He watched while the last horse entered the starting gate. The thumps and trumpets of displeasure coming from the hell-horses were clearly discernable.
Ry reached over to take Camryn’s hand. He thought she might reject his touch because she’d avoided him during the last two days even though the attraction burned between them stronger than ever. She didn’t. She squeezed his hand and moved closer. The feline purred with pleasure.
“I’m not going to like this, am I?” Camryn didn’t take her eyes off the track.
“I don’t think it’s gonna be pretty,” he said, striving for honesty.
“I don’t want Gabby to run.”
“I know.” Ry smoothed his fingers across the back of her hand.
“I’d like to read the rules again. Maybe there’s some way we can get creative with the interpretation.”
“Not too creative or we’ll be disqualified,” Ry said.
“And they’re off!” the announcer screeched to the crowd’s roar.
The hell-horses sprang from the starter’s gates but instead of racing to the finish line, the creatures circled each other, searching for openings to attack.
“Oh heck,” Camryn said faintly. “This isn’t a race, it’s carnage.
A loud explosion from behind the starter’s gate startled the hell-horses into action. They leapt forward, continuing to snap and snarl at each other. Camryn’s hand tightened on his, her fingernails digging into his flesh. Her gaze remained glued to the battle in the arena.
“Looks like Sprightly Teddy is down,” the announcer cried. “At the moment it’s Hell Frozen Over in the lead. The record race is twenty-five mins but the pace is off for this one. Looks as if the time will be a slow one. No doubt the creatures were rattled by the early break by Lucky Henry.”
“I’m not subjecting Gabby to this.” Camryn faced him with defiance. “No way. This is a blood fest.”
“Ry,” Jannike whispered, leaning past Mogens to peer at him. “Check out the VIP boxes down by the finish post. Talor’s arrived.”
Ry took his attention off the race to study his brother. His group contained all men apart from Meghan. He still didn’t understand why they hadn’t married.
“I don’t think I want to eat my pie,” Camryn said.
“I’ll have it,” Jannike said. Camryn handed it over.
“Looks like Fiery Heat is out,” the announcer called.
From behind them came a large groan and secs later, white betting slips sprinkled over their heads like soft rain.
“Ice Cold has made a break but Little Devil is chasing hard,” the announcer called.
“Go, Little Devil. Run, Little Devil, run,” a man two seats away called.
“I can’t watch,” Camryn said, hiding her face against his chest.
Ry didn’t inform her he intended to go ahead no matter her feelings on the subject. There was too much at stake. He stared at the VIP boxes. Talor held responsibility for two murders. His brother would pay but first he wanted to know why.
“Just look at Little Devil! He’s cleaning up. This hell-horse is monstering his way through the rest of the field.”
“Go, Little Devil,” the crowd chanted. “Attack, Little Devil. Teeth, teeth, teeth!”
“How long until they finish?” Camryn’s face still pressed against his chest.
“They’re only halfway through. Maybe another ten or fifteen mins,” Ry said.
“It’s barbarous.”
The crowd didn’t agree. Men shrieked, waving their hands in the air and stomping their feet in encouragement. Ry could see why the two women had attracted so much attention. Although he’d noticed a few females in the VIP boxes, the main crowd consisted of men.
Ry turned his attention to the racetrack. Another horse went down and three others converged on it, ripping huge chunks of flesh from its body. The pained and dying shrieks of the downed horse rang through his ears despite the roar of the crowd. Camryn trembled, almost sitting on him rather than her seat. He pulled her onto his lap and held her tight. He wished he could whisper reassurance but didn’t want to lie to her any more than he had already.
“Ry, promise me we’re not going to put Gabby through this.” Camryn gripped his shirt and shook him. “Tell me.”
Frag it, he’d hoped to avoid this, especially here. “We’ll talk about it later.”
Her face froze before anger blazed. “You’re going to go ahead with the race, even after seeing this…carnage. You would risk Gabby just to win this race.”
“Camryn, there’s more at stake here than you realize.”
