Laying Claim to the Soul (25 page)

“Nope, tonight is just the three of us. I’ve asked all of my men to stay away. They aren’t happy, but they know I want a night just with you three. So guess where we are going?” Tabby leaned forward as Ivyflame came into the room.

“I have a bottle of wine or you two and some great tasting coffee for me. I’ve even pulled out the old photo books and yearbook. Plus, Wol-itelm needs to spend some time with Hoyt and Chax. Everything can’t revolve around me. They need to be able to count on each other.”

“I have a good idea,” Ivyflame said. “Why don’t I show you some of the places we can visit when things settle down?”

“Really? How are you going to do that without being there?” Shannon put the dress back into the closet. “We should get back to the party the others will be wondering where we all took off to. Melody why didn’t your mom come?” Shannon asked as their clothes were once more back to normal.

“It seems mom has a new guy and you know how she puts the men first,” Melody shrugged. “You know she wasn’t a mother. My mom was Tabby’s mom. How are your mom and sister doing?”

Shannon snorted. “That is for another time. It looks like it’s time to open gifts,” she bypassed her question just like she did other times. But tonight Tabby would get her to open up.

“
Tabby, I would like to see my woman before the clock strikes midnight
,” Hoyt sent to her.

“You guys refresh your drinks. The soon to-be-husband wants to say goodnight to me,” Tabby said and headed towards the door. “
I’ll be in the hallway in a minute
.”

Rounding the corner, Hoyt grabbed her and lifted her up, her back going against the wall. “I can’t believe you are making us stay away tonight.” He nuzzled her neck and she sighed.

“Are you really going to dance for me?” he asked, kissing her nose, eyes and lips.

“Yes, remember that first night I danced for you?” she asked brushing his hair back and staring into his eyes. “I was dancing for you even then. You are my man, Hoyt, I’m just sorry it took my almost getting killed for you to make your move. I sure would have preferred to lose my virginity to you rather than to Bruce.”

“Don’t remind me. I was so stupid, but I have you now and I’ll never let you go. Are you ready for tomorrow?” Hoyt asked squeezing her butt cheeks.

“I am, but I’m also a little scared. There are over 600 people. I have no idea who they all are. Heads of planets, royalty. Then there is Shannon. I’m so scared Hoyt. Her dreams have come true. What if I lose my friend?” Tabby rested her forehead on his. “I know this is our special day, but I’d give it up if I knew she was going to be okay, because I know inside here we are already connected.” Tabby put her hand on his heart.

His dark gaze held hers. “And I would be right behind you canceling this event, but we can’t, you know this. One, how would your friend feel if you did this? Two we can’t draw attention to Shannon right now, Wol-itelm and your father are ready to deal with the Uppers, if need be. Trust your men, baby, we’ll keep her safe.” He nipped her nose.

“I’ve ordered your favorite foods from that place you three used to go to in college. Have the best night. I’ve even had a video recorder put in the room so you three could have some fun. Even though you can’t drink, just being with your friends will help.”

“I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but thank you. I can’t wait to become your wife tomorrow. Don’t give Wol-itelm too much of a hard time tonight. You three spend this night together, you need it. Oh, I left you a wedding present with Chax. It isn’t much, but it comes from the heart.” She leaned in and covered his mouth needing him.

It was too short that is all there was to it. Her watch went off telling her it was five minutes to midnight. She broke their kiss, staring at him for a few seconds. “I love you.” Tabby whispered as he lowered her to the ground.

“And I love you. See you tomorrow.” He stepped away from her and Tabby almost threw herself at him, but turned and went back down the hall. “These hormones are a pain in my butt,” she mumbled glancing back over her shoulder at Hoyt standing there so tall and handsome.

“You’re mine,” he snarled and she sighed nodding.

He always knew what to say and his possession of her sent Tabby’s heart a pounding.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Hoyt stared out at the people — well their appearance was that of humans but in reality half of the men and women at his wedding were aliens. Yep, aliens too weird, but then being mated to the powerful dragon that stood off to the side did have advantages.

Just the thought of their fucking last night had him rearranging his cock. But like Tabby he too had a very bad feeling about today. He scanned the audience again, but nothing seemed out of place.

