Scent of the Heart

Copyright

Scent of the Heart is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2015 by Parker Williams

Cover Art by Laura Harner

Edited by Jae Ashley

Formatting by Author.Services

All rights reserved.

Smashwords Edition Published in the United States by Parker Williams.

ISBN: 978-1-941841-20-4

Warning: All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without written permission, except for brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to five years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

Contact the publisher for further information:

parker@parkerwilliamsauthor.com

Acknowledgements

I want to thank those who encouraged me to write this story. Becky Condit, Amanda Atchley, Cate Ashwood, K.C. Wells, and others who found Jake and Zak, then wanted to know what happened to Casey.

Mary Phillips Wallace for the title idea.

Jae Ashley for her awesome editing.

Laura Harner for the gorgeous cover.

Author-Services for the help with formatting.

And to everyone who enjoyed book one, Protector of the Alpha, I hope you enjoy Scent of the Heart, too.

Trademarks

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following trademarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

Hello Kitty: Sanrio Company, Ltd.

Pokémon: Nintendo of America Inc.

Ping-Pong: SOP Services, Inc.

Yu-Gi-Oh!: Kabushiki Kaisha Shueisha Corporation

Magic: The Gathering: Wizards of the Coast LLC

Dungeons and Dragons: Wizards of the Coast LLC

Contents

Copyright

Acknowledgements

Scent of the Heart

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Epilogue

About the Author

Also Available

Scent of the Heart

Casey Scott grew up being told he’d never amount to anything, and despite the unwavering love and support from his best friend, Jake, the idea sticks in the back of Casey’s mind. When he discovers he has a unique destiny in an enclave where shifters and humans live together, he seizes the chance, wanting for once in his life to be someone special.

Tsvetok Yerokhin lost his parents to the evil ruler of the enclave when he was a boy. The responsibilities of raising his two younger brothers nearly overwhelmed him and self-doubt took over. When the new Alpha and his Protector arrive in time to save his life, Sev is grateful, but he’s even more shocked when he scents his mate with them.

Casey isn’t prepared for the feelings that sweep over him when he meets Sev, but he refuses to act on them because he’s straight. Still, there is something so alluring about Sev that Casey can’t help being drawn to him.

As the two explore the edges of their new discovery, an evil returns, determined to control the enclave or destroy it. The Alpha and Protector are powerless to stop it, but Casey holds the key to victory. If he can discover what it is, he has a chance to save them all. To be the hero.

Unfortunately, the hero has to be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, and for Casey that means losing his heart.

PROLOGUE

Casey Scott inhaled the rich aroma of the steeped energizing tea that would help him keep working for at least a few more hours without the buzz or crash associated with caffeine. He’d always blended his own, and never realized he innately knew what it needed. It was funny that a collection of herbs could do so much for a person. Some water, cloves, cardamom, black peppercorns, cinnamon, ginger root, a bit of milk from a cranky goat, and Casey was able to brew a delicious pot that he packaged and gave to the members of the enclave, who did work around Hakiim’s—his—house in exchange.

Since he’d come to the enclave, the shifter paradise deep in the Tongass forest that he and his friends, Jake and Zak, had moved to six months ago, Casey had fallen in love with the place. He had his doubts about moving so far away from the life he’d known, but this seemed right. If someone had told him he would willingly give up his cell phone, computer, and the pub where he enjoyed hanging out and move to a place where people turned into animals, where there was no technology, and where he and his friends would have to overthrow a really bad mother of a ruler, he’d have laughed his ass off.

Now? Waking up in the morning to the sounds of singing birds rather than an alarm clock; spending the day tending the garden to harvest herbs that he’d use to make potions and balms, speaking to the people who lived in the enclave who never passed by without a greeting, rather than rushing through his day and never really taking the time to know his neighbors… He could see what mankind had lost in its rush to acquire the newest and brightest shiny things.

