Highlander's Shifter: Time Travel Romance (The Matheson Warriors Book 1) Read online

  Bellowing, he sank his teeth into the neck of the first bear then stamped on the other’s body and bones snapped. He reared back, ready to hit both bears again but both lay motionless on the mushy ground. Never had she seen such strength emanating from him before.

  She pounded across and butted her head into his flank.

  He pushed her back with his big body, away from the downed rogues, his shifter-bright eyes glaring as he snapped out a grizzled command she understood well.

  He wanted her away from them. Right now.

  Not happening. She was his backup and would remain so, but since the rogues were down, she could leave him for a minute, and only long enough so she could nab her cell phone from her clothes and call this in to the chief.

  She loped back to her scattered belongings, shifted and dressed and with her cell phone in hand, fired off a quick text message then jogged back to Jamie with his clothes. She set his belongings in front of him, swiftly pulled two of the three vials of sedative from his cargo pants pocket and muttered, “I sent a message to the chief. You shift and I’ll administer the sedatives.”

  In a crackling blaze, he made the Change, and she barely whipped around in time as he did. “How’d you tackle them both so fast?” she said as she knelt next to the first rogue.

  “I’ve gotten stronger in the use of my telekinesis, managed to thump both their heads together before I dropped down on top of them.” Shuffling as he dressed.

  “You can move multiple objects at once now?” Never had she witnessed him doing so before, and certainly not anything quite the size of these beasts. “Clever bear.”

  “Thank you.” He leaned over her, clothed again as he lifted the drooped head of the first rogue and she dripped the sedative in. The beast grunted, tried to snap his teeth as he became more aware, but Jamie swished his fingers and the animal whimpered, jaws going slack. “A little squeeze to the skull never hurt anyone.”

  “I never thought we’d find them this fast.”

  “Neither did I.” He motioned for her to move to the other bear.

  She shuffled across, lifted the head of the second rogue, swished the orange concoction and spilled the vial’s contents into the animal’s mouth then settled his head back on the ground.

  “Good work.” He scooped her up and set her back down on her feet farther away from the bears.

  “They’re down and can’t hurt me.” She handed him the empty vials which he pocketed.

  “They were after you, must have been able to scent the come-and-get-me pheromones you’re emitting. Your scent is strong, and only growing stronger.”

  “You’re saying I’m a wanted woman?”

  “You’re so close to coming on heat. One more month and you’ll be twice as difficult to be around.”

  “I like being difficult.”

  “I’m sorry they interrupted us just before.” He caught her hand, lifted her arm and inspected it before lifting the other and gliding his fingers along her skin. “Not a scratch in sight. At least the other unmated males at home won’t beat me up for not looking out for you quick enough.”

  “They came at us fast, with no warning at all.” The fur-rich scent of his bear crashed into her, his rising emotions as well. It all caught her up in its intensity, his words of earlier that she keep her neck exposed to him making her tip her head to the side and expose her neck to him now. She gave him a wink. “I believe this is where we were.”

  “You don’t need to do that now.” Gaze narrowed, he stepped back from her. “My bear is once again leashed.”

  “Ugh, you are so aggravating sometimes.” Her cell phone beeped and she plucked it from her pocket and checked the screen.

  “What does it say?” He kept the bulk of his body between her and the downed rogues.

  “Two government operatives are choppering in. ETA twenty minutes. Manning and Sutherland. The chief said good work, fast and speedy.”

  “I’m familiar with Manning and Sutherland. Are you?”

  “I’ve met them a time or two.” The iron-rich scent of blood permeated the air and overrode the freshness of the pines and the earthiness of the damp soil, made her wrinkle up her nose in distaste. “I don’t like how they smell.”

  “Something’s wrong with their blood.” He gestured toward the trail. “You go and meet the operatives at the B&B and bring them in.”

  “I’ll be as quick as I can.”

  “Wait.” He caught her hand, dipped his head to her neck and snarling, licked her flesh, right over her pounding pulse.

