Unseen Path

On All Hallows' Eve Molli's predictable world is turned upside down when she learns she needs magic to save her brother's life. Not only must she give up her innocence to feed the magic, she finds there is more to Decklin than meets the eye. Just who is this handsome stranger and what is he to her?

Decklin must convince Molli that it is her destiny to help him save the world. He has the means to help her brother, but will she survive her uncontrollable need to touch him, does she even want to? Is Decklin using his powers to control her desires or could it be love?

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Unseen Path

ISBN: 978-1-55487-415-6

Cover art by Martine Jardin

All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

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Unseen Path

Silar Book One

Jambrea Jones

Dedication

I have so many people to thank.

First I need to thank Molli Struebing for letting me use her name.

I wouldn't be here without Joy Roach, Valerie Tibbs, Kensana Darnell, Cindy Jacks and Theresa Pillow. Thank you so much for whipping me into shape and keeping me in line. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have you guys holding my hand.

And Joy, thank you for my Log Line. I love it. It gave me goose bumps and I knew I had to use it. xoxo

I also wouldn't be here without my family. Anthony for supporting me, P man for being the best son ever and watching his movies while I write and of course my parents who always told me I could do whatever I wanted to.

Prologue

Silar, a world under Earth, where immortality was magically introduced centuries ago. With all the immortals living there, Silar lost resources and the people were forced to find other worlds to inhabit. When they moved to a new world, they tried to blend in and sometimes even raised their children in the ways of the world they lived in, waiting until puberty to introduce the children to the Paths. Each Silian must choose a Path to follow, Good or Chaotic, there is no middle ground

Good Path: The immortals who follow the Good Path vowed to help any and all in need. The Council of Elders help them stay on the Good Path and they provide guidance for new members coming into their powers.

Chaotic Path: The immortals following this Path have no regard for others. They want to take over all the worlds and make mortals their slaves while undermining the Good Path followers.

Most mortals of Earth know nothing of Silar, but that could change as a war between the two Paths of Silar is fast approaching. The saviors of Earth and Silar are in the dark, yet on the cusp of being awakened to a whole new world.

This cannot be the place.

A light flickered and went out. The street faded into the shadows, making the already creepy house look ominous.

Molli left her car and made her way up the row of steps that led to the house. She stopped at sound of the wood creaking against her shoe.

Stop scaring yourself, get to the door.

Running up the remaining steps, she stopped at the big wooden door. She was taken aback by the skull doorknocker, but she stopped thinking, wanting to get this whole thing over with.

Her hand slowly crept toward the knocker and the door sprang open. Molli drew in a deep breath to scream and took a step back until her gaze caught upon the man that had opened the door. The man stood over six feet with green eyes to die for, his stare so intense it was as if he peered into her very soul. She placed a hand on her chest in hopes of keeping her racing heart in place, not sure if it was because the man himself caused her heart to pound or the scare of having the door spring open.

"Molli?"

"H-h-how do you know my name?"

"Matt told me you would be stopping by."

Molli shook from head to toe, still frightened, but she thrust her hand out to shake his, hoping the tremor didn't give her away. An electrical charge raced up her arm, causing her whole body to tingle and her panties to dampen when his hand enclosed hers. Instant lust racked her body. "What are you?" panted Molli, trying unsuccessfully to control her rampant desire.

"I am the unseen path you are destined to walk."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" His voice had a slight Scottish accent and made her body ache and yearn with an unnatural craving. She jerked her hand out of his and started to back away.

"Come, we must not waste time on your fears of the unknown. Tonight, on All Hallows' Eve, my magic is at its strongest. If you wish to help Matt, you need to enter my home of your own accord and allow my magic to become yours."

"Again with the cryptic," she sounded skeptical, but let him lead her into the darkened corridor of the hallway, her panties a lost cause, her body throbbed in desire with each step taken. Even the scent of vanilla musk and something flowery made the house smell erotic, like some den of iniquity. The only light to guide them happened to be the candles lining the walls. The man led her into a room in the middle of the house with a huge bed occupying most of the space.

Molli backed away when she saw the cage peeking from behind the edge of the bed. She turned to run, but the man's voice stopped her.

"You must do this. If you do not, all will be lost, everything that was, that is and that could be."

"But--"

He drew her near, wrapping his arms around her, pressing his lips to her.

Her shocked intake of air allowed him entrance to the haven of her mouth and she felt lost as her body betrayed her, willing to do whatever he wanted. His hands roamed her body like he owned it. Never had she let a stranger have this much control over her body, but she was compelled to let him have his way. Before she knew it, her clothes were thrown around the room, leaving a trail to the bed. It had happened so fast she couldn't recall how they came off, but she could remember the feel of his touch on her body.

"On the bed now. That's it."

She had no control, it was like he commandeered her body for his own. "What have you done to me?"

"Only what must be done to complete the ritual. Didn't your brother tell you what you had to do to save him?"

"Matt only told me to show up here and do what you told me. He didn't give me any details."

"There is a ritual we must perform and it will be sexual in nature. Your brother should have warned you because you must consent and go forth with your heart and soul. Any doubt will ruin the ritual and all will be for naught."

Air was becoming harder to come by. Her body throbbed and ached, telling her to go with the flow. The man oozed sex appeal with his big, strong body and a voice that washed over her, making her want to give him whatever he desired and it had been a while since a handsome man had paid attention to her, but her head told her to stop. "Tell me. Tell me everything, I need to know." It was hard even to speak. Every fiber of her being wanted this man to take her and make her his.

"It must be of your free will that you accept. You must be open to me in every way possible. When we connect physically, my magic will flow and settle in you. The best time to share my magic is on All Hallows' Eve because this is when I am at my strongest. You will need my full power to lift the curse put on your brother. I would do it myself, but the spell put on your brother requires a blood relative."

"I still don't understand. Who placed this spell? What is my brother involved in?"

"We don't have time for me to answer all your questions. The night is almost over and if we don't complete the ritual, all will be lost. Don't you feel the pull? We are meant to do this. I am your unseen path, but it is a path you have to choose. Your brother knows you are to be mine and that is why he directed you my way. It has been foretold. If you don't do this, more than your brother could be lost."

"So I'm just supposed to have sex with you because you and my brother think it is all right? Sounds like a load of bullshit to me."

"Have you seen your brother lately?"

"Yes. Tonight before I came here."

"And you still doubt me?"

"I know something is wrong, but is sex really the answer?"

"I know this seems odd and out of the norm, but it is how it must be. If you agree, I will explain all to you after the ritual is complete."

"Could you stop saying ritual and call it what it is? I don't even know your name."

"Decklin Crosse."

With a deep sigh, she addressed the man who would take her virginity. The one thing she had held dear all these years, that she had to give away to save Matt. Decklin spoke of prophecy, she wondered if he already knew, if it was part of the whole plan. "I have one more question before we start."

"Yes, Molli?"

"Why is there a cage in your room?"

"That is in case things go wrong."

"Okay, that is not inspiring faith here."

"I told you to leave your fear at the door. This must be done, you have already chosen. We will deal with the cage if we need to, but I don't think we will need to worry about it. Our mating will be strong and much magic will be made here this evening."

A shudder went through Molli as Decklin ran a finger over her face and down her body. She was spread across the bed, ready to sacrifice herself for something she didn't fully understand. Being pissed that Matt dragged her into his world and afraid of Decklin ran hand in hand for top billing in her mind.

"Are you ready? We must begin."

"Just do it already."

"I need to prepare you before we start. Once we move forward, we cannot stop. Are you going into this with an open mind and heart?"

"Yes. Please start before I change my mind."

Decklin began a chant in a language Molli had never heard before. She closed her eyes and concentrated on his words. The rhythm of his voice soothing her in a way she didn't expect. She jumped a little when she felt his hands on her. He continued to chant, but now he drew symbols on her naked body. She wanted to say something, but was frozen in place. Her breathing grew slow and steady, almost trance-like. She felt a sharp pain in her arm, but thought nothing of it until she felt herself being tied to Decklin. Still not completely understanding, she started to struggle, but Decklin began chanting again causing the trance-like state to return. She felt outside of herself as if in a dream, floating over her own body, but she knew that wasn't the case. It did help her deal with what was about to happen. She flinched when his mouth replaced his hands on her body, his tongue repeating the same paths on her skin, the symbols burning into her. It felt like his saliva was setting a permanent mark on her flesh. It didn't hurt, it felt almost sensual in nature, a caress of his tongue one her flesh. She accepted his mark and almost thanked him, but stopped herself when he lifted away from her.

Molli heard herself moan, wanting him back. She didn't have long to wait. Decklin settled on top of her, wrapping himself around her and she relished the heavy weight of him. He leaned down and continued to chant in Molli's ear. Decklin nibbled his way to her lips. She parted with a gasp as she felt him harden against her. He was so overwhelming in every way. His lips brushed against hers slowly, allowing her to adjust to the feel before he deepened the kiss. His tongue did not ask for admittance, it demanded it. The kiss, so fierce and animalistic, drove her mad with passion. Then she felt something strange. Almost like a force pressing into her, from his mouth to hers. She started to struggle again, not understanding this power seeping into her body. Air, she needed air. Decklin released her mouth and leaned back to whisper in her ear again. This time Molli understood the language, his words clear.

