Shifter Wars (Mind Sweeper Series Book 3)

by AE Jones

  He smiled tightly. “Yes. Griffin always does know how to throw a party.”

  Wow, I was getting snarky vibes from him right out of the gate. “Forgive me for asking, but I have met so many people tonight I’m trying to keep everyone straight. You’re on Griffin Enterprises’ board, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “Tell me the truth; is it interesting or God-awful boring?”

  “It’s an important responsibility which needs to be taken seriously.”

  Note to self: David Bryant had no sense of humor.

  I plowed ahead. “The company has grown substantially in the last few years. I’m sure some of it has been due to board involvement. I would think the sky is the limit for growing the business.”

  His mouth tightened briefly. “We need to be careful jumping into the deep end of the pool. Griffin is a bit strong-willed. We don’t want to lose controlling interest over the company to…”

  As if realizing at the last minute who he was speaking to, he didn’t finish his sentence. So I finished it for him.

  “Humans. But humans can offer you capital to expand the business. Sheer percentages don’t lie. Supernaturals only make up about ten percent of the population.”

  Bryant’s eyes narrowed on my face. “It sounds like Griffin has been coaching you. If he sent you over to bat your pretty eyes at me in an attempt to sway me to his way of thinking, it won’t work.”

  I laughed out loud. “Griffin didn’t send me to do anything. I was just making small talk. I wouldn’t know how to bat my eyes if you paid me a million dollars.”

  He turned red and stuttered, “Yes, well…I need to find my wife.” He scurried away quickly. So David Bryant was a putz, but I wasn’t getting evil vibes from him. I scanned the crowd for my next interrogation.

  Misha strolled into the room, all muscled six-foot-six of him in a well-tailored tuxedo. He looked like a dashing Russian spy from one of a dozen James Bond movies.

  I walked over to him. “What have we got so far?”

  His eyes ran over my dress. “What we’ve got is one foxy lady.”

  “Foxy lady? Were you watching Shaft reruns again?”

  He grinned. “If the compliment fits, take it. You look amazing. I’m glad I called Doc.”

  I punched his shoulder. “Speaking of which, you’re in trouble.”

  “It’s worth anything you dish out.”

  “We’ll see about that. Where are Jean Luc and Jason?”

  “They’re outside. Jason refused to put on a tux. Said he was going to stand guard.”

  “The crowd is starting to thin out. Griffin will probably want to stick around till the end.”

  I was right. Forty-five minutes later, the last of the guests were putting on their coats to leave. I found Jean Luc standing just inside the foyer door. His eyes widened in appreciation. “Ma petite, you look magnifique. Misha told me you were dressed up, but Mon Dieu, you are a goddess.”

  I grinned. “You are the only one who can say things like that to me and not get laughed at.”

  He inclined his head in that sexy French way. “I am honored, then. Have you seen Misha?”

  “He’s probably back in the kitchen sniffing the leftovers.”

  While Jean Luc walked toward the back of the house, a burst of cold air hit me as the front door opened and Jason stepped in. He turned and his mouth fell open. “Wow, you look…”

  “Like a goddess, I know.”

  He rolled his eyes. “Actually, I was going to say beautiful, but it sounds like your ego is in full swing.”

  “You’re right. Goddess is a bit strong for me. Besides, you can only have one goddess in your life, and I think you might have found yours already.”

  Jason paled for a second and then blushed.

  I leaned in and whispered in his ear. “I knew it! You do like Sabrina!”

  “Kyle, are you ready to go?”

  I jumped at Griffin’s voice. I hadn’t heard him arrive. He was holding my coat, and his eyes had taken on an icy cast. I looked between him and Jason. He couldn’t be jealous. It was just too ridiculous. Jason nodded to him before walking away.

  “Ready when you are.”

  Griffin helped me with my coat, buttoning up the front and staring down at me. My breath caught. He was going to kiss me. He leaned even closer and gazed into my eyes, his pupils so large I could practically see my reflection. Then for some reason he blinked and stepped back, the mood changing.

