Sword of Mercy Read online

  “I will definitely do that. He needs me.” The sound of the words echoed, and expanded until they filled her chest, leaving no room for doubt. She would help him through this.

  “Yes, he does. I can tell you see and believe it, which gives me hope. Because nothing works for our men until we are in the right head space. Our love and acceptance anchors them, keeps them tethered like a string to their purpose.”

  Asia saw and understood. “Yes. That’s true. Sometimes he forgets all the good he’s done and wallows in the wrong. It frustrates me. And after I remind him he seems… surprised and then he gets better, on the right track again. I hadn’t thought of it in the way you said, but it makes so much sense. A lot of sense.”

  “That’s good. You’re the key in this Asia. Keep him focused, if you need me, call.”

  Asia continued staring at Hawke as Jasmine’s words circled her mind. When had it happened? Could she recall the exact moment he ceased being her mate and became her world? The idea or thought of him in pain or accused unjustly sent her wolf into a tailspin. Jasmine vocalized what Asia experienced each day without giving it a name. Hawke, her do-over had crystallized into her everything.

  “Hawke,” she whispered his name in her mind as her feelings for him collided and coalesced into one bright shining light eclipsing the dark corners of her life. He looked at her, stopped typing and moved onto the bed enveloping her in his arms.

  “It’s going to be okay, baby. We’ll beat this, just hang in there with me,” he murmured stroking her back. Her tee moved down her arm exposing her shoulder. He placed a soft kiss there.

  She shook her head, and realized tears fell from her eyes. Goddess help, she couldn’t remember the last time she cried. Now she couldn’t stop to tell him she wasn’t worried about the crap happening all around them. She wanted to tell him she couldn’t contain the love in her heart for him and it burst from her restraints creating this emotional overflow.

  “I…I…” A few words, so simple, and she wanted to say them, but couldn’t push them past her lips. They swirled in her mind trying to break free. “I’m… I…” she choked on her tears and cried harder. He held her cheeks in his palms, his forehead wrinkled in concern. His eyes darkened to the color of dull gold as he stared into her gaze.

  “Asia, baby… what’s wrong. Whatever it is, I promise we’ll fix it. We’ll work it out. Tell me, don’t shut me out, please, tell me what’s wrong.” He placed a kiss on her forehead and held her close to his chest. His heartbeat thundered in her ears as he stroked her back. Fear from him leaked down the halls of their link. She cursed her inability to break the chains that kept her emotions superficial, making it harder to speak her heart.

  Eyes closed, she tried to stop the tears from soaking his shirt, and could not. The harder she cried, the tighter he held onto her as if she’d slip away. His fear for them snaked beneath the foundation of her past and wiggled through the cracks of discontent until the walls of her prison shifted, crumbled and fell.

  Inexplicable light bathed her, dissolved the burden of her shame, melted her hurt of past betrayals, and blotted out her humiliation of being used. The dark corners of her mind cleared beneath each stroke of his hand on her skin.

  Calm, like the ebb and flow of the ocean on a moonlit night covered her. This… this was what Jasmine spoke of. The complete giving of oneself to another no longer terrified her. Hawke had proven worthy to hold her heart and her secrets.

  “I love you so much it hurts,” she whispered in a ragged voice filled with joy.

  His hand stopped mid-stroke. His chest expanded, froze and then released in slow degrees.

  She wiped her tear stained face against his chest. “It’s a good hurt, the kind I never want to stop. The kind I’ll look for every day for the rest of my life. I had no idea love could hurt this good.”

  Impossibly, he pulled her tighter and held her while breathing so hard she thought he’d pass out.

  Emboldened by his response in a way she had never been before, she continued. “I had a mate before, at least I believe we were mated. I was told we were but… that was nothing like this. I ache for you. Not a moment passes without thinking of you, wondering if you’re okay, that you have everything you need to make it through the day.” She smiled at the girly comments. “If anyone had ever told me I’d want to serve a man, to utterly please him in every way, I’d have kicked their ass. In fact, I have on several occasions.” Asia paused and waited for the fear that always accompanied any type of emotional outbursts. Nothing. She reached up, placed her arms around his neck to keep him close. Happiness bubbled like a spring, she wanted to sing, which made her laugh since she sounded like a braying mule.

