Paranormal Dating Agency: Phoenix Fire and Dragon's Ire (Kindle Worlds Novella) by Jami Brumfield (1)

Phoenix Fire and Dragon’s Ire

Paranormal Dating Agency Kindle World

(Shift N Ride Motorcycle Club)

By Jami Brumfield

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction

 

Sexy, phoenix-shifter, biker, bad boy + strong, sassy, dragon-shifter, secret agent = stormy passion forged in heated battles.

 

Paris and her twin sister are devastated when their father dies. Their heartbreak is short lived when they discover terrible family secrets that threaten to change their lives forever. The idea they were created in a lab is unfathomable. They must search for answers to discover their true calling.

 

Carter is tired of being errand boy for the Shift N Ride Motorcycle Club and he plans on blasting this news to his chapter president when he gets home. If he gets home. He is intercepted on his final delivery by a rival club member and a simple bank deposit becomes a deadly hold up.

 

Love doesn’t always happen when life is going smooth, sometimes it happens when your world is turned upside down. Gerri Wilder recognizes this and after a couple of strangers save her during a bank robbery, she makes it her mission to let them know they were made for each other.

 

Paris and Carter may be perfect mates, but their lives are in turmoil and the timing isn’t right. He is feeling devalued, she is facing a hidden secret that changes everything she has believed in her entire life. To find love, these two must escape a bank heist, rescue her sister, take on a rival biker gang out for blood, and discover the truth about who they are.

 

Warning: this book contains fiery hot sex scenes (the kind your mother warned you about), adult language, and violence. Fair warning? Not recommended for the faint of heart. However, if you like searing hot passionate sex between a hunky, bad boy biker, phoenix-shifter and his brave, sassy, dragon-shifter military secret agent mate and great page turning action from beginning to end then grab a copy today. Enjoy!

 

This is a stand-alone romance with an HEA.

 

Bonus material: This book contains a chapter of Phoenix and a Dash of Sass, and Blazing Tales.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter One

 

“Someone order a cheeseburger and fries?” Paris asked as she walked into the dreary hospital room. It was a sight she’d never expected to see, at least not for a long time. A scene that broke her heart. Her sister London smiled with tears moistening her eyes, her hand holding their father’s. He was lying in the bed, a shell of the man she knew and loved. Weakened by a cancer that would steal him from her too soon. She wasn’t ready to face this reality. She pushed down the urge to turn and run. She needed to be here for their father and London.

“I’ve never been one to turn down a greasy final meal.” He offered a meek smile and held his free hand out for her to take.

She fought back the tears that threatened to fall, dropped the sack of burgers on the bedside table and took his hand in hers. “You look good.” She lied. His skin was pale. His sharp eyes, dulled by the medication that was flooding his system to fight off any infection and numb the pain.

He laughed, which turned into a hoarse, bloody cough. “Don’t patronize me, child. I look horrible.”

Paris’ lip twitched in a slight smile, “you look like the amazing father you’ve been all our lives.” She struggled to speak past the lump forming in her throat. This was going to be harder than she ever imagined. Her training had taught her to kill a man in 60 seconds or less, but she could barely stand here and watch the man she’d adored all her life face his own death.

“Now that you’re both here, I need to tell you something.” He wiped the blood from his lips.

“What is it, daddy?” London asked, her voice unrecognizable with unshed tears. She looked and sounded like a little girl again. Seeing her mirror image torn up over this reality was like watching a movie that she starred in. London was exposing the emotions she should be showing, but her inner strength, training, and dragon refused to let her reveal those soul searing painful emotions. 

Her instinct had her wanting to run and hide to memories of happier times. She pushed the vivid images that threatened to flood her mind out. She needed to focus on whatever important news their father had to tell them.

“I’ve wanted to tell you both for years, but they wouldn’t let me.” His voice grew softer, almost a whisper.

Paris moved in closer to hear him better. Her shifter ears were strong, but the animal was taking a back seat while the human in her was allowed to feel the pain of the impending loss.

“I’ve loved you since the day you were put in my life. Both of you have made my life fuller, but there is something you need to know before I can’t tell you anymore.”

He pulled the chain wrapped around his neck out from under his hospital gown. The familiar dog tags were accompanied by a small key. “For years I’ve compiled information that will help you girls sort out the truth.” He pointed the key at both of them individually, using it to punctuate the meaning of his words. “When I die…”

“Which won’t be for years, because you’re a fighter.” Paris interjected.

He smiled warmly, “when I die, which we all know will be soon, this key unlocks a safety deposit box with both of your names on it.”

“Daddy, lets focus on you getting better.” London cried softly.

“Listen to me, I did the best I could to provide you both a good life, but there are secrets to your past you need to know.” His excited voice caused him to start coughing again. When blood appeared on the handkerchief he used to cover his mouth, Paris felt her optimism sink like the titanic. He was losing as much blood as a man wounded in battle. 

An alarm sounded on one of the machines and multiple nurses rushed in. Paris and London were pushed aside and asked to leave while the professionals frantically worked to stabilize their father.

London’s eyes were puffy and red from days of crying. “What took you so long?” she hissed when they were in the hall out of his ear shot.

“I got your message after my mission debrief and I came right away.” Paris placed a comforting hand on her sister’s shoulder.

She shrugged her off, “he doesn’t have much longer.”

Paris felt the cold fingers of dread wrap around her spine. She was going to lose her father sooner, rather than later and there was nothing she could do about it. “What are we talking about? Months? Weeks?”

London shook her head and burst into tears. Paris wrapped her arms around her twin and held her close. The sobs shook her body. She wanted to join her in the cry, but decided it was better to be strong. She was always the stronger sister.

“Days, Par, he has only days left.” London mumbled into Paris’ shoulder.

London’s words were like a whip lashing sorrow across Paris’ soul. Days? There wasn’t enough time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Two

 

 

The sun beat down on Carter as he rode his Harley down the quiet main street. It was like he’d ridden into an oven and the humidity only made the temperature intensify, sweat drizzled down his back, and his blood boiled. He was tired of being the errand boy for the Shift N Ride Motorcycle Club. It was high time Dice and Mac took his membership seriously. When he was done hiding the money from last night’s heist he was going to make sure they heard him.

He kicked the stand to his bike down on the asphalt and traded his black leather jacket for the duffel in his side saddle pouch. This bank was his last stop, he’d visited five others in the last two days. He was exhausted and ready to get home. His weary bones needed a long soak and his mind needed a good night’s sleep in his comfortable bed. That wasn’t going to happen until tomorrow, it was getting late and he had already acquired a room at the only hotel in town for the night.

The air conditioner blasted him as he walked into the small-town bank. It was busy for a late afternoon. His eyes worked through the crowd, pausing longer than normal at the twin women that were talking to the lady at the information desk about getting access to a safety deposit box. They were gorgeous and not quite identical. One was more athletic, the other a little softer in curves. The athletic one wore her long auburn hair loose, the other wore her hair straight and in a ponytail. It was undeniable, they were both beautiful and a little out of place from the rest of the clientele in their dreary black attire.

As if they sensed his eyes, they both turned toward him, ponytail’s eyes were red and puffy. The other girl gave him attitude. The frown on her face was accentuated with the raised eyebrow, but those green eyes grabbed him and threw him for a loop. They were stern, unforgiving, with a touch of sadness. When her mossy green orbs connected to his own blue eyes, a brief moment of softness happened. She looked vulnerable, despite her guarded stance and look.

He wanted to wrap her up in his arms and take away the pain she hid beneath the surface. Everyone else in the bank seemed happy and content, these two had obviously suffered a devastating loss lately. He gave them a dazzling smile. “Is this the line for the safety deposit boxes?”

The woman behind the counter smiled, “yes. I’ll be with you in a few minutes. You can take a seat over there.” She pointed to the lounge area.

He didn’t want to. He wanted to know more about the women in the line ahead of him, especially the spunky one. He liked his women with sass and she seemed to have a lot of it. He nodded, something told him now was not the time. He took a seat, but kept glancing their direction. There was something about this woman that held his attention. He could barely peel his eyes away from that shapely ass. She was sexy, but he’d had many sexy women warm his bed, none of them pulled at him like a magnet. Besides, her sister was just as gorgeous. What was it about women with attitudes that he couldn’t deny? He figured it was the challenge. He was a good-looking man, humorous, and never had difficulty finding companionship. He loved a challenge and this woman posed an interesting one. There was something deeper about her, a hidden sadness that pulled him in. He wanted to take that away from her. Protect her.

There was more. The interest his animal half took in her was rare. His phoenix wanted to know more about her. Wanted to connect at a level that scared him.

 