"Calm, you must be calm. Take a deep breath and let it out. Good, again. Yes, that is it. Feel my body against yours, adjust to me and stay calm. Allow my essence to merge with yours."

His voice caressed her and she closed her eyes, trying to relax. Decklin made his way to her neck, nibbling, sucking and licking. Molli moaned low in her throat. It felt good. Wait, there is something I need to tell him, what am I supposed to tell him. Oh…wait. "Decklin, I need to tell you something before we continue. You need to know--"

"Shhh…" He mumbled against her neck. "I know, Molli, relax and enjoy what is happening."

Just then he bit her neck. She should feel uncomfortable and horrified, but she liked the way his mouth felt as he nibbled because it caused her to tingle all over. Closing her eyes, she started to tremble. He licked the bite and she sighed.

"Not yet, my sweet, I need to finish the ritual words before we can complete the sacrifice."

This brought Molli out of her sensual haze. "S-s-sacrifice?"

"Yes, Molli. We must give to receive."

"And, um, what are we sacrificing?"

"Your virginity of course. That is an important part of this ritual. Your brother is lucky you are still untouched or he would be, well, to put it bluntly, fucked."

"Unlike me, right." She had to chuckle or she would cry. Decklin didn't give her much time to think. He made his way down her body until he stopped at her core, the very essence of her femininity. He buried his nose in her curls and chanted some more. Again, power flowed through her body and settle. The sensation felt odd, almost like an electric shock. When he finished his chant, Decklin licked her, marking her, making her burn. This time she raised her hips to meet his tongue. She wanted more. "Decklin, I need, oh please, please, I need…"

"Shh."

Molli's body started trembling on the bed as Decklin continued to lick and suck at her very core. He nibbled her clit, putting her over the edge. She screamed his name as he rose up and plunged into her, making them one. Her mind didn't know where to focus, pleasure or pain, it all rolled together. Not giving her time to think, he sealed their mouths and intertwined their hands to connect them in every way. She helped by wrapping her legs around him. At that moment, she felt the full extent of his power. It flowed through her, bringing her to a new awareness. She closed her eyes when he began to move. He released her mouth and started to chant again. She could understand him now, but the language he used did not resemble English.

"Before we were two, now we are one, my power is her power, her power is my power, accept the sacrifice freely given, join us now and forever more. Before we were two, now we are one, my essence is her essence, her essence is my essence, accept the sacrifice freely given, join us now and forever more."

At the end of his chant, Molli's body stiffened, she screamed his name as the force of his true power slammed into her, sealing their life forces together and then she descended into darkness. The last thing she heard was Decklin screaming her name with his release. What the hell have I just done?

Confusion settled in Molli's mind as she awoke in a strange room. She shivered as the cold started settling over her. Why am I cold? She tried to sit up only to bang her head on something. She looked around and noticed she happened to be on the wrong side of the cage in Decklin's room, with no clothes on and no blanket in sight. She scrambled to the entrance of the cage, noticed the lock and screamed.

Decklin entered the room. "Shh, it's okay. Shh. Hold on, let me open this. Stop screaming and let me explain. Calm down."

"Fuck you! Would you be calm if you woke up naked in a cage after having sex with someone?" Her voice caught on the last word. She tried to settle her breathing before she hyperventilated.

"I know this looks bad, but I had no choice, but to lock you up until you woke and I could make sure the power manifested as it should."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Once the cage door opened, Molli dashed to the bed and grabbed a sheet to cover herself before turning back to the strange man named Decklin. When she looked at his face, her heart jumped in her chest. Her body knew his, her very soul wanted to wrap itself around him and draw comfort from him. Everything seemed off kilter. She should be running and screaming to the police, but she couldn't. She had to shake herself when she realized he was speaking again.

"I didn't want to scare you earlier during the ritual." At her look, he stopped for a second. "Sorry, before we had sex, if that is better for you."

She nodded for him to continue.

"The effects of the rit…sex are different for each person. Sometimes an evil will manifest, depending on the persons' soul. I don't know you well enough to know your true soul. For both of our safety, I needed to lock you up until you awoke. I meant to be here, but the phone called me away for a brief moment. I can't apologize enough. I know you have questions. Why don't you get dressed and you can ask of me anything you wish. I will be out in the front room. Take a left out the door and you'll see me." He pointed toward a chair by the cage and left the room.

Molli's clothes were folded neatly on the chair and looked like he had washed them as well. The whole thing was too weird to be real. She felt odd in her own skin for the first time in years, different, not quite herself. Not bad, but not normal either. She didn't even know where to start with the questions. She should have talked to her brother more, but he had looked so bad and begged for her help. What else could she do? He was her family, the only family she had left. She couldn't lose him, too. With a sigh, she dressed and noticed the marks on her body. It looked like a brand and she flashed back to the night before, remembered the burn of Decklin's tongue. Yet another thing to ask. Will this ever end?

She left the room without a backward glance at the cage in the background. That was one nightmare she wanted to forget. Actually, she wanted to forget the whole night. Okay, maybe not the whole night. Then her mind began to whirl, her skin burned and she stopped in her tracks. Raising her shirt, she traced the pattern now branded on her flesh and shuddered.

"I'm sure you have question about your new marks. I'll tell you all you need or want to know."

Looking up at him, she was drawn to his presence. Before she knew it, her hand caressed his face and she nuzzled into his neck and licked him. When she came to her senses, she jerked back and stumbled, almost falling, but he caught her. She stared up at him in amazement. "What is going on? Why can't I keep my hands off you?" She groaned. Those were not the first questions she wanted to ask. So many important things going on and the only thing she could think about happened to be her unnatural attraction to the man in front of her.

"It is our link or bond if you will. It was there before, when you first arrived, the pull between us. Didn't you feel it then, the strength of my pull on you? The same happened to me when I opened the door. Our souls know each other. Like I said, I am yours. Once we finished our ritual, the tie became stronger. Soon it will manifest itself in other ways. The more we release our sexual energy, the stronger you will get. There is much for us to do, but I'll explain more on that later. There are more important issues right now. While you slept, your brother called and the situation has become worse. He is being driven over now. I had some refreshments made if you would like to partake while we wait and you ask your questions."

"What happened to Matt?" There, that was an important question.

"He is involved in a world under this world."

"Why are you being cryptic again? Spell it out for me."

"I will. It is difficult to explain to a person not of our world."

"And my brother is of this world?"

"You were both born into it, but your parents sheltered you. Once your parents died, your brother's powers manifested and he searched us out. Being so new, he made a few mistakes and ended up being cursed."

"Why don't I have powers and who cursed my brother?"

"Your powers will start to unlock now that we have had sex. Most women do not show their powers until their maidenhead has been breached. There is more that you should know, more about us, but I want to focus on your brother for now. It is bad, Molli, very bad. Your brother slept with the wrong man and he was cursed by the man's father, a blood curse. Matt does not know how lucky he is to have a sister who held herself chaste. If you were not pure, your brother would be dead in days. I am from another realm where there are two Paths. We are on one side and our Path, the Good Path, is to help when needed with the guidance of a council of elders. The other Path is chaotic and they do what they wish, no matter who might be hurt."

"How do we break the curse? What is next?"

"I am amazed at how calm you are. How well you are taking everything in."

"Right now I have no choice. To save my brother, I must be calm and accepting. I wouldn't have gone through what I did if I thought this a lark. Now, what is next?"

"So strong," he murmured.

He gazed at her and she saw the amazement in his stare. She wanted to go to him, to touch and hold him. Molli had to step away and sit in a chair. Using the arms, she held herself in place until he finished. Molli cleared her throat. "You were talking about the cure?" She watched him visibly shake himself and start again.

"Yes, the cure. You brother must take your blood while we chant a cleansing ritual."

"Take my blood how? Don't I kinda need it?"

He chuckled. "It isn't like he will drain you dry. You will cut both of your wrists as well as one of his with a ritual dagger, we will bind one of your wrists to his and then he will drink your blood from your unbound arm. While he is doing that, I have a chant for you to say and I will also be chanting to help make the spell stronger."

"What are you? And none of that unseen whatever crap. No more cryptic."

"I am immortal."

"What, like a vampire or something?"

"No, not a vampire. We use magic, we are magic. Over the centuries, we have used our knowledge to prolong our life and it is at the point where everyone in our realm is immortal. We have moved to other realms because ours is overrun with people. We can get into this later, why don't we focus more on your brother? Do you have any more questions on the ritual? He will be here any minute and we must not waste time. He is fading fast."

"This chant, will you write it down for me? I don't know if I can remember it. Are you sure this will help?"

"We would not have completed the ritual if I did not believe it would work. I am not a monster who would take advantage of an innocent for fun. I would not have rushed us, if not for your brother's need."

"What do you mean rushed us?"

"We were meant to--"

A bell rang in the distance.

