Shift, Inc: Paranormal Women's Fiction

By Crymsyn Hart

Bear Embrace -- Nia’s had a crush on Samuel since they were teenagers. She hasn’t seen him in years, but now she finds she’s still attracted to him… and to Hannia, the handsome and mysterious Shaman skinwalker, and his vampire-partner, Ananias. Could she be mate -- to all of them?

Captive Hearts -- Three predatory shifters do their best to figure out how to deal with their differing visions while they try to resolve the issue that’s standing in the way of their happiness -- where is Ward?

Wolf’s Bane -- Dante Bane needs a night off so his wolf can howl. During his romp, a mysterious stranger joins him for a night of passion. Their encounter leaves Dante smitten, but Gwen’s stalker has returned and she needs Dante’s help.

Reviving the Dragon -- Christa searches the world’s oceans for unidentified wildlife. When she’s rescued by a strange sea creature, she knows what she’s been searching for is real. Yet when the creature comes to her as a man, she doesn’t know if she can give in to her heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Changeling Press
• Release date: Sep 4, 2023

Book preview

Shift, Inc

Paranormal Women’s Fiction

Crymsyn Hart

All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2023 Crymsyn Hart

BIN: 010909-03548

Formats Available:

Adobe PDF, Epub

Publisher:

Changeling Press LLC

315 N. Centre St.

Martinsburg, WV 25404

www.ChangelingPress.com

Editor: Pat Sager

Cover Artist: Bryan Keller

Adult Sexual Content

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Table of Contents

Shift, Inc

Bear Embrace (Shift, Inc 1)

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Captive Hearts (Shift, Inc 2)

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Wolf’s Bane (Shift, Inc 3)

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Reviving the Dragon (Shift, Inc 4)

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Crymsyn Hart

Shift, Inc

Paranormal Women’s Fiction

Crymsyn Hart

Bear Embrace -- Nia’s had a crush on Samuel since they were teenagers. She hasn’t seen him in years, but now she finds she’s still attracted to him… and to Hannia, the handsome and mysterious Shaman skinwalker, as well as his vampire-partner, Ananias. Could she be mate -- to all of them?

Captive Hearts -- Three predatory shifters do their best to figure out how to deal with their differing visions while they try to resolve the issue that’s standing in the way of their happiness -- where is Ward?

Wolf’s Bane -- Dante Bane needs a night off so his wolf can howl. During his romp, a mysterious stranger joins him for a night of passion. Their encounter leaves Dante smitten, but Gwen’s stalker has returned and she needs Dante’s help.

Reviving the Dragon -- Christa searches the world’s oceans for unidentified wildlife. When she’s rescued by a strange sea creature, she knows what she’s been searching for is real. Yet when the creature comes to her as a man, she doesn’t know if she can give in to her heart.

Bear Embrace (Shift, Inc 1)

Crymsyn Hart

At his pack leader’s request, Samuel, pack security agent, accepts an assignment to escort Nia to meet the new Shaman of her bear sleuth at Logan Airport in Boston. Something about Hannia rubs Samuel the wrong way -- he doesn’t want Nia alone with the Shaman, and his wolf can’t get Nia out of his mind.

Nia’s had a crush on Samuel since they were teenagers. She hasn’t seen him in years, but now she finds she’s still attracted to him -- so her mouth waters just thinking about putting her lips on his. However, she needs to look out for her bear clan, not dwell on her desires. Given the chance, her bear would sink its teeth in Samuel’s perfect butt. And then there’s Hannia, the handsome and mysterious Shaman skinwalker, and his vampire-partner, Ananias. Could she be mate -- to both of them?

Beneath the complex relationships lies a horrible curse Hannia has been running from for centuries. The only way he can break the curse is to kill his mate, but Samuel’s wolf is not going to let anything happen to Nia.

As the sparks fly and the curse awakens, Hannia must make a decision which will change the lives of all four of them.

