Kian (War Cats Book 5) Read online

  Kian glanced over at Jessica, taking in the amusement and laughter dancing in her brown eyes. His breath caught and he swallowed painfully as he looked at her. Fuck, she was beautiful. Her glossy black hair was pulled back in a braid, the end teasing her waistline, little wisps around her face breaking free in the slight breeze, framing her stunning features. Her skin was caramel hued like his, although much lighter than his own dark shade.

  Her face was heart shaped, her eyebrows delicately arched over large brown eyes with mile long eyelashes. Her cheekbones were high, her nose straight and delicate, and her lips were plump. She was a lot shorter than he was, although that wasn’t uncommon, since he was taller than everyone in Durga. But she was shorter than a lot in the village, not just him, and her tiny frame was packed with curves, boasting an hour glass shape that made him swallow hard as he thought of it.

  The War Cats were predominately of Indian heritage. The founders of the village were immigrants from India, and although some of the old rules had been made up on the spot by the founders, they pulled a lot from Indian culture. Up until Kian changed it, women were only allowed to wear saris. The traditional outfit was a long skirt, paired with a crop top and a sash draped over one shoulder.

  Jessica had done her best to hide her body behind her sashes, having them made extra wide to cover as much of herself as she could. But Kian was a man—and not just any man, but her mate. Of course he’d looked, and looked a lot. No matter how much she tried to hide her body, she couldn’t hide all those curves.

  Technically, she was more covered up wearing jeans and a t-shirt. But, much like she said it left her feeling more exposed, it also felt more daring to him. More risqué. More like he could stare at her all day, every day, and never get tired of looking at her. Although he was certain he’d feel like that no matter what she wore.

  She glanced over at him expectantly, and he shook his head slightly, realizing that she was waiting on an answer. “No, I just figured we could talk as we walked, since you said you don’t mind company. But I can just shut up and let us enjoy nature.”

  The corners of her mouth curled up, showing off dimples flirting in her cheeks. “I don’t mind if we talk. It’s just not something we’ve done a lot of.”

  “You don’t normally seem like you want to,” he pointed out.

  She pursed her lips, nodding thoughtfully. “I know. And I don’t normally. I’m usually shy with people, but it’s more than that with you. You’re very dominant, and being a submissive, I feel it more strongly than most people do. That makes it hard to be around you, because I want to get away from the heaviness.”

  He looked at her in surprise. He’d known her forever, but he’d never realized it was like that with her. No wonder she always fled when he was around. Submissive or not, it had to make her uncomfortable. Shifters weren’t hardwired to back down easily. And he didn’t think it was any different for someone with a submissive animal. Yet, she had to back down, because her nature wouldn’t allow her to do anything else.

  “But you’re not feeling it as strongly right now?” he asked, his brow furrowed as he tried to work out what was different.

  She frowned, her eyes puzzled. “No, I’m still feeling it strongly. That hasn’t changed. But for whatever reason, my reaction is a little different than it usually is. I don’t know why, though.”

  He watched as her frown deepened and she rolled her shoulders, her expression full of concentration. “Are you okay?”

  “What? Yeah, I’m fine.” Before he could call her out on the lie in her voice, she cleared her throat and changed the subject. “So, have there been any leads on Drako?”

  Shaking his head, he blew out a breath and kicked at the snow left on the path. “No. No one seems to know who he is. Not even the Enforcers.”

  She frowned, looking at him with troubled eyes. “That’s weird. I thought they knew everything about everything.”

  “I’m not sure they know everything, but I suppose if anyone comes close, they do. They have feelers out, and they’ve been calling other groups of Enforcers to see if they know anything or can help figure it out, but so far, it’s been dead end after dead end.”

  “I really wish I could remember where I know the name Drako from, but for the life of me, I can’t.”

  He shook his head, knowing she’d understand what the gesture meant. He’d replied to that statement from her a million times in the last few months. No one blamed her for not remembering, least of all him. He knew if she could tell them, she would. Her safety was just as much at stake as his was.