  Instead of killing the mood and possibly damaging his eardrums she continued. “You surprised me when we first met.”

  “How?”

  “My wolf went crazy over you, but I’d been tricked by Gunnolf and didn’t trust my gut anymore. The attraction… Well, I was interested, but it happened too fast. I couldn’t accept you or the mating. Plus, you tried to kill me.”

  His long sigh whistled above her head. “I’m never going to live that down, am I?”

  Asia smiled. “Nope. But I forgive you.”

  He placed another kiss on her forehead. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” Giddy from the pleasure of sharing she placed kisses everywhere her lips could reach, marking him, honoring him, and treasuring him.

  “Thank you for loving me,” he said in a low rumble that resonated in her chest. “I have been alone for so long, the idea of having a mate and a den seemed lost forever. But my wolf never gave up hope. The day you entered the lab was the day I breathed as a man again. You, my precious bitch, saved my life.”

  Hawke tipped her face up and brushed his lips across hers. Her breath caught from the tenderness in his touch. Another soft caress of his fingertips on her collar bone ignited the flame in her core. “Hawke,” she whispered, calling him from a place deep inside.

  He lowered her to the mattress while deepening their kiss. Wrapping her arms around his shoulders, she pulled him chest to chest delighting in the pressure of his body holding her in place. Warm tendrils of pleasure curled up and around her, cocooning them in lust’s hazy embrace lovers often experience but cannot fully explain.

  Asia’s body hummed in recognition of his gentle touch on her cheek, and his fingertips rubbed her scalp with long slow strokes. Her core tightened in anticipation. Hawke inhaled and smiled against her mouth.

  “I love how wet you get for me.” His hand slid down the side and rested between her legs moving the thong aside. His fingertips teased her outer lips before pressing into her tightness. “Ummm, so wet, tight, so hot for me.” His fingers continued stroking her wet channel, while she pressed his mouth to her hard nipples.

  “Mmmm,” he murmured, pulling the taut bud into his warm mouth. Her body shivered beneath the promise in his eyes. Without removing his fingers he moved to the other nipple paying it the same tribute he paid its twin. Her hand remained on the back of his head, keeping him in place while opening her legs wider for him to rest comfortably.

  Fire raced up her spine as his fingers deepened and hit her spot. This man had her sexual hotspots on speed-dial. Within moments, she stiffened, smashed his face to her breast as her back arched in response to the roaring orgasm that rolled through her. Toes tingling she remained stiff for a few seconds longer and then relaxed one limb at a time.

  Hawke moved up and nibbled on her lower lip. “I love the way you come apart in my hands.” His open palm rested on top of her mound, every now and then he’d slide a finger down her slit teasing her.

  Asia placed her palms on the sides of his face demanding his attention. “Love me.”

  His eyes searched hers for a few seconds and then softened. “Every time I touch you, I love you,” he said and kissed her forehead. “Whenever I do this.” His lips brushed against her in a feather light touch sending fire through her vei
ns. “I’m loving you,” he said against her mouth, allowing her to taste the hunger in his words. He moved slightly. His cock bumped against her opening, but didn’t enter. “This… this is a part of it, but not anywhere close to the whole.” A quick move and he slid inside, stretching, filling and feeding her.

  “Damn if you don’t consume me, Asia,” he moaned moving inside her again and again, taking her higher and higher. “Loving you is what I do, it’s who I am.” He filled her with slow, deep strokes rebuilding the flame.

  “This is who I am,” he murmured.

  She tightened around him lifting from the bed to meet every delicious stroke. His fingers dug into her ass keeping them connected and in the right position. Asia wrapped her legs around his waist to remain bound to him as she flew apart. “Hawke,” she screamed his name as waves of pleasure rolled through her.

