Satisfied she was safe, he calculated the distance between the two hybrids and Greggor. He planned to kill them all. Hawke had four forms. Human, wolf, hybrid and bulked hybrid. In his bulked form he resembled a shorter Hulk standing at around seven feet. But according to Lord Boris, the metal bones in his arms and legs gave him similar strength to the green creature.
Hawke maximized the bulk on his hybrid form and dropped to the ground. Blood pumped through his veins, his wolf gloried in the freedom to release aggression against those who represented his enemy.
Ten inches, razor-sharp claws sprung from his fingertips. Sharp fangs lengthened, crowding his mouth and resting on his chin. Long toenails lengthened and curved as his feet widened. It had been too long.
The first hybrid leapt forward, and he caught him in the throat, holding him off the ground in mid-air while watching the second hybrid approach. These two were cannon fodder and not the most dangerous in the group. He tried to lock in on Greggor but the scheming man had moved again.
Hawke threw the hybrid at the large wolf that’d leapt into the clearing, knocking the animal back. With a quick dip, he jumped up and landed on a branch, missing the second hybrid’s punch. Scenting the air, two full-bloods had joined the fight, his wolf growled at the dominance challenge. He leapt to the ground, grabbed a wolf and pierced his neck with his claws. Hawke backhanded the hybrid and sent him flying into a nearby tree.
The other wolf jumped on his back trying to get a grip on his wide neck. The other hybrid landed a punch to his stomach and face. Hawke picked up Greggor’s location, it was across the clearing. He saw the tranq gun in his hand and knew the man waited for an opening to shoot him full of tranquilizers. Asia would be left unprotected and he couldn’t allow that to happen.
With a roar, he grabbed the wolf from his back and slammed the beast onto the hybrid, knocking it off him. He snapped the wolf neck, took aim and threw him at Greggor. The man’s eyes widened, and he jumped aside. The beast hit the third hybrid and knocked him back a few feet.
Hawke snatched up the hybrid and dragged him to the side as a cover, and then rammed his fist into his face in the same manner he’d seen Asia do yesterday. Bone crumpled and blood poured down his hand. He didn’t recall seeing this much blood before but the deed was done. Next he twisted the head for good measure until it broke free of the spinal cord and dropped the carcass.
He sensed Greggor crawling and sought to reach him before the man got off a shot. No one knew better than him how potent the tranquilizer was, he’d created the serum. The remaining wolf snarled and snapped but kept its distance. He suspected they were setting him up for Greggor.
Instead of co-operating, Hawke leapt forward, the wolf followed, and they clashed in the air. Hawke swiped the wolf across the neck with his claws and hearing a click dropped to the ground and rolled into the tree line. The ping of the dart hitting the ground inches from his chest pissed him off.
Enraged, he would kill Greggor first chance he got. The hybrid he’d backhanded jumped on him, pinning him down to the ground. Hawke looked into the vacant eyes of his opponent and then glanced at the metal around his neck. With little effort he moved his arm up and grabbed the necklace. Lord Boris said these were impossible to remove, but since the man was a liar and a cheat Hawke decided to test that theory. Although the hybrid’s muscle’s strained to hold Hawke in place and sweat poured down its forehead the eyes never changed.
Hawke waited to see if Greggor would move closer now that he was down to one hybrid for protection. He heard nothing and sensed no movement. The hybrid leaned to the side and punched him in the face. He rolled them over, grabbed the necklace and lifted the hybrid in the air. This time he slammed the hybrid against the tree so hard his skull split. Hawke knew that wasn’t enough and broke his neck as well.
Breathing hard he stepped back, spun around as the dart landed in his shoulder the medicine entered his bloodstream immediately. In moments he’d be out. He took one step, then another like a Saturday night drunk. Fire shot through his veins freezing him mid-step. Damn, that extra ingredient he’d added to the formula worked too well. A tingling numbness, spread through him. Hawke fell to his knees. Footsteps drew closer and through the dimness of his vision he saw Greggor leer.
“Hello Hawke.”
