Nicolas removed his clothes and placed them in his pack before shifting. He quickly followed Nikka and Esta’s scent until he met up with them. They shifted to human, and spoke quietly before shifting back to their animal forms and started the pursuit.
The three cats were in human form, but Nicolas didn’t recognize them. The plan was simple, but they had to get the jump on the three and kill them before they telepathically notified their vampire.
Surprise was on their side. Each took the man closest and went for their throats. It was over in seconds. Nikka made a clean kill, and then stood by as Esta tore her man’s body limb from limb. Nicolas didn’t try to stop her. He’d taken a few extra bites than necessary, giving into his wolf’s needs. He appreciated Esta’s determination to tear her victim apart.
Finally, she gave the head a last shake and it separated from the body. Admiring her gruesome work, she stared for a minute and then leapt away, heading to the others. Nicolas didn’t think any of the women would mind the blood covering Esta’s body, and he was right, no one commented.
Cats were slightly insane.
They ate and drank while walking and kept a steady speed without taking breaks. The women were impressive. Obviously they worked out regularly in order to keep this pace. Nicolas wondered how long Vorlyk had planned their escape.
The jungle grew hotter as the sun rose, but they continued. Finally, around three o’clock in the afternoon, Vorlyk called a stop.
“I’d rather cross the river at night. I say we rest now and start again in a few hours.”
No one argued. Nikka and Esta came in, changed to human form, and fell asleep while Desi and Corla took over watch.
Nicolas wanted to object, but Zenya stopped him. “We’ll take over in a couple of hours when they come back.”
Madayah made sure everyone drank water and ate from their backpacks. She was a mother hen with a mean gleam in her eyes if you didn’t follow her orders. Vorlyk kept himself covered and avoided the streaks of sunlight coming through the tall, heavily wooded jungle as much as possible, but his exhaustion was apparent. Madayah sat with her back to a tree and gave Vorlyk no choice but to put his head in her lap and sleep.
Inside the caves it was easy to forget that vampires slept during the day and awoke at night. The sun zapped their strength fast.
A couple of hours later, Nicolas and Zenya took their turn on guard duty. Both shifted quickly. They stayed within sight of each other, and Nicolas missed his ability to communicate in wolf form even more. He realized without mind-sharing that they were ineffective and unable to secure more of their surroundings. But, staying close gave him a chance to admire Zenya’s cat form. She was beautiful. The only cats he’d ever stared at were the ones he killed. Her coat was thick and golden, almost the shade of her skin. Every so often he would catch gold flecks running through her green gaze.
Her ears perked up and then she made a quick leap to a pile of leaves and branches. When she lifted her head, she held a large rat-like animal between bloodied teeth. She dropped it at his feet, but he pushed the carcass back. She caught it, she could eat it.
Within two minutes he had one of his own. It wasn’t much of a hunt, but his wolf needed a touch of wild.
Their sentry duty was uneventful. They made their way back to the sleeping cats when the sun began going down. It took ten minutes to get everyone up and moving.
Esta and Nikka resumed guard duty.
Within two hours they heard water and reached it a short time later. They used Zenya’s method of walking in the river for a mile before crossing, laying a scent trail, and then backtracking without coming out of the water. It took longer, but no one argued. They continued through the night until daylight came through the trees.
This time, Nicolas had no problem falling asleep. He was exhausted. He’d let the guards do their duty until it was his turn.
A scream woke him. He was instantly on his feet. Looking around, while the others slept through the noise, he began to wonder if it was just a dream. A cold hand settled on his arm.
Vorlyk.
“Something’s happened.” The vampire whispered.
“What?”
“I’m not sure, but I no longer have a link with Desi and Corla.”
“Fuck. Can you find them?”
“I’m not sure. I can’t track them with my nose like you can.”
Nicolas began removing his clothing. As he bent to place them in his pack, he noticed Zenya staring at him. “I’m coming with you.”
A naked Esta walked up to them then shifted.
Vorlyk looked at the three. “Okay, I’ll stay with everyone here. Esta, signal me if there’s danger so we can get out of here fast. I’ll wake everyone and we’ll be ready to move.”
The three beastkind moved out and started following the feline trail. Thirty minutes later, they heard soft whimpering. There was a large hole in the ground and it was impossible not to cringe when they drew closer.
Large spikes stood up from the bottom of the hunting trap and Corla’s impaled body stared lifelessly up at them. Desi had a spike through her upper leg, but she would survive with Vorlyk’s help.