Chapter One

Samuel Grey shifted in his seat as he stared at his boss’s desk. The managing partner of Shift, Inc., Booker Rufus, was running late. Samuel hated to be kept waiting even if it was for his best friend. He had grown up with the Rufus brothers: Ward, Booker, Toren, and Misha. Samuel and Booker were the same age. Samuel had become Booker’s beta even before they were teenagers. Booker led one of the largest packs in New England, and Samuel could hold the order in the pack. However, in the human world, Samuel had bounced from job to job. When Booker offered him a position guarding others, his one stipulation was he wouldn’t protect any humans. Shifters only. For the last ten years, things had gone well. Except for his last assignment.

It haunted him.

Booker had given Samuel time to clear his head. He had traveled, but it had made things worse. Then there were the dreams. Nightmares where a woman, whose face he couldn’t see, was getting torn apart by some horrid beast. .No matter what he did to intervene to save the woman nothing worked. There were two other men who stayed in the shadows. He awoke breathless and sweating nearly every night.

Sorry to keep you waiting. Booker walked into the room. Samuel got up and they exchanged a quick hug. Booker went behind his desk. Damn, Samuel, you look like shit. Are you still not sleeping?

The weariness of the day settled upon him as he sunk back into the chair. He knew dark circles accentuated his eyes. His hair had refused to be tamed. Samuel despised the city. The throngs, scents, and the overall noise upset his wolf. It yearned to return to the suburbs and run in the woods around his house. He agreed with his inner animal. Sleep hasn’t been my friend. I’m used to that these days. What was so important you dragged me here? Is it pack business or work?

Booker ran his fingers through his hair. A little bit of both. A delegation from one of the bear clans is arriving down from Maine. The leader is an old friend of the family. You remember Walter Grant?

Samuel rubbed his chin, feeling the two-day scruff. Big fellow. Seven-five, I recall, and about three or four hundred pounds. Very boisterous and used to give all the children suckers.

His boss chuckled. That’s him. He and his daughter are meeting with their new Shaman. The bears are more… spiritual than us. Walter rattled off that the new Shaman could shift by wearing animal skins or some such nonsense.

Yeah, they call it skin walking, but that doesn’t make them a true shape shifter.

Whatever the Shaman does, Walter has hired us to escort them around Boston. His daughter specifically asked for you.

His brows furrowed. His daughter? I didn’t even know Walter had a daughter. Isn’t he too old? He was ancient when we were kids.

The phone rang, but Booker ignored it. He was. You might recall her. She trailed us around making googly eyes at you.

Samuel flashed back to his childhood summers. They played at a camp the family owned which was now where the pack gathered at each full moon. Nia had been eight when she tagged along behind him, looking to do anything he said. She’d neem a gangly kid with long pigtails, a pointy chin, big glasses, and uneven teeth. Why would she want me?

I let it slip that you worked for us. So she asked if you were available. Sorry. I wasn’t thinking…

He clenched the arms of the chair. The wood groaned from his fingers wrapping around the handles. Samuel counted to ten and forced the anger away before addressing Booker. Are you ordering me to take on this assignment as my boss or the leader of my pack?

It’s not an order. It’d be a favor for me, the pack, and the company. They’re paying us a good amount of money, but this is up to you. Sam, you have to get back into it sometime. What happened wasn’t your fault.

Of course it was my fault. You gave me the assignment and I… she… I couldn’t… Samuel shook his head and fought back the echoing shrieks of the girl he had sworn to watch over.

"Hey, if you’re not ready to do this, then I completely understand. I wanted to give you the option. Walter and Nia will be here tomorrow night. They’re supposed to meet this guy at the airport on Saturday. Join us at Giuseppe’s in the North End to at least reminisce. I’m sure they’d want to see you any way. Nia will wonder where you are," Booker admitted.

Fine. I’ll come to dinner. But you’re paying. And I’m not dressing up.

Works for me. I’ll see you then.

