by Aline Hunter
“I spared your life and this is how you repay me?” he snarled, fangs shining and lips drawn back. His blond hair mixed with Sadie’s, one shade slightly lighter than the other. “No more. It’s time you were introduced to humility.”
They vanished, evaporating before the pack.
Trey forced his weight back, coming to a stop. He used his nose, trying to find Sadie’s scent. Alarm sent the wolf into a mad frenzy. He tried to keep it back, flexing his muscles. The animal didn’t want to listen, ripping at his insides.
He heard Diskant snarl and glanced up.
Aldon stood across the field with Sadie in his grasp.
Trey’s chest tightened, a phantom hand squeezing his heart. He watched—horrified—as Aldon threw his mate from him and Sadie soared through the air. She was headed toward the barn, her body moving too fast to catch. The momentum would kill a person. He wasn’t sure that she’d survive the impact. Only a few feet from the barn, she disappeared.
“Sadie!” he screamed, fisting his hands. His claws pierced his skin, causing blood to flow. He’d never run faster, going for the barn. Praying he’d find her. “Sadie!”
Then she was there, standing directly in front of him.
He almost sagged, thankful she was still alive.
Until he saw the deep, jagged wounds running from her neck to her stomach.
Blood covered her shirt, seeping down her torso. It looked like four claws had been pierced her skin and torn the flesh all the way to her bones. She tried to lift her arms, her eyes dulled by pain. Her legs buckled and she fell, sinking to her knees. She tried to talk, lips moving though she made no sound. Bringing a hand to her chest, she tried to stem the bleeding.
Oh God. No.
He made it to her, catching her before she landed on her face.
“Is he gone?” a pack member questioned, followed by someone else asking, “What was that?” Another voice chimed in, “Why would a vampire attack one of its own?”
Confusion turned into concern.
“What’s wrong with her?” someone yelled. “Is she all right?”
Irony. How he hated it.
They’d wanted to toss her aside, leave her on her ass and forget all about her. Yet she’d tried to protect them anyway, putting herself between them and danger.
His inhale was ragged, his fingers trembling.
If she hadn’t have gotten Aldon away from Ava the pack would have lost Diskant. The Omega wouldn’t continue living without the tiny woman. He’d rather die. Where would that leave them?
Alone and searching for a place to call home.
“Back off,” Zach ordered coolly. “Give them space.”
The Beta’s influence spread over the pack, reaching out to their beasts. He wasn’t as powerful as Nathan but he had definite potential. Even Trey felt the power of Zach’s wolf, the way it stretched itself to soothe the turmoil of the pack. It gave them a center of gravity, replacing chaos with order.
What had started as loathing had somehow turned to worry.
The pack’s anxiety slammed into Trey and he experienced their regret. Although they weren’t sure about Sadie they’d seen what she’d done. They created a circle around the fallen woman and their Alpha, forming a protective barrier around them. Trey wanted to be angry, to tell them all to go to hell. But he didn’t. He had to take care of Sadie. She needed blood and she needed it now.
“What did he do?” Ava shouldered her way through the wolves, Diskant on her heels. She was ruffled—her blonde hair messy and her face splotched with dirt—but unhurt. “How bad is it?”
“It’s not good.” His voice shook but he didn’t give a shit about that. Trey tried to be careful when he hoisted Sadie into his arms. “I need to get her inside.”
“All of you,” Diskant said, his tone dark, “stay out here and keep watch. If you want to leave now’s your chance. But if you chose to split don’t bother coming back. I’ll escort you out of my city if you ever show your face here again.”
Trey marched to the house, trying not to jostle the woman in his embrace. She’d lost so much blood. He felt it coating his arms, staining his skin. He didn’t want to look down and see the damage but he had to look at her face. She was so pale, her skin an eerie white. Her eyes were open but he could tell she was close to losing consciousness.
“Don’t give up on me.”
