Claimed by the Beasts: A Shifter Reverse Harem Romance Read online

  Dreams. Remember your dreams.

  And why was her inner voice nagging her?

  She located the rental car with no issue and raked her hand through her hair, hating the humidity. Being in Lafayette had brought back one too many memories, but they remained fuzzy, snippets of time, concepts of stories. She wasn’t entirely certain what was real or fabricated from these childhood dreams her bitchy little voice was coercing her to think about.

  She tossed her bags into the car and set out, the directions to her grandmother’s house punched into the GPS on her phone. At least the evening sky was beautiful; strings of color sliding across the horizon, cutting through her wretched mood. Luckily, she would make it to her destination just before dark.

  The drive through the city was enlightening. Very little had changed from what she remembered. The area was quaint in so many ways: beautiful sidewalk-lined streets and colorful houses, trees swaying in the breeze. But there was also an underlying prickling sensation that just refused to leave. The entire town seemed to be unsettled. There was no reason for her to think this way, but her instinct was on overdrive. Maybe the death of her grandmother had her on edge.

  After grabbing a bottle of wine and a frozen pizza, she continued on her trek, wanting nothing more than to settle in for the night. Various arrangements would need to be made, including dealing with her grandmother’s house and belongings, but at least she could relax and get the lay of the land for a few days. The time she’d been given still meant working, finishing two stories. Well, maybe she’d have absolute peace and quiet.

  She headed deeper into the Bayou, the forest and swamps taking over, creating ominous shadows lurking on the narrow road as she ventured further into the territory. Her grandmother’s house was a solid fifteen miles outside of the city limits and without the GPS, she would never have found the place. Her memories of being here were somewhat sketchy, surprising given her vivid nightmares.

  When she was a mile from the road, she noticed a flurry of bird activity, hundreds of crows cawing as they rushed up from the tops of the trees. Their sounds were mournful, even laced with fear. She pulled the car to the side of the road, her grip on the steering wheel firm. Why was she so afraid? There was absolutely no reason. Opening her window, she listened to the mournful sounds, every cackle and screech reminding her of death. Shaking off the uneasiness, she continued on until a shiver snaked down her spine, stealing her breath.

  She could swear she was being watched. After scanning both sides of the road, she pressed down on the accelerator, admonishing her childish thoughts.

  You are the one…

  Slamming on her brakes, she skidded to a stop, her breathing heavy. Had she actually heard the words? The car swerved out of control, coming dangerously close to careening into a tree. Gasping, she white-knuckled the steering wheel, swallowing several times. She was exhausted. That was all. There were no beasts ready to eat her alive, no monsters hovering in the shadows. She was very much alone.

  Thank God she was close to the house. Jerking the gear into reverse, she backed up, her tires squealing. The shadows surrounding her were utterly terrifying.

  Less than ten minutes later, she slowed the car, the GPS indicating she was exactly where she was supposed to be. Peering out her driver’s window, she crept along until she noticed a driveway nearly hidden by the foreboding trees hovering over the entrance. She hesitated, glaring into her rearview mirror, making certain she hadn’t been followed.

  Fuck. The damn articles she was writing had her spooked. Had to be it. A nervous laugh skittered from her mouth as she made the turn, rolling along the dilapidated driveway. When she rolled through a clearing, she let out an exaggerated breath. In the dim lighting, the house seemed oppressive, even haunted. She laughed at the notion before pulling the car to a stop.

  Scarlet counted to ten before finding the courage to open her door. The air was almost stagnant, the breeze hindered by the surrounding trees. She could see the lockbox on the front door and prayed the code given to her by the estate attorney was correct. Exhausted, her nerves on edge, she trudged toward the porch, glancing up at the vibrant sky. The waning light had given way to twinkling stars and the amazing glow of the giant moon.

  You’re home…

  The thought was riveting. Her fingers were shaking as she attempted to punch in the code, forced to repeat the process twice before finding success. The single key inserted with ease, the lock clicking. The moment she twisted the doorknob, she heard a rustling sound coming from the trees behind her. Her hackles raised, she turned slowly, chastising herself for not bringing a flashlight.