He glanced at Shane standing next to him and he nodded. “I feel it too. It’s like someone is watching and waiting.”

“
Wol
-
itelm
?” Hoyt asked him.

“
Something is off, but whoever it is, I can’t make out. Now pay attention to your wedding,
” Wol-itelm said as the Wedding March started and the flower and ring bearers came down the aisle. Cheyenne and Rudy in their clothes Tabby had picked out for them. Whispers could be heard, but everyone’s eyes were on the two little ones until Shannon showed up at the end of the trail.

Even thought it was March, they were having a warm spell thanks to Wol-itelm and others. At 60 degrees, with the sun going down behind him, it was a perfect night, he just hoped it would stay that way for his woman.

Shannon was beautiful as she walked down the aisle in a dress he had never seen before, but a quick hiss from somewhere had him looking around as did a lot of other people. He watched as Wol-itelm moved down the aisle and winked at Shannon, joining her as she walked. Yes, something was wrong, but his gaze as well as everyone else’s, moved to Melody and Tabby as they came into view up the road.

The trains on their pale cream dresses were at least a foot long behind them. They were dressed in Victorian wedding gowns, with corsets hugging and pushing up their breasts, beautiful. Pictures were snapped, video cameras where going as Tabby’s father in his tux walked the girls towards them.

Everyone stood as they made their way down the red carpeted trail. Wol-itelm helped Shannon up on the other side of the stage next to her little kids, while everyone waited for the brides.

Even though Tabby and Melody were smiling, he could see the worry in her gaze as it kept shooting to Shannon. They stopped before stepping up on the stage. Trace turned to his daughter, cupping her face. “You are beautiful and I’m proud to be here, to share this special day with you both.” Trace glanced up at Hoyt and Shane.

“You two take care of my girls or you’ll answer to me and we know you don’t want that,” he smiled and Hoyt snorted.

What seemed like seconds, Hoyt was nudged by Shane and he laughed? “Sorry, I was staring at my beautiful woman. Tabby, ever since I was a teenager I knew you would be mine. I’ve watched you cry, love and laugh over the past years, but nothing made me happier than the day I finally got to say you were mine. My heart is whole, my soul will always be bonded to yours and my love knows no bounds when it comes to you. I will love you, most likely punish you, but I’ll always be there for you with my arms wide open, waiting for you to step in them. Love me.” Hoyt said his vows as Tabby cried in front of him.

“My wolf, you are my love, my savior, and my heart. There would be none of this if it wasn’t for you. The stars continue as space does, as our love will. I give you my heart, soul and love into your keep, knowing it will be safe. And I too know there will be times when I have to punish you also, but I will be fair and loving.” He heard snickers coming from the audience and he couldn’t help, but smile.

“I am yours, you are mine through time. I love you.” Tabby said.

With rings and vows exchanged, Hoyt leaned in to kiss his bride, but only received a quick kiss with Tabby and Melody jumping off the stage as the ground seemed to move. Candles blazed and a jazz band started to play a song he had never heard. The rows of people now surrounded a circle of flower petals, and Tabby’s dressed changed to something that seemed alive. Flowers were twined up her arms and through her hair.

She was bent over, holding onto her knees, waiting for him and Shane. Their clothes were replaced giving them freedom to move. The wolf inside of him stretched knowing his mate was close.

*****

Tabatha was now married to one of the men of her dreams. Her stomach was tied in knots as the dance was about to begin as Hoyt and Shane moved down to the circle. Hoyt moved as he did that first night watching and stalking her, sending a chill up her spine.

The music changed and the beat had her moving, her hair, now free and down to her butt, moved with her. The dress’ opening and closing giving little glimpses of her body to her men. Even Chax and Wol-itelm moved around watching her as she danced, feeling the music in her blood.

She had missed this, dancing. Every week Tabby had gone to the local dance studio. It was time to get back into it and what a better way than dancing for hundreds and her men. Tabby glanced to the side, seeing Hoyt rip out of his shirt, his eyes glowed and the edge of his lip lifted up as little growls come out of his mouth.