* * *

Samuel tugged on his shirt and checked his watch. He was early, but he hated being late. He examined his reflection in the glass. The circles under his eyes were deeper. Sleep had come easily the night before. This time his nightmare had changed. The nightly vision became one inhabited with large bears challenging him, a man in the woods observing this, and some other male presence in the shadows. All their faces remained obscured.

Samuel had chosen a newer pair of jeans and a button-down shirt to make him look somewhat respectable. He wasn’t sure he could pull it off. Booker was counting on him, and he would never let his friend or pack leader down. He tugged at the collar, butterflies bombarding his stomach. Meeting clients was always the worst. He checked his watch one more time. They hadn’t shown up yet, which meant they either weren’t coming or they were already inside.

Taking a deep breath, he entered Giuseppe’s. No one manned the podium. Forks scraped over china, making him wince at the shrill sound. Delicious aromas assailed his nose. His stomach grumbled at the thought of food.

Samuel perused the patrons and heard Walter before he saw him. The boisterous laugh resonated within the room. He turned toward the chuckle and saw a shock of brown hair shot through with white. Walter had on jeans and a blue flannel shirt. Booker sat across the table from him. A white jacket hung on the back of one of the chairs. A virtual buffet was spread on the table. Samuel didn’t see Nia. Booker gestured for him to come join them. He started to walk toward them when the world went black. Smooth hands covered his eyes. His nostrils flared at the aroma of vanilla masking the heady scent of the bear. He growled low in his throat. The sultry laughter behind him made his pulse race. It stirred the wolf in him. Samuel spun around and seized the arms of the person who had blinded him.

Her chiseled cheekbones signaled her Native American heritage. Her skin was lightly golden, a mixture of different browns and tans he didn’t have a word for. Her bright blue eyes reminded him of a cloudless sky. Dark brown hair cascaded down her back in lush ringlets. Her full lips had him so mesmerized while she spoke, he didn’t catch what she was saying.

… letting me go please?

The words registered. Samuel released her, still dumbfounded at her beauty. His cock stiffened at the thought of climbing between her thighs, experiencing her soft curves, and discovering what she tasted like. Sorry.

She snapped her fingers before his face. He blinked again and withdrew from his daze. Samuel.

What? he barked. It seemed as if he was awaking from a sleep. Then again, the fitful nights were grating on him.

It’s me. Nia.

He forced his lips into a smile. Hi. Sorry. I didn’t recognize you.

Uh-huh. It has been forever. God, you must remember the pain in the ass following you guys around all the time.

Sounds about right.

There you two are. Nia, did you find your phone in the car? Booker asked her, tugging on Samuel’s shirt to get his attention. Where were you?

Sorry, boss. He threw the pack alpha a smile.

Hey, Booker. I did find it. Nia held up her phone showing she had retrieved it. Slipped between the seats. Happens a lot. God, I’m starving. I hope Walter hasn’t been a bear. I know my father can get rather loud.

Not at all. Come on and sit down. We ordered a few appetizers while we were waiting for everyone to get here.

Samuel followed the two of them. The sway of Nia’s hips made his wolf howl within his mind. He winced at the sound but enjoyed the way the black fabric of her skirt spread over the round mounds of her ass. She had curves in all the right places. He always preferred a woman with some meat on her bones. This certainly wasn’t the girl he remembered. She had come into her own.

Nia slid into her seat across from him. The vee neckline of her purple sweater rested just on the dip of her breasts. She laughed at something Booker said. Her lips spread into a dazzling grin, and her eyes twinkled under the overhead lights.

A sharp pain in his thigh made him tear his gaze from Nia. Booker shot him a murderous look. He bit his lip and tried to hide the chuckle bubbling up inside of him. Booker lifted an eyebrow, and Samuel knew he wanted him to pay attention to their potential clients rather than check out Nia. His wolf wasn’t listening to him. His gaze moved back over to Nia. Her lips moved again and all he could think about was tasting them.

So, Samuel. You haven’t changed one bit.

I’m sorry, what? he asked Walter.

