Untamed: Feral Bonds

Prologue

Three Years Earlier

Fresh blood slicked Embry Caelitēs’s hands as she stepped away from her brother, but she didn’t bother wiping them clean. There would be more. She watched Ace carefully strip off his shirt, pain stealing across his features. Pain he’d kept hidden until now. After another vicious battle he’d won, but not without sustaining a deep gash across his ribs.

Any sign of weakness would bring more challenges. So far, his skills kept most of the males of the herd at bay. There were plenty of females who wouldn’t be as…difficult to get close to as Embry, but those males who considered her the ultimate prize would wait for the right opportunity.

Wait for Ace to be too wounded to protect her.

Once he’d defeated the last challenger, he’d gone off alone to shift, packing a ripped piece of his dirty shirt against the gash before dressing quickly. He’d put on a brave face while the elders congratulated him.

Then returned to their cabin, lurching into the bathroom to vomit, pure agony making it almost impossible for him to rise even after she’d used her power to slow the bleeding.

This couldn’t be their life. Endless fights, whispered threats in the darkness, her skin crawling whenever a man glanced her way. She knew what they wanted, but she hadn’t realized no one would stop them from taking it by force.

No one but Ace.

Why hadn’t her mother warned her? Why had she pretended men could be gentle and sweet? Other than Ace, Embry didn’t believe any could look at her without imagining her naked and helpless, pinned under him as he…

Inhaling slowly, Embry pulled out a kitchen chair and gave her brother a hard look. Sit.

It’s fine, Embry. Don’t waste your strength on me. He let out a heavy sigh, then sat. You should use it to escape.

I won’t leave you. Or our mother. She knelt by his side and eyed the wound, trying to ignore the scars around it. He was only nineteen, a year older than her, and he’d done his duty to the herd. He should be enjoying the perks that came with being proven a fertile male, not spending all his time defending her. I’m sorry.

Don’t be. Embry, look at me. He grabbed her wrist before she could place her hand over the wound. Maybe they won’t come after you if you leave. Mother is pregnant again. Between the new baby and my son, our family has given the herd more than enough. You’re too young to start breeding anyway.

She wasn’t and he damn well knew it. He’d been younger than her when he’d been forced to mate for the first time. Do you really believe someone like Virgil would let me go? This isn’t the first time you’ve had to fight him.

Because he’s an asshole. Ace pressed his eyes shut as she twisted free and laid her hand over the wound. He shuddered as the heat of her powers seeped into the broken flesh. He won’t stop. None of them will so long as you’re within reach.

They would if I chose one of them.

No.

His sharp tone distracted the steady flow of magic and the energy from within spilled too fast to contain. Scalding pain flared over her palm as she sealed the gash. She swallowed hard, the scent of burnt skin making her nauseous.

If only she’d been born a fighter, rather than a healer, they wouldn’t be having this conversation. Female fighters were never fertile.

So they were never forced to mate.

Virgil had been the first to try with her. Before her eighteenth birthday, when she’d been out in the field checking on the wheat crops. Without warning, he’d knocked her off her feet, tearing her dress, his slimy lips rubbing against her cheek. She’d screamed, hoping her neighbors, who were within view, would help her.

They turned away, leaving her to him.

Reality hit her then. What she’d been shielded from her whole life. Females of breeding age could be taken by any man unless she had kin, or the strength herself, to stop him. Only pregnant women, and the very young, were protected by the herd. Her mother didn’t breed with different men again and again, risking her life, simply to strengthen the herd.

She did it to avoid this.

Ace heard her screams just in time. He’d stopped Virgil, almost killed him then, but the guard had intervened before he’d landed the fatal blow.

To calm him, the guard agreed any man who wanted to claim her had to come to him first. Her brother had the right to see if the man was worthy. Which always meant a physical battle, lasting until one man either withdrew or couldn’t fight anymore.

Never death, studs were too valuable, but they could survive a lot. So long as Ace could fight without damaging his ability to sire foals, they wouldn’t stop him.

Her brother had made it clear he’d continue until she either chose a man willingly or escaped the herd.

Leaving wasn’t an option, no matter how often he insisted it was. Mother was always sick. She’d lost so many babies over the years, and never truly recovered. Embry had to be here to take care of her, of the house and the gardens around it. Their farm fed most of the village, far enough from where they grazed for the vegetation to flourish.

If she had her way, she’d let half the men in the village starve, but the women, the few children, deserved better.

I can’t just stand back and watch you fight anymore, Ace. And I can’t abandon our home. She stepped away from him, shaking her head before heading to the sink to pump some water so she could wash her hands. What if you taught me to defend myself?

You shouldn’t have to. He stood, moving gingerly, and came over to the sink, dropping his shirt in the cold water to soak out the blood. All those books you read—Embry, you know you don’t have to live this way.

Neither do you.

