by Aline Hunter
Hell in a handbasket.
She looked at Ava as she made it to her feet. Trey did the same, shuffling back as he did. He stopped at her side and she reached for his hand. He wrapped his fingers around hers, his grip tight. She let the touch settle her before she walked toward Ava, extending her free hand.
There was more information to share, things Ava needed to know.
“Don’t you fucking think about it!” Diskant yelled.
“Stop.” Ava soothed the wild man with a simple touch, reaching out to Sadie as she did. “If she has something to show me, it’s my right to see it.”
“Him too.” Sadie’s gaze ventured to the Omega, her eyes flitting over his huge form. “Create a link. We’ll seal the circle. He needs to know as well.”
Diskant’s snarl of warning didn’t deter Sadie. She didn’t stop until her palm met Ava’s. Their minds merged—Sadie’s, Trey’s, Ava’s and Diskant’s. As usual, Sadie felt disoriented and off balance. The present time no longer mattered. They were stuck in a vortex of the mind, everyone’s thoughts churning together. She concentrated and called on her magic, using it to settle those trapped in her head.
Clarity. Warmth. Reason. Purpose.
Yes, this was comforting. This was the center she needed to balance.
She felt the familiar, warming glow of her power and showed them what to expect, recalling pictures of Rainbow City. The entire population had been destroyed in hours by a pestilence demon—one that had been conjured using a zephyr. Unseen, the demon had done its work. Bloodied bodies, eaten away as a virus ravaged them one by one. All it had taken was the presence of the beast, one who drew power from the sickness it inflicted.
Her strength started fading, the product of mentally sharing so much with so many.
There was so little time and so much to tell.
She did her work as quickly as possible, thinking of the images she’d been shown of the Fallen—vampires who embraced the dark side of their magic. Powerful, radiant and stunning, the Fallen were stronger than most of their supernatural counterparts. The last time they’d risen to power the world had faced the Third Pandemic. Millions had died, suffering what they thought to be the plague. If her kind hadn’t intervened—assisted by those they usually considered enemies such as shifters, witches and warlockes—the taint would have spread.
“Aldon isn’t of the light. He’ll kill us all,” she conveyed telepathically, swaying as her magic dissipated. “Vampires and Shepherds are the least of your concerns. If he gets what he’s after everyone you love is doomed. There won’t be a tomorrow to look forward to.”
Her legs buckled but she never hit the ground. Solid arms scooped her up. She went willingly, content when she felt Trey’s solid chest and capable arms holding her tight. She took comfort in his scent, letting him be the strong one for once. After today, none of them would be safe. Aldon had started the game, one he intended to finish.
There was nowhere to run and nowhere to hide.
It could very well be the end of days.
Trey tried to keep his shit together as he held Sadie. What he’d just seen—how Sadie had just fucking shared what she knew—rocked the ground beneath his feet. Diskant and Ava looked equally shaken. He could scent Ava’s fear as it poured from her. The acrid smell of Diskant’s rage scorched his nose.
“Get back to your posts and keep your eyes open.” Diskant snapped out of it, barking the order to his guards. With a sideways look at Nathan he added, “Call Cade. Tell him to cancel the pack meeting. If he asks questions, don’t give him answers. Tell him to close shop and get his ass over here.” He turned his head, gazing at Trey. “As for you two. Bring her inside. It appears we do have a lot of shit to talk about.”
Nathan returned to the Camaro, retrieving a phone from his jacket as he left. Diskant kept his arm around Ava as he led them to another fence that surrounded the house. He punched a code into a numerical lock system, opened the gate and ushered everyone inside. A set of back doors opened and Emory appeared, his mate Mary right behind him.
Thank fucking God.
As brothers, Trey and Emory had faced some issues. But now, with Emory mated, things had finally settled into place. Apprehension filled the air and Emory gave Trey a level stare. He met his brother’s eyes and tried to communicate his need for backup, hoping his brother could read between the lines. He hadn’t told Emory about Sadie, worried about his brother’s reaction to his mating with a vampire.
At that moment it felt stupid to have kept something so important to himself.
