by Susan Bliler
King was halfway to Leto when Leto ground out, “I want her taken to a cell!”
Monroe smirked at the other Walker. “That’s not how it works Leto. You’ve vouched for her, which means she’s welcome as a guest here until she proves to be disloyal.”
Leto shook his head trying to force down the haziness that was quickly overtaking him. “She’s already proven it!”
“She’s admitted working with the Megalya,” Lilly interjected, earning her a sour look from Leto, “that doesn’t necessarily deem her as treacherous. If anything she’s been open and honest.”
King, not liking the look Leto was giving his angel, stepped in front of the Walker to block his view. “Time to go.”
Leto growled his disapproval, shaking off King’s hand as he turned and paced slowly down the hall using the wall for support. “Put her in a cell Monroe,” he shouted from the hall, or I promise you, she’ll make you regret it.”
When Leto was finally gone, Monroe closed the door and turned to find Shy being cradled in Lilly’s arms. “It’s alright Shy. His bark is worse than his bite.”
Shy looked up with wide pain-filled eyes and whispered, “He wants my blood.”
“Well, he won’t get it,” Monroe bit out tersely.
All eyes turned back to the door when it was shoved open. Terrified Leto had returned, Shy buried her face in Lilly’s shoulder.
“Is she alright?”
Instantly recognizing York’s voice, Shy looked up in relief. The Walker was staring at her intently.
“She’s fine.” Monroe frowned and looked from York to Shy then back. “Commander.” He nodded toward Conn and Conn stalked to York’s side, gripped his arm and jerked the Walker behind him as both exited the room.
“Where’s he going?” Shy asked. She’d grown comfortable with the tall Walker and had hoped he’d stick around in case Leto returned.
“Uhhh,” Lilly’s confused gaze flicked from Shy to Monroe then to the closed door. “They’ve got work to do.”
Shy could tell that her inquiry about York had Monroe, Aries, Lilly, and Jenny on edge.
***
“What in the hell do you think you’re doing?” Conn challenged as he forced York into the elevator, followed him in, and jabbed a button.
“I was checking on her.” York was angry. He and his team had been stuck dealing with Leto while Conn, Aries, and Shy had preceded them back to StoneCrow. The entire drive he couldn’t stop wondering how badly Shy had been injured. After Marko, Bodi, and himself were finally able to pin Leto down, York had kicked in the bathroom door and had been slammed by the scent of Shy’s blood. Enraged, he could barely keep himself from attacking Leto. Shy was small and weak. It made no sense that any man would attack her let alone her Walker mate.
“Something’s not right,” York bit out. “Why did he attack his angel?”
Conn rubbed a hand over the back of his neck. “He’s confused. He doesn’t claim her and she’s not wearing his halo.” He cringed inwardly when he saw hope spark to life in his best friend’s eyes.
“She’s not mated?”
“She’s mated York.” Conn put a hand on the other man’s shoulder and squeezed once before dropping his arm. “Leto’s just confused right now. We all know he was afflicted the second he saw her again.” He lifted a hand to his halo and stared sadly up at his friend. “The halo doesn’t lie. She’s his.”
“If he doesn’t want her…” York began but Conn cut him off mid-sentence.
“She’s pregnant York. It’s Leto’s child. It’s done. She is his angel.” Conn could only watch in sympathy as York let his head fall back to stare up at the ceiling. The large Walker’s shoulders slumped in dejection. “You’ll find her York. Give it time. Your angel is out there somewhere.”
“I thought…I felt…” he didn’t finish.
“I know,” Conn offered. “I know.”
Chapter 12
“So,” Monroe began angrily, “which one of you wants to explain to me how she is pregnant from a Walker who clearly despises her?”
Shy’s gaze snapped to Aries and she shook her head hoping Monroe wouldn’t notice the slight movement.
“Well uhhhh,” Aries’ eyes darted from Shy to Lilly who still stood with her arms around the trembling woman.
