Fight

By Melissa Stevens

Nickie is still learning to navigate the complexities of this new life. Now that she knows about mating she must deal with Brandon's insistence that she's his mate, but Nickie knows it isn't true. What will she have to do to convince him?

While Nickie deals with the changes in her life, and harassment by a group of elitist shifters, Bill asks her to go to Seattle on pack business. But the trip won't be as easy as expected, can she survive what's headed her way?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Melissa Stevens
• Release date: Jul 8, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476191768

Melissa Stevens

Melissa was born and raised in Arizona, she’s spent her entire life living across the southern half of the state. She’s found that, along with her husband and three children, she prefers the small towns and rural life to feeling packed into a city. She started reading at a very young age, and her love for series started early, as the first real books she remembers reading is the Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner. Through the years she’s found that there’s little she won’t read, and her tastes vary from westerns, to romance, to sci-fi / fantasy and Horror.

Book preview

Chapter 1

M aybe I should back up a little. I trailed off, not sure where to start or how much to tell the woman sitting next to me. The day we shifted him, at my parents’ place, I paused briefly and she nodded, her short blond hair moving as she silently encouraged me to continue. After everyone left, he went back into the tack room and shifted again. When he came out, before I had a chance to say anything, he kissed me. I took a deep breath, using the time to choose my words carefully before continuing. "Not a 'thanks for giving me something I've wanted for years' kiss, a real kiss. It was like he'd been waiting for some sign from me that it was what I wanted and now he had it.

I didn't see him for a couple of days after that, but that's not uncommon when we're both working. After work one evening he brought over dinner and confronted me about avoiding him. He said that I'm his potential mate and he suspects that he's mine, too. I had no clue what he was talking about. I'd never heard of such a thing. He explained some of it, but suggested I talk to you about it. I looked away, avoiding her face. It's not that I don't believe him, or trust him to tell me the truth, I was talking to my friend Alexis. She wasn't only my friend but the pack's Harmonia, the Second Female in the pack, and the pack's only healer too. Harmonia was her rank, a position she'd won with skill and power. Being able to heal others was a talent. Theoretically any Kitsune could develop the talent to be a healer but in actuality it wasn't common. but I want more. I want to know as much as I can.

No, I understand, she said, her green eyes sympathetic. it's entirely reasonable to want to know as much as possible, especially about something that can affect you so strongly. Are you sure that he's your potential mate?

Not entirely, but from what he's told me, it seems likely. I admitted. We were talking about Devon, a longtime friend whom I'd recently started dating after he and I had agreed to see where our mutual attraction took us. I'm a lot more attracted to him than I've ever been before, to anyone, and if we spend more than a day or two without seeing each other, I miss him. I'm not sure if that's a mating thing or what, but it's new to me. I find myself wanting to touch him at every opportunity. Not always in blatant or sexual ways either; often it's just contact I'm after, to feel the warmth of his skin, the brush of his hair.

It sounds like it could be mating instinct. Have you thought about what you want to do?

Dev said the only way to stop it, is to not see each other, at all. To cut off all contact, Alexis nodded, confirming the information, neither of us wants to do that. So at least for now, we've agreed to see how things go. I guess you could say we're dating now, but that sounds so high school. I wrinkled my nose at the idea.

"You realize it's going to get worse, don't you?

How so?

You'll experience stronger desire to touch, to be together. I'll be frank here, sex will relieve it some, but only temporarily.

Is that all?

Well, every pair is different in some way. Hank became very protective of me, all but wrapped me in cotton balls to keep me safe, even when there was no call for it. I've seen couples who couldn't stand to touch anyone but each other. You never know what will develop, until it does.

Does it ever stop?

Only if you totally separate, no contact at all. Even then, it takes time for the effects to fade. However, sealing the mating calms a lot of the symptoms. They're not gone, but they're manageable. But, you need to consider it carefully before you take the step to end it. Do you really want to have the draw between you, the way you want him, to be just gone?

No, not really. I smiled, thinking of Devon.  I pictured him in my mind and my fingers curled with the ache to touch his skin.