  “Jamie.” She kept her tone a commanding one. “Do what you need to do. I understand the full moon’s pull and your current frustration.”

  “I’m not allowed to bite you, but I do need to kiss you again. Is that permissible?” Rumbling deep in his throat, he captured her mouth before she could answer and kissed her deeply, his body a fiercely hot brand against her own as he took command of the moment.

  She graciously gave in, nearly swooned into him.

  Oh goodness. Jamie Matheson’s kisses could certainly be dangerous, perhaps even downright deadly.

  * * * *

  Jamie’s skin hunger for more contact with Bella rode him hard. One kiss was all he needed to ensure he’d embedded his scent into her again, but as she buried her hands in his hair, he fought the bone-deep need he had to topple her to the ground and stake his claim more fully. Every inch of him had battled at allowing her to remain so close to those rogues as she’d administered the sedative, no matter they were out of it. Being males from an offshoot clan meant they certainly posed a threat. A big threat since they had no allegiance to their chief or clan.

  “Can’t breathe,” she gasped against his lips.

  “Too bad.” With single-minded determination, he explored her deeper, his grip on her chin and the back of her head firm so he could ensure her face remained at just the right angle for him to catch every delicious moan currently escaping her lips. He gave her his breath before gentling his touch and finding what he needed inside of himself to pull back. Not far. Just an inch. Her luscious pink lips were kiss-swollen and his scent surrounded her. Perfect, well, almost perfect. He shrugged his denim jacket off and slung it around her shoulders. “Arms in.”

  Breath hitching, she shoved her arms down the sleeves then pulled the front sides of his jacket together. “I never knew you could be so territorial. Is this better?”

  “Almost.” He zipped his jacket up and encased her completely in his scent. Only then did a little more of his usual calm settle into place. “That’s about as good as it’s going to get for now.”

  “May I go?”

  “Make it there and back as quick as you can, and don’t touch either operative when they arrive, not even to shake their hands.”

  “Wait.” She frowned something fierce, her nose pinching at the brow and the tiny mole beside one corner of her mouth drawing inward. “You’re going too far with that request.”

  “Aye, I am.” Yet he couldn’t have stopped himself from issuing that command even if he’d tried. Perhaps he still needed to instill even more space between them. Aye, that might help clear his muddled mind. He backed away from her another three feet, the distance he now inflicted riling his bear and making him claw for release. They both wanted her back, and preferably within touching range. “Go, before I say anything else that might upset you.”

  “I will shake their hands if I please,” she huffed as she backed up then turned around. She strode back along the scrub-lined trail they’d not long traversed, her blond locks now messed although still swaying so damn enticingly to her lush backside. The pale strands caught the late afternoon sunshine speckling through the canopy overhead and glimmered a silky golden hue.

  He’d not long ago had his hands in her hair, her body molded to his and naught had ever felt so right. Her bear had also exploded forth when the rogues had arrived and she’d been drawn into aiding him and when she had, those come-and-get-me pheromones she’d emitted had been three-times stronger than ever before. Her bear might still be another month shy of full maturity, but had she been at Matheson Castle when she’d made that Change, she’d have drawn every single one of the thirty-seven unmated males into a power play in order to nab her attention.

  She was beyond ripe for the taking, and he shuddered to think how much riper her intoxicating scent would be in the weeks ahead. Aye, it would be sheer hell being contained within the same walls as her until the next full moon rose.

  He wanted her. His bear wanted her.

  And if she was mated to another man, then his heart would surely be crushed in two.

  He shook his head, tried to clear it of those unhelpful thoughts. He’d have to wait just as the rest of the men waited. No other choice.

  Claws extended, he slammed them into the closest trunk and ripped downward. He scoured the rough bark, over and over until the whop-whop of blades cut through the air above and the droning sound of a chopper flew toward the B&B. Manning and Sutherland were here.