“Look,” Lilly began, “she’s had a rough day, rough week,” she held Shy at arm’s length to rake her eyes over the shorter woman, “hell it looks like it’s been a rough year, plus she needs her wound looked at. Can’t you grill us some other time?”
Monroe eased himself into a dark leather chair before propping his elbows on his dark mahogany desk and leaning forward in challenge. “No. I have a Walker willing to lay down his life on the bet that she’s Megalya. She’s pregnant with his child, clearly against his knowledge, and I want to know how she got that way!”
“The Megalya are attempting to create Walkers,” Shy blurted out in hopes the diversion would work.
Something flashed knowingly in Monroe’s eyes before he asked, “They want to create Walkers to find where our weakness exists? Are they searching for a way that would make us easier to kill?”
Shy shook her head, “You misunderstand. Their goal is not to kill you.”
“Of course it is,” King barked, “it’s all they’ve ever done. What else could they possibly seek?”
Shy turned to frown at the Chief of Security before whispering, “They’re trying to replicate the genes that create your…uhh, unique biological traits.”
“Wait,” Aries held up her hands, “I thought you said you didn’t know what they were doing.”
“I said I didn’t know it was real. I saw the files Aries, they had me work on,” she held up the first two fingers of each hand and bent them down, “projects.” She sighed, “They want to be you.”
“How close are they?” Monroe demanded.
“Not close. Hell, I didn’t even think it was real. They’d cycle animals through for some testing and it was laughable. The other interns and I thought it was a joke. But when they brought in Leto…”
Monroe stood, forcing his chair back. “Did you participate in the experimentation on him?”
“Me?” Shy’s eyes shot up, “NO! I didn’t…I wanted no part of it. As a matter of fact when they brought him in I demanded they release him!”
“And…” Monroe prompted.
Shy’s voice grew soft, “And they wouldn’t.”
Some of the anger left Monroe as he reclaimed his seat. “Your right Lilly, it has been a long day. Jenny, see to Shy’s wounds and then Aries can take our guest to her quarters.”
“Come on Shy,” Lilly hooked an arm around Shy’s waist and turned with her.
“And Shy…”
She looked over her shoulder at Monroe.
“If you are Megalya and you’re here to hurt any of my Walkers…,” he smiled and flashed elongated canines while his eyes transitioned to a lethal black, “you will regret it.”
Shy could only nod as she was led from the room. She didn’t pay much attention as Aries, Jenny, and Lilly crowded around her on the elevator. All were silent and Shy kept her eyes down as she collected her thoughts.
She knew for the sake of her baby that she couldn’t go home. If the Megalya were hunting her she’d never stand a chance, especially in her condition. With no other recourse, she’d have to stay with the Skin Walkers until her baby was born. Afterward, she didn’t know what she planned on doing, but for now if they could keep Leto away from her it’d be enough.
“I can’t fucking wait until he’s afflicted,” Aries spat practically grinding her teeth.
Jenny smirked, “I pray to God I get to be there to see it happen!”
“Me too,” Lilly chimed in.
Lifting her eyes, Shy studied the three women in turn, “Who?”
“Monroe!” Aries ground out. “Son of a bitch is so unsupportive of mated Walkers!” She crossed her arms over her chest and drummed the short nails of one hand o
n her bicep. “But one day, he’ll see what it’s like.”
“I hope it happens soon,” Lilly huffed before drawing her brows together in concern, “poor woman. Whoever she is, I feel sorry for her already.”
Jenny smiled mischievously, “I shouldn’t say this but…” she eyed the women before her grin broadened, “there’s evidence that suggests Monroe’s affliction will be worse than most because he’s the apex male.”
“Affliction,” Shy asked remembering hearing them say that Leto had been afflicted.
“Oh,” Jenny’s expression blanked, “never mind that right now.”
Shy wanted to ask more questions about this affliction, but the elevator door dinged open and the group of women swept out.
“Okay,” Lilly pulled her arm from Shy’s waist. “Aries you go secure her room. I’m gonna go and get her something to eat while Jenny takes her to the infirmary and tends to her leg.”
