Wild Beauty

By Lupa Garneau

His magic stolen, Cherchi has little reason to live until an unassuming ocelot helps him find the passion within.

After having his magic stolen by the shifter's archenemies, the demon-like Kaga, Cherchi is left scared and struggling to move on. Consumed by the longing of happier days before the attack, he retreats from his clan. A single promise to attend his clan-leader's mating ceremony is the only thing keeping his heart beating.

There was once a time when Luka cherished his gifts, but after suffering an unspeakable tragedy, he has learned to resent them. Still, he never turns away a wounded heart. After his sister is bitten by a vampire, putting her unborn cub in jeopardy, his family travels to the legendary home of the Rune Fang in search of the Life-Binder.

Cherchi quickly finds himself the object of Luka's interest and, although he wishes to be alone in his misery, he can't deny a deep-seated attraction to the male. Luka's extraordinary gifts heal his ravaged heart, but can he learn to live without the magic that makes him a shifter?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pride Publishing
• Release date: Jul 14, 2015
• ISBN: 9781784306298

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A Totally Bound Publication

Wild Beauty

ISBN # 978-1-78430-629-8

©Copyright Lupa Garneau 2015

Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright June 2015

Edited by Jennifer Douglas

Totally Bound Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Totally Bound Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Totally Bound Publishing. Unauthorized or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2015 by Totally Bound Publishing, Newland House, The Point, Weaver Road, Lincoln, LN6 3QN

Totally Bound Publishing is a subsidiary of Totally Entwined Group Limited.

Warning:

This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Totally Sizzling and a Sexometer of 2.

Children of Shairobi

WILD BEAUTY

Lupa Garneau

Book two in the Children of Shairobi series

His magic stolen, Cherchi has little reason to live until an unassuming ocelot helps him find the passion within.

After having his magic stolen by the shifter’s archenemies, the demon-like Kaga, Cherchi is left scared and struggling to move on. Consumed by the longing of happier days before the attack, he retreats from his clan. A single promise to attend his clan-leader’s mating ceremony is the only thing keeping his heart beating.

There was once a time when Luka cherished his gifts, but after suffering an unspeakable tragedy, he has learned to resent them. Still, he never turns away a wounded heart. After his sister is bitten by a vampire, putting her unborn cub in jeopardy, his family travels to the legendary home of the Rune Fang in search of the Life-Binder.

Cherchi quickly finds himself the object of Luka’s interest and, although he wishes to be alone in his misery, he can’t deny a deep-seated attraction to the male. Luka’s extraordinary gifts heal his ravaged heart, but can he learn to live without the magic that makes him a shifter?

Dedication

For pesky siblings—can’t live with them, can’t live without them.

Trademarks Acknowledgement

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

Mack truck: Mack Trucks

Wii: Nintendo Co., Ltd.

Magnum P.I.: Universal Television

Prologue

Cole blinked. It took him a few moments of rubbing his eyes for his brain to process what he was seeing. A vast open plain dotted with frilly daisies stretched out before him, the border of a thick forest looming in the distance. The grass shimmered with a strange quality, an iridescent appearance to it as if it were comprised of several different colors. He bit his lip and watched as it swayed gently in the breeze, a lush ocean against the edge of the forest.

The blades tickled his bare feet, caressing him. He leaned down and plucked a foot-long blade of grass and examined it in his hands. He admired the smooth texture against the pad of his thumb, and looking closer, it was indeed polychromatic. Spring yellow danced with pine green and peachy pink swirled with pale blue. His gray matter could barely process the unusual make up. Licking his lips, he took a nip and played with it in his mouth, sampling its flavor. Crisp sweetness burst over his tongue and he muttered a yum.

Where was he?

Cole looked up into the sky. The bright sun nearly blinded him, but its light shone white instead of yellow, casting a glow over the landscape. Big, puffy clouds lazed in the sky, absorbing the spectrum the sun put out. A slight hiss rolled over the meadow as the breeze blew through, and he thought he heard the distant rumble of thunder.

But, no, that couldn’t be thunder…

He stilled himself and listened. Was it an earthquake? He bent down and pressed his palm against the cool earth, the grasses parting at his will. The barest vibration touched his palm, but as he concentrated, the shudder grew stronger until he felt it with his feet. He stood up and looked around.

