Six

“Craig.” He turned as if annoyed at the sound of her voice and let out a sigh before snatching up a bottle of Wild Turkey before coming around the bar counter. He locked his bloodshot brown eyes with hers as he sailed past her to the nearest table from the bar. He took a seat and poured a drink. He looked up at her as he gulped it down. “What’s the problem?” Last time they talked he acted like they were friends. “You can at least offer me a drink.”

“Gee thanks.” Casually, she surveyed the club. Been a minute since she set her big feet into the place. Last time she came was to bust Troy’s chops for ignoring her. Today she had butterflies in her stomach at the thought of seeing him again. “So where is he?”

“Well, I ain’t seen him in a while, but maybe you’d like to talk to that other guy who looks just like him.”

“How bad do you think? He ain’t Troy, but he’s dealing with the pack and the Brotherhood as if he is. So why are you here? I heard you were dating the cop.”

Being mad was understandable, but why was Craig being downright hostile toward her? “Craig, why are you drinking like that?” Troy used to knock them back when he was having a rough time and all the drinking did was make him madder. “Troy will be back.”

“That’s what I’m here for, Craig. I’m going to try putting that other beast to sleep.”

“No, I’m not crazy. Why don’t you get over your mad and tell me what is going on. Why hasn’t the Brotherhood done something? It’s their job to protect packs from lousy pack leaders. Craig, you told them, right?”

“Nobody in the pack dares to reveal the truth in front of the Brotherhood. Dude says he’ll rip us all to shreds! And he will, Velvet. I’ve seen this guy fight and kill two bears and a mountain lion in the same night! He makes us change back and forth continually against our wills or he’ll do it with his mind power! It’s torture, Velvet. Says he conditioning our bodies to sync with his.” Craig turned the bottle up, swallowing hard. “And,” he wiped his wet lips with his knuckles. “And he’s turning all the virgins out personally.”

“He can tell if a woman ain’t ever done it wolf style. He insists he gets the first go round. Some folk think it’s an honor. Others call it- something else.”

“Surely, he’s not forcing anybody. Craig?” Craig had closed his mouth, holding the whiskey bottle by the neck. Without turning, she knew he was on the scene behind them.

He strolled up behind her, and around the table to view her face then Craig’s. He wasn’t pleased. “Takeru.” She rose noting the tall, hard length of him and experienced a strong stirring inside her loins- and wanted to slap her own face. “What are you doing to these people,” she demanded.

“Takeru. She called you Takeru,” Craig said. “All that Osaka mess was you wasn’t it? I knew my man, Troy was no sell-out.”

“You dare talk like that to my face?” Takeru released his claws as he swiped down at Craig’s head. Skin and muscle tore as blood splattered. From the force of the blow, Craig went down to his knees, grabbing at the torn flesh of his cheeks.

Velvet moved fast, positioning her body in front of the fallen young werewolf. “Are you crazy? Craig is Troy’s most trusted and loyal friend.

“Now, this is going to be interesting.” Takeru grinned and transformed as well.

Things were getting out of hand fast. She took Craig by his furry heaving shoulders and pushed him backward. “Calm down. He’s stronger than Troy. You know you can’t take him.” He was getting tighter as the energy radiated around him. “Takeru, don’t fight him.”

“Craig, that was your one time to jump at me. Next time I’ll disembowel you.”

“Groowl!” Craig pushed against Velvet’s hands that held him back. Then without warning, he howled up at the ceiling, his body shook violently. He appeared to be coming undone.

“Craig!” Reiko shouted from the top of the stairs. The flash of eyes shot from Takeru, stopped her cold before she touched one bare foot to the first descending step. Velvet saw the fear in the girl’s tear-filled eyes. “Velvet, get Craig out of here before he-” A shot glass sailed like a rocket and struck her right between the eyes. She fell back into the wall but kept on her feet then fled as fast as they would carry her away from Takeru’s awful dark gaze.

“Because they have to learn to obey me. Craig! Stop that whimpering! Get off her!”

“Don’t touch him. Can’t you see something is wrong with him? Craig, it’s okay.”

“Reiko,” he said from a mouthful of fangs and teeth. “Save her.” He attempted to tear himself out of her arms and go for Takeru.

“Grawr!” Craig was in the air, dragging Velvet along for the ride. The last place she wanted to be was between to raging werewolves and their claws when they collided.

“Snap out of it!” Velvet screamed into his face and slapped him hard on the ear.