Decklin turned to answer the door.

Molli called after him, "We aren't finished. You know that, right?"

He continued walking, but acknowledged with a wave of his hand.

She followed behind him, anxious to see Matt. Their tie would always be strong and part of her would die if anything happened to him, the bonding between twins was strong. She hoped their strength would be enough to lift this curse. Matt always had trouble following rules and usually it became her job to clean things up for him. With a sigh, she stopped behind Decklin when he opened the door. The same door that changed her life the night before.

All thoughts fled her mind as her brother stumbled into the door. His condition worse than last night. How did he get so bad, so fast? She rushed forward and caught him as he fell in the doorway. "How did it get this bad?" She turned to look at Decklin, still struggling with Matt. He came forward to relieve her of her burden.

"The spell caster must have amped up the spell. What did you do, Matt?"

"I-I had t-to I had to see him."

"I told you to stay away from him for the time being. We have to stop his father before anything can go forward. You know this. Are you trying to get yourself killed after all your sister has done for you? Wait, don't answer that. Let's get you to the living room. You are almost too weak to complete the ritual."

Molli watched as Matt leaned on Decklin, barely making it to the couch. She sat down next to him and looked at Decklin for instructions.

"Let me gather what we need and we will start right away." He left.

Molli turned to Matt. "When we are done, you have a lot of explaining to do! I can't believe you sent me over here and didn't explain things better."

"S-s-sorry. I'm sorry. I shoul--"

"Stop, just stop talking. Let's get you better and then you can talk."

Decklin sauntered into the room, there was no other way to put it. Power exuded from the man and she just wanted to wrap her arms around this man. Shake it off, there are more important things here. Worry about him later.

"Here is the chant. I'll let you know when to say the words. Follow me and we'll get through this."

He handed her the paper, letting his hand linger in hers, staring deeply into her eyes. She had to pull away from him or she would launch herself at him. This raging lust became hard to control when he came closer. The longer she went without touching him, the worse it got. How insane is this?

Decklin placed candles on the floor in a wide circle, lighting each one as he went. There were a few other things placed by the circle as well. The item that really drew Molli's eyes was the silver dagger and first aid kit. It shouldn't have surprised her. He'd told her about that part of the ritual. Taking a calming breath, she tried to center herself, to prepare for what she needed to do. She closed her eyes and that is when she felt it, a tiny spark of…something. She couldn't name it, but she felt it. Is this what he meant about my magic coming to me? She jumped when she felt a touch on her arm.

"It's time. Are you ready?"

"As I'll ever be."

Decklin pulled away and then cocked his head to the side with a strange look in his eyes. He grinned. "You felt it didn't you? You are starting to open to your powers."

"I-I felt…something."

He took her hand and drew her to him, wrapping his arms around her.

She curled around him, loving the feel of his hard body pressed to hers. It helped to ease some of the lust that welled up inside her, but it wasn't enough. She wanted to become one again, but now didn't seem the right time. Her brother needed to be healed first. She pulled away first and took his hand in hers. "What next?"

"I need you and your brother in the circle. You go ahead, I'll bring him."

Molli turned and stepped into the circle. The oddest sensation washed over her. It felt like she stepped through something solid. What is going on? It shouldn't surprise her that something weird had happened. Since entering this house, a lot of strange things had occurred. She turned to watch Decklin carefully pick up her brother and place him by the circle.

"Matt, I need you with me here. I can't go into the circle. You need to go in of your own free will. I need you to step through the shield I placed around the candles. Yes, that's it. Go to your sister and we will get started."

Once her brother entered the circle… he collapsed into Molli's arms. She drew him close and readied herself for what was about to happen.

"Molli, I need you to pull the dagger and the first aid kit into the circle with you. Good, go ahead and open the first aid kit. You will need the wrap in there for when you bind your wrist to your brothers. Don't be nervous. I'll walk you through everything. Once you start your chant, I will help with my own chant. Are you ready?"

Will I ever really be ready? So much to take in, I just don't know. She looked at Matt and knew she had no choice. "I'm ready."

"I know this is hard, Molli, but it will be okay."

"I guess I'll have to take your word, for now. Let's get this over with."

"As you wish. Take the dagger. You will make three cuts, one on your wrist and one on your brother's. After that is complete, you will pierce your other wrist before you bind them together with the wrap in the first aid kit. After that is complete, you place your arm to your brother's lips. While he is drinking, you will start your chant. Don't stop until I tell you."

She picked up the dagger and started her first cut.

"Wait. Make sure you cut your wrist side to side, not up and down."

She pulled her hand back and took a deep breath, starting again. She looked at Decklin, trying to draw some of his strength to her while making the cut. He looked into her eyes and she knew she could do it. The power between the two of them flowed as if a physical thing, she could feel his strength being drawn into her body. She made the gash, her aim steady and true. Taking in some oxygen, she took her gaze off Decklin and turned to her brother. Making the needed incision, she quickly slashed her other wrist before binding them together. "You have to help now, Mattie. You have to drink my blood. Take it into your body so we can save you. Can you hear me? Matt!"

He turned to her, but looked groggy.

"Are you ready?"

Matt nodded weakly and opened his mouth to accept what she offered. Taking the wrist that she'd tied to Matt's, she picked up the chant she had laid beside her.

"Take what I give freely, flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood, let my essence become your essence. Take what I give freely, flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood, let my heart beat for your heart. Take what I give freely, flesh of my flesh ,blood of my blood, let my blood cleanse your blood."

She repeated this over and over, starting to feel weak, but not stopping.

"It's time now, you can stop now, Molli."

His words barely broke through her almost trance-like state.

"Molli, stop."

The command echoed in her head.

"Don't make me break the circle. You need to do that from inside. If I break it, we could all be hurt. We need to get your brother to bed."

She nodded slightly and pulled her arm from her brother's mouth. Matt didn't want to let go, but she finally broke his mouth away from her arm. Feeling faint, she unwrapped her wrist and moved to break the circle before she passed out. Once the first candle broke the circle, Decklin rushed to her side and she let herself fall into his strong, capable arms.

"Shh, it will be okay."

Molli hadn't realized she was crying. She felt exhausted and drained.

"I'm going to take your brother to a guest room. Will you be alright until I can get back to you?"

Waving her hand at him to go, she watched Decklin pick her brother up and carry him out of her site. She just wanted to lie down. So tired, just want to close my eyes, just for a second. Sleepy.

The next thing Molli knew Decklin arrived back in the room and picked her up. Startled, she struggled.

"Shh. It's okay. I'm taking you to our room. Go back to sleep. You'll feel better in the morning.

Did he just say our room?

Sunlight filtered through the curtains, reaching her eyes, waking Molli up before she was ready. She opened one eye to look at her alarm clock. Something isn't right. Both eyes opened. She sat up, clutching the blanket to her chest. Looking around, she recognized the room as the one Decklin had brought her to the night before. Was it just last night?

Something didn't feel right, like a missing piece to a puzzle, but she couldn't put her finger on it. Oh my, the cage. It's gone. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? All thoughts flew from her mind when the door opened. Holding her breath, she waited to see if Decklin would be walking through. She released the air when her brother walked through the door. Without a thought, she threw a pillow at his head, thankful that she still had clothes on.

"Hey, what did I do?"

"What do you think, you jackass?"

"Sis--"

"No, don't you Sis me. You didn't tell me anything! You let me walk into this blind. You could have at least warned me."

"It wasn't like I had time. Molli, I'm sor--"

"Stop, just stop." She sighed knowing she couldn't be too angry when her brother's life had been on the line. "Don't apologize, but you have a lot of explaining to do."

"You know, I can feel your power. He told me you would be strong, but I guess I never realized how strong."

"What are you babbling about?"

Decklin walked into the room.

Her body went into automatic overdrive. Her pulse picked up speed, her breathing grew erratic. She needed him, to feel him. She rose from the bed, eager to be by his side.

"Now that is power."

Her brother's voice broke whatever spell Decklin's presence had her wrapped in. "I still don't understand all of this." Molli hugged herself, trying to fight off the sexual pull.

"You will, Molli. Breakfast is ready. Why don't you and Matt join me in the dining room and we can talk. Hopefully, we can explain everything to your satisfaction."

Decklin's voice settled over her, calming her. What is it about him?

Decklin walked out the door.

She couldn't keep her gaze off him. She wanted to run to him, pressing her body to his. Shaking her head followed Matt to breakfast.

Entering the dining area, Molli stopped, her body betraying her again. She needed to talk to Decklin about her reaction to him, but there was no way she could talk about it in front of Matt. Plus, she needed to know more. Her body felt changed. It wasn't just the sexual attraction to Decklin. There was more, she was more.

"Please, sit down. We can enjoy some breakfast while we talk."

