“Know this, Libby. Your son is alive, because I wish it. As are you.”
Time slowed as his words penetrated her brain and their meaning became clear. He had the power. He had her son. A sob escaped her throat, thick with grief, and her eyes were full of tears as she looked at the calm man in front of her.
“What do you want?”
He spoke clearly, his voice low. “I want Skye Knightly.”
Confusion rippled over her in waves. Libby shook her head, not understanding his meaning.
“I don’t know…who is she?”
“Don’t play games with me, Libby. I won’t hesitate to kill your child, the same way I wouldn’t hesitate to crush an annoying little bug.”
Her eyes were huge, but the grief was so great that Libby couldn’t answer. All she could do was stare in terror at the man who regarded her with no emotion at all.
“Skye was your roommate at the DaCosta compound.” His eyes bored into hers, and as realization dawned on her, his cruel mouth broke into a sinister grin. “You find a way to get her to me, and I will return your son.”
“Why should I believe anything that you say?” The words fell from her lips in a hoarse whisper.
Cormac laughed softly and looked directly into her eyes. Libby saw the truth there even as he spoke. “I have no need to lie.”
The sounds of battle ceased, and Cormac moved away from her, edging toward escape. His voice was dispassionate and it was raspy, like sandpaper, “Remember what I said, Libby, the woman for your son.”
“But how will I…How the fuck will I find you?” Her terror and anger burst from her chest as she shouted down to him.
He paused, and though he didn’t speak, she heard his words clear as day, echoing deep inside her skull. They whispered through her mind and she shuddered at the creepy sensation. I’m not going far so don’t fail me now. I already told you…we are not so different. Pay attention: you will find me, or you will never see your son alive.
He disappeared, and Libby screamed in frustration. She struggled wildly then, her body breaking out in a heated wash of sweat. There was no way to break through the charm Cormac had used, but still her body railed against the invisible chains.
How long she struggled, she couldn’t know. Her fury was like a black haze that hung in front of her face, and the taste of her salt tears fed the hunger even more. That such evil had a hold on her child made her sick. Most of his words made no sense to her. She’d been adopted as a six-year-old and had no memory of her younger years. Cormac had insinuated he’d known her as a child.
What the hell did all of it mean? How did it all fit together?
Furiously, her brain tried to decipher it all, but Cormac’s innuendos and statements just coagulated into a large blob of nothing. None of it made any sense.
Her head lolled back and Libby felt the fight leave as her body began to physically shut down. She tried to wipe all of it from her mind. Everything faded away, and the sound of her own breathing echoed loudly in her ears. She closed her eyes and rested, trying to conserve her strength.
She would need it in the coming days.
When Jaxon burst into the secondary chamber and saw Libby suspended twenty feet in the air, his heart stopped.
Bone-crushing agony shattered his soul and he cried out in anguish at the sight of his woman, lifeless and possibly dead.
Declan was fast on his heels and pushed his way past Jaxon, his hands weaving a pattern quickly in the air. He shouted to the jaguar at his side, and had to repeat himself twice before Jaxon understood.
“Stand beneath her, you’ll need to catch her when she falls.”
Jaxon rushed forward, his heart beating hard, and when he was in position beneath Libby and she opened her eyes, he almost fell to his knees, so great was the relief that rushed through him.
They were shadowed, full of pain and sorrow. It broke his heart. Rage simmered along with his own pain, but he pushed all of it away. He would find those responsible for this, but first he needed to comfort and care for his woman.
He steadied his trembling limbs and stood waiting, his eyes never breaking contact with hers, and when the charm broke, she slid from the air and deep into his embrace.
“I knew you would come.”
Her voice was rough, and his fingers began to feverishly work their way over her body checking for injuries. She was warm, alive, and finally safe in his arms. The joy that he felt at that was unheralded. He hugged her close, inhaling her scent deep into his lungs, holding it there, savoring it slowly. He reveled in the feel of her, the warmth of her, the very weight of her in his arms.
