Chance Lost (12 page)

Chapter 22

Chance was hot… more like on fire and she didn’t know why. She kept fading in and out; lost between dream and reality. The dream kept coming back, starting out the same but she could never finish it. No matter what she did, she never saw his face. He would disappear into a mist, right after he changed from the big cat. She wanted him, no, she wanted to love him and she didn’t know who he was. All she ever saw in the mists were his haunting green eyes, and they burned her soul with desire.

Being a leopard in the dream doesn’t concern her. Dreams are never as one would expect anyway. She just wants her man… her leopard man. The dreams at first faded out before they made love, but now since her fight at the house, they are making love before it is gone. They are running and he stops and drops to the ground. She approaches him and runs her head down his body, licking and washing as she goes, marking him with her scent and he does the same. They shift and the new dream sequence begins.

Now he is standing behind her. She can feel his thick shaft poised at the ready, waiting at her wet entrance and she pushes into him, the need throwing away all thought processes. At the exact moment he finally thrusts into her, he bites her shoulder, right over that sensitive muscle with his hands wrapped over her breasts, kneading and pinching her nipples. He stays latched to her, bringing her closer and closer to release with each suckle and thrust. She wakes up moaning and wet because their time runs out before they can finish. She tries to return, only to see him fading away again.

Chance was feverish. She had to be sick to be tormented over a dream that keeps repeating. She kept waking up with her clothes soaking wet, semi-conscious. She barely registered Sylas was there, but knew she wasn’t alone. He bathed her from head to toe frequently with a cool cloth. She also knew he changed her clothes several times and didn’t care. Chance had lost all sense of time, but the only thing that mattered to her was finishing the dream. Chance was so completely lost in it that the torment of no release was going to kill her, she was sure of it. Being in a constant erotic state was worse than being in hell as far as she was concerned.

Chance didn’t know how many days she was out of it. It could have been one or several. The only thing she knew for certain was the pain and it felt like the fire in her blood was boiling her alive. Sylas managed to wake her up to take water or soup a few times, but she didn’t want that kind of nourishment. It kept getting worse and she couldn’t lie still any longer. Moaning from her discomfort once again, she felt Sylas pick her up and cradle her in his arms. It hurt to open her eyes. Light, if any kind shot arrows right into her brain. “Sylas, please help me. I’m so hot and the pain is too much. Please!” She felt him stand up and carry her into the bathroom.

“Chance baby, can you stand for just a minute, or do I need to call Jack to help?”

Chance nodded, unable to speak or open her eyes. He carefully set her feet on the ground and the cool tiles felt like heaven. He kept one arm on her, while he started the water running in the shower. He carefully removed her clothes, trying not to bring her more anguish. Picking her up again, he stepped into the shower with her in his arms, holding her to his chest. The water was cool and she felt like she was back under the waterfall. Chance sighed as the water helped to cool her blood down. If she was hallucinating, she sure as hell didn’t want to wake up now. She wasn’t sure when Sylas put her back to bed, but knew the dream was starting again.

* * * *

Sylas knew something had gone terribly wrong. Chance was in a constant aroused state and he could smell it. His inner beast was in an uproar for his chosen mate and he was fighting with it and the panic over her condition. She was running a major fever but there was no sign of infection anywhere on her. This was different and it was scaring him. It had to be the blood he gave her. There was no other explanation for it. She was talking in her sleep about a dream and it sounded suspiciously like his
. Was this the sign he was looking for?
Even if it was, he couldn’t take her like this. He needed to be absolutely sure and he wasn’t. Besides, he promised he would never do anything without permission.

Able to do nothing but watch was killing him. He kept her as comfortable as he could. She woke several times soaking wet and he would change her and the sheets as carefully as he could trying not to cause more pain. Her state of mind kept his self-control in the right place, even if the beast wanted something else. Chance came first and always would. The shower with her naked had almost done him in, but it was only a brief respite for her. Almost as soon as he put her back in bed, it started again. Unable to stand it any longer, he called Jack. Something needed to be done.

“I was wondering how long it would take you to call me, Bro. I can smell her arousal from here and it is all I can do to control my cat, Sy. You have to give her release or it’s going to kill her. If you don’t, I can’t promise I won’t.”

