would be no mistake once they got to the others and released Ive and Dji. It would be good to have two members of his original pride with him. “It will be all right, my siel,” Zareb reassured Joy. “How can you say that? You were unconscious when I woke up. He drugged you.” “He speaks the truth,” Zareb insisted. “How can you tell? I can’t read auras like V. And in this instance I trust action over words.”

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“You are feisty and I am so very happy you are mine. You told me you had faith in me. Believe me when I say I would never place you in danger on purpose.” He looked right into her eyes, letting her feel his love. “Thank you, Zareb. I am ready when the two of you are.” Kir stood and backed away, giving them space. “This is a very bad idea, Z. Very bad.” “He is correct, though, we have our magic. You drained yourself, but if need be you can use it. It is my hope that by the time we get there, Dji will be free on his own and we can gather the pups and be on our way. Worst case scenario is we go in and let Kir have a good show of faith, and take them down.” “Take them down—I’m good with that.” “I thought you might be. Are you ready?” “Yeah.” Zareb got out of his ropes and stood. Moving closer to Joy, he pulled her close to undo her bonds. Once she was free they hugged, her arms wrapped around his neck, and she jumped, putting her legs around his body. He supported her with his arms and let her draw him into a kiss. Joy placed her palm on his cheek and caressed him, the gesture so intimate. “It is time. We should go,” Kir interrupted them. Joy moved off him and strode to Kir. “I’m still not a hundred per cent on your side.” She poked Kir in the chest. “I don’t trust you. If you screw us over I will kill you. Do you doubt me?” Kir gulped and Zareb couldn’t contain his grin. His mate was something to admire and covet. Joy was all his and he would never let her go.

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Chapter Six

This was the most asinine idea she had ever heard of. Walking into the belly of the beast all ready to sacrifice themselves so someone who had tried to betray them could save face. If it was up to her they would go in guns blazing—well, magic blazing anyway— and take their people and leave. The one person she did have faith in was Zareb. He had not steered her wrong yet. If he thought Kir would protect them, then so be it, but if one hair was harmed on her mate’s head she would go berserk on their asses and laugh at the carnage. Maybe that was a little melodramatic, but V wasn’t there to reel her in. That was usually her sister’s job when she wasn’t asking questions. They would have to stop one more night before they got there. It was getting dark. Unless— “We should shift. We’d get there quicker and not have to wait another night.” The guys both turned to her. “What? Stop staring at me and let’s go all cat-like and kick ass.” “That was not the plan,” Kir stressed. “Okay. Okay.” She held up her hands. “We could at least get closer so we can go in at first light. If we stop at the camp we had the other night, it would still take all day tomorrow to walk it. This way we can be fresh.” “She does have a point,” Zareb agreed. “I agree.” Kir nodded. “Don’t sound so put out. One of us needs to carry the bag.” Joy held it out. “I will do it. I should walk in with it anyway. They will be less suspicious if it looks like I hold the Vessel, in case we are caught.” “Then shift and I’ll put it on you. Zareb and I will shift next and follow you. Stop close enough that we can ward up without the shaman detecting us. Can you do that?” “Now it is you who should not sound so put out. I will do what I must. I have already apologised for this,” Kir insisted. “I just don’t like being manipulated, but I’ll get over it—maybe—if you’re lucky.” “Thank you, my siel for trusting me and Kir.” Kir stripped and shifted. Joy collected his clothes and turned to Zareb as he disrobed.

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“What does siel mean? You call me that a lot. That and liefie.” She moved in closer. “My soul and my love—you are both.” Zareb spoke against her lips before shifting. “I love you too, my siel,” she whispered, before taking care of her clothes and placing them in the bag and wrapping it around Kir. They followed each other through the jungle. It was exhilarating, but they ate up the miles and arrived close to the site faster than even Joy thought they would. She wasn’t ready to shift back, but they had things to do. She couldn’t wait to run with V and to chase Z around the compound—that should be a fun afternoon. After she’d showered and slept for a month, only waking up to have sex with Zareb—fun times. Kir shifted first and turned around to give her some privacy. Maybe he wasn’t all bad, but she would wait and see how tomorrow went before she gave a final judgement. She had to believe the other wolves weren’t dead. Joy hoped the shaman hadn’t captured Peter and Grey, but if he did that he would use the four as leverage in case something went wrong and, if she had her way, something would go very wrong for the natives tomorrow.

“It is time.” Zareb’s voice woke her up. She hadn’t been asleep for very long, but she snapped awake at his words. Today they would do what they needed to and get home, back to America, the land of the shower and the fluffy bed. If she didn’t see another jungle any time soon she would be a very happy girl. “Is Kir still here?” “Yes, oh joyous one. Your faith in me is astounding,” Kir said in a dry tone. “Hey, buddy, the proof is in the pudding as my mom would say. You being here goes a long way to helping me believe you won’t fuck us over at the first opportunity.” “Understood.” Kir bowed. “Do you guys have any sort of plan, or we goin’ in blind?” Joy stood with her hands on her hips. “The plan is for Kir to lead us into the camp. He will take us to the others and we will get them prepared for an escape. Kir will go get the shaman and bring him to us, showing off that he caught us. The man is not stupid, so we will need to act drugged. There is no way Kir could bring us both down without some sort of help.” “Got it, act drugged. I’m ready.”

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Joy held her hands out in front of her and Kir wrapped the rope around them. He did the same with Zareb before binding them together with rope to trot them through the camp. She needed to go to her happy place, one that would keep her calm. If she blew up, the whole plan would go to shit and it wasn’t going to be her fault, not this time. The anger from the Vessel was gone. Her cat on the other hand wanted blood. “Be at peace, my child. Things will be as they should.” The vine on the ground jumped out at her and she stumbled, that was her story and she’d stick to it if anyone asked. Well, the voice in her head had actually caused her to miss the object, but that was semantics. Before she could ask if the others had heard it, they were upon the camp. Calm infused her body. She didn’t know if it was because of the mysterious voice or her faith in Zareb, but at this point it didn’t matter because Kir was able to lead them over to the others without any hassle. Joy was confused. Peter and Grey were nowhere to be found. That couldn’t be right. Why wouldn’t they have tried to save Ive and Dji unless they were dead? No more blood would be spilled from her family. She wouldn’t believe it. Those two needed to be alive. They all had to leave here in one piece. Not to mention those two probably had a plane, the only viable way out of this place that wasn’t a million miles away on foot. Kir pushed her and Zareb growled. Joy shook her head, letting him know it was okay. She stumbled and fell close to Ive. Zareb got the same treatment and got on with the plan. Kir turned and left. Joy kept her head lowered, but looked around as discreetly as she could. “How did they get you?” Ive whispered. “They didn’t. Where are you tied up?” Joy barely moved her lips. No one paid them any attention, but she didn’t want to push her luck. The minute she used magic the shaman would show up and she needed to hold off as long as possible. “Just our hands right now. We haven’t put up a fight so they’ve mostly left us alone. Djimon was hit, but seems to be okay.” Ive kept her voice low. “Shit. Sorry.” “Why are you sorry?” Ive drew her brows together. “It was my fault. I did a spirit walk and ended up here. The magic wielder must have sensed my presence. It’ll be okay. Zareb will get Dji free then we can be off. Have you seen your brother or Peter?”

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“No. Why?” “Well, fuck me. Damn it, I saw them around here and figured they would be here held prisoner or—” No way could she finish that sentence. She may think Ive was an ice queen with no emotions to speak of and not like her much, but Grey was her brother. “Grey is not dead, I would know.” Ive was firm on that point. “This could be a good thing then. Hopefully when all hell breaks loose they’ll charge in. I’m ready to go home, how about you?” “God, yes. We stink and if I have to sit here in my own filth for much longer I’m going to go crazy.” Joy looked over to see that Zareb had finished untying Dji, but she couldn’t tell how the other man was holding up. “Ive, how is Dji?” “He’s getting stronger, I think, but I don’t know about his magic. He hasn’t tested it.” “Well, he’s not going to have a choice here real soon. See that guy walking over this way? That’s the shaman. We can’t let him cut off our magic or we’re screwed. The guy with him is Kir. He’s supposed to be on our side. Let’s hope he doesn’t double-cross us.” “I’m ready. What do you need me to do?” “Fight if you have to. If you see your brother and Peter run to them. I hope we can wrap this up with some simple magic, but you never know. It’s important that we do this fast.” “What have we here? Kir says he has the Vessel. If that is the case I no longer need any of you— not your souls anyway. Djimon, I’m sure Dmitri is ready to come home now. What do you think?” the shaman taunted. Joy didn’t even have time to blink before Dji rose up and up, his feet no longer on the ground. His eyes were red and he snarled. His held his hand in front of him as he released lightning into the shaman. Joy didn’t waste time and tackled Kir to the ground so he wouldn’t get hit with the backlash. From the ground, Joy saw Ive rush to Dji. She was on one side and Zareb on the other. While they were taking care of Dji she took care of Kir and formed a shield over them. Explosions rocked the camp. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Peter and Grey racing over. That might not end well. Ive would have a hard time being mated Dji if he accidentally killed

