Marked by the B.E.A.S.T

Champagne Books www.champagnebooks.com Copyright ©2010 by Rebecca Goings First published in 2010 NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.

CONTENTS Dedication ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT NINE TEN ELEVEN TWELVE THIRTEEN FOURTEEN FIFTEEN SIXTEEN SEVENTEEN EIGHTEEN NINETEEN TWENTY TWENTY ONE TWENTY TWO TWENTY THREE TWENTY FOUR TWENTY FIVE TWENTY SIX TWENTY SEVEN TWENTY EIGHT TWENTY NINE THIRTY THIRTY ONE THIRTY TWO THIRTY THREE THIRTY FOUR THIRTY FIVE THIRTY SIX THIRTY SEVEN THIRTY EIGHT

About Rebecca ****

**** Champagne Books Presents **** Mark Of The B*E*A*S*T* By **** Rebecca Goings ****

This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and dialogues in this book are of the author's imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. **** Champagne Books www.champagnebooks.com Copyright 2010 by Rebecca Goings ISBN 9781926681887 September 2010 Cover Art by Christopher Butts Produced in Canada **** Champagne Books #35069-4604 37 ST SW Calgary, AB T3E 7C7 Canada ****

Other Books By Rebecca On Eagle's Wings In Your Arms The B*E*A*S*T* Within B*E*A*S*T* Of Burden Nature Of the B*E*A*S*T* Promise Me Forever Once A Dreamer Kindred Sincerely Yours

Dedication For all my friends from my old stomping grounds. I hope you enjoy this one. And for Crystal. I miss you. [Back to Table of Contents]

ONE Somewhere in the Florida Everglades The spray of water and the wind in his face did nothing to cool Mackenzie Bishop's red-hot rage. The drone of the airboat buzzed throughout his entire body, and the boat left a wake of white foam behind him. He'd left the others behind in Miami. They'd wasted too much time as it was. It had been nearly two months since Robyn had been gone, two months since Dr. Lucian Carver had taken her right from under his nose. Trevor, Jet, Rogan, Noah and Wade had vowed to help him find her, but Christ, they had taken forever pinpointing exactly where in Florida the third B*E*A*S*T* compound was located. Once they'd found it nestled deep in the Everglades, the bickering began. How should they approach the facility? Should they barge in with guns drawn or should they take a quieter, more stealthy approach? Mac didn't give a shit. All he knew was Robyn was at Carver's mercy and he wasn't going to stand for her being in his clutches any longer. He was going to find the woman on his own. The rest of the pack be damned. The day was hot, almost oppressively so, as the muggy Florida air rushed by. Sweat had soaked his shirt long ago. The sun burned his skin, but he couldn't afford to stop. The compound wasn't too far away now. Robyn's beautiful face spurred him on. He refused to think of what had happened to her in the months she'd been gone. The only thing that mattered was rescuing her. His thoughts ran away from him, remembering her sultry blue eyes, capturing his soul within their depths. When he'd lost control and pounced on her back in Texas, her body had fit his perfectly. Her breasts had been flawless, as if made for his hands alone. He remembered how he'd palmed them in his lust. Her kisses had inflamed him, to the point of almost taking her right then and there—until Noah had interrupted them. She'd called him a coward for stopping. Despite the anger boiling within him, his mouth curved into a grin. Perhaps he was a coward. He'd been afraid of himself, afraid of what he'd been about to do. Controlling the jaguar inside him was no easy feat. And he'd been a hairsbreadth away from losing that control. But dear Lord, Robyn made him want to lose it, to bury himself within her and forget ever being a shifter. She, more than anyone, could understand what he was going through, as she was a shifter herself. He'd found her in the wilds of Oregon, flopping on the ground as a snowy owl with a broken wing. He could tell by her scent that she'd been more than a mere owl. When she'd shifted, she'd led him to the second B*E*A*S*T* compound where they'd liberated it with the help of Jet and Trevor. And Mac had personally killed the scientist who'd hurt her. Now, he was fixing to do it all over again. The moment he saw Lucian Carver's ugly face once more, it would be for the last time. The bastard was going to die with Mac's fangs sunk deep into the soft flesh of his throat. Mac's mouth watered and his belly growled at the thought. Killing for the sake of killing repulsed him. But killing the assholes who'd made them all into monsters made the world a better place. Mac slowed the airboat as the facility came into view. It was well hidden among the cypress trees, which rose from the water like white skeletal bones. A few long-necked cranes took wing as he rounded the trees and the splash of something in the water caught his attention. Probably a gator. He stared hard at the animals, wondering if they were shifters themselves. He took a deep breath, but the stench of the swamp was enough to cover the scent of the creatures. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. From here on out, any damn thing could happen. It was quiet. Too quiet. From the B*E*A*S*T* compounds in Colorado and Oregon, he'd learned a few things. There were always guards. Yet no one was patroling outside that he could see, aside from the animals around him. And any one of them could be a shifter. Reaching between his legs, Mac grabbed his rifle and a tranquilizer gun, as well as a large duffel stuffed with ammo and serum. Not only had they liberated that second compound, they'd raided it as well, leaving them well-stocked with serum—the shit that prevented anyone from shifting, no matter if they were in their human or animal state. With a heave, Mac leapt from the boat onto the marshy land, thankful he'd been endowed with the grace of a jaguar. A few loud caws could be heard from somewhere nearby, and the buzz of insects was constant. He swiped them away from his face as he cautiously approached the building, looking for the security cameras high on the walls. They were there, all right, but they weren't moving, and their red recording lights were dark. Odd. In fact, the front doors of the place were wide open. Mac cocked his rifle and slung the tranq gun over his shoulder along with the duffel. He was gonna shoot first and ask questions later. The weight of the gun felt good in his hands and gave him the courage to move forward. But as he eased closer, doubt overcame him. Was this the right place? Had they been mistaken about this facility? Something wasn't right. Something was out of place. It didn't take animal instincts to figure that one out. A putrid scent wafted to him on the thick air, one he recognized instantly. The smell of rotting flesh. The smell of death. Mac didn't think twice. He entered the compound and jogged down the empty hallway. He didn't care about the cameras. They didn't seem to care about him either. What the hell was going on? As soon as he rounded a corner, it became painfully obvious. Dead bodies were everywhere. Scientists and shifters alike, bathed in a sea of red, coagulated blood. They had been rotting for days if the smell was any indication. Robyn.

Her name flashed through his brain and his desperation to reach her came to the fore. Without guilt, he kicked a scientist onto his back and pulled off his security badge. Damn thing was covered in blood. Using both hands, Mac wiped it on the dead man's lab coat and strode to the elevator. He placed it in the slot and watched as the elevator doors pinged open. Thankfully, nothing alive or dead was inside. But huge streaks of blood painted the walls and pools of it gelled on the floor. No buttons lined the walls inside. This elevator only went one place. Straight down. Once the car stopped its descent a few moments later, Mac leveled his gun and pointed it out the opening doors. Silence greeted him. "Robyn!” His voice echoed throughout the corridor, a mirror image of the horrific scene above. “Robyn Groves!" Nothing answered him. He checked every lab and even further, to the very cages of the shifters themselves. Each gate was open. The shifters were gone. Cold dread hit him. All the searching, all the nightmares, all the pain of knowing Robyn was with Carver was for nothing. She wasn't here. Or...perhaps she was. With tears burning his eyes, Mac searched the bodies, looking for a snowy owl. He found quite a few dead hawks and eagles. Even an owl or two. But none of them were Robyn. That didn't satisfy him in the least. She wasn't among the dead humans, either. Robyn was gone and he had no goddamn clue where to look next. Mac screamed with fury and swung the rifle like a bat against the wall again and again, without caring if he broke it. He'd thought he felt helpless trying to find her these past couple of months. But that didn't compare to the helplessness that overwhelmed him now. He'd found where she'd been, but there wasn't a single trace of her anymore. The stink of death had erased her scent. With a primal growl, he ran to the elevator and swiped the badge, riding it back up to the top. The doors slid open and he sprinted down the hall, leaping over the dead. He'd search every friggin’ inch of Florida if he had to. He wasn't going to rest. He had to find Robyn. It wasn't even a question. How he was going to do it, though, was another matter all together. Panic snaked around his heart, but he tried to tamp it down. He couldn't afford to lose his cool. That didn't stop his fur from growing all over his body. The jag wanted free. It roared inside him, demanding to shift and rip something apart. Standing outside the facility, Mac took a few deep breaths and stood stock still, using every ounce of his willpower to rein in the animal he wanted so desperately to become. He roared once more, tossing his head back and scaring even more birds from their roosts in the trees. It helped release his anger, but it didn't erase it fully. Mac fell to his knees and let the guns clatter to the ground. What the hell was he going to do? Thankfully, the rifle didn't look damaged, but no matter how many breaths he gulped, he couldn't calm his pounding heart. Somehow, in some way, this facility had been compromised. What shifters hadn't been killed had escaped. His only hope was that Robyn had escaped with them. Would she come looking for him? Would she even care? She'd been locked up for weeks; it was alltogether possible she blamed him for not coming to her rescue. Mac hated himself for not finding her sooner. "Robyn!” he screamed at the sky, knowing damn well it was beyond hope. The woman he'd held in his dreams was gone and he didn't know where to even start looking for her. He laid his forehead on the ground and concentrated on calming his thundering heart. For the first time in a long time, Mac wanted to give in and break down. Robyn was gone. The one person who'd kept him sane, who he'd lusted after, who he'd pushed himself to find come hell or high water, had vanished. A sound fluttered above him, reaching his keen ears. It was a bird, probably finding its way back to the trees after being scared off by his previous roar. Whatever it was, it landed in front of him, cooing faintly. Lifting his head, Mac took pains not to spook whatever it was. Lying prone on the ground with the guns scattered before him didn't exactly put him at an advantage. But what he saw had him gasping for breath. An owl with white plummage regarded him, tilting its head this way and that. It cooed once more and Mac's stomach leapt into his throat. "Robyn?" He sat up slowly, so as not to spook it. It regarded him with curiosity, and hopped away when he reached out his hand. "It's Mac." The bird took flight once again, circling above him. "Wait. Wait!” He stood, craning his neck to watch it, wondering if he'd finally gone mad. Was he seeing what he wanted to see? Or was that a real owl? "Robyn!" The bird returned, once again alighting on the ground. That was no indigenous Florida bird—that was a snowy owl. He'd bet his damn life on it.

Mac closed his eyes and filled his lungs. He recognized that scent. It was her. It was her! "Oh, thank God. Thank you, God! Robyn, I came to find you. Are you all right?" When the bird cocked its head, he had to wonder why she wasn't shifting. Perhaps she'd been injected with the serum. But as far as he knew, the serum only worked for four hours. It would have long since worn away. He took a step. The bird hopped back. "I'm not going to hurt you. Robyn, you know me." Once he'd said those words, a shocking realization came to him. His entire being screamed at the possibility. She'd been mind-wiped. "Oh, hell,” he whispered. He covered his mouth with his hand. She didn't remember him. After all of his anxiety over finding her alive, he'd never considered the possibility that she'd forget him. His heart might as well have been ripped right out of his chest. “I...I'm a...friend. I came to find you. To rescue you. Robyn, you can trust me." The owl cooed once more, as if weighing his words. After a few tense moments of silence, the bird began to shift, her wings becoming arms, her beak becoming a nose and mouth. Before too long, she stood before him, gloriously naked, swaying on her feet. She looked tired. She looked hungry. She looked goddamn beautiful. Mac's eyes drank her in, roving over her hungrily before returning his gaze to her ice-blue eyes. He'd dreamt of this moment, of reuniting with her and finally taking what he'd always thought was rightfully his. But she looked at him with trepidation and tried to cover herself. "You know my name.” Her voice caressed him, bringing his body alive. He was aware of her with every shred of his hardened flesh, but her words only confirmed his fears. She didn't know him. His heart broke. "Yes, I do,” he said gently, blinking back the moisture that wanted to fall. “Your name is Robyn Groves. I'm Mac. You know me. Or at least, you used to." "Mac.” She exhaled on the word, as if mulling it over. “I'm sorry, but...I don't know you." He sucked in air through his teeth. “My name is Mackenzie Bishop. I saved you from B*E*A*S*T* in Oregon. You were kidnapped by Lucian Carver and I've spent the past two months looking for you. I think you've been mind-wiped." "Dr. Carver!” she exclaimed, looking left and right with fear in her eyes. "Easy, sweetheart, he's not here. I don't know where the bastard is, but he won't hurt you ever again. Not if I have something to say about it." "You are a shifter too?" He nodded, knowing she could probably smell it. “I'm a jaguar." "Where is Dylan?” she asked, looking around the glade. Mac furrowed his brow in confusion. “Who's Dylan?" "He's my mate." [Back to Table of Contents]

TWO Robyn's heart quickened at the look on the man's face. He scowled at her, and she could have sworn she heard him growling low in his throat. She took a step back, and wondered if returning to her owl state would be the smarter thing to do. She didn't like standing naked in front of him, but with no clothing handy, she did what she could to cover herself. He'd said she knew him, that she'd been mind-wiped. She was inclined to believe him. She couldn't remember anything beyond the past two months with any clarity. Which is why she'd stayed so close to the compound. She had nowhere else to go. Dylan had disappeared along with everyone else, and she was stuck fending for herself in the nearby wilderness. It had been hard adapting herself as an owl for the past few days, but finding food as a bird was much easier than finding food as a human. She still shuddered at the thought of what she'd had to eat. Her stomach growled when she thought of real food, and she was just about to ask this Mackenzie if he had any to spare. "You don't have a mate.” The venom in his sudden words shocked her. Robyn gasped at his change in demeanor. He'd gone from trying not to scare her to being downright scary himself. He was a tall man, with wild chestnut hair and a stubbly beard to match. His button-up shirt was hopelessly wrinkled and had been carelessly put on, revealing his muscular chest through a few undone buttons. Even his chest hair seemed unruly. But through it all, she saw a handsome man, one who'd probably stop her heart if he cleaned himself up. As it was, his predatory stance alone was sexy as hell, and she suddenly found herself hard-pressed to remember what her mate even looked like. "Y-yes, I...I—" "No, you don't,” he bit out, advancing on her. “You left me two months ago, woman. And before that you begged me to kiss you and called me a coward for not making love to you. I have been searching Florida high and low all this time, hoping I'd find you before that son of a bitch Carver sank his claws into you. So don't you dare tell me you have a mate, Robyn." She swallowed hard, but held her ground. He stood right in front of her, intimidating her with his size alone. She had to look up to gaze into his eyes, which were a deep shade of brown. But they seemed to flash gold with his anger. He looked down her frame, making her painfully aware of her state of undress. Without another word, he tugged out of his shirt and handed it to her. “Here. As much as I want to look at you, you deserve some decency. It's wet with swamp water and sweat, but you get what you get, right?" While his shirt dangled from his hand, Robyn perused him in much the same way he'd perused her. His skin was tanned, as if he was used to going without a shirt in the sun. The skin of his chest was covered in short hair that peppered his pecks and converged in a line that disappeared down his belly into his jeans. His muscles were just defined under his skin, not overly bulging, yet not non-descript either. He was perfection, pure and simple. "Well?" She stared at him. "You gonna put on this shirt or am I going to get an eyeful all the way back to Miami?" Robyn snatched his shirt and slipped it on, taking care to fasten every button. The shirt only reached to her mid-thigh, but at least it covered everything. Mostly. "He ever touch you?" Mac's unexpected question caught her off guard. She'd been Dylan's mate for a few weeks now, having been thrown in the same cell together by the scientists. He had also been an owl, forced to shift into his bird state most of the time, just as she had been. "Well,” she began, “we used to perch on the same branch." Mac opened his mouth, then closed it again. Then opened it once more. “What?" "He was an owl. Like me. We were made to share the same cell, but hardly ever as humans. They gave us an injection that forced us to shift. But then we couldn't shift back. I remember a few tree limbs and a nest. It was as if the scientists wanted me to lay eggs or something." He stood there in silence for a few moments before his deep-throated laughter filled the air. "It's not funny." Her words seemed to make him laugh that much harder. Before she knew it, she was in his arms as he hugged her tight, lifting her feet off the ground. "Dear God, I've missed you,” he said, taking a deep breath. She took a deep breath as well. He smelled earthy, just the right combination of man and cologne. Her face pressed into his neck and her hands found their way to his bare shoulders. She wished she could remember him, for the sake of her libido, because she suddenly wanted to do much more than hug him. Mac set her down and held her at arm's length with a wide grin on his face. "Why are you smiling?” she asked warily, keenly aware that her mouth was now bone-dry. "Because you, my dear, have no idea of the meaning of the word ‘mate.’ This Dylan character has no claim to you. There needs to be a spark. An attraction. Did you have that with him?"

She thought for a moment. “He was a handsome bird." The frustrating man laughed again. “Bet he didn't get your motor runnin’ though, did he?" "I never laid any eggs, if that's what you're implying." His large hand suddenly cupped her cheek while he gazed down at her. The smile he gave her stole her breath. “I can get your motor runnin'. I've done it before, baby, and I can do it again." Her eyes widened at his audacity. She stepped away from him. “I don't even know you." "Oh, you know me, all right,” he replied, following her. “And if I have to spend my life reminding you, then so be it. I didn't come all this way to find you just to let you go roost with some owl shifter." She stared at him and bit her lip. The way he spoke to her made her wonder just what, exactly, they'd shared. "Are...you...my mate, Mackenzie?" He closed his eyes and sighed. “No. Like I said, you don't have a mate." She glanced at her feet, refusing to look at him again, refusing to acknowledge the disappointment that rippled through her. "And the name's Mac." "You said it was Mackenzie." "But I prefer Mac." She scoffed. “And I prefer Mackenzie." He didn't answer but she knew he was preturbed. Let him be. The man unsettled her like nobody's business. Perhaps it was time he got a taste of his own medicine. "You said something about Miami?” she asked, finding the courage to look at him again. "I did. It's where the others are staying." "The others?" "Don't worry about it. You'll meet them soon enough." With one last glance at the B*E*A*S*T* compound, Robyn followed him as he retrieved his guns and ammo from the ground before leading her to his waiting airboat. She tried to ignore the touch of his hand when he helped her climb aboard. Robyn had no idea if going with him was the best course of action, but right now, she had no other choice. She couldn't stay alone in the Everglades any longer. He'd help her get back to civilization, where she could make her own decisions about her future. That was probably the only thing over which she now had any control. [Back to Table of Contents]

THREE Good. The green Hummer was still right where he'd left it. It was in the middle of nowhere, parked amidst the trees on the edge of the swamp. Chances were high that nobody would have found it, but Mac hadn't been so sure. Relief flowed through him at the sight. He felt a pang of remorse at leaving some guy's airboat adrift in the water. But when he'd stolen it, he hadn't been thinking clearly. All he'd cared about was getting to Robyn, no matter the cost. Ah well. The authorities would find it sooner or later and return it to the owner. Thankfully, traveling through Florida with his friends and their mates, Mac had anticipated finding Robyn in a state of undress. He'd brought a change of clothes for her, but if he'd thought things through before simply reacting, he would have had the foresight to bring them with him to the compound rather than leave them in the back of the truck. He sighed at his penchant for jumping the gun. Mac opened the back of the truck and rummaged through the side compartments, pulling out the pink t-shirt and faded jeans Marlie had given him. The panties and bra had him clearing his throat, but he managed to turn and face Robyn with some degree of decorum. "Marlie donated these for you,” he said, handing them to her. “They're clean and better than my sweaty shirt." Robyn took them tentatively. “Thanks." She stood there watching him as he grabbed a black t-shirt for himself out of the compartment as well. Having extra clothes was a hazard of being a shifter. Never knew when the need to shift would strike. Having a change of outfits handy was always a good idea. He donned the shirt and glanced back at her. "What's the matter?" "Where can I dress?" Mac blinked in confusion. Right. Privacy. Dumbass. He wandered to the front of the Hummer. “I won't look. Promise." His keen ears heard her rustling with the clothes, and his overactive imagination ran away with him. He'd already seen her naked, and that image would be burned onto his brain for eternity. Robyn was a stunning woman, and just thinking about her had his erection begging for some attention. Damn. He had to get a rein on his lust. She'd be able to smell it. He shook his head and chuckled to himself. It was a lost cause. There'd be no way he'd be able to hide it from her. And holy crap, he didn't want to. He'd been itching to find her for months. Now that she was with him, he was through playing games. It was a well known fact that B*E*A*S*T*'s mind-wipes weren't infallable. Every shifter he'd come across had remembered some sort of flashes from their earlier lives. Perhaps the mere fact that it hadn't been that long since she'd been wiped would work in his favor. He longed to know if she had any remembrance of him at all. He needed to know. For his own sanity. There was a time she desired him. He'd make her desire him again. "I'm done." He turned to look at her and sucked in his breath. The late afternoon sun bathed her face and caught the auburn highlights in her dark hair. She looked good in pink. Damn good. It brought out the blue of her eyes and complimented her light complexion. He couldn't resist touching her. His hand roved up her arm, feeling her soft skin. She was actually in front of him, after all this time without her. She didn't back away, but her scent was guarded, and she peeked at him through her lashes. He wanted to cup her cheek. He wanted to pull her closer and taste her mouth, to remember her exotic flavor. But she was scared and unsure. He didn't have it in him to pounce on her. Not yet, anyway. "You're beautiful,” he whispered, looking her up and down. "Thanks.” She shifted her stance, drawing his gaze down to her feet. They were still bare and he cursed himself. "I'm sorry I don't have anything for your feet. We'll stop at a mini-mart on our way back and I'll pick you up some flip flops." Robyn grabbed her stomach and made a face. “Do you have any food?" "Good Lord, you must be starving.” He breezed past her to the back of the truck once more, rooting around for the energy bars he knew were in there. “I don't have anything to drink, but if we get going, I'll buy you a soda the size of a bathtub at that same mini-mart." Her scent followed. She was right behind him. He turned slowly, so as not to startle her, and handed her two raspberry bars. "These are good. You'll like—" She embraced him without a word. Her arms tightened around his neck and stirred something deep within his heart, something more than mere lust. He wanted to protect her, to keep her safe from the bastard who'd taken her from him in the first place. She'd been experimented on by B*E*A*S*T* twice— once in Oregon, once in Florida. He vowed there wouldn't be a third time. Mac returned her hug, somewhat hindered by the food in his hands. But he didn't argue. He pressed her closer regardless.

"When you walked by,” she said, without letting go, “I smelled you. Your scent. It's familiar.” Robyn took a deep breath, raising every hair on his body. His heart soared at her words. She remembered something. It wasn't much, but it was a start. He had to let go of her before he did something he'd regret, but his arms weren't listening to his brain. "Smells are the biggest trigger of memory,” he said in her ear, inhaling her as well. She shivered. "You came for me.” Her words seemed innocent, as if she was in awe that he would even bother. "I would have searched the ends of the Earth for you." She held on tight, almost as if she was afraid to let go. "Thank you, Mackenzie." He groaned. If there was ever a time he wanted to tip her head back and kiss her senseless, it was now. "You're welcome.” Instead, he kissed her forehead and pushed away, still holding the energy bars. She took one and stepped back, avoiding his gaze. “Come on, let's get the hell out of here." Mac slammed the back door of the Hummer and rounded the driver's side. Robyn made her way to the passenger side and climbed in as well. Before he started the engine, he took a hard, long look at her while she took a bite of her bar. "I'll never hurt you, Robyn.” She glanced up at him with trusting eyes. “Ever." The smile she gave him made his heart flutter in his chest. "You're a good man." He chuckled and turned the key in the ignition. “Good, eh?” he said, tossing a grin her way. “Guess it depends on who you ask." With that, he pulled away from the Everglades and never once looked back. Robyn stayed in the truck while Mac went into the convenience store on Highway 41 to buy her a drink and some flip flops. It had taken a couple of hours to get there after leaving the swamplands, and she'd ended up eating the second energy bar after all. She felt a little better, but now she was thirsty. It didn't take long before Mac emerged, coming to her on the passenger side. She opened the door and accepted the huge fountain drink he'd gotten, taking a few long, blessed sips. The cool liquid slid down her throat and made her sigh with contentment. Robyn opened her eyes to see Mac staring at her while pulling the tags off her sandals. "That's really good,” she said, gasping for breath. "I can tell,” he answered, giving her a lopsided grin. “Give me your feet." She turned on the seat and obeyed, watching as he gently wiped off any dirt from her skin. The touch of his fingers tickled, but it also awakened something familiar, something deep down. She knew this man. If her brain didn't recognize him, her body sure did. Suddenly, she was imagining his palms underneath her jeans, warming her calves as they inched their way up her legs. Instead, Mac placed the pink sandals—complete with flamingos wearing sunglasses on the soles—on her feet. "There we go,” he said jovially, snapping her out of her daydreams. “Now you look like a proper tourist." "Thanks,” she said before taking another sip of soda. “You're my hero." She'd meant her words to be light and jovial, but they ended up having a double meaning. Mac looked at her sharply, his brown eyes flashing gold. Her smile faded as she held his gaze, suddenly feeling her heart pick up speed. Something spicy filled the air, a scent she'd smelled before but couldn't place. It came from him, and her body responded before she could stop it. Robyn's nipples chaffed underneath her borrowed bra, and her panties were damp. Good Lord, it was desire. She could smell his desire. And he wanted her something fierce. But before she gave in to the urge to touch him, he tucked her feet back in the truck and closed her door. She watched as he stood there, taking deep breaths before rounding the Hummer to the driver's side. More moments passed before he climbed in. He didn't look at her. He merely started the truck and turned back onto the highway toward Miami. "Mackenzie—" "Robyn, don't,” he interrupted. “I'm trying to pretend you mean nothing to me. I'm trying to keep my distance. You don't remember a thing about me except for some passing scent. But I swear, sweetheart, if you say another word right now, I'm going to pull this truck over and fulfill every one of my fantasies from the last two months whether you like it or not." She swallowed hard. His words only served to make her hotter for him, imagining the things he'd probably been imagining himself. With a shaky hand, she placed her drink in the console cup holder and closed her eyes in an effort to keep from saying another word. What if kissing him was what she needed to remember him? What if experiencing his touch was exactly what would stir her memories? She'd only been in his presence for a few hours at best and already she found herself wishing he would pull the truck over. What was the matter with her?

"Damn it, woman,” he growled, opening the windows. The blast of heat was welcome, as the cooler air in the cab was laced with his delicious scent. "I'm sorry,” she breathed, shaking from head to toe. “I just...it's—" "Shut. Up." The tone of his voice startled her. Robyn bit her lip and looked out the window with the sting of tears in her eyes. She was confused as well as turned on. How, exactly, could she stop lusting after Mackenzie? The man was surly yet he oozed sex at the same time. She was sure she knew him. And knowing they had a history, however brief, finally made her realize that he was right. Dylan hadn't been her mate. He'd never made her wish he'd touch her, never made her want to lose control. But now that she was fully aware that Mackenzie wanted her, desperately wanted her, how could she possibly keep her distance? Even now, she throbbed for him and pressed against her jeans to ease it. If he hadn't been sitting a few feet away, she'd most likely try to give herself what he wouldn't. The sun was going down now in a spectacular display of orange and pink, lighting up the clouds in the sky. The shadows of palm trees made for a lovely contrast against such majesty, but Robyn barely noticed. The miles rolled past in silence until the lights of the city could be seen in the distance. She heard Mac fumbling with something and turned to look out the corner of her eye. He'd flipped open a phone and was attempting to find a number. Without glancing at her, he said, “Now that we're back in town, figured I should give the others a call and let them know I got you safe and sound." Damn the man. How dare he be composed at a time like this? Her thoughts were still wanton, but they'd dimmed in the twilight. Knowing he seemed to be over his lustful tirade cooled her own. However that didn't stop her from crossing her arms on her chest in an effort to hide her erect nipples. Whenever they got to their destination, Robyn was determined to stay far, far away from Mackenzie Bishop. He was too...intense. But he'd come for her, alone, ready to wage war on the B*E*A*S*T* compound all by himself. If that wasn't devotion, she didn't know what was. He'd told her he was pretending he didn't care about her, for her own sake. If this was hard on her, it had to be a hundred times harder on him. He obviously cared for her more than he was willing to admit. Stupid, stubborn man. Heaving a sigh, she listened in to his call and tried like mad to ignore his strong hand on the steering wheel. Or the way his beard complimented his face. Or the fact that she couldn't remember when she'd ever had sex. Robyn grabbed the soda and took another swig. It was flat but she didn't care. It took her mind off the painfully obvious. He got her motor running all right. Probably more than he knew. And he wasn't even trying. [Back to Table of Contents]

FOUR "It's Mac.” Wade popped his head in from the dining room with his cell phone to his ear. Rogan had clicked off the TV the moment Wade's phone rang, and now he couldn't stop the irritation that coursed through him. Of all the people to call, Mac called Wade? Noah and Marlie glanced up from making dinner in the kitchen, while Lanie read a magazine on the couch. Keira was in the shower, and Jet and Trevor had left in an effort to find their wayward friend and knock some sense into him. The house they had rented was huge, with four master bedrooms and a couple of extras made from the converted garage. A pool was out back, along with a spa, and both were covered with a lanai to keep out Florida's Jurassic-sized bugs. A few palm trees graced the front yard, complimenting the stucco walls and tile roof of the place. The neighborhood was quiet, filled with homes just like this one, and Rogan couldn't have been more thankful. This neighborhood had been built for tourists, an entire community with houses rented out for those who wanted to stay a week or two in Miami. It was handy, because they couldn't afford to sign a lease for any length of time. Their stay was solely on a week to week basis. "Why the hell did that bastard call Wade and not me?” Rogan asked, vaulting from the couch and wandering into the kitchen. Noah glanced at him and grinned. “Because he's smart. He knew you'd chew his ass." "Damn straight!” Rogan growled. "Besides,” Noah continued as he poured sauteed onions and peppers into his homemade marinara. “Wade's already gone through this." "Taking off on his lonesome to conquer the bad guys?” Rogan's voice dripped with sarcasm. Noah didn't say a word, he merely pointed his wooden spoon at him with a grin. Rogan sighed. “Just because we're shifters doesn't mean we're invincible. It's about time these guys figured that out. You'd think after Sean ripped a few of them to pieces they'd learn." "Rogan, have some respect,” Marlie chastised. He scrubbed his fingers through his hair and scowled at his wife. “It's true, Marlie, and I'm sick of it. Justin went and got himself killed for going off halfcocked. Wade risked it all to bring down Covington. And now Mac? How on God's green Earth did he single-handedly take that compound?" "He didn't.” Wade walked into the kitchen and leaned against the high countertop, having finished his phone conversation. "Out with it!” Rogan demanded, exasperated. Wade grinned. “When he got there, the place was empty. Said it looked like there'd already been a war. Bodies were everywhere and each cage was empty. The shifters were gone." Lanie gasped from the couch and leaped to her feet. “Robyn!" Wade held up his hand. “Don't worry, he found her." "Where was she?” Noah asked. "Hanging out in the Everglades, I suppose. She told him she didn't know where to go, that she was waiting for her mate." Rogan's eyes went wide. “What?" "Dr. Carver mind-wiped her and made her believe some other owl shifter was her mate,” Wade explained. “Kept her in a cage with him in their shifted states. Don't worry, Mac explained to her that man wasn't her mate. I'm pretty sure he probably stopped just short of claiming her himself. I've never heard him sound so...relieved." "She doesn't remember him.” Keira's voice came from behind them. Rogan turned to look. Her red hair was wet, but it had been combed back. Her skin was as white as a sheet. Everyone went silent. They all knew what a mind-wipe meant. "Maybe she still has flashes. We all have flashes.” Wade sounded hopeful. "That's gonna kick that jag in the junk.” Rogan shook his head. “She's pretty much been his since he found her in the forests of Oregon." Everyone nodded. "He won't take it sitting down,” Noah said. “He'll still want revenge. Lucian took Robyn in more ways than one. If she's been wiped, she's not the same woman Mac fell hard for. And he's never going to forgive that." At that moment, Trevor opened the front door and he and Jet strode through. Rogan called out, “Hey guys, you'll never believe—" "Mac already called us,” Jet interrupted. Rogan growled low in his throat in exasperation.

"We were on our way home when he called,” Jet continued. “Didn't find any sign of him in the swamps and it got too dark to keep looking. Looks like we'll all be able to beat the shit out of him when he gets here soon." "We should take it easy on him,” Wade interjected. He pointed at Noah and Rogan. “You two especially should know what it's like to have your mate need you. Tam took Lanie and was going to change her into one of us at the compound in Colorado. And Sean... That bear wasn't going to rest until Marlie was dead." Rogan squirmed at his words, and noticed Noah doing the same. Wade continued. "Robyn's been missing for two months. Two. Months. Think about that for a minute. Both of you would be emotional wrecks and you know it. Probably would do something desperate, something stupid, if it meant getting the woman you loved back. Sitting here waiting would kill you, knowing she was out there somewhere, and you could just go get her and be done with it. I know a little something about that myself." "Robyn's not his mate,” Rogan said, taking hold of Marlie's hand. Wade frowned. “It doesn't matter and you know it, Wolfe." Rogan glanced up sharply at Wade's tone. "She might as well be his mate,” Wade continued. “Mac made it pretty damn clear he had dibs." "Robyn confided in me she had feelings for him. Before she was taken,” Keira said, placing her hand on Wade's shoulder. “But now... How can she possibly jump back in like it's no big deal? My father wiped me and hearing I'd had a...a relationship with Brett was hard to take. I could only remember bits and pieces, but I couldn't fall into his arms again." "But you had Wade,” Marlie piped up. “You were in love with someone else and Brett wasn't too keen on claiming you again. Mac and Robyn had an intense attraction. And knowing that jag, he'll be hard-pressed to keep his hands to himself. Robyn's going to get a crash course in his desire, mark my words." Rogan chuckled. “Yeah. That boy's had a hard-on for the past few weeks." "Rogan Wolfe!” Marlie gasped. "Speaking of hard-ons...” He let the sentence hang while he led his wife out of the kitchen. Noah chuckled and Wade gave him a thumbs-up. "You're a cad,” Marlie whispered to Rogan as they headed upstairs. "I try." It was well into the evening when Mac pulled the Hummer into the driveway of a big, two-storey house. Robyn stepped out of the truck and waited for him to lead the way. Meeting his friends filled her with anxiety. She could barely remember Mac. She hoped they wouldn't expect her to remember them. "Hey,” he said, stepping closer. “You'll do just fine. They'll all be happy to see you." He must have been able to smell her unease. "I know,” she said. “I'm just nervous." "Don't be. Everyone in there is a shifter, with the exception of their mates. We all know what you're going through." She nodded and licked her lips. But before they could walk up to the door, it opened and a few people rushed out. "Mac!” A red-headed woman embraced him and kissed his cheek. “I'm so glad to see you're okay." "Robyn,” another woman said, holding her arms wide. “My name's Lanie. We were friends before Lucian took you.” Lanie gave her a quick hug, then moved to hug Mac as well. "I'm Keira,” the red-head told her, giving her a handshake. “You're too skinny. Come inside and have a plate of Noah's world-famous spaghetti.” Still holding Robyn's hand, Keira pulled her along. The smiling faces and strange scents all around her had her heart beating double-time. It overwhelmed her and she scanned the people for Mac. "Wait, I...I—" Her eyes caught his. The moment he saw her face, he left the circle of men who'd surrounded him with well wishes. In no time at all, he stood beside her. "You all right?" She hadn't been prepared for how his voice alone calmed her. Despite driving her mad with need, just being close to him kept her world from spinning out of control. Robyn clutched his arm and nodded furiously. "How ‘bout that, Jag?” the man known as Rogan asked, slapping Mac's shoulder. “She can't bear to part with you." Mac gave him a look that spread shivers down Robyn's spine. His muscles tensed under his skin, and she held him closer in an effort to calm his emotions. "You're lucky I don't smack that grin off your face, Rogan,” Mac said. "You're lucky I don't tear out your throat for going after her on your own."

