by Ally Parker
She nodded once and slipped into his shirt. “I am now. I thought… I thought you were… gone.” Her voice wobbled on the last word.
Something in him clenched. Reaching down, he grabbed her hand and pulled her forward. Just feeling her softness against him flooded his body with relief. She was safe. No thanks to him. She’d been her own hero. He was the luckiest shifter alive to have a mate as strong as Kali.
Growls snapped him back to the fight. Brennon was trapped in a wolf-to-wolf combat with Saint. Josef’s wolf burst free from his human skin, shifting to a giant black wolf with a gray mask. His father was a beast, frothing at the mouth and headed straight for them. He’d seen the monster his father was; now it was time his father got acquainted with his monster.
Ryker pushed Kali behind him with a sweep of his hand. Feet digging into the dirt, he ran toward his father. Leaping into the air, he started to shift. The collar tightened around his neck, cutting off his airway. His body lost its momentum, and he fell to the ground. A beat later, he rolled up. Guess he’d just have to fight in human form.
Josef lunged forward, teeth bared. Ryker didn’t think, he acted solely on instinct. Sharp teeth filled his mouth and claws burst from his fingertips. He hunkered down and launched forward meeting his father in a clash of teeth and claws. Palming his father’s throat, Josef gnashed the air a breath away from his face.
Close. His father was a force not to be taken lightly. But Ryker had something his father didn’t have—a mate. That alone was more than enough motivation to stay alive. Claws split across his skin, and he snarled, his own blood spilling to the dirt floor.
Josef pumped his hind legs across his thighs. Fabric split and the burn of the wounds cut across his skin. He growled, calling on his beast. Digging his claws deeper into his father’s flesh Ryker reefed his head to the side and went for the kill shot. Body thrashing, Josef wiped his head around and smashed him in the nose. His grip loosened, and that’s all it took for Josef to wiggle his way out of his grasp.
From out of nowhere a red wolf clamped his jaws around Ryker’s leg. Fire flamed from the wound. He kicked out and the beast’s hold released. His father jumped on him, and they fell back. It was just like his dad to play dirty.
Ryker snarled, baring his extended teeth and showcasing his claws. He slashed outward, nicking the red wolf’s hind leg. Josef circled around him, his hackles spiked between his shoulders. Ryker could feel his father’s hatred, his intent to kill him. Ryker jumped, meeting Josef midair. Both of their bodies tangled to the ground. Josef sunk his teeth into Ryker’s shoulder, and he yelled out.
Faster than Ryker expected, Josef had him on the ground towering over him, razor teeth glistening with saliva. Ryker levered up his legs and shoved upward. The momentum sent Josef over his head to smash into the steel barrier behind them.
Ryker rolled and bounced forward. He ran and nosedived, locking his fingers around his father’s neck, pinning him to the wall. His father squirmed, his claws raking down the tender sides of Ryker’s stomach. He staggered back still holding onto his father.
From the corner of his eye, he saw a black fur blur over the barrier and attacked the red wolf. His father snapped his jaw, thrashing like a fish gasping for breath. Ryker dug his claws into his father’s flesh feeling the outline of each cartilage ring wrapped around his trachea. He leaned forward to stare into his father’s eyes. “You won’t leave here without justice being served, and I will be the one to deliver it.”
Father or not, it was time to make things right. Maybe once Josef had been a dad, but not now, not for a long time. All that remained was a monster. No one harmed his mate and lived. With that, he clamped down his grip until his claws pressed together and yanked his airway out. Blood arced up, splattering on his face, his hand.
Ryker growled and he threw back his head and roared. The only thing he felt was relief. His father’s poison wouldn’t be able to taint any other weakening shifter. He wouldn’t be able to hurt any other female. He wouldn’t hurt his Kali. He roared until no breath was left in his lungs. He dropped his father and fell to his knees. The muscles along his neck felt tight, and he finally sucked in a breath, tasting death.
Ryker spat on the ground beside Josef, wiping his mouth with the back of his palm. “I hope you burn in hell.”