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her brother. Joy dragged Kir with her, rushing to get to Grey and Peter before they exploded in a ball of flames from the lightening being tossed around. “Hit the deck!” she shouted. The two wolves immediately dropped. Joy pushed Kir towards them and expanded the magical protection. “What the hell is going on? We were watching the camp, waiting for the right time to make our move and things started going boom.” Grey looked at Joy. “I’m happy you guys waited. Please tell me you have a way out of here.” “Yes, we have a plane about a day’s walk, maybe half a day if we shifted and ran. Now answer Grey. What happened?” “Long story short, the plane crashed, Ive and Dji were captured and Zareb and I took care of the Vessel. We came here to save the day—yada, yada, yada.” “Who’s this guy?” Grey pointed to Kir. “He’s on our side,” Joy assured them. “Thank you, Joy.” “Well, Kir, you proved yourself today.” The noise was dying down. No more muted screams and the flashes of light had stopped. “Joy, you can bring everyone out now. The situation is under control,” Ive called. Dji was on the ground sobbing, with Ive wrapped around him trying to comfort and soothe him. Joy ran to Zareb. “What happened?” Joy asked. “He broke. When the shaman told him he would be repossessed by Dmitri he went mad. There was no way he would let that happen again.” “Did you tell him that isn’t going to happen? That we took care of the Vessel?” “I think that is what finally got through to him.” Zareb hugged Joy tight. “I found the guys.” Joy pointed behind her. “They have a plane not too far from here.” “We cannot leave yet.” Zareb looked worried. “What do you mean we can’t leave?” Joy backed away, sure she hadn’t heard correctly. “Djimon needs to see the place we buried the Vessel. He has to have that closure or we may never bring him fully back. That was one of the reasons he came with us.” Joy understood, but she wasn’t happy about it.

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“Can he even make it? It took us a whole day to get there the last time. That would make it two days until we get to the plane and I need a bath, bad. Is there a stream we can use around here somewhere?” Joy was sweating and the stench from the camp couldn’t even compete with the smell coming off her body. “We have a bathing area that can be used,” Kir offered up. She was beginning to really like that man. “It’s settled. Let’s rest for a bit and get cleaned up, then we can make the trek.” Joy crossed her arms over her chest, daring anyone to suggest something different. “Ladies first,” Ive backed her up. She looked hesitant to leave Dji, but Zareb was taking care of them and they really did need to get cleaned up. Kir led them to a river. It didn’t look safe, but Joy was beyond caring. “Fuck.” “What?” Ive looked over at her. “I don’t have anything clean to wear.” “Our backpacks are around here somewhere. They went through them when we arrived. I think I saw some of your things that Zareb threw in the bag before we were taken.” “Kir, can you find it?” “I’m sure I can. When I do I’ll leave it here by this rock for you.” “Thank God.” Joy didn’t even wait for him to leave. She shed her clothes and headed for the water. “Here.” Ive tossed her something. “Soap, I almost forgot what that was. Where did you get it?” Joy looked around. “I spotted it on the way to the bathing area, on a rock.” Joy gratefully sank into the water. She would have to wait until she had the proper supplies to deal with her hair. No way could she risk getting it wet now. But at least the rest of her would be clean. She made quick work of washing and gave Ive back the soap. How she envied Ive’s ability to wash and go. This trip could not be over soon enough for her. She followed Ive out of the water and back towards the rock. Kir was as good as his word. There was also some cloth there to dry off with and a brush. If it wouldn’t have made her dirty again, Joy would have fallen to her knees and kissed the ground.

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As it was she took the brush before Ive could get it and managed to get her hair brushed back into some semblance of order. She dried off and dressed. It didn’t look like all the clothes were hers, but they would do. Now for a toothbrush, or paste…or something. Hell, even a mint would do at this point. They headed back to the camp to find the men pacing. Dji had calmed down. Ive went to him and whispered in his ear. Joy continued on to where Zareb stood. “Why don’t you guys help Djimon down to the water? Ive and I will search the camp to see if there is anything we need. Then we can head to the burial site.” Zareb nodded and the men took their turn bathing. “I’ll go this way and you go that way. We’ll meet on the other side.” Ive pointed out the route she’d picked. Too tired to argue over who was in charge, she walked around the site to see if they could use anything to take with them. It was odd, but the campsite had been set up in a circular fashion. Joy wondered what Religious symbolism the tribe followed. By the time they’d finished checking the shelters, the men were back. Neither of them had found much, a few canteens that would come in handy and Joy had found one of the satchels, but not much was left in it. There was one more bag that was in the middle of the camp. All their supplies were now accounted for so it was time to go. Kir once again took the lead and Joy was happy to trail behind. She brought up the rear with Zareb by her side. Peter and Grey were behind Kir, Ive and Dji were in front of her and Zereb. She didn’t know about the others, but she didn’t want to leave Zareb’s side. Not that anything else should go wrong, but she was on her guard. Too much shit had gone down for her to just hop along her merry way. “Be at ease, my siel.” “Not until we’re at home.” “Deal.” Joy smiled. She liked agreeable Zareb.

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Chapter Seven

Zareb could bask in Joy’s smile for days. He was as anxious to get home to America as she was and locking them in his house sounded better and better as the days ran together. Most of his life he’d dreamed of coming back to Africa to stay and now that he was here he wanted to leave and never come back. There was nothing left for him here. The time of living in the past was over—the future beckoned to him. The group had talked of shifting to make the trip go faster, but they were worried about Djimon, not that Zareb blamed them. Dji was still a mess and Ive supported him the best she could. Grey had fallen back to help her. Peter kept an eye on Kir, but kept glancing back at Grey. Something was going on with between Peter and Grey. He’d been so lost in his own problems he’d failed to see that Peter might have finally found his mate. If anyone deserved to be happy it was Peter. He’d been through hell with his birth family when they kicked him out for being gay. He’d wondered around aimlessly until coming to the Masters pack to search for a distant relative. He’d only recently begun to join the pack when they gathered for meals. If Grey was anything like his sister then Peter had a good man. He knew Joy had issues with Ive, but he thought that was because Joy had never seen the true Ive. Ancients be praised, everyone was settling down, just like they had foretold. He shouldn’t be surprised. They had always known things would work out—the trials along the way just made people stronger. The Masters pack was due a break and he hoped the Ancients would allow them the breather to get back on track. “We are here,” Kir announced. Everyone paused and looked at Zareb for direction. “I think it best if Dji, Kir and I enter the circle together. The rest of you wait here. We’ll only be a moment. Then we can head for the plane.” No one argued with the plan. They were too tired from the stress of the day and dropped where they’d been standing. Kir took one side and Zareb the other, leading Dji to

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the circle. They stopped and allowed Dji to sit right on top of the spot where Joy and he had buried the Vessel. “I can feel the evil,” Djimon said in a defeated tone, one Zareb had never associated with him. “You may feel it, but it is contained. I think the only reason you sense it is because it was a part of you for so long. Even now the vibrations are weaker than what they were when Joy and I buried it. The magic we used was strong.” “Someone will have to come back and check on this spot from time to time to make sure. No one should live through what I did.” “I agree. I will talk with Russell when we return. I think we all could use some downtime. Kir should settle in and you need time to adjust.” “I need to—” Dji bowed his head and placed his hands on the ground. He began to chant, using some of his own magic to help seal the spot. He slumped over, but righted himself. Not needing any help, he stood. For the first time in weeks, Dji looked like his old self, the man Zareb remembered from his youth.

**** “Please, Dji, let us go to the river. I want to swim, it is too hot.” “We have duties to attend to. Classes for when we become guardians. You need to take this more seriously—soon it will be our responsibility to watch over the masses.” “We have time, Dji, all the time in the world to learn what we need to. How often will we be able to go for a swim at our leisure? Those days are coming to a close. Much sooner than either of us is ready for. One afternoon is all I ask.” “You always tempt me. One of these days you might regret leading me down the path of wickedness and laziness.” “I do not think so because by then you will have beaten all the fun out of me.” Zareb grinned at his friend, the brother of his heart. And Dji would. Once they became guardians, the mothers of the tribe would try to have them mate with their daughters in hopes of raising the next generation of guardians. Their time for fun was coming to a close. Dji was always too serious and looked at the big picture. Zareb figured it was his duty to bring some excitement to their lives.

