by Carol Lynne
Daniel closed his eyes as Jarek gently continued to wipe away the dirt and grime from his skin. We’re here. Please find us, loves.
The door opened, and four Hunter’s, including Layla, walked in. “Get up.”
* * * *
“Thank the gods you have money,” Hakan commented, driving one of the two new Chevy Suburbans.
Ryker wasn’t in the mood for idle chatter, not when they were so close to finding Daniel. With his eyes to the sky, he pointed toward a low-flying raven. “Is that who we’re looking for?”
Hakan leaned forward over the steering wheel and gazed upward. “Yes, that’s Takoda. He’s not making a move to stop us, so I think we should just follow him.”
A flash of blinding heat enveloped Ryker. He felt Earth Mother like she’d crawled inside of him. Hurry.
“Go faster,” Ryker gasped, rolling down the window to get some air moving within the SUV.
“What the hell happened?” Hakan asked.
“Mother says we don’t have much time.”
The SUV lurched forward as Hakan floored the gas pedal. “At the rate of speed we’re traveling, you’ll have to keep a sharp eye on Takoda. Tell me if he veers off course.”
“Will do.” He concentrated on the Raven overhead. “Looks like he’s slowing.”
Hakan eased off the accelerator.
“To the right, to the right!” Ryker yelled as Takoda’s graceful black form changed direction.
Before they reached the tree line, Takoda came to rest on a bolder beside the gravel road. “There, you see him?”
“Yeah, got him.”
Hakan eased the SUV to the side of the road. As they climbed out, the duplicate vehicle pulled up behind them. Hakan held up his hand, staying the guards.
He turned back to Ryker. “You want to wait here? I’m not sure if Takoda will change in front of you.”
Ryker rolled his eyes. He was in no mood to put up with jealous ex lovers, especially when Daniel’s life was on the line. “He needs to get over whatever problem he has with me.”
Hakan cupped Ryker’s cheek. “I need you to try and understand. You’re not only dealing with an ex, you’re dealing with a man who’s chosen to remain in his raven skin for centuries because Father told him to stay away from me.”
Ryker’s gaze drifted to the raven. He knew it was his own jealousy that had sparked his earlier comment. Although he knew Hakan loved him, it still bothered him that Takoda had held his man against his nude body.
“Just do what you have to do to find out where Daniel is.”
Hakan gave Ryker a quick kiss before turning and walking away. Was it his imagination, or was Hakan purposely shielding Takoda from his view? He couldn’t hear what was being said, but he spotted a slim bronzed arm point toward the trees. Ryker took a subtle step to the side. Although he couldn’t see much, he saw enough of Takoda to know the man was as beautiful and graceful as the raven he’d seen moments earlier.
In the next breath, Takoda shifted and Hakan walked back over to Ryker, waving the others closer. “Just over this ridge there’s a clearing. Takoda said it’s set up for the sacrificial ceremony. Off to the west of the clearing are several bunkers built into the side of the hill. Takoda believes Daniel is being imprisoned in the center of the three.”
“Did he say what kind of numbers we’re looking at going up against?” Mica asked.
Hakan opened the back of the SUV and removed his and Ryker’s guns from their cases. He directed his attention to Mica. “Your guys ready?”
Mica nodded, patting the sidearm strapped in his shoulder holster.
“Okay, we’ll need to spread out, circle the area. I’m going to shift and do a little recon myself. While you all are making your way to The Hunters camp, I’ll try to get an idea of numbers and locations.” Hakan handed his gun and cartridges to Ryker. “Fan out and head straight over that ridge. I’ll be back with you before you know it.”
Ryker knew Hakan would be safe, but he worried what their separation would do to Daniel. He refused to even entertain the notion that Daniel could no longer feel them. Although he couldn’t shift into anything that could fly, he could get there faster than walking on two feet.
He turned to Mica and handed the guard two holstered guns. “I’m going with Hakan. Do me a favor and strap these onto my back after I shift.”
Mica nodded and Ryker shifted to his cheetah skin. He felt the weight of the side arms and ammo as Mica adjusted the holsters onto his back. Ryker could tell Mica was a little hesitant to reach under Ryker’s body to buckle the harnesses. He looked up at Hakan.
