Touch me, p.1
Touch Me, page 1
Touch Me
Book 3 in The Novus Pack Series
M. Jayne
This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. All rights reserved. Except for use in review, the reproduction or use of this work in any part is forbidden without the express written permission of the author.
Touch Me—Copyright May 2020 by M. Jayne for Big Dog Publishing
Don’t be a Jerk—Don’t Pirate this book or any other.
I appreciate the services of the following vendors, who helped me with this book
(M. Jayne, May 2020)
Professional Services Used:
Cover Art: Fiona Jayde
Editor: Delilah Devlin
Proofreaders: Susan Panak, Susan Cambra, Wanda Adams
Authors Assistant: David Panak
First Edition
ISBN E-Book: 978-1735081809
ISBN Print: 979-8646113741
Contents
Author’s Note
Character List
1. Theodora Morrissey
2. Raider Black
3. Theodora Morrissey
4. Raider Black
5. Theodora Morrissey
6. Raider Black
7. Theodora Morrissey
8. Raider Black
9. Theodora Morrissey
10. Raider Black
11. Theodora Morrissey
12. Raider Black
13. Theodora Morrissey
14. Bayla Joseph
15. Raider Black
16. Theodora Morrissey
17. Raider Black
18. Theodora Morrissey
19. Raider Black
20. Theodora Morrissey
21. Raider Black
22. Theodora Morrissey
23. Raider Black
24. Theodora Morrissey
25. Raider Black
26. Theodora Morrissey
27. Raider Black
28. Theodora Morrissey
29. Raider Black
30. Theodora Morrissey
31. Lorenzo Barducci
32. Raider Black
33. Theodora Morrissey
34. Raider Black
35. Theodora Morrissey
36. Raider Black
37. Theodora Morrissey
For Angie Stanton-Johnson
The Most Amazing Roommate/Spooner/Fan/Venting Buddy
* * *
You were the first to say that you loved See Me and helped the series grow.
Thank you for your support and friendship.
Cum Nobis aut Contra Nobis
#Novus
Playlist for Touch Me
One—Hate On Me by Jill Scott
Two—Tumbling Dice by The Rolling Stones
Three—Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing by Chris Isaak
Four—Here Is Gone by Goo Goo Dolls
Five—Million Reasons by Lady Gaga
Six—Best of You by the Foo Fighters
Seven—Holding On by Gregory Porter
Eight—The Chain by Brandi Carlile
Nine—Voo Doo by Godsmack
Ten—Stay With Me by Sam Smith
Eleven—Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden
Twelve—Make You Feel My Love by Adele
Thirteen—XO by Elyjuh Rene
Fourteen—Love and Happiness by Al Green
Fifteen—Back 2 Good by Matchbox Twenty
Sixteen—No More Drama by Mary J. Blige
Seventeen—On Chill by Wale and Jeremih
Eighteen—Me & U by Cassie
Nineteen—You and I by Eddie Rabbit and Crystal Gayle
Twenty—Just Breathe by Pearl Jam
Twenty-One—Lovesong by Adele
Twenty-Two—Still They Ride by Journey
Twenty-Three—Stay with Me by Maya Sykes
Twenty-Four—Shake It Out by Florence + The Machine
Twenty-Five—Thunderclouds LSD by Sia, Diplo
Twenty-Six—Life During Wartime by the Talking Heads
Twenty-Seven—bad guy by Billie Eilish
Twenty-Eight—Runaway Train by Soul Asylum
Twenty-Nine—Stole the Show by Parson James
Thirty—Animal I Have Become by Three Days Grace
Thirty-One—Rip Your Heart Out by Hopsin and Tech N9ne
Thirty-Two—Barton Hollow by The Civil Wars
Thirty-Three—Blow Me (One Last Kiss) by Pink
Thirty-Four—Wake Me Up When September Ends by Green Day
Thirty-Five—You Oughta Know by Alanis Morissette
Thirty-Six—The Garden by Mirah
Thirty-Seven—The Chain by Three Days Grace
As long as I kept moving, my grief streamed out behind me like a swimmer’s long hair in water.
* * *
I knew the weight was there, but it didn’t touch me.
* * *
Only when I stopped did the slick, dark stuff of it come floating around my face, catching my arms and throat ‘til I began to drown.
* * *
So, I just didn’t stop.
Barbara Kingsolver
Author’s Note
Welcome to the world of The Novus Pack. I’m often asked about the reading order of the books. I would encourage you to read in the following order to understand certain character’s motivations and reasons.
See Me, Impressions, Feel Me, Moments, Touch Me
As the Novus World expands, I’ve included a Character Guide.
