Without a word, he placed his mate down on the sofa. He dropped a gentle kiss onto her lips while stroking her stomach with love and tenderness. Then he headed out of the door. Sven and two other Supernats were to keep watch over the women. He prayed to Mother Nature, and any other deity listening, that his mate and children would survive.
* * *
Drake was still seething when one of the scientists burst through his door. “There had better be a good reason for this intrusion.”
Alarms proceeded to go off throughout the complex. The scientist’s eyes were wide, a wild expression in them, and he was breathing hard.
“What the fuck has happened?” Drake screeched.
“There has been a serious breach. The shifters and others have launched a rescue attempt. We’ve lost many soldiers.”
Drake shot up from his chair. “Where’s my father?”
“In his apartment. Even the serum he’d been taking, and the dark powers, couldn’t help him. He’s dead. Mila killed him.”
“What serum? What fucking dark powers? What do you mean he’s dead?”
Drake waited impatiently for him to respond.
“We’ve perfected a serum to give humans supernatural powers. He’s been taking it for months. Sorry I… I thought you knew about this. Your father also made a pact with dark witches and demons to enhance his power. He’s barely human.”
Drake went cold. His stomach rolled with anger. For all those years his bastard father had been lying to him. Telling him they were nowhere close to creating a drug. Using witches and dark power too. And Mila had killed him. What the hell? So many questions but, he needed to sort out this clusterfuck.
“If they’re not already doing it, get the guards and scientists to evacuate through the emergency exit. Trash the computer systems and get as much of our tech out of here as we possibly can, including the fucking serum you’ve told me about! We’ll head for the other facility.”
“All in hand, sir. What about the prisoners in the holding cells?”
“Kill them all. Leave no one alive.”
The scientist strode out of the room with Drake hot on his heels. He headed for the main lab. The noise of the alarm ripped through his head. His thoughts and emotions crowded in around him.
“Guy!” he screeched at the head scientist who was hastily collecting vials from one of the refrigerators. “My father is dead. I want you to give me the serum he’s been taking for months.”
“But, sir…”
“No fucking buts. I’m in charge and I’ve given you an order. Do as I say, or I’ll kill you. Now, for Christ’s sake!”
Guy looked as though he was troubled, but one glance at Drake’s angry expression and he decided against retaliation. He filled a hypodermic with a bright yellow liquid.
“Roll up your sleeve.” Guy faltered for a moment.
“Why are you hesitating?” he growled.
“Because once you have this in your system, there’s no telling what will happen to your body. Wouldn’t it be better to get away from here first?”
“Give me the damn needle, I’ll do it my fucking self!” Drake snatched it from his hand and inserted it into his own flesh.
Instantly, his body burned, and the room began to spin. Guy grabbed his arm.
“Let’s head to one of the helicopters on standby. We need to get to safety, especially as we don’t know how this serum will react with your body.”
What others, apart from a trusted few, didn’t know was that Scott Tech had another facility in Spain. Drake’s legs started to give way.
“Guard, get Drake to the helicopter now and restrain him. We don’t know what this drug will do to him. The stupid prick took it without having tests done on himself first. This could be a major bloody disaster!”
Drake wanted to argue but was too far gone and weak. By the time he was restrained in the helicopter, they were already leaving the facility.
* * *
The Supernats were chasing down what personnel and ‘experiments’ they could. Most had been killed in the battle. Several had managed to escape in helicopters. Elias was tempted to bring them down, but this would cause way too much attention out in the human world.
Several humans and shifters in cages were rescued before any of the soldiers could kill them. The wounds of their physical torture would heal. As for the psychological damage… that would be a much harder road for the victims to travel.
“Rhys,” he called out. “Is there a Rhys here?”
“Yeah, that would be me.”
A young man strode towards him. Short black hair and piercing dark-blue eyes like his sister.
“I’m Elias.” He held his hand out to Rhys.
“Mila’s mate. Good to meet you. Is she okay? Have you seen my sister?”
He noted the heavy sigh coming from Elias.
“What’s wrong?”
“Solange is fine. And she’s powerful, Rhys. Her powers…”
“Wait… what? What powers? We’re human.”
“Rhys, your hands!” Elias shouted.
Blue light, just like Solange’s power, dripped from his fingers.
“Oh, fuck. What the hell’s happening to me?”
“Rhys, breathe. You need to remain calm.”
Solange had arrived, along with Sven. He watched on whilst Solange and Sven helped him to rein in his power. When he’d calmed, Elias approached them. He held Solange by the arm.
“Mila?”
A relieved smile crossed her race. “She’s fine and the babies are safe. She’s asking for you.”
“Go,” called Mason from the other end of the room. “We can clean up here. Most of the captives are in vehicles heading for our communities.”
He didn’t need to be told twice. He wanted to feel Mila’s warm body in his arms.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Mila felt as if she was floating on a bed of feathers. The ache in her ankle had disappeared and she felt relaxed and at peace.
“Come back to us, Mila. The danger has passed, and you are free from poison and dark magic.”
Was that Luna’s voice she could hear?
“Open your eyes for me, honey.”
