Forbidden Bond

Chapter One

Don’t you do it, Olivia Wilson.

I dare you to go first, she drawled, her lips turning up into a mischievous grin.

Eion shot her his best in your dreams look.

What’s the fun of just sitting and staring at the water, Eion Mandrake? She tugged on the thick rope in her fist; the other end was tied to the thin oak branch extended out over Lake James. The wind kicked up, lifting her long dark brown ponytail as she narrowed her green gaze on him and propped her free hand on a denim-clad hip. At only six inches less than Eion’s six-foot-two, Olivia was tall for her age, and the cut-offs she wore over her bathing suit made her legs appear crazy long.

Eion shook his head.

His best friend’s little sister never gave up.

She’d been bugging Eion ever since he’d moved to Little Crow Pass, Wyoming four years ago and had walked into their home. Olivia always followed them around, teased him and her big brother. But this last year, things had changed. Her teasing had shifted from an attempt to annoy him and Kris, to a more I want your attention flirting aimed right at Eion. And Olivia wasn’t easy to ignore with her high cheekbones and full curvy pout that, when she became legal, would be any man’s wet dream.

But that was precisely the issue.

She was fourteen, and Eion would be graduating from high school in three weeks. Not to mention that she was Kris’s sister. Kris would have his nuts for even thinking of touching her. Eion mentally punted that train wreck of an idea from his head.

So not happening.

He was a wolf shifter, and she a too-young human that would soon be off his radar. Once his time in Little Crow was over, Eion would return to his pack in Screaming Eagle and prepare to assume his role as alpha.

Olivia was most definitely off limits.

Come on, Eion, Olivia called out. What, are you—chicken? The few friends who’d joined them at the lake to cool off from the early summer heat laughed.

Go on, Kris nudged him in the back. Do it so she’ll shut up.

Eion looked over his shoulder at his best friend, then back to Olivia. I’m not chicken. But that branch is not going to hold if you swing out there. Eion pointed to the limb she’d picked for the tie-down. I don’t mind a cannon ball, but I don’t want that thing coming down on my head—or yours.

He’s probably right, Kris said, facing his sister. Pick another spot for your rope swing, or just give it a rest.

God, Olivia said with a sigh and rolled her eyes. You guys are so lame. She whirled around toward the lake, giving them her back. It’s going to be fine. I crawled out there on it, didn’t I? Olivia tugged once more on the rope with both hands. Watch.

With a mad dash, Olivia streaked toward the grassy edge that would take her out over the near five-foot drop to the water below. With both hands wrapped tight around the twisted rope, she swung out with a squeal of delight and a sickening crack came from the tree.

Shit.

As if someone had flipped a switch, the world around Eion geared down to half speed.

Olivia fell through the air, arms and legs flailing in a strange, slow motion.

The jagged limb followed, tumbling down, down, down, as if seeking revenge on the person who’d dared to test its endurance.

One second his feet were rooted to the ground, and in the next, Eion found himself staring over the edge as Olivia went under, the branch making a loud splash in the same spot. He gasped and the world roared back to full speed.

Oh, shit! It was Kris’s voice, but he had no idea when Kris had moved in beside him. In paralyzing silence, they stared at the rippling surface.

Waiting.

Watching.

Come on, Olivia. Show me how damn tough you are.

Seconds ticked off. Too many for the contents of his gut to remain calm.

Instinct had Eion jerking his shirt over his head and diving into the lake.

The impact and cold shock of the water disoriented him for a moment. He shook his head, lips sealed tight, holding back the air in his lungs. Blinking, he surveyed the area around him. All the activity in the lake had the sediment stirred up from the bottom, taking visibility down to a couple of feet at best. He twisted left, then right, searching. His pulse throbbed in his ears. Where was she?

Eion kicked forward, flicking his gaze above and below. Then a dark shadow snagged his attention. Another dose of adrenaline flooded his veins, propelling him forward with every ounce of speed he could muster. Closer...closer...until he could discern what looked like a human form.

Arms.

Legs.

Dark hair.

Olivia.

Thank God.

One last kick had him in reach. Eion clasped a wrist, pulled her into his embrace, and launched them both to the surface. They broke the top at the same moment as Kris.

Oh, God. Kris groaned at the sight of her limp form floating in the waves beside Eion. No...