 

~~~~~

 

 

Paris could still feel the gorgeous man’s eyes on her back. It was unnerving and intoxicating. She liked the feeling. London usually got all the male attention in the room. Especially delicious, hunky bikers like him. Her twin was more approachable. The curvy one. The congenial one. The one that stole the air in the room. Paris was hard as nails and straight as a board. She became the wall flower when London was around. In most cases she didn’t mind, but something about this yummy male specimen made her body spark desire.

He was a good distraction. A man she’d be interested in adding to her dream guy inventory. Someone she could conjure up on cold, lonely nights to help release a little tension. She needed that. He was her “type” from his raven hair, rugged good looks, muscular body to his heavily booted feet, very large feet. The man exuded sexual energy that sizzled through the air. Yes, he was definitely a good distraction. 

Nothing was going right since their father died. Even gaining access to this safety deposit box he left them had been a challenge. It had been a month and they were finally getting access to the contents.

“It looks like everything is in order and again, I am so sorry for your loss.” Brenda, the kind, brunette banker told them. “If you’ll follow me, we’ll get you set up in a private room to view the box’s contents.”

They started heading toward the back of the bank. Paris tossed a look over her shoulder at the sexiest man she’d seen in a long time and their eyes connected again. The promise in those smoldering eyes made her hot. It was like he was telling her he was going to fuck her in a glance. She could do worse. The man was large and definitely seemed like he could take charge. She couldn’t help but wonder what he’d be like in the bedroom. Would he take her hard and make her scream or would he be tender and responsive? Something told her, it would be a little of both if she let him. She bit her lower lip and flashed him a wicked grin, just enough to let him know she was interested. A tiny tease. The very act made her feel brazen. She sighed and followed her sister and Brenda to the back. If he was going to silently flirt with her with those stormy gray eyes, she’d do the same in return. What could it harm? It wasn’t like they were ever going to see each other again. They were like two ships passing in the night. A bitter sweet thought. She made sure to take a picture of him with her photographic memory so she could call upon him for a few fantasies in the next few months.

“Are you okay?” London threaded her arm around Paris’ elbow and pulled her close.

“I am, how about you?” she was worried about her sister. London was not handling their father’s death well. Maybe it was because she was an EMT. She’d saved countless lives over the past seven years, but she couldn’t save their father. That had to mess with her psyche a little bit and knowing her sister, it didn’t sit well with her internal compass.

“I miss him.” Her words were a hoarse whisper.

“I know.” Paris squeezed her sister’s hand. “I do too.”

Brenda opened the vault and waited for both of them to step inside. “If you’ll use your key.” She inserted her master key into the box’s slot, Paris did the same with her key and they twisted. The lock opened and Paris pulled out the metal container. She had to admit she was curious. Her father had been so cryptic about the contents of the box in his last few days of his life. Just insistent that they unlock the contents and discover his secret. A secret he seemed saddened to be a part of. It was enough to make her crawl out of her skin with the desire to open it.

“Follow me and I’ll get you set up in a private room.” Brenda exited the vault and they followed. The private room she led them to was no bigger than a tiny utility closet. They entered and placed the box on the table. Brenda smiled, “just press this button when you’re ready to leave.” She pointed to a red button on the wall and left, locking them inside.

“Ready?” Paris asked as her fingers itched to get a glance at the contents.

London nodded and used a Kleenex to dab the corner of her eyes, “go ahead.”

Paris opened the box and the top paper had the word Adoption in bold. Paris’ breath caught in her throat and her fingers started shaking as she picked up the sheet that changed her life in an instant. “We were adopted.” She whispered.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Par, this is no time for jokes.”

“I’m not, Lonnie.” Paris handed her sister the proof.

London read the words in silence. Paris’ photographic memory had them infused into her mind. She didn’t need to see the paperwork again. She knew the truth. It made a strange kind of sense. After all, their father was human. They were dragon shifters. He explained it away by telling them their mother was a shifter and she died shortly after they were born. They never asked any questions because it was a wound no one wanted to open. They blindly accepted his lies.

She pulled out two envelopes, each one addressed to them individually. She handed London hers and opened her own. She read the words to herself, fearful of what other secrets she was going to learn.

Dear Paris, I know this news may come as a shock to you, but unfortunately, I’m not done surprising you. I think you’ll handle this news better than London, you may need to be there for her when she discovers the truth about her origins. Deep down, I wonder if a part of you has known all along. You chose to work covert operations for the government. You chose to be part of their elite military force. London chose to use her skills to save people, while you chose to protect people. Somewhere inside you, I believe you know you were born and bred to be a soldier.

You both were part of an experiment. One, I’m afraid to admit I was a part of. I have no excuse except to say we were young and inexperienced. It is true, your mother, my wife died shortly after your birth, but not in the way I told you. She was killed in a fire in the lab and she was completely human. One of your siblings was responsible. It was then we all decided that the children born of our genetic experiments would be raised in normal families. Your DNA was too volatile to be contained in a laboratory. You all needed to be raised in loving, supportive environments. I took you and London. Some of my colleagues took a child or two, and the rest were adopted to unsuspecting families. As an additional failsafe, the psychic half of your genes were locked away in your mind. Saying the code phrase out loud at the end of this letter will unlock them. Only do so when you’re ready.

I have gathered as much of the information as possible and stored it in this safety deposit box. It is up to you if you want to find out more about your origins and siblings. Please understand, we truly believed we were on the cutting edge of creating advanced, more evolved humans. We had no ill intent when we started the experiments. I’ve loved you every day of your life. Even though my genetic makeup had very little to do in creating you, I consider you, and will always consider you, one hundred percent my daughter. ~ Dad

 

Paris’ hands went into the box and started pulling out all the papers, pictures and flash drives. She began to organize them on the table in front of them.

“Baltic Ocean, baseball, Bear, Bravo, Braided, Brand.” London spoke a jumbled mess of words out loud.

Paris looked at her, “what did you just do?”

London looked at her and collapsed on the ground. Paris picked up the paper and realized instantly what she did. She unlocked her psychic powers. Paris ran to her sister and checked her pulse. She was still alive. She did a quick inspection of her twin’s body and finally let out a breath when she came to the conclusion she’d be okay. Paris took off her top and placed it under her sister’s head, then went back to the table and its contents. She needed to know more to make sure London didn’t do anything insane when she spoke those words out loud.

 

 

Chapter Three

 

 

“It looks like everything is in order, Carter. If you’ll follow me to the vault we’ll get you situated.” Brenda told him as she grabbed her keys and headed toward the back of the bank. Carter obeyed her request after picking up his duffel bag.

They wound through the back offices, her heels clicking on the tiled floor. She shimmied down the hall, sashaying her hips, but he was distracted. He wanted to see the spunky auburn headed woman. A part of him hoped he’d run into her again, maybe get a chance to talk to her. Ask her out for a drink. Brenda went to open a door to a side room, but stopped when a persistent doorbell drew her attention.

She entered a code to an opposite door and it slid open. Carter’s mouth dropped when he saw the sexy, sassy woman he met earlier topless, only a thin lacy black bra covering her. “Please, you have to get help. My sister collapsed.” Her voice sounded frantic.              

Carter dropped his duffel bag and rushed past her. He picked up the woman’s sister and carried her out of the room.

The shirtless woman followed behind him as he brought the unconscious sister out to the front of the bank. “Has someone called 911?”

“Already done.” Brenda responded. “Lie her over here on the sofa.”

The conscious sister dropped both duffel bags beside the couch and slipped her shirt over her shoulders and pulled it down past her bra. She didn’t care that her abs were still exposed. She grabbed her sister’s hand, “thank you,” she whispered.

The woman smelled like red hots, spicy, just like her personality. “What happened?” he asked as they started to draw a crowd.

She shook her auburn waves, “long story.”

Mysterious. He was beginning to like her more and more. “Does this kind of thing happen often?”

“No, Never.”

“I’m Carter. Just in case you needed a name to put on the thank you card.”

She frowned and turned an angry glare in his direction. It wavered when she saw his smile. “Paris and this is my sister, London. But don’t expect a thank you card anytime soon. All you did was to carry her out here.”

“True.” She was going to be a tough nut to crack. He liked the challenge.

“Carter?” a man’s gruff voice caught their attention. They both turned to look at him. Carter instantly recognized him as Bart, a Knights and Kings enforcer. “I think you have something of ours.” He moved his jean jacket just enough to reveal the gun hidden in a side holster.

She turned a raised red eyebrow his direction, “does this kind of thing happen often to you?” she glanced at the man’s gun making her message clear.

Carter shrugged, “sometimes.” He left Paris and London’s side and took a few steps toward Bart so he could whisper, “anyone ever tell you it isn’t a smart idea to walk into a bank with a gun?”

“Shut the fuck up and give me the duffel bag.” Bart snarled.

“Is your sister going to be okay?” an older woman with a bob haircut the color of fresh snow walked up to them.

“I’m sure she’ll be okay.” Paris’ eyes bounced between the woman and the altercation on the verge of happening between the Carter and Bart. He could see the worry and concern in Paris’ green eyes.

“We’ll be fine.” Carter followed suit, hoping the woman would leave.

“I said, give me the fucking bag.” Bart snapped as he grabbed the older lady’s arm and pulled her against him. “We wouldn’t want anything to get out of control here, would we?”

“Okay.” Carter held up his hands in mock surrender. He grabbed the duffel bag beside them and handed it over to Bart.

“Wait, that’s…” Paris tried to interrupt the exchange.

“I’m handling this, sweetheart.” Carter spoke over her hushed words.

 

 

~~~~~

 

 

Paris wasn’t sure what grated her teeth more, Carter calling her sweetheart, the stranger holding the innocent woman hostage, or the fact that Carter was handing the long haired, bearded man in a jean jacket her duffel bag with her family secrets.

“Par, what happened?” London grabbed her head and tried to sit up.

“It’s okay, sis. Stay down.” Paris pressed London back onto the couch and in the same instant she kicked Carter’s feet out from underneath him. He fell backward. She jumped over the couch and pulled the older lady away from the man. Sirens rang in the distance as the bearded man pulled out his gun and fired a shot in Paris’ direction. It grazed her arm. She felt the sting of the bullet as it cut through her skin, but there wasn’t time to allow the pain to seep into her mind. Things were turning upside down very quickly.

Carter jumped over the sofa and tackled the man to the ground. She heard the gun go off a second time. Chaos erupted around them. Multiple people in the bank screamed and panic took over the environment. 

Paris grabbed the older woman and pulled her to safety behind the couch. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, thank you.”

Paris needed to get Carter away from Bart. She needed to make sure he wasn’t the one that took the gun shot. Or if he was, she needed to make sure he was going to be okay. She peeked around the sofa, neither one of them were moving. Her heart sank to her toes. She started toward the two men, but hands gripped her arm and pulled her back.

“You can’t go out there.” The white-haired lady held her with a grip stronger than Paris imagined.

 

~~~~~

 

 

The pain from the bullet radiated from his gut and spread out through his torso. His phoenix screamed against the cage in his mind, begging to escape and take control of his body. He fought the wailing in his head and remained in control. The last thing he needed to do was shift into his other identity.

Instead, he pushed down the pain as he fought for his life. Bart slammed the gun against Carter’s head. He felt the hurt for a moment, heard the crack against his skull, before white took over his vision. If he wasn’t careful, he’d be knocked out cold in a moment.

Bart roared, “damnit Carter! All I wanted was the money!” he looked around the lobby at the chaos, “just remember this is on you.” He pointed the barrel at Carter.

Carter looked out the window and saw a cop car pull up next to an ambulance that was already parked outside. “You might want to rethink that move.” Carter’s eyes flitted toward the window just as the cops hopped out and one of them got on the loud speaker.

“This is the police. You’re surrounded.”

“Fuck! Fuck!” Bart looked around at the panicked faces. He waved his gun and people cringed and ducked from the weapon. “I didn’t plan on robbing a bank today.” Someone screamed. “Shut up, I need to think.” A few others whimpered and moved toward each other in fear. “Settle down or there will be more bullets flying.” He warned.

Everyone froze.

“I’m an EMT, let me look at the wounded, please.” London offered, her voice echoed through the silence.

Bart gave her a grateful look, “please.”

Carter pulled himself against the back of the sofa just as London reached him, “I’m fine. Look at the others first.” He told her. He wasn’t fine. It was a bad wound, but he was a phoenix and would be reborn if he died. They were a rare breed, so it was unlikely there were others with the same supernatural powers. He could wait. He pressed his hand against the wound in his side to stave off some of the bleeding. He didn’t have a death wish, he only had a few rebirths, but a few were better than none.

 

~~~~~

 

 

London nodded and ran up to Paris and the older woman.

“I’m fine, but your sister was hit.” The platinum blonde told London.

Paris shook her head, “it was just a flesh wound.” She’d seen far worse in her line of work. She flexed her shoulder to make sure she could still use her arm.

London looked at her shoulder. “It went straight through and didn’t hit any major arteries or organs. That is good. Now I just need to worry about infection.” London glanced at the hostages. “Where is your first aid kit?”

“Back here,” Brenda spoke up and pointed toward the side hall they had entered last night.

London followed her to get supplies.

“Everything was under control, Paris. Why did you interfere?” Carter asked with a shaky breath.

She didn’t know why. Something inside her needed to protect her family secret. “It’s done now. No sense rehashing it.” She looked at the lady she saved. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine, sweetie, but your boyfriend isn’t looking so hot.” She patted Paris’ hand.

“He’s not my boyfriend.” Paris grimaced at the pain she was beginning to feel, a sure sign the shock was wearing off.

“I have a feeling he will be soon.” She smiled and winked, handing her a card that read Gerri Wilder, Paranormal Dating Agency.

London came out of the back with a first aid kit. “No, help him first.” Gerri was right, he didn’t look well.

London nodded and went to Carter while Gerri helped Paris to the couch. “I want to thank you for your help.”

“No need to thank me. I’m just glad you didn’t get hurt.”

“Regardless, if you ever need any…”

“I don’t need a mate.” Paris jumped in and stopped Gerri from offering. She’d heard about the Paranormal Dating Agency. Gerri was known for pairing up people with their perfect mate. With her life in shambles, not to mention her top secret job, she didn’t have time for a man.

“No, you don’t, because you already found him.” Gerri looked over at Carter. “That is if he lives through this mess.” She patted Paris’ hand gently, “but I want you to know, I owe you. Anytime you need anything call me, you’ll find I’m pretty resourceful.”

She was persistent, Paris would give her that much, but it was rare that she needed outside help. She was trained to overcome most situations. “Thank you.”

