Claimed

  He glanced at Katie. “Kate? If you feel anything odd, anything. . .”

  “To indicate I’m going to get hairy and bay at the moon?” Katie asked, a hint of a smile on her face.

  He returned the grin. “Yes. You let me know.”

  Emma shook her head. “She won’t. The virus hasn’t been in her system long enough. No werewolfishness.”

  “Good.” His eyes glimmered with amusement. “Apparently Cara isn’t the only Paulsen who makes up her own words.”

  Emma opened her mouth to retort when the screen caught her eye as Baye and Mac shifted into mountain lions. One second they stood tall and then an odd sparkly shimmer washed over them until they perched on four legs, dangerous and predatory. Their clothes fell in ripped heaps to their paws. “Wow.”

  “I owe them clothes now,” Dage said. “I told them not to arrive in the gym nude.”

  Katie gave Emma a sideways glance. “You’re missing out. The enforcers are something to look at, let me tell you.” She wiggled her eyebrows and pursed her lips.

  “Kathrynne ...” Dage warned, a smile playing on his lips.

  Katie sobered. “I should be in there.”

  Emma patted her hand on the table, sympathy filling her for a moment. “Don’t worry, Kate. We’ll figure this out.” They just had to. The woman’s sorrow had a presence of its own in the small room. Cara shifted uncomfortably next to Emma, probably feeling Katie’s pain and sorrow. Must suck to be an empath.

  The lioness leaned forward. “Something’s happening.”

  Emma zeroed in on the screen. Maggie had her eyes closed, leaning against the gym wall. She stretched her neck and lifted her head with her nostrils flaring. Then she looked down and focused on her right hand, which she held out with the fingers extended.

  Sharp claws emerged.

  Emma gasped.

  The claws curled black and then elongated to yellow daggers. Maggie winced, dropping her chin to her chest and tightening her shoulders as if drawing in power. The claws narrowed and retracted into black wolf claws.

  Jordan’s low voice crooned through the space. “That’s it, Mags. Concentrate. Search for the wolf—she needs you.”

  Katie began to tremble next to Emma. “Come on, Maggie,” she whispered.

  Maggie’s eyes opened, shifting from light brown to yellow to dark brown to gray. Her face elongated and she let out an animalistic howl of pain. The shrill sound echoed throughout the room.

  Sharp canines dropped low and fast, and she fell forward onto all fours. Hair emerged on her face, on her arms, shiny and brown. Then bristly and coarse. Her clothes ripped apart and she took the form of a wolf. The fur turned shiny and brown again. She lifted her head and yelped. The air shimmered with sparkles and suddenly a fully grown she-wolf rested on a pile of clothing.

  She lowered her head and stretched out, a small whimper escaping.

  Jordan crept forward and knelt, running a hand along her thick pelt. “Nice job, Mags.” He drew in a deep breath and nodded toward the cameras. “Kane’s going to come in and take some blood samples, and then we’ll go for a run.”

  The wolf lifted her head and gave the equivalent of a canine smile. Apparently she wanted to run.

  Emma muttered to herself, her handwriting no better than chicken scratches. The owl hooted outside, once again searching for something in the dead of night.

  Lily swung her legs back and forth from her perch on the examination table. “Is there anything I can do to help?” Her scent of wild strawberries filled the air and competed against the medicinal smells of alcohol and pine-scented cleansers.

  “No.” Emma straightened her back and stretched her neck, her voice soft in the quiet lab. “Though maybe you should get some sleep. It’s past midnight.” She tossed the chart down on the table.

  “You’re not sleeping.” The prophet stifled a yawn.

  Dage was working with Talen, and settling down in a bed by herself had lost its appeal for Emma. “True. But I have this feeling I’m about to get a breakthrough, and I can’t just go to sleep.” She wanted to take another sample of Maggie’s blood when she returned from her run as a wolf.

  “I don’t want to leave you all by yourself in this big old lab.” Lily glanced around and gave an exaggerated shiver. “Plus, I ah, wanted to ask you something.”

  “What’s that?” Emma fought the urge to rub her tired eyes.