  We headed outside, the cold whipping up to greet us and taking my breath away. Griffin held my arm firmly so I didn’t stumble—heels were such a pain in the ass—and Paul hurried toward the car when he saw us coming.

  Halfway down the sidewalk, Griffin tensed. Before I could get a word out, he yanked me behind him as the limo exploded. Heat rained around us. Pain lanced along the side of my neck, and I cried out. Time stopped, and I watched the ground rise up to meet me. I landed hard, the air slamming out of my lungs when Griffin fell on top of me. I lay still for a second, trying to catch my breath. It took another second to realize Griffin wasn’t moving.

  Chapter 22

  “Griffin!” I screamed. “Griffin!” Pinned face-down, I clawed at the icy ground in an attempt to drag myself out from under him, but he was a dead weight on top of me. Oh, God, please be okay! I ducked my head as another explosion ripped through the air. I sucked acrid smoke into my lungs. What the hell was going on?

  I looked toward the house. Jason ran toward me, bent low to avoid the explosions. “Hold on Kyle, I’m here.”

  “Help Griffin.”

  “I’m going to roll him over. See if you can get free.”

  I hauled myself up and knelt next to him. “Is he dead?”

  Jason checked his carotid. “He’s alive. We need to move now.”

  I yanked off my heels and hesitated.

  Jason hissed at me. “Go, Kyle! I’ll bring him.”

  I grabbed my purse and tugged out Stanley. “I’ll cover you until you get him up!”

  Jason picked up Griffin, flinging him over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry. I pointed my gun toward the street, but I couldn’t see anyone in the dark.

  Jason hollered, “I’ve got him, go!”

  We ran toward the house. Misha flung open the door, yanking me unceremoniously into the front hall. Jason followed through the door. Before Misha could slam it, wind streaked through the entryway outside into the courtyard. Even though I couldn’t see him, I realized it was Jean Luc using his vampire speed to track whoever was bombing us. They wouldn’t see him coming unless they were vampires themselves.

  We couldn’t leave him out there alone. “Misha, please go help Jean Luc.”

  “Are you sure, little one?”

  “Yes, Jason and I will look after Griffin.”

  “I’ll go out the back way and try to circle around them.” He ran toward the kitchen.

  Jason unbuttoned Griffin’s coat while I fumbled in my coat pocket for my phone and hit Doc’s speed dial number.

  Sabrina answered after the first ring. “Don’t tell me the date’s over with already, Kyle.”

  “Doc, Griffin’s hurt. There’s been an explosion.”

  Her teasing voice changed immediately. “Okay, Kyle, you need to stay calm. Is anyone else there with you?”

  “Jason.”

  “All right. Put the phone on speaker and set it down. You and Jason need to be my eyes right now. Is Griffin conscious?”

  “No,” I answered, putting the phone on the floor.

  “What happened to him?”

  “The limo exploded. Griffin somehow sensed it before it happened and he threw me to the ground, covering me with his body.”

  “Tell me what you see.”

  “His forehead is bleeding from a two-inch gash.”

  “What else?”

  “Jason is opening his shirt right now and…” I gasped.

  “What?” Doc demanded.

  “His right side is bruised.” I answered. �
�Why would he be bruised already?”

  Doc didn’t answer my question. “Is there blood anywhere on his torso?”

  Jason spoke up. “Not on his front, but there’s blood on his shirt. Hold on a sec.” Jason ran his hand under Griffin’s shirt around his back. He took out his hand and blood covered his fingertips. “He has some shrapnel sticking out of his back.”

  “Don’t remove it,” Doc barked.

  “I’m trained in combat first aid, Sabrina,” Jason barked back.

  “Sorry, what else do you see?”

  Jason ran his hands over his legs and arms. “I don’t feel any broken bones in his extremities.”

  “Are you closer to our facility or Griffin’s estate?”

  I answered. “The estate.”

  The sound of a door slamming followed by a car starting came through the phone. “I’m heading to Griffin’s estate. I’ll contact Doctor Jensen and have him meet us there. How long will it take you to get back there?”

  “I don’t know,” I said. “It’s not safe right now to leave. It’s bad he’s unconscious, isn’t it?”