  Tipping her head, she listened, homing in on the night sounds. Crickets and frogs were active, creating a buzzing sound coming from every direction. She gripped the porch railing, peering out onto the landscape, scanning for any sign of trespassers, a reminder of what few comments the attorney had given her over the phone.

  “Watch your back. Sadly, your grandmother wasn’t well liked.”

  Thank you very much, asshole. Sneering, she backed away, convinced she simply had the jitters when another noise sent a shower of fear skating down her back. The crackling of twigs and falling limbs had nothing to do with winged creatures. She hugged her arms, holding her breath, darting her eyes from right to left.

  Goosebumps appeared on every inch of naked skin seconds before she heard what could only be described as a growl. Her senses heightened, she turned her attention to the location of the animal. A pair of glowing eyes greeted her from the distance, the aquamarine shimmering in the darkness.

  Locked in the moment, she was mesmerized, her pulse slowing as a knowing settled in. They were connected in some manner, the beast of the bayou and the woman who’d heard about destiny for much of her life.

  A flash of vivid images rushed into her mind, creating a cataclysm of swirling color. As she lifted her arm, reaching out, the creature disappeared into the night.

  And seconds later, she heard an enraged roar.

  * * *

  He’d sensed her long before he stood at the edge of the forest. Then again, he’d always known who she was, even though the old lady had attempted to hide her true identity. How could one hide something so precious? He was enthralled at the way she moved, fluid and feminine, exacting in the way her limbs performed. Without a doubt, she was a creature of knowing, a woman who’d set her sights on greatness.

  She had no idea just how important she was.

  Sniffing, he gathered her scent, intoxicating in so many ways. If only she perceived how vital her appearance was, especially given the upcoming lunar festivities. He licked his paw as he thought about what the Pride was about to endure. For all their strengths, all their time preparing for the alteration of their kind, they had no idea what they were about to face.

  Yet, he did.

  So much had occurred during the last few decades, stories he could only wish to tell a son. That wasn’t in the cards for a creature of his nature. He resisted a slight growl, admonishing his behavior as well as his pathetic thoughts. He sat back on his haunches, studying her every action, homing in on the fact she sensed a presence. Yes, she was becoming. She would no longer be able to withstand the longing buried so deep in her psyche. Even if the perfunctory king attempted to take his throne, there would be no way of stopping the inevitable. Many would die.

  Padding closer, he heard the cries of birds and other creatures of the night, fearing the monster, the rightful king of their land. Revenge would be sweet, if only his level of patience would hold. He loathed what he’d become, what he’d been forced into turning into. He was a true monster, but he would fulfill his duties, just as required.

  As she turned to face the trees, her eyes shimmering even in the darkness, he longed to surface, shift into human form and take her. He’d envisioned the woman in his dreams, his slumber always interrupted by sinful, even disgusting thoughts of imprisoning her, chaining her until his hunger was required to be sated.

&nb
sp; One day, he would do exactly that, claiming her as his submissive, a woman who would do his bidding. And he would rule over her body, fucking her mouth, her pussy, and her ass daily, whipping her as necessary, knowing she would crave his touch, his demands. And she would beg. Images so vivid, so intense distorted his view, rattling his very soul. Her naked body, her arms and legs splayed, shackled, waiting. For him. His approach, his claws raking down her body seconds before he thrust his shaft deep inside, impregnating her with his seed.

  He licked his chops, excitement surging through him at the thought alone. His cock was elongated, filled with blood and sperm, his hunger to devour heightened. What was left of his humanity kept him from dragging her into the darkness.

  But soon. Very soon…

  Yes, she would belong to him.

  Those who had feared the man would soon learn the power of the beast. For this was his territory and she would be chained by his side. Lifting his head, he allowed a single roar, a sign from the heavens that he’d returned, and he was ready to take back his command.

  The one who believed he was king would never have control.