“It’s okay,” Hakan said. “He may look like a big nasty cat, but he’s still our Ryker.”
Mica seemed to calm and the guard made quick work of securing the holsters. Ryker waited for Hakan to shift before following his lover into the tree line and up the ridge. Although Hakan couldn’t fly beside him, Ryker managed to see snippets of his lover soaring overhead above the tree canopy. With a screech, Hakan flew ahead to do his recon no doubt.
He stopped at the top of the ridge and gazed down at the valley below. He didn’t immediately see the camp, but what he did see was a large structure piled high with logs. Either The Hunters were planning a large bonfire, or it was the site of the ceremony.
He crept closer, ready to spring into action at Hakan’s word. Ryker found a well camouflaged spot about four hundred yards from the camp, and settled into the tall grass.
After several long moments, a commanding golden eagle came to rest beside him. Hakan shifted first, removing the holsters from around Ryker. As soon as Ryker was back to his true form, the questions started.
“Did you see him?”
“No, but something’s getting ready to happen. There are about thirty Hunters in long, tan robes down there.”
A flash of red caught Ryker’s attention. “Shit. Get down.”
* * * *
Daniel looked into the vacant eyes of his old friend. He wondered how much this was hurting her. Layla may be doing it for her parents, but Daniel had a feeling it was costing her more than she’d ever receive in return.
“I said get up!” one of The Hunters screamed.
Daniel closed his eyes. If they were going to kill him, they might as well get it over with, because there was no way he had the strength to stand.
Jarek cradled Daniel protectively against his broad chest. “He’s too weak.”
Daniel saw a spark of concern in Layla’s lifeless eyes before it disappeared. Help me, he pleaded with a look.
“Get him dressed,” Layla told Jarek.
Jarek bent down and kissed Daniel’s temple. “I’m sorry.”
It was a slow process. Daniel’s body was as limp as a wet noodle as Jarek tried to get the red robe wrapped around him and fastened. The garments rough texture felt like steel wool against Daniel’s sensitive skin.
Once dressed, Jarek was ordered to carry Daniel. They made quite a contrast in their white and red robes.
“Where’re you taking us?” Jarek asked as one of The Hunters shoved him out the door.
“To meet your destiny,” the guy cackled.
Daniel didn’t have the strength to hold his head up, it flopped to the side, hanging down. Layla stepped up to Jarek and cupped the back of Daniel’s head, resettling it against Jarek’s chest.
“Pleeeaassee,” Daniel managed to whisper.
Tears filled Layla’s eyes. “I can’t.”
Jarek was pushed forward once again.
“Get movin’.”
Daniel was carried down a long hallway. At the end of the corridor, one of The Hunters opened a door, and light poured in. Daniel shut his eyes, blinded by the afternoon sun. How many days had he been kept in the dark?
Jarek had been kept prisoner even longer and fell to the ground when the sunlight hit his face. Daniel felt his cheek strike something hard as Jarek came down on top of him.
The cougar shifter grunted as Daniel heard the unmistakable
sound of a boot meeting flesh.
“Get the fuck up.”
Slowly, Jarek gathered Daniel in his arms once more and stood. Warmth trickled down Daniel’s face and he knew the fall had left its mark. Despite the cut on his face, Daniel suddenly felt warmth invade his soul. I feel them. How long had it been since he could feel the mutual love of Ryker and Hakan?
Jarek stumbled several times, but managed to catch himself. Daniel knew his lovers were close. He wished he could tell Jarek, but not only would his weakened condition not permit it, but they were surrounded by robed, blood-thirsty freaks.
Jarek stopped, and Daniel was taken out of the safety of his arms.
The Hunter tossed Daniel over his shoulder and walked up a series of steps, to what appeared to be a raised platform. Were they going to hang him?
Another Hunter met them at the top and held him in place as he was cocooned in a mass of abrading rope. The only thing keeping him upright were the coils of rope strung across his legs, waist and chest. Daniel’s head hung limp in front of him. He closed his eyes, the blood from his earlier fall began to run into his right eye before he could get it closed.