He wouldn’t say there weren’t things he missed. The onion rings at their favorite pub, for example. Some nights he craved them, the perfect crunch of breading combined with the sweetness of the onion to give an overwhelming taste sensation. Yeah, he missed those. Then there were his parents. He wanted to miss them, but just couldn’t work up the strength to care. His father had pawned him off on Jake’s family when he was young, and they’d been the ones to raise him. When Casey had decided to go to school away from Jake, his parents overruled him because Jake’s parents…guardians, Casey corrected himself, had offered to pay for his schooling, which sent his father over the moon.

He hadn’t spoken to them in the six months he’d been here, and though there was the occasional twinge of homesickness, it never lasted long. Things around the village always kept him from too many depressing thoughts. Mrs. Riley would be delivering twins tomorrow and that would take up most of his morning. He liked her. A stalwart woman in her mid-forties, still very young by shifter standards, she was the village teacher. When Elizar, the psycho who had ruled the enclave, was in power, she’d taught the children in secret, imparting the knowledge she’d gleaned from passed-down lore. Now that Zak was in charge, they’d assured her that she was encouraged to teach them the ways of their world.

Leaning back against the bench, Casey stretched his legs and sniffed the air. Wild, raw, and delightful. Living near the ocean brought a wealth of scents he’d never experience anywhere else. Between his garden and the ocean, the people of the enclave, and the daily visits from his friends, Casey had to admit that life was pretty damn sweet.

Still, he wished he had someone to share it with. The women of the enclave were friendly enough, but none took him seriously when he asked them out. There were dozens of young ladies in the village, but each of them saw him as more a friend than a potential romantic partner.

Casey sighed and looked to the sky. The pale moon seemed cloaked in a hazy cape. Without the city glow creating light pollution, he could see the entire galaxy laid out, which awed and humbled him. A perfect night to cuddle with someone, instead of going to bed alone. Again. He pushed his way into the house, laying his bundle of herbs on the table. In the morning, he would dry the bulk of them, then use the rest to create a salve for Zak, who seemed to be having problems sitting still. He complained of soreness, and Casey didn’t want to know any more about it.

He stumbled to the bedroom and gazed at the bed. Hakiim should be here, instead of buried in the ocean. His mentor had fallen to Kell, the wolf who’d aligned himself with Elizar. Casey never even got to say good-bye.

He pulled the thick down comforter up to his chin and relaxed, waiting for sleep to claim him.

"Casey…"

Casey jolted. It wasn’t the first time he thought he heard someone calling his name, but each time he looked, there was no one there.

"Casey? Can you hear me? Please, I need your help."

Throwing back the cover, Casey leapt from the bed. The voice ripped through his conscience. It was his biggest failure, being unable to save Hakiim. He strode to the kitchen and put a pot of water on the wood-burning stove. When it started to whistle, he pulled it off and poured himself a cup of sleepy tea he’d blended.

He sat at the large hardwood table that the members of the enclave told him Hakiim had carved himself. Running his fingers over the surface, he wasn’t surprised to see the slight pits and grooves in it. Casey imagined Hakiim’s children sitting at this table and playing. He wished he could see them all. He’d made a few trips to the spirit side, even though it was dangerous to go alone, but he couldn’t locate Hakiim or his family. Those were sad days for him.

Tea drank, he rinsed out the handcrafted cup, a gift from one of the villagers, and stumbled his way back to the bedroom. He’d just pulled the quilt up to his chin again when he saw the shimmery outline at the foot of the bed.

"Casey…I need you. Please. Don’t leave me like this."

H-Hakiim?

The figure faded, and a cold shiver ripped through Casey’s body. He closed his eyes, but sleep never quite came.

***

Sev’s eyes tracked the Protector as he stalked around the room. He’d been caught watching the man who’d turned his life upside down. Even now, anger coursed through his veins, but Tsvetok sat stoic as the Protector continued to rant and rave.

I understand about mates. Zak is mine and will be forever. But Casey’s straight, Jake rumbled.

