Fang Chronicles: Amy's Story Read online

  Marcus knew he had to stop thinking of the woman’s lingerie, stop remembering the feel of the silk against his fingers, stop remembering her scent. It was driving him crazy. Good thing he’d left her apartment before she’d stripped for bed. The temptation would have been too great.

  “Ivan, send Mary to my room.”

  ***

  As Mary tentatively entered the bedroom, Marcus didn’t even give her a chance to approach the bed. He was on her. Her blood tasted wonderful. He felt her fear. He wanted it. After feeding, he had her clothes off in minutes. They were on the bed and the sex was hot to the point of being violent.

  She didn’t like feeding him but loved the sex. She couldn’t get enough of the feel of Marcus inside her. As always, her fear disappeared once her legs were wrapped around his waist. She relaxed and responded to his desperation. How strange, yes he was usually attentive, ensuring she received pleasure, yet always remained aloof, somehow apart from her. This time was different. It felt as if he were using her for more than blood and sex. It was as if he actually needed her. When they were finished, Mary wasn’t sure what had happened, only prayed she got a repeat performance... soon.

  Marcus rolled on to his side and watched Mary slide off the high pedestal bed. Two feet hit the floor. By the time she reached the door, she was on four, her tail wagging high in the air. God, he would never understand females, two legs or four.

  He flopped back onto the bed and rested his forearm over his eyes. Damn, he’d lost it. Gods help him if Mary realized he had imagined her brown hair was someone else’s. It wasn’t until Mary gazed into his eyes he admitted to himself that he wanted to see Amy’s striking blue, not a brown gaze looking back at him. Damn, killing Amy Cox would’ve made life so much simpler.

  ***

  Ivan waited by the front door of the ranch. His son, Asia, escorted Miss Cox from the gate to the house, a mile from their sanctuary. As Asia parked his four-wheeler to the side of the driveway, Ivan nodded to his youngest. The kid was a hundred but didn’t appear to be a day over twenty.

  With a low growl, Ivan approached the car and opened the door. Shit, Marcus was in trouble. Minus the dirt, swelling, and bruising, she was a beautiful woman. Dressed in a simple white blouse, tucked into beige slacks, with a black belt around her small waist, she no longer looked like a child…she still appeared very young, but not a child.

  Ivan bowed slightly as Amy exited the car. “Welcome to the Lincoln Ranch, Miss Cox.”

  Before he could put his hand out in welcome, a large gray wolf bounded to Amy’s side and pushed her furry head under Amy’s hand, then nosed her crotch. Trapped by her car and unable to escape, she held her ground and impressed the hell out of Ivan. Her fear permeated the air, yet she controlled it and didn’t scream or make a scene.

  He couldn’t wait for Alba to give birth. She was getting out of hand. He would give her two weeks after the pup was born, and then he was going to kick her ass. Who was he kidding? She’d wipe the floor with him. He mentally shrugged. At least it made him feel better to fantasize about it.

  He squatted before Alba and scratched behind her ears. “You can be near her later. For now, I must make her comfortable to await Marcus,” he said in the old language. She backed off as he stood. “Step inside, Miss Cox.” Ivan headed for the front door followed by Amy with Alba on her heels.

  Chapter 7

  When Amy decided to make the trip, she didn’t expect to be welcomed with open arms. She definitely didn’t imagine anyone would know who she was, let alone act as if they anticipated her arrival.

  That was her second surprise. The guard at the gate was her first. He was gorgeous. Were all the men working for Marcus Lincoln beyond drop-dead movie star gorgeous? Maybe Marcus was gay, if so that would explain a few things.

  The man who opened her car door was no less striking. His hair was the same brown as her rescuer but that was where the resemblance ended. His eyes were green and he had a body built like a Mack truck. It took every bit of nerve not to flinch when she recognized him as the man with the hypodermic needle. Before she could react, the largest dog she ever saw pushed beneath her hand and dug its nose into her crotch.

