Merikano's Fury

Merikano ‘Dare’ Varadi has finally met his match. The cheetah shifter assigned to protect and serve falls for Krissy Shuemaker, the boss’ client. Protecting her from herself seems futile, yet he’s determined to do what it takes. Trading the comfort of home for the journey of self-discovery, Krissy is ready to follow her dreams on a new path. When unexpected danger finds her, can the man who ignites feelings best left dead save her from herself? Or will his dark secret shatter any hope for a relationship and prevent them from joining for eternity?

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Merikano’s Fury Copyright © 2010 Mahalia Levey ISBN: 978-1-55487-612-9 Cover art by Angela Waters All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books Look for us online at: www.eXtasybooks.com

Merikano’s Fury By Mahalia Levey

Dedication To my family for loving me even through missed time together, Marc, Steph, Edward, Sid, KitKat and the Cubs, Dre and my critique team who I love dearly.

Prologue

“H

eathen City! You’re moving to that crime infested, God-forsaken dirty place?” Cecile tossed her favorite apple and orange-printed kitchen towel on the counter and looked at Krissy incredulously. “Yes, but—” “Who’s going to take care of you and make sure you’re okay?” Cecile placed her hands on the counter and looked out at the packed SUV in the driveway. “Ceci, I’ll be okay. I have Sicilian blood, remember?” “I just don’t like it. It’s barely safe for young single women here.” Krissy sighed. “I know—” She looped her arms around the thick, matronly mother who she loved more than dear life. “We had this same talk when I went to college, remember?” She blew a raspberry. “You stayed in Oklahoma.” She kissed her adoptive mother goodbye. “I’ll be back to visit. I promise. I just need to get to 1

Mahalia Levey know where I’m from.” Cecile crumpled an embroidered hanky in her hand. “I don’t much care for that at all.” “You worry too much, Ceci. I was fine in college and I’ll be okay in New York. My job is waiting for me!” “I know I’m being a selfish old woman, Krissy, but why couldn’t you have just picked a local agency?” The look on her mother’s face twisted her heart, but she knew what she had to do. She looked crestfallen over her baby moving seventeen hundred miles away. “I won a contest, remember? Besides, you encouraged me to find out more about myself. I know you hate my parents, but I need to go see where they’re from.” “Promise me you’ll buy a gun when you get settled,” Cecile said. “I promise, Ceci. Pepper spray, mace and a gun. Satisfied yet?” “No, but I’ll be all right. Now, are your belongings stored in that contraption you call a car?” “Yeah, the rental is fine. Mr. St. Paul gave me my address and it’s GPS-run. As soon as I arrive, I’ll turn in the rental and it’ll be subways and cabs from then on.” “Okay. Well then, you should get on your way before it’s too dark. Promise to stop if you need to 2

Merikano’s Fury rest and don’t keep your doors unlocked at any stops.” “Okay, I won’t. It’s a promise and I’ll call you when I get there.” Krissy kissed Cecile one last time before getting into the rented SUV to take her to New York. The charge card Deryck sent her would pay for her lodgings if needed, along with food and gas. She had never been so excited in her life. Winning the modeling and photography contest was a lifesaver. She’d be able to work and play with her camera. Life couldn’t get any better and she could hardly wait to take as many images as she could. The time of taking pictures of windmills, wheat fields, tornados and farms were over. It was time to see what the real world had to offer. Dibble, Oklahoma, and its population of 289, gently wavered out of existence behind her in the rearview mirror. She felt the excitement of her new life abroad racing through her blood. Finally, it was time to see what she was made of in the real world.

3

Mahalia Levey

Chapter One stepped off the Metro North and breathed Krissy in the crisp polluted air of New York. Cecile

sure did think she was crazy to leave behind their productive farm, but she needed something more for herself. She could have stayed closer and traveled to Indianapolis or St. Louis, but she craved seeing the Big Apple. She passed and noticed people smiling, waving and speaking. Two things she also noticed—one, people didn’t speak back, and two, people zipped by in a rush to get everywhere. She stopped and took a picture of the life size image of the ceramic pigs all decorated and styled in Yankee Gear. Sad to say, but she decided to be a Mets fan since everyone else was into the Yankees—not that she knew much about baseball. The Red Hawks were not a high profile team. Hell, she couldn’t remember when they’d last won a game. But then again, she’d been busy with the farm and school, which took up most of her time. 4

Merikano’s Fury Someone bumped into her without even saying excuse me and it was twenty minutes before she thought to reach for her pocketbook. With a growl of frustration, she discovered someone had pocketed her or whatever they called it out here. Since she tucked her money in her bra, along with her cell phone and a small canister of mace, she still needed to find her pocketbook because it contained personal information along with her credit cards. A bit of logic told her to go the local dumpsters and small receptacles. As luck would have it, the first dumpster she looked into held her well-used generic-named pocketbook lying on top of food remnants. She gave a yik look and picked it up by the corner. The rank smell made her eyes water. She bit her lip and bent to lay it on the grass, quickly divesting it of her personal information. She heaved a sigh of relief when she realized she had in fact left her credit card in there in the hidden compartment. Apparently, the thief only wanted cold cash. Satisfied that all her things were intact, she weaved her way back into the nightlife and stopped to sanitize her hands before getting a bag of roasted nuts from one of the many street vendors. Between the pizza and all the multicultural restaurants, she was going to become a huge blimp. The image made her shudder, but not enough to give up food. Her 5

Mahalia Levey figure was trim, her hips small, her bust bigger, finally, after being flat her entire life, and contacts removed her need for glasses. Nothing could get better. Perhaps, she’d take enough pictures to start a small business or the Top Of The Line Club would call her back, hiring her as one of the cocktail waitresses. She shrugged and dropped onto a bench, taking time to enjoy her snack. She looked at the people milling around in the streets, those cursing at the traffic and never-ending car honkings. Thankfully, she’d read Honku the first week she’d arrived. No wonder people had road rage. That book was the antithesis of how normal people drove. So, New York was not a Neighborly state and people really didn’t mean, How was your day? It was a polite way to say, hello and get out of my way…I only wanted a short two-word answer… Krissy sighed, tossed her empty wrapper in the garbage and took out her Sony DLSR-900 camera. She pretended she was working for the Times or some other newspaper or magazine. With each click, the whir and closing of the shutters captured everything that took her fancy. One day, she’d be a professional photographer… better than the ones who took images of her for magazines. She’d take images of everything, and not just people, but pictures of breathtaking beauty, beauty that true words escaped and only a picture could capture. 6

Merikano’s Fury

Chapter Two knocked on Deryck St Paul’s office door. Krissy“Come on in,” Deryck’s deep voice sounded

through the thick glass door of his office. Upon pushing it open, Krissy noticed several things. One, Deryck’s desk, which he never once kept clean, was neatly arranged and in order. And two, his eyes sparkled the moment he looked up. She pushed down her apprehension similar to the feeling of being in the principal’s office when you wrote on the chalkboard with a Sharpie. “You wanted to see me before I left town for the next assignment?” She crossed her arms and sat down in a chair opposite from him. She hoped she’d done an exemplary job for him in the past six months. Deryck followed suit, folding his hands in top of the desk. “Are you happy here?” Krissy blinked back the question, her heart racing with concern. “Here at Static, Inc? Yes, why 7

Mahalia Levey do you ask? Did I do something wrong? I’m not getting fired, am I?” A smile spread across full lips and he chuckled. “Don’t worry, Krissy. You’re not in hot water. The only thing is, your contract is up for renewal since you completed your six-month probationary period. I, uh, we really want to keep you on for two years, if you are willing, which makes it important for me to know if you’re happy with your position.” Krissy held back a huge sigh of relief. “I enjoy working with everyone. Your staff makes it easy to fit in. I’m ecstatic to work the gig for Pretty Flaire.” She paused. “So…to answer your question…yes. I do like working for Static, Inc.” “Good, because the company enjoys what you’ve brought to us, too.” Deryck edged the small stack of papers in her direction. It was her contract. “In renewing your contract, we also decided to give you a pay increase. Same terms, but with more money. Depending on the length of the modeling shoots, you’ll be allotted more funds for personal and professional use. Keep your receipts and hand them in monthly to my HR department. I’ll need to you sign the contract, if you accept the terms.” She tried her best to hold down her squeal of excitement, but it seeped through as she reached for the pen. Krissy had been raised not to go into 8

Merikano’s Fury anything blind. Never sign a contract you haven’t read. Cecile’s words flitted through her mind as she flipped over the pages of the contract. Everything seemed to be in order. The only changes were the term and the amount, which made it unbearable to stay seated in true professionalism. She held down her excitement and signed the contract as if it were a note at the doctor’s office. “Everything appears to be in good order.” Confident enough in her own signature, Krissy handed Deryck the contract. “Will that be all, Mr. St. Paul?” she asked, rising from her seat. Deryck stood with her and extended his hand. “That’s it. It’s been a pleasure working with you and glad to keep you aboard.” He laughed. Krissy took it with a smile. “It’s always a pleasure to see you.” She grabbed her handbag, stepped out of his office and headed to her next assignment. Krissy sat with what could only be described aptly in a very un-lady like pose. She listened to the photographer of the set drone on about her inability to look sexy. Really, who would think she showcased the appeal of an icon or sex symbol? She knew taking the job for this magazine was a bad idea. She couldn’t sell sex if she tried and quite honestly, she didn’t want to. 9

Mahalia Levey She looked at Versailles Tabaudor, the photographer for the Christmas section of the lingerie, and threw up her hands in frustration. “Look I never told anyone I could do this. Not only am I not comfortable, the thong is riding up my ass, the top is non-existent, my boobs are yelling peek-a-boo and I feel cheap.” “It is a look. You had the look earlier. Bring it back, ma petite.” He lifted his camera again to continue with business. “Mr. Tabaudor, I have an appointment in two hours downtown that I cannot miss.” She felt cold and exasperated “Think sexy. Imagine your lover is watching you. Imagine you’re in his embrace, he is whispering in your ear and his hands are on your body.” He rose, poised his camera and had the flutter ready to shoot rapidly. “I can’t. I’ve never had a lover, Mr. Tabaudor,” she said impatiently with a haughty expression, her hand on her hip. The photographer lowered his lens and looked at her. “Never?” “Never! Now shoot. I have places to go.” Krissy fumed, wanting this train wreck to be over. “Keep the angry expression, ma petite. It goes good wiz the ensemble.” He rapid-fired his shutter. Oblivious to her growing agitation, Krissy kept 10

Merikano’s Fury the glowering look and tossed her hair back, thinking of ways to skin him with each pose she did. Ode to Joy and the ways to pick off a photographer who had less common sense than a thumbtack. “How is it that you are still a virgin?” He asked the question as if he could scarcely believe she wasn’t part of the in-crowd of modeling—using booze, drugs and men like a kid with unlimited amounts of candy. Krissy stopped and turned her head. “Excuse me if no one wants to alleviate my burden. I mean, really. Sex is over-rated. Why would I want an inept fool to paw me and drool all over me, stick it in and give me…what? Fifteen minutes of fun for him? Maybe, he’d even grunt and or heaven forbid, the condom break, leaving me a single mother for life. Either way, it sounds distasteful. Besides, sex complicates things. It’s better to stay unbothered and ignore the many offers that come my way,” she bit back sarcastically. She gave the photographer the look of a frown and went behind the screen to slide into the next ensemble, as he put it. “You can’t be serious,” she exclaimed to Mr. Tabaudor. “My ass looks like a trussed up turkey. Who the hell designed this piece of fabric?” She was looking in the three-way mirror at her ass— the shorts laced up the back, cinching across her 11

Mahalia Levey cheeks. “It is sexy and at least in this photo, we won’t need your face or lip service. Sex is for release. Maybe that’s what’s wrong with you. You’re disposition, which is argumentative, needs some sweetening up. I should call in Truth and Dare. They work for Deryck, sometimes modeling, most times doing whatever he tells them to do. Dare is our Romance novel model and Truth, many people like him. He likes batting for the home team and yours. They would perhaps alleviate your issue for you.” “Dear gods. Thank you, pimp daddy, but I’m not interested.” She moved to the set and lay on her side so they could take the shot. She was so angry, she forgot her normal shyness and wished only that the shoot would be over. The next three shots were in bikinis—one with the bottoms off and her legs closed. She thought about the things she’d photograph later on and ways to hone her breaking and entering skills. “Only one more ensemble, ma petite.” He pulled out a pretty, white two-piece baby doll set. “The panties are not the thong you so despise, but more like shorts. We will catch your innocence with these, instead,” he said, pleased with himself. “Happy, happy.” She smiled, took it from his fingers and disappeared behind the screen. After 12

Merikano’s Fury putting it on, she had to confess that she did actually like this one. It covered everything, leaving only a hint of skin and a lot to the imagination. She shook out her curly hair and slid on the heels to go with it. On the stage, they’d set a cherry wood king sleigh bed with satin sheets and a roll-in fake fireplace—the gas kind that once plugged in, gave off the glow of a real fire. She climbed her way to the middle of the huge bed and positioned herself for the next session. Versailles was ecstatic about the way she looked and used his lens to capture her vulnerability and shyness. The lighting gave an extra illusion of innocence that added to the atmosphere. “That’s good, ma petite,” he declared as he took the pictures. “I do think Truth and Dare would be good for you,” he added. “I’d be good for any woman.” A dark-haired man grinned and walked into the room, a loose sheet draped over his body. “Margaurite needs your extra camera. She sent me to retrieve it.” Versailles grinned. “Meet Dare.” Dare winked at Krissy and dropped the sheet. “Do you mind?” She blinked and blushed when his boxers peeked out. “I’m not naked sexy unless you want. The bed looks mighty tempting.” He moved closer to her as another man walked in. 13

Mahalia Levey Versailles chuckled. “Meet Truth.” She got a proper glimpse of both of them. Dare had the perfect physique—lean, hard and tempting. Even to her he was a tempting morsel, but she didn’t have a clue of what to do with him. From the way his short hair curled at the nape of his neck to his dark, expressive eyes, he looked bad—bad in a way that made her want to be bad with him. He and his friend were distracting her from her purpose there. Looking sideways, she cast a glance at his friend. Truth, although lean and muscular, had an angelic look, one that said, trust me, I won’t steer you wrong. She gave a sigh to clear the two testosterone-filled men out of her line of vision and pasted her gaze on the photographer. “We’d be obliged to help,” Truth’s voice caressed her in a smooth-as-silk dark tone. Dare chuckled. “That we would, help your cause that is.” Krissy pursed her lips. “Do they always dip into convos they don’t belong in?” “We’re just one big happy family here.” Dare winked at her. “Save me from idiots.” She shook her head and watched them depart with camera in hand. How they got the camera was beyond her, she hadn’t even seen them move. Krissy presented the photographer with a blatant glare. “Who on earth 14

Merikano’s Fury would name their children Truth and Dare?” She raised a brow as he continued to snap. “Truth got his name dancing before modeling, ma petite. Once he appeared to the crowd, they had to be honest with themselves that even if married, they’d take him home in an instant. He is the quieter of the two. Dare is not one to be reckoned with. He is bad to the core and ladies love it.” “Sounds like a crock,” she said and slid off the bed. “We’re done, right?” “You may go to your appointment and the ensembles are yours to keep. Don’t lose your liveliness. It’s what makes you stand out.” He patted her back and walked out. “What the hell am I going to do with these?” she pushed the items she’d modeled in her bag, tossed on her jeans and top. She picked up her check and left the building.

15

Mahalia Levey

Chapter Three rissy hailed a cab and headed down toward the Kcity. Reflections was located on the lower east

end of the Chelsea area. The way the cab driver took each corner, weaving through the busy traffic, gave her stomach a nauseating turn. Her mind finally got a chance to think the moment they stopped at a red light. Cecile was right. Why buy a car just to rack up storage charges in a garage when the cab system could get you where you needed to go safer and much more cost effective. Not that she was lacking in money. She had a generous stipend from her grandmother as well as her money from modeling. She looked down at her portfolio in her hand and smiled. Embarking on a new journey always made her giddy with excitement. Krissy pulled out a pair of folded slacks and a bareback halter top that enclosed around her neck. 16

Merikano’s Fury Modesty, after the modeling gig she just completed, was not an issue. Hurriedly, she slipped out of her lounge pants and into the slacks, then slid the top under her shirt and switched them. If the cabby noticed, he didn’t say a word. Most assuredly, he’d seen more in his time. A spritz of a soft scented lavender spray covered her top. A pair of chopsticks worked well with the twist she’d put in her unruly wild mane of curls. Adding a smidge of plum lip liner and clear gloss gave her an air of professionalism. All too soon, the cab ride was over and she was in front of one of the premiere photography galleries. The gallery, located in a building on West 26th Street, was nothing short of an architectural masterpiece. The sleek building had been built with a new type of design that gave a way to the architect’s artistic eyes. Stainless steel and glass twisted its way to a skyscraper level that looked across the city from all dimensional floors. Yet, on the inside, she knew such gave the impression of standing in a huge glass box. She pulled out her modeling bag and portfolio as she got out the cab, then reached in the window and paid the cabby. He sped off the moment she pulled her hand out the window. Pushing past a small crowd of people at the front, she made her way into the building. After a 17

Mahalia Levey routine security stop, scanned with a metal detector and flashing her State ID, she proceeded to the elevators not far from the checkpoint. The elevator bay doors opened to a sea of people disembarking to head out into the busy NY streets. She waited for them to depart and moved forward with the others. Had she been in Oklahoma, Ceci would have said she was herding cattle. Once inside the elevator, she hit the sixth floor button and waited for it to start its rise upward. The sudden shift in air as the elevator made a quick sail upward put pressure on her ears. New York was definitely a different caliber of sorts. Who would think that a suite beginning with a three would be on the sixth floor, or that choosing to walk through a stairwell would be arduous. In between each floor was a half-floor and the suites had half-numbers. Why not, instead, just have regular floors to the rooftops? The people in the elevator were self-absorbed in their own thoughts as well. She grinned inwardly and walked backward, stepping too close into someone’s personal space. The reaction was nothing less than hilarious. The gentleman pulled on his suit lapels and also stepped backward. She stepped backward one more time and was given a dark glare. She stepped forward and leaned over 18

Merikano’s Fury someone’s shoulder to have a peek at the stock exchange status. The paper was rustled, then snapped shut. “Do you mind?” the person barked. A lady, if you could call her one, was standing snobbishly behind her. “You can always tell when outsiders are here.” “I’m sorry, I’m from cow tipping country and we don’t know nothing ‘bout manners. I can spit and belch with the best of them,” Krissy said, adapting a pure country twang. The sixth floor dinged and she smiled at the group of locals. “It shore was a pleasure meetin’ ya’ll. Thank you for yammering with me. See you soon.” She stepped out and winked just before the elevator doors closed. The departing looks on their faces gave her a kick. She glimpsed the brass plaque that held the names and businesses of each suite as it glistened in the sun. She ran her fingertip down the side until she saw Reflections and did a mental GPS of the floor. “A piece of cake.” She turned and walked down the corridor. After three wrong turns and ending back at square one, she realized the building was mapped out differently. This time she turned the right direction and headed for her destination. She saw the business name, Reflections, embossed in large script lettering. Really, it was legibly beautiful. With a nervous grin on her face, 19

Mahalia Levey she opened the door and headed to the reception desk. “Violetta Cavaitio to see Lorenz Leblanq.” “Ms. Cavaitio, come this way, please.” A salt and pepper haired man appeared and led her to his office. He was handsome, in his mid-fifties and sporting a pair of wire-rimmed Versace glasses. “Thank you.” She smiled as he opened the door to his office. Upon entering, she handed him her portfolio and took a seat across from his Victorian desk. “Reflections Mission statement is to provide local professionals a place to show their art. We specialize in contemporary photo-based art and are committed to supporting our artists by showcasing samples to the public. Our agency is non-profit. A majority of our pieces are sold or auctioned off at charity events. The pieces are not a donation from our artists, but are commissioned beforehand. The auctions are a way to get your pieces more recognition and the public who wants your work an opportunity to invest and enjoy your interpretation. In the front of your portfolio and on the sheet that best describes you and what has brought you to this form of self-expression, I noticed the Frank Deford quote you’ve included in your work. She glances at the photo, and the pilot light of memory flickers in her eyes. What does this turn of phrase signify to you?” 20

Merikano’s Fury Krissy smiled. “It would depend on what I was looking at. We can all visualize different things from one look at the same image. The pilot light of memory would signify to me something in my subconscious that I can relate to with the memory. It might be a memory that makes me laugh or another that makes me cry. I could be ecstatic or angry, but what would matter most is the pull of emotion that calls out to you or me. The tender way we run the pad of our finger across the image, wondering which emotion or group of emotions the person was feeling as it was taken.” “I do believe, Krissy, that you’re work will go far here.” She observed him take his time flipping through her extensive portfolio. She’d spent many hours debating which pictures best showcased her work. “I see you’ve brought Rays of Sunshine on Antiquity, along with Life since it is a series of unending twists and you brought the two nude portrayals. We would like to hang Encased in Darkness and Self Image both one male and one female piece to go along with the two still-life pieces.” Krissy smiled shyly. “Thank you. I have chosen to use Violetta Cavaitio as my pseudonym.” She handed over the images for him to frame and hang. 21

Mahalia Levey “I want to thank you for the opportunity to show my work. I honestly never thought about going public. It was at the insistence of a new friend that I got in contact with a few galleries before choosing which one I’d like to have submitted. He told me I’d be stupid not to showcase my blood, sweat and tears.” She grinned. “Your friend was right. We have your number and address, Ms. Shuemaker, so we’ll be in touch to gain more pieces as well as to tell you where your pieces will be auctioned or sold if outright asked.” He smiled warmly. “You’re work is like a fresh of breath air. Interesting and intriguing on many fronts. Keep up the good work.” He stood to show her out. “Thank you, again.” She also stood and followed him to the reception desk. She left the building with a definite smile on her face and the need to call her friend and tell him the news. Forget that she’d ask if he wanted to go out to dinner for prodding her toward her new path.

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Merikano’s Fury

Chapter Four

C

ecile Shuemaker dialed Static Inc and waited on hold for the CEO to pick up. She picked a piece of fluff off her sweater shawl and blew on her chamomile tea. “Deryck St Paul,” the owner of Static answered. “Mr. St. Paul, my name is Cecile Shuemaker. I’m not sure you remember me, but I believe my daughter is contracted through your company in the modeling department. **** “I have quite a few models, Mrs. Shuemaker. Could you be a bit more specific please?” He shuffled through various documents, some signed, others needing review from department heads. He made a note to have Aerial go through acquisitions and purchase orders while listening to the elderly lady. He remembered her quite well. 23

Mahalia Levey She was worried about her country-life daughter living alone in the city. “Krissy Shuemaker or Violetta Cavaitio both are her given names—the first being her adoptive, the latter her birth name,” she replied and sipped on her tea. “Ahh, I can place the name to the face now.” He smiled. “How then may I be of service to you?” He tended to get down to business, not one to converse long on the phones. “Krissy is, well, precocious. Really, she is little more than a child and extremely naïve. I’ve heard all sorts of things from her that disturbed me during our conversations. The main concern is her lack of procuring a firearm. She promised to buy a firearm and carry mace. She has the mace, but is fearful of buying a gun. I don’t know what to do with that child. Secondly, Mr. St. Paul, since when is it safe for an attractive young woman such as my Krissy to go running in the dark at Central Park. Last I heard, it was full of murdering thieves and rapists lurking about to prey on helpless individuals. “Mrs. Shuemaker—” “Young man, I’m not done. The most serious of all of her actions is her desire to go by her given name. Don’t know what her father was thinking of when he told her the maiden name of her mother. So hard. We worked so hard to push all that 24

Merikano’s Fury down. Now here she is, bright as day in New York, with her name splashed everywhere. By the way, don’t tell me the chances of anyone figuring out who she is are slim. With her face and profile in your company database and her other name on the walls of the art gallery, someone, some way, somehow, will piece it all together and dear goodness, what a mess that will be. Her safety is my concern. Answers will be demanded and her life may be in jeopardy.” “Why are you coming to me? I’m just her boss,” he queried. “Mr. St. Paul, do you think I would have went to all the trouble to set her up in your company if I hadn’t done my own research. I had a friend who owed me. I know what you are, Mr. St. Paul, and the lengths you go to protect those under you. Why else would I have given her my blessing to go to such a heathen state as New York? Grant this old woman peace and security in knowing the daughter she raised as her own, is safe. Deryck laughed. She was good, very good. “Even if I was not those things you say I am, how could I say no to such a statement? For an old broad, you’re rather effective in securing your wishes. I’ll put my best shifter on detail. He’ll see that no harm comes to your daughter,” he finished lightly. “Thank you, Mr. St. Paul. I knew her moving to 25

Mahalia Levey New York would prove trying, but tell that to a young woman determined to make her own way. It’s like trying to stop a freight train off its course back on track before it crashes.” She sighed peacefully. Deryck shook his head. “You have my word and my word is my bond,” he re- assured her and ended the call. Putting his hands together, he thought up a short-term plan of action until he could draw up a better one. He could ascertain that Krissy Shuemaker could prove to be interesting during her first jaunt away from home. He had to wonder if the mother knew her daughter at all or if love blinded her. He’d had a few glimpses of Krissy and naïve didn’t cross his mind, but delinquent and charming did. Deryck flipped through the information he had on one Krissy Shuemaker as well as her two-year contract to model for him. He’d put her up in the building on 453 E 92nd St. on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The address of the building of course, remained unpublished, insuring privacy of his employees. She’d been under guard for some time now. His staff ensured all the single females were adequately protected. He viewed the tapings of the hallways to approximate her daily schedule. Someone would have to talk to Ms. Shuemaker about running at four AM in the morning. He watched as she bent 26

Merikano’s Fury in the elevator to tie her running shoes and noticed the ear phones buried under her mane of hair where he assumed they attached to her ears. If anyone came up on her, she wouldn’t hear them. He looked at a side note from the photographer of her last shoot. The man was infatuated with Krissy and he advised him to set her up for less provocative shoots, ones that were more innocent, which would better go with her nature. The situation wouldn’t be amusing if it weren’t for the normally rude and disgruntled male bossing the boss himself. Tapping his pen on the contract, he dialed Dare’s personal cell. **** Dare stopped mid-stroke as The Bleeding from Five Finger Punch Death, blared out of his cell phone. He resumed his motions, ignoring the ringing phone. Simone shifted under him and ran her hot pink painted nails up his back. The voice mail hit and St. Paul’s voice instructed him to pick up or call back. With a curse, he reached over to the nightstand and flipped it open before St. Paul hung up. Sounds of protest left the lush brunette’s mouth that silenced when he cut his eyes at her. “I have an assignment for you. For now, it’s permanent. Integrate yourself at the Condo building I own and follow Krissy Shuemaker 27

Mahalia Levey wherever she goes…and, Dare, you know the deal. Get a hold of her scent and follow at a distance. If you decide to bug her or track her, make sure you put it in something she uses frequently. She doesn’t own a car so she takes a taxi or the subway. I’m sending you the information on her contract. She has an alias, more of a pseudonym…however, the name may prove to be an issue down the line.” Dare looked at his screen and memorized all he needed to know and deleted the text. “Got it and I’m on it,” he replied and snapped his cell shut. Looking down at the beauty below him, he felt bad for what he was about to do. “I’m sorry, Simone, but we’re going to have to continue this another time. He pressed a demanding kiss on her swollen and objective lips and pulled out of her. He could tell she was going to protest as soon as it dawned on her that he was serious. Their otherwise fun tryst was over without either one of them satisfied. “Let me finish pleasing you,” she spoke. “I’ll make it up to you.” He rolled from the bed and grabbed his clothing. Simone pouted and rolled from the bed with the sheet. His patience waned. “By the time I’m done dressing, we’re leaving.” He stood clad in jeans and pulled on his boots. Next, he donned a shirt. It 28

Merikano’s Fury didn’t take long for Simone to realize he’d push her out of his place, clothed or not. Huffing in indignation and a bit non-pulsed over his lack of hospitality, she pulled on her skirt and top. Her panties lay on the floor. She eyed him cautiously and slid on her pumps. The scant fabric laid there on the floor as a blatant reminder that they had unfinished business. He smiled knowingly at her and led her to her car. “I’ll find you later.” He kissed her lips softly, watched as she slid her sunglasses on and then drove off, still pouting. Thankfully, the maid service would remove the clothing in the event he chose, one, not to resume their tryst or two, was too deep in his job to be bothered. Either way, he rested easy, knowing his place would be tidy upon his return. It had damn well better be with the generous dough he spent to have it the way he wanted. He took his bike key out of his pocket and walked over to his baby. “Damn!” He whistled and took a seat on his bike. “Babysitting time.” He tossed on his shades and pulled out.