Tenderly, he cupped her face in his hands and gazed down into her eyes. His heart felt about to beat its way from the depths of his chest, and without hesitation he claimed her lips in the most brutally honest kiss he’d ever given. His soul sang as she opened beneath him, and for the first time in a long time he was at peace.
Deep inside, the jaguar purred loudly and barked in triumph at the return of his mate.
“We should go,” Declan said. “We need to get to the plane before Belize is overrun with more DaCostas.” His voice sliced through them, and Jaxon wasn’t prepared for Libby’s violent reaction.
“No!”
She broke away from his kiss and struggled hard against his arms. He fell away from her, shocked at the ferociousness in her tone and the wild look in her eyes.
“We can’t leave! Jaxon, our baby is here somewhere in this godforsaken jungle. I need to get to him.” Her voice began to shake and her teeth chattered crazily as she rolled away from him and gained her feet. She staggered, but then stood tall, and Jaxon could sense her determination. He stood back and felt an incredible amount of pride as he continued to study his fierce woman.
“Libs, why would you think that our child is out here in the jungle? Why would you even think that he’s still alive? I’m their enemy. Why would the DaCostas keep my child alive?” He ran his hands through his hair in agitation. “It doesn’t make any sense.”
“Jaxon it’s not the DaCostas, it’s Cormac. You have to believe me. Our little boy is here and he is alive…I have to believe that…all I have to do is…” Libby’s voice trailed off and her eyes fell to the ground. Jaxon closed the few feet between them, his strong arms reaching for her, and he was grateful when she didn’t pull away from him.
“What do you have to do?” He pressed his lips into the softness of her hair and murmured, “Trust me with this. I can help you.”
“Cormac wants the woman who was at the compound.” Libby pushed against him, her voice rising. “Did you find her? Is she alive?”
Jaxon looked from Libby to Declan, clearly not liking what he was hearing.
“Well? Is she alive?”
Declan answered as he walked toward them, “Yeah, she’s alive, but what the hell does my father want with her?”
“Your father!” Libby shook her head, as she looked to Declan, incredulous. “That son of a bitch is your father?”
Declan’s demeanor cooled as he nodded, and when he spoke, it was as if ice had formed in his veins.
“He might have had a hand in creating me, but beyond that he’s nothing but garbage. I don’t know what he’s up to.” Declan looked pointedly at Jaxon. “But I can sure as hell tell you one thing, it won’t be anything good. And if he’s looking to grab the blonde we found, there’s no way in hell we can let him have her.”
“He has my child, and I’m not leaving Belize until I have him back. How can I leave and never know the truth? I have to finish this, regardless of the outcome.” Libby grabbed Jaxon’s hand, and the pain that clouded her violet eyes lashed at him. It was as if someone had physically punched him in the gut. It was heartrending, and he felt his heart break a little as he held her.
“Jaxon, I’ve never even held him. They took him from me as soon as they cut him from my womb.” Her voice was thick with emotion, but she forged on, needing to make herself heard, and needing them to kn
ow her intentions.
“I know he’s alive. I can feel it,” Libby pounded her chest hard. “Here.” And her expressive eyes told him all he needed to know. There would be no turning back now.
She let him pull her in close once more, and he relished the feel of her trembling form against his chest. He could smell the salt from her tears as they fell from her eyes and moistened his skin. Jaxon’s stomach clenched as thoughts of a child alone with Cormac began to take root.
His child.
A son he’d not known about until a few days ago. Tiredly, his mind tried to make sense of it all, but there was just no way he could wrap his brain around it. But what did it matter, really?
As he held his woman so close and tenderly against him, he knew that he would do anything in his power to erase the sadness, pain, and despair that lived inside of her.
Anything. If it meant tearing the jungle apart to find Cormac, then that’s exactly what he would do. But he was a warrior, first and foremost. He needed to be smart, calculating. Deadly.