Elias’s words soothed her like no other. The gentle caress he always sent inside her mind was more effective than any amount of magic or medicine could ever be. Mila slowly opened her eyes. Her mate was gazing down at her, along with Solange, Luna, and Petra.
“What’s happening?” she asked. “Has Drake been captured? Solange, your brother?”
“Can you give us some space, ladies, please?” Elias asked.
He assisted her in to a sitting position. One arm snaked around her shoulder, whilst the other splayed possessively over her stomach. Mila put one hand over his and cupped his cheek with her free hand. Her lips claimed his, desperate to experience the reality of his kiss, needing to wash away the disgusting taint of Luther’s touch on her mouth.
“God, Mila, I never want to feel that afraid ever again. I was terrified for you. For our babies. Did Drake or Luther…”
She placed a finger over his lips. “Drake never touched me. Luther…” she shuddered.
“What did he do to you?”
Mila felt the tremor which ran through his body. “He kissed me. Nothing more. I… I killed him, Elias. I hated him so much, but to take a life.” She sobbed.
“Mila, you killed him because you had little choice in the matter. Remember, our kind can kill if our lives are at risk. You saved Solange, yourself, and our children.”
“I guess you’re right. I had no idea I could use nature inside a building. I thought that only happened in the open air. And as for saving Solange… her powers are awesome. I wonder if Rhys might have abilities.”
“He does. They manifested when I found him a short while ago. They’re Elementals. A very rare gift. Sven has the same ability, so he’ll be able to help them.”
They were silent for a moment. Mila’s emotions consumed her and she wept s
ome more.
“It’s okay, Mila. You’re safe. I’m not letting you out of my sight ever again.”
“Don’t worry,” she mumbled into his shirt. “I won’t leave your side. I am so excited about our babies, Elias. Twins. I’ve never felt so happy, or scared.”
“I cannot even express how thrilled I am. Not even in your mind. This is the most wonderful news. And I’m already planning the design of their cribs.”
They chuckled and then fell silent. The overwhelming need to kiss Elias once more consumed her and she pulled his head down so she could access his mouth. The kiss was deep and passionate.
“Honey, if you carry on kissing me like that, I may have to take you. Right here, right now.”
She giggled and pulled away from him.
“Seriously, guys. We’re in the enemy’s lair and you’re kissing each other’s faces off.”
They laughed at Mat’s words.
“Wild Thing, Mila.”
She glanced up to see Rhys with his sister. Wriggling free from Elias, she headed over to them and hugged them both.
“Hey, Danger Man. Welcome to the Supernat world.”
“Elias, everyone has been rescued. We’re all set to…” Evan’s words faltered when his eyes landed on Solange.
The expression of possession and wonder filled his eyes. Solange gasped. Rhys raised his eyebrows in question at Mila. She inclined her head slightly to acknowledge that this was Solange’s mate.
Elias coughed. “Yeah, we’re about ready to go too.”
Petra and Luna walked back inside the room. Luna eyed Rhys with more than a little interest. He returned her expression with one of his own.
“What the hell’s happening here? Is this turning into a Supernat dating agency?” Mila teased in Elias’s mind.
He chuckled back. “Looks like it. Let’s watch this space.”
“Hmm, wonder why my visions didn’t pick up on this one,” she mused, more to herself than to Elias.
* * *
Elias took Mila’s hand and they headed out of the room. An acrid smell of smoke and sulphur emanated from behind them. They turned together. Elias let out a roar of anger and warning. Mila shrieked. A cloud of black smoke reached out towards them like gnarled fingers.
“Petra, we need your help!” Elias roared.
Petra ran in with Luna hot on her heels.
“Luna, we need to invoke the demon banishing spell. Now.” Petra’s voice was calm, although laced with urgency.
“What is that?” Mila asked Elias, whilst holding on tight to him.
“Luther hasn’t only been messing around with nature. He’s been consorting with demons and black witches. This isn’t good.”
Petra and Luna proceeded to chant. Soft voices, initially, which became louder as the black stinking cloud which was once Luther wailed and screeched with unrestrained rage. Mila pressed closer to him, her body trembling. Elias rubbed her back with reassuring caresses. Both appeared to be mesmerised by the scene before them, unable to move.
The wailing grew louder, along with the melodic voices of mother and daughter. A wind whipped around them making the stench of flesh and black magic stronger. White light shot from the fingers of both women and directed at the centre of the black mass. The apparition shrank inch by inch until nothing was left, although the loud screeching went on for a few seconds more. Petra and Luna sank to the ground.
Elias rushed to them and administered his healing powers to them until they recovered. Luther’s form had been obliterated.
“Has he gone?” Mila asked in a small voice.
“From this place, yes. Although, his spirit has gone to the demon world. I fear this isn’t the last we’ve seen of him.” Petra shook her head with sadness.
“What does that mean, Petra?” Elias’s heart chilled at the thought he might reappear at any given time.
Mila and Elias helped the women to a seat.
Petra held her daughter’s hand and faced Elias and Mila. “Our powers are strong, though not strong enough to defeat a demon without the presence of more white magic.”
