Attack (The Aurora Marelup Saga Book 4)
Attack: Chapter 14

Oberon’s voice still haunts me. “Evolve and live, remain as you are and die.” I look around at my mates as we walk back to camp. What kind of monster have I become this time? My wolven tendencies are not as strong as they used to be; she’s sick and weak; I’m confused and scared at the same time.

My father reaches out to me through our familial bond, and I catch him up on what has happened. The delay in his response is answer enough for me; he’s scared for me too. He also notes it was much easier to reach out to me, unlike before. I don’t want to lose my wolven legacy, but I really didn’t have much choice. The poison I was injected with targeted my wolven side. I guess Vladimir assumes that because my mom was a Lycan it would be my dominant nature.

My fingers thread through Dominik’s thick fur as we walk back; he’s refused to let me walk. Perhaps another mate can take over for him; carrying me can’t be an easy task. My eyes connect with Dimitri, and in my mind’s eye I let him know I wish to lay upon his bear for a while and give Dom a break.

Jayce speaks to Dominik when he watches Dimitri shift and amble towards us. Dominik is still rather overprotective of me; he feels that he failed me as the pack enforcer. I lean forward and nuzzle Dominik’s neck before sliding off his back; Dimitri sees me walking towards him and lies down immediately. Alaric and Arnulf each take a hand and help me climb onto his back.

To be perfectly honest, Dimitri’s bear is the most comfortable to ride on. His fur is the thickest out of everyone’s, and his movements the smoothest. I stretch out and lie on my stomach, trying to sleep a little. I’m still wiped out—almost dying tends to do that to a person, I guess. Dimitri’s bear rumbles softly, pleased that I’m allowing him to tend to me right now. As we walk, each of my men, at some point, walk with a hand on my skin.

Arnulf, whose bond is the most fragile and new, spends most of the hit time touching me as we walk. Jayce brushes my hair away from my face, and Alaric keeps encouraging me to drink. I notice there’s been a change with Klaus—it’s as if a switch flipped in him. I study him and notice his strides are more self-assured, and his posture is more dominant than before. He’s finally accepting the title of Alpha of the Lycans. After tonight, I’m not sure if I should still wear that mantle. After several minutes of study, he finally turns and looks at me. I smile softly and whisper “thank you” to him.

One by one, my mates tell me in their own way what one of the others had done to help replace me. One thing that is consistent with each of them is that they all feel like they failed me. I close my eyes and focus on our individual bonds. Deep within myself, I can envision each bond having a unique color. Alaric burns white like his scales in the sunlight, reflecting every fractal of light. Dimitri’s is a warm burnt umber; its tone reminds me of the woods where I was raised and felt safe. Dominik is a brilliant crimson, and it is bright and as bold as he is in times of trouble. Jayce is a baby blue—soft and safe. Klaus is an emerald green, as strong as the trees in the forest he hunts in. Arnulf is a golden color, like his eyes. His color reminds me of the early morning sun just breaking the horizon. I search further through my bonds and replace my father; his color is a royal blue, just as deep as he is. Finally, my babies; their colors are intertwined. Tia’s is a bright orange and is as fierce as she is. Ladon’s color is dark red like dried blood; I sense he will be a warrior like his grandfather.

I draw in a slow, deep breath and run my silver aura over each thread in the bond. I send my love, appreciation, and hope to everyone. I feel their love flood back to me. Their collective affections feel like a warm, soft blanket wrapped around me. Finally, I can rest and close my eyes for a while. I know my mates will watch over me closely while I sleep.

~Jayce~

Aurora sleeps most of the way back to camp, and Klaus and Dominik decide to be the ones to talk to the pack about what has occurred. Dimitri, Alaric, and I took it upon ourselves to see to Aurora’s needs. She looks like an angel sleeping on Dimitri’s back—I can see why Klaus gave her that nickname.

Alaric looks at me then motions to Aurora. Now the dangerous part; we have to move her. We slide a soft, thick blanket between Dimitri’s fur and Aurora with the utmost care and caution. So far, so good. We use the bond to count between the three of us. Alaric and I hold tension on the blanket, and Dimitri gently lies down, then crawls out of the way. Everything appears to be going well until Aurora starts to whimper, missing Dimitri’s body heat. Dimitri lies back down and scoots until he’s under Aurora again, and we carefully lower her back onto him.

Carefully we remove the blanket from between them and shrug at poor Dimitri. The big guy is stuck as his bear and as a bed for our mate. I mean, there could be worse things for him to be stuck doing. We leave them be and exit the tent. Hopefully, Aurora wakes up soon.

~Aurora~

My dreams are plagued with the pain I felt through the bond as I fight to wake up. The intense burning, ripping feeling of my shift was the worst feeling I had ever felt in my life. Birthing shifted-dragon hatchlings was more pleasant than that shift. I rub my face in the fur that’s under me, and I’m comforted by the scent that is my Dimitri. Anytime I was ill, Dimitri was the one to sit by me till I felt better. It’s different now; he’s my mate, and our love has finally been allowed to evolve. His bear is snoring under me, and it causes me to giggle. I wish I knew where my phone was. I would love to prove to him he snores in both forms.

