Chapter Three

Blythe tried to struggle out from under his bulk, but he was too heavy. He felt like a ton of bricks and she could barely breathe. His body pressed intimately against hers, spooning her in a way. She felt something hard press against her ass and struggled harder.

“Get off of me!” She was panicking and could feel her heart racing in her chest.

“Silence. Don’t draw attention to us,” he commanded.

“Please get off of me,” she said softly, trying to stay calm, though her mind screamed at her to get out of there. Her voice shook, showing how scared she was and that her calm was a facade. She knew he was aroused and was afraid he might take her right there, in the middle of the arena. She finally lost it at that thought. That couldn’t happen. She screamed and flailed, fighting with all she had. Squirming and swinging her arms didn’t seem to help. His weight didn’t move. “Don’t hurt me,” she sobbed.

“Do you really think I mean you harm?” he asked, sounding surprised.

“Yes. I can feel your… attraction to me,” she answered after a slight hesitation.

“I’m sorry. It’s been so long since I’ve been this close to a female.” He breathed in against her hair and Blythe froze. Was he smelling her?

“What is your name?” Blythe asked again, trying to take her mind off of her current situation. She was literally trapped, and she tried hard to remain calm.

“My name is Hayden.”

“What kind of shifter are you?” What she really wanted to ask was if all shifters would react this way and were this aggressive.

“I’m a lion,” he answered. He started purring as he rubbed his cheek against the side of Blythe’s face. It shocked her so much that she forgot to breathe for a moment. When he stopped, she let out the breath she’d been holding and turned to look at him over her shoulder.

“Can you get off of me now?” she asked.

“Are you going to be a good girl and not run?”

“Yes,” she lied. She looked forward, hoping he didn’t see the lie written all over her face. She was a terrible liar and all her family and friends knew it. Lies just felt bad falling off the tip of her tongue. She tensed, waiting to see if he’d know she was lying to him.

“I can smell your lie. You better not run, or you’ll make me mad. Plus, it makes the lion go nuts.”

“I won’t,” she lied again. She could picture Hayden rolling those intense hazel eyes. They matched his honey-colored hair perfectly. Blythe felt the weight on her back disappear and then a hand appeared in her vision. She took it, allowing Hayden to pull her to her feet.

“I’m going to take you to Lazarus now,” he told her.

“No, I have to go home.”

“Your home is Lazarus now. There is no going back. I found you,” he shook his head. Blythe could tell he was growing frustrated.

“I’ve already been found and lost the guy. Do you think I can’t lose you?” Blythe asked him.

“I’m quicker and a better hunter than the wolf that left his stench on you.”

“His stench? Huh?” she asked, her nose wrinkling in her confusion.

“The wolf must have rubbed up against you, or your bodies touched. I can smell him on you, but can’t tell who he is.”

“That’s disgusting. Now your stench will be on me! I need a bath,” she whined. She sniffed at her clothes, but she only smelled dirt and a little bit of perspiration.

“Let’s get moving. You can shower back at Lazarus,” he promised her. Blythe got the strange notion he was lying, but couldn’t figure out why. Maybe it was because his smile didn’t reach his eyes.

Suddenly, Milo appeared behind Hayden. He smiled at Blythe and her eyes widened. She didn’t know if she should be relieved to see him or afraid. Hayden swung around, but it was too late. Milo slammed into him, bringing them both down. They hit the forest floor and rolled. Blythe yelped and jumped out of their way. They’d almost taken her down with them.

Taking the opportunity given to her, Blythe smiled as she took off once again. These shifters weren’t really that smart. They kept fighting over her, yet every time they did, she slipped away. Both Milo and Hayden seemed okay enough, but she didn’t want to be found again. She found another tree and this one was unoccupied, so she shimmied up into the top branches. The leaves provided her with cover and her view was way better. She could see around her for a good distance. She hoped they couldn’t track her.

If Hayden could smell Milo on her, did that mean they could track her scent and find her in the tree? Or would they think her scent disappeared? She bit her nails, not knowing the answer, but fearing that the odds were against her. She sat down on the tree’s limb after making sure it wouldn’t break. She swung her feet and leaned her head against the bark.

What time was it? How long had it been? She jerked as she heard a noise. She looked down to see a blonde girl hiding behind the trunk of the tree she was in. She resisted the urge to call out to her.