There you are. Alexis smiled in return, leaning back in her seat.

He said something about gaining powers and sharing strengths? I continued my questioning.

That's right. Mated pairs often gain power, whether it merely strengthens the powers they already have, or they gain additional powers, varies. There's often a connection between the two mates. A connection that lets each of them know when something’s wrong with the other. I know instantly if Hank is seriously hurt, for example. Often mated pairs, especially powerful ones, are able to share energy, and sometimes talents. The Anikitos and Alekto of Hank's old pack could use each other's talents. Hank and I can't do that, and as far as I know, neither can Bill and Karen, but we can borrow each other's energy. If needed, he can use energy I send him, and vice versa. I rarely have occasion to use it, but once in a while, when I have several injured to heal, I do.

How interesting. I was intrigued, the benefits of sealing a mating were definitely adding up. But as inviting as they were, it wasn't enough to compel me to rush into it just for the boost in powers.

Alexis and I visited a while longer, talking about mutual friends and local events and as I was getting ready to go, Alexis remembered something.

Oh, yeah, I was supposed to tell you. Hank's invited his sister, Lauren, for a visit. She'll be here all next week. I'm working on something so you can have a chance to spend some time with her, so you can get a feel for whether or not you can shift her.

That's great, just let me know the details.

Will do, I'll try to schedule whatever I end up doing so that Devon can come, too.

That would be great. I left looking forward to the evening I'd planned to spend with Devon.

It was still early afternoon when I got home. I had plenty of time to put together the dinner I'd planned as well as shower and dress before Devon would get off work. I absently climbed the stairs to my third floor apartment, stepping through the front door, I hung my purse on the inside doorknob and headed straight for the kitchen.

After washing my hands, I set about putting our meal together. I enjoy the process of cooking, the taking of individual ingredients and crafting them into something more. Once I had things to the final stages, the enchiladas ready to go into the oven, the salad ready to be served, I put it all into the fridge, and headed to take a shower. I dressed carefully for the evening, I wanted to look nice, but I'm not really one to spend a lot of time on my clothes or hair. I ended up wearing a cute little sun dress, full of bright colors that I knew picked up the reds in my hair and the green in my eyes. Since I didn't plan on going anywhere, I opted to remain barefoot. It was both more comfortable and, in my opinion, a little more sexy.

I'd just slid the enchiladas into the oven and was still closing the oven door, when I heard the knock on my door. Because I was expecting Devon anytime, I didn't bother to check the peep-hole or scent the air to be sure it was him before opening the door.

Brandon, what are you doing here? I stood in the doorway, not letting him in.

I wanted to talk to you.

You should have called. I had to look up slightly to meet his soft, golden brown eyes. His eyes looked sad, dejected, but I didn't let that sway me.

You won't answer my calls. He was right. I still didn't know what to say to him. Things just couldn't be the same between us. We had grown up together, and been best friends since kindergarten, but I couldn't and wouldn't spend time with someone who thought they could control me. I don't care if it's by manipulation, or by violence as Brandon had tried when he slapped me.

I looked up into the round, dimpled face that was as familiar to me as my own. I don't know what you want me to say, Brandon. You seem to think that I belong to you, and that when I disagree with you, you have the right to hit me. You're wrong and I won't put up with being treated like that, not by my friends, not by anyone.

I said I was sorry.

You did. And if I thought you were sorry about everything, then maybe I could accept it. But I don't. I hate that you think non-shifters and humans are inferior. I hate that you think I belong to you, and I don't think that you're saying you're sorry for hitting me has changed that one bit.

But if you could just see... It was the same thing he'd been claiming since shortly after my first shift.

I cut him off. No, Brandon. We were friends for years. I don't understand how you could be the person I knew growing up, and believe what you do. You've hidden too much from me.

But, you're my mate.

I'm sorry you feel that way, Brandon, but it's not there for me. I don't feel drawn to you at all.

You just don't understand.

Yes, I do. I've been told about mating.

But how do you know you don't feel this for me?

Brandon, I'm not discussing this with you. I have nothing more to say to you. Please, just go.