“No!” he heard Jarek scream.
Helpless, Daniel prayed to Earth Mother for help as Jarek continued to argue with their captors.
“No. You might as well kill me now because I will not kill him.”
Daniel swallowed around the lump in his throat. They wanted Jarek to kill him? He prayed harder, not for himself, but for Jarek. Please help him.
He felt the heat to his skin before he was able to open his eyes. Screams sounded around him as well as gunfire. Without the ability to hold his head up, Daniel only caught brief glimpses of what appeared to be an all-out war between his people and The Hunters.
The sound of someone running up the steps had Daniel bracing himself for the inevitable. Suddenly the bottom of a white robe came into view. Jarek pressed his body against Daniel’s.
“All hell’s breaking loose. Ryker appears to be on fire. I’ve never seen anything like it. Hunters are dropping like flies both from gunfire and the heat.”
Daniel began to smell burning flesh moments before Jarek’s robe caught fire.
“Fuck!” Jarek screamed, dropping to the platform.
Daniel had the perfect view of his new friend. Tears began dripping onto the wooden floor as Jarek tried desperately to get out of the burning white robe. Finally free of his torment, Jarek didn’t notice the smoldering wood behind him, but Daniel did.
“Fire,” Daniel croaked.
“Shit.” With nothing to put out the fire, Jarek began pulling at the ropes that bound Daniel to the pole.
“Stand back,” a familiar voice growled.
The ropes were shredded in seconds, and Hakan’s strong arms caught Daniel before he fell to the deck. Hakan quickly passed Daniel back to Jarek. “Get him out of here.”
Being passed off like a sack of potatoes hurt more than Daniel thought possible. He hated himself for dreaming. Why had he thought his capture would prompt feelings of love in his two men?
Feeling completely defeated, Daniel stared blankly at the chaos as Jarek ran down the steps. He caught a brief glimpse of Ryker surrounded by distorted golden flames. Jarek switched direction, and the view turned to one of complete destruction. Everything, including the large platform they’d just escaped from, was engulfed in flames.
He heard Jarek gasp several times as the cougar shifter carried him up what felt like a hill. With his heart broken, and The Hunters well under control, Daniel let himself drift to a more pleasant place.
* * * *
The rain came out of nowhere, drenching everything in its path. Great bolts of lightning shot through the sky as thunder rang in his ears. Ryker took a deep breath and looked around him.
Hakan was bent over attending to one of the guards, as was Mica. Ryker searched the area for Daniel. There was nothing left of the platform but a smoldering pile of charred wood. Ryker’s breath caught in his chest.
“Daniel!” he screamed.
Hakan stood and raced over to him. “He’s alive. Jarek took him up the ridge.”
Ryker surveyed the devastation around him. Never in his entire life had he been as angry as when he’d seen the limp and lifeless body of his beloved being tied to the pole. What happened next, he didn’t know. One minute he screamed for Daniel, and the next the rain began.
“What happened?”
Hakan’s hands ran over every inch of Ryker’s body, evidently checking for injuries before wrapping him in a comforting embrace. “You saved him.”
Around him, the earth was scorched and bodies burned beyond recognition. Never had he lost control of his powers. He briefly wondered if he was strong enough to contain such a gift?
“I know what you’re thinking, and don’t. Unless I miss my guess, Earth Mother joined in seeking retribution through you. Even though it was you, it wasn’t.”
“Where’s my gun?” Ryker asked, looking around him.
Hakan grinned. “In a blob of melted metal up on the hillside.”
“I’m going to find our man.” He started to walk off, but stopped and turned back to Hakan. “You coming?”
The expression on Hakan’s face had him worried.
“What?” Ryker asked.
“I’m not sure he’ll make it to Crater Lake.”
“Yes he will.” Ryker shifted back into his cheetah skin and ran full speed up the hill. If he had to use every connection in his arsenal, Ryker was damn sure going to get Daniel to Oregon before it was too late.
