Chapter One

​~ Raylan ~
I felt her eyes on me. Again. She had been sneaking peeks all night, throughout the wedding ceremony, and now during the blood oaths. I hadn't managed to catch her looking, but I knew when a woman was checking me out. My entire body sizzled with awareness. 
Especially when that woman was Lenore O'Shea. 
Lenore was my first, just as I was hers. We shared our first kiss together. We touched and tasted, and discovered what it meant to be a man and a woman. Together we learned how to love, and how to be loved. 
And then fate stepped in and ripped it all away. 
How many centuries had passed since then? Eight? No, closer to nine. Not that it mattered. Despite all the time and distance, one look was all it took. One look across the clearing outside Supernova and the flames of a long-buried fire erupted in my soul. I moved forward without thought, tugged her against my chest, and spun her around in circles. 
To feel her in my arms again, even just for a moment... It felt as though I had finally come home. 
When I set her down, she looked over my shoulder and I remembered that I wasn't alone. Sweet Savannah, my life partner of eighty-six years, so easily forgotten. I felt like a complete bastard, though I knew Savannah would never hold it against me. She knew all about my history with Lenore, and how much it had torn me up inside. Still, I’d planned to make it up to her once we returned home from the annual tournament.
Of course, fate had other plans.
Savannah found her mate, and it felt like a karmic slap in the face. Yet, even though it stung like a motherfucker, I knew it was for the best. Savannah deserved a man who could be faithful to her, a man who could love her above all others. And I simply could not do that anymore. Not when my blood burned for another taste of Lenore O'Shea.
The line moved again and Grady stepped up to the altar. Moments later he came down and I took his place.
 "Four hundred sixty-six. That's more than Gunther and Jeremiah had combined," I said, meeting Noah's gaze. 
His hand twitched and I knew that he wanted to rub the back of his neck. Everything about this night made him uncomfortable, from the tuxedo he wore, to the number of people willing to swear fealty to him as their new clan leader—their strong, confident clan leader. Which was why his hand remained down at his side. 
Scarlett molded herself to Noah’s side and ran her fingers through his shoulder-length brown hair. Her own fiery red hair fell in loose curls from a knot of braids at the top of her head. Her wedding gown was a flattering shade of red, cut in a simple, yet elegant floor-length design.
"It's still less than your original clan," Scarlett said to me, a hint of guilt in her pale green eyes.
"It's not your fault they left, Scarlett," I told her, not for the first time. "Besides, more will return." 
Like me, Scarlett and Gunther were born into the O'Shea clan. He followed her here after she and her mother, Lenore, had a falling-out. Within three days of his arrival, we found our clan leader dead. Gunther claimed responsibility and said it was a fair fight. Most of us knew him, and had fought beside him during The Great War. 
None of us trusted him. 
When half the clan chose to walk away rather than swear fealty to Gunther, Jeremiah stepped up to lead them. Gunther allowed the second clan to form, but we all knew he was just biding his time. He was waiting until he had the strength and support to take us out. As his strength grew, many of Jeremiah's clan members left town. They saw the storm coming and didn't want to be around when it hit. 
When Gunther finally made his move, we lost Jeremiah, but Noah managed to take Gunther’s head. The two clans merged, and Noah took over. He was new to our world, but he had more than enough strength and honor to be a great clan leader. With Scarlett at his side, he could rival the kings of old.  
Noah kissed the top of Scarlett's head. "We've heard some of them are on the fence. They want to come home, but they don't know me. They don't trust me."
"Trust will come," I said.
"It will come faster if you agree to be my second in command." 
Surprised, but pleased, I fisted my hand over my heart and bowed to him. "I would be honored.”
He returned the gesture before lifting his chin toward Solomon. The blonde sorcerer handed me a small, double-edged dagger. "We'll make this quick. Dragon wants to get home to Serafina." The Dragon King's mate was home on bed rest, pregnant with twins.
I gripped the hilt and placed the blade against my palm. Noah accepted a second dagger from Solomon and held it against his palm as he clasped his hand to mine. 
I looked into his eyes and felt a deep sense of kinship. Emotion flared in his eyes, and I knew that he felt the same. "Brothers, Noah. Now and always." 
He tightened his grip on my hand. I nodded to Solomon and he began to chant in the ancient language of magic. 
 Speaking loud and clear for all to hear, I said, "With this blood, I pledge my life and loyalty to you, Noah Osbourne, leader of the Mississippi Bear Clan. I vow to serve you faithfully from this breath until my last." 
I pulled the dagger down, fast and smooth. Intense pain briefly sizzled across my nerve endings before the vampire virus in my blood healed the wound. 
While our blood mixed between our hands, Noah said, "I accept your vow. In return, I promise to honor and protect you and yours from this breath until my last. Let my blood bind me to my word."
Noah ripped his dagger from between our hands. A moment of pain, and then the spell was complete. 
Solomon signaled for Dragon to join him at the altar.