29

Mahalia Levey

Chapter Five

Twith frigid air—enough to frostbite your lips,

he day was a brisk one. The New York air Crisp

sealing them together if you just ran your bottom lip across them. People roamed the streets in masses, undeterred to meet their next appointment or next place of refuge. Looking up into the clear sky, even pollution couldn’t fill the air with its eroding particles drifting downward. The temperature was so frigid, it was freezing, the nastiness so that the people wouldn’t breathe the sludge into their lungs. Yet, the people didn’t notice the change, didn’t look up to see how clear the air was or to offer thanks. Nor did they scream or yell loudly, taking in huge puffs of air, even cold, into their lungs just for fun to see that they could take full, long breaths and throw their hands up in the air, acting a fool. It amazed and baffled her how they didn’t notice a thing as they made headway to wherever it was that was too 30

Merikano’s Fury important to see life for what it was. The artist in her was sure out today. So much so, that she shook her head and took the time to enjoy walking, enjoy how perfect the Big Apple was. Starbucks coffee cups and mugs littered the receptacles as people clad in trench coats, thick hats and fuzzy gloves tossed them as they moved along. Where the buses met, the people departed. In fashion still, who on this Earth would wear stiletto’s in the winter. A New Yorker? No, not the sandal or sling-back stilettos. No…these women wore the boots, thick and lined with fur, some leather and climbing up to their knees, right where the hems of their calf-ridden skirts ended. Small patches of skin were observable to the person watching. A giggle left her mouth as she began snapping images. Imagine crazy people wanting to freeze their asses off! She thought of the criss-cross underwear…if you could call them that. Women in this day and age and their scant pieces of fabric covering their sensitive skin were insane, at least to her. In a rush of air, walking down the crowded streets of New York, she had to think that they’d only wear such since so many people walked crowded in preventing the thick frigid air from reaching the very cells of each pore that was left bare to the elements. For damn sure, if anyone was walking alone, 31

Mahalia Levey they’d have long johns on. Yep, that must be why New Yorkers wore little to nothing under their garments. Who’d want to fry to death walking down the main streets? That must be why the people in the dead of winter didn’t layer up. Those who did, if they were on the inner most circle of pedestrian traffic, would be sweltering and stripping down as they walked. Krissy was not, however, an ordinary native. She was a lurker, a keen observer, and what she observed was enough to make any pure country gal’s heart break. What she observed was the perpetual motion that stereotyped the natives as constantly on the go. New York held so many things of pure beauty that she had to stop and snap as much as she could, just to remember. She wondered how many of these people who walked the streets each day did the same. A person reading a newspaper while walking down the sidewalk, a cup of coffee in one hand or a mother on her cell, barely cognizant of her toddler toddling off after a sparkling piece of junk, tripping and hurtling across the cement not two yards away. To her left, a man smoking a pipe, holding a cell to each ear, having two separate conversations, caught her eye. How hard in a throng of people, even with her camera now closed, was it to touch a neighbor and say hello, how was your day or even notice that each day as 32

Merikano’s Fury they walked inadvertently, they were by the same people time after time. As she walked and space opened, giving her elbowroom, she withdrew her camera and began snapping again, the whirring of her lens creating the comforting hum of her craft and joy. She snapped regardless of those next to her, behind her, in front of her or in the far distant. With a change of lens sequence, she could shoot a multitude, yards away in any direction. No one noticed a brunette in a puffy black bubble coat and fashionable gloves holding a camera. Her face covering prevented them from seeing her soft skin and intelligent eyes while she observed and worked. She rather looked to be a felon casing a joint while dressed for the Arctic. She was casing in a way. It was amazing how people didn’t deviate in their lives while she followed the same people for a week, snapping as she went, to make a collage of sorts. Somewhere along the way, she hoped to find a contradiction by the end of her project. She hoped to find a small percent of people who conversed with one another as they walked or rode the train. She turned and headed for the A-Train with her hood pulled up and observant eye waiting for her contradiction to come. **** 33

Mahalia Levey

Dare followed at a distant pace, watching her move along the people crowding the paved walkway. He watched her flutter around with her fuzzy hood, taking pictures of any and everything. Damned crazy woman. He froze his gonads off while following her. He picked up his cell and got the voicemail for the CEO. “You so owe me, you lucky bastard. Next time you wish a tail on someone, make it someone who uses a car and has enough sense to stay out of the elements instead of some quirky crazy chick that’s snapping pictures of people she doesn’t know.” He slammed his phone shut and weaved through the people. He couldn’t wait to catch up to her and grill her for her inept way of placing herself in danger. His wish came true as she turned and boarded the A-Train. Finally, he shook his head. He had a way to confront her without causing a stir, a way to talk with her and not give away his position. Deryck and his damned ideas! He blew warm air on his hands and rubbed them together. For damn sure he’d be wearing a full-length leather trench tomorrow, provided he couldn’t sway her to stay indoors. He leaned against a pole in the fifth car. The jam-packed car made it hard to move at this time of day. He watched through the glass, using his 34

Merikano’s Fury hawk’s eye, where she stood three cars up, her camera poised as she snapped pictures of the train’s occupants. He wondered when someone would take her camera and shove it up her ass. She’d been riding the same car all week, taking pictures of the same people. Of course, they could think that she was some freak stalker. He heaved his lean body off the stationary metal pole and walked, holding onto the hand straps as he went from train-car to train-car. He stopped in her car and just watched her watching others. “A watcher of people, not birds,” he whispered, a hairsbreadth from behind her. Krissy turned around, mace out and ready. “Excuse me?” “If you watch them or take any more pictures, they might mob you.” He then motioned to the annoyed faces and tense bodies of the train’s inhabitants. Krissy looked at him and narrowed her eyes. “I know you…” She frowned, as if trying to place where she knew him. “Dare,” he replied, trying to help her to remember. “Ohh, you look different with clothes on.” She laughed out loud, oblivious to the questioning gazes of the fellow passengers whose attention was now riveted on the tall, dark man looming over the petite brunette who’d been invading their 35

Mahalia Levey privacy. “Do I now?” Dare laughed and then plucked a broken branch from the fur surrounding her face. “Warm enough there, Eskimo?” Krissy laughed. “Well, you were in nothing but a sheet last time I saw you and then you dropped it.” She blushed. “Was it so bad?” He couldn’t help but to egg her on. “You’re the perfect image of the man my ma said to stay away from. You know, you and Truth had a lot of fun making fun of my innocence when you both double teamed me at the shoot.” She shook her head and moved a step away from him. “We didn’t tag team you, per say. We just persuaded you to try and think of new things.” Krissy choked. “I had on the most God awful ensemble for the shoot, Mr. Romance Novel model,” she pushed. “Like you said, I’m every woman’s dream,” he quipped back. “You’re ruining my project,” she replied with a frown. “You’re project isn’t safe.” He couldn’t help but gaze into her eyes and take in her flushed face. “It’s safe enough that I’m not harming anything.” She was becoming exasperated. “Okay, tell me that running in Central Park or going through Battery Park at dusk is a safe thing 36

Merikano’s Fury for a lone female to do?” “Spying on me, Dare?” She raised a brow, the mace container still primed and aimed for his face. She smirked, obviously certain he couldn’t see her little device in the palm of her gloved hand. Dare’s reflexes were quick—lightning quick, to be exact. He took her off balance and pulled her small body against his lean one. Her back hit his chest as his arms wrapped around her wrist. Krissy turned inward to break his hold, but encountered his thighs, preventing her from moving, the steel pole and seats preventing her from going elsewhere. The occupants seemed to be enjoying her folly. She stepped on the instep of his foot and jabbed back with her elbow, encountering rock hard abs. “Okay,” she grumbled. Dare didn’t fall for her mechanisms. As he let her loose, he gripped the hold on her wrist so that the tube cylinder would roll out onto the floor. He caught it with the instep of his boot and launched it upward into his palm before handing it back to her. “You don’t need to be spied on. You do the most insane things that are apparent. If you want to live long, then blend in. If you don’t, then keep doing what you are doing and you’ll end up raped and mutilated before you can say help,” he enunciated. “I have mace,” she said. 37

Mahalia Levey “That would be the same mace I just disarmed you with. In a public setting full of people,” he vocalized. “Mace won’t help you against beasts of the night, sweetheart.” “Quit following me. What are you, a stalker?” she shrieked and gathered her things closer to her. Dare looked at her. “Look, I’m not stalking you, Krissy. I just have been in the neighborhood and witnessed for myself the way you innocently place yourself in harm’s way.” Krissy flushed red with annoyance. “I’m not changing my schedule for a what if. The chances of someone attacking me are zilch. I’m perfectly safe with my own safety devices and besides, I know self-defense.” She crossed her arms in defiance. “Suit yourself, sweetheart. Just don’t get mad when I say I told you so.” He tapped his finger on the tip of her nose and jaunted past her to make his way out of the subway. They were a block away from her apartment building—a building he’d moved into recently. **** Krissy mumbled under her breath and moved off the subway. She was incensed, but when she looked up, he was out of sight. Perfect. She finally had a verbal retort and he was nowhere to be found. She made her way toward her apartment 38

Merikano’s Fury building. The sooner she got home, the warmer she would be. Looking left, logic defied her. She found she couldn’t look away. Her gaze was riveted on the man waiting just south of the building. Her heart jumped through her stomach the closer she got to the building until she was nothing but a mass of nervous energy wondering what she did to deserve this visit. Her day went to shit quicker than snot. Krissy took one look at her father, Peolo Orlando, and made her way into her building, walking right past him with a blank expression on her face. Inside, she was teetering on anger, hysteria and absolute numbness. He always had this affect on her. It was an effect she’d tried for years to change. What had it been, three to four years since she’d seen him last? He might think he was smart, but she’d watched him, wondering why he was visiting her ma. Her adoptive mother, Cecile, never once kicked him out. As always, for southern comfort, she’d open her doors to him time again—for a couch during the night or food and money. Krissy hated him and loved him and hated herself for both. She watched in the hallway for others and bid him entry. The sooner she knew what he wanted, the sooner she could get him out of her life for the next small part of time at least. He was a parasite that returned, filching more, each time. Moreover, 39

Mahalia Levey each time she gave in and let him in, a piece of her was lost forever. “Why are you here?” She rounded on him no sooner than she shut her door. “Tesorina, is that any way to welcome me from such a long absence.” He spoke with the traditional Sicilian accent. “I’m not your little darling. I haven’t been since I was nine years old. Or do you not remember teaching me how to break into places as fun and games and ditching me when you made me break and enter into a federal building vault?” “You were a child, those things happen, Tesorina They didn’t treat you so badly. You got a new family and a new life.” He smiled. If only he had the face of a ruthless womanizer or even the face of a felon, but he didn’t. He was born with ruggedly handsome looks. He had a face that compelled women to sell their soul with gladness so they could walk by him. The attitude at times, rolled off him. She’d spent years watching him work his charm, sending her mother into depression, booze and pills. “I was a child and you taught me to be a felon. I was a child you let me go with strangers. I was nothing more than a pawn with a penchant for succeeding where you failed.” Her heart hurt that he never saw her as she wanted. He never loved her or cherished her. He damn sure never loved her. She’d been abandoned not once or twice by 40

Merikano’s Fury this man, but time and time again where he’d come and then leave after she’d fulfilled something he wanted. She stilled her emotions and looked at him. What do you want, Papa?” “I want you to forget Violetta Cavataio exists and go by your adopted name only.” Krissy looked at the con artist of all time. “That’s not all you want, so tell me why first.” “Krissy, no one knows of your existence. There are enemies who’d stop at nothing to get back at your grandfather. Men are after him, men with no pity or conscience to use you against him.” He paused. “Where are your manners? I would like a beverage.” “Oh, excuse me. I’ve become a true New Yorker.” She turned and headed to the fridge. “Beer or soda?” “Beer,” he replied. “Why would I hide who I am? You made me a criminal at the age of three. Remember? It was the first time you taught me how to case a joint. No, wait, Papa, is that why you spent money on gymnastics, to teach me how to be more useful for your ventures? How much again did you have me steal for you, telling me it was okay to borrow?” She slapped the beer into his open hand. “Krissy, it was so long ago, so can you not just forget it?” “Forget the hiding, moving—how about 41

Mahalia Levey dressing me as your son, the one you were never blessed with, shoring my hair? The best thing that ever happened to me was Cecile and still you couldn’t leave be. How much have you taken from her? Even after she took me in, she opened the door for you and mama to come in. Why couldn’t you have just stayed away? The answer is money. Cavataio stays. I’m not ashamed of Mama’s name. Besides, it’s a pseudonym. No one will connect me to that name.” Peolo shook his head and downed the beer. “There’s another matter. I owe sharks a large sum. Float your old man a loan.” “Ahh, the real reason why you came. And why me? See, when you teach your kid how to break into a vault, she realizes it’s not safe to store her earnings there.” She walked to her safe, punched in the code to deactivate the laser system, then activated the code to open it, waiting a few seconds more to do a voice activation enhanced secondary lock. “How much do you owe?” “Twenty large.” He watched her, impressed with how meticulous she was at keeping what was hers, safe. He couldn’t help the itch that came with his hands at wanting all she had as he watched her remove the bills. “Take it and don’t come back. I never want to see you again, Papa. I was invisible to you for years. Make it so again. The same goes for Mama. 42

Merikano’s Fury I know wherever you are, she’s not far behind unless she’s rehabbing it at the tax payers’ expense.” “Stop using your pseudonym before it’s too late.” He took the money from her hands and walked out of her apartment. Krissy watched him leave and slammed her safe shut. The locks would reactivate without any help from her. She slid to the floor and huddled in a ball as the numbness wore off and despair set in. Why couldn’t he ever just leave her alone? Why couldn’t he leave her in peace? She’d moved 1700 miles away and still he found her to extort his needs from her at the expense of her own. Better yet, she wiped the tears from her face and began exacting a plan to get him out of her life for good. A smirk crossed her features. She’d get him at his own game. Going to a map of the major businesses, she schemed a special something up for him.

43

Mahalia Levey

Chapter Six

A

week later, the rage that Krissy felt still hadn’t diminished. She was crouched on 43rd street and Contour, taking pictures for her Perpetual Motion work of art. The totality of it was almost complete. The meaning her work aimed to portray was that life was too precious to take for granted. The way city people moved in all aspects of their lives made them miss out on simplicity. One facet of the photos would reveal joy apparent if only one glanced outside of whatever box they were in to see what was standing there before them. Another facet was joy within itself. The rays of a beautiful morning shined down in her face. The vendor selling nuts or clothing to a tourist who was so enthralled with being in such a big place exuded a wonderment that was unparalleled to many. A child playing in the snow made her smile. An adult smelling their java looked entranced. Those pictures held her interest. 44

Merikano’s Fury Although funnier ones would be that of motorists yelling at each other and people reading the book Honku, which gave new meaning to honking a series of times to relay a point. With her camera slung over her shoulder, she stood and stretched, making sure to secure her earmuffs back over her head. So what if they were bright pink. She loved them. Pink was the new black or red, or something like that. She’d never been much into fashion. It just happened to fall in her lap. Mr. Tabaudor had a new shoot lined up for her a month away for Veroniq Magazine that showcased bright outfits at a price even the middle to lower class societies could afford. The materials were sleek and the stitching one of a kind. They became the first market other than department stores worldwide had in their own stores. This magazine would sell to boutiques around the world for a fraction of the price. Economy being what it was, would pounce readily, the higher of the classes would not lower their standards in ordering from such vendors, giving the underdog, or regular working people, the ability to afford quality formal and casual wear that could stand its own against the more popular name brands. The owner of Veroniq was proud of their market and the knowledge that the seamstresses were not paid minimum wage nor were they 45

Mahalia Levey made overseas in shops not caring for the employees. In fact, vendors purchased the clothing and the patterns put together by different organizations. The line started as a contest between multi geographical ladies of all ages in sewing circles, and became in a short time, a vested business. Krissy was proud to offer her body to promote their work. She stopped at the coffee house and bought an asiago bagel with chive cream cheese and a double mocha latte with caramel drizzled over the top and whipped cream. She walked to her apartment, ignoring the tail that’d been following her for the past two weeks. She’d quit running in the dark at his request, thinking the sooner she listened some, the sooner he would find another pet project or that her boss would. Dare hadn’t been far from her lately and it was pissing her off. She was a big girl with big girl panties—well thongs—but the gist of it was the same. What she needed was to lose him for a while so she could have some peace. The question was how do you lose 250 pounds of pure muscle and all man when you’re but a small framed woman. Wiles, she smiled to herself and formulated a plan to do just that. Krissy was a few blocks from her place when Dare popped up out of nowhere. “Way to scare the crap out of me.” “Krissy,” he said politely. 46

Merikano’s Fury “Dare,” she replied with a little more than boredom. “You don’t seem too happy to see me. Have I not been forgiven yet?” He chuckled falling into step with her. “When you quit intruding on my life, perhaps I’ll greet you a little nicer.” “I’ll look forward to that day then.” He grinned and opened the door to the apartment building. A sudden thought came to her. “Would you like to come in?” she asked coyly as she slid her key into her lock. “A true invitation? I’d like that. What’s next? Are you going to offer me coffee?” Krissy smiled. “No, I’m going to offer you sex.” With that, she walked into her apartment, leaving him at the door, stuck for a reply. “You’re going to offer me what?” he asked as he moved into her apartment, making sure to shut and lock the door behind him. Of course, it was due to them living in NYC. “Hold on a second.” She went into her darkroom, took out her film and began processing everything. She had a digital camera that took the black and whites, but for some projects, going old school was simply the best. “I’m holding alright.” He grinned and sat on her couch to wait. “I said, I’m going to offer you sex unless you’ve 47

Mahalia Levey changed your mind since our photo shoot and no longer want it,” she said as she pouted. The look she garnered from Dare told her, he was waiting for the pun to be spoken, as he walked up to her and lightly touched her body. “How serious are you?” Krissy peered at him and slowly lifted her cashmere sweater off her body. The contour fitting bra from Veroniq plumped her small breasts to perfection. “Serious enough.” She unclasped the bra and let it fall slowly off her body. Dare swallowed hard. “What’s the catch?” “No catch, big boy. I just want to join the playing game.” She noticed he enjoyed her strip tease. “You know there’s no turning back, don’t you?” He grinned, moving with predator ease. His intense gaze honed in on her beguiling assets. “I know that, Dare.” She sighed and ran her hands up his chest. “I only have so much control, Krissy,” a deep growl left his mouth as he grabbed her hands. “Then lose it,” she replied and rubbed her leg up the side of his. When he grabbed her ass and backed her up into the hallway, she shivered, hoping her ploy would work. “You have till we reach your room to change your mind.” “I have no intention of changing my mind.” She 48

Merikano’s Fury moaned softly and kept her hands on him as he waltzed them to her room. When she finally reclined on the bed, her back hit mattress with a thud and his body covered hers easily. His arousal poked at her belly, obviously making her nervous. “Why don’t we take it slow,” he suggested. The worried look on his face, that he might hurt her, made her heart melt. It was as if she could almost see him struggle with how to take her innocence from her. He went from the feral man to a sweet lover, stroking her side, his lips on her neck and soft kisses up and down her collarbone. She became putty in his hands. Dare was good, too good, almost making her forget her objective. Krissy liked what he was doing and moved her neck so he could do it more while reaching behind her head to the shelf on her headboard. The small device she grasped fit well in her hand while her finger switched it on to the highest max. She made an audible moan and wiggled against him. “Like it?” he asked. “Ohh yes,” she replied as she brought the stun gun to his neck and discharged it. “What?” he yelled, then went unconscious. Krissy sighed in relief and slid from under his dead weight. His feet were easy to tie because she brought two zip ties and tape. She intertwined the zip ties together before sliding them through the interlocks and another set as she put his hands 49

Mahalia Levey behind his back and repeated the process. He was still out cold. She grabbed a new bag out of her closet and tossed in a few new outfits and a pair of new sneakers, her makeup and the new cell phone she’d just bought. Anything to make sure he couldn’t tail her. Too many coincidences pointed to her being tailed by the police, reminding her of the old popular show— better known as CHiPs. “Sorry, Dare, but I like my freedom.” She pressed tape against his mouth and left an apology note on the bed. Silently, she put on a wig and eyeglasses and left out of the only window not within view of the security system. The bathroom window was just big enough for her to get through. Once she hit the ground, she made her way down the main street and took the subway to Grand Central Station. Krissy was gone, at least for now. She had a burglary to plan and a father to take the fall. Without a single contrary doubt, she knew she’d pay for duping him, but womanly wiles had their purposes and being stalked by her neighbor and colleague had their disadvantages especially when one was considering… For two weeks, Krissy watched, using a small digital camera and a slender eyeglass in the appearance of a slender cigarette and a holder. Fashionable glasses fit her eyes with an infrared 50

Merikano’s Fury detector chip on the bridge. Hidden in her MP3 player was the receiver allowing her to get a multidimensional transmission of the Federal Reserve Bank in New York City. Her plan was to hit the vault and gain one gold bar. The highest security known to man with exception of the President and his wall of bodyguards was located on the premises. She’d previously entered the bank as a tourist and made her way through the building without hindrance. She’d made notes while she was visiting on where cameras were and where they led to, knowing she could hack and reroute it without a problem. The problem was not in getting to the gold, but in getting out. She looked at the floor plan in front of her. The library had books of floor plans for the public to gain access. Seriously, she’d have thought the more important buildings with security wouldn’t have those. As she read the plan, she looked at the sewage-subway system that was inter-connected. The gold wasn’t rigged with explosive dyes or any type of device that would emit a sound. Perhaps, the easiest way out would be to walk out as if nothing had happened. She smiled and formulated her own exit. **** Almonzo Rinaldio, the Soto Capo for the Cobra 51

Mahalia Levey watched the slip of a woman stake out the bank. Her grandfather had been precise when he ordered the tag. Without her normal bodyguard, she was left open. He signaled to the other men waiting to nab her, to wait and see what her plans were. Something in her mannerisms and her concentration told him it would be something big. The four Sicilian men disappeared, each one following her to the seedy hotel where she’d been hiding. **** Krissy plaited her hair and switched her equipment. Today, Krissy the photographer would take an in depth documentary of the Reserve Bank. She’d tour the vaults and gain entrance enough to withdraw the twenty-six pound gold bar. A greedier SOB would want more considering they were worth 160 thousand a pop. Her scrambler was located in the flash device of her camera. She set the remote timer to reprogram and re-run their cameras on all levels for the thirty plus minutes she’d be down there getting her pictures and coaxing the security staff to allow her to hold one. Her trusty glasses would show her any movement on any level and ports of exit if needed. Her intentions were to take her pictures and walk out. 52

Merikano’s Fury She made it to her appointment with the President of the bank and smiled warmly at him. “It’s nice to be here, Mr. English.” She held her bag with her cameras and accessories in it. “It’s always nice to have a documentary of history done. We don’t have much time for you to visit all the areas. Jacoby will take you down to the vaults and the antique portions of the Reserve.” Krissy smiled and waited with her small bag. In case she’d be weight tested, she rigged her bag, the ankle and wrist weights she ran with daily. Jacoby helped her down the elevator shafts and allowed her to snap images at will, including some with him in it. He gave her the history of the Bank such as the year it had opened and the reason it was located in NY. They left vault door open at times with security nearby, allowing tourists to touch a bar. These times were only for when the bank had extra security measures. No one could break in or out of the basement. The drainage systems were not small enough to permit a body and the ducting interchanged with other areas that had probes. Krissy smiled and allowed the guard to pull out bar after bar to show her the weight. “Smile,” she said. Aiming her flash, she sent the electronics into a frenzy that gave the guard a knockout punch. She only picked up the block he’d touched using the glove from his hand. The block she’d taken, she hid in her 53

Mahalia Levey extra battery cases and exchanged them for the heavy silver one painted to match the coloring by glance. “Mr. Jacoby,” she rubbed him hard to wake him before the cameras came back to action. “What happened?” he asked and looked at the closed vault door. “You passed out for a second. Do you have heart problems?” “I have a pacemaker,” he said. “Maybe you should call for help then, Mr. Jacoby. You showed me a bar and shut the vault and then passed out.” The cameras would only show that, no matter what playback it gave or what lab it was sent. Krissy had the perfect weapon for breaking and entering that was indestructible. “Ms. Shuemaker, it will be all right. Let’s get back upstairs.” Krissy looked at him and picked up his walkietalkie. “Mr. Jacoby has suffered an attack. We’re on the way up. The man thinks he needs no help.” She’d stuffed his glove in his back pocket while placing her arm around him. “Women are born nurturers,” he said as they went back to the elevator doors. Krissy smiled and hit the ground floor button. “You should see someone.” EMT’s were waiting for them on the ground 54

Merikano’s Fury floor as they came up. “Ms. Shumaker, thanks for calling us. We’re sorry to cut your session short. Would you care to reschedule?” “No, that won’t be necessary. I got a few pictures that will go well with my project. I’m only sorry your guard had a momentary attack. I hope he will be all right.” She secured her shoulder bag and walked with the President to the front door. “Don’t worry, Ms., attacks like this happen at times and we’ll see that he gets care.” She smiled warmly and placed her arm on his shoulder. “Thank you for your time and I hope you enjoy reading and seeing the next Galleria project of mine.” “You’re welcome, Ms. Shumaker.” He smiled and opened a cab door for her. Krissy got into the cab and shut the door. Her plan worked perfectly. Now she had to seal the sweet deal with her father. He wouldn’t know what hit him when the Fed’s popped in. The cab rounded the corner and the driver turned around to look at her. “We finally meet, Violetta.” He pulled into an alleyway to take a short cut and entered a parking garage. Four cars came from opposite entrances and surrounded them. “What’s going on, who you are?” she asked. “The Cobra wants to see you.” He took out a blindfold and leaned over the seat. “Be a good girl 55

Mahalia Levey so you won’t get hurt.” Krissy shoved her bag onto the floor and tried to get out of the door. The last thing she saw before someone hitting her over the head were large men all closing in on her. “I’m dead,” she screamed. **** “I told you not to fight me, Bella.” Santo stroked her head and tied her hands together securely before the Uomini D’onore took her from his hands, placing her in the back seat of the sedan. The men looked at the entrances and climbed in their vehicles. “Keep in touch, Lessio.” The vehicles left the garage and mingled into traffic, heading for their known destination.