Kris lifted her head with one arm and together they swam her to shore. Eion slipped his hands under her armpits and pulled her onto the thick wet sand. Christ. She was so still. He’d never seen Olivia when she wasn’t moving or talking incessantly. His chest ached.

Someone call nine-one-one! Eion shouted to the others who were gathering around. But instead of taking action, they stood there, frozen, eyes wide. Go, dammit! Finally, one of the guys in the group broke away at a dead run.

Oh, shit. Oh, shit. Kris hovered over her pale form. What are we going to do? She’s not breathing. She’s dead! She can’t be dead!

Eion’s stomach lurched at Kris’s frantic words. He had to do something. His wolf stirred. Wanted—no, demanded—action. Placing two fingers to her neck, he felt for a pulse. A gentle thump-thump registered against the pads of his fingers. It was weak, but still there. Thank God. Eion shoved one hand under Olivia’s neck and tilted her head back. Her once pink bow of a mouth had faded to a bluish hue. Please, God...this has to work.

He pinched her nose with the thumb and forefinger of his other hand, breathed deep, and sealed his lips over hers. On a long, slow exhale, he watched as her chest rose, filled with his air.

Yes! Eion inhaled, and again, forced his breath into her lungs.

Inhale.

Exhale.

Inhale.

Exhale.

Come on, Livvy, Kris shouted.

In and out, her chest filled and deflated. Then it happened. She coughed. Eion’s heart rate stuttered at the sound.

Her lashes, tiny water droplets clinging to the ends, lifted. Green irises, crisp and clear, not what he’d expected for someone who had almost died, bored into his soul. Unbidden, he reached out and cupped her cheek, the flesh soft and cool to the touch.

Electricity tingled under his fingers where his skin touched hers. The sensation was unlike anything he’d ever felt.

Eion couldn’t look or pull away. The sizzle under his hand grew, swelled, and traveled up his arms. The wolf inside him squirmed. Not in pain. No. It was as if it recognized the experience. Knew what was happening and wanted more. Wanted out. Eion sucked in a harsh breath, jerked his hand away, and tumbled back onto his ass. The world fogged. He blinked, trying to focus. His heart raced, each breath becoming more rapid than the next.

Livvy! Kris surged forward, oblivious to what was going on between Eion and his sister. What that was, exactly, Eion didn’t want to admit. No damn way was he willing to accept what that meant. He wasn’t ready. He was too young. For God’s sake, so was she. And worse...she was human!

Hey, Eion, a faraway voice called out. Eion. Hey, you okay, dude?

Through the haze, Eion rolled his head back on his shoulders, searching for the origin of the sound. Slowly, a face came into focus. Bobby. Bobby from history and trig class.

You don’t look so good, dude, he said. Kind of pale. Bobby extended his hand. You need some help? Eion grabbed on and allowed Bobby to help him up. The weight on his knees had his joints sagging, but he quickly recovered and shook it off.

I’m good, Eion said, his voice sounding stronger than he felt. His extrasensory hearing picked up the distant wail of a siren. Hurry up. Dammit.

A few minutes later, a chorus of excited voices from the direction of the road caught his attention. Eion glanced over Bobby’s shoulders. A couple of rescue workers headed their way with a stretcher. Finally, Eion breathed. Paramedics are here, Kris.

The paramedic team rushed down the embankment path and past him to their patient. Kris took over, relaying the events and his sister’s current status. Everyone’s attention had gathered around the scene and off Eion. He scrubbed his palm over his face, pulling in a deep cleansing breath, fighting back the panic and the desire to shove his best friend out of the way and protect Olivia. He had to get out of here.

And not just away from Lake James.

Whether he liked it or not, the moment school was over, Eion had to get out of Little Crow Pass.

Chapter Two

Twelve years later

How was Kris this morning when you left? Taylor asked, as he scratched under the muzzle of a yellow lab sporting a wide E-collar. He turned, giving Olivia his attention. Based on the tousled look of his blond locks and the shadows underneath his blue eyes, a better question would be how he was doing this morning.

You slept here again last night, didn’t you? Olivia plopped the bag of warm muffins on the counter, closed the distance between them, and ran her fingers through his hair, smoothing the unruly curls.

Taylor tossed her a weak smile. Yeah. He sighed. Busy night. He planted a kiss on her forehead and moved past her to another kennel. She followed close behind. He squatted, studying the respirations of a handsome Dalmatian sleeping peacefully despite the large bandage to its hind leg and hip. She was brought in right before closing yesterday. Poor girl had been hit by a car.