Too sluggish to respond he cursed the jackass in his mind and wished him a thousand deaths. In the corner of his mind, he thought there was a sound, a cry, a scream of anguish. He fell forward into the dark abyss.
A sense of unease rolled through Asia waking her. She listened to the forest while shaking off the dregs of her sleep. Deep-resting was critical after expending the amount of adrenaline and energy she had at the castle. But something woke her. She glanced at Hawke intent on asking if anything happened and found his tree empty. Alert, she scanned the area. In the distance Hawke had company.
Damn, he should have woken her instead of handling this on his own. She remembered his pitiful fighting skills with the test wolves and wondered if he were still alive. The scent of hybrids and full-bloods fueled her anger. She morphed into her hybrid, masked her scent and hopped from tree to tree. It took longer to reach the area than she would have liked. When she could get a good view, she paused.
Stunned, she watched Hawke destroy his opponents with ease. Unable to move, she kept her distance in the tree and watched. Why had she thought him inept? It became clear he didn’t need her help.
A glint in the trees caught her attention. Tranquilizer gun. Her heart raced at the gun pointed at Hawke’s back as he snapped the neck of the hybrid.
“Hawke, watch out,” she called but was too far for him to hear. She searched her mind for their link but it was too late, he crumpled to the ground in the midst of slain bodies.
Pain, sharp and piercing lanced her chest. Her wolf took over, shifting mid leap running through the forest at blinding speed, leaping over roots, and ducking branches. Once in the clearing she hit Greggor in the chest, the weapon flew out of his hand and slid into a tree. The man lay on the ground, his face bleeding from a scrape of her claw.
“What the fuck are you doing standing there?” he screeched. “Get this bitch off me.”
Asia’s wolf bit down on his arm until it hit bone. He screamed and tried to push her off which sliced his arm more. Sensing the hybrid behind her, she leapt across Greggor and shifted to her hybrid. Cold anger filled her at the sight of her mate lying on the ground, before the hybrid attacked; she picked up Greggor and punched him in the stomach.
He screamed.
She tossed him aside for later. The puny man would pay with his life for what he did. First she needed to disable the hybrid and then the gun. Perhaps she’d shoot Greggor with a tranquilizer. That thought pleased her wolf.
The hybrid charged. They always charged. Asia stepped aside and gut punched him, causing him to stagger. And then she punched him beneath his chin with her metal arm. He flew backward and hit the tree. She strode to the tree where the gun rested and grabbed it. One dart left, she watched Greggor rolling on the ground holding his belly, pointed and pulled the trigger. His eyes widened and looked down at the dart protruding from his leg. He grabbed at it with both hands and removed the tranq. The look of hatred he sent her would have scorched the sun. Pleased, she nodded her appreciation, broke the gun in half and went to finish off the remaining hybrid.
“I’ll kill you for this,” Greggor said, his words slurring.
Neck broken and chip removed, Asia tossed the hybrid aside. She couldn’t talk well in this form and didn’t bother. Instead she went to her mate and removed the dart. Anger, pain and sadness filled her chest. Breathing became a major challenge. What if she’d remained asleep? They’d found him by his chip and he’d led them miles away from her to protect her. The realization stunned and shamed her. Something alien tugged on her heart, followed by guilt. If they had shared a link, Hawke would have heard her warning.
Asia scanned the area, Greggor alone lived.
Tempted to kill him, her wolf urged her to care for their mate first and return to kill the bastard after finding a secure place for Hawke to recover. She stared at his hybrid form in awe, the man was massive, she’d need to remain a hybrid to lift him and even then she hoped she could carry him. Caves hidden in the foothills of the mountains beyond the forest would be her first choice. It was a distance, and she risked exposure with the sun rising. But she could defend them better in the cave. For now safety ranked highest.
“Hawke,” she whispered and touched his brow.
His head rolled in her direction. The next moment his body morphed to human. She thanked the Goddess.
