Sanctuary
A Hunted Novel
Bethany Shaw
Published by Bethany Shaw, 2015.
This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.
SANCTUARY
First edition. February 4, 2015.
Copyright © 2015 Bethany Shaw.
Written by Bethany Shaw.
Also by Bethany Shaw
A Hunted Novel
Sanctuary
Werewolf Wars
Forbidden Hope
Out of the Shadows
Into the Unknown
Finding Our Way
Lost and Found
Standalone
The Best Mistake
Watch for more at Bethany Shaw’s site.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Also By Bethany Shaw
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
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Coming June 2015
Also by Bethany Shaw
About the Author
Chapter One
Tess Monroe drew her thin sweater tighter against her as she took in her surroundings. Leaves scuttled across the road, and the street lamps illuminated the sidewalk ahead. The area was completely deserted. But she knew all too well that just because you couldn’t see someone, it didn’t mean they weren’t there. The Hunters, an elite group of humans, still searched for her, and they wouldn’t stop until she was dead. Their purpose was to eradicate all shifters. She wasn’t about to give them the satisfaction of killing her—not without one hell of a fight.
Her side throbbed with each step she took, her injury nowhere close to healed. The deep bullet wound above her hipbone was a painful reminder she’d already been involved in one devastating battle.
Tears pricked her eyes as she recalled the horrific night a few days ago. Shrill screams echoed in her ears. Her clothes still reeked of the inferno that had claimed most of her family. For all she knew every member of her pride—of her family was dead. She was alone. No. Someone made it out. Her sister and her sister’s mate had been ahead of her. Along with her sister-in-law and a few children. Tess had risked her life—been injured in the process—so the group could flee. They were safe. They had to be. And she would find them. Ohio. There was another pride there. She just needed to push on until she reached her destination.
She gritted her teeth determinedly as the wind picked up again. Tess shivered, the cool breeze chilling her to the bone. She continued down the cracked pavement, pulling her backpack tighter before wrapping her arms around herself to block out the icy night air. Hissing, she cursed under her breath as her movements pulled at her injured flesh. She forced deep breaths in through her nose as she fought to see through the white spots in her vision. Stay focused. Keep moving. It was late, and she was tired, hurt, and hungry. Fear spiked up her spine as she contemplated staying in the town for the evening. The longer she took to get to Ohio, the less chances of survival she had. Over the past few days, she’d shifted into her feline form twice, and her side hadn’t healed. There was only one reason a transition wouldn’t heal a shifter. Poison.
Ironically, that was the least of her worries. Hunters had been following her since she’d fled Washington. If she rested, they would find her. They could already be here, poised and ready to strike the second she let her guard down.
She bit her lip as her eyes darted along the abandoned street she walked. Her eyes narrowed, shifting into their feline form, searching for anything out of the ordinary. The surrounding area sharpened and she could see further, clearer than before. Though the area was quiet, she couldn’t suppress the gnawing sensation pitting in her stomach. It wasn’t safe here—it wasn’t safe anywhere. But her basic necessities had to take priority.
She needed to at least tend to the wound on her side—hopefully it wouldn’t get any worse—and after that she needed to eat something. Her belly rumbled loudly in agreement. If her pursuers caught up to her, she would need her strength to continue to evade them. Run. Run. Run. That’s all I ever do.
Hopefully, her pursuers would give her ten minutes to eat a decent meal. It’d be better if she could get a full nights rest. But for now, she wanted to eat. The steady beat of music met her ears, and she followed the sound down the road. A dimly lit light flickered on a board. Gordy’s Bar and Grill. Her stomach twisted with hunger. She’d be happy to eat just about anything. Taking one last cautious look around, she shifted her eyes back to their human form and crossed the street.
Tess stepped inside the building and let the warm air envelop her. Her eyes noted the seated patrons. The restaurant was near empty at this hour. A couple sat in the corner, a group of three at a table and a man sat at the end of the bar. It should be safe to get a meal here—she hoped. The smell of greasy fries and grilled burgers beckoned to her senses, making her taste buds salivate. Burgers and fries, her favorite. Tess slid up onto a barstool and turned sideways so she could keep an eye on her back while waiting for the server.
The bartender was at the other end of the bar, refilling a drink as she spoke with her customer. Tess combed her fingers through her cinnamon hair as she waited, grumbling as her nails got snarled midway through. She disentangled her digits and smoothed out her messy locks as best she could. As she did, her eyes caught sight of herself in a mirror on the back of the bar.
What a mess. Dirt was smudged on her left cheek; her hair looked like it hadn’t been brushed in days—probably because it hadn’t been. The deep gash above her right eye had a dark blue bruise and dried, crusty blood around it. Her tired chartreuse eyes stared back at her and she sighed, glancing away. I look as bad as I feel.
Her gaze drifted back to the waitress. The girl nodded at Tess and headed her way with a wide smile on her face. “Good evening,” she greeted, handing Tess a menu. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“Water,” she croaked out her voice barely audible from its lack of use the past few days. Tess cleared her throat. “Just water please.”
