Then Peter—or Pedro, as they called him—arrived, and once more, introductions were made.

  “We should adjourn to the meeting room. Things will be easier to discuss in there,” Javed said, and the group moved back to the room where Peter and Pippa had worried over Maxim’s safety.

  This time, a table was laid out, allowing everyone a seat. Javed and Celina took up one end, and Simon and Niamh, who looked exhausted, were at the other, while Peter, Maxim, and Pippa sat on one side, and Beatriz, Philip, and Morrow took the other side.

  Beatriz opened the conversation. “Morrow has told us very little about what you’ve been doing and where you’ve been for the last nearly twenty years, and I’d like to hear from you.”

  Peter indicated Pippa should speak, so she explained about her mother and Roger. How she and Peter had kept the house and grounds, while being restricted to only the estate. She didn’t mention the things she’d seen, but did say, “Mother and Roger were close. I think, whatever he was, that’s what she was becoming. He kept her close too, like he didn’t want her to escape, not that she appeared to want to. He had a hold over her, and she was not happy, but I guess somehow content? Comfortable? None of those words are right, but I can’t think of a better description.” Talking about everything else would come later, she reasoned.

  “And he never let you go anywhere? How did you escape?” Philip queried.

  Peter sat up. “I had a chance meeting with a gardener who knew of Simon and Niamh’s work with paranormal refugees. He made contact for me, and a plan was put in place. Once I had a small window, I grabbed Pippa, and we ran. Simon and Niamh arranged a home for us, and that’s about it.” Peter shrugged as if he too were at a loss for words.

  Simon cleared his throat. “We believe Roger is a wendigo. They’re dangerous, cannibalistic creatures who inveigle their prey, using them until they require the sustenance. They’re highly dangerous and skilled in fighting, although usually solitary.”

  Beatriz nodded. “We have heard of such creatures, but we are many. Some of our family are warriors, and others are protectors. Among our number are those who are reincarnations of gods of mischief, war, and darkness. We will mass to remove the danger to our own.”

  “I have talked with Cressida and Daniel, and they have given permission for our house, as protector, to stand with you,” said Javed.

  “And I bring with me the witches of our house,” added Celina.

  Simon nodded. “The pack also stands ready, as Peter, Pippa, and Maxim are under our protection.”

  Pippa felt the sting of tears. Somehow, things had changed, and she’d found not just friends but a family. People who would protect her. Unlike her mother. “What about Mother?”

  “We sent out scouts yesterday. We found remains, which are being tested, but we believe they’re your mother’s remains. I’m very sorry,” Niamh said in a soft voice.

  Pippa supposed she should feel sadness or grief, but right now, she felt simply numb, so she nodded, and Peter caught her eyes.

  “She was ‘mother’ only in name,” he said. “I won’t lie and say it hurts. It’s really a kindness, as I don’t think I could face her.”

  Beatriz sighed. “She was weak, Pedro. I knew her for such a short time, but she never had any kind of fight in her. For Roger, I would say she was an easy mark.”

  Pippa spent little time considering her grandmother’s words then turned to Simon. “So, what do we do now?”

  He shook his head. “The only option is to plan, then fight.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Maxim yawned as the meeting broke up. Stretching released the muscles which had taken a pummelling during the last twenty-four hours, and he waited as the group finalised the plan for bringing in more of Pippa’s family to assist with the wendigos.

  “I would suggest we meet back here once the troops are massed,” Javed said. “Until then, it would be best if Peter, Phillipa, Maxim, and of course Beatriz and Philip, remain here within the wards.”

  “And you’ve now addressed the issue of the wards?” queried Simon.

  Javed smiled, but the smile was cold. “Oh yes. From this point on, we will only allow those protected by a witch of the house to be admitted. We have also distributed ward tokens to members of the house who will be coming and going, ensuring that they are physically protected during their time outside the wards—they only need to press the token to activate it.”

