Dmitri

by D'Elen McClain

  Her eyes grew misty again, but she didn’t release him. “You wouldn’t, Dmitri. You couldn’t.”

  “I almost did once. Cheri finally stopped me and brought me with her to America. But even here, I could barely control the monster inside of me. The Kodiak saved me from myself. I need you to save me from this war. I can’t do this without you.”

  “I’m your mate; there is no question for me.”

  “I’ve never controlled it before, not like this. But I’ve never called it with a purpose other than one hundred percent death as far as I could reach. If I use it against our enemies in anger, I may have no control. I felt you through the burn; I could feel you pulling me away.”

  Her smile was so impossibly incredible. “I will always call you back from death, Dmitri. I cannot live without you.”

  Her love crashed around him, pulling back the gray clouds. He’d called death, killed all the wildlife around them, and still she loved him.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Seeing Cheri was never easy. Dmitri had managed to form a friendship with Vorlyk, but it would never happen with the vampire who sired him. Theirs was an uneasy truce. He kept his arm across Nikka’s shoulders, his hand on her upper arm, ready to attack if Cheri made even a small move to harm his mate.

  Cheri knew, obviously feeling the power he did nothing to hide, and she made the wise decision to keep her distance.

  “Nikka, mate to Dmitri, I welcome you and yours to my territory.”

  Nikka didn’t fight Dmitri’s hold and he was glad she didn’t insist on shaking the other vampire’s hand.

  “Thank you for welcoming us, Cheri.” Nikka’s voice held doubt that they were actually welcome.

  “We will board the planes over the next twenty-four hours. Is there anything I can do for your clan or Vorlyk’s?” Cheri spoke to Dmitri.

  “No, we will wait outside.” He couldn’t help his stiff voice. He wanted to be as far away from Cheri as possible, but it wouldn’t happen any time soon. At least they would board separate planes. Usually Nikka calmed him, but having her so close to Cheri only made the red haze worsen.

  Cheri’s voice broke into his unruly thoughts. “Emily is expecting you at her cabin. We felt you would be more comfortable there. We don’t have inside accommodations for everyone, but tents have been set up.”

  “Thank you.” Nikka spoke for Dmitri and he knew she sensed his disquiet.

  Dmitri noticed Brandt’s father, Thomas, by Cheri’s side and the curious looks the wolf gave him. Thomas and Cheri were mated, but it didn’t lower Dmitri’s protective instincts. He wondered if Thomas knew of his history with Cheri. He imagined he did by the way the wolf watched him.

  They walked outside following Cheri’s mate to Emily’s home. There were seventy-eight men, women, and children with them. Emily and Brandt’s new home was a quarter mile from the main house.

  Emily stood on the front porch of the huge two-story cabin holding her son, Magnus, with a large grin on her face. Dmitri kissed her cheek and introduced Nikka. This time he didn’t hold Nikka back as Emily pulled her into a one-armed hug. Honey came forward, receiving the same treatment. He wasted no time removing Magnus from his mother’s arms. Emily was Mandy’s sister and Emily hadn’t met her newest family member. With her arms free, Emily took the small wolf cub from Mandy.

  “She’s gorgeous. Has she shifted yet?” Emily placed her finger inside the tiny jaws and Demetria began sucking.

  “No, but any day.” Mandy peered over her sister’s shoulder, a very proud mamma.

  “I have more than enough room for you and Honey. There is a bedroom put aside for Dmitri and Nikka as well as The Kodiak and Sonora. I know you won’t be here long, but let’s get everyone as settled as possible.”

  Sonora began allotting tents and helping the bears get situated. The Kodiak stayed by his liege. Dmitri wanted both The Kodiak and Nikka near him at all times. The red haze spiked every time Tyboll screamed in his head. He’d managed to hold it back, but only because of his lifelines. The Kodiak remained a solid wall, even in the face of his brother’s suffering. Dmitri knew the bear held his temper in check to help him.

  Patreous, Tyboll’s son, was also having a difficult time. Mandy put Demetria in his arms as soon as Emily handed her back over. The small wolf was the only thing keeping the young bear calm. He felt what they all did. His father’s suffering was incredible, and, even as young as he was, Patreous wanted to kill his enemy. They watched him closely.

