by Elisha Bugg
"Here?" Anya asked, her eyes bulging as she tried to comprehend what Keri was saying. What was Thane doing here? Surely he hadn’t come for her.
More importantly, how did Keri know that she’d been seeing a lot more of Thane?
"Well, yeah. Richard's testing all the new recruits so he can determine which section they would work best in. You should have been there too, but then I guess Hugh's giving you special treatment," Keri winked, nudging Anya's shoulder with her own.
Anya wasn't interested in Hugh and he knew it.
The only interest she had in being here was to find a way to help Lucas. To help her father.
She looked at Keri and wondered what her role was and whether she was happy here? It was her choice after all, but the Keri she knew wouldn't have come to them willingly.
"Anya?"
"Sorry, I was just curious whether you ever competed, after all you're dating a member."
"Yeah, I was more than happy to prove myself,” Keri laughed, giving her a quick wink, “turns out I make a good hunter. I may never have been as fast as you, but I'm excellent at traps.”
Chapter Twenty
Anya trudged along behind Keri, glancing from side to side in hopes of learning her way around, but it was pointless.
The interior of the house was confusing enough. Out here, it was a literal maze. The tall hedges created an intimidating labyrinth that had her quickening her pace to keep up.
Her hands twitched by her sides as the sounds of metal on metal clashed together in the distance. Roars and cheers echoing all around them.
What if she was walking into a trap; what if Thane had too?
There was no way Edwin had agreed to him coming here. What was he thinking?
It was bad enough that she'd risked her own safety coming back. Fearful Richard would discover her past, or find out about her new acquaintances. But at least they thought she was human. She didn't feel anything but human.
Thane. He was a shifter. If they found out, he'd be killed; or captured like Lucas.
She'd never see him again.
“What were you thinking?” Anya mumbled, hugging herself tight. Unable to bear the thought of anything happening to him.
Ever since that first meeting with him, there'd been a spark. An uncontrollable lust that forced her to act and kiss him.
Only he'd pushed her away, hiding behind his tough exterior.
Now she knew the truth. That he really cared about her. He'd proven it the day he came running after her. Holding her close in those woods and letting her lash out, giving her a glimpse of his past.
Anya sighed and looked up at the clear blue sky.
Who was she kidding? It would be foolish to fall for him. She was still half human, a race that Thane despised. His feelings for her were nothing more than a need to protect and keep her safe. Whether it was for Edwin, Lucas, or himself, it didn’t matter.
“Keep up slow coach,” Keri called from in front, linking her arm through Anya’s the moment she caught up, dragging her toward the towering stone arena ahead.
Each step they took, the shouts and grunts grew louder. The roar they’d heard from a distance now deafeningly loud.
There had to be a lot of people inside. A lot of people that could discover what Thane was. What she was.
“What have I done?” Anya muttered to herself as she bit down on her lip, gripping her necklace tight. The stone structure loomed over her.
“There you are. It’s about time,” Chase groaned, already pulling Keri through the gates after glaring in her direction. Leaving her alone with Hugh.
“Let’s go.”
Hugh held out his hand, waiting for her to take it.
She knew she should. He needed to believe she trusted him so he didn’t grow suspicious, but she didn’t want to touch him.
Taking a deep breath, Anya closed her eyes and reach her hand toward his.
Before she had chance to change her mind, Hugh grabbed it and pulled her toward him, almost protecting her.
She glanced up at his face and frowned.
This close, she could see the strain around his eyes, and smell the strong liquor and coffee overpowering his cologne.
He hadn’t smelt like that earlier. Nor had his eyes appeared dead and lifeless like they did now.
Shaking off her concern, Anya tried to pry her hand from his as he pulled her through the gates, but his grip was too tight, threatening to cut off the circulation to her fingers. His pace was gruelling as he dragged her up the steps to their seats. An announcer called out a long list of names, none of which she recognised, until she heard his.
“Thane. Speed and endurance.”
The list continued with Anya’s heart in her throat.
He may be alright at the moment, but he was still in danger of being caught.
How could he possibly think to survive should any of them grow suspicious of him?
The crowd surrounding them cheered, waving their arms in the air as the long list of competitors stepped into the clearing. But she didn’t see Thane.
Chewing on her lip, Anya searched the growing crowd frantically. All of her fears vanished when she spotted him among a large group of people standing at the back.
She let out a long breath and leaned back in her seat, thankful she was sitting down, her whole body shaking.
Thane was safe; but for how long?
Slowly, some of the competitors made their way to the track, but Anya’s eyes were glued to Thane. Especially when she noticed a tall, curvy woman with golden blonde hair and far too little clothing step toward him, pressing her body into his.
Anya's blood boiled.
What did she think she was doing?
Only, the woman didn't stop. She took hold of his arm, pulling it between her overly large breasts and tip-toed to whisper in his ear.
How desperate and needy. It was pathetic really.
Hugh nudged at her arm, trying to gain her attention as he passed her something cool, but she was too engrossed in what the woman was doing to acknowledge him.
