Leanne Crabtree's Blog, page 27

Chapter 3 – *Shifter Romance*

Find Chapter 1 here: http://leannecrabtree.wordpress.com/2013/01/07/chapter-1-shifter-romance/

Find Chapter 2 here: http://leannecrabtree.wordpress.com/2013/01/20/chapter-2-shifter-romance/

 

Kaitlin jerked back and this time he didn’t stop her. Taking another step backwards she bumped into a couple dancing—if’s that’s what it was they were doing?—and apologised.

“Cat?”

Her grey gaze swung to his gold and noticed that his friends were now behind him. Would they stop her from leaving if she tried?

The rest of the crowd didn’t even seem to notice them and she wondered if she’d be able to get lost in the revellers. As if reading her mind, one of the wolves stepped forward and she backed up.

“Leave her, Jamal.” It was clearly a veiled threat and the man stood down instantly.

Her gaze swung to Rhys in wonder. Who was he to give orders and be obeyed without question? Obviously someone high ranking; maybe he was a born alpha. Her eyes widened at that thought. If he was alpha material and he thought of her as his, she was in deep trouble.

Rhys gaze softened. “Go home, Kaitlin. I’ll be at The Crescent Bay Hotel for the next couple of weeks. Come find me when you’re ready.” The ‘or I’ll come get you’ hung unspoken in the air.

Kaitlin hesitated as disappointment began to gnaw at her stomach. She was expecting more of a struggle to get away, had actually been looking forward to the chase.

The realisation had her confused. She shouldn’t want anything to do with these men—this man in particular—so why did she? They were supposed to be her enemy; a fact that had been drummed into her since she could understand. So why was she hoping for something else? Something she shouldn’t—couldn’t—want?

Her gaze returned to Rhys and she had her answer. She wanted him with a longing from somewhere deep inside her. To feel his body pressed against her own; his lips claiming hers with a fevered passion.

But she also knew her father would kill her if she did such a thing.

He must have seen the indecision on her face. “Unless you want to come back with me now?”

Just the thought of it had her body going into melt-down and she clamped her thighs together to try and hide the musk of her arousal. Eyes wide, she shook her head.

“As I thought. In that case, I suggest you leave now before I change my mind.”  His voice had dropped to a husky growl by the end. He must have caught her body’s reaction. Still she hesitated, the thought of staying and surrendering to his seduction had her almost whimpering with lust. Meeting his gaze, she saw an answering darkness enter Rhys golden amber eyes and knew she had to leave.

Now.

Turning from them, she was gone in the blink of an eye, easily mingling with the dancers and almost ran out of the club in her haste to get away.

Once outside, she did a brisk walk down the bustling street, trying to avoid the drunken groups of people who were eyeing her: the men lasciviously and the women jealously. She wasn’t afraid though, she could handle any human easily. It was the shifters she was wary of.

The hairs at the back of her neck prickled, a sign of no longer being alone, and she tensed. Hurrying from the human groups, she turned into an alley—unlike the wolves, she’d rather not fight in public—and waited for them to follow.

Brent turned into the alley, stopping when he saw her waiting and held up his hands. “Rhys just wanted to make sure you got home okay.”

She bristled. “If I weren’t a fully trained fighter, I’d appreciate it. But I am, so I don’t.” She took a step closer and he backed up.

“Hey! If you have a problem, take it up with the boss. I’m just following orders.”

“The boss?” She asked and saw Brent grimace as he realised what he’d let slip.

He backed up some more until he was back on the street. “Take it up with Rhys. I just have to make sure you get home safe.”

Chewing on her bottom lip she thought it over and eventually nodded and stood beside him on the street. It would be a good chance to ask questions about his “boss” and figure out what the hell was going on between the bears and the wolves.

Linking her arm through Brent’s, she allowed him to escort her back to the cat compound boundary, knowing that if he was spotted by any of her brethren, he would be killed on sight.

During the twenty minute walk she questioned him about Rhys but he didn’t give much away.

“What can I say; he’s a private guy.”

“Then tell me how he’s ‘the boss’? The last I heard Darren was alpha of the wolves.”

Brent snorted, “He still is, he just doesn’t deserve the title.”

Kaitlin stopped and put her hands on her hips. “Brent, I may like you but I am not above kicking your ass to get answers.”