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Chapter Seven kept track of the direction by counting Krissy and tapping on her leg. They tied her hands

close and the mask over her face led way to claustrophobia. Instead of crying, she became angry. These thugs had sourly interrupted her plans to make her father pay and that was unacceptable. It meant that if she didn’t get the bar out of her possession soon, one…she’d be caught or two…she’d never be able to frame him. Drumming her finger on her leg kept her occupied while she screamed out Britney Spears song Toxic. Whatever they were listening to on the radio was putting her to sleep and she needed her wits to find her way back once she broke loose. Right…fifty taps later, a left… She rolled as the road curved and counted, knowing a vague sense of direction. If they were in the city, it would be standstill traffic and quick turns and abrupt stops with the driver yelling. 57

Mahalia Levey Paying attention, she realized these men were not just thugs, but were well-dressed and wellmannered thugs. Immediately, she calmed. She was going home, her natural born home and the Cobra, she thought to herself, was her infamous grandfather. As if things couldn’t get any worse. The direction the car headed—out of town— suggested the suburbs. In addition, she finally realized that tapping to remember her location was a futile waste of time. She wasn’t going to die. She was going to—well fuck if she knew—be interrogated? Or brought into the family fold, she speculated further. The car stopped suddenly and she heard the faint pinging of a pin number entered on some type of box. Seconds later, the sedan moved once more, edging slowly up a winding drive. “Lessio, park the other sedan in the garage,” Almonzo ordered in broken English before hoisting Krissy out of the vehicle. “It might interest you to know that I have legs,” Krissy said indignantly. “You wish to walk, Bella. As long as you do as you’re told and do not run.” He put her down on her feet and pulled off the fabric covering her face. “Now I that see who you are, I can report you to the police,” she threatened. “The police, Bella Mia, would be interested in knowing how you slipped past their security and 58

Merikano’s Fury stole their coveted gold bar.” He grinned at her and led her up the drive to the Mansion. “You have no proof,” Krissy shot back. “We have your gold bar with your fingerprints. The Cobra intends on asking you why you’ve chosen to rob the good city of New York.” “The Cobra can go to Hell. I don’t answer to anyone.” “Everyone answers to someone, Bella Mia. You’ve just gotten a get-out-of-jail-free card for too long a time.” He shook his head and led her to the Don’s Den. “I have nothing to say,” Krissy said stubbornly. “People can be made to talk, Violetta. Don’t forget, your mother and your Cecile are easy targets. The Cobra doesn’t like dissention or disobedience in his family.” “I can rectify that if you’ll allow me to leave. See, I was given up. I’m not in his family nor his responsibility, and threatening me with my mother will only make me laugh at his stupidity that I’d care about the drugged up worthless granddaughter of his. Cecile can protect herself.” “Blood is Blood.” He showed her to a spare room with bars on the windows. There are items here for you to clean up in. You’re grandfather will see you in an hour. An escort will bring you to him.” Krissy paced the room after he left and checked 59

Mahalia Levey the windows to check the validity of his statements. She was stuck—lock, key and barrel with no way out Anticipation was the hardest part of waiting, the unknowing of what was next. Krissy sat in the bedroom, plotting her escape from the lush home the kidnappers brought her to. An image of Dare warning her of her actions and the predicaments she’d end up in…his warnings held truth. She sighed and put her hand to her head. Why couldn’t her grandfather request to see her in a normal way? Okay, so she knew the answer. It would, of course, be no. She would have moved or ran rather than face the man she’d been kept from her entire life. So maybe berating her mother was not a choice decision. Knots twisted in her stomach. The tray of food brought to her lay untouched. Not that she feared poison. She simply couldn’t eat while distressed. Walking to the door, she jiggled the lock and scowled. Trapped like a rabbit for stew. **** The Capofamiglia also known as The Cobra, laughed when his first-in-command repeated the words his granddaughter had spoken. “At least she is not the sniveling drug dependant daughter of mine. Her mother did the right thing by 60

Merikano’s Fury following directions and giving her daughter up to a more maternal woman than she was. “She really said to go fuck myself?” Almonzo looked at his boss and nodded quietly. “And did anyone else hear her declaration of hate?” “We were in private, Don,” he said respectfully. “I will meet Bella Violetta now,” he said. Almonzo waited for his next orders and pushed the door open for his Capo. “I will lead you to her. She has been locked in her mother’s bedroom since her arrival.” “I can find my way on my own, Almonzo. Go see to dinner and the grounds. Your decision was wise in locking her up. I’ve heard she has disappearing down to the art of an illusionist.” The Cobra moved along the marbled flooring, his cane hitting with each step. Being old was wearing on the old man and what he wanted in his last days was a reason to live. This new child would provide that. No matter that she’d been secluded from him since her birth. He’d make it up to her, giving her all she wished for and if she was as good as he’d been informed. If she’d been a male, he’d have written in his will to leave it all to her. She was a female though, which meant she was out of the loop. Respect. He held a high affinity of respect for her genius in 61

Mahalia Levey committing the stupidest break-in possible. Breaking into the Federal Reserve took guts and she walked right out as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. A brave young woman awaited him in his daughter’s room. It was about time a young one with his name earned it without being under his influence. **** Krissy crossed and uncrossed her legs, waiting for the inevitable. A knock resounded on the antique ornate door. “I’d say go to the devil or go away, but I seriously doubt anyone would listen,” she called out. The Cobra unlocked the door and entered. “You have my temper,” he chuckled and sat down. “I’ve only come to speak to you. You can stop the insults for now.” He laid his cane down and took off his hat. “Welcome to my home.” “I’d hardly call being locked in a room a welcome,” Krissy shot back. “Bella, you would have fled and then we’d have had to orchestrate another mission to retrieve you. You’re home is closely watched by the Others,” he stated. “Who in the hell are the Others?” she asked. “When they are prepared for you to know, you shall. I only have a short time before you are 62

Merikano’s Fury found, so let’s talk. Krissy looked at the elderly man and shrank back. “I have nothing to say to you. You do everything illegal. It’s why I was hidden away.” He looked at her, sadly. “You were hidden because I ordered your drug addict of a mother to give you up. We gave you a home for stability. Wars were high between rivaling families. Cecile was good to you. We were good to her. She should have kept your father and mother away from you.” He paused, vying for a change of subject. “Tell me about this art of yours, and not your art of breaking and entering into places.” He sat back into the chair and rested his hands on the armrests. “I’m just a model in my spare time and I play around with photography,” she muttered. “It’s no big deal and your kidnapping is messing up my plans.” Cobra looked at her. “I know. Your golden ticket. The block is now back where it belongs. You must promise never to do something so stupid and foolish again. You could have been arrested or shot for that act.” “Why? When it was one of your own men who trained me to do dirty work like he did for you before I was born?” she asked scathingly. The Cobra’s gaze became dark as sin. “Watch your tongue. You were not meant for my world, 63

Mahalia Levey yet, with intelligence like yours, you do an old man proud.” “You’re intelligence is my boredom and I had plans for that gold. So now you can do what I wanted done. I want Paulo out of my life for good. Have him arrested or sent somewhere away from me. I’m tired of paying him off to leave me alone, only to have him come scratching when I finally have some peace.” Krissy crossed her arms. “On one account, Violetta,” the Cobra said. “What, Grandfather?” she snapped. “Come into the family fold.” “Fuck you! I’ll do it on my own. This meeting is over. I’d like to return home.” “So be it. You’re ride is waiting out front for you. You’re free to go. Oh, and, Violetta, your father was already dealt with.” An edge of boredom laced his voice. Krissy could hardly believe it was that easy. She looked at her grandfather haughtily and moved with grace across the room, down the stairs and to the foyer. Wrenching open the door, she bolted out to the driveway and spied Dare. She stood shock still. Instead of getting in the car, she spun and ran back up the steps to the now locked door and pounded. “Let me in. I’ll agree if you let me in!” An edge of desperation laced her voice.

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Chapter Eight

Tgranddaughter outside of the door. he

Cobra

smiled

as

he

watched

his

Inviting her into the family fold was a foolish idea, as well as handing over the family business to her. He hated to admit that he was impressed with her wit and intelligence, even her very defiant nature. One he was sure would result in her getting hurt. He thought about her future. The phone call he’d made earlier fixed what she’d done by blaming the missing bar on one of the guards who helped the downed guard out of the building. The man was taken in for questioning and given a second chance. The owner and the Feds were looking at having him heist other places to see how secure they really were, saving him from any prosecution. The Cobra made sure his granddaughter was not in any way accountable and did not have the male who took the blame incarcerated for a foolish girl’s 65

Mahalia Levey need for revenge. He watched her pounding on the door and smiled. “Go home, Violetta.” Turning his back, he moved away from the door, confident that her chauffeur would take her home. **** Krissy screamed at the door and bolted around the house to find another entrance. “Running will only make it worse, Krissy,” Dare said with boredom. Krissy took off in another direction, running into a cage that housed the guard dogs. The growls and pursuance of the dogs snapped her out of her trance. Back tracking, she made her way back to the front of the house with her hands held low in a non-threatening attitude. A loud growl erupted from her left. She turned to find the animal that was going to attack her and began to shake. The dog’s growls became silent. In the battle of will and the food chain of life, they bowed to the animal that held rule over them, of their own species or not. Oh God. Oh God. Oh God. Krissy tensed and tried to find an out as Dare stalked toward her with a feral growl on his face. She could practically see the fury rolling off of his body in waves. For a second she thought, just maybe tying 66

Merikano’s Fury him up and tricking him out of doing his job, wasn’t a smart move. “I’m sorry?” she offered in a weak voice. “You have things to be held accountable for.” He moved toward her. Krissy darted left and then right, trying to find an out. “You can’t still be mad that I sort of tricked you.” “If I wasn’t still upset about that, would you be running? You’re smart enough to know that repercussions would occur for your cunningness and lack of respect for your own safety.” He snarled at her. Krissy swallowed hard. “It wasn’t so bad, Dare. You weren’t tied up too tightly and you managed to get out.” “You stun-gunned me in the neck!” he roared. “I did?” she feigned innocence. “Get in the damned car—now!” “You’re going to kill me and dump me in the river.” She backed away from him. “You’re choices are simple. One…you walk your ass to the car and get in, or two…I walk over and get you.” “Almonzo,” Krissy yelled. “They won’t help you, my dear. You told them you weren’t their family. I told them you were under my care.” He grinned darkly. “Fuck me and slap me stupid,” she said with 67

Mahalia Levey panic in her voice, especially seeing no option in fleeing. “I’d slap you if Deryck wouldn’t have my ass in a sling for it.” His lip curled up in a snarl as he continued to approach her. “Fuck off, Dare. I’ll walk home.” Before she could spit out another word, she was pinned against him and picked up like a potato sack. “It’s in your best interest to shut your mouth right now.” He opened the door and tossed her in like a rag doll, pinning her with a gimlet glare. Krissy opened her mouth to speak and shut up as he climbed into the driver’s side and started the car. “Buckle the fuck up since this might be a hard ride—” He threw the car into gear, driving them to his place. Krissy glared daggers at him through the back seat. Who the hell did these people think they were, interrupting her well-laid out plans, interfering in her life, unasked and unwanted. She screamed in frustration and kicked against the seat. “Do it again and I’ll hog tie your ass quicker than snot.” He pinned her with another glare from the rearview mirror. “Are you always such an asshole?” “When I’m dealing with snot-nosed ungrateful brats…” He zoomed over the winding drive 68

Merikano’s Fury leading them back to NYC. “The National Reserve?” He looked at her as if she were missing brain cells. “I don’t answer to you,” Krissy grumbled. “You answer to Deryck. I’m your superior and your guardian recently appointed by your birth family. You do answer to me. You’ll speak when I say, eat when I say and shit when I say. Your cruising NYC alone days, are over.” He gripped the steering wheel. “You’re just mad because I didn’t fuck you.” The way he gripped the steering wheel scared her. “A true female retort. When I want a woman in bed, it’ll be one who knows how to please me, not an immature virgin playing woman like a little girl plays house.” The insult might as well have been a slap on Krissy’s face. “You should be glad then that I don’t care for you. I would rather have an honorable man in my bed than a womanizer.” “You shouldn’t care one way or the other.” He turned on the music up. She itched to wipe the half-smirk, half-scowl grin off Dare’s face, but took his silence for one of a truce and sat back to relax, closing her eyes halfway, watching which way they were going. She’d counted each time the car turned and the direction on the way here and as a result, knew exactly where they were. A woodland area was 69

Mahalia Levey close by. She knew she’d have but precious time to act. She still had indifference and defiance written on her face and attitude. “I hate to be bossed,” she mumbled from the back seat. “Don’t do stupid shit then.” “Whatever, Dare.” She crossed her arms and looked up, seeing her chance. “The doors are locked,” he declared as if he anticipated what she’d do. Krissy grinned, knowing the windows we’re not and rolled the window down with her foot, then unlocked the seatbelt. “Later, Dare.” She made her escape as the traffic stalled and he had no other choice but to come to a halt. She went face first out of the window, hitting the concrete. She skirted her way through on-coming traffic and vaulted over the barrier leading to private land. “Damned female,” he screamed after her, slamming the car in park. Her lungs burned for air, the more she ran. Eventually, she stopped and took a deep breath. From behind her, she heard branches snapping. Maybe jumping out of the car and running wasn’t such a good choice. In the distance, she saw endless field with nowhere to hide. Dare was gaining on her, she could feel it in the depth of her rattled bones. “Krissy! Stop!” She heard the command, but at the fear of 70

Merikano’s Fury rushing back into his arms—a compulsion new to her—she kept running. She did not have the hots for the infuriating man who did nothing but plague her. Clearing the way through the field, Krissy turned to look back at him and lost her footing. A shrill shriek came from her mouth. Her ass met rocks and debris as she tumbled, rolled, plummeted down a steep embankment. Rocks came loose in the dirt, hitting her in all body areas as she rolled continually. Her head struck something hard and her vision swam until there was nothing. **** No one noticed the compact car that had been following at a close distance. A lean man stepped out of the vehicle to join the spectators who’d watched the man jump out of his car, taking off after the young, slender woman. He spit out the cigar from his mouth. He waited in earnest, deciding to leave before drawing attention to himself and the phone he spoke into rapidly. Quietly, he moved backward, slipping out of sight and away from the crowd and then slid into his car. He had a report to make to his boss about the disappearance of Violetta. **** 71

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Dare’s heart thudded in his chest. He shapeshifted and crossed the distance within seconds, far faster and safer than in human form. He bounded over the edge off the embankment and leaped to larger rocks, making his way down the steepness. He could see Krissy face down in shallow water, her body barely moving. Once he was at her side, he shifted back to human form. His strong hands lifted her head gingerly out of the water. He rolled her over and performed CPR on her motionless body. “Damn stupid if you ask me,” he muttered to no one but himself. Rhaikar had a barge on the Hudson, doing surveillance on the Others. He hefted her pale body into his arms. Once he felt a steady but weak pulse, he transferred them to the barge. “Stubborn female.” He’d beat her ass later, but right now, he needed to get her warm. Sailors moved out of the were’s way as he carried the woman to the infirmary. Her lips were ice blue and her skin tinged as well. The sodden, mud-covered clothes prevented him from sensing if she had sustained more damage than he’d perceived. Dare peeled away her clothes, layer by layer, and glared at the sailors who brought in stacks of blankets to cover her, making him look away from her nude body. As they left, he covered her body with the pile of 72

Merikano’s Fury blankets and pressed a hot water bottle at her feet and against her stomach. Silently, he stripped down and crawled over the bed behind her, pulling her small body against his. Tonight he would warm her. Tomorrow was a different story. He woke when an elbow hit him in the gut, and a foot connected with his calf. She’d succeeded in kicking the blankets off them, trying to break free of being confined. Dare ran a comforting arm down her side, watching her look up, hazed in confusion. He slipped into her mind easily and eased the nightmare playing in her mind. Moments later, he watched her drift off again, her body warmed by his own larger one and closed his own eyes, for a short nap. Tired, Dare woke to feed his Krissy. He kept her flailing body trapped under his and roused her enough to feed her hot broth and check her bruised body for signs of improvement. With a grunt, he massaged her temples and frowned when she whimpered, only to fall asleep again. Her health was his main concern, but he was dying to find answers. However, he needed her lucid to broach what she’d put him through the past two weeks. Stun-gunning was one thing, but jumping out of a car and running as if the hounds of hell were on her heels insulted him. In truth, he 73

Mahalia Levey wondered if she was crazy or if he’d scared the shit out of her. Either way, the family was hard pressed not to put her in a psych ward for racing into traffic. He put a hand to his head and spoke with the Captain of the barge. The ship was due out on the sea and he’d have no choice but to either stay aboard with her or transport her himself to his lodgings. She was about to find out that he was an Other were, and the situation wasn’t in his control. Sweeping her mind was the first option he felt he could perform before he’d examined her body and had the doctor bandage up her worst injuries. Luckily, internal injuries were not a problem. Only the hyperthermia and concussion on her head concerned him. The latter would prevent him from sweeping her mind clean. He stepped out of the cabin and jogged down the walkway to get something to drink and to step away from the one woman who brought out the animal in him…and not in a good way. Picking up his cell, he dialed his boss, Deryck, to inform him of his current situation. “Dare?” came the terse reply. “I have Krissy. The Don gave her up, easily. Ran into a slight problem, taking care of it now.” “What kind of problem?” Deryck asked “She tumbled and cracked her head good.” He coughed. 74

Merikano’s Fury “How the fuck did that happen?” “You can ask her when I bring her to my place. After her last shuffle, I don’t trust that she’ll stay put, even for her own fucking good. Word on the street is that those devices she used to break and enter are wanted…by every underworld and criminal boss.” Deryck gave a frustrated snort. “Can you handle her?” “You have my word that I can.” He snapped the phone shut to cut off any further conversation. **** A text message came from Deryck to all his staff. High priority. Krissy wanted by undesirables, human and non. Dare in charge as of now. If he fails, she will be brought to our safe house until other arrangements are made. Is Dare not to be trusted then? Truth texted. When it comes to Krissy, no. It’s the second time he’s lost her. He’s lost his objective. Be on guard for my next command. Truth frowned over the phone. Dare had been an admirable asset to the company until this woman. ‘Nuff said. ****

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Mahalia Levey Deryck hung up his cell and took a drag of his cigar. “Shit happens,” he muttered in the empty room, shrugged and switched his attention to his current business of setting up more shoots and music videos.

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Chapter Nine

D

ay was night or night was day. She had no idea. Lethargy was all she felt. Her bones were sore, her body hurt, albeit warm. She moaned, kicking off the covers, her body sweating. It took her time to get her bearings and sit up in the small cot of a bed before she noticed she was alone. It had to have been a bad dream. A car wreck or something. She put her hand to her head and frowned. It wasn’t coming back. Getting up, she moved across the floor to the portal window. Water surrounded her. “Where am I?” she asked softly. Tired. So tired, she barely made it back to the bed before passing out on the duvet again. When a man entered the cabin, she woke and then feigned sleep. She knew he watched her and, through her barely-opened eyes, saw the frown marring his face. Then he was gone, only to 77

Mahalia Levey reappear with a medic who woke her to take her vitals and examine her. He prescribed a high dosage of antibiotics and placed her under direct care of himself until her fever dropped, then both men left. She moaned in distress. Whimpering, she curled up in a ball, afraid the dark was going to swallow her up. The voices she heard were foreign—everything was foreign. Where was she? What did they want from her? Fighting the nausea in her throat, she feigned sleep to escape the strangers, at least for now while her brain worked overtime to tell her whom she was instead of the vague nothingness leaving her helpless against her captors. **** “She has fluid in her lungs. However, without a chest x-ray, we can’t confirm it. Nevertheless, we can treat it just the same,” Rhaikar, the medic who examined her, stated. “Is it serious?” Dare asked, wondering if he should just flash a healer in and be done with it. “It’s not as serious as her other problem.” Fury rolled in his veins. “What other problem? You said she was fine.” “Her body is fine considering the impact she made hitting the water. Her mind is another 78

Merikano’s Fury matter. Earlier, I questioned her, Dare. She can’t recall the day or year, or your name. It’s looks like it could be just her short-term memory at the moment.” Dare looked at Rhaikar and hooked his hands in his pants. “Fuck! Can’t we just bump her head against something and make her damn memory come back? How do we know she’s not faking? I know her. She is manipulative. The damn woman has more grit than many men that I have worked with—and for. It wouldn’t be too farfetched for her to fake something to escape the consequences of her actions. Rhaikar shook his head. “No you can’t hit her head on something—you plan on punishing her? That would not be advised, seeing how she just went through extreme trauma.” “She went through extreme trauma! Next time, you can chase her to save her.” He needed to take his anger out on someone and so his brother became the scapegoat to unleash his frustration. “Rest easy, Dare. It wasn’t as if you could shift in daylight without giving away our world. You play by the rules. That is why Deryck hired you. You get the job done while staying within the boundaries.” “Fuck the boundaries, look where they got us.” He was pacing the room as they spoke. “I have yet to check in with the boss and inform him of her 79

Mahalia Levey stupidity. I could strangle her for what she’s put me through.” His voice carried down the corridors of the ship as he strode back to their bunk. Watching Krissy move around in pain did nothing for Dare. He cursed as he watched her slide out of bed. Inside the door, he saw her look in the bathroom mirror. The way she traced her face with her fingers brought worry to the forefront of his mind once more. “What happened to me and why am I here?” she cried out. Dare crossed his arms and watched her from the doorway with a grim expression after leaving his pack brother, promising not to harm his charge. “You broke out of my car, headed into the woods and fell down a ravine, Krissy. Cut the shit. You know damn well why you’re here.” She looked at him with fear etched in her eyes, taking in his menacing stance and the harsh glint in his eyes. “I have a name? You called me Krissy, is that my name? It is, isn’t it? Do you know me?” She trembled, her hands grasping the sink as a lifeline. “You’re acting sucks, my dear. If I have to strap you in my bed to keep you safe, I will. You won’t even be allowed to piss in private following your complete recovery. Babe, consider yourself stuck.” “Look I don’t know you, but thank you for saving me.” She frowned and tried to move past 80

Merikano’s Fury him. “You’ll go nowhere without me, Krissy,” he stated, before shifting in front of her eyes. A large Cheetah stood before her, blocking her way. Krissy screamed before slipping into a dead faint in the small head. “What the fuck?” Rhaikar barreled into the room. Dare shifted back, walked over to Krissy and knelt to pick her up in his arms. “I got mad.” Rhaikar let loose his sharp retort. “No shit, Sherlock. Did you miss the part of she needs to rest?” Dare got into his brother’s face. “She belongs to me. She needed to know.” “Ohh, man, do you have it bad. Give her space to heal, Dare, or I’ll keep her and kick your ass off this boat.” “I’ll take her and leave,” he shot back. “She goes nowhere without me.” “Take her and have Deryck on your ass as well as her new found family. Do you think I’m a Houdini who can make the media go away? News travels fast. Everyone in NY is buzzing over the girl and the crazed man chasing her into a wooded area. You found her mangled and near death. Take her and while you’re at it, explain how you got her to my ship and why you didn’t take her to a traditional hospital.” 81

Mahalia Levey “Asshole,” he snarled and set her on the bed. “I aim to please.” He took out his stethoscope and went over Krissy’s vitals. **** She moved and opened her eyes when the cool metal slid over her skin. They widened in fear when her gaze fell on the man who was an animal. Gripping the covers, she averted her eyes to the doctor. “He’s evil. Make him go away,” she said softly. Rhaikar covered her up. “He saved your life, sweetling.” Dare took one look at her terrified face and strode out the dwelling, slamming the metal door hard behind him. Krissy relaxed against the semi-soft bedding and loosened her grip on the covers. “He’s a big cat. That’s just not possible. What kind of thing is he? He called me Krissy, is that my name?” Rhaikar sat on the edge of the bed. “Yes, Krissy is your name. He is a man and a were. What do you know of other beings?” “You mean aliens?” Rhaikar laughed. “No, not at all. Do I look like a green Martian to you?” “No.” She smiled lightly. “I don’t know anything aside from what I’ve read in books.” 82

Merikano’s Fury “Were’s have existed throughout time, Krissy. So have vampires, demons, gods and goddesses and other classes of each society. We have our own rules, police and way of life. We guard ourselves carefully, so trust almost no one outside of what we are. We are not evil. We are what we are. We can choose to do evil or chose to help. What we do marks us as to who we are, not how we were born.” Krissy nodded. “For some reason, he thinks I’m lying to him,” she said. “Trust in yourself, Krissy, and the rest will come soon enough. It’s time for you to rest. No one will bother you. I give you my word. Rest peacefully,” he compelled her, putting her to sleep himself. He checked her over one more time and went to find his brother. **** A week later, Dare was still pissed off, still affected by Krissy’s words. As his brother had requested, he maintained his distance from her, allowing her time to heal. Regular reports from his brother and the sailors showed that she was improving. Her color was good, her head no longer bruised, the swelling she’d suffered had gone down. He hoped that once the swelling in her brain left, she’d be back to normal, or at least 83

Mahalia Levey remembering whom she was. He looked down at his cell as it rang. “Dare.” “How is Krissy?” his boss asked. “She’s fine, Deryck. I’ll have her home in a few days.” “Keep her in your sight when you leave because there’s been an uprising in her family. The Don is relinquishing control. I’ve placed him under our security to ensure he’s not marked by a rival family. This means that since she has been found, many will mark her to bridge a gap, a social marriage to ensure control between families is upheld and the Others still want the goods she used. Just keep her from getting nabbed.” “Fucking shit, Deryck.” He had to protect her at any cost. “Yeah no shit. I’m not into killing humans, normally. The old man wants to get to know his only living grandchild. It’s the least we can do. He doesn’t know about her accident. Get her healthy and get her home.” “I’ll do my best, sir.” Dare hung up the phone and went to find Rhaikar. “Bro, any news on Krissy?” “She was up a bit ago. Go see her.” Dare looked at him. “You told me not to?” He crossed his arms. “Go see her,” he reiterated. Dare headed to the room holding Krissy’s bunk 84