There!

A cloud of dust floated above the grasses to the east. He watched as the puff of smoke lifted upward and the quakes under his feet began to tickle his exposed skin as it traveled up his legs.

Cole flinched as dozens—no hundreds—of strange white beasts burst over the horizon, their legs pumping with purpose. A huge herd of ivory… Well, he didn’t know what to call them though they seemed familiar, galloped through the meadow. Even from this distance, he could tell they were huge, easily the size of an elephant. Long, graceful necks plugged into thick chests. They appeared equine in nature, with swiveling golden horns protruding from their skulls on each side. Silvery hair flowed out behind them as they ran.

Fascinated, he watched them trample the ground, their big, muscular bodies parting the long grass. He couldn’t help but smile at the sight of these magnificent creatures. A low hum caught his ears and he realized it was the cacophony of hundreds of individual moans as the beasts communicated with one another, combined with the beat of hooves.

Suddenly, their course shifted like a flock of birds driven by the wind.

It took Cole a long second to realize they were headed straight for him. He paled and stumbled back… They grew in size and suddenly appeared menacing as hundreds of gleaming golden horns were aimed in his direction. He turned around and beat feet as thunder roared around him. He couldn’t look back because he knew he’d never outrun them.

He yelled as the giant white beasts encompassed him, but they didn’t trample him. Instead, they weaved around his body. Seeing as they were purposely avoiding him, he laughed loudly as he ran with the herd, suddenly feeling very powerful. Up close, he realized their hides were made of curly white hair, thicker toward their chests and heads, and their eyes glittered like liquid sapphires the size of his fist.

One of the creatures blinked with long lashes and looked at him. The animals’ repeated moans surrounded him, their strength oppressive, like massive boulders rolling down a mountainside. He was struck in awe at their beauty and majesty, but all he could do was run with them. He felt remarkably free as his feet hit the ground, his thighs stinging with protest and for a second, he considered hopping on the back of one of the creatures, but the herd left him in the dust.

Cole skidded to a stop and watched the last of the animals disappear over the horizon, the only evidence of their existence a thin cloud of dust. He pumped his chest for breath and smiled softly. That was one of the coolest things he’d ever seen…

Cole lolled his head as something cold and wet touched his cheek. He knew it wasn’t his mate—Nexhan didn’t smell like mildew—so he swatted at the disturbance. It didn’t go away though, something fine and soft tickling his nose. He rubbed his bleary eyes and stretched. Something heavy and furry was against him and he focused his attention to his side.

A big, wet nose flared, scenting him, and behind a slender, lightly whiskered snout, two beady eyes watched him curiously. Cole sighed at the deer and rolled over onto his other side. The grasses and vines were awakening with him and had begun to wiggle around. It was a weird sensation, as if he were lying on a bed of worms. Deciding he wasn’t going to get any more sleep, he settled his eyes on his mate’s face and couldn’t help the cheesy grin that arched over his lips.

Nexhan was on his side, his head resting against his palm. He was watching Cole closely, tenderly, his yellow eyes smoldering with love. He purred, Morning, sunshine.

Growling lazily, Cole got closer and kissed him on the lips. He buried his face in his lover’s midnight-blue hair, inhaling the scent of dark spice. Too early. I want to go back to sleep.

Nexhan rumbled with amusement, You just want to be lazy.

Cole couldn’t refute that statement. All he wanted to do was lie among the flowers with his mate and snuggle. Goddess, what have I become? He was such a mush now, though he was glowing with happiness. Ah, the bliss of being mated.

They had only been bonded for a short few months, but every day they got closer—so close that they sometimes finished each other’s sentences. At first, Cole had found it annoying, but he was quickly getting accustomed to it.

Nexhan chuckled softly and Cole felt that cold wetness at his shoulder again. He craned his neck and glared at the deer. Growling, he pushed at it gently. Go away.

It blinked at him for a moment then lowered its head and began grazing on the new grass. It should be running for its life, not cuddling with predators. Cole was cougar and if that wasn’t enough to frighten it, then it should be wary of his mate, who was one of the biggest, baddest shifters around. Nexhan was Rune Fang, a huge saber-toothed cat that could easily snap the deer in half with his thirteen inch fangs.

