by Morgan Fox
“What are you doing?” Lilly’s voice was a high-pitched shriek.
Ryder’s eyes widened as he watched Brie’s body pulse with their joining powers. She was pooling their energy together, becoming a powerful, magical entity.
The hair on his arms stood on end as an electrical current seemed to buzz around them. Rather than feel more vulnerable, Ryder felt stronger. The connection to the werewolves, Brie and Bianca had his body roaring with life. Stiffening his spine, he waited for the moment where he could finally see an end to the vampire queen and all her death and destruction.
“Stop,” Lilly screamed. Her wild gaze snapped to the vampires. “Kill them!”
With crazed shouts, the vampires leaped forward, all of them surging toward the center of the room. The darkness of the cave came alive with fierce movements, swallowing the area like swarming insects.
As Ryder braced for impact, he gritted his teeth, preparing for battle. Finally. But the war he expected never came. Instead the vampires froze in place, some hovering in midair, their bodies frozen like statues.
Out of the corner of his eyes he saw movement, and he knew it was Lilly. She was retreating, but apparently Brie spotted her, too. As if as light as a feather, Lilly glided up to stand directly in front of Brie. Judging from the astonished gaze filling Lilly’s eyes, it had not been her choice to do so.
“I don’t think you’ll be going anywhere,” Brie said plainly. “We’ve got unfinished business, you and I.”
Lilly struggled against the barrier that Brie had placed around her. Her white fangs beamed in the darkness. “You’re not strong enough to destroy me,” Lilly snapped.
Brie smiled softly. “You’re right, Lilly. But I’m not the one destroying you.” Brie narrowed her gaze. “We are.”
The vampires convulsed as if they had been possessed by a demon. A burst of white light erupted from their eyes and mouths, and one by one the vampires burst into flames.
“No!” Lilly cried, her body beginning to do the exact same thing as her vampires. “Stop!”
Brie didn’t listen. Slowly, Brie raised her hands palm side up. A blue beam of light shot from her and slammed into Lilly. The vampire queen’s head snapped back and she screamed as her body shook and vibrated. The intensity was so violent and fierce, Ryder waited for Lilly’s body to break in half. Her chest pressed forward, her body suspended in air, dangling off the ground by her tiptoes. Her cries of pain pierced his ears, and even though the vampire queen was in excruciating pain, Ryder couldn’t bring himself to give a shit.
Then the blue light that once shot from Brie’s palm fired from out of Lilly’s eyes and mouth. Her wild cries faded as her body began to burn and sizzle with the energy Brie had filled her body with. Ryder’s eyes widened as he watched the vampire queen melt away into nothingness, as if dissolving into the air itself. Never had he seen anything like it. One moment Lilly stood before them, and the next she was nothing more than the energy that pulsed from Brie. The cave was silent and dark once again.
As Brie’s magical ass kicking settled and all the vampires and Lilly had been vaporized, Ryder’s arm gently fell away from Bianca. His gut had told him it would be difficult to let her go. His wolf and panther would never fully accept their separation. But he had to start getting used to it sooner rather than later. And now, among the chaos of victory, he had to make his decision.
Bianca’s unsure gaze settled on his, and he quickly glanced away, hating the regret that tore his stomach to shreds. He stiffened as her fingers grazed his arm, and he did the only thing he could. He stepped away from her.
His heart sank to the pit of his acid filled belly. Eyeing Brie, he reminded her, “Don’t forget what I asked of you. I won’t let her suffer the mating bond any longer.”
Brie’s eyes softened, her gaze consumed by pity. “What about you, Ryder? How will you ease your suffering? Your hybrid sides will crave her. Parting from her could drive you insane.”
He shook his head. She loves Brody. Not me. It’s better this way. “I will manage. I’ve done so for most of my life, and I will continue to do so.”
“But Ryder—”
Ryder closed his eyes, every ounce of emotional strength he had seeping from his lips in a pain-filled whisper, as he begged, “Please, Brie.”