I have a son I want to make sure doesn’t grow up to be another Virgil. When he’s weaned, if his mother allows, I might take him away from here. But you don’t have to wait.

Let’s agree to disagree.

This isn’t the type of thing we can—

I love you, Ace. But drop it. Either you teach me how to defend myself or I’ll find someone else to do it. You won’t leave your son. I won’t leave you or mother. She forced a smile, wishing things could be different. End of story.

Bracing his hands on the edge of the sink, he bowed his head, nodding slowly. I’ll teach you, but you have to promise me something.

She didn’t like the sound of that, but she kept quiet, waiting for him to continue.

If it’s just me keeping you here, if I can’t protect you anymore… His throat worked as he looked up and met her eyes. You’ll leave before you let them do to you what they’ve done to our mother.

Tears blurring her vision, Embry turned away from him, hugging herself tight. Their mother was in her bedroom upstairs, sleeping peacefully for once. That wouldn’t last. When she woke, they’d have to try to get her to eat. If she could keep anything down. In six months, she’d deliver another baby.

Hopefully, this one would live. If the infant survived, mother wouldn’t be asked to mate again for at least a year. A year might be long enough to make her strong. Strong enough for them to leave here together.

With their kind, infants surviving to term was rare. Most women didn’t make it past childbirth. That their mother had beat the odds twice meant they had the nicest house, the most land, and the respect of the elders.

All those things weren’t worth losing her.

But they would. One day, if she wasn’t taken away from here, giving the herd another foal would kill her.

Maybe we can try to convince her, after she has the baby—

Promise me, Embry. Ace’s lips edged up, though the slight smile didn’t reach his eyes. He pulled a small, sheathed dagger from his belt. And I’ll make sure you can use this next time one of those fuckers comes after you.

Wetting her lips, she stared at the knife. Ace wouldn’t have to fight as often if men knew she could protect herself. This would buy their family some time. Things would have to get really bad for her to abandon everyone and everything she loved.

She put her hand over her brother’s and nodded slowly, saying the two words she hoped she could forget once this conversation was over.

I promise.

1

Present day

Out on the streets, Lathan Ferox didn’t question his control, but the second he crossed the threshold into the Spades bar, the assault on his sense proved how little he had. Scents of sweat and piss and blood, alcohol, perfume, cologne, wood and oil, all came at him, so strong he couldn’t breathe without tasting them. He shouldn’t be aware of them at all, but he’d changed. A change he still hadn’t adapted to.

Not as a man anyway.

He’d been warned not to test his control when he’d been left alone in the motel room. Told to wait.

He wasn’t ready.

But staying there with nothing but the low growl in the back of his mind was gonna drive him insane. He needed to be around people. Prove to himself he still belonged with them.

Only, you don’t.

Black ball cap pulled low over his eyes to shield them from the glaring neon lights, Lathan forced himself to keep moving. Head down, he wove through the crowd until he reached the bar. Leaning against the gleaming dark wood ledge, he did his best not to bump into those pressed close to the bar, waiting for their drinks.

Another growl and he tensed. These people were a threat. He should kill them all before they saw him for what he was.

No!

Blood filled his fist as he dug his nails into his palm.

What can I get for you, kid? An older man, huge, with grey hair, red patches on his friendly, tanned face, and hands big enough to crush Lathan’s skull, asked as Lathan lifted his head.

Clearing his throat, hoping he’d be heard over the music, hoping his lips could still form words, Lathan opened his mouth to reply.

Another man sidled between him and the bar before he could manage so much as a sound. Another round please, Franco!

The man was about Lathan’s size, with intricate Polynesian tribal tattoos on his bare, muscular arms, his skin a rich brown, black hair in tight braids against his scalp. He smelled…different. Not like the few people Lathan had been around on the way to Bay Pines. Not like Zaire either though. Zaire had told him there would be many of their kind here. Good ones that they’d meet tomorrow.

Waiting for the intro with his man by his side would have been smarter. Safer.

I can do this.

Grinding his teeth, he ignored another low growl from within. The beast had spent too much time in charge. Pacing angrily within the cage of his human mind, it sought out any weakness it could use to free itself. It recognized the scent of the man, even though he didn’t. And it was gearing up for a fight.

Sweat beaded at his temples. He clenched his blood-filled fist on the bar.

Give me a minute, Brent. The bartender, Franco, leaned closer to Lathan. Are you all right?

Yeah. Lathan inhaled roughly. Can I just have a beer?

Sure thing.

Wait a minute, Franco. The guy, Brent, turned to face Lathan, his eyes narrow. You’re new. Who are you here with?

I should be with Zaire. He’s gonna be pissed. Lathan’s nostrils flared as a strange, smell of…tension came at him from Brent. No one.

Who’s your mate? Leaving you alone at this stage was—

The beast snarled and the sound escaped Lathan as he threw his fist into the other man’s jaw. His nails lengthened to claws even as he fought to keep the feral beast in its cage. The returning punch caught him in the eye. Pain burst in his skull.