“I won’t.” Even her voice—whispering through his thoughts—was weak. Then, with a pain that sliced through him, she thought, “I’m sorry.”
Son of a bitch. He wanted to kill something. To destroy the first thing he saw.
After everything she’d done, she thought she’d failed.
“I’ve got you, darlin’,” he whispered, eyes burning as his vision blurred. “I’m never letting you go. Fuck them all.”
“I do love you.” Her fingers drifted to his forearm, weak and uncoordinated. “I have for a long time.”
Forcing back panic, he increased the pace.
She wouldn’t have made that confession if she wasn’t afraid. With her injuries he didn’t blame her. She was surrounded by people who’d turned their backs on her. She had no way of knowing if they’d keep her safe or toss her out.
Her head lolled back and she went limp.
At the very least she wasn’t feeling any pain. Once he got her inside he’d pry her mouth open and force his blood down her throat if he had to. His number one priority was getting her well. Then all bets were off. Once he’d healed her properly he was finished.
He’d thought the pack was more important than her.
He’d believed he couldn’t live in a world without them.
He’d been wrong.
Chapter Sixteen
“Stay and find out what’s going on. Use my private number for updates. Keep me informed.”
“Yes sir.”
Kinsley MacGregor returned the phone to the cradle and rested back in his chair. His spies had seen Aldon attack and wanted to put him on alert. Kinsley wasn’t surprised. In fact he’d suspected it would happen. Often he had premonitions about what was to come. A nifty gift when one dealt with creatures and insane humans who wanted to kill him.
He rocked back and forth, trying to compartmentalize his thoughts.
The timing was bad but the pack didn’t have to have him in New York.
He knew Sadie was good for the wolves.
His gut told him the pack shifters wouldn’t welcome a vampire with open arms but something would transpire that would make them see the light. Apparently Sadie had placed herself in harm’s way to save Ava. Very smart. None of the wolves could turn their backs on anyone who’d protected the Omega’s mate, especially with the female being pregnant.
She’ll carve her niche. That’s one problem solved.
As for the other woman—the vampire named Leigh.
He had a strange feeling about that one but he couldn’t put his finger on what nagged him. Something was going to happen and it wasn’t entirely good. Yet he couldn’t pinpoint why he had the feeling something was going to go wrong, nor could he get any kind of mental impulse that forewarned of what might transpire.
Was it Aldon?
He let the question sink in, mulling it over.
No. It wasn’t Aldon. There was a threat but it came from somewhere else.
Aldon was a danger to be sure but what was going to take place didn’t involve him. Not yet. The scenario was one Kinsley couldn’t see. Knowledge existed but remained out of reach.
Perhaps it had to do with some form of magic.
He’d always had issues sensing future events when that element was involved. Since they were taking Leigh to an enclave Kinsley wasn’t surprised he didn’t have a solid grip on what he was experiencing. Maybe it was even more than that. Perhaps it was Ava’s brother and the amulet everyone seemed so keen to get their hands on.
Better wrap things up. You’re out of time.
He felt the presence of his butler before the man had a chanc
e to enter the room. Going still, he anticipated his guest. This was the one thing he’d waited for. Something he desired beyond measure. But it wasn’t going to come easy.
When it came to matters that involved him, Kinsley’s gift never helped.
He’d never been able to gauge his own future.
He’d never seen what was in store for him.
“Master MacGregor?”
Lifting his head, Kinsley looked at George.
The human had served him faithfully for decades, never asking any questions. It was a relief, really. Everyone always wanted him for something. Over the centuries he’d grown accustomed to it. Whenever things got crazy they asked for his help. He was old, having seen a lot of things. He shared his knowledge and gained favors from shifters all over the world. It had been easy, offering his aid. And why not? He’d gained a fortune and notoriety. Wonderful things considering what he was about to face.
It was his time to take a blind leap of faith, to venture into unknown territory.
“Is everything ready?” he asked, even though he knew it would be.