She turned her attention to Carter and London. “Do you think he’ll be okay?”

“I hope so, for your sake.”

Paris needed to get her mind off the idea Gerri planted in her head about Carter. He was extremely handsome and she found him irresistible when she first heard his voice. The man had potential. But that potential wouldn’t mean much if they didn’t get out of this dangerous situation first. She pulled her eyes away from the now shirtless Carter, Gods the man had a washboard stomach that any man would be jealous of. She needed to get her mind off the idea of running her fingers over his ripped abs. She turned her focus to the man holding them hostage.

Bart had grabbed the right duffel bag and turned his attention to Brenda. “Empty out the tills and collect the patron’s valuables. If I’m going down for robbing the joint I might as well give it my best shot.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Four

 

 

“That bullet is really in there.” London mumbled as she examined Carter’s wound.

Carter groaned in pain as she messed with the injury. “Yeah, he got a little up close and personal with the shot.”

“You know it needs to come out.” She eyed him closely. “I don’t have much by way of surgical equipment.”

Carter laughed, “you mean you don’t have anything.”

“Yeah, pretty much. I can try to convince him to let you go.” She glanced over at Bart, who was filling the duffel bags full of cash from the tills.

“I was his target, he isn’t letting me go.” Carter grimaced as he resettled himself against the sofa.

She sighed, “let me see what I can do.” She placed her hand over the wound and he felt power surge through her. “What the hell?” she pulled back her hand and the bullet had moved forward in the wound. “I don’t know who is looking out for you up there, but your movement somehow dislodged the bullet and put it within my reach. I just need to disinfect some tweezers and I should be able to pull it out.”

It was someone above or his supernatural animal half healing his wound. Either one, he appreciated the assistance.

“Don’t move.” She ordered, her tone firm.

The platinum blonde woman they saved earlier made her way over to his side and knelt beside him. “I’m Gerri,” she took his hand, giving him a little comfort. “Thank you for the save back there.”

“Don’t mention it.” He grimaced as the hot steel singed his skin telling him London had heated the tool. The smell of alcohol in the air told him she had done her best to disinfect the metal before plunging it into his body. His heightened immune system would undoubtedly protect him from anything else.

“Don’t move.” London commanded again.

Carter held his tongue, they weren’t in ideal situations. Hopefully it would be over soon.

“What the hell? It’s like your wound is healing faster than normal.”

Carter gave her a crazy look, she was a shifter, surely, she could smell he was one too. “I’m a shifter.” He pointed out.

“Healing faster than a shifter should.” She rolled her eyes at him.

“Maybe it’s your gentle hand and kind bedside manner.” He grumbled with a hint of sarcasm.

Gerri chuckled and patted his hand, “you really shouldn’t be so nasty to your future sister-in-law.”

“What?” London looked at Paris who shrugged her shoulders.

“Anyway, if your healing doesn’t slow down I won’t be able to get the bullet out.”

“What do you mean, sister-in-law?” Carter looked at the older woman with careful examination.

“I’m sure your animal senses the connection to Paris.”

“At the moment, the only thing my animal wants to sense is survival.”

“You’ll survive without using one of your lives. I can sense she is more than a shifter.” Gerri whispered as she held his hand. Her eyes held a secure sense of knowing in them.

Carter eyed Paris from the corner of his vision. She was a sight to behold and there was an instant attraction to her. He couldn’t deny he’d been waiting for a chance to interact with her again.  Gerri must’ve seen them together and thought they were a couple, especially after jumping into action. He would give anything to find a woman like that as a mate, but these weren’t the right circumstances to fall in love. Let alone ask a girl out.

“Will he live?” Bart asked, brandishing the gun in their direction.

“Yes, most likely.” She pulled out the bullet as his skin continued to heal at an accelerated rate.

“Good, my orders weren’t to kill you, they were to bring you in alive.” He waved the gun in a come here motion. “Get up, you’re going to be my human shield.”

 

~~~~~

 

Paris watched as Carter limped toward the door. If she was smart she’d let them leave, she had enough problems to sort out. She wasn’t smart, not in this instance, the beast that shared her soul had lit a candle for Carter and her military training was screaming at the human to intervene. Not to mention, the duffel bag with her family secrets was in the robber’s hand. She had no choice but to jump in. With an unholy wail she charged after the biker and jumped on his back. Carter, as if sensing her plan, quickly disarmed the man just as Paris knocked him out with her sleeping dragon hold. The others in the bank cheered as the large man collapsed to the tile floor.

She picked up her duffel bag, emptied everything but her items from it on the floor as London and Gerri ran out to get the cops for the arrest.

“Impressive.” Carter told her, leaning back on the door jamb closest to the exit.

“I did what anyone else would do with my training.” She handed him his own duffel bag. “Thank you for the help.”

He shrugged, “I did what anyone else would do with my training.”

“Oh, where did you train?” curiosity pulled her in. He looked like he could be ex-military, but his shaggy hair told her he hadn’t been in service recently.

He gave her a panty-wetting, toe-curling, devilish grin. “School of hard knocks, you?”

She looked up and blew auburn hair out of her eyes, “military.”

He lent his hand to help her up, “like I said, impressive.”

She took his hand, it was the first time they had touched. The air sizzled around them. Her skin lit on fire. The touch took her breath away. He pulled her up and her lips fell inches from his. Her mind wondered how good he’d taste. She smelled spice, cinnamon and cloves. It would be so easy to lean in and take a taste. So easy, just bad timing.  

“So what do you think?”

She couldn’t peel her eyes from his stormy gray ones. They were the color of storm clouds and pulled her in every time she got caught in their intense stare. “About what?”

“Our new friend Gerri seems to think we’re mates.”

“She’s probably right.” Paris pulled away from him.

He gave her a curious examination. “Why do you say that?”

“Because, she’s Gerri Wilder from the Paranormal Dating Agency. She’s always right about these things.” Paris slung the duffel bag over her uninjured shoulder.

He whistled low and ran his hand over his scruffy chin. “Maybe we should come to that conclusion on our own.”

“What do you mean?” she stepped out of the way of the police that came in to arrest the biker. Once they were in, the other patrons of the bank rushed out. It was like they were on opposite sides of a river bank. So close and yet so far away. 

“How about we get some lunch?”

She shook her head. “No.” Again, they were waiting as the police carried the unconscious biker outside.

He looked surprised. “No?”

She frowned, “I’m sorry, I’m just not available to date right now. I have family issues I need to work through.” Everyone was out of the bank, they were the only two left. She made a move toward the door.

He grabbed her arm and spun her back around, “do you have time to eat?”

“Sure, but…”

“Grab a bite to eat with me and tell me about your family issues. I’ve been told I’m a good listener.”

 

 

~~~~~

 

 

Paris had no idea why she finally said yes to lunch, but as she sat at the table, starring at the man that made her dragon sit up and take notice, she wondered if agreeing to lunch was a mistake. He was far more delectable of a morsel than anything she saw on the menu. Now that the danger had passed, she had time to really pay attention to the man that was supposed to be her mate. He was tall, built solid all over, and dark. Tan skin, dark hair, intense gray eyes that seemed to burrow past her resistance and touch something deep in her soul.

The man was as delicious as eating an ice cream on a hot day. She had a feeling if she spent too much time with him, he’d win over her dragon half. Her human half might be a little harder to claim, but that was only because she was still in shock at the news. She and London were not their father’s daughter, they were a biological experiment. Created in a lab. A mix of DNA meant to create powerful warriors, or in London’s case, incredible doctors. How she got the physical gene and London got the intelligent gene she didn’t know. Were their parents like either of them? There were so many questions she had.

“Are you okay?” Carter asked, putting down his menu.

“Yes, sorry. I’ll have a cheeseburger.”

“Always a safe choice.” He grinned, “but I was asking you what brought you here?”

“Oh, our father died.” The man that raised us died, she reminded herself silently.

“I’m so sorry.” He reached a hand across the table and covered hers with his. The touch excited her and the beast that shared her body. It was a sure sign they were mates. She’d dated men before. None of them reached both halves of her quite like Carter did.

She pulled her hand away, “thank you. We were collecting secrets he hid from us in a safety deposit box when all this,” she waved her hand in the air, “stuff happened. It was the reason why I interfered with your exchange. You were going to give Bart my duffel bag full of personal information. I couldn’t let that happen.”

“I’m sorry about that.”

She shrugged, “it all worked out.”

 

~~~~~

 

Carter watched the stunning woman that was supposed to be his mate carefully. She was nervous and side stepping his questions. Giving vague responses. There was definitely more to her story than she was letting on. He needed to quiet his phoenix long enough to learn more about the scintillating woman sitting across from him. He’d never needed help finding a woman before, but she was different, his animal spirit was interested. He wasn’t sure if that was because Gerri Wilder, famed matchmaker for paranormal told them they were mates or if the connection was real. He knew one thing for sure. If he could claim a woman like this as his mate, the gods were definitely on his side.

“Are you ready to share those secrets?”

“No.” She said abruptly, but then her face softened and she added, “tell me more about you.”

His eyes couldn’t stop staring at her lips as she chewed on her silver manicured fingernails. A part of him couldn’t keep his mind from imagining what it would feel like to have his lips take the place of those fingernails. “I figure you guessed I’m a biker.” He answered her, trying to distract his mind from what else he’d like those lips to touch on his body. He shifted in his seat as his body grew hard for her. “A member of the Shift N Ride Club. I was here on business, depositing some… acquisitions for my club.”

“Bart wasn’t a member of the same club.” She frowned.

The woman was observant. Another impressive trait. “No, he’s with the Knights and Kings MC. We have a bit of a rivalry going.”

“Rivalry?” she asked, blowing her auburn bangs from her green eyes. Gods be damned, she was gorgeous.

“Yep, something to do with our president and theirs, but that is their story to tell.” Carter leaned forward. “I’m more interested in getting to know you. You’re a little mysterious. How did you learn to fight like that?”

“My military training.” She shrugged and said simply as she wrapped those pouty lips around her straw and took a sip.

Was she purposely trying to leave me rock hard or was she obvious to the effect she had on me? “And to tell me more you’d have to kill me?” he raised a teasing eyebrow.

“Yes.” She wasn’t teasing back.

He leaned back and nodded his head in understanding, “an agent for the government.”

“Maybe.”

“Wait until my brothers hear this one. My potential mate is a spy.” He whispered.

“I wouldn’t go around sharing that information.” She took another drink of her water and they both ordered lunch. “You have brothers?”

“I sure do. Lincoln is a cop, a damn good one and Jackson is a chef and restaurant owner in Blue Creek. He just met his mate a few months ago, Tessa and they’re planning to get hitched. She’s human with a little psychic mixed into her DNA.”

Paris frowned. He didn’t like seeing her distressed, he wanted to help her, but she needed to let him in. When she bit her plump lower lip, his animal half went crazy. He adjusted in his seat and covered the sexual tension with an easy-going smile, “do you have more siblings than London?”

“Yes. I suppose I do.” She didn’t elaborate.

“Care to share?” again, she was super stingy with details.

“No.” Her eyes looked past his shoulder. Concern marring her brow. “Did you say you were in a rivalry with the Knights and Kings?”

“My club is, yes.”

“So, it might not be a good thing that there are two of them sitting over there in that booth.”

Carter turned his attention to the booth, “no, it’s not.” He pulled out his phone and hit speed dial. “Dice, I may need some back up in Mission Bay.”

“What’s happening?”

“Bart tried to acquire the package from me at the bank, which led to a standoff. He’s been arrested, but now there are two others here, it looks like Monkey and Bruce.”

“Mac and I will be there in a few hours.” Dice hung up the phone.

Carter set his phone down just as the waitress brought them their food. “Thanks, sweetheart.” He gave her a brilliant smile.

She giggled. “Anything else?”

They both shook their heads.

 

