Collaring the Saber-Tooth Read online

  Lacey turned to her. Tears ran down her cheeks. “You are the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. It’s beautiful and perfect.” She pulled her into a hug. “Thank you.”

  Abby hugged her as soon as Lacey stepped back and shifted. “I can’t thank you enough. You save us, take us into your home, train us and now this.” Abby shook her head. “Not even our parents did so much for us when they were alive, thank you.”

  “Go, your sister is waiting for you. And Abby…” Abby looked over her shoulder. “There will always be a place for you two here.”

  For the next few minutes, Maya watched her feline sisters run and play. All the while, she dreaded the meeting tomorrow. Knowing it would be near impossible to hold her cat back. There was also hope, that her long hunt might soon come to an end. Akaos Featherstone just might hold her cards of fate in his hands, and she did not like that one bit.

  She slipped back into the tunnel, closing the door behind her. Maya needed some alone time. Akaos was closer and there was no mistake, her cat wanted to mate with him. Her life was about to change drastically and Maya didn’t know if she would be able to handle it.

  Chapter Two

  Akaos Featherstone stared out at the night sky. The plane was quiet this time of night, which he preferred. Many believed that vampires couldn’t be out in the sun. In the case of new vampires that was so, but he was well over five thousand years old.

  He glanced down at the picture of the woman he was to meet. Her personal file, an inch thick, was in his lap. He ran his thumb over the picture on the front of the file, Maya Saber. She drew the attention of the High Council, mainly him and his kith.

  Invisible hands rubbed at his cock. “Even if she isn’t ours, you need to come home so we can take care of you.” Warden stated.

  “Yes. I’ll be home soon.” Akaos took a deep breath and severed the connection to his kith. He laid his head against the chair and thought of Warden. He adjusted his cock. Both Tesuss and he knew Warden given up all hope of finding a female. He’d been on the verge of giving up all hope when they’d met him.

  Yes, it was going to be hard for Warden to come to terms with any female. He just hoped that when they did find the one, she would be able to work her magic on Warden. Both Tesuss and Warden had seen Maya’s picture at the same time as he had viewed it. Even with Warden’s standoffish attitude towards woman, he couldn’t keep his eyes off of it.

  It was one of the reasons he personally was dealing with this issue. If she was meant to be theirs, than he alone would start the bonding process. Maya would be their omphalos, but could a human female handle three warriors? Could she bring Warden back to full warrior status, reclaim him from the shell that remained?

  The stewardess came back and handed him his whiskey.

  “Thank you.” He took a sip as he once more scanned the documents. Liquor really didn’t do much to him, but it did help relax him. This woman was a busy person. She owned many properties all over the US and Europe, but her main home for the last fifty years was in Detroit. It was very unusual for a cat shifter to stay in one place. Not only that, she was much older than a shifter should be. “What are you my feline, and why are we so drawn to you?”

  Over the next hour, Akaos studied everything they’d compiled on Maya. His human entourage had left nothing out. She lived with ten women, all cat shifters. Maya had taken each one into her home, trained them and protected them as someone would a family member. Right now, however, it seemed they were having a major problem with a group of renegade vampires or something pretending to be vampires.

  The plane descended, as it got ready to land in Detroit. Sure, he could have materialized in Detroit, but he wasn’t about to let others know all his secrets. The Magnum Clan leader would meet him at the gate. He would be staying with Anthony Martyr while in Detroit. Akaos had always known that Anthony would rise to control his own clan, but even so, Anthony surprised him and his brothers. He had formed the largest clan in the northern Hampshire in such a short time span. Another reason why Akaos wanted to visit Detroit was that his fellow Council members were worried about this quick rise to the top..

  Stepping off the plane, Akaos scanned the large airport. At once he noticed Anthony and his men. Four men surrounded Anthony. Six more moved around the airport. For a man who had little to hide, he sure was taking precautions for his protection. One thing about Anthony was that his dark red hair always gave him away. Everywhere he went people stared at the man. Yes, Anthony was a man who never mixed in well with a crowd, but then again neither was Akaos, with his height and build.