"I am hungry." She sat down next to Decklin. She couldn't help herself, needed to be near him. The urge to touch him became overwhelming. Her skin started to tingle. This craving for him had to be unnatural, but she needed to feel him, any part of him would do. Before she could stop herself, she slipped her hand under his shirt, wanted to feel his flesh next to hers. Closing her eyes, she let herself touch him. He felt warm. With a slight groan, she moved her hand across his stomach, her fingers tangling in his light dusting of hair. His groan caused her to open her eyes and pull her hand back. Her face heated up and she could feel her cheeks turn red. "I--um--sorry." She mumbled and looked down at her plate, folding her hands in her lap. She felt his fingers at her chin, forcing her gaze to his.

"Don't ever be sorry for touching me."

He took one of her hands into his, kissed her palm and then entwined them together in his lap.

"Yeah, still here, guys. Can you save that for later?"

"Just shut up, Matt. I wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for you. So. Shut. Up!"

"You should have told her some of what would happen, Matt. You are lucky she went through with the ritual at all."

"Well, I wasn't exactly sure what needed to happen and there is no way I could talk sex with my sister. Everything worked out, right? What's the big deal?"

"You're kidding, right?" For some unknown reason, Molli untangled her hand from Decklin's and stood. Once beside Matt, she placed both her hands on his temples, cupping his head and then closed her eyes. She focused hard on her thoughts and feelings from the night before and started pouring them directly into Matt. When her brother jerked his head out of her hands, she sagged to the floor.

"Wh-what did you do to me?" Matt stared at her in wonder.

"I don't know. What is happening to me?"

Looking up, she noticed Decklin at her side. He helped her stand and took her hand in his again, slowly caressing it with his thumb.

"You are coming into your powers. I think you showed Matt all your feelings, your emotions from yesterday. Am I right, Matt?" At Matt's nod, Decklin continued, "I told you they would begin to unlock after our ritual. They will only become more powerful because you now share some of my power. When we fully mate, you will be more powerful than you can imagine. It wa--"

"Wait, hold on just a minute. What do you mean fully mate?"

"I'm getting into that if you would let me continue?"

"Please." She tried to hold her questions in, but it was so hard.

"Wait a minute, just wait. Enough about you two, what about me? I'm not out of the woods just yet," Matt spoke.

"Patience, Matt, we will get through everything. If you would have left Hector Lato's son alone, this would have never happened. I can't become too upset because the seer foretold this. If your parents still lived, they would be explaining all of this to you as your right of passage. Our world is complex and when most come over to another realm, they try to raise their children as a child of the area they chose to live. Do you remember anything about your parents?"

"Not much. We were young when they died. We lucked into finding foster parents who would take us both in. I don't know what I would have done without Matt."

"Mol, we still have some of their stuff in storage. Maybe it is time to look through it. They could have left something for us that we wouldn't have picked up on before now."

"That is a great idea," Molli sounded surprised.

"Don't sound like I never have one of those."

"Sorry, Matt. It has been a rough night."

"I know and I'm…I'm sorry, Molli. I wish you didn't have to be involved."

Molli looked at her brother, really looked at him for the first time this morning. He looked much better than the night before, but he had a tired look in his eyes. One she'd just glanced over the last couple weeks. She should have known something was wrong. Usually she could tell with her brother, but work had kept her busy lately. "It's okay, Matt." She put her hand on his shoulder giving it a slight squeeze before returning to her chair. "I should have been there. Let's talk about you now. I want to know how we got here."

"I met this guy. I really like him, Molli, but his father, Hector Lato, had other ideas. I had no idea of his Path until I met Deck. Hell, I had no idea what the Paths were. Once my training began and my power started to grow, Mr. Lato looked at me differently. Like he knew what was happening to me. Deck warned me, but I didn't listen." He paused when Molli snorted. "Sure, you can act that way now, but all I want is to be with Salvador. His father is ashamed that Sal is gay and tried everything to keep us apart. When Mr. Lato realized I followed the Good Path, he cursed me. Sal tried to stop him, but to no avail. He isn't strong enough to fend off his father. Once Mr. Lato knows I'm not dead, the shit will hit the fan and he could hurt Sal. We have to save him, Mol, before something bad happens."

"Calm down. We need to get all the facts together before we go charging after Mr. Lato. This is more than him being against you for being gay. He has chosen the other Path. We must tread lightly so we don't upset the balance. Once Salvador comes to the Good Path freely, we will be able to help more. It will take more than the three of us. I'll need to call a meeting to find the help we need to go against Hector. We haven't declared war on the other side in centuries and that is what this will be, a declaration of war. We can't go rushing into this blind."

"Don't tell me to calm down. This is my life we are talking about." Matt got out of his chair and started to pace.

"Matt, it isn't just your life anymore." Decklin still tried to calm her brother.

"Mattie, I think we need to listen to Decklin in this matter. He knows more than we do. We have no idea what goes on in this world. We need t--"

"I know about this world. I've--" Matt ran his hand through his hair.

Molli knew he was frustrated, it radiated off him, but she didn't know what she could do to help. She felt like a fish out of water. "For how long, all of a minute? He was born to it." Molli started to get frustrated with her brothers' pacing. Not to mention his desire to rush forward into harm's way.

"We were born into it, too."

"But we weren't trained. We have no clue what to do. I saved your ass and I don't want to do it again." Molli felt a power surge through her when her anger rose and she turned to look at Decklin.

"Can you feel it?" he stared intently at her.

"Yes, what is it? What's happening?"

"You are coming into your power, quicker than I thought you would. It seems your anger brought it forward."

She wanted to ask more. She needed to know what this all meant. Everything was happening so fast and it kept getting faster. She needed things to slow down so she could process all the information being thrown at her. She turned in her chair to face her brother. "Did you feel your power, too, Matt? When? Why didn't you tell me?"

"I'm sorry, sis. I am. I should have told you, but--" Matt stopped when a phone rang.

Molli watched Matt pulled a cell phone from his back pocket. She turned back to Decklin. "I feel so lost."

Decklin reached for her hand, entwining their fingers. "I will be here for you. We still have much to discuss about us. There are things you need to know. It is easier for me because I have seen the path we must take. You have to go on faith and I know it is hard for you right now. Once we have your brother settled, we can focus on you and me. We can also concentrate on giving you control over your powers. You will start to feel them flowing through you. You will--"

Matt interrupted them. "We have to leave. Now! Sal is in trouble and if we don't leave this minute, he'll be dead." Matt raced to the front door.

"Wait. We can't go off half-cocked. We need a plan. Matt, wait. Just wait."

Matt wasn't listening, he headed for the driveway where a car waited, before Molli and Decklin could stop him.

"We will save Sal, but we need to do it my way, Matt. We can't go rushing in or he will be killed. You need to calm down enough to tell us about your phone call. I'll drive, you talk."

The three of them settled into Decklin's car.

"Where are we headed, Matt?"

Molli watched the effect Decklin had on Matt. Matt, always the impulsive one, had caused many fights growing up. Molli was the peacemaker of the pair. When Decklin talked, it had a soothing quality, not only for Matt, but for Molli, too.

Why are we going so slow? Come on, come on.

"Matt, we need to go into this with a calm head. We can't speed into danger. Have you thought that this could be a trap?"

"What are you talking about?"

"You just said we were going too slow and we need--"

"Um, Mol, I didn't say that. Well, at least not out loud."

"Yes you did. I heard you plain as day."

Molli is so stupid.

"Hey. What are you, twelve?"

"Molli, your brother wasn't speaking aloud. I think you are channeling his thoughts. Your connection is stronger with your brother because you are twins."

"Can I stop it?"

"We'll have to work on a block. My powers don't involve the reading of minds, but I know someone who has that power."

"Okay, let's get back to that later. We still have to get to Sal. Deck, do you know where the old warehouse is on Fifth Street?"

"Everything time I turn around he says let's get back to it later," Molli muttered.

The two ignored her and continued their conversation.

"I know the area."

"That is where they have Sal."

"Who has Sal?" Molli tried to focus on the situation at hand and noticed the tone of Decklin's voice had changed. He seemed nervous and in the short time she knew him, nervousness did not appear to be in his makeup. Worry settled in the pit of her stomach. Something didn't feel right. Something was going to go wrong. Molli didn't know if her powers were talking to her or if she was worried. She turned back to the conversation. She needed to worry about her brother's boyfriend, not herself. She wasn't in danger. Yet. The dread came back.

"--father's men."

Well that was a stupid time to tune out.

"I don't know how he got the phone and I really don't care. I want to get him out of there."

"Wait, what phone?"

"Haven't you been listening? Sal got to a phone and called me. I--"

"I need to make a call. I don't know if we can get him out with me and two untried people. I can call in a couple favors," Decklin interrupted Matt.

"What are you waiting for?"

"Matt!"

"What?"

"You haven't even taken the time to thank this man and now you're getting a little demanding."

"I'm sorry, sis, but Sal is important to me. I can't lose him." Worry tinted his words. They had grown too far apart in the last months.

"I know. This is hard, but we can't go in blind. You know that, right? We have to trust Decklin. He's gotten us this far."

"It's hard. It really is. I know I should trust Decklin, but it's hard. I love Sal, Mol. It's difficult to trust that to someone else. I never thought I would feel this way about anyone. I can't let anything happen to him. He's my responsibility."