~~~~~

 

Paris could feel jealously rear its ugly, green head as she watched Carter flirt with the waitress. She bit her tongue and fisted her hands to keep the claws… talons from showing. She’d never had this kind of reaction to a man before and she didn’t like it. Now it looked like he was in trouble and her desire to help him was overwhelming. None of this sat well with her. She had better things to do than worrying about whether or not this man was going to see another sunrise.

But that line of logic wasn’t going to work. She was going to stick around and help him. Something in her told her she had no choice. “Okay, what are we doing after this?”

He nearly choked on the bite of food he’d just taken and had to drink some beer before he spoke, “what do you mean?”

She shrugged, “I mean, what would you like to do after lunch?”

The heated gaze he gave her made her blush. She knew what he was thinking. Hell, she was thinking it too. An afternoon in bed with this sex-on-a-stick was just what the doctor ordered. Maybe jumping his bones would get him out of her mind and let her move on from this whole messy situation. It was worth a shot. 

“I know what I’d like to be doing with you right now, but I’m guessing you’d think that was moving too fast.” Carter used those smoldering eyes, effectively raising her body temperature. He made her hot. He made her want to take him and make him hers. It was dangerous.

She bit her lower lip, it was a tick she did whenever she was nervous. “You’re pretty honest, aren’t you?” she kind of liked it. Most men hid their thoughts or emotions from her, but he was straightforward. He liked what he saw and he wanted her. She liked him too and if she was being truthful with herself, she wanted him to. Those heated glances and electric touches would diminish if they just jumped in the sack and got it over with.

“If I’m pegging you correctly, I think you appreciate the honesty.” He grinned as he read her mind, flashing gorgeous teeth and a dimple in his cheek she hadn’t noticed thanks to the days’ worth of growth on his face.

“Yes.” She took another bite and decided to call him on his offer, bluff or not, she was going to see where it would lead. It was out of character for her, but she was just held at gunpoint and found out everything she’d believed in her life was false. She needed a release and this man was just the one to provide her that. “Do you have a hotel?”

 

~~~~~

 

His seductive minx made him choke for the second time in a matter of minutes. Her frankness was refreshing, her mystery intriguing. So far Paris was everything he’d ever wanted in a mate. “Are you offering to…”

“Check your wound? Yes.”

A laugh burst from his lips. Wow, she was unique. “Okay, I’d appreciate that.” He wasn’t going to argue the better candidate to look at his gunshot wound was London, she was the one that pulled the bullet out of him. None of that mattered. He wanted to be alone with Paris. Besides, from the feel of it, his wound was pretty much healed. “And you’d like to go back to my hotel room?”

“Would you rather we did it in the bathroom?”

Gods, she was bold. “Damn woman! I may be healed from the wound, but if you continue to be so forward, I may choke to death.” His entire body was on fire for her. He’d take her in the bathroom. Hell, he’d bend her over this table and fuck her right here, right now if it meant he could claim her, but he needed to control his desire for her. He wanted more than just a one-night stand with his mate. He wanted so much more.

She walked her fingers across the table and placed them on his hand. It was amazing how tiny her hand was against his. It brought out a protective side in him he never knew existed.

“I am inviting you into my bed. You aren’t going to make me beg, are you?” she lowered her eyes so her auburn lashes veiled them, concealing her emotions from him.

“No need to beg. I’m going to take you up on your offer. I’m going to fuck you so hard you’ll scream my name.” He leaned forward and lowered his voice. “I’m going to make you come all over my cock, which is very hard right now.” If she was going to be brazen, he’d match her thrust for thrust. “I’m going to take you to my bed and make love to you all night long. The bathroom isn’t enough for me. I want more.”

She sucked in a breath, most likely, shocked by his frank words. He leaned forward and claimed her lower lip with his teeth before he took her mouth with his and kissed her. “Fuck, I want this. I wish I could show you how much.” He moved his chair next to hers and placed her hand on his hard cock. “I’m going to bury myself into you for hours, but I’m going to treat you like the lady you are. We’re going to finish our lunch first.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Five

 

Paris could barely eat her meal. She was so hot and bothered for Carter she could barely formulate a thought. He didn’t move his chair from her side, instead he took advantage of their close proximity to touch her and ignite the fire he sparked with his words. It was exquisite torture as he massaged and titillated every nerve ending in her body. 

She snuggled closer to him on the back of his Harley as he drove them to his hotel room in silence, she couldn’t get her mind off how stealthily his fingers moved from her thigh to her core, rubbing her intimately beneath the table, bringing her seconds from coming. He kept her on the brink of tumbling over the edge the entire hour and a half they ate.

She wanted to wipe the macho smirk off his face time and time again, and then he’d touch her again and all was forgiven. Now they were riding to his room to finish what they both started.

When he parked the bike and dropped the kickstand both of them were primed and ready. He laced his fingers with hers and pulled her to his room. They stopped under the stairs.

“I want you now.” He told her as he pressed her against the wall papered wall and scraped his teeth against her neck. His hand wrapped around her waist and held her up as her knees went weak.

“Here?” she looked around nervously.

“Just a taste.” He pulled her shirt up and pulled down her bra exposing her breasts. The idea that someone could walk up on them while he wrapped his tongue around her nipple only intensified the desire his mouth was producing in her body.

“Carter, we should…”

He dropped to his knees and unbuttoned her pants. “You smell so good.” He sniffed her underwear as he pushed it aside to expose her curly mound.

She fisted her hand in his hair, “not here.” She whispered, but there was no conviction in her voice.

His tongue shot out and licked her, she exploded in his mouth. “Tell me to stop.”

“Oh. My. God. Don’t stop, please.” She begged.

His finger entered her, intensifying her desire. Then another, and another. When she was stretched his tongue took her clit in his mouth again. It only took a moment to send her over the edge once more.

He buttoned her pants and pulled her shirt down. “You taste amazing.” He brought his fingers to his lips and licked. Paris watched him as she tried to steady herself. She’d never had two orgasms come on so fast as she did in that moment. Her hand went to the large bulge in his pants.

“I bet you taste just as good.” She rubbed his erection and revealed in the way he was bursting out of the top of his jeans. She leaned down and licked the tip of his cock.

“Fuck!” He growled and threw her over his shoulder. One minute they were in the shadows of the stairwell, and the next they were in his room. “I’m sorry for this, Paris, but I need to be inside you, now.” He pulled off her shirt and bra in one fluid motion.

His lips and teeth, licking and nipping her neck, her breasts, while his hands pulled her jeans from her body. She stood before him, completely naked. She should have felt self-conscious, but instead she felt sexy. Proud. She stood before him as his eyes roamed over her body. 

“You’re fucking gorgeous.” He said as he pulled off his jeans. His cock stood ready to penetrate. It was the last thought she had before he plowed inside her, stretching her to the point she thought she would break. Her back hit the wall as he pulled her legs around his waist to allow him to go deeper. She met him thrust for thrust. When he was moments before his own release, his fingers reached down and massaged her clit. The act sent them both over the edge together. This time, in the privacy of his room she screamed his name.

They both slid to the floor, spent and completely satisfied.

“Wow, okay, so that happened.” Paris rolled over and took a much-needed breath. Sex with Carter was exhilarating. The man literally took her breath away.

“Yes, and it was fun.” He leaned over and kissed her. “Ready for round two?”

She dropped her head against his granite chest. She could feel him getting hard inside her. She had a hard time believing the man could recover that quickly. “Are you?”

“For you, babe, I believe so.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

She couldn’t stop the giggle that escaped her lips. “Okay.”

He picked her up and took her to the bed. She liked the way he took charge.

He went in for another kiss just as an angry knock came at the door.

“Shit.” He got up and slipped on his ripped and worn jeans. Shirtless, shoeless, he walked to the door to answer it.

Paris watched as his muscular hot bod made the trek from their warm bed to the doorway to the world outside their love nest. It was ending too soon. When he disappeared around the corner, she got out of bed and slipped on her jeans and bra. A small amount of sadness crept up her spine as she pulled her black t-shirt over her head and threaded her arms through the sleeves.

“We have guests, Paris.” Carter called from the other room.

“I’m dressed.” She responded back as she slipped on her tennis shoes and grabbed her purse. Carter came around the corner with an envelope in hand, two large bikers followed him.

“Dice, Mac, this is Paris, my mate.” He boasted proudly.

“We haven’t discussed that.” Paris smiled. “And now is obviously not a good time.” She grabbed his phone and entered her number into the device. “Perhaps we can chat about that when you have finished this business.” And I get to the bottom of what is happening with my family. She kept that thought to herself. She handed him his phone and gave him a kiss. “I hope to see you soon.”

She headed toward the door. Happy that his backup arrived. It was time to figure out what she and London could about where they came from. She’d worry about whether or not Carter was her mate when her personal life was back in order. She pulled out her phone and dialed London’s number. It went straight to voicemail so she headed to the lobby to get a second key to their room.

Before she could close the elevator, a still shirtless and shoeless Carter jumped into the car. “They have her.”

She gave him a confused look. “Who?”

“Your sister.” He spoke in between ragged breaths.

 

 

~~~~~

Carter handed Paris the letter Dice gave him when they arrived to his room.

She took it with shaky fingers. “What do you mean they have my sister? Who has her?”

He looked down at the carpeted floor of the elevator car as the doors closed and descended downward. “I’m so sorry, Paris.”

She read the note aloud, “we have your girl. Bring all the money and she’ll live to see another day.”

Carter reached for her arm. She was sure it was to comfort her, but Paris didn’t need comforting. She needed answers. She stepped out of his grasp, “who has her, Carter?”

The elevator door opened to the lobby. “The Knights and Kings MC.” Dice answered her, coming up to the elevator door followed by Mac. “We’ll get her back.” He promised.

“I don’t need your help.” She was a trained, highly effective government agent. Her first instinct was to call her team. They’d make quick work of a biker gang.

She reached for her phone.

“We got this, Paris.” Carter placed his hand over the phone to stop her from dialing.

“She’s my sister, the only family I have left.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Six

 

“According to my contact they are held up in there.” Dice pointed to an abandoned sawmill just outside of town after Carter, Mac and he killed their bikes on the side of the road.

Paris leaned back, putting room between her and Carter’s body. There was something sexy about riding on a motorcycle with a man as hot as Carter, but it didn’t feel right anymore. She had more things to worry about than her overactive libido. Her sister was in danger, thanks to her attraction to him. She needed to make quick work of this rescue mission and put some space between her and him. She surveyed the area, “decent enough hide out. They’ll see us coming a mile away, secluded, and abandoned. They did their homework.” She nodded as dread filled her. It was going to be a difficult rescue. She wished she’d called her team in for the thousandth time that day. She didn’t know how this group of men worked, she did know how her elite force worked. They all carried out their duties with precision. There was never any unknown variable when she worked with them.

“I promised we’ll get her out of there.” Carter seemed to sense her apprehension.

“Why did they take her?” she examined him closely. “No offense, Carter, but since I’ve met you my life has been in danger. First the hold up at the bank and now my sister’s kidnapping. Don’t you think I deserve to know why?”

“You don’t.” Dice chimed in.

Paris turned and examined Dice. He was obviously the alpha of the pack. Carter and Mac followed his commands without question. That meant one of two things, the male shifter intimidated them or he deserved their respect. She wasn’t sure which one of those were true of the man. Either way, she didn’t care too much for him at the moment.

“That is my sister in there.”

He shrugged, “it is part of the package if you plan to be with one of us,” Dice glanced at Carter.

