Consumed (Dark Protectors) (20 page)

Authors: Rebecca Zanetti

BOOK: Consumed (Dark Protectors)

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“I know.” His gaze hardened. “I had a long talk with Noah and his brothers. You’re leaving with them in an hour. I promise I won’t give up.”

Surprise caught her off guard, followed by heated fury. “I’m not leaving.”

“Yes, you are.” The gentle tone failed to mask the hard core of determination underneath. “Any shifter will be able to smell me on you from a mile away. Don’t you understand the danger this puts you in if I don’t make it tonight?”

She swallowed. Truth be told, she hadn’t thought beyond the full moon. “We’re family now.” Happiness caught in her chest.

“Yes.” Jordan looked anything but happy. “We are. Which means if I die, you’re the next in line to lead.” He lowered his head until his gaze captured hers an inch away. “You’ll be challenged immediately.”

With the virus in her blood, with being unable to shift, she didn’t stand a chance. She shook her head. But she wasn’t leaving him to face the moon alone. “So, what’s your plan? I mean, do you think the mating will kick in soon?”

“No.” His smile turned rueful. “I’m going deep underground where the moon can’t touch me.”

Disbelief had her shoving against his chest. “You’re fucking crazy.” She started to struggle, to get up, and his hands clamped on her hips. “Your head will blow off.” Unfortunately, she wasn’t being dramatic. They’d tried to help infected humans centuries ago by hiding them from the moon. The moon still called—loud and strong enough that the infected’s brain blew to pieces if they didn’t obey her call. “If nothing else, turn into a werewolf.”

He jerked his head back. “No.”

“Yes.” She grabbed both of his shoulders and shook. “Look how Brent has evolved. If you let the moon take you, at least you’ll still be alive. We’ll have time to fix this.” If he fought the moon by hiding, he’d die.

“I’m not turning into a werewolf. No way will I be like Brent.” Anger scented the air.

Enough with the secrets. The lion either trusted her or not. “What happened? I mean, with Brent? Years ago?”

Jordan stiffened. Fire flashed in his incredible eyes. “Nothing.”

Hurt spiraled down through her chest. “You don’t trust me.”

“I do.” He shut his eyes and exhaled. “You don’t need to know that side of me.”

She speared both hands in his hair, cupping his head. “I want to know all sides of you. No matter how much time we may or may not have together.” Scrambling to make him understand, she tightened her hold. “A public challenge was made, and David made accusations. I need the truth to counter them, Jordan.”

“He gave the truth.” The lion’s jaw hardened. “I killed his brother. At least, I thought I had killed Brent.”

She huffed out an irritated laugh. “I know you. And I know Conn. There’s no way you two sprang a trap on your cousin and then stabbed him in the back.”

“Very
distant
cousin.” Jordan jerked his head in almost a nod. “But you’re right. The truth should be known. Brent’s father was a good guy ... strong supporter of the Realm, which is one of the reasons the Kurjans took him out.”

“Brent didn’t support the Realm?”

“No. Brent advocated withdrawal, which would’ve weakened the feline nation as well as the Realm.” Agony cut hard lines into Jordan’s sharp face. “Conn was my best friend. Sure, we knew someday we’d be called on to fight, but we never thought it would happen so quickly. So, when war was absolutely declared, at the time, our only solution was ...”

Katie frowned. Anybody could challenge a feline leader as Alpha. “But you didn’t challenge Brent.”

“No. Not publicly.” Regret twisted Jordan’s lip. “I challenged him privately. In the woods that were clean and new, where cubs still play. He wasn’t getting out alive.”

A shiver wound down Katie’s spine. In that moment, she saw the assassin he’d once been. “I’m sure the fight was fair.”

Jordan’s short laugh lacked humor. “Well, we faced each other and went at it. The fight was bloody ... and I had to work for it.”

“So it was a fair challenge.”

“No.” Inevitability turned Jordan’s face to stone. “Brent was going to die that day—even if I did.”

Katie caught her breath. “Conn.”

“Yeah, Conn. He waited, just in case, sniper position, ready to take out Brent. If Brent and I both died, then Conn was going to approach Noah to step up.”

Katie shook her head. “Does Noah know?”

Jordan shrugged. “We’ve never talked about it, but Noah doesn’t miss much.”

“You did what you had to do.”

“Yeah, but I changed Conn forever.” Regret twisted Jordan’s lips.

“Conn would be mad you took responsibility for his decision.” Katie sighed. “Enough of that nonsense.”

Jordan gave a short nod and kissed the tip of her nose, leaning in to nuzzle her neck. “I love the way you smell.” His talented lips wandered up her skin.