“Craig!” Reiko popped up from behind a cleaning van. “Thank God!” She ran to hug them both. “We better get out of here.”

“Graaawr!” Takeru burst from the side door of the club, knocking the hinges loose. The hump on his back was huge. He walked almost doubled over.

“I never saw it,” Reiko answered. “I never saw him this big before either. We better split.”

“Stay behind me and hold on to some part of me.” Big Boy was about to leap and if he were nearly as fast as Troy, she might have to take a swipe before she could teleport them all to safety.

“Ah!” Red ribbons of blood soaked her blouse. Her shoulder was sliced open. “Damn, it hurts.” She couldn’t remember the last time she’d taken such a bad injury.

“No, thanks. I can fix it myself.” From the counter top, she chose the sugar canister, taking a handful she spread the crystals across her shoulder and down her raggedy arm. Right away, the bleeding stopped and soaked into the sugar, making a crusty bandage. “Ouch,” she winced. She side glanced Reiko. The girl was eyeballing her arm for sure. Yeah, she’d love to lick on somebody’s arm. “Hey, Craig.” He looked shocked but coming back to himself it seemed to Velvet. “I never saw you lose control like that.”

Don’t what? Don’t tell her what Takeru was up to after she just rescued them and got her flesh ripped into by a frenzied werewolf that was their leader while trying to get after them? “Okay, fine,” She said tightly. “Don’t tell me. But remember this when Takeru goes after you again.”

“He won’t because we’re not going back,” Reiko declared. Her almond shaped eyes were big as could be. “He’ll kill me this time.”

Craig seemed to be thinking it over, he was scared that was for sure but he wasn’t a coward. He’d face Takeru again if he had to, and most likely get himself killed. “If I don’t go back, he will take it out on the others, especially the cubs.”

“Craig, I’m not getting this. Why is he acting this way? The pack had seemed like a well-run machine before he took over.” It wasn’t making any sense to Velvet. The Takeru she met previously was no gentleman, but how they were describing him was something else. Not in Troy’s body was such a person. No way. Was this the mess in Japan Wilder had investigated? The report on Troy she refused to take a look at?

“Velvet, what is he?” Craig asked rather than reply to her questions. “Did something take over Troy’s body? Is it a demon? There have been a lot more possessions lately.”

“He’s not a demon. He claims to be Troy’s brother. As you can see, they are in the same body.”

“There are lots of ways. Some deliberate and some are accidents. I tried to probe his mind, but I got pushed right back out. Actually, I didn’t get in. All I know is whatever is going on in Troy’s and Takeru’s psyches is strong and defensive.”

“Before now, the last time Takeru was out and in charge was in Japan. Takeru hinted that Jasmine had something to do with Troy pushing him back so they could get out of Japan. I didn’t get to discuss this with Troy.”

“That night at my house when Troy got shot. He tried hard to stay, but Takeru was smarter and stronger.”

“Maybe if we hurt him real bad,” Reiko said. “He’ll go back and leave us alone and we’ll get Troy back.”

“Too risky on too many levels,” Craig stated as if he’d given the matter some thought.

“I agree,” Velvet said. “We can’t assume Takeru is an unnatural affliction to Troy.”

“I do,” Velvet answered. “I love Troy and I will protect him from anyone. Even if he never returns no one is going to hurt his body or his mind.”

“He doesn’t belong to you,” Reiko announce strongly. “He belongs to us. He never even officially claimed you. Tell her, Craig.”

“Nobody has to tell me anything about Troy, especially you Reiko! He will come back and in the meantime you better not make things hard for him. If you do, I’ll make your life so miserable that being with Takeru will seem like a walk in the park.”

“If you knew half of what that guy is capable of you wouldn’t be threatening people on his behalf.”

“Craig, do you hate Takeru more than you care about Troy?” He didn’t say anything. “Oh boy, I guess I misjudged your caliber.”

“He’s not just Alpha, he’s a humpback with a pack now. Since he acquired the pack, he can use special gifts and powers. He can do things because he has the combined psychic strength of the pack and he can use mind control if he wants too.”

“Doesn’t sound that bad to you yet? How about him using his mind powers to make a woman succumb to him and think it was her idea? Or how about forcing a person to transform at his will? It’s brutal. If your mind is strong, it takes even longer. Is that okay, Velvet? We lost Troy to that monster. So ask me again, who do I hate more than I care about.”

“I’m sorry, but why on earth did you not call me? I’m a professional and a friend.”