Silence grew between the four of them. The sounds of battle from outside the room had diminished and he sensed Evan and Mason hovering outside.
“Luther summoned a demon to give him power. That demon has a claim over his blackened soul. He’s now a vessel the demon can use to access our world. We sent him back, but Luther…” Petra paused wiping a hand wearily over her face.
“But what?” Mila prompted.
“Luther will return to finish his work, and next time he comes back… he will be stronger. Invincible almost. We will all need to be ever watchful from now on.” Petra let out a small breath.
“Can your coven defeat him?” Mila’s voice was small.
Luna responded. “It will take the combined might of white witches and Supernat communities to banish such a powerful force.”
Elias swore softly. They were interrupted by Josh running into the room.
“Drake has got away. He was strapped into a helicopter. I… I think he’s taken something. He was growling and roaring like a wild animal.” Josh’s eyes were wide.
“Fucking hell. What else is going to be thrown at us? Sorry, ladies,” Elias apologised.
Mila clutched his hand and squeezed it with reassurance. He glanced at her; her expression of love stilled his anger and fear.
“It’s okay,” she whispered to him. “We’re strong enough to survive all of this.”
He dropped a kiss onto her forehead. “Yeah, honey. You’re right.”
Elias turned towards Josh and then to Evan and Mason. “What’s the situation out there?”
“All Luther’s men and monsters still inside the facility are dead. The ones that got away are in helicopters. I’ve sent Liam to follow. Morgan’s gone with him.”
Elias nodded his approval. Like Morgan, Liam was an eagle shifter who came from Mason’s community.
“We need to destroy this place,” Elias muttered.
“That’s an easy fix.” Sven had returned to the room. “Including myself, we can use Solange and Rhys’s power to destroy this place. It’ll look like an earthquake.”
“Awesome. Quakes do happen in this area. We’ll leave you to do your thing. When you’re finished, everyone needs to head back to my community. There are a lot of Supernats who will need support after all of this.”
Elias rubbed a hand wearily across his forehead. It would take a long time to regroup.
“Elias,” Josh called out. “Can I have a moment with Mila, please?”
He understood the young shifter still felt remorse over what had happened to his mate. “Let’s get outside this shithole first, Josh.”
* * *
Mila watched Josh whilst he paced up and down in front of her. His guilt was almost a physical entity. She tugged him by his arm to prevent his pacing.
“Josh…”
He put up his hand to silence her. “Please, Mila, let me say what I need to. Yes, I know you made the right call. But it still doesn’t make me feel any better. I… I am so sorry.”
Mila put her arms around his neck and pulled him close for a hug. Over his shoulder she could see Elias watching. There was no growl of possession from him, although she could sense his unease about his mate holding another male so close. She pulled away and fixed her eyes with Josh’s.
“There is no reason for you to feel guilty. You know that Elias, me, and the other Supernats realise you did what had to be done? Are Norman and the kids okay?”
“Yeah. The children were a little upset that their trip was cut short. Norman promised they can come back and have an overnight camp.”
Mila smiled. “Fab idea. We can ensure some of the Supernats watch over them during the night too.” She turned thoughtful. “Mind you, I don’t think we’ll see Luther or Drake around here for some time.”
“Let’s hope so. Will they set up a new facility, do you think?”
“Probably. It wouldn’t s
urprise me if that’s already in place, especially with the helicopters taking them away. Let’s hope Morgan and Liam can get a fix on their new location.”
Elias headed towards them. Mila placed a gentle kiss on Josh’s cheek. “You’re an amazing guy. I cannot wait for you to find your mate.”
“I don’t think that’s going to happen. Who would have me?” he joked.
Mila hid her knowledge about Manuela. This wasn’t the time or place for him to discover her.
“Time to get going.”
Mila noted the possession in Elias’s expression and her body warmed at the thought of being in his arms. She yawned as tiredness overcame her. Her mate took her hand and led her to a waiting truck.
* * *
Mila had fallen asleep in Elias’s arms and he took this opportunity to hold her against him. Josh sat in the front with Mat discussing what had happened. When they pulled up to where they hid their vehicles, he stroked Mila’s hair away from her face. She murmured her contentment and opened her eyes.
“Where are we?” she asked.
“Where we hide our vehicles. Do you feel up to shifting to get home quicker?”
“Yes, but is it okay to shift while I’m pregnant?”
Elias’s heart warmed at her concern over their unborn children and the way her hand went automatically to her belly. He placed his hand on top of hers.
“Perfectly safe. I already checked with Tia.”
They allowed Mat and Josh to see to the vehicle and went deeper inside the forest, so they could strip and shift. Mat would conceal their clothes within the vehicle after their departure. The sensation of freedom rippled through him as they galloped towards their home. When they reached their garden and shifted back to human form, Elias took in the sight of his beautiful mate.
“I cannot wait to see your tummy swell as our children grow.”
Mila blushed prettily, stroked her stomach, and a sweet smile curved her lips. Then she yawned. He wanted to make love to her, but she was tired.
Wild Desire (The Protectors Book 1) Page 19