And the door to the cage came off its hinges. His teeth went to fang and his bones began snapping in the painful process of the change, shredding his clothes with the force of it. He threw himself at Brent even as fur took place of skin, swiping claws across the man’s smooth cheek, drawing blood.

Brent shoved him back and Lathan dropped to hands and knees as the beast took over. He let out a wild scream and the music in the background cut away. The crowd backed up as Brent faced him, his eyes glowing as he swiped away the blood dripping down his face.

Bad kitty. Brent’s teeth elongated, and he crouched, taking the form of a large black wolf with silver edging tipping the thickness of his fur and streaked along his muzzle. His voice resonated in Lathan’s skull. Last chance, boy. Back down before someone gets hurt.

Lathan wanted to. Fuck, he wanted to get the hell out of there, but his panther ignored him, circling Brent, fangs bared, eager to prove he was more powerful than the wolf.

Muscles tense, he sprung forward. The wolf rose up, meeting him in the air. Claws and teeth, a deep growl, a scream of rage as his body hit the ground. His panther moved smoothly out of reach, lashing deadly claws at the wolf’s throat.

Dodging him, the wolf pounced, landing hard on Lathan’s back, latching on to the back of Lathan’s neck. The pressure increased as Lathan struggled to free himself. His claws dug into the wood floor. Screaming again, the panther twisted loose, but the wolf slammed him onto his back. For a moment, Lathan’s vision went black. The panther prepared to use his back claws to tear the wolf’s guts open, but he managed to hold it back.

Stop!

A deafening roar filled the room and a huge brown bear knocked the wolf off him. When Lathan tried to stand, the bear glanced back at him with a warning growl.

Even the panther wasn’t reckless enough to challenge the massive animal. Bowing his head, Lathan held still as the wolf and the bear stared at one another. For a few moments, the wolf paced. Then he retreated, shifting slowly into human form.

A man that looked a lot like Brent lent him a supportive arm as he stumbled.

Shaking his head, Brent focused on Lathan. You need to get the fuck out of here. I’m warning you, next time, I won’t be so nice.

Naked, he let the other man walk him toward the bathroom.

The bear eyed Lathan warily. Then huffed and nudged his shoulder.

Limping, Lathan let the bear herd him to a small storage room behind the bar. Pain lashed at him from everywhere. The pain was good. The panther calmed the fuck down when it was hurting.

Who are you with? Who is your mate? The bear grunted when Lathan bowed his head. Her name, kid. Just think her name.

Zaire. Lathan plopped down on the rough wood floor, shuddering as he licked one blood slicked paw. Zaire. Need Zaire.

Cocking his head, the bear studied him for a moment, his gleaming brown eyes just as intelligent as the bartender’s. Zaire Torva?

Lathan tried to nod, but the panther wasn’t sure what that gesture was. The intent to make it seemed enough for Franco, because the old bear shifted, pulling a pile of clothes from a nearby shelf and dressing quickly.

Stay here. I’ll find him. Franco’s lips thinned as he looked at the puddle of blood on the floor. And we’ll get you to the doc.

Franco closed the door behind him. And locked it.

Lathan was grateful, but the panther let out another piercing scream. It didn’t like being contained. By locks. Ropes. Cages. Or even him.

He didn’t much like them either, but he accepted the need. He knew he was dangerous.

Now, more than ever.

Zaire Torva held up the photo, his jaw hardening as he took in the delicate features of the young wolf. Still a child, out there on her own because of fucked up pack politics. The Lennox family managed their own pack well, but some of the neighboring packs were a bloody mess. He’d only just returned from taking down a rogue wolf that had been working for the usurper of one pack. With the crimes he’d committed, the Lennox family wouldn’t rest until he was dead.

And as an enforcer with close ties to the family, Zaire had been more than happy to find the son of a bitch and give them some peace. One threat eliminated.

But this child was part of another pack. Cousin to the alpha of the Delaney, Driton, on his mother’s side. He wasn’t close to them, and with issues in his own pack drawing all his attention, he hadn’t even known the girl was missing until the hunt for her began in earnest.

Tell me about the Fractus Pack. Zaire put the photo of the girl back on top of the folder, set on Driton’s kitchen table. Why would she have run away from them after losing both her parents?

Sitting across the table from him, Driton shook his head sadly. He ran his hand over his tight, dark-brown afro, the clean cut of his line-up framing his sharp features in a way that made his exhaustion even more obvious. I don’t know much. Her father, my uncle by marriage, had twin brothers, both who could easily claim the pack. Brian was the one who contacted me. The girl had been quiet ever since her parents got sick, but when they died, she refused to speak to anyone. Both he and his twin, Ryan, did their best, but… Damn it, I don’t know what to think. I’ve heard rumors. Gossip mostly, but it’s hard to ignore.

Tell me. A chill slide