“If I made a wrong move, he promised to punish a cub. A wrong move includes calling you. He said if you ever came a calling on your own, he’d deal with you then and not before.”

“What difference does it make?” Reiko asked quite loudly. “No one agreed to it! I certainly didn’t ask to be his sex slave! Or forced to transform several times a day at his whim!”

“Oh lord.” This was her fault for failing to warn the pack. It was up to her to fix it somehow. The first order was getting those people too afraid to make a move from under Takeru. She owed it to Troy to save his pack from his sadistic brother. “Craig, we need to move your people out of Fairlight.”

“Velvet, Takeru is nuts. He doesn’t care about anything, just being the top wolf.”

“All right.” They were too afraid to defy him even with her help. “All right then.” She went to the sink to rinse the crusty blood off her shoulder and arm. The wound was closed and healing really good. No pain, just nagging a little. She went to the herb garden on her back porch for some rosemary and thyme leaves, she chewed the combination to make it slick before rubbing the herbs over the scars. She came back to the kitchen flexing her arm. It would do, she thought. She chose her red and black battle suit to zap on.

“I don’t work with fraidy cats.” She gave them both disparaging looks then walked out the back door.

He was strutting around the parking lot, knocking back a fifth of Scotch when he caught sight of her flying in fast and low. Growling, he jumped into the air meeting her. With the flat of her short handle ax, she struck him upside the head. He attempted to wrench it from her grip, and she slugged him right in the mouth. Her knuckles knocked against his teeth. No way was she letting him get any kind of hold on her. She sailed on to the front of the building, then lightly sat her boots on the pavement. Takeru landed on his feet just inches from her. He shook his head as if clearing it.

“Transform, you sadistic bastard.” Instead, he swiped at her face with a long arm. He was quick, but she anticipated he’d go for her face first. She spun around, her ax arm extended, connecting with his furry chest. The silver blade sliced him open, yet he didn’t back off. His fist came up, punching her under her jawbone. She fell back into the building seeing stars.

“Now, we’ll see how good you are without the blade.” He tore the ax from her hands and went for her sword.

“To me!” She commanded and the ax flew back into her hand. She brought it down on top of Takeru’s head. He staggered backward, keeping to his clawed feet. “Now, I’m going to tear you apart,” she promised, chunking the ax into his chest. This time he fell to his knees. Holding the ax handle, he growled and snarled. It wasn’t a fatal wound for she made sure to miss his heart. In a couple of seconds, he’d manage to pull it out and probably try to take her head off with it. She pulled her sword and ran him through the belly.

“What do you think you’re doing, Velvet?” His hands dropped to his sides, letting his blood seep and spill down his lower body. “You can’t kill me.”

“There are things worse than killing you. Right now, I just want to hurt you.” She pulled the hilt of the sword upward until it hit against a rib. “You molest and abuse one more virgin or cub, or keep mistreating Craig and Reiko, I will come back and fix you.”

“Liar,” he grunted up into her face. “You’d never kill him no matter what I might do.”

“I said, I’d fix you. Not kill.” Now he was smiling? Did he not know how murderous she was feeling? He should be grinding his teeth, trying to get the silver blade out of his belly. She pulled the sword out, viewed the wound then back at his face. He was grinning at her, not caring he was stuck and cut open! He was enjoying it! She marveled at the light of pleasure in his big eyes. So like Troy’s right before he used to kiss her. It made her want to scream.

“I hope this is good for you too, Velvet.” He got off his knees, standing straight up, he applied his palms and fingers to the closing wounds on his torso. He closed his eyes and sighed, deeply. “Ahh...”

“I can’t help what feels good to me.” While he took a few seconds to examine his chest and belly, the amusement on his face faded into a frown. “For the record,” he said. “I haven’t forced myself on any cub or virgin.”

“Craig would not lie to me. Before you took over Troy’s body, he warned me you were a monster.”

Her stomach felt sick, and she wasn’t sure if she could engage him again drawing blood even if he loved it. It was Troy’s body too.

“Are you done being the avenging witch?” He glanced down at the sword that seemed forgotten gripped in her fist. “Perhaps next time you should at least give me the honor of a chance to defend myself verbally.”

“As if I can believe anything you have to say.” Unmindfully, she rubbed the shoulder he nearly ripped into ribbons. “Besides, you didn’t stop to ask me anything earlier.”