Wait. You're dressed for a date. He tried to change the subject.

Please leave, Brandon. I repeated.

Who are you seeing? I tried to close the door, blocking him and his questions outside, but he stuck his foot in the door.

I'm not doing this, Brandon. I didn't release the door. I wasn't giving him an inch. I didn't let up the pressure on the door, afraid that if I did he would try to force his way inside.

Tell me who you're seeing.

Brandon, go home.

It's him, isn't it. That unnatural Kindred, the non-shifter.

I don't know anyone by that description. If you mean Devon, you should know he shifts now. I could see his face through the gap in the door and the surprise that he couldn't keep from showing at the news.

Since when? And how?

I'm not going into that. But he shifts now, so you and your little group of elitists can leave him alone.

We'll see about that. He pulled his foot out of the door, and it closed with a slam from my weight against it. I locked the door before looking out a nearby window. I wanted to make sure he was headed down the stairs. Leaning against the closed door, I sighed in relief that he hadn't turned violent again.

Chapter 2

About fifteen minutes later, I heard another knock. I'd learned my lesson and this time I checked the peep hole before opening the door. I smiled as I opened the door, letting Devon inside.

Who is it I smell here? He asked, his shoulder length hair damp from a recent shower as it fell around his face.

Brandon came by. He was here not twenty minutes ago.

The smile fell from his face, and concern filled his clear, gray eyes. Are you okay?

A little shaken, but fine. I was expecting you, and didn't check to see who was at the door before I opened it. If I had known it was him, I wouldn't have opened the door.

How bad was it?

I recounted the whole episode, adding, You're gonna have to tell your family soon, though. I didn't think about that when I told him you shift. I just wanted him to think twice before deciding you would be an easy target. But he'll take it back to his buddies and word will spread fast.

Babe, He wrapped one arm around me, pulling me into a comforting hug. I've never been an easy target, even before I shifted. The training I got in the military gives me an edge, because most don't expect it, and even those that do, rarely know how to counter it.

I rubbed my face into the crook of his neck, inhaling the clean smoky scent of his skin. I felt the slight tug of the shadow of his beard catching strands of my hair.

That's good to know, I hugged him briefly before pulling away. Enough about him. I'm not letting him ruin our evening.

I can get on board with that. He smiled again. What do you have in mind?

Well, dinner's in the oven. It has another half an hour or so, then I thought we'd curl up together on the couch and watch a film.

Do you have a film in mind?

Nope. I thought I'd let you choose. I motioned toward the screen, indicating that he was free to look through the collection. Would you like a beer while we wait for dinner?

That would be great. He made himself at home, picking up the remote and taking a seat on the couch. He pushed a few buttons and pulled up the list of available films, then started scrolling through the list.

I went into the kitchen and returned with a pair of drinks. I set one down on the table and opened the other, before handing it to Devon. I picked up the first and twisted it's top off as well. I dropped both lids in a small trash can I kept at the end of the couch, before sitting down beside him. I took a long drink and slid a little closer against his side.

Find anything that interests you?

A little.  He continued to flip through the list.

How was your day?

Not bad. Nothing remarkable, just kept busy.

That's good to hear.

How about yours?

Pretty good. I spent the morning with Alexis. She confirmed what you said about mating, and answered a lot of my questions.

That's good. He took a drink of his beer.

Oh, Hank's sister will be here next week, and Alexis said she planned do something so I can meet her. She said she'd try to schedule it so you could come, too.

That's nice of her, I like excuses to spend time with you. He leaned closer and dropped a kiss on my forehead. 

I laughed. I know you do. After I left there, I came home and got ready for this evening.

Those enchiladas smell good.

They'll be done soon.

Do you want to wait till after we eat to start the film?

How about I fix us plates and we eat in here?

Sounds good to me.

I leaned closer to him, grabbing a fist full of his worn t-shirt and pulling him down toward me. Do you really think that little peck is gonna cut it? I tilted my head and pressed my lips to his. I opened my mouth, letting his tongue slip inside, to taste me while I did the same to him.