Then his entire body went rigid. He leaned back as if she’d kicked him.

His hands wrapped around her biceps. Fire and an odd panic filled his eyes. He sniffed again. “Oh God.” Leaping to his feet with her still in his arms, he ran out of the gym.

Katie yelped, trying to get her balance as he hurried through the underground hallway. Paintings and light sconces blurred together. “What are you doing?” He jostled her again, and nausea rose in her throat. “Stop running, damn it.”

They swept into the main lab and he dropped her on the examination table.

Emma flipped around, surprise forming her mouth in an
O
. “What’s wrong?”

“Do a pregnancy test,” Jordan growled.

Max sauntered into the room, his hand on his gun. “What’s going on? Saw you running on the monitor.”

Jordan pointed at Katie. “She’s pregnant. I can smell the baby.”

Max lifted both eyebrows and then closed his eyes, sniffing the air. “Yep. New baby. Just like a brand-new snowfall.”

Panic danced large dots in front of Katie’s eyes. Pregnant? She couldn’t be pregnant. Then joy swamped her so fiercely she swayed. Pregnant. Jordan’s baby.

Emma cleared her throat. “Ah, there’s no test for a pregnancy this early, Jordan.”

Max shrugged massive shoulders. “Don’t need a test. Can smell a new baby. She’s pregnant.” A wide smile split his face. “I have to go tell my mate. Sarah loves babies.” Quick strides had him out the door.

Jordan’s face lost all color. He swayed, blindly reaching for the counter to balance himself.

Katie frowned. “Jordan, it’s okay.”

He rounded on her so quickly she shrank back. Anger filled his face, but something else filled his eyes. Seconds passed until she recognized the look. Pure, raw terror. “You don’t understand.” His voice dropped to a hoarseness that hurt her ears. “It was one thing to have Baye hide you since we mated. But with a baby,
my baby
...”

Oh God. Katie slapped a hand over her mouth. Her entire body trembled. Anyone wanting to challenge for leadership of the pride would have to take out the baby. Jordan’s heir. She could try to hide, but shifters were hunters at heart. She’d be found.

Jordan yanked the band out of his hair and started pacing. “Okay. I can fix this. We can keep the pregnancy quiet, so nobody knows. But I’m afraid they’ll still come looking for you.”

Emma stepped out of his way. “We’ll keep them here, Jordan. Keep them safe.”

His low laugh lacked humanity. “At Realm Headquarters? No. Too public, too known. A challenge will be made, and she’ll have no choice but to accept. Or they’ll come for her.” He ran a rough hand through his thick hair. “You’d end up at war with my people.”

He stopped pacing, his gaze on her. A deep sigh escaped him. “Emma, do we have a Realm prophet someplace close?”

Emma scratched her chin. “I think so. I think Lily is in Seattle—we could have her here in a couple of hours.” She yanked open a file cabinet and pulled out a thick stack of files. “I have her direct number in here somewhere.”

Katie scooted off the table, panic making her hands tremble. “Why do we need a prophet?”

Jordan’s expression smoothed out. “So you can marry Noah. He’s strong enough to lead and protect you.” He nodded at Emma. “Call Lily.” Quick strides had him at the door. “I’ll find Noah. Right now, I need some air.” He disappeared.

Katie put her hands on her hips. Sure, she could marry someone else besides Jordan, could even sleep with someone else, unlike the vampires, who once mated, caused a horrible allergy in anyone else trying to get intimate with them. But she’d only have one mate. “I’m not marrying Noah.”

Emma shoved the file back in the drawer. “You had better go talk to Jordan—if that’s the only way to keep you and the baby safe, he’s not going to back down.” She smoothed hair off her face. “I’d hate to have to hide you myself, but I will.”

Katie flashed her a grin. “I know.” Thank goodness for friends. “I need some air, too.” About the middle of the day outside, and she could certainly use some warmth. She hurried from the room.

No small amount of hurt settled in her heart as she jogged through the dark stone hallways. How could Jordan even think of her marrying another shifter? He’d said he loved her. There had to be a way to fix this. She passed all the security places, nodding at guards each time. Nobody tried to stop her.

Finally, she emerged outside into a beautiful fall day. The sun shone bright in the sky, the ocean sparkled an amazing blue, and the one man she’d ever love stood tall, his back to her, studying the sea.

Janie Kayrs sat on a bench, her face tilted up to the sun. Dressed in shorts and a tank top, the girl’s nose and arms were freckling. She stood and nodded at Katie, her blue eyes serious. “Wanted to feel the sun on my face—it’s safe considering it’s the middle of the day.” With a sad smile, she headed for the door.