Jenny nodded and Aries chimed sarcastically, “Got it boss!” Aries wasn’t one for taking orders.
Lilly rolled her eyes before smiling at Shy then stalking quickly down the hall.
“You got this?” Aries asked and when Jenny nodded Aries turned to Shy, “Jenny’ll bring you up when she’s finished. Don’t worry, I’ll be upstairs waiting.”
Shy watched as Lilly turned and walked down the long corridor while Aries got back in the elevator and winked as the doors slid closed.
“Just me and you, come on.” Jenny walked in the opposite direction Lilly had gone and without any other recourse Shy followed.
She was led through two swinging doors that led down another long corridor. Unlike the rest of the estate house, this section of the building had tile floor with cream-colored tile walls. It felt sterile and when Shy saw a nurse coming toward them dressed in light yellow scrubs she froze.
No longer hearing Shy’s steps behind her, Jenny stopped and turned to find Shy simply standing with a terrified expression on her now pale face. “Shy? What is it?”
“Where are we?” Shy asked tremulously.
“The infirmary.” Jenny answered all matter-of-fact.
Shy’s eyes quickly scanned the hallway, “Leto was going to the infirmary.”
“He refused. King took him to his suite instead.” When Shy didn’t move Jenny added, “I really need to look at your leg, it’s still bleeding.”
Shy backed up a step, “It’s fine.” She turned and took two steps before Jenny’s next words halted her.
“It’s okay Shy, no one will hurt you here. Plus we need to check on the baby.”
Shy’s feet halted again as she lowered her head and lifted a hand to her belly. She hadn’t had any prenatal care at all. She wasn’t even certain the scientists at Megalya even knew she was pregnant, but she knew. She’d missed her period and had been ill every morning. Other subtle changes were also taking place and as much as she didn’t want to be poked and prodded ever again, she did want to check on the welfare of her child.
“Just you?” she asked without turning back to look at Jenny.
“Just me Shy. I promise.”
Slowly, Shy turned and reluctantly followed Jenny down the corridor and into a small exam room. Once inside a nurse entered before Jenny ordered, “Stoney, please leave us.”
The nurse didn’t ask any questions, simply turned and exited the room.
With a technique that showed years of experience, Jenny donned a lab coat, put on two surgical gloves, then pulled out a packet of stainless steel instruments that she arranged on a small tray and propped on a table next to the hospital bed.
“Have a seat,” Jenny motioned toward the bed and smiled.
When Shy took a step toward it Jenny stopped her.
“Would you mind removing your pants first? I need to look at that cut on your inner thigh first.”
Shy peeled off her pants, wincing at the sting on her inner thigh. Just dropping her jeans on the floor she kept her socks on and tugged her shirt down to hide her panties and upper thighs as she walked to the bed and climbed up facing Jenny before giving up on her modesty and reclining back on the exam table.
“So,” Jenny began, “what made you decide to pursue a scientific field of study?” She scooted her chair closer and gently pulled on Shy’s leg until she was able to get a good look at the wound.
“Are you seriously asking me about school?”
“Sure,” Jenny shrugged, “unless you’d rather talk about Leto.” A corner of her mouth tweaked when she felt Shy tense at the mere mention of his name.
“I wanted to do something that mattered,” Shy answered. “I once naively thought that I could do something important, find a break-through in Alzheimer’s, put an end to M.S., cure cancer.” She snorted at her once youthful ambition and lifted an arm to lay it across her eyes. “What a fucking joke.”
“It’s not too late Shy. You can still do work that matters.”
“After seeing what they’ve done…the Megalya…I’ve lost all interest in the field.”
Jenny worked quickly without looking up from her work as she spoke. “Don’t let them do that. They’ve taken enough from you Shy; don’t let them take your passion as well.”
“It’s too late, it’s already gone.” She dropped her arm and eyed the ceiling. “Simply being in this room makes me want to be sick. The instruments, the colors, the scent.” Her lip curled in derision, “I hate it all.”
