Catalyst Claimed (City of Sirus Book 2)

By J. Dawn Light

Since the moment the dark warrior stepped into the stairwell of her apartment building, and her pleasantly uneventful life, Brisa Reyes has been terrified of...and strangely drawn to him. Even knowing what he is won't stop her body from wanting what her brain sees as danger.

Teran has very little time or patience for fear. But even as he reads the terror in this beautiful telepath's strange eyes, he's drawn to her on every level imaginable, and quickly becomes obsessed with drawing out a temper that is always just below the surface.

A bond is forming...
Her power is changing and growing with every moment spent in his overwhelming presence. It's too much. A responsibility no one should have and she certainly doesn't want. But hers isn't the only power that is growing, because she's a catalyst. And whether they like it or not, their destinies are intertwined.

Something is coming...
When an enemy returns, he brings a friend. But this friend has an ability that could kill an immortal without spilling a drop of blood. Brisa's power can save them, but she's more afraid of it than she is of the evil that is coming for them. It will be up to Teran to convince the catalyst he's claimed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J. Dawn Light
• Release date: Jun 18, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301050253

J. Dawn Light

There's not much to know about me personally. I'm extremely boring. But I'm completely in love with my life, so it works for me. I've been married for over 13 years now to a man that still gives me butterflies and I have 3 amazing children that are obviously the best children ever!Writing wise, I'm all about the paranormal romance. Mostly adult, but have something in mind for a YA. We'll see how that goes.I think in my advancing age, I've managed to contract adult ADD, so I have a really hard time reading something that doesn't keep me completely entertained, which is why I write the way I write. I'm not big on romanticizing the appearance of a wall or putting scenes in my books that don't either lend something to the romance of the two main characters, or the story in general. Unless it makes me laugh. I do a lot of stuff because it makes me laugh.

Book preview

Catalyst Claimed

J. Dawn Light

Copyright 2013 by J. Dawn Light

Smashwords Edition

I have to thank my hubby first. If I don't, he'll cry...because he's really sensitive. Almost womanly. I didn't see this first-hand, but have been told of a time he cried over cheese. I believe it. The man loves cheese. So, thanks Buckles. For liking cheese and crying all the time.

My children too, are a big help. It's usually during one of my tirades on just how ridiculous fighting over a sock, a paper-clip, a ceiling-fan, a thirteen-year-old teddy bear, a piece of my hair, a used Band-Aid, or about a million other stupid, unimportant things is, when an idea will hit and I'll take off to write it down...leaving them, tied to a thirteen-year-old teddy bear by a piece of my hair and a used Band-Aid with a sock stuffed in their mouth, and paper-clipped to the ceiling fan. Thanks Braxton, Bryce and Bayli. For using any excuse imaginable to start punching each other in the face.

My extended family too. Just being subjected to my granny's sisters, my mom and my aunts has given me all the premonition I needed. I'm going to be a super-crazy old woman some day. I don't mean talking-to-the-overly-friendly-furniture crazy. That's interesting enough. No, I mean the, mom-please-don't-lick-my-new-boyfriend crazy. Or the Aunt-Anne-where-did-you-learn-to-twerk crazy. In other words...AMAZING! I'll always be amazing. Thanks family, for keeping it fresh.

Here's where I get mushy. If mush bothers you, you can skip this part.

I really am thankful to my family for the love, support and humor they bring into my life. Buck, Braxton, Bryce and Bayli, you guys are EVERYTHING to me. I love you more than you could possibly understand. I know you think you know, but you don't know.

Welcome to the City of Sirus!

Sirus was established in 1615 by the vryko king Phobos, when he and his people migrated to the New World from Europe. It is located beneath the surface of what are now Bethlehem and Hellertown, Pennsylvania. The original settlers -- most still alive today -- used magic and caves to hide their city from the natives. When the king died twenty years ago, his twin sons Canis and Teran decided to share the rule of Sirus. They live together in the stone castle that was carved by magic in the walls of the caves.

At present, the city is a melting pot of many different immortal races, but vryko is still the majority, making up over seventy-five percent of the population.

Prologue

Her mother was out the door first, followed closely by her father. Neither looked back. She almost stood, thinking maybe if she begged they'd change their mind and take her with them. But she didn't. She'd already begged until her throat hurt and her tear ducts couldn't possibly spare another tear. For seven years they had cherished her. She'd been normal then. But soon after her seventh birthday...yeah. They hated her now. She'd learned to keep the things in her head to herself, but it was too little too late. Nothing could undo the things she'd brought to the surface. Nothing could unsay the words that had spilled out of her mouth, revealing her parents secrets.