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Later he would get Dji to go into the jungle. Something was singing out there and it begged him to find it. He wouldn’t do it without Dji, they were brothers until the end of time. “We cannot stay long, but I will go with you.” Zareb tugged Dji behind him until they reached the edge and he pushed his friend before jumping in after him. It was a great way to spend the afternoon. They didn’t know exactly what was in store for them. No one really did until after the ceremony took place. The last guardians did not share. It must be grand, though, to be revered by everyone. It was a great honour and Zareb did take it seriously, most days. He laughed when Dji went to dunk him under, but he was too fast. The sun started to set on their day of play. A few more days and they would be on patrol, watching over their people. The responsibility rested heavy on his shoulders, but he would do what needed to be done.

**** If it was the Ancients causing these flashbacks, he’d have to thank them for the last couple of good memories. That was the last afternoon they had been together. The next night the disaster with the Vessel had happened and their lives had gone down different paths. It should have been me. “No, my broer. It was as it was meant to be.” Zareb didn’t realise he’d said it out loud. “You were the serious one—the man who the tribe looked up to. I was the joker, the one who tempted you into all the trouble.” “Do you not see? That is why we were perfect to be guardians together. It was a balance.” “How can you forgive me?” “It was not your fault and you need to forgive yourself. Our paths are once again in line.” “I see you are feeling more like yourself, It is good to have you back.” Zareb hugged Djimon close. “We should go now. I’m sure the others are getting impatient to leave,” Kir broke in. “It is good to be back. I am ready to get to know who I am again and it seems along the way I have acquired a mate.”

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Zareb threw back his head and laughed. “Yes, you have, as have I. Now we have to get Kir squared away and life will be good.” “That is not nice. I am fine without a mate. I am just happy the evil is buried and gone. Too long have we wallowed in misery.” Kir slapped him on the back. The three left the clearing and went to join the others.

The trip to the plane was uneventful. Zareb was thankful for that. The private airstrip was the one good thing Dmitri had done while taking over Dji. Otherwise there would be some explaining to do with Kir coming home with them. Zareb headed for the seat in the very back where Joy joined him. The others took seats and it was surprising to see Peter and Grey not by each other—that would need to be fixed. Zareb wanted his family happy. He watched as one by one the others fell asleep. Joy cuddled in close and her soft breath caressed his cheek. As peaceful at it was, someone should keep watch. The last plane he’d been in had crashed. He was hoping that wouldn’t happen again, but there were no guarantees in life. A movement in front of him caught his attention—he must have zoned out. Peter was moving about the cabin and heading his way. The restroom was beside Zareb’s seat. Now would be the perfect time to talk to the wolf and no one would disturb them. A couple of minutes later Peter came out, but before he could return to his seat, Zareb stopped him. He moved to lay Joy down in the seat—she didn’t even wake up. “Have a seat.” “I was going to go back t—” “And you will, Peter, but we need to have a chat.” They both kept their voices low so they wouldn’t wake the others. “About what?” Peter looked confused. “Why you are not with your mate?” Zareb pointed to the front of the cabin where Grey rested. “I don’t have a mate,” Peter stated firmly. “Yes, Peter, you do,” Zareb insisted. His anger was rising and that wasn’t good. They needed to keep this between them.

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“Gay men don’t have mates.” Peter crossed his arms over his chest, but he didn’t make a move to leave. “I do not know who told you that—as Joy would say—‘bullshit’, but it is false. The Ancients give us all mates. Some of us are lucky enough to find them in this lifetime. Do you know how long I’ve been alive? A very long time. I was born in the early sixteen hundreds and I had to wait for Joy. You had better believe I will not be letting her go any time soon. Think about this, young wolf. How will you feel when he finds another man to be with?” Peter growled low in his throat. “That is what I thought. Do not wait too long or he could leave. There is no guarantee he will stay with the Masters pack. He has a home to go to the fox den, he doesn’t need to guard Russ’ mate anymore.” Zareb patted Peter on the shoulder. Peter nodded and left. Zareb grinned when Peter sat in the same row as Grey. Not right next to Grey, but it was a start. “You’re cruel, but in the best way possible.” Joy’s voice startled him. He didn’t expect her to be awake, but now that she was he was going to take advantage of it. He reached for her hand and led her to the bathroom. “But I don’t hav—” Zareb shut the door behind him. They were crammed in a tiny space, but he could make this work. He manoeuvred himself so he sat on the sink and had Joy straddle his lap. “Oh. I see. We’re mile high clubbing it, are we? One of these days we need to try this in a bed. A nice soft—” He cut her off with a kiss and she parted her lips, letting him in. He shifted around so he could take her pants and underwear off. Zareb wanted her completely naked, but there wasn’t a whole lot of room to move around in so he’d have to take what he could get. Joy nuzzled his neck and bit him. Not what he was expecting, but he wasn’t complaining. His cock throbbed. “Joy!” “I claim you as mine, my mate from here to eternity.” Joy bit him again. Her magic flowed through him. He tingled all over. He needed to be inside her. Joy fumbled with his pants until his cock was free. There was no waiting, her possession of him had Zareb on the edge. She was in charge, he had no doubts about that.

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She sank down on his dick and the warm wet heat was heaven, one he didn’t want to leave any time soon. When she moved, he held her still. Zareb wanted to savour the moment. She had claimed him and they were fully one. He held her face in his hands, staring deep into her beautiful green eyes. They sparkled for him. She bit her lip and he soothed it with his tongue. Joy groaned into his mouth and tried to wiggle, but he didn’t let her, not yet. “Zareb, please.” She begged him, but still he kissed and nibbled at her mouth. It might not be the best place to claim his soul, but he would make this time special. He slowed the kiss down. Joy’s inner muscles flexed against his cock. He would need to thrust soon and she wasn’t making it any easier for him. Joy started to twitch and he gave in. Zareb ran his hands down her body until he reached her ass. He helped her, never breaking his kiss. Her moans were getting louder and her movement was faster and faster. They would wake the others at this rate. He released Joy’s mouth. “Shh, my siel. Shh,” Zareb whispered in her ear. His control was tested when Joy bit into his shoulder to control her noises. He bucked into her; neither of them could keep a good rhythm. The sex became frantic, both of them racing to finish. Not wanting to be outdone, Zareb nipped at Joy’s neck before sinking into the same spot where he’d marked her as his the first time. Joy screamed her release. Nothing short of a gag would have stopped her. He didn’t know who was louder at the end as his voice joined hers in climax. He closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths in to calm himself. His heart wanted to beat out of his chest. Each time they were together intimately it got better. Their very souls wrapped around each other the way it should be with mates, or at least how he had always thought it would be. “I don’t want to move. “This will not be comfortable for long,” he assured her. “Speak for yourself and I don’t want to go back out there.” Joy’s face turned a lovely shade of pink. Zareb chuckled. “They probably wish it was them in here instead of us.”

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“Somehow I doubt that. Peter is still denying Grey. Not that I think that will last after your pep talk and I don’t think Ive and Dji have mated yet. There was too much going on.” “Just because Peter is denying his mate does not mean he would not want to be in here with Grey screaming his name. We both know it, and you are probably right about the other two. Dji is just starting to come out of his fog.” Joy rested her head on his shoulder, seeming content to stay there. Zareb stood and allowed her feet to touch the ground. “You didn’t even take your pants off?” “When would I have had time to do that? You rushed us.” “Oh, but you managed to get me half undressed.” Joy pointed down at her body. “I have more patience?” Zareb shrugged and struggled to hold in his laughter. He was freer than he’d been in a long time. Once again he could let his inner child out to play. For now things were good and when they got back to the house he had the promise of a month in bed, or something like that. If he had his way they would lock themselves in for a good long while, but he did want to reacquaint himself with Dji. Zareb also knew Dji would want to get to know his own mate. Zareb hoped over time Dji would forget the hell he’d been put through when Dmitri had control. If he had one wish he could give his friend it would be for those memories to be buried down deep. “What are you thinking about?” Joy shifted around, trying to get dressed in the closed in space. “That we really do need a bed.” Joy slapped his chest. “That is so not what you were thinking.” “You are right, my liefie.” Zareb held her hand in place over his heart. “I was wishing Dji could forget the hell Dmitri put him through.” “Do you really think it’s best he forget? Something like that will never leave you. The best you can hope for is the ability to cope and move on. And don’t forget, we’ll be there for him. Not only us, but you know, the rest of the pack will shelter him.” “I am not so sure of that. They will remember him as the terror of Dmitri.” “From what I’ve seen of Russ, he won’t let that happen.” “You are right, that is not how Russ runs his pack, but I still worry.”