He laughed and shook his head, “Okay, stop with the threats, I’ll tell you about him.” They started walking again, “Rhys is a born alpha but he’s always suppressed it, not wanting the responsibilities that go with it.”

“That I can understand.” He shot her a harassed look and she grinned, “Sorry.”

“Anyway, Darren sent out a group of wolves a couple of weeks ago and they never came back. They’d been slaughtered in a warehouse,” his eyes were bleak as he recalled the event. “It wasn’t the first time it had happened and Rhys lost his brother that night: he snapped. He attacked Darren and was just about to deliver the killing blow when he stopped himself, realising what he was about to do; the responsibility he would have.” He grabbed her arm to stop her, “Rhys isn’t a bad guy, he just doesn’t like the thought that it would be his fault if anything happened to one of the wolves. As far as he’s concerned, they’re his family.” Brent watched her intently, probably looking for some sign she was warming towards Rhys or not. Kaitlin shrugged, trying not to show any emotion. “He left after the fight and about thirty guys went with him. He’s now in charge of a small number of us but we have a feeling the numbers will grow. We call him the boss because he doesn’t like the title of alpha.”

Suddenly she understood him better; knew why he was after an alliance with the bears. Knew why he was pursuing her.

“Bastard!”

Brent shot her a questioning look. “What’s up?”

She shook her head as she backed away, “It’s just dawned on me why he wants me.” She swore colourfully, “He didn’t have to make up all that crap about me being his mate, my parents and the rest of the council would have met with him anyway.” She growled as her anger brought her to the brink of shifting, her body twitching ominously.

Brent ran a hand over his brow and swore, “He really does believe you’re his mate, Kaitlin.”

“Yeah, right!” She turned on her heel and walked away from him before she did something stupid, like attack him.

“Aww, fuck,” she heard him say, “I’m going to be in deep shit for this.”

Luckily for him, he didn’t try to follow her or she might have shifted on him, her puma itching for a fight.

Kaitlin threw the front door of her parents’ home open and halted when she saw her father sitting in his favourite chair nursing a tumbler of dark liquid. “Dad,” she murmured.

Paul Mahone was an intimidating man; he was six-foot-three and had an air of power about him. He was feared by almost everyone in the cat clans—him being one of the few jaguar shifters—which meant they left her alone too. It had pissed her off for a while, no males wanting to touch her, but she’d found a way around it in the end.

“Did you have a nice evening, Kaitlin?” He didn’t look up from the whiskey in his glass as he swirled the liquid.

Her nape prickled in warning.

Did he know Misha had left her alone at the club? Or did she smell of wolf?

“It was great, we went to a club,” she moved towards the staircase.

“The full moon cycle starts in three days, Kaitlin.”

Her eyes widened at that. Ten years after a female’s first shift, she went into a needing period, where she would be fertile for the few nights of the full moon period. Her needing scent would trigger the male’s need to mate with her and she would have to pick a worthy male to relieve the ache and possibly become the father of her child.

“You understand what that entails?”

Of course she did. “Yes.”

His dark brown eyes met hers across the room, “Goodnight, Kaitlin.”

“Goodnight.”

She hurried up the stairs and into her room. Once there, she dropped onto the edge of her bed and stared into space. There wasn’t one man she could go to, to help her with this. Unless she went to the Crescent Bay…

No! He’d used her. She wasn’t going to him for help with this. Not that it would help if she did. During the full moon she’d be in puma form, her human half shut away—quite literally for her—and it would be the puma who decided who was worthy, not her.

Dropping backwards on the mattress she stared up at the white ceiling as she ran possibilities through her head.

*Shifter Romance* word count update

Ha!

Well chapter 8 and 9 are complete, just started on chapter 10.

Current word count (11:53): 14,188

Inspiration has struck!! Yay!!

Not like i want to jinx it or anything but the *Shifter Romance* is once more on a roll!!

Yay me!

Chapter 8 done, nearly completed Chapter 9

Still needs a lot of attention, I’m just glad it’s still flowing…

 

Word count (14:29): 12,969

Chapter 2 – *Shifter Romance*

“What was that text about last night?” Misha asked as she made herself up using Kaitlin’s pricier make-up.