Another noise diverted Blythe’s attention toward the male sauntering out of the bushes. He looked pissed and Blythe hoped the girl escaped him. Milo and Hayden weren’t too far behind him. Apparently, they were now teaming up to find her. Maybe she’d pissed off one too many shifters.

Holding her breath, Blythe hoped they didn’t find her. The girl’s head turned toward the two shifters and her eyes widened. She pulled a knife out of her pants and bounced on the balls of her feet. Blythe couldn’t believe it. Surely the girl couldn’t kill them?

“Put the knife down and no one will get hurt,” Milo held up his hands, smiling at the nerve of the girl.

“You’re hilarious,” the girl laughed. “Come and get me.”

Milo jerked forward, trying to grab her, but the girl was quick. She took off running and the two shifters gave chase. Blythe sighed in relief, making sure the sound was almost silent. She straddled the branch and leaned her back against the tree. Maybe she’d take a really quick power nap. No one was around and she’d hear someone climbing toward her. Closing her eyes, she drifted into a light sleep, hoping she didn’t fall out of the tree.

Blythe felt something brush her arm and shook it. When it didn’t persist, she tried to drift back to sleep. This time the touch was on her face. Her eyes shot open and she met a pair of startling blue orbs. She gasped, realizing she had nowhere to go. The man had her trapped between his arms, which were pressed against the tree on either side of her. She gulped and smiled.

“Hi,” she tried. He growled and leaned closer. Their noses almost touched and his breath mixed with hers. She tensed, wondering what he’d do. He smiled and she shivered. There was something ominous in that smile and it should have warned her away.

Before she could say more, or even move, his lips were against hers. His arms slid down to wrap around her waist. He jerked her to her feet and pressed her against the tree. He was the only thing keeping her steady as one leg was completely dangling in midair. His lips pressed harder against hers as he pushed for her to respond. He growled, the sound rising from his chest and barreling out of his mouth as he pulled away. Blythe was surprised by the emotions she felt coursing through her after that startling kiss. The stranger looked down at her and pulled her chin up to force her to look into his eyes.

He leaned forward again, his tongue tracing her lips as he kept his eyes locked on hers. Blythe gasped, not expecting it. His tongue darted in with a groan and he pressed his body against hers, closing his eyes as he did so. She felt every inch of his body and his body heat enveloped her. She felt intimidated and dominated at the same time. He was definitely a man. There was nothing boyish about him. His mouth kissed with a practiced ease. This was Blythe’s first kiss and she wasn’t even kissing back. She didn’t know this man. Who did he think he was? She didn’t really know how to respond even if she wanted to. No one had ever caught her attention while growing up as someone that she’d want to date, so she’d avoided guys. They made her nervous anyway. Now this man was taking liberties she’d never allowed anyone else.

Finding some inner strength, Blythe placed her hands on his chest and pushed him back. She wobbled, but found her purchase on the limb. “What are you doing?” she asked, clearing her throat at the awkwardness of the situation. Hadn’t he realized that she hadn’t been kissing him back? He didn’t reply, but his gaze jerked downwards. She followed it and found Hayden standing near the tree. Hopefully he hadn’t heard her.

The man in front of her pressed his hand against her mouth and laid a hand on her shoulder. She glared at him, but he wasn’t paying attention. His mouth opened with a silent snarl and she saw his teeth. They were sharp and could easily break her skin. She whimpered behind his hand and his eyes shot to hers. He shook his head, his eyes daring her to try to bring attention to them.

Hayden sniffed the air and then turned toward the tree. He walked around it and looked up. The angle he was standing at meant he couldn’t see them. His expression darkened and then he sniffed the air again. He shook his head and ran back into the forest. The man kept his hand on Blythe’s mouth for some time, finally releasing it after he knew for sure Hayden was gone.

He stepped away from her and held out his hand. She looked down at the hand and then at him. She shook her head, too afraid to speak. This man was huge. He was taller and broader than both Milo and Hayden. His eyes were intense and his jaw was set in a frown. She wondered if it was permanent, or if he ever smiled.

Speaking of lips, she touched hers, remembering his possessive and dominating kiss. She was furious that he’d stolen it from her without permission. How dare he! That was meant for someone she loved and knew well. He’d taken it and then acted like it never happened. Damn him! Tears welled in her eyes. She wouldn’t even be able to tell her mom or sisters about her first kiss. They couldn’t bombard her with a million questions. It hurt her heart and she felt a tear slide down her cheek. She looked up and found the man looking at her with disgust and confusion. Apparently, he didn’t like her tears.