  Not for the first time, he wondered what she remembered from her childhood or whether she remembered anything at all. She’d mentioned a few times that she didn’t recall a lot before coming there. Something he’d always thought was odd. She arrived in Durga when she was ten. Plenty old enough to remember her life before becoming a War Cat.

  And also not for the first time, he wondered what his father had known. He’d never let on to anyone what his knowledge of Jessica’s past was, but surely he’d known some of it. He’d at least known who her tribe had been. He’d given her a spot among the War Cats’ noble families, which had been unheard of. He always said it was because she was a noble in her own tribe, but Kian knew his father. And Kabir never gave a shit about other tribes. So whoever she was, she had to have been very important.

  But it was something they might never know. Kabir had taken that information with him to the grave, and Jessica said she didn’t remember much about her life before coming here. The likelihood that they’d ever have answers about who she truly was, was slim indeed.

  “You’ve said you don’t remember much about your life before Durga. Do you mind me asking what you do remember?”

  Shaking her head, she hunched into her coat as a gust of wind blew. His protective instinct was strong inside him, siding with his tiger who was growling at him to get her inside where it was warm. But she’d seemed to need the walk outside, and she knew her own mind. If she was truly too cold, he knew she’d say something and go inside.

  “I don’t remember much. I remember my parents a little. Their names were Sofia and Anthony. I remember they were aloof with others, and everyone thought they were stuck up, but they were nice and loving with me. I remember lots of hugs and kisses. And I remember beaches. That’s it. I don’t remember anything else unless it happened here in Durga.”

  Frowning thoughtfully, he shoved his hands into his pockets as they finished their second trip around the palace. He wished, for her sake, that she remembered more. It must be strange to not have many memories before ten years old. And what she did remember wasn’t really helpful in terms of figuring anything out. The fact that there were beaches meant she’d lived on the coast, but there was no way of knowing if it was East or West.

  He was glad she remembered her parents a little, though. Especially since, from all accounts, they were nice people and loving parents. It would be a shame if she didn’t remember that. “I’m glad you remember that much, but I wish you remembered more.”

  “I’m sorry. I really wish I knew where I know the name Drako from—”

  “No, no,” he said quickly, rushing the words out. “That’s not why I said that. I wish you remembered more for yourself. Not for me, or because of Drako.”

  She glanced over at him, her cheeks pinkened from the cold, her lips slightly parted as she stared at him. “Oh,” she replied so softly, he had to strain to hear her. “Thanks. I really appreciate that. I wish I remembered more, as well, mostly because I want to really remember my parents. Knowing I was loved is a huge thing, don’t get me wrong, but it doesn’t let me really know them as people, you know?”

  “It’s hard for me to see that side of it, but I guess I can understand it. I sometimes wish I didn’t remember mine, but it’s more because I did know them as people that I can say that.”

  “I’ve often wondered how you could turn out as nice as you did.”

  Glancing over, he
cocked an eyebrow at her, chuckling as her cheeks flushed from more than the cold. “You’re not the first person to say that,” he acknowledged. “I think it was mostly because of one of my nannies. Her name was Anika, and a kinder soul you’d never meet. She taught me that I didn’t have to be like my parents, and I took it to heart. Sometimes I wonder if I went too far in the opposite direction, but I’d rather be too soft than completely devoid of feelings or a heart.”

  “I don’t think you went too far. You’re a fair ruler, and you’re kind, but you’re not a pushover. And if someone threatens the tribe, or they do the wrong thing, it’s not like you let them get away with it. You’re hard when you need to be. I remember Anika. She was always kind to me, as well.”

  Kian was just opening his mouth to reply when he glanced down, his blood running cold. There were footsteps in the snow, making their way from the woods to the shoveled path, following his and Jessica’s. It might not mean anything—it could be completely innocent, but the feeling in his gut said it wasn’t.

  Get her out of here. Now, his tiger snarled inside him, pacing tight circles in his chest.