Then he turned and, with all his energy renewed, jumped up and out of the cavern that would’ve been his permanent resting place if not for his lycan friends. He inhaled deeply, filling his lungs with the crisp night air. His eyes sought out Brody. He stepped forward, his brother Bryce and Tiffany at his back.
Tiffany shoved her way past the two large men and screeched as she jumped into Ryder’s awaiting arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his check. “Oh, Ryder, I’m so glad to see you. I would’ve loved to watch Brie put a serious beat down on that bitch.”
Ryder grinned, pulling back to meet Tiffany’s gaze and to lower her gently back down to the ground. “It was an awesome sight for sure,” he told her. Then he felt Bianca surface and knew he had to leave before he did something he was sure to regret, like kiss the worried frown from her sumptuous lips. “Tiffany, I need to go, but I’ll be over to see you and Zane soon.”
She gripped his arm. “What about the wedding?” she asked, her eyes wide with fear. “You’re still going to stand with Zane, right?”
He kissed her cheek. “I would never miss your wedding. I’ll be there. I promise.”
His gaze snapped in Bryce’s direction. “I’ve got unfinished business to discuss with our pack. You’d be wise to make sure you attend.”
Tiffany still clung to his arm, and her face paled. He couldn’t help but notice something wasn’t right. He scowled.
“Tiffany, is there something else?” he asked, arching a brow.
“Well…I…um…I just…” She swallowed hard, her eyes wide. “Ryder, I need to tell you something. I—”
Tiffany’s eyes darted over Ryder’s shoulder as Zane came rushing up to collect her into his arms. Thoroughly distracted, Ryder figured Tiffany would tell him what was on her mind soon enough. Maybe she was having wedding jitters and needed her guardian’s guidance once more. Perhaps it was also that she feared she and Ryder wouldn’t see much of each other now that she was getting married and he was about to embark on a new adventure of his own. The sweet blue-eyed blonde had softened him up, something he never imagined would happen.
He smiled as he watched Zane whirl Tiffany around, kissing her face and holding her close. Ryder was glad to see them so happy. His thoughts moved to Bianca, another woman in his life who deserved that same thing.
He narrowed his gaze as he felt Bianca close the distance between them. He quickly shifted into his hybrid form and charged in the direction of his motorcycle. He had things to take care of, and he hoped Brie would do as he asked before he reached his pack and took over as the new leader.
* * * *
Bianca’s heart twisted in her chest as she watched Ryder disappear into the night. He fled so quickly she couldn’t help but feel it was because of her. Her insecurities seemed to blossom where he was concerned, and after seeing the memories from their past flood her mind, she knew why. Her heart had recognized him, never gave up on him even when her thoughts had been ripped from her.
Now all she wanted was to talk to him, to share that she loved him and cared for him dearly. That she was thankful that Brie saved him and that she would’ve gladly sacrificed herself for him. But he hadn’t given her the chance to do it. He simply ran away.
Then Brie’s soft voice flowed up from behind her, and she turned to see what was happening. Bianca swallowed hard as the lycans surrounded Brie, cheering and shouting their victory. Bianca smiled at the warmth and love they shared for one another. Something she wanted to feel from her own kin, but most likely never would. Even now with her help destroying Lilly, there were no guarantees her pack would ever accept her back.
A pair of strong arms surrounded her, and she instantly kne
w the embrace came from Brody. She spun to face him. Her blood warmed at his closeness. “Oh, Brody,” she breathed, hugging him tightly. “You don’t know how much I need this.” She rested her face at the crook of his neck, loving that he was there for her, a connection she was desperate to feel with Ryder as well.
“I think I do,” Brody told her. “I was worried about my girl.” He kissed the top of her head.
She eased back to meet his gaze. “I’m so glad you’re here with me. I never want to be without you.”
Brody kissed her lips tenderly. “And I you.”
He sighed. “Ryder didn’t seem interested in sticking around.”