Merikano’s Fury and knocked before entering. The door opened. “Dare,” Krissy said softly. Dare looked at her—really looked at her. She looked good, smelled even better. It took him thirty seconds to realize two things—one, she wasn’t screaming at him and telling him to leave and two, she wasn’t cringing. She was staring with an expression of guilt on her face. “How long have you remembered?” “As soon as I woke up from fainting,” Krissy admitted. “Six days? You’ve remembered for six days?” Krissy looked up at him. “At first, it was just small bits and pieces and then I’d take a nap and wake up with flashes of things. It wasn’t until yesterday that I pieced everything together. I’m so sorry, Dare.” She stared up at him. “I’m sorry I jumped out of the car. I’m sorry for calling you evil.” Dare looked at her and thrust her away from him. “Don’t sully yourself touching me, Krissy. I promised to get you home safely and right now you’re safety isn’t on my mind.” Krissy looked wounded. “I—what do you want from me?” Dare began to question what he did want from her. “I’ve never met a more stupidly inclined female in my life and I’ve been alive for a very long time.” 85

Mahalia Levey Krissy stood there quietly, a few feet out of his reach. “I know.” “You know? Damn you, Krissy, for making me feel this way.” He slammed a fist into the wall and transported over to her. “You make me crazy, you dim witted female. And the worst part is, you are far from stupid.” “I know, Dare,” she responded back, her voice barely a whisper. “Do you have a death wish? Or do you just want to make my life a living hell?” He gripped her chin and brought his mouth brutally down to hers. Forcing her mouth open, he kissed her with the open rage he was feeling, the need she’d forced on him and the desire he’d felt since meeting her. He swallowed her moan and crushed her with his embrace. He felt her emotions warring in her, read her thoughts. He plundered her sweet mouth, intent to punish her. God how her body melted so soft under his, like warm honey drizzled on bread. He held fast to her trembling body, desire rushing through him into her. He tasted her resolve in not fleeing. As abruptly as he’d kissed her, he ended it. “Do not ever do anything so stupid again.” he whispered into her ear, nipping her neck a few seconds later. “We need to come to an understanding, Violetta, before we leave this 86

Merikano’s Fury ship.” God, how he loved it when she gazed longingly over her given name. Dare clasped her hands in his own and looked down into her upturned pixie like face. “Your carefree lifestyle is over and there are things we need to discuss about the Cavaitios. Rhaikar is in charge of your health until you’re fully recovered, no shenanigans, no games, no running. Stop being a coward and face your feelings for me. Lastly,” he bent to her ear. “You are mine and the sooner you accept it, the easier it will be for both of us.” He kissed her softly and stalked out of the room. **** They were docking. She felt the large barge come to a slow halt. Leaving her cabin, she made her way to the deck. The night was dark and it smelled like river and fish, not two of her favorite smells. She’d had all day to think about Dare’s words to her. His bossiness insulted her, she wasn’t a runner and she didn’t have feelings for him other than pain and dismemberment. The kisses though, damn, the kisses felt good, they felt right. She forced herself to think as she leaned against the railing. How could she think with him beside her? Space was a beautiful thing and feeling trapped sucked. This feeling was damn 87

Mahalia Levey near worse than not remembering who she was. Krissy watched the crew handle this massive piece of iron and sighed, sitting down on the starboard side. What were her choices really? She’d missed work, her new project was due and she needed more pictures. “What does he want with me?” “Talking to yourself is a sure sign of craziness.” Rhaikar laughed. “Yeah, well, I am going crazy. You do know your brother is abrasive and domineering, stubborn and an ass,” she huffed. “And?” “You’d think by now, he’d know that bossing me isn’t the way to go.” “Come off it, girl. He cares for you and wants you safe. It’s simple.” “Dare is not simple. I don’t even know his real name. Who in the hell would name their kid Dare? “Ask him, then,” Rhaikar said, shrugging. “Asking him a personal question is so not happening. He’ll think I’m interested.” She denied that she was beyond curious about the man who consumed her every thought. “Are you?” Rhaikar grinned. “No, God no. I’d have to be insane,” she mumbled. “Why not? He’s a good man.” He laughed. “Um, there’s the fact that he wants to kill me 88

Merikano’s Fury half the time, followed by his, umm, animal side. Don’t you have to…you know…marry your own kind? Then there’s his need to interfere in everything—and by everything, I mean everything. In addition, he thinks women are weak and he’d charm the socks off a saint for a good screw.” “Scares you, doesn’t it, that if you decide not to be with him, he’ll find someone else. You’re not worried about him cheating. You know he wouldn’t do that. You’re worried you’re not pretty enough or good enough to be his. Were or not, he chose you. You’re only out is you might not be fated to be together.” “Fated?” “It means destined, a mark appears on your body and his. Then both of you have the opportunity to see where it leads.” “How does it happen?” She was oddly curious. “It normally happens after intercourse or a combination of intimacy and emotional connection,” Rhaikar explained. “Pfffft. Then it won’t be happening here. I’m not having sex until I’m married. Besides, we can barely stand to be next to each other.” “You have your ways and ideals and we have ours, Krissy.” He chucked her cheek with his finger and walked off. “We’re disembarking for dinner. Change clothes,” he hollered over his shoulder. 89

Mahalia Levey Krissy looked at Rhaikar as he walked away from her and turned, leaving the starboard side back to her cabin. On her bed was a box with a big orange bow and a card from Dare. Thought it would be nice to treat you like a lady and take you somewhere nice for dinner. Pink doesn’t become you, you have more fire than the average woman. Be ready at seven… Dare.

90

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Chapter Ten smiled and put the card down. Krissy Sometimes, he did surprise her, but in the back

of her mind was that niggling feeling that he was playing her, to get what he wanted played repeatedly like a well-worn record. Slowly, she held the package and pulled the orange bow until it was a stream of silky material on her lap. The lid to the box was easily removed and tissue parted to reveal a beautiful halter style short cocktail dress with a ruched collar, the sequined beads adorning the criss cross pattern. The dress was a Morrell Maxi that flowed with an open a-line skirt reaching mid-thigh. Strappy silver sandals matched the sequins adorned at the top of her dress. Krissy took her time getting ready to use the soft jasmine and vanilla body oil they’d left for her. A copper tub filled with steaming hot water awaited her for a luxurious soak. She settled in 91

Mahalia Levey with a soft sigh and relaxed, forbidding her mind to take her to thoughts she didn’t wish to acknowledge. Time passed quicker than she anticipated, and the water became cool. She emerged from the water with a towel about her and touched her dress. After all of the recent circumstances, he was doing something nice for her. The fact that he was doing it because he wanted her scared her. She wanted him, but not enough to sacrifice her own values after having seen relationships fall apart her entire life. She came to terms with having commitment issues long ago. It was much easier to push people away than to end up like her parents and everyday people on the street. On time, an hour later, she was ready to go. The only factor she disliked was the inability to curl or flat iron her hair. In the end, she had to settle for twisting it up and pinning it, leaving a curly tendril on either side of her face. Light pink gloss smeared on her lips made them look plump. A knock sounded on the door, bringing her from her reverie. “Are you decent?” Dare’s voice sounded from the other side of the door. “Yes.” She looked in the mirror to check her appearance. “Alright.” He pushed the door open. 92

Merikano’s Fury The way his gaze raked over her brought a blush to stain her cheeks. “We’ve docked.” Her breath caught in her throat as she took in his rugged good looks. He stood in a jet black Armani suit, the dress shirt a deeper orange color to accent her dress as they disembarked for their date. “You clean up nice.” She barely got the words out and when they did tumble from her lips, embarrassment caused her to fidget with her hair. “You look beautiful, Violetta.” The deep timber of his voice drew a shudder of longing in her. Krissy tilted her head. “Why do you call me that?” She took his arm so that he may lead her off the boat. “I only call you Krissy when you’re annoying. Violetta is your given name. It suits the womanly side of you, which you rarely show.” He kissed her hand. Rhaikar whistled low and it caught Krissy by surprise. “She’s beautiful, is she not?” Dare winked at his brother and led her in the direction of the restaurant. “Stop it, Dare.” Krissy blushed, wondering what was on his mind. Whatever it was, it was important. A waiter met them and showed the couple to 93

Mahalia Levey their table where a bottle of red wine awaited them with two glasses filled three fourths of the way. “It’s good to see you smile, Violetta.” Dare pulled her chair out for her to sit. “Dare? What? Why?” She placed her hands on her lap as he pushed in her chair. “I’ll tell you in a few minutes why we’re here, but first let me just enjoy looking at you without having to hunt or chase you down.” Krissy blushed again. “I’m not that flighty.” His response was to take his seat and lift his wine glass to his lips. She sat there nervously waiting for the bomb to drop. “You make me nervous,” she said, raising her own glass. “It’s disconcerting.” Dare smiled and took a sip. “You have had a nasty time of it, Violetta. You’ve recently learned of a different type of life. The fact is, my life was boring before I met you. The women were attractive, yet not capable of holding my interest, much less wanting them around for any length of time. When we kissed, I knew you were the only woman to spend my life with me. I can sense your fear of the unknown, of betrayal and opening up to others. I find, that in order to have you, rules must be set. The first rule of engagement is that your safety comes first. Don’t run from me. I’ll find you. The second rule is that I am not your 94

Merikano’s Fury father, or the type of man who’d physically or verbally abuse a woman. The third rule of engagement is…I’ll never take anything more than you’re ready to give. If you don’t feel the magnetizing pull that slams us together, tell me now and I’ll take you home.” “Rules? I thought relationships were based off trust and love—” Krissy put her glass down with a shaky hand and watched the waiter approach to take their order. “I’ll have the grilled shrimp skewer on a bed of rice pilaf.” She pinned a curious look at Dare. “I’ll have the sixteen ounce rare steak, and a loaded baked potato, vegetables or steak sauce will be necessary.” He watched the waiter leave. “Most are built on trust, Violetta. You, however, are hard-placed in putting your trust in anyone.” “I do feel a pull toward you. I won’t lie or ignore that you make me want things I don’t want to want. I won’t lie and say that when I’m photographing and see a man and woman or a family, I don’t feel that pull in my gut saying it could be my life.” She picked her glass back up and sipped slowly. “Then we’re in accord. Excellent,” he said. “No, no—we’re not.” She leaned forward on her elbows closer to him. “We still have a problem.” He took her hand in his. “Whatever problems 95

Mahalia Levey we have, we can work out. Small stuff will fall in place, sugar.” Krissy shook her head. “This isn’t small. Rhaikar told me all about how your kind works differently. How only after having sex will tell us if we’re really meant to be together. Dare, I can’t take that chance. Loving you and wanting you is one thing. To make love with you and give you my entire being only to find out I’m not the one, would crush me. In addition, you can’t marry me not knowing because marriage is the only way I’ll give my body to the man I love. Commitment. I need a true and honest commitment. If we make love—and I don’t doubt that you love me—what then? What will happen if the mark never shows? I’ll know you have a true mate out there, maybe one of your kind, and I’ll have to let you go.” Dare took her hand in his. “I know you’re my mate. That’s all you need to know. That’s all you need to believe in, to trust in my judgment.” “How could you? How many women have you had in your life? Not the human aspect, but your life in its entirety? What, maybe hundreds and how many of them have been long term? More than a week, month or even a year? Have you ever been with a woman you didn’t sleep with on the first or even twentieth date?” “That’s not fair, Krissy. I’m a shifter and I’m a man. I’ve slept with my share of women, but 96

Merikano’s Fury never have I opened up and propositioned one with a lifetime commitment. “But you see it is fair, Dare. You’ve never committed before now. How can I trust that it’s time and that I’m the one?” “You take a leap of faith and believe something greater is in store for us,” he replied. “I don’t know if I can give my body without assurance. Giving that one vital piece of me and possibly losing you would kill me inside. I don’t trust easily, Dare. I don’t give my trust, easily.” She smiled at the waiter as he brought their meal. “Eat. We can discuss this more later.” She could see the wheels turning in his head and the determination expressed in his body language and set of jaw. “I don’t see that there is much else to discuss.” She picked up a skewer of shrimp and began eating quietly. Dare looked at her and began cutting his steak. “Oh, but, sugar, there is.” Krissy looked up at Dare, the shrimp skewer poised two inches from her lips. “Bossy, much?” She slipped the first piece of grilled shrimp into her mouth, pulling it off the wooden stick with her teeth. “One has to be when it concerns you, Krissy.” He cut a piece of his meat and watched her avidly. Krissy cut her eyes at him and played with her rice. “Nice, so we’re back to my adoptive name,” 97

Mahalia Levey she stated with attitude. That he’d been calling her Violetta had been nice. The way he spoke it to her, held meaning. **** Dare smiled as he cut his meat, eating without answering. The silence between the two was nothing out of the ordinary. Normally, if not fighting or arguing, silence ensued. His hope was that she’d get tired of the silence and begin opening up to him. Whether he’d wait in vain or not was up to her. He cut another piece of meat and tugged it off his fork. “I only call you Krissy when…” “You’re irritated with me. I get that. What I don’t get is, why?” He relaxed and watched her heartily eat her food. Drink the wine, he thought. Maybe it’ll loosen you up and we’ll lose the uptight attitude. “What?” Krissy peered at him over her wine glass. “You are beautiful, Violetta,” he murmured and cut another piece of meat. “That’s not what you were thinking.” She frowned and pushed her food away. “No? Do you profess to read minds?” He quirked a brow. “No, not at all, but that was your serious look. 98

Merikano’s Fury Thinking of a compliment would have been a different facial expression.” Dare laughed. “You are extraordinarily too intelligent for your own good, Violetta.” His response was almost as husky as it was endearing. “Yeah?” She smiled as he refilled her wine glass and took another long swallow. “Be careful or you might get drunk and I might take that as a sign that you’re ready for more,” he said sarcastically. “I’d hate you then!” she snapped. “I’m sure you would, darling, but then as they say…there is a thin line between love and hate. Want to place a bet on how long it would take you to get over it?” Krissy pushed her chair back and stood up, tossing her napkin on the table. “I suddenly find I’m not hungry anymore.” He sat enthralled with her spitting-kitten angry look and grinned. “I’m not a cheap woman for you to speak to like that. Don’t worry about seeing me home.” “Okay, have a good night and call me when you want to talk.” He turned his attention back to his food and resumed eating. He then looked up from his plate to her stunned expression and popped another piece of meat in his mouth. “Was there something else, Violetta?” “You’re going to let me walk out without 99

Mahalia Levey following me?” “I’d like to finish my meal. Besides, if you want to act like a juvenile, that’s on you.” “Well, ohhhhhhh.” She plopped back down in her seat and tossed her handbag on the table. “If you need something to sweeten your disposition, I’d suggest you order some dessert.” He sat back and watched her growing ire, openly amused by how unaffected she claimed to be. “I’m fine, thank you.” She picked up her wine glass and then sat it back down. Dare laughed. “Now that, Violetta, was the smartest thing you’ve done all evening.” He smirked and finished his meal. When he was done, he continued to watch her glare at him. “Sure you don’t want anything else?” He raised an innocent brow. “Fuck off,” she mumbled low under her breath. “Now why would you tell me to fuck off, Violetta? Is that any way to treat the man you love?” He spoke loudly enough for other patrons to hear. “Why I can’t believe you.” She opened and snapped her mouth shut. Dare paid the bill and put a tip on the table. “It’s time to go home.” He quickly moved to assist her out of her chair like a gentleman. “I really hate you,” she hissed under her breath and allowed him to lead her out of the restaurant. 100

Merikano’s Fury “Let’s work on how bad you hate me once we get home.” Krissy pushed at him. “I’m not going home with you. I’m going to my apartment and you’re going back to whatever rock you crawled from.” **** Dare chuckled softly and kissed her hand and his grin deepened when she yanked it away as if she’d been bitten by something viperous. Time would tell, and he had plenty to wait. The only conciliation of waiting for his spitfire to come into the woman he loved was that she would be miserable until she realized she was fighting a losing battle. And that being honest with herself would make things a lot easier for both of them. “I hate it when you do that!” She pushed at him as they reached his car. Dare hauled her up to his body and dropped his lips onto hers, pushing her soft mouth open. He tantalized her with a possessive hunger and felt her body relax against him. “That’s my girl.” He nipped at her lips and sucked her tongue into his mouth. After the kiss, he ordered, “Now get in the car so we can go home.” He smoothed her hair tendrils from her face and kissed her softly one last time before opening the car door for her. 101

Mahalia Levey

Chapter Eleven didn’t know what she was madder at— Krissy his presumptuous attitude or the fact that she

did want him in a way she wasn’t ready for. The key words were, ready for and he was pushing her into a corner she didn’t think she could fight her way out of. “To think, today I left the tazer at home.” She slid into her seat and buckled up, glaring at him as he walked to his side and got in. “Taze me again, babe, and I won’t be responsible for my actions.” He steered his sleek sports car into traffic and drove them across 42nd Street, toward her apartment. “Dare—don’t kiss me again unless I ask you to. I don’t like being pushed as if I’m the new video game on the block a boy can’t wait to beat.” “You got it. I won’t kiss you unless you ask,” he agreed as they stopped at a light. “I’m not a monster intent on taking advantage of you. I’ve asked you to marry me. So let’s just get the he’s a 102

Merikano’s Fury bad guy out of your head.” Krissy looked at him. “When I can believe you want to marry me because you have no ulterior motive, and that I’m not the newest conquest to you, then maybe. However, for now, you keep pushing me. I’m not asking. I’m telling you if you don’t stop, I’ll walk without looking back.” Dare gripped the steering wheel and pulled up to the apartment. “Here you are, Krissy, safe at home at last.” After turning off the car, he exited, walked to her side and opened the door. “I’ll see you safely in and check your apartment,” he said as he took her arm and assisted her out of his car. Krissy looked at him and nodded, knowing the only way she’d get him out of her hair is if he saw to her safety. That he did that was a nice gesture, it was the least she could give him. Entering the lobby code, they both went inside and took the elevator to her floor. She watched as he checked the hallways out and wondered how good his hearing was. Dare watched her along with watching the surroundings. “My hearing is excellent,” he said and propelled her to her door with his hand on the small of her back. “Privacy shouldn’t be disrupted without permission, Dare,” she said as she moved away from his hand and opened the door. She stepped into her foyer and watched as he passed her to 103

Mahalia Levey check out her closets and rooms for any sign of disturbance. “See anything?” “Not a one. Nothing’s been touched since we were last here.” He paused. “I’ll check your alarms quickly,” he added and checked her sensors on the small box. Pulling out his phone, he called Deryck’s dispatch and keyed in their coordinates for a safe check. The alarm buzzed and moments later, an operator came on line. “Is there trouble, miss?” “No, this is Dare Veradi. I’m just running a check for Miss Krissy,” he replied over the speaker. “I’ll note the log. Thank you, and have a safe night,” the operator replied and signed off. “All is well, Krissy. Have a good night, Violetta.” “I’m tired. Thank you for a wonderful evening,” she retorted back, keeping the space between them. “You’re welcome, Violetta. I’ll be around in the shadows following you. If you find you need me, just call.” With that, he disappeared from her sight, leaving her alone in her cozy apartment. “God, I can’t stand him,” she muttered and went to start her bath. True to his word, Dare kept his hands to himself. Krissy walked around New York City, knowing he was never too far away. It had been 104

Merikano’s Fury two weeks since his declaration of love to her. Since that time, not once had he attempted anything remotely physical with her. She didn’t know whether to be insulted or actually believe he cared for her. Since returning home from the barge, she found that her collage of pictures went for a very tidy sum and was excited over the large check she’d received for her work. Already, new ideas for more projects were rolling through her mind. Maybe this time, just objects or sculpture art made of scraps of metal and paint. Abstract, instead of photography. She’d build some abstract piece of art. Her mind drifted to the voicemail from Marcie she’d checked earlier. It was about a club called Blink 124. Apparently, it was the new up-and-up and not only for people of her profession, but rather, an exclusive club. Smiling, she called her co-worker back. “Marcie. I’ll meet you there at eleven.” She hung up the phone and went to the kitchen to pour herself a cup of coffee. Coffee in hand, it was time to get to work. First, a few sample drawings of what she wanted to create. Her sketchpad and charcoal pencils were on the table next to her overstuffed couch with brilliant throw pillows thrown on it. As she flipped through the 105

Mahalia Levey pages at some of her doodles, she passed a few pictures of Dare. Fuck! When had she begun doodling him? They were actually quite good, but then again, as an artist, they would be. Lunch and dinner had come and gone hours ago before she took off her glasses and stretched her tired fingers. Half a dozen or so pictures had begun to form, giving her a host of ideas for her new pet project. No longer were they perpetual motion, but more of a life as at a standstill type of project. She’d incorporated pictures within the metal structure after she welded frames to slip 3 by 6 pictures throughout it. Looking at the clock, she got up and dashed to the bathroom to get ready. A cute backless top in silver slinked over her slender body with designer jeans and a hot pair of pointy-toed boots that laced up the front to her knees made of leather. A flat iron had straightened her long hair, leaving it to fall perfectly over her shoulders. Twenty minutes later, after applying the appropriate amount of makeup and perfume, she grabbed her handbag and hailed a cab to the other side of town. The line was long, wrapping around the block. To be a club for just a few types of people, she’d figured the line would have been smaller. Hell, she thought it would have been up higher in the Westchester County, not in the City 106

Merikano’s Fury only a few short blocks from the hood. Picking up her phone, she called Marci. “Hey, I’m here— where are you?” “Jump up and wave your hands. So I can look for you.” Marcie laughed. “You’re kidding, right?” Rolling her eyes as she listened, she moved around and waved her arm without jumping up and down like a damn freak. “I see you. I’m about forty people up from you. I’m standing with Scott Denahough and Esmaranda from public relations. Come on up.” “Krissy stepped out of the area she was standing and saw her co-worker waving at her. Deep in the back of her mind, she knew Dare was somewhere close and was glad he was giving her some space, but at the same time, pissed. What pissed her off more was that he wasn’t accompanying her everywhere. She moved forward, pushing through the people to find her friends. Well, more like acquaintances—Krissy didn’t do friends. Trust issues tended to make pessimists out of people. Putting a smile on her face, she grinned and stuck her hands into the jacket pocket. “Hey!” She ignored the looks of the people behind her that would have to wait to get in. Marcie looked at her. “You look hot, but then again you always look hot. We have a short wait. They’re only letting ten people in at a time. I bet 107

Mahalia Levey you’ll find a Baller or something in here. You’re a hot girl. Oh, meet Scott and Esie.” She smiled and pulled her soda bottle out of her purse. “Have a sip. Get the edge off,” she offered. “Nice to meet you, Krissy. I’ve enjoyed your photography and modeling portfolio,” he said. Krissy smiled at the compliment from such a handsome male. Tall, lean and polite, dressed professionally. “You look like you’ve stepped off the cover of the leading men’s catalogue. Thank you for the compliment. Without your team, no one would see my work at the auctions.” She took the drink from Marcie and took a sip before sputtering. “What the—” Esie laughed. “Crown and coke, more Crown than coke it seems though.” She held up her own bottle. “Oh,” Krissy said before taking another drink, albeit a slow one. Scott motioned for them to move up in line. Like clockwork, they were closer to the door every ten minutes. Music blared from inside the club. He leaned over and whispered to Krissy. “Thanks, I don’t know if being called male model is compliment or a slam to my manhood, I am straight you know,” he stated, indicating that he was available. Krissy looked at him and smiled. “Oh that’s 108

Merikano’s Fury nice to know.” She handed back the drink and headed inside with her friends. When she pulled out her wallet and ID to pay, Scott interceded and paid for all four of them. With his hand precariously close to her lower, back he pointed to a free table near the dance floor. Everything from Rap to Rock was playing. The club boasted on its DJ’s ability to stick to the hot list. She sat quietly as Scott flagged the nearest cocktail waitress he could find. “A round of shots of tequila with coke chasers.” “I’ll have it right out as soon as I drop off this order at the next table.” The waitress disappeared into the throng of people. “So, what do you like to do in your spare time?” Scott directed at Krissy. “I like to play with electronic knick-knacks and security devices to outsmart the manufacturing companies that design them.” Marcie shook her head. “You’re a nerd. Who would have thought it?” Esie looked across the room to a man crooking a finger at her to go dance. “You know men. He could have walked over here and asked. I’ll be back later.” She grinned and was off. “No shopping or getting your nails done?” Scott bugged her with non-sequential chitchat. Krissy laughed. “I’m not a priss. I’m me.” Her smile was infectious and it was because she was 109

Mahalia Levey comfortable in her environment for once in a very long time. Scott handed the drinks out and ordered a second round early for them all. “What else do you do, Krissy?” “This and that.” She raised her shot glass. “To new friends.” Marcie lifted hers and met Scott and Krissy’s glasses. “To new friends.” “To new friends and more.” Scott lifted his glass, touching Krissy’s finger briefly before lowering his glass and taking the shot. Krissy was having fun and finally relaxed. Three rounds later, the buzzed group of hers grinned when Blame It came on the speakers. She jumped up and headed to the floor. Marcie and Scott followed close behind her. The number one rule in NY clubbing was the ability to possess at least a small amount of rhythm. The group of them began dancing, moving to the song. Krissy smiled at Marci and dropped her ass to the floor in a dance move, bringing it back up, oblivious to how sexual the move was. She knew from videos on TV what popular dance moves were and did them at home in the living room to unwind. Krissy moved, dancing against Scott. When he put his hands on her hips, she didn’t stop him, but snuggled closer, grinding against him. 110

Merikano’s Fury What appeared to be ten songs later, Krissy’s hair was no longer perfect but plastered to her nape from dancing on the hot floor. She and her entourage moved back to their table for more drinking and fun. Bouncing a quarter in her hands, she plopped it on the table. “Let’s play a game.” Marcie flagged the waitress again. “We need a bottle of Jack and three wide shot glasses.” Krissy smiled. “I’m good at this game.” However, twenty minutes and ten shots later, she had her doubts. Scott chuckled. “I think I’ve proved I’m better.” “What’s with men having to prove to be better. You either are or you’re not.” Marcie laughed. “I’ve had fifteen shots so I think I’m in third place.” “We’re not done yet.” Krissy laughed. “Can you even see still?” Marcie asked. “I know I’m seeing double of everything.” “Let’s get a cab and get out of here,” Scott said, pulling up the two women. “Where’s Esie?” He half-stumbled and caught himself. “She left with Quan. Remember? It was hours ago.” Krissy giggled. “Hey, girls stick with girls.” Marcie frowned. “She said they had hooked up before and she’d call us,” Krissy reminded her. 111

Mahalia Levey “Oh,” Marci hiccupped. “I’m going to pay the tab.” Scott moved to the bar to have them run his card so he could get it and his ID back. “He likes you, Krissy,” she said with a wink. “That’s nice.” Krissy giggled as he headed back to them. “Let’s go, ladies.” Krissy liked having his arm on her shoulder and on Marcie’s. No doubt, he was keeping them both vertical. She got into the cab and buckled up while Marcie gave him directions between drunk hiccups. “Good night or morning,” Marci got out and headed up the stairs to her apartment complex. “Night-Morning,” Krissy said and gave the cab driver the address to her place. “Thank you for the drinks and hanging out. I needed that. I haven’t hung out and relaxed in a long time,” she said to Scott. “The night’s not over, yet.” He kissed her as the cab stopped in front of her place. Caught off guard Krissy, kissed him back, even leaned forward against his chest. Her first thought was that he smelled nice, almost too nice. She threw that out the window when he wrapped his hands in her hair and deepened the kiss, drawing a moan from her. Krissy shivered from the affect 112

Merikano’s Fury he had on her, or the alcohol or both. Minutes later, they were in her apartment, unable to keep their hands off each other. Clothes stripped off, they became a long line trailing in the hallway floor, leading to her bedroom. His weight felt good on her. His hands roaming her body felt equally as good. Then darkness came.