“What was there to ask? You were clearly interfering in pack business which has nothing to do with you. Consider that scratch as getting off easy. But easy isn’t how you like it.” He waltzed his big nude body right up to her and penetrated her with his big almond shaped eyes. She forced herself to not respond to his heat and ignored the urge to suddenly swallow or take a giant step backward. “Is it, Velvet?”

“Huh? What?” She blinked back the flashes of memory of herself with Troy. Turning, she sheathed her sword in the scabbard on her back.

“I was referring to your style. Bold almost to the point of becoming reckless. Or am I a special case? You don’t even know me, yet you fly over here on the word of individuals that wouldn’t speak favorably about you to the Brotherhood. Not even Craig.”

“He remained silent while Reiko and the ladies detailed every quality that made you unsuitable as a mate to their leader to the Brotherhood.”

“I must say that is disappointing, but it doesn’t change the fact that you are terrorizing the pack. Reiko wouldn’t-”

“She wouldn’t what?” Takeru interrupted, angrier than before. “She wouldn’t take the opportunity to sleep with her alpha? Even if she had to block every other woman close to Troy? You think she wouldn’t take advantage of the fact that he might be lonely because you were no longer around?”

“Then clearly, he doesn’t think the girl is lying. As far as the other things, some of it might be true. But anyone not down with my methods can walk away from the pack at any time.”

“No one is going to leave. Not even those idiots hiding behind your sword,” he shared, walking past her to the front entrance to his club. He didn’t look back before he entered.

As expected he was at the bar, guzzling down a bottle of gin as if it was water. Velvet watched the protrusion of his Adam’s apple, bobbing up and down his throat as he swallowed. Her eyes moved down to his chest to the muscles of his shoulders. She didn’t want to look further down at the blood covered parts.

“Craig is a sissy and needs to earn himself a real set of balls. As second in command, he sucks.”

“He’s Troy’s best friend.”

“I don’t need a friend! I need warriors and loyalty. I don’t care if it’s heartfelt or simply from fear of me! Now, you tell those idiots to really consider what they are about to do. I’ll even forgive Reiko this one time for the lies. You tell them that we are werewolves and I’m their leader and protector- not you. If they leave, there is no coming back ever. You got that?”

“I got it. But I don’t like the position you’ve put Craig. Ease up on him. Quit using threats about the cubs to control him. How could you treat them like that anyway? Isn’t being young and a werewolf stressful enough without you scaring them to death?”

“Velvet, why don’t you shut up, then come back here to talk to me when you halfway know what the hell you are talking about. I’ve got my style and they will learn to be like me. I’ve endured so much more in my existence than I expect from them. Troy and Jasmine made them weak, letting them behave as mere men and women. We are werewolves and this whole town is going to know what we are! No more hiding and pretending!”

“Takeru, you said yourself they are weak. Ease up until they are ready. At least let them learn to trust you.”

“I’m not the patient sort of person. However, I will consider the cubs are children. But Craig and the others better just suck it up and take the training like real werewolves and quit all the bitching and crying! Now, take your fine ass out of here. Unlike Troy, I don’t have time for your nonsense.”

“I’m not exactly having the time of my life with you either. Just answer me one thing and I’ll gladly leave.”

“One thing? If you were a cat, you certainly would not die.”

“What difference does that even make?”

“I don’t know. I just want to know.”

“After what you just did to me? Do you think you deserve to know?”

“I’m sorry about that.”

“Sorry enough to kiss me?”

“No.”

“It’s been over four months. I told you that night I’d give him back to you if you kissed me. Why didn’t you?”

“I don’t trust you. I don’t believe you have that kind of control.”

“You don’t know that for sure.”

“I know you are a cruel beast.”

“Look who’s talking.”

“Oh, you ain’t seen cru- mmmph!” She pushed against his arms that felt like bands of steel that held her captive against the bar counter, while he kissed her deep and hard, punishing her lips and tongue. She had to be careful of getting nipped or sliced by his fangs. All at once, he released her mouth to lick her face and throat. “You must really want to die,” she said catching her breath.

“If your love is so much, make him come back and save you. Personally, I don’t believe your love is that strong.”

“You think your magiks can get rid of me?”

“I do, but I haven’t figured it out yet.”

“What are you doing?” All sweaty, breathing hard and fully erect, he circled her eyeing her battle suit as if looking for a weak spot to tear into. Good luck with that, she thought.

“All he had to do was ask.” He snatched her up again, putting his face so close to hers the smell of gin assaulted her nose. “Is this how you treat the cubs? Is this the style Reiko didn’t appreciate?”