She frowned and shrugged one shoulder. “I know.”
A delicate hand touched her arm, drawing her attention to the person who had come up from behind her. Brie’s blue eyes were filled with appreciation and forgiveness. “I heard what you and Lord Gregory did to aid my people.”
Bianca nodded. “We’d gladly do it again, if it meant destroying Lilly and her kind.”
Brie smiled. “I wanted to give my thanks, and even though I’m not exactly thrilled at the tactics you used—” Brie glared at her. “I understand your intentions were admirable.”
“Thank you.” Bianca’s throat tightened. She was so grateful to the Lupinari for expressing her understanding and for not tearing her head off. Brie moved to leave, but before she could, Bianca asked her, “Do you have the power to restore memories?”
Brie’s brow furrowed. “Why do you ask?”
“Somehow my council stripped me and Ryder of our memories, but when you were saving Ryder in the cave, I was given mine back. We were already in love before the mating bond had ever affected us.” She paused, taking a deep breath. “We were planning to marry…to have a family.”
“Wait. You and Ryder were lovers before the mating bond?”
Bianca’s face flooded with heat as Brody squeezed her hand. She knew he understood her feelings better than she had. “We were in love and we wanted to be together. We just hadn’t found a place to…be alone. Ryder was always under the watchful eye of his father and the council.”
“Oh,” Brie said, understanding that Bianca and Ryder had more of a connection than most people knew. “Does Ryder remember?”
Bianca shook her head. “I don’t think so. He seems to want to keep distance between us.” Bianca frowned. “I think he might be having a hard time accepting that I’m also with Brody.”
Brie made a face of total understanding. “Yes, well strong virile men can tend to be so selfish when it comes to sharing their mates.” Brie winked. “I fear you might be right about Ryder’s memories.”
Bianca’s heart was breaking, and she was doing everything in her power to keep from dropping to the ground and bawling her eyes out. She hated that Ryder didn’t remember. Worse still, she did.
“Give me some time to work something out, Bianca. I think I might be able to help you.”
Bianca gasped, a spark of joy burning deep in her soul. She reached out for Brie’s hand and clasped it gently. “Thank you, Brie. You may never know how much this means to me.”
Brie nodded. “I’m sure it will mean a lot to Ryder as well.”
* * * *
Brody stretched, reaching his hands above his head. His chest and arms dripped with sweat. He’d worked himself to exhaustion, practicing his fighting stances. He knew he might never be the warrior Ryder and Bryce were, but he was still no pussy. He’d seen the flicker of approval in Bianca’s eyes as he fought against the vampires. She was trained to fight, and he thought that was damn sexy. He loved a woman who could handle her own, but he also knew that a strong woman like Bianca couldn’t be with a weakling.
Battling wasn’t really Brody’s thing, but he sure did enjoy the time with Bianca as they rolled around on the wrestling mat together. Nothing motivated him to get into peak physical shape more than knowing Bianca was his prize.
The fine hairs at the back of his neck stood on end as he sensed a visitor. Shifting his feet to support his weight more evenly, he tossed his weapon toward the intruder. The blade of his knife anchored into the wall beside Ryder’s head with a solid thud.
Ryder arched a dark brow. “Practicing, I see,” he said with deep approval in his tone.
“I need to keep up with Bianca. She’s”—he eyed Ryder—“amazing.”
He nodded, swallowing hard. “Yes, she is,” Ryder said, regret lost in his gaze.
Brody faced him, placing his hands on his hips. “What can I do for you, Ryder? I assumed you’d be storming the castle by now.”
Ryder stepped further into the room, clearing his throat. He met Brody’s gaze. “I need your help.”
Brody almost erupted into laughter. This was the second time the hybrid had needed him for something. He could only imagine what request he had up his sleeve this time. “What do you need my help for?”
Ryder licked his dry lips, sighing heavily. His gaze never wavered as he explained, “I need a second.”
Brody arched a brow. His stomach rolled as he registered the exact meaning of his words. “Like you need a moment?”