“What’s up?” Emory asked, standing so Mary remained protected behind him.
“Get back inside.” Diskant motioned to Emory and Mary, indicating they should move with a wave. “It’s not safe out here.”
“Do you think they understand how important this is?”
It took Trey a second to comprehend Sadie was communicating with him telepathically, keeping the conversation between the two of them. He turned his full attention to her, peering down. Her brilliant blue eyes met his. He wasn’t entirely sure how it worked, so he simply thought back to her.
“Yes.”
“Good.” She sounded so tired. He wanted to take her to bed, shield her in his arms and watch over her as she got the rest she obviously needed. Her lips curved slightly at the corners into a small, knowing smile. “I’m not sleepy, just drained.” There was laughter in the thought. “I’ll be back to fighting form in a little while.”
“I don’t want you in fighting form.”
The thought of her fighting for her life, facing Aldon on her own…
He growled and lifted his head to find everyone staring at him. He swiftly lowered his head, cursing himself. They didn’t know he had been talking to Sadie. How could they? He probably appeared totally unhinged in their eyes, likely to go off at any second. Hopefully they thought the attitude was normal.
Newly mated males were known to be pissy.
Diskant urged Ava into the nearest recliner. “Get off your feet, Ava mine,” he whispered, stroking her hair.
She didn’t protest, settling into the plush furniture with a sigh. She’d gotten past the first trimester of pregnancy and her constant fatigue worried the Omega more often than not. It was the reason Diskant had returned the status of Alpha of the pack to Trey—so he could ensure Ava carried and delivered their child without any undue stress.
So much for that.
Trey took a seat on the sofa, keeping Sadie nestled against him. She sighed and rested her head beneath his chin. Her exhaustion beat at him. His brave little mate was more delicate than she thought. Good thing he’d found her. She wouldn’t have to face the world alone. He’d keep her safe. Make her happy. No more fuckups. No more stupid mistakes brought on by his stubbornness and dedication to the pack. Since he’d come to Diskant, the cat was officially out of the bag. He wouldn’t take back his claim on her—even if he could—no matter if it cost him everything.
Emory had taken Mary to the fireplace. She rolled her eyes when, once again, he placed her behind him. She wrapped her hand around his arm and stepped in beside him. The glare he gave her promised a future punishment but she didn’t seem fazed. Instead she smiled at him, her doe-brown eyes brimming with love.
An invisible fist squeezed Trey’s heart.
If Sadie had any love for him before, had he destroyed it? Had his dumb ass managed to ruin the only good thing he’d ever have in his life? He ran his hand over her head, enjoying the feel of her hair against his palm. It was going to be hell gaining her trust. Women had the memory of elephants. Even if she forgave, she’d never forget.
Fuck me.
“Keep thinking such sweet things and I just might,” Sadie purred in his head.
Son of a bitch. Fuck me twice.
“Sneaking around in my head, are you?” he thought back, wanting to give her ass a hard slap for the intrusion. Not because he minded—her awareness of how he felt would give the leverage he needed. His intention
s didn’t stem from anger or agitation. The thought of her perfectly rounded rear turning a nice shade of pink from a few well-aimed pats turned him on.
“Does anyone want to give me a clue about what’s going on?” Emory asked briskly, studying Trey. “Why have you brought a vampire to our home?”
“She’s mine, brother,” Trey growled, warning the male to tread lightly.
“Yours?” Emory frowned and his nostrils flared as he scented the air. “She’s a leech.”
Trey felt Sadie tense against him, Emory’s hateful words piercing her like daggers.
“Say that again and I’ll rip you a new asshole.” And he would, sure as shit. “I’m making it clear here and now. Vampire or not, she’s my mate. Deal with it or get the fuck out.”
“Zip it, diptwats,” Diskant muttered, shaking his head. His eyes drifted to his mate. “Shut the fuck up. We’ve got other shit to think about.”
“How so?” Emory might have seemed at ease but Trey knew better.