The hair prickled on the back of Katie’s neck. Almost in slow motion, as if the air itself worked against her, she turned her head toward the forest.

The werewolves chose high noon to launch their attack.

Chapter 21

T
he hairy brutes attacked from both sides, fur flying and shining under the sun. They must’ve somehow taken out the perimeter guards.

“Run!” Jordan bellowed, shifting into a massive cougar, sending clothes scattering.

Fear and shock kept Katie frozen for two beats. Awareness slammed home, and she accepted reality. The werewolves were attacking in daylight.

She leapt for Janie, colliding with seven feet of muscle and fur. She bounced back, landing on the soft grass. Pain shot up her tailbone. A breeze lifted her hair, carrying ocean salt and the smell of dirty dog. Scrambling to her feet, she ignored Brent and tried to reach Janie.

The teenager faced a beige werewolf as it advanced on her, teeth flashing. With a sharp cry, Janie executed a perfect jump kick, nailing the beast in the face.

Blood spurted from the monster’s nose. He roared, sweeping a beefy paw out and swiping Janie in the temple. The girl smashed into the rock. A loud clunk sounded as her head impacted.

Fear narrowed the day, and Katie yelled. She shot toward Janie.

Brent intercepted Katie, grabbing her by the waist and lifting her high in the air. Smelly animal and evil coated her throat. She struggled, kicking and reaching for his face. With a low growl, the monster threw her to the ground.

Her shoulders hit first, bouncing before the rest of her body followed. The air shot from her lungs. Pain burst in her skull and back. Stunned, she blinked blackness away.

Brent turned his head. “Leave girllll alone.”

Growls and snarls echoed through the air as vampires and shifters exploded out of headquarters. They were outnumbered three to one.

Katie took advantage of Brent’s distraction, rolling over and crouching in front of Janie. The werewolf advanced, evil gleaming in his bizarre eyes. Feinting to the left, Katie dodged back to the right and nailed the bastard in the balls.

He shrieked in fury, stepping back, eyes going wide.

Katie pivoted to grab Janie and began to tug her inside.

Claws ripped into her elbows, yanking her away from the girl. Katie reached desperate arms out to her friend, struggling against the beast.

Relief filtered through Katie’s buzzing brain as Max lifted the unconscious Janie and whisked her out of sight. God, she hoped the girl was all right. She dropped to her knees, flipping around.

Focusing, Katie scissored her legs, catching the werewolf by the ankles.

He jumped out of her hold. Leaning down, he raked devastating claws down her arms, digging in and lifting. “Myyyy Kaattieee.”

Agony tore through her. Nerve endings fired, and her entire nervous system flared to life, sending an alert to flee. Brent dug his claws in harder. Katie’s stomach rolled, and black dots covered her vision.

He threw her, and she bounced off a rock, darkness falling over her eyes.

Jordan roared, the sound full of fury.

Brent pivoted and jumped into the group trying to kill the lion ruler.

Katie staggered to her feet. She wasn’t finished yet. Yelling, she tried to pull Brent’s attention away from Jordan. The beast turned his head, and Jordan was on him, teeth flashing as he dropped the werewolf to the ground.

But the other big brown monster roared to the sky. With a dark smile, he lumbered toward her.

She took a step back.

Insanity lit the werewolf’s eyes a translucent yellow. “I’m Jaaaack.”

Jesus Christ. Another fucking werewolf who could speak. Had Brent taught him? Katie dropped her stance, waiting until the monster was in range. With a howl, she shot a sidekick to its knee.

The beast went down, swinging hard.

She’d underestimated his arm span. He caught her by the wrist, yanking her into his matted fur. His claws dug deep into her flesh.

Her head swaying, she tried to focus and found Jordan. Three werewolves were on him, Brent taking the lead. The lion bled from several areas along his back and flanks.

The lioness within Katie snarled deep. Images whipped inside her head. Jordan mating her. The baby within her. So much hope. Desperation popped like firecrackers through her veins.

Fear and instinct had her struggling for freedom.

The cries and clashes of battle destroyed the day.

Jordan bellowed, the yell full of fury and pain.

Power cascaded through her like lava hurling from a volcano. Smooth, fiery, deadly. Opening her mouth to scream, her jaw kept widening. Fangs dropped low and sharp.

Snarling, she let out a primal roar.

The fighting ceased. For the briefest of seconds, every animal and beast in the clearing paused. All male, all reacting to the sound of an Alpha female.