  “Actually, no, it’s not,” she answered.

  “What do you mean?” Jason asked.

  “When shifters are badly hurt, their natural instinct is to change into their animal form, so they can heal faster.”

  “Then why is it better he’s unconscious?” I asked.

  “He has a head injury and is in shock by now. He probably wouldn’t survive the transition. If he wakes up, you have to keep him calm.”

  I rested my hand on Griffin’s arm. “What should we do for him in the meantime?”

  “Put pressure on his head wound and keep him warm. Jason, secure a towel or something around his back to keep the shrapnel from moving as best you can. Right now, it’s really all you can do.”

  “I’ll go find something in the kitchen,” he replied.

  I held my breath and watched the rise and fall of Griffin’s chest, willing him to keep breathing. I yanked off my coat and covered him with it, mumbling, “He doesn’t look good, Sabrina.”

  “Shifters are stronger than you think. If you can get him back to the estate, he has a chance.”

  “We can’t exactly move him if more bombs go off.”

  “I haven’t heard any explosions while you’ve been talking to me.”

  I stood slowly and peered out the hallway window. It had grown eerily quiet. Jason ran back into the room, carrying an armful of dishtowels.

  “Kyle, are you still there?” Doc’s voice echoed across the hall.

  “Yeah, I was checking outside. I think maybe they’re gone.”

  Jason handed me a towel, and I held it against Griffin’s head while he worked on his shoulder. After a minute, he sat back. “I’ve got it as secure as I can for right now.” He glanced over at me. “Kyle, you’re bleeding.”

  “Tell me where she’s hurt,” Doc demanded.

  Jason looked me over. “She’s okay. She just has a small cut on her neck.”

  “Jason, are you okay?” Doc asked.

  “I’m not hurt.”

  The door started to open, and Jason dove for my gun, aiming it toward the entry. Misha brought his hands up in surrender. “Don’t shoot, Pilgrim.”

  I let out a sigh of relief. “Are they gone?”

  Misha scowled. “Yeah, we weren’t able to find them. How’s Griffin?”

  “Not good,” I answered. “We need to get him to the estate.”

  “Jean Luc is bringing the van around back. I’ll carry him out.”

  Doc’s voice sounded from the floor. “Careful of his back, Misha. He’s got some shrapnel in his shoulder blade. Kyle, call me again if you need me.”

  Misha squatted down and lifted Griffin as if he were a Chihuahua, not a six-foot-tall man. I grabbed my phone off the floor, and we moved toward the back of the house, through the kitchen. The smell of leftover party food assaulted my stomach, and I took a couple of breaths through my mouth.

  Jean Luc pulled the van over the lawn, parking just two feet from the door. Misha placed Griffin on the backseat and I climbed in beside him.

  “Jason and I will stay until the cops get here. I’m not sure how we’re going to explain this one. I’ll call Captain Morrison and see if he can help us.”

  Misha shut the door, and I turned toward Jean Luc. “We need to hurry.”

  “You’re hurt.” Jean Luc stared at my neck for a second and his pupils went black. After a moment of indecision, he reached for the first aid kit and took out a gauze pad. Before he was able to lay it against my neck, a feral growl erupted from the backseat.

  Griffin was awake.

  Jean Luc froze, and I turned. Griffin’s teeth were bared, and he glared at Jean Luc as if he was going to be his next meal.

  I spoke quietly. “Griffin, look at me. I’m fine. Jean Luc is trying to help me.”

  I wasn’t sure if I was getting through to him, especially when his eyes kindled. Shit, was he going to change in the van?

  I continued staring into Griffin’s eyes. “Jean Luc, you need to get out of the van.”

  “I won’t leave you.”

  “He won’t hurt me. Go get Misha to drive instead.”

  I heard the door open, and he stepped out. I reached for Griffin, cupping his face. “I’m okay. Just breathe and let the rest go.” His eyes focused on mine, and I attempted to smile at him. “We have to get help for you. Will you allow Misha up front to drive us?” He closed his eyes for a second, and when they opened again, they were sea green. He nodded and then passed out, his head rolling to the side.