  The small amulet which now hung around Maxim’s neck warmed slightly, and hearing Pippa’s indrawn breath, he wondered if she too felt the magic winding through the smooth piece of metal.

  “Then I believe we’re done for the evening. Beatriz and Philip, I have made arrangements for accommodation for you within our secured section.” Javed smiled. “The suite is currently occupied, so we’ve moved you into another wing of the house. Ben—” The human Maxim and Pippa had been dealing with previously stepped into the room. “—will escort you to your rooms. He will also issue you the necessary passes to ensure you can come and go within the house. We simply ask that you remain within the wards and follow any protocols as instructed by Ben and his staff.”

  Beatriz nodded. “We will, of course, comply with your requests.”

  “Then I believe we are done here for tonight. Simon and Niamh, you are welcome to stay and rest should you⁠—”

  “Thank you, but no. We have appointments later today, and the pack will need us to explain what has transpired in person.” Simon stood, and Niamh followed his lead. Maxim noted the extreme fatigue stole the colour from her cheeks, and she physically drooped.

  Simon’s arm wound around his mate, and Maxim wondered how Pippa would react if he did the same. As if she could read his mind, Pippa moved closer and he took her hand, interlacing their fingers.

  As the meeting broke up, Peter loped up to them and made an obvious show of looking at their hands. “So, like that, huh?”

  Pippa stilled, and Maxim looked at the younger man. “I am doing nothing your sister has not welcomed.”

  “Maxim! Peter, really? Do you need to do this?” Pippa’s voice dripped with embarrassment.

  Peter smiled. “Ah, so that’s the way of it then.”

  Pippa blushed, and Maxim shook his head. “It’s time to go to bed,” he said, and felt Pippa squeeze his hands. “No?”

  He glanced at her, watched as she rolled her eyes. “To sleep,” she muttered, and a seed of devilry rose in him.

  “Of course,” he answered and moved forward.

  Pippa followed, and they left the room in silence.

  “I can’t believe you said that,” she whispered as they entered the secured accommodation area.

  “Why? I told the truth?” He grinned at her.

  “But it’s embarrassing. I mean…” She appeared to flounder for the words to explain, and he took pity on her.

  “You don’t want him to know we may be intimate?” And he genuinely did want to know how she wanted him to handle it.

  “Yes. No! I mean, he’s going to draw his own conclusions, but I don’t know that telling him…” She sighed. “I’m confused and embarrassed. I don’t know if I’m talking nonsense or not, but I just… I’d rather we didn’t discuss anything like that with my brother.”

  Maxim smiled, nodded, and as they reached the door of the suite, he stilled her. “You should shower then rest. It’s been a long day.”

  She opened her mouth, then closed it.

  “I have some messages I must check. Go in and shower.”

  “Fine,” she muttered and headed for her room.

  Pippa watched from the doorway, noting that Maxim had settled on the lounge, pulling his laptop to the coffee table, and she considered his words. Clearly, he planned for her to take herself to bed, and that’s what she would do; however, it wasn’t quite going to be what he expected.

  She hurried through her shower, pulled on the pyjamas she’d chosen—comfy and stretchy, and not in the least suggestive—then peeked back into the lounge. He wasn’t there, so she dashed across the room and slid into his bedroom, noting the closed bathroom door.

  On a sigh, she slid into the bed and closed her eyes, hoping that she’d be asleep before he entered the room. The scent of him wound around her, and she let it relax the muscles and nerves which had wound tight during the day and ensuing night. Exhaustion claimed her.

  Maxim dragged on the pyjama bottoms he’d taken into the bathroom with him, then exited the room. He was wholly unsurprised to find Pippa in his bed. It was, in fact, the reason he’d taken his clothing into the bathroom.

  Turning the light down low, he climbed into the bed, taking care not to wake the woman, and lifted the laptop up. Sleep would be a long while coming, no matter how tired he may be.

  The machine chugged to life, and he waited for the mail to download. While he’d made a show of starting the computer in the lounge as she’d left to shower, he’d waited until now.