  “The cure. If my body beats the virus, will I change back? I mean, will I be mated to Sotheby again?” A frown settled between Lily’s finely arched brows.

  Emma shrugged. “I doubt it. Truly, I don’t believe that could happen. Even if you manage to reform the chromosomes, the individual aspects of each mating would be gone.”

  “Indeed.” Lily’s expression smoothed out.

  “Damn it, Lily. You should be in bed.” Caleb stormed into the room, a purple bruise spreading across one rugged cheekbone. Dust covered his dark training garb while his huge boots battered the tiled floor.

  Lily raised an eyebrow. “I’m not the walking wounded here, Caleb.” A pink blush slid under her skin and filled her face.

  A low growl emitted from the soldier. “You should see the other guy. Besides, it’s just training.” He reached forward and tugged the prophet off the table. “You’re going to rest.”

  Emma fought a grin as Lily jerked her arm away from the angry vampire. “Back off, Caleb. I’m a prophet with a job to do.”

  “A prophet?” Caleb threw back his head and laughed. “All you three do is wander around and enjoy free meals. When you’re not banishing people, of course.”

  Lily perched her hands on her hips. “I didn’t banish you and you damn well know it.” She swished her skirts away and edged around the table with her head held high. “You have no idea what goes into being a spiritual leader for the Realm.”

  “A lot of nothing, if you ask me.” Caleb’s multi-colored eyes shifted to darker colors.

  “Nobody asked you,” Lily said.

  “Well.” Caleb’s voice lowered to a softness that provided warning. “Then you need to get yourself some rest so you can save all those souls tomorrow. Move yourself, Prophet, or I’ll move you.”

  Emma briefly considered intervening and decided against it. They were both adults.

  “Touch me and I’ll bring the force of the prophesy down on your derelict head,” Lily spat, her hands clutching the table until her knuckles turned white.

  Caleb smiled and settled his stance. “This is your last warning, Prophet.”

  Lily rolled her eyes, swishing her skirts in a hasty exit. “I’m leaving because I wish to go, you jackass.” She held her head high as she swept out of the room.

  Caleb pivoted and gave Emma a wink. “Good night, Highness.” He followed the prophet into the hallway while whistling an Irish jig, giving a polite nod to Dage.

  The king frowned, stepping inside the lab. “I wonder if I should do something about this.”

  Emma shrugged. “I say let them get it out of their systems.” She stifled a yawn. “Have you noticed your race is a bit, well ...”

  “Neanderthalic?”

  She frowned. “Is that a word?”

  “According to your sister, that’s a word.”

  Cara had always been fantastic about making up words that should be in the dictionary. “Vampires appear to be extremely behind the times when it comes to ...” What was the correct expression?

  “Being politically correct?” Dage ran a broad hand through his thick hair. “Granting equal rights?”

  “Yes.”

  His gaze gentled on her face. “Do you think Caleb would do anything to hurt Lily?”

  No. Not at all. “He doesn’t have the right to boss her around. She’s a prophet, for goodness sakes.” What was the guy thinking? Surely the fates would be seriously pissed off to see one of their prophets treated in such a matter. Emma shook her head in exhaustion. The fates? God. When had reality taken a flying leap?

  Dage nodded.
“That’s true. Keep in mind, most of us haven’t been in a relationship for centuries. We may have some catching up to do.”

  Emma tilted her head to the side, focusing on the discussion at hand. “Will being granted more time even matter?”

  Dage shrugged. “Probably not.” His grin was lethal. Sexy. Tempting.

  She huffed out a breath. If she chose to stay and have sons with the thick headed king, those boys would be modern, if it was the last thing she did. “Any luck finding Prophet Guiles?”

  “We found a good lead and should have his location by tomorrow.” Dage stalked forward, all grace, all muscle. “It’d be nice if he were in Ireland so we could capture two birds with one trip.” He grinned.

  Emma tapped her foot. So much for modern views. “Don’t you start. Moira can make up her own mind.”

  A thoughtful smile flirted with Dage’s full lips and that dangerous gaze narrowed in focus, pinning her in place. “Love? What do you think I’d do if you took off across the globe and refused to see me?” Curiosity melded with something darker, something intense in the deep tone.