How do you feel, baby girl? I hear Dimitri’s voice through the bond.

I slide carefully off his back and move to sit in front of him. “I feel better, thank you, D.” I lean forward and kiss his bear’s muzzle.

It always impresses me when Dimitri shifts that this massive beast fits within a massive man. Casually, Dimitri leans back against the cot that’s behind him. I crawl to Dimitri on all fours, slide onto his lap, and wrap my arms around his thick neck. His beast rumbles to me, making my greedy core clench. His thick cock rises up between us—hot, thick, and always ready. I can’t help but smile into Dimitri’s neck, feeling his need is as great as mine.

My hands grip Dimitri’s neck as I move to position his cock below me. “Baby girl, are you sure? Are you okay?” He practically pants.

“I need this, D. Please…” I purr softly in his ear as I slide the tip of his weeping cock through my wet folds.

Dimitri’s beast practically roars in my head as he roughly grabs my hips and slams his length deep inside me. I throw my head back, reveling in the fullness that only Dimitri can give me. I feel so complete and loved right now. Our movements are slow and sensual—we’ve never made love, and this is about as close as we are going to get. Each stroke brings us closer together; I feel our bond renewing and strengthening. My beast wants me to reclaim her mates, rebind all of them. Dimitri locks eyes with me, and he sees my intention. His beast rises to the surface just before he lunges forward and bites me over his original mating mark. The sweet burn of his canines sinking into my flesh feels like heaven. I scream my release, then lunge forward to sink my new teeth into my old mark on him. Instantly, our combined orgasm sends shock waves of frost out in all directions.

The metallic tang on my tongue brings me solace; I feel the power of my Great Bear mate. I feel Dimitri’s love coursing through the bond stronger than before. My other mates stand at the opening of the tent, looking at us in wonder. I smile my bloody smile at them and beckon them to me.

“We need to renew our bonds.” I look down between Dimitri and then back over to them. “One by one. So my beast is content and secure.”

Carefully, I remove myself from Dimitri’s lap and sit on the cot beside him. “The changes that have happened to me, I’m still trying to wrap my head around. I feel something is coming, something big.”

I run my fingers through Dimitri’s hair, not ready to separate from him yet. ‘Arnulf, Alaric, send three of the fastest eagles. We have to search the area and send Edgar with them for protection. We’re about two days away from the castle, and I need at least that many days to regain my strength.’

I watch both Arnulf and Alaric’s eyes shift to their animals. Several moments pass before they both smile at me. ‘It’s done, my love,’ they say in unison then high five like teenage boys.

I can’t help but shake my head at the two of them and their antics. ‘I’m hungry. Can someone kill something for me, please?’ Jayce and Dominik wink before they shift and run out of the tent to replace me food.

Dimitri stands slowly, then bends to kiss me before he walks out. I smirk, looking at Alaric. ‘So? Are you ready?’ I feel the power from my awakened dragon side; my eyes shift, and I call to Alaric’s dragon.

White scales ripple up and down his arms and face like waves on an ocean. His eyes shift to his dragon’s as he stares at me. Before I can react, Alaric has me flipped onto my belly with my chest on the cot and my legs spread. His thick, rigid length impales me, filling me completely. His hand replaces my throat and holds it gently but firmly enough that I know he’s in control. Alaric looks to Arnulf, and Arnulf climbs onto the cot in front of me.

“Kiss her,” Alaric commands.

Arnulf attacks my lips, kissing me like he needs me to breathe. I kiss him back just as fiercely, our tongues battling for dominance. Arnulf grips my face, gently stroking my cheek. Alaric tightens his grip on my throat and starts fucking me harder, knowing I need to feel him and his dragon’s power. My muscles start pulsing slowly, gripping his thick cock, and I feel the rumble of his beast against my back. His mouth lowers, and he drags his teeth over my shoulder, preparing to bite me. My breaths are coming in pants as I climb closer and closer to my release. Arnulf reaches forward and grips my nipples, applying just enough pressure to send that delicious feeling straight to my core.

Quickly, I pull away from Arnulf and scream as my orgasm crashes over me, my muscles throbbing around Alaric’s cock. I feel myself squirt all over Alaric, and I can hear the drips of cum hitting the floor. Alaric growls, feeling my orgasm milking his cock for all its worth. Alaric’s movements become erratic, and he sinks his teeth into his original mating mark. His bite intensifies the pleasure I’m feeling; my core tightens, and a second orgasm washes over me, dragging us both over the edge. I feel my arms shift and my talons rip through the material of the cot. My canines drop, and I have the urge to bite him; I need to bite him now. Alaric withdraws his now-flaccid cock and spins me to face him. Before he can react, I lunge at him and bite his shoulder over my original mating mark. Alaric quickly re-bites my shoulder over where he had just bit me. My greedy core pulses, wanting to be filled again. I feel him cum again on my stomach; the warm jets of seed hit my flesh and slowly slide down my abdomen. We remain in each other’s embrace, tasting each other’s blood, reveling in the feeling of our intense, primal love swirling between us like a hurricane. I feel our bond growing stronger as the new bond snaps in place.