  The email from Gregori that he expected was there.

  Mischa’s father left this morning. Said he’s coming to find you, but if I was in contact to let you know that his intentions are not angry. He said enough time has passed and he understands that his reaction was wrong.

  Apart from that, I hear there’s been movement in the forests to the north of Oblast, and will investigate in the next few days, when it’s safe to venture out. Things here are fraught. It appears there is a battalion nearby who wish to subdue any paranormals. Hence my concern at going immediately. It is my hope that the herd have not returned to this location, but if they have, I will stand by my word to you that I will let them know.

  “No, brother. That would not be good,” Maxim muttered. Their kind was in danger, and he’d rather Gregori did not raise any questions as to his ancestry. Gregori was the only other member of the herd to leave with him. It was the only reason he and his herd-brother had remained in Oblast, to finish their education and to build a stable life, even if it had meant subduing their natures.

  A second email dropped into his inbox, and with a frown, Maxim opened it.

  Maxim,

  Things have changed quickly here, become very dangerous. I have been unable to travel to the forest, as the army have started patrolling the streets, seeking anyone with paranormal blood. Katya and I are collecting the children and making a run for it. With luck, we will make our exit via China, following roughly in your footsteps. I’ll make contact once we are safely in China, which I hope will only take a day or two. I’ll be in touch.

  “Hooy morzhov,” he exploded.

  “You’ve used those words before,” Pippa muttered, her voice thick with sleep.

  “I apologise, I woke you,” Maxim muttered.

  “You sound upset,” she said and levered herself up.

  “Gregori sent news. He and Katya and the children have had to leave Oblast. Things have gone wrong, and Mischa’s father is looking for me. He’s coming here.”

  “Oh. That’s not good,” Pippa breathed. “We can ask Simon and Niamh to…” She shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe they can make contact with him somehow.”

  “Gregori said her father’s not angry, but I don’t know why he’d come.” Maxim’s voice had thickened over the English words.

  “Maxim,” Pippa said and wound her arms around him. The action centred him, as the last connection to his past was now endangered. Katya and Gregori and himself had run as youngsters from the forest; Katya had followed them because she’d been promised to another and loved Gregori. He and Gregori both left because they knew the herd was about to move and his desire to help others would be ended before it began if he left with them. And even now, he had no desire to lose contact with his herd-brother.

  “Gregori and I and Katya, we are close. We grew up together within the herd. I was the one who helped them when they refused the future decided for them.”

  “You don’t often speak about your past. You’ve talked only a little about Mischa.”

  He shrugged. “They are gone, and I was here. And I did not wish to add to your worries.”

  “Oh, Maxim. I feel so foolish. I’ve been so caught up in my own concerns and worries that I didn’t really try to assist you. I didn’t recognise that you too had issues that you were struggling with.”

  He closed the laptop and placed it on the floor beside the bed, then turned, taking her in his arms. “I don’t wish to make you worry, malysh.”

  She raised up on her knees and stared into his eyes. “When you feel sad, I feel it too, Maxim.”

  He couldn’t ignore the concern in her gaze, and he didn’t wish to. “You make me strong, Pippa.”

  She leaned in and kissed him softly, then whispered against his lips, “Then I’m happy to help you.” Her second kiss was warming. Affirming. The third blew his mind.

  Pippa opened her mouth over his, feeling the way his muscles tensed under her touch. “Kiss me back, Maxim,” she whispered against his lips. “Please.”

  As if the words were some kind of detonator, his control seemed to implode. His mouth opened, and she tasted the man, the dark and mysterious flavour that she would associate with him forever.

  Then the thought was gone as nerve endings quivered below his suddenly busy hands, firming and sliding over the skin exposed by her light, cotton pyjamas. She felt a hand cup one of her breasts and moaned, her body reacting as heat pooled low in her belly while he propelled her back against the pillows.