Lifting him, she settled his weight in her arms and headed in the direction of the mountains. The sun had just risen when she arrived at the base of the mountains, and she’d seen no humans during the long trek. That didn’t mean none of the locals saw them, she was certain the few who saw her carrying a large man like a baby created wild tales to be retold later. She re-scanned the area, and then shifted him in her arms a bit before trudging upward to the low entrance she had discovered by accident on her way to Lord Boris’ castle.
After stepping inside, it became clear she wasn’t the only one who recognized the merits of the cave. Leftover food containers, cigarette butts, clothing items and a roll-out bed greeted their entry. She laid Hawke on the make shift bed and went to explore deeper. A small, child sized opening led into a larger cavern.
Asia debated whether to break through the stone or continue her search for another entrance. Thoughts of others with easy access to the cavern made the decision for her. She continued searching for another way into the cave and after a series of dead ends, shifted into her wolf and squeezed through a small slit between stones. Her breath caught at the jagged rocks and smooth plateaus lining the sides of the large cave. She stepped over gravel and looked around, searching for water and game if possible. Water, she found and drank her fill. Her stomach grumbled. She needed to get Hawke situated and then go for supplies.
How would she get him into this cave? She’d deliberately chosen a place impossible for humans to access, but in his present form, he couldn’t access it either. She retraced her steps and watched him sleep. Out of options, she sat near the entrance to defend her mate.
Chapter 14
The sun set low in the sky when Hawke moved. Asia looked at him over her shoulder and then refocused on the entrance. Two drunks had wandered near earlier but sobered quickly when she growled her displeasure. The men ran, tripped and rolled a good distance down the hillside.
“What happened?” Hawke said, his voice deep and harsh.
Asia turned; prepared to defend herself she stood and watched as he took stock of the surroundings.
“Asia?”
The huskiness of his voice caressed her skin. She shook off the effect and continued staring at him.
“Goddess, you are so beautiful.”
Her wolf whimpered at the awe in his voice, but she remained vigilant as he sat up and scooted back against the wall. He tilted his head in the same manner when he looked at her in the hall at the castle. “I’m in control,” he said with a puzzled look staring at her. “Did you do something?”
Still in wolf form Asia stared, looked away and unable to stop looking at him, stared again.
Hawke frowned. “Something is different. The computer is muffled, like a hum.” A spark lit in his eyes, stealing her breath, and confusing her. “The chip’s not controlling any more, it’s there but not strong like before.”
Asia’s wolf whined, pushing her toward him, urging for the connection between mates. Stepping out on a symbolic limb, she opened the link. “Good, that’s good.”
His eyebrows shot up. A moment later a smile appeared. “Thank you, Asia. Thank you. Such a long time… so long since…” his eyes closed and a rush of warm wind flowed through the link, brushing against her mind as if tasting and caressing every nuance of her essence. Asia’s body tingled beneath the onslaught. This mingling was unlike anything she’d ever experienced which made no sense, she’d been mated before.
A soft breeze carried the aroma of his craving, filling places she never knew existed. Her wolf whined and stepped closer, taking in more of his scent, licking his hand and face.
“You are so beautiful,” he whispered. The deep huskiness in his voice left her panting and defenseless. Resisting him never entered her mind. Warm tendrils of need arced between the links, binding and tying them together. Hot coils of desire wrapped tight around her as an embrace.
“Asia,” he whispered. “Let me see you.”
The raspy hunger in his tone slid into a crevice of her mind she hadn’t known existed and filled the space with something akin to hope. Could she? Fear, the parasite in her mind, rose swift and strong, urging her not to trust this man, not to release everything, not to allow him access to her dark secrets and shame, not yet.
Allowing Hawke to see her wasn’t the same as giving in, plus her wolf would take matters into her own hand if she backed out of this mating dance.
Asia shifted into her true form.
Hawke’s gaze softened as he pulled her forward and cupped her cheek. She touched the scar on the side of his face with the tip of her finger. His gaze roamed her face, as if imprinting her on his brain. “So damn beautiful.” The heat of his words brushed against her cheek. Unprepared to share everything her eyelids lowered beneath his steady gaze.