"Let Decklin get us help, you don't have to do this alone."While she talked to her brother, Decklin made his phone call. He hung up as she finished talking.

"We need to make a detour and then we will head to the warehouse."

"Fuck! I just--" Matt hit the back of the seat in anger.

"We will save him." Decklin tried to calm him again.

The more she was around him, the more she liked him, of course she also needed to touch him. Reaching over, she put her hand on his thigh and felt a calm sensation wash over her. "He's right, Matt." Molli gave in a little and released her belt, needing to be closer to Decklin.

Her brother sighed, "I know."

Matt sounded sad and Molli really had no idea how to help him. She glanced out her window and watched the trees fly by as Decklin sped to their destination. She saw something. What is that? It moved with them. The darkness of the woods made it hard to see what it was, but something yellow seemed to shine and followed them. Maybe I'm imagining things. It has been a rough day already.

Molli turned to look at Decklin about to ask him what could be in the woods when something hit the car, shaking it. She turned back to look out her window and screamed. She got close to Decklin, so close she nearly crawled into his lap.

"What the fuc--" Decklin slammed on the brakes.

Molli crashed into the dashboard. Still screaming, she scooted closer to Decklin and away from the thing outside her window. "What is it, Decklin? Oh my god, it's trying to get in. Drive," Molli screamed. Molli looked at him and noticed how calm he appeared. "What are you doing? Drive."

He closed his eyes.

Molli turned back to her brother. "What is he doing?"

"Shh, he is doing a spell. Let him concentrate."

Her brother closed his eyes, too. She was the only one looking at the thing that kept rocking the car, trying to get in. She took a calming breath and really looked at the thing. Tell me that isn't what I think it is. It can't be, can it? Of course it could. Who am I trying to kid. The guy beside me is immortal, why can't werewolves be real? There is no way that thing was just a wolf. It is too big.

Then she noticed its hands. Right before her eyes, they shifted, forming into fingers not claws. "You have to move now, Decklin. Listen to me. He is changing and will be in the door any second. You need to stop with the spell and drive." When she spoke, the thing stopped shifting and grabbed its head. It howled. By this time, Molli was actually in Decklin's lap.

"Hon, I can't drive with you in my lap. As much as I like you there, you're going to have to move."

Molli's face flamed and she felt the heat steadily move up her face. "Sorry." She mumbled getting back into the other seat.

The monster backed away from the car, turned and ran for the woods.

"What did you do?"

"I made him stop. He fought me and I'm sure it didn't feel too good, but I wasn't about to let him in here."

"What is it?"

Decklin started the car and answered Molli, "That is what you would call a werewolf, but I'm sure you figured that out."

"What else is real? This whole thing is so surreal. How can this be happening to me? I must be dreaming. Am I dreaming? Oh god, please tell me this is a dream."

Decklin reached over and laid his hand on her thigh. Once he did that, all logical thought flew out of her head. There was no place left for anything but lust. She had to ask again. "Why can't I keep my hands off you? I want to jump you every time you touch me. Hell, every time you look at me, I feel the need to have sex with you."

"It has to do with our ritual and the fact that we are fated to be mates. You are my other half. My magic is pretty powerful, but having my other half will help my powers expand, just as they will yours."

"Can you explain a little more about this mate thing you kept talking about? Do we have time?"

"I'll explain whatever I can. Any knowledge I have is yours. I went to a seer when your brother came to me. I wanted to know more about your family. It is unusual for someone of your age to just be coming into power, especially your brother. I couldn't understand why he didn't know anything. The seer helped me, but I saw more than I expected. Your brother never told me he had a twin, much less a sister. The seer showed me the two of us together have a future if we choose it."

"It is hard for me to comprehend that my fate is all laid out."

"Not all spread out for you. We still choose and what is shown can be changed with each decision we make. When the seers showed me my fate at that moment in time, the two of us were destined for each other. If we do one thing different, our path is changed. Like I said, we always have a choice. We'll have to pick this up later because we are at one of the elder's homes. They will help us get our strategy worked out."

Why is it always something interrupting us? It seems like every time we get somewhere, we have to stop. At this rate, I'll never understand. With a sigh as Decklin parked the car, she got out and waited for the men . Turning to her brother, she became worried again. He looked so pale. "Are you okay?"

"How can you ask that? Wait." He sighed. "I'm sorry. I'm just worried." Matt pressed his face into his hands.

"I know, but we will fix this. We have to. I didn't go through all of this to fail now."

Matt raised his head and looked at Molli, "I hope so, Mol, I really do."

Molli took one of Matt's hands and gave it a squeeze, released it and turned to the door.

The three walked up to the entrance of the elder's home, before they reached the top stair the door opened.

"Enter, my children. Hurry, we don't have much time. The Chaotic path is on the rise and we must stop them." The elderly man ushered them into a sitting room.

Molli looked around, trying to take in the man's home. Never before had she seen so much stuff. "Where did you get all of this?" She blurted. "Sorry, um never mind."

"It's okay, my child, I know you are nervous. Please, sit down. You are walking into a trap and you need to be prepared."

Matt let out a sound placed his face in his hands as he rocked back and forth.

Molli had never heard it before. She started to go to him.

Decklin stopped her. "Let him be for a moment. He needs to sort through this. He feels it is his fault."

"That is why I want to go to him."

"He knows you are here for him. We need to listen to Elder Smith or we might not come out alive at the end of this."

"Listen to him, child. You need to take each step carefully. One wrong move will send us all down a road we don't want to travel."

"Is everyone so cryptic? Do you guys take a class or something?"

"After you called me, Decklin, I had the others prepare some spells to use. All three of you will need to go in together, but it must not be tonight."

"Why not?" Matt yelled from his seat.

"Your young man is fine, Matt. His father will not hurt him, yet. You need to wait because there is something Decklin and Molli need to take care of before you leave. If they don't, you will not succeed and Salvador will die. The seers have seen it."

"What do I need to do now?"

"I'm sorry you have been dragged into this, child, but you are an important part of our world. In order for all of you to survive, you must complete your mating with Decklin and become one, to bring your powers to full strength. Decklin cannot do this alone and neither can Matt. You hold the power, your brother the heart. The three of you will succeed if you do this together."

"Elder Smith, would you show us to a room. I would like to explain some things to Molli. I think it would help. We have been rushed and she only has bits and pieces. I think things will be clear once I put things before her. If we have to finish the ritual tonight, I want her to know as much as possible."

"By all means, I will get you all settled."

Matt looked like he wanted to refuse, but finally rose from his chair and followed behind.

The elder turned to Matt. "I know you want to leave now and go after your lover, but if you do that, Matt, you will both die and where would your sister be without you? She needs you. The four of you are a strong power in our world. For us to win this war, we need you all at full strength. Once you save your man, you, too, will need to bond and complete your mating. At your full power, you four will rule."

Matt seemed to take everything in and Molli walked up to him, wrapping her arms around him, to offer some comfort. The elder put them in rooms down the hall from each other. Matt stopped at his door first.

"We'll leave early, Mattie. It will be okay." Molli hugged him again and softly kissed him on the cheek.

Matt didn't respond, he turned and entered his room.

Molli hated the look on his face and would do anything to help him. She waited until the door to their room closed behind them before she spoke. "I'll do what I need to do to help my brother, but I would like you to explain what you can."

Decklin pulled her into his arms to offer some comfort.

She still couldn't understand this pull he had on her. The minute he touched her, she melted. "This bond we have, is that why I can't keep my hands off you, a virtual stranger?"

"Yes. That is one reason. The other reason is you were born for me. We are two halves to a whole. Together we are stronger. We each have some power separately, but once we have fully bonded and our mating is finished, you will feel a power like no other."

"Will I still have this uncontrollable lust where you are concerned?"

"I don't know. There are not many true bonds that I have seen. We might have to ask others about this. When we are finished, we will go to the seer and let you look at our old world. This might help you understand."

"I-I would like that," she whispered.

"Do you have any questions?"

"I have so many I really don't know where to begin. I don't even know if you can answer them. The elder already said we have to finish our mating to survive. Tell me what we have to do."

"It is like the ritual you did to help your brother. The big difference is the sex. We must be joined in order for our magic to be released and shared."

"Why is it always about sex? I don't understand why it revolves around us getting naked. Your gods must be all men." Molli threw her hands up in the air, pulled out of Decklin's arms and went to sit on the bed.

"It is hard to explain to someone who didn't grow up on Silar." Decklin settled in beside her, pressing his body close to hers. "Sex is a natural and powerful act. You are giving of yourself, not only taking from your lover. You are also very vulnerable, giving more strength than you can ever imagine to your lover. This sharing between two people is part of something greater than us."

Molli sighed, but moved her hand to entwine it with his, needing to feel his skin. "It is just hard to take in. Yesterday, I lived a normal life and my brother was just sick. Now there is this whole other world and the key to everything is sex. Excuse me if this is taking me awhile to understand. It isn't only the sex. It is the magic. I grew up in a life where magic is a story, not a reality. I've already seen more than I thought possible. I mean, look at Mattie. We brought him back from certain death." Decklin rubbed his thumb along her hand sending shivers down her spine.