“I just need to know if that will help her, Jack, and then you can leave. Scratch that. I
need
you to leave. I don’t want to fight you over her, okay?”

Sylas ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. How he was going to handle this and the possible repercussions was beyond him. He would not, could not take her without her being in her right mind, but if he could stop this… whatever it was, then he would do so. He needed to keep his sanity and her virginity intact. Silently he cursed his mother for this one. There was nothing like pushing his limits to the edge.

“From what I’ve been able to read about this in the last few hours, yes. Giving her a release from the aroused state she is in will stop the process… for a while. It can be days or weeks before it comes back, but it will come back, Sy. I have to warn you. This in no way means that she is or will turn immortal. There are too many variables to count on anything changing outside of what she is now. She’s still human, Sy. Just keep that in mind while you are doing whatever you need to do for her. I don’t want to lose both of you over my mistake.”

Right when the last word left Jack’s mouth, Chance started moaning and tossing in her sleep. Her hips were undulating under the sheets and her scent filled the room, stronger than before.

“Leave now! I got this.” He growled out his warning to the other male.

Jack wasted no time leaving the house. He heard his Harley crank and roar down the driveway less than a minute after. Turning to Chance, he touched her cheek.

“Chance baby, I need you to wake up for me. Come on love; wake up now. I’m going to help you, but you have to be awake.”

Sylas shook her gently as he spoke to her. She responded by nodding, but she couldn’t open her eyes. Sylas quickly went to the windows and pulled the shades and curtains. He closed all the doors and turned off all the lights, except the one in the bathroom and he pulled the door shut, so the light was diffused under it.

“The lights are almost all off now. Please, try to open your eyes and look at me Chance.”

He watched as she carefully opened her eyes. She was still moaning, and the pain showed in them.

“Chance, I need to know that you understand everything I’m saying to you. Please tell me you are awake and able to comprehend what I’ve told you.”

She managed a whisper between the moans, “You’re trying to help me. Please, Sylas, do something. This is… unbearable.”

He looked at her pain-racked face and made up his mind. “Chance love, I’m going help you, but I need to know you understand me and I need your permission. I promise I won’t do anything other than give you relief. I need you to let me do this, Chance. I can’t lose you. May I do this for you?”

“Just make it stop, Sylas. You have my permission…” Chance was silenced by another wave of need. She couldn’t contain the pain and the moan was almost a wail.

Sylas wasted no time pulling down the sheets that were covering his precious female. The beast inside was roaring his approval. Sylas took no chances with the beast nearly out of his control and left his clothes on. He kissed her as he moved to lie beside her on the bed. Her hands found their way to his hair and she was pulling on him, desperately trying to pull him closer to her. He reached up and grasped both of her wrists and moved them over her head. Moving down her body he captured a nipple and suckled it. Chance arched her back into him, wanting more and he gave it to her. He finished with one and moved to the other. Her breasts were perfect twin mounds with her hardened nipples poking up, begging for more. As he suckled he felt his fangs extend and he did nothing to stop it.

Sylas almost came when he gently bit down and then licked the tiny drop of blood that rose to the surface. His cat growled in satisfaction, knowing he had gotten away with marking her in some way. Sylas kept his grip on her wrists by pulling her arms down to her sides. With both hands occupied keeping her still, he let his mouth do the rest. He moved slowly down her body, grazing his teeth and licking her, relishing her taste. Reaching her bellybutton, he ringed it with his tongue and pushed in and out, sending her wriggling all the more.

Moving his body lower to the triangle above her mound, Sylas scraped his beard and fangs over the sensitive skin between her thighs, raising goose bumps where he touched her. The closer he got to the honey pot, the more her scent aroused him. His cock strained painfully against his zipper and he used the pain to keep his lust for her in check. She opened her legs to him and wrapped them over his shoulders. He let go of her wrists, knowing that he was already where she needed him. Her hands found his hair again, but this time she was pushing him to her core. He took one hand and slid it up under her to lift her hips up and with the other he parted her inner lips that were soaked with desire. She was hot, wet and ready; he could not hold back any longer. His inner cat was purring loudly and the deep constant rumble just added to her need.