I relaxed against him, sinking into his kiss. I released my grip on his shirt, only to smooth my hand over the muscles of his chest, and wrap my arm around his waist, tugging him closer to my body. We lost track of time as we leisurely kissed, our hands roaming the upper halves of each other’s bodies, film and drinks forgotten.

The timer I'd set for dinner pulled us back to our senses. Though it was hard to pull away from him, I picked up my beer and made my way into the kitchen. I dished a couple of servings onto plates, grabbed silverware and napkins, and returned to the living room. I handed Devon a plate, sat my plate on the table beside the sofa, and retrieved my drink, before sitting down on the other end of the sofa.

Why so far away?

I laughed Because I know you, if I sit any closer, we won't get to eat. I sent him a knowing smile.

He chuckled, acknowledging the truth. You gonna stay over there all night?

Maybe... I slipped a bite into my mouth.

That's not gonna be any fun. He gave me a mischievous grin.

Start the film, and we'll see what happens after we eat.

Yes, Ma'am. He pretended to be chastised as he picked up the remote from the table on his end of the sofa, and started the film.

We ate in near silence as we watched cargo containers offloaded from ships onto trucks and a set of street racing cars used to hi-jack a truck, driving down the highway. We watched the story unfold in front of us, pausing it briefly to get more food and fresh drinks.

After we'd finished eating, and set our empty plates on the coffee table to be carried to the sink later, I slid across the couch. I moved all the way over to Devon's side, curling my legs to one side, I snuggled up against him. He wrapped one arm around my shoulders and we sat comfortably together, enjoying the film and each other's company.

Later, as the credits rolled up the screen, Devon got up. He flexed some obvious stiffness out of his injured leg while I watched with hungry eyes. He bent and picked up both plates from the table between us.

You don't have to do that. I got up to follow him.

You cooked, it's no big deal for me to pick up after we eat. He took them into the kitchen and rinsed them in the sink before loading them into the dishwasher. Instead of arguing, I started helping.

Your leg's bothering you tonight, isn't it? I covered the nearly cool pan of enchiladas and put it into the fridge.

Some. It's stiff this evening.

How about we finish here and you let me see if I can help.

You don't need to do that-" He started, but I interrupted.

And you didn't need to clean up. I want to do it. I'd like to get my hands on you. I teased.

All right, I concede, He smiled. but I'm gonna need something other than these jeans to wear.

You wearing underwear?

Yeah. Of course.

I grinned, I couldn't stop myself. Boxers or briefs?

He hesitated a second. Does it matter?

Not really, but I had to ask. Either way, your underwear will do.

If you say so.

I say so. Now, finish up here and let's go. I walked out of the room, leaving him with just a few dishes left to load, as I headed for my bedroom.

I looked around quickly, making sure I hadn't left any stray panties laying around and ducked in to the bathroom where I pulled a bottle of baby oil out of the medicine cabinet.

Nickie? Devon called from the doorway, reluctant to enter my bedroom without an invitation.

Come into the bedroom. I called, stepping back into the room.

He stepped through the open doorway, looking around. You have a nice room, though it's not really what I expected.

Let me guess? You expected pink and girlie?

He ducked his head, and I saw the edge of a blush creep up his neck. Yeah, kinda.

Have I ever struck you as the pink and girlie kind?

No, not really. I guess, I just thought you kept it hidden.

Oh, trust me, I keep some parts of me hidden but not like that, and definitely not all soft and pink.

Hmm, He lifted his brows. sounds like a challenge. He was intrigued.

Not really, but hang around long enough, and you'll find out. Now strip down and stretch out face down on the bed. I smiled at the thought of him nearly naked on my bed. I set the baby oil on the night stand closest to me, and headed for the doorway. I'll give you a minute of privacy.

You don't have to go. He protested as he reached behind his head and pulled his tee shirt off in one swift move.

I stopped, watching the muscles in his abdomen flex, as he toed one shoe off and then the other. I didn't let myself move as he unbuttoned his jeans and started sliding them down his long legs. I was afraid that if I moved, I wouldn't be able to resist touching him. And though I was going to touch him anyway, that wouldn't be the right time.

