Wild Desire (The Protectors Book 1)

  Wild Desire

  The Protectors Book One

  Toya Richardson

  Wild Desire: Protectors Series Book One

  Copyright © 2019 by Toya Richardson

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

  Published: Toya Richardson

  Editor: Karen Sanders

  Cover Design: Abigail Davies at Pink Elephant Designs

  Formatting: Abigail Davies at Pink Elephant Designs

  Contents

  Acknowledgments

  Special Acknowledgements

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  About the Author

  Acknowledgments

  I’d like to say a massive thank you to my editor Karen Sanders. I have learned so much from her so far. I look forward to working with her on my future projects.

  Huge gratitude to Pink Elephant Designs for the most amazing cover.

  Leah Weatherall, Donna Matthewman and Cindy Dodd. You ladies were amazing with all your help when beta reading Wild Desire. Your input was invaluable.

  To the ladies in my ARC group. You all rock! Thank you so much for all your time reading and reviewing my work.

  To all my readers, old and new, without you reading my work I wouldn’t be where I am now. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued support.

  Special Acknowledgements

  I have had so much support from authors and readers within the amazing Indie community. There are two people in particular who have helped me above and beyond. I wouldn’t have made it this far without their friendship and support. Much love and gratitude go to Kelly McMullen Lowe and Leah Weatherall. Ladies, you are amazing!

  This book is dedicated to the memory of my amazing and beautiful mum, Anne Colleer Tebby, who O miss every single day. She taught me how to use my imagination and follow my dreams. I love you, Mum.

  Chapter One

  Mila parked up at a viewing spot and took time to gaze out over the beautiful land before her. She leaned against the side of her car, inhaling a deep breath of invigorating country air. A refreshing change from the smog and pollution which surrounded the city. Such a long time since she’d been home.

  Home.

  Closing her eyes, she reflected on why she’d left there without a backwards glance. Recent recurring dreams and nightmares of this place urged her to return. A compulsion she could no longer deny.

  This time, she wouldn’t be the butt of everyone’s jokes. She was stronger now and more resolute. As soon as her parents had passed, she’d taken off. They’d died in a forest fire, trying to save some of the animals. Part of her suspected foul play. Some of the village boys used to hunt in the deeper parts of the forest, which was illegal, and her father warned them off almost constantly. She reflected on one of the older teens, Drake Scott, threatening him at their home…

  “Old man, you don’t realise who you’re messing with. Come after us again and you’ll be sorry. My dad will make you pay.”

  Tears coursed down her cheeks at the memory. It was soon after Drake’s veiled threat that her parents had died. The boy was her biggest tormentor all through her school years. No one stood up for her. No one. Everyone feared him and his family name. After her parents’ deaths, he’d accosted her in the street, warning her she’d meet the same fate if she didn’t do as he said. That day, she’d endured too much and retaliated to his bullying. She’d slapped him. Hard. The shock in his eyes was palpable.

  “You’d better run, little girl, before something really does happen to you.”

  Soon after, she’d packed what few belongings she possessed, locked up the family home, and driven off in the middle of the night. Even though she vowed never to return, there was a drive inside her to come back. It was crazy, because this place had caused her so much heartache, but the forest had also been her friend and she’d missed it so much. Memories of her recent dreams tormented her; chased by monsters, human and otherworldly, through the deepest depths of the trees.

  Something about the dreams compelled her to do some research on the internet. There were rumours on some websites she’d visited of strange beasts spotted in the deeper parts of the forest. Hikers had disappeared, too, never to be found again. They were mostly posted by conspiracy theory nuts. It had called to her, though, and was part of the reason she’d returned, along with the dreams.

  Musings turned to Drake’s father, Luther Scott, who was a big deal in the chemical industry. There were hints he was experimenting with bio weapons. Illegally. Although, the claims could never be substantiated. One of the conspiracy nuts, known only as Danger Man, posted online that he was certain Scott Tech was using animals and bio technology to produce the ultimate weapon. An unstoppable soldier. This theory was debunked. Rumour had it that Danger Man was now in hiding. Maybe he’d gotten too close to the truth after all.

  They’d shared many online conversations about what could be happening in the forest, and at Scott Tech. Once, they’d even met up. The meeting was far away from where either of them lived. He’d explained it would be safer for them. They hadn’t even exchanged their real identities. She’d gone by the name of Wild Thing. He’d informed her he intended to check out the forest for himself. Mila begged him not to. Something warned her this wouldn’t go well for him. Danger Man had assured her he would be safe… that was the last time she heard from him.

  Mila shook her thoughts away. After she left her home, she was determined to make something of herself. People used to call her strange, because she preferred to take off into the solitude of the forest rather than hang out with the other kids. The animals were, and always had been, her friends. Her only friends. Having red hair and strange-coloured eyes hadn’t helped either; they were a curious mix of green, hazel, and silver. And so, from an early age, she’d been bullied. Repeatedly.