Sylas licked her up and down, lapping up the juices that were already flowing. Honey and wine filled his mouth and senses. He pushed his tongue between those luscious lapped up her flowing juices. Chance raised her hips to meet every stroke. He felt her quiver but she was not close enough. He moved his tongue in and around, staying shallow to keep her hymen intact.

Chance was directing this dance with every moan and hip thrust. Moving up to her nub, he nibbled and suckled it. Sylas felt her legs start to tremble and her breathing quickened. She was so close and he was aching with need. He was trembling nearly as much as she was. He suckled harder and then bit her nub, unable to resist. Chance exploded around him and he with her, but he didn’t stop until taking her over the edge several times more. Sylas greedily lapped up all her juices, not wanting to miss a drop of her sweetness. Her taste was like a drug and he was definitely addicted. Chance collapsed and passed out, and he barely made it back up the bed to cover her and lie down next to her before he was out too.

Chapter 23

Chance stayed passed out for another two days before waking and didn’t remember much of it. Sylas explained what happened and Jack confirmed it. She felt like there was something they were keeping from her, but for once she didn’t ask. She was embarrassed enough as it was. She didn’t know what to think. Sylas saw her naked, took a shower with her, and apparently helped her through the transition with her permission. So why could she not pull any of the details out? She was just thankful Sylas was the one who kept her alive by not leaving her side during the whole ordeal.

Chance noticed Sylas was on edge, obviously nervous about something. He would look deep into her eyes, as if looking for something and then turn away, seemingly disappointed. She ached to be able to tell him she remembered it all, but she couldn’t and didn’t. At least her injuries were almost healed. There were only yellowed marks on her skin from the bruises. Jack had even taken out her stitches already. Was she out that long?

Chance couldn’t recall ever feeling this good before or healing this fast. There were some things she kept to herself, afraid it would upset Sylas if she said anything. Like the fact that her hearing and eyesight had improved. Her complexion was amazingly clear, as if her skin was glowing with health. She felt like she was carrying around enough energy for 10 people and it was freaking her out.

Sylas and Jack took shifts watching her while she was passed out and they took turns going to her house to pack her things. The movers were there now with Jack supervising the loading of the moving pod. They salvaged what they could from the fight and cleaned up or trashed the rest. She wanted to be there but Sylas insisted she stay at Jacks for now. Jack was going to store her pod in his garage until she was ready to move it out to the property. Today Chance had called her realtor and explained after she did a few minor repairs, her house would be going on the market for sale. Then she called Rick to do the damage repairs and give her a status update on the build. He told her he moved some equipment in but he was in limbo waiting on permits and her bulldozers.

Chance asked Sylas if he could take her back up to the property to show Rick where to have the road put in. He said they could go in the morning, so she called Rick back to work out a time. She called Gus and asked him if he wanted to come to meet everyone. Gus agreed with enthusiasm, saying he was anxious to see her again. With everything under control now, there was nothing else to do and she was starting to get antsy. She wasn’t sure she could take any more of his looks of disappointment and decided to do something about it. Chance took a deep breath and sat down with him so they could talk. She turned to look him straight in his beautiful green eyes.

“Sylas, I know there is something you’re not telling me.”

Chance held up her hand to stop his protests. “But, I think we have a good understanding of each other now. I know there is something that you want to tell me, but can’t. I get that. But since I woke up, you seem to have this disappointed look that is tearing me up inside. I want to remember everything that happened, but it hasn’t come back to me yet. I do know this though; I felt safe knowing you were there with me. I knew you were there and it felt right. No matter what else happens, or what I do or do not remember, I felt your love and concern and that truly matters to me.”

Chance reached up and held her hand to his cheek and he leaned into it. “I know someday we will have no more secrets. Can we move forward so we can reach that day sooner? I… I care about you, Sylas. I want more from this, but it will take me some time to knock down the last walls guarding my heart.”