A small blackbird landed on Cole’s head, pecking gently at his locks. He moved to swat it away, but Nexhan grabbed his wrist. Don’t be so grumpy.

Cole huffed. Right. I’m going to say that when one lands on you next time and shits in your hair.

Booming with laughter, Nex cuddled him closer and Cole fell into his lover. He couldn’t believe they were here like this. It had been so short a time since the male had come to claim Cole and beg forgiveness for his actions, but it seemed as if they’d been mated for an entire lifetime already. He supposed that was partly true. As the lore stated, True Mates were destined from creation and would be reborn continuously until they found each other in life. He vaguely wondered about his supposed past lives.

I’ve decided, Cole said. I want daises.

Nexhan smiled against Cole’s shoulder. Good choice. But, won’t it be a little hard to find daises this time of the year?

Good point, Cole conceded. After they had bonded, he had made Nexhan promise they’d have a ceremony. The man was happy to oblige. Goddess, Cole had never thought he’d be worrying about what type of flowers he wanted for the tables or what vows he might utter. It was all kind of scary, really.

Hihano is determined to make a traditional wedding cake for us and despite his grousing, Caroline has promised to help, he said amused.

Cole rolled his eyes at that. Hihano and the human Caroline—who was mated to one of the Rune Fangs—were always at odds when it came to the kitchen. Hihano was old-school and believed that females should be provided for and their every need and desire catered to. Caroline thought differently.

He wants to have a cookout tonight, too, Nexhan started, his lips moving against Cole’s cheek. I think it’s a good idea. Cherchi needs to get out of bed and socialize a bit.

Cole nodded in complete agreement, but he didn’t think an overabundance of food was going to replace what had been stolen from Cherchi. Cole didn’t think anything could, and he wondered just how much longer before someone found the Rune Fang dead from self-inflicted wounds. No one had the courage to voice that possibility, but it was on everyone’s mind. Maybe it needs to be said.

Sitting up on his elbows, Cole looked into his mate’s beautiful face. He pushed a long lock behind Nexhan’s ear and traced his strong, lightly stubbled jaw. Nex… I think everyone has to come to terms with the fact that he might not be here much longer.

Something dimmed in those bright yellow eyes and he nodded solemnly. All the more reason to celebrate him while he is here.

Cole couldn’t refute that, so he simply kissed his mate on the lips and hugged him close. His heart was breaking. No, it was Nexhan’s heart that hurt, but the mating bond allowed him to experience Nex’s emotions as his own. He still wasn’t used to it. He ran his fingers through the midnight silk, trying to soothe his mate, wishing there was more he could do.

Anger suddenly grabbed him and he sat up, growling. This fucking sucks! I’m supposed to be able to heal people and I can’t do anything for him! He had tried numerous times to help Cherchi, but had ultimately failed. Maybe if he had more experience with his new-found abilities… But no one really knew what he was capable of. Though he was sure of one thing—his talents were limited to the physical and Cherchi’s problems were spiritual.

Nexhan sat with him and ran his fingers over Cole’s palm. The body is easier to heal than the soul, Cole.

Huffing, Cole slumped his shoulders. Since finding out he was a Life-Binder, things had gotten thick. One thing he was glad about, though, was that he had a viable excuse for being unsuccessful in hunting with his cat. Hell, he couldn’t kill anything—period. They’d discovered that it was his nature to heal and whatever magical force instilled him with those healing powers didn’t like it when he tried to harm others. Still, he hated that his skills were restricted to the physical.

Nexhan slapped him on the knee and got up, stretching his magnificent body. Come on, cub. I think a cookout sounds like a good idea for everyone involved.

Cole nodded as he watched his mate track through the thick growth they had created. Goddess, that man had a nice ass. He shook his head, clearing the lewd thought from his mind. A soft smile twitched at his lips. Maybe Nex was right. Sometimes all one could do was make the best of the situation. He didn’t know Cherchi all that well, but he wanted to do something for him.

He moved to get up then realized his palm was warm. He frowned, not realizing he’d been holding something. Slowly, he opened his fist.