As a family member of Shepherds, Mary remained in a constant state of danger. Plus Emory wasn’t stupid. Under normal circumstances Diskant would have forced Trey to leave with Sadie. Shifters and vampires didn’t mate. Especially not with Alphas. Yet here the Omega was, welcoming Sadie to the fold. Emory recognized and understood that.
Smart man.
“Tell me everything,” Emory ordered.
“Fuck, I don’t even know where to start,” Diskant conceded, lips molded into a scowl. “Ava’s brother has put another target on our asses. We’re dealing with some heavy shit.” Moving from his mate, he started pacing. “We’re going to have to arrange a meeting with the pack. It’s not going to go well. First we’ll have to get them to accept Trey’s mating. Assuming they do, we’re going to have to tell them what’s about to happen to the city. They’re not going to take the news lightly. Most of them will probably cut and run.”
“What news?” Emory snapped and Mary shifted closer to his side. “Answer me.”
“Remember the vampires that attacked Ava the night I found her?” Emory nodded and Diskant said, “They were sent by someone—a master vampire to be precise.” He glanced at Sadie and Trey before he continued, “It’s Aldon. He’s into some deranged shit.”
Emory’s irises flashed amber as he nailed Trey with an accusing glare. “I thought you said we could trust him.”
“I was wrong.” Talk about an understatement. He’d been more than wrong about the vampire. He’d been stupid as hell. “He’s been planning something big for months. I had no idea.” He rested a hand on Sadie’s thigh and gave it a squeeze. “If it wasn’t for Sadie none of us would have known what was happening until it was too late. He’d have taken us down with a snap of his fingers.”
“Isn’t that convenient?” Emory’s livid gaze intensified, irises becoming yellow. “Maybe you’re too blind to see what’s going on. Maybe she’s trying to play you. That’s what vampires do. Or have you forgotten? She’s probably not even your mate. They use magic to trick people and you’re wrapping yourself around her finger like a pussy-whipped pup.” Emory gazed around the room. “Am I the only one who finds all of this a tad suspicious?”
“Emory,” Diskant snarled, “Simon says shut the fuck up.” Their Omega stopped pacing and faced Emory and Mary. “If you don’t want to have faith in your brother then have it in me. Do you honestly think I’d have welcomed a vampire if I didn’t have a good fucking reason? Do you honestly think I’d put Ava or Mary in harm’s way? I’m going to tell you what’s going on, there’s just a lot of ground to cover. I’m trying to sort this shit out in my head.”
Sadie tried to rise from Trey’s lap. “I can show him.”
“No,” Trey snapped, planting his arm over her midsection. “You’re too weak. You need to rest.”
“It’s not as hard to communicate with one person.” She leveled him with a determined look. “We need to clear the air. This is the fastest way to do it.” When he opened his mouth to argue she shook her head. “We’ve wasted enough time. We have to find Leigh.”
God, he hated it when he didn’t get his way. But she was right.
“Fine,” he growled and stared at his brother. “But he comes to us. You stay right where you are.”
“Barbarian,” Sadie reprimanded him privately.
“You’re damn right,” he replied immediately. Fuck grabbing her by the hair and dragging her around. He was going to chain her ass to his side. “You ain’t seen nothing yet, baby.”
Emory hesitated, his attention riveted to his mate. After several seconds he gave Mary a nod and moved away, walking slowly toward the couch. Mary seemed uncertain, gnawing at her lip, wrapping her arms around herself.
“What’s she going to do?” Emory asked, cautious and jumpy. “Bite me?”
“You’ll never be that lucky, fuckwad.” The simple notion of Sadie feeding from Emory had Trey’s wolf clamoring for his brother’s blood. “She’s going to touch you and share what she knows. Which is more than you deserve after the shit you just spouted.”
Sadie lifted her hand when Emory stopped beside them. Emory didn’t want to accept her touch—Trey could smell the detestation coming from his brother—yet he did just the same. He wasn’t aware just how quickly Sadie could send another person shared thoughts and images, thinking it took minutes at the very least. He found himself surprised when she pulled away in seconds, appearing pleased. Emory, on the other hand, looked like he was going to toss his Cheerios.