A blond man stepped between them. “Now's not the time." Robyn hid behind Mac and laid her forehead on his shoulder blade. The threat of him fighting another shifter scared her senseless. She had no idea where her fear came from, but it rocked her. "Robyn?” Mac's voice broke through her distress. He turned and pulled her close. “These guys won't hurt you. I promise you that." "Please don't fight,” she said into his chest. “Please?" "Honey, you're shaking." "Promise me, Mackenzie." With a sigh, he brought his mouth to her ear. “I promise,” he whispered. The blond man cleared his throat. “Let's go inside. Don't want to make a scene out here on the driveway." "Will you be okay?” Mac asked her, looking into her eyes. “We can leave if you want." She bit her lip, not wanting to be a coward. “No, I'll be fine, I just... I don't want you to fight." "You got it." The others had gone inside when Mac took her hand and led her to the door. "Rogan's a hot-head, nothing to be worried about,” he explained. “Noah's the sensible one, and Wade can be a little emo." "Emo?" He chuckled. “A downer. Now, Jet and Trevor, they're a little younger, but raring to kick some ass. And Lanie, Marlie and Keira are sweethearts. You'll like ‘em." The smell of food came to her and her stomach twisted. The energy bars hadn't filled her for long. "Hungry?" "Starving." "I'll get you fed and find you a place to sleep." He led her into the kitchen, where Marlie had already made them each a plate of spaghetti. Robyn took hers and sat with Mac at the dining room table. The others had already eaten. The first bite of pasta brought tears to her eyes. She couldn't remember the last time she'd had a human meal. "Robyn?” Mac's eyes were full of concern as he stroked her hair. She swallowed and gave him a watery smile. “It's just really good." "Wow, tiger,” the man known as Wade said behind them. He grinned from ear to ear. “I knew your sauce was good, but I didn't know it was that good." Everyone chuckled and set about cleaning the kitchen as Robyn and Mac ate. Once her plate was clean, she stood to take it into the kitchen. "Here, I'll take that,” came a masculine voice. She looked up and gasped, nearly dropping her plate in the process. She hadn't noticed him in the group that had greeted them in the driveway, but she'd definitely seen this man before! His soft asian features were kind and handsome as he smiled at her, revealing white teeth. Black hair fell into his eyes and he flicked his head to keep it out of his face. Of all things, he reminded her of the back of the green Hummer she'd just been in with Mac. She'd traveled somewhere with him. But she couldn't remember where they'd gone. She reached out to touch his cheek. “I know you." The room was quiet. "I'm Jet. Of course you know me." "I...remember your face!" [Back to Table of Contents]

FIVE A sharp pain twisted through Mac's chest. The wind rushed out of him and he couldn't eat another bite. The sound of his fork clattering to his plate made everyone jump. He stood and the chair scraped across the wood floor. He couldn't bear to look at Jet as he passed the man, and Robyn's concerned scent did nothing to calm the hurt inside him. She remembered Jet. That was enough to make him want to shift and fight the bastard. But he'd promised Robyn he wouldn't. Besides, it wasn't Jet's fault her mind-wipe erased every trace of him. "Mac?” It was Noah. “You all right?" "Just peachy,” he tossed over his shoulder before taking the stairs two at a time. He was headed for his room, one of the masters with its own bathroom. The ones who had mates each got their own master bedroom, and Mac had to duke it out with Trevor and Jet as to who would get the final one. He'd reasoned that when he found Robyn, he'd need the master, and that logic had seemed sound at the time. But she had no memory of him. She remembered Jet. Jet! The door slammed behind him, rattling the pictures on the walls. He marched to the bathroom, determined to feel something other than this ungodly pain. He never thought he could hurt so goddamn much. Finding Robyn had meant everything to him. She was the only reason he hadn't lost his sanity. Holding on to the thought of finding her, of having her with him had kept the jaguar at bay. Now, he wanted to roar free and rip the bedroom apart. Opening the shower stall, he turned on the spray and stripped from his dirty clothes. Once the water was piping hot, he stepped in, wincing at the heat. With angry hands, he scrubbed himself, trying hard not to cry. Mac's breathing quickened and he placed his hands on the cool blue tiles. Despite his best efforts, a few tears found their way past his defenses. "Shit!” he yelled, hitting the wall with an open palm. "Don't worry about him,” Rogan said in a soothing voice. “That jag's a hot-head. He'll calm down soon enough." If Robyn hadn't been so worked up, she would have found Rogan's description of Mac ironic considering how Mac had described him. She knew she must have upset him. But she'd remembered Jet's face, and the shock of it had been too much to hide. Try as she might, she couldn't think of much more beyond his features and that damned Hummer. "Maybe I should go talk to him,” she suggested. Rogan scoffed. “I wouldn't. Unless you want your head bitten off. When Mac's worked up, ain't nothing much that can get him right as rain again." "I didn't mean to hurt him." "We know that, sweetie,” Marlie said. “But he's been looking for you for a very long time. He cares for you more than he's willing to admit." Robyn chanced a glance at Jet once more. He smiled at her. “I helped Mac liberate the compound in Oregon. That's probably why you recognize me." "No.” She shook her head. “I remember traveling. In Mac's Hummer." Jet snapped his fingers. “That's when we were coming to Wade's rescue. You, me, Trevor and Mac all drove down from Oregon to Texas to save his hide." "Hey now,” Wade protested. "It's true,” Jet said. “You were bleeding like a stuck pig, and I seem to recall sewing you up myself, so shut it over there." Robyn stared at the other unfamiliar faces. “I can't remember any more than that." "Don't worry yourself,” Keira said. “I'm sure you'll remember Mac soon enough." "I hope so." "Would you like to lay down somewhere?" "No. I...just want to be alone." Keira nodded. “You can go on out back. We won't bother you. Dip your feet in the pool. You'll feel better." "Thank you.” Robyn made her way to the back door and closed it quietly behind her. Once she was outside, she spied a few terrycloth robes hanging on hooks on the wall. The light from the pool cast eerie shadows around the lanai, dancing and swirling about. The fence around the yard was tall enough so the other houses couldn't look in. She was in her own private world. Determined to calm her raging emotions, she undressed and shifted. She'd always been better at sorting her thoughts as a bird and now was no exception. How was she going to talk to Mac? Could she get him to understand she didn't mean to cause him pain? She wished she could fly and feel the wind in her face, but she didn't dare leave this house. The chance she'd never find her way back was too great. Instead, she climbed to a second-storey window sill and perched, gazing at the night sky. The back door opened and a figure came out onto the patio.

"Robyn?" It was Mac, and there was a certain amount of panic in his voice when he looked around and didn't see her. She cooed, making him glance at the house. "What are you doing up there?" She cocked her head. He'd taken a shower. His face was clean-shaven and his hair was combed back. The scent of his woodsy soap wafted up to her, and even in her shifted state, she desired him, standing there in a plain yellow t-shirt and pants. Mac put his hands in his pockets. “I'm sorry. For being an ass earlier." Robyn flew back down to the patio and hopped her way to the robes on the wall. She looked at Mac expectantly then back to the robes. He understood and he turned away. Within seconds, she'd shifted and donned the robe, tying it tight around her waist. "I'm sorry, too,” she said, taking a few steps toward him. He turned to face her. "Don't be. You can't control who you remember." "But you want me to remember you." He sighed and stared hard at her. It unnerved her, having such a gorgeous man looking her up and down. She'd been right about him. Now that he'd shaved, he stopped her heart. "I'm not going to lie to you, Robyn. I do." "I think I remember the trip. From Oregon to Texas. Jet said that's when we traveled in your truck together." "Is that all you remember? You don't recall when I pounced on you? When I threw caution to the wind and almost made love to you in the back of that Hummer?" Robyn's breaths came in short pants and she took another step closer. “I want to. I want to know everything about you. I want to know what drove you to find me on your own. I want to know...what we shared." He stared at his feet, seeming to concentrate on staying calm after she'd spoken. But his scent was now spicy. His passion had returned. "I may remember Jet's face, but I remember your scent. And it makes me wonder if..." "If what?” he prompted, lifting his gaze just enough to peer at her through his lashes. That look made her forget to breathe. It reached into her chest and took hold of her heart. "If I'd remember more by kissing you again. If I knew what you tasted like, it might trigger something else. I want to remember you, Mackenzie. More than anything." Within two strides, he came right up to her, invading her personal space. He grasped her shoulders with his strong hands. “I can't kiss you." He might as well have slapped her. Robyn tried to step back, to put some distance between them, but he held her fast. "Listen to me.” His voice was quiet and smooth, almost like velvet caressing her skin. “If I kiss you, I won't be able to stop myself. If I kiss you, I'll touch you. If I touch you, I'll make love to you. On this patio, in that pool, on the stairs, in my bed..." Robyn's nipples responded almost painfully, hardening beneath her robe. The terrycloth chafed her while her legs trembled under the weight of his gaze. The man was electrifying, burning her to a crisp with the heat of his words. "I've been waiting far too long to find you just to stop at a kiss. You might not remember that time in the truck, but I do. I remember how you taunted me, goaded me to touch you until I couldn't stand it anymore. And the way you pressed into me, wanting full contact, demanding it... It's all that's sustained me these months. I knew when I found you, we'd be able to finish what we'd started. "But Christ, Robyn, you don't remember any of it! You remember Jet of all people. It's like starting over. I can't pick up where we left off. Not anymore. I'm a stranger to you. Knowing we have a history probably intrigues you, but you're not ready for any of it. Maybe you never will be. And I've got to come to terms with that. I've got to—" Without thinking about her actions, she stood on her tip-toes and kissed him, fully on the mouth. Mac yelped in protest and pulled away, but her fingers were locked in his hair. His warm breath puffed on her face and she breathed it in, desperate to get as close as she could. She flinched as his eyes shot daggers at her, flashing gold in the night, but he didn't push her away. His fingers dived into her hair and held on tight, before yanking her mouth back to his. Nothing was gentle about him. All his pent-up rage, expectation, and disappointment was in that kiss, as his tongue opened her mouth to taste him. He was in full command, delving, groaning, forcing her to keep up with his heady onslaught. And she did. His lips were firm, moving against hers with the force of his passion, bruising her mouth, yet exciting her more than she ever thought possible. His tongue battled with hers, prompting her to open even wider for him.

Mac's flavor was rich, a strong, potent tang she couldn't get enough of. It stirred her thoughts, lighting a flame of remembrance that hadn't been there before. She'd kissed him wantonly, just like this, once before. She'd be willing to lay money down on it. The way he cradled her head was so familiar, but it was like trying to recall something through a wall of fog. The slide of his palm caressed her bare waist, and somewhere in her befuddled brain, she realized he'd opened her robe. His touch sizzled on her skin and sent sparks of desire shooting all throughout her body. She ripped her mouth away only to draw breath. His hand curled to the small of her back, pressing her closer into his body. "Why did you do that?” he growled roughly as he bit his way down her neck. "I needed to know.” Her voice wavered. Robyn shivered when his hand slid lower, cupping her bottom. "You're playing with fire, little girl." Her fingers threaded through his hair in an effort to keep herself upright. Despite the warm night air, she was cold and Mac was her only source of heat. "I remember the taste of you,” she whispered in his ear. He leaned his forehead on her shoulder and took a deep, shuddering breath. “Robyn...” His voice sounded tortured. “My God. I need to stay away from you." Her arms tightened around his neck. “Don't you dare. You're all I know." "That's not true,” he said with a forlorn chuckle. “You know Jet." When he lifted his eyes to hers, they were red-rimmed. Robyn's heart hitched in her chest with the knowledge that Mac's own heart was breaking right before her eyes. "But he doesn't get my motor running." Mac grinned. “That's good, sweetheart. Otherwise I'd have to kick his ass." "Mmm, so subtle about claiming your territory." He shook his head. “I have no claim on you." "You're a liar. A very bad liar." "Just because I want you in my bed doesn't make you mine." "You're telling me if I decided to run away with Jet you wouldn't stop me?" He released his breath in a long sigh, but didn't answer her. In fact, his arms tightened, as if to ensure she couldn't get away from him. She continued. “If I told you to go to hell would you step aside and let me go?" "First of all,” Mac whispered ominiously. “Jet wouldn't have the use of his legs in order to run away with you. And secondly, I've already got my bus pass to hell, so if you can fight your way out of my arms, I'd let you go." Robyn grinned. He might not be willing to call her his mate, but he acted like she was already. “Then I'm not going anywhere. I quite like it right where I am." Mac looked relieved. With a quick kiss to her forehead, he hugged her. “You'd best be careful, Ms. Groves. I won't let you change your mind." "You came for me,” she breathed. “You care for me. Mackenzie, I'm not going to change my mind." She knew he was fighting with himself not to make love to her. The muscles of his chest tensed and his roving hand had stilled. He didn't want to push her into sleeping with him, but her words weren't making things any easier. Robyn couldn't help it. Right now, Mac needed her honesty. After being mindwiped and experimented upon by B*E*A*S*T*, she couldn't bring herself to tell him any half-truths. She'd thought Dylan was her mate. But in only one day, Mac had shoved his way into her life and taken root in her heart. She knew him before she knew him. It hurt her head to think about, but she'd found her kindred spirit. After a few quiet moments holding him, she said, “I'm so tired. Is there somewhere I can sleep?" She wanted nothing more than to sleep in his arms, but he'd probably deny her on the pretense of being a gentleman. But if that kiss he gave her was any indication, he was no gentleman. "You'll be sleeping in my room.” It wasn't a request. “I have a master bedroom with a private bath. It's for us. But don't worry, I'll be sleeping on the floor.” He must have smelled her surprise. She'd assumed he wouldn't want her anywhere near him after what he'd admitted a few minutes ago. Robyn nodded and pulled out of his embrace reluctantly. With slow hands, she retied the belt on her robe. This time, Mac didn't turn away.

When she was finished, he offered her his hand, which she took gladly after she scooped up her clothes. He led her back through the house, ignoring the others, making haste as he climbed the stairs. Once they were in his room, he closed the door behind them, then turned and locked the door. "Afraid I'll run away?” she teased. "No,” he said with a grin. “Don't want to be disturbed. I'm dead tired. I'm assuming you are as well?" Robyn yawned, confirming his words. “I don't have anything to sleep in.” She looked down at her robe. "Sleep in the buff. It's what I do." Her stomach leapt into her throat when he winked at her and began laying blankets on the floor at the foot of the bed. Great. Now images of his naked body were going to haunt her for the rest of the night. Yanking on the belt of her robe, she decided to haunt him as well. She let the garment fall to the floor before peeling back the covers of the bed. When she crawled in, she chanced a glance at Mac, who was now standing stock still with his mouth wide open. "You are an evil woman." She gave him a wink of her own and turned off the lamp on the bedside table. [Back to Table of Contents]

SIX A scream pierced the air, howling all around her. Robyn didn't know where it came from, until she realized she was the one screaming. Her face was wet and her heart raced with panic, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't keep from wailing. Suddenly, someone was there, holding her, pressing her into his warm chest and breathing gentle words into her ear. Mackenzie. Robyn grabbed hold of him, trying to get closer, and reveling in the haven of his arms. She climbed onto his lap and held on tight, sobbing into his shoulder. Her entire body shook from head to toe as she curled into a ball, terrified her nightmares would come true. Again. "Shh,” he uttered, stroking her hair. “I've got you, Robyn. It was just a dream." A pounding on the bedroom door made her jump in Mac's embrace. "Everything okay in there? I heard Robyn scream." It was Jet. Mac growled and pulled her closer. “Go back to bed. I've got it covered." It was a few moments before she heard Jet's footsteps fade down the hall. The sky outside the window was purple, a sign that dawn wasn't too far behind. But Robyn wasn't sure if she'd be able to get any more sleep. Mac kissed her temple but didn't say a word. "I haven't slept as a human since they rebelled." "Who?” he asked. "The others. The shifters who attacked the compound. Since I've been free, I've lived in the Everglades as an owl. I don't dream as an owl." He remained silent so she continued. "I actually don't remember the last time I slept as a human at all. When I was in my cage, I was shifted. And...with Dylan." "You're with me now.” His voice was soft, yet she didn't miss his tone. He was territorial, all right, whether the man wanted to admit it or not. Her fingers traced circles on his chest, playing in his coarse hair. His heart pounded beneath her hand and she pressed her palm against him to feel it. "You're warm. I'm always so cold." "Then come here.” Mac pulled the covers back and laid her next to him. Once the blanket covered them both, he drew her back into his arms and held her. Robyn tucked her elbows into his belly, shivering at the cold sheets. He was just as naked as she was, but she tried hard to ignore it. Right now, all she wanted to do was melt into his warmth. "Feel better?” he asked. She nodded, too afraid to look into his eyes. Images of her dream still fluttered in her mind. He'd be able to see her fear. He could probably still smell it. "Want to talk about it?" She took a few shuddering breaths. Her dream had been so vivid, so real, it had almost been like she'd been back at B*E*A*S*T* and strapped to the examining table. “I—I think I remember when they mind-wiped me. There was so much pain. I couldn't close my eyes—they were held open. I don't know by what. And I was trying so hard to break free. I couldn't shift. I was helpless. But..." "What?” he asked, his voice husky with emotion. Robyn sat up and gazed into his eyes with a look of amazement. “I know what my last thought was. Before everything was gone." Mac cupped her cheek, his scent despondent. “Tell me." "You! Mackenzie, I was crying out for you. Oh, God!" A torrent of tears followed her words. It was hard to draw breath when he crushed her to his chest. "Jesus, Robyn, I'm so sorry. I wasn't there for you, I didn't save you." He buried his face in her neck and wept right along with her. She had no idea how long they cried together, but she wouldn't have pulled away from him for the world. As much as he needed her, she needed him as well. The memory from her nightmare bonded her closer to him. Everything he'd claimed had been the truth. Robyn had felt every terrifying moment of her dream. The panic, the hopelessness, and the relationship she'd once had with Mac not too long ago. "You can't blame yourself,” she whispered, attempting to calm him by running her palms over his neck and shoulders. "Like hell I can't,” he moaned, tucking her hair behind her ear. “If I'd given in to you, if I hadn't been such a coward in the first place, I would have been in

your bed at that hotel. Lucian still would have escaped, but he wouldn't have taken you. And...and..." His eyes filled with tears. She sniffled herself, feeling her eyes burn as well. "And I would have saved us both from two months of hell." "You couldn't possibly have known. I know you're frustrated and pissed off. I would be too. But we're together now. Doesn't that count for something?" He gave her a bitter chuckle and angrily wiped his eyes. “You have no idea how thankful I am that you're here, naked in bed with me. But this will never be what it could have been." Robyn tried hard not to take his words personally. “No, it won't be,” she said. “But that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's something new. We have to accept that. I think...you care for who I used to be. But now, this is who I am, Mackenzie. I don't know if I'll ever be the Robyn you almost made love to in the back of your Hummer. But can you care for who I am now?" Her chin trembled as she waited for his answer. "I already do." Relief flowed through her like water. His acceptance meant more to her than even she realized. It was surreal, only knowing him for a day, and yet, knowing him for much longer than that. Perhaps she was still the Robyn he'd fallen for, somewhere deep inside her heart. Resting her head in the crook of his neck, she yawned. He followed suit and yawned as well. "Let's get some sleep,” he said. "Stay. Don't leave.” If he returned to the floor, she'd follow him. "I'm not going anywhere. You're safe now, Robyn." She looked into his eyes and saw both his tenderness and his conviction, as if by his presence alone he could keep her nightmares at bay. For her own sake, she hoped he could. [Back to Table of Contents]

SEVEN "So, let me get this straight,” Rogan said, his eyes twinkling. “You slept in the same bed with Robyn, butt-ass naked, and didn't take advantage?" Mac growled low in his throat as he tried hard not to crush the soda can he held. "I'm surprised to wake up this morning and not smell the reek of your mating permeating the house!" "Rogan, behave yourself.” Marlie stood from the couch with her hands on her hips. “Leave Mac alone. Besides, I seem to remember a certain wolf who slept with his wife yet didn't touch her when they'd first been reunited either." Mac gave Rogan a sideways glance. “Is that so?" Rogan cleared his throat. “Yes, well, I made up for it the following evening." "Robyn's a scared little thing,” Marlie said, walking to the kitchen counter to join them. “At least you, Rogan, had an idea you were married once before. Robyn was under the impression she'd already had a mate. She had no memory or knowledge of Mac until he saved her." "Does she remember anything?” Rogan asked, his hand on Mac's shoulder. "Bits and pieces,” he answered, taking another swig of his drink. “She remembers my scent and my...taste." A look passed between Rogan and Marlie right before they grinned at each other. "What?" "I remembered Marlie the same way. Must be due to the strong link between smells, flavors and memories." Mac nodded. “Yeah, I figured. But she had a nightmare last night." "Heard her screaming. Is she all right?” Marlie turned to look out the open back door as Noah, Lanie, Trevor, Wade, Keira and Robyn swam together in the pool. "She remembered the moment of her mind-wipe." "Christ.” Rogan whistled through his teeth. "You can say that again,” Mac said. “She remembers screaming for me." Marlie gasped. For once, Rogan was speechless. "She needed my comfort last night, not my passion." Rogan gave him a nod and pushed away from the counter. “What are you going to do now?" "I don't know.” Mac crumpled his now-empty can. “She's terrified I'll leave her again. But being so close to her is killing me. I want her something fierce." "Why don't you just take her, then? If she's willing, I don't see the problem." "He doesn't want to take advantage of her,” Marlie said, looking at Rogan as if he was an idiot. He arched a brow. “Marlie, my sweet wife, I merely meant that the woman might as well be his mate.” He glanced at Mac. “You were insane with the need to find her for weeks on end, then you went off on your own despite our better judgement. Now that you found her, she's in your bed and kissing you senseless. Oh yeah, I can smell that much." Mac sat in silence. "Do you want her for your mate?” Marlie's hand patted his. "I can't imagine being with anyone else, if that's what you mean. The thought of another man touching her makes my hackles rise." Rogan chuckled and looked out the back door. “Then you'd best go claim her before someone else gets any ideas." He turned to look. “What are you talking about?" "Oh, come on, jaguar, you can't tell me you've never noticed Jet glancing at her when you weren't looking? Even before Lucian took her, he would—" Rogan didn't finish his sentence before Mac was on his feet and walking toward the pool. Jet was going to get a mouth full of his fist if he got any ideas. Once he was on the back porch, he noticed Jet sitting by himself on one of two lounge chairs near the water, watching Robyn as she tossed a beach ball with Lanie and Keira. Wade, Trevor and Noah took turns cannonballing into the deep end. Robyn spied Mac immediately and smiled, melting his anger. She was absolutely gorgeous with her hair slicked back and her skin wet with water droplets. She'd borrowed one of Marlie's swimsuits earlier, and Mac felt a momentary pang of remorse for not joining her for a dip. Once Jet saw him, he leaned back on the lounger as if he'd been soaking up the sun's rays the whole time. Determination lit in Mac's heart. Rogan was

right. There was no other woman he wanted. It was Robyn or no one. She was his mate and had been for quite some time, whether she knew it or not. Mac made his way to the lounger next to Jet and sat down, resting his elbows on his knees. He laced his fingers together and cleared his throat. "To what do I owe this honor?” Jet asked, a wry grin on his face. "Just want to clear up some things." "What's that?" Mac took a deep breath. “Robyn's mine. She's been mine ever since the day we found her back in Oregon." Jet stared at him with his mouth wide open. "She's my mate, Jet, and I'm not too keen on sharing." "I...you...but—” Jet's shock couldn't have been more obvious. “You haven't even made love to her!" Right about now, Mac hated the fact the guys could smell that. His knuckles went white with the effort to keep his hands from making a dent in Jet's face. "You can fight me for her if you think you can win." The younger man's eyes went wide. They were evenly matched as shifters, with Mac as a jaguar while Jet was a leopard. But Mac was more solid, more muscular. It was a no-brainer that he would win any fight between them, be it as humans or predators. "What are you two talking about?” Robyn stood near the chairs, dripping water on the concrete after crawling out of the pool. Neither one of them had noticed her approach. Mac stood. “Just claiming what's mine." She gave him a look of confusion a moment before he grabbed her waist and pulled her close. The front of his clothing soaked through. "You sure you don't want me to leave you, sweetheart?" Her eyes searched his, then softened. “I'm sure." "Then you're stuck with me, Robyn Bishop." "My last name is Groves." Mac slowly shook his head. “Not if you're my mate." She gasped but he didn't give her time to protest. For Jet's benefit as well as his own, he swooped down and kissed her. She made a sound of surprise, then tenderly caressed his cheek. The moment his tongue plunged into mouth, she stood on her toes and grabbed two handfuls of his hair. His triumph sang thoughout his entire body. She was his! And it was about damn time. He hadn't heard the whoops and hollars of the others around him, but apparently Robyn did as she pulled back, blushing. Mac couldn't resist kissing her cheeks, her forehead, her nose. "Get a room!” Rogan yelled, having apparently followed Mac without his knowlege. Everyone laughed. Everyone, that is, except for Jet. But Mac didn't give a flying shit. That young cub could find his own woman. The one in his arms was taken. [Back to Table of Contents]

EIGHT Robyn trotted along behind Mac as he pulled her through the house. She was still dripping wet, but she got the feeling he didn't much care. He'd just declared her his mate in front of his friends. She couldn't have been more shocked than if he'd gotten down on his knee and proposed marriage. He took the stairs two at a time, forcing her to do the same. When she got to the top, she was breathless. "Mackenzie—" Before she could finish her sentence, he pulled her into his room, slammed the door and shoved her against it. His mouth claimed hers, devouring her whole. Robyn gasped loudly and Mac took advantage, plunging his tongue deep while pressing against her. His hands raced up the sides of her bathing suit to the shoulderstraps, where he hooked his fingers and yanked none-too-gently. The sound of ripping fabric filled the room, and Robyn drew back, staring at him with surprise. "I'll buy Marlie a new one,” he said, unrepentant as he continued to rip the garment. As soon as her breasts were free, he didn't bother peeling off the rest of her suit before he knelt in front of her and pounced, filling his mouth with her nipple. Robyn couldn't do much more than thread her fingers through his hair and toss her head back, suddenly on fire from his sensual attack. He'd waited far too long to be stopped now. He had claimed her to the others, and now he meant to do it in truth. Robyn's heart kicked into overdrive. With every beat, her memory fluttered, and she tried like mad to grasp it. But his hand rose to palm her other breast, tweaking her nipple before suckling that one as well, making it impossible to concentrate on anything but him. He stood suddenly, then picked her up and strode to the bed. His arms were gone and she fell to the mattress with a shriek, but he was right there on top of her, pressing her back, kissing her senseless. Every breath was him, every movement, every feeling. Robyn's entire world was Mackenzie Bishop, and she held him as if her life depended on it. In a way, it did. She undulated against his body, she couldn't help it. She needed to feel his skin against hers and could only assume he felt the same. He ripped out of his shirt, pulling away only to tear it over his head before his warmth was back, heating her to the bone. The moment her breasts rubbed his chest hair, she kissed him savagely. Her tongue stabbed into his mouth, demanding his surrender, yet he wouldn't give it. He was waging his own assault, tugging, teasing, driving her wild with the need to feel him between her legs. "Touch me,” she whispered, trailing kisses down his neck. “Please." Mac didn't say a word, he merely complied, taking his hand and rubbing her through the crotch of the swimsuit. The contact was electrifying. Up and down he went, making her wish she was naked, yet not willing to part from him to undress fully. Not now, not yet. She spread her legs wider, asking for more. "If I don't get inside you I think I might die." His words made her look into his face. Twin flames greeted her in his gaze as his eyes flashed gold. The grin he gave her had her shuddering beneath him, knowing damn well her own eyes flashed right back at him. She could feel it, the familiar itching that accompanied the need to shift. But shifting was far from her mind. Right now, all she wanted was him. "Don't stop what you're doing. Not yet." His hand still stroked her, finding a rhythm against the sway of her hips. "You like it when I touch you?" Robyn closed her eyes. She was close. So close. "Always." "I'm the only one who's ever gonna, sweetheart." "You're the only one I want. Oh...God! Mackenzie!" Flames of passion shot down her arms and legs, consuming her as she came apart. Her mouth sought his and he kissed her hard, making sure his hand continued its play while her shudders lasted for long, blessed moments. Robyn's palms held his cheeks and her legs wrapped around him, urging his weight to press against her. "Jesus, Robyn, you're so goddamn beautiful." "Could you be any more blasphemous?” she teased, nipping his neck. "Just stating fact. Watching you come for me almost had me coming in my pants." "Then take them off and come inside me. We'll move Heaven and Earth." Mac stopped cold and rose on his elbows. The look on his face was full of astonishment. “What did you just say?"

Robyn opened her mouth to say it again, but the entire house was rocked by deafening thunder. Pictures fell off the walls while the side-table lamp fell over, shattering on the floor. The bed swayed from side to side and chips of the ceiling fell all around them. "What the hell?" Mac was off Robyn like a shot, searching the room for his shirt. The moment he found it, someone pounded on the door. "Mackenzie, get your ass out here right now!" He turned to give Robyn a wide-eyed stare of confusion. “Christ, that was Noah. You smell that?" "Something's burning,” she answered, taking a deep breath. "Get dressed. And stay here!" With that, Mac ripped open the door and sprinted down the hall. Mac's passion was forgotton the moment he flew down the staircase. Glass was everywhere and the unmistakable scent of ash and burned rubber almost overpowered him. Keira lay in the living room, her forehead bleeding while Wade attended to her. Marlie wept loudly in the kitchen, and Rogan, Lanie and Noah stood in the front doorway, staring in horror at the scene that greeted them. "What the hell happened?” Mac demanded. Rogan turned, tears in his eyes. “Wade! Call an ambulance." Noah put his hand on Rogan's shoulder. “There's nothing left to call an ambulance for." The moment Mac saw the carnage beyond the door, his heart stopped beating. The charred remains of his Hummer roared with flames, and pieces of its destruction littered the ground. Everywhere. "Where's Jet and Trevor?” he asked, almost too afraid to know. Noah tilted his head toward the truck and looked at him with red-rimmed eyes. "What?” His brain wouldn't process what Noah was trying to tell him. It took a few moments to connect the dots inside his head. "Jet wanted to blow off some steam,” Rogan yelled. “After you marked your territory with Robyn, he asked Trevor if he'd like to go for a drive. Swiped your keys and the next thing we know...” He let the sentence hang. Wade's voice drifted to him. “Yeah, we live at 917 Cottonwood Drive, please hurry!" He must have called 911 after all. "Mackenzie!” It was Robyn. She raced down the stairs. He was too numb to feel anger that she hadn't stayed in his room. All he could do was hold her close and try to prevent her from looking outside. "Oh my God. Trevor and Jet?” She must have heard them talking. "Watch your feet,” was all he could think to say. Glass was everywhere and she wasn't wearing shoes. "Oh, Jesus.” The scent of Noah's surprised panic raised the hair on the back of Mac's neck. “There's a shifter out there!" "What is it?" "Who is it?" "Christ, what's going on?" Everyone was talking at once. Mac was the only one who noticed the flames from the truck had reached a low-hanging palm. It was now burning the large green leaves. And those leaves spread over the roof. "We can take him. Bastard killed two of us, we still have four!” Wade's anger seethed. "I don't think so,” Noah said, sniffing the air. “Smell that? He's different. Something's off." Mac inhaled deeply, despite the repugnance of the other scents in the air. Noah was correct. This shifter didn't smell right. "We don't have the time to talk about this,” Rogan growled. “While we stand here and argue, that bastard is going to circle around and take us all out. He obviously wants us dead. We need to think of our mates. They can't shift and fight whoever's out there. We've got to scatter and make things harder for that bastard. Maybe regroup and plan things out." "Rogan's got a point.” Noah took hold of Lanie's hand. “Time to go." "Where do we meet?” Wade asked. "Remember that hole-in-the-wall cowboy motel we stayed at on our way down to Miami?"

"The one in—" "Yeah, that one,” Rogan interrupted, widening his eyes and cocking his head out the door. Wade nodded and stayed quiet. "Let's go.” With one final look at Mac, Rogan smacked his arm. “You gonna be okay?" He nodded, still unable to take it all in. The wolf gazed at Robyn. “Take care of your jag." Sirens wailed in the distance. Mac grabbed her arm and stooped to snatch her flip-flops off the tile by the door. Wiping them of debris, he handed them to her. “Put ‘em on." She obeyed, standing in front of him in the exact same clothes as the night before. Without a word, he pulled her to the back door along with the others. They crossed the patio and raced out the screen door of the lanai. Noah and Lanie went out the side gate while Rogan and Marlie hopped the fence. Wade and Keira hopped the other side-yard fence and Mac decided to follow Rogan. He helped Robyn up and over, sprinting out the other house's gate while Rogan and Marlie had merely hopped the adjacent house's fence. "Where are we going?” Robyn asked, holding her arms out for Mac to catch her. They tore across another yard before crossing the street that ran parallel to theirs. Running through another side gate and backyard, they emerged a few streets over before Mac answered, somewhat out of breath. "Jacksonville!" [Back to Table of Contents]

NINE "You okay?" Robyn shivered. Despite the fact that the car's vents blasted heat in the middle of a balmy Florida evening, she was freezing. She didn't think she could ever be warm again. They'd stolen a car, the first one Mac had found unlocked. Somewhere in his travels, he'd learned how to hotwire, and now, they were on I-95, with a straight shot north to Jacksonville. She didn't know what kind of car they were in. It was blue, and had four doors and four wheels. That was all that mattered. Another tear slipped from her eyes. “I...I don't think so,” she answered. Mac placed his hand on hers. His skin was hot. She wanted to curl up in his arms and melt away. Jet and Trevor just died in a horrible explosion. Now, she and Mac were running from a shifter who apparently wanted them dead. What would they have to do to be free of B*E*A*S*T*? "The boys went fast,” he said, his voice gentle. She knew he was trying to soothe her, but his words only made more tears well up. “Probably didn't feel a thing." "Why did he kill them?” she asked, sniffling as more tears welled. "I don't know. Probably couldn't take us all together so he decided to thin the herd." Robyn sobbed into her hands. "Christ, I'm sorry for being so crass. I'm just worked up, sweetheart. I'm not thinking straight." She nodded and wiped her eyes. Exhaustion swept over her and she stared at the twilight sky. "Did you recognize his scent?” Mac and the others were the only ones to smell him—Robyn hadn't gotten the chance before they were tearing out the back door. He shook his head. “No. Smelled...wrong, though. Like a human and...a jumble of other scents." "Have you had run-ins with other shifters on your way to find me?" "Not a one." She was silent a moment as she considered his words. There was only one other possibility. "He had to have followed us, Mackenzie. From the Everglades." Mac gave her a sharp look and the car swerved slightly on the road. "But you were alone out there." Robyn heaved a sigh as another wave of goosebumps raced up her spine. “There were a lot of shifters in that facility. I'd been an owl for days before you found me. My sense of smell isn't as keen as yours. Perhaps he'd been watching me, or perhaps we captured his interest, I don't know. But it's too big a coincidence your Hummer explodes right after we settle in, don't you think?" Mac's fingers ran brutally through his hair. With a string of foul curses, he hit the steering wheel again and again. “What the hell do we have to do to, Robyn?” he asked, mirroring her own thoughts of a few moments ago. “Shit! Maybe death is the only way out." "Don't you dare say that!” she yelled. “You talk about death one more time and I'll smack your face." Her vehemence shocked him. He arched his brows, but said nothing more than a mumbled apology. Tensions were high—they both trembled. "I'm sorry,” she whispered, touching his arm. He flinched. His reaction made her pull back. “I'm just...it's so...I don't know!" "When we regroup in Jacksonville, we'll come up with a plan,” he promised. “The guys and I, we can take this shifter if we have a plan. He got us by surprise once, he won't be able to do it again. He can only follow one of us, and we all scattered. Assuming he can find his way to the motel, we'll be waiting for him." The expression on his face chilled her to the bone. "What if you're wrong?” she asked. "What do you mean?" "You and the guys smelled this shifter and said there was something off about him. Maybe it's not one man. If you all assume it is, then he, or they, might still get the better of us. We have to prepare for every possibility." Mac glanced at her and his eyes flashed. By the look on his face, she knew he hadn't considered more than one shifter. "We would have smelled a bunch of guys, Robyn." "Don't take things for granted,” she told him. “It's possible. Even you've got to see that. None of us were thinking clearly after that blast. Maybe that's why it didn't smell right."