  “So beautiful,” he whispered. “Moya krasivaya zhenshchina.” His lips travelled down the length of her throat, and she was arching up, needing more as her senses seemed to narrow down to the areas he was worshiping.

  “Please, I want more,” she said, and he stilled.

  “I…” he rasped and tugged away, “Hooy morzhov.”

  Her eyes, which had closed under the onslaught, opened, and she turned to stare at him, noting the way his chest moved with a rapidity she’d never seen before. She slid her hand against his chest. “What’s wrong?”

  “I will not take advantage,” he muttered.

  “Advantage? I was inviting you,” she said. “I want you, Maxim.”

  “Because you feel sorry for me.”

  “No. I mean, I am sad that you’re hurting, but that’s not the reason for this.” She shook her head. “I’m new to this, so perhaps I’m missing something. I asked you to love me, Maxim.”

  He stared at her, and she swiped her hand over her eyes.

  “Maxim, my body is hot for you, and there’s a connection between us. I want more of you, and you want it too. I can feel it.” She boldly placed her hands over the distended proof of her claim. “I’m not asking for a ring or anything except you. And if, as we go along, more is right, then we can discuss that. But for tonight, or this morning, you’re what I want.”

  “If we…” he grunted. “I don’t have the words,” he growled. “This? I don’t want you to regret⁠—”

  Finally! “I won’t,” she told him. “Now come back here and kiss me,” she ordered.

  He did, and the caress of his lips reignited the fire inside her.

  Maxim’s hand slid down her shoulder to drag her close. His mouth wandered to her ears. “Ya khochu rikosnut’sya k tebe.”

  She didn’t know what he’d said, but the gravelly way he’d spoken pushed her to arch up once again. His hand wandered down to her belly, and her skin quivered against his touch.

  “I want… Let me touch you, Pippa. Let me see your beauty.” His hand snaked beneath her top and then upward until he cupped her breast. The heat generated by his touch left her gasping.

  “Oh, Maxim!” Her free hand scrabbled to find the hem of her top and slide it up, the cotton too much a barrier in her suddenly highly aroused state.

  “Me,” he growled. “I do.” And he brushed her hand away before tugging the top over her head, baring her from the waist up. “Beautiful,” he breathed, and her nipples puckered even harder.

  His lips touched her breast, reverence infused in the caress. His tongue flicked over the hard nub, and her body stiffened as a spike of pure eroticism zinged through her body. His mouth closed over her flesh, and she cried out, suddenly aware that while she’d grasped his shoulders, encouraging him, his other hand had burrowed beneath the bottoms to find her very centre.

  Her fingertips bit into his flesh, gripping tight. “Maxim,” she called. “Please.”

  He lifted his head, his eyes glassy and hot. “I want… I want more.” His voice was a throaty growl. “Need you, need inside you.”

  The words wound around her, and she moved with speed, shoving his hand aside, then stripped off her bottoms. “Your turn,” she gasped and waited as he smiled, his lips turning upward with a dark, seductive promise.

  He watched her as she followed his slow moves, removing the bottoms that had hidden him from sight. His cock bounced free, and she released an “oh” at the sight of his hard, rigid length

  He pushed her back, and again, she felt the pillows. “Maxim?”

  “Shh.” He leaned in and kissed her, though devoured might be a better description, as his mouth opened over hers, his tongue surging deep while his hands slid and caressed her flesh.

  The ache inside her became a wildfire as she reached up, cupped his shoulders, then let her hands caress and touch, slide down his back until she cupped his buttocks.

  His mouth seared her skin, moving down the length of her neck to the highly sensitive juncture of neck and shoulder.

  Pippa gasped, and his hand settled low on her belly. “Enjoy…naslazhdaysklya tem, chto ya delay s toboy.” His hand found her core. “Open,” he muttered, and her legs moved, allowing him access to the most sensitive flesh of all. His fingers played and fluttered, and she couldn’t help the keening that rose in her throat.