She plucked at the frayed hem of her dressing gown as memories she’d been trying to forget all morning came back to her. Mainly of the amber eyed wolf who’d let her go without calling for backup. Kaitlin had no idea why he’d done that and it still niggled. “I nearly got myself into trouble last night, that was all.”

“That was all?” Her friend asked doubtfully. “Kaitlin, I don’t know any other females who get into as much shit as you. You attract trouble like a magnet.”

Kaitlin snorted, “Not true!”

“It so is! Now come here so I can do your make-up.”

Obediently, she sat in the chair in front of her dressing table and allowed her friend to do her make-up. Ten minutes later, Misha said, “Open.” She did and glanced in the mirror at herself.

“Wow.”

“I know, don’t you look amazing?” Misha gushed, proud of her work. “So to compliment the face I say you should wear the violet top and black mini. Oh, and those sexy, black platform shoes I’ve never seen you wear since you bought them.” Her friend gave her a pointed look.

Kaitlin nearly groaned but stopped herself in time. It wasn’t very often she let herself relax and when she did she tended to let Misha, her best-friend, plan it all. She didn’t even know where they were going tonight.

“Where are we going?”

“Out.”

She rolled her eyes at her friend’s response. Misha probably knew she’d refuse to go if she knew where they were going tonight. “Fine.”

Misha grinned and shoved the clothes at her. “Put these on while I hunt out those cool shoes of yours.”

“Misha,” she complained, “are you trying to cripple me?”

“Women have to suffer for their vanity.”

This time she did groan.

Twenty minutes later they were dressed and Misha was driving them out of the cat clan compound and into the city. Her friend flicked through the radio stations until she found something she liked and turned the volume up to full and sung her head off. Kaitlin grinned and before long, she was joining in.

They were giggling like schoolgirls when they finally pulled up outside the club they were going to.

Devine.

It was a well-known bar in the shifter community run by a member of the council’s son and many shifters came here to relax, though it was also frequented by humans too.

Misha flung an arm through Kaitlin’s and they only had to smile at the bouncer and they were let in—all shifters were given VIP treatment. The waiting line of humans protested and the bouncer shouted something that shut them up.

The music was pounding inside and she glanced around. Misha’s elbow connected with her side, “Sexy guys at the bar.”

They’d only just arrived and Misha was looking for guy’s to spend the rest of the evening with. She rolled her eyes but turned her head and searched them out. It wasn’t hard, they were shifters of some kind; five altogether, built well and very attractive. They were surrounded by girls trying to catch their eye with the little clothing they had on and the sexy dance moves they were busting.

“Do you reckon they’re looking for some shifter girls?” Misha asked with a grin. Kaitlin shifted, feeling uncomfortable suddenly. “Well?” She demanded.

“I don’t know.”

Fingers wrapped around her own, “Only one way to find out.”

In minutes they stood at the bar ordering drinks. “Well hello, ladies,” a man drawled. They turned to find one of the shifters gazing at them appreciatively. He was attractive with green eyes and black hair.

Misha gave him her full attention. “Hey,” she purred. “I’m Misha and this is my best friend, Kaitlin.”

He grinned, his nostrils flaring slightly. “I’m Brent.” He turned from them to get his friends attention, “Hey, guys. Some lovely girls here you should meet.”

All eyes turned to them and one pair of golden amber eyes caught Kaitlin’s attention more than the rest. They’d haunted her thoughts for the past twenty-four hours. She took in the rest of him and her mouth parted. He’d been gorgeous by moonlight but in club-light, he was sexy as hell. The dark blue jeans hugged to his muscular thighs and the t-shirt clung in all the right places.

She received another elbow in the ribs and she realised everyone had introduced themselves but her and golden eyes. “Sorry, I’m Kaitlin.”

“Rhys.”

Rhys. She ran the name over and over in her head, searching for some recollection for the name but found none.

“It’s lovely to meet you guys,” Misha purred as she linked her arm with Kaitlins again and then dug her nails into her arm painfully. She knew it was some sort of warning and forced her gaze away from Rhys’ and picked up her drink with her free hand.

“Likewise,” one of them said with a grin.

“We’re just going to the ladies room, we’ll be right back.”

Kaitlin was dragged through the partiers and into the bathroom. “They’re wolves!” Misha hissed as she leant against the door. “We have to get out of here.”