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“No, you still feel guilty. There’s a difference.” Joy patted his cheek before buttoning her pants. “You know me so well.” Zareb gave her a quick kiss. They really should leave in case someone needed to use the facilities, but he was reluctant to go back to his seat. They were in their own world in here—going outside would bring everyone else in on their time. “I feel the same way. I’m telling you what my foster mom would tell me—we are our own worst enemy.” “Your mother is very smart.” “Yes she is and she is just going to love you.” Joy smiled. Zareb wasn’t sure if he liked that particular glint in her eye. “I am sure she will, especially if she has already met Max.” “Oh, I’m sure she’s met him. She was supposed to be training him in his new powers.” “Then hopefully we will have a home to return to.” “You shouldn’t joke about that. It could be true.” Joy rested her head against his chest, her shoulders moving as she tried to contain her laughter. They were both dressed. Zareb opened the door and peeked out to see if the others were awake, but no one said anything. Joy moved past him to get to the window seat. Not that Zareb expected any teasing from this bunch. It would be another story if their pack mates David and Max were on board. He could thank the Ancients for small miracles.

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Chapter Eight

A bus waited for them at the airstrip—not that they had far to go—but Joy was happy for it because she was tired of walking. She didn’t recognise the driver, but wasn’t really surprised by that. She didn’t know enough of the pack yet to have been introduced to everyone. They were informed that there would be a meeting sometime the next day. Russ wanted to let them rest before talking to them. She was down with that. Of course she would rather get it out of the way now so she could sleep uninterrupted for as long as she wanted to. Joy wanted to see V as well, but a nice soft bed was tempting. The vehicle pulled up to the circle drive and let them off. V and Max were at the front to greet them. “Thank God you’re safe. When we heard you’d been split up from Ive and Djimon, and no one knew where you were, I freaked.” V hugged her tight. Joy teared up—she’d missed her sister something fierce. When V released her Max swooped in for a turn. “I’m happy you’re back and not just because Valerie was a basket case.” “Hey!” Max chuckled, “But because I want to get to know you better and we haven’t had any time.” “Sorry, Max and Valerie, but you will not get it tonight. I need to take my mate home. We will see you tomorrow for the meeting then plan something for later.” “Much, much later. I need a week of sleep and a shower. A real honest-to-God shower.” “Then you’ll be happy to know that when I heard you were coming home I swung by your place and picked you up a few things.” “Oh my God, I love you!” It was Valerie’s turn to laugh. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” “Wait, before we go, could you guys get Baakir settled in a room? We’ll explain tomorrow.” V looked over at the man standing by the door and nodded. “No problem. Night Joy.”

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“Night V.” It was good to be here. It might not be home yet, but it soon would be. Zareb led her through the house. She lost track of where the others were. They moved out of the back door and a golf cart waited for them. Joy didn’t even question it, she hopped in and let Zareb take her home. Her first impression was how lonely Zareb must have been. The cottage sat on the very edge of the property, back up against the woods. Once inside she noticed a lack of decorations and very little furniture. “It is not much, when it was just me I did not need material possessions.” “I guess we’ll have to change that, won’t we? But not now, or even next week. Show me to your shower.” A few bags were by the front door. Joy thought they must be things V had gathered from her apartment. “This way.” “Wait, let me see what she brought me.” Joy rummaged through the bags until she came up with her toiletries and a change of clothes. Everything she could possibly need was right there. If she wasn’t so tired she’d break down and cry, but she didn’t even have that in her. Zareb led her to the bathroom. It was huge. There was a Jacuzzi tub, a shower that could fit three or four and a big counter with a sink. She was stunned. “I did have some comforts installed.” Zareb seemed embarrassed. “I think I just had an orgasm.” Her statement caused the reaction she’d hoped for. Zareb laughed. “I’ll go fix us something real to eat and we can go to bed.” “Sounds like the best plan I’ve heard all day.” She couldn’t wait to explore this space—when she was more with it, and with Zareb by her side, they could have a lot of fun in that tub. Not to mention that the shower had a seat in it. They’d have to break in a lot of spots in the house, but first she wanted to make love with her mate in a bed, or any place that was comfortable and indoors. First things first, she had to take care of her hair. She took it down and put her shampoo and conditioner in the shower. She’d take a bath later. Right now she just wanted to wash Africa off her body. And she was hungry.

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When she was finished, Zareb was waiting for her in the kitchen. “It is not much, but it was all I had in the pantry. I already ate something. I will go shower now.” He gave her a peck on the cheek, but she was focused on the heavenly smell of food. Granted it was ravioli in a can, but it wasn’t a protein bar. No milk, but there was juice. She scarfed it down in record time. She couldn’t remember ever being this hungry in her life. Not even in the worst of times before her mother had taken her to Catherine’s. Zareb reappeared as she was washing the last of the dishes. “You did not have to do that.” “I know, but I wanted to. This is going to be my home now, right? I know we didn’t talk about much, but I assumed—” “Joy, you are my siel, my soul. What is mine is yours. I do not ever want to be without you again.” “Guess that answers that,” she said around a yawn. “Let us go to bed now, we will talk more tomorrow.” “Yes, tomorrow. Sleep now.” Joy was full, warm and happy—the three best things to be. Oh and loved—that she would never forget. She didn’t think Zareb would let her. It was up to her to prove to him that he was worth it and that it was time to let go of the guilt that ate at him. Good thing she had Dji to help her with that task. Hell, she guessed she’d have to get to know the ice queen better too. Hopefully she’d thaw out a little now that her mate was safe. The bedroom was dark, lots of browns and blues, but nothing fancy. A big bed took up most of the room. If there was a heaven on Earth, this was it. Joy didn’t wait for Zareb. She crawled into the bed—so soft. Zareb curled around her, but Joy didn’t even have time to enjoy the touch. Her eyes drifted closed. Maybe tomorrow…”

Something tickled her foot. Joy shifted away, but there it was again—and it was moving. Fuck. A bug? Joy kicked out and rolled off the bed. “Omph.” She wasn’t expecting that. She scrambled up to see Zareb on the bed clutching his stomach. “Shit. I’m sorry.” The blanket tangled around her as she moved and tripped flat on her face. This morning was not going so well.

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“I should not have been teasing.” Zareb peered down at her. “And I should’ve warned you that I’m ticklish. To tell you the truth, after Africa, I was afraid a bug was crawling up my leg.” Joy shuddered. “Come here and I will make it better.” Zareb held out a hand. She wasn’t about to argue, but first things first. “Hold that thought.” Joy rushed to the bathroom. Zareb followed behind her at a slower pace. “What are you doing?” “Brushing my teeth,” Joy answered. “We were in the jungle for days with no amenities and now you worry about your breath?” Zareb questioned. “Yes, I want a minty fresh kiss and to be clean when we make love in your nice soft bed. It’ll be a treat.” Zareb threw back his head and laughed. It was the most wonderful sound she’d ever heard. “As you wish, my siel.” Joy finished up and turned to the shower. Probably not the best idea. She didn’t want to get her hair wet again. It would take too long to fix after getting it wet. But she wanted a slippery and naked Zareb. A bath would be better, but if they got in there they probably wouldn’t leave until they screamed each other’s names. And that bed looked so soft and comfortable. The decision was taken away from her when Zareb pulled her from the room and led her to the bed. It was then she noticed he was naked. All this time she’d been so close to him and hadn’t realised the he was physically a specimen to behold—her mate was spectacular. Every ebony inch of his muscled body made her drool. His cock thick and hard and she wanted a taste. Joy licked her lips. She shook his hand loose and slipped out of her shorts and top. Zareb stopped and stared at her. She stood in just a pair of pink lacy underwear. His gaze never left her as she inched them down her thighs until they puddled at her feet. Zareb backed to the bed and sat down on the edge. When Joy came closer he moved to the top of the bed and lay down.