The man threw back his head and laughed. Still focused on your fantasy world, it takes someone to pull your attention back to reality.

Samuel nodded, half listening.

Father, stop pestering Sam. I’m sure he’s changed a lot in twenty years. He doesn’t want to hear you ragging on him the way you do. Nia poked her father in the arm.

Walter patted her hand. Always watching what I say. You’re better suited to be the diplomat of the bunch than I ever was. It’s a good thing you’re coming tomorrow to convince this man to come back with us. She has single handedly brought peace to our area with the lion clans, the coyotes, and the bird shifters. We all share a single territory now.

That’s impressive, Samuel commented. He understood the importance of politics being Booker’s second in the pack. However, he hated dealing with it.

It is. Walter’s eyes were full of pride.

Nia shook her head. Her cheeks burned red from the compliments. Dad, enough. They didn’t come here to hear you brag about me. They want to know what the agenda for tomorrow is.

We can talk about that later. You know my rule. Walter eyed his daughter, his tone hardening into that of the leader Samuel remembered.

Nia rolled her eyes. No business during dinner. Yeah. Yeah, I know. Fine. She grabbed the spoons nestled in the antipasti and loaded some onto her plate. She handed them across to Samuel with a small smile.

Thanks, he muttered.

Samuel heard a phone vibrate next to him. Booker swiped his cell. His expression fell. Shit.

Everything okay? Walter inquired.

Booker glanced down at the screen. Samuel’s stomach knotted in dread. He didn’t want to be left all alone with Walter and his daughter. The boss looked over at him. Trouble with Dusty and Minar again.

Do you need me as your second? Please say yes. He would rather deal with squabbling cubs than a night out alone with the bears.

No. I’ll be fine. Besides, business is more important in this case. I’ll get Charlotte to go with me. She can distract them. If I’m not back tomorrow, just stay with them. Booker stood up. Walter, sorry, my friend. Pack business calls. Nia, you’re in good hands with Samuel.

Walter drew Booker into a big hug and planted a kiss on his cheek. I completely understand. A leader’s job is never done. I’ll fill Samuel in on the details for tomorrow’s rendezvous.

Samuel cast a long glance at Booker who shrugged his shoulders. He brought his pinky and thumb to his ear in a gesture that he would call. Samuel wasn’t so sure he would. If Dusty was feuding again on where his yard started and ended, it would take all night and into tomorrow to settle the argument.

You look positively green. Everything all right? Nia asked.

He took a long sip of water and forced it down. As he stared into her expectant eyes, instead of her bright blue ones, he flashed back to his last assignment. Dead eyes glared back at him. The accusing stare seared into his memory because he hadn’t been able to save the last person he was assigned to. Excuse me. I need to get some air.

Samuel walked outside of the restaurant. A cold breeze hit him and helped to clear his mind. His stomach flopped and flipped from the image of the girl he had lost.

Hey, are you okay?

The light touch on his shoulder roused him. He turned to his side and peered into Nia’s soul-filled eyes. He could lose himself in them if he had been in a better place mentally. I’m fine. Sorry. I haven’t been sleeping much. Bad dreams.

Dreams can do that to you. If this is too much, we can ask Booker for someone else. I just thought it’d be nice to see you again. It’s been so long, and you were always my favorite out of the wolves.

No. It’s fine. I’ll be better tomorrow. We’re meeting your Shaman at the airport, and the flight comes in at…

She placed a hand on his arm. It lands at noon so we should be there by 11:30, just to be on the safe side. We rented a car, too. Daddy didn’t want to show up in his old Ford pick-up.

He shook his head. Not a good idea. Traffic is a bitch in Boston, and getting in and out of the airport is actually easier if you take the subway. I’ll pick you up at your hotel about 10:30. It will give us plenty of time to get to the airport with transferring to the different trains.

Sounds good. Are you coming back inside to finish dinner?