Sylas pulled her onto his lap, and she heard him sigh. Curling her body into his, she laid her head over his heart. It was her new comfort zone and the sound of his heart beating gave her a complete feeling of serenity. She knew he was struggling with his emotions. She could feel it in the way his arms were wrapped protectively around her.

Sylas leaned down, burying his face in her hair, and whispered, “I love you enough for the both of us, Chance. It wasn’t disappointment you’ve seen, love; it was my need for you to remember. I’ll tell you this though… You’re mine, Chance Cadens, and I’m yours. I’ll never let anyone change it or take it away.”

Chance felt electricity course through her body with his declaration. She wondered about the last part, but pushed it aside. It warmed her to him like nothing before. She liked belonging to him and being declared his. She could feel his heart racing and she knew he meant every word. She felt him pull her hair to bend her head back and she let him. Reaching for his, she repeated his action and pulled his head down to hers. Sylas kissed her and then gently bit her bottom lip. It sent fire coursing through her. The kiss deepened, affirming his love for her and it was all she needed for now. They were going to survive this and once again, they were okay.

When Jack arrived back and the pod put away, they talked about going back to the property. Jack said he would spend the day at the bar while they were gone. He had been away a week now and needed to make sure all was kosher there. Chance was disappointed Jack wouldn’t be around to meet Gus, but she knew there would be more times when he could. Sylas suggested food at one point and Chance’s stomach took that exact moment to growl quite loudly. She had yet to eat a major meal and was starving. They found it quite amusing, that is, until she declared they would be joining her for training after. They both grumbled but didn’t fight her on the issue. She suddenly found herself to be the number one priority in this house of roosters and she liked it.

Jack cooked them a hobo dinner out on the fire pit. She’d never heard of this dish before and found it quite satisfying. Who knew that hamburger, potatoes, carrots and onions with just salt and pepper wrapped in tin foil could taste so good. Chance added it to her list of dinners to cook at her new home when it was finished. She kept a whole list of mental recipes filed away in her brain now thanks to Jack and Sylas. Spending time with them was a definite learning experience she loved getting. To imagine how close she came to not meeting or knowing them gave her chills.

Chance finally cajoled them into training mode and she warned them she was feeling just fine and they were not to take it easy on her. This time there were no tests of her skills. She warmed up by taking on Jack first. Krav Maga is total defense against attack and with her mixed martial arts training, she already felt like she was one up on them. She had defense and offense on her side. Now with this new strength and energy, Chance felt she was easing through the attacks, as if in slow motion. Every time Jack went to grab her in different attacks, she was already ahead of him. This new strength baffled her and so she called Sylas in to simulate two attackers.

Her kicks were now deadly accurate and so fast they seemed a blur. There was no dead space between hits now and before she couldn’t always control it. Spin kicks felt like she was taking two turns in the air, instead of one. Once she even miscalculated and instead of striking Jack with a spin kick, she actually spun right over his head and caught him on the opposite side. During a break just to see what would happen, she tried to walk a wall, which had evaded her in the past. She not only walked up it, but did a complete back flip out of it, landing in a perfect crouch position to continue fighting. She could not stop grinning or fighting… it was like a breath of fresh air.

The only one who managed to take her down into submission was Sylas. She would make an error in judgment or timing and he would have her beat. They went for a couple of hours this way and she was enjoying it. Jack finally called a time out and went to bring them some water after he got his breath back.

Sylas turned to her with a question in his eyes, his head cocked slightly to one side. “Babe, something is different with you tonight. Are you aware of how long we’ve been sparring?”

Jack came back at the same moment and handed them both a bottle of cold water. She guzzled a few swallows before shaking her head. “No, why? Is something wrong? Were you both holding out on me? You know that makes me angry.”

Sylas laughed and Jack just shook his head. “Chance, we’ve been out here sparring for well over 5 hours. You didn’t see the sun setting?”

Chance felt her jaw drop and clamped it shut. “No way! I knew it was dark but I’ve never worked out that long, even at the house in my basement. I’m not even winded. You sure?”

“Yes, love, I’m sure. It’s been over 5 hours,” he said it to her with the biggest grin she’d ever seen. Next thing she knew, she was in his arms and he was kissing the confusion right out of her and she melted, forgetting all the rest.