113

Mahalia Levey

Chapter Twelve

“O

h my God! Oh my God, Oh my God!” Face flushed and astonished that she could be so flipping stupid, Krissy pried an aching eye open as she felt the empty spot next to her in her bed. She put her hand to her mouth to dispel the taste of cotton from her tongue. “Shit…I didn’t?” Frantic, she jumped out of bed and pulled the covers back. A small amount of smeared blood lay in the middle of her bed with an open condom wrapper. She put her hand to her head, willing herself not to cry. “What happened? The club…Marcie… Scott. Oh shit…” He’d come upstairs with her. She fought to remember more than just innocent kissing, but failed. “I couldn’t have done that!” She looked down at her naked body and pulled the sheet off the bed and around her. “I can…I can—” She broke off as tears came to her face. No one has to know, a silent voice told her. 114

Merikano’s Fury The other side laughed briefly. How can you fool a man? He’ll know… Krissy felt lost. Dare appeared before her, a stoic look on his face. “Have a good night, Krissy?” Krissy pulled the sheet tighter around her.” I, I think so.” She bit her lip and moved back, unwilling to meet his intense gaze. “Anything I should know?” “No, not a thing.” She swallowed hard. “Little liar. I can smell him on you.” He approached her. “I can smell his lips that were on yours, his hands that touched your body. His scent is all over this fucking room.” “I’m sorry, Dare. I don’t remember. I swear, I don’t remember a damn thing.” “Do you remember having him lay against your skin, naked?” The growl that ripped from his mouth would have shredded a normal person’s resolve. Dare stalked toward her, each step emphasized his vexation until he was a hairsbreadth from her face and glaring down at her. Krissy shook her head and backed away from him. Dare looked at her and gripped her arm, dragging her over to the bed. “Take a good look, Krissy. He pointed to the red smear on the soiled bedding.” Krissy looked at the splotch on the bed and 115

Mahalia Levey began to shake. “You won’t let me touch you, but you’ll let a stranger. Where the fuck did your morals go in a week, Violetta?” “I don’t know, Dare. God, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” she sobbed. He gripped her hair and looked down at her. “You damn well should be. Next time—if there is a next time—you might just lose your virginity in reality.” He let her go and moved across the room. I took your co-worker home last night. Cut my finger and smeared it on the bed. Next time you want to act the whore, let me know. I’ll be first in line.” He disappeared from sight. Krissy was a mess. She sat huddled in the middle of her bed after Dare left. How could he have embarrassed her like that, shamed her by making her believe she’d betrayed him somehow. They weren’t exactly a couple, she rationalized. She didn’t complete the act with her co-worker and if she had, it was none of his business. Who was he to walk into her life and start telling her what to do? “Damn you,” she yelled and hurled a vase at the door. The sound of exploding shards of glass filled the air. Krissy got up and yanked up the bedding, throwing the sheets, condom wrapper and all into the kitchen trash. When he comes back, she’d tell 116

Merikano’s Fury him to go to hell. A pounding on the front door shook her out of her disbelief. “Go away.” “Krissy?” Scott said from the other side of the door. “Scott?” she said and slipped into her robe before unlocking the door and letting him in. “Are you okay?” He took in her runny nose and puffy eyes. “Yeah, I’m fine.” She sniffled and beckoned him to follow her to the table to sit. “We need to talk. I don’t remember much of last night, except for getting naked and somehow ending up at home.” “We kissed a lot. We were naked and in bed when I blacked out. I guess you left.” She blushed “You have no idea how I want you, how I’ve wanted you since I saw you,” he said, taking her hand. “Last night shouldn’t have happened, Scott. I’m so sorry, but sex, even casual, isn’t something that I do. You’re a great co-worker and guy, but, I don’t sleep around.” “You could have fooled me last night, the way you responded to me,” he retorted. “It wasn’t intentional. I was also drunk.” She shrugged. “Are you seeing someone?” “Define someone.” “How much clearer can I get?” 117

Mahalia Levey “I have someone pursuing me, intent to have me,” she replied. “So then, I can date you, that you’re not exclusive?” “Ahh…hmmm.” She thought about it before answering. “Ahh…hmmm?” he mocked. “Well, he’s more private and not the type to share. I’m not sure seeing me right now is a smart choice.” “If he’s a stalker, I can protect you. You don’t have to date someone because they want you and you don’t return the same feelings. There are laws about it.” Krissy sighed. “He’s not….” She sighed and banged her head against the table. “Are you okay?” Scott asked with a skeptical expression on his face. “Yeah, I’m perfectly fine.” Tears of humiliation slid down her face. “Look, I’m sorry about last night. No hard feelings, right?” She swiped the tears away. “Krissy, I can help, really.” His worried look was sincere as he grabbed her hand and rubbed it intimately. It was at that moment that Dare walked into Krissy’s house. “Violetta, we need to talk,” he called out. “Violetta?” he repeated her name. He walked into 118

Merikano’s Fury the kitchen. “Dare?” Krissy jumped up and looked at her parted robe showing her body to both men. “I’m uh, God. Dare, I can explain.” She put her hand out to keep him back while she fumbled with tying her sash one-handed. “Waiting,” was the terse response. Scott looked at the other man and kept his seat, his gaze darted to Krissy to make sure she was okay. “I…I was crying and he came by to make sure that I was okay.” “How fucking sweet.” He quirked a brow. “Now skip to the part where you were holding hands, gazing adoringly and giving him a delicious view of your body.” “I, uh. I swear it was innocent.” She bit her lip. “Krissy, you don’t have to explain yourself to him. You can tell him to leave or call the cops if he’s harassing you,” Scott snapped. “Stay out of it!” Dare’s deadly stare stopped Scott dead in his tracks. “Dare,” Krissy said softly and went to him to touch his hand. “Do not put your hands on me right now.” He took her dainty wrists and held them in his hands. “I-I’m sorry.” She began crying again. “I won’t fall for your tears, Violetta.” “Her fucking name is Krissy!” Scott’s disdain 119

Mahalia Levey for the other man grew each second that inched by. Dare pushed Krissy away and proceeded to the table. Slamming his hands down on the table, he roared, “Get out!” Krissy screamed, fraught with worry. “God, please don’t hurt him, Dare.” “Protecting your lover now, are you? What, Krissy, did he come to finish what he started? Did you have coffee afterward, to talk about last night?” “Dare, no…I swear nothing happened. I, he, we didn’t…” she wrapped her arms around her waist. Dare looked at Scott. “You have sixty seconds to get to the door before I throw you through it.” He paused when he saw that Scott didn’t move. “Don’t think too long,” he snapped. “Krissy what do you want me to do?” Scott looked to her for direction. “Forty…thirty…twenty?” He quirked a brow and began stalking over to Scott, menacingly “Dare. No! Leave! Leave now. Scott, he won’t hesitate to throw you out.” She bit her lip, worried for her co-worker’s safety. Scott glared at Dare. “I’m leaving. You have my number. Call if he gets violent with you.” Dare struck first and cuffed him behind his head. “You’re time is almost up.” He began pushing him toward the door. 120

Merikano’s Fury “Dare!” Krissy screamed “Man, I’m going,” Scott squeaked. “Yeah you are.” He opened the door and shoved him roughly out. “One more thing. Come back again and I’ll break your neck. Any work assignments made discretely, I’ll find you and break your neck. Get me?” Scott swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple moving up and down. “Got you,” he pivoted and dashed out the only exit Dare shut the door quietly and turned to look at Krissy with a dead, calm voice. “Now, where were we, buttercup?” He walked back into the kitchen. “Stop please. It’s me, Krissy, you’re talking to, not some sexually experienced woman.” Dare snorted. “Baby, people will want you because your sexy, experienced or not.” “Nothing happened.” Dare moved his gaze over her body and the way she held herself together by slender strings. “You wanted it to though, Violetta. You wanted him and his attentions. When people are drunk, they are more honest. No inhibitions with the ability to do as they wish. Did his kisses light you on fire?” Dark embers burned in his gaze. Krissy swallowed hard. “His kisses were nice.” He moved until he was face to face with her. His hand snaked out. Instead of touching her with anger, he trailed a finger along her slender throat 121

Mahalia Levey and her chin. “Did you burn for him, Violetta, as you did when I kissed you?” Krissy shivered. “No, no one could kiss me as you do.” A tear trickled down her cheek. Dare moved his fingers down her robe. “Did his touch turn you on? Did it make you ache? Were you reaching out to learn something new? “He breathed in her ear, his lips close to her neck. “Yes, that is—no!” She could feel her heart beat in her throat and her palms begin to sweat. “Yes, his touch was nice?” He smoothed his hand through the opening of the robe and caressed her breast. “Yes—no. I can’t think.” She sighed in pleasure and moved, shifting her weight nervously. “Well then, I guess we’ll have to have a test to see whether you liked his better or not.” “Dare.” She moaned looking at him. Dare pressed his lips against her neck and placed small kisses from her collarbone to the back of her ear. “Did he move his lips across your neck?” He nipped her earlobe and tweaked her nipple roughly. She moaned again as she felt her lower parts tremble something fierce. That wasn’t expected. The burning ache confused her. Dare chuckled. “I’ve only started, buttercup.” Krissy moved only for Dare to bring her against him. Dare looked at her and shifted them to her 122

Merikano’s Fury bed. Laying her down gently, he moved over her body and kissed her lips slowly, teasing them open to plunder her sweetness, replacing the scent with his own. Her body bucked under him. **** Lost in her innocent fear, and aroused scent, he felt her body tremble. He would be too weak to stop if he didn’t get a handle on his slipping control. A sharp growl emitted from his mouth. “No touching me. Not this time.” He placed her hands above her head. “Leave them there.” Krissy opened her mouth to speak, but he placed his fingers over her lips, shushing her as he parted open her robe. “You are so beautiful. God you’re perfect.” He took one rosy nipple into his mouth and gave a gentle tug. She didn’t surprise him. The sound he received for that small act was like a musical symphony. Desire raged through him as he lifted his gaze to see rampant desire flash across her face. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, she was ready. He could smell it. Dipping his head back down, he licked and blew air over her tightened nipple and kissed his way over to her other breast to lave and suck it into his mouth. Moving restlessly, her body writhed underneath him and shivered. 123

Mahalia Levey “Dare.” She moved her hands above her head until he looked up at her. She stilled them suddenly and left them in place. “Trust me, Violetta.” Lost in the cascade of pleasure, she couldn’t open her mouth to respond to him. A soft moan left her mouth as he moved his way down her body, placing kisses over her abs and navel.

124

Merikano’s Fury

Chapter Thirteen

S

he felt that part of him and jumped clean out of her skin as if something burned her. Dare chuckled and peeled her underwear off her legs, spreading them wide before him. Clean-shaven and sweet smelling. The sight of her sucking in a breath turned him on. Dare pressed his mouth to the apex of her thighs and inhaled. The sweet smell alone had his mind spinning. He parted her inner lips gently with the pad of his fingers. One touched her round nub and he felt it harden. Her body responded beautifully as if she was made for his touch alone. He pushed back the vision of another man by moving his hands over her, secure in the knowledge that the other man hadn’t gotten this far. Her lower lips were dewy with her own lubrication. He rubbed his forefinger and thumb across her clit, and looked up at her face. 125

Mahalia Levey Dare gifted her with a look that spoke volumes. Deny your mine now before this goes any further. When she closed her eyes and laid her head back, he bent his mouth down and captured her nub in his mouth. Sucking it gently, he trailed his fingers against her lips, steering clear of her hymen. He licked and sucked her flesh into his mouth. One hand moved back up her soft body and grasped onto her breasts, teasing them with his fingers as he pleasured her with his mouth. Soft mewl noises brought a smile to his face. His girl was feeling something she’d never experienced and damned if it didn’t make him smirk for being the first and last to teach her the greater pleasures that could be had. Dare was so aroused, he hurt. She was melting for him, and melting so beautifully, the wetter she became the more he lazily licked until a louder moan escaped her sweet mouth. “That’s it, baby. Make as much noise as you want.” He gently licked into her sex with his tongue before dragging it back across her folds, increasing the pressure of his finger pad on her nub. Feeling her pulsating need against his tongue was more exhilarating than he thought. Being the first, and only that would bring her to higher heights, was the highest aphrodisiac ever known. “Just like that. Open up like a flower for me, love. Relax and trust me. Relax. Let it flow and 126

Merikano’s Fury don’t fight it. I promise you’ll live through it,” he said in a husky voice as he watched her continue to unravel with her eyes half-open, half-closed, her face flushed with desire. The sound of her heartbeat pulsated in his ears. Paying attention to her body’s calling, he caressed and smoothed his hands over her. Krissy was caught up in a storm, alright. He read every reaction her body threw at him. She cried out louder and tightened her legs together as a tight coil of burning need built up inside her lower body. “Dare?” “Relax, baby, and let it come. Trust me. It’s normal.” He continued touching her while she pulsated under his thumbs. Her legs relaxed slightly as he continued to rub. The friction of his fingers, the texture of his tongue felt so good, Krissy pushed her hips up into his mouth. “Just like that, baby.” He pressed hard, leaving his thumb there. His gaze traveled back up her body, to her face. “Open those beautiful eyes and look at me.” He stopped pressing and waited for her to comply. He wasn’t disappointed. The lovely orbs slid open slowly and when they did, he sucked her clit into his mouth and bit down gently. Krissy screamed loud and came hard, her first release filling his mouth. 127

Mahalia Levey “God, that’s hot!” He licked up every drop of her release and caressed her quaking body. The call of her blood surged through him. The need to sate his own desire crept up on him. Blood, sex and lust were closely around the bend as he milked the pleasure of her body into his mouth. Krissy lay stock still under him, her heat beat frantic under the weight of his body. “Dare?” she croaked with a dry throat. Dare looked up at her. “Yes.” “Am I still a virgin?” she asked softly. “Technically yes,” he said, flashing a warm wet cloth to his hand. He washed her up, took her panties and slid them back on her. “You’ll stay that way as long as you desire.” He moved back up the bed and kissed her lips. “What if I don’t want to be?” She looked at him with unsure eyes. He brushed a tendril of hair out of her face. “You trusted me for a second. When you’re ready, you’ll know and I’ll know it’s right. I won’t satisfy my body to take away your need for security. Baby, I’ll pleasure you anyway you like and sate myself without the aid of another woman.” “Does it hurt you?” “No,” he lied without a care. “Good. I don’t want you to hurt when I feel so relaxed.” “Violetta, look at me and hear me.” 128

Merikano’s Fury “Yes?” She put her hands on his face. “I have to go. You’ve done nothing wrong. It’s a guy thing. It doesn’t hurt, but it’s hard to control not doing more things, more things that bring pleasure. I’ll be back, baby, later this afternoon or tomorrow morning to take you to the park.” “Okay.” She looked at him with confusion. The grace his body exhibited was predatory, but relaxed, reminding her that he was indeed a cat of strength and power. “Krissy,” he hated the faltering expression sent his way. He walked across the bare floor into the bathroom to make quick work of taking care of it himself. “Dare, are you okay?” “Just fine,” he fibbed and let out a long breath of relief when he covered his palm with his seed. He washed his hands and returned to bed with her. “I changed my mind. Go to sleep. We’ll talk when we wake-up.” She sighed and leaned her head against him. “I want to talk.” “I don’t.” He kissed her head tenderly. “Dare?” He gazed down on her pretty face. “Why didn’t you make love to me?” “Violetta.” He sighed and stroked her hair. “There are many ways to making love to a woman. I made love to you with my mouth, 129

Mahalia Levey today. I caressed your body with my hands and brought your body into the light with a new experience. There will be many more, in time.” He responded with a new type of patience he’d never possessed before. “Ohh, well how do I pleasure you?” “By letting me love you and your body. The rest will fall into place.” He kissed the top of her head. Night was well underway. Dare watched Krissy sleep and moved a strand of hair out of her eyes, tucking it securely behind her ear. That she allowed it to go as far as it had, surprised him. Not taking her completely was a strain on who and what he was. The need to possess her, to mark her completely, raged within him still. A snarl was still echoing inside his being. The smell of the human male reeked in her bed and her apartment. The smell would remain until he claimed her as his, until he spilled his seed into her body. A staggering pain wrapped around his wrist as it turned blood red, traveling up his arm. Rolling out of the bed, he staggered to the bathroom, holding his limb. Reaching the full-length mirror, he turned his arm so that he could peer along the inside. Intricate tribal designs were weaving in and out of his skin. Dark ink filled into his cells, marking his arm 130

Merikano’s Fury permanently like a tattoo. His arm continued to throb in pain while anger boiled inside him. He hadn’t fucked a woman in two months. His eyes grew dark with irritation the longer it took the mark to seep into his body and lay itself there for eternity. He groaned repeatedly over the throbbing of it and sent everything on the counter, careening. Fuck, she wasn’t his. Would never be his and she’d know when she saw the mating mark stretch across his once bare triceps. “Damn it!” He punched the wall. Dare continued to growl in the bathroom. His brain scanned everything they’d been through since meeting. Everything pointed at her being his mate. **** Krissy woke up in a sweat and disorientated. Her body was on fire and itched. Groaning, she held her arm up to her head to feel for a fever. Her lips were so dry, they were parched and as a result, felt thirsty. Sitting up in bed, she began itching like crazy, her legs, her arms, neck and breasts. Red welts appeared on her body as an allergic type of reaction shot across her skin like wild fire searing her. “Dare!” she screamed, jumping out of bed, her nails scoring her skin until it was bleeding. 131

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**** Dare came into the room. Walking over to her, he spun her naked body around, looking for a matching mark. A frown marred his face when he ran his fingers over her welted skin “Violetta, you have to stop itching,” he commanded while tenderly looking her over, head to toe. Krissy looked at him. “I can’t! I’m on fire. I feel like it’s going to consume me. It hurts,” she said and began crying. Turning from Dare, she ran to the bathroom and turned on the water. Dare followed her and stepped into the shower with her. A breath of relief fell from his mouth as he felt the flesh cool underneath the cold tap water. Hair plastered to her face, Krissy leaned her head against the shower wall, letting the cold water soothe her fevered skin. Dare relaxed behind her and began rubbing her down with a soft cloth and soap. “It’s okay, Krissy. It’s probably just a reaction to something you ate. Can you talk okay?” Krissy sniffled. “Yeah, I can breathe and talk. My tongue doesn’t feel heavy.” She gave in to the need and scratched the inside of her wrist. “God, that was horrible waking up like that.” She turned around and faced him. “Wow, what happened to 132

Merikano’s Fury your arm? Did you leave me to go get a tattoo from one of those 24-hour places?” she teased. “If you did, why didn’t you wake me? I’d have gone with you.” She ran her hands down his chest, not realizing she was arousing him. Dare grunted. “Fuck, Krissy. It’s a mating mark, okay? Out there is a mate for me.” He blew out a breath. “What…but you said—” she declared with a wavering voice Dare held her face. “You don’t have a mark on you. It’s supposed to appear around the same time. It’s been twenty minutes since we began working on cooling your skin from whatever. My mark appeared close to two hours ago.” He grunted and picked up her hand to rub it against his face. “God, this hurts,” he dropped her hand and got out of the shower. “Relax, I’ll be back in a bit,” he said gruffly. “I just can’t be by you right now. With what I’m feeling, I’ll take you and mark you anyway, knowing you’re not meant to be mine.” He looked at her horrified expression. “Baby, it’s better if I just leave until it passes.” He left off until I can forget about you although it hung in the air. **** 133

Mahalia Levey “Dare!” she called out as tears slid down her face. God she had said she didn’t want this, didn’t want him and now her heart was breaking. Sliding down in the shower, she sat on the tiled floor, crying her eyes out while he went prowling for his true mate. Krissy cried until the water was too cold, her body as numb as her heart. Reaching back with ice-cold hands, she turned the taps off and felt the jet stream taper off. Shivering, she forced herself up off the floor of the shower and stumbled out of it on her hands and knees. Huddling in a ball in the cool air, she began crying all over again—her heart broken from not being the one. “Dare, where are you?” She sobbed quietly wanting desperately to have him back in her life. The thought of him being with another started a whole new slew of tears to cascade down her face. Krissy continued to crawl on her hands and knees in the nude and made her way painfully, inch by inch to her room. Her hands hurt from the carpet scraping them. The bed never looked so inviting. She let the air dry her body and stared comatose up at the ceiling. Minutes passed, hours trickled by with no word from Dare. No sound, no feeling of him being close by. She held her hand up to her face and wiped off the last of her tears. Eyes swollen, tear 134

Merikano’s Fury ducts all completely drained, she inspected her body. She saw a small, black, flowerlike mark on the inside of her wrist, not even the size of a silver dollar etched in her skin. “Holy shit!” She started laughing. “I have a mate.” Calling Dare proved useless. She’d have to wait until he was ready to come back to tell him the news. Exasperated, if there was ever a better word for how men made you feel, Krissy walked through the trees, down a pebbled path littered with spring’s food for the squirrels. Three Acres Riding Academy was only a mile in front of her. She’d decided on taking on a few advertising jobs. Scott kept his distance, but remained a friend even with the threats against his person. Krissy had no doubt if there wasn’t that issue, she’d be enjoying the country air with her colleague. He was right, she mused as she snapped her shutter, taking pictures of the spring animals rousting from their hibernation homes into the brisk air filtered with brilliant rays of sunshine. The crisp smell of winter snow was gone and in its place was the heady smell of a recent rain, invigorating the green trees and landscapes offering the liquid sustenance needed for the continuation of survival. Sitting on a split wood fence, Krissy took a picture of the sun shining down on a corral of 135

Mahalia Levey horses. She was not an equestrian by any means. She did know beauty when she saw it, however, and the different coats of hair on each horse drew her attention. A mare nudged her filly, prompting her to eat the oats and straw left for them. A smile curved her lips up at the Kodak moment before her. The filly, though eating, didn’t appear too happy at her mother’s prodding. They looked carefree and yet they were pinned in a circular boundary, unable, really, to be free. “Beautiful, aren’t they?” A man stepped up behind her, wearing a cowboy hat and chaps. “Hi, I’m Jacob Herman.” Krissy swallowed hard. She’d heard the owner was a true country boy at heart, but boy was far from the image in front of her. Long, muscled legs trapped in tight jeans with black chaps over them. A dark shirt stretched over his chest, thick bounded muscles wrapped around his arms, all sinew and probably hard as stone. God, he had a cleft in his chin, perfect teeth and mesmerizing green eyes. In addition, he smelled like straw and something else. Why in the hell was she was drooling while her mind was screaming you have a man named Dare. Looking away with a blush, she nodded and slid off the fence. “Oh owww oww oww.” She let out a stream of unladylike words, hopping around the owner with one hand on her ass. 136

Merikano’s Fury Jacob took the hat off his head and spun her around. “Now why would you slide off a split wood fence? You’re asking to get a splinter in your ass.” He fought not to chuckle. “Let me check you out and then we can get onto your tour of my ranch to learn a bit about us before we sign the advertising contract.” “Can you look at it without touching it?” Shit it hurts. “Not exactly. Just bend over and let me see how long it is.” Red faced, Krissy slid her jacket off her body and draped it over the same fence that bit her and leaned over it, this time careful not to splinter her front-side. “It won’t be so bad.” He bent down and cupped her thigh in his hand. A long piece of the fencing had worked its way through her pants. He tugged at the base of it, pulling it loose. “It was a big one. Any smaller and you’d have had to drop your pants.” He teased. “Gee thanks,” Krissy said. “How about that tour?” **** Dare didn’t know what to expect when he disembarked from the plane in Tokyo. The contact for Sato Productions met him and took his bags, 137

Mahalia Levey then led him into the Limo. Deryck had given him the information needed to either secure the relationship and build a business with the Japanese businessmen or give the no deal and walk. He was just glad to be hours away from Violetta. Although she hadn’t left his mind much, he had nothing to offer her. Fate! What a bitch. He looked at the escorts the Japanese members had brought for him on the orders of Deryck to keep him happy while looking over fiscal reports. Tomorrow, he’d go on a tour of their enterprise and look over the finer aspects before writing his report for Deryck. He knew his boss was out on some family emergency, meaning his girl was in heat and it could last a few days or three weeks, depending on how badly she was hit with it. Some were hit like Mack trucks, others not. He knew his boss would not only need time to see her through her need, but to rest afterward and heal if she was a violent shifter in her heat. The Japanese beauty next to him was looking at him with a definite interest, her slim body and beautifully painted face hadn’t looked from his body since he’d made it into the car. “We can work something out.” He grinned, knowing he’d meet up with her later. “We always have right now,” she replied and uncrossed her long legs. Not only did she capture his attention, his gaze was riveted on the dragon 138

Merikano’s Fury tattoo winding its way down her arm, the head and nose trailing down her stomach. “The fire is there, burning only where burning flesh meets one another. Do you burn, Mr. Veradi?” she asked coyly Dare chuckled. “Yeah you could say that.” He looked at her with avid appreciation of her artwork and her style of seduction. “Good. We will burn well together.” Her eyes shimmered, letting him know she wasn’t all she seemed just as he wasn’t all he seemed. “You know my room number…” “Sayuri, Mr. Merikano Veradi. My name is Sayuri and yes I know your room number.” “Sayuri,” he said thoughtfully. Very nice. “I’ll look forward to seeing you after business hours.” He assessed her with the eyes of a hawk. “Yes, now that we’re on a first name basis, I’m sure we’ll get along well, together.” She brushed her acrylic nails over the inside seam of his slacks. “Very well.” Dare took her hand and removed it from his leg. “That remains to be seen, Lily.” He smiled, knowing what her name meant in Japanese. Sayuri smiled. “Dewa Mata, Mr. Veradi.” The car stopped and she stepped out. “I’m looking forward to seeing you, later, and Dewa Mata, yourself, Sayuri.” He closed the door behind her and repeated the instructions to take 139