  She had always been an animal lover, though the size of this dog made her nervous, they were her favorite pets. The man behaved as if it were a dog but she thought it was more. It was a hybrid wolf at the very least. She would almost swear it was full-blooded. She rested her hand on its head and received a quick lick before “Hypo Man” said something in what sounded like Russian.

  As man and dog stepped back, Amy got her first glimpse of the house. Since she hadn’t seen the city house, she couldn’t make a comparison. With its amazing arches and three stories, it didn’t look like any ranch house she’d ever seen.

  Shoulders back, spine straight, she followed Hypo Man into the house as the wolf dog trailed behind her.

  He motioned her forward. “Please have a seat.”

  Entering the large comfortable room, she moved to the corner of an oversized sofa and sat with her back to the wall and the hybrid curled at her feet.

  Hypo Man settled on the sofa facing her and glared at the hybrid. “My name is Ivan. How may I help you?”

  “I’m actually here to see Mr. Lincoln.”

  “Yes, we know why you’re here, Miss Cox. However, we didn’t expect you until later this afternoon. Mr. Lincoln is tied up with business and unavailable until this evening. I was directed to offer you a room. You are welcome to stay for the night.”

  Amy wasn’t sure what to say, not knowing if she was entirely safe with this man. Yes, he’d drugged her, but he hadn’t molested or killed her. “The last time we met, it ended with me unconscious and placed back in an alley. I’m not sure staying here is in my best interest.”

  Ivan hesitated but then shrugged. “You are under Mr. Lincoln’s protection as long as you are in residence. Even if I wanted to hurt you, which I don’t, it would cause me great pain when I had to face the consequences of disobeying the boss’s orders. I assure you, you are in no danger while you are here. I would also point out that you made a friend and Al would not let anything happen to you.”

  “Al?”

  “That is the name of the bitch you have at your feet. She is pregnant and we will do nothing to upset her. You have obviously brought out her protective instincts and Al will watch over you.”

  At that moment, Al glanced up and growled slightly at Ivan. Amy could swear Al understood every word Ivan said and didn’t like being called a bitch.

  “In that case, seeing as it’s no imposition, I’ll be happy to be your guest.”

  “It’s quite an imposition, but you don’t really care, now do you?”

  A smile played in the corners of her lips. “No I don’t, I came for some answers, and I don’t plan to leave until I have them.”

  “It would do you well to remember the old adage, Miss Cox. Be careful what you wish for… You may not like the answers you are given. I have a feeling you will discover all our secrets, then the rest will be up to you.”

  Amy wasn’t sure what to make of hypo’s words. Were they a threat or not?

  “I will show you to your room. Columbus has already brought up your bags. You may rest in your room. Lunch will be served at noon. I can have something sent to you now if you are hungry.”

  “No, I don’t need anything at the moment, but I do have one question.”

  Ivan only looked at her.

  “Am I a prisoner?” His semi smile didn’t reassure her.

  “No, Miss Cox, you are our guest. If you wish to leave, you may get in your car and drive away. Columbus will happily retrieve your luggage.”

  Al growled at Ivan again only to have him speak to her in that foreign language.

  “Is Al a hybrid wolf?”

  “Yes Miss Cox and we have several. Don’t be surprised if you see them around the property. They will not harm you, but I suggest you don’t get between them and their food. That causes them to
become a bit irritable. Come this way and I’ll show you to your room.” Ivan stood.

  Amy shook her head. She followed as obediently as Al followed her up a flight of stairs and down a long hallway. The house was obscenely large. It was at least twenty thousand square feet. Hell, the room she just left was twice the size of her apartment. At this rate, forget writing an expose, she’d be lucky to learn her way around the house, not to mention a ten thousand acre property.

  Entering the room, Amy realized that it, like the other room, was larger than her apartment. The bed was enormous and took up more space than her small living room back in the city. Her bags sat on the bed.