  Glancing casually behind him, he made sure no one was sneaking up on them in that moment, before looking over at Jessica. She was walking next to him, looking off into the distance, a slight smile gracing her lips. She hadn’t realized he’d tensed up next to her.

  “Keep walking and acting casual, okay? Like nothing’s wrong,” he told her softly. He saw the exact moment she realized that something actually was wrong, but to her credit, she gave a slight nod and kept on strolling like she didn’t have a care in the world. “It looks like someone has decided to follow our footsteps, and my gut instinct says it’s not to say hello. Pick up your speed just a little. Not enough to make it obvious that we’re moving faster, though. Yeah, that’s good. Now head straight for the door.”

  She nodded, and when she spoke, her voice was tense. “And why aren’t we just making a run for the door?”

  “Because I’m not sure how close this person is, and I don’t want to tip them off and make them act rashly when we don’t really have any cover. Better to let them think we’re unaware. Now, once we’re at the door, run inside and go to my study. Karis is there. Let him know what’s going on.”

  “Wait, aren’t you coming in with me?”

  He shook his head grimly. “Whoever this is needs to be stopped. And there’s a better chance of doing that if I can go after him immediately.”

  “I don’t think this is a good idea, Kian. You’re the alpha. If something happens to you—”

  “Just go. Now, Jessica. We’re at the door. Get help as soon as you can. I’ll be fine. I promise.”

  Her lips tightened but she nodded, casting him one last look before swiftly entering the palace. He waited until the door was shut behind her, and then without a moment’s hesitation, he hunched inward as he called his tiger.

  Loud pops split the air as his bones broke and reformed, loud in the quiet winter afternoon. A blinding flash of pain burst over his body, but it was all over in an instant as he came down, all four paws on the ground.

  And a moment later, he was streaking back in the direction he and Jessica had just come from, intent on ending whoever was hunting them and making the tribe a safe place for Jessica once again.

  Chapter Four

  “The fuck were you thinking, Kian?”

  Jessica winced as she heard Zane’s roar from across the large foyer. She’d opened the door for him and Kelly, told him where Kian was, and then watched as he stomped inside Kian’s study, slammed the door, and started in loud enough to be heard across the village.

  She understood, though. When Kian took off after the stalker, she’d wanted to scream at him, too. He could have gotten killed. Whoever it was had been too wily for him and escaped, but it could have had a completely different ending. Judging by Zane’s rant, he felt the same way. She wanted to feel some sympathy toward Kian for being on the wrong end of Zane’s rage, but the idiot totally deserved it.

  And there was no one around who could get away with giving Kian hell other than his cousin, Zane. She sure as heck couldn’t, even if she could work up the nerve to do it. He might be her mate, but chances were, he didn’t know it. So she didn’t have that kind of power.

  “He really went after him on his own?” Kelly asked, her voice hushed as she stared at the study door.

  Jessica nodded as she drew her toward her suite. “He found footprints coming from the woods, joining ours. He told me to go inside and then he shifted and tried to get whoever was following us.”

  Kelly shook her head, awe and respect in her eyes. “There aren’t many who would do that. I get that he probably shouldn’t, since he’s Alpha, and needs to be kept safe. But I can’t help but respect him for it. He’s not letting anyone else fight his battles for him.”

  “You’re right, on both accounts. He’s not a man to expect someone to do what he wouldn’t do himself. The problem is, with a tribe like this… without him, what do we have? Yeah, next in line is Zane, and he’d leave the rule changes as they are, but that makes him vulnerable. And if something happens to him, the alpha position is up for grabs. The tribe members are taking to the new rules better than I thought they would, but many wouldn’t hesitate to put everything back the way it was. We need Kian to stay okay. Not just because he’s a wonderful man and it would be sad to lose him, but because the future of the tribe depends on him.”

  Sad to lose him… what an understatement. She’d be devastated. She didn’t know him on a friend level—in fact, their walk this morning was the first time they’d spent alone since they were kids. But he was her mate, and there was a bond there, at least on her part. She felt it, tethering her heart to his. If his were to stop beating, she thought maybe hers would, as well.

