Unleashed (Guardians of Anubis - Book 1)

8 Chapter 6

“It doesn’t matter!” Zaya shrieked as plaster continued to rain over her. It was coming in. She practically ran to him, her fear of him forgotten. Zaya came to a stop a few inches away from him. He was very big and intimidating up close. Leashed power thrummed, and sensual heat radiated in waves from him.

How did she know she could do this? Zaya shook her head.

Instinct urged her on; somehow she knew where to touch him. Her left hand was on his thick bicep, while the right she pressed to his chest, right above his heart. He flinched at her touch, his muscles tensing. Looking into his eyes she saw mistrust and desire.              

 Like an automaton, he captured her wrist as though to stop her. He didn’t realize he could move his hands, Zaya noted as he stood stiffly. His hand moved further down her arm. Her cashmere sweater was no barrier against his heat.

  Shivers ran up and down her spine at his mere touch. Pulled in by an invisible force Zaya came closer to him.

Meeting a mate was unique to every guardian, Zaya remembered Nila’s words. Zaya hadn’t known how unique; in the midst of danger she was thrilled and aroused. Her heart hammered against her breast. Desire so heady swirled within her body, and she wanted to press her body to his just to feel his hard one. His scent was intoxicating and she wanted more of it.

Zaya savoured the sweet agony of being in her mate’s arms for the first time. The word that was uniquely theirs flowed in her mind filling her ears as though Anubis had whispered it himself. Zaya knew the consequences of whispering it to him. But she had no choice. Once again she’d endangered others, because of her decisions. In a guardian’s life humans came first no matter what.

“Forgive me, brother,” Zaya said closing her eyes.      

Going to her toes she leaned close. Her lips mere inches from his ear. She felt him stiffen further, ready to strike.

“Owaka,” she whispered. Shivers ran down her spine. She felt it deep within, the connection that was already budding to life between them. Desire raked her insides. She could feel the heat of his body, and she absorbed it greedily; wanting more. Her whole being became attuned to his. His scent drowned her senses with a sensual fog. Zaya knew they’ll know each other anywhere whether they were in jackal form or not. The desire to shift into her jackal shimmered on her skin. She reached for her jackal deep within. Maybe it will happen tonight, Zaya thought excitement bubbling in her stomach. She looked at the skin on her arms. Her eyes moving to her right shoulder – Nila had touched her there earlier – there still was no Anubis’ eye. Nothing. Despair filled her, but she quickly pushed it away. 

Suddenly Dage felt his body unlock. Energy vibrated in his muscles. Power surged in his veins multiplied to unbelievable heights. Zaya watched as the jackal took over him. He couldn’t even resist it. His skin turned completely black.  He stood tall and majestic. His muscles swelled increasing his already large frame. His head became doglike, with a pointed muzzled. His ears were high and pointed. Anubis’ eye was emblazoned on the right side of his neck. His eyes blazed black as they focused on her.

Dage took a deep breath. He was completely taken over by the beast. But this time was different. It was calm, blending in with him, as though the woman could control it as Mafka used to.

There was no anxiety or a tug of war within him. He and his beast were somehow merged into one being. A first for him, and it felt amazing. Everything around him was heightened, his senses sharpened – a multitude of scents were a riot in his nostrils, the colours were brighter even in the dark. And she was the focus of his every sense. Her glossy black curly hair sat like a crown on her head, cascading down to her tiny shoulders. Her skin looked velvet soft. And her scent, he’ll never get enough of that.

  The crashing sound of the Rutete coming through the roof receded to the back of his mind. It was like they were the only two people in the world.

Overwhelming emotions churned within him. And he craved to claim her, brand her his so she knew who she belonged to. The primal urge to possess had him leaning closer. Bending over her, he caressed her soft skin with his muzzle, memorizing every sweet note of her scent.

She wasn’t afraid of him or what he looked like, Dage thought loving the feel of her skin. Taken aback by the thought, he froze.

 Pulling back he stared into her eyes. Why wasn’t she afraid? No human could stare at him and not be afraid. She didn’t smell human, for that matter. Now, he caught the subtle scent that distinguished her from humans. Dage couldn’t place her scent.

What was she that she could control his beast so easily? And calm his beast with just one touch. What was happening to him? He couldn’t even push his beast back. Confused, he grasped and pulled her closer, even though he wanted to fling her away from him. His body had a mind of its own, clutching her closer to him. She felt right being there, like she been there forever. Taking a deep breath Dage tried to think straight.

It was as if a force he couldn’t understand was taking over him, controlling his mind and body, deciding his fate. He couldn’t allow that to happen to him again. For one hundred he’d been kept in captivity, he wasn’t keen on another confining cage. Whether it be masked by a beautiful face such as hers.

Dage felt the beast recede, leaving him to his doubts. It didn’t want any part of it. He could tell.   

Zaya stared at him, enthralled by the sensations that rioted within her at his nearness. She caressed every part of his handsome face with her eyes, memorising everything about him. His lips looked perfect, kissable. She only had to move a few inches to close the distance between them, to taste those lips. And know what it would feel like. For a second she almost gave in.

No, she couldn’t. There was too much at stake. She closed her eyes, as though not seeing him would help. How easily she forgot her fear. What else will she give up? Her body quivered as desire raked her. No, that she couldn’t give that.

Zaya denied the need to get close to him. She denied the need to take the first step towards their claiming. She willed herself to take a step back, away from him. The pull was so strong; it felt like she was denying her need to breathe. His warmth lingered on her skin, reminding her of what she was missing. What she was denying herself.