“Go away,” she turned away from him, keeping her balance. She rested her head on the trunk of the tree and eyed the branch next to her. She was about to step toward it when the man grabbed her. His hand on her arm was tight, but not hurting her. He shook his head and pointed downward. “Can’t you speak?”

He didn’t respond, but released her and climbed down two branches. She looked down at him and then around at the forest. What would she do this time to get away? Seeming to read her thoughts, the man’s face darkened and he grabbed her ankle. He tugged and she lost her balance. Instead of falling toward him though, her body fell backward. Her arms flailed and a silent scream parted her lips. She saw the man’s eyes widen a fraction before he looked completely calm. He must be resigned to me dying, the jerk, she thought as he disappeared from view.

The sense of falling was one she’d never forget. One second she’d been stable on the branch and then the world seemed to tip and fall away. She reached for branches, but couldn’t grasp them tight enough. Her only thanks was that her head didn’t hit one of the branches on the way down. She closed her eyes and braced herself for impact.

The air whooshed out of her lungs yet again, but the impact didn’t hurt. She heard a grunt and then realized she was resting in someone’s arms. She turned her head to meet that blue gaze once more.

“Who are you?” she asked once she caught her breath.

Yet again, he didn’t answer her, but began walking. She looked back up at the tree, seeing the branch she’d fallen from. It’d been well over twenty feet and yet he’d beat her to the bottom and caught her. This man was fast and she knew she’d never be able to outrun him. He was also strong enough to carry her weight and absorb the force of her fall without snapping both his arms and sending them both to the ground. How did he manage to remain on his feet? It was startling and frightening. It made her wary of him. Would he use that strength and power against her?

She felt like she was very small and light in his arms. He made it seem like carrying her was no big deal. She had her hands awkwardly in her lap when she’d rather have them pressed against his chest or around his neck. What if he dropped her? She rolled her eyes. Like he would drop her. He wanted her to go back to Lazarus with him.

A rustling of some bushes up ahead caused the man to stop. She really wished she could find out his name. Calling him the man all the time was slightly annoying. Was he mute? Did shifters have those birth defects too? Or had something caused him to not be able to talk? A fight maybe? She had no idea, but part of her was curious to find out.

Hayden stepped out of the bushes and froze. He saw Blythe and his body tensed. “She’s mine,” he growled.

“Do not challenge me,” the man spoke for the first time. Blythe’s womb clenched and her mouth fell open. His voice dripped with sex, even when he sounded pissed.

“Mine.”

“Hayden,” he cautioned one last time.

Hayden darted forward, not giving him time to set Blythe down. She gasped as she was thrown high in the air. She glanced down and saw a fist connect with Hayden’s jaw and then a leg in the stomach. She landed back in the man’s arms, her mouth open in shock.

Hayden growled and the man responded. She felt it vibrate all the way through her body. It was powerful and deep. He sounded pissed and not in the mood for Hayden’s attack. Blythe knew she’d never mess with him when he sounded and looked like he did.

“I’m warning you,” he spoke again.

“Set her down and fight me like a shifter,” Hayden demanded.

“Fine.”

Blythe’s sight of Hayden disappeared as she was turned and led toward a tree. The branches were high up and she knew she’d never be able to reach them. She looked up at the man and wondered what he wanted her to do.

“Grab,” he commanded.

“What?”

She didn’t get an answer verbally; instead, she got her answer when she was thrown into the air toward the lower branch. She grabbed the branch and dangled. She wasn’t strong enough to pull herself all the way up. The drop back to the forest looked really far from up there and she was afraid to let go.

Hayden didn’t wait for the blue-eyed man to turn around. He launched himself at him, shifting in mid-leap. Blythe’s mouth opened, but no sound came out. She was stuck and pissed the man hadn’t left her on the ground. Then she’d be able to run away. He was smarter than the rest had been.

Turning her attention back to the fight, she gasped when her blue-eyed man grabbed the lion by the throat and threw it away. He shifted, turning into a large tiger. He was massive and lithe. His body moved with practiced ease and grace as he approached his prey. The lion didn’t seem to sense that this predator was more powerful than its slimmer dull-coated form.

She knew she couldn’t bear to watch. She tucked her chin against her chest and closed her eyes. The sounds that followed were straight out of a nightmare. She felt something wet hit her leg and whimpered. She really hoped that wasn’t blood. If it were, she’d be sick.