  In the shadows of the Red Moon, his nemesis would fail, falling at his feet.

  And he would be destroyed.

  * * *

  The wind whipped past him as he rolled through the darkened streets, the humidity licking at his face. He was hungry, his needs festering just under his skin. Tonight, he would need to feed, but only after satisfying his other craving.

  Larken felt reborn, maneuvering the Harley around the bank of turns, hunkering over the handlebars as he pressed down the accelerator. The massive steel machine was his baby, left and cared for by his best friends. He’d craved the ride, the speed as well as the danger. This had been his hunting grounds when he was younger, enabling him safety from prying human eyes as he fed. The area would serve his needs again, at least for the time being. Going in excess of seventy miles per hour, he shot past the various driveways, heading into the city. There were signs all around him that the beasts of the forest were on the move and there was only one reason for the change in location.

  Fear.

  From the moment he’d arrived in Lafayette, his senses had been heightened, his skin prickling, the desire to shed his human skin increasing. His natural instincts were on high alert, electricity coursing through him. He also sensed something else.

  His mate.

  No matter his disgust at the old ways, they were all searching for their rightful mate, and there were significantly fewer females of his kind than even twenty years before. This wasn’t about reeling from her aroma, but an innate knowing in his mind. The concept was disturbing.

  Why did he not gather her scent?

  He slowed the bike, lifting his head and sniffing, inhaling the various odors of the forest surrounding him. What he could detect was that certain members of the Pride were on the prowl but there was more. Unfortunately, his once keen instincts would need to be honed. He rode on, picking up speed. He would service certain needs tonight to keep the change at bay, at least for the time being.

  He was important to the majority of his kind, a member of the Vusi Pride, considered the most virulent and dangerous in the world. But their numbers were dwindling, a cause and effect of the curse as well as succumbing to the natural order of things—humans hell bent on destroying their land and taking away their livelihoods. While there were hundreds of Prides living in the United States, as well as other countries, their fate was in the hands of an ancient legend, carefully filtered to the younger generations. Elders controlled knowledge as well as their fates, at least to a point.

  But he was considered king.

  Larken was weary of what he’d find after returning to the city, even more concerned his Pride was being picked off one by one in an effort to control them. What the humans didn’t know is that they were prepared for a fight. He rolled his eyes as he recounted his training, years spent sharpening his skills, his youth stripped away by requirements given by the Elders.

  And he’d hated every second, far too disobedient for his powerful and influential father.

  Unfortunately, he would need to make a choice, his decision altering the course of the Vusi, as well as other Prides. The weight on his shoulders was kicking his ass. The Red Moon was approaching, just as the ancient books had foretold. He’d been a nonbeliever for his entire life, but the recent events told a damning story. Still, tonight he wanted company in the form of a beautiful woman and he would find everything he needed at a local bar.

  He was also meeting the two men that he could trust with his life, his kindred, the same men who had called him back into service. Trevor Williams and Bristol Abbott were important to the Pride, considered leaders and respected by the majority of the clan. They’d been bonded as children, their futures entwined, required to take the same mate. He snickered at the thought. They’d shared a few women all right, but that had been years ago. Claiming a single female as their intended mate sounded barbaric.

  But required by the ancient laws.

  Larken kicked down his speed as he approached the outer limits of the town, avoiding attracting any law enforcement official or other prominent member of the closely knit community. Their kind were merely tolerated at best, the abundance of old wives’ tales and campfire stories creating a vacuum around the village that he’d grown up in.

  After all, they were beasts, monsters that terrorized Lafayette, feeding on the young, ravaging and pillaging the young virgins. Only the stories were crap. Except for one aspect.

  They were creatures, what lore affectionately termed as werelions. Half human, half lion. Their kind had been cursed hundreds of years before, plagued with the knowledge that they would be annihilated one day, killed off because of a witchdoctor’s angry curse. Supposedly, their time had come. And all because of the Red Moon.

