Untouched Read Free

Securities has the highest reputation. We’ve provided personal security for kings and queens. I’m sure I can handle a princess like you.” Dante delivered a wicked grin and remained stone still, unwilling to retreat. He smiled as her deep brown eyes flashed angrily back at him.
    He might be there to protect her, but little did she know, she was the one who would be saving him.
    ***
     
    He would be sorry. A satisfied giggle bubbled and threatened to boil over. Their betrayal and disloyalty would finally be punished. They were traitors of the largest proportions, and after all these years they would finally pay for their actions. Imagine the audacity. Choosing that woman over his own kind? Had he learned nothing from the others? He had to know that sooner or later he’d have to pay price. The ultimate punishment would be delivered by the Punisher.
    “I like that.” The words came out in a rush. “I need to call myself something while I play our little game. Don’t I?”
    The question hung unanswered in the air. The sounds of the city bustled outside the window as steam fogged up the bathroom mirror.
    “The Punisher. That’s what I’ll call myself, and that is the name that they will fear. It will keep them up at night and have them all looking around every corner.”
    The Punisher laughed loudly and reveled in the sound as it bounced around the tiled room.
    Death was coming.

Chapter 2
     
    Dante stayed hidden in the tall brown and green sea grass along the beach, and kept a watchful eye on her house. The inky black night provided additional cover, and his dark rust-colored fur blended well with his surroundings. The wedding guests were gone, and the beach was quiet once again. If a random beachcomber saw him, they would merely marvel at their incredible luck. Not many people saw the fox that lived in these grasses, but then again, Dante was not your average fox.
    His furry body twitched, welcoming the salty breeze. It was a relief from the itchy grasses that fluttered along his thick russet coat. He watched her through the bedroom window, his gaze fixed on her lovely body silhouetted against the sheer curtains. His breath stilled as she came to the open window and pushed aside the thin fabric. He lifted his snout to the air and breathed deeply. His keen sense of smell caught her scent as it floated in the breeze. He inhaled the intoxicating mixture of lilac and spice. His heart raced at the very sight of her. He watched as she brushed her long ebony hair and wanted nothing more than to claim her as his. She was, after all, his mate.
    He had dreamt of her for so many years. As with all Amoveo, he had been dreaming of his mate since adolescence. The problem was she hadn’t been looking for him, and he’d almost given up hope of finding her. Then just a few weeks ago, here at this very beach, he’d stumbled upon her. She was indeed unusual. He knew she had a psychic gift but was amazed that she never used it. In fact she seemed fearful of it.
    A sudden rustling behind him in the grasses caught his attention. His large ears stood up, and his body tensed. The sound of Malcolm’s laughter relaxed him instantly. He turned to see his friend standing behind him, hands on his hips and shaking his head. “Boy, oh boy, have you got it bad.”
    Dante whined and let out a low growl of annoyance. Closing his eyes, he silently whispered the ancient language. Verto. Dante visualized his human form, shimmered, and in seconds was standing shoulder to shoulder with his friend.
    “What are you doing down here? Isn’t this your wedding night?” He tried to hide his embarrassment for being caught spying on Kerry, but knew he’d failed miserably.
    “We’re enjoying our evening just fine. Believe me.” He grinned. “Samantha sensed you were out here and wanted me to come and check on you. Are you ready for your trip tomorrow with Kerry?”
    “I am, but I don’t think she is. In fact at the wedding today she basically told