Hawke fisted her hair pulling her head back and kissed her hard. Her wolf purred. The noise slipped through her lips. His movements quickened as if the unchecked sounds were a fire accelerant, inflaming him further.
Long licks of his tongue danced with hers. Intoxicated with pleasure, he tasted like a life-altering liqueur. She’d never thirsted to this degree and pressed into him for more.
He growled, lifting her onto his lap. The length and width of his cock set off a happy dance with her wolf, they were both pleased. Hungry for him, she rocked against his hardness.
Lips parted, he gasped. Images of them in a variety of positions crowded her link. Turned-on, she ground against him.
“You’re wet, ready for me. Thank you Goddess, I cannot wait.” Hawke flipped her onto her back, snatched the meager cloth covering her and thrust one finger inside her pussy. Tight muscles clasped onto his digit, greeting him properly.
He groaned and shoved his pants down with the other hand. “Goddess, I can’t take any more. Your scent is driving me crazy. I can’t decide what to do first. Sample this delicious nectar…” He removed the finger from her and sucked. He smacked his lips and smiled as he replaced the finger in her pussy. “So sweet.”
Asia moved beneath his talented fingers needing more.
“You want me?” He asked through the link. His hesitancy hid his insecurities and shame. He knew about his baggage but not hers. His woman hadn’t opened to him completely.
“If you want me,” she whispered.
Hawke crushed her against him, giving her another one of those mind-boggling kisses.
If she were a better person, she’d tell him the type woman he’d take as a mate so he could make a quality decision. But the closeness of their bond worked its magic on her, watering dry places in her soul and filling an emptiness she never thought possible. Mating him without full disclosure was selfishness personified. She knew and didn’t care. This time she’d grab the brass ring and end the dusty road of loneliness she’d traveled far too long. Instead of confessing her past she held onto his broad shoulders as he moved between thighs and with one powerful thrust, initiated their mating.
Asia’s breath locked in her throat. Thank the Goddess he moved. She feared he’d stop or worse, talk. Before she could voice her objections, he thrust back into her again, and again. Rain, no a torrential downpour fell inside her. What other explanation could there be for the wellspring of giddiness sprouting in the barren landscape of her heart? Pockets and crevices of a lifetime worth of debris were swept clean or rep
laced by the fire of their mating. She had no idea which and didn’t care as they spiraled higher together, consumed with each other’s heartbeat. First separate and with each thrust they synced, closer and closer together until one was indistinguishable from the other.
Her body tightened like a locked spring and then exploded into millions of pieces as they crested. The braided bond of their mating kept her grounded, a sense of security spread through her limbs and settled in her mind. Bit by bit, the shudders wracking her frame ceased. Her heart slowed to a normal pace and her limbs went limp. Air flowed through her nostrils assuring her she had survived the life changing moment.
Hawke’s palm cupped her cheek, and he placed a soft kiss near her mouth. It was such a simple thing, but the gesture touched her in ways she couldn’t explain. Rain, comprised of his gentle touches, soft words and even softer kisses watered every dry, dusty, dirty place in her being. Perhaps that explained her blurred vision when his lips brushed against hers, not seeking anything, but for the sole purpose of touching her.
“Amazing Asia, beautiful inside and out,” he murmured.
She snuggled closer, and sent a silent prayer to the Goddess he was right.
Chapter 15
The sunset marked the end of their quiet time. They’d spent hours exploring each other’s bodies, and easing the itch accompanying the mating.
“Mistress?”
“Asia. Everything okay?”
“Yes. Has La Patron decided anything?” She didn’t want to rehash her disobedience, but she needed to know if La Patron planned to remove them now or later. She hadn’t mentioned anything to Hawke yet, and waited until she knew the plans for certain.
“Yes, Silas is sending you to an old associate of Angus. Chacal. The man lives on the outskirts of Odessa and has arranged transportation.” She gave Asia the co-ordinates to pick up the vehicle. Grateful for the solid plan she nodded at Hawke. He kissed her cheek, and earned a smile.
Sword of Inquest (La Patron's Sword Book 1) Page 7