  Chapter 23

  What they hell was taking so long? Griffin was still in surgery. A lump lodged in my throat, and I swallowed hard. News of the explosion was already spreading like wildfire through the supernatural community. Bea had been sitting with me for a while until she couldn’t sit still any longer. She finally went back to the main house to help with what I assumed was crisis control.

  I paced the hall waiting for news. At least I was warm. Bea had loaned me a jogging suit. She was a head taller, so I had to roll up the pant legs and sleeves. I must have looked like a little girl playing dress up. I rubbed my hands along my legs, and the material wrinkled under my fingertips.

  I sank into the nearest chair, dropping my head into my hands, but I didn’t stay that way for long. My fingers reeked of antiseptic soap from scrubbing off Griffin’s blood.

  “No news?”

  I jerked at the voice, then looked up into Jean Luc’s concerned face. “No, they took him to surgery right away and haven’t been out since.” I gestured at the surroundings. “I didn’t know that Griffin had a medical center on his property. But I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.”

  Jean nodded. “He is a good leader.”

  Tears threatened to emerge, and I blinked. “Did you find out anything else at the house?”

  “The driver of the limo was killed instantly. When the first explosion occurred, we thought it was some type of timed device, but when the other explosions followed, we discovered it was demonic. It would take a higher-powered demon to be able to launch fireballs of such magnitude.”

  My chest tightened. Paul was dead. “How in the hell do demons figure into this?”

  “I do not know. Misha is researching right now to learn if this M.O. fits any demons for hire.”

  I rubbed my eyes. “This is turning into a helluva mess. I think someone is trying to stage a coup. We need to figure out what’s going on before someone else gets killed.”

  Jean Luc sat down beside me. “How are you?”

  I placed my fingers on the bandage on my neck. “Misha cleaned it up. It wasn’t bad.”

  “I do not mean your neck. I meant how are you?”

  I tried to smile. “I’m okay. You know how much I hate sitting around, and this is taking a long time. Don’t you think it’s taking too long?”

  “I think Griffin could not be in better hands right now. He is strong. Shift
ers are incredibly resilient.” He grasped my shaky hands, and warmth radiated up my arms.

  “I’ll forgive you this time for using your thrall on me.” I cleared my throat. “Why didn’t Griffin want you in the car today?”

  Jean Luc looked away for a second, and when he turned toward me, his eyes filled with despair.

  My heart almost stopped. I had never seen him look like that. “What’s wrong?”

  “He was protecting you.”

  “From what?”

  “Me. He did not want me near you because he could sense my hunger.”

  I gaped at him.

  “Your blood. When I saw it running down your neck… Since I have tasted you before, the temptation is greater.”

  Jesus. “I know you wouldn’t hurt me Jean Luc.”

  “Never.”

  “But Griffin knows it, too. I’d already told him why you bit me.”

  Jean Luc grimaced. “He was hurt. His animal self was overshadowing his reason. His primary concern was your safety.”

  Before I could respond, footsteps echoed in the hall, and I turned. Doc walked toward us.

  I jumped up. “How is he?”

  “He’ll be okay. We got the pieces of metal out of his back and stitched up his head. He has a concussion. The bigger area of concern was the bruising on his side. He had some internal bleeding we had to deal with, but he’s doing fine now.”

  “Bea’s up at the house.”

  Doc nodded. “Doctor Jensen went to speak to her.”

  “Can I see Griffin?”

  “He’s asking for you. But don’t let him get out of bed.”

  I followed her down the hall. When I opened the door, I steeled my face before I entered, but it didn’t matter. Griffin was asleep. His face was pale, and with his eyes closed, his long eyelashes brushed his cheek and made him look like a young boy.

  I sat down in the visitor’s chair and watched the rise and fall of his chest as he slept. Suddenly I was beyond tired, my adrenaline deserting me. I rested my head against the back of the chair and closed my eyes. I woke some time later to find someone had draped a blanket over me, and I turned to see Griffin watching me with his sea green eyes.

  His gaze moved over me, stopping at my bandaged neck. “Are you okay?”