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She crawled between his legs, caressing every inch of him she could touch, and never once did he stop looking at her. The moment was so intimate and she didn’t want it to end, but she had to have that cock in her mouth—just a little taste, because she planned on riding that bad boy. Zareb twitched against her fingers, but stayed silent. That wouldn’t last, not with what she intended to do. Joy nuzzled his balls, taking them into her mouth and sucking on them. She let them slide out of her mouth so she could use her teeth to lightly bite the juncture of his thigh. He seemed to be enjoying it so she bit deeper, sucking and licking, marking Zareb as hers. Zareb mumbled in Afrikaans. She had no idea what he said, but it didn’t sound like he hated what she was doing. Joy tongued the vein on the underside of his cock, following it up to the tip. Zareb thrashed on the bed, clutching the sheets between his fists, his eyes now closed. Joy took just the tip of Zareb’s dick into her mouth and sucked—hard. He tried to thrust up and force her to take more, but she used her hands to hold him down, taking control of the blowjob. She didn’t want him to come until he was deep inside her aching body. It was time for her to explore more of his gorgeous form. Joy released his cock and kissed her way up to his nipples, the dark pebbles begging for her attention. Zareb’s hands caressed her back and grabbed her ass. She got a quick pinch in before he dragged her up his body for a mind-blowing kiss. His tongue invaded her mouth, taking no prisoners. She rocked her body against his, the friction driving her to the edge. She needed him to fill her. Joy broke the kiss so she could position herself above him and sink down. “Oh, fuck. Zareb.” She didn’t move, not right away. Zareb grabbed her ass and planted his feet firmly on the bed and began thrusting up. She took the hint and moved. Joy squeezed his pecs and twisted his nipples. She shivered when Zareb caressed her sides—she loved his touch on her skin. Joy leant down so she could tease Zareb with her breast, the nipples close to his lips, but when he tried to suck one into his mouth she moved back over again and again until he grabbed her breast. He wasn’t gentle—he bit down and Joy almost came right there. “Enough,” Zareb mumbled, his mouth full of her plump globe.

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He flipped them over so Joy was under him. She wrapped her legs around him and tilted her hips up, moving with him. Zareb’s arms bracketed her head. Their eyes met and she couldn’t look away. The intensity of his stare drew her in. Her breathing picked up, she started to pant. “So close. Zareb. Gonna.” And she was, her body shook with the force slamming through her. The only noise in the room was flesh against flesh and she still couldn’t look away. She wanted to see Zareb’s face when he came. His lids went half-mast and his thrusts took on a wild cadence. “Joy!” His shout caused a ripple effect. The look of wonder on his face pushed her over the edge. Her orgasm crashed over her, her whole body a mass of nerves. Zareb collapsed on top of her but she didn’t care, his weight crushing her to the bed a comfort. Joy’s heart rate finally slowed. Zareb slid over so she could curl up against his chest. “That was worth the wait. I’m thinking bed sex is better than outdoor dirty sex any time.” Zareb chuckled into her neck, nuzzling it with his lips. “You give me so much happiness, my liefie.” “I like to hear you laugh. You’re so serious all the time.” “There was a time I was never serious. All I wanted to do was play, but watching your family being destroyed will take the fun out of any situation. Then I had to fight against a man who was my brother in every way when the Vessel changed him. Djimon was the one who followed the rules and did what was right.” “Things have changed.” Joy kissed his cheek. “You have a new family and you’re allowed to have a little fun.” “For this I must thank you.” “Orgasms like that will be thanks enough.” Joy giggled. Zareb smiled down at her. “We should bathe before the meeting starts.” “Is that today? Couldn’t it wait?” “Russ needs to know what happened in Africa. I want to reassure him that the Vessel is taken care of and see about a schedule for sending pack members there to check on the site. I do not think any of us want to encounter the evil that vase had inside it again.”

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“Once was enough for me, babe. I can’t imagine what you went through year after year. I’m surprised you didn’t go a little crazy. I bet you’re relieved that part of your life is over.” “I will never fully regret my path in life because it led me to you.” “You say the sweetest things.” Joy nipped at his shoulder. “Shower or bath, my siel.” “Bath. I wanna try out your tub.” “Then a bath you shall have.” Zareb picked her up and carried her to the bathroom before setting her down on the toilet. She could get used to this, snuggling in while Zareb pampered her. She could go back to sleep, but she was hungry too. Her thoughts jumped back and forth until Zareb picked her up again and placed her into the water. The warmth felt great against her sore muscles. Her body wasn’t used to all the walking she had done in the past week. Maybe she’d make a spa appointment soon, a day all about her would do her a wonder of good. She’d get V to go and maybe invite the other women in the pack. She was drifting to sleep, her head on Zareb’s shoulder, when he passed her some soap. Yeah, she just wanted to never move again. When she didn’t take the bar from his hands he began washing her body. Joy moaned. Yes, a massage was in order. Maybe Zareb would do it for her, then she’d never have to leave the house again. That was doable, right? He had a kitchen and the woods out back would be perfect when they needed to shift. Things were looking pretty good from where she sat.

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Chapter Nine

Everyone was already in Russ’ office by the time Zareb and Joy showed up. Even Djimon and Ive had made it there before they did. Not that Zareb would complain too much. He prided himself on punctuality, but when he had a woman such as Joy at his disposal he would make an exception. Eyes turned to them when the door shut behind them. Joy turned a pretty pink colour, but raised her chin in defiance. Valerie had saved them a spot so Zareb led Joy over. Russ looked better than he had when the group had left for Africa. He was once again in command of himself. Zareb figured that had a lot to do with his mate, Vivian. There was much power to be had in this room. Home had never felt so good. There was really no need for true guardians anymore, but Max and David would make good ones. They reminded him a little of himself and Dji. Maybe they should begin training—he’d have to ask Russ what he thought of that. “Now that we are all here we can begin.” Russ grinned at him. Zareb looked around to see who else had been invited to the meeting. They were mostly new couples. Scott and Erin had been mated for a while and Zareb did not think Ive and Dji or Grey and Paul had completed the ritual yet. Bella and David sat across from Max and Valerie. Vivian sat next to Russ at his desk. The rest of the pack went about their day. This core group would be the backbone of the tribe, here to help Russ in whatever he needed. “For the record I would like to state that I am the alpha here. I know there were some questions before the group of you went to Africa, but I’m in charge. There may be members in here stronger than I am in the magic realm, but that doesn’t make me weak.” “It is how it should be. As I have stated before, the alpha should not have a guardian’s power. Too much, and it could corrupt the best of us.” Zareb was happy to see Russ take charge. “Well put, Zareb. I also want to reassure everyone on Djimon’s presence. The man here in this room is not the one who was against us. That soul was named Dmitri and is no longer with us. Most of you know this, but I wanted to reinforce it. Zareb, please fill us in on what happened.” Russ gave him the floor.

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Zareb bowed his head at the alpha. “Our trip was not as uneventful as we had hoped. The plane crashed in the middle of the jungle, killing our pilot. We had to leave him and the plane. We should inform his family.” Zareb looked to Russ for confirmation—at the alpha’s nod he continued. “Once on the ground we moved as fast as we could, but were ambushed. They separated Joy and I from Dji and Ive. I believe that is because they thought Djimon was still Dmitri and they wanted to rescue him from us—he had followers in Africa. Ive and Dji will have to fill you in on that part of the journey. Joy and I managed to keep the Vessel with us.” Zareb would leave out that he’d mated with Joy in the jungle without realising it. The alpha didn’t need to know everything. “So nothing escaped from the vase?” Valerie questioned. “Unfortunately that is not the case. Dmitri’s soul tried to escape, but it was unsuccessful. We ran into an old tribe mate who managed to survive the carnage when Dmitri first emerged, Baakir. He came back with us.” “Yeah, we should keep an eye on him,” Joy interrupted. Zareb looked over and nodded. “Why is that?” Russ looked between him and Joy. “He was influenced by Dmitri and the Vessel, but in the end he helped us. But Joy is correct; we should keep an eye on him. He might need help as well, getting used to a new life,” Zareb answered. “Then we’ll see what we can do. I am assuming that the Vessel has been disposed of?” “Yes, Joy and I made sure it was sealed and Djimon added some extra power to the ground. We both think it would be good to send someone to the burial spot periodically to check the barrier.” “I agree. I’ll send pairs up starting next month.” “I think that would be wise, Russ. It might be nice to have the shifters here see where they came from.” “Africa is very rich in magic. I wouldn’t mind going back. As long as I had access to a decent bathroom, or a car. I don’t think I want to ever walk again,” Joy piped in. Valerie laughed. “Zareb, you can help me with a rotation schedule. It might be nice for the magic users to go first.”