“Yes sir. They’ve loaded the car. The plane is ready and waiting at the airport.”
His eyes flicked up to George’s and he gave him a curt nod. “Have the car brought around back. I’ll be down shortly.”
Tension knotted the back of Kinsley’s neck as he watched George leave. He rolled his head, trying to loosen the aching muscles. Visiting Diskant had actually been a welcome distraction. He’d needed time away from his home to put a bit of space between him and his…guest.
She’s more than that and you know it.
And there rested the shame of it all.
The first time he’d laid eyes on Persephone Maples he’d known what she was. Like all shifters, he’d felt the animal within shouting its content, telling him he’d finally found the woman meant for him. But she wasn’t what he’d expected when he’d pictured his mate.
It wasn’t that she lacked beauty.
In her mid-twenties, Persephone still retained the youthfulness that radiated from women. Her hair—a long, lush mahogany—was wavy and thick. And her mismatched eyes—one brown and one blue—were utterly captivating. Unfortunately she’d lived a hard life, experiencing more than she should have in her short years. She’d done a good job of hiding it but he’d eventually seen right through her.
He went back in time, recalling their first encounter.
He’d used his charm to seduce women in the past but it hadn’t worked on her. He’d tried thickening his brogue, giving her the look so many women adored. When that didn’t help he’d dressed to impress, wearing clothing he thought she’d appreciate. He ditched the business suits, going for jeans and casual shirts. She’d actually laughed at his attempts, giving him the cold shoulder. She’d even poked fun at his muscular form, asking if he’d heard the story about steroids and the male anatomy. He bore her insults, letting them slide off his back. Frustrated that he didn’t take a hint and kept returning to her place of employment, she’d made fun of his hair, asking if he was giving Fabio a run for his romance cover model glory.
She taunted him.
She refused him.
But he didn’t let her stop him.
He bided his time, returning to the antique store she worked at several days a week. She’d asked the owners to make him stop coming to the store but he was a good customer so they refused. She had been polite but aloof after they’d informed her to get over it, answering his questions but remaining unmoved by his charm. He tried everything he could think of to get her to open up to him, if only a little. When he couldn’t get answers from the source he’d decided to search for them elsewhere.
With his connections it hadn’t taken him long to find out everything about her.
Married at eighteen, she’d had a child—a son—when she turned twenty. She’d moved with her husband from a small town in Alabama. New York had been foreign but exciting. She’d gotten a job at an antique shop, using her years of combing through flea markets to her advantage. Things were going well until destiny had thrown her a cruel curveball. As fate often did, it had taken all of her hopes and dreams away.
Everything she loved. Gone in an instant.
He suffocated his rage, locking it away.
The thought of her with another male infuriated him, as did the fact she’d had a child with someone else. But that anger had died when he learned what had become of her family.
Her husband—a wild and reckless youth with a penchant for heavy drinking—had taken their infant out for a spin to the local supermarket. The moment the moronic human had lost control and veered into the oncoming traffic, slamming headfirst into an eighteen wheeler, he’d snuffed out the one thing Persephone lived for.
The guilt that crept over Kinsley wasn’t new. He’d been dealing with it for a little over a week. He hadn’t liked having to intervene and interfere with his mate’s life but she’d given him no choice. If he’d had his way he’d have given her more time. But she’d forced his hand, her will to live slipping away.
His eyes drifted shut, rage no longer content to remain hidden.
She’d hated it when he prevented her from jumping from the Brooklyn Bridge. She’d lashed out at him, screaming through a river of tears. He’d expected her to be embarrassed. What he hadn’t prepared himself for was her misery at being denied the death she longed for. He knew then that he couldn’t watch her walk away. If she was given another chance to end her life, she’d take it.
He’d waited too long for her. He wasn’t about to let her go.