 

~~~~~

 

Dice’s words made Carter wince. Was he purposely trying to chase his mate away? It was one of the first times Carter disagreed with Dice’s judgement. He was always so well put together, making split decisions that fell in line with his own thinking, but in this case, Carter truly believed Paris had a right to know why the Knights and Kings were after them, hell, Dice’s own men had a right to know why the chapter president of the Knights and Kings was hell bent on breaking down their infrastructure.

What Carter did know was that Brutus sent dealers to the high school in Blue Creek to peddle some nasty shit that put three teenagers into comas. All three were still there, in retaliation, Dice decided they would intercept the drug deal a few nights ago. They didn’t expect to confiscate so much money, they had only planned to take the drugs and dump or destroy them. Things went south, Brutus’ men were injured, the money was there. Mac decided taking it would put a damper on Brutus’ plan to acquiring more drugs. The decision was made to snatch it. The reason why Brutus decided to encroach on their territory was beyond them. Only Dice seemed to know the rest of the story and he wasn’t sharing. It had to be bad. It wasn’t like their chapter president to withhold important information like that.

“That is a little harsh, Dice.” Carter glared at his leader.

“I can handle myself, but my sister is off limits.” Paris snapped. “And acting like she is disposable is not sitting well with me.”

“I never said she was disposable. I said there are consequences being with a member of the Shift N Ride Club.” Dice rose his chin, daring her to defy him further.

“Instead of arguing, let’s put together a plan so we can rescue London.” Carter suggested.

 

Chapter Seven

 

 

Paris wasn’t one to put all her eggs in one basket. While the men were planning the rescue mission she excused herself under the guise of relieving herself and used her cell phone to call in her team. They were all on leave and at least a day out. She had them mobilize and let them know she’d call them once they completed this rescue attempt. If they could save London on their own, she’d stop the call, if they didn’t succeed they would be ready to hop a plane and be there in the morning.

It took the bikers at least an hour to devise a plan of attack. Carter was a phoenix shifter, watching him turn into a fiery bird and case out the joint was fascinating. She had wings too, but dragons were far more common than phoenixes. She made a mental note to ask him more about his origins when all this was over. Curiosity to hear his story was killing her inner dragon.

Dice morphed into his lion form and used his keen animal senses to discover how many people they were up against. Mac remained human and stayed with Paris while the other two animals cased the mill.

“So, you’re Carter’s mate.” Mac obviously wasn’t good at ice breakers if that was how he wanted to break their silence.

“That’s what we’ve been told.” She watched in awe as Carter, in bird form, landed on the roof of the building. He was magnificent.

“You two don’t seem super cozy with each other.” Mac remarked.

“We just met. The matchmaker, Gerri Wilder told us we were mates.” She turned her attention to the road. A sound caught her ears. It sounded like a bike or two.

Mac kicked dust up from the ground with his boots. “Forgive me for saying this, but the mates I’ve met usually have a hard time keeping their hands off each other. You two aren’t very affectionate.”

She kept her ear to the ground, so to speak, and turned her attention to him. “We just met during a bank robbery, had lunch and then decided to see where that would lead, then my sister was kidnapped by your enemies. It hasn’t put me in an affectionate mood.” She glared at him, daring him to push the subject further.

“Hey, I’m only looking out for my boy.” He held his hands up in mock surrender.

“I’m not out to hurt him or anyone else, unless they deserve it.” She turned back to the sound. “Are you expecting more of your friends?”

“No.”

“Hide.” She jumped down into the tree brush. He followed, picking up the same sound she heard. Thank the gods they had already concealed the bikes in the surrounding forested area. She held her breath as she watched three more bikes pass them on the road heading to the saw mill. It didn’t look good for their odds.

When she heard their plot, she was happy she decided only to mobilize and not call in her team immediately. It was like a military strategist had made the plans. If all went well she’d have sister back within the hour. The arrival of the three new bikers made her worry, but the rival gang were not shifters. From what Carter told her, they were bloods of knights and kings. Blue blood doesn’t always stack up against the paranormal.

When Dice and Carter got back and dressed they made their way over the terrain by crawling through the dirt and weeds. If they were lucky, the knights and kings didn’t have someone looking out over the horizon.

Once at the mill they used the cover of the various support buildings around the main one to make their way to a spot behind the mill with no windows. It was their best bet. Then Carter and Paris morphed into dragon and phoenix. Phoenix took Dice and Dragon took Mac to the top of the building. They figured their best entry point for surprise was the sun roof above.

Once on the roof, they transformed back into their human counterparts and got dressed. Dice used his bear claws and strength to rip the lock from the hinges and they were in. It was a short drop down to the steps which spiraled down to the main floor. According to Dice, London was in a cage in the center of the building.

“Did you really think we’d leave any entry point unguarded?” a man’s voice came from the shadows behind them.

No good opponent would. She knew that. She turned, so did the men she was with. A large man stepped out of the shadows wielding a menacing sword, ready for battle. They were taking the whole knight thing a little too far if you asked her.

“Brutis, should we be honored you are here to do your own dirty work?” Dice asked as he stepped forward, readying for battle too.

“This rivalry is personal. I wouldn’t let anyone, but me, be the one to take your head from your shoulders.”

“This shit needs to stop. If it is personal then let her sister go.” Dice countered.

“After what you did to me? I’m going to make you watch your friends suffer before I sever your head from your shoulders.”

“Don’t be an ass. I didn’t do shit to you.” Dice’s booted foot kicked against the ground, picking up a dust cloud.

Brutis raised his sword. “You killed my son!”

“No, your son killed himself.”

“Bull shit!”

“He was selling drugs in our town. He was caught and I simply chased him off our turf. It wasn’t my fault your son can’t ride his bike for shit. I didn’t make him lose his head. He did that to himself.”

“First, I’m going to take down your friends, one by one, then I’m going to decimate your town. Then, when you’re wallowing in self-pity and depression because you won’t be able to stop me, I’m going to take your head.” Brutis snarled, spit left his lips as they curved upward in a satisfied motion. The man was ugly, inside and out.

Paris didn’t have time for the ridiculous feud between biker gangs. She decided to slip out from the conversation and find her sister. Her military training made her very successful at slithering in and out of shadows. She worked her way down the steps and managed to leave three men unconscious in her wake. Her sister was in a cage in the middle of the warehouse, it offered very little cover for her to hide in. She knew there was at least one other guy somewhere in the mill, but had no idea where. Her training told her to wait, her heart made her act impulsively. She ran across the opening and used her dragon’s claws to make quick work of the cage padlock.

“Lonnie, we need to go.”

“We can’t… not yet.” Her hand flew to the blinking metal collar around her neck.

“She’s right, you didn’t think we’d let you waltz in here and rescue her without a safety net, did you.” A male voice snickered behind them.

Paris turned and saw him jingling keys in his hand. “And you don’t realize I’m a shifter.” Paris turned and charged toward London with her claws ready to slice through the metal. London moved backward and shook her head as a single tear rolled down her cheek.

“You can’t.”

“She’s right, you can’t, not unless you want that mechanism to slice her neck from her shoulders.”

“Give me the key.” Paris didn’t turn his direction. She examined the collar. She could feel the magic radiating from him. “Can you shift?” she whispered.

“No, she can’t. If she does, the collar will relieve her of her head.”

Paris turned toward the man. “I’m going to kill you.”

“Not before I press this button which will activate the blade.” He laughed, “you see, I have you between a rock and a hard place.”

A smile spread across Paris’ face just as Carter came up behind the man and bashed him on the head, knocking him out cold.

“Sorry, dude, but I can’t have you killing my future sister-in-law.” He picked up the keys and tossed them to Paris.

“Thank you.” She slipped the key in the lock and snapped it open. Releasing her sister’s neck from the restraint.

“Bring the device, I’ll have my brother’s mate check it out.”

Paris turned to grab the collar from the floor. Just as an arrow whizzed past Carter, who yelled “look out!” Right before the projectile pierced her skin and sank into her chest.

The injury caused searing pain to flare into her torso that her knees gave out and she collapsed to the ground.

“Par! Par! Don’t close your eyes!” London rushed to her sister’s side.

 

 

~~~~~

 

 

 

Carter watched his mate crumble to the cement floor. He flipped open his cell phone and dialed 911. He wasn’t going to lose her after all this. London did her best to help her sister, but even he could smell the poison on the arrow. He gave his location and told them to hurry. Then rushed to Paris and London’s side.

“Tell me she is going to be alright.” He didn’t like the sound of desperation in his voice.

London pulled off Paris’ shirt, “I don’t know. Do you smell it?”

“Poison.” He nodded.

“Here, hold this over her wound. I want to stop the bleeding first.” London put his hand on the shirt. Her hand felt warm to the touch.

“Are you feeling okay?” it was hard to keep the concern from his voice.

“I’m fine.” She went to work pulling the arrow out of Paris.

Heat radiated off London and magic sizzled in the air. He was a phoenix. He recognized the smell, the feel of magic. Sweat spotted over London’s brows. Her breaths became shallow.

“What are you doing?”

London gave him a confused stare, “trying to save my sister.”

“The magic. Why are you using magic?”

“I’m not…” a warm red glow emanated from London’s hand. It looked like a phoenix healing power. Some of his kind possessed it. Jax was one of those lucky few so he knew it well.

“Are you part phoenix?”

She shook her head, “no, I have no idea what is happening to me.”

Carter took the shirt from Paris’ wound. Then he grabbed London’s hand and placed it over the opening on his mate’s chest. “Heal her.” He commanded.

“I don’t know how.”

The heat rose.

“Whatever you’re doing, it is working. Look, the wound is closing.”

“It’s just her…”

“No, it’s you.” He insisted and pressed her hand harder against Paris’ skin. Within a few minutes Paris opened her eyes. “You did it London, you healed her.”

“I… I don’t know how?” she pulled her hand back and stared at it like it was an alien appendage.

Carter pulled Paris into his arms. “I don’t care how you did it, London. You saved her. For that I owe you everything.”

“She’s my sister, we’d do anything for each other.”

Paris slipped her hand into London’s. “Thank you.”

The heartwarming moment was interrupted when Mac and Brutis tumbled down the stairs, Dice following behind with Brutis’ sword in hand.

Carter stood up and jumped in front of Paris and London. They were his responsibility now. He wouldn’t let anyone hurt them.

Mac punched Brutis and Dice put the sword to the Knight and King’s president’s neck. “Are you ready to die for your vengeance.”

Brutis spit in his face. “Not only did you kill my son, but now one of my men is in jail because of your men. You have shown no intention of bringing peace between us. Instead, you’ve incited even more fury.”

Mac slammed Brutis’ shoulders into the cement floor. “Your man held up a bank, how is that our fault?”

“He had no choice, thanks to Carter and his lady friend’s actions.”

“It’s true, to an extent. Bart walked into the bank with a gun, threatened me if I didn’t hand over the duffel bag, and somehow during the handoff he pulled his gun, freaking out the entire place.” Carter informed them, leaving out the tiny fact that his mate incited the incident.

“I’ll represent him.” Mac stated with finality.

“You’ll what?” Dice turned a confused look his direction.

“If what Carter is saying, it was a mistake. If Brutis wants proof that we want peace, I’ll represent Bart.” Mac repeated his proposal.

“He did make it a robbery when he thought he was cornered.” Carter made sure to add. Mac needed to know what he was getting into.