At ten, she shouldn't know half of the things she did, but hearing the thoughts of those around her sorta stripped the naivety from her. Worst of all, she was subjected daily to the hatred that grew in her parents hearts for a child they'd once loved. They not only blamed her for the strain on their relationship, but the perfect child she'd taken away when she'd started lying all the time. Deep down, they knew she was telling the truth, but hoped that pretending they didn't, made what she said less factitious. It helped their cause too that she often curled in a ball, covering her ears and screaming when the voices became too much.

One small tear rolled down her cheek as she turned back to the stern-faced woman behind the desk and tried desperately to ignore the doctor's thoughts.

Poor child. To be so young and be taken over so strongly by schizophrenia. If the meds work maybe her parents will want her at home.

She wouldn't hold her breath for that lovely event. Not only would the meds most definitely not work, but she doubted her parents would ever be able to forgive her for what they considered the reason everything fell apart.

Well Miss Reyes, the stern faced woman known to the staff as Dr. Mitchell said, standing. Why don't we get you settled in a room?

Brisa looked at the door that would lead out into the long hallway where nurses milled about. She might be able to make it down that hall without too much of a problem, but if they got too close to the patients that were all in a caged off room at the end of it, there would be no way she could hold it together. When they had gone on their tour of the institute earlier, she had fallen on the floor screaming just twenty feet away from that area. So many thoughts. Some so drugged they didn't make sense, some of them not drugged and still not making sense, and some that were more than a little scary. They all crowded into her head, overloading her mind. Hurting.

Don't worry Brisa, Dr. Mitchell said smiling. Your room is nowhere near the patients' lobby. We'll try to keep you as secluded as possible until your meds start working.

With a grateful nod and a heavy sigh, she scooted her small body to the edge of the chair so her feet could touch the floor and stood. Being mature for her age, she recognized the emotions currently tightening her chest were fear, sadness, and...hopelessness. All three ensuring the color of her eyes were a mournful yellow. She didn't worry the doctor would notice. Her eyes had been yellow since she began reading the hatred in her parents' thoughts. She doubted she would ever see them a contented brown, or an excited purple again. She couldn't even dredge up an angry blue for the parents that abandoned her to this place, knowing how hard it would be on her. Her pain was just too great.

How would she ever be able to get out of this place if she couldn't be around people without having a nervous breakdown? Who would ever believe she didn't hear voices in her head if she couldn't stop doubling over in pain while in a crowd?

She walked into the hallway ahead of Dr. Mitchell, on the verge of crying from the hopelessness and loneliness, and trying to remind herself that suicide wasn't the answer. Someday she would figure out how to hide this curse she was forced to bare. Someday she would find a reason to smile.

Chapter One

Just Catching Up...

Thirteen years later...

Brisa glared at the clock. She and that digital POS had a love-hate relationship. She needed the stupid thing to get to her worthless job on time, but had come close to throwing it against the wall at least fifteen times...today. It was just so squawky, and she was not a morning person.

Today, however, she had a different problem. The evil piece of pooh technology wouldn't speed its little digital numbers on so she could go hunt down that crazy bitch she called a roommate and best friend, and drag her home by the hair of her blond head. It had been nearly six days since that lunatic deserted her with nothing more than a vague explanation and a vision of where she should go if she needed Daesha. Well, she didn't really need her, but she was sick of sitting back while her friend was no doubt being used as a snack by the very vryko she was obscenely obsessed with.

Some days, she wished she could go back to that day ten years ago when she'd met the girl with the same strange eyes as her and who seemed to know everything about her, and run the other way. After all, some people in the loony bin actually belonged there. Unfortunately, she didn't have the ability to go back in time, and if she was absolutely honest with herself, she wouldn't even if she could. She loved Daesha. Even with all her craziness and horrible decision making. Meeting Daesha, who, at the time, had been the only human being whose thoughts hadn't bombarded her mind, was the reason she'd learned to block the thoughts of others. Because once she managed to explore Daesha's amazing shields, she was able to make some of her own. Now, she just had to wait a few more hours to go in search of the maniac, so she could save her from herself and then beat the pooh out of her.