“What would you let a bastard like me do to you?” He gave her a grin that reminded her so much of Troy that she jolted in his arms. The expression on his face was different. He wasn’t mad. The embrace that held her was strong but much gentler. The grin turned into a brilliant smile that lit up his big eyes.

“Troy.” It was him! Honey golden skin to his amazing smile that lit up his eyes. “Troy.” She touched his face. “My stars,” she breathed against his cheek. “It’s you.”

“Fool!” Takeru laughed and pushed her to the floor. He walked out slamming the door on her stunned, bewildered face.

She swallowed and sought to collect her composure before rising to her feet. What the hell did he just do to her? Why did he do it? Revenge for cutting him open? Touching her tender lips, she questioned what she felt and saw. For a moment there, she was sure Troy was looking right at her. She went to the closed door, pulled it open and took another moment before stepping out into the light.

In the lot, fully dressed in pants and shirt, he smoked a cigarette and paced. He acted more animal-like than Troy. He believed in letting the wolf out he said. As she walked past, she turned her head, watching him watch her. He was angry and agitated. He knew she saw his loss of control. He was dominant for now, but his control wasn’t fixed. “Are you scared, wolfman?” His wolf hearing picked her words up easily enough. He stopped pacing and tossed the cigarette away. “Still think you can keep us apart?” He snarled and made like he wanted to run and leap at her just to wring her neck.

Velvet turned to the voice behind her. From the other side of the parking lot, Suzanne sprinted up to her. She wore her preferred yellow and black battle suit.

“Vee, what’s all the blood? You all right?” Her eyes went to the club’s entrance and Takeru’s big body taking all the space in the door frame. “Craig told me everything.” Suzanne pulled her ax and headed back to the club.

“Suzanne! Come on, we’re walking away. Things might not be the way Reiko and Craig presented them.”

“I guess, I do. He’s rough and mean. The pack doesn’t like it, yet they’ve chosen to stay.”

“Suzanne, I’ve talked to him. He’s going to ease up, and we are going to mind our own business. Come on, now.” She spun Suzanne around by an elbow and marched away from the club. She looked back when he laughed out loud. “Bastard,” she gritted. Clearly, he heard her and stopped laughing, with a mean parting glance, he backed into the door he tore up earlier and somehow slammed it shut.

As usual, Rankin preferred to stand over her, arms folded. He glared down at her as if she were his employee that had messed up. Actually, she hadn’t messed up anything and she was his boss. She pushed out of the armchair to get to her feet and glared right back at him. He looked exactly the same. You’d think a whole new head that took over three months to grow would look younger or something. He still looked about thirty or so, when he was over nine thousand years old.

“It doesn’t make sense, Vee. Troy has never harmed you before. He’s never used his claws to cut anyone unless he meant to kill them. So why was he trying to kill you?”

“It’s not over until you make me understand why I shouldn’t go downtown and plug that son of a bitch with quicksilver!”

“You aren’t going anywhere with quicksilver! I told you a long time ago to quit carrying that shotgun. It’s a murder weapon.”

“I know what it is, Vee. What is going on with you two that I don’t know about?”

“It’s my personal business. Troy is going through some things that I can’t discuss with anyone.”

“Women things. While you were sitting at my bedside every night you were able to get away from Wilder, Troy was partying like it was nineteen nighty nine. I’m talking about orgies in the woods. Blood and sex.”

“Why should I? I’m dating Omar now.” Actually there was just the one date so far.

“You are aware that the vampire coven and the brotherhood of werewolves are in Fairlight at the same time? When was the last time that happened?”

“I don’t know.” She knew exactly when and he knew that. Some people never changed. A new head, same lousy personality.

“Okay.” Her arm was beginning to ache dully and she really wanted to rub it down with some spearmint oil. “Rankin, I’m not in the mood for a history lesson. If you are referring to the demonic plague...”

“No. I see an increase in population, and these demons for the most part, seem to be simulating naturally. They aren’t at all the beastlike creatures from last time.”

“No. Weren’t you the one acting like there was nothing to be done short of informing the police?”

“Is it because of Troy’s involvement with those creatures that you are hesitant?”

“Exactly what is Troy doing besides giving people jobs who might not be able to get a job just because of the way they look?”

“Winsor?” Now that was interesting. Winsor had a large werewolf population and one strong leader. A humpback that had a crew as talented as Velvet Washington and Associates. Why was Takeru sending demons to Winsor? “Are you sure?”