  The small group met him in the middle of the room. Anthony bowed his head. “It’s an honor to have you here, Monsieur. I’m surprised to have a visit from you, or anyone from the High Council, so close to the annual gathering.” he walked by Akaos’ side down the airport hallway.

  They made their way out of the airport. One of Anthony’s men disappeared, going to retrieve Akaos’ bags.

  “I’m curious to know why you’re surrounded by guards?” Akaos asked. “Do you really need so many to protect you? Have you offended someone that you are afraid for your life?”

  Two of the guards near Anthony stepped in front of him reaching inside their coats.

  “Anthony, if you want your two men to survive the next few minutes, I suggest you tell them to step down. This will be my only warning.”

  Anthony yanked the men behind him. “I’m sorry, Sir. Please forgive my men and myself. Our headquarters were attacked two nights ago and everyone is jumpy.”

  He turned toward the entrance of the airport. “Why weren’t we informed of this attack? And I would explain to your men that guns cannot kill me. That all I have to do is…” Akaos left the men wonder what he meant.

  Anthony acknowledged him as he opened the door to the limo. He turned to glare at the guards in question.

  “Monsieur, I can assure you we did inform the High Council. My personal assistant called that night to inform them of the danger here. I will make sure all our guards are aware of your gifts. Again please forgive them.” Anthony climbed in behind him and closed the door.

  Akaos took out the file once more, pulling out one piece of paper. “I’d like to take a drive by this address before we head to your home. I’ll also need you to contact Dan Edward. Inform him I would like to meet him at this address instead of the police station.” He handed Anthony the paper, who in turn handed it to the driver.

  “So tell me, Anthony who do you think attacked your headquarters? Do you think it has anything to do with the killings going on in the city?” Akaos took a look at the list of victims prepared for him before he boarded the plane. “From this record, there have been over thirty murdered in the last two months. Six were children.”

  The temperature rose in the limo. His anger always did draw out his gifts and they boiled close to the surface. The thought of innocent children being murdered brought back painful memories. The fact that it might have been one of their kind doing this, only made it worse. Drawing attention to their people could cause many problems for them.

  “Sir!” Anthony yelled, drawing Akaos’ attention to him and his guards. All three of them patted their arms and legs.

  “Sorry, the thought of those children…” He took a deep breath and reined in the power.

  Anthony grabbed a bottle of water from the limo’s bar and doused his pants, as did the two guards in the limo, mumbling. “There are some connections. Lately we have been noticing newborns showing up at large human gatherings. Concerts, football games, and so on. We’re not saying someone was killed after each event, but when one of my men approaches them, they leave before we can have a word to them. “ Anthony leaned forward.

  “Has there ever been a case where a newborn had the power to disappear? Even I came into contact with a woman, but as soon as she realized who I was, she was gone. Disappeared as if she hadn’t even been there. No scent, not even her body print.”

  Akaos tapped his finger on th
e door and stared out at the night lights. “It is strange, but not unheard of. Seems I’ve come at a perfect time to help out with this new problem.” The limo stopped and the driver signaled them.

  “This is as far as the car can go.” The man said as he opened the door and waited for him to exit.

  “That’s fine. I’d like to take a run anyway. Anthony, I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Three of the guards stepped out of the limo with him and checked their surroundings.

  “I’ll be fine, but thank you,” Akaos announced to the guards. Anthony also stepped out of the vehicle and scanned the area.

  Akaos brought up the image of the animal in his mind. He shifted to a wolf and took off running under the security gates. He was large, for even a wolf, but that couldn’t be helped. The night was quiet. The buildings around him dark, the only light came from the large warehouse at the end of the landing. He ran towards it. The smell of cats was everywhere.