All she wanted to do was march down there and slap that pretty little grin off her face.
A prickling sensation erupted in her fingertips, finally managing to draw her attention away from the scene before her.
At first she thought it was the cool drink Hugh had placed in her hands, but when she heard a low growl escape her own throat, she knew it was something more.
"Oh god," she muttered, wrapping her arms around her middle.
When had she become so jealous and possessive? That wasn't like her at all.
"What's wrong?" Hugh asked, turning toward her with a raised eyebrow.
"Nothing. It's just really hot out here, " she lied, shrugging out of her jacket.
She rubbed at her temples, trying to dislodge the jealous thoughts of clawing at the blonde's face, but when she began entwining her fingers around his and brushed her lips against his cheek, Anya saw red, bracing herself on the edge of her seat, but Thane looked down and snatched his arm away, scowling and rolling his shoulders.
Anya couldn't help but smile.
"Something wrong?" an all too familiar voice whispered in her ear, making her skin crawl and her fists clench tight.
"The show’s about to start. Enjoy it, pup," Richard snickered, placing a hand on her shoulder, his grip a little too tight and demanding.
Anya didn’t dare turn to him, fearful what he’d see when he looked at her. Just hoping she’d misheard him. He couldn’t know; how could he?
She turned to Hugh whose eyes were glued to the ground below him,
Did he know? Was the journal, and him leaving her alone all just a trap to find out what she was?
Maybe she was the one in trouble here, not Thane.
How was she going to escape when she was surrounded by strong and powerful hunters?
"Next competitors, step up to your positions," the balding guy from the library bellowed through a microphone making her ears ring.
It was too late. There would be no chance of her making it to Thane now.
She may have been able to use the distraction to get herself away if it wasn't for Hugh watching her every few seconds, and Richard's arm never moving from around her shoulders.
If she tried to move, one of them was bound to notice.
Slumping down in her chair defeated, Anya looked down to Thane who was now making his way to the track
Three tall, lean men joined him, walking with a swagger that made her wrinkle her nose. Each of them looked at Thane and another well built man, snickering and nudging one another.
Anya scoffed at their arrogance.
Thane may be large which would slow down most men, but he wasn't like them. She'd seen how fast he could run. Felt his power as she rode his back. His solid muscle gliding beneath his fur with each long stride. Every step light and accurate, graceful even.
Thane looked sideways at the men and shrugged, turning to the other large man, saying something she couldn't quite hear.
Bang!
The starting pistol fired, causing her to jump a mile high.
Hugh rested his hand on her knee to comfort her, but all she was interested in was the race before her.
Thane was holding back, running at a leisurely pace toward the front of the group.
"He's quick, but he won't beat Sean," Chase mocked, crossing his bare arms over his chest.
Was he purposely holding back to stop them growing suspicious?
"I don't know. He's gaining on Luke." Hugh replied, pointing down toward them.
Thane ended up finishing in third place, beating one of the three men who decided to mock him before they'd started. His smile wide as he looked at each of them, walking off to drain the contents of his water bottle.
Richard appeared beside him the next instant, clapping and patting his back.
She hadn't seen him move. Hadn't even heard him get up from his seat.
How could he move so quickly and silently?
Anya watched him suspiciously, amazed he'd managed something she would have believed impossible, especially when she was so aware of his presence beside her.
She turned to Hugh, curious to see what his expression would show. But his face was like stone. Just like Thane’s as Richard continued to talk to him. The occasional nod the only indication he was listening.
Only, Thane wasn't as calm and emotionless as he appeared. Blood dripped from his hand as Richard stepped away. The glass bottle he'd been holding crushed in his palm.
“Next event. The spar,” the announcer called.
Thane stepped forward, brushing his bloody hand against his black sweats, at the same time a huge guy pushed his way through a gathering crowd.
This guy matched Thane in height and width, the veins in his arms bulging. His muscles straining against a top that looked two sizes too small. His upper body massive, but his lower seemed to belong to another man.
Thane on the other hand was perfectly proportioned. His whole body muscled and truly magnificent to look at.
Both men entered the sand pit, staring at one another.
The man raised an eyebrow, clearly doubting Thane's abilities. If she was honest, she wasn't sure he could beat this guy either. He was massive, like a bulldozer, making Thane look small.
This guy was no new recruit, he was clearly there to test Thane.
The crowds went silent, waiting in anticipation.
"This the best you've got, Richard?" the tank of a man scoffed, turning to face Richard on the sidelines.
"I was expecting a challenge. This guy's smaller than the last one you brought me."
"Don't worry little man. I'll make this quick," he mocked, turning back to Thane, taunting him loudly for the crowd.
"I'd like to see you try and hit me first."
The man roared loudly, aiming his first punch high, toward Thane's face. He ducked and punched him in the gut, making him spit blood.