I released Noah's hand and moved to stand on his right, opposite his mate. Dragon stepped up to the altar, dark and imposing, with just a touch of dragon-fire glowing in his eyes. We all bowed with our hands fisted over our hearts. He returned the gesture, and we straightened as all the leaders of the United Clans gathered around us. Solomon passed out the daggers, and the ceremony began. Once Noah finished his part, Dragon called for a vote from the clan leaders. With unanimous support, Dragon accepted Noah's pledge and made his promises in return. 
"...Let my blood bind me to my word." Dragon jerked his dagger from between their clasped hands. As their blood mingled, binding them to their word, Dragon flashed Noah a feral grin. "Welcome to the United Clans."
Eyes glowing with the yellow of his bear, Noah responded, "Damn glad to be here."
With a hearty laugh, Dragon pulled Noah close and slapped him on the back. As Noah returned the man-hug, thunderous applause broke out all around us, causing the ground beneath our feet to shake, and the stalactites overhead to tremble. The two men broke apart and the noise slowly died down.
While Dragon and Noah said a few parting words, I scanned the area, hoping to spot Lenore. With the massive underground chamber nearly full to capacity, I knew it was a pipe dream, but still I tried. Elegantly dressed men and woman milled about, socializing and celebrating. I scanned their faces, searching between shimmering green stalagmites and columns. For a moment, I caught sight of her just beyond a shallow pool of steaming water, but then she was gone again. 
No matter, I thought with a playful grin curling my lips. Lenore could run all she liked, but I would eventually track her down. My bear knew her scent. Soon she would have nowhere left to hide. 
"You gonna hang out for a while, Raylan?" Noah asked, and I realized everyone else had left the altar.
"What kind of VP would I be if I didn't?" 
"Good. I'm glad. You, ah... haven't really been yourself since..." He rubbed the back of his neck, and didn't seem to know how to finish.
"Savannah is better off with her mate," I said, taking pity on him. I hadn't been the most sociable person in the nearly three weeks since she left me. 
"It has to be rough, though. The two of you seemed so happy." 
"We're shapeshifters, Noah. I knew the risk going in."
"Yeah, I guess you did." 
That it wasn't my first time on this particular roller coaster didn't need to be said. 
Something caught his eye, and I turned to see Scarlett near the food table, motioning for him to join her. 
"Congratulations—on everything," I said, offering him my hand and a slap on the back. 
"Thanks, Raylan." 
Releasing his hand, I nodded toward Scarlett. "Go get your woman, before she decides she made a huge mistake." 
His eyes lit up as a slow smile spread across his face. "Never gonna happen." 
"I'll catch you later, Noah." 
Alone at the altar, I closed my eyes and drew in a long breath through my nose. It was faint after all the blood oaths, but Lenore's scent still lingered from her time there as a bridesmaid. Following its trail, I wove my way through the crowd to a makeshift dance floor. It took a moment to find her with all the people dancing between us, but she was there, chatting away with Faith on the other side. 
Absolutely breathtaking, she wore a red floor-length gown that tied behind her neck, the silky material embellished with a stylish floral design. Conservative, yet sexy, I liked the way it skimmed her curves rather than hugging, hinting rather than flaunting. Her dark mahogany hair formed a braided crown atop her head. Her slender neck drew my gaze. I wanted to feel that delicate skin beneath my lips, taste it with my tongue. 
Faith said something that made Lenore's lips curl with amusement. 
Damn, that smile...
The way it lit up her whole face, and made her green eyes sparkle and shine... So many centuries had passed, and it still had the power to knock me sideways. Even now, when it wasn't turned on me, it sent my head reeling and my heart pounding. 
Did I have the same effect on her after all this time, after everything she had been through? 
Needing to find out, I went right and skirted the dance floor. I could have gone left, and snuck up behind her, but I wanted her to see me coming. I wanted her reaction, to see it in her eyes. Just as I was about to clear a large cluster of columns someone stepped into my path. 
Big and brawny, with bright coppery hair, Lenore's eldest son, Teagan, glowered at me. "She would have called, if she wanted to see you." 
I met him toe-to-toe. "And she'll tell me to get lost if she doesn't." 
Though Teagan was born long after I left the O'Shea clan, we knew each other from the war. At times, I fought beside him and other members of his family. His hatred for me stemmed from the war, and his assumption that I left his father for dead. I’d tried to set him straight once, but he hadn’t been ready to listen.
Teagan glanced over his shoulder before getting out of my way. For a second, I was thankful he chose not to make a scene. Then I realized Lenore was no longer with Faith. A man with reddish blonde hair that I recognized as Teagan's mate, Dylan, had her out on the dance floor, twirling and dipping to an upbeat fifties tune. I considered cutting in, but thought Dylan would just change course when he saw me coming. I'd end up looking like a fool, chasing them around the dance floor. Instead, I chose to wait, sure he wouldn't keep her out there all night. 