“Sure thing,” the woman smiled as her eyes roamed over Tess. “Are you from around here or passing through?” she asked as she scooped ice into a glass tumbler.
Tess hesitated, unsure if she should say anything, but there was something familiar about the woman that she couldn’t quite place. The girl definitely wasn’t a were animal. Shifters smelled different from humans, and each species had their own distinct scent.
“Is everything okay? Are you okay?” the woman asked, her brows rising up with concern when Tess didn’t answer her question.
Tess blinked, snapping out of her thoughts as the woman slid the water across the counter. “Yeah. It’s just been a long day,” she said, forcing a smile. Jeesh, at least appear like you’re with it. The last thing she needed was the waitress calling the cops because she was worried. I look like I’ve been attacked or in an accident. Yeah because you were.
“Mine too. The night shift barten
der called off, and I got stuck with the dining room and the bar all to my lonesome. At least it’s almost close. Speaking of, you should probably order before Louie shuts down the kitchen,” she advised.
Tess nodded as she stared down at the menu. “Can I get the bacon burger with fries?”
“Sure thing,” the waitress smiled, she moved a few steps over and entered some information into the computer. “You never told me if you were new to town or passing through?” she commented as she tapped her fingers across the screen.
“I’m passing through,” Tess mumbled, casting a glance around the bar. Everyone was still seated, sipping their drinks and eating their food.
“You headed anywhere in particular?” she asked, leaning against the counter.
Tess flicked her gaze to meet the bartenders. The woman was either friendly, conversational, or fishing for information and a threat. Tess scrutinized the girl taking her all the way in. The woman was definitely human. But she couldn’t shake that there was something off about her. Tess’ eyes fell on the white placard on her chest. Eden.
“We get a lot of folks that stop in here on their trip, but not too many that stay.” Eden leaned closer, dropping her voice to a whisper. “The guy on the ends been flirting with me all night and he’s made some suggestive and inappropriate comments. He’s passing through too, and he kind of creeps me out a little,” she admitted quietly.
Tess followed Eden’s gaze to the opposite end of the bar. The man waggled his brows at the waitress as he licked his lips.
“I see what you mean,” Tess commented. Being a werecat, the man wouldn’t give her any problems, she was stronger and faster than she looked—and downright lethal if needed. But she could see why a thin, short girl like Eden would be worried.
“Normally, I call my brother when a creeper is here, but he won’t be back in town until morning,” Eden confided.
Tess nodded in understanding. Her big brothers watched out for her too. Well, they had until a few nights ago. Now, she didn’t even know if they were alive. Her heart clenched painfully in her chest and she bit her lip, willing the tears that pooled in her eyes away. Keep it together Tess. For all you know, they could be alive and searching for you. Have hope.
“Sometimes, he can be overprotective, but that’s what big brothers do, right?” Eden laughed.
Tess forced a smile and looked down at the counter. Keep yourself composed. Eden’s making polite conversation and your family could be fine. No need to get all worked up. You’ll only draw attention to yourself that way. She didn’t want to get into a deep conversation with a woman she barely knew, but there was no reason why she couldn’t be friendly. It’d be nice to talk to someone. Maybe for a few short minutes she could feel human again. “Yeah. I think it’s in The Big Brother Handbook.”
Eden chuckled. “I think my brother, Nate, wrote the manual. He’s overprotective, but his friend Xander is even worse.” Eden bit her lip and sighed as she sagged against the counter.
Tess sipped her water, noticing the sudden change in Eden’s demeanor.
“Xander...” Eden started and trailed off.
“Are you two together?” Tess asked curiously.
“No,” she answered quickly as her face reddened.
“My brothers would murder their friends if they ever showed any interest in me,” Tess whispered.
“Yeah. There’s the don’t date your friend’s little sister code too,” Eden shrugged.
Tess opened her mouth but a loud bing caused the waitress to turn and hurry to the counter. She walked back with a steaming plate in her hand. “Here you go. I’m sure you’re hungry. I’ll let you be so you can enjoy your dinner. Holler if you need anything,” Eden smiled as she slid the plate in front of Tess.
Tess nodded as she picked up the thick burger. She sunk her teeth into the juicy meat and suppressed a groan as she savored the taste. Her stomach gurgled loudly in appreciation. She had food, now she just needed to find a place to tend to her wounds and she would be good—at least for the moment.
***
Nate dug his cell phone out of his pocket, instantly recognizing Eden’s melodic ringtone. He swiped his finger over the phone and pressed it to his ear. “Everything okay?” he greeted, clasping the phone tightly. Eden only called while he was away when there was a problem.
“I’m not sure,” she stated.
“Eden?” he inquired, motioning for his friend Xander to meet him at the car.
“There’s a female shifter here. I think she’s hurt,” Eden blurted.
“Is there anyone else there? Hunters?” Nate asked, running a hand through his hair. If the girl had been followed, Eden could be in danger if she tried to help. Damn it, he wished the pack would protect her. But Eden wasn’t one of them.
“No not that I can tell,” Eden replied.
He let out a long breath. “Keep your eyes open, Eden. They’ve likely been following her.”