  To think he’d come back for this bullshit, two-thousand-year-old crap to be exact. He should have stayed in Los Angeles, fighting fires and living the high life. He’d left his hometown the day he turned twenty-two, refusing to accept who and what he was. He thought about words from his father, who had encouraged him to leave. Perhaps it had been his father’s way of trying to keep him safe. He’d yet to see his father since his return. His father was one of the three revered Elders remaining in Lafayette, two arriving only a few decades earlier and all in preparation for the catastrophic lunar event.

  Almost five years had passed, but nothing seemed to have changed. Being lured back gave him mixed feelings, no matter the circumstances. There were many who had bid him good riddance, including lower ranking officers with a penchant for power plays. He would face the Elders in order to make his determination. Time would tell. Snickering, he made a sharp right turn, allowing the bike to rumble as he headed for his destination.

  The parking lot of The Full Tilt was hopping, dozens of cars, trucks, and motorcycles in the parking lot. The place had been, and in his mind, would always be a biker bar, even though from what he’d heard, tourists had found the location on some goddamn internet site like Yelp. Now, the place was jam packed with MC wannabes, all sporting some form of fake tattoo or another.

  He found a spot all the way in the back, able to secure his bike in the darkness. There were enemies he longed to avoid, men who had no trouble dishing out a pile of shit when they were able. He didn’t want any trouble, but if there was, he’d have difficulty maintaining control given his level of hunger.

  As he secured his helmet, he heard a rustling sound coming from only a few feet away. His keen senses took over, allowing him to see clearly in the darkness. The scene was far too delicious to resist. He’d never considered himself a voyeur, but his breakup had given him free rein to consider a certain level of adventure.

  Even if his mate was in town.

  He’d been a poster boy of virtue in LA, preferring to be a homebody instead of roaming the bars, no matter the quantity of women. His job had been his life until meeting Becky, but
his good behavior hadn’t been only because of work or his relationship. There was something else much more vital in keeping him close to home. He’d been terrified of losing control. How long had it been since he’d transformed? Long enough to be concerned about his growing level of anger increasing daily. Rage could force him to shift, losing his ability to kill discriminately. At least being back home and near others of his kind, he was able to maintain a certain level of sanity, as well as keeping his beast at bay. He walked just around the bike, finding the source of the noise.

  The older man was positioned in the driver’s seat of a rundown truck, the door open. Sprawled across his lap was a woman, her skirt raised, her naked ass in the air. As the sharp cracking sounds floated into the night, he couldn’t help but grin. The woman was getting a hard spanking. Right here, in the middle of the parking lot. Well, what the hell.

  Larken’s cock was throbbing, pushing against the tight confines of his jeans, another reminder that his dark cravings were reaching a boiling point. He stood in the darkness, his eyes locked on the event, longing to be the man giving the round of discipline.

  After a few seconds, he turned away, almost disgusted with himself.

  Striding into the bar, he was easily able to see over the majority of customers given his size. The majority parted the way as he strolled through, moving his head from right to left as he scanned for his buddies. Fortunately, almost no one paid him much attention, which was a good sign. He found them in the back, parked next to a pool table. While there was no real privacy given the number of people, the single row of bar top tables was far removed from the dance floor and customers crowding against the bar.

  “You’re late.” The deep baritone filtered into the night, husky and more like a rippling growl. As if the man was trying to be top dog.

  Larken shot his harsh gaze toward the man he considered his best buddy, keeping the cold and calculating stare for a solid minute before breaking into a grin. “Plane was late. Then settling into the cabin was… interesting to say the least. Appreciate you opening it up for me.” Trevor was known as the most dangerous of the trio, his skills given his military stint legendary, at least from what he’d heard. Trevor had also left town for several months, returning of his own accord, the loyalty to his people an admirable trait, one Larken didn’t share. Bristol was the homebody, having rarely left Lafayette. At least the man’s construction firm was renowned. Neither man had changed to any degree, one of the perks of their breed. They’d kept in touch over the years. They were his betas to the alpha role he’d been born into. He couldn’t believe he was even thinking of the ancient ways.