Mac remained silent, but his jaw clenched, and his knuckles turned white on the wheel. Robyn swallowed hard and glanced out her window, not seeing a single thing. "I'll protect you,” Mac said, sometime later. “With my life." "I know,” she answered. Mac was scared. And confused. And downright pissed. Some asshole shifter had killed two of his best friends. He'd known Trevor since their days in the Colorado compound, and he'd met Jet after they'd escaped and wandered in the mountains until Noah had found them on the road. They'd stuck with him after Sean had killed James and Jason. Their bond had been close, despite the fact that Mac had no idea that Jet had been pining for Robyn. He supposed his own obsession for the woman blinded him to anything else. Christ, his family was dwindling. Mac's stomach growled, but he ignored it. The clock on the dash read nine. The last time he and Robyn had eaten anything had been at lunch, before she'd gone swimming in the pool. He glanced at her, with her head leaning against the window. Her breaths came in a slow, steady rhythm, but she wasn't sleeping. She was far too exhausted to do so. Hell, so was he. "Hungry?” he asked. "Yeah." A few moments of silence passed before he spoke again. “Wanna eat?" "No, but my body's going to hate me if I don't." "Let's get some fast food, then. We're a few hours outside of Jacksonville. Maybe we should stop. I don't know about you, but I gotta use the men's room." Robyn nodded. “All right." Her despondent tone reached inside his chest and grabbed hold of his heart. He could only imagine what everything must be like for her, being thrust into his world. "Do you...remember anything?” he asked, thinking about their interlude on his bed earlier. She glanced at him with an arched brow. "About us. Do you?" "Not much, why?" "Back in Miami, when we were..." "Yeah?” she asked when he stopped. "You said we'd move Heaven and Earth. You've said that to me once before." She gave him a look of shock. “I did?" "Uh huh. On the trip from Oregon to Texas, when we almost—" "—made love,” she finished. He cleared his throat and pulled off the interstate at the first sign of golden arches. “Right." "It...just seemed like the right thing to say." "Maybe you're remembering more than you think you are." Robyn shrugged and remained quiet while he pulled into the parking lot of the burger joint. He found a spot and shut off the car. "I don't want you to hope for something that might not happen.” Her words were unexpected. He'd already unhooked his seatbelt and opened his door to climb out. “Maybe what I said was a coincidence." He gave her a long, hard stare. Her scent was guarded. And scared. She blinked a few times, as if it was hard for her to hold his eye contact. "I know damn well who I made my mate, Robyn. It doesn't matter to me one way or the other if you remember. As long as we can make new memories.” Before she could say anything further, he leaned over and kissed her. Her fingers stroked his face before cupping his cheek. "Do you really want me, Mackenzie?" "How can you ask me that?” Her question caught him off guard. He tried to keep the indignation from his voice, but he wasn't too successful. "You came for the person you thought you'd find. But you found me. It mattered that I remembered Jet and not you. Are you so sure it doesn't matter if I don't remember the rest?"

"It mattered to me about Jet because I was goddamn jealous, sweetheart, that's all. Sure, I want you to remember me, but I'm not going to be crushed if you don't. You already remember more than I could have ever dreamed. "Robyn,” he continued. “You're my mate. You're never getting away from me. Best you find your peace with that." He winked and she smiled at him. Damn, but she was gorgeous. His pants were suddenly constricting blood flow. "Dinner?” he asked, just to give himself a distraction. She nodded and stepped out of the car when he did. He had to make love to her before they reached Jacksonville. He'd be damned if he had to bear the others’ scrutiny any longer. She was his. And he was more than ready to prove it. [Back to Table of Contents]

TEN "Where are they?" "Heading north. I'm not too far behind them." "Are you sure?" The man driving the white Lexus growled into the cell. “Of course I'm sure, asshole. The signal is coming through loud and strong." "Watch your mouth, Dylan. Our arrangement can be nullified whenever I see fit. You really should take a different tone with me." Bastard Carver. That scientist had him over a barrel and he knew it. "Fine. Plan still the same when I catch them?" "I got buyers. Unless you want to take their place, you'll obtain them unharmed." Dylan couldn't help his eyes from flashing in the dark. “You got it,” he said, his voice harsh with venom. He snapped his phone shut and threw it on the seat next to him. What he wouldn't give to rip Lucian's flesh from his bones. Ever since Covington's death, Lucian had been calling the shots, taking the experiments from bad to worse. Dylan's own experiences had been so horrid, he'd been willing to do any damn thing to get out of B*E*A*S*T*'s clutches, even if that meant betraying his own. He knew good and well he was one of Carver's biggest assets. He didn't really believe he could win his freedom, but he had to try. He had to. He'd spent the past two months in the same cage with Robyn Groves. Carver wanted to know if they could copulate as owls. Obviously they couldn't. She'd never laid a single egg. They weren't real owls, so of course she never had! But that wasn't all they'd made him do. He'd been on the table more times than he'd care to count. His DNA was a friggin’ mess. They'd made him a common barn owl. Then, they crossed him with a crocodile. As if that wasn't enough, they threw in a silverback gorilla for good measure. Dylan couldn't help but chuckle at Lucian's own naivete. It was his beloved crossbreeds that had brought down the compound in Florida. They were too damn unstable, nearly immune to his safe word. But Carver didn't give a shit. It was business as usual. As long as they lined his pockets, they were a success. One more B*E*A*S*T* compound was intact somewhere out west. Dylan didn't know where it was but that wasn't his problem. If he returned Robyn and the jaguar with her, he'd gain his freedom—freedom from being a shifter. At least, that's what he'd been promised. The full removal of all B*E*A*S*T* DNA and a chance at life once again as a normal human being. Lucian better make good on his promise, Dylan thought. Or there'd be hell to pay. He pressed harder on the accelerater while the light of the GPS device blinked red. It wouldn't be long now. With full bellies, Mac and Robyn were back on the interstate. He'd been too much of a coward to suggest they make love before they reached Jacksonville. He knew she was aware of his tension. No doubt she thought he was still upset about his friends. But Robyn was tense as well. Perhaps he was being selfish. Perhaps he shouldn't force her hand. It would happen when it happened. He almost laughed at his own thoughts. Given their luck, it would never happen. At the first rest stop, he pulled off the road once more. "Is everything okay?” Her voice sounded strained. He didn't answer until he parked far from prying eyes. Darkness enfolded them. Not even the lights of the rest stop lit up the car. "Robyn,” he said, finally turning to her. “I don't know if this is the right time or the right way, but...I've never been good at this." She looked at him expectantly. "I want to make love to you." He'd surprised her. Her scent changed from shock to desire at the drop of a hat. Mac leaned closer. "If we wait for the perfect time, it'll never happen. Robyn, sweetheart, I don't have much in this world. I've got these clothes, a little money...and you." She gasped. "But I don't have you. I've never had you, no matter how much I wanted you. And now you're my mate. Good Lord, I need you so damn much!" His eyes were on fire. It was hard to breathe. The emotions he kept tucked away came rushing to the surface. "Mackenzie,” she whispered, framing his face with her hands. He reached for her and she didn't hesitate.

"The back seat isn't as big as the rear of your Hummer, but we can make do,” she said in his ear. Her breath made shivers race down his spine. Her lips sought his and she kissed him with aching tenderness. It was hard not to take over and devour, but he allowed her to lead him. Robyn's fingers delved into his hair, holding him close while her tongue sensually played with his. The woman deserved more than a quick lay in the back of a stolen car. Shit! He should have known better than to suggest they have sex like a couple of teenagers in his mother's sedan. "Stop." Mac pulled away and gripped the steering wheel to keep his hands off Robyn. "What's wrong?" "Damn it, I told you I was no good at this. I can't take you here. What was I thinking?" Leaning forward, he rested his forehead on the steering wheel as well, pounding it a few times. Getting a motel room now was out of the question. They had to be at their destination sooner rather than later to meet up with the guys. That's what he got for thinking with his dick again. Robyn caressed his shoulder, eliciting a groan from deep in Mac's throat. The sound excited her beyond reason, making every nerve ending scream his name. Now that he'd told her what he needed, she couldn't deny him any more than she could deny herself breathing. His heart was breaking. He'd lost her, then found her, only to realize he really had lost her. Then two of his best friends were killed, forcing him to run before ever marking her as his mate. He needed a release—in more ways than one. Robyn knew he was the kind of man to keep his feelings deep inside him. Now, however, they were bubbling up, and he was desperate for her. She needed him too if her chafing nipples and wet panties were any indication. "I have an idea." He looked at her sharply, his eyes filled with questions. She smiled and crooked her finger at him to follow. Opening the passenger door, she looked around for other people. Thankfully, the parking lot was quiet. Once Mac was out of the car, she rounded the hood and began tugging at his shirt. "What are you doing?” he asked, his voice almost panicked as he glanced at the lot. "Come with me,” she whispered, quickly disrobing in the shadows. Once her clothes were shed, she shifted and took to the sky. Circling, she heard him curse foully, which made her return to the car. She landed on the roof and pecked at him a few times, cooed, then took off again, flying low over the trees. She spied him, finally shedding the rest of his clothes before shifting himself. Thank God for the cover of night. Robyn would have smiled at the sight of a huge yellow jaguar running after her—if she could. He was so breathtaking, it didn't matter if he was human or jag. She'd only seen him in his shifted state once before, when they'd liberated the compound in Oregon together. It was one of the reasons why she'd... Robyn faltered in the sky. She remembered. Holy crap, she remembered! Flying into the trees, she found a secluded spot far away from the road and the rest stop. It wouldn't be long before Mac found her. His sense of smell was much keener than hers. She shifted in the moonlight, her heart beating a mile a minute. She couldn't help but chuckle through her tears, wanting nothing more than to tell the man she adored that she remembered him. It had just come to her. One minute she'd been flying, the next, she could remember every look, every touch, every single moment in his presence. Even the time spent in the back of his Hummer. Her own tears rolled down her face as she lay on the ground, waiting for her mate. It didn't take long for him to break through the trees. With a loud growl, Mac was there, looming over her. He'd never left her, never abandoned his search for her. He would rather have died than let Lucian take her without a fight. He was gorgeous. Absolutely, one hundred percent magnificent. And he was hers. When he shifted on top of her, his eyes were full of concern. “What's wrong?” he asked. "Nothing.” Her chin trembled as she laid her hands on his bare shoulders. “Mackenzie, while I was flying, I..I remembered everything!" "What?” he asked, his expression blank.

She pulled his lips to hers and kissed him over and over again. “I remember you,” she whispered. “I know how you looked at me, I know what you said to me, I know how you smelled, how you kissed, how—" That was as far as she got. Mac's control shattered. She was beneath him and they were both naked. By the hardness pressing into her belly, she knew he wasn't going to stop until he was inside her. That thought alone made her arch into his body. His thighs demanded hers to spread for him. She caressed his hips with her legs, inviting him to sink into her, but damn him, he prolonged it, teasing her with both his tongue and his erection. Robyn yanked his hair to get his attention. Mac pulled back, but only barely. "You remember calling me a coward?” he asked, his hot breath scorching her ear. He drew her earlobe into his mouth and suckled, sending sensual tremors throughout her limbs. "If you don't make love to me, right now, jag, I'm gonna call you one again." Mac chuckled, playing in her wetness with his thick flesh. “That's my girl,” he said, clearly pleased with himself. Without warning, his hands stroked her breasts, rolling her nipples on his palms. The sensation shot tendrils of fire straight to her groin. "Mackenzie, please. Don't make me wait another second." His mouth descended, cutting off her air. She felt him, finding her entrance and pressing forward. He filled her with his tongue and his length, bringing her to new heights of...pain. Mac stopped cold as he stared down at her. She'd cried out the moment he'd thrust home. She hadn't meant to cry out. Good Lord, what was wrong? Tears filled her eyes as she stroked his face. She'd wanted this moment to be perfect and here it was, anything but. "Robyn,” he said, his tone reverent. “You're a virgin!" [Back to Table of Contents]

ELEVEN "I'm so sorry!” she wailed, suddenly ashamed. “Oh God, I didn't know. I didn't know!" "Shh,” he prompted, giving her small pecks on the lips. “Don't apologize. This is a gift, sweetheart." "I wanted this to be perfect.” She bit her lip, too afraid to look into his eyes. Instead, she focused on his chest. "This is perfect,” he told her, rubbing his nose on hers. “You're my mate, you have my name, you're covered in my scent. Now, I know your body hasn't been touched by any other man. You're all mine, Robyn Bishop. Don't ever be sorry. You've given me everything." Mac withdrew only to push forth again, but this time slow and easy. It was still painful, but not as much as it had been. He filled her heart, her mind and her body. She closed her eyes and concentrated on him, wanting him to thrust again if only to get used to his size. He did, and bent his head, intent on feasting on her nipple. Cupping her breast, Mac brought it to his mouth and tasted her, bringing forth a new rush of wetness, just for him. His next thrust was easier, as was his next and his next, until the pain was almost gone. "I can't hold on much longer,” he confessed through the sweat on his brow. "You gave me an orgasm back in Miami. Let me give you one now." "No,” he replied, shaking his head. “I want to come together." "I don't know if I—" Her words broke off the moment his thumb dipped between them and rubbed her. Without another word, he licked her nipple again, no longer suckling, but flicking, in time with his rhythm. He rolled it with his teeth as well, restoring her desire and making her buck underneath him. His thrusts were still controlled, deep plunges that kept most of her pain at bay. But now, she wasn't thinking of that. She was straining for the pleasure he'd given her once before. Trusting him completely, she opened her legs wide, aware suddenly that she'd clenched them together. He could finally push against her without hindrance. Again and again, he advanced and retreated, panting hard, obviously trying to keep his own pleasure in check until she teetered over the edge. Robyn looked into his eyes a split second before she demanded a kiss. Fiery shards of delight exploded within her as she whimpered into his mouth, lifting herself for him. Mac growled at her orgasm and finally let go, giving himself three more plunges before coming himself, hard and intense inside her. His cries were sharp, echoing all around them in the night. "Holy shit,” he whispered into her hair, his voice muffled. Robyn held him close, her entire body trembling. Tears were close to the surface, yet she was anything but in pain. She was overwhelmed. Making love to Mac had been better than she'd ever imagined. She hadn't known she was a virgin, but he was right. She belonged to him, wholly and completely. "Still hurting?” he asked, leaning back enough to look her in the eye. He was still buried between her legs. "No,” she said, stroking his cheeks. “But I told you we'd move ‘em." It took him a moment to realize what she meant. When he did, his thousand-watt smile stopped her heart. "Amen." Mac led Robyn back to their car, which thankfully, hadn't been disturbed. A few people milled about near the bathrooms at the rest stop, but no one noticed them. Mac wiped the dirt from Robyn's back before she dressed, knowing she had to have been uncomfortable on the ground during their interlude. But she hadn't complained. Once he'd donned his own shirt and pants, he hugged her from behind and gave her a few soft kisses where her neck met her shoulder. "You are amazing,” he said, giving her a squeeze. His Robyn had returned. She'd remembered it all. Giddiness filled his heart until he could barely contain it. He would have lived the rest of his life with her whether she remembered or not, but the fact that she did made it all the more special. "What about you?” she asked, leaning back. Her arms went above her head and behind his neck. He took advantage and palmed her breasts under her t-shirt. She hadn't put on her bra. Despite their earlier loving, Mac's body roared for another round. "You're incredible, Mackenzie." He scoffed playfully. “I'm not incredi—okay, yes, yes I am." She chuckled with him and searched for his mouth in the dark. He held her face and guided her lips to his, kissing her as if they had all the time in the world. A sudden, pungent scent wafted on the breeze, making Mac's hackles rise. He released Robyn's mouth only to take deep puffs of breath.

"Mackenzie?” she whispered. He shushed her with his finger to her lips. That scent. He'd smelled it before. A jumble of human mixed with... Oh...God. Just before he was about to shove Robyn into the car, a voice cried out in the darkness. "Desino!" Instantly Robyn sagged in his arms, her eyes fixed and unfocused. The safe-word. Lucian's goddamned safe-word! Exhaustion overcame Mac, a side effect of the word, but he fought it off. Not too long ago he would have been laid out, just like Robyn. But the guys had managed to condition themselves against the word by gradually waking each other up again and again after going catatonic. Over time, they'd seemed to become immune to it, and right about now, Mac was cursing himself that he hadn't done it for Robyn. He lay her on the ground and turned to face the threat, his skin itching to shift. "Show yourself, you coward!" The scent still permeated the air, but another scent—surprise—came to him. Mac grinned. "You can't take me out so easily." A loud chuff came from the bushes not too far away a moment before something black and enormous came bursting forth. Mac's vision turned red and rage pulsed through every fiber of his being. This son of a bitch killed his friends and laid Robyn out. He was going to pay. Without a thought of remorse for his clothes, Mac shifted, and in a split second, the garments shredded. He took off like a shot. His growl echoed across the parking lot, but he didn't think twice about the people at the rest stop. He meant to kill the shifter before him, didn't matter what the hell he was. But the closer he got, the more he could make out. It looked like a huge, hairy man. No, it wasn't a man. It was a...gorilla! For a split second, fear flooded his heart, but he wasn't about to stop. Not when his claws and teeth were bared. Mac launched himself into the air, fully intent on ripping the ape limb from limb. The shifter roared and easily batted him away as if he were a pesky fly. Something burned into his side before he hit the ground and rolled. His legs refused to work and he was barely able to lift his head to see the gorilla inching closer. A red-feathered tip of a tranq protruded from his own belly. Shit. The world went dark. "I got ‘em." "Where are you?" Dylan looked around. He needed to leave, and soon. A few patrons of the rest stop had screamed and taken off during his fight, and he knew a few of them had probably called the cops. Even in the cover of night, nothing could hide a silverback gorilla and a jaguar from prying eyes. Not to mention the fact that he had shifted and was now naked as a jaybird. "Some podunk rest stop on the ninety-six." "Are they intact?" Dylan growled. He was sure his eyes probably flashed. “Yeah, I got ‘em. I'm damn lucky this jaguar fits in my trunk." "And the girl?" "Look, Lucian, I got ‘em. If you don't believe me, come see for yourself. Oh, and they've mated. Just recently if the stench is any indication." "Really?" "Yeah. Practically choking on it." "Interesting..." "At any rate, I gotta get out of here. Too much attention if you know what I mean." "No, you'll stay put and meet up with the team. Give me another report in a few hours. I'll give you new orders then." Dylan didn't bother saying goodbye. He hung up, threw the cell phone on the driver's seat, then grabbed his clothes from the backseat. He had to pull them out from underneath Robyn. He stared at her face, remembering his time with her in their cage. She'd been a beautiful bird, but that didn't compare to her beauty as a human. Pity she'd mated with Mac. Thinking of her having sex aroused him, but not in the way he expected. Christ, he wanted to shift and see if she liked taking it from a gorilla. Or maybe they could try again as owls. No! Jesus, no. Dylan grabbed his head and pounded his temples a few times. These crazy thoughts were going to drive him insane, if he wasn't already. All he had to do was hold on to his sanity long enough for Lucian to extract the shifter in him. "Hold on, buddy,” he whispered to himself.

Once he was dressed, he tranqed Robyn too. The effects of the safe-word would only last for a few more minutes before she woke up. Best if she remained sleeping until he knew where he was taking her. With a sigh, Dylan pocketed the phone and fired up the Lexus. The cops would be looking for the vehicle Mac and Robyn stole, but they wouldn't be looking for the one right out of Mac's garage in Miami. Mac wouldn't be able to shift back into a human. Robyn wouldn't be able to shift either. Their tranqs had been laced with serum, and not the old four-hour crap either. Lucian had given him a batch of the good stuff, the shit that lasted for nearly twelve hours. But now, he needed to meet up with the others, the ones Lucian unleashed to find more wayward shifters. Only one out of the four B*E*A*S*T* agencies were still intact, meaning shifters were everywhere roaming the countryside. Hundreds of experiments had gone missing, which had prompted the scientists to demand every shifter in Florida be equipped with a GPS locator beacon under the skin. The beacons were in different places in different shifters so they were hard to find should someone discover one in another person. It also kept the others in line. If anyone on the team had a mind to defect, Lucian could easily find them unless they got lucky and destroyed the beacon. It was how Dylan had found Robyn so easily, and Mac along with her. Mac didn't have a beacon, but Lucian knew wherever the snowy owl was, the jag wouldn't be too far behind. In fact, he'd been counting on it. Waiting for him to come to Robyn's rescue in the swamps had been part of the plan all along. Lucian knew Mac would take her back to the others, where he'd capture his entire pack. He'd just needed Dylan to sit and wait for him to come. He had no idea if the rest of the team had procured their quarries. He didn't much care. Grabbing his phone once more, he called Victor. "Lucian wants us to meet. I got mine." "I'll tune in to your frequency. We're not too far away from you." Victor's tone was mocking. Or was it? Dylan growled. He couldn't tell and it pissed him off. "I'll be here." [Back to Table of Contents]

TWELVE Consciousness gradually returned to Mac as he lay on a hard floor. The cool metal underneath him sent a shiver down his spine, making him more aware of his surroundings. His hearing came back to him in a rush, and he couldn't hear anything beyond a deafening roar. The sound of it sent vibrations through the very floor he was laying on. Lifting his head, he couldn't help but notice the thick grey bars surrounding him on all sides. He was in a cage. With a growl, he stood, only just realizing he was still in his animal state. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't shift. He let out a yowl, but he barely heard himself beyond the drone of what sounded to be jet engines. Robyn. Where the hell was Robyn? Taking a deep breath, he smelled her, not too far away. His jaguar eyes rested on her, curled into a ball in another cage, but hers was made out of chainlink. She was in her human state, oblivious to the world. She was probably still under the effects of the tranq. Once he had that thought, a consuming fury overcame him as another familiar scent came to him. The gorilla. Swinging his head about, Mac glanced around, seeing other crates and boxes stacked upon each other and tethered to the walls with nylon belts. Where the hell was he? It looked like the inside of...a cargo plane. The constant drone filling the hold told him what he already knew—they were in the air. Turning completely around, Mac spied another chainlink cage a few feet away with a man sitting in the middle, staring back at him. There was no malice or anger on his face, merely a quiet, curious regard. He was the source of the scent. He was the one who'd captured them, who'd killed Trevor and Jet! With a roar, Mac pressed against the bars and swiped his paw, unsuccessful in reaching the other man's cage. "It's worthless!” the man yelled against the noise. “Your cage is pretty tough." Mac screeched again, fearing not only for his own life, but that of his mate as well. Jesus, they'd run away hard and fast only to be caught by B*E*A*S*T* again! "Keep it down, will ya?” the man shouted. “They'll know we're awake." Mac's mouth watered at the thought of sinking his teeth into the man's throat. Every instinct he had demanded he do so. "Look,” the man said. “These bastards double-crossed me. I thought I was winning my freedom, but it appears I was only chasing you to get myself returned right back to the agency." Mac couldn't bring himself to feel any remorse. He chuffed, in an effort to tell the man he didn't give a rat's ass. The man chuckled. “I don't blame you, buddy. We've both been through some shit, eh?" Mac bared his teeth and paced back and forth, never taking his eyes off the man. He was the reason Mac and Robyn were on this damn plane in the first place. And now he wanted to be friends? "I have an idea,” the man said again, looking this way and that. “Those assholes seem to think their serum is infallible. But I know better.” His eyes flashed as he spoke, and by the crazed look in his eyes, Mac had to wonder if he was stable. "Follow my lead!" "Mackenzie!" That was Robyn's voice. Her scream had him darting to the other side of his cage, growling in an effort to call out to her. She found him easily enough, her eyes full of tears. Mac pushed his head on the bars, trying to calm her as best he could. "Oh God, we're going back, aren't we? I can't shift!" She was terrified—her scent told him so. She tried the door to her chain-link cage. It wouldn't budge. Another sound came from behind him. The other man was screaming. Mac glanced over his shoulder and watched in horrified awe. His skin was bulging and black hair slowly grew. He seemed to be in pain, but that wasn't what fascinated Mac. He was actually pushing through the barrier of the serum! It took several minutes, but once the man's transformation was complete, he began pulling on his cage like the enraged gorilla he was. Apparently, the arrogant pricks who ran the agency took too much pride in Lucian's anti-shift serum. The gorilla tore through the chain-link like tissue paper. Two guards walked from the front of the plane, having apparently heard the commotion. By their scent, Mac knew they were shifters themselves. But neither of them were prepared for a silverback gorilla to jump them, and within seconds, the tang of blood filled the air. "Mackenzie!” Robyn yelled again. “What's going on?" The gorilla made its way through the crates to Mac's cage and grabbed hold of the padlock holding down the latch on the door. Taking a page from this man's playbook, Mac closed his eyes and concentrated on shifting. As always, he hit a wall, not being able to break through.

But this bastard did it. There had to be a way! He tried again as the gorilla held a keychain in his black, bloody, leathery hand. Moments before he'd fitted a key to the lock, the man returned to his human shape. "You can do it!” he shouted. “Put your back into it. If I can do it, so can you. Use that rage, that hatred, and channel it into shifting. Do it. Now!" "Dylan?" The man glanced over his shoulder and smiled. “Robyn! You're awake." This man was Dylan? This was the man Robyn had first claimed to be her mate? He was a gorilla, not an owl. But...there was something not right about him. With another breath, Mac could indeed smell the scent of an owl, mixed with a gorilla, and a man, and...something else. What...the...hell? "What are you doing here?” she asked, her eyes wide. Don't you talk to her! Mac wanted to scream. But all that came out was another roar. His anger seethed and he tried with all his might to shift. He pushed on the wall of the serum with a screaming cry. His skin itched and his bones popped, as if he was succeeding. He couldn't stop. He had to continue. Every sound vanished, every scent, every scene before him. Nothing existed but the need to shift. His entire body was on fire, but despite the pain, despite the difficulty, he felt as if he could conquer the world. It was amazing, knowing by his will alone he could conquer that goddamn serum. Before long, his feline growl turned into a human cry. He fell over with a sob, on his side on the cage floor. Another crash came to him, but he couldn't quite open his eyes, not yet. Every inch of his skin tingled, just like it did before a muscle spasm, but nothing happened. He didn't shift back, he'd broken through. He was human. Suddenly hands were upon him, caressing his chest, his arms, his face. "Mackenzie, are you all right?" Robyn. Without a thought, he grabbed her and sought her mouth. He tasted the salt of her tears. Her lips were soft under his and her hand fisted in his hair. The pain of it returned him to reality. Opening his eyes, he held her face, looking her over for any wounds. "You shifted!” The awe in her voice snapped his eyes back to hers. "I told you it wasn't impossible.” Dylan's voice raised Mac's hackles. Shoving Robyn behind him, he crouched, still in the cell, facing the open door and the man filling it. He glanced at Robyn's cage. It had been shredded, just like the other one. Mac shuddered at the thought of his mate exposed to this man without being able to protect her. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you right here and now." "Because you can't?” Dylan smiled, infuriating him all the more. "Like hell I can't." "You're a jag. I'm an owl. And a gorilla. And a croc. I really don't think you could take me." Mac's eyes went wide. “You're a..." "Crossbreed,” Dylan finished. “Yeah, Carver's been having some fun. Bet I don't smell so hot, eh?" That was the scent he couldn't place. The man was a friggin’ crocodile, too? Jesus. "Dylan, you fight my mate and I'm going to kick your ass.” Robyn scooted out from behind Mac, shooting daggers at the other man. He laughed. “I wouldn't dream of it, darlin'." Mac gave her a scathing glare. “Stay out of this." She responded with a glare of her own. “Don't you tell me what to do." "This man killed Jet and Trevor and handed us back to B*E*A*S*T* on a silver platter. I'm not going to sit by and—" "I haven't killed anyone,” Dylan interrupted. “Well, aside from those guards over there. Three more came in here while you were trying to shift, you know. Saved your ass a few times by my count."

Mac growled as he turned his attention back to the man. “I watched my friends burn in my Hummer—don't you dare feed me some shit that you didn't kill them. You're a goddamn liar!" Dylan looked taken aback. “Oh that? Destroying the Hummer was Craig's idea. But we didn't kill anyone." Just before Mac was about to pounce, Robyn's hand on his shoulder stopped him. “He's telling the truth, Mackenzie. Smell him." He didn't want to, but for her sake, he took a long, deep breath. Sure enough, the sharp scent of deceit was nowhere to be found. "The two shifters who came out of that house in Miami, the Asian guy and the sandy-haired one, they were taken by Oliver and Alex. Don't know what happened to them after that. But Craig insisted on blowing that Hummer. Something about it destroying the environment." Mac stared at Dylan in disbelief. Was the man off his rocker? "Oh, and he said it would make for a good show, too. Seems as if he was right." Definitely off his goddamn rocker. "You're telling me Jet and Trevor are alive?" Dylan shrugged. “Don't know. They were last I heard." "Wait,” Robyn said, rubbing her forehead. “So there was more than one of you on our trail in Miami?" "Oh yeah. A whole team of us. I just killed Craig. He's over there by the crates if you want to take a look. Victor's on the floor of Robyn's cage. But Alex and Oliver, they left after they caught your friends...you said one of their names was Jet?” He chuckled. “Ironic, don't you think?" Mac cocked his head in confusion. "We're in a jet!" With that, Dylan turned away and walked to one of the crates on the far side of the plane, ripping it open as if it was made of cardboard. "That man's not right,” Mac said, looking at his mate. Robyn's face was white with shock. "He said he's a crossbreed,” she said. “If Lucian is playing God again, it's possible anyone who can shift into more than one animal is unstable. It's hard enough coming to terms with being just one creature. Imagine having a few in your head at any given time." Mac shivered at the thought. "I found clothes!” Dylan's look of triumph lasted only long enough for him to wipe his bloody hands on a black t-shirt before turning and rummaging through the crate once more. "Come on, sweetheart,” Mac said, taking Robyn's hand. “I need some clothes myself and I'm not too keen on staying in this cage. Keep your eyes open and stay behind me. There might be more guards up front, and if Dylan isn't stable, I don't want you anywhere near him. You got me?" She nodded and squeezed his hand. Her trust bolstered his courage. Facing down one hell of a strong shifter who wasn't quite right in the head wasn't Mac's idea of a good time. But they were stuck a few thousand feet in the air inside a cargo plane on their way to God knows where. Right now, they didn't have many options. He had to play along and hope like hell the bastard didn't turn on him again. Mac would die before Dylan ever sank his claws into Robyn. That was a damn fact. All that time in the same cage with Dylan, Robyn had no idea he was a crossbreed. He could obviously overcome the effects of the serum, but had chosen to hide that from the scientists and remain an owl for their entire time in captivity. Now that Mac had seen him do it, he was able to shift as well. If Lucian ever caught wind that his serum didn't work when the shifters put their minds to it, he'd work that much harder to bring them pain. He'd refine the concoction, change it. Make it so no one could ever hope of breaking through the barrier. No, it had been a good decision not to inform the scientists. Perhaps it had been the last good decision Dylan ever made. As she watched him stuff more clothes into a large duffel bag, one that was also filled with a rifle, some ammo, a tranq gun, darts, and a few vials of serum, he was talking to himself, as if having a heated conversation. Mac gave her a bewildered look, then rummaged through the crate himself and found some jeans and a shirt. "Sorry, no women's clothes!” Dylan said with a wink. "What the hell are we going to do?” Mac asked him, stepping between them. She had to smile. She knew Dylan wouldn't hurt her. Well, she was fairly sure. But having Mac protect her not-so-subtly warmed her heart. "We can't very well storm the cockpit. I doubt you know how to fly." Dylan's eyes flashed as he grinned. That grin sent shivers up Robyn's spine. She stepped closer to Mac for good measure. "Oh, I know how to fly,” Dylan said. “Just not in the way you think." Mac gave him a look of exasperation.

"So does that mate of yours.” Dylan nodded his chin toward her. “Robyn was mine before she was yours, you know." Mac growled and took a step forward, stopped only by her hand on his arm. "You're wrong, asshole,” he yelled over the drone of the engines. “Robyn has always been mine. Lucian stole her from me and I found her again. She was never yours. Say that shit again and I'll rip out your tongue and feed it to you for breakfast." Dylan arched a brow as his gaze flitted between both of them. “Whatever you say." Mac's muscles tensed. Robyn squeezed his arm. “Mackenzie, he's not worth it. We know the truth." He turned and stared hard at her. Unbelievably, his countenance softened. He smiled and winked at her. "All right!” Dylan said, clapping his hands together once. “Here's what we're going to do." Walking to the rear of the plane, he found a bundle of parachutes tethered to the wall. "We'll jump out!" Mac and Robyn followed him tentatively. "You're shitting me.” Mac seemed appalled. "Nope! It's perfect. They're probably taking us to the one B*E*A*S*T* compound left standing. Once we land, we won't have any other means of escape. This is our only chance." As much as she hated to admit it, Robyn knew he was right. But the thought of parachuting out of a plane scared the crap out of her. "You'll have to hold the duffel bag, of course,” Dylan told Mac, handing it to him. Before Mac could ask why, he had smacked the giant red button that controlled the enormous rear door of the plane. Instantly, a powerful wind filled the compartment. Seeing the ground, so far away, sent a shot of dread straight to Robyn's heart. Good Lord, she was going to be sick. "Hey, wait. Wait! What are you doing?" Mac's voice could barely be heard above the cacophony. But to Robyn's horror, she watched as Dylan tossed every parachute out the door—all but one. "Dylan! What the hell? You just killed us all!" Robyn was too shocked to do much more than stand there, horrified. "Nonsense,” Dylan shouted with a smile. “Don't want those bastards following us, right? Robyn and I are birds. We can take care of ourselves." For once, Mac seemed too dumbfounded to stop him when Dylan took hold of Robyn's arm. "See you on the ground, jag!" With that, Dylan fell out of the plane, taking Robyn right along with him. She screamed as the plane dropped away. [Back to Table of Contents]

THIRTEEN "Mother fucker!" Mac scrambled into his parachute as fast as he could. He'd never put one on before. He could only hope he was doing it right. Each precious second that ticked by was another second he couldn't save Robyn. Christ, could he even do it? Sure, she was a bird, but she'd been shot up with Lucian's serum. Breaking through that wall was damned hard to do, and she had to do it while freefalling. "Shit!" With a few more choice curses, Mac frantically checked all his buckles and straps, then grabbed the duffel. Sending up a short prayer, he backed up and took a running leap out the door. Wind pushed at him from every side as he twirled in the air, watching while the huge body of the cargo plane continued on in the sky without a care in the world. He knew better than to pull the ripcord too soon. But his stomach leapt inside him as he turned to look at the ground. He had to concentrate on keeping his hand away from the cord. Below him, he could make out the black shapes of Dylan and Robyn, seeming to tumble around each other. The memory of Robyn's scream echoed in his head. He had to reach her. Mac flattened his arms against himself, holding on to the duffel as if it were a child. He pointed his head toward the ground and kept his feet together like he'd seen on a few movies. He had no idea if it would make him fall faster, but he needed to try. Good God. Dylan was psychotic. When Mac got his hands on him, the bastard wasn't going to live to see another day. But he had to keep his rage in check if he had any chance of saving his mate. It looked like he was gaining on them, albeit slowly. The intense wind whipped both his hair and his face, making it nearly impossible to keep his eyes open for any length of time. But he hadn't had time to stop and look for goggles before jumping out the plane. "Robyn!" His voice was swallowed by the sky. But she looked up at him just the same. Her mouth moved. He knew damn well what she said—his name. Her eyes were wild and she stretched her arms while her legs flailed. Ignoring the ground, Mac focused on her as he fell. Dylan looked like he was laughing, but Mac didn't care one way or another. The man could smack the ground at one hundred miles an hour and he wouldn't shed a tear. B*E*A*S*T* had messed that man up beyond repair. "Try to shift!” Mac shouted, getting closer. The vast expanse of dirt and sand beneath them rushed forward. Not too much longer now and he'd have to open his chute. He had no idea if it would hold his weight along with Robyn's, but right about now, he didn't give a damn. "Shift, baby!" She made a face—she was trying, continuing to reach out to him. Her life was more important than the duffel. His decision made, he let go of the bag. In mere moments he'd have her. "Hang on, Robyn, hang on!" She was too terrified to cry. Dylan reached out for Mac as well, but he barely paid him any heed. A few more seconds. A few more and he'd have her. If he reached a little more... Without warning, Dylan pulled Mac's ripcord and he went flying backward, snapped up into the air by the drag of the wind. "No, no, no! Robyn!" With his heart in his throat, Mac watched as she fell away from him, her arms reaching, her mouth obviously calling his name. "Jesus, please, no!" Frantically, he searched for the release cord. Surely this pack had a reserve chute. He could ditch the first and launch the second once he had Robyn. But the ground was so close now, and Robyn and Dylan could barely be seen. Fuck it. With one tug, he pulled on the three rings near the side of the harness and the chute fell away. Instantly, he was freefalling again. He wanted to scream, his fear was so great. Not for his own death, but for Robyn's. His entire body tingled at the thought. He had to reach her. They still had time. But as the ground rushed forward, he'd lost sight of them. The wind made it impossible to smell where they were. His eyes scoured what was left of the sky below him. They weren't there.