“Make me understand,” she whispered, her tone fierce. “Tell me the truth instead of giving me the half-truths you’ve offered all along.”
“If I win, Talor will clear my name, and I’ll be free to come and go from Ibrox. I can visit my sisters and my mother’s grave.” He’d have his family back.
The crowd had grown silent, watching the action on the course.
“And there goes Little Devil with a fast spurt down the rails. Giving chase is Lucifer’s Folly. Only four horses left in this race. A slow time today,” the announcer screeched. “Brimstone is chasing hard and following in the rear is Satan. Satan is launching a surprise attack. Yes! Brimstone is down. Little Devil is returning to fight off Satan. Looks like Satan is going to surprise everyone. He’s attacking Little Devil.”
The crowd burst into loud roars, palpable excitement rippling through the arena. The noise made conversation impossible. Camryn pressed closer despite her anger.
Ry’s gaze slid from the brutality taking place on the racetrack to the private boxes. His brother sat centerstage, a drink in hand while he watched the action on the track.
The crowd gave a collective groan. “Little Devil is down. Yes, he’s gone down. Wait a minute! The race isn’t over. He’s still fighting. Folks, he’s still fighting. Little Devil is struggling to his feet. Satan is attacking but Lucifer’s Folly is fighting him off. Little Devil is back on his feet. He’s racing away. Not far to go to the finish line. It’s still a slow race. Not one for the record books.”
“Aw man! Can’t believe Brimstone is down,” a man shouted from behind them. The crowd roared, alternatively booing and cheering.
Ry watched the three horses join forces to attack Brimstone. The eerie shrieks whipped the crowd into frenzied cheers and catcalls. Camryn trembled in his arms, refusing to look down at the track.
A hell-horse staggered, a deep gash on its shoulder bleeding profusely.
“There goes Lucifer’s Folly. Little Devil is chasing hard. Looks like Lucifer’s Folly is in trouble. Satan is stomping Brimstone and ripping into him with his teeth.”
“Look,” Mogens said. “They’re bringing in convicts to clear the debris off the track.
“The race is almost over. Satan is feeding. He’s forgotten the race. It’s a two-horse race. Little Devil and Lucifer’s Folly. Lucifer’s Folly is weakening. He’s staggering. Yes, he’s in trouble.”
“Go Little Devil,” a man shouted.
“Little Devil! Little Devil!” The crowd picked up the chant.
“Lucifer’s Folly is down. Little Devil is attacking. We have a run from Satan, but he’s left it too late. Little Devil is moving to the finish line. His trainer is roaring encouragement and rattling a feed bucket.”
“Look at Little Devil go! You beauty,” a man screeched. “Go, you good thing. Go!”
“Satan has noticed his handler. He’s scampering after Little Devil. He’s left his run too late. It’s Little Devil by two lengths. Little Devil wins the Ornum Classic by two lengths with Satan a well-run second.”
“Is it over?” Camryn asked. “Can I look now?”
“They’re still cleaning up the track,” Ry murmured, not in a hurry for her to move. He was quite happy with her in his arms.
“Tell me when I can look,” she said.
Ry heard Jannike’s snort of disgust and winged a glare in her direction. Camryn was necessary to t
heir plan. They couldn’t offend her. With only a month before the heats, they had no option. Luckily Jannike received and understood his silent message.
“The prize-giving ceremony will take place in five minutes,” the announcer said.
Some of the people left the stadium to place bets. Others hurried straight for the onsite tavern while others appeared hungry after the exhilarating race. Food stalls dotted around the arena bustled, doing a swift trade in takeaway items.
“You can look now.” Unable to resist, Ry placed a swift kiss on her cheek.
Camryn pulled away and blinked like a sleepy bird. She shifted over to her own seat before looking at him with a blank expression. “That was interesting.”
Ry’s heart thumped with recognition, her familiar scent winding through his nostrils and bringing a whisper of temptation.
She frowned. “We might have to go ahead with this race, but we will work out a way so Gabby will win without injury.”
“It won’t be easy.”
“I don’t care. You can’t sacrifice Gabby just to win your precious race. You can’t leave Luke without his mother.”