  Her parents always assured her she was special, that she would find her true purpose in life when she became a woman. Mila laughed without humour. At the age of twenty-five, she still wasn’t positive what that purpose was. Although, her new job role excited her. As a forest ranger, her skills and experience of living in this area would be a great asset. Plus, she wouldn’t have to mix with others too much, only people who showed an interest in the outdoors. Mother Nature would be her friend once more.

  Hopping back into her car, she breathed deeply to calm her nerves and headed for her family home. At least she could bypass the main village and take the scenic route along the edge of the forest. Her spirits began to soar. The sun glinted off the leaves on the trees, covering them in a golden glow. She wound the window right down so she could feel the warmth and soft breeze on her skin. It was late spring, when nature was full of life and promise.

  Something lay in the middle of the road up ahead of her. Mila stopped the car a
nd got out. When she drew closer, she could see it was a small red deer; a calf with little white spots covering its back. A pretty little thing. It let out a soft snort, a sound which meant it was alarmed. She approached the frightened animal with caution.

  “It’s okay, sweetie. I won’t hurt you.”

  She advanced toward the animal with slow movements. It attempted to get up but couldn’t. Mila slowly edged closer and knelt on the ground beside it. Instead of shying away from her, it nudged her hand. This was strange behaviour. It looked up at her with its huge brown eyes. She may have been going crazy, but it was almost as though it was trying to communicate with her. It allowed her to check it over. There were no visible signs of injuries such as cuts or breaks. She surmised the animal was exhausted and a little dehydrated.

  “Hang on. I’ll fetch some water for you.”

  Mila sprinted back to her car and grabbed a bottle of water. Cupping her hand in front of its mouth, she poured some water into her palm. The calf drank greedily until the bottle was almost empty. She stroked its coat with gentle reassurance. A rustling from the undergrowth and a loud bellow drew her attention away from it. It was the sound of a stag. She turned to see the magnificent beast watching her, its brown eyes fixed to hers. There was a kind of intelligence and understanding in their depths.

  The calf rose on unsteady legs and headed over to the stunning animal. This was such weird behaviour for a red deer. The stag licked at the calf’s fur. This had to be a first. In the distance, she could hear men’s voices. They were getting ever closer, sounding loud and excited.

  “Get back in your car and drive. It is not safe for you out here on your own.”

  “What the-?”

  Mila spun around expecting to see someone behind her, but there was no one. Maybe she was going crazy. She reminded herself that she’d been travelling for hours; it was obviously due to lack of sleep. Either that or she was turning in to Dr Doolittle and the stag had spoken. A nervous laugh escaped from her just as the stag ran inside the cover of the forest with the calf. Loud crashing sounds came ever closer to her. Warning bells and fear kicked in and she hurried back to her car. The need to be away before the voices got any closer was almost a compulsion.

  “It’s around here somewhere. We’ve been chasing it for ages. Fresh venison for dinner!”

  Loud cheers rang out. Mila didn’t stop to hear any more and started up her car, desperate to be away from the scene. And as she headed closer to her family home, she remembered the voice of the man who’d called out from the undergrowth. Drake Scott. So, he hadn’t changed. And as for the voice in her head… definitely sleep deprivation.

  * * *

  Elias headed back to his cottage deep in the heart of the forest where no one dared go. Patrolling this area was becoming a fulltime responsibility. Too many of his kind had been killed and butchered by humans, especially by Drake and his friends. And as for the ones who hadn’t been killed... He shuddered, not even daring to contemplate their fate at the hands of Luther, Drake’s father.

  If only he could utilise the portal to take everyone to safety. To a place where they could all live together in peace and harmony. This wouldn’t happen for the foreseeable future. All of his kind had a duty to ensure the animals and humans were safe. So much needed to be done first… including the destruction of Luther Scott’s research facility. And the growing desire to find a mate. A woman to soothe his soul.

  He ran a hand through his hair and sighed heavily with frustration. For many long years, he’d searched tirelessly for his mate. Someone to share his life with. A woman to heal the ache in his heart. After centuries of trying, he’d yet to find her. And then he’d witnessed the caring and compassion of the redheaded woman with the calf. Something had stirred inside his tired and lonely heart. He was shocked when he’d warned her to flee from the men. Even more surprised when she’d heard his warning. Drake and his companions would have raped and killed her if they’d discovered her.

  A loud rumble filled the room; it was a growl coming from him, almost as though he was staking claim to the woman. Maybe it was her. Perhaps she was his mate. Elias poured some coffee in a mug and sat outside the cottage. He drank deeply, allowing the warmth of the liquid to relax him. Closing his eyes, all he could see was the stunning redhead and hear her gentle compassionate words and actions towards the calf. His heart burned with some strange sensation.