Kaitlin—strangely— didn’t agree with her. The wolves could have turned volatile and attacked—wolves didn’t seem bothered by public displays—but they hadn’t; they’d welcomed them and bought their drinks.

Moving over to the line of mirrors she checked her hair and make-up.

“Kaitlin! We have to go!”

“Why, Misha?”

Her friend met her gaze in the mirror with one of disbelief. “Why?!” She screeched. “In case you’ve forgotten, they’re our enemies, Kaitlin!”

She turned to face her, “I don’t think they are.”

Misha’s mouth dropped open. “Excuse me?”

“If they wanted to hurt us, they would have regardless of where we were.”

Her friend’s eyes narrowed, “It’s him, isn’t it?”

“Who?”

“The one you got into trouble with last night; he’s out there, the one with the gold eyes.” A muscle started to tic in her cheek, instantly giving her away. “Where the hell were you last night to meet a wolf?”

She’d passed the message on to her parents first thing this morning after waking and her father had asked her not to mention it to anyone while he investigated the matter further to see if there was a logical explanation.

“Misha, I can’t say. It’s council business.” She heard a low growl and cocked a brow at her friend in disbelief. Misha rarely allowed herself to show any part of her shifter unless she was seriously pissed or it was a full moon when the pack would run as a whole.

“Fine, you stay if you want but I’m out of here.”

Kaitlin opened her mouth to protest but stopped the words before they came. Maybe it was better if she was alone when she questioned Rhys. Misha wasn’t a trained fighter like herself and she couldn’t protect them both from a pack of wolves.

She watched her friend disappear into the crowd from the doorway of the ladies restroom.

“Cat?” It was softly spoken but she heard it clearly over the music. Her head turned to see Rhys leaning against the wall waiting for her.

“Dog?”

He grinned at her, “Touché.”

“What are you doing here?” She asked.

Rhys shrugged. “Would you believe me if I said drowning my sorrows after a girl jumped off a roof to get away from me?”

Kaitlin snorted and checked the crowd. Her gaze was caught and held by the group of shifters who were staring at her and Rhys, even though they were stood in one of the clubs darkest corners. It was freaky how good wolves’ night-vision was.

“I’ll take that as a no then.”

Turning to face him again, her face was awash with confusion, “What do you want with me?”

His gaze moved over her head to his friends at the bar and then back to her and held out a hand, palm up, “Dance with me?”

Curiosity at what he had to say got the better of her and she placed her hand in his. He gave her a slight smile and curved his fingers around her palm as he walked them onto the already crowded dance floor.

Rhys stopped somewhere in the middle and pulled her into his arms. The music was something with a fast beat but he held her close to him and slow danced with her.

To say she was surprised would be an understatement but she held her tongue and moved with him to some silent melody.

“You want to know what I want with you?” He murmured into the wispy hairs at her temple. She stopped breathing as she waited for him to continue. “You’ve heard about shifters mates; about how there is one person who is specifically made for them?”

“That’s an old tale,” she murmured into his chest. “There’s no proof to it.”

One of his fingers ran down her naked back, finding every notch of her spine, before resting in the small of her back, thankfully on top of her top.

“What if I said I believed it?”

Kaitlin tried to pull away but the hand on her back stopped her. “I’d say you were crazy.”

He continued as if she hadn’t spoken. “What if I then said; I believe my mate is you?”

Struggling…

Well i’m finding it quite hard to figure out where to take the *shifter romance*. It needs a lot of attention and at the moment i’m lacking in motivation…I’ve got about 7 completed chapters, though they still need a bit of work before i put them anywhere. I might make it available on the blog instead of short-fiction.co.uk and upload the next chapter tomorrow or the day after. It might make me more determined to finish it that way and get my butt in gear because i know this story could be good if i let it be.

Chapter 1 – *Shifter Romance*

I’ve decided to let you read chapter 1 of my latest story (because i’m sure i’ll finish it at some point (hopefully sometime soon.)) Be warned there is some swearing and coarse language!!

So here it is:

 

Kaitlin Mahone shifted on her perch—a branch half way up an old oak tree—and watched the sleek black car, that had just rumbled underneath her position, turn into the compound further up the street.