“What should I do? We can’t just let her leave, Nate. She’s hurt—she’s one of us—one of you,” Eden protested.
“You are certain she is by herself?” he asked curiously. Most shifters preferred to be in a pack. Maybe she was a bear. Bears craved solitude.
“I’m sure. I don’t sense any other shifter’s in the bar, and she came in by herself,” Eden sighed.
“Hunters could be right behind her,” Nate growled. He opened the car door, but instead of climbing in he turned, taking in the burnt village behind him. Hunters had been here too. Their enemy’s numbers were growing and they, the prey, were quickly being extinguished. Eden would be no match against a hunter. If they sensed her werewolf heritage they would slaughter her even if she didn’t have the power to shift. “Keep an eye on where she goes, but keep your distance. Hunters are everywhere, Eden, I don’t want you in the crossfire.”
“You’re still coming back tomorrow, right?” Eden asked quietly.
“Yes. But don’t do something crazy. She could turn on you too if she feels threatened. Stay out of it, Eden,” he warned. Eden had developed a false sense of security around shifters. She’d never seen how lethal they could be.
“Just get home safe,” she countered. “I’ll see you when you get here.”
“Eden—”
“I have to go,” she cut him off. “Be safe.”
The line went dead. He cursed under his breath as he punched the side of the car. Pain rippled through his palm and up his wrist. He stared down at his bloody knuckles. Shaking his hand out, he grunted as he transitioned his hand. The bones elongated as they broke and took the shape of a wolf’s paw. He curled his clawed hand in and out a few times, working the muscles before triggering the shift back. His sister was far too reckless sometimes. If Eden weren’t careful, she would get herself hurt—or worse.
“What’s going on?” Xander asked as he approached.
“There’s a shifter at Gordy’s,” he explained. “I think Eden’s going to put herself in danger.”
Xander growled low in his throat. “I’ll tell the guys we’re heading out. They can finish the clean up without us.”
Nate nodded as Xander turned quickly on his heel and headed back to inform the pack of their plans. Nate scrubbed a tired hand over his face. Eden was going to help the female shifter, he was certain of it. His sister was one of the most compassionate people he knew. He hoped it wouldn’t get her hurt.
His mind drifted to the lone shifter. What was she doing out alone? Female shifters were never out by themselves. His pack coveted females, ensuring their safety at all costs. What had happened to her protectors?
***
Tess threaded her fingers through her snarled locks as she stared into the rectangular mirror. The music from the bar hummed under the bathroom door. Eden had warned her that the bar would be closing in fifteen minutes. Tess was beat with nowhere to stay. The waitress had mentioned there was a bed and breakfast in town, but that it was probably full since it was a Friday night. It was probably safer to keep movin
g anyway. She’d get herself freshened up and be on her way.
Once she’d gotten her hair semi-decent, she tugged a few paper towels free from the black machine on the wall. She turned on the faucet and wet the brown towel before carefully dabbing at her dirty face. Slowly but surely, the dirt and crusted blood wiped free from her forehead. Yikes. I am disgusting. It’s a wonder no one did call the cops. I look like a victim from a horror movie. Satisfied, that the only marks on her face were cuts and bruises, she disposed of the paper towel.
Next, she slowly lifted her shirt and carefully removed the bandages she’d applied the night before. She grimaced as she saw the swollen, angry red flesh. The wound was getting worse not better. Maybe there were still bullet fragments imbedded in her side along with the poison. She’d never removed a bullet before and had worked on herself hurriedly. She needed a doctor, but that wasn’t an option. Her DNA was different from humans—not to mention, they would have questions about her injuries. Questions she couldn’t answer without opening another can of worms.
She opened her backpack and pulled out her bottle of peroxide, carefully pouring a decent amount on a towel before applying it to her side. Tess hissed as the antiseptic burned through the infected skin. Holy crap that hurts! She bit her lip as she removed the towel and looked down at her bubbling skin. At least it was killing the bad germs—she hoped. As bad as it hurt, it’d better be helping.
After she finished cleaning the wound, she removed a large bandage and carefully applied it over her injury. That would have to do for now. She gasped and fell forward, gripping the counter as a sharp pain shot through her belly and down her leg. It’d be nice if her body got used to the discomfort and muted the pain. The stabbing sensation ended after an agonizing moment. She released the sink and sucked in a deep breath, trying to control her ragged breathing. After a long moment, she closed her eyes and began to move again.
Gingerly, she rolled her filthy shirt back down. She needed new clothes. No one had said anything about her grungy appearance, but people had definitely stared. She only had the little bit of stuff she’d grabbed in her hasty escape—and it wasn’t much. Biting her lip, she dug out the pouch that held her money and counted the few bills that remained. Twenty-eight dollars. Yeah, that would get her far. Food and medical supplies were more important. Perhaps she could find a Goodwill or another second hand store. Until then, her beat up, tattered clothes would have to do. Tess gave herself a final once over before walking back out into the bar. Eden looked up from where she wiped down the counter and gave Tess a wave before returning to her task.
Sanctuary (A Hunted Novel Book 1) Page 1