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

  “I know this is a lot to take in but don’t be afraid. You’re going to have to trust me,” he said as he scooted his chair closer. “You feel the connection we share.”

  She snorted as she swirled her index finger around the lip of her cup. “Yes, the connection is real, but that doesn’t mean I buy into any story you tell me. However, I’m not afraid.” Liar. Liar. “I just need facts. And you’re not here for a friendly chat.”

  Larken pulled her hand toward him and tipped his head. “You’re right. I knew I had to see you, try to ease your fears to some degree. Your grandmother knew what she was talking about. In order for you to truly understand what she was trying to tell you, you need to read everything she left for you, but I caution you. There is little time.”

  “Time for what? What is going to happen?” Now, she was ready to push him out the door.

  He gave her a half smile, emotions riding his face. “Read and learn. Then I’ll answer all your questions. Accept what cannot be explained.”

  And as their eyes connected, a warm glow seemed to appear in his irises, shimmering even in the harsh light. For the first time in perhaps her entire life she felt at peace, but there was almost more. She would submit to him in every way, body and soul. Visions, incredible images undulated in front of her, so real she could almost touch them. Three powerful men, taking her, fucking her. Training her. By the time the visions faded, she was wet and hot, her pussy clenching. “I need to change the subject. Okay?”

  “Fair enough.”

  By the end of their second cup of coffee, Scarlet was more than interested in the gorgeous man than finding out about her destiny, even longing to spend additional time with him. When he was getting ready to leave, she sighed and slipped her finger inside her dress, pinching her nipple. The realization she hungered for the man, this attractive stranger was bizarre.

  “I’m going to be just as forward again. Dinner tomorrow night?” Larken asked as he walked toward the door. “I like you, Scarlet, more than I have any other woman in a long time.”

  “Honestly? I’d like that. I can try to prepare something for dinner.” Was she out of her mind for considering? No, this was right, maybe too right.

  “Sounds wonderful. Haven’t had a home-cooked meal in a long time.” He opened the door and walked out onto the porch, gazing up at the sky, hesitating. “Scarlet, I…”

  She waited for him to finish his sentence. When he didn’t, she walked outside and could sense the tension in him. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. Just lock your doors.”

  “I will.” As he walked down the steps, she shivered. Larken turned and nodded. In the next few seconds of their connection, she could swear his eyes were suddenly encased in a golden hue.

  Chapter Five

  “No!”

  The cry rang out in the night, yet there would be few close enough to hear the scream of agony. Larken moved toward the window of his cabin, gazing at the overcast moon, his skin prickling. God damn it. The signs were in place that the effects of the curse were escalating. He snarled and contemplated what he should do. He’d learned as much as possible about the recent murders, even though in asking he’d ruffled more than a few feathers. No one in town wanted to talk, even if they had no way of knowing his true identity. They were all terrified of the occurrences, the stories fueled by reporters highlighting the horrific kills.

  At least two had been attributed to wild animals, tourists in the wrong place at the wrong time, but the rumors were swelling. The creatures hunting seemed unaware of how they were affecting the Pride.

  Or maybe they no longer cared.

  The scent of certain members was strong. There was no wayward stench of the others, the damning lions who’d eat their young if they thought they would garner any additional power. If the Demons were in close proximity, they were cloaked in some fashion. Not possible. What little conversation he’d had with Pride members indicated what Bristol and Trevor had said was very true. Everyone was rattled, fearful of burning in hell and taunted by erroneous statements Jax and his followers had been spouting off.

  He would not be able to avoid confronting Jax for any length of time. The entire Pride had to know Larken had returned by now, even though he’d laid low in his cabin on the outskirts of their village. The Elders would ultimately inquire about his return, as well as his leadership. And the bastards hunting residents of the town, what did they think they were doing by killing humans? Anger boiled in his blood.

  If he attempted to locate the source of the cry, he could put not only his life in danger, but those residing in the commune. Whoever was out there was far too close to their boundaries. Stretching, he groaned and allowed his eyes to focus with night vision. Cramps remained, drawing strength from his body. His muscles were still twisted from earlier and he had a kink in his neck. At least the transformation had allowed him to gather information. There were more than just humans hunting.

  He held out his hands and realized they were shaking. Tonight wasn’t one in which he could lose control on any aspect. Scarlet. He’d been unable to stop thinking about her. He wanted to see her, touch her. No, Larken wanted to fuck her. The thought was debilitating. She would have difficulty believing him, let alone surrendering to his dominance. But there was no doubt in his mind; she was the one the Elders had discussed as long as he could remember. She also had no idea of her true self—a lioness. How she didn’t know her true identity must have to do with Viola. But how? By the same method that had kept him from realizing she was his mate.

  Viola Dumane was far more powerful than anyone had ever expected, perhaps including his kind. She knew that Scarlet needed to be protected, until the correct time—the time of the Red Moon. Viola had masked Scarlet’s true self. The concept was amazing. Still, someone must have suspected she was or knew more, hence her death. Human or beast? He had his thoughts. There could be a traitor amongst his kind.

  “Fuck.”