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“Oh, hell no. Aren’t Max and I the only magic users who haven’t been?” Valerie looked horrified. Now it was Joy’s turn to laugh. “You’ll be fine, V.” “Says you, the person who probably won’t have to go back.” The love between the two sisters was a bright light and Zareb took a moment to bask in the glow. That was how he wanted his relationship with Dji to continue. He had missed his brother—all these centuries apart and he had much to make amends for. It took him a moment to realise Russ was speaking. “Is there anything else we should discuss?” Russ looked at the others in the room. “I think we are safe for now. The Ancients have not spoken to me since our return. I am unsure if that is a good sign or a bad one. I will try to commune with them and let you know what they have said. There was a hint that our world could be exposed to humans, but I think we took care of that when the Vessel was destroyed.” “Then this meeting is adjourned.” Zareb sat back and watched the couples filter out of the room. He wanted a moment alone with the alpha. “You coming?” Joy looked down at him. Lost in his thoughts, he hadn’t seen her move. He grasped her hand and gave it a squeeze. “No, my siel. I would like to talk to Russ for a moment. You should go talk to Max, get to know your brother a little better.” Joy leant down and kissed his head. “I’ll do that. Come find me when you’re done?” “Always. I want to speak to Dji as well, there is much we need to discuss. I would like to invite Dji and Ive to our home this evening.” “You’re lucky I love you.” She tightened her hold before releasing his hand and leaving the room. Joy would warm to Ive—there was more to Dji’s mate than met the eye. There would have to be. She needed to be strong to help Dji get through the coming transition. “Was there something else you needed, Zareb?” Vivian lingered next to the alpha. Russ nodded towards her and she left the room. It was just the two of them now.

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“I would like to reaffirm that you are my alpha in every way. I am a tool for you to use when needed.” “I hope you know that I think of you as more than that—you’re family.” “I am happy to hear that. This is home for me and I do not want you to feel threatened. My strengths do not lie in being in charge, they never have. I am good at fighting and protecting and I will protect you and yours with my very being. I would like permission to train David and Max in the old ways of the guardian. If it is permissible with you I would include Djimon. Before he was possessed he was the strongest of us. He would bring great insight to our group.” Zareb waited to see what Russ would say. He hoped he hadn’t offended the alpha because he wasn’t trying to take charge. “I think that’s a splendid idea.” Russ moved from behind his desk. “I do want to send Max and David to Africa. I think I’ll wait until they’ve gone through some sessions with you. I will talk to them and you can start next week.” Zareb bowed his head in agreement. “Thank you.” “See you at dinner.” Russ dismissed him. Now he had to hunt down Dji. They should talk. “Zareb, are you finished?” He turned to see Kir leaning against the wall, waiting for him. “Yes, the meeting is over. Are you finding things all right? Have you settled into your room?” “That is what I need to talk to you about. I want to go home.” “Kir, I thought you wanted this as your home now. There is nothing for you to go back to.” “This does not feel right.” “Come with me.” Zareb led Kir through the house and out of the back door. The lush woods beckoned him and he answered the call. “Where are you taking me?” Zareb didn’t answer. He continued on until he reached a secluded area with a pond. It was beautiful here in a different way from Africa, but gorgeous just the same. “Sit there.” Zareb pointed to a log. Once Kir settled in he began talking.

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“Kir, everything will not come easy here. Things are different, but once you come to terms with being here, you will find the wonder of this country. Look at these trees and enjoy the peace. When I feel closed in, this is where I come. Can you feel the Ancients here? I know I can. I call to them and some of the time they answer.” He didn’t say more. Zareb patted Kir on the back. “I will be here when you need me—my home is always open. I will leave you here for now. Give the pack here a chance, we are not like the group back in Africa. Trust me.” Kir nodded and stared off into the distance. Zareb took his leave, finally free to search out Dji. It was time for them to talk, really talk. He wanted his brother back. For the first time he was comfortable in his own skin and the feeling of belonging washed over him. Zareb hadn’t thought he would ever feel right with the world, not after everything had come crashing down around him. Everything was on hold in his search to make things right. His relief made him stumble, his hand hovered over his chest, the ache almost unbearable, but freeing.

It took a while for him to hunt down Dji. He was in an unexpected place, on the front veranda on the porch swing by himself. “Where is Ive?” It wasn’t the first question he wanted to ask, but it would do to start the conversation. “I needed some space.” Dji didn’t even bother to look up. “If that is your hint to leave you alone, it will not work. You should know me better than that, my old friend.” “I should be dead,” Dji whispered. Zareb had to strain to hear him. This was not the man Zareb remembered, but he shouldn’t be surprised. A lot of years had passed and Dji’s true self had been submerged in his own body. Zareb couldn’t even begin to image what that must have been like—to watch yourself go through life doing things you would never do and not being able to stop it. The carnage in their tribe alone was enough to turn anyone’s stomach. Zareb’s only wish was that Dji hadn’t been present for the massacre, but somehow Zareb thought he was. He had to convince Dji that things would be okay now. “There will be no talk like that. It was not you in charge of those happenings,” Zareb reassured him, but didn’t think it was penetrating the depression Dji was in.

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“I was there, I could sense what was happening. If you’d been possessed, you would have fought harder and won. I think that is why Dmitri picked me. I’m weak.” “Enough, I will not have you speaking of my brother that way. Not when it should have been me. You were always the better person.” Zareb sat down next to Dji. The freeing feeling from his talk with Kir had disappeared, but the rightness of being together filled his soul. By the Ancients, it was great to have his brother back. “When I was trapped, I tried to escape, but I was weak. There’s no doubt about that. It was only after I was exposed to Ive that things came into focus.” “It was fated, you should know how the Ancients work.” “Then if it was fated, you have no call to feel guilt.” Dji stood his ground. “But I do because it was I who led you to that Vessel and I do not like that you call yourself weak. You are one of the strongest men I know. You have survived and you have a mate now,” Zareb tried to reassure him. “I won’t be claiming her.” Dji shook his head and looked horrified at the very thought. That wasn’t good. Zareb was convinced that in order for Dji to feel like himself again he would have to mate with Ive. “What does Ive have to say about that?” Zareb raised a brow. “I—” Dji looked up at him, his expression so painful it should be private. “Do not punish yourself. Do you know what Ive did for you? Did she tell you how she came to be here?” “I’m not worthy.” Zareb stood and glared down at the other man. “You will stop this now. I will not see you belittle who you are. You are Djimon, my brother, the protector, my friend and Ive’s mate.” “Those are just words. I have been inside looking out, I’m not who I once was.” “You do not have to be. Find yourself and let Ive help. She put herself on the line for you. If not for her, you would be dead. Go to her, make right by her. Then come find me because I do want to get to know you, help you to find yourself again—and Kir is here as well. That is something—for the first time my family is here. In all my years of fighting with Dmitri I could never dream there would be a day some of my tribe would be near me. Do not make me lose that again so soon.” Zareb kissed Dji on the forehead and left him.

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His brothers were both in contemplation—now he could go to his mate. If anyone could soothe his guilt it would be her. He was not used to being the person who advised others. Now look at him—in such a short span of time he’d had a talk with Peter, Kir and Dji. “Your duty to this tribe is to bring it together and you have done it.” He shouldn’t be surprised the Ancients would talk to him now. He’d done what they had wanted, but a warning would’ve been be nice. Zareb moved off to the side—out of the way of the household traffic until he found the sitting room. “Thank you, Ancients.” “Do not let the guilt of the past get in the way of your future. What you tell your brothers is true—things do happen for a reason. There are many lessons that must be learned. For some it takes longer than others. Know now that you will have a time of peace, but be on guard. The time for exposure is closing in. The humans will find out about shifters and when the time comes it will be your duty as guardian to be a go-between, bringing the two species together in understanding.” “You have much faith in me.” “You have passed the test we have put forth. The Masters tribe is stronger. The more the core group of you bond, the better the future outcome will be. Be at peace, son.” Goodwill and happiness seeped through him, a shining glow of acceptance, and just as they appeared, they were gone. Zareb didn’t want to move, he wanted to bask in the joy of being alive, having his mate and his family. “What are you doing, sitting here in the dark?” Zareb shook off the fog from talking to the Ancients. He had no idea how long he’d sat there, but now Joy was in front of him. “I am sorry, my siel. I was lost in thought.” He held out a hand and Joy accepted it, her warmth a pleasant end to a nice morning. “I thought you were going to come find me.” Was his mate pouting? He couldn’t have that. Zareb tugged on her pants until she fell into his lap. He held her tight, letting his love pour into her, the happy glow surrounding them in pure white light. He had to close his eyes before he was overwhelmed. He nuzzled into her neck, licking at his mark that was still there. It should have faded some by now, but all could see that Joy belonged to him. She shivered in his arms. “Dinner is being—oh! Sorry.” Whoever was in the doorway to the room rushed off. Zareb didn’t even look to see who it was.