Mahalia Levey him to the hotel. **** Jacob chuckled and planted his cowboy-clad foot onto the fence that had attacked Krissy’s ass. “How about it? Walk with me…talk with me. What made you take this assignment away from the city? I can’t believe there aren’t more interesting things for a young photographer to work on than a ranch and its horses.” Krissy brushed her hand across her backside to ensure there were no more prickles sticking in her. That was a mother…worse than a bee sting and while she should have taken it out herself, she might have made it worse. Still embarrassed, she shrugged. “I needed time away from the lifestyle.” “So you’re not a city girl by heart?” He chuckled and led her over to the pen. “No, was raised in a small town in Oklahoma. Not too many people, but plenty of floods and twisters.” She grinned. “No horse farms there?” he queried. “Not sure. Photography is new to me. It’s something I just fell into. I’m, by rights, a model, but tired of that lifestyle, too. You have beautiful horses. What kind are they?” Looking out at the herd of horses, Jacob’s shrilled whistle caused them to run in all 140

Merikano’s Fury directions. “Quarter Horse, Palomino in particular, as they seem most sought after. The Quarter Horse breed itself breeds more Palominos than most other breeds. We breed them for not only their beauty, but also their versatility. They can withstand trials of weather, rough terrain and even participate in events such as rodeos and such.” “They’re magnificent! Where do they come from? I’ve never been around horses before. I’m sorry. If you don’t have time…I understand. I’ll grab the pictures and get out of your way.” God, she was blubbering and making a fool out of herself. “No trouble at all. How would one professional such as myself expect to get good advertising if the photographer knew nothing of what she was taking pictures of?” He winked at her. Placing an arm about her shoulder, he tipped his hat and walked them closer to the running mares. “Palomino is more of a color than a breed. Since these horses have a few gene pools of other outstanding breeds, they’re a mixed variety. They started appearing in Asia and in parts of Europe many hundred years ago and ended up here by one fashion or another. Their gleaming gold coats and white manes draw many people to them. Spaniards dubbed them their new name. From Spain to Texas, they were gifts from Queen 141

Mahalia Levey Isabella to her boyfriend. People enjoy riding, racing and ranching them. So, we decided to breed and sell them. Other horses are high maintenance and so is their care. These horses are easy maintenance.” He chuckled and opened the pen, drawing her in after him. Walking over to a docile mare, he ran his hand over her nose and scratched. “Suga Plum, meet Ms. Krissy Shuemaker.” Krissy looked at Suga Plum. “Is she nice?” “Have a feel. Just talk soothingly or not at all. They’ll know you’re nervous if you act it and get jittery. Suga Plum is used to small children so she’s a good sport. She’s more relaxed than Storm Chaser over there that’s nipping another mare to be ornery.” He clapped her on the side and ran his hand over her flanks. “My pretty girl.” Krissy watched him talk and wondered how she would like it for someone to talk to her like that. “I ahh, Suga Plum is a sweet name.” Krissy touched her warm, smooth nose and ran her hand up the bridge between her eyes. Suga plum flicked her ears, tossed her mane and stepped forward, brushing her body against Krissy. “Easy, girl. She’s new to horses. You don’t want to make her any more skittish than she already is.” Jacob stood on the opposite side of Suga Plum and rubbed her hindquarters. “She’s beautiful.” Krissy smiled, the precious 142

Merikano’s Fury moments making the ache in her heart dull a bit. “I’ll make sure to take pictures not too close to her.” Jacob laughed. “They’ve been snapped by so many cameras, I’m sure one more won’t hurt. Would you like to ride her?” “Ahh, no that’s okay.” “One hop up around the pen is a good sport. I am the customer, right?” “One hop up,” Krissy said, accepting the hands around her waist that lifted her up onto Suga Plum’s back. Tail swishing, the mare stood there looking at Jacob for her orders. “Just hold onto her mane.” He then chuckled and hooked a lead rope to the halter. “Suga Plum.” He clicked his tongue to have her step forward. Jacob walked them at a slow casual pace. “If you want, I can let go and you two can get to know each other.” “I’ll murder you in your sleep if you do. I’ll fall off.” She laughed and clenched her knees on the horse. “Relax or she’ll take that to mean you want to run.” He looked back to see Krissy clinging to Suga Plum. A soft neigh left the horse’s mouth followed by a shake of her head. Apparently, he wasn’t as funny as he thought. “See? She agrees we’re not ready to be racing just yet.” Krissy would have taken out her camera 143

Mahalia Levey and snapped from her position if she wasn’t afraid of letting go. Blindly, the horse followed her trainer, keeping the rider seated. She neighed and trotted a bit with him still holding onto the lead rope, showing him she wanted to run. “Not today, Suga. After Ms. Krissy gets down, you can run.” He chuckled at Krissy, but kept tension on the rope. “Trust me, Krissy. I won’t let you fall,” he encouraged. Krissy blinked back tears. “I…I need to go,” she said abruptly. “We just got started.” He stopped and walked back to her. “I know. I have a few days to do this. I just have a headache all of a sudden. I’m sorry to have to stop, but I need to go take a pill.” He looked at her grief-stricken face and nodded. “I understand. Take all the time you need.” Huge hands lifted her off the horse and set her down. “Do you remember your way to the guesthouse?” “Yeah,” she said, running off raining teardrops along the way.

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Chapter Fourteen

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uxury, that’s what The Mandarin Oriental Hotel was about. Merikano had to give the Sako brothers their due. The hotel boasted of the finer aspects of traveling. If they ran Sako Enterprises the way they treated their guests, he’d have no issues signing off on the paper work. He knew the father owned Oriental Health and Spa and the smaller production company was built off the funds they’d taken from their trust funds. The men were lucrative. He’d expected to be sleeping in a wall, like normal when he’d visited for modeling shoots the past six years. It was not at all what he got. The high-rise glass box he’d stayed in last night and would be staying in for nights to come was a sheer surprise. His first stop had been his room. The beige set of rooms met him instead with a huge king bed in the middle of the room with throw pillows and a soft comforter on it. Laying on it 145

Mahalia Levey proved to be heavenly. “Gotta love the Japanese.” He chuckled to himself and lay down. Getting up, he continued looking around. The bathroom was large, but as a man, he was more interested in food and the spa. That night, he’d wrapped a towel around his waist after taking a shower, and took the private elevator down to the spa room. Men and women didn’t share the spa. He relaxed in the spa’s jet stream cleansing pool and thought of Suyuri and meeting her after business concluded. God, she was a beauty—though not his Krissy, but she’d help dull the pain a bit. The thought of possessing the exotic woman made him hard. Remembering he was there for business, Merikano concluded his short tour and relaxation and picked up the phone to call the Sako brothers. “I’m ready in twenty.” He wrapped the towel back around him and headed upstairs to dress in his dress suit, tapered and private, made for his build. He was the picture of professional male personified. Forgetting his personal issues, he concentrated on his meeting and rode the elevator down to the lobby. A limo was waiting for him. The chauffeur opened the door and he got in Domo Arigato. He thanked the chauffeur. Junsako was waiting for him. 146

Merikano’s Fury “Good to see you, Mr. Veradi.” He bowed his head in greeting and spoke rapid Japanese to the driver. “You’re stay was good?” he inquired. “Good to see you, too, and yes, it was very pleasant. I enjoyed not sleeping in a wall for once, here in Japan.” “Ahh yes, yes. Some Americans do not like our sleeping quarters, so we updated.” “I’m looking forward to seeing how you’re production company is run,” Merikao said. “We, too, are looking forward to combining our business with yours.” Junsako tapped the seat. “Did you eat before you left?” “I’m good, thank you,” Merikano said as the limo pulled up to the high-rise building with the family logo on it. “Interesting. I thought you and your brother had a smaller building.” “When we began, we were, as you say, small. Business was good. Some Seyiuu, they were good for us. You say actress or entertainers. We expanded and created more positions, more entertainers of the arts. You come. I’ll show.” Junsako opened the door and ushered him out. “Alright.” Merikano laughed. “Let’s go do business.” He brushed his suit down and headed into the 25-story building. **** 147

Mahalia Levey Krissy spent the better part of the evening alone. When dusk hit and all was quiet, she stepped out of her guest room and crept quietly down the wood stairs. The house was beautiful, but she needed to be outside. Camera in hand with the special adapter for shadow and lower light images, she made her way to the corral. Even in Oklahoma, she’d never seen anything quite like the picture the powerful horses provided. The night smelled like grass and manure. Now, to some, that might smell bad, but NY, at times, smelt a whole lot worse and even thought the fertilizer had a unique smell, it wasn’t as bad as half the smells that assaulted her while walking down the busy street. This place was relaxing. Setting up shop away from the horses and just out of sight, she began snapping photos of them in their home. Serene, she thought and began to live vicariously through them. Lost in her world of picture taking, time flew by. The russet setting of burgundy and lavender dipped into darkness, the stars blinked at her. Setting her camera down, she looked up into the stillness of the night and enjoyed the fresh air. The fact that she could see the stars instead of guessing where they’d be brought a smile to her lips. At home, pollution, kept her from seeing them. Home. What home? Soft knickers got her attention as a Palomino snorted and nudged her 148

Merikano’s Fury ear. “How did you get out?” She chuckled and wiped her ear dry. “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Krissy.” She touched the nose tentatively and wondered how the magnificent horse got out of the padlock. Standing, she pressed her face to his neck and inhaled while rubbing him down. “So beautiful,” she exclaimed soothingly before scratching the front of the nose. “Life here must be great. You’re all free to roam and do whatever horses do. I bet you’re loved. I was loved, but now he’s gone. The idiot.” She sighed. “You don’t want to hear my sorrows, do you, big boy?” The horse whinnied and waved his massive tail. She laughed. “Why would you listen to a girl complain? I bet you have a beautiful mare and a few fillies.” She continued to pet him. I need to buy a horse. She walked down the side of him and rubbed his flanks and back. The horse stood there, letting her explore without bucking or sidestepping. Finding a tree-stump, she nudged the horse toward it and mounted him bare back. “Let’s go for a ride while I talk about my life. Maybe talking will give me direction.” She clicked her tongue like Jacob and held onto the mane to keep control. The horse led her away. She looked around the clear pasture. “Let’s 149

Mahalia Levey head into the woods,” she suggested and clicked her tongue again, tapping on his rump to turn the other direction. The horse made a snickering sound and blew out air, refusing to go there. “Okay, then let’s stay just like we are. I don’t understand men. You know, I found out there are things that go bump in the night, bad things and good things,” she whispered her secret. “I know because I’m mated to a good one. Well, we’re not mated. He got his mark way before me and left, thinking we’d been cursed.” She sighed and clicked her heels in. “Let’s canter.” She wanted to feel the breeze on her face in the moonlight. The horse complied gently. “Yep, he left for God knows were, a week and a half ago now. I’ve given up on him coming home. Once he thought we weren’t meant for each other, he disappeared like I was nothing. Do you know how much it hurts to watch the one you thought you didn’t love leave…then realize you loved him more than your heart could bare? I feel like a huge part of me is missing and that was before my mark appeared. Now, I feel like my soul is half-full. Hope I’m not depressing you.” She sighed and was thankful the horse couldn’t talk back. “What’s a girl to do? I am all alone. I used to like being alone and doing things my way. Everything is different now. I don’t want to go 150

Merikano’s Fury home. He’s everywhere and there’s no escape for me until he realizes I’m the one. What scares me deep down the most is that if I go and find him, he’ll turn his back and disappear before I can tell him we can be together and it’s okay.” She shook her head and clicked her heels. “You better take me back before Mr. Jacob realizes I’m missing and sends out a search party.” The two cantered back to the corral. After sliding off the horse, she said, “I should put you away, my magical friend, but you seem well tempered and happiest unlocked.” Krissy kissed his nose and ran her hand up his face. “Thank you for listening to me prattle.” She took a sugar cube out of her pocket and fed it to him. “Be good.” Grabbing her camera and stand, she walked quietly back to the house. Instead of going through the front door, she scaled the side and went through the window in her room. **** Jacob shifted back into human form and watched the female with interest. He’d learned a lot from just a short ride. Riding in the woods at night told him she was nuts. Shaking his head at her breaking and entering skills, he headed back inside himself, hoping she’d figure out that some things worth having are worth fighting for. Maybe 151

Mahalia Levey then she’d go find that man of hers and drag him home. Women, in his opinion, underestimated the power they possessed. **** Fuck, he was tired and in the need of a stiff drink. A two-day tour showed him every aspect of their business, along with meeting a host of people he’d never remember the names of. The fiscal reports were legit. He placed calls to Deryck’s investigators and came up with clean bills for everyone in the company, including the father. Nothing like having the Japanese version of the Mafia in bed with you. Of course, that wouldn’t be their issue. The company was strong and would be powerfully advantageous for both sides. In his opinion, not merging would be not only a stupid business mistake, but also an insult to the men who’d provided him with every amenity available since his arrival. How they treated their customers and their employees was also a reason to merge. They would always make money. Deryck St Paul was good at that. He could flip nothing into something and had done so, various times. Flipping out his cell, he called. When answered, he said, “Deryck.” “Dare. I had the reports you asked for sent to your phone via email.” 152

Merikano’s Fury “Good. I’ll take a look. Give me ten and I’ll call you back. Oh, enjoying yourself?” “As much as can be expected. I met a hot piece by the name of Suyuri. Japanese women are sure different than American ones.” He grinned big. Deryck chuckled and hung up. Dare hopped in the shower to wipe away the day’s stressors. Suyuri would come by again tonight, as she had the past three. He hadn’t slept with her yet. Something was holding him back. He’d gone three days with a rock hard erection that wouldn’t abate. Tonight, he’d take her and relieve the stress he’d been holding onto since his promise to Krissy that he would wait. She wasn’t even the one. Not that he’d been waiting in vain. “Christ!” he exclaimed as stepped out of the shower with her on his brain all over again. His phone rang. “Boss,” he said after checking the caller ID. “Sign off on it. You did a damn good job.” “Thanks, I needed to get away for awhile and you know you could have sent anyone of us.” “I trust you the most. We think more alike,” Deryck stated. “You’re too much of a playa. How’s Aerial?” he asked. “She’s sleeping now. It’s been a rough week.” “Are you scared for life or hanging in there?” Dare laughed. 153

Mahalia Levey “Hanging in there.” He yawned. “I’m gonna catch some Z’s. Never know if she’s gonna wake up ravenous again.” “You do that. I have a date with Suyuri again, tonight.” “Close the deal, Dare. The sooner you do, the sooner you can get over the fact that Krissy isn’t meant for you. Later.” Dare grinned. “I planned just on that.” Closing the phone, he checked his watch, put on some jeans and sat down at the mini bar in his suite. His cock twitched, thinking of the action he’d get anytime. After his second scotch, a knock on the door resounded. “It’s Suyuri,” came the sound from outside the door. Dare looked through the peephole at the slim woman dressed in a snug fitting red dress, traditional with gold and black dragons down the side. The dress was buttoned at the neck, but tight everywhere. Opening the door, he let his gaze drift lower to her long legs and feet slipped into sexy heels. Heels he’d leave on her while making love to her. “I’m pleased you like.” She smiled wantonly and stepped forward. Small hands roamed up his chest. “We can skip dinner and go for dessert.” She kicked the door behind her shut with her heel and sauntered over to the king-sized bed. 154

Merikano’s Fury “Dessert sounds damn good.” He watched her part her legs, revealing crotch-less panties, and then joined her on the bed and lifted her dress up higher. “Very nice.” He cursed the more popular fashion for the length of time it took to undo the pearl like buttons hiding her breasts from view. Suyuri watched him and unbuttoned his pants. Her hand fastened around the member not enclosed in boxers. “Ohh my…” she purred at his girth. Dare kicked his pants off and pushed her dress off her arms. He rolled her body to the side, catching a glimpse of her small ass and tossed the red dress off the bed at the same time. The pale skinned woman was a nice package. His hands found her heat and slipped into her core. He’d never had a petite woman in the hips and worried about hurting her as he entered. Fingers probed and stretched her before he inserted the tip and eased into her slowly. Suyuri let out a seductive moan and moved her hips with him. She was so tight he had to fight to fit inside her. Shallow but tight pussy, he bent to nip at her lips and ear. Suyuri placed her hands on his back and panted as he moved faster within her. “Hai.” She moaned loud as the bed thumped and he rocked in her small body. “Tight and sweet, Suyuri, just like your name.” He kissed her softly and pressed his body down 155

Mahalia Levey against hers, taking her slowly. “Faster, Merikano, motto hayaku. Motto hayaku.” She kissed him brazenly and wrapped her legs around him. Dare laughed. “Any way you like, Lily girl.” He rode her harder and faster, enjoying being buried in her tight heat. His mind was numb from the alcohol, but his body surged with lust and the need to climax rammed through him. “Why don’t you ride me, Suyuri.” He flipped them over and settled her around him. Suyuri raked her nails over his skin and began to ride him. She rubbed slowly over him taking each inch of him to the hilt, dragging her nub over his pubs to feel the friction make her spot expand. Eyes decorated with kohl looked at him, her red lips smudged from kissing him were slightly plumper. “Yoi,” she exclaimed and the let a moan as she rode him. “That’s fucking sexy.” He gripped her ass and slammed her down on him. “I love it when you talk like that, you know…moaning in Japanese.” He teased her nipples with one hand and tweaked her clit with the other. **** Rhaikar kissed Krissy on the cheek. “You’re taking to flashing better.” He chuckled. 156

Merikano’s Fury Krissy grinned. “Thank you. I can take it from here.” “I can wait, Krissy, if you need me to,” he offered. “Nope. I need to confront Dare alone. This is a personal matter.” She hugged him. “Thank you for listening to me and talking me into coming to fetch him instead of waiting endlessly for his return.” Rhaikar laughed. “He was coming home tomorrow, Krissy, probably just not to you…but still he was entering US soil.” “I know. It would have been easier if he’d have just answered me when I was calling to him.” “The man is stubborn. Easier is not his way of life. As you requested, your scent is fresh. He won’t be able to bolt. Go get him, firecracker.” He winked and disappeared. “I plan on it.” Krissy entered the hotel and asked for the room number of Mr. Veradi. “Miss, I cannot give you that information. I can call, however.” Krissy sighed and took out the picture of the both of them she had in her wallet. “I am his wife,” she said. “Gomen nasai, I am sorry, Mrs. Veradi,” the man whose name was Morihiro said and handed the second key to the suites. “Please enjoy your stay and welcome to Tokyo.” 157

Mahalia Levey Krissy smiled. “Thank you.” She headed to the elevator and pressed the button for the tenth floor. The decor was fabulous inside the elevator and equally as fabulous when she stepped off and started her jaunt down the hallway. Room 1028 was at the end of the hall on the right. Smiling, she pushed the card key in and opened the door. The front room was clean with his suit draped over a couch. She ran her head over it and turned her head when she heard a sound. Walking to the bedroom, she pushed the door open and froze at what she saw. I’m a fucking fool. The color on her face rose as she watched some oriental beauty fucking her man. Quietly, so as not to disturb them, she moved forward. He was totally into her. Rhaikar did good masking her. “Dare!”

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Chapter Fifteen

D

are looked up from Suyuri who was frozen on top of him, covering her body in obvious embarrassment and annoyance at being interrupted from their activities. “Krissy, what are you doing here?” He stroked Suyuri’s arm and pulled some bedding up to cover her. “I’m kind of busy at the moment.” Krissy sucked her teeth at him. “That, I can see for myself. How could you?” “We’re not a couple, Krissy. Hell we’re not even mated. You saw that for yourself.” Krissy looked at the girl on top of him. “Make her leave because we need to talk.” “There’s nothing to talk about, Krissy, so forget about me. That guy, Scott, was into you. It’s apparent there’s sexual chemistry between you two.” He gave Suyuri a look to silence her before she spoke. “You are an infuriating man!” She stepped 159

Mahalia Levey forward. “We’re like apart for a little over two weeks and you’re fucking someone.” He tapped Suyuri on the ass before lifting her off his cock. “I have to deal with her. We’ll pick up later.” He then looked at Krissy. “Merikano, can you not just kick her out the door so we can finish?” Suyuri pouted at Dare ignoring her for another woman. The Italian in Krissy came to the forefront as she rushed the petite woman and slapped her across her face. “No, bitch, he can’t just kick me out.” She grabbed the woman by her hair and dragged her off the bed and across the floor. “Violetta, what the hell is wrong with you?” Enraged, Dare roared, springing up from the bed to pull the two women apart. “Stop it, Violetta, damn it!” He tried pulling Krissy’s hands from Suyuri’s hair. “Choudai kanata toppyoushimonai mesuinu ofu touhoui izen ro-suto senpou,” Suyuri yelled in Japanese. “I know she’s not cussing me out in Japanese when she’s fucking my man.” Krissy slapped her again and kicked Dare. “I’m gonna kill her.” Dare grabbed Krissy’s arm. “Calm down, Violetta, before she roasts you. She’s a dragon shifter.” “I don’t damn well care.” She twisted in his arms to get back at her. 160

Merikano’s Fury “Suyuri, flash out now!” He looked at Krissy with glowing eyes. “Aye, Merikano.” Suyuri then looked at Krissy before flashing out of the room. “Aye, Merikano,” Krissy mimicked and kicked at Dare.. Dare tightened his grip on Krissy’s arm. “You are one crazy broad. Go home, Violetta, before I choke you myself. You want to start taking on shifters while you stalk me?” He shook his head and flared his nostrils to calm down. Krissy looked at the close proximity of which he was holding her and felt a hard poke. Looking down, she jumped back and pointed. “Put that away—” **** Dare chuckled. “You didn’t seem to notice it while acting crazy.” He began scrutinizing her body. “Put on some clothes, damn you!” she yelled. “No, you wanted to see me, so take your fill,” he said in a taunting voice. “I won’t talk to you until you put that—that weapon of destruction away.” She raised her gaze to his face telling herself, not to look down again. Dare chuckled and crossed his arms. “Weapon of mass destruction, and since I was interrupted so nicely by your show of temper, why…don’t we 161

Mahalia Levey finish this conversation in bed.” “I’d hate to ruin your reunion for later on,” she hissed and slapped him across the face as she did Suyuri. Dare yanked her wrist before she could slap him again and felt the raised skin on the underside. Giving her the look, he moved his fingers and eyed at the mark on her wrist. “I’ll be damned.” His eyes turned obsidian. “Now, Dare,” Krissy stuttered. The need to claim her hit him hard. His mate— she was his. He regarded her with predatory inclination. “Violetta.” He grinned darkly, showing a hint of fang. “D-Dare. I don’t like how you’re looking at me.” She twisted her wrist out of his hand and backed away. “Why not? You came in here exclaiming, my man this and my man that.” His weapon of destruction jutted out more, gaining a bigger erection, thinking of being inside of her heat. Instantly, he knew what had been wrong when he was banging Suyuri—he wouldn’t have been able to get off at all. Priceless. He chuckled and walked with newfound purpose to her, knowing how she thought he knew she’d be utterly predictable. “Did your ma never tell you not to provoke others?” Krissy held her hands over her eyes. “Put 162

Merikano’s Fury something on! Better yet—here.” She threw him the sheet, then eeeked, “Ohh God it has sex juices on it.” She dropped the bedding. Dare laughed. “No juices, Violetta. I couldn’t come for her if I wanted to. You see, my completion is tied to you.” “Her juices are still on it. Ewww and they’re on you, too. Ohh I’m going to throw up. Don’t come near me until you take a shower. No telling what vermin are in her cooch.” She covered her mouth with one hand and her eyes with another. All Dare did was chuckle harder as he moved toward her. “A bit worried over what’s on my weapon when you refuse to handle it.” He took her in his arms and transported them to the shower. “There’s no safety switch.” She sidestepped and tried to get out. “Scared, Violetta, of rapid fire?” he yanked the sheet off and flashed her clothing away. He raked his dark orbs over her. “Premature fire after what you were doing,” she snorted and stepped backward instead of forward. “Ohh, baby, do you like to push it?” He turned on the jets and turned a wicked gaze on her. “You just threatened my manhood. Know what that means?” “I…ahh, no,” she squeaked as large hands 163

Mahalia Levey picked her up and bodily put her under the water with him. “It means…I have to now prove I don’t fire prematurely.” He grinned and took the detachable nozzle to the apex of her thighs. “Ohhh.” She jumped and turned beet red. “This is not a good idea.” “Isn’t it?” Krissy snatched the detachable nozzle from him and reached behind her, turning the water to ice cold. A glimmer of heat flared in her cheeks before she aimed it at his weapon of mass destruction. “She knew your name!” Cold water hit his balls. “Fuck, Krissy!” He covered his nads a tad too late and moved away from her. Krissy sprayed him again. “She knows you all of two weeks and she knows your fucking name. You never told me your name. Merikano Veradi you are the biggest asshole and fool if you think I’m going to let you bed me anytime in the near future.” She tossed down the nozzle and heard it clank against the side of the tub. “God I hate you right now.” She slapped him across the face for the second time and stepped out of the shower. “Violetta.” “Violetta has left the building, leave a message. Rhaikar!” “Don’t you even think about it, Violetta.” 164

Merikano’s Fury Dare’s tone shook the shower door. “Rhaikar, I need you,” Krissy screamed. A tall blond male appeared in the living quarters. “Consummated?” “Not in this lifetime. Take me home. I can’t freaking stand him!” “Rhaikar.” The name was little more than a snarl out of Dare’s mouth. “I promised her, bro,” was the response, followed by body mannerisms ready to shift if need be. “She’s my mate.” He rippled his muscles and uttered a savage growl, stalking toward them both. “Get dressed, Krissy.” Rhaikar faced his brother. “No need for violence.” “Try taking her out of here and test me, little brother.” “Rhaikar smirked. “We’re well matched. Don’t forget that, big brother.” His eyes shimmered with intensity. Krissy watched them both while quickly pulling her clothes back on. She glared defiantly at her mate and held onto what would become her brother-in-law’s arm. Rhaikar released his fangs and snarled. “Take a time out, Dare.” Dare roared as his brother and his mate disappeared from his sight. “I’m going to rip you 165

Mahalia Levey to shreds, Rhaikar,” he said to the empty room. **** Rhaikar looked at Krissy. “You do know I’m going to have to fight him now, right? A shifter separating a mate against his order isn’t done in our world, consummated or not. I just challenged my brother.” He ran a hand through his unruly blond locks. Krissy looked at him apologetically. “I’m sorry,” she said softly. Rhaikar was too busy thinking of a good place to stash her while he dealt with his brother. “You’re grandfather.” He took her hand and transported them to her grandfather’s residence. “You’re grandfather is human. Dare can’t bust in here and take you without disobeying a direct order against Deryck. Sweet.” Krissy looked at him. “I thought my grandfather was a bad guy.” “He was, but people change, Krissy. He only wants to get to know you.” “I don’t let people get to know me. It leads to getting hurt. Case in point. He never told me his real name.” She blew out a stream of air. Rhaikar sat on the front step to Krissy’s grandfather’s house. “You didn’t ask either. I should never have told you about what and who 166

Merikano’s Fury we are. I should have made you go to him.” Krissy sighed. “I just don’t know what to do. Two weeks and he was screwing someone else.” She hated that he’d done that to her. “A month ago or a little less than that, you had a man in your bed. The only reason it didn’t go further was because my brother took him out of the house. I know, because he came to me and asked me if he should or shouldn’t. He was hurt, Krissy. Merikano won’t admit it, but seeing you in bed with another man cut him deeply. Should he have waited to see if you’d become marked? Possibly. He is both animal and man as I am. Our basic instincts come first.” “Great! That’s something to brag about. He could very well become a horn dog and I’m fucked for loving him.” Krissy put her head on her forearms “Not exactly, Krissy,” Rhaikar stated. “Explain then.” Rhaikar laughed. “As his mate, unless he’s slapping it to the hand, he won’t be able to climax. With us, there is no time needed to consummate the mating. It’ll happen when it happens. Since you’re human, if you want to go outside off the commitment, you can. I can assure you to do that to a shifter isn’t wise. Not only do we not forgive easily, but the other man would be toast. Dare, however, cannot take another lover and 167

Mahalia Levey experience pleasure or release his seed. That is meant for you and you alone.” “So, I can make him wait as long as I want to.” She grinned big. “Playing with fire isn’t good or smart. If you’re going to play the game, do it wisely. Have a valid reasoning for it he can’t object to.” “Rhaikar, step away from her now,” Dare ordered, having caught up after being sent on false trail after false trail. “Go inside now, Krissy, and don’t come out.” Rhaikar pushed her up to her feet. “Don’t you even think of hurting him. This is all your fault, Merikano Veradi,” Krissy yelled. Dare snorted. “He knows our ways, but you’re not aware of them, just yet.” Krissy jumped and entered the house as Almonzo opened the door for her. Peering out of the pane glass, she watched brother face brother. “Ohh God.” She feared for both her friend and her mate. “You do know if we fight she’s going to get more pissed off at you.” Rhaikar chuckled.