So am I, Sev groaned, wrapping his hands into his hair. I never thought about having a man in my bed before, but that one is my mate. I watch him in the evenings as he toils in the garden. He seems happy, but his body language says otherwise. He’s sad, and I want to gather him up and fix him. He speaks to the stars, did you know that?

The Protector shook his head.

"I believe they answer him, even if he’s not truly aware yet. When he talks, the stars seem to become brighter. They sing to him as well, I believe, and it calms his angst. As far as I know, they’ve never sung to anyone else. Our former shaman did not possess that gift. I know he’s not of our people by birth, but within him, I sense incredible power and such a good heart that it brings me shame.

Our people believe it is spirits of those who go before us which guide us to know who our one true love is to be. We shall know them by their scent. That one is mine. He smells of the forest. Rich and earthy. He intoxicates me as no other ever has. When I’m around him, I can’t think. I see him and all I know is that he is meant to be mine. Then I see him speaking to the young ladies from the village, and I know I should do the same, but he is always on my mind. I don’t fear losing his body to these women, but his heart should beat for me. Then I become angry, because my heart should belong to another, and yet it is set on him alone.

I…think I understand. I remember Zak’s scent and how it tugged at me, even when I didn’t know him. I don't know what to tell you, Jake ground out. Casey isn't interested in men like that. I mean he's open-minded, but he's not…shit. I don't know what to tell you. Maybe you should, you know, talk to him?

Sev tugged at his hair again. And say what? Hello, I know we just met, and this might sound crazy…

Oh, tell me you did not just pull a Carly Rae Jepsen on me.

Sev cocked his head. Who?

Jake pursed his lips. Sorry. I forget sometimes. Look, I don't know what to say. Talk to him is about all I got.

The man shook his head. I cannot. I'm not even sure what this means for my family. My brothers live in shame because I am a common thief. How do I explain to my mate that the one he is destined to share his life with is unworthy? One who is reviled by most members of the enclave because of what he is.

I don’t understand. They don’t like you because you stole to save your family? Where does that make sense?

Sev drew his gaze away from the Protector. The man was fierce, and Sev burned with shame to even be in the same room with him. Our laws dictate that I should have been banished for stealing, even though I only did it to feed my siblings. Only through Elizar’s edict was I able to stay in the outer ring of the enclave. Even there, among those who Elizar would have put to death, I was an outcast.

Elizar is dead, Jake said flatly. Zak pardoned everyone, including those who assisted Elizar in capturing us. We work together for the good of the enclave now. If people have a problem, they should talk to him. Remember, when we first found you, he came to your defense. He’s our Alpha. It’s his job to care for the people. If you won’t talk to him on your own behalf, I’ll speak to him.

Why would you do that?

Jake’s scowl softened. Because I care too. Zak is my mate. I am your Protector as much as his. If you have a problem, then we need to deal with it. I won’t, however, talk to Casey for you. If what you say is true—

I swear it is, Protector. Our shaman is my mate.

Then you need to step up and speak to him. No more skulking around or being angry with him. It’s not his fault.

Yes, Protector. I will speak to him.

Just between you and me? Don’t tell him you’re the one that sprayed him three times. I don’t think he’s forgiven that just yet.

There was a grin that softened the words, and Sev’s heart was light, as if a burden had finally been lifted. Perhaps he and his mate could speak. If only he knew what to say.

The Protector left him, warning him once again about not stalking his friend. As soon as the door closed, Sev wanted nothing more than to go see his mate, to bask in the scents that surrounded him. To whisper words of love and devotion, even while that scared him to death. He would not deny that Casey was his mate, but that didn’t mean he would have to like it.

CHAPTER ONE

Casey pored over every text he could find. It had to be there somewhere. The answer to what it was he saw last night. While Casey could visit the spirit realm, he didn’t believe ghosts existed. Of course, with everything else he’d seen, who knew what the truth was.