  Pacing the trail in front of the downed rogues, the men trapped in their bear form until they awoke when the effects of the sedative wore off, he kept one eye alert on them and the other on the trail Bella would soon appear along.

  A pretty whistle tinkled through the trees. Bella. He’d never mistake her call. She approached with the operatives and a flight-suited pilot, her warning of her coming arrival one he heeded.

  Teeth gritted, he planted himself in the middle of the trail, and as she stepped up to him, her hands stuffed in the pockets of his battered denim jacket and the collar lifted around her neck, he wrapped an arm around her waist and tucked her in behind him. With his gaze on the operatives carrying two stretchers between them, he said, “Did you all have a good flight?”

  “We were already close, so it was swift,” Manning answered, the tallest of the three. He set one stretcher down before the first bear, while Sutherland and the pilot, Gunner, who he’d met before set their stretcher down before the second rogue. “How long will the sedation last?” Manning asked him.

  “Twelve hours.”

  With his black hair razored close to his scalp, Manning nodded his approval. “On our fly-over in we spotted a dinged-up, mustard-colored truck parked under an oak in the forest about two miles to the direct north of this spot, just off the road along a gravel track. I’ve called in another team, but with how remote this place is, they might take an hour to get here. I’d say it belongs to these two.

  “I’ll take a look at the vehicle and the location as soon as we get back.” He’d need to scout the area out before too many others marked it with their scents and tracks.

  “Sure, understood. I’ll radio that through, for them to approach with care. Let’s get these two back to the chopper and loaded.” Manning nodded to Sutherland and Gunner. “Load ’em up and let’s go.”

  The other two men hoisted one bear onto their stretcher, and he joined Manning and helped him haul the second bear onto the second stretcher. Gunner and Sutherland headed out first and he and Manning followed, Bella right on his rear.

  She fiddled with her earrings, slotted the dangling gold chain of one back more firmly in place then brushed past him and took the lead as she walked ahead of their group.

  With her heavenly aroma wafting to him on the breeze, he tried to corral his thoughts and keep his mind on Manning as the operative continued to fire out questions pertaining to all that had happened leading up to and including the rogues’ capture. These operatives were amongst a small and elite team of men who were aware of what their clansmen could do, although he kept any talk of Bella’s shift from the discussion as he outlined the rundown.

  Finally, they emerged from the forest and entered the clearing at the rear of the inn, the skies darkening overhead and lights now blazing from within the windows of the lower floor of the B&B. Smoke puffed from the chimney, curled into the air and swirled away on the wind.

  Gordon stepped out from the rear paneled door and glared at the bears they carried. “I hope that’s it.”

  “Only two bears were reported missing from the park. That I can assure you,” Manning told Gordon. “You, your wife, and any future guests can return to these woods as soon as you please.”

  “That’s good to know. Thank you for all that you’ve done.” Gordon clapped the operative on the back then gripped Jamie’s shoulder. “Greer and I will sleep more soundly knowing this threat is now gone.”

  “Bella and I will remain here for the night as scheduled, but first we’re going to check out a spot where these two might have been earlier, ensure all is clear then return.” He and Manning slid their stretcher inside the chopper before backing out of the way so Gunner and Sutherland could do the same with theirs.

  Bears loaded, Gunner jogged around to the cockpit and eased in behind the controls. Manning and Sutherland boarded and closed the side door with a clunk. The blades whirred and the chopper lifted.

  Wind blasted all around as he backed up and joined Bella where she already waited a safer distance away. The lush grass swayed in pulsating circles outward and the branches of the closest trees breezed back and forth while the horses snickered from within the corral. Gordon left them and opened the corral gate and led his mares into the stables where they’d remain secure for the night.

  “You ready to go?” Bella nudged his arm with her arm, her cheeks all flushed from their excursion, likely flushed from excitement too. There was naught more rewarding than catching a rogue or two.

  “Sure am.”