The thought of food made his stomach flip again. Not a good idea. I’m sorry. Can you find your way back to the hotel? Samuel felt bad about bailing on a client, especially Nia and her father, but it wasn’t a good idea for him to be around others tonight. Instead of going back to his house, he would stay at one of the firm’s apartments in the city.

We should be fine. It’s not my first time here. Daddy wanted to go to Chinatown to gather a few herbs. He has it in his head to make some alliance with the more exotic shifters.

Sounds like you’re going to have to keep him out of trouble.

That’s nothing new since my mother died. He’s been piling on more duties to make sure the others know I’m going to be in charge when he passes on.

His expression fell. That isn’t… I mean he’s not --

She chuckled. No. He’s fine. Healthy as a bear. He just wants to step down from leadership. Take it easy to enjoy the grandkids.

You have a mate and little cubs?

Nia cringed at the question. No. Who wants to be tied down? Dad says I’m just like my mother, and one day it’s going to hit me that I want to settle down. He says it has something to do with me being mixed.

Part Indian… I mean Native American and white? Samuel asked.

No. Well my mother was half Maliseet. But I meant mixed shifter. Dad is a bear and Mom was half mountain lion and half bear.

Ahh. I never realized. The longer he talked to her, the more Samuel’s stomach settled down. Nia eased his stress. If she wasn’t a client, then he would enjoy talking to her more.

Not many knew because she was from another sleuth. Dad fell in love with her. When she changed she was all bear, just a little shorter and leaner.

What about you?

Nia, are you two going to come back in and finish this food? I can’t eat it all by myself. Walter spoke from the doorway, his voice filling the silence Samuel had sought.

Coming. Samuel was just saying he has a touch of food poisoning. You think we can get along without him? Nia asked, casting him a side glance.

It was apparent she knew something had disturbed him other than what he was saying. However, Nia wasn’t making him look bad in front of her father. Walter slapped him on the back hard enough Samuel coughed. Too bad, my boy. I ordered a feast.

Make sure you bill Shift, Inc. for it. Again, I’m sorry I can’t stay. But yes, I don’t feel I could make it through the night. He made a pained face and hoped it was believable.

You go ahead. We’ll see you tomorrow. Walter waved him to go off.

Good night. Samuel cast a glance at Nia. She looked at him before she went back into the restaurant. He slipped into the throngs walking by Giuseppe’s, heading toward one of the firm’s apartments. All he could think of was Nia’s radiant smile.

Chapter Two

Nia opened her laptop and browsed her email. As she dragged her mouse along her mousepad, she tapped her left hand against the table. She was waiting for Samuel.

An email popped up from her father. He had decided to skip the meeting and remain in his hotel room, claiming dinner from the night before was fighting back. She rolled her eyes and sighed. Meeting their new Shaman by herself wasn’t what they had agreed upon.

Another notification popped up. It was from Hannia, the man she was going to meet. He had come highly recommended from another bear sleuth. She was surprised he had wanted to move from Oregon to the upper wilderness of Maine. Nia belonged to an online group which helped to keep all other bear clans in touch with one another. There were maybe a dozen in the states and a half dozen in Canada. She wasn’t sure about Mexico and South America because the ones who had joined never stayed long. It was nice to have other sleuths to speak with.

A feeling of dread opened a pit in her stomach as she glanced at the subject of the email. IMPORTANT PLEASE READ.

Great. He’s emailed me back saying he’s not coming.

The spiritual health of her clan depended on this Shaman. Their old Shaman, Makan, had decided to retire. Some in the sleuth had protested and wanted Kasha to take her place. She had been one of them. However, her father had vetoed their suggestions, saying they needed to go outside of the clan to look for another Shaman. He already had one in mind. Now, months later, arrangements had already been made with Hannia. He insisted on living quarters away from the rest of the clan. They had a cabin fixed up for him. Since they had been working on this for months, it would be a devastating blow to the sleuth if he backed out now. All of his things had been shipped and were waiting for him to unpack.

Nia opened the email. The email stated Hannia would be coming in as scheduled.