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Zareb caressed Joy’s face, bringing her close to him so he could claim her lips in a gentle kiss. He would cherish his mate until the day he died and for evermore after. The grumbling of one of their stomachs broke the mood. Joy leant back and laughed. “Guess we’d better get to the dining room. I think Russ wanted us all there so we can begin to feel like a family.” “Lead the way, my klein blom.” Zareb helped her off his lap and moved towards the door. “That’s a new one. What’s it mean?” Joy looked over at him. “My little flower.” Zareb smiled and waited for Joy’s response. He wasn’t disappointed. “Oh, hell no! Flower? Come on!” Joy slapped at his arm. “How about my vegter?” He kissed her cheek and waved her out the door. “Depends. What’s it mean?” Joy looked sceptical. “My warrior.” Zareb winked. He was enjoying teasing his mate. It made his heart light. “Much better.” Joy stood up taller and walked out of the door. “Ek het jou life met my hart en siel. My lewe is verbeur met uit om jou,” he whispered. “What? More princess bull?” Zareb stopped Joy in the hallway and pulled her in close. He whispered in her ear, “I love you with my heart and soul. My life is forfeit without you.” He nipped at her lobe and suckled it into his mouth. She groaned and wrapped her leg around his, trying to climb up his body. A throat cleared to Zareb’s left. He eased Joy away from him. “I think they are holding dinner for you.” Kir spoke the words hesitantly, like he didn’t want to interrupt. One of the other pack members walked by and looked Kir up and down before going into the dining room. Kir didn’t even notice. “We will be in. Give us a moment?” Kir nodded at Zareb’s words. Joy was his alone once again. “I want you, not dinner,” Joy complained. “Soon, vegter. Soon.” “Did you see that woman give Kir the eye?” “Naomi? I did. Do you think—”

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“Look at you playing matchmaker.” Joy pinched his arm and preceded him into the room filled with his family. He wanted Kir happy. Did that make him a matchmaker? Maybe, but his friend should be as happy as he was. He’d see if he could talk to Naomi tomorrow, or maybe the next day. He was all for his family’s happiness, but he had a mate to satisfy. And he’d remembered something she’d requested of him. He was planning on making the moment as special as possible after dinner. He just hoped he could get through the meal.

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Chapter Ten

Joy hadn’t thought dinner would ever end. Russ had given a speech and introduced the new members of the pack. It looked like Grey would be joining them, though Peter looked uncertain. Joy hoped they could come to terms with their mating. It was so obvious they belonged together. At least Peter didn’t look pissed off and Grey looked hopeful. Zareb stopped in front of her. She wanted to jump his bones, but something had been bugging her for a while. “What has you thinking so hard over there, my siel?” He took his shirt off and she almost forgot the question. “Why is it that you and Kir speak so formally and Dji doesn’t? It just strikes me as odd.” Zareb allowed his pants to pool at his feet, stepping out of them. Joy licked her lips. Her mate was so beautiful, every inch of him hard. “—living among—” She must have looked confused because Zareb paused. “What?” “You were not listening to a word I said, were you?” “I’m expected to pay attention when you’re getting all naked?” “I said I think it has to do with Dji living among Dmitri’s minions.” Joy took her shirt off. It was Zareb’s turn to pause. “You were saying? It’s hard isn’t it?” Her bra went next, followed by her shoes, socks and pants. She stood naked in front of him. “Hard?” Zareb looked confused. He was too far away. She crooked a finger and motioned him over. He almost raced to get to her and a tackle had her on the bed under him in seconds. “Is that really a question?” Joy asked as Zareb’s hard cock rubbed against her stomach. “I’d say—yes.” Joy giggled. Zareb growled and tickled her sides. “Laugh, will you?” He continued the torture.

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Joy couldn’t breathe she laughed so much. “Stop. Please. Stop.” Zareb collapsed on top of her and rolled them over. “Thank you.” Zareb looked into her eyes. Joy couldn’t look away. “For what?” “Bringing me to life again. I was just existing before you came into my world. Ek is life vir jou. I love you.” “I love you too.” Joy buried her face in his neck, taking in his scent. “It is time.” Joy looked confused. “Again, for what?” “To mate you properly.” A shiver coursed through her body. Technically they were already bonded, but ceremony meant a lot to Joy and her heart filled with happiness. Zareb rolled them over again. Joy was starting to get dizzy, but kept her mouth shut. She wouldn’t ruin this one time experience. She would take it all in and savour every moment so she could bring it forth again and again. He rested his weight on his arms, hovering over her body, but not touching her anywhere. Zareb sniffed at her neck—finding the mark he’d already left. It still lingered on her throat. Zareb pierced the flesh with his canines. Joy’s body arched up, connecting their skin. His hot cock bumped her clit, forcing a moan from her. “Jy is myne, in gedagte.” Zareb forced her hips back to the mattress. He moved down until he was above her chest. His lips brushed her breast, back and forth, lulling her until he bit down, right where her heart lay in her chest. “Jy is myne, in dir hart.” Joy writhed under him, her body needed more. She was so turned on; every mark brought her closer to the edge. She’d never been this turned on in her life. The words had a magic to them that wrapped her up tight.

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Zareb licked his way down her body, his fingers following almost like they had a mind of their own. He stopped to kiss her belly button. Even now he made her laugh, breaking some of the tension, which was a good thing because she was on the verge of exploding and he was just using his tongue and fingers. He reached her thigh, right where her leg met her pelvis and gave her another bite. She bucked uncontrollably. “Jy is myne, in dir liggaam.” Joy didn’t know how much more she could take. Zareb slithered back up her body and stared into her eyes. Hs slowly sank his cock into her pussy , he rushed nothing. Once he was all the way inside her he spoke again. “Jy is nou myne, in gedaget, hart en liggaam vir ewig meer.” The room vibrated with power—it flowed in and around them. Joy wrapped her legs around Zareb’s body. As he rested his forehead on hers, neither moved. The only sound in the room was their ragged breathing. She started to twitch. She couldn’t take it anymore. “Please.” Her words broke the spell. Zareb pumped his hips, slamming her body into the mattress. Joy held on for the ride, rocking her hips, meeting him thrust for thrust, again and again. Her breasts crushed against his hard chest. Joy scratched her hands up his back, leaving her own marks of possession. She dug her feet into the mattress, lifting herself up. The position moved Zareb in deeper. He hissed, clenching his teeth, the tendons in his neck stood out. He threw his head back and shouted her name out into the night. She echoed him, both of them coming at the same time in perfect union, symbolic in so many ways. Zareb rolled off her and she appreciated it. She was having a hard enough time breathing, the experience so intense—more than anything she’d felt before. Magic still crackled around the room. When she could speak again, Joy asked Zareb about the words of the binding spell. “What did all of that mean?” He took a moment to answer, the look on his face peaceful. “First I told you that you were mine in mind, then mine in heart, after that mine in body then at the end I said that you are now mine in mind, heart and body for evermore.” “For evermore. I do like those words.” They let the silence wash over them, content to listen to the sounds of the evening. Joy started to drift to sleep when Zareb moved from the bed.

ORIGINS

Jambrea Jo Jones

84

“Shh. I’m going to start the bath.” Zareb soothed her when she tried to follow him. Joy didn’t answer. She didn’t think she could speak anymore anyway, much less move. There was no way she was leaving the bed until morning. The next thing she knew she was being picked up. Joy snuggled into Zareb, letting him take care of her—her trust in him full and true. The warm water felt wonderful on her sore muscles—parts of her hurt that had never hurt before. “The water will help with the aches.” “Can you read my mind now?” “No.” Zareb looked down at her. “Why?” “Then how do you know I’m sore?” “The mating will do that. You are getting binding fluid through the bites. We just tightened the bond we already had and your body is adjusting. Usually it would be preparing you for a shift, but you have already finished that. Maybe tomorrow we can go running through the woods in shifted form.” Zareb sank into the bath. Joy took the opportunity to curl into him, letting his strength keep her above the water. She should have grabbed a clip for her hair. As if anticipating her need, Zareb held it out to her. “Are you sure you can’t see inside my head?” Zareb chuckled. “No, my siel. I have just seen how you are about your hair.” Piling the strands on top of her head, she settled back against Zareb, enjoying the water and peace. No running away from people trying to kill them. No outdoors to take away from the moment. And no interrup— A knock sounded through the house. She knew it was too good to be true—she’d jinxed them. “Ignore them.” Joy closed her eyes. The sound persisted. Zareb shifted to get out of the tub. “I cannot, my siel. I told Kir and Dji that they could stop by any time. They might have need of me.” “Let me—” “No. Stay. I’ll be back shortly.” Joy wasn’t going to argue. She was tired and she had no idea who might be at the door. Unless it was V she really didn’t care. A raised voice reached her in her bubble of peace.