"It will come in time. Try not to rush anything. You don't need to be an expert after one night. I know this is scary, but I am here for you. Your brother wouldn't have sent you to me if I proved dangerous or didn't have your best interest in mind. In your heart, you know that."

"My heart might now it, but my head is having a hard time catching up. Tell me more, please." Molli looked into Decklin's eyes and almost lost herself again. The pull becoming stronger the longer she didn't have sexual contact with him. But if she touched more than his hand, all would be lost and she wouldn't get the information she needed. Do you really need to know, just look at that man? Take him, you know you want to. Shutting down the voices in her head didn't help.

"Where would you like me to start?"

"My marks, tell me more about them and how I now have them."

"They were part of the rite to save your brother. They will also help with our mating ritual. During our ceremony, your patterns will burn into my skin, marking us as one. You will draw power from your markings and you will be able sense magic from them. Did you feel anything when I used my magic on the werewolf?"

"Now that you've said something, I remember burning sensations."

"That warns you that magic is in use. When you become more accustomed to our world and your powers, the signs will be easier to read. If I was not your true mate, the symbols would not have etched themselves into your body during the chant. I told you, we will be powerful together. Once your brother and his mate come together, we will be able to help keep the Chaotic Path more in line and not have a situation like a curse set out to kill someone. This fight has been foretold, but no one knew when. As your brother's powers manifested, the seers began to see the change. Right now, the members of the other path are making a power play. Mr. Lato did not curse your brother only because he dated Sal. He cursed him because he knows Matt is one of the keys to the Chaotic Path's end. I don't think he knows yet that his son is part of our power."

"Okay, what happens after we mate? What changes?"

"The longer we are apart after our mating, the more we will crave each other. You know the feeling you have now, where you can't keep your hands off me? If we are apart for too long, those feelings will become more intense because we need each other for our magic to stay strong. I don't know if it will continue on a day-to-day basis after we mate. I think you are having these feelings because your soul is ready for us to become one. We recognize each other."

Molli noticed that her hands searched out his body as they spoke. Like they had a mind of their own. "Decklin, what do we need for this ritual because I don't think I can control myself for much longer. I-I think it's been too long already. I ache. Oh my god, do I ache."

"We don't need anything but words and each other. Are you sure?"

"I don't think I have a choice. It is beginning to hurt." Molli moved closer to Decklin on the bed, wrapping herself around him, letting their bodies touch. She whimpered. She buried her face in his neck and breathed in his scent. She couldn't help herself and licked him. She started nibbling his neck and tried to work her way down to his chest, but his shirt got in her way. She started to tug and pull, needed his clothes off. She whimpered again, wanting, needing more. She went for his mouth, devouring him. Forcing his mouth to submit to hers, mad with a need she couldn't stop.

He pulled her off him to stand beside the bed.

"No, please…I need, please--"

"Shhh, baby, I'm right here. Take your clothes off and lay on the bed. Let me take mine off, too."

She complied, getting up to her knees on the bed and throwing her shirt off, the rest of her clothes close behind because all she could only think of was his body on hers, skin to skin. She burned for him, like nothing she'd ever felt before. Her marks began to glow and she looked nervously at Decklin. "Decklin?"

He looked over and muttered a curse. "It's going too fast. You need to calm down." He finished shedding his clothes and hurried back to the bed. He spoke slowly. "Baby, you need to slow down. Take a deep breath." He caressed her body in slow steady strokes.

The calm of his voice helped her even her breathing and the glow left her marks. "I'm okay, I'm okay. I…that…how?"

"We've been apart too long and it's causing your body to crave me more than normal. We need to slow it down a little because there are some words we need to say before your marks begin to glow again. We need to be one before that happens to complete the ritual and have your marks become ours."

"I'm ready now. I'm more than ready. Please, Decklin, I don't know how much more of this I can take."

Decklin leaned over her and kissed her, lightly brushing his lips to hers. He moved his body over hers and settled between her thighs, never breaking his lips from hers. He took her hands in his, connecting them in all ways, but one. Releasing her mouth, he looked deep into her eyes.

"We need to say the words before we join. You must repeat after me. Ready?"

"For you, I think I'll always be ready."

"Two become one, bound in body and power, two become one, bound in mind and soul, mates now forever more." Decklin nodded at Molli for her to repeat the words.

"Two become one, bound in body and power, two become one, bound in mind and soul, mates now forever more." As she finished her last word, he plunged into her and sealed their mouths together, their hands still entwined, connecting them in all ways. Molli felt her marks begin to burn when Decklin moved inside her. He pulled her hands over her head and thrust hard and deep. Molli moaned into his mouth, it was almost too much for her to bear. She felt on the edge of something and with his next thrust a power like she'd never felt slammed into her, she could hear his thoughts.

Beautiful, she is so beautiful and mine, she is mine, mine, mine, mine, mine.

His words matched the rhythm of his thrusts, pushing her over the edge. She screamed into his mouth. It was over. She now had a mate. Decklin ripped his mouth from hers and screamed her name, then collapsed on top of her, panting.

"Sorry, I'm sorry."

"Decklin, why are you sorry?"

He gasped for air. "So…it was so…quick. Sorry."

Molli brushed his hair from his face and looked into his eyes. "Not for me, I would call it beautiful." Cupping his cheek, she pulled him in for a soft kiss.

Decklin rolled off her, pulling her into his side.

She snuggled in and closed her eyes before she remembered the marks. Scrambling up, she looked down at his body and sure enough, they had matching marks. Reaching out, she traced the one closest to her and felt him shudder. She shuddered when she felt the brush on her mark. "What--"

"This is what it means to be bound. We feel what the other does through our marks."

"I felt the power, there at the end." She shyly glanced over at him. "I-I heard, you know, what you thought there at the end." She felt the blush spread over not only her face but her body.

Decklin pulled her back to him, tumbling her into his body. "It's okay, Molli. I know you have that power, remember?"

She sighed and wrapped around him.

"We aren't finished yet."

She looked back at him. "What do you mean?"

"You and I aren't finished."

"There is more to the ritual?"

"No, that part is done. You and I are now mated. I mean that we went too fast and I don't like fast. This time we take it slow."

She felt herself stop breathing as he flipped her over and settled back on top of her.

"The last two times we rushed. This time, I'm going to really enjoy myself and you are, too."

She shuddered and licked her lips, not saying a word. He bent down, capturing her tongue before she could draw it back into her mouth. She went with it and allowed him to bring her in. The kiss started soft and slow, but turned deep and passionate. His hands started to explore her body as he released her mouth, kissing his way to her neck so he could nibble and suck. Moving his way down to her breast, never touching her where she needed to be touched. "Please--"

"I said slow and I meant it. You can't make me rush this. You don't know how long I've waited. You were in my mind before I met you and now I get to taste you. I want to savor it."

She moaned. He licked his way around her nipple, round and round, causing her to squirm until he finally took her into his mouth, suckling her, drawing her in deep. Then he bit her, making her hips jerk off the bed. He moved to her other breast, still taking his time, he nibbled his way to her other nipple. By now, Molli thrashed on the bed. "I can't, I can't--"

He paused for a second, "You can and you will."

Now that his mouth was off her breast, he took them both in his hands, kneading them before he pinched and tugged. He kissed his way down her stomach, pausing to lick and nibble. His hands followed his mouth until he made his way to her pussy. He buried his face into her very core, inhaling her scent.

"Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God," Molli chanted and grabbed his hair, trying to hold him in place, but he wanted none of it, couldn't be stopped and he wouldn't give her what she needed. He nuzzled her, not using the pressure she craved. Finally, finally, he licked her very core. "Yes…yes, please…more…I need--"

Her words were almost incoherent, he drove her crazy. He wouldn't speed up, he continued his lazy exploration of her body. The force of his tongue getting stronger and stronger until he gave her a little of what she needed, piercing her with his tongue, mimicking what she wanted with his cock. She cried out when he stopped to work his way back up her body, one continuous lick until he made it back to her mouth. Now her body shuddered in need and she couldn't think.

Decklin leaned over to her ear and whispered, "What do you want, baby? Do you want my cock? Do you? Where do you want it? Come on, baby, tell me." He licked her ear, nibbling on her lobe.

"Fuck me!"

At her words, he thrust into her, balls deep, nothing gentle about it. He took her.

She moaned, meeting him thrust for thrust, feeling herself reaching her peak. So close, I'm so close. She chanted over and over, this time she had no room for Decklin's thoughts. She screamed as she came. "Decklin!" She caught her breath, panting when Decklin echoed her released.

"Molli!"

He collapsed on top of her, panting as well. He rolled off her and she drifted off to sleep, tired yet happy for the first time in a long time.