***

Teran knew the moment Daesha joined him in the sitting room. He even knew she had something she wanted to discuss with him, but he ignored her simply because he found great joy in making people crazy.

What he'd realized in the short time he'd known the amazing woman behind him was that she was just as impatient as he could be when she was anticipating a little fun, and with her, everything that involved somebody crying was fun.

He wasn't surprised when she spoke less than a minute into his ignoring her. Teran, I have something for you to do.

Uh oh. So this was to be his humiliation, degradation or mortification. What would she do to him now?

What would that be? He asked dryly.

Kidnapping? It was a perky question. Like she was trying to use the whole tone of voice thing to convince a dog you still loved them just before you kicked it in the ribs.

What?! He yelled, thankful that Canis wasn't in the room to rip his throat out for daring to raise his voice to his little human. But how was he supposed to even pretend to be calm at her little suggestion? Please tell me you're joking.

She smiled innocently, but he had seen too much in the past week to believe it for a second. There is an issue with a certain human on the surface. There is a very big possibility she will become a problem for you.

She seemed sincere, but he couldn't read her mind to get the information he wanted. What kind of problem?

Daesha shrugged but she wouldn't look at him. There was definitely something she wasn't telling him.

Just answer me this. Am I going to have to kill this human? Because I haven't had to do that in a long time, and surprisingly I find that I don't really want to.

Nope. And that was all that was said before she pushed him toward the door, slipping a piece of paper into his hand.

He would need to feed first and get a potion brewed just in case she wasn't happy to see him. And then there was transportation. It seemed like a nice night for a bike ride.

About an hour-and-a-half later, he found himself in the stairwell of the building she'd written on the paper, confused by the scent he was picking up. It was faint but delicious, and he was positive he'd smelled it before. He made it to the landing on the second floor just as the door opened. He scooted back into the shadows, deciding to let whomever it was pass through. It was easy enough to disappear for someone like him. He was one with the concrete wall behind the door when it revealed the human who had come through.

Brown hair that shined coppery in the light above them, burnt caramel colored skin that looked smooth and tasty and the type of fragile beauty that made a man want to beat his chest for the chance to protect her. She was small, maybe even more so than Daesha, who always seemed out of place when she mingled with his warriors, but just like Daesha, she was curvy. Wonderfully, perfectly, amazingly curvy. Her large eyes contrasted with the rest of her petite facial features, making her look innocent. They were brown with strange swirls of white. Beautiful, hypnotic eyes.

When the door eased closed, she froze, frowning slightly, her head snapping around to where he was standing. Oh, sorry. I didn't see you there...for some reason.

I didn't mean to scare you. He pulled himself away from the wall. You probably thought I was some terrifying creature who was going to attack you. Okay, she probably didn't get his joke, but he was laughing...on the inside.

Her features scrunched in obvious trepidation, making him wonder what exactly she was afraid of.

He smiled, or did his best, really. Maybe I should walk with you to keep you safe. Teran wasn't really sure a stranger as big as he was would be of much comfort. But she was starting to resemble a scared rabbit so he felt like he needed to do something to reassure her if he was going to get her out of this building without a fight.

She looked up at him for a moment, saying nothing, just staring. And then she shrugged. I can probably take care of myself.

As her shoulders moved, he couldn't help but follow the shift of her breasts under her shirt and jacket. They were a nice shape and looked to be the perfect size to slightly overflow his hands if he cupped them. Realizing how dangerous that thought was, he tried to pull his focus up to her face. He didn't get much help there. God she was beautiful! His eyes got stuck on her mouth. Her lips were so full, he found himself desperate to nibble, desperate to suck one into his mouth and run a fang and then his tongue over it.

His cock hardened painfully. Probably? His voice felt tight. So there's a chance you can't? It took a lot of effort to keep his voice normal, but somehow he managed.

She started at his words, but her surprised confusion cleared and then she smiled again. Which brought his attention back to her mouth. I'll be fine.

He paused and frowned as the smell of caramel apples strengthened around him. You smell familiar.

She looked like she wanted to laugh. Don't you mean I look familiar?

No. Something about that smell was bothering him. And not just because it was giving him a raging hard-on. It was familiar. Really familiar.

The little Latina gave an unsure smile. Uh, maybe I use the same soap as somebody you know.