  Glaring out the window, he studied the skyline. There were underlying rumors. Whispers. How many of his Pride knew of her existence, not just the fairytale they’d all been indoctrinated into? Direct threats meant the secret had been revealed, rendering her safety first and foremost. Maybe his father knew, if Dartan would consider telling him. Well, it had become his job to protect her, even from herself. He would find out every detail.

  Another keening cry caught his attention, forcing his adrenaline into overload.

  The majority of their kind remained asleep, oblivious to the activity in close proximity. A few were hunting. One reason he’d left was being frustrated in dealing with the rogues, the creatures who had no education about how to handle their needs. No amount of education had enlightened them. Well, in truth, he’d been one of the rogues, the younger generation rebuking all they’d learned.

  Perhaps he’d been wrong.

  No wonder Jax had taken more control. Larken had basically pushed the throne into the omega’s lap. Hissing, he gathered a sense of his beast, the ache beginning.

  He homed in on the young girl in the forest, her strangled emotions. At this point, she was merely terrified of the unknown. She had no clue what fate awaited her in the woods surrounding them. Controlling his breathing, he walked outside, determined to save her. The humid air hit him, the stench of death permeating the sky. The night’s feast was far too strong. He jumped onto his Harley, fearful he was too late. He wasn’t required to be anyone’s savior, but he refused to have innocent people slaughtered for the sake of food. The Elders were looking the other way and the good townspeople were growing restless.

  He maneuvered the bike through the pathways in the forest, his keen eyes able to see every twig, every small creature hiding in the shadows. By the scent alone he could tell where the girl had been taken, a small lake over a knoll. The area was well known for lovers and those longing for a moment of peace. The serene location was meant as a killing ground.

  As he rounded the last turn, adrenaline blasted through ever
y cell in his body. Tonight he didn’t want to turn for fear of harming the victim even more. Blood he didn’t need on his hands. He jerked the motorcycle to a hard stop, tires screeching as the wind kicked up. There was another storm approaching, one that would drench the area. He had to move quickly, or both the scent and the girl would be lost.

  Using his powerful leg muscles, he bounded up the hill and over the top. A cloud quickly swept across the sliver of a moon, but he was able to see the figures on the other side of the lake. He slipped into the water and was on the other side within seconds. Bursting up to the surface, the element of surprise wasn’t lost on either of them.

  “What the hell?” The man jerked to a standing position.

  “Jesus Christ!” the girl screeched, doing her best to cover her naked body. “Oh, God. Oh, God. Oh, God!”

  Larken growled, baring his sharp canines as he took in the reality of what he was seeing. The two very naked humans were sharing a heated moment of passion. He could see a leather strap on the ground where the implement of discipline had been dropped. He’d done nothing but interrupt a lover’s night out. Controlling his natural instinct, he stepped out of the shadows. “I’m sorry. Very sorry. I heard screaming.”

  “Buddy, get the fuck out of here before I call the cops,” the man hissed then walked closer. “What the hell is wrong with you? I mean…” His eyes opened wide and he backed away. “Sissy, get your things. We gotta go.”

  “But Henry, we’re not done yet.”

  “I said get your fucking things, girl or you’re going to get your ass whipped until you can’t stand for days.”

  Larken knew what was wrong. He was partially in transformation, his lion pushing the very boundaries of humanity. Taking two giant strides, he dove into the lake and disappeared before the man could identify him.

  Minutes later, he stood next to his Harley, chastising himself for his ridiculous behavior. Of course, he was on edge, but to be so reckless was beyond him. A crack of thunder rolled in the distance and a single flash of lightning drew his attention to the trees just beyond the perimeter. The glowing eyes told him he’d been very right. Taking off at a full run, he raced through the forest, branches snapping against his face.

  The wind whipped all around him, creating myriad fresh smells. Among decaying timber and leaves, the scent of dirt and stale water mixed with the stench of fresh blood. Another murder had occurred tonight. He pushed on as the rain began to fall. He scanned the darkness, searching for signs of the kill. The beast was just ahead, playing a cat and mouse game with him. Bounding through a section of dense brush, he stumbled forward and hit the ground with a hard thud. There, lying in front of him was a body. Growling, he crawled forward and glanced around him. This was a purposeful find, nothing more than a lure.

  As he padded closer, allowing the complete transformation to take place, he hovered over her and knew she was dead. Her lovely face and vacant eyes were filled with horror. Blood covered her shredded white gown, several areas of her skin shorn from her body. Sniffing, he gazed down the length of her and studied her wrist. The rope marks were faint, but he knew what they meant. She’d been taken and held captive. No beast of the forest would plan a kill, not even the rogue cubs who wandered the fringes of the forest. Still, a stench of another beast was undeniable.

  Larken nudged her neck with his paw. The cut from ear to ear was primitive, savage. And the raggedness of the torn skin appeared from an animal’s gouge. But he knew better. This was indeed a staged kill. A quick snap of twig too close behind him meant he was in danger. Snarling, he bounded off into the downpour just as a shot rang out.