This book took a sharp left turn from what I had planned in the outline. I thought this would be more violent, however Black had a different idea. The message of this book is the strength of his love. For his pack, his friends, and Theo. We know that he is a savvy leader. Gifted with a strong intellect, the ability to accept change, he is physically robust, and fair when making decisions. Because he loves Theodora, he is more dangerous to those that oppose him. He has a reason to live and to prosper.
Theo is recovering from her attack. Although she is not physically strong, she has always held her own within the Novus Pack. With the Mating Ceremony looming, she must come to terms with her doubts and take her place on Black’s left as his Queen.
I’ve included song suggestions at the top of every chapter to enhance your experience. I would highly recommend that you read the lyrics to the song, “Make You Feel My Love.” I think it sums up the tone of this book perfectly.
* * *
Please join me in celebrating their love.
M. Jayne May 12, 2020
#Novus
Cum Noblis aut Contra Nobis ---With Us or Against Us
Character List
Raider Black—Novus Packleader, known as “The Black” or Laird
Theodora Morrissey—Seer to the Novus Pack, Human, Raider Black’s Lover
Conal MacGregor—Second in the Novus Pack, Mated to Solle, Novus Board Member
Solle MacGregor—Mated to the Second, Changed Human, Doctor
Tay MacGregor—Solle and Conal’s Daughter
* * *
Tex—Novus Board Member, Changed Human, Tech Genius, D.J.
* * *
Onyx—Novus Board Member, Pack Historian and Counsel, Theodora’s Former Tutor
* * *
Glass—Novus Board Member, In Charge of Novus Guards and Training
* * *
Lorenzo Barducci—Son of a Seer and Packleader, Mass Murderer, Spy for Novus Pack, Personal Guard to Theodora Morrissey, Loner, known as “Lore”
Issa Kwan—Member of the Novus Pack, Trained Assassin, Personal Guard to Theodora Morrissey, Asher’s Mate
Asher—Member of the Novus Pack. Guard, Issa’s Mate
* * *
Bayla Joseph—Psychiatrist, Witch, Resides in Ohio, future Mate to Lore
* * *
Basil—Black’s Administrative Assistant
* * *
Sophia Richards—Daughter of a Packleader, Doctor, Black’s former lover
* * *
Clifton—Novus Packhouse’s Majordomo
* * *
Wale—Member of Novus Pack, Guard, Flirt
Travis Burke—Packleader in Texas, Father of Charles Burke
Charles Burke—Son of a Packleader
Redd Pack—Insular, housed in Upper Canada, eschews modern technology
Bredon—Second to the Leader of the Redd Pack. Many hope that he will dethrone his half-brother
Sig—Member of Redd Pack, Bredon’s close friend and guard
Roy Dolan—Powerful Packleader in California, Father of Siobhan Dolan
Siobhan Dolan—Contracted Future Mate to Raider Black, Daughter of a Packleader
* * *
Benedict Rhys—Council’s North American Representative
* * *
Olivia Burke—Pack member, Nurse
* * *
Brogan Simms—New to The Laird’s Guard
* * *
Seth—Former Escort, Driver now with The Laird’s Guard
* * *
Sarita—Novus Guard, Spy
One
Theodora Morrissey
Hate On Me by Jill Scott
“Conal, I wasn’t expecting you.” Issa, my personal guard, greeted the Novus Pack Second then led him into my small sitting room. “He wasn’t on your agenda, Seer,” Issa added with a slight smirk on her lips.
Every morning, the Laird’s admin sent out a list of scheduled appointments to my two-member staff, Black, Conal, and me. Gone were days when I hung out in my office at the Novus corporate of fice building and waited for someone to appear at my door or for the Laird’s summons. My elevation in rank brought many more responsibilities.
“But you are always welcome.” I stood, smiling at my close friend.
“Thank you.” He grasped my outstretched hand and gave it a light squeeze.
I appreciated that he didn’t try to hug me. I was working toward accepting more physical contact from Lycans, and males in particular, but today I didn’t wish to be touched. “Did he send you?” I returned to my seat and motioned for him to sit.
His chuckle told me much. “What? Can’t I drop by and check-in?”
“Of course.” I rolled my eyes so that he knew that I wasn’t buying it. “I have another scheduled for tea, but you are welcome to stay.” As if he didn’t know this. Since I was claimed by The Novus Pack, my life was supervised by Raider Black, the leader.
“Thank you.”
My therapist had suggested that I attempt to take on more duties with the intention that I would interact with Lycans. She had my trust, so that’s what I was doing. We had made great strides working together. My mental health was better, and I was physically much stronger. Bayla Josephs was a firm believer in doing, instead of resting and waiting for time to heal.
I’d accepted that this was my life, not that I’d been given a choice. I carried The Lady’s Mark and was a Seer. Although my psychic gifts had faded as my mental health eroded, there were signs that they were returning. This was a relief to me, and although he hid it well, to my lover, Black.