Eventually, we release each other and lick each other, taking care of our new wounds. I look over my shoulder at Arnulf and flip onto all fours to stalk him. He scoots back till his spine hits the tent pole, preventing him from going any further. His eagle is visible and staring at me; I can tell he wants to shift and fly. I know I must look frightening, and slowly I lower my head and close my eyes. I don’t need to see Arnulf to know exactly where he is. By scent, I know he’s less than a foot in front of me. His scent reminds me of fresh-baked bread on a cold afternoon; he smells like comfort and home. I keep my eyes closed, move forward, and drop my head lower and nuzzle his crotch.

Arnulf’s eagle makes that whistling noise I heard during our mating flight. Apparently, I have both of their attention now. I feel my canines descend again, and I bite at the offending fabric that’s blocking me from my goal. I feel Arnulf’s body move and shift, and his hands come between me and his pants. “I’d like to keep my member in one piece if you don’t mind,” he says in a soft but loving tone.

“Aye, my beloved, I’d like him in one piece as well.” I make sure my eyes are human when I look up at him. My beast wants to dominate all of her mates, but I won’t allow her to terrify my poor flight shifter. I’m curious to replace out if he has gained any gifts from me that may make this mating easier. I slide between his legs and run my tongue up his exposed abs to his chest. His bird makes that excited whistling noise again, and I know I have him now.

Carefully, I climb into Arnulf’s lap, leaving his hard cock between us. I lightly nip along his jaw, eliciting more whistles and clicks from his bird. It’s a curious thing having a flight shifter as a mate. His noises, in one sense, trigger my prey drive, but in another excites me because I know he’s aroused.

Scenting Arnulf’s arousal, his thick musk causes my greedy core to start clenching again, begging to be filled. Slowly, I raise up onto my knees and reach down between us to move his cock into position. I slide down his length inch by inch, prolonging the pleasure of feeling him fill me. I notice Jayce enter and drop my meal by the door. I know he’s there so Arnulf relaxes, but being the greedy bitch that I am, I want both of them. I look between Arnulf and Jayce, and to my surprise, Arnulf motions Jayce over to us.

Honestly, I’m starting to get tired, but I want them so badly. Jayce runs his hands reverently over my body, and I’m practically purring. I move slowly, sliding Arnulf’s length through my greedy core. I’m absolutely soaking wet, and the delicious sounds our bodies make coming together even at this slow pace drives me nuts. Jayce gently reaches between Arnulf and me, gathering my sticky sweet essence. I feel his index finger massage my rosette to get the muscles to relax.

“Are you ready, baby?” Jayce practically growls in my ear as I feel him rubbing the tip of his leaking cock over my backdoor.

In a rather uncharacteristic move, I tilt my head off to the side, submitting to both of my mates. I need this; I need their animals to give me what I need. I want them relaxed to be able to form the strongest bond possible. Without hesitation, Jayce sinks himself balls deep within me then bites me over his original mating mark. The minute his teeth break my skin, I feel my orgasm rip through me like a tidal wave. Arnulf isn’t far behind me, crying out this orgasm from how powerfully my muscles milk his cock. Arnulf shocks me by pushing up and sinking his teeth into the flesh above my right breast. I feel the rivulets of my blood flowing down my chest from Jayce and now Arnulf. Their love for me pours through the new bond like a flood. I hold a hand to the back of Arnulf’s head, encouraging his attempt at marking me. Honestly, I think he was successful.

Arnulf double blinks, then releases my flesh, he looks up to me with a blood-tinted smile, and I notice tiny canines. My hand comes up to gently grip his face to get a better look. His human canine teeth are about a quarter of an inch longer than normal. I kiss his lips and nip at his plump bottom lip before I move and bite him over the original mating mark. I feel my bond with Arnulf strengthen, and I sigh softly, then look over my shoulder at Jayce. He knows what’s coming next, and he’s ready for it. Carefully, he slides free from my ass then comes to sit beside Arnulf. I slide free of Arnulf’s now-flaccid length, then go to sit on Jayce’s lap. I kiss him gently along his jaw until I come to my mark, where I rest my human teeth over it and I feel his cock twitch. Without warning, I let my canines descend and pierce Jayce’s flesh. His orgasm is instant and yet again, Jayce covers me with his seed; only this time I was expecting it and welcome it. I lick his wound clean then move to do the same to Arnulf. I’m tired, and I’m losing the battle with sleep quite quickly.

Arnulf moves off the cot and sets up a makeshift nest for the night. Tonight, I remain in the arms of my two most gentle mates. I sense, sometime later, the others come in and climb into the nest with us. I’m safe, and most of the new bonds are in place. Tomorrow, I’ll hunt Dominik and Klaus down. For now, I dream, and I’m shown the past—oddly, not by my father, but by Oberon himself. Tomorrow will be different because I am different.