She had spoken with him over the past few months to get to know him better. The spiritual leader and the leader of the sleuth always worked closely together. Being shifters, they existed within two worlds; the human and the animal. They had to walk a line most other shifters didn’t understand.

Samuel wouldn’t because he was a wolf. When she had put in the request with her father to use Shift, Inc., he had suggested they ask about Samuel. It had taken her a moment to remember him. When she first saw him in front of the restaurant, it had all come back. All of those girlish emotions reminding her of when she was his shadow. Nia had shaken them off because he was no longer a boy. Samuel had turned into a handsome specimen. There was some sadness and fear haunting his eyes when he looked at her. Within his gaze was not a fearless animal, but a caged wolf. Inside the restaurant, he looked as if he was going to jump right out of his skin. He had turned green at the sight of the food. Whatever was bothering him went deep.

Nia double checked her email to make sure no one else needed attention. Everyone had her cell phone number if they needed her.

Someone knocked on the door. Nia jumped. She glanced at her watch. It had to be Samuel since it was near 10:30. She peered out of the keyhole. Samuel was waiting for her in the hall.

Her heart had skipped a beat, and she held her breath. Something about him pushed her buttons. He wasn’t her species, but damn her mouth watered at the shape of his lips.

Nia smoothed her hair back and opened the door. The air trapped his scent and brought it to her nose. The mixture of his deep woods cologne and the musk coming from his wolf caused her bear to roar. Jeans hugged muscular legs and a red T-shirt stretched across his chest. Nia licked her lips in anticipation. A bit of hair hung over his eyes, but his gaze remained troubled.

Morning, he said. Ready to get going?

Yeah. Let me get my purse. She slipped her laptop back into the top dresser drawer and grabbed her pocketbook before heading out of the door.

Is your father coming? Samuel asked.

No. He’s staying here. I think he over did it last night at dinner.

Well, we should get going so you’ll be there in time to meet the flight. We can stop for coffee if you want it.

I’m good. I’ll just follow you.

Samuel led her out of the hotel and into the hustle and bustle of the city. Nia tried to keep herself focused on the goal. Samuel wove through the people and went down the stairs to the subway. Nia followed close behind. The people grated on her nerves. Her inner bear yearned to return to the den to relax and not have to deal with this throng. She agreed with it, but she fought her instincts.

Samuel handed her a small card. She looked at it blankly.

You feed it into the ticket terminal. When it spits it back out, you keep it for your return trip. He slid his into a small opening. The ticket popped out at the top and a gate opened before them. Samuel slipped through it.

She did the same. That was different.

Come on. We can take this one to get to the other train which connects to the airport. Samuel grabbed her hand and they skated between the doors on the subway right as they were closing. People were squished together in the car. The scent of all their bodies made her nose twitch. And then she felt the hard, hot body of the man escorting her against her back. The car jerked as it accelerated around the corner. Samuel slammed into her and wrapped his arm around her waist. Something about him stirred her feelings as well as her bear’s.

Sorry, he breathed into her ear.

It’s okay. She glanced back at him and her cheeks burned. Her bear rubbed the inside of her skin. Nia shook it off. It was only the train lurching forward. Her escort didn’t mean anything by it.

She turned away and switched her thoughts back to business with Hannia. She couldn’t get sidetracked by the attractive man pressing against her. The train jolted and jostled every turn knocking her away from Samuel. Even the slight separation made it easier to think.

They made it to the airport. Nia glanced at all of her paperwork and matched it against the arrival boards. The flight had arrived a half an hour earlier than expected. They were already late. Shit.

She ground her teeth and turned on her phone. Nia flipped through her images until she came to the one belonging to Hannia. He had short brown hair and was slightly pale. Something in his gray eyes held a wisdom she had seen in their last Shaman’s gaze. His image showed he had a turned-up nose. He was handsome in a mysterious way she couldn’t put her finger on. He wasn’t a true shape shifter. He was a skinwalker. He used the skins of other animals to transform into their shapes. She hadn’t seen him do it, but the ones who had recommended him said it was true. Skinwalker legends were rooted in Native American folklore. They were considered evil witches. Hannia hadn’t shared much of his history, and his picture didn’t tell his true age. His background check had come back that he was centuries old.