  She cleared her throat. “Respect my need for privacy, I assume.” Like hell. “Don’t threaten me, Dage.” He was so lying if he claimed there wasn’t a threat buried in that dark tone. And she’d be lying if she didn’t admit his darkness pebbled her nipples and made her thighs clench. A need began to hum through her body—a craving only the vampire currently devouring her with his gaze could satisfy.

  A smile flirted with his upper lip. “Just hinting at facts. I suggest you remain where I can touch you.” He stepped forward and ran a gentle finger down the side of her face, reaching her chin to tilt her head up.

  She sighed. “I’ve been wondering. What happens if you’re dethroned?” This was the first chance she’d had to ask him.

  He smiled. “Nobody’s going to dethrone me, love. Your status as queen is safe.”

  “I don’t care about being queen.” She cared about the man whose gaze currently caressed her face. “What’s the process?”

  “The prophets, all three of them, must make a motion to the Realm to have me removed.” He shrugged. “There’s a vote, and seventy percent of the Realm has to agree. No worries. It won’t happen.” His lips brushed across hers, his breath heated. “Come to bed.”

  Ah. Something they agreed upon.

  Chapter 24

  The buzz of a cell phone woke Emma from a dream in which she tried to figure out how to ride a broom across a cloudy sky. Great. A couple discussions with a witch and she wanted to be one. Idly, she wondered about other scientific theories humans hadn’t yet discovered. Did they use sound waves? Light waves? Some other type of waves humans hadn’t discovered as of yet? She giggled in the darkness and placed a soft kiss on Dage’s hard chest.

  “What?” he barked into the phone, one broad hand sweeping down her body to cup her butt under the covers of the big bed. He stiffened. “Meet in the large conference room in ten minutes. Call Jordan and Caleb as well.” The phone snapped shut with a click, and he rolled her onto her back and covered her with his warm body.

  She brushed back a lock of his hair that had fallen forward. “What’s going on?” Desire hummed to life when he settled his erection against her core. She licked her lips in anticipation.

  His eyes flared at the action. “Talen found Prophet Guiles.” Dage dropped his head and ran gentle kisses along her jaw, stopping with a sigh and rolling from the bed.

  Emma sat up. “Where?” They were going off to fight again. She breathed deep, reminding herself the king knew how to fight. She needed to learn to trust his abilities, much as he needed to learn to trust hers. Damn two-way street.

  “Nevada.” Dage yanked on black cargo pants and a dark T-shirt. “The extraction team leaves in thirty minutes.”

  Dread slithered down her spine. “Do you have to go?”

  “Yes.” He tucked his earpiece into place and leaned over to plant a hard kiss on her lips, withdrawing to brush her hair off her face. He paused, his gaze searching hers. Finally he sighed. “You were right that I need action to give me focus and relief from my diplomatic duties. I don’t do it just to show my leadership.” Unease wandered across his hard face, and he rubbed his chin. With another deep breath, he exhaled. “I like it, and I need it.”

  Vulnerability was obviously a new emotion for the king, and one he didn’t like. But he’d opened up to her. He’d admitted the truth, he’d trusted her.

  Pleasure warmed her heart. She’d bet anything she was the only woman with whom Dage had ever let down his guard. “I appreciate you trusting me with the truth.” Everything inside her softened. Maybe they had a chance. The king was willing to bend.

  He nodded. “I do trust you, love. More than you could know.”

  “I trust you too.” She shifted and kissed his palm. He was worth the risk.

  His eyes heated. “I’ll return safely and we’ll pick up where we just left off.”

  “Promise?”

  His smile warmed her skin. “I promise.” He strode out of the room, shutting the door with a soft snap.

  Emma snuggled back down into the covers, letting the scent of sandalwood and power ease her fears. He’d be all right. He had training, power, and his brothers. The king would return. The marking began to tingle on her shoulder, a constant soothing reminder of her connection with Dage.

  Yet she couldn’t sleep. Minutes passed. Then an hour. Maybe she should get up and do some work. Sighing, she threw back the covers and slid from the bed, tugging on faded jeans and a ROLL TIDE, BABY sweatshirt.