“You know there are still good guys in the world Shy and we here a StoneCrow are some of ‘em.”
She felt Jenny’s hands still momentarily before they continued their work. “As a matter of fact I could really use someone with your expertise her at the infirmary.”
Shy shook her head, “I’m sorry, it’s just…”
“Too soon?” Jenny supplied. “I understand, but in time if you happen to change your mind the invitation is open.”
Jenny sighed then and stood to stare at Shy with compassion. She reached down to squeeze Shy’s arm. “You’ll forget about Megalya one day.” She smiled then, “In the meantime, your legs cleaned and sutured.”
Shy sat up partially, “What? You gave me stitches? I didn’t feel a thing!”
“I still carry a passion for my field and take pride not just in doing my job but in doing it well.” She walked to a closet and rolled out a waist high machine with lots of wires. “Being in this room might be awful on you but I bet I can put a smile on your face.” She plugged the machine into the wall and it beeped to life. “How about we get a look at that baby?” For the first time since meeting her, Jenny watched Shy’s eyes light with joy.
Shy smiled and bit her lip to stop the action. She didn’t want to hope for anything at this point. She knew better. Instead, she simply nodded and rolled her shirt up to just under her breasts as she reclined back on the table.
“Okay,” Jenny rubbed some sort of lube on her belly, “but fair warning. You’re pretty early so we probably won’t be able to tell the baby’s sex right now, so don’t get your hopes up.”
Drawing in a calming breath Shy nodded a second time.
Chapter 13
Leto paced in his suite, his long black hair trailing behind him as he stalked from the window of his suite to the front door then back. He’d slept through the night and when he woke the drugs that had been used on him had finally burned out of his system but something was off. His heart was racing and he felt panicky, anxious. He knew it had something to do with Shy because he couldn’t stop thinking about her. He’d lost his cool when Conn had taken him to retrieve her from the Canada/Montana border and part of him regretted it. She’d been terrified but he couldn’t stop the anger that surged forth when he finally got close and scented himself on her. He’d never touched her yet she did carry his scent. Even now he wanted to go to her and that angered him because he was trying to hate her. She was Megalya after all…wasn’t she?
His eyes flicked to the clock and he wondered if she’d be awake. It was almost eight. If he started now before th
e other residents of StoneCrow manor woke, he knew he’d be able to track her scent…his scent as it were. Problem is he didn’t know what to say. He couldn’t understand why her admission at having worked with the Megalya wasn’t a death sentence. Honestly, it had him questioning Monroe’s leadership. Fucking fool! Still, he wanted to talk to her. He had dozens of unanswered questions and no one seemed willing to allow him to get them.
Inhaling sharply he slowly expelled his breath. The black tank top he wore stretched tight over his muscled chest and before he could reconsider it, he laced on his black boots and left his room in search of Shy.
***
In Shy’s darkened room, Leto stood silently in the corner and watched her sleep. She’d been easy to find, too easy. It was almost as if Monroe had no concern at all that Leto would find her and kill her. A foolish mistake on Monroe’s part.
Yet, here he stood. For some odd reason he couldn’t stop staring at her. She was…beautiful. Her long fiery red hair billowed on her pillow and framed her pale face. Her full lips were parted as she breathed gently in her sleep. One arm was bent, her fingers almost brushing her lips while the other hand rested across her belly, the fingers of that hand splayed wide as if in her sleep she was making a conscious effort to keep her hand there. Strange.
She moaned and the sound brought his attention back to her face. She turned her head and her brows speared down. “No,” she whispered and it was quickly followed by, “Leto, no!”
The sound of his name on her lips had his gut clenching. He wanted to do something but couldn’t decide if it was wake her from her nightmare or silence her once and for all. The thought of hurting her more than angered him, it sickened him. He kept trying to will himself into just walking over, wrapping his hands around the satiny column of her throat and squeezing until she stopped breathing, but it was physically impossible for him to take a step. As a matter of fact, the mere thought of harming her actually made his stomach turn. He didn’t want to hurt her, he wanted to shelter her and protect her.