The next morning Molli woke and stretched, feeling sore in places she didn't know could get sore. Memory of the last couple of days flooded her mind and she sat straight up in bed. She looked over to see Decklin's long body lying beside her. He was having a nightmare and this was what had woke her up. His dream had become her dream. He reached out for her in his sleep. She snuggled into him to gently, easing him into consciousness. She kissed his shoulder and nibbled his ear. He rolled into her and awoke with a smile despite the bad dream she knew he had been in the midst of.

"Good morning, beautiful."

She smiled at him and rolled on top of him when she heard a knock at the door.

"Sis? You awake? Smith is asking for us downstairs."

"We'll…um…we'll be right there." She didn't know why she was embarrassed, she was a grown woman. Decklin stroked her back in his soothing way. "I guess that is our cue. I'm a little sore this morning any way."

"We have things to take care of, but we will get back to this. Plus, I still have so much to tell you."

"I know, but I wanted to forget it for just a bit and be normal," she said with a sigh. "I guess I don't get normal any more, do I?"

"Things will settle down and we will make our own normal."

"I like the sound of that, our own normal."

He sat up with and moved her into his lap. "We need to get dressed. I'm sure the Elders will have the information we need to save Sal. Once we finish this, we can concentrate on us. You need to know more about me and my life. I'm sure you have questions about me as a person above and beyond the magic."

"I do. I have so much I want to tell you, too. But you are right, we have to get back to that later." She sighed again and climbed off the bed, gathering her clothes as she went. She bent over to pick up her underwear when she felt a sting on her butt. She jerked up and turned around. Decklin looked at her with a small smile on his face.

"We have much to explore," he said with a grin.

Molli couldn't help herself, she grinned back. She knew this man would take her places she didn't know she wanted to go. She shook her head and finished getting dressed, but didn't stop grinning. The feeling of all consuming need seemed to have left her. She still wanted to touch him and be near him, but it didn't burn like it did last night. She felt comfortable for the first time in the last two days. She felt complete.

The two of them walked to the dining area, hand and hand. They stopped at the entranceway at Matt's gasp. "What? What is it?" Molli looked behind her, trying to figure out what had him worried.

"It's you, Mol. Don't you feel it? I can. The power is flowing off you two in waves. It is overwhelming."

"I don't--"

"Not to worry, young man, you will have this same power flowing through you once you complete your mating. As I said last night, the four of you will have more power than we have seen in centuries. You will form a council to keep the Chaotic Path in line. It is your destiny. It has been seen. Now we need to get your man back where he belongs."

Elder Smith's voice calmed her. "I'm not going to ask questions today. I just want to get this over with. Tell us what we need to do," Molli stated.

"Now it is you who is impatient. You and your brother have some of the same traits and you trade off. Like I told your brother last night, we cannot rush this. Now that you two have mated, things will be smoother today."

Molli tried not to blush, but it was weird having everybody know her business.

"Did the elders map out a plan for us?" Decklin inquired.

"We did. Here are the spells you'll need. You need to leave now. Time is of the essence."

The trio grabbed a couple things off the table and hurried out the door toward their destiny.

Half an hour later…

"I'm not so sure about this, Decklin. I don't know anything about fighting. I'm too new to all this power. I can feel it flowing through me, but I don't know what to do with it all."

Decklin leaned over the seat and kissed Molli, just a light brushing of lips. "Follow my lead and you'll be fine. I'll handle most of the magical fight. You'll help me with your very presence. I can draw on your power and you on mine. Do what feels natural. Now, I'm going to create a diversion and you and Matt are going to go find Sal. I don't want you directly in the path of the magic."

"You can't go against them by yourself," Matt protested.

"I'm not going after them. I'm causing a distraction so you can save your lover. Once that is done, we are out of here. I'm not a fool. The three of us are not ready for a real fight. You two need more training and you are not at your full power, Matt. That is why the two of you will go together. Are you ready?"

Molli kissed Decklin this time. Pulling him close, she locked their lips together, holding him in place with both hands locked behind his head. Opening her mouth, she teased him with her tongue.

Decklin moaned and pulled away.

"I just found you, Decklin. Don't do something stupid like get dead. Deal?"

He smiled.

Molli felt it clear to her toes. What is it about this man? I don't really know him, how can I be having these feelings for him?

Because we are destined to be one.

Molli's gaze jerked away from the lips she stared at to look into his eyes, "What--"

"Now that we are mated, we can hear each other's thoughts. I think that is from your base power. If you get in trouble in there, use it!"

"The same goes for you. Let's get this over with."

Matt and Molli left the safety of the car and headed toward the warehouse that loomed over them. Matt grabbed Molli's hand to stop her.

"I'm sorry about dragging you into this, sis," he whispered.

"It sounds like it would have happened no matter what. Once we have time, after all this," she waved her hands toward the warehouse, "we really do need to go though our parents' things. Now let's do this and get your man back."

They continued on toward the backdoor, Matt in front, leading the way.

Stay safe, Molli. I'm going to start the distraction when you reach the backdoor. Be on the lookout for guards. We don't know the whole situation.

Molli didn't say anything back, she just continued to the door, ready for this to be over. Once they reached the warehouse, she heard a big explosion. Molli grabbed Matt and pushed him toward the door. "That's our cue." She pulled the door open.

"Wait," hissed Matt. "We need to make sure they don't have guards."

"Now you sound like Decklin," Molli whispered back.

Matt gave her a look.

She shook her head. Once they stepped into the dark hallway, they both looked around, waiting to be jumped by guards, but no one appeared to be there. They continued down the hallway and it opened into a wide area with no one in sight. "Does this seem a little too easy to you?" Molli whispered to Matt.

He nodded and went toward the first door on their right, motioning for Molli to go find another door.

"Matt, wait. You and Sal are going to be mates, right?"

Matt nodded.

"See if you can sense him. I'm not sure how I'll do it, but I'll try to give you some kind of power boost. You game?"

Matt reached over and grasped Molli's hand in his and closed his eyes.

While Matt concentrated, Molli contacted Decklin. How is it going? You okay?"

No one responded to the explosion. Be careful. I'm coming in.

We are going to see if Matt can find Sal, I'm going to try and boost his power.

Just concentrate on Matt. Visualize your power seeping into him and I think that will work.

Thanks. Stay safe.

You, too, my love.

Molli tried not to take his words of love to heart and pushed her energies into helping Matt.

"He's here, Mol. In that room." He pointed to the third door as he rushed to open it.

"Wait!" Molli was too late, Matt had the door thrown open before she could stop him. Focusing on him, she pictured him with a protective bubble around his body and it amazed her when she saw something stop inches from his face and bounce to the floor. Get here quick, Decklin. I think they are all in one room and they just tried to shoot Matt.

Stay where you are. I'm right behind you.

Molli turned to see Decking moving swiftly through the building. She held out her hand for his, needed to feel his skin. Once they were connected, she glanced back to her brother and noticed he hadn't moved. "We need to do something," she whispered.

"Let's get closer. Can you make one of those shields for us?"

"You can see that? I-I can try." Molli closed her eyes and let Decklin lead her toward her brother. She needed to focus on the shields to help Decklin get them out of this. She bumped into his back when he stopped abruptly.

I can't move, Molli, can you?

Yes. What is going on?

They are using their powers. I don't think they know you are here. You are going to have to use your magic to make them stop.

But I have no idea what to do?

Feel your way through it. In your mind, picture the power. I can see three men in there. Focus on three strings of power. Do you see them?

Molli's eyes were still closed and she tried to focus and then felt her marks burn. Magic was being used. She used those feeling and then there were the ribbons of power, each a different color, but they all had a dark tint to them. While looking inside herself, she could see the thread to Decklin's and Matt's powers, but there was some sort of buffer. Pulling from deep inside herself, she cut the three dark strips of power and once she did, Matt and Decklin made their move, both rushing the room. Molli raced behind them and stopped short when she saw the three men crouched on the floor, clutching their heads. "What did I do?" She turned to Decklin.

"You cut their power."

"Is it permanent?"

"No, that is why we have to hurry."

Molli glanced around the room until her gaze landed on her brother and his lover. They had their arms wrapped around each other. "Matt, we don't have time for that here. Let's leave before these guys come to their senses."

Matt's eyes went wide.

Molli turned to look behind her, not ready for what she saw--Decklin was on the floor with the werewolf from earlier hovering over him. She felt anger well inside her. "Matt, get Salvador and go to the car."

"But, Mol--"

"I mean now, Matt. Run!" She didn't look back to see if he did what she told him to. She needed all her focus on Decklin. Feeling the anger continue to well, she used it and pushed. What she pushed she wasn't sure, but she pictured the wolf toppling over. When it happened, she didn't know who was more shocked, her or the wolf. She really didn't have much time to contemplate it as she crumbled to the floor. Her limbs not working, she couldn't move. What is wrong with me?

Decklin appeared in her line of vision.

"It's okay, honey, you've just used a lot of power and you're drained. You'll feel better after we get out of here. You ready to leave before anything else happens?"

"Yes please. But I don't think I can move."

"Don't worry about that. Your brother can help."

"My brother?"

"You didn't think I would really leave you here by yourself, did you, sis?"

"You should have listened to me, you idiot."