Four men got out, dressed in tight jeans and t-shirts. Judging from their muscular builds she’d reckon they were fighters. They looked around, their eyes glinting amber in the street light, and seemed to sniff the air. Luckily the steady breeze was blowing towards her so her scent wouldn’t indicate her presence.

She frowned for a second. What were the wolves doing meeting the bears? They were supposed to be enemies. Like the cat clans were with the wolves—dogs and cats and all that.

With her enhanced hearing she heard the door set into the compound open and the men turned to be greeted by the dozen or so bears. Except one, who was staring at the oak tree she was in with a fierce intensity. Kaitlin held her breath. Wolves’ hearing and sight was just as good as hers, a puma, and she couldn’t afford to be seen. After what seemed like an eternity but was probably mere seconds, he turned away and joined his brethren in greeting the bears.

Turning her attention to the cat clans supposed allies she saw that at the head of the group was Tito, the second in command and her on/off lover. Her jaw clenched hard at his deceit. She’d only seen him earlier this evening and he hadn’t said anything to her. A snarl left her lips as she watched the group of men enter the large brick building.

Only three things made her shift: anger, pain and her will. She was angry enough now but she forced herself to relax. She needed to stay in control because if she changed, the animal took charge and even ten years after making her first shift at the age of thirteen, she still wasn’t completely in control of the wild animal inside her.

The heavy metal gates clunked shut behind them and she took in a quick breath before she started to climb down from her thirty-foot high branch. She jumped down to the next branch, about five feet below, and landed with prefect balance in the centre. Luckily for her, cats had a good sense of distance and balance and the traits had ingrained themselves in her too. Kaitlin quickly lowered herself to the bottom branch; it was still about nine feet off the ground and she dropped off into thin air. She landed on all fours with only the tiniest sound and glanced around, hoping she hadn’t drawn attention to herself from any shifter in the vicinity.

She didn’t hear anything.

Rising to her feet she set off in the opposite direction to the compound, going to the black motorcycle she’d hidden in the corn field that ran the length of the street.  Reaching into the under-seat storage she pulled out her mobile and sent a message to her friend, telling her where she was and that if she wasn’t back by morning to let her parents know. They’d come looking for her, she was sure.

Putting the phone back she walked back up to the street and moved towards the compound. The walls must have been fifteen-foot high; no problem for her at all, and topped with sharp spikes.

She needed to get inside and see what was going on.

Bending her knees, she pushed up quickly and flew up into the air. A puma could jump eighteen feet upwards in one bound but Kaitlin didn’t want to jump that far. Grabbing two spikes she stealthily pulled herself upwards and crouched on the wall top as she scanned her surroundings.

There were several watchmen about. They must be guarding the meeting between the two supposed enemies. Anger clawed at her again, wanting out. She forced it down.

Kaitlin counted six men below her, too close together to attack undetected. Her gaze darted across to the rooftop of the building. It wasn’t far, maybe ten feet. She could easily make it, but where did she go from there? She scoured the rooftop looking for steps, a hatch, a door, anything that might indicate she could get into the building.

There! She could see the outline of a roof hatch at the far end.

Kaitlin took a steadying breath and stood. A gust of wind pushed against her but she stayed steady. Her gaze locked on the roof edge as she bent her knees…and leapt. She made it easily and crouched low to lessen the sound of impact, her leathers squeaking in protest of the movement. She forgot to breathe for a second.

No-one seemed aware of her presence. Good.

Standing, Kaitlin set off for the roof-hatch. It squealed and she grit her teeth as she eased it open, trying to do it as quietly as possible. She stuck her head through the gap, listening for approaching “allies” and enemies alike.

Nothing.

She ran down the stairs, silent as possible in her biker boots, and followed the long corridor until she found the steps leading downstairs. Casting one last glance around, she slowly descended.

Voices carried to her through the corridors as she reached the second level. She wasn’t close enough to hear the words but it helped her locate them. Creeping down the corridor she listened intently for a wolf shifter coming towards her or for the groups’ whereabouts. The group were easy to find, they were in a large office at the end of the corridor and their voices carried easily in the otherwise deserted building.

“You want an alliance with the bears?” Tito asked.

“We do,” a deep voice rumbled.