Deep inside his soul, the animal that defined who and what he was stirred, and Jaxon welcomed the rush of power. It burned deep within.
And it wouldn’t be denied.
Gently, he pushed Libby away, his eyes never leaving hers, but his words were directed at Declan, who stood a few feet away, tense and on edge. “We need to rendezvous with the others and come up with a plan.”
He tore his eyes from Libby long enough to direct them toward one of the best soldiers he’d ever fought with.
“This is going to get nasty. You in?”
Declan gave a harsh laugh, but turned away and began heading toward the passage. “In? Me? Do you honestly think I’d turn down the chance to kick my father’s ass all over Belize?” He snorted. “Hell yeah, I’m in. About time I give that bastard as good as he used to give me.”
Without another word, Jaxon scooped Libby up into his arms and they followed Declan from the cave. They quickly found their way back to the opening of the large cavern and began the arduous trek back down the mountain.
Once they had cleared the high country and were hiking through the lower forests, Declan grabbed his radio. “Yo, Ana, you guys make it to the airport?”
Static rippled through the air, but the cold voice that shot back at him was clearly not happy.
“No, we’re not at the airport. We’re still waiting at base camp.”
“Miss me much?”
“Yeah, like the plague.”
“Now don’t go getting all sugary sweet on me, Ana.”
“Cut the crap, Declan. Julian has arranged for a helicopter to get us out. He thought the airport wasn’t such a great idea, seeing as it’s most likely crawling with DaCosta scum. The only problem is that there’s a storm brewing out over the water. He’s not sure if it’s going to develop into something significant, but the chopper was delayed and won’t be here until tomorrow morning.”
“Good to know. Any news on Jagger?” Declan waited for an answer as static cleared the airwaves.
“That’s a negative. Julian picked up his scent, but so far nothing. He’s gone back out with Cracker for another pass.”
Declan glanced over to Jaxon, noting the clenched jaw, and was about to speak when he was interrupted.
“The girl…what about the girl?” Libby’s voice was strained, but her hand shot out and grabbed Declan’s wrist. He paused before activating the radio once more.
“Ana, how’s the girl doing? The one we rescued from the compound.”
Ana’s sarcastic tone bit through the air, and it was obvious that the newly rescued female had done nothing to ingratiate herself with the vampire.
“She’s an ungrateful bitch who attacked Cracker and tried to escape. Julian had to tie her up, just to keep her here.” There was a slight pause. “I don’t trust her.”
Declan nodded. “Good work. Keep her restrained until we get back to camp. We need to question her a little more closely.”
The air seemed to thicken and cling to the three of them as they made their way through the heavily forested area that surrounded the jungle. It was thick with pine and mahogany trees. They were descending, and the terrain would soon change into the lush underbelly that made up the Belizean jungle.
It was early dawn, the first streaks of sunlight were beginning to push back the inky black night. They cut through the blackness with arcs of red, orange, and gold, looking like bony fingers.
Libby shivered as she looked up into the waning night sky.
Where are you, Logan?
She sighed softly to herself and drew strength from the man who walked so tall beside her. She was no longer alone, and once she had her little boy, safe and secure in her arms, all of her dreams would finally be realized. She would accept nothing less. It was the least she deserved after all the hell that she’d been through.
She pushed all of her fears to the side and squared her shoulders.
They would win. They would triumph.
There just wasn’t any other option.
Think whatever you must, my pet. Just bring me the girl.
Laughter slid through her mind, invading, violating, and Libby nearly stumbled.
Jaxon looked to her, but she nodded, indicating that she was fine, and kept walking.
Keep up the games asshole, she thought, I am so gonna kick your fucking ass.
But there was no answer.
He was gone.
Libby held back the snarl that leapt up from her throat, clenched her hands and looked forward. She would move heaven and hell if she had to, but she was going home with her son.