Over the course of the week he’d tried to talk to her without success. She threw things at him, called him a kidnapper and threatened to turn him over to the police. What she hadn’t realized was each day she’d developed the fire she’d lacked. In hating him she’d found something to look forward to. Her consuming loss had turned into a raging fury. Even if it was in destroying the things he’d acquired over the years—she’d already demolished two of his guest bedrooms—she’d found the spark she’d long forgotten.
He laughed quietly, imagining what she’d do when they reached Caledonia. The private island in the Bahamas was secluded and private. She could run all she wanted but she could never escape. There he could finally set her free. She’d be able to roam and explore the beautiful location. Of course he’d watch over her, keeping her safe. Eventually—he hoped—she’d come to him for some kind of companionship. He’d already instructed the staff to stay away from her unless she engaged them in conversation.
The trip would give her what she needed to heal.
Maybe one day she’d find it in her to forgive him.
Or maybe you’re being a hopeless romantic with happily mated fantasies.
True, he’d thought about what his mate would be like. What male didn’t? He’d assumed she’d be a feline, with lean muscles and curves. A woman who’d meet his passion with a healthy dose of her own lust. He’d never expected that she’d be a human female who was so thin she looked like she’d break with a strong wind. That was the first thing he’d worked on. He’d made sure his cooking staff prepared the finest meals, so he could put weight on her tiny frame. She’d refused to eat for a day or two and then hunger had gotten the better of her.
Thank heavens for that at least.
Knowing he couldn’t delay any longer, he rose from his seat. He dreaded taking the trip to her room, braced for what she’d do next. She hadn’t accepted any of his visits, telling him to get the hell out or let her go. For that reason he’d kept their upcoming trip under wraps. She’d spook if she knew what he was up to. He couldn’t take the risk she’d harm herself.
He retrieved the syringe he’d gotten from the doctor in Diskant’s pack and rolled it between his fingers. Doc had been curious about Kinsley’s request, asking what he needed a sedative for, but he’d given the medication to him without receiving answers to his queries. Thankfully the male knew Kinsley shouldn’t be questioned. The pack
needed him too much. In a pinch, he’d always come through.
This is it. No more waiting.
He loathed the shame he felt. Hated what he had to do.
All you’re going to do is let her rest. She needs it. When she wakes up she’ll be in paradise. You can start anew and let her see the beauty of the world. Give her a reason to greet each day. Take your time and let her rise from the ashes. She’ll be beautiful when it happens. And you’ll get to witness her rebirth.
Sliding the capped needle into his pocket, he silently prowled from the room. Any woman from the pride would have given anything to share a night in his bed. He could only imagine how receptive they would be if he accepted any of them as a mate. They threw themselves at him, fawning over him. Sometimes he welcomed their advances, finding them amusing. After all he was a male with an enormous sex drive.
But that wasn’t going to happen ever again.
He’d found the one meant for him. She’d have to adapt.
Especially when she figured out he wasn’t human.
He knew she had an idea about his nature. Most mortals were nervous around shifters, their natural instincts warning them something was off. Persephone was no different. She watched him warily, as though she knew he could pounce at any moment. Despite his attempts to put her at ease, she remained cautious and unrelenting. Once she discovered he could change into an animal he was certain she’d really give him a run for his money.
She’ll probably bolt from you screaming and try to swim the length of the ocean to get away.
Leaving his office, he crossed the foyer and started climbing the stairs. He was grateful he moved without sound. Persephone freaked out whenever she knew he was coming. Even if he’d not taken her body, he could easily sense her emotions. She’d been rattled for so long fear and hatred practically oozed from her. In a way her animosity was a relief. He’d rather see her angry with him than heartbroken by what she missed with all her heart.
He reached the top of the stairs and walked to the door at the end of the hall. The guards he’d placed there acknowledged him and moved aside. He stood at the entrance to her door, knowing she was on the other side. The hair on his nape rose, the panther slithering under his skin. Being around one’s mate did all kinds of things to a male.