  * * *

  Never forget who you are…

  As the words whispered into the forefront of her mind, Scarlet groaned. What in the hell was her grandmother into and why was she drawn to the darkness, voodoo? She refused to accept the concept. She was a woman who knew who she was at all times, preferring science to romance. Yet you crave Larken. Laughing softly, she grabbed a few boxes and got to work, even though Larken’s insistence she read the book furrowed in the back of her mind.

  The morning had dawned with skies of purple and tangerine. She’d barely slept and was stiff and sore. Most of the morning had been spent with paperwork, talking to realtors and trying to figure out how to get rid of so much crap in the house. Her grandmother’s accounts were in order, credit cards paid off and utilities paid for months. In the file were passwords and other requirements in order for Scarlet to clean out bank accounts. There was nothing ominous or foreboding.

  It was not yet six-thirty in the morning and she was already exhausted. The same dull ache remained in her muscles, her stomach in knots. Her nerves were getting the best of her. Nothing more. Her thoughts continued to revolve around Larken as well as the nasty calls. There was no doubt Larken knew much more about what her grandmother was involved in. Perhaps he would be able to open up, allow her into the world of voodoo. Just the thought alone made her shiver uncontrollably.

  Noise would help squelch the anxiety. What she wanted was something soothing. What she needed was additional information and she doubted anyone in town would tell her anything. The small color television nestled in one corner of the kitchen might have to do. She flipped through several channels, only to find there was little on but the morning news. At least there were voices to keep her company as she worked.

  Scarlet took out several bags of trash, marveling at the fact her grandmother seemed to keep just about everything. As she grabbed yet another container, a face on the television caught her eye. She dropped the bag and walked to the set, turning up the volume. She stared in dismay as the reporter commented on a murder, one that had occurred in the forest near her grandmother’s house. “Oh, my God.”

  Chilled, she rubbed her arms as she watched the horror unfold in way to vivid detail. The young woman was a waitress in town, one who’d gone to college and come home to her family. Engaged, she was ready to start a family of her own. “Jesus.” Pictures of the beautiful girl rolled by. Then the images of her body covered in dark plastic were plastered across the screen. The television station in a small town was no different than those in a big city. Sensationalism was alive and well.

  She listened as the scathing report unfolded, no doubt spinning a new tale of terror into the minds of the townsfolk. This was the fourth murder in recent months. No wonder a stranger in town was receiving nasty phone calls. Unable to take the ugliness any longer, she turned off the set. What was going on in this place? Her grandmother was no stupid woman. If she had determined there was an evil in this town, then there had to be some truth to the notion. Maybe she could help. Get the house ready to sell. Yeah, that was her goal. She had a life she loved in a city where there were only human nightmares.

  A shiver down her spine reminded her of the words both her mother and grandmother had told her. She was supposed to be a part of something. Her nerves frayed, she walked toward the front door, her legs heavy. She hadn’t wanted to believe in anything ancient. She’d pushed aside the teachings of her childhood, but fate had a funny way of righting the world. Walking out onto the front porch, she glanced at the sky. The storm from the night before left deep puddles in a yard that was more weeds than grass. Her curiosity getting the better of her, she sauntered down the stairs and into the middle of the yard. The forest loomed in front of her.

  She’d never been terrified of anything, but there was something amiss in the woods around her, an evil swirling in jaded colors. The nightmares continued to be an illumination of the senses awakened several months before. You are becoming. The words hung in the back of her mind, a constant reminder of something she was unable to grasp. Before she realized what she was doing, she stood at the edge of the trees, a musky odor of the close swamp permeating her nose. The foliage was dense, the sunlight cut off, yet she could see into the shadows.

  The air was slick with humidity, stifling her breathing. She took one step then another until she found herself surrounded
by trees. There was a sudden stillness, a chill that was all encompassing. Sights and sounds seemed to come alive, her senses on overdrive. Goosebumps popped on her skin and as she turned in a full circle, she could just see a golden swirl of light shimmering through the crown of foliage. For a moment she was at peace, as if she was supposed to be here, in this place. Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply. A strangled cry rushed through the trees. An animal was hurt, the agony evident.

  Scarlet…

  The single world was muffled but she’d heard the dark and husky voice clearly. Jerking quickly to the right, she snapped her eyes open and brushed her hand across her mouth. The voice was so familiar. “Who are you?” As soon as she said the words, a flutter of wings occurred all around her. Birds flew out of the trees toward the sky. “Who are you?” she repeated.

  There was no reply, only the sounds of the forest, a slight wisp of wind, but Scarlet knew there were eyes on her. Show no fear. Show no fear. In defiance, she took several long strides deeper into the forest, her eyes scanning back and forth. Someone was here. Not a man but a monster. The thought should have been startling, but in truth, she knew.

  You belong to me…

  This time his voice surrounded her, comforted her. Who are you?

  You know who I am. You know what I am.

  A series of visions slithered into her mind seconds before a shimmer of the trees behind her was filled with a sound, a slight growl. Very slowly she turned, holding her breath. The golden eyes were mesmerizing, penetrating and she became lost to a need she couldn’t understand. Scarlet reached out, longing to touch him, to caress his face. For a few seconds she remained in a fog, a wonderful daze of heated lust.