  She’d just clipped her hair back when a soft sound came from the living room. Tilting her head to listen, she hurried through the bedroom and gasped. Cara sagged against the doorjamb in a huge T-shirt, her face pale and her eyes wide with pain. “Emma.” Her knuckles were white against the wood, her bare toes curled into the carpet.

  Emma rushed forward and steadied her sister, holding her when Cara fumbled. “Car? What’s wrong?” Panic rushed through her and she fought to keep her mind clear.

  Cara winced, her hand going to her stomach. “It hurts. So bad.” She sucked in air. “Fix this, Em.”

  Emma flashed back to a four-year-old Cara saying the same thing when she was stung by a bee. She gave the same answer. “I’ll fix it, Cara.” She pulled her sister into the room to sit on the couch, where she knelt to meet a blue-eyed gaze full of agony. “Tell me what hurts.”

  Tears filled Cara’s eyes. “Something’s wrong. The baby ...” She bit her lip and paled even further. “Cramps. And I can’t feel Talen. Something’s wrong.” A low moan escaped her.

  Shit. Was it a progression of the virus or had Cara somehow been infected with the catalyst? “Where’s Janie?”

  Cara gasped in pain. “She and Katie had a slumber party to watch the new pony movie.”

  Good. Emma pulled Cara off the couch. “We need to go to the lab and call Kane.”

  “Kane went on the raid—they all did.” Cara moaned.

  Emma swung her sister around and cradled her strained face. Tears soaked her hands. “We’re strong and we’re smart. We’ll fix this.”

  Cara nodded, bending at the waist and shifting toward the door.

  Emma helped her down the hall and to the outside exit manned by an armed guard at least twice her size.

  He shook his head. “You’re to stay inside, Highness.”

  “No.” Emma pushed open the door. “We have an emergency here. You can guard the lab, but we’re going.”

  The man glanced in concern toward Cara and gave a short nod, tapping his earpiece. “I need the lab secured right now, full sweep and two guards at each entry.” He held out his arms. “May I?”

  “Yes,” Cara moaned, doubling over again.

  The guard lifted her gently. “We’re not going inside the lab until the sweep is completed.” He maneuvered out the door into the still dark night with Emma on his heels.

  A full moon lit the path through th
e trees, crickets chirping in the distance and the scent of pine strong on the slight wind. They paused at the edge of the forest, and Emma made out the forms of several men scouting the perimeter of the building. Light cascaded out each window where more soldiers inspected each room.

  Several minutes later the guard tapped his earpiece again. “Okay.” He began to stride forward. “The building is clear.” He nodded to the guards at the main entrance and one held the door open for them. “Which room?”

  “The main clean lab.” Emma rushed inside, her sandals clicking on the industrial tiles. She rapidly disengaged the key locks and gave her code, all but running through the clean rooms and showers.

  The guard paused in the ultraviolet room, his deep voice echoing off the walls. “Are you sure, Highness?”

  Emma kept moving, punching her code into the wall. “Yes. There’s no need for further safety protocol.” Cara was already in danger. What else could happen? Finally, she shoved open the large door and pointed to an examination table. “Put her there.”

  The guard lowered Cara to the bed and she immediately curled onto her side. He frowned. “Do you need me in here?”

  “No.” Emma switched on the computer system. “Thank you.”

  “Of course. I want to scout the outside again. Call me if you need me.” He turned on his heel and hustled from the room, the door vacuuming shut with a suction of sound.

  Cara gave a low moan from the bed. “I can’t reach Talen. And this hurts.”

  Emma grabbed a needle and hurried toward her sister to draw blood. “Give me just a second to see what’s going on.”

  She took the vial to the Prism and started the test, her foot tapping impatiently for the thirty seconds needed to spit out the results. She grabbed the paper to read, and fear cut into her heart like a sword. Schooling her face, she turned around.

  “What?” Cara struggled to sit up on the bed, her hand clutching her stomach.

  “The protein unique to the catalyst is in your blood.”

  “How?” Cara cried, pure panic rushing across her small features. “How did they get to me?”

  Emma shrugged. “Not the time to deal with that. Right now we need to counter this progression.” Oh God. The baby.