His jeans slid down his legs, revealing a snug pair of boxer-briefs that hugged all the curves and bumps of his body, from waist to mid-thigh. He reached down and slipped off his socks, before he crawled onto the bed, working his way up until he could stretch out face down with his hands folded under his head, his face turned to one side. His feet hung off the edge of the bed, I noticed that if he'd moved up far enough to use the pillows, or push them aside, he would fit, barely.

With him settled I fought to control myself enough that I felt safe I wouldn't just jump him. I grabbed the bottle of baby oil and squirted some into one hand, before setting the bottle on the floor near the foot of the bed. I rubbed my hands together, coating them both with the oil, and started with his feet. I grabbed his left foot and massaged the muscles, digging my thumbs into the stiffest parts of them, loosening the tight sore muscles. I worked my way up his leg until I reached his calf, after working those muscles until they were soft and pliant, I switched legs, starting again with his foot and moving up. When I finished with his right calf I switched legs again, moving to his left thigh. I dug my fingers deep into the muscles that had been stressed while compensating for the weaker muscles in his right leg. Up until now, I'd worked without saying anything, concentrating on loosening the tight muscles, but as I moved to work the stiff and sore muscles in his injured thigh, I spoke again, hoping to distract him, at least a little, from what I knew was going to be a painful event.

Have you thought about how you're gonna to tell your parents you shift now? I started out gently, kneading his thigh carefully, relaxing it some and finding where the tensest spots were.

Some, He said, not opening his eyes. I'd like to tell them about us at the same time. It would be easier if you would go with me, if you don't mind.

I don't mind, I dug my fingers deep into the tighter muscles in his leg. I haven't seen your parents in years, I'd like to see them.

I'll call Mom, find out when's a good time to go over there. He flinched, as I hit a particularly stiff muscle. I'll warn you though, when she finds out, she'll start dreaming of grandkids again, and you'll be part of that.

I felt a smile form on my lips. I might not be ready for kids yet, but the thought of a tiny version of Devon, made my heart skip a beat.

I'm not worried about it. I assured him, I picked up the bottle of baby oil, and moved closer to the head of the bed. After pouring a small pool of oil onto his back, I spread it out and started working on the stiff areas of his back. It may only have been his thigh that was injured, but compensating for those weakened muscles, put more strain on the rest of his body, leaving overworked muscles that he probably didn't even notice until I started kneading them. Once I finished with his back, and both legs, I sat back and admired the long lines of his body spread across my bed, wondering if I was ready to ask him to stay. Before I'd made up my mind he pushed himself on to his hands and knees and crawled off the side of the bed, careful not to get the oil still coating his skin on the bedding. He pulled on his jeans and slipped his t-shirt over his head before bending down to kiss me.

His lips played over mine, teasing and caressing my lips, coaxing my mouth open so he could sweep his tongue inside. I moaned softly, stretching up into the kiss, reluctant to let it end. Then he broke away.

I'm gonna go call Mom, He said picking up his socks and shoes, thanks for dinner tonight, he bent and kissed me again, lingering a moment. and the massage.

No problem.

It's a good thing I have to get up in the morning, or I'd be tempted to stay.

Mmm. I gave a non-committal sound, not inviting him to stay, but not telling him I wasn't quite ready for it yet either. I walked him to the door, kissing him again before he left, then closing and locking the door behind him, just in case Brandon decided to come back.

A few days later Devon knocked firmly on the unfamiliar door in front of us, and let his arm drop while he waited. He reached back and took my hand, weaving his fingers with mine. I think he was more nervous than I was. Before I could say anything, the door opened. A beautiful woman in her mid-fifties opened the door, a smile splitting her face. She was a couple inches shorter but probably weighed within a few pounds of me, her blond hair was carefully cut into a short, but attractive, style.

Devon, I keep telling you, you don't need to knock. She swept us inside, hugging Devon before turning to me. So nice to see you again, Nickie. She hugged me too, and I smelled the sharp tang of her skin that reminded me of rosemary. Devon's told me so much about you.

I'm so glad to see you too, Mrs. Wilson.

"Please,