Off into the distance she heard a low rumble, and it echoed and vibrated across the sky. Something was definitely brewing, the air cracking with energy. Jaxon touched her shoulders reassuringly, and for the first time in a long time, Libby felt hope.
They quickly disappeared into the thick jungle as they continued their way down the mountain, mist and rumbling thunder trailing in their footsteps.
But they were not alone. A lone jaguar watched quietly from high in the canopy above them. It was an impressive animal, long, extending nearly ten feet from nose to tail. It hesitated briefly, its long black tail flicking about in slow, precise movements. Then it stood, stretched, and quietly slid into the jungle after them.
Chapter 24
It was a tired and quiet trio that finally made it back to camp several hours later. The sun had already reached its zenith and was beginning to make its descent once again. The warmth of her rays was oppressive, but the humidity and moisture that cloaked the air and clung to everything was mainly due to the storm that was threatening. Ominous rumblings had echoed over the jungle for hours, and yet it held still, off in the distance.
The wind had answered Mother Nature’s call, with gentle gusts giving way to stronger gales. Libby’s hair snaked wildly about her face, flying in all directions while still managing to stick to the sweat that coated her skin.
You’d think with a storm brewing, the thick humidity would break, but quite the opposite had happened. Jaxon gently pushed the mass of hair from Libby’s eyes and ran his fingers over her face. Small ripples of pleasure crept over her skin, and in spite of everything, she felt a burst of emotion well up from deep inside her chest.
How she loved this man. Every single cell in her body was screaming for his touch. For his taste. Libby turned toward him and let his strong arms pull her into his hard embrace. She rested her cheek against his chest, loving the sound of his heart beating steadily beneath his flesh.
He belonged to her, and she to him. At the end of the day, that’s what it boiled down to. It was that simple. She needed him to breathe, and to live and to love.
“You must be exhausted. Cracker has food for you.”
They both turned toward Julian, whose concern was clearly evident. Jaxon embraced his older brother and murmured something into his ear. Libby watched as pain flickered across Julian’s face, then she heard Jaxon swear under h
is breath.
“What?” She looked to each brother and felt her belly tighten as they both shook their heads. “What’s happened now?”
Julian paused for a moment, his voice hushed when he finally spoke. “We weren’t able to locate Jagger. I did catch his scent, higher up the mountain. But he seems to have vanished.” Julian looked at his brother and shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t understand why he’s not come back to us.”
“What do you mean?” Libby asked as both men remained quiet, and was about to protest when she remembered the blasts she’d heard the previous evening. “Is he hurt?” she asked instead. “Captured? What?”
She looked at them and shook her head. Jagger lost? Out here in the jungle?
“Jagger will come to us when he’s ready,” Jaxon finally said. Though upset, he tried to smile, and gently took her into his embrace as he led her toward the tent. It was the same one they’d shared less than twenty-four hours earlier.
It felt like a lifetime ago.
“I think we’re all forgetting that Jagger is a warrior and a highly trained combat soldier,” Jaxon said. “He’s the best at what he does. Believe me. He’s been in worse situations than this. He’ll be fine.”
Libby hoped he was right. She’d never be able to forgive herself if something happened to his brother.
They entered the tent and she flopped onto the bedroll, wincing as the pain in her side began to throb. It very well could have been there all along, but the adrenaline that had gotten her through the past day was dwindling. She was tired, hungry, and emotionally weak.
Cracker slipped in behind them. She heard more whispering but didn’t care what they were saying. The smell of food wafted over to her, and she rolled over, reaching hungrily for the plate that he’d brought with him.
She began to stuff her mouth full of bread, not tasting anything as she wolfed down the nourishment it provided. A warm mug of coffee was given to her, and she closed her eyes, relishing the warm liquid as it slipped down her throat.
“I’m glad to see you made it back in one piece, missy. Don’t be doing that again, or you’re going to give old Cracker here a heart attack.”
His Darkest Hunger Page 26