Olivia rested her palms on Taylor’s shoulders, doing her best to massage the tension away. He always loved when she did that. All through veterinarian school, he’d been her best friend. So when graduation day had come, it seemed natural that they would end up working together. Last year, their dream had come true. Taylor had moved to Little Crow, and they’d opened a small clinic together. They were a perfect match. He working with domestic animals and she provided the community’s equine and farm animal veterinary needs. It had been her dream to work with large animals for so long that at times it felt surreal.

She looks comfortable, Olivia said.

Yeah. She’s responded well.

She has a good doctor. Olivia patted his upper arm. Taylor looked over his shoulder with a sly grin.

Flattery will get you... He stood, turning toward her in the process, and yanked her into his arms. Right here, beautiful. Taylor captured her mouth with his. The kiss warmed, heated. Olivia opened, responding as expected, willing her heart to race, for the butterflies to take flight in her midsection. He shifted, pressing the evidence of his awakening arousal into her abdomen, his broad hands splayed on her back dropping lower. His heartbeat thumped under her palms on his chest.

What was wrong with her? Why didn’t her pulse react like that? Taylor was everything she should want—a good friend, handsome, supportive, an animal lover. She liked him a lot. She really did.

So why did his touch do nothing for her?

Who was she kidding? Olivia knew why, and his name was Eion Mandrake—even though nothing had ever happened between her and Eion, and the guy had left town a long time ago. But it didn’t mean her crush on him hadn’t had a lingering effect. One that had her questioning her sanity every time a man wanted to take things to the next level and she began a serious retreat.

Wasn’t twelve years a long enough prison sentence for her heart?

Taylor broke away on a breathy sigh. Olivia... He cupped her cheeks with both hands. I—

Whoa! Down, boy. Olivia released a small chuckle and ducked out of his hold, her gut in a knot. For someone who’s been up all night, you’re pretty frisky. Quickly, she reached inside the sack on the countertop and tossed him a muffin over her shoulder. Head’s up! No doubt, three words she was nowhere near ready to hear were about to drop from his lips. Three syllables, like tiny hydrogen bombs, with the power to tear their tidy relationship to shreds.

Taylor captured it with one hand. Oh. Thanks.

Good catch. One day, maybe, she’d be at the point where she could return those feelings, but not yet. Olivia tucked a few loose strands of her hair behind her ear. You asked about Kris. She moved to one of the two empty stainless steel exam tables in the small triage room and gripped the side. He had a rough night. This time, Taylor drew up behind her, placing a warm palm on her shoulder. He woke me up more than once, crashing, swearing, and banging around. But he refuses to ask for help.

How much longer before he can bear weight on his leg?

About four more weeks, I think. She turned and faced her best friend. But there may be more surgery needed on the knee and the surrounding muscles, so it could be longer. Olivia shoved her hands in her scrubs. He’s frustrated and mad as hell. This was his last tour in Afghanistan. He came so close to making it out without a scratch. Third time was supposed to be the charm, right? She pushed off the exam table, grabbed her breakfast, and headed toward the back of the clinic and the office they shared.

Taylor closed the door behind them. Olivia plopped into her swivel chair, and Taylor took a seat opposite her. I’m sure that’s not the only thing that’s pissing him off. I’ve only known him a few years, but Kris is as tough as they come. An injury might annoy him, but he can handle it. It’s the survival of the ranch, while he recovers, that’s eating away at him, isn’t it?

Olivia released a deep breath and rested her forearms on the pine top of her desk, leaning forward. It’s driving him crazy. She shook her head. Kris and Dad were so much alike. Both driven, dedicated hard workers. Dad loved the ranch. His soul was in that land. Kris loves the place too, but he joined the military right after high school and never had the chance to learn how to run the place before Dad passed away. When Dad died, Kris decided he wouldn’t re-enlist and this last tour would be it. He intended to come back home and take over the ranch. But then... She leaned back, gaze locked on Taylor’s compassionate blue eyes.

Then he took a hit to his leg.

Yup. Olivia slowly nodded. And my brother cannot stand being dependent on anyone. He’s going crazy not being able to get out there and run the place like he wants. She dropped her gaze to her desk and the array of lab reports waiting for her attention. He has the four-wheeler, but he still has to have someone operate it, and with the crutches and brace, he can’t maneuver like he needs to out in the pasture.