Half an hour later, I knew I needed another plan. Teagan and Dylan, along with a few of their clansmen, were taking turns dancing with Lenore. And she did not show any signs of tiring. Or ending their ridiculous game. 
"I wouldn't blame you, if you kicked his ass," Noah said, resting his shoulder against a nearby column. He'd lost his tie and jacket, and rolled up his sleeves. "Neither would Scarlett. She's furious with her brother right now."
That got a chuckle out of me. "How did you stop her from kicking his ass?" 
"She's waiting to see if you want dibs." 
Chuckling some more, I shook my head. "I would, but that's not the way to handle this."
"Then how?"
Just then Solomon passed by, dancing with his mate, Renee. Seeing him sparked an idea, and I called him over. 
"You have any silver rings on you?" I asked him. 
He curled his arms around Renee from behind. "Any sorcerer worth his salt does." 
And Solomon was definitely worth his salt. In fact, he was worth a thousand times his weight in gold. 
"Do you mind if I borrow your mate for a few minutes, Renee?"
She tipped her head back to look up at him. "I'll just go powder my nose."
They shared a brief kiss before she walked away.
"What did you have in mind?" 
He and Noah listened while I explained what I needed. 
"Scarlett is going to love this," Noah said, chuckling as he left to find her. 
Solomon reached into his pocket and pulled out two rings. He chanted quietly for a few moments, and then handed them over. "Good luck." 
"Thanks, man. What do I owe you?"
"Nothing, but give me a call next week. I need a band for a show I have in mind."
As we said our goodbyes, Scarlett danced her way over to me and extended her arm. I dropped the larger ring into my pocket and slid the other onto the end of my pinky finger. Taking Scarlett's hand, I led her onto the floor. As a professional dancer she moved with effortless grace. 
"Tell Noah I owe him for this," I said to her as we moved around the dance floor. I knew Noah ranked dancing right alongside torture. 
Eyes shining brightly, Scarlett laughed. "I taught him the steps. He's not comfortable leading, but then, my mother likes to be in control."
That brought a smile to my lips. Lenore was most definitely a take-charge kind of woman. 
While we continued dancing, I tried not to search for Lenore. Scarlett would let me know when Noah had her in position.
What felt like hours later, but was probably only moments, Scarlett said, "Get ready to spin me out." 
My heart rate picked up pace. I wanted to look around, but kept my eyes glued to Scarlett's, waiting for my cue. 
"Now," she finally said. 
I spun her out and released her hand. Noah caught her in his arms just as a warm bundle of woman fell into mine. For a long moment I just held her, relishing the feel of her warm body pressed against mine. Since she didn't seem in a hurry to move, I thought maybe she felt the same. 
When I heard the music slow, I kept one arm around Lenore's waist. She rested a hand on my shoulder. Our free hands came together, and I held the back of hers against my chest. 
"We don't have much time," I whispered, gazing down into her emerald eyes. 
"I know." Her response was just as quiet, just as intimate. 
"If you want more, take the ring."
I wiggled my pinky and she glanced down.
"Put it on your finger, and give it a twist. I'll wait for you until dawn."
I held my breath, watching emotions play across her face—desire, longing... guilt. 
"You mind if I cut in?" Teagan suddenly appeared beside us. 
"Actually," Lenore said. "I've had enough dancing for one evening. If you'll both excuse me." 
She stepped back. As I released her hand, she dragged the ring from my finger. 
I bowed slightly to the lady. "Another time, then."
"Yes, another time." A polite smile hid all signs of the emotional turmoil I'd seen just a moment ago.
"Later," I said, with a nod to Teagan. 
He grunted in response, and I headed for the exit. 
Outside the cavern, I fished the ring out of my pocket and slipped it onto my finger. I gave it a quick twist and the shimmering rainbow of a portal appeared several feet away. I stepped through the translucent barrier and came out on Jeremiah's front porch. Tucked away in a secluded bayou, it wasn't much, just a shack really. I'd inherited the place when Gunther killed Jeremiah. These days I called it home. 
Pressing my hand to the front door, I whispered, "Strength and honor." It was the password to the ward Jeremiah had placed several decades before. The password, combined with my authorized handprint, allowed me to open the door. I stepped through and left it ajar, just in case Lenore decided to join me. 
Feeling anxious but hopeful, I stripped off my formal wear and pulled on a pair of faded blue jeans. On my way to the back porch, I grabbed my acoustic guitar. Music was my lifeline. It was the one thing that never failed to soothe my soul. 
Leaving the back door open, I settled into a chair and let my fingers play across the strings. As the music flowed through me, I thought about love and loss, and all that I had experienced in my long life. Would this time be any different? Had Lenore moved on? Or was her heart still trapped in the past with her long-dead mate? 
Could she ever be mine again?
My bear flashed me an image of Lenore chained to our bed. 
I snorted to myself, but my fingers never faltered. As I continued to play, I agreed with my bear.
Lenore would be ours, no matter what it took to convince her.
​