He knew that wasn't it. No way. He could tell she'd bathed recently, but the scent was stronger than soap. And he was pretty sure he would notice if he had a friend that gave him a hard-on every time he was around them. Maybe, he said anyway, moving closer to her.

True, he was using his size to intimidate her as he worked to move her backwards against the wall, but he was feeling a little off. His body's reactions to her and her unique scent making him a little less than friendly.

As he tracked her across the small landing until her back hit the far wall, he allowed his eyes to move the length of her body, unable to keep them from returning again and again to her breasts. He pressed into her body, trapping her against the wall. Her head tilted back and her lips parted as she panted in both fear and what he was hoping was desire. Clapping a hand over her mouth just in case she decided to scream -- and because he was dying to know if those lips were as soft as they looked -- he lowered his head closer to hers. Breath pumped in and out of her nose, fanning warm air against the back of his hand and pressing her breasts tighter and tighter against his chest. Sh. He whispered, hoping to reassure her. If you don't try to fight me, you'll live through this.

Okay, so obviously, he wasn't so great at the reassuring. But to be fair, he was having a hard time thinking about anything other than stripping her naked and taking her right here in the stairwell. Now, I know this will probably be an inconvenience, but I'm going to have to take you with me. You can come while conscious, or you can go the whole way thrown over my shoulder. Well, not over his shoulder since he had brought his motorcycle, but he wasn't kidding about forcing her. The potion he had had brewed before he came to the surface would work wonders in hypnotizing her if she proved uncooperative, but he'd hoped he wouldn't have to use it until they reached the entrance.

As they stood there, his hand covering her soft lips, and his body pressed snuggly into hers, he tried to ignore the feel of her squirming against him. He didn't even think she realized she was doing it, but she was wiggling around. Bringing him close to release with the tight squeeze of their bodies. He forced himself not to groan, but just barely, and focused on her face, her eyes. Eyes that seemed to be sporting quite a bit of green all of the sudden. Hadn't her eyes been brown with swirls of white before? Now there was no brown, but green shot through with twirling lines of white. He moved his hand slowly away from her mouth, watching intently as her beautiful lips pilled away from his palm, bit by bit. Maybe he had just mistaken the brown for green earlier. He watched suspiciously anyway.

What do you want? Her husky whisper as she again wiggled against him.

A bed and an entire night. His head jerked back slightly. Wait! What did he just say? He laughed and shook his head. Never mind.

Wow. Teran hadn't realized he'd started relying on that once a week fuck while he fed, but apparently his body had gotten used to it, thought that was what he now needed since he had just fed before leaving the city. That had to be why he was about to climb inside this human. This human he was supposed to be kidnapping, not trying to mount. If there had been time he might have used what the female had offered when he had fed from her, but he had been anxious to see this woman who was possibly a threat to Sirus.

Are you going to let me go when you're done with me? Her voice was breathy, showing that she too was affected by their closeness.

He smiled a bit smugly. Do you want the truth or something to make you feel better?

Oh God. Again her voice came out less scared and more turned on and it managed to jack up his already ridiculous need for her.

He lowered his head slowly, wanting to draw more of her sent into his lungs. When his nose touched the skin of her neck, she gasped, but that didn't stop him from running the tip along her skin. She was intoxicating, making him drunk.

Your smell. He whispered, fighting the urge to bite where his nose had been with a restraint he would never have thought necessary. He'd just fed. There should be no reason for this desperate need to draw some of her blood into his body. When he pulled his head back to look at her, he knew he had to resemble a starved animal. He wanted so desperately to be inside her with both his cock and his fangs, he was practically vibrating.

Forcing himself to look into her eyes, he watched as the white was slowly overcome by green until almost none was left. And then it hit him.

He had smelled her scent before. When Canis' little Daesha broke into the city and Canis carted her over his shoulder back to the castle from the guard shack, Teran had scented the faint smell of caramel apples and had to fight an erection. At the time he'd been worried he was going to have a hard time keeping his hands off the woman his brother had obviously decided was his, but when he'd seen her next, the caramel apple smell was gone.

You're eyes, he said quietly. He shook his head hard, but it did little to clear his it, so he did it again. Daesha! Crazy fucking woman!

The girl jerked against his body. I'm not crazy. She whispered, and when he looked into her eyes again, yellow was slowly wiping away the green.

He had only felt the urge to comfort a woman one other time after his mother died.