  “Hey, bro.”

  He watched his brother and sister-in-law stroll in his direction. Mathis was ten years his junior, with rugged good looks and a winning smile. His wife, Lily, was beautiful and looked even more stunning with her rounded belly. A smile split his lips as he witnessed them exchange a loving glance.

  “Hi, guys. Lily, that baby must be due to come out soon.” He indicated to her tummy.

  She approached and slapped him playfully on his arm. “Are you trying to say I’m getting fatter, Elias?”

  He held up his hands in surrender. “I wouldn’t dare.”

  Elias grabbed her in a loving hug and then held her at arm’s length. “You look beautiful. Radiant.”

  “Now that’s a much better response.”

  Then she looked at him again, studying him with wise blue eyes. She put her hand to her mouth.

  “Lily, what’s wrong, baby?” Mathis asked with concern.

  “You’ve seen her, haven’t you?” Lily’s voice was hardly more than a whisper.

  Elias tipped his head back, drawing in a deep breath, then he looked back at Lily.

  “Yes.”

  * * *

  Mila drove along the rough track to park outside the front of her childhood home. It had been well cared for in her absence. A couple living in a neighbouring village, Mary and Jim, who were close family friends, had tended to it while she’d been away. She’d offered to reimburse them, but they’d refused payment. Wildflowers grew in abundance around the property; so much prettier than cultivated flowers. Their sweet fragrance wafted up to her, as if in greeting. She reflected on Mary’s parting words to her…

  “Your parents were there for us in times of need. And whatever you may think now, you will be back. The forest needs you.”

  It confused her at the time, and she hadn’t thought to quiz her about her meaning. When she was settled in, she’d do just that. There were so many unanswered questions surrounding her parents’ deaths. She put the key in the lock and was shocked when she heard a loud sigh emanating from the trees around her. The wind picked up, and even the wildflowers bowed their heads under its power.

  “Welcome home, Mila.”

  Her head spun, and she held onto the doorframe for support. Although just a whisper, it was filled with power and almost desperation. Then it was gone, leaving Mila to wonder if she was going out of her mind. First the stag and now this.

  “Definitely lack of sleep,” she reaffirmed. “Perhaps coming back here was a mistake.”

  * * *

  Elias studied Lily closely. She had a habit of teasing him, but this time, he couldn’t see any hint of humour in her eyes. Her powers as a seer were growing stronger since falling pregnant. This also meant they’d have to keep her safe from the human and mutant predators who patrolled the forestland. If they caught Lily, especially whilst pregnant, the ramifications for their kind could be disastrous.

  “How do you know this, Lily?”

  “Because I can see it in your eyes and feel it in the air around us. There’s a kind of buzz, an excitement which makes the air fizzle with anticipation.”

  “She’s right, Elias. I can feel a shift in the energy. Surely you can sense it, too?”

  His eyes landed on his brother’s. There was no teasing banter in his tone either. His expression was deadly serious.

  “I’ve only seen one woman today,” he murmured almost to himself. “I was in animal form at the time.”

  “Where was she? It must be her if she’s the only female you’ve seen today. You need to bring her here and keep her safe,” Lily ur
ged.

  “She was caring for Sarah’s calf. The poor thing was exhausted. Drake and the other cruel bastards had been hunting her. This woman saved her.”

  Lily gasped. “Did Drake get her?”

  He shook his head. “No. I warned her to run.”

  It was his brother’s turn to gasp now. “You used telepathy on her? Did she respond?”

  “Well, she looked shocked and I heard her car speed away, so yes, I guess she did. Damn.”

  “She won’t understand any of this. Probably think she’s going mad. Remember, Elias, I understand this all too well,” Lily stated pointedly.

  Elias flopped down on a seat on his porch and put his head in his hands. This was it. This was what he’d desired since he’d grown up, so many centuries ago. His mate was here, and he had to claim her… fast. But what if she didn’t want him? Didn’t desire him enough to be with him for eternity?

  His mind made up, he shifted into animal form and headed off, not even caring that he’d ruined his clothing.

  “Where are you going, Elias?” Mathis asked him.

  “Going to stake my claim on my woman.”

  Chapter Two

  After a peaceful first night’s sleep in her old home, Mila felt surprisingly refreshed. Events from the previous day had unnerved her a little and she’d expected nightmares but had none. Her sleep was untroubled for the first time in months. Throwing back the covers, she opened the bedroom window wide. The sun was shining and birdsong filled the air. She leaned on the windowsill and smiled. No sound of cars or other people to disturb her, and the closest neighbour was two miles away on the outskirts of the village. Perfect.