Her gaze traveled over hundreds of faces in the airport as they waited for the carousel to bring their luggage.

Anything yet? Samuel asked.

Her stomach sank. How will I find him among all these people? Nia trained her eyes on everyone passing by her, and then she noticed a man leaning against one of the pillars at the far end of the airport. His head was down and a hood covered his face. Nia sensed him staring straight at her. Her stomach dropped in nervous excitement. A large duffle bag sat next to him.

Samuel, he’s over there. Nia gestured.

Nia straightened her back, squared her shoulders and walked over there. She didn’t wait for him to catch up. I have to show him I’m competent. Dad never really told me what happened when he met with our Shaman at times, but it left him winded and glassy-eyed.

She crossed the airport. Her inner bear watched from within. The normally rambunctious animal remained quiet. She drew from the natural strength of the beast and put on a reassuring smile. Nia had the clan to think about. They needed a spiritual presence in their lives. She could fuck it up with this meeting. Hannia could decide to back out. It was written into their contract. Nia didn’t want to be the cause of that. It would bring shame on her and her father.

Hannia, forgive me for being late. I…

He looked up and locked her with an icy gaze. His eyes narrowed. I don’t want to hear your excuses. Get me the hell out of here and back to the hotel. I assumed your father would be meeting me. Not sending his dog or his bitch. He brushed past her.

Her mouth dropped open. Once the shock wore off, she clenched her fists and set her teeth. Samuel uttered a small growl. He pursued the Shaman, but Nia grabbed his arm.

No. This is on me.

He shouldn’t have disrespected you after you brought him out here. Samuel’s clenched jaw and his red face showed her he was decent enough to care for her wellbeing.

I know and thank you, but this is my problem. Stay here. She patted his arm, noticing the strong muscles underneath. A flush of heat engulfed her.

Nia moved the attraction aside and chased after Hannia. She pushed past people, ignoring the snide comments made by the ones she bumped into. With each step her anger grew. What Samuel said rang true. Hannia had no right to treat her that way. All the references she had talked with said he was a pleasant man, normally soft spoken unless it was something authoritative as a Shaman.

Nia set her jaw and caught up to the Shaman. She hit him hard on the shoulder. Hey! What makes it okay for you to say those things to me? Huh? You might find something wrong with me, but you never say anything about my father. If you have some deep seeded issues working with a woman as sleuth leader or working with a wolf then you need to get back on that plane and get the hell out of here.

He lifted his hood and stared at her with those ancient eyes. When he turned the corner of his mouth into a half grin, she slapped him. A few passersby whistled and others cheered. Her hand stung. It felt good. This wasn’t what she had been expecting. He had turned out to be a smug disappointment.

Hannia rubbed his cheek where she had hit him. There’s that spark I knew you had. I had to be sure.

She shook her head, confused at his reaction. Be sure of what? she seethed. The energy of all the people in the airport pressed upon her. Her bear rumbled within. She drew in a calming breath to keep it under control.

I saw a great spirit inside you. Sometimes my sight can be flawed. It finds the animal spirit within. I’d heard you’d made some waves among the other bear sleuths because not many are led by women.

Whatever you were trying to see doesn’t mean you can act like a dick to me and my friend. I don’t even know if you’re a good fit for us now after seeing this side of you. Nia wasn’t going to rollover.

Hannia put up his hands in defeat. Forgive me. I truly apologize for my behavior. Please, can we start over? This time his smile lit his eyes and softened his features. He looked to be the man she had seen in the photo. Even if he was asking to be forgiven that didn’t mean she should.

Apologize to my friend as well, Nia ordered, and I’ll think about it. She glanced over and saw Samuel next to her.