“He’s opened a club in that city called Dark Lady. The demons are the front people. And these demons are the kind you can’t mistake for humans.”

“Not really, if people would mind their own business and stop speculating about things.”

“Velvet, you know Laurence Nashoba is not just a pack leader. He’s a shaman and his girlfriend is a witch and a warrior like yourself. I hear she’s one crazy bitch.”

“Now, why do you have to call a woman you don’t know a bitch?” Rankin really disliked strongly gifted women, yet couldn’t get through the day without one. Poor twisted guy. “I’ve met Scarlett and she has always presented herself as an outstanding witch and a decent woman. She can’t help what The Dragon did to her, and I can’t object to you calling her crazy. But don’t you be calling her a bitch, Rankin. That woman went through hell for the strength, knowledge, and power to protect her part of the world.”

“Fine, she’s amazing! Now, what about when Troy offends Nashoba? What if the packs go to war? You think she’ll let him fight alone?”

“Why the hell would they?” Werewolves were territorial. Both packs had their own to care about and protect. What good was another pack a hundred and sixty miles away? It would take two leaders to effectively lead the cities. Or one leader and a very strong second in command with a solid pack to back him up. Takeru was the sort to take things where they had not gone before. With his new mental abilities maybe he saw himself as Nashoba’s equal or even better. “No, that’s insane,” she spoke out loud.

“Velvet, you know since Jasmine died, Troy has not been in his right mind. He needed a woman beside him, but the fool refused another wolf woman. He had to have you or no one. And the fact that Nashoba’s mate is a witch has to be sticking in his craw. You know, why is that guy is allowed and not him?”

“Two reasons, Rankin. Number one is Nashoba is a shaman, he can work simple spells, which means going with a witch is no big deal. Two is Winsor is not part of the brotherhood. They are independent.”

“If there is a conflict, Troy would most likely win, which is beneficial to the Brotherhood. Plus Troy will have proved his mettle.”

“Don’t you see what the possible imminent peril this city is in for? The Brotherhood has not left Fairlight because they are waiting, just like the vampires. If Troy is successful, the ruling class will belong to the werewolves. Now, if such a travesty should occur, how long do you suppose those aristocrats will allow it?”

“Wow.” So, in the end, it was about the demons. Rankin feared Troy was in the lead with a head start. “I won’t deny your idea is plausible, I just don’t see it happening. Not with Troy having the nerve to invade Winsor. Nashoba will see him coming from a thousand miles.”

“Maybe, but don’t you see we have to stop these demons from crossing over so easily. Why haven’t you witches done something already?”

“Like what? No one is calling these demons. There is no hole in the barrier. Right now, this rise in population is a natural occurrence. It shouldn’t be tampered with. In a few months or so these demons will catch on that Fairlight isn’t the only city in the whole wide world. Shoot, some might even mosey over to Winsor.”

“I see what you are talking about. I just think you are horn blowing for no good reason.” Not exactly true. Rankin had a built-in radar for plots and subplots, especially when his position in the world was threatened. She saw his point. The status quo in Fairlight possibly altering did not sit well with her either. Power might easily be transferred to the local vampire coven. Last time the vampires were in charge it took the entire Witch’s Council plus the Seven Sisters to force them down. That was over two hundred years ago. “Rankin, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t spread this matter around. For the time being, maybe it would be best if you and I watched things discreetly.”

“Yeah. And Buster Zennith. That guy is always looking for a reason to keep the city divided. Right now, Fairlight as a whole is at peace.”

“He knew what most of us could never guess. Doesn’t matter what you call him.”

“Person? Not creature?” She rotated her arm then massaged it frowning at the growing ache spreading down to her elbow. “Damn.” Werewolf injuries were something else. At least, as a witch, there was no worry about becoming a werewolf. “Man, I need to soak this arm.”

“How badly were you hurt?” Rankin asked following her into the kitchen. “Was it to the bone?”

“Werewolf claws are poisonous to beings that are resistant to the change. Did you counter the poison?”

“Uh, no. I didn’t think it was necessary with the sugar.” Soaking wasn’t going to help if the discomfort was poison. She needed an antidote.

“Come on,” Rankin said. He pushed her out the back door and grabbed her around her waist, ushering out to the black Benz he preferred to drive.

“Where are you taking me?” She had to ask because he was driving down the street all tight-lipped like she didn’t need to know what he was doing. Just appreciate he was back and in charge. “I need to make a potion for this arm. In case you don’t get that it is paining me some,” she added in a murmur.