Ryder rolled his eyes, returning his gaze with a frustrated gasp. “I need someone I trust to have my back. I need you to be my second-in-command.”
Brody’s jaw dropped open. “Come again?”
Ryder folded his arms over his chest. “Seriously? I could explain this to a twelve-year-old who’d have better understanding than you do.”
Brody raised his hands in a show of surrender. “I’m sorry,” he said, moving closer. “I think it’s just shock. I’ve never been asked to do anything but care for Bianca, and at that time I was the one doing the asking.” He gave his head a quick shake as if to rattle the thoughts around in his head. “Of all the people to ask, why would you ask me?”
“I…I trust you. Everyone else had manipulated and deceived me.” He raised his hands before Brody could ask another question or interject. “Once my trust has been lost, it’s hard as hell to earn it back.”
Brody could accept that. But what would they do about the woman that was connected to both of them? He loved Bianca, and he wasn’t giving her up just because his new leader said so. Fuck that. “What about Bianca?”
Ryder frowned. “What about her?”
“Things could get awkward between the three of us. Have you considered what the pack would say if you brought home your banished mate and her boy toy?” Brody grinned.
Ryder glared at him. “I’m taking care of that.”
Brody didn’t like the sound of that. Then he remembered the strange way Ryder had left things after Brie had destroyed Lilly. He just left. He’d disappeared for several days. No one had heard a word from him.
“Ryder, you have to deal with the fact that Bianca is bonded to you.”
“Not for long,” he blurted out, his gaze dancing around the room. He began to pace.
Brody’s eyes widened, following the footsteps of the jittery giant. “What the hell does that mean?”
Ryder groaned, running a stiff hand through his hair. He stopped to lock gazes with Brody. “Look, Bianca is different and she deserves a normal life. You can give her that. I can’t.”
Brody wanted to punch him for being an idiot. But then there was a small part of him that was celebrating just a little. “What are you saying?”
“Do I really need to spell this out for you, Brody?” He growled in frustration. “She loves you. Not me.”
Brody stood with his mouth hanging out. Then a bubbling laughter erupted from deep within him. “You really don’t remember.” He propped himself against the weight bench. “How is that even possible?” He shook his head, stunned at the realization of how fucked up their council had been and how unfairly they treated both Ryder and Bianca.
Ryder glanced at him as if he’d spoken in a foreign language. “Brody, I’m walking away. You get to keep Bianca without me as the thorn in your side.” Then his eyes narrowed into a piercing,
inquisitive stare. “What is there for me to remember?” He shrugged. “I know she wants you. She’s made that much clear.”
Brody didn’t say a word. His expression blank.
Ryder shifted impatiently, rising to his full height. “I need an answer, Brody. I’m confronting the council in less than an hour and I need someone at my side.”
Brody took a moment to study the hybrid, his body stiff. He wouldn’t let him walk into the lion’s den without someone at his back, but he sure wasn’t going to be the only one. He’d help Ryder, but he’d also make damn sure he helped himself. “Consider me your second then.”
“Good,” Ryder said with a nod.
But before he could pull his hand away, Brody said, “You’re making a mistake if you give up Bianca. She’s in love with you just as much if not more than she is with me. Don’t do this to her. Not after all she’s been through.”
Ryder gritted his teeth and swallowed hard. “I’m doing this for her. Don’t ever forget that.”
Chapter 19
Ryder paced the hallway just outside the council chambers, his palms damp with perspiration. Nerves churned in his gut. The sound of heavy boots lured his eyes toward Brody, who had just arrived. Scanning him over quickly, Brody appeared the serious badass, wearing a pair of black jeans, black combat boots, and a bloodred body-molded T-shirt. Ryder arched a brow.
“What?” Brody scoffed. “I figured you’d want me to look intimidating.” Brody waved his hand through the air, indicating Ryder’s attire. “If you didn’t want me to dress like this, then maybe you shouldn’t have either.”