Mac shrugged, “I’ll do my best. As long as Brutis takes this as a step toward a truce between our clubs, then I’ll represent Bart for free.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Eight

 

 

Paris woke up to strange surroundings. In her career as a military agent, she’d been in this particular environment before, but today seemed different. Her senses were not on high alert. It was like she felt, mildly, comfortable. The comfort was unsettling. She glanced around the hotel room for any sign. The male jeans and familiar red t-shirt Carter had worn the during the sawmill incident told her she was probably in his hotel room. Memories of the arrow slicing through her body and London’s ability to heal her flooded back like a tidal wave crashing against the shore. She healed her. She did more than what an EMT could do, she had powers. Paris remembered the scent of the poison, she also remembered the smell and sizzle of magic. It could mean only one thing. London’s secret psychic power was healing. Magical healing. It made sense. She went into a career where she could heal others using science because she couldn’t harness her genetically enhanced psychic ability to do so. Could she have used it to heal their father? The thought made her shiver. He died of natural causes. There was no way her healing power could overcome the natural order of things. She knew her sister. London would be asking the same question. She needed to find her and reassure her there was nothing she could do to help him.

Her undeniable truth was that he knew London’s genetic gift and he didn’t harness her power to help him. She was the logical one and London was the emotional one. She wouldn’t follow the logical path to come to the same conclusion Paris had. She’d be hung up on the emotional what if?

“It looks like you rejoined the land of the living, sleepy head.” Carter’s playful teasing tone welcomed her. He came from the bathroom wearing nothing but a towel around his waist. Beads of shower water pooled on his tan skin. She bit her lip to pull her mind from thoughts of licking his chest and tasting him. She had to get her libido under control. 

“Thanks to my sister.” Paris smiled as Carter jumped on the bed and curled his massive body around hers.

“I played a pretty good nursemaid.”

She liked the feel of his strong arms around her body, she enjoyed it too much. “And you weren’t so bad in a fight either.” Paris agreed as she let herself melt into his warmth. She never thought of herself as a cuddly person, but Carter could change that. If only she’d found him after all her family drama got sorted out. She needed some time to get everything sorted out. How could she care for someone if she didn’t even know who she was?

“I was okay back up, but you, Paris are bad ass in a fight.” He nuzzled his chin into her neck.

“I’m a trained military agent, it is what I do.”

“It is super sexy. Ever since I knew about the mate concept I worried I would have a mate that was weak, one that became a liability. The idea that you could be mine is exciting. The knowledge that you can defend yourself if I’m not around makes me feel blessed.”

“We need to talk about this mate thing.” Paris needed him to understand that it was bad timing. How could she convince him she needed space to get her personal life sorted before she could make a commitment to any man?

“Let’s talk about it later. Right now, I’d like to finish what we started earlier.” His lips claimed hers, his hand slid the covers off her body and found a cozy spot on her waist as he pulled her hard against him. She could feel his need. Smell his desire on the air. Taste his passion in his kiss.

She wanted this as much as he wanted her. There was no denying it. Why deprive herself from another passionate exchange? He pulled her on top of him and entered her in one smooth, fluid motion. Her head fell backward as their bodies melded together in sweet harmony. Rocking to a rhythm only they could hear. 

He pulled off her bra, ripping the fabric. There was no saving that one was the last coherent thought she had as he threw it across the room and claimed one of her breasts with his tongue and the other with his calloused hand.

 

~~~~~

 

 

Something was wrong. She was pulling away from him. Was it because of the club drama? He wouldn’t let her run away from what they had. The idea made him quicken his thrusts. She was his. He’d never find another woman that could appease him and comfort his animal nature. She would be his.

“Gods, Paris, you’re so tight. I love the way you wrap around my cock.” He watched her face as he spoke. She blushed a little, but was obviously enjoying his words.

He smacked her ass and she let out a moan. The woman liked it a little rough. Made sense. She was a hardened dragon shifter. His hand warmed the place he just hit before he slapped her ass again. She quickened her pace.

“You like that, sweetheart?”

“Yes.” She leaned down and bit his nipple. “You like that.”

A roar grumbled in his chest. His finger found her butt hole and pressed inward. “You want me to fill you up? You like this.?”

She answered with a moan as she came on his cock. Her pussy milking him for his seed. Gods, she was so perfect. He pushed harder, deeper and joined her moments later. She collapsed against his chest. Both breathing heavy. Neither one wanting to lose the connection at their core. He pulled her close and closed his eyes. A guy could get used to this was the last thought he had as he drifted off to sleep.

 

~~~~~

 

Paris waited for Carter’s breaths to steady before she stealthily slipped out of his arms, grabbed her clothes, phone and left. She considered leaving a note, but that would be useless. She had no idea how long this investigation into her family would go and she wasn’t going to leave him hanging on a string, waiting for her, until she had it complete. If he found another mate in the meantime, she’d have to live with the consequences. How could she fall in love with a man until she knew who she was?

When she was out in the hallway, she pressed the speed dial button on her phone and called London. “Hey, I figured you’d be out of commission for a few days. That hottie boyfriend of yours is definitely into more than a few one nighters.” London said into the phone without saying hello. The nice thing about being twins, heck sisters for that matter, they didn’t need to mess with formalities, they were built in best friends. It also meant London’s filter wasn’t attached when she talked to her. She just said whatever was on her mind.

“First, he’s not my boyfriend.”

London snorted. “Someone needs to tell him that.”

“Second, I’m more concerned about getting down to the contents of the safety deposit box. Are you ready to find our real parents?”

“Dad was our real parent. I could care less about the genetic donors that left us to rot in a lab.”

Paris winced at the hurt tone in her sister’s voice. “Aren’t you remotely curious?”

“No.” The stern tone in London’s voice made it clear she wasn’t interested.

Paris sighed. There was only one way to convince her now. “I guess I’ll have to figure out this mystery on my own.”

“Don’t do that.”

“Do what?”

“You always do that.” She sounded upset.

“If you’re not going to help me, I have no choice.” Paris knew London wouldn’t let her go off on an adventure like this on her own.

“He just died.” She whispered.

“And he wanted us to do this. Think of it this way, it was his last wish.”

London sighed. Silence stretched between them so long, Paris wondered if she lost connection with her sister’s cell phone.

“Fine.” She finally relented and hung up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Nine

 

 

 

Carter kicked the stand of his motorcycle down and hopped off his bike in front of his brother’s restaurant. A day ago, he thought he’d be returning to town with his mate in tow, but after she left him high and dry without even a note explaining her absence he figured she didn’t feel the same way as he did. He wasn’t going to be one of those men that chased down his woman and made her take him as a mate. He’d seen that go bad so many ways for other shifter mates he knew. Besides, he wasn’t the kind of man to chase tail.

Not to mention, he had other things to worry about, like the collar that could lop off a person’s head with the press of a button. He decided he needed an expert in strange objects and knew exactly who to turn to.

He entered Jackson’s restaurant and looked for his pretty blonde sister-in-law. She was behind the counter and looked up when the bell jingled on the door announcing his entrance. “Carter!” she smiled and ran out from behind the bar to give him a hug. “We heard about the robbery. I’m so glad you’re okay.” Her big blue eyes showed concern. She was a kind soul and his brother Jackson was a lucky man to have won her over.

Their relationship was touch and go there for a while. Tessa has a troublesome gift, one that caused her to obsess to the point going insane when she is on the hunt for a cursed object. And she entered Jackson’s life when he was in danger from local creditors that ran their business with a mob mentality.  Somehow they found their way back to each other’s arms and the two have never been happier.

“It’s a common occurrence in my brother’s life. Its what he gets for living on the dangerous side.” Jackson smiled as he wiped down a table he was setting.

Carter purposely came an hour before they officially opened so he could spend some time with his family without interruptions, but that didn’t mean he was going to have their undivided attention. They would still be busy setting up for that night’s service.

“Hey, Tessa, can you have a look at something for me?” he asked as he pulled off his backpack.

“Sure.” She sat down and he pulled out the collar and key.

“At first I thought this was a super techie thing until I got a look at the key and the engravings. They look ancient to me. I know you do a lot with ancient cursed items and thought you might’ve seen something similar in your old life.”

“I haven’t stopped looking for cursed objects, Carter, I’ve just only taken the more pressing cases.”

“She means the ones she dreams about.” Jackson chimed in as he joined them at the table.

“I can’t help the obsession, it is a curse in itself.” She gave Jackson a dirty look.

“I know,” he held his hands up in mock surrender, “but you can’t stop a man worrying about his mate’s safety either.”

“Fair enough.” She took the collar and examined it in silence. Carter and Jackson sat opposite her and waited patiently. No one spoke. Her intense concentration on the object made Carter squirm in his seat. He knew Jackson would be pissed at him if he caused Tessa to start on one of her campaigns for cursed objects. He figured this was safe because he already possessed the item, but now he was getting worried there was more to it. He and Jackson had a tenuous relationship. Sometimes things were really good and sometimes things were strained. When it came to his brother’s mate, it became strained if she was put in danger. The last time she was on one of her hunts they were drawn into a sex trafficking ring and Tessa risked her life to acquire an object that was driving her slowly insane. Jackson was a bear the entire time she had gone undercover. Carter’s only involvement in that case was to help her make the criminal connections necessary to gain access to the other girls. He didn’t mind helping because the men running the ring were scum and needed to be taken down.

When she finally looked up, Carter let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. Now that Tessa was part of his family he didn’t want to see her put herself in danger again.

“I’ve seen markings like this before.” She pointed to the various cross formations. “It is an artifact protected by the Knights Templar.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes, over the years they’ve amassed a crazy amount of cursed objects. We’ve worked with them before. They lock them away like we do to protect innocents from being hurt by the magic. I bet they’d like to have this one back.”

“Nope. Not on your life. This little dog collar is like a magic dampener and if a shifter is wearing it and attempts to morph shape, then it slices off that person’s head.” He took the object back, “I don’t think Dice is going to want this getting out to anyone.” He shoved it back in his backpack.

Tessa shrugged. “Just keep it safe.”

“I promise. Do you have any idea why the Knights and Kings would possess this weapon?”

“Maybe they have a connection to the Templars. I highly doubt they’d be able to steal it from their vault. It is far more secure than ours.”

“Good to know, thanks, Tessa.”

“If it does what you say it does, make sure you keep it safe. There will be hunters on the lookout for it.” She stood up, kissed Jackson on the lips quickly, and headed back to her perch behind the bar.

Seeing both of them together made his heart ache for what could’ve been with Paris.