Oh God. Panic overwhelmed him and he began to hyperventilate. He didn't even have the breath to call Robyn's name. If she died, he'd die right along with her. There was no way he could go on living. Not after spending two of the most hellish months of his life without her. There was the ground, almost upon him. With a cry of desperation, he pulled the cord on his reserve and felt the kickback of the drag once again. But he didn't have long to gain his bearings before he spiraled downward on a crash course. He'd barely come to grips with the fact that he was going to live before he slammed into the dirt. A loud snap reverberated throughout his body and his right leg collapsed like an accordion. Mac screamed through his tears. Robyn awoke to sand in her mouth. On weak arms, she sat up and spat out the gritty substance. The sun was bright and hot. Shielding her eyes, she squinted and looked around. A desert greeted her, as far as the eye could see. Sagebrush dotted the ground and the pale blue sky stretched from horizon to horizon. Where the hell was she? Definitely not in Florida anymore. Sitting up in the dirt, she gasped. She was naked. When had that happened? The last thing she remembered was...falling. Oh God. She'd fallen out of the plane. With no friggin’ parachute! Mac. Where was Mac? Robyn stood and glanced all around. She couldn't see him. But a few feet away, Dylan lay in the sand, as buck-naked as she. Had they shifted? They must have. It was the only explanation. Robyn swallowed hard as her memories came rushing back. Dylan had pulled Mac's ripcord right before their fingers had touched, sending him flying high above as they continued their fall. The ground had been so close. She'd tried her hardest to shift, but slammed against the wall of the serum. It was finally the strength of her fear which allowed her to punch through it and shift, becoming the snowy owl that B*E*A*S*T* had engineered her to be. But she'd been trapped by her pink t-shirt and had continued falling like a stone. Dylan had helped her out of it before shifting himself. But by that time, they only had seconds before hitting the ground. Robyn flapped her wings furiously and managed to slow her descent only long enough to alight roughly on the ground. Her terror had clutched her heart and overcame her. She'd blacked out. By the looks of things, so had Dylan. Or maybe she'd gotten lucky and the bastard hadn't shifted fast enough. He'd deliberately kept her from Mac, both on the plane and in the sky. If he wasn't dead, he was damn well going to wish he was. Following her nose, Robyn was able to find her pants and her shirt a few yards away from each other. Her flip-flops were long gone. She got dressed before confronting Dylan, who was still lying motionless on the ground. Walking right up to him, she kicked dirt in his face. "Get up, you son of a bitch!" He recoiled and sputtered, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "What the hell?” he cried. Straddling his shoulders, Robyn cocked her arm and pounded his cheek with her fist. "I don't give a shit if you're some big bad gorilla or powerful crocodile. To me you're nothing but a goddamn snake. You deliberately kept me from my mate. How could you!" Stepping away, she kicked him in the ribs, instantly regretting it for the pain in her toes. Dylan doubled over. "I...I'm sorry, okay?” he said, holding up his hand. “I only did it to show you anyone can break through the barrier of the serum." "You could have given me a lesson rather than toying with my life. I'd be dead if I hadn't figured it out!" "Ah, but you did figure it out." "Go to hell, Dylan. You stay away from me, and stay away from Mackenzie. If I so much as see your face again, I'm going to kill you." He stared into her eyes with a look of astonishment. “You're serious." "You're lucid enough to understand that. Wonderful! Good riddance." With purposeful strides, she walked away without looking back. "Wait! Robyn, wait, B*E*A*S*T* is just going to find you again." "We're in the middle of nowhere, Dylan. I think we're fairly safe!" "You're wrong.” He trotted next to her. She didn't look at him. He was still naked and there was no way she wanted to remember that image. He yanked on her arm and made her halt with his iron grip. “You have a GPS locator inside of you."

His words stopped her heart. With wide eyes, she stared into his face. “What did you just say?" "You have a beacon somewhere under your skin. We all do—all the shifters from Florida. Lucian demanded it after Colorado and Oregon had been compromised. He didn't want any more of the experiments getting away. How do you think I was able to find you once you left the Everglades?" "I...I—” Her mind was blank. A locator beacon? Good Lord. "We need to get it out of you. Damn. Mac has the knife in the duffel." "He let go of the duffel to save me!" Dylan sighed. “Well, that is a problem. We'll have to find it." Robyn began walking once more. “You do whatever the hell you like. I'm going to find Mackenzie. He can't be far." "Right, right.” He ran a hand through his hair and turned completely around. “Robyn, over there!" She followed where he was pointing. "That looks like a downed parachute." It sure the hell did. Without another word, she broke into a run. Dylan didn't follow her, thank God. She wasn't sure, but Mac might just be mad enough to kill him for real this time. Her feet squealed at the hot sand and sharp pebbles, but she wasn't about to stop. It was a parachute. But as she got closer, she didn't see Mac anywhere. Not even any footprints marred the ground. That only meant one thing. He'd dumped his main chute. Oh, hell. "Mackenzie!" Had there been enough time for him to deploy his reserve? Her heart raged within her chest. What if he hadn't? Was she really prepared to find him dead and broken in the dirt? Tears burned behind her eyes and she closed them to regain her composure. She took deep breaths and a faint scent wafted to her. It was him, she'd know his scent anywhere. Her sense of smell wasn't as good as Mac's, but it was better than a normal human nose would be. Blood. She also smelled blood. Panic bubbled within her as she scanned the landscape with her sharpened eyes. There, maybe a quarter mile away, was another patch of color in the dirt. It looked like a huge green tarp. It was the reserve chute. It had to be. "Mackenzie!” she called again, running in that direction. She stumbled a few times and cried out as she tripped over sagebrush in her haste. She'd smelled his blood, but thankfully, the stench of death wasn't permeating the air. He was injured, nothing more. But that did nothing to ease her worry. Her pace slowed as her bare feet protested, but she pushed on. Mac's scent became more pronounced, but he was nowhere to be seen. It had to be coming from under the chute. Robyn frantically drew up the nylon until she saw her mate, out cold. His right leg was covered in blood and it stained the dirt a deep red. But that wasn't the worst part. His bone protruded from his thigh, jutting through both his skin and his jeans. B*E*A*S*T* had engineered their experiments to heal quickly, but Mac needed his bone to be set before it could. Kneeling beside him, she took his face in her hands and kissed his lips. "Mackenzie,” she whispered, combing his hair with her fingers. “Can you hear me?" He tossed his head, but didn't open his eyes. Perhaps that was for the best. He'd be in excruciating pain otherwise. With a few sniffles, she laid his head back down and inspected his injury. He'd need these jeans cut off him. She wouldn't be strong enough to set his bone on her own. That meant she needed Dylan. Shit. "Dylan! Hurry up and find that goddamn duffel bag!" [Back to Table of Contents]

FOURTEEN "They should have been here by now." Noah looked at the afternoon sun and sighed, then turned to Rogan. “You're right. They should have been here last night." "Maybe they stopped at some motel along the way.” Lanie looked back and forth between them. “I know Mac was touchy about... Well, you know." Wade chuckled. “Mac mighta stopped to get his freak on, but they wouldn't have gotten a motel room. He knew we needed to regroup as quickly as possible. Even with a midnight rendevous, he should have been here hours ago." "Something happened.” Noah paced back and forth in front of the motel room window. The cowboy decor was tacky yet quaint with its cow-print drapes and paintings of good ol’ boys wrangling cattle. He'd made fun of it when they first stayed here not too long ago, but now, it only served to piss him off. "We need to go back.” Keira stared at Wade with wide, frightened eyes. “That shifter in Miami might have caught them!" The room went eerily quiet. She'd just said what they were all thinking. "He's a needle in a goddamn haystack the size of Florida,” Rogan growled. “It'll be a friggin’ miracle. How are we supposed to find him?" Noah cocked a brow, then shook his head. “We're gonna have to split up again and case interstates in our shifted states. Our only hope is to find him with our senses." "No,” Rogan said. “There's another way." "Would you like to share with the class?” Noah knew he was being a jerk, but his nerves were getting the better of him. He couldn't stomach the thought of Mac and Robyn meeting the same fate as Jet and Trevor. "It makes sense Mac pulled over and got himself caught. The shifter on his trail wouldn't have jumped him if he stopped to get dinner, that'd be too risky. Mac probably stopped at a rest stop. It's more private to spend time with his mate, and also to fall into a trap. If that's true, all we have to do is search those stops." "Rogan's got a point." Noah glanced at Lanie. His theory did hold water. "Fine. But we've gotta get going. Their scent won't be around forever, even if they did get busy out there somewhere." Everyone grabbed what they needed and headed for the door. Once they were outside on the walk, Wade went into the office to check out of their room. Noah's skin tingled the moment he saw the newspaper in the stand outside the office. "Give me a couple of quarters,” he said, holding out his hand. "Why, tiger?” Rogan asked with a scoff. "Just give me the damn quarters!" "Okay, okay, Lordy, you don't have to bite my head off." Rogan dug into his pocket and handed Noah the change. Noah dropped them into the slot, opened the lid, and pulled out a paper. "We won't have to search every rest stop." Without another word, he held up the paper. There on the front page, were the words, “Gorilla and Jaguar Allegedly Sighted off Interstate 96. Sheriff Declares a Hoax." "Well I'll be damned.” Rogan's eyes went wide. Wade trotted out of the office with a bright smile on his face. “What'd I miss?" Rogan slapped the middle of Wade's back and laughed out loud. “The fact we should probably be playing the fricken’ lottery." "What are we looking for?” Keira asked, scanning the parking lot. "Anything the police might have missed." Rogan took a deep breath. Mac and Robyn's scents were faint, but they had been there. They'd obviously mated, but that wasn't what shocked him the most. A whole host of scents greeted him. Just like the paper said, there'd been a gorilla here, along with a few other shifters, a couple of birds, a lion and something he couldn't place. Noah growled beside him. "What's up your craw?” Rogan asked. "Bastard had Lanie's Lexus. Must have stolen it after we took off in Miami."

Rogan snorted and took another deep breath. “Probably in some impound lot by now." "Yeah, no shit. Lanie's father's gonna shit a gold brick." "Call him. Explain what's going on." "Are you kidding me? He'll insist Lanie stay with him indefinitely. They don't like me putting their baby in harm's way." Rogan glanced over to where Lanie and Marlie combed the bushes. “Is that such a bad thing? It's one thing rescuing your own mate from the agency, or keeping her around to protect her against a shifter who wants her dead, but we might have to break Mac and Robyn out of a B*E*A*S*T* compound. That's not exactly a safe place for the ladies to be, especially when none of them are particularly good with a gun. And they're not shifters." "I'm right there with you, Wolfe, but don't you think the women will have something to say about it?" "A gorilla took Robyn and Mac, Noah. A gorilla. It was hard enough keeping Sean at bay, and he was just one Kodiak. By the smell of things around here, there's more shifters involved this time." "You're right,” Noah said, nodding. "'Course I am. And if the ladies don't see things our way, we'll just have to make them." Wade chuckled, overhearing their conversation. “And how well has that worked out for you so far, Wolfe?" "Shut the hell up." "Found something!” Marlie ran over to the men with a small black device in her hand. "What is it?” Noah asked, holding out his hand. She dropped it in his palm and shrugged. "I don't know, but it was over there.” She turned and pointed. "Damn, this thing smells like ass." Rogan took a whiff. “Whew. Gorilla's ass, maybe." "Looks like a GPS locator,” Wade said. “Sean had one like that when he tracked our Hummer in Alaska. Turn it on." A signal came through loud and clear, pinging on the screen. "Did this belong to the guy who took Mac and Robyn?” Keira asked, looking over Wade's shoulder. "Think so." "Then why would he leave it behind?" "I don't know,” Noah answered. “Maybe he lost it in a scuffle. Article in the paper says witnesses saw them fighting." "You think this was what he used to find them in the first place?” Lanie's eyes went wide. Noah glanced at her. "Probably. But it doesn't make any sense. Mac stole a car just like we had to. The bastard wouldn't have been able to predict which car they'd take in order to plant the GPS beacon." "Where's the current signal coming from?” Wade asked. Noah squinted, trying to read the screen. “From...Nevada." "That's on the other side of the country!" Rogan gave Wade an exasperated look. “Thanks, genius." "If the signal is still somehow tuned to Mac and Robyn, then that's where they've got to be,” Noah mused. “If they were jumped, they must have been drugged and put on a plane to get out there so fast." "But how the hell is it tracking them? I don't get it,” Wade said. "What if...” Marlie began, letting her sentence hang. Rogan turned to her. “What, baby?" "Well, it's crazy, I know, but...what if the beacon is somehow on Robyn herself? We don't know what the scientists did to her beyond making her believe another guy was already her mate. Maybe they implanted her with one." Noah, Wade, and Rogan all glanced at each other in horror. "Christ,” Wade said. He whistled through his teeth. "We've got to get to them before they're wiped by B*E*A*S*T*,” Rogan said. “I don't want to deal with Mac if Robyn forgets him again." "I'd be willing to lay money down the fourth facility is somewhere in the Nevada desert.” Noah sighed deeply.

Rogan growled low in his throat. “Then what the hell are we waiting for?" [Back to Table of Contents]

FIFTEEN The sun beat down mercilessly as Robyn tore Mac's jeans. She took great care not to snag the fabric on his bone, but his pants were so saturated with blood, her hands slipped a few times. Thankfully, it didn't look like the bone had torn his femoral artery. "Damn it!” she hissed. Out of nowhere, something thudded heavily in the dirt next to her. It was the duffel bag, and its landing stirred up quite a bit of dust. "Found it." She scowled at Dylan. “Is there a belt in that thing?" He shook his head. “Nah." "Do we have anything to stop Mackenzie's bleeding?" "No problem." Digging into the bag, he pulled out a folding knife. Clicking it open, he grabbed the parachute and cut off a few of the cords that had held it aloft. "Will these do?" Robyn stared at him and arched a brow. He seemed...sane. Perhaps his bouts of insanity came and went. Reaching for the cords, she smiled. “Yes, thank you.” She pointed at the knife. “Can I borrow that?" Dylan handed it to her, handle first. “Sure thing." She made short work of Mac's jeans, then tied the cords around his thigh, above the break. It wouldn't stop his bleeding, but it would slow it down some. "I'm going to need your help setting his leg—think you can manage?” she asked, tying the last knot. "You bet,” he answered. “Looks like he's out cold. If you hold him down, I'll pull." "No. He'd never forgive me if I let you set his bone.” Dylan gave her an odd look. “Trust me, I know the man. Besides, he might be out right now, but once his pain flares again, he's going to come to, thrashing this way and that. I'm going to need your strength to keep him down." "All right." Dylan laid across Mac's chest and held his arms close to his body. "You ready?" "Yup." Robyn took a deep breath and grabbed Mac's ankle. She hoped she was strong enough to do this. With a nod to Dylan, she pulled with all her might. Along with holding Mac down, Dylan also pulled his body in the opposite direction, giving her the extra strength she needed to align the bone. It was harder than she thought it would be. Right when the bone disappeared back inside Mac's leg, he awoke, screaming at the top of his lungs. She could smell his pain, wafting off him, permeating the air. With tears in her eyes, she let go of his ankle and checked his thigh. "Get off me!” he yelled, twisting his body underneath Dylan's. “What the hell are you doing?" Damn, it hadn't been enough. The bone wasn't where it should be. "Mackenzie! Stop thrashing. You'll hurt yourself even more." "Robyn?” His crazed voice made her crawl to his face. "It's me! You've broken your leg. I'm sorry for the pain, but I've got to do this to make sure you heal properly." "Robyn! You're not dead! Oh, thank God!" She took his head in her hands and smiled down at him. Her thumbs wiped away his tears. “No, I'm not dead." His eyes lit on Dylan and they flashed a deep gold. “You! What do you think you're doing? How dare you toy with Robyn's life!" He tried to get up, but hissed through his teeth. Robyn pushed him back into the dirt. "I need him right now. As much as you hate him, I need him, Mackenzie. I'm not strong enough to set your leg on my own!" Mac's anger seethed, but he glanced back at Robyn, apparently understanding her plight. "Hurry,” he said through clenched teeth. “Jesus, it hurts."

With a nod, Robyn scooted away from him and took hold of his knee this time. She had no idea if they were doing this right, but this was the best they could do. With one more tug, she twisted his thigh for the bones to line up. Like a puzzle piece sliding into place, she knew the moment they connected. "Let him go,” she said, patting Dylan's shoulder. The moment Dylan sat up, Mac balled his fist and punched him in the jaw. Dylan fell over backwards, clutching his face. "You ever lay a hand on Robyn again, a goddamn finger, you're gonna die. Are we clear?" Rolling in the dirt, Dylan chuckled, but nodded at the same time. "You shouldn't exert yourself!" Robyn pushed on Mac's chest, but he'd raised up on his elbows and would not be moved. His wild eyes caught hers and he growled low in his throat. Good Lord, but the sound of it had her body responding with a few shivers despite the heat of the day. Before she saw him move, he'd pulled her across his chest. Her lips were on his a split second later. His hand held the back of her head while his mouth consumed her, telling her of the terror he'd felt when he thought she'd died right in front of him. "And you, woman,” he said, his voice gritty. “You ever pull a stunt like that on me again, I'll kick your ass." "It wasn't my idea to jump out of the plane with no chute!" Mac growled again and moved to sit up, but Robyn stopped him, redirecting his gaze back to her face. "I don't care how pissed you are, jag, but you're not kicking anyone's ass in your condition. Will you allow me to bandage you up properly or do you want to die from an infected wound?" With a deep sigh, he leaned forward, kissing her once more, gently this time. His tongue swiped in her mouth, giving her a brief taste of him before it was gone. "Fine,” he protested, lying back with his hands behind his head. Robyn didn't have any bandages. The best she could do was rip a few lengths from the other leg of his ruined jeans to pad the wound. Dylan suggested tying them to his thigh with strips of the parachute. It didn't take long before his wound was taken care of. He wouldn't win any fashion shows wearing a pair of haphazardly cut-off jean shorts, but he wouldn't bleed to death either, and that was more important. "Where the hell are we?” Mac asked after Robyn had administered her first aid. "I don't know,” she said, helping him prop his leg on the rest of the rolled up shute. Dylan put his hands on his hips and looked in every direction. “Nevada, by my estimation." "What makes you say that?” Mac growled. It was obviously hard for him to be civil to Dylan. "The desert. There's no cacti, no Joshua trees. The only mountains are those off on the horizon. Just miles and miles of sand and sage." "How do you know we're not in Wyoming or Utah?” Robyn asked. "The desolation.” Dylan covered his eyes and squinted. “Besides, where do you think would be the perfect place for B*E*A*S*T* to hide their fourth facility? Someplace no one will look." Mac groaned and laid his head back. Tears of agony filled his eyes, but he blinked them back. Shards of fire scorched his leg. Each wince, each small movement was torture. The flames spread throughout his entire body. It had been all he could do to rein in his screams when Robyn had patched him up. Right about now, he thanked B*E*A*S*T*'s scientists for engineering their shifters to be fast healers. He wouldn't have to live long with the pain, but he wasn't looking forward to the next few hours. Staring at the sky, Mac had to concentrate to focus on Dylan's words. His logic seemed sound enough. They probably were in Nevada. God only knew how long they'd been out on that cargo plane. "Are you all right?” Robyn's voice cut through the pain like a ray of light. He breathed a sigh of relief. She wasn't dead. That alone was worth his pain. "Thirsty.” Mac licked his lips. They were dry and chappy. Holy crap, he'd give his jag fangs for a glass of cool water. "We got water in that duffel?” Robyn asked, looking at Dylan. "No,” he said without hesitation. The man still squinted out at the desert, as if there was something in the wilderness he missed. “In fact, we've gotta get that thing out of Robyn before they come knocking on our door. Well, our imaginary door. You know what I mean." Confusion knit Mac's brow. Now what was the asshole blabbering on about? He glanced at Robyn. "Dylan says I've got a beacon under my skin somewhere. It's how he was able to find us in Florida. If it's not destroyed, B*E*A*S*T* will be able to find us wherever we go."

Mac sat up enough to rest his weight on his right elbow. He grunted when a tendril of white-hot pain seared through his thigh. "You're telling me they implanted a beacon under your skin? How are we going to destroy it?" "We cut it out!” Dylan's voice was giddy as he pulled out his knife and snapped it open. Mac's hackles raised. “Put that away. You're out of your mind if you think you're getting anywhere near Robyn with that thing." "It's the only way,” Robyn said, her tone sullen. She rubbed the back of his hand. “It has to be cut out." "Well...where is it?" "We don't know,” Dylan piped up, still waving his knife in the air. It seemed as if he was losing his moment of sanity. “I might be able to sense it." "Sense it? What?” Mac scoffed. “Are you some kind of psychic now?" With a laugh, Dylan pointed the weapon at him and said, “No, but that's a good one, jag. I'm going to remember that." "Just tell me what you're talking about. Christ!” He couldn't help it, but that bastard brought out the worst in him. "I sensed where the scientists put mine. It's in my foot. Down there.” Dylan lifted his left foot and tapped the sole of his shoe with the flat of the blade. "How?” Robyn asked, genuinely curious. Mac lifted himself a bit more to rest his weight on his palm and pulled her closer to him, the fire in his leg be damned. Just the thought of cutting her perfect skin made his own skin crawl. "I can feel the vibrations and smell it's power." "You're shitting me. Do you believe this, Robyn? The guy is quackers." "What if he's telling the truth, Mackenzie? I need to get this thing out of me. We can't afford to be found. Not now." When she turned to look him in the eye, her gaze punched him right in the gut. She was right. B*E*A*S*T* wasn't going to get their paws on Robyn ever again. No matter how far-fetched Dylan's explanation seemed, they couldn't afford to rule anything out. "If you've found yours,” Mac said to Dylan, “Then why haven't you cut it out?" Dylan scratched his forehead with the point of the knife, scraping himself. “I have to leave it in so they can find me. I was working with them, the scientists, so they said they'd take the animal DNA out of my system, make me human again." "They can do that?” Mac knew the look on his face had to be a combination of horror and fascination. Dylan shrugged. “Don't have a clue, but I'll do just about anything to not be out of my goddamned mind all the time." Mac chuckled. “Ain't that the truth." "So? What do you say?" "I say you give me that knife and I'll do it myself." Dylan got down on his knees and crawled close to Robyn, dropping the knife in the dirt next to Mac. "What are you doing?” Mac demanded and then cringed at the note of panic in his voice. "I've gotta smell it,” Dylan answered. His direct gaze hardened Mac's resolve. If Dylan tried anything, he was going to shift and rip out his throat, injured or not. "Just watch yourself." Dylan gave him a small nod and began inhaling deep breaths up and down Robyn's arms. Then, he motioned for her to stretch out her legs. When she did, he sniffed them too. Getting closer, he inhaled near her neck and shoulders. Mac's arm curled protectively around her waist. He gave Dylan a scowl for good measure. "You have nothing to worry about, jag,” Dylan murmured with a grin. “Your stink is all over her. Total turn-off." "Good,” Mac said, triumph shooting straight to his heart. “Cause I'd have to teach you a thing or two if you had any ideas." "I'm sure you would. I don't smell anything. She needs to turn around. I have to smell her backside." If Mac wasn't on edge from having Dylan so damn close to his mate, he might have laughed at his choice of words. Instead, he watched as Robyn sat on her knees and turned her back on him. Every inch of Mac's skin tingled. He wanted to be ready should anything happen. For all he knew, it was Dylan's plan all along to kill them in the middle of a remote desert. But the knife was in Mac's hands and he was prepared to defend Robyn until his dying breath if he had to.

"There. Right there. Between her shoulderblades." "You sure?" "Sure as shit." "Show me where. Lift your shirt, sweetheart." Mac smelled Robyn's embarrassment and tried to soothe her by rubbing her shoulder. She lifted the back of her shirt until her entire back was exposed. Dylan touched her skin, but Mac swatted his hand away. "Not a finger, remember?” He allowed his eyes to flash. The man looked agitated, but Mac didn't give a shit. He cocked a brow, daring him to contradict his demand. He didn't. "There,” Dylan said again, this time pointing but not touching. “It won't be too far under the skin. “It's about an inch wide." "You ready honey?" "Yeah.” She was exhausted. Hell, so was he. Mac scooted up a bit more and cried out, unable to hold back from the agony. "Mackenzie—" "I'll be okay,” he puffed through gritted teeth. "But—" "Robyn. I'm okay. Now turn around and shut up.” He kissed her nose. She scoffed at him, but obeyed. "Start there,” Dylan said with another point. “No, higher—there! Right there." The knife was sharp. It slid into her skin with minimal effort. "Sorry,” Mac said gently when she made a small sound. “This will be over before you know it." She nodded furiously. "Cut to there. No, deeper." Robyn squealed. "Sorry!” he yelled again, just about ready to sink this knife into Dylan's face. "What the hell is that?” A small piece of metal wire was indeed under Robyn's skin, right where Dylan said it would be. A round chip sat on top of it. "The beacon. Pull it out." Mac grabbed hold of it and pulled, soon realizing he'd have to cut it out. It had grown into her tissue. "Damn. I've gotta cut you a little more,” he said, already pissed at the amount of blood oozing down her back. "Hurry.” She'd put her head on her knees. She was holding back tears. With a few flicks of the knife, the beacon was free. "Give it to me." Mac handed it to Dylan, who laid it on one rock. With another rock, he smashed it to bits. "There. Now they can't track us." "Not true,” Mac said, wiping the knife on his shirt. “They can track us through yours, am I right?” He closed the knife and tossed it at Dylan. “Cut it out, gorilla. I'm not doing it for you." He didn't bother watching. Turning back to Robyn, Mac concentrated on stopping her bleeding. “You okay?" "Think so. They really implanted me with that thing?" "They really did. Damn, you need a bandage. Maybe some stitches." "Leave it." "But—" "I'll heal just as fast as you. Leave it. The most that's going to happen is I'll get my shirt bloody, right? It's just a cut. It'll heal. We've got more shirts in the bag."

She faced him and gave him a fierce hug. His arms circled her as well, holding her close. Her scent seeped into him, making him press her closer. At that moment, Mac realized something he'd never thought of before. He couldn't live without Robyn in his life. She was his mate, but it was more than that, something deeper, more intimate. And then it hit him. He was in love with her. [Back to Table of Contents]

SIXTEEN "I can't believe it. I can't effing believe it!" Wade grinned as Rogan watched the ground fall away from a cushy, white leather chair. The inside of the private jet was swanky to say the least. A plush ivory carpet stretched to polished wood walls, and the liquor was plentiful. As the heir to his father's vast estate, spending cash was becoming second nature to Wade. He'd been kidnapped, mind-wiped, and hidden within B*E*A*S*T* by Senator Clive Covington in order to keep the agency funded. But once Wade had found out who he really was, he'd stepped forward and claimed his father's oil empire, further crippling the bastards who'd made him a monster. Now, he could afford to travel in style. Noah shook his head, also peering out the window next to him. “Good Lord, Wade McAllister, you're handy to have around in a pinch." Clearing his throat, Wade took a sip of his brandy and crossed his legs. “It's Brandon Cameron the Third to you, sir, and yes, it's amazing what you can accomplish with a little scratch." Rogan scoffed. “A little? I think you laid down enough cash to buy this friggin’ thing." "I'm sure I did,” Wade said with a sigh. “But it was worth it to get around airport security. I think I'm the only one with ID. We'll have to remedy that soon." "Hell, you can probably pay for that too." Wade arched a brow at Rogan. “Probably." Wolfe squirmed on his seat. Wade knew his pointed stare made him uncomfortable. He grinned. "Okay, guys,” Noah said, waving his hand between their eyes. “Rogan, quit spending Wade's money, and Wade, quit making Rogan feel inadequate." "I beg your pardon?" Rogan's tone was indignant. Wade couldn't help but laugh out loud. "You guys know I don't care about my money, or who I was before B*E*A*S*T* sunk it's claws into me. If I can help any of you get on your feet to have a normal life, I'll damn well do it. Including buying our mates a few tickets out to Colorado for a spell." Noah groaned. “You had to go and bring that up, didn't you?" "They'll forgive us. In time." Rogan grinned and tossed Noah a look. “He hasn't been mated as long as we have. Isn't he cute?" "What?” Wade asked, looking at Rogan, then Noah. “They know this is for the best. They're not trained. They're not shifters. They'll just get themselves killed if we have to storm B*E*A*S*T's last compound." "I know that, he knows that, and you know that,” Noah said, pointing at all of them. “But our mates are fiercely loyal. It was all I could do to get Lanie on that plane, and I know damn well she's going to be cursing me seven ways to Sunday. And she's going to worry out there at her parents’ house. Wouldn't surprise me if those women are hatching their own plan." Rogan growled. “They better not be. Marlie knows better than to cross me." Wade chuckled. “Keira's a little freaked too, but I think she'll be all right." "You're friggin’ blind, cougar.” Rogan tossed him a grin. “Your mate gave you the silent treatment. She's not all right." With a sigh, Wade tossed back the rest of his brandy. It burned in his throat on the way down. Rogan was right, damn him. Keira was pissed. Hell, they were all pissed, but it couldn't be helped. They were a liability, a hindrance more than a help. Rogan pulled out the GPS tracker again and watched as the signal pinged. "Still going strong?” Noah asked with a yawn. "Uh...” He smacked the side of the device a few times. "What is it?” Wade asked, sitting up. "It was there, then it just...stopped." "What do you mean it stopped?" "I mean it stopped! It's not there anymore. It's just gone." "Let me see that.” Noah took it and smacked it himself. “Damn." "What does it mean?” Wade asked, fearing the answer. "Either Mac and Robyn destroyed it or B*E*A*S*T* did."