He found two unconscious men at the top of the ridge. Shifting back, Ryker knelt beside Daniel just as Hakan arrived. He pulled out his phone and quickly made arrangements for the helicopter he’d already had on standby to pick them up. Now it was just a waiting game. With shaking hands, he reached down and felt for a pulse on Daniel’s neck.
“How is he?”
“Slow but steady.” Ryker’s focus turned to Jarek. Although he was breathing, burns covered most of the cougar shifters back.
Shame filled him once again. I did this. Jarek had been trying to help Daniel and he’d paid the price.
A strong arm wrapped around Ryker’s waist. “It’s not your fault.”
“The hell it’s not. Did you see anyone else down there glowing like a ball of fire?”
Jarek’s head turned to the side, his gold eyes staring up at Ryker. “I’ll heal. The important thing was you got us out.”
When Jarek started to sit up, Ryker gently pushed him back down. “Just relax for a few minutes.”
“The Hunters?” Jarek asked.
“Dead,” Hakan said.
“All of them? Because they have children who can shift, ya know? Maybe some of them escaped.”
Ryker gaze met Hakan’s. It was a very real possibility, but hopefully without The Hunters’ numbers, any escapee would be too afraid to retaliate. The real problem was they wouldn’t know who the offspring were. One could easily infiltrate Refuge.
“We’ll just have to stay on our toes.”
Jarek pushed himself up to a standing position, wincing slightly. “Who are those guys down there?”
Ryker followed Jarek’s gaze. “Guards who live at Refuge.”
“It looks like a few of them are hurt.” Jarek started to walk down the incline.
Ryker heard the chopper coming. “Wait. You should go with us.”
Jarek turned back and shook his head. “No. I’ll wait and head back with the others. They risked their lives getting Daniel and me out. The least I can do is thank them and make sure they’re okay.”
Ryker took several steps and held out his hand. “I’m sorry for what you had to go through, but I’ll admit, I’m glad you were here for Daniel.”
Jarek looked down at Daniel. “He told me to tell you both he loved you.” Glancing back up, he met Ryker’s gaze. “Take care of him.”
“We will. I’ll see you back at Refuge.”
Jar
ek broke out into a huge smile. “I can’t wait to see the place.” Jarek shifted from side to side, looking uncomfortable. “Do you think it’s possible to build a bungalow-style house at Refuge?”
Ryker grinned. “I’ll build you anything you want.”
Jarek nodded. “Then that’s what I want.”
“Consider it done.” Ryker watched Jarek turn and make his way down the ridge.
Returning his attention to Daniel, Ryker’s heart melted. Hakan had Daniel cradled in his lap as he whispered words of love.
The helicopter put down at the top of the hill, and Ryker helped Hakan to his feet. “Let’s get our man to the airport.”
Chapter Eight
By the time Ryker and Hakan got Daniel off the plane and loaded into another helicopter, his breathing was labored. He hadn’t regained consciousness since Jarek had laid him down on the mountain and Ryker was sick with worry. He’d insisted on holding him in his lap the entire trip.
“How much further?” he asked Hakan.
“Not long. Remember, he has to do this himself. I think it’ll be okay if we get him into the water, but then we’ll have to leave him.”
Ryker gazed down at the small face of the man he loved. Daniel’s skin had taken on a gray cast, and his heart had slowed considerably. “I don’t think I can do that.”
Hakan ran the back of his hand over Daniel’s cheek. “This isn’t about you. The only thing killing Daniel is Daniel himself.”
“What the hell’s that supposed to mean?”
Hakan sighed, leaning down to kiss Daniel’s slack lips. “Something happened to him years ago that he’s not only never acknowledged, but also has never come to terms with. Crater Lake will bring his past back to him. In that past, he’ll find his future, but he has to do it on his own.”
“And if he dies?” Ryker asked, his eyes filling with tears.
“We get him into the lake and he won’t.”
“How can you be so sure? Look at him.”
Ryker noticed the tick in Hakan’s jaw. No. His lover didn’t know for sure that Daniel would make it out of the lake alive. He knew Hakan knew something he didn’t, but the worry was still there, etched on the stoic man’s face.