  Brandt’s pack provided meals for everyone. Bears, wolves, and cats ate together at a large outdoor gathering that night. Word had filtered back to the clans about Jackson’s and Wallace’s betrayal, but they refused to speak about the misguided wolves. They no longer existed to their clan. It was time to end the war, and if it took leaving their homes, it would be worth the sacrifice. The meal was good, but the somber group broke up early, seeking their beds.

  The first flight out took place early the following morning.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  South America…

  Small attacks took out several wolves standing guard. They had no time to alert Amy or Vorlyk. They’d now buried eight of their brothers. They had to hold out for at least three more days. Against Vorlyk’s advice, Nicolas decided he would help guard the camp that night. There was no chance he would sleep and he was hoping Raykon’s forces would make a move. He needed enemy blood on his hands.

  The Moor hadn’t communicated with Amy since directly after the first attack. They were all on edge.

  “Nicolas, I want to fight.” Zenya’s decisive words shot into his head.

  God how he missed her. “What of our son?”

  “Amy and Cheri will guard the young. I must help you, Nicolas. I’ve earned the right.”

  She had. She’d rescued him from South America after living among the cats and their abuse after escaping it. She’d risked her life and sanity for him. If they lost this war, their child had no future.

  “Come and fight, my love. I need you by my side.”

  Her love washed over him, her cat’s energy vibrating beneath his skin. “Wait for me.”

  “Always.”

  Amy appeared by his side immediately after he and his mate’s connection ended.

  “The Moor is coming with cats. He says to dig up the bodies of our dead.”

  It wasn’t hard for Nicolas to figure out why. “I’ll have the women do it. Are we allowed to kill the cats he brings?”

  “He says to leave several alive and be sure they see some of us dead.”

  Nicolas was getting the blood and violence he craved.

  The attack was sudden. Amy and Vorlyk battled The Moor, making it intense and bloody. They had to be sure the cats thought The Moor remained on their side. The male cats were reckless and unorganized. Raykon was obviously using the untrained as fodder. Two cats jumped Nicolas.

  A sharp claw punctured his stomach, but Nicolas managed to roll over, break one of the cat’s necks, and kick the other away. The lone cat came back with a vengeance, but seconds later a large mountain lioness caught him in her claws and the two of them rolled off Nicolas.

  Nicolas didn’t help the she-cat fight. Esta deserved the kill and she made it quick while Nicolas held his intestines inside his stomach. Fuck, it hurt. Blood dripped down his hands. Vorlyk took his shoulders and pulled him back slightly.

  “Your mate will never forgive me if you die. Hold steady, alpha.”

  Vorlyk’s teeth sank deep into his neck and the pain eventually receded. Yep, Zenya would be pissed off if he died, so he wouldn’t let it happen. The rays of sunlight just peeking over the trees went black.

  ***

  “How many dead?” Amy asked Vorlyk.

  “None. Only the bodies of our fallen.”

  “This sucks.”

  “Yes, it does.” Amy’s eyes had not changed from their amber glow. She and Vorlyk were inside a tent keeping out of the direct glare of sunlight. Nicolas lay on a mat, his bre
athing slow and steady while he slept and healed.

  Amy spoke softly. “I’m still afraid to fully trust The Moor, but I want to. He knows too much, and if he wanted to hurt us, he had the means to do it.”

  “I have the same fear, but also want to trust him. I wouldn’t have dreamed I could ever say that.”

  “Did you actually see him torture or kill women?”

  Vorlyk’s steady gaze held Amy’s. “I’ve thought about it. He stood by and watched it happen. Never lifted a hand to help, but I never actually saw him hurt anyone. He fed Amelia information and received special treatment from her. He never looked away from the abuse. He also has an uncanny way of keeping his eyes from changing. It’s as if he doesn’t have a soul. Nothing seems to bother him. I think that made me hate him even more.”

  “So what do you feel now?”

  The deep voice startled them both. The Moor had flashed inside the tent.