Whoa. A crystal cut in the shape of a sphere reflected the light as it streamed through the thick sequoias in a dazzling burst of colors. The crystal glittered and glowed as if it were its own light source. It was beautiful…mesmerizing…

Where had it come from?

Cole, his mate called from a distance playfully.

Biting his lip, he got up and closed his hand, determined not to lose it.

Keep it safe. He was sure the words had been whispered in his ear.

Chapter One

Cherchi sat up in his bed. His back protested. His muscles were wound tight and he was sweaty from lying so long, but he had little energy to do anything else. The cool breeze of the changing season swept through the window and into his cabin. One of his brothers must have opened it. The wind ran over his skin and glided through his hair. There’d been a time when he’d craved the feeling of the wind stroking his locks, but that seemed like so long ago that he could hardly remember it.

He pushed his hands through his short, golden locks. He’d cut it recently and what had once been waist-long flowing ribbons of sunshine were nothing more than a jumbled haystack. He couldn’t deal with another reminder of who he’d been. He used to love racing the wind, feeling the breeze whip his hair around as he’d pumped his legs so hard he’d thought he would take to the sky.

No more. That’s not me and it will never be again.

Sighing, he touched his bare feet to the floor and stretched his body. His muscles didn’t like that very much, but it was a minor inconvenience. His wounds had healed—mostly, anyway. He still had some nasty scars, but Storm, their shaman, had assured him they’d fade in time. Not that it mattered, though. Compared to the spiritual damage, a few scars couldn’t compare. He couldn’t feel the magic that allowed him to shift anymore and he was terrified to search too deeply. He knew everyone suspected he’d lost that staple of his heritage, but he was unable to bring himself to admit it.

Slowly, he got up on his feet and took a moment to fight off the shakiness. His strength was ebbing, whether from lazing in bed all day or because of his injuries, he wasn’t sure. Maybe he just lacked the willpower to get better. He made his way over to his mirror and blinked at himself. At least, he thought that was his reflection. It didn’t completely seem like him, yet a familiar and weary face looked back at him. He’d lost some weight and his scars seemed garish, the teeth and claw marks jumping out. He ran his hands over his mid-section, wishing they weren’t there. They were just another reminder of what had been taken from him.

He blew out a big breath as he looked out of the opened window. Birds chirped and the happy shouts of his brothers rang out. He’d bet if he walked outside, he’d be met with a vast blue sky where puffy white clouds drifted aimlessly and the sun lit up the meadow where his clan—the Rune Fangs—made their home. A deep-rooted desire to go and be with his people gripped him, an ancient need to be touched and accepted, but then he’d have to deal with all the coddling and looks of pity. He should probably go outside and greet them, though, before someone came looking for him. He hadn’t made an appearance for morning meal like he usually did. He just wanted to be alone in his misery, but no one seemed to understand that.

They’re just trying to help.

He knew that, but there was nothing they could do and they needed to come to terms with that truth. Cole had sat with him often, touched him, tried to heal him with his new-found power, but nothing could replace the emptiness that now resided inside him. If that male couldn’t fix him, then Cherchi doubted there was anyone that could.

He pushed his legs into a pair of blue jeans and made an effort to comb his hair so that he looked halfway alive. I’m not fooling anybody.

A knock at his door caught his attention. He guessed it was someone coming to check up on him.

Nexhan, his clan leader, peeked in, his smile warm.

Come in, Cherchi said weakly and looked for a shirt to cover his scars. He didn’t like people seeing them. Heck, he hated seeing them himself.

Nexhan entered and gingerly closed the door behind him. He took a seat on a small chair made from woven vines and said, How are you feeling?

Humoring him, Cherchi offered a faint smile. Not too bad. Better today. I’ll never be okay.

Nexhan nodded. Hihano wants to have a cookout tonight. With all our guests here and more arriving every day, I think it’s a good idea. Are you up for it?

No, he wasn’t. Besides, he knew the real reason for the cookout was to get him up and out of bed. He shrugged. Sure.

Nexhan nodded, offering Cherchi a smile. Cherchi sensed his Mi’wisa wanted to tug him close and hold him, but he hesitated. Cherchi wasn’t sure if he wanted him to or not. A part of him did—that lost