A shiver raced down Wade's spine at the implication. “We've gotta get the hell out there!" "No shit,” Rogan said, exasperated. “Give the pilot another few thou. See if this bucket of bolts can fly any faster." [Back to Table of Contents]

SEVENTEEN "We need water." Dylan's words were an understatment. Using a few strong sticks, they'd managed to prop up what was left of the parachute as shelter from the sun. But the day labored on and they were all sweating. What Mac wouldn't give for a sip of water to cool his tongue. "We should see if we can find something. Anything.” Robyn looked at Mac. "I can't go anywhere until my leg's healed up. Probably won't be able to walk on it until tomorrow and it'll be a few days before I'm one hundred percent." "I know. But Dylan and I are birds. We can cover a lot of ground, see if there's a pond or a lake or a town nearby." Her scent was worried. She didn't like the idea of leaving him, but she was right. Perhaps they could find something by combing the area. "You're going to exhaust yourselves if you push too hard.” Mac took her hand and squeezed. “Do you think you can make it back here?" She pursed her lips and gave him a skeptical stare. “You're doubting me?" He smiled, then winced when he tried to sit up. Thinking better of it, he merely laid back down, pillowing his head with his left arm. "No, I'm not doubting you. Just apprehensive is all. Almost lost you twice. I'm not to keen on losing you again." Her cool palm caressed his cheek. “You're not going to lose me. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to get rid of me now, jaguar. I'm here to stay." A wide, satisfied grin cracked his face. “Glad to hear it, baby. Go on and see what you can find. Both of you can cover more ground if you go different directions." Robyn nodded. “I want you to try and get some sleep while we're gone. I'll come back before the sun goes down. If we don't find anything, we'll have to suffer tonight and take our chances by moving on in the morning." She swooped in for a quick kiss, but he held the back of her head, making sure she couldn't get too far. "You be careful." "I will." "I mean it, Robyn. Be careful. B*E*A*S*T* is out there. At the first sign of trouble—hell, at any sign—you come back to me." She nodded. "Promise me.” Mac knew he was being overprotective, but he couldn't help it. Robyn meant more to him than his own life. She had to be on alert. He wouldn't be there to protect her. "I promise." Her heart was in her eyes, he could see it plain as day. His own heart swelled. He should tell her he loved her. She deserved that much. Taking a deep breath, Mac opened his mouth to bare his soul. "You ready?” Dylan's face appeared just outside their parachute tent. Damn him and his shitty timing. "Yeah.” She moved away, then looked as if she thought better of it. “Maybe I shouldn't go. I don't feel right leaving you alone, Mackenzie." "I'll be fine, sweetheart. We're in the middle of nowhere." "I want you to take this rifle and hold it close anyway." She handed him the weapon Dylan had packed into the duffel before they'd fallen from the plane. "It's loaded. Here's another clip.” She dropped the magazine on the ground. Mac chuckled. “With Big Bertha here to keep me safe, I'll be just fine." "Better be." "Get out of here. You're wasting light." She nodded, but hesitated a moment before disappearing beyond the chute. He heard them shift and take to the sky. Christ, it was hot. The sunlight filtering through the chute made the makeshift shelter feel like an oven. Taking a nap didn't seem so impossible after all as his eyes drooped and a yawn overcame him. With the rifle across his chest, Mac closed his eyes and drifted into a fitful sleep. Nothing. Not a goddamn trace of water for miles and miles. Robyn lost track of how long she'd been flying, but the sun hung low. She needed to get back before it set completely. Maybe Dylan had better luck. She hoped so. She would have been happy to find a small town, a gas station, hell, even a road would have been a bonus. But she hadn't found a thing. Her wings were

tired and she was already exhausted beyond measure. Perhaps if she'd been a real owl she would have had more stamina, but flying had taken some getting used to in the first place. Doing it for an extended period of time wore her out. Robyn turned in the sky just as a low thunder reached her ears. The sky was clear, there were no clouds. What was that noise? There, on the horizon, was a black shape, flying low over the landscape. With her sharp eyes, she knew exactly what it was. A helicopter. And it was headed straight for their makeshift camp. She doubted it was a rescue chopper. No one knew they were out here. It had to have been dispatched by B*E*A*S*T*—she'd bet her life on it. They hadn't killed their beacons fast enough. Son of a bitch! Pushing herself beyond her limits, she tried hard to fight the currents. But the chopper was faster. It took off across the desert, leaving her in its wake. Her only hope now was if Dylan had made it back in time to defend Mac. Damn it, she never should have left him. Her body wavered in the sky as she strained to fly. She'd cry her frustration if she could. She had to reach her mate, there wasn't another option. Mackenzie! she screamed in her mind. Please, Dylan, please be there to protect him! Mac awoke to the sound of a thousand horses pounding through his skull. A sudden wind had kicked up, knocking all kinds of dust and debris every which way. It caught the parachute like a sail and sent it flying, exposing him once again to the harsh light of the sun. With a cry, he realized all at once that the noise wasn't horses’ hooves, but the beating of chopper blades, and they were the source of the phantom wind. Dust flew into his eyes, hindering his sight as it landed. He raised his rifle. There was no way Robyn and Dylan had been gone long enough to scramble a helicopter. That just left one possibility. His skin tingling with fear, he tried like hell to wipe his eyes free from dirt. The door on the side of the machine slid open. At that moment, a small barn owl lit on the ground between Mac and the chopper. It shifted into a huge silverback gorilla. Dylan! God bless the man. He beat his chest a few times and charged. Mac could hear the report of the guns, but it didn't seem to phase Dylan when he grabbed one of the men who'd already stepped out onto the dirt. Mac didn't have to hear the snap to know that man's neck had broken like a twig. Dylan dropped him to the ground and his head rested at an odd angle, making Mac's stomach convulse within him. Dylan roared once more, but faltered. He tried to grab a second man who stepped away from him, shooting what looked to be a tranq dart into the middle of the gorilla's chest. Dylan tried to pull it out, but had no such luck as his hairy arms weren't working as they should. He fell over with a few more darts sticking out of him. "Dylan!” Mac's voice was drowned out by the swirling blades. With one more valiant effort, Mac raised his rifle, only to be confronted by three others as more men leapt from the helicopter. Pulling the trigger a few times, he had no idea if he hit his targets. The men rushed forward, guns trained on him. He sat up in a clumsy effort to stand, only to have shards of fire race through his limbs. Yeah, that wasn't happening. He glanced back at the chopper and spied one more person inside, a man Mac was intimately familiar with. Dr. Lucian Carver. Fury bubbled within him and every other thought faded. That bastard had taken Robyn away from him. He'd mind-wiped her and experimented on her. That man was going to die. Just as he was about to shift, agony be damned, a few sharp needles entered his skin as the men fired their tranqs at him. "No,” he screamed. “No! You goddamn bastard!" Mac's head lolled back and his last thought was of Robyn, hoping against hope she hadn't been caught. Let her be free. Please, God, let her be free... [Back to Table of Contents]

EIGHTEEN She was too late. Spicy scents permeated the air, of strange shifters and the oily exhaust of a machine. Mac and Dylan had apparently been loaded and carried off into the twilight sky, as their aromas were present, but they were nowhere to be found. The sun had barely begun to set when Robyn witnessed the chopper take off for the far mountains on the horizon. She was exhausted, and it had taken all her strength to fly back at the fastest speed she could manage. Now that Mac was gone, she shifted and fell to her knees, naked in the dirt. There was no way she could fly another mile. Her arms were like noodles and her lungs ached with exertion. How a true bird flew for hours on end she'd never know. Despite the crack in her heart and the sobs that threatened below the surface, Robyn's tears refused to come. Perhaps it was due to her dehydration. Maybe her fatigue. But all she wanted to do was fall over and blow away with the gentle desert breeze. Those bastards hadn't taken the duffel bag. It still lay a few feet away, unzipped. Beneath the layer of sand and clothes, a tranq gun was inside, as well as a few darts and vials of serum. Better than nothing. The rifle and magazine she'd given to Mac were simply gone. They'd probably taken them right along with him. Robyn frantically dressed in the men's clothing Dylan had shoved inside the bag. The helicopter had likely blown away the clothes she'd removed in order to shift a little while ago. She didn't want to waste time looking for them. Thankfully, the blue jeans and the dark green t-shirt weren't too baggy. They sagged, but not so much that they were going to fall off. Thank God for hips. Dylan hadn't found time to dress before being taken—his boots were still in the dirt near the remains of the parachute. She couldn't go barefoot any longer. Desperate times called for desperate measures. The boots were enormous, but they would keep the soles of her feet from scraping on sharp rocks and sagebrush. And she'd need them if she planned on going after her mate. In the two months she'd been missing, never once had Mackenzie tired in his search to find her. Robyn was determined to return the favor. He was the man she loved and she'd be damned if he was going to become like Dylan, a crossbreed—powerful, yet dangerously unstable. And God forbid he get mind-wiped. Just the thought had her shuddering, giving her an inkling of what Mackenzie must have felt not so long ago—helpless. Hefting the duffel, Robyn scanned the faraway hills with her keen eyes and put one foot in front of the other. The chopper headed this way after taking off again. She was going to follow its trajectory and hopefully come across the last B*E*A*S*T* compound. Flying would be faster—if she'd had the stamina—but she didn't think she could shift let alone take wing. Besides, she needed the tranqs and the serum if she was going to have any chance at all at rescuing Mac, and she couldn't carry them as a bird. With a forlorn chuckle, Robyn didn't actually think she had a chance. The odds were too great. But she wasn't about to leave her mate in B*E*A*S*T*'s clutches, all alone. Ignoring the sand in her eyes, her growling stomach and her cotton mouth, Robyn squinted into the distance and kept on walking. The sun had set, shrouding the countryside in darkness, but she couldn't afford to stop and rest. Too much was at stake. Twin tears escaped her firm countenance as she pressed on. She angrily swiped them away. She'd walk all goddamn night if she had to. [Back to Table of Contents]

NINETEEN Doctor Carver stared long and hard at the two shifters they'd recovered. Each had been placed in his own cell after the helicopter touched down, and thankfully, they were still out cold. Mac had a broken leg, but Dylan seemed perfectly healthy. But that wasn't what concerned him. Both men had been shot up with the serum according to Victor and Craig. And not the old, weak concoction, but Carver's new formula. Mac should still be a jaguar, and Dylan should still be a man. And yet they weren't. He scowled. Now Victor and Craig were dead, along with a few others of his elite crossbreeds. The moment that plane had landed—without his precious cargo—he'd almost had a stroke right there on the tarmac. Thankfully the beacons had still pinged their location or he never would have found them. As it was, that snowy owl was still out there somewhere. What was her name? Robyn. Robyn Groves. That's right. The one he'd tried to mate with Dylan not too long ago. Perhaps mating as birds was too strange for a shifter to handle. Perhaps he should mate Dylan with a female gorilla shifter. At least their sex act would be similar. Shaking his head, he tried to concentrate on the problem at hand. He actually had a buyer for Robyn, and one lined up for Dylan. Now that he had Mac in his sights again, he could sell him too. After he'd been mind-wiped, of course. He'd always been a thorn in Lucian's side ever since they'd met up in Colorado. The jag was behind bars—where he belonged. But somehow, these assholes had managed to figure out a way to get around the serum. Either they were able to push through the barrier, or they hadn't been shot up in the first place. But that seemed highly unlikely. Dylan was a force to be reckoned with as a gorilla and a croc. Victor and Craig wouldn't have taken their chances with him. Damn. Back to the drawing board on the friggin’ serum. Without a way to control the shifters, the buyers would back out of their deals. Maybe he just wouldn't tell them about this turn of events. Both Dylan and Mac needed to be wiped before he could do a thing to them. The gorilla had taken five tranqs to the chest. He'd be out for awhile. Mac had taken only two. He'd wake up first. Glancing up to the four shifters guarding them, he pointed to Mac and said, “Tell me when this one gets groggy." "Yes, sir,” one of them answered. Turning on his heel, Lucian strode up the corridor to prep the lab. He'd wipe Mac tonight and begin on him in the morning. Now that he'd been successful in crossing a few animals into one shifter, he was eager to do it again. Since Sean's death, they were low on grizzlies. Perfect. "I'm pulling the plug, Carver." Lucian glared at the phone he'd put on speaker not too long ago. A call had come through from Washington. Despite all the preparations that needed to get done for Mac's wipe and transformation, he knew he had to take the call or incur the man's wrath. "Look, Peter, you're jumping the gun. We can rebuild! We're on the verge of a hundred breakthroughs. I've been successful with the crossbreeds, and the cloning—" "I'm Mr. Vice President to you, Carver. Never forget that. And your breakthroughs aren't enough to outweigh the goddamn mess we're all in! We thought you could keep it quiet, but that was before this shit hit the fan. Covington couldn't keep the lid on Colorado and Oregon. And you in your incompetance allowed the crossbreeds to run amok in Florida. B*E*A*S*T* is dead." "But sir—" "No! We lost Cameron's fortune. And if the Senate keeps pushing it's appropriations through to the White House, the President will start taking a closer look at what he's signing. It's too damn risky. We wanted a fast, effective way to fight the terrorists and send in assassins without getting our hands dirty. But it's backfired on us. And now, we've got to clean up this clusterfuck. I don't even know where to begin!" "Mr. Vice President,” Lucian said, “with all due respect, you can't pull the plug." "Excuse me?" "We have buyers! China, Russia, among a whole slew of others." "I am not selling American soldiers to China and Russia. Those are our boys. Best you remember that!" "But we can make one man into more than one animal. We can change a man into another man. And I've just had a breakthrough in cloning. Imagine the possibilities. I've been able to bring back—"

"I don't give a flying shit what you've been able to accomplish, Lucian. Your experiments have cost us the entire program. I wouldn't care if you found the cure for friggin’ cancer—you're done, you hear me? I want you to put down the rest of the shifters you've got in that compound, including whatever the hell freak shows you've recently invented. We'll give them respectable funerals. They're still Americans after all." Panic welled inside him. Lucian had to wipe sweat from his brow. This couldn't be happening. Not before he'd seen the glory of his creations unleashed on the world. And he stood to make a fortune. Hell, they all did, every damn senator, all the way up to the Vice President of the United States himself. He'd rather kill them than sell them! But Peter Henderson apparently didn't care about the money. "Lucian!" He'd been silent for too long. "Yeah, I get it,” he said, practically growling himself. "Good. Glad we're on the same page for once." A moment of silence passed before Peter spoke again. "Don't cross me on this, Carver. I've got enough dirt on you to put you away for the next millenia. You'll never see the light of day again." "I bet you do." With that, he pressed a button on the phone, ending their conversation. Christ. Lucian's hands shook as he pulled a cigarette from the pocket of his lab coat. He lit it and took a drag in an effort to calm himself. There was no way in hell he'd stop what he was doing. He'd leave the goddamn country to make his fortune. Hell, the States were always borrowing money from China. Perhaps they'd like to start their own B*E*A*S*T* project with him at the wheel. The more he thought of it, the more he liked the idea. But not before that self-righteous prick of a Vice President got his due. The shifters had been engineered to be the best at what they did, and their speciality was spilling blood. Once that thought crossed his mind, he became giddy with the power he could wield. He wasn't about to put these remaining shifters down. He was going to follow through with his plans and take his creations to China. All he had to do was make a few calls. After he watched Henderson choking on his own blood. [Back to Table of Contents]

TWENTY "There, there, over there!" Rogan smacked Wade's shoulder and pointed out the passenger window of their car. They'd touched down in Reno a few hours ago, and Wade had insisted he flat-out buy an off-roading vehicle. What they'd ended up getting was one of the best on the market, a limited edition Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Four-by-Four—of course, in black. Rogan had wanted him to get the silver metallic, but even at night, it would have stuck out in the desert like a sore thumb. Good thing the dealer took credit cards. It hadn't taken that long to walk through the lot, decide on a car, and hand the salesman his card. Of course, they had to call the credit card company to make sure “Brandon Cameron the Third” had that kind of money to spend. Once he passed that test, they hadn't hesitated to bend over and kiss his ass. Even Rogan had gotten a kick out of it. A few signatures and handshakes later, the dealer had dropped the keys in Wade's hand. They'd only stopped long enough for water and various foodstuffs, along with a few changes of clothing. Thank God for Walmarts. Now, they were rampaging through the Nevada desert like they owned the place. As it was, they weren't driving with their headlights, but Wade thanked B*E*A*S*T* once again for giving him keen eyes in the dark. Yet even his keen eyes couldn't keep them from their bumpy ride. Rogan glanced once more at the GPS locator in his hand, which still showed the previous location of the beacon before the pinging had stopped. Apparently, it was over to the right. "Look!” Noah exclaimed, pointing through the windshield from the back seat. “That huge black thing. Is that a...tarp?" Rogan stuck his head out the window and took a deep breath. “Nope,” he said. “It's a parachute. Good news is, I smell ‘em. They haven't been here in awhile, but they were here." Wade braked hard, bringing the Jeep to a stop in a cloud of pebbles and dust. Without another word, both Rogan and Noah hopped out. Wade turned off the engine and joined them. "Oh God,” Noah said, breathing deep. “You smell that?" Both Wade and Rogan followed suit. Rogan's eyes flashed. Even in the dark, Wade could see that much. "The bastard from Florida." "The one who killed Jet and Trevor." A heavy silence descended on them as they glanced around in the dirt for any kind of clue. "Something's not right. There's a faint odor of something. Like a machine.” Wade found a spot in the sand that smelled like Robyn. And not too old, either. “Guys, come here." Noah and Rogan glanced over his shoulder at the ground. "I think Robyn took off that way. Alone." All three of them glanced up into the night, seeing nothing but sagebrush as far as the eye could see. "What the hell happened here?” Rogan asked to no one in particular. "Don't know,” Noah said. “But it's not good. Judging from that parachute, I would think they must have jumped from a plane. My hunch is they didn't escape for long." "You think B*E*A*S*T* returned for them?” Wade asked, his eyes wide. "Makes sense. Especially since the beacon stopped working at some point." "Damn it." "But I don't think they took Robyn.” Noah took another breath. “No, I'd be willing to bet my life on it. She's out here somewhere—alone. Probably going after them herself." "Well, let's go find her." Rogan didn't wait for the others before climbing into the driver's seat. "What do you think you're doing?” Wade asked, his hands crossed over his chest. "Driving. You coming?” The wolf batted his eyes at him. Noah took advantage of Wade's hesitation and climbed into the passenger seat. “Shotgun." Wade blew out his breath between clenched teeth. He scrambled into the back seat and scowled.

"Aw, don't look at me like that,” Rogan said, glancing at him in the rearview mirror. “We still love you." Noah chuckled. They were damn lucky Wade didn't crack their heads together. He smiled at the thought. “Just don't scratch my car." "Yeah, whatevs,” Rogan said, grinning as he floored it. Wade fastened his seat belt if only to keep from being jostled around the cab. With their windows down, they could smell Robyn's faint odor. He didn't dare voice his concerns about not finding her alive. He didn't want to be the one to face that jag and tell him the bad news. That is, if Mac was still alive. They drove for awhile before Robyn's scent became stronger. She was close. "Rogan, slow down. She's around here somewhere.” Noah glanced out at the night. "Where?" "Somewhere up ahead. Smell her?" "Yeah,” Rogan answered with a nod. "It's really strong.” Wade's eyes scanned the sage. Not too far in front of the jeep was a huddled figure lying in the dirt, motionless. “Robyn!" Rogan stopped the jeep and Wade jumped out and raced to her, rolling her onto her back. "Is it her?" "Is she okay?" The others pressed close. "She's breathing,” Wade said, his heart beating a mile a minute. “She's alive." "Damn, look at those cracked lips. She's so pale. Let's get her into the Jeep and get some water down her. I doubt she's had any for a good long time." Rogan took her shoulders while Noah grabbed her ankles. Wade picked up the heavy duffel by her feet. They carried her to the backseat just as Wade held the door open for them. He tossed the bag into the back and rummaged for a bottle of water. "Robyn, honey, you've gotta drink this." "Mackenzie?” she whispered with a moan, her head flopping back and forth. "No, it's Wade. I'm here with Noah and Rogan. We came to get you. Just sip the water." Through panting breaths, she accepted it and then said, “They took him. And Dylan. We've got...to help them." "We know,” Wade said in an effort to soothe her. "Who's Dylan?” Rogan asked, his voice hard. Wade gave him a damning glare. Robyn wiped her mouth of moisture from another swallow of water before answering. “He's the one I thought had been my mate. He was hunting us, but B*E*A*S*T* turned on him as well. We were all going back to the agency in cages. Managed to escape, though." "We saw the parachute.” Noah pointed his chin in the direction they'd come from. "Dylan helped us. But he's...not stable." "Not stable? What do you mean?” Wade asked. "He's a crossbreed." When all of them stared at her in confusion, she continued. “He can become more than one animal. He's a barn owl, a gorilla and a crocodile." Rogan's eyebrows shot up a moment before he snapped his fingers. “That's why we couldn't figure out what the hell we were smelling." Noah nodded, concern clearly written on his face. “You say B*E*A*S*T* took Mac?" Robyn took a deep, shuddering breath. “He broke his leg when he touched down during our sky dive. He was a sitting duck out here. Dylan and I had shifted and were searching the desert for water. We couldn't move him, but he needed to drink something desperately. I never should have left him. Those bastards honed in on our GPS beacons before we had a chance to destroy them. They came in a chopper." Rogan glanced up at Wade. “You destroyed the beacons?" She nodded. “The scientists figured after Colorado and Oregon had been compromised, they'd implant a beacon in their shifters. A different place in different people. We had to find mine and cut it out. We did the same with Dylan's.

"We've got to hurry. The chopper came this way and disappeared beyond those mountains. Guess I couldn't take my fatigue anymore and blacked out." She indicated another sip and Wade gave her the bottle. He dug another energy bar from the back. "Here, eat this, too,” Wade said gently. “Might wake you up a bit." "Thanks." "Get in, cougar,” Rogan said, rounding the Jeep's hood. “We're gonna see what's on the other side of those mountains, shall we?" Robyn sat up, allowing Wade to slide in next to her. Before his door was completely shut, Rogan had taken off, not bothering to take the time to be cautious. Out the corner of his eye, Wade saw Robyn shiver as she gazed out the window. He placed his large hand over hers on her lap. "We'll find him. He'll be all right." When she turned, her eyes were full of tears. “I hope so,” she said, the potency of her fear permeating he cab. “I sure as shit hope so." "What the hell is that?" "Wow." "Something's going down out there. Something big." Robyn sat on her knees to peer over Wade's shoulder out the side window. They'd turned off the engine once they reached the summit of a mountain after a long, precarious climb to the top. What she saw in the valley below chilled Robyn to the bone. A huge airstrip stretched next to a row of buildings—hangars, she supposed. The cargo plane she'd jumped out of with Mac and Dylan was sitting at the end of the runway, illuminated by floodlights. A huge, white building sprawled across the landscape, with more floodlights piercing the night. A helipad was on one section of the roof, with the helicopter she'd seen in the sky parked on top—it's blades perfectly still. A buzz of activity swirled around the compound. A line of military trucks and Hummers made their way down a dirt road toward the buildings. A few of them had already parked, with men in cammo hopping out, toting guns and pointing every which way. "Robyn,” Noah whispered, “use those eyes of yours and tell us what you see." She swallowed hard, but squinted into the dark. "Lots of men. Looks like soldiers. Seems like they're fortifying the place. Surrounding it." "Well, shit!” Rogan exclaimed. “Our plans for infiltration just flew out the window. It's like Area fricken’ Fifty-One down there." "It's not,” Noah said. "How do you know?" "Because we'd be dead by now. They've got snipers." "And B*E*A*S*T* doesn't?" "That would be my guess. Or maybe they're pre-occupied with all the commotion." Silence descended before Wade piped up. “What if we lured some of the men away and jumped them? We could take them down, with or without guns, I'm sure." "Why?” Noah asked, turning his flashing eyes to his friend. Wade tsked his tongue in exasperation. “So we can steal their fatigues and walk right in, obviously!" "How do you propose we lure these guys away from the whole lot of ‘em without being discovered?” Rogan asked. "I don't know, it was just a suggestion." Robyn glanced back down at the facility. “Looks like they're securing the airfield. Lots of men and trucks headed that way. A few of them are rounding behind the buildings closest to us and they don't have an entire entourage watching them. Maybe we can take them out." "Good plan, good plan.” Rogan stroked his chin. “Except for the part where they scream for back-up and shoot us before we reach them!" "We're shifters, Wolfe,” Wade reasoned. “This is what B*E*A*S*T* engineered us to do." "It's too risky.” With a growl, Rogan looked back down the mountain. “If we had tranqs, it would be a different story." Robyn's heart leapt inside her chest. With a heave, she reached into the back of the jeep where Wade had tossed the duffel. The men watched with curiosity as she unzipped it.

"You mean these tranqs?" With shock and awe, Rogan gazed into her eyes. “Robyn Bishop, I think I'm in love with you." Both Wade and Noah grinned from ear to ear. [Back to Table of Contents]

TWENTY ONE Lucian's hands shook as he calibrated the machine. Mac lay naked inside the pod, his hands and feet bound by thick nylon belts. More belts secured his head, waist and hips, to ensure he couldn't move during the process. The man had woken from the tranquilizers not too long ago. Still groggy, he'd been led dutifully to be mind-wiped at Lucian's orders. He hadn't resisted when they'd strapped him into the chair, yet once he'd been restrained, he seemed to have come to his senses. His deep-throated screams had permeated the corridors, but it had been successful. Now, he didn't resist at all as he stared glassy-eyed up at the ceiling. Once the lid of the pod closed over him, the twin tanks on either side revved to life, full of the soup that housed Kodiak DNA. The mixture needed to be stirred before being injected, and Lucian did so with the flick of a switch. From a small window on top of the pod, he watched as hundreds of tiny needles pierced deep into Mac's skin. Some even burrowed into his bones. The man screamed, but this time, the sound was muffled behind the door. It wouldn't take long for him to become the bear, a half an hour at most. Lucian prided himself at cutting the procedure's time to a fraction of what it had been at B*E*A*S*T*'s onset. Covington had been adamant that it not take twenty-four hours to change a man. They'd never sell the project to the other senators as being a lucrative way of creating super-soldiers if the men they changed took an entire day to transform. Even having five pods at each facility hadn't sped up the process in making new shifters. Both Covington and the Vice President had wanted it to be faster, more streamlined. They wanted B*E*A*S*T* to become a factory of sorts. Now, the goddamn Vice President had ordered the destruction of the facility. Lucian had to work faster to avoid the soldiers he knew were already surrounding the building. It was only a matter of time before he was made to destroy this very pod Mackenzie Bishop was transforming in. Even a half-hour was an eternity. Christ! Instead of standing over the pod and watching his own handiwork, Lucian turned and snapped his fingers at his two assistants waiting by the laboratory door. He'd need to get ready to take off—quite literally. The helicopter only held so many people. He had a choice few shifters he was bringing with him. No one would even notice he'd taken them until it was too late. He couldn't make a deal with the Chinese empty-handed. "I can't believe that actually worked!” Wade exclaimed as they dashed down a hallway inside the B*E*A*S*T* compound. Rogan and Noah were close on his heels, surrounding Robyn as they clutched their military-issued rifles. After tranqing the three soldiers who'd gone to investigate behind the building, they'd stolen their clothing and weapons, then given the men guarding the front door a crazy story about catching a wayward shifter, Robyn, behind the facility. She needed to be taken straight to Lucian, as per orders. The men didn't bat an eye, but merely stepped aside to let them through. Now, as they searched the halls, scientists scurried this way and that, intent on destroying papers, computers, and any other trace of the B*E*A*S*T* project. Noah shook his head. “Clearly, someone on high isn't happy with the state of affairs." "Damn, tiger, you're as astute as they come!” Rogan tossed Noah a grin. "Makes sense,” Wade offered, looking down a corridor that crossed with theirs. “Three out of the four compounds have been compromised. Shifters are everywhere. Someone wants to bury this agency." "Yeah, but who? Senator Covington's dead. We have no idea who's calling the shots now." Wade spun to face Rogan. “Whoever it is, they no longer have control of my fortune, Keira and I saw to that. They're well and truly effed." "Halle-fricken-lujah,” Rogan said, pointing his rifle at a few cowardly scientists who frantically tried to get out of his way. “Miracles do happen after all." "All these doors are locked,” Robyn said, tugging on a few of them. “How are we supposed to find Mackenzie if we can't get into any of the labs?" "Need a key card,” Wade said, pointing to the pad on the wall with the barrel of his gun. “Plenty of scientists to knock out and get one." "Fine,” Noah growled. “Next one we see." A door opened not too far away. A woman stepped out in a white coat, glancing at them like a deer caught in headlights. "Gadammit,” Rogan groaned. “A woman?" Robyn looked each of the men in the eye and shook her head. With a grin, she strode up to the woman, who'd flattened herself against the wall. Balling her fist, Robyn laid her out flat. The scientist slid down the wall to the floor. "Nice shot!” Wade exclaimed. Tugging the lady out of her coat, Robyn donned it and stood. “How do I look?" "Like one of them." "Excellent. Let's go find my mate." Robyn didn't leave any door unopened. Each room down this corridor was a lab. One was even a morgue. Thankfully, none of the bodies in the floor-to-

ceiling freezer was Mackenzie. And there weren't just human bodies on those roll-out carts. With a shudder, she continued on, desperate to find him. None of the passing scientists paid them any heed. For all they cared, Robyn and the men following her were on a mission condoned by some military commander. Anyone who seemed as if they wanted to ask them a few questions stepped aside when Rogan leveled his rifle. "He's not here,” Robyn groaned in defeat. “Neither is any other living shifter. We've got to find the elevator." "She's right,” Wade said, glancing around them. “The shifters are usually kept in the lower levels." "And these aren't the experimentation rooms.” The moment she said it, shivers raced down Robyn's spine. If Mac was here, he'd be beneath them, somewhere far below the building. "Fine. Let's ask.” Noah jogged up the corridor and glanced into an occupied office. “You there!” he shouted to someone in a no-nonsense tone. The man shredding documents glanced up with a shriek once he saw Noah's gun. “Where's the elevator?" The man gave him a blank stare, his mouth wide open. "Now, soldier!" "That way!” he yelled, pointing to his left. “A-around the corner." Tilting his head for the others to follow, Noah left the doorway and made a beeline down the corridor to the next intersection. "Nice touch, tiger,” Rogan said, clapping him on the back. “Almost had me convinced." With a shrug, Noah said, “Used to be in the service. It's like riding a bicycle. You never really forget." Rogan chuckled. “Unless you're mind-wiped, eh? Hey, I used to be a military man myself, but this get-up does nothing for me." Robyn rolled her eyes as they rounded the corner. There, a few yards ahead, was the elevator. Suddenly, it pinged and opened. Two men stood inside, both with black hair, both with similar Asian features. "Jet!” she cried, a smile on her face as she recognized him. Dylan had been telling the truth after all. He hadn't killed him. Jet was very much alive! She moved to run to him, but Noah caught her arm and growled, yanking her behind him. "Noah!” Rogan yelled desperately, leveling his rifle at the men. Wade followed suit. Robyn's mind clouded with confusion. "I know!” Noah yelled right back, his skin bristling. Their hackles weren't raised over Jet. She smelled their shock, their disdain, their hatred for the man standing next to him. The air in the hallway crackled with tension as Noah suddenly dropped his weapon. He was ready to shift. One word escaped him in that moment, a word that spread icy fingers of fear across Robyn's entire body. "Tam!" [Back to Table of Contents]

TWENTY TWO Pain. So much pain. The needles...piercing...fiery ice. Breathe. Again. Hold it together. Je—sus. For her. Do it...for... Breathe. Don't scream. She can't hear you. Hold still. Don't move. It will be over soon. It will... Fire! I'm on fire! Concentrate. Think of her. No pain. I'm going to die. No. Breathe. For her. For her. For Robyn. "Stop!" Jet's outburst shocked everyone in the hallway. Noah seethed, ready to shift and pounce, if only to rip out Tam's throat once more. That bastard had died in Colorado after he'd stolen Lanie in an effort to make her his mate. How in God's friggin’ name was he now standing alive and well in front of him? "Get outta my way, Jet.” Noah seethed with anger. “I'm not afraid to go through you to get to him." "No. I can smell your hostility. You...you're Noah Carpenter." "And you're a goddamn genius. Get out of my way!" Rogan's hand on his shoulder forced Noah to look at his friend. “I think Jet's been wiped." Noah's eyes widened. “How did you know my name? You shouldn't know anything if you've been wiped." Jet's face twisted in confusion. “I...don't know." "How is Jet not dead?” Wade said, asking the obvious question. "Dylan didn't kill him.” Robyn's voice was laced with apprehension. “He said someone named Craig blew up the Hummer, but the guys weren't in there." "So Trevor's alive too?" "I...think so." Noah turned his eyes back to Jet. "Rogan Wolfe. Wade McAllister. Robyn Groves. No, that's not right.” Jet shook his head and glanced at the floor. “Robyn...Bishop." "Jet!” Noah bellowed. “If you don't tell me—right now—what Tam is doing behind you, I won't wait for an explanation." "He's...not Tam. I mean, he is, but he isn't." Noah's eyes flashed. His anger was almost at the breaking point. It wouldn't take long before he gave in to his animal instincts and leaped to kill. "What the hell, Jet?” Rogan cried out. “How's about you start making some goddamn sense?" Noah gestured to Rogan, as if his words held the wisdom of the ages. "He's a clone!” Jet exclaimed.

Well shit. Noah certainly wasn't expecting that answer. "A clone. You're kidding me, right?" Jet shook his head. “No. Look, it's not that off the mark from what we already are. We can shift into animals. Covington could shift into Wade. The next logical step from shifting was cloning, copying an actual person. Lucian's been honing the process. "In two months?" "Oh no, tiger. Bastard's been experimenting long before that. These past two months gave him just the time he needed to perfect it." "Good God,” Wade said under his breath. "You ain't lyin'.” Rogan cast him a sideways glance. "He's a good guy, Noah. This Tam. He's not at all like the Tam you knew. He's only the same on the outside." Jet stepped back and Noah managed to restrain himself as he stared Tam down. “That true?” he asked. Tam inclined his head and gave him a smile. “I have no idea what you faced with my namesake, but I can assure you, I am not the same man. I don't remember anything beyond a month ago. I...think that's when I was born." "Shit.” Robyn's soft voice sounded terrified behind him. Noah couldn't blame her. Well, there was one way to see if this bastard was telling the truth. Walking right up to the man, Noah pulled up the sleeve of his fatigues and held out his arm. “Smell me." "I'm sorry?" "Tam couldn't stand the scent of me. It sent him into a fit of rage. Smell me!" Leaning his head down, the man took a long, deep breath, right against Noah's skin. Noah could smell the panther Tam could become. But the man didn't smell crazy. He wasn't itching to shift. Damn, was it true? Noah gazed up at Jet with wonder on his face. "Told ya." "But...how can you remember a damn thing? You were wiped. Weren't you?" Jet rubbed his temples. “Yeah, I was. I just did everything I could to hold on to my identity. I remembered how we overcame Lucian's safe word and wondered if I could overcome the mind-wipe. When I woke up, I couldn't remember a damn thing. But I've slowly begun remembering bits and pieces. "I didn't remember your names until I saw you in the hallway just now. I knew I had friends, and I could even see your faces, but your names totally escaped me." "What are you doing outside of a cage? And Christ, you smell like shit!” Rogan never was one to mince words. All of them crammed onto the elevator and the doors closed behind them. There was no button to push—it went straight down. "Lucian ordered us to get the chopper ready,” Jet told them. Wade scoffed. “You can't fly a paper airplane." "No, but Tam can." "I thought he said he was just ‘born’ a month ago?" "Yeah, but I guess Carver has a way of getting information into your head. If he can take it out, he can implant it." "So you're working for him now, is that it?” Noah asked, unable to keep the venom from his voice. "In a manner of speaking.” Tam's soft voice filled the cabin. Every eye turned to him. Noah still didn't trust him, and he couldn't help but notice Rogan's notso-subtle way of pointing his rifle right at Tam's chest. "What's that supposed to mean?” Rogan growled. Jet piped up. “That's how it started out. But the more I began to remember, the more I knew Lucian was a crazy bastard. He turned me into a crossbreed. He's obsessed with making them." "Good God, you're one too?” Noah exclaimed, his eyes wide. "Jesus!” Rogan's horrified gasp spoke for them all. “Guess that explains the smell." "I can shift into a leopard and a rhino now. He hasn't turned Tam into one yet."

"A rhino? A goddamn rhinoceros?” Noah's mouth dropped open in disbelief. "Yeah. We were planning our escape when we saw you guys in the hallway. Why are we going back down, by the way?" "For Mackenzie,” Robyn said, pressed against Noah. He draped his arm around her shoulders to steady her, but mostly to keep her away from Tam's spitting image. "Mackenzie?” Jet looked confused. "My mate. Mackenzie Bishop. You must remember. You called me by his name just now!" Jet gazed at the ground before glancing back up, his face as white as a sheet. “Oh, God. It was him." "What?” Robyn shivered. "Carver got the call to raze this place, but he had one more man to transform. One more shifter to make. We didn't understand at the time, but—" "Get to the point!” Noah was at the end of his rope. Thank God Wade had picked up his rifle he'd dropped on the floor. He was about ready to grab it and put a bullet in Jet's brain himself. "It was Mac! I thought he looked familiar, but I...I—" The doors dinged open as they reached their destination. Robyn wormed out of Noah's grip. "Where is he?” she demanded. When Jet didn't immediately answer, she grabbed him by the collar and shoved him forward. "Show me!" He stumbled, but placed one foot in front of the other. “We might come across Carver." "Oh, we're ready for him,” Rogan said, pushing Tam in front of him while digging his rifle barrel into the man's back. "May I?” Noah asked, gesturing for Rogan's gun. If Tam tried anything, he wanted to be the one to sink a bullet in his brain. With one glance at him, Rogan passed him the weapon. “The pleasure's all yours, big guy." Wade handed Rogan the gun Noah had dropped. Noah didn't take his eyes off the shifter in front of him. If Carver cloned Tam, who was to say he hadn't cloned anyone else? That thought alone sent a coil of dread throughout his entire body. B*E*A*S*T* was a blight on morality itself. The sooner this agency breathed its last, the sooner Noah would be able to breathe easy. Just because these asshole scientists could wield the power of God didn't mean they should. [Back to Table of Contents]

TWENTY THREE Dylan looked up through the bars when one of Dr. Carver's assistants, a young man with slicked blond hair, approached his cage. That bastard scientist hadn't mind-wiped him. He wondered if Lucian started his funtime with Mac instead. Made sense. He'd need one of them to be conscious for the wipe to work. Dylan had only just woken from the tranqs himself. He rubbed his eyes, amazed to find he was human again. The assistant spoke while Dylan gazed at his own hands in confusion. "Lucian gave you the stuff that makes you shift. Thought you might have a harder time fighting that concoction off than the serum you've been getting." "Where is Carver?" "Packing, I think." "Packing?" "We're leaving the compound." Dylan tilted his head. “We?" "Yeah. We." The man entered a code on a keypad next to the cage door. The door rumbled aside. "I trust you won't try to kill me? Seeing as how you can't shift into a gorilla, I figure I'm safe enough." Dylan chuckled when he noticed the pistol the man had in his hand. It was leveled at his chest. Still grinning, Dylan crawled out of the cage and stretched. The man handed him a change of clothing. "Where are we going?” Dylan breathed deep. This man wasn't a shifter. And he was scared. Good. He should be. "Don't know,” he answered, his voice wavering. "How old are you, kid?" "T-twenty-three." Dylan shook his head. “Old enough to know better.” He allowed his eyes to flash. The man's heart rate shot through the roof. “You behave or I have orders to shoot you." "I just bet you do,” Dylan said. “There's one thing you don't understand about Lucian's serums." The man swallowed hard and cocked the gun. “And what's that?" "It forces me to shift from my gorilla state. But I'm a crossbreed, boy. You know what that means?" "Desino!" "Oh, it's too late for that, I'm afraid." "Desino!" Dylan's stomach growled. He was friggin’ hungry. His mouth watered as his body shifted fluidly. Within moments, he'd become a crocodile. He barely heard a few shots hit the wall before he dashed forward and grabbed the man in his powerful jaws, rolling again and again on B*E*A*S*T*'s slick tile floor. The snap of bone and the salty, iron tang of blood filled the air, along with screams. So many screams. Dylan didn't care. He was starving. Not much was left of the man once he'd eaten his fill. Lumbering down the corridor, Dylan was intent on freeing the others, even if he was still in his croc shape. With the contents of his stomach, he surmised it might actually hurt to shift back now. The man he'd just snacked on had been right, though. The serum that forced him to shift was blocking him from the gorilla. It seemed different than the other crap he'd been given many times before. No matter. He'd find a way around it. A scientist rounded the corner and dropped the files in his arms with one look at Dylan. It amused him. Most folk believed crocodiles to be slow, hulking beasts. But nothing could be farther from the truth. They were indeed more agile in water, but they were still very dangerous on land.