  Vorlyk stared and didn’t answer for a moment. “Confused.”

  Just the corners of The Moor’s lips tilted up. “I confuse myself, but I am sick of blood and death. I’ve grown too old, seen too much, and loved too few.”

  “Does your mate live?” Amy asked.

  “Yes, but she is afraid. I have not told her of my plans or my connection with the north. She’s young and weak compared to most vampires. She’s also gentle, but strong in the way of women. I’ve come to ask a favor.”

  Vorlyk gave a nod. “You’ve earned that right.”

  “Dmitri comes. He brings death.” Just a touch of amber appeared in The Moor’s eyes. “If I cannot get Becca from Amelia, she will die. If that happens, I want you to see that I die also. I’ve lived too long, and without my mate, I don’t trust myself. I need your assurance that the two of you will see it done.”

  Amy looked at Vorlyk. They were both mated and both understood.

  Vorlyk answered for both of them. “You have our promise.”

  The faint glow in The Moor’s eyes settled. “I plan to take out Amelia. She is your biggest threat, followed by Raykon.”

  “Leave Raykon to me,” Nicolas’s tired voice had them all turning. “My clan has dibs on that cat. It’s written somewhere in destiny.”

  “So be it.” The Moor flashed from their midst.

  “How do you feel?” Vorlyk offered Nicolas a smile.

  “Like my guts were ripped out and stuffed back in,” he groaned.

  “Then you’re fine because that’s exactly what happened. Not a pretty sight, I’d like to add. If you can lift your arm I’ll feed again and see if we can get rid of a little more pain.”

  “You have a problem with my neck, vampire?”

  Vorlyk flashed his fangs. “Yes, the dirty dog smell you carry is getting to me.”

  “Fuck you.”

  The tent flap opened. “As soon as my back’s turned you proposition someone else.” Zenya stood with the sun behind her.

  Nicolas propped himself on his elbow. “Do I smell woman?”

  She took a step inside, letting the flap fall. “Wonderfully, mate, but I will make you hurt worse if you allow some scrawny cat to get the best of you again.”

  “I’m counting on it.”

  “Allow me to feed from him, Zenya, and then please take his smelly carcass out of here.”

  “My pleasure.” She looked with concern and ire at her mate. “Dmitri, The Kodiak, and Nikka are waiting, so you will need the room.”

  Amy felt relief because she knew Marcus was with them. “I’ll secure a larger tent, so just leave Nicolas in here, Zenya. He needs rest.”

  “Yes.” Nicolas gave a tight, pain-filled laugh. “I need lots of rest.”

  ***

  Vorlyk bypassed Nicolas’s wrist and fed from his neck. Their smelly dog and cat teasing was as old as their clan. He handed the randy wolf into Zenya’s waiting arms.

  “Please keep your moans of pain to a minimum. The others don’t need to know what a wimp you are.”

  They laughed as he flashed from the tent and went to the cooking fires of the females where his mate also waited. It took a lot for Madayah to come back here, but she refused to stay behind. She’d earned the right.

  “The others await you in the large tent.” She ran her hands over his back, assuring herself he was okay. He was used to it, her mothering soul always clucking about her chicks.

  “I wish a kiss first.” His arms wrapped around her and he didn’t care about the sunlight leaching his strength, or who saw them. Madayah was his world and their separation had taken its toll.

  Usually shy, his beautiful she-cat didn’t seem to mind his public display, and she kissed him back fiercely.

  “Get a room,” Aster grumbled.

  Madayah’s cheeks had a pink tinge when Vorlyk pulled away. “No time, my love.” He kissed her once more then flashed to the other tent.

  Vorlyk immediately zeroed in on Dmitri. The vampire was not doing well. Nikka’s hand rubbed across his back and The Kodiak stood at his side. Amy and Marcus sat in two chairs a few feet away.

  “Are you capable of sitting down, Dmitri?” Vorlyk thought of Dmitri as a friend and didn’t plan to censure his words.

  Nikka leaned in and kissed her mate. Dmitri looked at Vorlyk. “We need to talk.”

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Dmitri watched Vorlyk sit down, but he couldn’t unwind enough to take one of the empty chairs.

