Finding Hawk (Branches of Emrys Book 3) Read online

  Her eyes flew open to find his still sparking with energy as he looked up her body while teasing her with slow strokes. Then his tongue dipped into her and she gripped the cushions, her head falling back as sensation rocked through her. Good, strange, but so damned perfect.

  “So good,” she whimpered.

  “Need you to come before I try to do more. You’re so tight, I don’t want to hurt you more than I have to.” He licked at her again, then sucked the tiny bundle of nerves. He took his time and she melted, then exploded in white hot pleasure.

  There was pressure, then stretching, and she got her eyes open to find him pressing a finger into her. “This okay?” he whispered.

  She nodded, knowing what was coming. The thumb of his other hand started slow circles over her clit and she gasped in pleasure as he slipped deeper.

  “So wet, Jace. You’re almost ready. You sure you want this?”

  There was something in his voice. A warning maybe. And she couldn’t think past the desire burning deeper, pulling her toward him. She needed the connection, the intimacy. She needed him.

  “Ready.”

  “Hope so.” He pushed another finger in and bent to flick his tongue over her clit. She came apart again and he pushed deeper, past the point of resistance. The brief pain washed away with the overwhelming pleasure. She felt as if she were floating.

  “Chatan, please,” she whimpered, not sure what she was asking for anymore, just knowing he’d give it.

  He moved back up her body. His mouth collided with hers, his tongue sweeping through her mouth, her taste on his lips. Then he pressed into her and she was reminded how big he seemed.

  “Relax,” he whispered. “I’m going slow. Don’t want to hurt you again.”

  She nodded, her eyes latching onto his. Magic danced in the depths. She felt his soul flowing around her, his essence caressing hers as he filled her body.

  “Doesn’t hurt,” she answered. She slid her hand up his back, pulling his torso to hers as her legs wrapped around his hips, urging his further.

  “Slow, Jace. Not fast, not yet.”

  He slipped past the last bit of resistance and seated himself as deep as he could go. She gasped at the fullness she’d never experienced. Her body gripped his length and he groaned low in his throat.

  “Hang on, give me a second.”

  She caressed his face, running her thumb across his cheek. “I want this.”

  “I feel it,” he answered. “Going to be hard to resist you after this,” he added.

  “Couldn’t resist you before. Nothing’s changing now.”

  “Oh, it is.”

  And she didn’t care. “Please, do something.”

  He chuckled, pulling nearly out of her before sliding back in, stealing her breath. Only a hint of pain, the rest pleasure. She wanted more.

  His hand dipped the cushion by her side. His other tangled in her hair as he locked gazes and moved faster. The heat built. He delved into her, his soul, his essence. A part of him took root inside her. His emotions bled into her own. He knew she was it, and she couldn’t deny the conviction in his soul.

  “Jace,” he cried, as he fell into release, pulling her with him.

  Pleasure washed over her with his, drowning out the fear, the need to run. She wrapped her arms around him as he collapsed on top of her, burying his face against her neck as he held on.

  Something had changed, something profound, and she couldn’t put a finger on what.

  * * * *

  The bond sealed them together. Chatan felt her all the way through his soul. She felt as strongly as he did. He knew it the moment they came together.

  And even if she left, he could follow now. And he had no intention to tell her that.

  Was it shady? Fuck yes, but he didn’t give a damn, because he had a sneaking suspicion that sooner or later, something would happen, and she’d bail without a word. And all for something she truly feared.

  He just hoped whatever it was, he could help her get over, get past, protect her from it. Whatever she needed, he’d do his best to provide. Even if she thought she didn’t need it.

  Jacinda trailed her fingers over his back, her eyes closed, a smile on her lips. He leaned up and kissed her once more. This time slow, delighting in her happy sigh.

  He slid his hand down her body to cup her sex and pushed healing magic into her. He didn’t want her hurting, especially if she wanted more later.

  “Chatan, what are you doing?” she asked, surprise in her gorgeous green eyes.

  “Making sure you aren’t sore later.”

  Her eyes closed, then she jumped slightly. “Are we late for dinner?”

  He shook his head. “No, we have time. He sat up and pulled her upright, letting her legs circle him still. Let me clean you up, then we should head over.”

  “Why?” she asked softly, a blush on her cheeks.

  He glanced between her legs. “Making love is messy. Especially the first time. Besides, I want to hold you some more before we head back.”

  She looked down and shrugged. Light danced through her eyes. “I like the sound of that.”

  Chapter 18

  Loretta took the food to the table. She could only shake her head. As much as Chatan wanted to claim he wasn’t his father’s son, he was. “You know, his father pulled the same move on Kimi. I’m sure Chatan charmed her into bed, and Jacinda has no clue she’s bound to him.”

  Taryn took her hand. “Mama, let them sort out their mess on their own. She’s hiding something she fears will destroy Chatan.”

  “And how do you know this?”

  She shook her head. “My dream last night. She’s running from some dark presence. I’ve never seen anything like the creature.”

  “That is disconcerting. And if she’s here for what I think she is, she may be Dove’s guardian, making Chatan Hawk’s.”