  The wolf itched to find a cat, but he feared these cats were no match for a wolf. He studied the security around the perimeter of the unusual building. While he did this, he knew Ms. Sabor watched him from above. His blood heated as he took a deep breath. Her scent acted like an aphrodisiac.

  The beast inside rose to the surface, seeking… His Zealottalon-Meru, or what humans called mate, was here. He wasn’t about to let her get away. Akaos could already smell her heat. She would stand beside them in all they would do.

  “We have found her.” Akaos sent to his kith.

  * * * *

  Maya watched from the roof of her home. The wolf carefully moved around her residence. He was no ordinary wolf. She knew who he was. The ancient, Akaos, was here to speak to her.

  She didn’t move, but she didn’t have to. Her scent was now more pungent then before. Anyone with a nose would be able to smell the hormones. The cat inside purred and waited for her mate. Maya couldn’t believe it, this man/wolf was her other half.

  The wolf was big and smart as it sniffed the air. It studied everything. Could he be trying to figure a way in? She didn’t know and couldn’t chance it. It was time to let him know she knew exactly who he was, an ancient, an elder, and that he’d come calling.

  Her bones crunched, muscles stretched, and fur replaced skin. She shifted to the mighty saber-tooth tiger before she jumped off the roof of her home.

  Maya landed three feet in front of the wolf. No matter what, this man would know who she was. There was no reason not to show him and the Council what they were up against. If they even thought of controlling her, she would give them hell. But for some reason, the thought of him taking control sent a sexual thrill through her. No one could ever control her. Oh they tried, but failed. Did this man have what it took to control the cat? Her tiger sure thought so.

  She sat down in front him and started to clean her paw. Her gaze held his. If the wolf could sigh, Maya swore it did. The wolf’s body started to shift.

  The man was enormous, over seven feet tall, and built like a tank. He wore black dress pants and a white silk shirt. He bowed his head.

  “I am sorry if I intruded on your property, but I couldn’t wait to meet you. My name is, Akaos Featherstone. Won’t you shift so we can talk? Please tell your sisters I mean no harm.” She looked behind him, and sure enough, all of her sisters hissed, and waited for her orders.

  Akaos was a very powerful man and hid his age well, even for an elder. His voice was deep, authoritative, even though he asked her, giving her the curiosity she deserved. Maya knew by his body posture he already considered her his.

  Her body twisted and popped as she shifted. “You’re either very stupid or very powerful. Sir, I think the later. Go play my sisters. I will entertain our surprise guest.” Maya turned and headed towards the entrance of her home.

  “The others with you are coming. It’s up to you if we talk tonight or not. I’ll be inside and you’re welcome in my home.” Maya pointed to the headlights that came around the building.

  “Weapons are not allowed in my home, but then again, I don’t believe you really need them now, do you?” Maya challenged and was rewarded with a small growl.

  As she walked inside her home. She could feel the weight of his stare on her backside. She couldn’t help grinning like a fool when she turned to her sisters. They parted and surrounded her as she came in. Lacey leaned against the wall with a smile on her face.

  “He’s the one?” Was all Lacey said, and Maya nodded.

  “What do they want?” Abby hissed.

  She reached over and hugged the small woman. “He’s here to talk to me. I’ve known for some time this would happen. Just wish it would have been later.”

  Lacey stepped beside her. “Go, you all understand what needs to be done when we have guests we don’t know.” Her best friend bumped her with her hip. “I won’t let anything happen to her. That she doesn’t want to happen, that is,” she teased.

  As if on cue, the room grew warm, the smell of pine, and wood filled the air. Akaos stood in the door, with another man who was only a few inches shorter. The new man sported a crew cut and bright red hair, where Akaos was bald. Two men, obviously guards, stood behind them scanning the area. “Have we interrupted?” Akaos’s gaze slid down her body and back up again to meet her gaze.

  Before she could say anything, Gabby, the quietest of all the sisters, hissed and turned to leave. “What do you think, being here in the middle night? I thought ancients were smarter than this.” She shifted and ran out of the room.