“We’ll work something out.” Ry leaned forward to confer with Jannike and Mogens. “You seen enough?”
“I’m ready to leave,” Mogens said.
Jannike stood. “Let’s go.”
They filed from the arena, not attempting to speak over the drunken cheers. One of the men they passed tried to grab Camryn, and Ry placed a protective arm around her to stop a reoccurrence. He snarled a warning at the drunk. When a man pinched Jannike’s butt, she turned and plowed her fist into his nose. A spurt of blood erupted. The man roared in fury but Jannike dodged his return punch, much to the amusement of his friends. His threats and his friends’ ribald laughter echoed after them.
They exited the gates, declining a pass-out stamp to reenter. The street outside was a different world, a grim reminder of the convict status of the planet. Several sedan chair attendants waited for wealthy patrons to exit while beggars approached each person who left the stadium. Ry waved them off, even though he sympathized with their plight.
“Ah Ryman. Well met!”
Ry turned slowly to face his brother. “Talor.”
“How are your race preparations going? I am very happy with my hell-horses.”
Ry ignored the males with Talor. “Our preparations are fine, but you’d know that since you’re spying on our progress.”
Talor ignored the accusation to turn his attention on Camryn. Ry bristled though hid his irritation. “Who is this beautiful woman? I don’t believe we’ve met.”
“One of my crew,” Ry snapped, failing to hide his emotions.
Talor picked up the monocle hanging from a ribbon around his neck and inspected Camryn. “Ah yes. I’ve heard you collect waifs and strays.”
True, but his crew was loyal. They were more family than Talor had ever been.
“Come with me, my dear,” Talor said, his expression intent.
Ry felt Camryn stir at his side, take half a step toward Talor. He grabbed her, drawing her hard to his side. “I don’t think so. Goodbye, Talor.”
He started walking, dragging Camryn with him, and the others fell in behind until they turned a corner and the stadium was no longer visible. They hurried down the rutted street, past the piles of rubbish and a rotting carcass of an unidentified animal. A rodent scuttled from an alleyway, saw them and disappeared back into the semi-gloom between two leaning buildings.
“Camryn, are you all right?” Mogens asked.
“I don’t like that man but I wanted to go to him.” She shivered, her eyes huge and fearful when she turned to him. “Thank you for grabbing me.”
“Don’t ever trust my brother,” Ry said.
“Your brother is a wizard,” Mogens said. “I could feel the pulse of power when he focused on Camryn.”
A wizard. Damnation, how could he not have known? They’d grown up together.
“He doesn’t know you’re a shifter,” Mogens said, appearing to read his mind. “It’s possible his powers developed after you left.”
“Or he could have had them all along and used them to murder Maxmus. That would explain the lack of clues and the ease with which I was set up.” Ry considered their childhood. “Is wizardry inherited? He and my father were very close and spent a lot of time together.”
“It’s possible the powers go through the male line. Watch out!” Mogens shouted.
A shower of foul-smelling liquid rained down from above.
“Aw damn.” Jannike shook her black boot and muttered a curse. “A bloody chamberpot. These people are so uncivilized.”
Ry chuckled. “It’s no different from parts of Ibrox.”
“Which is why I don’t like visiting there either,” Jannike shot back.
Camryn stared at the open window and wrinkled her nose. “I’d suggest we hurry. Looks like the woman has more than one to empty.” Her warning hastened them and twenty mins later they arrived at the park where they’d left their tender.
Ry paid the tariff to the security booth and they took off without further mishap, arriving back at their mountain village base soon afterward.
“I’m so glad you’re back,” Kaya said, sprinting up the ramp of the tender the sec he lowered it. “Luke is missing. Nanu and I have searched everywhere. Gabby is stroppy and if we don’t calm her down soon, she’s going to destroy the yards.
“I’ll go.” Camryn unbuckled her harness and sped down the ramp to check on Gabby.
“Where have you searched?” Ry demanded. Surely his brother couldn’t inhabit two places at once. Or could he?