 

 

~~~~~

 

Paris read the words out loud from the letter that their father had left her. One minute she was awake and well and the next she had slumped into her seat on the airplane and passed out. When she finally came to, the plane was landing in Albuquerque, New Mexico. According to the paperwork their father had given them, the underground bunker that was the facility they were born in was located just outside of Albuquerque. It was as good a place to start as anywhere else.

As the plane taxied, Paris had to push down the apprehension she was feeling. London said she had no idea she had healing powers until it happened a couple of times. She had no warning, it just worked. Paris didn’t know what her psychic ability would be, but she was excited and nervous to find out.

There wasn’t much talking between the sisters as they made their way to the GPS coordinates in their rental SUV. London was still a extremely pissed that she was forced on this scavenger hunt. She had no intention of making this an enjoyable trip for either of them.

“Take a left at this county road post.” Paris directed as she followed the coordinates as best she could, they would be walking eventually, but she planned to get them as close to the lab as possible. London turned the car down the gravel road. “You don’t have to come into the bunker if you don’t want to.”

“I’ve come this far, haven’t I?” London snapped.

“Come on, Lonnie. Father wanted us to know the truth. He wouldn’t have left us detailed instructions if he hadn’t.”

“Perhaps.”

The strained silence stretched between them again. Paris figured this was a good time to ask her about her psychic gift. “You know your gift couldn’t help father.”

London turned moist eyes towards her sister. “You can’t know that.” Her knuckles tightened on the steering wheel, going from tan to white.

Just as she suspected, London was worried that she couldn’t help father. “Maybe you’re right. I know one thing, though,”

London tossed a hopeful glance toward Paris.

“Those wounds you healed weren’t part of the natural order of things. We all die, some earlier than others. I don’t believe death by natural causes can be cured with magic.”

“We’ll find out when I do some volunteer work at the children’s cancer center.”

“It is a good way to know for sure, but what will it change?”

“It will allow me to use this gift for good.”

“I promise, when we get all of this sorted out, I’ll volunteer with you.”

London laughed, “I highly doubt you’re going to have time with that sexy phoenix biker hot on your tail.”

Paris gave her the next direction and shook her head. “No, I’m afraid he’s going to be a pissed at me. I left him without saying goodbye.”

“No note? No, I’ll see you soon?”

It was the first time Paris realized the mistake she made. “Nothing.”

“Call him!” London urged.

“Its too late.” Paris pulled her phone out and pressed his phone number. Carter had snuck in a goofy picture of him and plastered it onto his contact page. She liked so much about him. He was commanding and funny. He was strong and able to hold his own in a fight, even step back and let her fight her own battles - and the sex. Wow was the only word she could think of when her mind rolled over those few intimate moments they shared.

“He’s your mate.”

“Maybe.”

“Come on, Par, let one of us have something good come out of all the bad we’ve faced lately.”

Paris’ finger hovered over the call button on her phone. What would she say? Sorry for walking out on you. I had things I needed to deal with, things you’re not a part of. Then when he offers to help, because she knew he would, she’d have to tell him no. This was hers and London’s fight. She clicked the phone off. If he was her mate, he’d forgive her when the time came.

“Park here, the bunker is over that hill, if the GPS coordinates are correct.”

It took them about thirty minutes over rocky terrain and about twenty cactus stickers plucked from their arms and legs before they reached the bunker location.

“It should be here.”

“This growth looks newer, maybe we can move it.” London started pulling on free branches to find the ground.

Paris shrugged and lent a hand. Within a few minutes they were covered in dirt, leaves and branches, but they had found the hidden entrance. Paris shivered as the creep factor hit her. They were created in this underground bunker. It was depressing.

“Look at this.” London pointed to the broken padlock.

Paris examined the lock, it looked like someone took a bolt cutter to the lock. “That doesn’t look good.” She flipped open the door. “After you, sis.”

“Sure let the weaker one go first.” She laughed nervously.

“You’re right. I should go down and make sure there isn’t any danger.”

London waved her off, “no problem I have this.” She started down the metal ladder. Paris followed close behind her. The ladder and facility was dusty. London sneezed. Paris felt a tickle in her nose from the layers of settled dirt. It had been a long time since someone had been down in the bunker. That gave Paris some hope that they might find something useful.

Paris took the lead, her gun drawn and ready as they crept down the corridor. It took a few minutes before they came to a large atrium. Labs open to their view by wall to ceiling window were on all four sides of the atrium. Paris looked down and saw it was at least two stories underground. It took a lot of funding to make this place happen.

They walked around the grated metal catwalk that gave them access to eight open viewing laboratories. Each lab had differing equipment. They stopped and looked into one room that looked a lot like a nursery in a hospital. Neither one of them spoke. Paris was too busy processing what it must have been like for her and London here when they were babies. Another room that caught their attention looked like a playroom. There were still toys strewn across the carpeted floor waiting for a group of kids to come in and play. Three other rooms on the top floor were actual labs.

“Do you think this is where we were made?” Paris asked.

London frowned, “this was probably for testing and immunizations.” She pointed to one room. “From the looks of it, this room housed a pharmacy. And this one could be an examination room.” London was the first to walk down the steps to the first floor. Paris followed, her brain trying to process everything. She’d seen places like this before, but to know she was born and raised her for a time was too close to home.

“This is the room we were first created in.” London entered a lab with refrigeration units, hundreds of test tubes, and other equipment. She ran her finger over the labeling on the refrigeration units. Male specimen. She opened and found tubes full of gooey material. The refrigeration was off, there was no power to the facility except some low lighting. That paired with their flashlights and animal enhanced vision made it easy to see what they were looking at.

“Female specimen.” Paris read out loud. She opened the refrigeration unit and saw hundreds of tubes. “We’ll never find our real parents in this mess.”

“We need to find the records room.”

“There had to be hundreds of babies born in this place.” Paris didn’t mean to say those words out loud, it was a scary thought. One that would-be part of her nightmares for a long time. Did they all look like them or were they different? Would they have some kind of identifier? She came to this place for some answers and all she had was more questions.

“Probably.” London agreed. “They were born from multiple DNA samples so there really is no way to tell who is one and who isn’t one.” London headed out the door and went to the only room that didn’t have an open window revealing everything inside. “It’s locked.”

“I’ve got it.” Paris pulled out a lock pick kit and opened the door quickly.

“That is handy.”

Paris smiled, “you know it.”

They entered the room and headed straight to the filing cabinets. “They’re all gone.” London opened each cabinet and slammed them shut. “Nothing.”

Panic seized Paris’ heart. They did all of this for nothing. Another thought occurred to her, a far more dangerous thought, who took all the files? Were they in danger because of the missing files? Shit, this didn’t look good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Ten

 

 

“Are you okay, Carter?” Tessa placed a bottle of whiskey on the table and watched as he murdered the dart board in the corner of Jackson’s restaurant.

“I’m fine.” He grumbled. He wasn’t, he missed Paris, but no one needed to know that. He couldn’t help but think about how great it would be if she was here with him right now. She’d stand there cocking a hip, drinking a beer, and teasing him about his poor dart playing skills. The idea sounded like a wonderful night. Then he’d take her home and make love to her all-night long.

“I think my brother is heart sick.” Lincoln clapped Carter on the back and then took his turn at the dart board.

Carter narrowed his eyes at his other brother. It was bad enough that Lincoln had forced him to talk about Paris, but he didn’t need to go blabbing to the world about his loss. “No need to rub salt in the wound, Link.” Carter hissed.

“Heart sick? Does that mean I may be getting a sister

-in-law soon?” Tessa’s blue eyes danced at the idea.

“Nope, she left, disappeared.” Carter swallowed a drink hard, enjoying the burn as it went from his mouth to stomach. “Even if I wanted to try and convince her to come back, I don’t even know how to find her.”

“I can help with that.” Joey, the Hatchet, one of Carter’s biker brothers jumped into the conversation. He didn’t know much about the Hatchet, other than the fact that the semi-geeky looking, skinny man was the best hacker this side of the Mississippi, and a few other details he’d shared with him over drinks.

“This is an A and B conversation, you’re a C as in see your way out.” Carter snapped. He appreciated the offer, but he wasn’t in the mood to wear his heart on his sleeve. He didn’t want to share his failure with his friends and family. He wanted to wallow in the muck by himself for a while, get a handle on how this made him feel, and then look for a solution to his hopeless situation.

“You can remain all macho and crap, but if you have her phone number I can hack it and see if I can get a location. You said you couldn’t find her, even if you wanted too.” Hatchet slid off his barstool and joined Carter, Lincoln, and Tessa. “I’m just trying to help a brother out. I’ve seen firsthand what happens when we lose our mates.”

Carter knew he was telling the truth. Hatchet watched as his father lost his mother to a serial killer. It broke his father’s heart and eventually led to his father’s death. It was one of the reasons Hatchet learned to hack. He wanted to find justice for other people and deep down, hoped he could find justice for his family someday too.

“I appreciate the offer…”

Lincoln grabbed Carter’s phone and passed it to Hatchet. “Do it.”

“Please.” Tessa added.

“She left, she was told we were mates, knows deep down we are mates, and she left without even a note. I don’t know if I want to see her again.” Carter felt his walls breaking down. That is the one thing about families. They knew how to break you down so they could help build you back up again.

“So I’ll locate her, and you can decide if you want to find her or not.” Hatchet went to work on Carter’s phone and his laptop.

 

~~~~~

 

 

Paris and London sat in the car as they examined the cabin in the middle of the nowhere, high up in the mountains. “Kind of out of the way, isn’t it?” London looked at Paris, worrying her lower lip.

“Don’t worry, sis. He’s probably a hermit.” Paris understood London’s unspoken concern. They had no idea who this man was, only that he was the head of the laboratory they were created in. The very idea made her skin crawl. To think they were genetically designed to be used for weapons was unfathomable and after visiting the lab they were housed in when they were first made, she was even more disgusted. She had so many questions. How many of them were there? Why were they created? Why were they never forced into the weapons program? What did they want to accomplish when they designed the program that created them, were just a few of the questions she had for this man named Jacob Gains.

A knock on London’s window pulled Paris out of her thoughts. Her hand instinctively went to the handgun she had loaded at her side. The man had to be in his sixties, his grey hair and leathered skin were in direct contrast to his sharp, piercing brown eyes.

He motioned for London to roll down her window. London glanced at Paris, who nodded her okay. Hand still ready to pull the gun out and protect them. London rolled down the window.

“I had a feeling when your father died, you’d be paying me a visit. He was never one for keeping secrets from you two.” He tipped the brim of his worn baseball cap their direction. “I am Jacob Gains and I suspect you two have some questions for me.” He stepped back and gave London room to get out of the car, “please come and join me inside for a cup of coffee.”

They got out of the car, Paris slipped her handgun in the back of her jeans and joined them on the other side of the car. “This is London and I am Paris.”

“I know who you are. I’ve been watching over you since you left the program. I keep an eye on all of you kids.” He headed toward the house and London and Paris followed.

It wasn’t until they were inside and he was making coffee before they started asking questions.

“Give me a moment and I’ll tell you the story of your birth. Then if you have any questions for me afterwards I’ll do my best to answer them.”

It was a few torturous minutes of silence while he finished their drinks. Paris focused on the cabin interior. He was a hunter, that was obvious by his décor. Deer, bear, and moose were just a few of the mounted heads on his wall. Her inner animal cringed. Something told her that her dragon head would be a prize for this man. He brought the drinks out to the living room on a tray and waited for them all to take a seat in front of a blazing fire before he started telling them their story.

“Please know, when I started the Omega Project, I had no idea it would lead down the path it did.” He leaned back and took a sip of his coffee. “The idea was to create a newly evolved human being, it wasn’t until the government funded our project that things got out of hand.”

“You had to know the government would try to weaponize a project like this.” Paris stated point blankly.

“They funded our program. At first, we were simply excited to be able to continue our work. It wasn’t until they got more involved with the program that we realized where it was going. By then it was too late.”

“To late?” London asked, taking a sip of her coffee.

“Yes, have you seen the bunker? It was like an underground city. We were asked to produce viable embryos from the DNA samples they gave us. We didn’t ask where the samples came from. It seemed like a simple request in comparison to what they provided us.”

“But that wasn’t all they asked for, was it?” Paris didn’t know how angry this entire situation made her until she was face to face with the man responsible for it all.

“No. We started getting suspicious when they gave us the children after they were born and a strict parenting plan to raise them. It was your father that got us all on the same page, pointing out how certain mandatory activities were made to build specific muscles.”

“You mean, activities that made me become a killer for our government?” Paris asked.

“You were pre-dispositioned to be a spy, yes. Every part of you, including your psychic ability, your chameleon like ability to blend into your surroundings. It made you a perfect candidate for their program.”

Now she knew her psychic ability. That would come in handy on certain meetings.

“What about me?”

“London, you were also perfect for their program. You are a healer. Imagine how helpful it would be to have a healer in the battle field. If you had stayed in the program, you would’ve been one of the elite team members.”