  “That’s right, Asia. I’m your Hawke, I take care of whatever you need. Provide for you. This is who I am.” He slammed into her and picked up his speed. The sound of flesh slapping flesh filled the room. The bed creaked in appreciation of his hard thrusts. Sweat dripped from his brow as he stared down, taking her with him. “This. Is. Who. I. Am. Loving. You.” He punctuated each word with a deep thrust reawakening her languorous body, demanding she join him on the crest of their joining.

  “With me, come with me,” he said watching her closely.

  Her breath caught at his primal beauty. His wolf had risen close to the surface and peeked behind his eyes. Sharp pointed teeth filled his mouth. Her wolf acknowledged the challenge and rose to play. Her long curved nails pierced his ass holding him close. Hawke howled and pushed harder, faster into her. His long black hair moved to and fro as he took her to another level.

  Asia lowered her eyelids as the primal side of her took over while keeping her wolf leashed. She nipped at his chest with her teeth. Growling, he placed his forearm across her chest, holding her in place while baring his teeth.

  She bucked to dislodge him. It deepened his penetration. Moaning at how good he felt inside she surrendered and together they exploded. Hawke bit her on her neck, extending the orgasm until dots floated in front of her eyes. He pulled back and placed kisses all over her face and neck while breathing hard.

  Hawke rolled over and pulled her with him. “I will always love you.”

  Chapter 17

  Verrick hung up the phone and shook his head. Would he ever be free of those leeches? He wanted no part of this brewing battle with hybrid wolves. Goddess destroy the lot of them as far as he was concerned. No one asked or cared for his opinion, but they were quick to use him and his pack to handle their bullshit as if they were disposable diapers.

  He walked through the main area and looked at the men who survived Hawke’s wrath. Lancaster had sent him a video and offered him a sip of the poison that would make him like the hybrids. Andrei had taken it and look what happened to him. It had taken some fancy foot-stepping to say no but he’d done it. Besides, Hawke didn’t have a choice and the slew of test wolves who had lost their minds after escaping Lancaster castle remained in the forefront of Verrick’s thoughts. Not all full-bloods handled the formula as well as Hawke.

  “Anyone who can walk, come wit’ me,” he said to the men lying in various states of repair. Most had shifted to expedite the healing, but it would still take a few more hours or days to be one hundred percent.

  The shuffle of feet behind him spoke of the state of his beleaguered pack. He turned and looked them over. Blood seeped from a few wounds and others could barely walk a straight line, but they answered his call. Damn the Liege.

  “Those who stayed behind on the last call, with me. The rest, heal, watch the borders, keep our bitches and pups safe until I return. There’s bullshit happening out there, so watch our shit.” He nodded as the pack separated. Ten full-bloods followed him to the remaining motorcycles and off their pack lands.

  Hawke and Asia walked into the breakfast area and grabbed a quick bite. Asia had used the chameleon bracelet to return to the non-descript boring white male she preferred to use. He longed for the day he could show off his gift from the Goddess to the world. One day at a time, he would make her world safe enough so she could be herself.

  They planned to spend the next few days with Maheegan and Radoff. The Alpha sounded excited this morning when he called, but that could be Maheegan. Radoff had lit up when the bitch deplaned the other day and it seemed mutual. Stranger pairings had happened, Hawke thought. At any rate, Radoff claimed they found more information regarding the Liege and was even more excited to see a copy of the contract.

  “You headed out?” Niall asked from across the room where he sat next to Granira watching them enter.

  “Yes. Get your things, we’ll drop you back where we found you,” Hawke said without looking in his litter-mate’s direction. The man’s lies stood like a citadel between them. Hawke and Asia agreed to have nothing more to do with Niall or Granira until after they completed their mission.

  “What? I don’t need a ride, I’m staying here with Granira.” He edged closer to the silent woman.

  Angus walked into the dining area and looked at Niall. “Both of you are leaving, we have too much to do for houseguests.”