“Fuck,” Emory exhaled, taking a step back, eyes saucered. “Jesus.”
“Now you know why I couldn’t break it down to you like the ABCs,” Diskant said, validated. “Not that easy to explain, is it?”
The double doors opened and Diskant, Emory and Trey growled in unison. The sounds lessened when Nathan stepped inside. The poor bastard looked like shit. He’d obviously been running his hands through his hair—the strands darted in all directions—and he was as wired as a wild animal in a cage. If they didn’t find Leigh soon he was bound to look even worse.
“Cade’s on his way,” he informed them as he walked to the couch and rested Sadie’s sword against Trey’s leg. “Have you decided what we’re going to do?”
“We’re going to get our shit in order.” Diskant’s power as an Omega fell over the room as he spoke. “We need to find this girl who’s so important and bring her here before we even think about addressing the pack.”
Nathan took a step back and took a deep breath. As a Beta he was the most sensitive to strong emotions, especially when a shifter called on his or her beast. With Diskant being able to change into every single animal form, it pulled more energy from the man. Trey tried to compensate, calling on his own beast, directing waves of fortitude to his second-in-command. His wolf met Nathan’s and strengthened it, giving it a measure of comfort. Nathan righted himself, his nod in Trey’s direction his expression of gratitude.
“I don’t know if she’ll come,” Sadie confessed, sounding sad.
“Oh she’ll come,” Diskant’s voice lowered an octave. There was an underlying threat in his words. “She’s placing every single person I’m in charge of in danger.” He turned his gaze to Sadie. “I’ll fight your nest and take her by force if I have to.”
“You’re not putting a fucking hand on her.” Nathan stormed into the room, baring his teeth. “I don’t care who or what you are. She’s my mate. As such she’s due protection from the pack. If you hurt her, you violate everything we stand for. I’ll contact every single pack we’re connected to. I’ll tell them what you’ve done. They’ll bring you down one by one.”
“He won’t hurt her, Nathan,” Ava chimed and shuffled from her seat. Diskant moved to assist her immediately, his anger about Leigh swiftly turning to concern for his mate. “She’s only a girl,” Ava whispered, using the hand Diskant offered her for balance. “She didn’t ask for this.”
“If you promise to give her your protection, I can find her,” Sadie said. “The
re are only so many places she could be.” Everything inside Trey rebelled at his mate’s offer. She must have sensed his unease because she pulled away so he could see her face. “I’m not running. I’m presenting an option. None of you can cover as much ground as quickly as I can. Besides,” her eyes lowered to his mouth and returned to meet his gaze, “you and I have to talk. There’s a lot we need to discuss.”
“Are you sure she’ll come back?” Emory questioned, wary despite what Sadie had shown him. “Are you sure we can trust her?”
If you want to earn her respect—if you want everyone to believe in her—balls up.
“Yes,” Trey responded as he stood, lifting them from the couch. “We can.”
As soon as he was upright he let his mate go—his wolf howling in his head at the loss of contact—and took a step back. He retrieved her weapon and handed it to her. She accepted the sword like the warrior she was, gripping the sheath that covered the blade. He knew she was capable of defending herself—she’d practically saved their asses when they faced Aldon—but he couldn’t prevent the instincts that demanded he prevent her departure. It was his duty to watch over her. Only a pussy would stand idly by as his mate ventured off without his assistance, guidance or protection.
Fuck. This was one of the hardest things he’d ever had to do.
Letting her leave, left with only the hope she’d return.
What if I can’t trust her? What if I’m wrong?
“Come back to me.” Even in his own head he sounded like a sappy, lovesick pup. “Don’t make me hunt you down. I will if I have to. When I find you it won’t be pretty. I mean it, Sadie.”
His pride had been forgotten. He couldn’t care less what the others thought.
If he lost face in front of those he trusted most, he’d get over it.
If he lost his female, he’d never survive.
Her eyes lingered on him as though she heard the thought. “I’ll be back. Promise.”
Gazing around the room, she slid her sword into the sheath that protected her weapon. “Don’t wait up on me,” she instructed. “The clock is ticking. Start making plans.”