  Taryn smirked. “Fitting, as his name is literally Hawk in his mother’s tongue.”

  “True. I worry about that girl, though. She was terrified the night she came here. She’s been alone so long, I worry Chatan will suffocate her.”

  Taryn giggled. “Oh, he’ll find a balance. One only he can manage.”

  “How so?” Loretta asked.

  “He’ll find a way. I dreamed of their children playing with mine.”

  Loval plopped down in a chair. “I hate when you do that. I can’t ever surprise you.”

  Taryn dropped into his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Well, stop trying. You’re all I want, and I already know what you want to ask.”

  “Still waiting on the right time.”

  “And you have my blessing,” Loretta chimed in.

  Loval groaned. “Thanks, but I want to do it in my time, in the perfect way.”

  “And you will.” Taryn kissed his nose.

  Loval cleared his throat. “You don’t think he should have slept with her, Loretta?”

  “Without explaining what would happen? No, he took away her choice. Then again, she may not have given him the proper chance if told the truth. I don’t know what’s right anymore. She can still choose to leave him. Even if it hurts her to do so.”

  “What if she thinks she’s protecting him?” Loval asked.

  “She will,” Taryn admitted. “But that doesn’t mean he can’t help her. I think she needs him more than she realizes. But if the story of the Dove and Hawk is true, then they were always meant to be together.”

  “If they are the guardians.”

  “Oh, I think they are. Have you noticed her pendant? It’s the old carving of Hawk. Strange markings just like the pillar.”

  “Well, that does change things. I hope that boy doesn’t screw things up with Jacinda,” Loretta complained.

  “He won’t. Have a touch of faith.” Taryn hopped up. “They should be here soon.”

  * * * *

  Jacinda changed in her room, alone. She felt more connected to Chatan than before they were together. And she expected that to
some degree, but this was more.

  His hands landed on her shoulders as she stepped out of the bedroom. She looked into his eyes and found deep worry. “What’s going on in your head? Did I fuck up by taking things there?”

  “No. You gave me what I wanted.” She couldn’t shake the feeling he gave her more than she asked for. It didn’t make sense. She could sense his conflict within her. Something she thought went with mate bonds, but as far as she knew, she didn’t have enough of any blood in her to provide any kind of bond some casters or Fae had. And she wasn’t a wereanimal.

  Neither was he.

  Shaman. Though maybe shaman did form some sort of bond. That was something she should have considered, but it was too late, and she didn’t regret what they did.

  “Think they’ll know?” she asked.

  He lifted a shoulder. “They won’t judge. Promise.” Chatan pushed her hair behind her ear and pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

  “We should go,” she whispered.

  He nodded.

  “And tonight, you’ll have me for a while, but then I need to meet with the elders. Hopefully they’re closer to stopping Josephine.”

  “Sure.”

  “And after the meeting, if you want, I’ll come back,” he promised.

  She nodded, but honestly, she was looking forward to having him gone. She needed to figure out her next step.

  He stepped outside, and she followed, locking up before taking his hand. They walked down the trail, back to his aunt’s. She glanced at the roses in the corner of the yard. “You know, you don’t have to cut flowers for me.”

  “They were wilting.” He pulled her toward them. “I infused more life into them when I cut them from the bush. I wouldn’t have done it if they had much more life in them.”

  “They look like they had just bloomed.”

  He nodded. “I told you, I bring life to plants. More will grow in their place. And I wanted to do this for you.”

  “Thank you.”

  He watched her for a moment and finally opened his mouth only to shut it again. Whatever was on his mind, he wasn’t ready to share yet. She let it go.

  Taryn stepped outside. “Loretta needs you, Chatan. Thought I could talk to Jacinda for a few.”

  Chatan groaned. “Is that necessary?”

  “Yeah, my mom wants a word with you, alone. About tonight.”

  He took Jacinda’s hand. “I won’t be long. If she gives you any trouble, come get me.”

  Jacinda couldn’t stop the giggle. “I’m not worried about Taryn.” No, she was more worried about what Loretta had to say to Chatan.

  “Be that as it may, watch out and come find me if you need to.”

  She dipped her head and pushed him toward the door.

  Taryn joined Jacinda, nudging Chatan’s shoulder as she passed.

  Putting on a brave face, Jacinda turned to Taryn. “What’s up?

  She took a long look at Jacinda. “Are you happy?”

  “Yes,” she answered slowly.

  “I mean, does Chatan make you happy? Answer truthfully.”

  Blushing, Jacinda glanced away. “Mostly. He can be infuriating.”

  “All men can be. But as long as the good outweighs the bad, you should give him a chance.”

  “I am, but it’s really none of your business.”

  “Maybe, maybe not. But he is family, and I consider him one of my closest friends. So, yes, his happiness does become my business, to some degree.”

  “We’re figuring things out. That’s all you need to know.”

  She nodded. “I can honestly say I’ve never seen him like this with anyone. He claims he’s been in love twice, and he did love both those women, but he wasn’t in love. You’re the one who’ll show him real love.”

  Jacinda took two steps away, contemplating bolting.

  “Why do you look like you’re ready to run?” Taryn asked.