168

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Chapter Sixteen

D

are snarled at his brother and jabbed him in the nose. “You took her away when I was prepared to finish the claiming ceremony.” Rhaikar shook the hit off and blocked the next fast punch, throwing out his foot to knock his brother down in the process. “And had I not, she would have hated you for it later. I saved your ass taking her out of there.” Dare swept his foot out, knocking Rhaikar down with him. As Rhaikar fell, he gave Dare a kidney shot. “You’re just pissed that out of all this, you finally got some tail and couldn’t finish.” Dare roared, reached up and delivered a quick blow to Rhaikar’s ear. “Mother fucker!” Rhaikar snarled, baring his fangs and pummeling Dare left, right, left, clipping his jaw and cracking the bone in his nose. “You always were an ugly son of a bitch. Stand down, Dare. Fuck!” He raised a hand to snap his 169

Mahalia Levey own nose back in place. Dare showed his own fangs in return and shifted, his fangs ripping into Rhaikar’s neck. A black panther manifested a few feet away and attacked the Cheetah attacking the man in human form. Grabbing a hold of the other cat’s neck, he bit down hard, in a show of dominance. The message that rippled through the mind screamed, Enough. Dare glared at his brother before going slackjawed enough for the human figure to slip out to safety. The panther bit down harder before swiping the cheetah across the face with razor sharp claws. Ears laid flat, Dare lay in a show of submission. Deryck transformed and stood before the brothers with a raised brow. “What the fuck?” Rhaikar shrugged and covered his bloody neck with his hand. “I’ll repeat it again, what the fuck is up with the two of you? You—” He pointed to Rhaikar— “are supposed to be manning the brigade for Intel. The sole purpose for being in the fucking river is to keep tabs on what’s going on locally. And you—” he pointed to Merikano— “are supposed to be taking care of business in Japan. Dare looked at his boss. “Business is concluded, papers are signed ectera…” Deryck looked at Rhaikar. “What is going on?” 170

Merikano’s Fury “His mate got the mark.” Rhaikar laughed deeply. “Fuck you, asshole.” Dare sucker punched his brother. “I fail to see the problem. Congratulations.” Deryck grinned. “Krissy is his mate.” Rhaikar laughed even harder. “Congratulations, still,” Deryck stated. “I’m going to assume she’s in the house watching you two go at it.” “Assume correctly, boss.” He fisted his hand toward his brother. “Get knocked out, punk.” “So what’s the issue?” Deryck asked drolly. “She caught another woman riding him,” Rhaikar said with a grin. “Suyuri?” Deryck coughed. “I was following orders, boss. You said get over her.” “You know, Dare, it can take up to three weeks for the mate to receive a mark. You should have waited.” Dare glared daggers at Deryck. “I didn’t know that. I was told twenty-four to forty-eight hours.” “Then did you bother to call her within fortyeight hours to find out?” Deryck asked. “No!” Dare barked. “Why the fight?” Deryck asked. “He took her from me when I was going to 171

Mahalia Levey claim her.” Dare spoke low with an edge of steel in his voice. Deryck chuckled. “Ohh, the calling hit you. You should thank him for saving your idiotic ass. Find the mark and take her right after you’ve been balls deep in someone else’s pussy. How do you think that would have gone over when she got her wits back?” Dare snapped his mouth shut and snorted. “Say thank you to Rhaikar,” Deryck ordered. “You’re a bastard, but thank you.” “Welcome pussy-whipped boy,” he chuckled. “Now, hug and show her you two have some common sense,” the boss commanded. “Damn, St. Paul. It’s like that?” Rhaikar hesitated to get within reaching distance with his brother unstable. “Trust me and just fucking hug already,” he snapped. Dare walked up to his brother, limping slightly and wrapping his broad arms around him. A look from Deryck had Rhaikar returning the hug and clapping his brother on the back. Before letting go, Dare grinned. “I hope when you find your mate, I can return this favor.” Rhaikar snorted and let go. “I have shit to do. Have fun getting back in her good graces.” He winked. Deryck looked at Dare. “The paperwork is all 172

Merikano’s Fury good. Everything is in order, so there’s no reason for me to return to Japan?” “Nope, all in order and tied, neatly. Your replacement sec has it all. It’s why it took me half the day to fucking track Rhaikar. I had to make sure I got your shit done first before kicking his ass.”

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Chapter Seventeen screamed and covered her face in Krissy Almonzo’s tailored suit. “Don’t worry, Bella. Men like them fight like this all the time. It’s the calling of the animal. Dare staked a claim on you and his brother whisked you out without permission.” “Oh, I’m gonna kill them both for this later.” She sighed helplessly. “Men have their own code, Krissy,” Almonzo stated. Krissy sat in the living room. “They’re nuts and they expect me to live their life style. What if I can’t? What if the differences are too much to overcome? I need a phone book, Almonzo,” Krissy said. “I’ll go retrieve it for you, Violetta.” He got up and left the room. Sighing, she closed her eyes. They were nuts. Every single one of them and it was making her 174

Merikano’s Fury nuts. Why me? When Almonzo returned with the phone book, she looked up pre-marital counseling. She wanted her wedding, mated or not, and there was no way her church would marry without a pre-marital counseling commitment. Thumbing to the back, she found a company downtown not affiliated with her church, or his, if he even went. Picking up the phone, she called. “Start Your Future Right, how may I help you?” “Hello, I need to set up an appointment for premarital counseling.” “This is Rolanda and I’d be happy to set that appointment up for you. Can I get your name, phone number and address?” “Krissy Shuemaker, 453 E92nd St. Upper East Side of Manhattan. Apartment 2345. Phone number 555-876-3000.” “Good. Let me check our schedule, please hold.” Krissy watched Almonzo lead in Deryck and Dare and sighed in exasperation. When the operator came back on line, she breathed in relief. “Ms. Shuemaker. We have tomorrow morning available for the initial interviewing process at nine o’clock AM.” Krissy smiled. “That would be perfect. Can you tell me what a primary interview is for?” 175

Mahalia Levey You could see the smile on the woman’s voice through the phone. “You will both be taking a personality test.” “Why?” “The test will give us feedback to how well you both will relate to one another and if the match is a good start. If not, but you two are determined to make a go of it anyway, during the next five sessions, you’ll be taught how to communicate and overcome issues that might come up due to your personality differences.” “Oh, okay. We’ll be there nine o’clock sharp then.” Krissy smiled after getting the address and fees for the services of their business. “We’ll be there for what?” Dare asked. “Pre-marital counseling.” Krissy smiled. “Why are we going to pre-marital counseling?” “Did you think since the mark is here, that my ways are no longer important?” Krissy asked. “No, not at all. Just counseling for people who can’t work shit out. We’re fine,” Dare argued. “No, see…marriage as in vows in a church, means classes together,” Krissy responded back. “Fuck me.” He frowned. “How many classes?” “Six, plus a weekend seminar.” Krissy smirked. He looked at Deryck who was biting his lip, trying not to bust out. “Just one thing, babe. I’m an Agnostic. I believe there’s a God and that someone made us, but not in any specific one. I don’t like 176

Merikano’s Fury people in my affairs, but for you, I’ll do this. Painful as it may be, I’ll do this for you.” “You don’t get off that easy, big boy. You have a lot to make up for.” She smiled sweetly and handed him an address. “Be there by nine AM. Now, if you will excuse me, I’m tired and need a nap. Deryck, it was nice seeing you again. Hopefully, when all of this is done, you’ll have more work for me.” “When you’re ready. Don’t forget the Veroniq shoot coming up in a month, doll. Dare, you ready to head out? We have business to attend to.” Dare looked at Krissy and slid his chair back. “I’ll be there,” he promised and went over to kiss her goodbye. Krissy put her hand to his lips. “No, not happening.” “Tomorrow,” he said in a brooding tone. She nodded and walked them to the door. “I’ll be staying here. Dare, as you see, there’s no reason for you to check in on me.” Deryck chuckled. “Man, I’d hate to be in your shoes.” **** “Tell me about it.” He followed Deryck to the main house where they all crashed once in a while. “I’ll bunk where it’s normal by Frank and 177

Mahalia Levey them,” he grumbled. “Set your alarm, Dare. I’m headed back to my girl.” He vanished with those words Dare bunked in the extra room and put his hands behind his head, contemplating his next move with his Violetta. God, what a woman. He thought she’d walk on him after seeing him with Suyuri. But no. She was going to go through with the ceremony, eventually. Eventually, was the key word. Shit, she could make his life fucking miserable until she decided she was no longer upset. How long, he wondered…does it take a woman to get over a perceived wrongdoing? He was still pissed about Scott, but knew the man wasn’t fool enough to do something to jeopardize his job. “Nine AM and counting,” he said before closing his eyes, hoping sleep wouldn’t escape him. He had the distinct feeling he’d need to be well rested for his next meeting with the woman of his heart. **** Krissy sat back on the black leather couch, looking out the bay windows. She hadn’t noticed Almonzo leave. Her attention was riveted to the two males who’d recently dominated her life and walked away. Why did she come to New York? Life would have been simpler if she’d have just stayed 178

Merikano’s Fury home. The name Suyuri was still distasteful in her mouth. His name even more so. Perhaps it was childish, but how could she ever call him by his given name, knowing he was in bed attempting to sate a lust that was insatiable and…insatiable as it was, why the fuck was he in bed with someone else. She looked at her mark and sighed. “Blessing or curse?” she muttered out loud. Cobra walked into the room slowly, his wooden cane clicked on the floor with each precise strike of his foot coming down. He moved around the furniture as easily as he could and sat slowly down on the couch next to his granddaughter. “Bella.” He smiled at her. “You are lost in thought?” Krissy looked at her maternal grandfather. “A bit.” She shrugged. “Nothing I can’t deal with on my own time,” she said closing down her walls. Genganzio sighed and put his hand on her leg. “I’m beginning to think, I should have raised you myself instead of allowing your mother to keep you. I picked Cecile myself, Violetta, and made sure you had a safe life. How was I to know she’d take pity on the fool and allow them to harm you, unintentionally.” “Cecile raised me fine, Grandfather” The words seemed a bit unnatural as she was not emotionally able to let people in. “Where are your friends then?” he asked. 179

Mahalia Levey “I have a few co-workers.” Krissy crossed her legs and uncrossed them. He pushed on. “Do you trust anyone?” “No,” she said briskly. “Little porcupine,” he replied as he tried cajoling her. “I chose modeling because it was easy. I chose photography because I don’t have to talk to many people. I go out. I socialize briefly. With my family background and history, a family isn’t wise for me.” “I’m sorry you feel that way and the intentions to give you something better failed you.” “There’s nothing wrong with me, Grandpa. I’m healthy and alive. I have a mate.” She shrugged. “Yet, you don’t trust the man who’s saved your life,” he responded and ran a hand through his wiry hair. “I trust him with some things, but I will never trust anyone completely. Anyone who does is a fool. My parents and their inability to care for me or teach me the right morals prove that point. Where did she get her morals from, Grandpa? You’ll have to excuse me if I don’t take the words of a harden criminal to heart.” Genganzio looked at the flushed face of his granddaughter. “We all make mistakes, Violetta. I am not the monster you think me as. Not once did I condone any murder, or illicit stolen goods, sell 180

Merikano’s Fury women. My ways were old school. No drugs, no prostitution. There are other ways to become a criminal. Tax evasion… I am guilty of that. Racketeering and blackmail, I paid the price for that, too. My penance for those crimes I see. The daughter addicted to drugs and my sons who were murdered for stupid reasons. I raised mygirl right, but she chose the wrong person, one not of our caliber.” Krissy looked at her grandfather. “I remember newspaper clippings and being forced to move repeatedly, Grandpa, I remember massacres between Sicilian families. You’re name was on the top list. Your soldiers. You don’t have to lie to protect me, Grandfather. I know, I’ve been able to read about you since I was sent to Cecile. Do you want to know what it was like, Grandpa? Growing up? My mother and father would come, pick me up and tell me they were taking me out to spend time with me, while he cased joints to rob and they involved me into it. I became a thief before elementary school. A security company should really hire me. As you can see, I’m very good at it,” she snorted derisively. “That was then, Violetta. This is now. Let the past go. You have a future if you’ll let it happen.” “With playa of the year?” She raised a brow. “No, I plan on following through just to make his life miserable and teach him about commitment 181

Mahalia Levey and respect.” Genganzio patted her on the shoulder. “Child, if no one ever told you, growing up beside Cecile, you were and are loved. Let me tell you now, that you always have been. There comes a time when you grow up that you have to put your childhood behind you and move forward. I’d like great grandchildren one day. If you’re so hardened on your past, then break the cycle and be what I couldn’t be. Be what your mother and father couldn’t be and use Cecile as your model. This old man is tired. A word of advice before I go.” He put his hand on her shoulder. “Whatever you’re planning on doing with the man of your life, be careful. Things have a habit of turning and biting one in the ass. Thought I’d never have to say that, but then…here we are. One day, Violetta, I hope you’ll let me get to know you and accept the love I’ve always had for you.” He stood up and walked away, his cane tap-tapping on the floor as he moved. Almonzo who was never far from him, helped him to his sitting room. She could hear them conversing from where she was at, still looking out the window **** Nine o’clock came too early in Dare’s estimation. He waited, pacing the floor for Krissy to arrive. 182

Merikano’s Fury She was late and he had the good sense not to be. He checked in for them both as she came scurrying up the hallway and into the office. “Sorry,” she said and breezed on in. “Merikano and Krissy to take the test,” Krissy said breathlessly. The receptionist looked up. “Yes, your fiancé has already filled out the paperwork. He has been here a half hour, waiting as requested.” Tania smiled up at Merikano and handed him his credit card receipt. “Thank you, Mr. Veradi. She looked at Krissy and her ring finger and back at Merikano. “I threw it under a bus and made them run over it when I found a Japanese whore riding him last week.” She smiled succinctly. “She’s exaggerating. We’re both models. It was a layout for a romance novel.” He grinned at her. “We’ll just wait to take that test.” He held Krissy’s hand in a death grip and tugged her toward the seating. He whispered in her ear. “Want to play games, sweetheart? I’m the master. Now, I advise you to cool it. We’ll do these classes and the wedding because, love, I’ll do anything to put that smile back on your face before our incident. The second choice is not doing this your way and doing it mine. The shifter way. Get me?” **** 183

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Krissy sat there, glaring at him, instead of looking adoringly in his eyes like the other occupants in the room who were just so happy, it bordered on being disgusting. She observed the couples more intently as they waited just to avoid looking at Dare. Hearts on the sleeves, total trust and love was all over them. She wondered if they fought at all or were perfect. She felt that she was a traitor sitting there. Their marriage wasn’t going to be built on a foundation. Fate had decided for them. Fuck free will. Dare sat there watching the human interaction as well. Snorting, he looked back at Krissy who was looking equally disgusted. “No way am I going to pander to your wants and whims.” Krissy looked at him. “Wanna know something you don’t think I know?” She smirked at him and crossed her arms. “Spill it, doll.” He chuckled low. “You’ll pander to me, baby. I control whether or not you can come,” she said loudly. Dare choked on his tongue. “Come again? She has to be shitting me. How the fuck does she know that… “Rhaikar!” he ground out. “Come being the operative word. I wonder how painful it is to get it up and not be able to get it down. Hard much?” She grinned evilly. “Baby, like I said, games. Keep testing me. Just 184

Merikano’s Fury don’t be upset when the outcome isn’t what you’ve been expecting.” He took her hand and led her to the two computers the previous couple had been using. “Whatever you say, Merikano,” she purred and flipped on her screen. Another snort came from his side. “Take the damn test, woman.” Side by side, with a patrician board separating them, two parts of a whole took personality tests with questions ranging from… I pay more attention to thoughts vs. feelings, to valuing competence more than compassion questions of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder orderliness to liking to be near strangers. When the fifty-question test was over, Krissy looked at Dare. “I think I failed it.” Dare laughed. “No one fails it, Krissy. It’s to see what type of personality traits we have.” Rolanda, the one who administered the test, handed a folded sheet of paper to them both. “You have an appointment with Mrs. Stein tomorrow, to go over your tests and schedule the first of many sessions based on your compatibility.” Krissy looked at her. “Are you saying we’re not compatible at all?” Merikano rubbed her back. “We’re fine no matter what the paper says.” Krissy slapped his hand away and waited for an answer with a glower on her face. 185

Mahalia Levey Rolanda sucked her teeth and answered off handedly. “Two polar opposites without any middle ground. You’ll have a battle to have a comfortable environment not wrought with anger and arguing. The purpose of the test is to point out such areas and give you two valuable skills in dealing with altercations that may arise out of them.” “Tomorrow, Nine o’clock sharp,” she directed the barb at Krissy. “Fine,” Krissy snapped and looked at Dare before leaving the office. She looked at her folded up paper while waiting for the elevator to arrive. “You’re socially uncomfortable and do not like leadership—suggestible, not aggressive?” She scanned the rest of the page to paraphrase it to Dare. “My ass. I’m not afraid of authority. I’m not anxious or easily distracted. God I’m not prone to discontentment either. Fearful. I don’t long for a stable relationship. I don’t believe in You Complete Me,” she snorted. “I am not overwhelmed by unpleasant feelings. I’m smart, not confused, easily wrong again…. I am private. I don’t have relationships so rejection isn’t reliable. Hmm, no, I’m not moody at all or an underachiever or indecisive. The test is a lark, Dare, totally untrue,” she said crumpling the paper up and tossing it on the ground. Dare unfolded his paper. “Let’s see what I am.” 186

Merikano’s Fury A grin washed over his face as he read his list off. “You are a private responsible, organized planner. I am detail oriented, realistic and a loner by trade. I am a rule follower to the t and prepare for worst-case scenarios. So far, doll, that is me. I am not conventional, I do talk about feelings when drunk or on pain meds. I am hard working and dependable. Loyal and analytical, overly cautious when it comes to things of importance. I seek security, I want a family, Krissy. I want that commitment and will do anything to achieve it.” Dare also crumbled the paper and tossed it down. He saw the look on her face and knew what had her off balance. “No matter what it says, I do know you, Krissy. I don’t need some paper to tell me what I admire and dislike about you.” He braced his hands over her head. “Mine, you are mine as is meant to be. Classes or no classes. I’d hate a Stepford Wife stereotype. Give me the angry passionate, insultingly vexing woman you are and I’ll die a happy man.” He bent and nuzzled her neck, letting himself enjoy her scent. “I don’t know if that was an insult or not.” She sighed. “I don’t want to fight with you, Dare. I just don’t know how to give myself to anyone.” “Then let time take care of it. In the meantime, we can do the classes and plan our wedding.” He nipped her neck with his fangs. Krissy moaned and slid her arms around his 187

Mahalia Levey waist. “Kiss me, Merikano. Just kiss me.” **** Dare’s lips slanted over hers. He used the side of his thumb to brush over her chin, a sure sign to open for him. She accepted and let him invade just her mouth, needing something to follow, after reading all the negative aspects of her personality. His kiss became aggressive. He nipped and sucked on her tongue, forcing her to join in the play, drawing her out of her melancholy mood. Dare put his large hands under her ass and flashed them to her room at her grandfather’s place. He needed privacy with her—privacy he wouldn’t get at her grandfather’s house. Soon the pair was on the bed, kissing turned to petting. Petting turned to raging desire. Krissy’s soft moans for more didn’t go unheard, but neither did he satisfy her yearning. Her need for her current mood wasn’t one he wanted to base their culmination over. Instead, he kissed her relentlessly and petted her soft skin, winding his hands in her long dark hair while massaging her scalp and soothing her turmoil. Krissy’s issues with trust ran deeper than he’d realized and the Suyuri situation hadn’t helped matters much. By now, she knew that. He knew he 188

Merikano’s Fury would have never climaxed. So what was his excuse for trying? Rage, disbelief and despair hung within him. The distasteful thought Krissy was lost to him accompanied the low hum of a broken heart. Yet, too lazy to look for the one woman he’d be saddled with for a life of misery. Not long after he began rubbing her hair, she nodded off, with an extra push from him.

189

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Chapter Eighteen stood at the front of the classroom with Rolanda a ruler and smiled at the four couples ready for

the day’s extravaganza. “Today we will be going over a few areas each couple needs to work on to make the marriage work. And by work, I’m not talking about the work in the bedroom but out of the bedroom. These areas include the following.” Dare looked at Krissy and crossed his arms. His lank body folded into the hard metal chair. In the background on the wall, a border of lemons on green paper filled the boisterous bulletin board boasting with self-love quotes. The If Life Gives You Lemons Make Lemonade didn’t escape his notice, but the loud colors hurt his eyes. A quick look at Krissy and a slight stub of his toe to her chair was enough to give him a moment of laughter. “Do you mind?” she hissed. “I’m listening.” “Go ahead while I take a nap,” he closed his eyes and laced his hands behind his head. 190

Merikano’s Fury “Mr. Veradi?” Dare peaked an eye open. “Humm?” he replied drolly. “How would you characterize your relationship with Krissy?” “As none of your business.” “Dare,” Krissy warned. Rolanda looked at Dare. “As I was saying, we’ll be discussing faith, children and different ways to resolve conflict and how to structure a long lasting relationship.” Dare flickered his gaze over Rolanda’s left ring finger and raised his hand. “Yes?” Rolanda acknowledged him. “How can you give advice on a relationship when you’re not married?” “I’m widowed, Mr. Veradi,” she scoffed. “Now, we will begin with resolving conflicts.” A long tapered pointer rapped on the dry erase board. “Mr. Hagardy, how do you and Miss Morgan resolve issues that arise and please, give an example.” Mr. Hagardy cleared his throat and wiped his sweaty hands on his corduroy trousers. “I uh…” “I yell, he cringes, and I win,” Miss. Morgan spoke for them both. Rolanda tapped her pointer. “Mr. Hagardy, that is hardly a healthy way to start a relationship. Cowering will get you nowhere.” 191

Mahalia Levey Dare smirked at Krissy and listened to the bullshit happening around him. Finally. something remotely humorous was happening. Rolanda cleared her throat. “G-R-E-T-C-H-EN,” she enunciated. “Give, Respect, Earn, Trust, Communicate, Hear, Expect, Nurture.” A look swam over the small audience trying to piece together the acronym or Johnny mnemonic that was just spoken. Krissy snickered and pinched Dare. “Gretchen me!” “Krissy how do you and your fiancé handle an argument?” Rolanda moved her pointer and tapped to the acronym in bright red on the board. “Buzzzz, tazer,” she smiled coyly at Dare. “Excuse me?” “She shocks me with a tazer and runs. She knows it’s the only way to escape me without resulting in bodily harm,” he said with a grin. “Violence is hardly a way to begin. I suggest you work on using your words to solve situations,” Rolanda said. Krissy glanced over at Dare. “I should have tazed your ass when I found you with the Japanese whore.” In that instant, it was apparent unresolved anger was between them. Dare snorted. “You had a naked man in our bed…you’re co-worker,” he countered. Hagardy looked over to Sanhiem and took out 192

Merikano’s Fury his inhaler and puffed twice. “You two aren’t monogamous?” “I’m a virgin,” Krissy snapped. “A God-damned cock tease is what you are,” Dare raged. “Better a cock tease than a womanizing bastard.” He raised his brow delicately while fingers drummed against her knee. “I think you two need to rethink getting married,” Rolanda suggested. “Not in this lifetime. She’s mine.” Dare glowered at the Councilor. “I will make it my ruling that you two seek vital and immediate mediation before a ceremony can commence. It is not my intention to single you both out. I, however, have reservations on how much you two will suit together. A marriage is a long lasting vow that binds two people together. I know Krissy is Catholic. Dare what denomination are you or do you attend services?” Dare looked at Krissy and stood up. “This is a waste of time. Krissy, get up. We’re leaving. I don’t need a church or someone to judge who I am. I believe in a God, though not necessarily the same God as yours. I believe in fate. I have vowed to protect and love this woman on a code that surpasses any code related to your book. Sorry to disillusion you, but you’re book, nice as it is, was 193

Mahalia Levey written by men who are fallible. These classes seem more developed to pointing out issues than resolving them.” Krissy looked at Dare. “Behave!” “Shut it, woman.” He looked at the other occupants in the room. “I hope you all lead fruitful lives.” A riveted gaze slammed onto the teacher. “I am well equipped to handle my woman, to discuss child bearing with her and for reasons of my own, those conversations will remain private and between Krissy and myself.” Dare looked at Krissy and smirked. “Shall we depart?” He slid his hand into hers and gave the five-finger salute to the hypocritical therapist and flashed Krissy and himself from the room into the hallway. Krissy put her hands to her face in embarrassment. “Did you have to do that?” “He’s the devil!” one of the occupants screamed. He laughed. “Yes, I did.” Krissy willed the sudden sweatiness of her palm to disappear before he noticed her unease. Krissy brushed past him. “Don’t you ever take anything serious?” “Come off of it, Krissy. You only wanted to punish me in there. We both know the bond of mating surpasses any other God-like purpose. Even in death, we’ll be linked forever more.” “Did you have to go all wayre-style in there?” 194

Merikano’s Fury She moved away from him and regarded him with a new question. “Will our children be more human than were or more were than human?” “They will be our children, loved and half of each of us.” Patience was not his forte, but for her, he’d shrug off the damn near insulting question. “Quit being prickly, Krissy.” He opened the door to the room and spoke. “According to your book, I’m one…of his children and you just denounced me and spoke of me being demonic, and you wonder why I won’t sit in on your course? Judge not lest ye be judged.” Dare didn’t want to pay the piper and cleared their minds of the last twenty minutes, bitching the whole time because he had to. He slammed the door when he was done and reached for Krissy’s hand.