She shifted completely into a mountain lion, a sonic boom shattering the air and sending Jack flying past bodies. The fight erupted again, shifters attacking with renewed purpose.

Sharp claws dug into the earth as she dropped to all fours. Electricity ignited her blood. Stunned ecstasy caught her off guard. She’d
shifted.

The animal took over, recognizing the danger. Vaulting over a downed beast, she landed on the back of a werewolf threatening her mate. Blood spurted into her mouth when she cut deadly teeth into its neck. Twisting her head, she yanked while slashing her claws down its vertebrae.

The beast fell, landing hard and bouncing. Holding its back down with her paws, she ripped its spine out. The monster went limp in death.

Bulky hands grabbed her, claws digging into her fur and throwing her across the clearing.

She landed on her side, quickly rolling to her feet, her gaze on Jack.

Colors flashed into her pupils, blood and rage assailed her nostrils, too many sounds pummeled her ears. After ten years of being human, her extra senses threatened to shut her down.

The werewolf advanced, a hard glint in his hungry eyes.

Cries of pain and death swirled in her head. Agony rippled on the breeze. Shoving those away, she focused on the threat, acutely aware of the cub nestled safely inside her. A maternal snarl hissed past her lips.

Even through the confusion, an awareness grounded her. Different. She was different from before. More powerful, more deadly ... either from the werewolf virus or from mating Jordan. Maybe from both.

Jack held a paw up, growling and allowing his claws to elongate. Sharper, much longer than any claws she’d ever seen. Although he’d inflicted damage already, he’d been keeping them sheathed. Smiling, he followed suit with the other paw. Make those hands. Furry hands with claws deadlier than any hunting knife.

Fear kept her gaze on the killer.

Out of nowhere, satisfaction coursed through her. She lifted her ears in question. The feeling belonged to Jordan. He’d dispatched one werewolf and was gaining ground on Brent. Intriguing to be inside his heart, privy to his thoughts.

Jack charged.

Training and instinct kicked in. Katie lowered her head, shooting forward and between his legs. Bounding around, she leapt onto his back. Her claws dug deep, her jaws snapping to gain hold.

With a roar, Jack reached back, grabbed her by the scruff of the neck and yanked her over his head.

The world blurred as she crashed to the ground, rolling to the side to protect the cub.

For two seconds she was a child again, scared and running from a bully. But this time Jordan couldn’t come to her rescue.

Desperation had her mind blanking. Her shoulder pounded where Jordan had placed his mark. Her mate. She’d run from him ... and being part animal, he’d had no choice but to chase.

Snarling, she flashed her teeth at Jack. Dodging to the side, she ran.

All furious animal, Jack howled, his claws scraping down her flanks.

Panting, her heart racing, she ran around a vampire decapitating a werewolf, past Lance and Baye as they battled several beasts, past fighting vampire soldiers and away from the entrance to headquarters. Toward the cliffs leading so far down to the sparkling ocean.

Jack lumbered after her, howling.

Her paws slipped on the wet grass, and she went sprawling. So many years had passed since she’d run in lion form.

Jack gave a gleeful yowl and pounced.

She turned onto her back, her hind legs catching him at the hips and thrusting him over her head.

His arms spiraled. He hollered in anger as he went pummeling through the air.

Katie jumped to all fours, turning around. Jack staggered to his feet, arms windmilling to regain balance. Roaring a battle cry, Katie lunged for him, hitting him solidly in the chest and bouncing back. Jack disappeared over the edge of the cliff. His holler turned to a high-pitched scream, echoing up as he fell. Finally, silence.

She flipped around, surveying the area.

Jordan snarled, fangs flashing, and tore the head off a werewolf. Jerking to the side, he threw the head over the cliff. Brent gave a howl of outrage. The remaining werewolves echoed his bellow. Glancing at the empty cliff, Brent and the still standing beasts shot back into the forest. Several vampires took off in pursuit.

Jordan lowered his head, stalking toward her, his eyes primitive and gold. Sniffing her neck, he gave a short, satisfied growl. Moving closer, he nuzzled her jaw, wandering to the bite in her shoulder, which he nipped.

Warmth flushed through her. Her mate.

One by one, the remaining feline shifters stalked toward her. Forming a line, Noah bowed his head. His brothers and then the rest of the lions followed.

A vow of allegiance from their soldiers to their Alpha female. A promise to follow and protect her, regardless of what happened to Jordan.

Jordan nodded in approval.

The shifters turned and bounded in pursuit after the werewolves.

Then Jordan stretched his neck, turning to survey the sun lowering in the sky.

A cold chill shoved away the warmth in Katie.

The moon was coming.