With a screech, the scientist bolted. Dylan grinned, but realized he was merely baring his teeth. Dashing after him, he managed to snap on the scientist's ankle. The man went down, still frantically trying to get away by crawling and crying at the same time. Using his massive weight, Dylan climbed on top of the man, pinning him to the floor. He allowed himself to shift just enough to use his rough voice right in the man's ear. "Give me the key code." "I...I—" "Do you want to die?” he asked, his half-human voice grating against his own ears. "No!" "Key code!" Great. The scientist just wet himself. "Please, I have a family. I have a wife!" "Then after I kill you, I'll kill them." "Oh, God, no, I beg of you!" A few drops of blood dripped off Dylan's sharp teeth onto the scientist's cheek. "Then your choice is easy." "One-one-five-zero-nine. Please! Sweet Jesus, help me!" Dylan fully shifted back into his croc form and crawled off the man, who was now a sniveling mess on the floor. He didn't care about him. He needed to find the main key pad that controlled every shifter's cage. Shouts and screams were coming through a pair of double doors to his right. Shit. He needed a badge to get through this door. Dylan glanced back down the hall at the scientist he'd just crushed beneath him. He was still screaming. His leg was shredded after all. Dylan didn't blame him for blubbering so much. He wandered back up the corridor and mentally pressed against the serum barrier. It was weakening. Perfect! With some effort, he managed to shift his body halfway between croc and gorilla. The man screamed again, but Dylan wasn't going to torture him. He merely grasped his badge and ripped it from his lab coat in his green-scaled ape-hands. He didn't spare the man another glance as he wandered toward the doors. Swiping the badge, he grinned when they swung open. But the scene that greeted him wasn't what he expected. Dozens of scientists were working in front of the cages, injecting shifter after shifter with something that made them fall over, unmoving. The smell of death was in this room. Dylan's stomach revolted. They're killing them! A few of the men spotted him and cried out in terror at the sight he must have presented. But Dylan was far beyond caring. Stifling his desire to charge in and kill each man himself, he decided to let the shifters have their own justice. Their shouts for Dylan to release them wasn't lost on him. The men behind B*E*A*S*T* were going to rue the day they were ever born. He found the main key pad on the wall easily enough. Some of the scientists yelled the safe word, but to no avail. None of them had firearms so no one dared approach him as he growled for them to stay away lest they meet their doom. Trying again, he found he could shift a bit more into his gorilla form. That helped with punching the buttons. One, one, five, zero, nine. "Stop him!" "Shit!" "Jesus Christ, he's going to—" A loud ringing bell echoed throughout the enormous room. Door after door on the cells opened, releasing chaos upon the scientists of the agency. Dylan basked in the shouts of sheer and utter agony. It was music to his ears.

[Back to Table of Contents]

TWENTY FOUR From his office, Lucian heard the clang of the bell. Every hair on his body stood on end. That could only mean one thing. Shit. He didn't have time to grab every note about his various projects. God damn it! He'd managed to stuff his brief case full of papers, however, along with his laptop. Closing the lid, he swiped it off the desk and sprinted out the door. He couldn't afford to wait any longer. He hoped his assistants had managed to round up the shifters he wanted to take with him. As it stood, he needed to collect Mac from the pod. The man would be out of it and Lucian would need help to get him to the chopper, but that was what Tam and Jet were for. If nothing else, he'd have three shifters to barter with. Four, if he could collect the one he'd sent to D.C. not too long ago... "Mackenzie!" Dashing across the large room, Robyn threw herself on the only pod with its lid closed. It hadn't taken long to get to the transformation room, the room every shifter in the compound had visited at least once. Two or three times if they were unlucky. "How the hell do you open this thing?" "Robyn, no!” Jet pulled her off in his strong arms. “He's being transformed right now. If you open that pod, you'll kill him!" "Let me go. Mackenzie!" "He's not dying. He's got about five more minutes before that hatch opens. All we can do is wait." Robyn's face was wet with tears. He was in there, she could see him through the small glass window by his face. His entire body was convulsing while his face contorted with what looked like pain. When Jet was satisfied she wouldn't pop open the hatch, he let her go. She draped herself across the pod and caressed the glass. "Christ, Jet, what the hell is that asshole turning him into?” Noah said, shaking his head. Squinting his dark eyes, Jet gazed at the DNA tanks. “A Kodiak." "Sweet Mother Mary,” Rogan whispered. Wade pointed at the countdown clock above the pod. “Four minutes now." Robyn couldn't stop the tears falling from her eyes. She'd never felt such overwhelming fear. It nearly choked her with its intensity as she laid her forehead on the glass. Thanfully Lucian hadn't turned her into a crossbreed. But Mackenzie didn't have that luxury. Thinking on Dylan's past behavior, she couldn't help but wonder if Mac would be unstable now. The thought slammed through her and ripped a sob from her lips. Pounding footsteps echoed in the hall. Noah, Rogan and Wade moved around the four empty pods to the door, their guns drawn. A man entered and stopped in the doorway, slipping on the tiles in his surprise. Lucian. Robyn straightened, finding her courage through a haze of rage. "What have you done to him, you son of a bitch!" Lucian looked dumbstruck as he gazed from one shifter to another. Robyn would have crossed the room to kick his ass, but once again, Jet stopped her. "Welcome to the party, Luke,” Rogan said in a jovial voice. “We were wondering when you'd show your ugly mug." "Desino!" Robyn slid to the floor. Rogan glanced over his shoulder. Both Robyn and Tam had crumpled at the safeword. Everyone else was still standing. "Looks like your safeword ain't so safe after all,” Noah said with a smirk. Rogan grinned. "How ‘bout that, tiger?” he said, inching closer. “We're still lucid." Carver's expression was one of shock before he turned and bolted. "I'll get him!” Jet yelled, leaping over the pods with his cat-like grace. Wade didn't hesitate either. He chased after Jet. "Don't kill Tam!” Jet's voice called back down the corridor. “He's the only one who can fly the chopper!" Rogan glanced at Noah, then crossed the room to wake up Robyn.

It took a few shakes, but her eyes finally focused and she sat up, clutching her head. "Ow." "You'll have a headache for awhile,” Rogan said. “But you'll be okay. A few more forced wakenings from your catatonic state, and you'll be immune to the safeword as well." "How much longer?” she asked, pushing past Rogan to glare at the countdown clock. "A minute and a half.” It wouldn't be long now. "Oh, God,” Robyn moaned. “His eyes are open. He's looking at me!" "We've got to wait, Robyn,” Rogan soothed. “It's almost over now." He left her to kick Tam none-too-gently. "Wake up." When that didn't work, he smacked him with the barrel of the rifle. "Wake up, you damn freakshow!" Noah stepped in from looking down the hallway in the direction Wade and Jet chased after Lucian. "Think they'll be okay?" "Please,” Rogan scoffed as Tam groggily came to. “We all heard that bell. We know what that means. This compound is about to come crashing down." "You're right,” Noah said with a nod. “Just hope Mac's not too pissed if someone else kills Lucian. I know he wanted the honor." Rogan chuckled and glanced back at Robyn. She stared at the clock, which was now counting down from twenty. When it reached zero, a huge cloud of steam bellowed from the pod. "Robyn, stand back!" "Go to hell, Rogan, I'm staying right here." He admired her grit as the hatch slowly swung open and the pod itself began to rise into a standing position. With furious motions, she attacked Mac's restraints. "Help me!" Rogan hefted his gun over his shoulder and pulled on the straps. The moment their skin touched Mac's, he screamed at the top of his lungs. "Mackenzie!” Robyn cried, working frantically. Within moments, he was free. "Noah!” Rogan called. But his friend had seen their desperation. If they didn't help him, Mac was going to crumple to the floor. Noah grabbed his other arm and they supported him between them. Every inch of his skin was burning hot and little red droplets of blood had been left behind by the needles. Mac was crying now, heaving deep breaths between his sobs. "I'm here, baby, I'm here,” Robyn said, crying with him. She stroked his cheeks gently and his eyes opened. "You,” he breathed. “For you. For...Robyn." Well, dammit. Now Rogan had something in his eyes. [Back to Table of Contents]

TWENTY FIVE Lucian knew damn well he only had a few seconds’ headstart before those shifters caught up to him. Praying to all that was holy, he hoped the elevator was on the bottom floor. Thankfully the pad on the wall only needed his badge waved in front of it instead of swiped. The doors slowly opened and he squeezed his way through, turning just in time to see an enormous rhino bearing down on him. "Christ!" He hit the button that closed the doors again and again, just barely noticing Wade and his rifle taking aim down the hall. A few bullets hit the elevator wall behind him in a shower of sparks while the rhino charged. The entire corridor shook as Jet pounded forth, bellowing loudly. The doors closed just in time, but not before Jet hit them with such force, they dented into the cabin. "Sh—it!" Lucian's heart threatened to pound right out of his chest as the elevator finally ascended. Flattening against the wall, he fought to catch his breath. He'd bought himself some time and hoped it would be enough. Thankfully the escaped shifters hadn't sought their way out of the compound yet. Good news was the elevator would go all the way to the top before going back down. Even if they summoned it on the lower level, he'd be gone before they caught him. It gave him enough time to find Ramirez and get the hell out of Dodge in the chopper. Tam could fly it too, but that damned clone had turned on him. The ride up to the top seemed to take forever. Jesus, nothing worked in this hellhole! His serum might as well be useless. His safeword had been nullified. Even the crossbreeds weren't right in the head. All the more reason to perfect his work in China. Fear pricked him. What if they didn't bite? What if they turned him down flat? No, he couldn't think like that. They would. They had to. But one thing was for sure. He had to leave the country. Tonight. Through a fog, Mac heard people talking around him. "Is he okay?" "Looks like a stiff wind would push him over." "Is his leg still broken?" "I don't know, maybe that thing healed him. I just see a little pink scar where the bone poked through." He couldn't understand what they were talking about. All he saw, all he cared about...was her. Robyn. He remembered her name like a whispered prayer. Confusing thoughts and images plagued him, but none of that mattered. He'd held on to her when he fought for his sanity. Her face was what he'd clutched on to, her scent reminded him of who he was. Her dark hair tumbled over her shoulder and her bright eyes were full of tears. "Can you hear me?” she asked him, cupping his face in the sweetest caress. After the hell he'd just endured, her touch was like a balm, sweeping away the pain. He nodded. Robyn stood on her toes and kissed him gently. The touch of her lips thundered through him. The roar of something new reverberated throughout his skull. It wanted free. What was it? She pulled away, but he protested, leaning forward to keep her contact, if only to inhale her deep into his lungs. Dear God, he needed her like nothing else. In one swift moment, his strength returned and, ignoring the men flanking him, he lifted his arms out of their hold and scooped Robyn against him. She cried out in shock, but only for a moment, as her whimpers were swallowed by his mouth. The details of his life were sketchy, hazy, as if someone had taken an eraser and smudged the paper. But Robyn was in sharp focus. She alone was what he knew, what he wanted. Her scent became a part of him. Her taste taunted him. The moment her tongue delved into his mouth, he lost all control. In and out he plunged, making love to her, devouring her.

Her small groans drove him to squeeze her closer and he just barely registered her palms pushing on his shoulders. Pulling back, he gazed into her eyes. Her desire was prominent, he recognized that. But this wasn't the time or the place. No. He shook his head. "Too tight,” she whispered, touching his arms. Instantly, he let her go, allowing her feet to drop to the ground. "I'm sorry,” he said, the words sounding foreign to his own ears. "Looks like you're raring to go, eh, Mac?" The blond man smacked the brown-haired one on the shoulder. “Smooth, Wolfe." "What?” the man asked, looking innocent. “It's the truth." "Mackenzie." Her voice broke through the haze. His eyes rested on hers. He lifted his hand to her cheek. "Are you all right?" He glanced around at the pod and realized what had happened. The needles had pierced him. He'd become a shifter. Again. "What am I?” he asked. "Lucian made you a crossbreed. You're a jaguar and a Kodiak." His eyes widened as shock raced through him. “I'm a bear?" Robyn nodded as her tears fell. She nuzzled her face deeper into his palm. "Lucian. Why is that name familiar?" "He's the asshole who's done this to you, Mac,” the blond man said. “He took Robyn from you and you searched for her for two long months. Do you remember? Then he took you and carried out his experiments." At the mention of Robyn's abduction, he knew without a doubt who Lucian was. "Dr. Carver." "Bingo,” the one known as Wolfe said. "I smell him." "He was here a moment ago." "I vowed to kill him." The blond chuckled. “You did many times. Hell, we all did." Mac turned his head and looked at the men behind him. “You're Noah and Rogan." Rogan rolled his eyes. “Deja vu." Noah gave him a stern look. Mac glanced at the other man in the room. He looked like...Jet, but it wasn't him. "That's Tam,” Rogan said, pointing his thumb at him. “Don't trust him any farther than you can throw him." "Hey!” the Asian man protested. "It's true!” Rogan responded. “You're a clone of one evil son of a bitch. For all we know, you're a good actor." Tam fumed. “I'm not." "Guess we'll just have to wait and see." "Noah! Rogan! Bastard got away!" "That's Wade,” Noah breathed before making a beeline to the door. Wade rushed in, followed closely by the man Mac knew as Jet, who just so happened to be as naked as he was. "We need that badge to open the elevator if we're gonna catch up. We couldn't stop him in time." "He's headed for the chopper,” Tam said, stepping up to them.

"I thought you were the pilot?” Noah asked. "I'm not the only one." "Jesus. Okay, let's move out. We've got Mac, let's see if we can stop Carver from making a getaway." "What about Trevor and Dylan?” Robyn asked. Mac draped his arm around her. She shrank into his body. Rogan took a deep breath and sighed. “The shifters have been freed. We've got to believe they'll get out. I'd be willing to bet that elevator isn't the only way out of this pit. But it works for us. Let's go." "What about clothing?” Tam asked, glancing between Mac and Jet, obviously trying to avoid looking at anything he shouldn't. "Least of our worries, panther,” Noah said, his eyes flashing. “Let's get the hell out of here." [Back to Table of Contents]

TWENTY SIX "Ramirez! Where is Ramirez?" Lucian clutched Greg Blake's collar and slammed the man against the wall. "I-I don't know sir, I saw him not too long ago—" "Where?" "I-in his office, sir, but I'm not sure he's there now. The military said we need to clear out within the hour." "I know!" Lucian let him go and jogged down the hall, cursing all that junk food he'd eaten through the years. With his lungs burning, he reached Ramirez's office, but no one was there. "Damn it." Whirling around, he made his way to the helipad. Maybe he'd get lucky. A few people running past him said they saw Ramirez on the roof overlooking the soldiers securing the airfield. Lucian breathed a sigh of relief and made his way to the stairs. "Mackenzie Bishop, as I live and breathe!" Robyn spun around to see Dylan approaching them, covered in blood and grinning like an idiot. His belly was horribly disdended and he winced as he walked, but other than that, he seemed happier than a pig in slop with an army of shifters at his back. Rogan's eyes widened and he whistled through his teeth. "So this is Dylan?" "In the flesh,” Dylan said with a wink, indicating his unclothed frame. “Looks like we're a bunch of nudists!" He patted his belly and took a deep breath. “Shit, jag, you don't smell right." "I'm a bear." Dylan's guffawed and punched his shoulder. “Welcome to the goddamn club." The bell on the elevator chimed as the doors opened. "That's our cue,” Rogan said. "Where you headed?" "Gonna kill me a scientist." Robyn glanced sharply at Mac as he said those words. The glee in them was unmistakable. "Good for you! I was thinking of heading up top myself." "There's military up there, Dylan, be careful,” she said. He scoffed. “We'll take our chances. Maybe give you guys some cover to head to the hills." "You're a no-good bastard.” Mac's sudden change of mood shocked Robyn. Her hand squeezed his. Dylan chuckled. “Well if he's been wiped, they did a mighty shitty job, eh? Knows me like my own mother!" Before Dylan turned away, Mac balled his fist and punched him with all his might, pulling Robyn along into his swing. She stumbled from the force of it, but was caught by Mac's strong embrace before she fell over. "I never want to see you again." Dylan gave him a bloody grin. “Consider it done, jag. It's been a real trip." With that, he led his band of crossbreeds down the hall and out of sight as Mac and Robyn finally loaded on to the elevator. "Got that out of your system?” Rogan asked with a scowl. Robyn couldn't help her low chuckle. Mac didn't answer, but held her in front of him, his arms hooked around her waist. His nose was buried in her hair and his breath puffed warm on her skin. She leaned her head back to give him more room to kiss her neck. "These two need to get a room,” Rogan groaned.

"You just miss your wife,” Noah countered. "And you don't miss yours? You're a liar if you say no." "Oh, I miss her something fierce." "How long is this elevator ride anyway?" "Long enough to torture the crap out of us." Robyn grinned and placed a feather-soft kiss on Mac's cheek. She was back in her mate's arms. "What are you doing?" Lucian was in a fine panic. He'd found Ramirez easily enough, standing on the helipad and watching the hustle and bustle below. It hadn't been hard convincing the man they needed to leave the facility, but he was wasting precious time. What the hell was taking so long? "I can't just lift off,” Ramirez retorted through the open door on the side of the chopper. “There's a checklist I gotta run through. You sure those boys on the ground will let us leave?" Just when Lucian was about to open his mouth and tell the man where he could shove his checklist, screams, shouting, and gunfire filled the air. That could only mean one thing. The shifters had found their way out through the underground garage. "We have to go. Now!" "But, sir, the checklist—" "Can go to hell!" "We could have a fuel leak or the controls might be jacked." "I'll take my chances with a crash, thank you very much." Ramirez stood on the pad with his hands on his hips. The look on his face only pissed Lucian off. "Get. In. The. Chopper!" The man lifted his hands palm up in surrender, then climbed in and strapped his seatbelt. They put on their headphones with built-in microphones just as the engines whirred to life. "How long before we're in the air?" "About a minute, sir. What's going on down there?” Ramirez asked, trying to look beyond the helipad. A minute? That was an eternity! Lucian squirmed on his seat and yelled at the pilot. “Armafriggingeddon!" Every moment, with every beat of his heart, Mac's memories returned to him. Details were still foggy, but he remembered finding Robyn in the Florida Everglades and running from the shifter he thought had killed Jet and Trevor. He remembered the cargo plane, breaking his leg, and getting taken by B*E*A*S*T* in the desert. What happened after that was unclear. But the elevator had been thick with Carver's scent. It had only served to fuel Mac's desire to see the man dead. Now that they'd reached the top, the hallway reeked of him as well. Something inside him growled. The bear. Jesus, he still couldn't believe he'd become a crossbreed. But that wasn't the worst of it. Seeing Dylan down below had jumbled his senses. He knew he hadn't been in his right mind and that scared him to the bone. His moods had changed too quickly, from elation to fury at the drop of a hat. Good Lord, was he going to become like that crazy-ass gorilla? He hoped it was just a side-effect of the transformation. He suspected it wasn't. And damn it, he wouldn't be able to hide this from Robyn. The bear roared, demanding to be set free. Something snapped inside him when the scent of Lucian wafted to him once more. Leaving his mate and the others, Mac took off running, barely hearing them yelling for him to stop. He couldn't stop. His instincts had taken over. The Kodiak wanted retribution and holy shit, he wanted to give it to him. Scientists scooted out of his way, even military personnel who'd begun to secure the compound looked at him in shock. Only a few of them shouted at him, as they seemed already preoccupied with noises coming from outside. Mac didn't care. His vision turned red and nothing mattered but finding Lucian and feasting on his black heart.

He'd come this way. His stench disappeared up a flight of stairs. The familiar thunder of a helicopter resonated off the walls as Mac took the stairs two at a time. That bastard was trying to get away! Without conscious thought on Mac's part, coarse, thick hair began to grow on his arms and legs. His body bent down as he ran, pounding up the steps on all fours. His frame grew until he was massive, thick with powerful, sinuous muscles. A snout appeared on his face and his every sense sharpened, until his entire being pulsed with exhiliration. He was a bear. And he was going to kick some ass. Double doors stood at the top of the staircase, but Mac burst through them as if they weren't even there. He was surprised the hallway had been big enough to house him. He'd never seen a Kodiak with his own eyes, but he knew by his sheer size alone those bad boys were enormous. For the first time, he thought it might not be such a burden to be a crossbreed after all. The wind from the helicopter blades fluffed his dark hair. He howled as it began to take to the sky. There was Lucian, staring right at him with horror on his face. Mac's world focused on him. Nothing else mattered. Nothing but finally killing that son of a bitch. His newly-formed legs pummeled the helipad as he ran forward. With strength he didn't even know he possessed, he reared up and leapt at the chopper. His front paws hooked around the left skid. With an added thousand pounds of weight, the helicopter came crashing back down, listing dangerously toward the ground. Mac would be damned before he let go now. This bird wasn't going anywhere. The main rotor hit the pad, destroying itself as it tore apart, twirling the chopper in circles on the red target. The tail soon followed as the rear rotor clipped the pad in a spectacular display of sparks and fire. The chopper came to rest on its side with its motors screeching and smoking. The scent of the pilot's fear peppered the air with its pungent smell, but Mac didn't give a shit about him. He wanted Lucian. And the side door was wide open. Mac didn't have to climb in. His body was so big, he could merely reach in with his paw. A few swipes told him he'd hit his mark as Lucian shrieked the safeword again and again. Blood filled his nostrils. It smelled glorious. Never had Mac been so delerious with the need to breathe it in. It aroused him. He wanted to bathe in it. Rub it all over his skin as he bent down and... He closed his eyes, too afraid to finish that thought. Jesus. Where had that come from? "Mackenzie!" "Mac! Holy effing shit!" The others. They'd found him. Robyn had found him. She'd be so delighted at his victory! No, she'd be disappointed. Disgusted. Wouldn't she? Did he kill Carver? He had no idea. But he didn't dare look back in that chopper. Those crazy, insane thoughts might return. Wade climbed onto the skids and looked into the ruined helicopter. "What did you do?” he yelled. The others looked for themselves, disbelief written on their faces. Don't look, Robyn. Don't look. Oh, God. He backed away from his destruction, shaking his enormous head. With a painful cry, he shifted, returning to his human state. Mac crumpled on the pad, crying into his balled fists. Soft hands caressed his shoulders. Her. He grabbed her and cradled her in his lap, despite his bloody hands. "Don't look, please, don't look in there.” He was rocking back and forth. "I didn't,” she cooed, soothing him with her fingers through his hair. “You're all right now. Just hold on. For me, can you do that, baby?" Mac nodded furiously. “For you. Robyn." "He's not dead!” Rogan shouted. “I don't know how, but the man's not dead. Christ, it's a mess in here! Tiger! I need your help." Sounds of the others working in the smoking chopper reached his ears, but he'd stopped listening. His world was spinning out of control. The only thing

grounding him was the woman in his arms. And it scared the ever-loving shit out of him. [Back to Table of Contents]

TWENTY SEVEN "It's the only way to save him." "Sounds like poetic justice to me." "Explain why we should save him again?" Noah glanced at everyone in the darkened lab who was surrounding the very chair Mac had sat in when Lucian mind-wiped him a second time. No one had questioned them when they raced down the halls back to the elevator with a bleeding and practically shredded man slung over Noah's shoulder. The soldiers probably assumed they were some of their own, helping a fallen civilian. It had appeared Dylan and the other shifters were giving the soldiers outside a run for their money. Noah couldn't help but silently thank them for the distraction. He'd had a crazy idea to wipe Lucian's memory and transform him into a shifter. It was the only way to ensure he'd heal fast enough to save his life—with the added bonus of not knowing who the hell he was. "Go for it.” Tam's eyes glittered. “It's no less than he deserves." Noah still wasn't used to the man he'd once killed now helping them in this mess. But this wasn't the same Tam he'd fought in Colorado, this was a clone. A different person with the same face. He shuddered regardless. "I say we let him bleed out." Noah glared at Jet. “Since when have you become a bloodthirsty bastard?" "Since I was kidnapped and turned into a crossbreed!" "We can't let him die." "Why not?" "Because we're not like them!” The room descended into silence. Noah gestured to Mac and Robyn, who stood far away, huddled in the corner. “Mac's not in his right mind. He's just as pissed as any of us are at this...man, if you can call him that. But we're not murderers. Mac is not a murderer and I'm not too keen to turn him into one. "Wiping Carver and changing him will keep him from dying and keep him from the project. Sure, he'll be a shifter, but think of it. He'll forget everything! He's the mastermind behind all of these experiments. Bring him down, and bring down the entire agency." "Someone's already doing that upstairs,” Jet said, crossing his arms over his chest. Noah nodded. “And wiping Lucian is insurance that they'll get what they want. And we'll get what we want." "Do it." Turning, Noah glanced at Mac, shocked that he'd spoken up. His features had hardened, despite his red-rimmed eyes. He stepped further into the room, his arm still draped around Robyn. "Do it,” he repeated. Noah could smell his unease. Mac's scent waffled between wanting to kill and wanting to have mercy. He was warring with himself, trying to fight the urge to give in to the madness. With a nod, Noah turned back to Lucian, barely conscious and bleeding all over the floor. Gashes from Mac's bear claws colored his belly and both his legs. They were deep and looked painful, but no one had bothered making sure he was comfortable. He'd been propped in the chair, and Noah secured his arms and legs with the straps. His mind needed to be wiped before the DNA transformation could take place. Otherwise, they risked giving him the same dementia the crossbreeds now had. The only problem was, mind-wiping wasn't infallible, as the shifters had been able to remember bits and pieces of their lives before, something the scientists never knew. Most likely that was why the crossbreeds were unstable. The mind-wipe didn't erase everything. Especially if someone knew how to resist. But the crossbreeds had paid a high price for resisting—and that price was now evident all over Mac's stoic face. Placing Lucian's head in the halo that kept him from moving, Noah watched as Rogan pried his eyelids open to receive the springs that prevented them from closing again. The long arm of the optical mask swung toward the chair and covered Carver's face. There was only one thing left to do. Noah flipped the switch. "Well, that's it,” Rogan said, turning from the pod. Its lid had just closed and the countdown clock started at thirty minutes. Half an hour was all it took. The thought made bile rise in the back of Robyn's throat. She hoped like hell she never saw the inside of another B*E*A*S*T* facility for as long as she lived. They'd dumped a naked Lucian into one of the two pods that already had tanks of DNA prepped and ready to go. They hadn't been picky, they merely chose one and let B*E*A*S*T*'s technology do the rest.

Lucian had apparently been experimenting with desert animals, as the DNA tanks read “hawk” and “coyote". No one wanted to give him the ability to fly. Rogan had made a crack about coyote's being scavengers, and the choice had been made. Now, however, the sounds of Lucian's muffled screams prompted Robyn to pull Mac into the hallway. He didn't need to hear that. Hell, she didn't either, for that matter. Her mate was still as white as a sheet. He hadn't said much since his episode on the helipad. She wasn't going to push him. It had to be hard coming to grips with being a crossbreed, not to mention trying to overcome the effects of a mind-wipe, something she was all too familiar with. They'd managed to find a couple of lab coats for Mac and Jet to wear instead of walking around naked. Now, they just needed to leave. "Let's get outta here,” Wade said, voicing her thoughts. "How? It's like a war zone up there.” Tam glanced at Noah. Robyn didn't know much of the history between Noah and Tam, but it was apparent they tried to avoid each other, even in the hallway. "Oh, I forgot, Clone Tam,” Rogan said, grinning devilishly. “You're new to this whole ‘liberating a B*E*A*S*T* compound’ thing, aren't you?" "You guys have done this before?” The man looked aghast. Everyone chuckled, and even Robyn couldn't help but crack a smile. "Ah, cut him some slack, Wolfe,” Noah said, smacking Tam upside the head. “He's probably freaking out thinking we don't need him now that Mac's gone and wrecked the helicopter. Might think we'll leave him behind." Tam's eyes widened as he gazed warily at Noah. “Will you?” he asked in a small voice. Noah appeared to think it over, rubbing his chin in deep thought. "For Pete's sake, they're teasing you,” Wade said, rolling his eyes. Rogan scoffed loudly. “Wet blanket!" "We're not leaving Tam behind.” Wade stood tall against Rogan's stare-down. Noah and Rogan were silent. Tam looked worried. "We're not.” Wade shook his head. “Right?" Jet slapped Tam on the shoulder and began walking down the corridor. Rogan and Noah followed. "Let's keep him guessing,” Noah tossed over his shoulder. Before Wade followed, he glanced between Mac and Robyn, then back at Tam. “We're not." With a grin, Robyn led Mac away from the lab, determined never to let him think on Lucian Carver's fate again. [Back to Table of Contents]

TWENTY EIGHT The nice thing about the agency known as B*E*A*S*T* was their supreme arrogance. It had simply never occured to them that their shifters might rebel, let alone escape long enough to steal the agency-issued Hummers parked in their underground garage. Right about now, Robyn was thankful for that arrogance. This was the way Dylan and the other crossbreeds had come to make their way to the surface. It was also the perfect getaway for all of them. They had their pick of any car in the lot, they merely had to choose a set of keys from the wall. "Okay, here's how it's going to be,” Robyn said, laying down the law. The men turned to her and arched their brows. “Mac and I will not be returning with you. We're going to take a Hummer and make our own way." "Think that's wise?” Wade asked, concern in his eyes. "I do,” she answered. “Too much shit has gone down. We need to decompress. We need to do it together, and we need to do it alone." Rogan chuckled. “Yeah, you do." Noah kicked him. "Ow!" "We totally understand,” Noah said. “There should be a few changes of clothes in each of these trucks." "I know.” Robyn smiled. "You ever want to find us, look up Richard Erickson in Denver, Colorado and he'll know where we are. He's Lanie's father. Great guy. If you need a place to camp out, he's got a cabin in the mountains." "Will do." "I suppose we'll take our leave as well,” Jet said. "We?” Rogan asked. "Me and Tam. Don't think Lanie will take too kindly to him, even if he is a clone." Noah snorted. “You're probably right. Where you headed?" "Don't know,” Jet said with a shrug. “Wherever the wind takes us, I suppose." "The offer to find Lanie's father stands for you two as well,” Noah said. “Just announce yourselves before you show up on our doorstep. I'd like to give my mate a heads-up before she comes face to face with Tam again. No offense." The panther shook his head, yet still looked wary. Robyn found the keys to a truck in her favorite color—blue. "Give us a ride to my Jeep on the mountain?” Wade asked. “I have something for you guys." "What?” Robyn asked, stifling a yawn. Now that the excitement was over, she was beginning to feel her body's fatigue once more. "My no-limit credit card." "You don't have to—" "Yes, I do,” Wade said, placing a hand on her shoulder. “You are my family. And families help each other. Besides, what am I going to do with all that money?" "I'll help you spend it,” Rogan said, chuckling. After hugs and handshakes were had with Jet and Tam, Robyn turned and grasped Mac's hand, giving him a squeeze. "Time to go, baby,” she whispered. “You ready?" He nodded, his eyes hollow and haunted. It hadn't taken long to drop the guys off at Wade's Jeep. No one had found it on the mountaintop, and it seemed as if the military had been more occupied with fighting ruthless shifters than stopping two Hummers leaving the facility. Thankfully, the fighting was taking place on the other side of the compound. The entrance to the garage seemed somewhat hidden amidst sagebrush and a few tall boulders. Robyn had no doubt that had been intentional. The twilight of dawn lit the sky once they'd reached the summit. Mac said his goodbyes to his friends as if he was sleepwalking, cold and aloof. Watching him broke Robyn's heart. They needed time to deal with his issues. His short stay at the compound had changed him, but not beyond repair. She hoped.

Mac had donned one of the three changes of clothing in the back of the Hummer when they'd stopped on the mountain. He'd thrown the labcoat he'd been wearing on the ground, glaring at it as if he'd wanted to rip it to shreds. It had been his only display of emotion. Now that everyone had gone their separate ways, Robyn pointed the truck toward Reno, or at least in the general direction Wade had pointed her. His nolimit credit card burned a hole in her pocket. She'd tried to refuse it, but he'd folded his hand around hers and insisted. She'd find a way to repay him. Mac stared out at the scenery as they bumped across the sage. They'd reach a road soon enough, but for now, she watched out of the corner of her eye as he bounced on his seat, brooding. "Tired?” she asked. "A bit." "You look exhausted." "Don't think I could sleep if I wanted to." Silence filled the cab of the Hummer. The sun had risen, bathing the desert with light. If they hadn't been in the middle of nowhere, she might have enjoyed looking at the landscape. But worry for her mate wormed its way into her heart. "Well, I'm beat,” she said, just to have something to say. “Think my last good night's sleep was in the Everglades." Her attempt at levity fell flat. Mac turned to her. His handsome face seemed aged by a few years. "I'll drive,” he offered. Robyn shook her head. “No." "I'm okay to drive." "I'm sure you are,” she said, arching her brow at him. “But whether or not you feel tired, I know you've got to be burned out. Besides, I'm not so sure your leg is one hundred percent healed." He glanced down and rubbed his thigh. “Seems to be." She didn't answer him. He stared out his window again. Where had his fire gone? The man she loved rarely gave up without a fight. If he'd wanted to drive, he would have made her stop the truck. But he'd accepted her lame excuse without issue. Robyn bit her bottom lip in an effort to keep her tears at bay. Everything that had happened came crashing down around her. Mac had been taken by B*E*A*S*T* and transformed into a new kind of shifter—a crossbreed—and there was nothing she could do to help him. She'd almost lost him. He'd been mind-wiped, but he'd been able to hold on to his memories. For the most part. Noah thought that might be why the crossbreeds were so unstable. Good Lord. A tear fell down her cheek. She wiped it angrily away. "Robyn.” Mac's gentle voice pierced her heart. She knew he could smell her mood. She took a deep, shuddering breath. "I'm okay,” she said through a watery grin. “Just a little...overwhelmed is all. Taking it all in is a bit daunting." He nodded. The look of longing on his face was more than she could take. Robyn braked, put the truck in park and turned it off. She unbuckled. So did he. The Hummer had no back seat, just an empty, carpeted truckbed. She didn't care. Mac yanked her into his arms and collapsed with her in the back. She clung to him as the truck rocked from side to side, allowing him to tuck his face into her neck. He breathed deep, his entire body trembling. "I'm going crazy,” came his muffled voice. "No, you're not,” she told him, refusing to accept it. "I have these thoughts I can't stop, running through my head, playing out like a movie. I don't know if I can take it." "You'll be all right. We'll get through this, Mackenzie." "The bear, he's taunting me." "Tell him to shut the hell up." Mac pulled back and looked into her eyes. He gave her a forlorn, helpless grin. "He's strong. I don't know if I can control him." Robyn brought his face down until his forehead leaned against hers. “I will help you." "He's so strong,” Mac said again through his sniffles. “Shit, he wants you. He wants to mount you."