195

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Chapter Nineteen

A

foreboding feeling coursed through Krissy’s body. Accepting his hand, she swallowed hard. “A little on edge, babe?” The intensity of his gaze bordered on being so black the light didn’t illuminate his irises. In an instant, her hackles rose on her back, the small slivers of hair on her arms stood on end, statically charged by her own bodies need to put the flight-or-fight system into high gear. “Not at all,” she lied without deference. Her voice lacked the conviction of relaying her true feelings. Damn traitorous body. Dare laughed. “You like to push, I’m beginning to think, that you are curious to see the end result.” Fragments of embers blazed in his eyes, illuminating only the pinpoint of his irises. “Not true.” She yearned to put off the inevitable just a few days more. While she was 196

Merikano’s Fury scorching hot for him, she wasn’t ready. Dare’d waited patiently and she knew he loved her, she put herself in his arms and accepted his soft kiss and tender smile. Transporting was still hard for her, but she held onto him as he flashed them to his place. A shimmer of intense desire ricocheted through her from the sweet brief contact. Krissy looked at him as he stepped back once they’d arrived in his home. She did everything but look at him, and took in the décor of absolute maleness. The things she noticed while ignoring her continual growing need were his smell that hung thick in the air. Not one speck of dust or dirty laundry was in site. With a raised brow, she stepped away from him to look around, for the first time seeing something separate than the irresponsible man whore she’d come to love wanting to hate. “I have a cleaning staff for when I’m gone long times. I do like order, Krissy, and you have inverted my orderly life to chaos.” So close, her neck, her soft woman’s scent summoned him to act soon. A hand on her thigh, touching the short denim skirt, searched for the hem and the feel of her lotion soft skin. Krissy leaned her head back against his shoulder, her hand covering his. “I don’t know what to do,” she confessed, feeling inadequate to 197

Mahalia Levey please him from those who’d had more experience in such matters. A low rumble left his mouth as he worked his lips over the nape of her neck, drawing forth a soft sound from her lips. “You don’t have to know what to do, babe.” He stroked her with soft feather light touches. “If only your body was as prepared for me to take you as I wish, against the wall or on the table. You do the damndest things to me, Violetta, that compress my control.” He crushed her mouth with violence. His thumb at the jaw line pressed hard in demand that she open her mouth. Krissy moaned in pain at the pressure point and opened her mouth. The feelings he brought out in her were new and scary and his tongue felt wickedly hot in her mouth. Still, he plundered while she fought to keep the sanity of her brain from melting. A chuckle rumbled low in his mouth, it cascaded down her throat, vibrating through her. Her resistance melted under his capable hands. The cement wall she’d built to keep everyone out crumbled around her and left her free to feel, to live in the moment. **** Dare felt her melt and entered her mind with ease, a brush of security sent to her. Time slowed to 198

Merikano’s Fury stopping, while with a careful touch, he undressed her beautiful woman’s form. While her breath hitched in an unfettered need, his was ramming at feeling her, skin to skin. Sheer Perfection. Not one thing was fake about her, all real and all his. “God you’re beautiful,” he murmured in her ear, the skirt gone, the barely there thong gone as well. Like a flower budding in the sun to blossom, she opened up from his soft touch. “Dare.” She moaned, wanting more and now. His name on her lips snapped his careful resolve. Instead of pulling her top off, he ripped it clean from her body and kissed the red welt that appeared due to the harsh handling of the material. His finger tweaked her nipple and drew a startled outcry from her lips that were music to his soul. “Sing for me, babe.” He undressed slowly in front of her. “You’re so pretty.” She bit her lip and ran her fingers over him. Tentative in nature, it took more courage for her to slide her hand down further and wrap her hand around his weapon of destruction. When his hand covered hers, she learned how he liked to be stroked, in slow long motions, and smiled when he groaned at her touch. “It’s so hard yet the tip of it is soft.” She ran her fingers over the ridge of his mushroomed tip. He grunted and stilled her hand. The distance to the bed was too far away to 199

Mahalia Levey walk. Dare picked her up and wrapped her legs around his waist, his member…his steel, positioned tightly in-between her lower lips. As he shifted them to the bed and kissed her lips, her sex gifted him with moist dew. Poised above her, he reached for a special jar of cream he’d purchased for her and opened it, ignoring the call of his beast to take what was his. In due time, he planned to sate his cat. Her needs came first. The cream, thick in consistency, was all he needed to help make her ready to receive him. Krissy looked up at him, her legs spread wide, legs on either side of his lean hips. “Dare?” “It’s a cream, babe.” Although he was hungry for her, a dark grin spread across his face. “It’ll be cool.” He began smoothing the cream into her sex, against her folds and opened her lips up to smear it there. The tiny bud tightened and contracted against his first finger and left a fine sheen of her scent behind. Dare inhaled her scent from his fingers and grinned. Her thoughts were skittering everywhere. Her innocence only showed in intimate settings. He was utterly amused when she breathed the word, Ohh in their link. Her cute sigh happened as her body remembered the last time he’d brought her pleasure with his fingers and mouth. He brushed her mind with a slight chuckle as he spread the 200

Merikano’s Fury cream over his own member, mind sharing had never been so intuitive or fun. “It will fit. I promise to make it easier for you this one time.” He bent his head down to suckle on her small nipples and form his hands around her firm breasts. His knee pressed against her sex, propping her tightly against it. He felt her body writhe against him and her facial expressions changed with each sensitive stroke or touch he gave. He sensed the same urgency that riddled her and spoke tender words. “My time frame isn’t yours, sweets.” He savored this moment and touched every inch of her skin with his lips and tongue with soft nips and brief tugs. He felt her nerves fray beneath him and rubbed the tip against the entrance of her womb. Slow and deliberate, he nipped and played harder. As her body accepted him in slow increments, he moved deeper within her tight pussy. The barrier was a hairsbreadth away from his tip. Krissy sucked in a breath and held it. The move made her body tense. Dare stopped. “Relax.” He took her lips in a brutal kiss. He felt the shift, her mind no longer on her body, but on his taste and the feel of him teasing her with deliberate actions. Calculation was the key. He pressed her nub with one finger while sliding his tongue to the back of her throat, short shallow thrusts to imbed him into her. The 201

Mahalia Levey barrier gave way in the midst of her first orgasm and he swallowed her outcry into his mouth. “Dear God,” he hissed low and began moving. Krissy sighed and kissed his arms, his neck. Her hands scored down his sides.. The need to dominate, to mark, to claim, had set in. His cheetah wouldn’t wait any longer. A low growl reverberated from his mouth, startling her and himself. His hands dug into the fleshy part of her thighs and dragged her tighter against his pelvis as he slapped skin to skin. The sound of her screaming his name hit his ears and drove him further. His body felt the interchange, her body softened and gripped him in a heated blanket. “Dare.” “Damn you’re so wet,” he bit her neck hard enough to draw a spot of blood and leave a permanent mark his kind would see and know. Long sure strokes bounced off her as she wrapped her legs tighter around him while edging away from him and the firestorm of pleasure he was giving her. “Don’t run, babe.” He chuckled, knowing she was close to coming again. Her core wrapped around him, stroked him like a tight fist would and dragged him deeper into her honeycombed wetness. Heaven couldn’t be better. He wrapped his hands around her hips and ground into her. The harder he took her, the more his entire being bellowed, you’re mine. He nuzzled 202

Merikano’s Fury her neck and drove in, time and again, not giving her recourse to flee. The call came. He felt her climax approach and nipped her lips. “Come ,Violetta, for your mate.” He moved her neck to the side and licked her pulse, felt the steady bound, the hard throb of it against his tongue. He noted her shiver and how she bucked underneath him, crying out incoherent words. Incisors elongated and slid into her throat. The first sweep of her crimson essence drenched his palette. Dare closed his eyes and let it permeate his senses while slamming into her with rampant need. He felt his seed coil from his balls and shoot up his member and the throb of his erection harden tighter. The pressure was blinding in severity as he held back from shooting until she was washed over with another wave. His wait wasn’t long. “Oh I’m coming again,” she screamed. Dare brushed her sweat-drenched tendrils from her face. He withdrew his fangs from her throat and murmured the words to close the two pinholes. “Mine,” he said and brushed his lips against hers. “Yours,” Krissy acknowledged and accepted. She trailed a lazy hand over his back, and touched his face Dare sensed her need for reassurance and slid out of her core. “For always, Violetta. Nothing will separate us.” 203

Mahalia Levey “You’re still hard?” she asked as he left her body. “Yes, but, babe, you can’t handle anymore today.” He smiled at her with a boyish expression and walked in the nude to his bathroom. **** Krissy heard the tap water run and turned on her side. A minute later, she watched him move back toward her with a warm rag and a small basin. “Roll onto your back so I can care for you, love.” He knelt beside her. Krissy eyed him, but complied. Dare put the cloth in the water and rung it out. “There’s not too much blood,” he said in relief while he pressed the warm cloth to her sore flesh. “Do you hurt badly?” “No.” She sighed. “Is it normal for one to clean someone after making love?” Dare chuckled. “Yes, at least for the one you love, it is.” Once he was satisfied, she was clean and he’d inspected her with his finger for tears, he grunted and lay back down next to her. “This is just the beginning, Violetta.” Krissy sighed in contentment and turned into his body. “Trying to scare me?” “You don’t scare that easily, babe.” He drew her into his embrace and pulled the covers over 204

Merikano’s Fury them. “Let’s sleep, then we can wake up and make love again later.” Krissy smiled and closed her eyes. A nap seemed the thing to do as she was tired. “I have the show with Veroniq coming up in a few days,” she mumbled. A week of seclusion with Dare was all Krissy could take. After some compromising, she begged a visit at her grandfather. She wanted to learn more about her family, even if she didn’t agree with their life style. She’d just laid down for a quick nap when raucous sounds discharged within the large house. Grumpy, she slid out of the bed She should have thought something was up. Instead of sequestering herself in the safety of her room, she ventured out to see what to see what was happening. “Allertere! Allerter! Intruso!” Doors slammed open and Krissy heard footfalls pounding all around the building. “Fuck!” She slammed her room shut and threw herself into action by putting on her clothes and grabbing her two safety devices, tucked away in her knapsack. Armed with mace and her tazer, she ran into the foray. “EEK! She ducked as gunfire exploded in the other room. Bits of wood and plaster broke away in a cloud like haze of white matter. Not daunted the least, she ran down the stairs and dove behind 205

Mahalia Levey a chair. **** “Krissy,” Dare bellowed His heart hammered hard. He tapped into their link and took off after her. Don’t you dare move from your hiding place. He slammed the message into her brain. Two burly men armed and firing rapidly, stood between him and his mate. A snarl ripped from his mouth before he let his rage loose. Death stared the two men in the eye. The shift began, the crackling of bones, hunched down on all fours, Dare lifted his face and yellow eyes stared the two men. Vitale looked at Rocco. “What the fuck is that?” “A fucking big-ass cat.” Rocco moved backward, aimed his gun at the animal and fired point blank. Dare moved quickly, the shot hitting the wall, tearing more wood from the frame. He watched as Rhaikar entered behind the two men and hunched down, shifting the same way Dare had. A loud growl emanated from him, signaling the attack. A quick head nod and Dare made his move. The two men were powerless back to back and unable to move without being attacked out right. **** 206

Merikano’s Fury Krissy peaked from where she was and saw Dare and Rhaikar. She’d never been so scared in her life as when the gun blast went off, missing Dare. She witnessed Dare and Rhaikar attack the two men. She put her hands over her eyes to blot out the violence. Blood, and lots of it, splattered the walls, flooring and furniture. She knew she’d never get the horrific yells out of her head as they’re lives were taken. Gruesome. The act of taking a life was gruesome and yet she knew he was an animal before he was man and protecting her…Rhaikar, too. Dare shifted and looked at the two downed men. “They’re not dead, yet.” He stepped on the throat of the one named Rocco. “Quanto?” The downed man didn’t reply when he took the pressure of the trachea. Rage seized him. “Quanto!” “Otto.” “Kill his friend.” Dare looked at where Krissy was hiding. When Rhaikar shifted and followed the orders, Dare breathed. Without a pause, Dare reached down and twisted the man’s neck until it broke. “There are six more.” He stalked quietly over to Krissy and knelt next to her huddled form. He enveloped her in his arms. Krissy hugged him for all he was worth and breathed in his scent. She felt safe in his arms. It 207

Mahalia Levey dawned on her moments later, they weren’t in the same room. “Do not leave this room!” Dare kissed her briefly before shimmering out, leaving her locked inside a huge stainless steel room. “Mother Fucker!” she screamed at him and pounded on the door. Her grandfather was in danger and she was tucked away and considered a liability. “Let me out, damn you!” she screamed and began looking at the seams of the door to find her way out. Hapless, she felt hopeless in helping. “I’m not an invalid, I can help!” she screamed again as she tried to tamper with the locks. There had to be an escape hatch—every panic room had one. She just needed to calm down and get the images out of her head of the dead men and her mate and brother-in-law standing over them. The monitors had hook ups, she felt along the seams of the monitors and debated disarming them. Violetta, the growl echoed in her head. I’m not doing anything, she argued. Let Rhaikar and I take care of your grandfather without worrying about you. Let me out, Merikano. Now! she railed into his head. Are you laughing? she screamed in the silent room. No, not at all. Get out if you can, but just remember what happened last time you didn’t listen. She could hear him snickering in her head. This 208

Merikano’s Fury is serious! **** So stay put! Dare was busy working with Rhaikar and cut the connection. “I will beat her ass bare if she gets out of the panic room.” He, along with his brother, moved down the left wing of the house. A wave of anger hit him as he and Rhaikar passed Almonzo and Lenzo, both men downed, but still living. “Four men on the top floor.” Almonzo gritted his teeth while holding his side. “Rhaikar, take care of them.” Dare hollered while waiting for reinforcements. Upstairs, two men held the Cobra at gunpoint. “Where is she?” Sergano hissed. “She is mated.” Dare snarled at the two men who held his mate’s grandfather. “What coward would hold an old man hostage at gun point?” He moved methodically toward them. “Shoot him!” Sergano hissed at his cohort. Dare chuckled. “That thing will only piss me off, but go ahead. If you think you can take me…then do it.” He shrugged and continued moving. “Kill him and I’ll hunt your family. Your sons will die. Your daughters will become part of a colony for weres,” he threatened quite effectively as the other male’s arm shook. 209

Mahalia Levey Sal looked at Sergano. “We should go back and report to our boss to let it go.” He took the aim off the old man and threw his gun on the floor. “A dead man can’t threaten.” Sergano pulled the trigger and let off a cacophony of sulfur smelling shot cases. Dare was quick, his reflexes quicker than a mortal man could contemplate. One bullet found a home and imbedded in his shoulder. The impact and pain didn’t stop him from his designated target. He watched fear etch across Serganos’ face when the man realized he’d missed and only succeeded in pissing off the male were. “No silver. Well silver doesn’t actually kill. It just weakens. But then you weren’t expecting a shape shifter or are you just stupid?” Blood trickled down Dare’s arm. Three long strides and Sergano was dead. Dare’s talon claw sliced clean into the man’s chest cavity and perforated the heart valves. A bloody mess, but effective. After wiping the blood off, he quirked a brow at Sal. “Tell your boss you live only to deliver a message. The Cobra’s family is under our care. His granddaughter is no longer available. Any further incidents and war ensues. Not a human war, but an Otherly war. Sal nodded and ran out of the room with Dare following him. In the foyer, he saw Deryck and Jacob standing over the other dead bodies. “I 210

Merikano’s Fury allowed one to live to deliver a message.” “You’re bleeding,” Jacob said. “It’s a scratch. I’ll live.” He helped his brother, cousin and boss move the bodies into the trunk of an unregistered SUV. “I’ll see you at the fashion show.” Dare tipped his hat to Jacob. “Thank you. It was nice meeting you. Never have met a horse shifter. Damn interesting.” With that, he was gone and the truck became a cloud of dust as it headed to a dumpsite unknown to human authorities. Jacob chuckled. “You better see to that wound before seeing Krissy.” Dare grinned. “Thank you for what you did. She probably would have never come to find me.” He clapped him on the back. “Rhaikar, how are Almonzo and Lessio?” “They are both recovering with stitches and morphine patches to dull the pain. It’s not like they haven’t been shot before.” He stepped forward and ripped the shirt off Dare’s wound. He probed with a finger for the bullet and searched for an exit wound. The exit wound was under his left shoulder blade. “Rotate your arm,” Rhaikar ordered. Dare did as instructed and winced. “It’ll heal. Just gauze it.” He moved with caged impatience. He was anxious to get to Krissy. “Dare.” Krissy huffed. 211

Mahalia Levey “I’ll be there shortly. Sit still,” he yelled back. His arm was beginning to throb, thanks to Rhaikar. “I’d like to have an arm left and circulation when you’re done,” he snarled. “All done. Go get your mate. I’m going to recheck The Cobra. I’d given him a sedative and put him in bed.” He then left the area. “What a fucking day.” Dare clenched his jaw and transported himself to let Krissy out. “About time.” Krissy slapped at him as soon as she left the room. “I’m claustrophobic.” She hit the bandaged arm before seeing the bandage. “You got hurt.” Her face softened and worry set in. “I’m fine, Krissy,” Dare said and pulled her into his embrace. “I just want to smell you for a second. He stroked her hair and held her tightly against him. “Thank you for not breaking out. I had enough to worry about.” He tilted her head back and kissed her soft lips. He appreciated the flow of emotions raging in her. “Don’t worry for me, I’m used to this.” Krissy held him tightly. “I’m not. How’s my grandfather and Almonzo and Lessio?” She was lax to admit that she’d come to care for her defiant grandfather and his aides. The attitude she possessed was due in most part to genetics from his side. Not liking him would be like not liking herself and she’d done enough of that growing up. She screwed up her face in a frown. 212

Merikano’s Fury “He’ll be fine. The intruders shot the two dolts, but they are resting on pain meds. He just had a stressful moment. Nothing major and you are safe, that’s the main thing. I’m proud of you for listening and for opening yourself up to having your biological family in your life again.” He stroked her face and transported them to her grandfather’s room. “See, he’s resting peacefully.” Krissy let go of Dare and approached her grandfather. “You ol’ goat. You better be glad I love you. Having men shooting in your house and scaring the life out of me with worry. By the way, who told you to have a panic room with no access to break out of?” She blew a raspberry, but sat down next to him and put her hand on his. “You are not responsible for the fuck ups of my parents. I’m sorry.” She kissed his leathery brow and turned to Dare. “Take me home please, to your home.” She noticed Jacob on the landing along with Deryck as he cruised back in. “Hey, your whole team is here.” She hugged her boss and Jacob. “How do you know them?” she addressed Jacob. Jacob grinned. “Deryck is an associate and Dare is a cousin of sorts.” Krissy blinked and looked at Dare for clarification. “We’re all shifters, baby.” He wrapped his arms around her. 213

Mahalia Levey Deryck laughed. “Panther.” “Horse.” Jacob grinned at the private joke. Krissy blushed. “Oh my God you let me ride you and talk about all sorts of personal stuff!” When Dare’s arms tightened around her, she looked at him. “Not that sort of ride!” Dare chuckled. “We’ll see you all at the fashion show.” He took Krissy’s hand and led her home.

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Chapter Twenty

I

t was hard to believe a week had passed or that Dare could turn out to be so romantic. Krissy was still on cloud nine, caught up in the newlywed syndrome. The final fittings for the fashion show were concluded and the gossamer wedding gown adorned with imitation pearls and gems adorned on her dress, down her train. True to its word, Veroniq boasted of being able to serve the choicest materials at a low cost, the designers, enthused to promote wider sales for a wider range of customers. She looked at herself and smiled. The gown fit her body and gave her curves she didn’t know she owned. She had her hair pulled up into a twisted knot held by two shiny combs. She tacked baby’s breath in her hair. The makeup she’d applied gave her skin a soft glow, her lips a clear gloss. She twirled around in the three-way mirror, watching the train as it moved, and the flow of the 215

Mahalia Levey float. She hoped he loved what he saw. She felt beautiful and the other models were perfect. She’d had the pleasure of watching them enter and leave with their various outfits. For some unknown reason, she was last and she hadn’t even seen Dare. Cecile was out there. Deryck had her flown in on his private Jet, and she couldn’t wait to see her mother. The signal came and Dear Life by Anthony Hamilton blared out of the speakers—a song about love and growth—interpersonal and relationship-wise. She let the music bring her out and sauntered down the middle of the runway. Every three or so steps, she’d turn toward the audience of three hundred plus and gifted them with a high wattage smile, then turned the other way and continued walking. Flashes went off as she meandered down the runway. A few whistles caught her attention and made her blush. She frowned at Deryck, her grandfather and the boys and continued to walk. The music ended abruptly. She didn’t stumble to a halt, but glided to one. Krissy lowered her hands and brushed her skirt with a nervous hand. “Hello,” she joked, looked around again, and noticed people waiting for something. “Well, I should crack a joke, but it seems I can only do that when pissed off.” She lifted her hands to her head to check the combs. 216

Merikano’s Fury “You look beautiful. So beautiful, I couldn’t resist.” Dare stepped out in a black Armani Tux. “Thank you for coming to the show. To conclude the evening, I have something to say to the woman I love. For years, I’ve been known as a womanizing bastard…her words, and she was right. I played the field without really caring on who I was hurting, myself or the other woman. Then I met her and she led me on a hell of a ride. I’m not a man of many words unless I’m fighting or fucking—I mean loving. Violetta has brought out the best in me and the worst in me. I believe I have brought out the same in her. Either way, fate stepped in and provided me with the chance of having a family and a love that will live past life’s mistakes. I will never love anyone as much as I love you. I stand here before you not as a man who is a protector, but as a man who has been joyously enslaved by your pure and good heart.” He reached out to Krissy and took her hand in his. In his right hand was an engraved wedding band with his name and hers. “Mio amore mio durata della vita mio coure a te,ogni,lezione…negli durata e oltretomba.” Merikano looked at Krissy as he spoke the vows to bond them together. Touching her tenderly, he tipped up her jaw and repeated in English. “My love, my life, my heart is yours to keep. In this life and beyond if you’d but wish it. I’ll honor you the 217

Mahalia Levey rest of the days of our lives.” Krissy had tears in her eyes. “You didn’t have to do this.” She became the leaky watering pot in front of a house of strangers and friends. “Yes, I did. To show you I was sincere…” he slid the ring on her finger and touched her face softly. “What do you say, trouble? Will you spend your life making me chase you to make sure you’re okay?” “Yes.” She laughed and jumped into his arms, damn near bowling him over. Dare grinned and turned toward the cameraman for the NY Times. “Mr. and Mrs. Merikano Veradi.” When the picture snapped, it captured the happy couple with a glowing love. Cecile approached Dare and Krissy after the clapping and whistling ended. “He did that very well. It’s nice to meet the young man for my Krissy.” Krissy hugged her mother. “I have missed you.” “So I see.” Ceci’s eyes twinkled in merriment. “Ohh, I have moved here. St Paul saw to it. Come visit after your honeymoon, dear.” She kissed her. “It’s nice meeting you, Cecile.” Dare chuckled. “Umhm, now go make me grandbabies.” She hugged him and let her hand stray to his tush. “Nice and tight. You did good, Krissy.” “OMG! Mine!” She sighed and led her husband 218

Merikano’s Fury away from the handsy old woman who’s aim was to torment her with love and craziness. Dare chuckled. “We’re out of here.” He and waved everyone off. “We’ll see you all after our honeymoon.” He swept Krissy up in his arms and carried her out of the building and into their future.

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Epilogue laid her head on Merikano’s lap. The new Krissy magazine for Veroniq had just come out. She

smiled at her mate before showing it to him, her pictures printed throughout it. The front page held her near nude pregnant image. Six months and her belly was that of a Buddha. The shoot was her last professional pose as a model. After seeing so many women starving themselves to become Super Models, she wanted to show them the beauty of a woman’s body in any shape. Pregnancy became her. The triplet boys tired her. Dare flipped through the magazine and the new section for expectant mothers. Once it was clear that she was indeed carrying, they made it a priority to develop a new clothing line. “You look beautiful, baby.” He splayed his hands across her growing abdomen, felt for the bottle of cacao butter cream and spread it across her bare globe. “I’m proud of you, for this. Not that I want anyone 220

Merikano’s Fury seeing what’s mine, but you found a way to make it classy and sexy to be a mother.” He closed the book and kissed her head. “Anytime now.” He winked. Krissy looked at him. “May they be just like me.” She winked mischievously. “Thank the gods for boys. A baby girl like you would prove to be my downfall.” He teased and rubbed the hands and feet poking out to meet his hand. “Love, life and children—nothing could ever be better.” She laid back and closed her eyes, thankful for her mate. “Thank the gods for infuriating women,” Dare quipped as she fell asleep.

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About the Author Being smart and sassy with a great sense of humor comes easily for Mahalia Levey. An avid reader of books, she found herself enchanted with disappearing completely into the worlds authors created. One day she vowed to herself she’d be one of them. Then family life came, and college right after. Swayed from her childhood course of action, it took many years for her to get back to that place she held dear as a child. Now she is running full steam ahead to keep up with the many ideas flowing freely. She plans on taking her work to higher levels and expanding her genres. Her main focus is giving her readers variety. Her works in progress include paranormal, fantasy and mainstream romance. Taking characters and watching them grow past what she’s imagined is her true passion. In her personal life, she vowed never to own a minivan and has so far succeeded in not being the soccer mom. The proud mother of one teen and two pre-teens is not easily flustered. Between sports and art classes for the eldest, she takes time out during the day for herself. Her one love, best friend of twelve years has finally caught her. They bought their first house together and are compromising over interior decorations.