Hannia looked him up and down. The cords on Samuel’s neck muscles flexed from the scrutiny. The Shaman held out his hand. Forgive me, brother wolf. I meant no disrespect to you or to the beautiful one you hunt with and protect.

Samuel took his hand. Nia watched the interaction with some curiosity. The Shaman talked more in terms of animals than he did with people. It was one of the differences that she had read about him. The term he used -- ‘to hunt with’ -- could be taken two different ways. It could mean that Samuel literally hunted with her or that they were a mated pair. It was rather an interesting interaction.

"I’m not your brother, Shaman. And I do not hunt with Nia. We are friends. Not mated. I swear if I hear you saying anything else condescending to her, I will do more than slap you. Is that clear?"

The Shaman winced as Nia heard bones crunch together from the grip of Samuel’s handshake. As glass. No offense will come from my lips that will disparage the woman who we both have something in common with. I can promise you. Nia, if we could go back to the hotel. The flight was long and I’d like to get some rest before we head out to dinner.

A wave of relief blanketed her. He was going to give it a try. Did you have any more luggage?

He picked up the bag he had dropped by his leg. Just this. Ananias will meet us at the hotel tonight. He is the one thing I’m waiting for.

Her eyes widened. There had been no talk about him bringing someone with him. Ananias? I didn’t realize you had someone accompanying you. He is your… ahhh… apprentice.

He’s… special, Hannia whispered and left it at that. Should we go?

Of course. Samuel, I think it’d be best if we get a taxi to return to the hotel. Can you hail one for us?

He grabbed Hannia’s bag and slung it over his shoulder as if it were nothing.

I understand your sleuth is one of the largest in the country. It stretches from Maine to New York. That’s a massive area. How have you been able to do it? Hannia asked as they walked toward the exit.

It wasn’t me. My father thought it would be good to have a line of communication between all of the different sleuths. There were five different ones. Each has their own council of elders and leader. Their leaders and their Shamans come here every couple of months and keep my father apprised of what’s going on. Dad is the official leader of the entire sleuth. There were some growing pains at first. He’s been leading for so long, it’s hard to think he’s stepping down and handing me the reins.

Is that something you want? He held the door open for her. As Nia passed by him, she caught a strange scent from him. It wasn’t a particular animal, and yet it had the musk of so many blended together. Underneath all that was a slight hint of decay. Nia shook it off and went outside.

Thank you. Before her a sea of yellow, white, blue, black, and orange taxis all lined the curb waiting to ferry them wherever they wished to go.

Your wolf is there. His breath exploded next to her ear.

The invasion into her space was unnerving. A nervous chuckle slipped from her lips. Her pulse skipped a moment from the sudden scare. Nia hadn’t expected him to get so close to her. She glanced into those eyes as they sparked golden for a second. Hannia touched her arm. Samuel stood at the end of the curb, waving at them, as he held the cab door open.

Thanks. Heat flushed her body. What the hell is going on? I don’t even know this man and I’m turned on by him. Not to mention that Samuel spins my head as well. Samuel’s here to make sure everything goes smoothly. Hannia is supposed to be… well, whatever he is. I’m sure there’s a rational explanation for all of this. I’m not giving into my hormones. The bear craved to touch the Shaman and smell him. It wanted to examine the wolf as well to get a better sense of them. Both men left it questioning.

They climbed into the cab. Samuel sat behind her and the Shaman. Nia remembered the conversation they had the night before. She had almost forgotten that being around people wasn’t his thing.

They arrived at the hotel and Samuel grabbed Hannia’s bag, hoisting it without question. Nia felt bad, but he and his company had been hired to do a job. Samuel wasn’t there to be her friend. He was there to be sure they got Hannia from the airport, to the hotel, and escort them back to Maine. Until then, she had to make a good impression on the Shaman. It could blow up in her face and he could leave any minute.

However, it sounded with Hannia’s apprentice coming he wasn’t about to leave. What was this