  Amy had never had servants. Maybe this was what well-trained staff was all about.

  Ivan scowled at Al and she’d swear she heard him make what sounded like a low growl.

  “You may rest or take advantage of the writing desk across the room until lunch is served.”

  “I brought my laptop. I need to finish an article and get if off to my editor.”

  “We have wireless Internet, but it’s down at the moment. It’s hard to keep it functional due to our location. With luck, it will be up and running by this evening. Your car is being moved to the garage. Please request it via the house phone if you should decide not to accept our hospitality.”

  He stalked into the hall, turned, and stared at the hybrid. Al walked to the open door and used her nose to shove it closed in Ivan’s face, making a soft bang, and what sounded surprisingly close to a snort.

  Tongue lolling out in a laugh, Al flopped down in front of the closed door, as if she were guarding it. Grinning, Amy rubbed the soft fur on her head. Al rolled over slightly, exposing her stomach and allowing access for Amy to scratch her. “Al is a horrible name for a beauty like you. Maybe I will think of a better one.”

  Al let out a soft whine and licked her hand. Amy eventually left her side and lay on the soft bed. She curled up on her side, facing the door and looked at her large guard dog companion. Amy moved slightly to gain access to her cell phone. She might as well call Brian and tell him she’d arrived.

  The phone had no bars, nothing.

  Chapter 8

  Lunch was brought to her room with a folded note on a silver tray. “Dress for dinner,” whatever that meant. Amy wasn’t sure if she was a prisoner or not, no matter what Hypo Man said. She decided to test the waters.

  With her K9 companion at her side, she made her way down the long hallway. Incredible western artwork was displayed on the walls. She wasn’t familiar with the artists but she knew expensive art when she saw it. The staircase was beautiful and reminded her of Tara from Gone With The Wind, although she didn’t feel like Scarlet. She didn’t see anyone as she walked out the front door. The grounds were endless and she could see a path on the right side of the house. She walked through the pine trees, loving the smell. Pine needles softly crunched under her shoes. It was obvious the trail was well used. In the distance she heard a noise. Through the trees, about thirty feet away, she saw another hybrid wolf running even with her and Al. Piercing eyes followed and Amy could tell there was intelligence behind that look just as there was with Al. Al remained by her side and didn’t seem concerned with their companion. Amy decided to ignore the hybrid and just appreciate the beauty. Amy never suspected that the northern mountains of Arizona were so enchanting. When she thought of Arizona, she thought of desert and heat. A chill was in the air and she was glad for her light jacket. It was hot in Phoenix when she left this morning, but here, a slight breeze stirred the trees and she could tell the seasons would soon change. Within another few months the pine trees would probably be surrounded by snow, and then the area’s real beauty would shine. Amy knew she wouldn’t see it, but maybe someday she could take a winter vacation in this part of the country.

  With an hour to spare before dinner, Amy turned back. She didn’t see anyone watching her as she moved along the path, but felt it. She returned to her room and combed through her suitcase for something to wear for the requested “dress” dinner. She only had one dress, but she felt she might feel safer in slacks. As she removed a blouse from the suitcase, a set of large teeth gently grasped her hand. Amy looked into the black wolf eyes. She then glanced back down at her fingers. Al removed her teeth. Amy reached for the blouse again and the teeth were back. She put her hand to the other side of the suitcase and grabbed the dress. The hybrid walked to the closed door and lay in front of it again.

  Chills went down Amy’s spine. That damn dog understood what was going on around her. She entered the bathroom, closing the door and shutting out the strange dog. Brian, and even Henry, would think she had lost her mind.

  After Amy showered, dressed, and added makeup, she left the room. Al led the way and Amy followed her to the dining room. The room itself was breathtaking. Three place settings were laid out at the end of the massive table. Amy giggled. It would be funny if they were seated at opposite ends of the table.

  “I see you are finding humor in our hospitality, Miss Cox.”