The way he spoke of the bear as a separate entity from himself sent a chill down her spine. But she wasn't about to push him away. Mac needed her right now. She'd be damned if she denied him. His heartbeat raced and his breathing increased. "Robyn!” The terror in his voice ratcheted her own heart. "Look at me. Mackenzie, look at me." His eyes flashed and the passion in them nearly stole her breath. Short brown hairs grew on his face. The scent of the bear filled her nose. He was on the verge of shifting. She stroked his cheeks and prayed she could talk him down. "Control it, baby. You've got to try." Mac broke eye contact and bit her neck none-too-gently. She cried out, fisting her hand in his hair. “I want you screaming,” he whispered. “I want you coming around me. I want your pain. I want your pleasure. I want to ram inside of you." His voice was changing, growling, becoming more gruff. Oh, shit. She had to stop him. Wrapping her arms and legs around him, Robyn tried like hell to hold him down. But her strength was no match for him. Amazingly, however, he stayed right where he was, as if uncertain what to do. "Listen to me,” she breathed into his ear. “I'm in love with you, Mackenzie Bishop. I love you, not the bear. If you're going to make love to me, I want your human side. Only your human side. Control yourself. Concentrate." His erection was hard, pressing against her inner thigh. He surged forward, connecting with the sensitive flesh between her legs. Even after all they'd endured, she was wet for him. Having him above her brought her body to life. It had been too long since they'd made love. Much too long. "He's gone,” Mac cried, his voice normal, his skin smooth. “I don't hear him anymore." The wonder in his voice brought a smile to her face. "You controlled him. You did it!" He shook his head. “No, Robyn, you did. Sweetheart, do you really love me?" Tears shimmered in his eyes. His heart was on the line. If she broke it, he'd never recover from the rejection. Good thing she had no intension of breaking it. "I really do.” Her fingers weaved through his hair. “I've loved you since you found me flopping on the ground in the forests of Oregon." He chuckled with relief. “I seem to recall you fought me tooth and nail." "Only until you explained yourself. How was I supposed to know the shifters I ran into weren't sent by B*E*A*S*T* to hunt me down?" "The moment you shifted in front of me, I was done for. That lucious body taunted me to no end... Christ, Robyn, you have no idea how close I came to ripping out Jet and Trevor's eyes for even glimpsing it." "I've always been yours,” she said with a sheepish grin. "Always,” he growled, a moment before claiming her mouth. Fevered and frantic, Mac couldn't help himself. He kissed her as if his life depended upon it. She'd just told him she loved him. Her words calmed the bear raging within him while igniting his heart at the same time. He held her head in his hands, angling her lips to receive him. Her fingers touched him under the tee-shirt he wore, burning him with their caress. With her palms flat against his belly, then his chest, Robyn demanded he pull it over his head. Ripping away, he tore it off, only to return his mouth to hers in a hungry attack. "You came for me,” he whispered between kisses. "Of course I did,” she answered, trailing her mouth down his neck. Her hands wandered to the button on his jeans and pulled it free. “You're my mate. I had to find you." Mac was close to tearing her shirt from her body, but thought better of it, and bunched it up in his grip. His palms grazed her soft skin, making him purr in delight. "I need you, Robyn." "You have me,” she whispered. Her shirt wasn't even over her head before he brought his mouth to her nipple. It puckered for him under his tongue and her gasp of delight hardened his erection. He wouldn't be able to last much longer.

Her skin was salty as he licked her, swirling her in his mouth. Her groans spurred him on. Somehow, she'd gotten her arms out of her shirt as her hand held the back of his head, pressing him closer. Mac complied and took more of her into him, suckling her deep, savoring the flavor of her. Her hands were suddenly between them, attempting to unfasten her own jeans in her haste. He shoved them away and took over, lowering himself between her legs. Mac kissed and lapped at her belly, giving her playful nips on her skin as he breathed her in, imprinting her scent upon his soul. He smiled at her goosebumps and glanced up while he unzipped her. Ever-so-slowly, he tugged her jeans down her hips. "Mackenzie,” she panted, holding his eye contact. “Dear Lord." "Robyn, sweetheart,” he said, running his hands along her inner thighs. “I love you." He'd shocked her, he could smell it. But a glorious smile lit up her face. “I know." He returned her grin, deciding to tease her. "You do, do you?” Lowering his head, Mac gave her one long, lingering lick, tasting the very core of her. She was delicious. Holy hell. Robyn cried out and bent her knees, planting her feet on the floor. She lifted herself up in a silent offering. He could no longer resist her glistening moisture. With his arms underneath her, he brought his face down and feasted, intent on bringing her to an earth-shattering orgasm. Damn, if he didn't hurry, he'd come himself. "Oh...God..." Her whimpers pleased him like nothing else. This was his mate. She belonged to him—from the very moment they'd first met. She was a part of him and always would be, his Robyn, asking for more, unashamed to give herself to him wholly and completely. Her hips gently swayed with him as she strained for the pleasure he demanded. Without a word, Robyn reached between them and spread herself wide, giving him free reign to tongue her. She was close, if the air hissing between her teeth was any indication. But Mac didn't stop as he bobbed his head, up and down, whirling his mouth upon her slick heat and savoring every last drop of her. Just as his tongue once more swiped over her sensitized flesh, Robyn fell over the edge, howling loudly in the cab. Her hand clutched onto the back of his head, pressing him firmly into her wetness until her shudders passed. Goddamn. Mac wanted nothing more than to sink deeply into her and plunge to the hilt, right where his mouth had been. He needed to mark her, not just with his heart and not just with his words, but with his scent as well. They'd gone through so much since they'd last mated—the smell of him had worn off her skin. His jeans were no match for his passion. Within seconds, they were gone. Mac crawled over her, allowing his eyes to flash. "I love the taste of you,” he growled. “I love every damn thing about you. I can't get enough." Once his face was over hers, she silenced him with her lips. "I want you inside me." Mac was through talking. Her plea undid him. He wasn't gentle as he thrust forth, encasing himself in her depths. He captured her breath in his mouth as he drew back and pressed forward. "Again,” she whispered. He obeyed, plunging deeper, needing the healing only she could give. Her legs wrapped around him, holding him close, sheltering him from the storm of his emotions. As he strained above her, the Hummer rocked with them, making him smile at the amused light in her eyes. But as his temperature rose, so did his need to come, and the sound of skin against skin permeated the truck. More...more...more...was all he could think as he drove into her, and he was somewhat surprised when her muscles pulsed around his length. She was coming again, pulling him down, and kissing him with desperate abandon. The fervor in her response had him thrusting hard a few more times before flying apart himself, his pleasure thundering through every nerve in his body. Tearing his mouth from hers, he roared at the release, needing to keep plunging in order to prolong it. When his trembling ceased, he collapsed, but he kept himself firmly rooted within his mate. Robyn didn't say a word—her hands did the talking. With light, feather-soft strokes, she told him she adored him. Gazing into her eyes, he also knew how much it had cost her to lose him again. Mac gave her a slow, lingering kiss. "I love you,” he whispered. "I love you, too,” she replied.

In her arms, he could forget about his problems, forget what he now had to look forward to. He refused to think about what being a crossbreed meant for their future. For now, she was here, underneath him, surrounding him, loving him. And he was damn well going to take full advantage. **** [Back to Table of Contents]

TWENTY NINE Robyn stood in the hot shower spray, trying her hardest not to cry. They'd reached Reno a couple of hours before. After making love in the desert, Mac had taken the wheel, still proclaiming he wasn't tired. However, she'd dozed off in the passenger seat. He'd woken her sometime in the afternoon. He'd found a road that led into Reno according to the mile markers on the shoulder, and they rolled into the Biggest Little City in the World around three p.m. But after they'd gotten a hotel room on the fifteenth floor of the Grand Sierra Resort, he'd left her there alone, claiming he needed to clear his head. The no-nonsense man she loved had once again become cold and aloof, almost as if he'd regretted making love to her. The pain in her chest tightened as she washed her hair. She'd hoped staying in a fancy casino might be fun, that they might forget B*E*A*S*T* for a time and enjoy themselves on Wade's dime. But it would seem Mac had more on his mind than merely trying to forget. She'd offered to join him, but he'd refused. Now, her belly twisted in agony at her hunger, but she wasn't so sure she'd be able to eat. She'd wanted to go to one of the resort's buffets so they could eat their fill, but with Mac disappearing on her, that wasn't likely to happen. Maybe she should just order some room service. She wanted to find him. She was worried about his state of mind. He'd been a hairs-breadth away from shifting back in the Hummer. Would he be able to control himself in a crowd? The thought made her turn off the shower. Even the heat of the water couldn't warm her chilled skin. Robyn toweled dry and dressed in a clean set of clothes they'd brought up from the truck. They were men's clothes, but they were better than wearing the dirty rags she'd been wearing. She'd have to visit a shop on the ground floor and buy some tourist garb. She couldn't pull off a pair of baggy men's jeans to save her life, not to mention she still had Dylan's boots. With a sigh, she attempted to brush her hair with her fingers. They really had nothing but the clothes on their backs. She thanked the hotel for at least having soap and shampoo. Tugging on her boots, Robyn grabbed Wade's card along with her keycard for the room and walked out into the hallway. Aside from one other person, it was deserted. She strode on the colorful carpet to the elevator, hoping she'd be able to find Mackenzie in the crowd downstairs. A few people were already on the elevator from the floors above, and they all rode it down to the main floor, stopping one more time on the seventh floor to pick up two more. Once the doors pinged open, the cacophony of the casino reached her ears. The smells assaulted her all at once, heavy perfumes, cigarettes, and liquor. The beeps and chirps of the slot machines rang in her ears as she made her way across the casino floor. She didn't smell Mac at all, but she climbed a set of five stairs up to a second level and scanned the slots with her keen eyes. She couldn't see him. Screams reached her from the left and her heart leapt with fear. Voices of both men and women pierced the casino. Robyn raced down the steps hoping she wasn't about to come face to face with a Kodiak. But once she rounded a change booth, Robyn saw a group of people shouting and whooping with glee. They'd just won the jackpot, and they were quickly ushered away by hotel security, wiping tears the whole way. Her heart still pounded despite her relief. The momentary terror she'd felt, that Mac had been the one they were screaming at, gnawed at her. Where was he? Even the beauty of the huge, glowing chandeliers lining the ceilings couldn't calm her mood. Perhaps he'd gone into the bowling alley, or maybe one of the restaurants. No, probably not the restaurants. She had the credit card so he wouldn't have been able to buy anything. Robyn searched the bowling alley, but saw only tourists having a grand old time throwing the balls down the lanes. Damn it. She should have known that finding Mac in the casino would be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. She could have him paged over the intercom, but he'd only assume something was wrong. She didn't want him to worry. Perhaps she was overreacting. The man had been experimented on. God only knew what he remembered from his mind-wipe. And now, having to hold back the will of an unstable bear inside of him had to be tearing him up inside. Her mind made up, Robyn was going shopping for new clothes before returning to their room to order room service. She'd give Mac his space. He needed to be alone. Something Rogan had told her when Mac had first brought her to their house in Miami came back to her in a rush. When Mac was worked up, there wasn't much that could get him right again. He had to make the choice on his own. She'd respect that or die trying. Swiping the card in the door's lock, Mac walked into the room he shared with Robyn. A huge, king-sized bed took up most of the room, and Robyn cuddled under the blankets on the far side. She was reading a book and didn't bother looking up when he shut the door behind him. A room service cart was near the table, filling the air with the scent of steak. His stomach did a flop. There were two plates on the tray. One had been eaten, the other was still covered. "Got you something to eat if you're hungry,” Robyn said, turning the page on the book, still not looking at him. A few bags bearing the logo of the resort on them were crumpled in the trash can, along with tags that had been cut off clothing. "You've been shopping.” He couldn't think of anything else to say. Robyn seemed detached from him somehow, untouchable on her side of the room. He

knew leaving her alone so abruptly was both rude and insensitive, but he'd had to come to grips with the thoughts running through his head. Walking into the casino to book their room had roused the bear's interest once more. Mac had shaken his head many times, but the more he tried, the harder it was to clear his head. Only having Robyn pressed against him soothed his thoughts. Once they'd found their room on the fifteenth floor, he'd felt claustrophobic. He'd needed to get away, to see for himself if he could control the bear on his own. Perhaps it hadn't been his best idea. If he couldn't control it, a bloodthirsty bear would have rampaged through the tourists, probably getting itself shot dead by hotel security. As it was, he'd been damn lucky he'd barely held on to his sanity. The flashing lights and the jingling of coins in the casino had been a distraction from concentrating, and more than once, he needed to take a few deep breaths to calm his racing heart. He hadn't wanted to risk it anymore, so he'd returned to the room, expecting to find Robyn in a fit of rage. He'd insisted on leaving her behind and he'd smelled her hurt and anger before he left. What he hadn't expected was her indifference upon his return. "I bought you a few shirts,” she said, giving him a quick glance before reading once more. “Some pants too. Figured you wouldn't want to wear B*E*A*S*T*'s clothes forever." The brief moment he'd held her eyes, Mac saw her pain. It was still there, under the surface, but she was trying her hardest to seem unaffected. She was doing a good job. Even her scent wasn't strong, but it was guarded. Perhaps she was angry after all. He'd never fought with her before. For all he knew, this could be how she dealt with things. "Food's getting cold." His stomach growled loudly. He placed his hand over himself as if to quiet his belly. With a watering mouth, Mac crossed the room and grabbed the covered plate. Carrying it to the nearby table, he sank into the chair and ate voraciously, barely coming up for air between bites. He didn't even know what had been on that plate when he pushed it away—practically licked clean. He glanced up and saw the look of shock on her face, but she graced him with a small smile. "Not sure you're supposed to inhale Filet Mignon." When he didn't respond, she went back to her book. Mac heaved a sigh, finally full. He stood from the chair and went in to the bathroom, closing the door behind him. He couldn't face Robyn, not after the decision he'd made in the elevator on the way back to their room. He was too volatile, too likely to shift and rip his world—and her—apart. It was hard enough coming to grips with being a shifter. He had no idea who he was in his life before, but he didn't give a shit about that. Now, however, he had to deal with being a crossbreed and the instability that came with it. He was in love with Robyn, he knew that beyond the shadow of a doubt. And because he loved her, he had to send her away. She was his mate, but she'd never asked for his madness. She never asked to fear for her own safety around him. Before they'd made love in the Hummer, he'd been so close to shifting and carrying out his disgusting fantasies, it scared him to the core. If Robyn knew the bear had wanted to hurt her just to delight in her screams, she wouldn't look at him with such trust. If she knew the bear lusted after her and wanted her to take his colossal dick in her mouth, she'd run for the friggin’ hills. Jesus. Just the memory of those thoughts had him hard and ready. He repulsed himself. Hitting the countertop with a closed fist, Mac pivoted and turned on the shower, desperate to wash himself clean. He needed the reminder of the scalding water to tell him he wasn't the bear. He wasn't the goddamn bear! Mac stripped out of his clothes and stepped into the tub, pulling the curtain closed. His strong fingers washed his hair, yanking and twisting, while he worked in the shampoo, wanting to hurt himself for his revolting desires. His eyes stung but he refused to break down. He would not give the Kodiak the friggin’ pleasure. [Back to Table of Contents]

THIRTY Robyn sat up on the bed. He was taking a shower. Mac was in the effing shower! If that man thought he could avoid her forever, he was sorely mistaken. She was his mate. She wasn't about to stand for the silent treatment, especially when she had no idea what the hell she'd done to put him in a foul mood. Sure, he was going through a very hard ordeal, but if he would just talk to her, they could face it together. He didn't have to go through it alone. It was about time he knew that. Damn stubborn, mule-headed bastard. Tossing the book on the side table, Robyn could care less when it fell to the floor. She hadn't been reading it anyhow. Every page had to be read at least three times to be processed in her befuddled brain. All she could think about was Mackenzie, but the man seemed to be only thinking of himself. She was going to give him a piece of her mind. Robyn stomped to the bathroom door and shoved it open, greeted on the other side with a cloud of steam. She didn't stop until she stood in front of the tub. She reached up and swiped back the shower curtain, spooking Mac on the other side. He was slick and wet, gazing at her with a look mixed with concern and surprise. Staring at the hair matted against his head, she almost forgot what she'd come in here for. The man never ceased to rev her engine, and hot damn, now was no different. He even had a hard-on staring her in the face. Finding her backbone, she pointed her finger at his chest and drew her brows together in anger. "You don't get to ignore me, Mackenzie Bishop,” she said, seething. “We are in a relationship. People in relationships talk to each other. I know you're going through some shit, but it's not just you. We are going through it. We will deal with it. You've got to stop avoiding me. I love you, damn it!" Mac was calm when he turned off the shower spray. No, he wasn't calm. He was seething, just as she was. She smelled the undertone of his scent through the perfume of the shampoo. When he turned back to look at her, every emotion he kept hidden within him was evident, fear, anger, pain... It made shudders travel up her spine. His hands slicked his hair back a moment before he stepped from the tub, an Adonis who looked mad enough to snap her in two. She took a step back in spite of herself. He followed. She took another step and came up against the countertop of the matching pair of sinks. Mac advanced, and lordy, she wanted to wrap herself around him. His spicy desire laced the room. Or was that hers? She had no idea. He bent before her and she cried out when his hands grabbed her thighs to lift her onto the counter. With rough hands, he forced her legs apart, making her acutely aware of the fact that she was only wearing the long night shirt and a brand new pair of panties she'd bought herself not too long before. Need pulsed between her legs and she ached for him to touch her there. Instead, he took hold of her collar and tugged. The shirt ripped right down the middle and he didn't stop until it lay in a ruined heap on the floor. "Mackenzie!” she squealed, hopelessly aroused by his sensual assault. He didn't answer, he merely tore her panties away with the same brute force, ensuring she was as naked as he. Grasping a handful of her hair, he scooted her forward until her backside barely perched on the counter. His erection was stiff and long, pressing between them. Robyn ached for it. Mac knew damn well. "You tell me right now what you want me to do, Robyn,” he demanded, his voice full of venom. Was his anger directed at her? Stroking his face, she couldn't tell, but she didn't think so. He was fighting himself, fighting what that asshole Carver had done to him. "I want you to talk to me." He scoffed. “I'm not in the mood for talking." "I want you to trust me." "I trust you with my life, woman, you know that." "I want you,” she whispered. Tears filled her eyes, but she didn't care. “That's all I want. All of you. Every piece. I want your heart, your body, the jag, the bear—" "You don't want him,” he said, interrupting her. His hand was still twisted in her hair. She winced when he tugged. "Yes. I do. He's a part of you." "You don't know what you're asking.” Mac's breath puffed on her lips. If she sat up straighter, she could kiss him. Instead, she wrapped her legs around him until his length rested in her curls. Her hands explored the soft planes of his chest before climbing his neck and disappearing in his wet hair. He closed his eyes, making a noise deep in his throat, much like a low growl. His entire body trembled. "You are not a monster,” she said, pulling his face closer until their noses touched. “You are a strong, loving man. You're the man I adore. I want you any way I can get you. If the good comes with the bad, I'll embrace them both."

"Even if the bear—" She placed her finger on his lips. "Even if." "You don't know the thoughts in my head. You don't know how hard I fight to keep them out. It's nearly impossible. If you knew, if you heard them, you'd bolt. You'd run and never look back." "Try me." He shook his head. "Mackenzie..." "No." Robyn's heart broke. He wouldn't believe her words. She'd have to show him. Inching closer, she brushed her lips on his. He followed her gentle kisses, increasing the pressure bit by bit. But the moment her hand gripped his erection, he took over and delved, his tongue battling, demanding. Leaning her across the counter, he held her with his iron grip so she wouldn't fall against the mirror. With her legs around his hips, it wasn't hard at all for him to squeeze inside, pressing into her so lovingly, it made her swoon. Clinging to him with all her might, she rode out the wave of ecstacy he created, feeling the fullness of him claiming her heart forever. He was the only one she wanted, her heart was overflowing with love for him. He had to smell it. "No, please...” Mac ripped his mouth away and stopped his rhythm, resting his head on her shoulder. His scent had changed. The bear wanted free again. "Think of me,” she breathed in his ear, pushing against him to keep his thoughts in the here and now. "He wants out. He wants you!" "It's okay,” she cooed. “I want you to concentrate on me. Think of what I'm doing." Mac still held her against him. She was free to use her hands to roam across his body, caressing his face, his shoulders, and behind him down to his ass. "Mmm,” he moaned. The scent was fading. “I can still hear him." "Mackenzie?" "What?" "Tell the bear I love him, too." Mac's eyes snapped open and he stared at her for a few eternal seconds. He looked as if he was going to break down and cry, but instead, he claimed her mouth and began his loving anew. In and out, he seemed determined to imprint himself on her heart. But he was already there. He always had been—he always would be. The instant Robyn felt the creshendo of her passion cresting, Mac came right along with her, holding her tight until she saw nothing but stars. [Back to Table of Contents]

THIRTY ONE Robyn wasn't asleep. Neither was Mackenzie. They'd moved to the bed, after their interlude in the bathroom, but they hadn't made love again. His body was so warm, Robyn couldn't help but snuggle up to him. Ever since he'd found her in Florida, she'd been so cold. She had no idea why. Perhaps her worry was the reason, because she didn't remember being cold when they'd first made love, and they'd been outside in the elements. Thinking on what little he'd told her in the bathroom, she knew he was scared, probably terrified of what he could do if he ever lost control and shifted into the bear. When he'd shifted at the compound, he'd singlehandedly brought down Lucian's helicopter. That, in and of itself, had to be sobering. If he had the strength to pluck a chopper out of the sky, what else could he do if he flew out of control? Mac was staring at the ceiling, absently rubbing his hand up and down her arm. She was on his chest, lightly playing with his coarse hair. Their legs tangled beneath the blankets, and she couldn't help but run her foot up his calf. "What are you thinking about?" "Ah, sweetheart, you don't wanna know." "I do." He scoffed. Her palm cupped his cheek, forcing his eye contact as she rose over him on her elbow. "Yes I do. These thoughts are destroying you. I want to help you. Please let me in." Mac rolled onto his side and faced her. “You're going to hate this." She was confused. “Hate what?" "I...think it's best if you...if you... It's best if you go. If you leave." His words left her thunderstruck. She couldn't help but stare at him with her mouth wide open. "What did you say?" "You need to stay away from me, Robyn." "Well that's not happening." "Listen to me. This is the only way—" "The only way for you not to face your problem! Sending me away is not the answer." "Yes, it is. I could hurt you. I've come damn close." "But you haven't." "Yet. I haven't yet." Robyn fumed and smacked his shoulder. “You won't ever. I know you, Mackenzie. You couldn't hurt me, not even the bear." "You're wrong." She sat up just so she could glare down at him. “You've got to be the most stubborn man I've ever met." "You need to go. I can take care of myself." "You will kill yourself, Mac. If you don't face this, if we don't face it together, it will eat you up from the inside out." "If I don't send you away, that bear will eat you! And I'm not talking about the fun way, sweetheart." "So you want to die, is that what you're telling me?” Her eyes flashed and she knew the scent of her fury must be choking him. She didn't give a shit. "I can barely control him,” he said through clenched teeth. “Right now, he wants to jump out of me and destroy this room, but not before..." "Not before what?" Mac glanced back at the ceiling and balled his fists on the blanket. "Oh no you don't,” she said, tossing the blanket aside to stand before him in all her glory. “If you're going to send me away, you're damn well going to tell me why. What are you thinking right now?" He sat up. He was pissed. She'd pushed him, she knew it, but he was being ridiculous. She couldn't leave him now, not when he needed her the most. "You want to know what I'm thinking? Fine. I'll tell you.” His eyes were golden orbs when he narrowed them, his face taking on a sneer. “The bear wants to

take you from behind. He knows you're too small for him, but tearing your sweet skin excites him like nothing else. He wants to smell your blood while he's doing you, and Jesus Christ, the mental image is making me hard. Look at that,” he said, wiping his chin. “My damn mouth is watering." Robyn gasped as he crawled to her on the mattress, his eyes almost level with hers. Short hairs grew on his face and his voice began to change into a deep growl. "Get back on the bed and I'll give you a little taste." He was scaring her on purpose. She knew it. At least, she hoped it. Raising her hand, Robyn smacked him right across the cheek. Her palm burned, but she slapped him again with tears in her eyes. Mac was shocked and fell back onto the pillows, clutching his smooth cheek with his fingers. "You don't have to be so cruel!” she yelled at him. “You're just trying to prove a point!" "I proved it though, didn't I? It's hard enough controlling my moods. You know how strange Dylan was, lucid one minute, crazy the next. I feel like that all the friggin’ time now." "The bear has never broken free on me. You've managed to control him." Mac shook his head. “You don't get it, do you? I don't want to take the chance that one day I might not be able to control him. What if I kill you? How am I supposed to live knowing I killed the woman I love?" "Do you, Mackenzie?” she asked, crossing her arms. "Do I what?" "Love me?" "You're seriously asking me this?" Robyn spread her arms wide. “Well obviously!” she cried. “No one in their right mind would send away the person they love." Mac snapped his fingers and pointed at her. “Right there, Robyn—I am not in my right mind!" She turned away and headed to the dresser where she'd put away her new clothes. With short, angry tugs, she got dressed, even donning her new pair of flip-flops, these complete with slot machines on the soles. "You might not be in your right mind, but you're not crazy. I have been able to talk you down every time you've been tempted to become that friggin’ bear. I have confidence you won't ever hurt me. But if you want me gone, I'll respect that. Rogan said there was no talking you out of something when your mind was made up. Guess he was right." When the only sound Mac made was a sigh, she turned back to him. "Am I still your mate?" His silence was answer enough. A sharp pain punched her right in the gut. With a trembling chin, she grabbed Wade's credit card and reached for the doorknob. "If you...” Damn it, her voice wasn't steady at all. She wiped away a tear. “If you change your mind, I'll be in Colorado, at Lanie's cabin." She didn't look at him when she opened the door. Seeing him in the bed watching her leave him would crush whatever heart she had left. Mac wanted her gone. She certainly didn't want to force him into this relationship if he didn't want it. She knew he loved her, but maybe what he needed was time on his own to figure out for himself that he couldn't live without her. She'd been willing to give him his space in the casino, but could she manage giving him this much? With her love on the line, Robyn took the biggest gamble of her life and quietly closed the door behind her. "Mr. Erickson?" Robyn sniffled into the payphone at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. She'd taken a cab to get there and paid with the cash she'd been able to get off the card at an ATM. Remembering the phone number Noah had given them, she'd dialed the number, despite the late hour. It was eleven p.m. in Reno, so it had to be midnight in Denver. "Hello?” a gruff male voice answered. "Hi. You don't know me, but my name is Robyn." The sound of shuffling was heard before the man asked, “Oh, Robyn Bishop?" She cleared her throat and closed her eyes. "I...I was, sir. Robyn Groves now. Is Lanie there? Can I talk to her?"

"Sure, sure, hang on a moment." More shuffling came through the other end, followed by a soft knock. Muffled talking reached her before a tired woman's voice said, “Robyn?" "Lanie?” She couldn't hold back any more. Her grief got the better of her. "Honey, my dad said you'd changed your name back. Noah called me earlier and told me what happened with Mac. Is something wrong? Are you okay?" Robyn sniffled into the phone. “I need to come to Denver. Can I stay at your cabin?" People walking by glanced at her as she cried, but she was beyond caring. Exhaustion overcame her and all she wanted to do was be alone and weep. "Did Mac hurt you?" "No, no, he didn't. He's convinced he will, though. Told me to leave him." "He what?" "He wanted me to leave. Said it was only a matter of time. I...Rogan told me to give him space if he ever needed it. I don't know if I can survive this. I don't even know if I'm his mate anymore. I don't know where else to go." "Can you get to the airport?" "Already there." "When's the next flight to Denver?" Robyn glanced at the departure board, which just so happened to be a few feet away. “There's a flight leaving in one hour." "Be on that plane, Robyn, I'll meet you. We'll all meet you." "Okay." "You might have to swipe someone's ID to get a ticket, will you be okay with that?" Robyn sniffled. “Yeah, I guess I'll have to." "Just try to find someone who looks kind of like you and they won't ask questions. You'll get here before the guys. They're driving in Wade's new Jeep. Said he wanted to break it in. But they should be here by tomorrow." "Thank you so much, Lanie." "You bet, sweetie, and don't you worry. We'll protect you from that man of yours and make sure the jackass never breaks your heart again." [Back to Table of Contents]

THIRTY TWO It had taken every ounce of willpower Mac had not to run to that door and rip it open when Robyn closed it behind her. What he'd done was inexcusable. He'd broken her heart. He wanted to apologize and take her back into his arms. He wanted to call himself all kinds of fool and grovel at her feet for her forgiveness. But he'd managed to hold himself in check and let her go. She was right about one thing, he didn't have to be so cruel telling her his true thoughts. But he needed her to understand the danger she was in just by being near him. She had to know what the bear wanted to do. She couldn't stay. But damn, the sorrow had been pouring off her. She didn't want to go. Mac knew if he let her, she would have stayed with him, even if it meant her own death. He couldn't allow that to happen. She'd probably be at the airport by now. Robyn told him she'd be in Colorado. She was going to stay at the cabin with Noah and Lanie, no doubt. Mac groaned as he curled around her pillow. It smelled of her, spicy and sweet. The bear growled within him, but he ignored it, trying hard not to sniffle. He couldn't hold back the torrent of tears. He finally did have his breakdown, alone in his room, cursing himself to Hell. He was an asshole, plain and simple. Robyn had been right—no man in his right mind would send away the woman he loved, or break her heart on purpose. Remembering the gentle way she'd offered herself up to him in the bathroom had him hating himself even more. With a primal yell, Mac released his anger, his pain, his frustration. He wanted to shift and destroy something, but becoming the bear was out of the question. Instead, he shifted into the jaguar and attacked the very pillow he'd been holding. The sooner he erased her scent, the sooner he'd stop torturing himself. But he knew that was a lie. He'd remember Robyn's scent until his dying day. It was all over him, in his heart, on his soul. The jag screeched again before smashing the lamp, clawing the mattress and slamming against the television. Amazingly, in his shifted state, he didn't hear the bear taunting him. With his breath heaving in his lungs, Mac stopped and closed his feline eyes, listening to the silence. With reverie. Robyn was dead on her feet. She'd managed to get a little sleep on the plane, but she'd only been dozing. What she needed was a good night's sleep. She wandered the gates at the Denver International Airport, looking for her way to baggage claim. She had no bags, but that was where Lanie said she'd meet her. If she was in a better mood, Robyn would have marveled at the beauty of the terminal. A large fountain sprayed water in the middle of the thoroughfare, surrounded by a hedge of plantlife. The second level could plainly be seen above the first as a balcony of sorts, while artistic canvas arches stretched like sails across the vast ceiling from rows of ivory pillars. It was spectacular. But it was still dark outside. Robyn could only imagine those canvas arches would be ten times as lovely with the soft glow of sunlight illuminating them. It didn't take that long to find where she needed to go, and her keen eyes scanned the people. There weren't many of them wandering about at three-thirty in the morning. "Robyn!" She spun around and saw Lanie, Keira, and Marlie running toward her. She raced to greet them, hugging each of them in turn. "Oh, honey, look at you,” Lanie said, holding her at arms’ length. “Mac did a number on you. You look exhausted." Robyn bit her lip to keep from tearing up. Her eyes were filled with sand. She couldn't tolerate any more tears. "Let's take you to the cabin,” Marlie said, draping her arm around Robyn's shoulders. Lanie nodded. “Lots of fresh air and solitude to clear your head." "Sounds wonderful." "You'll get your own room, sweetie,” Keira said, taking her hand. “Don't you worry, you're in good hands." Robyn hoped so. For as long as she was in Colorado, the last thing she wanted was to drive herself crazy thinking of Mackenzie battling the Kodiak on his own. "How was your flight?” Lanie asked with a smile. She was trying to get Robyn's mind off the obvious. "Long,” she answered. "You hungry?" She nodded. It had been a while since she'd eaten her dinner.

"We'll hit some fast food on the way." She glanced at each of these women, her friends, her saviors. "Thank you,” she whispered. "You are more than welcome, sweetie,” Marlie said. “We know more than anyone how pig-headed these men can be. Mac will come to his senses. He just needs time." With a deep breath, Robyn nodded. But with the way he'd told her to leave, she wasn't so sure. She wasn't sure of anything anymore. [Back to Table of Contents]

THIRTY THREE After an hour of driving, they finally pulled up to Lanie's father's cabin. It was bigger than Robyn had first thought. She'd pictured a one-room house in the wild, but it turned out to be a lovely log cabin, with a huge stone fireplace, a kitchen-dining area, five bedrooms and two baths. It was dark, but as Lanie flipped on the lights, Robyn delighted in the rugged mountain decor. A few wooden mallards were scattered on the hearth, while paintings of the mountains hung here and there. A pair of snowshoes hung decoratively in the hallway and the kitchen continued the log cabin look with hanging pots and pans. The floor was polished wood and covered with a few fluffy carpets. Robyn could definitely get lost here and be happy about it. "We were staying at my father's house in Denver when you called,” Lanie explained. “But I knew you'd want to get away from everything, and I've found this cabin does the trick. Don't worry, we'll all be here with you. I told Noah to meet us here when they arrive. Shouldn't be too much longer until they get here. They're driving straight through from Nevada." "Where's the bathroom?" Lanie pointed. “Down the hall, to the left. Your bedroom is right next door, the one with the pink quilt." "Thank you guys, really. I don't know what I'd do if I..." Marlie walked up to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “We take care of our own, honey,” she said with a smile. “You go get some sleep. We'll hold down the fort." Robyn nodded and walked down the hallway. Glancing at herself in the bathroom mirror, she couldn't help but chuckle. She looked like shit. No wonder the women had been aghast at the sight of her. The bags under her eyes had bags of their own. Her eyes themselves were rimmed in red and her hair was hopelessly tangled every which way. With a sigh, she turned away and found her room a few minutes later. Closing the door behind her, Robyn peeled back the covers and sank into the sheets. She trembled with shivers and desperately wished Mackenzie was there to keep her warm. She tucked the quilt under her chin, determined to think no more on her wayward mate. His eyes flashed at her, exciting her beyond reason. They were both naked and she couldn't hold back as she forced his mouth to hers, tasting his exotic flavor. A growl escaped him and she arched into his chest, her stiff nipples rubbing on his skin. He'd brought his knee between her legs and she ground against him, straining for the release she knew would come. But he pulled back, his body changing before her very eyes. Thick muscles bulged down his arms while coarse, dark hair grew. His body doubled, then tripled in size. Before she knew it, she was underneath a giant Kodiak, screaming for her life. But the bear was ruthless, crushing her underneath him. Good Lord, she felt him probing her, his growls of pleasure reaching her ears. "Mackenzie, no!” she screamed, hitting him again and again, but it was no use. His enormous mouth descended, and all she could see was his sharp fangs. The only thing she could do was shift. But the bear was faster than she was. He caught her in his jaws. All he needed to do was bite down... Robyn sat up in bed, her heart racing in her chest. Covering her face in her hands, she sobbed, trying to calm herself. The dream had been so real, that for a moment, she thought it was really happening. She was safe, at Lanie's cabin in Colorado, far away from that insane bear. Guilt ripped through her at that thought. The Kodiak was Mackenzie, the man she loved more than life itself. She flopped back into the pillows and lamented at the sunlight pouring through her window. It looked to be sometime in the afternoon. It didn't feel like she'd slept that long. She laid there for a little while longer until the sound of voices reached her ears. The guys. They must have arrived. After that dream, Robyn knew she wouldn't be able to sleep any more. She grabbed her clothes and got dressed. Thankfully, there was a brush on the nightstand. God bless those women. After she'd tamed her hair, she wandered down the hall. "There she is!” Rogan yelled happily, moving to give her a hug. But he didn't just hug her, he swung her around the room. "Rogan, let her go this instant,” Marlie said, smacking him on the shoulder. He obeyed with a dramatic sigh. Wade and Noah followed suit, but not quite as enthusiastically. "How are you doing?” Noah asked, holding her eye contact. Robyn's chin trembled. “Been better."