  “I sent the chief a text as we walked back and messaged him that we’re headed to the rogues’ vehicle. I sent him a pic of the bears once you’d loaded them into the chopper. He’ll enjoy the update, I’m sure.”

  “Good job.” He set a hand at the small of her back and ushered her along the rear walkway around the B&B and across the graveled parking lot. SUV passenger door opened, he gestured her inside and once she’d seated herself, he closed her door and jogged around to his own. As she clicked her belt into place, he backed out and with a squeal of the tires, took off due north in the direction Manning had given him.

  Two miles along the crumbly-edged blacktop, he stopped where a stony, grass-matted side track led off into the forest, a trail half obscured by the woods surrounding it. “This must be the place. We’ll walk from here.”

  “I can make out tire tracks.” She pointed to the two flattened lines of grass. “I’m wondering how often the rogues might have used this trail. It would take a few trips in and out to embed those kinds of deeper score marks into the grass.”

  “We’ll soon find out.” He marched around the rear of the vehicle while she hopped out and unzipped his jacket. “No.” He nabbed her hands, zipped her back up and arched a brow. “Keep it on.”

  “You sure?”

  “I’m running hotter than usual, so aye.” He also needed to see her in it, like with a gut-deep need. “Those rogues also shifted both yesterday and again today, which makes two days in a row, something few of the shifters within the weakened bloodlines can do.” Their blood had also smelt off, as it could do when an ailment had struck them. “They’re not right in some way.”

  “I agree, and since they tried to attack both Gordon and Greer, as well as us without any provocation, there’s definitely something wrong.”

  Bears were hunters, but their kind only attacked when first threatened. Neither he or Bella had done that, and he could guarantee that Gordon and Greer hadn’t either.

  He walked toward the trail, the sky darkening further as the sun settled low on the horizon. Along the path, he marched, the cooler evening breeze washing over him. Lugging in a deep breath, he continued on, the deep earthiness of the land calling to his very soul, just as the woman at his side did.

  “You got something already?” She hooked one finger into the belt loop of his black pants and gave it a tug. “You’re walking real fast.”

  “Aye, because I’ve got a fierce urge to bite you.”

  “Mmm, that sounds promising.” She giggled, the sweet musical tinkle searing him deep inside his soul.

  “Stay back from me for a bit, all right?” Picking up his pace, he bounded over snaking tree roots and ducked his head under the odd low branch then bingo. A small clearing opened up with a majestic oak tree gracing the center of it. Underneath the wide bough of the tree, one mustard-colored truck sat half hidden underneath it, the hood poking out. “It was lucky Manning spotted this.”

  “Luck seems to be on our side today.” Bella stole past him and with a critical eye, surveyed the truck as she walked around it. At the rear, she flipped the canvas cover off the deck and whistled at the sight of a cooking-burner and chiller bins holding what must surely be food. “They’ve either been camping out for a while, or intended to.”

  “Let’s hope they also intended on camping out with ID in the vehicle.” The number plates had been removed. Not a good sign. He cranked open the front door of the truck, thankfully unlocked, and flipped open the glove compartment. A handgun and a case of bullets sat nestled amongst food wrappers galore. His bear growled low and hard, the vibration a deep rattle in his chest. “They also better have a license for carrying this weapon too.”

  “I’ve got some personal belongings here.” From the back seat, she hauled out two dirty and torn duffel bags and set them on the damp grass. She crouched and he hunkered down and joined her. “You want me to do the honors?”

  “Sure.” He caught a long shaft of her hair and ran his fingers down the silky length. As he did, she flipped open the flap of the first duffel and plucked a wallet from the top. She opened it, turned it toward him and showed him the driver’s license nestled safely in the front pouch behind a clear plastic covering. The name Logan Gabriel Matthews was emblazoned on the card, along with a picture of a young man with dark hair and silver-rimmed round glasses.

  “Matthews is definitely a sept of clan Matheson,” she murmured low and all sexy.