  Kelly studied her, a slight frown between her brows as she rocked Zander. “Have you told him yet?”

  The question was asked quietly, but she still jumped, fancying that the words were echoing around the room, getting louder and louder with each go. “No, I haven’t.”

  Kelly’s eyes narrowed and then widened almost comically. “You’re not gonna tell him, are you?” she breathed with shock.

  Jessica shifted uncomfortably as she shook her head. “No, I’m not. Why do you think I asked what the outside world is like? Once the threat is dealt with, I plan on leaving.”

  “I don’t understand. Why would you do that? Your mate is right here in this very palace, and it’s not like he’s a horrible man. The odds of finding a mate in the tribe and him being a shitty person are high, and yet you got Kian. He’s gold, Jess. He’s a great guy, and you couldn’t ask for better. Why wouldn’t you want to claim him?”

  She rolled her eyes as she spun toward the window. She looked out at the falling snow before turning back to meet Kelly’s eyes. “He is a great guy. The best. But he’s also the alpha. Not only that, but a very dominant one. I’m a submissive, Kels. His dominance is strong enough that it sometimes feels like it’s smothering me. And he needs someone who can rule beside him. He needs someone worthy of being his queen.”

  “And you think that can’t be you? I see no reason why it can’t be.”

  “Come on, Kelly. Be realistic. How could I possibly rule beside him when most shifters set my tiger to cowering inside me? She disappears around tribe members, I turn shy, and I can barely look people in the eye, let alone talk to them. He needs more in a queen. The tribe needs more. He definitely deserves more than me.”

  Kelly set Zander down in the pack and play that stayed in Jessica’s room, since her friend visited so much, and walked forward. Jessica met her eyes as defiantly as she was able, cocking an eyebrow in question. They’d spent so much time together that she wasn’t shy with her any longer, and her tiger didn’t hide. But her animal was trembling a bit at the confrontation she could see brewing in Kelly’s blue eyes.

  “What he deserves,” Kelly said softly yet with conviction, “is
someone who loves him. Who he can love in return. Do you think he’d ever be truly happy without his mate? There’s no other woman on Earth who can give him what you can. There’s no rule that says you have to be a dominant badass, Jess.”

  She glanced down, watching as her fingers twisted around themselves. “In a tribe like this, it’s the only way I won’t get eaten alive. And people will expect me to be a worthy match for Kian.”

  “First of all, Kian wouldn’t let anything happen to you. And before you argue that, remember that while a lot of tribe members are struggling with the rule changes, it’s getting better. And their struggle with the changes doesn’t negate the fact that almost everyone adores him. Sure, there are those who would stop at nothing to take him out and change things back, but they’re the minority, not the majority.

  “Second, the only opinions that matter are yours and Kian’s. What the tribe members think about your worthiness is a moot point. But even if their opinions mattered, they’d still approve. Because you’re his mate. By virtue of that alone, you’d be accepted, whether you were submissive, dominant, pink, purple, human or shifter.”

  The corners of her lips quirked up. “You’re definitely stretching the truth with that one. You know as well as I do that they’d throw a fit if their queen wasn’t a tiger. But I take your point.”

  “So you’ll stop this not good enough nonsense and tell him?”

  “I still don’t think I should say anything. But I promise to at least think about it.”

  Kelly didn’t look entirely satisfied with that, but she nodded her head. “I guess I can’t ask for more than that.”

  Jessica changed the subject, and they chatted until Zane came to the door for his mate and cub. Once they were gone, she walked to the window, watching as they walked toward the tree line separating their home from the palace.

  She honestly didn’t know if Kelly had a point with what she said or not. She thought maybe her friend was still seeing things from an outsider’s perspective. Kian might have come home and changed the rules but the tribe members had been brought up a certain way. Despite what Kelly thought, they’d have a major problem if their alpha mated someone who wasn’t a shifter or tiger.