It didn’t take a savvy political analyst to see that Black had risked much, was still risking much, by reaffirming his declaration that I was his Intended Mate. I could do no less than fight to improve every day. I met with various Board Members, community leaders, and friends as I tried to regain my footing within the community.
Charles Burke had much to answer for as he hid away with the Redd Pack, avoiding apprehension. The assault had left me broken in mind and body. The shattered bones and bruises had healed, but the scars were still tender. I had always known I was the weakest in the room, but I had felt that the Goddess and my friends would protect me. Now, I trusted only a few—correction we trusted very few.
There were rumblings within the pack that Black was unfit to lead, that I had weakened his standing and Novus’s status. My goal was to make up for this and to be a stellar mate, one who complemented Black. I could never physically outdo a Lycan, but I had my own kind of strength. I was a good student, and I knew my weaknesses but also my assets. Today was my first step toward that goal. I would not allow us to be toyed with, and I wanted that made clear.
I fought the urge to let a nervous bark of laughter escape. I needed to focus, and Conal’s unexpected arrival could not derail my plan. Five nights ago, I’d stood in our backyard, alone, and called to The Lady. It had been over a year since I’d been transported to her Plane. I’d insisted on being allowed to stand under the full moon alone while Black watched from the open patio doors. Common sense dictated that it was ridiculous and dangerous to be angry with the Goddess. However, I was frustrated and had been for many months. She had abandoned me during my attack. I’d begged for her intervention numerous times as Charles Burke had raped me, and She’d done nothing. As I battled the ghosts that still haunted my dreams and caused me to cringe when my friends were near, She could have sent me strength or healed me, but instead She offered no assistance, as if I was a forgotten toy tossed away in the corner.
The Lady did not respond to my call. In the past, I would have returned to the house, but I’d had enough. I railed at the Goddess, screaming angry words in a combination of frustration, pain, suffering, and outrage. I shook my fists at the sky, eventually falling to my knees and pounding the soft grass. When I’d exhausted myself, I lay on my back and stared at the moon. I felt lighter, as if by saying those things to her proxy, the bright circle in the sky, a weight had been lifted, and emotional space cleared.
Since that night, I’d noticed that I felt stronger. My psychic gift was making itself known in small ways. No more visions that left me seizing and vomiting until my stomach emptied. There were flashes of insight, and I was beginning to register the feelings of those around me. I’d experienced a few visions, but they were more like short snippets, and they did not physically weaken me. I’d also become more aware of the Lycans’ ability to trick with words. My grandmother would have referred to it as “slick talk.” Misdirection and vagueness when asked a question had been elevated to an art form by these wolves. Before, it had frustrated and befuddled me, but now, it was as if I sensed the attempts, and I could prepare and sometimes, circumvent.
That is why I chose to have this meeting with Sophia Richards today. I needed the good doctor to hear a few truths from my lips and, if necessary, be taught a lesson. I would not be undervalued or ignored.
Of course, this tea was scheduled with Black’s knowledge. He had shared that during my absence, his old lover had made herself available to him. This was known to several pack members. Sophia had not been shy in her pursuit. Today, I would address her behavior. I’d learned that what couldn’t be defended was taken in this world of predators.
Sophia’s repeated offers had broken the “girl code” in my book. If she wasn’t familiar with the concept, then she would be by the time her tea cooled. Dr. Richards had much to answer for. At my urging, Black had invited her onto Novus land to help treat my mental illness. She had taken our offer of hospitality too far in my absence. That would be addressed directly. The addition of Conal might add a wrinkle to my plan, but what was another executioner when Issa and Lore would be in attendance? If she made one move toward me, she would be dead by their hand or, perhaps, mine.
A light knock sounded on the door, and Lore entered the room. “My Lady, Dr. Richards has arrived.” He then stepped back to allow the blonde to enter. The ass knew I found it amusing when he put on a show.
Conal and I stood as the woman corrected my primary personal guard, “Sophia, please.”
“Welcome, Sophia.” I pointed casually to the sofa’s empty space beside Conal. “Please make yourself comfortable.”
She studied me briefly as she made her way to the seat. “You are looking much better than when I left you.”
“My time in Ohio was well spent. Thank you for arranging for Bayla to work with me.” I gave Issa a small nod to notify the staff that we were ready to be served. I wanted to get through the social niceties as quickly as possible.
Her eyebrows rose. “You became close? You are using her first name.”
That was an odd question from a medical professional. “No.”
She gave a one-shouldered shrug. “It’s of no real importance.”
Leaning forward a little, I asked, “I’m curious, Sophia, why didn’t you tell us that she was Other?”
Sophia’s eyes widened, and I felt her unease. She recovered quickly and gave a fake-sounding laugh. “I see that you caught on to our little joke.”