“All the spots Luke has played during the last two days. The lakeside, around the campsite, the clearing in the bush. I’m so sorry. He was playing and the next min he’d disappeared. Both Nanu and I have been searching for him for the last hour. He’s vanished.”
“Split up. Search the areas again, and if we don’t find him, we’ll widen our hunt.”
Mogens tugged at his sleeve. “Do you think he’d go into the village? Do you think someone has stolen him?”
“I don’t know.” He hoped not. Ry forced confidence into his voice. “Don’t worry, we’ll find him.” The hell-horse foal had become a firm favorite and loved to play with them while Camryn trained his mother. Ry hurried to help Camryn with Gabby.
The mare reared and charged the fence, attempting to escape. Ry started running when he saw Camryn slip into the yard with Gabby. His heart knocked against his ribs in a surge of fear. He choked back the instinctive order that sprang to his lips, knowing any distractions would add to the danger. She’d done this countless times before but it didn’t stop his apprehension. Slowing his pace, he prowled to the rails, his fear turning to anger. Once they found Luke, he intended to take some personal time with Camryn. He’d blister her pert ass with his hand for scaring him, if she lived to tell the tale, he thought savagely when Gabby charged with teeth bared.
“Stop it! Gabby, calm down. Let me put your halter on and we can go to find Luke.”
Ry clenched his jaw, his worry for Camryn bringing the feline to the surface. A soft growl emerged from deep in his throat. Gabby snorted in alarm and reared again. Ry took a careful step back to give Camryn a better chance of capturing the mare.
From his position outside the yard, he glared at both Gabby and Camryn. Damn, he hoped they found Luke soon. His disappearance would derail their plans. Gabby would have noticed if there were strangers hanging around the camp. Yesterday she’d proved a good addition to their security, alerting them when several village men had arrived to pay their respects.
Camryn approached Gabby, her palm outstretched. Ry heard the soothing tone but not the actual words. His nails bit into his palms, the spiky points close to claws instead of fingernails. He inhaled sharply, shoving the feline back and clinging to his humanoid form. His breath eased out when Camryn stood at Gabby’s shoulder and ran her hand over the agitated beast. She slipped
on the halter with a minimum of fuss before looking at him.
“Open the gate for me,” she said.
“You won’t be able to hold her.”
“I don’t intend to try. Get ready.”
Ry moved to the gate, uneasiness tightening his gut.
“Now,” Camryn ordered, and she sprang onto Gabby’s back, gripping the barrel of the mare’s body with her knees.
Sheer black fright swept through him.
“Open the damn gate,” Camryn shouted when Gabby reared. “She needs to search for Luke.”
Momentary panic gave way to the knowledge Camryn was right. Gabby would find Luke easier than their searches. He dragged the gate open, and Gabby jumped from the yard like a mechanism unfurled without warning. Camryn clung to her back, leaning forward in the manner of the jockeys on Earth. She had the audacity to grin when they galloped past.
“I look forward to blistering your butt, sweetheart.” Ry stared after them for an instant longer before whipping off his shirt. That done, he let the change take him. Bones cracked and lengthened. Fur bristled across his chest, arms and legs as he dropped to all fours. Shift completed, he checked the scents, searching through the tangle until he located the foal’s pungent scent. He followed slowly, checking for the most recent. It led toward the village, in the same direction Gabby and Camryn had disappeared. Ry increased his pace to a lope, following the scent with ease, tension drumming through him until he realized Luke had wandered off on his own instead of someone snatching him as they’d first suspected.
Ry made good time and reached the village not long after Camryn and Gabby. The village perched on the side of the mountain, a small plateau used as the focal point where they traded goods on market days and hosted feasts. At the far end of the plateau, he spied Luke. Laughter and playful yelps rang out as he cantered after the village youngsters in a mad game of chase. Now and then he let them catch him and the children clambered all over him. Then it hit him. The children were imitating Camryn. They’d obviously come close enough to the yard to spy and had seen Camryn climb onto Gabby. Their exuberant jumping play didn’t bother Luke.
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