On the other side, smoke rose up out of Wol-itelm, as he, too, had taken his shirt off. His breathing was labored as she twirled barefoot, lifting the flower petals from Wol-itelm’s home planet. The scent alone enhanced the need to mate.

Tabby smiled hearing Chax snarls as her men moved closer, circling her as the dress started to shrink showing more skin, exposing the sides of her breasts. One look at Melody and she too was soon going to have Shane claiming her, but all of that stopped suddenly, as did the music, as the scream filled the night air.

People jumped up and ran out of the way as Therbelenth appeared out of the blue snarling up at the stage.

“No!” Tabitha said as Hoyt grabbed her and moved her back as her friend glared at Therbelenth.

“You just couldn’t wait until my friends finished, could you?” Shannon snapped. “You are bound to do their bidding even though some of them are the same people who took some of your children away from us! What’s wrong Therbelenth? Can’t you recognize your own mate?” Shannon seemed to challenge him, jumping off the stage.

“You lie!” Therbelenth snapped. “I have no mate. She will not be born for another 600 years!”

Shannon laughed. “Afraid not, lover boy. You see, there are those who don’t want you to have a mate. They just wanted our children to take their power, but don’t worry, I’ll find each and every one of my children and when I do, nothing will stop me from killing those that hurt them, nothing.” She hissed, her body changing. To what, Tabby didn’t know.

A horn erupted on her head, her skin turned a red color with fur, and she now had blue eyes and fangs that went to her chin. “
What is she? Wol-itelm do something
!” Tabby cried and tried to move around Hoyt and Chax, but they held her back and covered her mouth, so she wouldn’t say a word.

“
If I move, he’ll attack her. Your father is here. Maybe he can calm his nephew
,” Wol-itelm said.

Her father glared at Therbelenth. “I told you not to interfere, but you wouldn’t listen, would you?” Trace stepped towards him and Shannon seemed to relax a little, but that was a mistake.

With a snarl, Therbelenth attacked, his claw hand going right through her chest. “NO!” Tabby screamed at the same time Melody did.

“She is a deceiver and does not deserve to live! And I always do my duty.” Therbelenth turned to face her father, but his dad appeared in front of him, knocking him to the ground.

“You shame me and your uncle. Go home, you don’t know what you’ve done,” his father hissed. “You better be right about her not being your mate, because if you are wrong, you just killed your mate.” Her uncle yelled, but nothing mattered. Her friend, her sister, was dead.

Her knees gave out and she fell to the ground just staring at her friend’s dead eyes. “I’m so sorry Shannon, this is my fault. I should have listened.” Tabby snarled as her Uncle went to lift her up. “Don’t touch her,” bones crunched and she shifted to that of her demon form jumping in front of her friend before anyone could stop her, but she wasn’t the only one.

Melody stood beside her in full beast form. “No one touches her!”

Wol-itelm moved in front of them, staring at them both. “Tabby, you need to settle down. Think of the babies,” he said.

“Babies are fine, but no one touches her. Take her to our home and put her in my bed, now. Please do this for me?” she asked.

“It will be done, Little Pet.” Shannon’s body disappeared as her uncle took his son away. Melody turned to her and they both hugged each other, crying. “We will keep our promises and then I’m going to find that asshole who ordered this,” she glanced over Melody’s shoulder, staring right at Hilario. “I will not be quiet this time,” Tabby promised herself and to the Upper. The stakes were now upped and as far as Tabby was concerned they had stepped over the line.

Shannon’s Dream or Reality

Book 3: The Fantasy Is Alive

The Past

Chapter 1

Shannon couldn’t remember the last time she’d had a decent night’s sleep. For the past year weird dreams had invaded her slumber. Being so tired her mind had to be pulling tricks on her. The only thing solid in her life was her children and her best friends, Tabatha and Melody.

If she didn’t have them, she’d swear she was going mad. Every night it was the same dream, some kind of War God, named Morhin was one of her biological fathers.

So far from these visions there were at least five Realms or universes, whatever they called them. Every night she would add more to her notebook detailing the other worlds. The people of Earth and the surrounding planets were one universe.