“That might take too long. Though it won’t kill you, it can get rough, Velvet.”

“You think I’ve never suffered the claws and fangs of a werewolf in all the centuries I’ve lived?”

“It’s not hurting that bad.” She settled back and looked out the window at the blurring scenery. “Rankin, slow down before you cause an accident. Where are we going?” He was headed downtown. “Rankin.”

She glared at him as he opened the passenger door and practically pulled her across the seat. “Are you crazy?” she asked. He slammed the door shut and pulled her along to the entrance with an arm holding her against his side. “Let go of me. You know how he gets.”

“Velvet, I don’t give a shit about how Troy Tanaka gets about anything. All ole boy better do is fix your arm.”

Inside was a shambles. Worse than the way she left it a few hours ago. She stepped out of Rankin’s arm when she spied Takeru lying on the floor on his back. He was breathing hard and transforming slowly from human to werewolf. He paid their intrusion no mind, after completing the transformation, he jumped to his feet and growled. It was difficult to tell if he were angry or just letting out his nature. “Troy?” She moved in front of Rankin. It was best she talked to him, as Rankin was sure to piss him off. “You all right?” Silently, except for low growls from his chest, he marched up to her, his dripping fangs in her face. “Your breath stinks of whiskey,” she told him. He turned his head to stare at Rankin.

“Transform you beast.” Rankin came out from behind her and continued. “So the reports are true. You have changed. Transform so we can talk.”

“Rankin, let’s have a seat.” And quit trying to be bossy with someone who would just as soon tear your new head off as look at you, she wanted to tell him. She led him to the nearest table and picked up a chair for him to sit. He preferred to return the heat from Takeru’s stare. “Rankin.” She pulled on his arm. “Have a seat,” she gritted.

“Regardless, you can show some manners.” Damn, why did she put up with him anyway? After taking a deep breath, she walked up to Takeru and his hot breath. “Um, I kind of need your help. My arm and shoulder aren’t doing very well. It’s aching something fierce now.” No response. “Rankin believes you can fix it up in a jiffy. If so, would you?”

“If he knows what is good for-” Takeru leaped past her to take Rankin to the floor.

Great. Now, they were tearing up the place. So much for her injury being a priority. “Rankin!” He went sailing over the bar and crashed into the wall-length mirror. “Troy.” She took his arm holding him back from leaping after Rankin. To her surprise, he allowed her interference. “I just came about my arm.” In a heartbeat, the beast vanished. She was holding on to a nude mean looking Takeru. Mean, lean and sexy as hell.

“What’s more important to you right now, Rankin? My arm, or fighting him?”

“What is wrong with your arm?” Takeru asked, tearing her sleeve loose from her blouse. “It looks perfectly healed.”

“Troy...” He didn’t recognize Rankin. “Troy, you know an associate isn’t going to leave me vulnerable.”

He took a second to seem to understand he nearly blew his cover. “Right,” he said. “But this is my place and no one is going to order me about or threaten me.”

“You don’t understand, Velvet. He’s going to tear your flesh open again in order to heal it. You really want to be alone with a man-eater with a bloody wound?”

“Then take her home now!” Takeru pushed her toward Rankin. “I’m sure she can counter a mere curse from a werewolf’s claws.”

Rankin pushed back his duster, pulled a pistol from his belt. “Can you counter a mere shot to the heart from quicksilver?”

“Rankin! Put that gun away! What are you trying to do?” It hit her that Rankin drove her over there to confront Troy, not see that she was taken care of properly. “If you want to fight him go ahead but you better not shoot him when he starts kicking your ass.” She turned to Takeru. “I thought he brought me over here because he was worried about my arm.”

“I brought you here to witness me deal with this beast! For goodness sake, Velvet he attacked you as if you were his enemy! Do you really expect me to let that slide?”

“Yes, Rankin! I don’t need you or anybody else taking up for me. And I resent the hell out of you using me to get close to Troy. Put that weapon away and let’s go.”

Ignoring his parting words, she took off her blouse and presented her throbbing arm to Takeru. “Do something, please. Before I pass out.”

“It will hurt quite a bit,” he said, lifting her in his arms and proceeded to carry her up the stairs.