“But you got us out of the program.”

“One of your peers did. He set fire to one of the training rooms which gave us the ability to hide you and a few others.”

“How many are there?” London asked.

“My last count, there were 748 children born into the program. We were only able to hide away 22 of you. The rest went to a government base and were taken into the military’s custody. Where they are now, I don’t know.”

“And you don’t know our parents?” Paris pushed down the anger building inside her. He tried to do what was right, but knowing there were 726 others out there, forced to work for the government and 20 others hidden across the world was upsetting.

“I don’t.” He got up and pulled out a folder, his hands shaking a little as he handed her a birth certificate. “But I do know your surrogate mother.”

“Felicia Monroe.” Paris read out loud.

“And I know where she is also.” He handed London a newspaper article.

“She’s a doctor helping cancer patients.” London read out loud.

“Ironic, I know. She was a drug addict when she came to us. Part of the program required her to live in our mother housing while she carried you. She was forced to clean up before she could undergo the procedure. The government paid her $60,000 to have you and she used that to start school.”

“Did she ever ask about us?” London looked hopeful.

“She was a surrogate. You weren’t hers, you were only incubated in her womb.”

Paris scrunched her face up to hide the angry tick she was getting listening to Jacob Gains talk. He was emotionally disconnected for the entire situation. “And when the program was ended you simply retired. No idea where the other children are.”

He handed her the accordion file. “I’ve kept an eye on the 22 we were able to save. Here is their information. Most of them don’t know they were part of the program. They are living normal lives.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Eleven

 

“What are you doing?” Paris asked London as she walked into a patient’s room.

London was leaning over a twenty-three-year-old male named Greg. He was an amazingly strong soul that recently took a toll for the worse. Their surrogate mother had tried to help him, but no treatment she had tried was working.

London placed her hands over the man’s head, “I have to try.”

“London, it’s not going to work. We’ve been here two weeks and you’ve tried to heal multiple patients with no success. You wouldn’t have been able to help father.”

“I know, but Felicia is devastated over this patient. I want to help her.”

Paris grabbed London’s arm before she spent her energy trying to help him. “Every time this hurts you more than it helps them.” They had learned quickly there was a price to pay using their abilities. London got weak for days after each failed attempt. Paris had a hard time disengaging her chameleon mode, sometimes staying stuck for minutes after she tries to turn back. “I think it is time for us to leave.”

“I knew there was something special about you too.” Dr. Felicia Monroe entered the room and closed the door. “Who are you? Why do you think you can heal my patient? I’ve tried everything I can. If you have a way I haven’t thought about, maybe you should share it so we can save a life together.”

Paris’ heart sped up. They were boxed in, no way to escape, except through Felicia.

“You’re right, we are special. I don’t have special way to save him that you haven’t tried, not anyway that works.” London told her.

“Then what are you doing?”

“I’m a healer, I wanted to see if I could help ease his pain.”

“You do Reiki?” Felicia’s eyes narrowed.

“No, not Reiki. My healing power is more psychic in nature.”

“And you can’t help him?”

London shook her head. “I can help people injured, but if it is an illness that falls in line with the natural course of things, I can’t do much. Maybe alleviate some pain.”

“At a great cost to her.” Paris added.

“And you? Can you do this too?” Felicia asked carefully.

“No, I’m different.” Paris stated.

Felicia tossed her blonde braid behind her shoulder. “Why are you telling me all of this?”

“Because you are the woman that gave birth to us.”

“What?”

“You know the program you were involved in was about different children.” London went on. “I figure you knew, even back then, that you were part of something bigger than a surrogate program.”

“You’re the children from the program.” Felicia smiled softly, “you’re so beautiful. Look at you.” She approached them, arms outstretched for a hug.

Paris put her hand ups, “we’re not your biological children.”

Felicia stopped short of reaching them. “I know that, but my body nurtured you for ten months. You’re still a part of me.” She dropped her hands to her sides. “They told me you were still born.”

“Nope, very much alive.” London stepped forward and gave her a hug. “Because of you we’re alive, thank you.”

“Because of you, I’m a doctor helping people.” Felicia hugged her back, “thank you.”

Paris kept her distance. Another dead end. The woman that gave birth to them had thought they didn’t survive. She had no way to help them find out more. Just last night, London and Paris had agreed to leave the other children alone. It wasn’t worth the price of upsetting their worlds to possibly find out something about their biological parents. Their search ended here and now. There was nothing else they could do.

A part of her was sad and a part of her was okay with the results. They gave it their all to find their biological parents. To find out the secret of their birth and came up short. It didn’t matter because they sought the truth. Now they can move on with their lives. Maybe she could give Carter a call and see if he’d be interested in seeing her again. Just as the thought occurred to her, she knew it was wasted. It had been weeks since she spoke to him. She didn’t return any of his calls. She didn’t know what to tell him. She could barely explain this situation to herself, let alone a practical stranger.

“Maybe we can go and get some dinner and talk? I’d love to hear how your life turned out.” Felicia asked.

“Sure.” Paris agreed.

They headed out the door and turned left toward the cafeteria.

Paris felt eyes on her as she walked a step or two behind London and Felicia. She turned around to locate the source. There was no one there.

“Coming, Par?” London asked as she pressed the button on the elevator.

“Yes. She turned to catch up.

“Paris?”

His voice made her freeze mid step. The man she dreamt about was haunting her. She quickened her pace.

“Paris.”

This time she stopped and turned around. There he was in all his splendid glory. The man that was supposed to be her mate. “How did you find me?”

He took a step toward her, the wicked grin she loved on his face. “I have friends in low places.”

“You can’t just show up out of nowhere. Most people call first.”

“I have called, multiple times.”

“So why are you here?”

He stepped forward and snaked his arm around her waist. “You see, I had a different idea of how this scene would play out.”

He pulled her hard against him and she melted in his embrace. God, she still wanted him. “Oh, how did you expect this to work?”

His calloused finger ran down her cheek. “First, I thought you’d run into my arms and profess your love.”

She snorted. “You don’t know me at all.” She barely finished her sentence before his lips claimed hers in a toe curling kiss that turned her knees to jell-o.

“Then I figured we’d kiss and I’d throw you over my shoulder and take you somewhere somewhat private and make you scream my name.”

“Scream you name?”

“At least twenty times.” He wiggled his dark brows.

“Carter, what are you doing here?” London asked as she and Felicia approached them.

“I’m here to claim my mate. If she’ll have me.”

“Oh, how romantic.” Felicia placed a hand over her heart.

Carter looked down at Paris, “what do you think? Will you have me?”

Paris frowned. This was all wrong. And oh so right. She stood on her tip toes and bit his lower lip. “I’ll consider it.”             

 

 

 

 

Author’s note

 

Thank you for reading Phoenix Fire and Dragon’s Ire written in Milly Taiden’s kindle world Paranormal Dating Agency. This book is also part of Jami Brumfield’s series The Shift N Ride Motorcycle Club. Carter and his family were first introduced in by Jami Brumfield written in Milly Taiden’s kindle world, Sassy Ever After. This book also showcases the rivalry between the Shift N Ride Motorcycle Club and the Knights and Kings Motorcycle Club.

 

This feud continues on in Jami Brumfield’s book Ride Sassy Ride scheduled for release in November 2017 in the Milly Taiden’s Sassy Ever After Kindle Worlds. Be sure to and to get updates as to when the next book in this rivalry is available.

 

A huge thank you to Milly Taiden for producing an amazing series and allowing us to write in her world under the Kindle World platform. Check out the other books in .

 

after reading the two sneak peek bonus chapters I’ve included in this book. One for and the other for .

 

Sneak Peek of Blazing Tales (Paranormal Dating Agency) by Jami Brumfield

 

Chapter One

 

 

 

The fingers of the fire licked the night sky, and dark smoke billowed around the restaurant. Blaze was an expert at fires. He’d seen massive burners in his time as a firefighter, and likewise as a dragon shifter. As a fire investigator, he’d seen more of the aftermath and less of the blazes for years. This fire was out of control. The building would be condemned. He pulled over on a side street and headed toward the fire truck.

He approached his mentor and old friend, Juan Martinez. The man he started working for when he was a fresh recruit, looked exhausted. Martinez rarely let a fire get under his skin. Something about how beat down he looked in that moment told Blaze this was one of those rare occasions. “Captain, it looks like a bad one.”

“Yes, we’re trying to contain it for minimal damage to the surrounding buildings.” Martinez turned his attention back to the fire. “Keep the flames from flaring! There are gas lines and propane tanks in there! Careful of explosions.” He barked orders into his bullhorn.

Blaze ran a hand through his dark locks, surveying the damage that had already hit the location. It was going to be difficult to contain. “You need help?”

Captain Martinez shook his head. “Nope, but I’m sure you’ll be called in to check for arson when we get this monster put out.”

Blaze had a feeling this fire was going to fall under the same MO as the others he’d been investigating. He didn’t smell chemical accelerants on the air. It was probably electrical. If he was a betting man, he’d place the ignition sight in the office. That would be the most likely origin of an electrical fire.

“Jacob? Jacob?” A frantic woman ran up to Juan. “Please, sir, I think my son is still in there!”

Blaze grabbed a spare suit off the truck and started getting dressed while the woman begged for help. He was a firefighter first before becoming an investigator, and he knew how to handle himself in a burning building.

“He went to the bathroom and we got separated. I can’t find him anywhere!” Her voice took on a shrill tone as fear radiated off her in waves.

Martinez turned to Blaze. “I think we can use a little of your dragon magic. My boys can’t get in there. The building is collapsing, and there are random explosions in the walls.”

Electrical. Blaze nodded. “I figured.” If anyone could take the heat it would be his dragon self. Fully suited up, more for show than anything else, he ran into the building. Inside he took off his helmet. Fire lived inside his soul. He knew what he could and could not handle. “Jacob?” He called out. “Jacob, where are you?”

A wall exploded, and a glass aquarium shattered spilling water out across the floor. “Jacob, if you’re here, I need you to call out!” The smoke was more hazardous to his health than the blaze. He called upon his animal half to help him see and hear. His human half was a weakness in this situation.

The only sound he heard was the roar of the flames as they devoured everything in their path. “Jacob!” He put the mask back on and started checking rooms. She mentioned the bathroom so he headed in that direction. As he got closer, he heard muffled sobs. His heart leapt with joy. The boy was still alive, but his breathing was raspy.

“Jacob, if you can hear me, I’m coming! Stay low, and if there is a wet cloth nearby, cover your mouth and nose.”

Another explosion from a side wall hit causing a minor ringing in his ears. He was focused on his enhanced hearing when the boom hit. Blaze shook it off, the tingling in his animal ears, and refocused. “Jacob, if you can give me a sign of where you are it would help a great deal!”

A tiny hand popped up from the low hanging smoke cloud across the room. Relief flooded Blaze. He headed toward the shaking hand. He was only a few feet away from the kid when part of the ceiling caved in. “Shit!” He looked up at the sky. “Seriously?” He turned back to the area where the boy was. “Jacob, are you okay?”

“No, my leg.”

“I’m coming. Hold on!” He tossed the wood beam in front of him out of the way and reached down for the kid, picking him up in his arms. “I’ve got you.”

Hope filled his scared little eyes. Tears streamed down Jacob’s soot-stained face as he wrapped his arms around Blaze’s neck like he was a life preserver in the middle of the ocean. Blaze carried him out of the burning building, and made a beeline for the ambulance on the street.

“He has heavy smoke inhalation, and part of the ceiling fell on his leg. I didn’t assess the damage,” he told the EMT.