There was a short pause. “You do understand that we are aligned with the cats?”

“Oh, we know. We also know that you’re fucking one of the council member’s daughters.”

Her hands balled into fists at her sides.

“Mahone? Yeah, she’s a wildcat in the sack.” He laughed and everyone else joined in.

Kaitlin’s stomach lurched and she pressed her hand to her mouth.

“I’m only doing it in the hopes of getting in her daddies good books and getting my own seat on the council.”

“We hear she’s a looker?” Tito murmured his agreement. “Makes it easier to fuck a hot girl than an ugly one I guess.”

“She’s likes it rough, too.” Tito added.

Mortification ran through her. He was telling them about private matters like they were old friends. She didn’t want to hear any more, she knew the basics of the matter and would report back to the council about it.

Kaitlin backed up and headed back down the corridor she’d come. Her thoughts were a jumble and she didn’t hear the light footsteps heading her way until it was too late and she was face to chest with a six-foot-four wolf shifter.

They both moved into a fighting stance at the same time and stood glaring at each other. He was built like every other wolf, tall and muscular. They tended to be attractive but this one was more than that. He was gorgeous; mesmerising with his golden amber eyes. She saw his nose twitch and knew he was scenting the air.

“Cat,” he breathed.

Her fists clenched tight. She didn’t have time for this! Inching to the side he mirrored her, like she knew he would, keeping the same distance between them. She needed to get out of here before all hell broke loose.

“You’re the same cat who was watching us when we arrived.” His voice was still soft, barely audible, and she frowned across at him as she continued to slowly circle.

Why hadn’t he called for back-up?

His hands dropped and he lost the fighting stance—totally confusing her and spurring her into action. Dropping low, she swung her left leg and made contact with both of his, toppling him to the floor before she ran as fast as she could, up the corridor and the stairs to the third floor and escape.

Kaitlin had made it to the roof before a hand fastened around her wrist and swung her around. Her fist came up and connected with his cheek. Pain radiated up her arm and she gritted her teeth against it. Adrenaline flooded her system and stopped most of the pain as she readied herself for a fight.

She heard him swear under his breath as he grabbed for her. She swung again but she wasn’t quick enough.

“Cat!” He growled angrily as he captured her struggling arms against her body with an arm around her waist and the closeness of his body. His other hand tangled in her dark blonde hair and tugged until she met his gaze defiantly. “You fight well for a woman,” he complimented in a low velvety voice.

A low hiss left her and he chuckled. “Not going to work on me, sweetheart. I’ve been up against much worse.” His eyes dropped to her leather clad body, “Much worse,” he repeated softly.

Kaitlin tried to ignore how good his voice sounded; all warm and velvety soft. The way he’d looked at her only a moment ago, like she was something he wanted to ravage. Her breathing quickened at the thought of them together. She could feel every ridge of muscle in his body and she shuddered. He felt amazing. Before she realised she was wriggling against him and he growled low in his throat as his gaze glinted gold in the street-light.

Wolf!

Just like that reality returned and she pushed him away, causing him to stumble backwards. She watched him with wide eyes for a second before turning on her heel and jumping from the roof, over the wall and into the darkness beyond.

His heated curse followed her.

Leanne Crabtree © 2012

It stills needs quite a bit of work before it’s complete…

Shifter Romance

I’m already seven chapters in and know what’s going into the next two and i dont think im anywhere near done…this story is looking good!!

Ruby – Part 4 – Complete

Yay!

I finally finished it.

I know it’s a bit late, but Part 4 of Ruby is complete and uploaded, should hopefully be available in the next few days

 

 

Not sure what’s gunna come next. Might be “The Shifter Romance” since I had that great idea the other day about a series but it depends how easy the plot comes to me. If not it’ll be another off the list of excerpts or something new, though i suppose i should stop doing that or i’m going to end up with hndreds on the go at once.

Right, well…

Hmm…well i didnt get part 4 of Ruby done, it’s going longer than i thought it would be so it’s around 85% currently. I am trying to finish it though now…should be either today or tomorrow.

 

And I’d like to wish everyone a Happy New Year!! Hope it’s a good one!

Determined…

Right, today I’m determined to finish part 4 of Ruby, it’s about 80% done and preferably needs to be finished before new year so today will be the day…hopefully…