  Amy jumped and turned towards the steely voice. Neither the television news picture nor her drug induced memory did him justice. He was not just beautiful, he was breathtaking. Marcus Lincoln was tall, maybe six-foot-three. He had dark brown, closely cropped hair and a chiseled face. If he didn’t have man written all over him, Amy would think he was an angel, though a fallen one. She wasn’t sure why his eyes caused her body to melt. She had to remember to breathe. Her heartbeat accelerated and she was aware of Mr. Lincoln like she had never been aware of any man in her life. Amy was never tongue-tied, but she could think of nothing to say.

  Marcus approached the table and pulled out an ornate chair for her. He seated himself in the matching chair next to hers. His movements were precise, his obvious anger kept in check. Ivan entered the room and took the seat across from her. He didn’t appear to be in the best of moods either. Amy was beginning to think the men in this house were too temperamental for their own good.

  “So what did you find funny Miss Cox?” Marcus asked with a lifted eyebrow.

  “I’m sorry, but now I don’t remember, Mr. Lincoln. My mind tends to jump from one thing to another and even my close friends have trouble following my thoughts.”

  “Why don’t you call me Marcus? You are my guest and it will feel much more comfortable if we use first names.” The angry undertone remained in his voice.

  She chose to ignore it. “I agree, Marcus, please call me Amy, and Ivan, you must also call me Amy.”

  “I believe I will continue to call you Miss Cox,” Ivan hesitated. “The servants will be confused if I call you by your given name.”

  Marcus laughed, his voice losing some of its edge. “Ivan is as much a part of my family as someone related by blood, but he forever holds his servant class over my head. Please forgive him his strict adherence to what he believes is proper etiquette. It took many years for him to join me for dinner. I finally beat him in a game of chess and won the right to his biting conversational skills at my table each night. I probably should have let him win.”

  Ivan actually smiled while looking at her “Excuse my abrupt behavior. Sitting in this formal dining room in this uncomfortable suit brings out the worst in me. Marcus won the game just to make me suffer through wearing a monkey suit every night.”

  Marcus laughed again. “If I had not outlined the victory winnings precisely, Ivan would come to the dinner table naked and I would suffer through the rest of my years trying to eat while directing my gaze from his naked self. Most women can’t resist him, but I’m afraid my nightly dinner would be ruined.”

  Definitely not gay, Amy thought. If he needed to look away from Ivan’s naked form to eat his food, he didn’t have a homosexual bone in his body. Amy was glad Ivan was well clothed at the moment, because even the thought of him naked caused heat to rise in her cheeks, though if she chose a man to see naked, it would be Marcus Lincoln. Her blush became even more pronounced.

  “I believe Ivan,
we have embarrassed our guest. I apologize’ this is probably not the dinner conversation you are used to.”

  Amy laughed and the room became more comfortable. Al was lying about four feet away, but rose from her carpeted spot and exited the room. Since coming here, it was the first time the dog left her side and Amy felt an instant loss.

  “Al is causing quite a problem with our guest,” said Ivan, “Miss Cox has her trailing around beside her with every move she makes. Pregnant or not, something needs to be done.”

  “Your dog is wonderful and I appreciate the company. A gentler creature could never be found. I would keep her if I could. What could you do but chain her up or place her in a pen? That would be cruel.”

  This time both Marcus and Ivan laughed together, but then Marcus pulled the laugh and a chilling look came to his face.

  “Al saved your life, Amy. You have a companion that would willingly die for you and might need to die as a consequence of the problems you created.”

  Ivan dropped his wine glass. Amy stared into Marcus’ cold deadly eyes. She jumped up from the table, thinking of nothing but escape. He had her arms secured so quickly that Amy could not follow his movements. “Please sit down and let’s discuss the problem rationally. You are in no danger at this moment. I give you free passage to leave whenever you wish, but we have to get some rules in place before you do.” His voice was now a husky whisper but the firm hold he had on her arms belied his words.