  “Forgive me, but I need to stand while I speak.”

  Everyone waited.

  Dmitri began his story. He’d told Nikka about Anastasia and watched her cry for a woman she’d never met. No jealousy or anger, just heartbreak for her mate and lost love. It helped Dmitri put his ghosts to rest.

  Now he told the story again, leaving nothing out. He knew Marcus was aware of some of it and had probably told Amy, but he needed everyone to know what his being involved meant.

  “Nikka thinks I may have even more control than I think I do, but we can’t be sure. I must be able to control my anger. I’ve been able to narrow down the destruction to a tighter area, but the environment is very controlled. We will not have that luxury here.”

  Everyone remained silent until Vorlyk spoke. “You’re saying whatever direction you let loose will be destroyed; every person?”

  “Yes.”

  This time Amy questioned him. “What exactly do you mean by ‘narrow down?’”

  “The first time I tried, I killed everything a quarter mile out and the same width. I’ve been able to narrow that down to two hundred yards wide, but the distance remains the same. To be safe we need to assume three hundred yards.”

  “What about Tyboll?” This came from Vorlyk.

  Dmitri tightened his fists at his sides. “Tyboll remains alive, but barely. He knows what I’m capable of. Most of his communications are pain induced. He wants them dead and he’s told me to let him go.”

  Marcus spoke for the first time since Vorlyk entered the tent. “Can you do that, Dmitri…kill one of your own?”

  “If I release my power, I have no control over who it kills. Letting go is the easy part. Holding it back is what’s hard. It’s living with myself after Tyboll is dead that will be difficult. He is the adopted father of Mandy and father to Patreous. I don’t know if they can forgive me.”

  “Do we have any other choice?” Amy’s arm was now around her mate, her anxiety clear.

  Nikka leaned closer and kissed Dmitri’s chin, placing her arms around his middle. Dmitri didn’t answer the question. It was for the others to decide.

  Marcus’s eyes traveled around the room. “Amelia must die. Each of us is willing to die for our clans or we wouldn’t be here. Tyboll knew the risk, just as Samson and his fighters.” Marcus turned his full gaze on Dmitri. “We end this.”

  “We end this,” Amy and Vorlyk said together.

  Amy then told them of The Moor’s request.

  “The Moor knows what I’m capable of. The European vampires sent him to kill me, but Cheri got me to Ameri
ca before he discovered my location. The Moor’s ability is chaos. He can cause two loving brothers to fight to the death. But he’s as unstable as me.”

  “I say we do everything possible to save him and his mate. We need to full out attack the cats, rescue Tyboll, and unleash Dmitri when we’re clear.” Vorlyk’s words held conviction and they all knew he had the biggest reason to hate The Moor.

  They devised their plan for the next two hours knowing they didn’t have time on their side. Amelia would know additional beastkind were now in the camp. They needed to attack before she did.

  “Each alpha must take this to their pack. It’s essential everyone knows what will happen if they don’t get out of Dmitri’s path after the allotted time.”

  Everyone agreed with Marcus. Their entire force would attack and they each had fifteen minutes to get out before Dmitri took over. It was not enough time, but the war could be lost in less time.

  Amy gave a slight jump and everyone looked at her. “The Moor says do it quickly.”

  The meeting broke up and they all went to different locations to rest and speak with their clans.

  Nicolas joined Vorlyk and they walked to the cook fires. Madayah quickly made her way to her mate. Zenya joined Nicolas and Aster pulled Esta close. Several of the wolves guarded the camp, but everyone else was present.

  No one argued or even voiced an opinion other than saying it was time to fight.

  Esta, who never showed a lighter side, spoke. “I’ve been waiting to hang up my apron and kill a few cats. I have a bet with my mate and need a higher body count or I’ll be pregnant before we return home.”

  The shock wore off a few seconds later and everyone started laughing.

  ***

  Amy and Marcus spoke to their clan. The consensus was the same. It was time to fight. A short time later, they found an empty tent.

  “I love you.” Marcus pulled her close, his hands traveling under her shirt, cupping her breasts.