It was done. His father was dead.
Saint shifted, his eyes burning with a blue flame. “What the fuck is this mess?”
“A nightmare.” Ryker shook his head. “One big fucking nightmare.”
Saint turned, taking in the stadium.
“Alpha, sorry to interrupt the family reunion but we have a situation,” one of the Shadow Moon males called out.
Saint looked from Josef to him. “We need to talk.” Then he turned and ran toward the male
Mess didn’t begin to cover it. Josef had created an empire fed from desperation and resulted with ruining so many lives. Unfortunately, his father’s death wouldn’t bring comfort to those he’d already harmed. He doubted anything would.
Kali fell to her knees beside him and wrapped her arms around his middle, careful to miss his wounds. “Praise the moon you’re okay.”
He held Kali firmer. Enveloped in his female’s embrace he took comfort knowing that Josef Bennett was no longer a threat to those he loved or to the females of their species. He’d count that a win for the fight against the Pit. The Council would rip, tear, shred into the foundations to find all those responsible and to seek accountability.
Blood, fighting, death; it was in every corner of the Pit. So many shifters and even some weres had joined to fight for what was right. To fight for their freedom, for their future. All he had to do now was get his mate out alive. Reunions would come later. Grayson jogged up to him, spatters of blood freckled on his face and naked body. He bowed his head, his shaggy blond hair flopping forward. “Alpha. It’s good to see you.”
He clamped his hand on Grayson’s shoulder and squeezed before letting go. “You’ve done good.”
Inside, his wolf stirred, sensing Grayson’s dominance. He squeezed Kali’s hand, stealing strength. Hold it together. His wolf whispered: He wants your female. Kill him before he takes what’s yours. He shook his head, trying to shake some logic into this thick skull. Grayson is loyal. He knows Kali is mine.
“Ryker. Are you okay?”
A soft rumble rolled up his chest. It had been happening a lot since they’d arrived. Was he okay? No. The beast wanted out, and even though victory was in the air, so was blood, and his beast salivated with the thought of more. He wanted to give in. He was far from okay.
Kali swirled her finger on his skin in soft circles. She pressed her body against him, leaning into his frame. The touch centered him.
“I… I just need a minute.”
Grayson kept his blue gaze lowered, submitting to his leadership. It helped. “Sir.” He cut a glance to Kali and their joined hands. “You need to mate.”
He growled. “Don’t presume to tell me what I need.”
Kali didn’t need that pressure. Mating was something that they both had to decide on. He would never force his female into something she didn’t want.
Grayson inclined his head.
Malaki, the alpha of Wolfden, rolled into the arena, grappling with a gray wolf with black saddle markings.
Creed and Knox made their way over; energy rolled off his top enforcers in waves, making his beast’s ears stand to attention—watching, waiting. They both eyed his metal collar, neither commenting on the leash. “We have secured most of the females and some of the younger warriors. We have them loaded topside. Sadly, many were lost. This fucking sinkhole’s claws were too deep.” He shook his head. “Damn fucking shame they were as much victims as the females.”
His lips thinned. Not really surprised. Who knew how long the young males had been victim to the whisperings of the Pit. “Head count?”
Grayson straightened. “Five injured. We lost Jones. He turned rogue, and we had to put
him down.”
“Shit!” His chest squeezed with their loss. Jones had been a good male. He clenched his jaw and pulsed out the cry of rage. “He would have wanted to go out in the midst of battle.” Blowing out a breath, he focused his attention on three of his pack. “Gather our fallen. Don’t leave any of our pack behind.”
Creed’s lips flattened, turning down at the ends, and he shook his head, sending his shoulder-length hair all over the place. “Sir, Thane is here. He’s demanding a report.” Creed’s eyes slipped to Kali, and he swallowed. “He also wants to question Kali for her involvement with Delmac.”