Vague references to spirits crossing into the realm of the living were met with derision as fanciful untruths. Only the shaman could pierce the veil between life and death, or so claimed everything Casey’d read. Of course Hakiim had acted as the shaman for a time. Perhaps he had been granted the ability. Such thoughts made Casey’s head ache.

Cup of tea in hand—this morning a double shot of energizing herbs to counteract the lack of sleep from the night before—Casey put the parchments into one of the drawers of the heavy built-in cabinet. He had to be at Mrs. Riley’s soon, knowing the twins wouldn’t wait for him to wake up. He washed off in the basin, inhaling the herbaceous fragrance of his handcrafted soap. He gave a brief thought to how people back on campus would go nuts over the things he created, but it quickly fled his mind when he noticed the sun had gotten higher in the sky.

Throwing open the door, Casey got a jolt when a young man with black eyes and shock white hair stood on his stoop. He appeared nervous, uncertain of himself. He’d seen the man around, not too difficult when there were only about a hundred fifty people left in the enclave, thanks to Elizar’s insanity. Still, even though he’d met most of them, Casey didn’t know this young man’s name.

Hey. Hi. What can I do for you? Casey said, trying to be polite even while minding the time. If there was one thing he’d learned about shifters, when it came time to have a baby, they were having that baby. It was important for him to be there, to keep the mother calm. Shifting while giving birth would likely end in the mother’s death, and possibly the child’s as well.

Greetings, Shaman. I am Tsvetok Yerokhin. Called Sev in the enclave.

Casey waited for the man to continue. His expression held hope that perhaps Casey might save him from the awkward introduction. When Casey didn’t say anything, the young man’s shoulder slumped and he gazed at the ground.

It’s good to finally meet you, Casey said, trying to keep his voice light. Can I help you with something?

The man became twitchy. He took a half-step toward then away from Casey. The conflict was evident in his eyes, deep, dark, and soulful. Something akin to vertigo clutched Casey as he seemed to be falling into those eyes, then shook his head, hoping to clear the rest of the sleep from it.

No, I just thought… No, never mind. This was a bad idea. I’m sorry I bothered you.

Hey, wait. Casey reached out and gripped the man’s bicep. His fingers tingled and the look of hope returned to the man’s face. Casey looked, really looked. He was scruffy, light tufts of hair growing out from smooth, unblemished skin. Casey’d never seen skin like that before. It was all he could do to focus on what he wanted to say to the man. I’ve got to go help with a birthing, but if you need something, I should be back in a few hours.

Sev gave a shaky smile. No, I don’t think that’s going to happen. As I said, I’m sorry I bothered you. Good luck with the birth. Mrs. Riley is a nervous one. I guess that’s part of being a rabbit shifter.

At least as a human she doesn’t give birth to a full litter. That could be messy.

The man’s laugh was full and rich. His eyes crinkled with the smile, and Casey couldn’t help but be drawn to the man. He had an easy-to-like vibe about him. He stared into Casey’s eyes and licked the soft, pillowy lips. Casey blinked and the spell was broken. The man was back to being hesitant and unsure. And what the hell was up with Casey’s thoughts? I must be desperate.

I should…go, Casey murmured, taking his hand away from Tsvetok. Maybe we can talk later? Casey’s heart throbbed, then cracked in two when the man shook his head.

No, I don’t think it would be a wise idea.

He turned and shambled away, leaving Casey feeling conflicted. But he had a responsibility to help deliver the twins, so he tore his gaze away from Sev and headed into the village center.

***

Stupid. What was I thinking? Tsvetok slammed the drawer on the bureau. He clutched the picture, ripped and frayed over the years, to his chest, feeling the sting of tears. He placed the picture on the table and ran his fingers over it. Mom, Dad…I miss you so much. How disappointed in me you must be. Why did Elizar have to kill you? You’d done nothing wrong.

His parents had been accused of inciting treason, because they’d spoken with their friends about the people in the outer ring. Someone must have told the guard, because the next day they came for his family. His parents were offered the choice between sacrificing Sev to Elizar or taking their chances in the pit. They sat him down