I wish there was more that I could do. The deep sincerity in his tone touched her heart and she met his gaze. I would do anything for you. You know that. Don’t you, Livvy? He pulled in tighter against the desk, eliminating a few of the inches between them. I love you.

Her insides tripped over his words, tumbling end over end, oscillating between deep affection and sheer panic. Oh, God. Taylor, his name escaped her lips on a breathy sigh.

Over the last couple of months, Taylor had made it clear that he would like their relationship to move beyond friendship and the occasional dinner and movie. But becoming more than friends and business partners would put their professional relationship at risk. What if they didn’t work out? How would they go on working with each other every day if they crossed that line and didn’t like what was on the other side?

All of her reasons were quite valid, logical even, and Taylor didn’t need to know that she was still a virgin and had never been able to give all of herself to any man.

When she’d explained her misgivings about taking things to the next level, he’d said he understood. Yet the more time they spent together as a couple, Taylor’s feelings and desires were growing stronger.

Olivia swallowed hard. I—

A knock sounded on the door and her jaw snapped shut. Thank you, Lord. A half-second later, one of her best friends from high school, Josie McAllister, popped her head in, her hazel gaze swinging between her and Taylor. Hi! Mind if I come in?

Hey there. Olivia motioned for her to join them. Come on in. Josie flashed a broad smile and stepped through, closing the door behind her. Josie took the vacant chair nearest Olivia’s desk. She was dressed in a pair of cherry red capris and a crisp white cotton blouse, her long dark hair back in a polished ponytail. Josie was a breath of fresh spring air and always brightened her mood.

How are you this morning, Dr. T? Josie crossed her legs and rested back against the chair, facing Taylor. "You’re looking a little tired. Not saying that you can ever look bad, though." She lifted a corner of her mouth in a flirty grin.

Josie! Olivia laughed and glanced over at Taylor whose normally fair color had grown a little pinker in his cheeks.

What? She swung her head around to Olivia, eyes wide and slathering on a large dose of innocence. You know he’s the only guy that makes me wish like hell I owned a dog. But, she gave a resolute sigh, being single, I wouldn’t be home often enough to take care of the pooch. Josie looked at Olivia’s partner and batted her lashes.

Josie Ann McAllister, you are too much. Olivia scoffed. What she wouldn’t give to feel so free and uninhibited to flirt with the opposite sex. But she’d learned at an early age to rein in her daredevil side.

I’m flattered, Ms. McAllister, Taylor placed his palm over his heart in a dramatic display of sincerity, that you would even consider sacrificing some of your freedom to take on the responsibility of a canine soul just so you could spend more time with me. His gaze shifted from Josie to Olivia, blue eyes going from wide and playful to hooded and seductive. But you know my heart is taken.

Josie sighed before adding, Yeah, yeah. She tossed up her hands in mock surrender. I know. Livvy here has reeled you in. Hook, line, and sinker.

The last part of Josie’s statement yanked Olivia away from Taylor’s stare. Good Lord, Josie. Olivia chuckled. I haven’t reeled anyone in. She grinned and added, I’ve never fished a day in my life. Taylor and Josie joined in on the laugh.

Sobering, Olivia plucked a pen from her desk drawer and flipped open the file in front of her. So what brings you by this morning, Jos? Besides the opportunity to flirt with Taylor, she added and aimed a wry smile in Josie’s direction.

Oh, yeah. Josie straightened in her seat, giving Olivia her full attention. You’ll never guess who came in the office yesterday evening before closing, wanting to discuss the possibility of placing his property on the market with me.

Josie ran the only real estate office in their small town, so if anyone wanted to get the word out that they were selling, she would be it.

I have no idea. Olivia clutched the hard plastic shell of the ballpoint in her palm. You said ‘his,’ so I’m assuming it’s a man?

Let me put it this way...who do you remember that is more than six feet tall, jet black hair, hazel eyes, and the last man on earth you thought you’d ever see in Little Crow Pass again?

A hard tremor coursed through Olivia’s system, and the pen fell from her hand to the desk with a soft thud. No... Her heart raced. How could the very thought of running into Eion Mandrake after so many years make her break out in a cold sweat?

Judging by the look on your face, you know exactly who I’m talking about. Josie nodded and smiled.

Eion Mandrake?