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Jambrea Jo Jones

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“—gone!” That doesn’t sound good. Joy resigned herself to see what was happening. This was her new family and she should help. She reached for Zareb’s robe and wrapped it around her. It was warm and smelt of her mate. When she reached the living room it was to see Ive and that other shifter from dinner. N-something. Norma, Natalie. No. Naomi. Yes. That was it. “What’s going on?” Joy looked between the three. Of course, Ive took over the conversation. It really shouldn’t surprise her, but this time she looked as if she’d been crying. Something had broken her, that didn’t bode well. “Baakir and Djimon are gone.” “Gone? Where?” Joy was confused. They were grown men. “For how long?” Naomi broke in, taking over for Ive. “I was with Kir, talking to him after dinner. Djimon and Ive were leaving the room. Kir said something about not being able to do this. To—be here. Or, talk to me, I guess.” Naomi cleared her throat before continuing. “Djimon said he agreed with Kir. That’s when they both took off.” “But they are together?” Zareb wanted to know. “As far as we know,” Ive acknowledged. “What would make Kir run? Dji would take the littlest excuse to leave. Sorry, Ive, but he feels guilt over the things Dmitri did in his name.” The room went quiet. Naomi cleared her throat, but no one said anything as the tension grew in the room. “Oh, fuck. Naomi, you and Kir are mates, aren’t you?” Joy ran a hand down her face. “What is with this tribe and this splurge of mating going on?” “Is this true?” Zareb looked at Naomi. “It’s my fault.” Naomi’s shoulders sank down low like she was trying to curl in on herself. “Believe me, honey, none of this is your fault. Zareb’s brothers are stubborn and loaded to the gills, or should I say whiskers, with guilt,” Joy interrupted. “What she says is true. It is not your fault.” “But it was. I blurted out that we were mates. Then Djimon showed up and Kir bolted.”

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Jambrea Jo Jones

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Joy guided Naomi farther into the house and pushed her onto the couch before going to get her some water. This was going to be a long night. She contemplated getting dressed, but figured they wouldn’t do anything until morning. Zareb was speaking when she returned to hand the water over to Naomi. “Ive, do you want anything?” “No, sister-mate.” Ive sat down next to Naomi and took her hand. “Okay then, what’s the plan of action?” Joy rubbed her hands together. “I do not know. I spoke with both Dji and Kir today and told them that they belonged here, for them to think about that. I wanted my family whole again and I—maybe I pushed too hard.” Joy had never heard Zareb sound so dejected. She didn’t like it, not one bit, and she wouldn’t stand for it. “Stop, this guilt thing you guys have going is making me sick. We’re going to start living from today. No more past if I have to beat it into all of your heads. Ive, have you and Djimon mated yet?” Ive’s face went completely red. “We’ve had—done—but—haven’t—that is, no we have not technically mated.” Ive stared down at her hands. “So you’ve done the mattress mambo, but no biting. Shit. I was hoping we could use that to locate him. Do you have something of his that we could use? I could try a spell maybe?” “Sometimes I can speak to Djimon in my mind. I have done it before when Dmitri had possession,” Zareb informed the group. “Then what’re you waiting for?” Joy could still try a magic locator if Zareb didn’t have any luck. “It will take a moment. I need to centre myself. I will go outside.” Zareb didn’t wait for a response—he left Joy with the other two women. Isn’t this just swell? “Can I get either of you anything?” “No, I’m really sorry we barged in here. I really shouldn’t even be here.” Naomi bit her lip.

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“Nonsense, we’re family and it’s about time that Djimon and Baakir realised they aren’t alone anymore. It’s hard when your family leaves you, but if there are others willing to fill the void, you let them. I learned that the hard way.” Joy just shared more with Naomi and Ive than she had ever shared with anyone other than V. She took her own words to heart. If they were going to be a strong pack they had to support each other, even if they didn’t completely like each other. Maybe Ive’ll grow on me. She looked over at the women huddled there comforting each other. She had to do something, anything. Ive’s mini breakdown had made Joy realise there was to Ive than just the ice queen front she showed to the world; it was time to break down the barriers. “Ive. Um—sister-mate?” “Yes, Joy.” “I want us to be friends.” Joy rushed the words out. “I would like that too.” Ive reached out for her and the three women were connected. “I think the three of us are going to need each other. Our men are a little different than the others in the pack. They have more baggage and we’re going to have to see them through it, all of us.” Joy sent a pointed look at Naomi. “I found them.” Zareb had returned. It was a good thing too. Joy was going to be okay, but too much of this sympathy had her itching. She’d have to talk to V and get some advice. “Good, where are they?” Joy asked. “They did not go far. They went to the clearing I took Kir to this afternoon. They will return in the morning. It seems the two of them have had a talk. Kir was set to go back to Africa until he told Djimon that Naomi was his mate. Dji refused to leave after that, told Kir that guilt would not ruin them. I hope that is the case.” Ive deflated before Joy’s eyes. Tears streamed down her face and sobs racked her body. She had no idea what to do. Good thing Naomi was there. She hugged Ive and stroked her back, calming her down. “It’ll be okay, Ive. Leaving like they did was a good thing; being here is an even better thing. Knowing we can reach out to each other is a godsend. You shouldn’t bottle things up so much. This weekend we’re having a girls’ night. We’ll kick the guys out and let them do whatever in the main house and I’ll invite all the women down here for a barbeque.”

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“I—I would like that.” Ive threw herself at Joy. If Zareb hadn’t been there to catch her, she would have fallen off the couch at the force of the woman hurtling herself towards her. “It’s settled then. Will you talk to Vivian? She should be able to arrange everything, being Russ’ mate. Tell her I’ll see her about it tomorrow.” “Thank you. We should go now.” Ive and Naomi left the house, but not before hugs were exchanged. “Ive is not so bad,” Zareb commented after the door was closed. “No, she isn’t once she lets her guard down. Now what weren’t you telling us?” “I am not sure—” “Don’t give me that, spill.” Joy poked him in the chest. She knew he’d held back. There was something in his face when he spoke that drew her attention to it. They hadn’t known each other long, but she could read him. Maybe that is what he did when he anticipated what she needed. “It seems that I had to order Dji and Kir back here. I—um—guilted them into it.” “That’s not going to go over well. What were you thinking?” Joy slapped his arm. “I was thinking that I was about to have two crying women on my hands; women who had perfectly good mates that should be here to soothe them. I was also thinking that I wanted to go to bed with my mate. If they are stupid enough to deny themselves the wonder of having a mate, they should leave.” Zareb pulled her off balance and Joy stumbled into him. “Is that what you told them?” Joy cocked a brow. “No, I told them if they did not return I would find their mates suitable men in their absence.” Zareb entwined their fingers and placed Joy’s hand over his heart. “Shut up! You didn’t.” Joy threw her head back and laughed. She could feel Zareb’s chest vibrating under her hand, it tickled her digits. “I did and I was not lying.” “I love you,” Joy whispered and snuggled in tight. “En ek is life vir jou.” “I don’t think you know how sexy it is when you speak in Afrikaans.” Joy kissed his chest. He smelt good. She wanted to lick him.

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Jambrea Jo Jones

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Joy gave in to the urge—they were in their home after all. She wondered how long it would take to get him naked. “I do not see why. It is not a beautiful language.” Zareb let go of her. “It is when you speak it.” Joy loved it when her strong mate picked her up. She was safe and home. She wasn’t letting this go and no one could make her. Finally, for once in her life things were falling into place. Granted, Catherine had done a great job making her feel welcome after her own mom had died, but it wasn’t the same. With Zareb she had a family. He was hers and she was his. They reached the bedroom and Joy was so tired. “Sleep, my vegter. Tomorrow we will conquer the world, or at least this little patch of it.” “I like how you think—my siel.” And he was her soul and her very life. Tomorrow they would begin their journey to forever and drag everyone else in the future kicking and screaming. It was going to be her kind of day. Joy smiled and wrapped herself around Zareb. She was never going to let him go.

About the Author Jambrea wanted to be the youngest romance author published, but life impeded the dreams. She put her writing aside and went to college briefly, then enlisted in the Air Force. After serving in the military, she returned home to Indiana to start her family. A few years later, she discovered yahoo groups and book reviews. There was no turning back. She was bit by the writing bug. She enjoys spending time with her son when not writing and loves to receive reader feedback. She’s addicted to the internet so feel free to email her anytime.

Email: [email protected] Jambrea loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and author biography at http://www.total-e-bound.com.

Also by Jambrea Jo Jones Tell Me Now Wishing Star Love by Design Dark Encounters: Dominate Me Alliance: Retribution Alliance: Salvation Seeds of Dawn: Secrets Seeds of Dawn: Inequities Saddle Up N Ride: A Fistful of Emmett Stealing My Heart: Stealing Michael Over the Moon: Dreams

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