  Lacey snarled and shook her head. “I’m so sorry gentlemen, but it’s been a long night and your visit has us wary. Please follow me.” Lacey, ever the hostess, but still deadly, headed down the hallway toward their family room, the only place they allowed strangers.

  Abby glanced down at the floor and back up at her. “I’m sure, Gabby didn’t mean to be rude, Maya. It’s been a bad day, and it’s really hard for her to see a dead child, no matter who the child was.”

  “Abby, just because you guys make mistakes, I’m not going to throw you out. This is your home, but you’re right about Gabby. Why don’t you cover the side door with her, see if you can help her open up? She needs to talk to someone or she’ll never heal. Tell your sister to cover your spot till our guests leave.” Maya slowly followed the group and knew it was going to be a long hot night.

  Stepping down into room, all four gentlemen turned their attention to Maya. She nodded to Lacey, who moved to her side.

  “As you are aware, my name is, Maya Sabor. Now, why don’t you tell me why you are here? Mr. Featherstone? Isn’t it rare for an elder to be out roaming around?” She moved to the bar against the back wall. The family room was large, only slightly smaller than her private stomping ground. They needed a large room with all of her family. She poured herself a shot of whiskey and gulped it down.

  “I’m my own man and pretty much do as I please. As I have a feeling you are too, and don’t answer to anyone?” He was watching her closely. “Well, until now.” Akaos let the statement linger in the air, but it wasn’t really a statement. It was more of a declaration.

  She turned towards the group. Her vision, now that of the cats, observed everyone in the room. “As you have, so have I, lived a long life. I do what I can for others. Helping as I go. I don’t go out of my way to draw unneeded attention to myself. You have seen what I am and I am sure you acknowledge that it would not be wise. It could be detrimental to my health. So we work and play at night.” She moved gracefully to her favorite rocker recliner. Curling up in it, she nodded to the recliner next to her. “Please sit. Since you are here, I might as well ask a few of my questions.”

  Lacey slid in behind her and rested her hand on her shoulder. “Are you sure you should do this now? Don’t you think, Dan will take offense to this going on without him?” Always the protector, especially of Dan, Lacey squeezed her shoulder and waited.

  Maya looked up at Lacey. “We’ll still meet with Dan tomorrow night. We have that lead to check out.
I can inform him about what takes place here, well at least part of it.” She turned her attention back to Mr. Featherstone.

  “It’s wise to keep some of our information from the humans. What can I help you with?” The powerful man leaned back and crossed his legs. Even when he did this, every inch of this man oozed Alpha male. The tiger inside her was curious. She’d never been around a man who could easily subdue her cat, but yet Maya was almost positive he could.

  She leaned over the armrest of her chair. “Do you know of a Randolph Arrow? Or the group of men he is associated with? They call themselves the Blood Gods from what I’ve been told.” Maya eased the question out without any emotion showing on her face. She watched for a reaction from any of the men.

  Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed one man stiffen and move closer to her. “Lacey dear, would you please get me and Mr. Featherstone each a glass of my recent purchase please. I have a feeling I’m going to need it.”

  Lacey walked to the small fridge and pulled out the bottle of A negative blood. It was the only type of blood she could drink without her body rejecting it, other than animal blood. All four men sniffed the air and turned to watch Lacey.

  “I’d offer everyone a glass, but I’m afraid A negative is hard to get around here. I’ll have Lacey pour you O positive, if that is okay?” She waited for Akaos and he nodded.

  His expression never changed, but the one man she’d been watching, the one who had moved when she’d mentioned her target’s name, smiled. He knew her secret, and little did he know he would not be leaving her home.

  Chapter Three

  Akaos took the glass of blood and raised it to her, thanking Lacey. She might be small, but Akaos held no doubts she was just as deadly as the beauty who sat next to him. Right now his attention was on the guard Anthony called Tim. He seemed to be stalking Maya.

  “You need to bring her home. She needs not to be around other males.” Warden all but snarled.