Just as quickly as the fighting started, it ended with a yelp and then the sound of running feet. Blythe dared to open her eyes and gasped at the sight. Blood was sprinkled all over the forest floor and the trunk of the tree. She pulled her leg up and her stomach heaved at the red splashes on the back of her calf.

“Let go,” the blue-eyed man called. She looked down at him and let go. It wasn’t from his command, but her fingers gave out and she lost all consciousness. She really didn’t do well with the sight of blood.

***

Blythe groaned as she stirred awake. She looked around and realized that she was in what looked like a bedroom. She couldn’t tell for sure because it was so dark. Her eyes could barely make things out. She did know she was lying on a bed and a light sheet was over her body. She pulled the sheet up and sighed in relief to find herself still dressed and in one piece.

Where was she? How had she gotten here? Her thoughts went back to the last thing she remembered. She’d let go of the branch, though not by choice. Then everything went black. She must have passed out. What had caused it? Then she recalled the image of the man with the crazy blue eyes. He’d been covered in scratches and blood. He’d also been naked. She wished she could have admired his form under different circumstances, but that was unlikely. Where had he gone?

“Hello?” she called softly. She didn’t want to chance waking someone up. She was definitely alone in the bed as it wasn’t even big enough for two people. It seemed more like a cot. It was at that revelation that she realized she must be in the infirmary. Realizing she must’ve been brought here to get checked out since she’d fainted, she blushed, and felt ashamed.

“Good, you’re awake,” a voice answered. A light switch was turned on and lights flickered to life around the room. The man had white hair and was slightly shorter than her blue-eyed giant. He was bulky and she came to associate the size with shifters. His gray eyes held warmth and he seemed friendly.

“Where am I?” Blythe answered, though she was sure she knew the answer.

“This is Lazarus. My name is Seth. I’m the doctor on this floor.”

“Are you a shifter?” Blythe asked, growing wary. She was alone with a man in an unknown location. Where was her blue-eyed man? Then again, was she safer with the doctor, or the nameless man? She couldn’t be sure with the way the man was eyeing her. It was like she was a piece of meat. It was disconcerting.

“Yes, but I’m a bear.”

“What kind of bear?” Blythe asked, wariness turning into curiosity.

“I am a polar bear. That’s why my hair is white. I’m really twenty-three, but my hair makes me seem older,” he replied.

“Interesting,” Blythe replied, not sure what else to say.

“He should be back soon, in case you’re wondering,” Seth smiled.

“Who?”

“Your mate.”

“I don’t have a mate,” Blythe denied. She wasn’t ready to accept her situation.

“I’m sorry, but you do. He found you. You belong to him,” Seth shrugged and took a seat on the end of her bed. His hand patted her leg through the sheet. “It’ll get better. Just don’t make him mad.”

“Why? What happens when he’s mad?” Blythe felt the blood drain from her face. Was this guy going to kill her? Was that her fate?

“People pay the consequences,” a voice startled them both.

“Killian, I didn’t hear you come in,” Seth jumped to his feet, putting space between him and Blythe. “She’s fine, just fainted.”

Killian just grunted. Blythe studied the man, finally having enough time to. His hair was midnight black, similar to hers. His chin had a cleft and he sported a five o’clock shadow. His hair hung down over his blue eyes. His body was bigger than she’d first thought. He had to be around two hundred and fifty pounds of pure muscle. His arms flexed as he crossed them over his chest. She would place him at six and a half feet, knowing he towered over her smaller form. She glanced back up and caught him glaring at her. She realized that Seth was looking at her also.

“Yes?” she asked, blushing profusely.

“Are you ready to explore your new home?” Seth asked.

“No, I want to go home.”

“Never again,” Killian growled. He held out his hand, expecting her to take it. She stood on the bed and crossed her arms across her chest, her lip sticking out in a pout. She didn’t want to leave and go anywhere with Killian. He was intense and more man than she could handle. Why had he chosen her? Hayden or Milo would have been a better match; she shouldn’t have run from him. Man, this was a messed up situation.

“He won’t hurt you,” Seth whispered, lowering his head toward hers. Killian’s growl made Seth jerk away and Blythe’s eyes to widen.

“Mine,” Killian snarled, stepping forward and grabbing Blythe’s hand. Before she could even say goodbye to Seth, Killian was jerking her out the door and into a new life.