  “I’m not discussing this with you or anyone else. He said none of you would judge, and you expect me to say this is forever.”

  Taryn blew out a breath. “You can relax. I’ll drop it.”

  “Thank you.” Jacinda glanced around.

  “Want to hang out tonight? While Loval and Chatan go to talk to the elders?”

  “No. I have some stuff I should do. Don’t worry, I’m not leaving. I just need to work out a puzzle, on my own.”

  “Fair enough. But if I can help, you can call.”

  “Sure.” Jacinda turned to the door. “Is Chatan one of the people looking into the abductions?”

  “I don’t think that’s an accurate description. Let’s just say many of us are in the know, and if they feel they can use one of us to stop the abductions, we’re all on call. Including myself.”

  Jacinda nodded. “What are your talents?”

  “Offensive magic. I can call lightning. And I’m great with potions.”

  “Interesting,” Jacinda answered.

  Taryn changed the topic. “We could go in now. Whatever she had to say, she’s said it.”

  “Think she’s scolding him?” Jacinda asked.

  Taryn shook her head. “No, just reminding him to remember where he came from.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Don’t worry about that. He’s fine, and so are you. Now, are you sure you don’t want to join us for a movie night?”

  “Quite sure. No offense. I’ve never been into movies.” Might have been a lack of time on her part.

  “Then come inside.”

  * * * *

  Chatan stepped inside and immediately said, “I don’t want a lecture.”

  “No lecture. But you remember the story your mother told you? About how your father bonded to her without warning her what would happen?”

  Groaning, he dropped into a chair. “Of course I remember. And I realize I’ve taken the choice away from her, but you don’t understand. She’s determined to keep her past locked away from me. She keeps hinting that she’ll have to leave and won’t take me with her. This way, I can follow and make the choice for myself.”

  “A predicament, but perhaps you should honor her choice to protect you.”

  “Bullshit. I’m sorry, but even if I can’t help, I know those who can. So, I’ll stick by her and do everything in my power to help her. Which means following if she does leave. I needed this bond, to ensure that I can.”

  She smiled sweetly. “As much as you hate the thought, you’re a lot like your father.”

  He huffed. “For that one thing?”

  “You’re stubborn. You rarely analyze your mistakes or decisions. And you’d blindly follow the one you love to the end of the world.”

  “Yeah, and what’s wrong with that?”

  “Nothing. But remember, you chose this path.”

  “I won’t forget it.”

  Jacinda came through the door and a smile burst across his face as their eyes locked and she visibly relaxed. Her shoulders settled, and her gaze warmed.

  Deep down, he knew he’d made the right choice.

  Chapter 19

  The hot water supported Josephine’s limp body. She stared up at the ceiling, willing warmth into her chilled bones. Perhaps it was time to form a new plan. Instead of waiting for Others to come to her, maybe she needed to start hunting them.

  Butch was willing. Mason had shown initiative in tracking down the woman the other night. She needed more, but she needed to ensure they could track the casters. That meant teaching them the world wasn’t as cut and dry as they currently believed.

  How many of her men would go to the lengths she needed? Had her powers evolved far enough to brainwash even the most pure of heart?

  Mason had a keen hatred for one Wanatoga male in particular. And it was very possible he was hiding the woman with so much power. He may not offer much in the way of magic, but his cooperation would make his own people pause.

  Smiling to herself, she closed her eyes and began to relax. Yes, if they couldn’t find Wen
dy, perhaps he’d lead them to her. Seemed like the perfect plan. Then again, perhaps, Mason and Butch would bring back the girl.

  Either way, Chatan could become a great asset, as long as she could actually persuade him to her side.

  * * * *

  As great as Loretta, Taryn, Loval, and Chatan had been, they all seemed to think she needed a protector.

  Jacinda didn’t.

  In fact, she decided it was time to prove she could find what she needed on her own. As soon as Chatan drove away with Loval, she walked home, down the trail, even as Taryn tried to convince her to stay.

  She needed a break from the overprotective bullshit. She hadn’t had to put up with it in six years, and she was done dealing with it now. Everyone wanted to keep an eye on her, which under the circumstances, she understood, but it had become ridiculous.

  After changing into comfortable clothes, she grabbed her keys and drove out to the pillar.

  Sure, she could have gone to the waterfall first, but she wasn’t convinced the creature in the forest wasn’t just a tribal ghost story. Better safe than sorry. She hoped there was nothing near the pillar. But since Chatan hadn’t mentioned anything, and she felt all kinds of magic protecting that circle, she was confident she could handle anything that came her way.

  She found the loop they parked in easily and drove into the field of tall grass just beyond. Then she made an illusion to conceal her car behind the grass to completely hide it.

  The walk was easy, but she wished she’d thought to bring a flashlight. And she hadn’t figured out how to transmute electronics. That would require a working knowledge of the insides.

  But the pillar called to her. It was easy to jog down the trail.

  She caressed the pocket with the journal. “Dad, if you can hear me, show me what to do.”

  Then she broke through the trees and stepped into the black sand surrounding the pillar. Instead of touching the stone, she knelt before the symbols and softly sang her father’s spell, letting magic bubble up and flow through her, wrapping around the stone.