He cursed. The Council was here already. Squeezing Kali’s hand, he knew questioning would be tough regarding Delmac. Kali had been involved with some scientists trying to create shifters. Surely once Thane heard Kali’s side of things, he’d show compassion. If not… well, he didn’t want to go up against the Council, but he would. As far as the Pit was concerned, he’d have some explaining to do. He just hoped Thane could see things his way.
Kali straightened her shoulders and sat down across from one mammoth of a male. He would have been considered good-looking by many females with how his black button-down shirt pulled tight against his well-rounded shoulders and sun kissed hair a little wilder on top, a straight nose and fuller lips. Yeah, females would swoon.
However, Kali wasn’t fooled by pretty packaging. She knew that he held her life, her freedom, in his hands and depending on how the discussion went, would decide if she lived or died. She licked her lips, gnawing at the dry skin on the bottom of her lip. Past experiences taught her these little chats never boded well for her.
Ryker growled from behind her. He refused to leave her side, and as foreign as the concept was, having someone at her back felt good. A feeling she could become addicted to, and it made her never want to let it go. It was both scary and freeing all at once. The vibrations from Ryker rolled through his fingertips curled around her shoulders.
Thane leaned back in the plastic chair, not taking his gaze from her. “Ryker I’m allowing you to remain in the room because I can imagine the difficulty you must find yourself in having not claimed your mate. Not to mention I don’t have the time for the fallout if I refused your presence. However, if you get to stay remains to be seen. In other words, quit your snarling or leave.”
Her hand snaked out and she squeezed his thigh, letting him know it was okay the only way she could. He blew out a breath, the air ruffling her hair. “Let’s get it done. There’s a shit-storm outside this room and we have a lot of work to do.”
Thane raised his brows, creating two distinct lines across his forehead. “Yes. You’ve uncovered quite the find, Ryker. I’m more than interested in how you made this discovery. After my discussion with Kali.”
Reaching down to the coat draped over the back of his chair, Thane dug into a pocket, drawing out an envelope. “Reports have been made against a female matching your description going by the name Kali. Would you know who this person might be?”
Saliva evaporated from her mouth. Her heart thrummed in her chest, and the blood whooshing through her veins almost drowned everything out. Mistakes had been made, ones that would tarnish her soul and shadow her thoughts for the rest of her life. Time to face the music. “I am that female.”
Surprise lit Thane’s eyes, which was quickly schooled away. Was he expecting her to lie? “The report states you conspired with a radical group of humans.” Thane glanced down at the letter his eyes skimming the report. “Humans that stole other humans to experiment on.”
A wave of humiliation and embarrassment washed over her. Why hadn’t she been a better person? Discussing the facts, everything seemed so black and white when in reality they’d been anything but. “Yes. I didn’t find out about the testing until the last few days. But I still did nothing.”
Ryker released her shoulders and she could sense him running them through his hair. “Thane. You couldn’t possibly expect one lone female to take on a facility that large. Kali, tell him the rest. Tell him how the Outlaws were after you, tell him how you came to be with the Outlaws.”
Thane slapped his hands down on the tabletop, and she watched the spider web crack form in front of her eyes across the wood.
“Enough! You’ll get your own questioning. I am speaking with Kali. Only. Do I make myself clear?” Thane’s shoulders dropped and he craned his neck. “Explain.”
Kali sucked in a breath and steeled her heart, determined not to show one ounce of emotion. She told him everything: how Jefferson murdered her pack, how the Outlaws snatched her and all the horrible things they’d done, she even told him about all the horrible things she’d done to stay alive. Finally, she spoke of her involvement with Delmac and the events during her time with the Pit.
“That’s everything. I know I’ve made big mistakes in order to live. I wish I’d been able to do it without casualties.”
Thane’s eyes blazed blue fire. Not as vibrant as Ryker’s, but still his wolf hovered just under his skin. She could smell the scent of fur in the air. Ryker rumbled a noise, and his heat poured into her, taking some of the fear chilling her insides.
“This gives me much to consider. Something else I need to know…” Arm braced on the table, his brows bunched low. “Were you collaborating with Ryker to steal females for the intended use of the Pit?”