"Love you, too, Molli. Sal, why don't you help her and I'll get Decklin."

The ragtag bunch made it back to the car with little incident. Sal and Matt put her and Decklin in the backseat.

"Where to now?" Matt asked from the driver's seat.

"Go to my house. We'll be safe there for a little while. I have protection spells around the place. We might have to go elsewhere if things get to hot.

"I am so sorry. This is all my fault." Salvador spoke up for the first time as Matt put the car into gear and started to drive.

Molli heard Matt whisper reassurances to his lover. She tuned them out to focus on her own lover. She would be properly introduced to the man later. She curled into Decklin, already feeling some of her power returning to her. She didn't feel weak when touching her man. He is my man, isn't he?

"Yes, I am," he said with a hint of a smile.

Glancing up at him, she grinned back at him. "First thing you're teaching me is how to block that!"

Decklin chuckled and pulled her close him.

Molli just shook her head and snuggled back against him and closed her eyes.

When Molli woke up, she was back in the room where it all began. I could get used to this. At least the cage is gone. Molli stopped her thoughts and pictured a stream before she gave more of herself away. She pulled the covers off and got out of bed. I must have been tired, I don't even remember leaving the car. That thought should be safe enough. She wasn't sure how far away she needed to be for Decklin to hear her thoughts and she didn't want to take any chances on something slipping. She stumbled out of the room, rubbing her eyes as she went in search of her family. She found them gathered in the dining room, surrounded by breakfast and she was embarrassed as her stomach growled. She glanced over at the men to see if they heard, but they were too busy talking. She hurried over to Decklin, needing to touch him. This feeling will never go away, will it?

Decklin glanced her way, "I sure hope not."

Ignoring his comment, she sat down next to him and rested her hand on his thigh, sighing at the contact. Letting go of Decklin only long enough to fill a plate she asked the question she'd worried over. "What is the game plan?" She looked over at Salvador and Matt, but they were lost in their own little world.

"For today? Nothing. We're going to take it easy and try for a little normal. Think you can handle that?" Decklin grinned.

She melted and smiled back, "I could go for that. I still have questions."

He leaned over, capturing her lips with his. When he released her, he spoke again, "How about we put those on hold until tomorrow and get to know each other before all hell breaks loose."

"I can handle that, too." A weight lifted from her. At least for today she could pretend things were normal before she needed to focus on the path her destiny chose for her.

"You think we can get the love birds attention or should we just leave them alone?" Molli laughed.

"We could follow their example." Decklin gave her a sly grin.

Molli grabbed a piece of bacon off her plate, stood and took Decklin by the hand, planning to lead him back to the bedroom. She looked over at her brother and noticed he did the same with his man. She couldn't wait to get Decklin naked. It would be nice just to have sex and not because of some ritual they had to do. Molli ate the bacon as she lead Decklin to their room.

Decklin didn't give her more time to think. Once they were in the room, he shut the door, dragged her to the bed and pushed her on to it. She scrambled to the middle, but didn't lie down. He joined her and she eagerly went to his arms, their mouths meeting in a fierce kiss. Tongues dueling, she gave in with a moan and let him lead. She wanted more, he tasted so good. His hands cupped her head, not giving her room to move, but there wasn't anywhere else she wanted to be. She leaned into him, closing her eyes and enjoying every second of the kiss. She groaned when he pulled away. Molli opened her eyes and saw his look of passion in his glaze.

"Clothes. Off. Now."

She raced to comply, not thinking about why she blindly followed his orders. In record time, they were both naked. Molli took a minute to look Decklin over. She wanted to savor every inch of this man's body. She slowly reached out to touch him, her fingers grazing his stomach. He tried to pull her to him, but she avoided his arms and pushed him down on the bed. He was her first and more than likely her only and she wanted to get to know his body and wouldn't have him rush her. She straddled his hips, feeling his cock rest against her ass.

She moved to kiss Decklin again. She couldn't get enough of this man. She was addicted to the way he tasted, but she wouldn't let him distract her with only a kiss. When he tried to put his hands on her, she grabbed them and placed them above his head. Of course, this left her breast free for him to take into his mouth. She closed her eyes and moaned, but made herself move back. She shook her head. "Keep your hands above your head."

He looked like he might argue, but gripped the headboard.

Satisfied that he would stay where she put him, she lowered herself so her breast pressed against his chest. She loved how hard he felt against her. Not just his cock, but his chest. She nuzzled his neck and started to nibble and lick. He really did taste so good. She couldn't get enough.

"More, more, more."

It startled her to hear him in her head, but once she felt what he was feeling, she settled back into him. Listening to his silent pleas, she moved down to his nipples and lightly bit him. He moaned and lifted up, brushing his dick against her. She couldn't wait to feel him moving inside her, but first needed to taste more. She laved both his nipples, then kissed her way down his body. She moved to settle herself between his thighs and drooled at his hard member.

Licking her lips, she looked up at Decklin to see him watching her every move. Looking him in the eyes, she took him in her mouth. She stroked the head of his cock with her tongue. Breaking eye contact, she took him into her mouth, burying her nose in his thick black curls. She moaned and hummed her approval, causing him to jerk. She swallowed around him, giving no quarter to his thrashing. Using her hands, she took his balls and caressed them. It was his turn to groan. She felt his hands reach down and hold her head in place before he jerked her off his cock, pulling her up his body for a kiss, he flipped her over so he hovered over her. She didn't want slow anymore. Molli needed him inside her. Sucking his cock made her so hot.

"Fuck me, Decklin. Now. Fuck. Me." He needed no further urging and slammed into her. He didn't move, but rested his forehead against Molli's. He tried to catch his breath, but she needed more. "Move damnit!"

"Like this?" He pulled out so just the tip of his cock rested at her opening and then slammed back in. Then he did it again. And again. Slamming in and out. They were both panting and the only other sound in the room was flesh against flesh.

She wrapped herself around him, locking her legs around his waist. "Harder, Decklin, I need--more. Please." Thrashing about on the bed, she was so close. She started to moan. Having him in her head made the moment so more intense. He was still chanting more. It seemed to be his only thought and she agreed.

"More, Decklin. Harder." She screamed his name as he pushed her over the edge. Seconds later, she heard her name ripped from his lips. He collapsed on top of her. She loved his heavy wait and tried to get him to stay, but he rolled them both over so she rested against him. Her head rested against his shoulder. "Will it always be this intense?"

"God I hope so."

Molli gave a little chuckle and snuggled in. Her eyes drifted shut when the whole house shook and a voice boomed through the walls.

"Where are they? I will kill them. Where is my son and that whore?"

Molli looked at Decklin. "I thought we were safe."

"We are. He is outside and can't come in. He is using magic so we can hear him. He can't penetrate these walls."

They both gathered their clothes and hurried to get them on. In the hallway outside the room, they met Matt and Salvador.

"Matt, don't listen to what he is saying. He can't get in here," Decklin tried to comfort the duo.

"Maybe I should go to him."

"No!" Decklin and Matt answered in unison.

"I hate to ask you two this, but did you finish your mating?" Decklin asked.

They both nodded.

"Good. Then we are safe for now. We will call the elders for help. Try to ignore your father, Salvador. I'll try to find a spell to counter his." He took Molli's hand in his and she followed him when these words echoed through the house.

"You will all die. I will win this fight. Send my boy out and I might spare the girl." The house shook again.

When they reached what looked to be an office, Decklin led her to a chair and motioned for her to sit. Once she was settled, she watched him look around for a book. Again the house shook.

"You will all die, victory is mine."

"Enough!" Molli shouted. A wave of air left her mouth, disappearing to where she didn't know until she heard a scream. She ran to Decklin. "What happened?" she asked in a panic.

"I think you sent him home, my dear."

"How--"

"I think we have all grown in power now that we are mated."

"When will this end?"

"Soon I hope, but he will be back. We haven't seen the last of Hector Lato."

It can't be soon enough. My destiny will be good and I will have my man and family safe and sound. I've just found him and I won't lose him. Looking toward the door, she hoped she was right because their lives could depend on how the coming days went. She hopped they were all up for what was about to come their way. Taking Decklin's hand, she led him back to the bedroom with her future plans swimming in her head. She would take today as hers and nothing would stop that. Tomorrow was soon enough to save the world and confront Sal's father, today she would savor her man.

She looked over at him. My man.

"I am yours and together we will get through this. Now let's go get to know each other better."

They reached their room and Decklin led them inside, closing the door behind him, sealing them in their own world for the night, leaving their problems and the world for tomorrow.

About the Author

Jambrea Jo Jones wanted to be the youngest romance author published, but other things got in the way of her dream. She gave up writing and went on with her life. After serving in the Air Force, she came back home and started her family. A few years later, she discovered yahoo groups and reviewing. There was no looking back. Reviewing helped her get the writing bug back and her friends kept pushing her along until she turned in her first manuscript to a publisher.

Jambrea lives with her family in Indiana where she reads and plays with her son when she isn't writing. She loves to hear reader feedback and is addicted to the internet. Feel free to email her at

binojo2@yahoo.com.