“It hurts now.” She rested her head against his bare chest, taking comfort in the masculinity of him through the short journey to his office. Memories of her first wild intimate moments with Troy hit her right between the thighs. She resisted the urge to turn her face up to see by Takeru’s expression if he had any idea of the joy she spent in his brother’s arms. Or the fact that he was affecting her so hard now by just holding her with surprising gentleness. He lay her on the hard leather sofa and meet her eyes as he raised up. “What?”

“Your friend was correct to bring you to me. You can treat the pain to ease it some, but the infection will run its course.” He knelt beside her, lifted her arm at the elbow and wrist. “You have a preference for teeth or claws?”

“Okay.” He punctured her elbow with his fangs. “Ahh...” She looked down at his bowed head as he again penetrated her flesh. The bite into her bicep was deep and painful. “Oh God.” Why did it hurt so much? Wilder’s fangs going in felt wonderful, better than a kiss. Takeru’s bite was near agony. Had to be the inflammation from the previous cuts.

“Ohh!” She grabbed the back of his head with her free hand to ride out the pain. “Jesus!” He began licking the blood dripping down her arm. Oddly, the pain lessened with each second or was it with each lick of his tongue or the sucking of his lips. One thing she was certain, tasting her blood was for him, not her treatment. “Takeru...” The words slipped from her mouth and her fingers clutched at his slick black, blue hair. The pain was gone. Her focus was on his dark eyes that moved closer and closer as she lay back on the sofa. Her arms went around his neck as he settled his nude body on top of hers while he took her lips and then invaded her mouth. “Mmm.” She surrendered her tongue feeling absolutely wonderful and relaxed. Too relaxed to care that Takeru’s hands were under her skirt tearing her panties apart.

“He-” Rankin! His imagined furious expression brought her out of the haze. She peered up at Takeru’s heady eyes. His knee separated her thighs, she felt his penis poke her skin.

Somehow she managed to scramble her body from beneath his and run from the office. Halfway down the staircase, he caught her around her waist. He held her so tight she could barely move. He could hold her captive with his strength. Maybe even force his way on her after a fight. She’d have to resort to weapons or magik to defeat him. He backed her up into the wall trying to kiss her again.

“Stop it, you maniac!” She got a knee up to his groin. He took it yet backed off. “What’s the matter with you?”

“You know what is wrong with me. I can’t turn my desire on and off the way you can!”

“What are you a tease? Come in here and take off your blouse after sending that guy away! What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Then what is the problem? Things were taking a nice turn.” Again he grabbed her, in the struggle they toppled down the remaining steps.

“Hold still,” he said and flipped her over flat to the floor. “Now, calm down a minute.”

“Shut up and enjoy- ahh!” White light from her eyes hit him in the face. “You bitch.”

“You think I’m going to let you rape me just because you look like Troy?” She knocked him off with a punch to his jaw. On her feet, she dressed herself in a battle suit and waited for him to shake his head and refocus on her angry face. What was she thinking sending Rankin away? Just a few hours ago, he had tried to force himself on her, but then she’d thought he was just making sport of her or having fun. Now, he was really trying to get it.

“It’s your fault,” he said. “What did you think letting me taste you was going to do to me?”

“Oh... then he’s the immortal. Have to say I expected more of the man from what I’ve heard.”

“Rankin is very much a man. He’s a jerk, but he’s brave and smart, and he’s loyal. He’s also one of the best warriors I’ve ever met.”

“If you are so interested, why don’t you go find out yourself?” She stood there letting him rip her battle suit off with his eyes.

“Guess what?” Takeru circled around her. “I’m in your blood now. And you are in mine.” He stopped to grin at her. “My wet fangs were inside you. And your blood is inside me.”

“Yours weren’t the first, Takeru.” She grinned back. “And sure as hell won’t be the last.”

“We’ll see. For what it is worth, I’m glad you allowed Rankin to drag you back to me. I regret hurting you today. Especially, the infection.”

“I won’t come near you again until after the next full moon. By then we’ll be cleansed naturally of each other.”

“No. But I’m not going to play these sick games with you either. If I have to, I will use wolfbane on you.”

“I don’t know what that was upstairs, I know I am over it though. You’re nothing but a brute compared to Troy. After the way you just treated me, I find you despicable.”

“That’s your problem. Regardless of what you do, I won’t be coming back for your fun and games.”

“You know what being with a werewolf is like. And I’d really love to know what making it with a witch is like. You think the immortal or anyone can do for you what I can?”

“What do you mean lower yourself? You must think you’re something special.”

“Because you aren’t anyone to be afraid of, big boy.” In a flicker of blue smoke she disappeared.