Anya turned to look at Richard, hoping he wasn't suspicious, but when she looked at him, ice coursed through her veins. His face contorted in the most unpleasant smile she had ever seen, his dead eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Lucky shot," the man grunted, wiping the blood from his lips before taking another swing.
Thane ducked and weaved each shot, sweat gleaming over him. His tight T-shirt stuck to his body like a second skin.
He was incredible. So fast and agile, connecting blows the other guy couldn’t dream of dodging.
She watched the battle in awe, gasping when the man managed to connect a punch to Thane’s face.
His lip burst open, blood spraying across his chin. Anya held her breath, but Thane continued unfazed by the blow.
The fight lasted almost fifteen minutes before the large man collapsed to the floor exhausted, his chest rising and falling rapidly with each laboured breath.
Thane stood over him, his face covered by shadow making it impossible to see his expression.
Slowly he crouched down and offered the man a hand up, but he brushed it away and turned to his side to cough up more blood, spitting and spluttering all over the floor.
“What a sore loser,” Anya mumbled under her breath, knowing how hard that must have been for Thane.
The man was disgusting, and rude.
“Don’t worry, Anya, the fights not won yet," Chase sneered, leaning around Hugh with a lopsided grin.
“What do you mean?”
“Your friend there has to fight until he loses, or until he's beat every opponent. Which of course won't happen."
Anya turned back to Thane, ignoring the snickering Chase, her heart pounding in her chest.
How was he supposed to continue fighting after that? Surely they couldn't expect him to fight until he dropped?
She didn't have to wait long before Richard sent in two more men, confirming what Chase had just told her.
Thane threw another water bottle to the floor with a crash, ducking the first blow with a slide. Dodging and dancing around them. Missing almost every blow that came his way. Landing several of his own in the process.
Anya studied his face looking for any signs of fatigue or injury, but other than his bloodied lip and the odd red mark, he looked fine.
His golden skin glistened in the sun as sweat clung to him, his breathing normal. His reactions were just as fast and flexible as when he'd started.
She didn't truly understand what it meant to be a Guardian, what the role entailed, but his training had to be intense for him to have so much stamina.
She watched on speechless as he defeated three more men. Each of them collapsing to the floor with fatigue.
How much longer did Thane have to fight?
Despite his steady footing and relaxed face, she'd already noticed signs of him slowing.
More and more blows connected with his body. His chest was now rising and falling rapidly as he wiped the back of his hand across his brow.
It had to be over.
Yet another man stepped toward him with a crooked smile. Something large and shining glinting behind his back.
Anya sat up straight in her chair, gripping the seat in front of her to stop her hands from shaking uncontrollably. Her chest tightened so she could barely breathe.
No. They couldn't hurt him. He couldn't have given himself away.
Richard stepped out on the opposite side of the ring and raised his arm, halting the man in his tracks.
"Enough. Thane has proven himself.”
Anya sagged back in her chair, her arms hanging limp by her sides as she let out a long breath.
She never expected to be grateful to see him, but right now, she couldn't be happier with his timing.
"You did well. Follow me," Richard insisted when Thane joined him by the ringside.
Richard turned to her then and smirked that same nasty, cruel smile he always did making her skin crawl.
"I'll take you home," Hugh interrupted beside her, resting his hand on her shoulder
as he moved in close to her ear.
"It'll give you chance to study what I told you."
The journal.
Anya wasn't sure she wanted to look through it. What if it was a trap like she feared? A magic spell placed upon it that would tell them the moment she opened it.
Were such things possible? She didn't know anymore.
Chapter Twenty One
Anya couldn't stop fidgeting and searching the room around her.
Once again she found herself surrounded by hundreds of people, only this time they were all hunters.
For weeks she'd been studying books and scrolling through webpages trying to find anything she could on inscriptions, hoping to find a way of breaking the ones stopping her from entering the basement.
Nothing.
Almost as though the hunters had removed all traces of such a thing.
She found the odd mention of runes and old religions that used such things. But whenever she thought she was on the right track, the information seemed to stop, or alter.
It was fast becoming apparent that her task was impossible.
The only thing forcing her to continue, determined there had to be a way, was knowing that Lucas waited at the bottom for her.
If only she could swallow her pride and forgive Edwin for his deceit, he might know of a way to help her. Or perhaps he already was.
She still didn't know Thane’s plan for being here, or if Edwin was aware of it.
Since Thane was always busy surrounded by hunters; or worse, Richard, Tynan had been dropping by her house almost daily.
He claimed he was protecting her from the hunters like Thane had been, but Anya got the impression he was just lonely.
Unfortunately, he hadn't known how to help either.
Defeated, Anya slouched against the white panelled wall behind her, staring at nothing in particular. Just glad to be alone at last.
If it wasn't Tynan letting himself in her house and making himself at home, it was the hunters following her every move.
Tynan she didn't mind, most of the time. At least now she felt safer around him.
How could she possibly stay mad at him? Every day for weeks he'd sent her flowers. Notes apologising again and again hidden among the leaves. Just the thought of it brought a smile to her lips.