  Granira smiled, but remained silent as she looked Angus with unbridled hunger. Hawke glanced at Asia who sat at the table eating and watching everything.

  “Is that how it is? We give you valuable information and you throw us out? What if Verrick comes after us?” Niall sputtered looking at Angus and then Hawke.

  “You’re a liar and need to go,” Hawke said over his shoulder, ignoring the red flush that spread over Niall’s face.

  Angus looked at Granira and nodded. “There’s enough bullshit to wade through without second guessing everything that comes out your mouth.” Hawke wondered if anything happened between the two. She didn’t appear offended at his bald comments.

  “The contract–” Niall said.

  “Has to be verified. A specialist will look it over,” Angus said.

  “The contract is a copy of the real one, but I don’t blame you for being cautious,” Granira said standing. “Niall be a dear and get my bags. We don’t want to miss our ride, something tells me neither of these full-bloods will wait and Chacal will simply kick us off his land.” Although the words were uttered smoothly, Hawke heard the bite behind them. She didn’t appreciate how things played out. Had she expected more from Angus? Or had Silas told him the same thing Asia’s Mistress told her. Not to trust her or Niall. Hawke didn’t know or care.

  Asia placed some fruit and bottles of water in her bag before hefting it over her shoulder. She stood next to him and nodded at Angus. “I need to talk to him while you finish eating. Come outside when you’re done,” Asia said through their link. Hawke stiffened at the idea of her being outside without him. Although there were few in the world who could harm his mate that didn’t stop his wolf from wanting to protect her at all times.

  Instead of saying something he’d be apologizing for all day, he nodded. “Links open.”

  She nodded and walked out. Angus followed her.

  A few seconds later, Hawke listened to the conversation Asia, Angus, Silas and Jasmine conducted. It still amazed and pleased him Asia could not link with anyone other than him and her Mistress.

  “Someone is coming,” Angus interrupted Silas in the middle of his instructions.

  “Who?” Silas asked.

  Hawke stood, grabbed his bag and walked out the front door. A cloud of dust rolled in from the main road. He glanced at Asia, her hand rested on the hilt of her sword. Since the fight with the bluebirds she practiced constantly until the sword became an extension of her arm.

  “Chacal says Verrick is asking permission to enter his grounds,” Angus said through the link. “What do you want to do?” He looked at Hawke.

  “Call it Asia,” Hawke said.

  “Take it outside the bubble, can Chacal muffle the voices so Niall and Granira cannot hear
our conversation?” Asia looked at Angus.

  He nodded and then smiled. “He’s happy with our choice and promises to keep those two inside and ignorant of what’s going on.” Angus took off running toward the main gate, Asia followed and Hawke brought up the rear. Tingles raced over him as they left the protective barrier. Angus stood a few feet in front of Verrick with his arms crossed. The links to La Patron and his mate were still open. Hawke stood next to Asia and waited for Verrick to state the reason of his visit.

  “Why am I dragged into this war with you and the Liege?”

  The question took Hawke by surprise. He expected anger over the loss of his pack-members or the pups, but not this.

  “What do you mean?” Angus asked.

  Verrick ran his palm across his bald scalp and shook his head. “They want me to come to you, to delay you so they can test you, for what?” He waved his hand as if the idea was too much to think about. “They send me tape of you.” He pointed at Hawke. “Destroying my men, offer to make me like you. I want no part. I am full-blood and will die this way.”

  “Who told you to delay us?” Hawke asked, curious. Lancaster didn’t normally deal with those who held no allegiance to the group.

  “Lancaster,” Verrick spat. “Now the other wants you destroyed to avoid something. These men, they have no understanding. I am wolf. Not pissy errand boy.” He inhaled and breathed deep. “They watch, so I come. My pack will move north to the mountain until this is over. How long will this take?” He looked at Hawke.

  “Take?”

  “For you to defeat them. How long? I need idea to move my pack.”

  Hawke realized the man had come to get answers, not lodge a complaint or to join them. Verrick intended to leave. “We are working on it.” Hawke made his response vague to see his reaction.