What? How could anyone even think she’d be a part of something so vile? “Never! I would never do such a thing. Neither would Ryker. I’d bet my life on it.”
A knock rapped on the door.
“Enter.”
The door squeaked with every inch. Another male entered.
“What is it, Knox?”
The male cleared his throat, glanced at Kali, and quickly bowed his head. “My apologies, sir. The females are in distress. It’s unsettling the males. We hoped Kali might tend to the females if that’s okay?”
“That’s fine. I think we’re done here.”
“Done?” Ryker said. The tone suggesting he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “We aren’t done. You haven’t heard everything you need to make an educated decision.”
“Ryker. Don’t you think the females here have suffered enough? I can discuss this further at a later time.”
Kali rose, and Ryker pulled her into a fierce hug, his lips fanning the curve of her ear. “I won’t let you be hurt.”
Like always, her heart grew, filling with warmth only for Ryker. He’d given to her so freely. Something she didn’t deserve. Silently, she vowed nothing would hurt him either. Including her. If she lived through this. Considering the circumstances, which was a big if, she would save Ryker the first chance she got. First, though, she had to stop him from doing something reckless.
19
Ryker moved to follow Kali. His beast didn’t like the idea of her going topside without him. Who knew what dangers lurked out there? Had they captured all of the Pit’s enforcers?
“Take a seat, Ryker—we’re not done.”
Seriously, did he hear that right? Was the Councilor expecting him to allow his female to enter into a potential threat without him? Turning in slow motion, he faced Thane. “Like fuck we aren’t. That’s my female you’re sending up there. I’m sure not all of Josef’s minions have been secured. I won’t sit down here chatting with you while my mate needs protection.”
Thane rose, his chair legs squealing on the linoleum, his eyes lit with his wolf and a menacing growl rolling out of him. Ryker’s muscles tightened, the strands so tight they would break with the wrong move.
“Get your ass in that chair.” He pointed to the seat Kali had vacated. “You are under investigation for attempted kidnap, treason, obstruction of justice, consorting with the perpetrator, fraud… need I go on? Being separated from your female is the least of your worries. If we don’t sort this shit out, you won’t get to see her again.”
Everything in Ryker stilled, his lungs ceased, heart missed a beat, and deep inside, his wolf howled. Never see
Kali again. Kill him; he’s trying to keep our female from us. Ryker rolled his shoulders, trying to ignore the voice whispering in his mind. He had to think. All he needed was one bloody moment without his wolf.
Thane straightened his shirt, pinched his dress pants, and took his seat. He looked pointedly from the chair to him. “Think with you head. Knox is a good warrior, as are all the males here. You have my word that no harm will come to Kali tonight.”
Ryker fought for logic. Biting back the testosterone flooding his system, he knew if he stood a chance in hell at some kind of life with Kali, responsibility for his actions would need to be taken. He forced his shoulders to relax and ran a shaky hand through his hair, cursing.
He cursed again and stomped over to the chair, plopping down on the hard plastic. “What do you want to know?”
Kill him. This is a trap to keep us from our mate. She needs our protection. Ryker pushed air out of pursed lips and craned his neck. Jesus! This better be over quick. Maybe all the males here were great warriors, but you were good until you were dead. End of story. No other male would risk as much as he would to save Kali.
End of story.
Thane cleared his throat and pulled out an electronic tablet. “How about we start from the beginning. Last month it was reported that you invaded the Shadow Moon’s territory and attempted to steal the females of their pack—from your own damn brother. That’s cold.”
Brows bunching together, Ryker hardened his stare. “I was trying to help him.”
“By stealing Saint’s females?”
You didn’t have to be a shifter to hear the disbelief lacing his words. Straightening in the chair, Ryker spoke through clenched teeth. He leaned forward, holding Thane’s gaze. “Our father had an attack planned. He wanted Saint’s females and wouldn’t have stopped until he got them. It was a no-kill mission. My half-assed attack was a front, nothing more.”