"Listen, I know you're hurting right now, but we know that jag better than anyone. He loves you something fierce. If he sent you away, it's not because he doesn't want you." "I know,” she said dejectedly. “But that doesn't make it any easier to bear." Noah nodded. “He searched for you desperately when you were gone. He never gave up. He just needs to sort out what he's going through and he'll be back. Mark my words." "Not before we're gonna give him hell,” Wade spat from the kitchen. He was pouring himself a cup of coffee, but she still saw his eyes flash from where she stood. "Absolutely,” Rogan said just as fiercely. “Bastard doesn't get to treat his mate like a piece of trash." "Oh, don't you boys go getting any ideas,” Lanie said from the couch. “We get him first." Robyn giggled, amazed that she could. The ache in her heart eased. Wade gave her a look, arching his brow. “You think we're kidding?" "Not at all,” she said with a grin. “In fact, you do your worst. That man needs his ass kicked." Rogan raised his hands to the ceiling. “Can I get an amen?" "Amen!” everyone said in unison. They all devolved into chuckles, and for the first time in the past few hours, Robyn felt good again. "So how was your trip?” Robyn asked Noah. "Ugh,” he said, glancing at Rogan and Wade. “Long. We're all so dead tired. Want to go to bed." All three of them cast glances at their mates. And just like that, Robyn's sour mood returned. "Sorry,” he murmured, hanging his head. “Shouldn't have said that." "No,” she said, placing her hand on his chest. “You've been apart for a long time. It's time for you all to be reunited. I think I might just let the wind ruffle my feathers for awhile. Shifting always clears my head." "Don't go too far,” Keira said. She moved into the kitchen to be closer to Wade. “Don't want you to get lost." "I won't,” she promised. "Want something to eat before you go?” Wade asked, gesturing to the fridge. "No, I'll be all right." With a wave, she walked out the front door and breathed deep the mountain air. It was gorgeous here. The cabin sat a little ways from the main road, totally secluded in the surrounding trees. The warmer weather had melted the winter snow, but it was still breathtaking. Walking into the trees, she found a spot down a short hill that the cabin couldn't see. Taking off her clothes, she folded them and placed them on a log before shifting and finally taking to the air. The exhiliration of flying overcame her, and she squawked with delight. Her thoughts of Mac didn't plague her as she glanced at the beauty of the world all around her. She noted where the cabin was and flapped her wings, climbing higher into the sky. Green trees stretched as far as the eye could see. Jutting mountain peaks stood stark against the blue sky, making her catch her breath in her throat. The Rockies were breathtaking, reminding her of Mt. Hood in Oregon. Robyn flew in circles and danced on the wind. A few real birds played with her in the sky and she was content. Within the snowy owl, Robyn found the solace she desperately craved. [Back to Table of Contents]

THIRTY FOUR Daylight came too soon. Mac awoke amidst a flurry of white balls of fluff, and realized he was sleeping on the bed and pillow he'd destroyed a few hours earlier. "Damn,” he muttered to himself. Every inch of him ached. Looking around, he saw the state of the destroyed room. The table was on its side and the curtains had been ripped down. The abstract painting hung askew on the wall and the phone had been torn from the wall. He'd had one hell of a temper tantrum. It actually surprised him that security hadn't been called last night, considering the amount of noise he must have created. Mac pushed off the bed and wiped the fluffies off him, deciding to take a shower to get the rest. As he drew the water, his mind was numb. He didn't hear anything and it soothed him. But it also made thinking on Robyn almost too much to take. He refused to look at the countertop behind him. What was she doing right now? Was she all right? Of course she was all right, he told himself. She was with the guys. Stepping into the spray, he let the water beat him in the face. It burned, but it felt good. God, he missed her. He missed her skin, her eyes, her hair, her touch... "Shit,” he whispered. Bathing as fast as he could, Mac toweled dry and walked back into the room, dressing in the clothing Robyn had bought him. The t-shirt was white, and simply said, “I lost my heart in Reno". He grunted at the irony, but pulled it on. The jeans fit him perfectly, as did the silly flip-flops she'd gotten him. All he could think of was the pair he'd gotten her back in Florida, the ones with flamingos. The bear suddenly growled under the surface, getting his attention. Damn. His reprieve was short-lived. He left the room, fully intending to slip quietly out of the casino. He had no idea where he was headed, he just needed to leave. He couldn't stay in a room that had been sacked. Aside from that, he needed to get rid of his thoughts. The more he thought on Robyn, the more he needed her with him. "I'm a damn asshole,” he whispered to himself in the empty elevator. The Kodiak seemed to growl its approval. "Shut up,” he said. Amazingly, it did. Thank goodness no one witnessed Mac talking to himself. The mental image made him chuckle. He was still chuckling when he stepped off the elevator onto the main floor of the casino. Finding the main doors, he walked out into the parking lot, trying to remember where he'd parked the Hummer. His stomach growled something fierce, but he had to ignore it. He didn't have any money. He'd need to remedy that. Aside from stealing some, he had no idea how to go about it. Damn. Another reason he needed Robyn. She'd had Wade's credit card when she left. He found the Hummer easily enough amidst the sea of mid-sized sedans. But the moment he opened the driver's side door, his heart stopped. There on the floor, by the brake pedal, was a wad of twenties. What the hell? Picking up the cash, he sniffed it and his heart skipped a beat. Robyn. She'd left it for him, knowing he wouldn't have a thing if she took off. Her thoughtfulness touched him and made his eyes burn behind his lids. Clutching the bills, he climbed into the truck and laid his head on the steering wheel. Christ, he couldn't do this. He couldn't live without her. Thinking on her face, the bear roared to life and he clutched the wheel even harder. Mac remembered her scent in his nostrils and her voice in his ear, telling him to control it. He was slipping. He needed her touch, he needed a distraction. Oh, God. With whimpering breaths, he panted hard, giving every ounce of his concentration to control the Kodiak. Something came back to him from last night. He hadn't felt the bear when he'd become the jag.

Swallowing hard, Mac barely began his shift into the cat. Instantly, the bear backed down, his growls subsiding. It couldn't be that easy. Could it? He released his shift and once again his skin was smooth. The bear was gone. He grinned, then chuckled. His chuckles turned into loud guffaws ringing in the cabin of the Hummer. He'd found a way. He'd damn well found a way to control that bastard! He had no idea how the jag controlled the Kodiak. Maybe because he'd been imprinted first? All Mac knew was that an enormous weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Tears formed in his eyes, but these were tears of joy and relief. Kissing the wad of bills, he whispered, “I'm comin’ baby. I'm coming home." Firing up the Hummer, he took off in a peal of glory. He had no idea how he was going to win Robyn back, but he knew she loved him. It wouldn't be too hard. How long a drive was it from Reno to Denver? Punching the city into the Hummer's GPS navigation, he figured it would take him about twenty hours with a straight shot. Better get going. He wasn't going to get any damn sleep. He was far too giddy. He'd have to remember where Lanie's family cabin was. He knew the highway it was on, so he figured he could find it easily enough. Stopping long enough to buy some food and gas, Mac was on his way, a wide grin on his face. [Back to Table of Contents]

THIRTY FIVE The next morning, Robyn awoke feeling much more refreshed. Thankfully, all she'd dreamt about was flying as an owl. She'd still been cold, but her shivers went away sometime in the night, and she'd drifted off into a peaceful slumber. After returning to the cabin yesterday, she'd smelled the heavy scent of mating in the air, and knew the guys had been with their mates. It had stung her, but she was determined not to let it get her down. Her friends had no reason to deny themselves just because she'd been tossed aside. She was happy for them. But seeing them exchanging glances over the dinner table and cuddling on the couch after they'd eaten had been a bit hard to take. She'd retired early and was grateful she had, as now, she stretched and felt the familiar aches flying always brought. She'd fly again today, maybe going a little further, seeing what lay beyond the babbling brook she'd found. The shower was hot and she emerged in a cloud of steam, hastily getting dressed. When she wandered out, she smiled at the women who were already making breakfast in the kitchen. "Feeling better?” Keira asked. "A little, yeah. Think I might go flying again today. Keeps my head clear." Marlie shook her head. “I envy you,” she said. “Being able to soar over the landscape? There must be nothing like it." "There isn't,” she replied. “It's wonderful. If there's anything I'm thankful to B*E*A*S*T* for, it's for making me a bird." She poured herself some coffee. The men emerged from their rooms not too much later, and it wasn't long before everyone was eating eggs and bacon. Robyn wasn't too hungry. All she could think about was flying, and her excitement mounted. Noah took a deep breath. “Thinking of leaving so soon?” he asked, grinning. She nodded. “I can't wait. I don't think. I just fly." "Sounds divine." Once she'd put her plate in the sink, she walked toward the back door, which opened to the woodpile behind the cabin. Going out the back rather than the front gave her a straight shot to the log where she'd undressed and shifted the day before. “I don't know when I'll be back." "Take your time,” Rogan said, flipping through a Better Homes & Gardens magazine. “We'll still be here. Learning how to decorate with stripes." Robyn chuckled and walked out. She jogged to her spot and undressed as quickly as she could. In no time, she'd taken wing high into the sky. After the long, harrowing drive, Mac's giddy mood had waned. As luck would have it, he found the turn off to Lanie's cabin even though he'd never been there. He'd met up with Noah, Rogan, and Wade, wandering this very highway after the first B*E*A*S*T* compound had been liberated, and remembered Noah and Lanie talking about leaving her father's cabin not too long before. Besides, with the windows down, he could smell the faint scent of his friends down one particular turn off. He'd know the fragrance of his own mate anywhere. Twice more on the drive, he'd been confronted by the Kodiak, and twice more, he'd been able to cut him off at the pass by summoning the jaguar. Mac knew now, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that he could control the bear. The episode in Reno hadn't been a fluke. Thank God. If he had to live the rest of his life without Robyn, he'd definitely go mad. It was Robyn he'd thought of during his second mind-wipe, Robyn who'd saved him from losing himself in the transformation pod. She'd been there to soothe him after he'd batted at Lucian's chopper like a toy, and helped him to cope with the reality of what he was. He'd spent too damn long loving that woman. There was no way in hell he'd lose her now. He was an idiot to let her go in the first place, he knew that. But he wasn't above groveling. He'd do whatever it took to get back into Robyn's good graces, and if he couldn't, then he wouldn't take no for an answer. Before he'd even stepped out of the truck, the front door of the cabin opened and Noah appeared, followed closely by Wade and Rogan. Mac climbed out and slammed the Hummer's door, taking a few steps toward the porch. "Didn't take long,” Noah said, calmly sipping something out of a steaming mug. "Where is she?” Mac asked. He was not in the mood to play games. He'd just driven all day and all night. Now, here it was day again. He was ready to drop, but knowing Robyn was inside gave him his ninth wind. Sharp footsteps sounded on the porch and Lanie Carpenter strode out the door, pushing the men out of her way. Marlie and Keira were close on her tail and every single woman looked like she could spit fire. "You, Mr. Bishop, are not going in there,” Lanie declared. "That's what you think." "Oh, I'm serious. You broke Robyn's heart. You have no idea what she went through because of you!"

"If it's close to what I went through, I've got a damn good idea. Get out of my way." "No." "If you don't move, I'll move you." Noah growled on the porch. “I wouldn't." Mac narrowed his eyes and started walking. Lanie's hands on his chest did nothing as she trotted backward. "Little help here!” she cried over her shoulder. The men moved in and restrained him, Rogan and Wade taking each arm, while Noah still sipped his goddamn coffee. Mac knew he could twist out of their grip if he summoned the bear, but doing so would jeapardize their lives. He might be an idiot but he wasn't stupid. They knew it too, and seemed to be taunting him. "What's the matter, Mac?” Rogan asked. “Kodiak got your tongue?" He knew his eyes flashed and the bear roared, desperately wanting out. Tossing his head back, he screamed, scaring a few birds in the process. Noah moved in, shielding the women just in case he turned. But Mac had been battling this bear for days. Just as before, he called the jag forth and it tamed his rage, until he could look into Noah's eyes without wanting to tear out his throat. He was still panting, his anger getting the better of him, but he grinned at Noah's look of surprise. He still tried to pull out of their grasp, but Wade and Rogan held him tight. "I see you've been practicing,” Noah said. "That's why I came to get my mate. I can control the bear with the jaguar. She's not in danger anymore." Marlie walked up, her arms crossed over her chest. “I beg to differ. You walked all over her, Mac. Robyn told Lanie's father she'd changed her name back to Groves. She was so torn up she looked like shit. I say we make you look like shit." Her words shocked him. Marlie had never spoken to him with such malice before. Then his eyes went wide as what she said sank in. Robyn changed her name? She was more than just angry. She really had left him. Shock and disbelief filled his heart. "Not a bad idea,” Rogan pondered, cocking his head. “We could beat you bloody until the cows come home, but it's really not our place. Robyn's the one who should knock some sense into you." Was it his imagination, or did he smell disappointment in the air? Christ, he not only pissed off his mate, but his friends as well. "Aw hell, I say we do it anyway!" Wade chuckled at Rogan's words. "You want the first swing?” Noah asked, his eyes glittering. "You know I do,” Wolfe said. He was grinning from ear to ear. "Uh uh,” Lanie said, rolling up her sleeves. “I get it." Noah stepped out of her way. “As you wish, my dear." Mac's brows shot up as Lanie stood in front of him and said, “You want to make amends with Robyn, you've gotta do one thing for me." "And what's that?” he asked. He couldn't keep the sarcasm from his voice no matter how hard he tried. Lanie cocked her arm and punched him, right in the gut. Mac doubled over, surprised at the power she had in that little frame. "Promise you'll never break her heart again." "You heard the woman,” Rogan said when he didn't answer right away. But he was trying to catch his breath. "I promise.” Mac knew his eyes were flashing. The bear was actually laughing in the back of his head. Did bears even do that? He had no idea, but he found the thought amusing. He couldn't hold back his laugh. "He thinks this is funny. Here, tiger, it's my turn." Noah set his coffee on a step and Rogan handed him the arm he was holding. Rogan didn't bother with a speech. The wolf merely threw a mean right hook, catching Mac on the left of his jaw. Mac saw stars, but the more he thought on that damn bear, the more it laughed at him. He grinned as he spat blood. "Good one, Rogan. Right in the kisser,” Mac said. "I think he's enjoying this.” Wade's voice held a twinge of light-heartedness. "I think you're right,” Noah replied.

Keira stomped on Mac's foot and he howled...with laughter. "What?” she asked, glancing at Wade. “I don't have the heart to punch him." Marlie stepped up and gave him a slap across his right cheek, to match the bruise Rogan gave him on the other. Wade and Noah were more subtle with their punishment. Noah twisted Mac's arm behind him and Wade followed suit until he cried out at the pressure. "If we let you go,” Noah whispered in his ear, “you gotta promise us you're not here to hurt Robyn. She's got a hole in her heart, Mac, and you put it there." "I know." "She doesn't think you want her anymore." Pain shot through him, and it had nothing to do with what his friends just doled out. "It's why she changed her name back. She said she didn't know if she was your mate anymore. If she isn't sleeping, then she's been flying. She doesn't think when she's—" "The owl,” Mac finished for him. God, it was worse than he thought. "You got it. Any thought, any reminder of you and she retreats within herself. I think...you killed her spirit." "No, no, no...” Mac shook his head, refusing to hear what his rejection did to her. It was too much. He had to make it right. He had to. "Christ, I didn't know, I didn't...mean to..." "Mackenzie,” Noah said, using his full name for the first time. “Is Robyn your mate?" "Yes! Yes, please, you've got to let me go. Please!" Wade and Noah dropped him, making him stumble in the dirt. "Where is she?" Noah pointed up. “Out there somewhere, trying to forget you." Mac took a deep breath and followed Robyn's scent into the house. It went out the back door and into the yard behind the cabin. His friends had their fun with vigilante justice. Now, it was time to make amends with the woman he loved. Rogan howled with laughter. “Killed her spirit?” He slapped his knee and doubled over. “Oh, tiger, that was a nice touch." "You like that?” Noah said, picking up his mug from the step he'd left it on. "You're crueler than any of us, and we all took a swing!" With a grin, Noah glanced at his friend. “Perhaps I am at that." Wade sat on the porch, grinning himself. He pulled Keira down on his lap and kissed the tip of her nose. “He deserved it." Noah nodded. “Yes, he did." [Back to Table of Contents]

THIRTY SIX Robyn's wings were tired after hours of flying and playing on the currents. Her thoughts finally began pestering her about her mate, and worry for him broke through the barrier she'd erected as the owl. Would she never have peace? She tried pushing thoughts of him away, but as sure as she felt the wind on her face, she felt him. Angry with herself, Robyn perched on a high tree and gazed out at the countryside. The brook she'd found yesterday babbled far beneath her. Even its comforting sounds couldn't soothe her. With her keen eyes, Robyn could see for miles. But all she wanted to see was his face. If she could cry in her shifted state, she would. Instead, she cawed a few times in her sorrow. A loud crash came to her from the ground. Robyn glanced down, spying a flash of yellow-orange in the foliage. And just like that, a sleek, handsome jaguar appeared, lapping a few times at the water. Robyn's heart skipped a beat. Great. Now she was seeing things. Holding her breath, she waited for the apparition to disappear, but it didn't. It howled and scanned the trees. She didn't dare to hope. Was it really him? She cooed again, if only to get his attention. Those beautiful golden eyes lit on her a moment before he slowly crossed the brook, as if she'd flee him if he came too fast. Truth be told, she didn't know what the hell to do. It was Mackenzie! He was here, in the forest, with her, in Colorado. Did something happen? Was he all right? Fear entered her heart and she squawked again, this time, flapping her wings. The jag stopped. He looked cautious, as if he didn't want to spook her. In that moment, he shifted and stood. "Robyn!” he called out. “Sweetheart, we need to talk. Come on down." His voice wasn't filled with the anger and pain she'd heard not too long ago. He sounded almost...repentant. But she wasn't sure if she was ready to face him. What if he decided he only wanted to see her one more time before leaving her forever? Her heart couldn't take it. She contemplated heading for the hills. She even looked up to gauge their distance. If she went for it, she'd probably spend the rest of her life as an owl. She'd never want another man for as long as she lived. "Please, Robyn?" She closed her eyes. She couldn't deny him. His tone was filled with desperation mixed with fear and it pulled on her heartstrings. She spread her wings and coasted to the ground. But she couldn't shift, not yet. He stood before her, gloriously naked. It would be too tempting to fly into his arms as a human. Instead, she cooed at him and flapped, telling him she wasn't going to change. Yet. "I'm an asshole." Robyn bobbed her head. He smiled at that. "Honey...” He looked as if he was searching for the words. Kneeling before her, he continued. “I'm so sorry. For everything. For not talking to you, for shutting you out, for scaring you and pushing you away. You didn't deserve any of it." She cocked her head and stepped closer, but remained a bird. She was too afraid he'd push her away again. But his scent wasn't guarded at all. He was nervous. And a little terrified. Of what? "When you left, I went crazy. I trashed that hotel room." She cawed angrily at that. "Yeah, I know. Wade will probably kick my ass when he gets the bill, but I couldn't help it. I had to shift and destroy something." Her eyes widened. Did he succumb to the bear? She took another step. He must have been able to smell her own fear. "No, honey, I was the jag. But I realized I couldn't hear the damned Kodiak in that state. So the next time I felt the bear emerging, I pushed him away with the jaguar. And every time since, it's worked. I've found a way to control him! I can still hear him every now and again, rattling around in my head, but he's not ever getting out unless I let him." Elated surprise overcame her and Mac smiled, probably smelling it. "Robyn, I came here to find you. I don't deserve you. But...I can't live without you. When Lucian took you, I lived two hellish months without you. This time, I

only lasted a day and a half." He scooted to her in the dirt and reached out his hand. She let him caress her snow-white feathers. It felt good. His fingers felt their way down her wings, sending shivers down her spine. Robyn cooed and watched him, desperately wanting to touch him as well. But her fear resurfaced. There was no way she'd survive if he denied her again. But his next words laid her fears to rest. "I'm in love with you, Robyn Bishop.” The stress he put on her last name wasn't lost on her. He knew she'd changed it back. She had to look away. “You're my mate. I know I broke your heart, but...I will never do it again. The others, they made sure of that back at the cabin." She glanced at him and cooed, staring at his face. She did indeed see a faint bruise under his skin. "Yeah, they knocked some sense into me.” He rubbed his chin and chuckled. After a few more moments, he bowed his head and his scent turned regretful. "Robyn, I'm sorry. I love you. I need you. You're my...my true north. If I don't have you, I'll just spin out of control. I need you to forgive me. Can you please forgive me?" Right before her eyes, the man she'd always thought of as her rock, the powerful jaguar, the terrifying Kodiak, was coming apart. His heart was in pieces and only she could put it back together. Tears shimmered in his eyes and she couldn't take it anymore. Robyn shifted and knelt with him. Her hands caressed his cheeks until he gazed into her eyes. She didn't say a word, but her thumbs wiped away his tears. More replaced them. Wiping them away as well, she then ran her fingers through his dark hair. This was the man who'd fought for her, the one who'd jumped out of a plane to save her, the one who defied his mind-wipe by thinking only of her. There was no other man who'd loved her so fiercely, who protected her so completely. Now that he'd found a way to contain the madness that plagued him, he was asking her for another chance. There was no way in hell she could walk away now. "You're wrong, jag,” she whispered. He looked at her in confusion. “You're my true north. I'm nothing without you." Relief flowed out of him. He gave her a watery grin. She returned it. "I love you, Mackenzie." He leaned forward and kissed her, pulling her closer with his strong arms. "But don't you ever do that to me again,” she said through her kisses. “It'll be the death of me." "Never, baby,” he promised, moving his mouth to her ear. “Never. I promise." She decided to tease him. “Because then, I'd have to find a new mate. Do you think Jet remembers me?" Mac growled and pounced, throwing her back to the ground and attacking her neck with playful bites. “You are a damned cruel woman, you know that?" "You deserve it, you ass." "I do, I know." "I should hit you for all you've done." "You should." Instead, she grabbed his hair and returned his mouth to hers. She'd barely plunged her tongue into him before withdrawing. “I need to kick your ass." "Do it. I'll let ya." She kissed him again, reveling in the feeling of him against her, all his warmth seeping into her. Her hands wandered to his butt instead, clawing at his skin, getting his attention. "It's been so long,” he groaned. "Barely more than a day." "Forever." "I've been so cold." "You'll never be cold again.” With his words, he plunged forth, implanting himself deep within her. Robyn cried out and tossed back her head. "I've missed you,” she whispered. Mac withdrew and pushed forward, taking her gasps into his mouth. "Ah, sweetheart, I ached for you. I have no idea how I let you get away from me. On purpose." "It's because you're a big dumbass."

Mac chuckled at her tone and gave her a mischievous look. “As dumbasses go, I am the biggest." With his words, he thrust, leaving no doubt about his double entendre. "I won't disagree with that. Not at all." After a few more heated advances, Mac said, “Robyn?" "What?” she asked, kissing his neck. "If I ever hear you've changed your name back to Groves again, there's gonna be hell to pay." She chuckled and gasped at the same time when his thumb rubbed her sensitive skin between them. "I told you that you weren't subtle in claiming your territory." "That's right,” he agreed, nodding. “And you're mine, honey. Make no mistake." "You're mine too, you know,” she said, panting. “You even think of straying, I'll cut it off.” She arched into him, leaving no room for argument. Mac grinned down at her. “Message received. Now shut up and let me love you." His thrusts reached a new rhythm, taking her breath away. Robyn wrapped around him and lost herself in his kisses, determined to give him everything he asked for— heart and soul. It didn't take long before her orgasm overcame her, rushing through her body like a gale-force wind, demanding every ounce of her strength as she lifted up, wanting his pleasure as well. When he came, his big body shuddered, exciting her anew. The beauty of his release touched her deeply. She couldn't get enough. "Again. Mackenzie, again." His breath ruffled her hair. “Seriously?" Robyn nodded and kissed him, grinding her hips into his. “Please? I need you." He groaned, but thrust once more. “Like this?” he asked, a look of innocence on his face. She nodded and bit her lip. “Don't tease me." "I wouldn't dream of it." "Yes, you would." "You got me." Words were forgotten the moment Mac took her, again, to the heights only he could reach. [Back to Table of Contents]

THIRTY SEVEN A few hours later, Mac watched his mate get dressed in the clothes she'd left behind on a log near the cabin. He'd left his in the same spot when he'd shifted to find her. He'd discovered them by the scent she left behind. They'd walked back through the forest, hand in hand. Every now and again, she'd give him shy smiles and he'd give her bold perusals, still amazed that every inch of her alabaster skin belonged to him. "When we made love,” she asked after pulling on her shirt, “you didn't hear the bear?" Half of his mouth turned up and he wandered to her, deliberately leaving his jeans unbuttoned. He hadn't yanked his own shirt on yet and she stared at his chest with what looked like amazed wonder. He loved knowing she enjoyed looking at him as much as he enjoyed getting his fill of her. Mac's arms circled her and she leaned forward without complaint. “Oh, I heard him, honey,” he said, kissing the top of her head. “I just controlled him." "I didn't even notice!" He grinned at the awe in her voice. "You're getting better. I'm so proud of you." Her words made him feel ten feet tall. “The bear will always be a part of me. You might have to live with my irrational decisions and crazy mood swings, but you'll never be in danger. Not any more." Robyn squeezed him tight. “I don't care about any of that. I just care about you." "I know." "Are you hungry?” she asked, stepping back. Mac bent to pick up his shirt. “Starving. And dead tired." Robyn smiled at the words “I lost my heart in Reno” emblazoned across his chest. "Then let's get something to eat and go to bed." When he glanced back at her, he let his eyes flash a moment before he pounced on her, making her squeal. “I could just eat you and we'd already be in bed." He heard her heart pounding in her chest. “Mackenzie, don't tempt me." "Mmm, I'm not temptin', babe, I'm promising." "We need food." His stomach twisted at that very moment. He groaned and laid his forehead on her shoulder. “You've got a point.” His lips found the tender skin of her throat. “But I'm still gonna eat ya." Robyn's body trembled, and just like that, he was hard. But he let her go the moment a glorious scent came to him on the wind. "They're making lunch,” she said in a breathless voice, looking in the direction of the cabin. "What is it? Smells fricken’ divine." "Do you care?” she asked. Mac growled and took her hand before dragging her along behind him. “Not particularly." They ran the rest of the way, laughing. When they burst into the cabin through the back door, everyone in the dining room stared at them. Mac held Robyn close and she clung to him, as if she never wanted to let go. That suited him just fine. "Aw, look, they made up!" Wade's words made Robyn blush. "We did,” Mac said proudly. “Many times." "Whew, we can smell it,” Rogan said, wiping his nose. “Get in here and sit down. Noah made his world-famous spaghetti." "Good Lord, I'm going to have an ulcer if I don't eat." Robyn giggled up at him. He smiled at her and gave her a swift kiss. "Gag,” Rogan said again, grinning. Marlie smacked his shoulder. "Be nice." "Sorry,” he said, setting the table.

"Glad to see you two back together,” Noah said from the kitchen. He drained the pasta in the sink. "You guys didn't have to beat him up,” Robyn said with a pout. "Oh yes we did, honey,” Lanie said, pouring everyone a glass of water. "You too?” Robyn's eyes went wide. "Everyone had a go,” Mac said. He pulled out a chair for her. She sat dutifully, but held on to his hand. "Are you okay?” she asked him. Rogan scoffed. “He got off easy. Be glad he's not unrecognizable." Wade chuckled. "Just injured my pride a bit,” Mac answered, ignoring everyone else. Robyn turned to their friends, her face a mask of anger. “From now on, no one is to touch Mackenzie except for me, understood?" Everyone stopped what they were doing as if someone had yelled freeze. Rogan's face cracked a grin. "Well hot damn, jag, your little lady's quite protective of you, ain't she?" Mac's ego couldn't have become any bigger than it did the moment Robyn defended him. "You're damn right!” Robyn exclaimed before he could open his mouth. Noah brought the pasta to the table. “She gonna fight all your battles, Mac?” he asked with a wink. Everyone laughed. Mac squeezed her hand under the table a moment before he scooted his chair a little closer to her. He ate his lunch as if it was the last meal he'd ever get. Well, it would be the last one for a long while. He was planning on keeping Robyn in bed until dawn. And dawn was hours away, considering the sun was still shining even now. Robyn watched with amusement as Rogan bounded from the table and put his dish in the sink. "Where's the fire, Wolfe?” Noah asked, taking another bite. "My soap is on. Can't miss another day!" Mac glanced at Robyn. “Is he kidding?" "Don't make me hurt you!” Rogan yelled from the living room. He grabbed the remote and turned on the TV. "If he doesn't get to watch his One Life to Live, he gets cranky,” Marlie said with a grin. “I know, it's embarrassing." "I heard that!” Rogan called. Mac had just helped himself to seconds when Rogan yelled again. "Guys, guys, guys! Get your asses in here now!” His tone was no longer jovial. Everyone dropped their forks and raced into the living room. On the television was the reddened face of a local newscaster, as if reporting something he couldn't comprehend. "If you're just tuning in, it has been confirmed that Vice President Peter Henderson has been killed. Reports are coming in that he was mauled by a...wild animal on his daily run through our nation's capital. This same beast, or beasts, killed his entourage of Secret Service as well. There are no witnesses. We will get the names of those killed with him shortly. "Authorities are desperately seeking out this animal or pack of animals and urge anyone in Washington, D.C. to stay inside. This was not an act of terrorism, however, these creatures are very deadly and most likely will kill again. "Once again, Vice President Henderson has been killed, and the president has been advised." Rogan turned off the TV, his face as white as a sheet. “Holy fucking shit." Heavy silence descended. "Wild animal my ass,” Wade said with a scoff. “That was a shifter. Probably a crossbreed." Mac glanced at Wade. “Or a pack of ‘em." "But I thought Clive Covington was B*E*A*S*T*'s ringleader before his death. You think the Vice President of the United States was involved in this mess, too?” Lanie asked. Her gaze darted from one man to the next. "I do.” Noah said. “B*E*A*S*T* was a huge secret agency. It had to be bigger than Covington, who was just one mere senator from Texas."

"Then who put out the hit on the Vice President?” Robyn asked, huddling close to Mac. The news of Henderson's death scared her to the bone. Her shivering returned. "Could have been Lucian,” Rogan said with a shrug. "But we wiped him!” Wade replied. "He could have sent someone before that. Who else but the veep do you think would have sent the military to shut B*E*A*S*T* down?" "You think it was a revenge killing?” Mac's deep voice calmed Robyn's racing heart. "Could be. If Henderson was closing down the project Lucian loved, he might have sent someone to take care of him.” No one disputed Noah's words. "There's another option,” Wade said. All eyes looked at him. “Every single shifter of B*E*A*S*T*'s secret compounds is now loose. Perhaps one of them knew Henderson was involved and decided some justice was in order?" "Christ,” Rogan hissed. "You okay?” Mac whispered into Robyn's ear. Her teeth were chattering. "I'm so cold." "Come on, sweetheart. I'll get you warm." She couldn't help her burning eyes. The Vice President had just been murdered, she was sure of it. Regardless if he was behind the B*E*A*S*T* agency, knowing someone had been killed in a flurry of fangs and claws horrified her. Leading her into the bathroom, Mackenzie drew a hot shower and stripped off both of their clothes. Within no time, she was wrapped in his arms under the warm shower spray. Robyn held on tight. He didn't let her go. [Back to Table of Contents]

THIRTY EIGHT After a long soak in the hot shower, Mac pulled Robyn into her room where he tucked her against his warmth and sank into the bed. "You warm yet?" "Mmm,” she answered, snuggling closer. “Yes." He yawned, prompting her to yawn too. After a few moments of bliss, she asked, “Do you think it's over?" Mac caressed her arm from shoulder to wrist. "I don't know. Lucian's been...taken care of. B*E*A*S*T*'s facilities are gone, Covington's dead, and so is the Vice President. As far as the agency goes, yeah, I think it's over." She didn't miss the tone in his voice. He didn't quite believe his own words. “But?" "But, Wade's right. In liberating those facilities, all the shifters are loose, including the unstable crossbreeds. A lot of them aren't going to be as lucky as I was. They might not be able to figure out how to control their madness. And I'm not even sure I'll be one hundred percent. It's altogether possible the threat has changed from the B*E*A*S*T* agency to the very shifters they've created." Robyn scooted closer, tucking her elbows into his belly. Mac brought the quilt up to her neck. "Sorry, sweetheart. I know it makes you shiver." "You keep me warm. I'll be fine if I've got you." "You'll always have me." The smile he gave her made her stomach dance inside her. He still had the power to take her breath away. Mac was such a handsome man, she'd never get tired of looking at his fine form. "What are you thinking about?” he asked. "You. About how lucky I am." He shook his head on the pillow. “I'm the lucky one." They were in a single bed. It was close quarters, but Robyn grinned and threw her leg over his in an attempt to get closer. "Do you ever wonder who you were in your life before?" "Nope." That shocked her. She'd wondered about herself a few times, but was too scared to find out. “Why not?" "Because I didn't have you." "You could have had someone else." Mac rolled on top of her and threaded his fingers through her hair. “Maybe, but she wouldn't be you." "I could have had someone else." He gave her a lopsided grin and stared down at her with narrowed eyes. “Are you trying to get me worked up? You know I don't tolerate talk about other men." She grinned but looked away. "Besides,” he continued. “I know for a fact there wasn't. You were a virgin, Robyn." She blushed at the reminder. “I could have had a—" "Uh-uh, honey,” Mac interrupted. “The people we were in our lives before are dead. I don't want to know who we were. I don't care what I did, I don't care who I was in that life. I have you now. You're all I want, all I need.” He gave her a soft kiss. “I'm home." His words melted her. She gave him a few deep, heated kisses before coming up for air. “Mackenzie?" "Yeah?" "I seem to remember you made me a promise earlier." "Did I?” he asked, as if trying to remember his words. She nodded. “You did."

His eyes flashed with mischief. “Now that I think about it, I am pretty damn hungry." He didn't give her time to respond before her breast was in his mouth. His tongue expertly flicked her, bringing forth a groan so loud, she thought the entire cabin heard her. They probably had. She didn't care. Her fervent response seemed to excite Mac, as he immediately attached himself to her other nipple, suckling it deep, softly biting it. Robyn twisted her hands in his hair and pushed him downward. "You don't take care of business, Mackenzie, I'm gonna come, and then it'll be all over." His delighted chuckles had her opening her legs wider to accomodate him. “Oh, it ain't over ‘til it's over, sweetheart. Thought I taught you that already?" Robyn had to clutch the pillows as all thought of talking flew right out the window. Mac's tongue flicked up and down, lovingly tasting her, suckling the soft bud of nerves that ached for him. He opened her wider for his mouth, plunging within her depths with two fingers. Every thought was forgotton as Mac expertly showed her what Heaven must be like while he pumped again and again. Pleasure rippled along her skin, radiating throughout her entire body a split second before she cried out, unable to hold back the ecstasy of her orgasm. Before the waves had even died down, Mac flipped her onto her stomach and climbed over her from behind. "I want you this way,” he panted, kissing and licking his way up the skin of her back. Rising on her knees, Robyn offered herself to him. Mac entered her swiftly, not wasting time by taking things slow. The change of position made everything feel different. He touched her somewhere deep within that excited her beyond reason. He hadn't even pressed his hand between her legs, yet she was coming again, pulsing around his erection. She knew the moment of his pleasure when he bent over and bit her right where her neck and shoulder met. His growling was unmistakable as he ground into her, demanding every last inch of her sheath as he shoved forward one last time. "Damn, baby,” he whispered into her hair. “The bear's right. That was friggin’ awesome." She turned to stare at him over her shoulder. He grinned and withdrew, allowing her to roll back over. "He wanted that?" "Suggested it,” Mac said with a shrug. She stroked his cheek with worry. “Are you all right?" He kissed her. “I'm better than all right. I'm right satisfied." "But the bear didn't—" "Don't worry,” he said. He held his finger to her lips. “I controlled him. He merely made...a suggestion." Robyn blinked, then relaxed in his arms. “Well you tell that bear he can make any suggestion he likes." Mac chuckled and pulled her closer. “Done." She giggled with him. "I love you, Mackenzie." "I know.” He kissed her forehead, her cheeks, her eyes, nose, and finally her mouth. “I love you too." Robyn didn't care about anything else but the man beside her. The agency was dead, along with the bastards who'd started it in the first place. Lucian was somewhere in the Nevada desert, unaware of who he used to be and a shifter himself, while the threat of any other shifters rocking her world seemed so far away. Besides, Mac would protect her if she needed him, come hell or high water, she had no doubt of that. He'd even release the bear if he had to—if it meant her safety. Snuggling closer, she rested her head on his shoulder. His deep, even breathing told her he was already asleep. Robyn glanced at him, admiring his beauty, so damn handsome with his face slack. She gave him a soft, loving kiss on his cheek before drifting off within the shelter of his arms. [Back to Table of Contents]

About Rebecca Rebecca Goings always dreamt of chivalrous knights, gritty cowboys and dangerous men who go bump in the night... Now, she gets to write about them! She's won a few awards for her efforts, but that's not why she's an author. She writes because she breathes, it's as simple as that. She's never at a loss for plots, and hopes to be around for a very long time. Rebecca lives in Oregon with her husband, five kids, two cats, and one annoying, stubborn muttley. To learn more about Rebecca and her books, please visit www.rebeccagoings.com, www.facebook.com/rebecca.goings, or www.twitter.com/rebeccagoings **** Visit our website for our growing catalogue of quality books. www.champagnebooks.com ****

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