Desi gripped Corla’s lifeless hand and even when Nicolas lowered Zenya down into the hole she refused to let go. Zenya rubbed the sweat from Desi’s face. “Come on baby. You can’t help her anymore.”
“Please let me die.”
“We can’t do that. Corla wouldn’t want you dead. I’m going to pull your leg up. I’m sorry, but it will hurt.”
Desi didn’t make another sound even when the spike slid out of her leg. Holding onto Esta, Nicolas was able to lower her enough to take Desi from Zenya’s arms. They would have no choice but to leave Corla’s body behind.
Desi’s leg bled profusely. She reached her hands up to Esta’s face and placed them against her cheek. “Please let me say goodbye.”
Esta turned so Desi was facing Corla’s body. It happened so fast that no one had time to react. Desi shoved away and leapt into the hole. She landed on top of Corla taking a spike directly through the heart.
Esta turned away and her steady gaze landed on Nicolas. “She’s better now.”
“You knew she would do it?”
“It was her choice.”
“She wasn’t in her right mind.”
Fury came through in each word. “And you think any of us are? We’re going into wolf territory and placing our lives in their hands. The wolves are no better than Raykon’s cats and they’ve been killing us for centuries. Desi had the right to go with her sister. We all have the right to choose our death. Their loss is my fault and nothing a wolf could say can make me feel worse.”
Zenya’s hand grasped his. “Esta’s right Nicolas. The two of them suffered a lifetime of abuse together. If they had to die, they had the right to do it with each other.” Her soft voice held grief.
Nicolas looked at Esta. “Would you care to explain to my wolf how the hunting pit is your fault?”
Esta didn’t blink her menacing eyes. “Neither of them had training as guards. They were inseparable, but I should have split them up and had one with me and one with Nikka. I carry their blood on my hands.”
Nicolas was furious. The two dead cats reminded him of his own pack. He took deep breaths and didn’t release Zenya’s hand. Finally, he looked at Esta. “Do you have a prayer for your dead?”
“No.”
“Do you mind if I say mine?”
She shook her head no.
For the first time in his life, Nicolas said the prayer of safe passage in death for cats. With the words, he felt a stirring in his frozen heart. He just might care.
Chapter Twelve
The others listened silently when Zenya told them what happened to Desi and Corla.
Nicolas saw their grief, but he also saw their quiet acceptance.
This wasn’t right. Women should not be this beaten down. No one should. Talya was the only one to let tears run down her face. The others gri
eved silently while they continued their journey.
During the next hour, thoughts fired rapidly through Nicolas’s brain. He reached for Zenya’s hand and pulled her close to his side. “Did you hear Desi scream when you slept?”
“No. She was too far away.”
“I heard her scream.”
“That’s impossible.”
“I need to speak with Vorlyk.”
“I’ll keep the front position.”
Nicolas checked on the women as he made his way to the back. No one complained, though they gave him curious looks, each worn out, but determined to keep a steady pace.
“I need to speak with you,” he said when he got within hearing distance of Vorlyk.
Vorlyk stopped walking and waited for the others to get out of earshot. “What’s the problem?”
“I heard Desi when she fell in the pit. I was asleep but her scream was crystal clear.”
Vorlyk stared at him for several seconds. “Do me a favor and close your eyes.”
It took Nicolas a few seconds but finally he did.
“What are you feeling?”
“I’m not sure. What should I be feeling?”
“Open your eyes.”
Nicolas looked into the depths of the vampire’s eyes as they turned amber. Vorlyk didn’t appear angry, just confused. Then vampire fangs flashed with his smile.
“Is there something funny?”
“Only that your wolf has decided to take on a new pack with me as your clan vampire.”
Vorlyk’s mouth never moved but his voice echoed through Nicolas’s brain. It took a minute for the words and all they entailed to sink in.
“How did this happen?”
“You lost your pack. Your wolf has chosen another. I’m calling Madayah back here. She’s not an alpha, but she is the head of the pride. We need to see what her cat does.”
Leaves crinkled as Madayah drew closer. Vorlyk kissed her cheek and took her hand. “We have a slight problem, love.”
Madayah studied Vorlyk and raised her eyebrows in question.
“I need you to look at Nicolas.”
Her head turned slowly and she met the wolf’s eyes.
Nicolas’s glinted.
She lowered her gaze and took a stumbling step back.
Vorlyk spoke, “Do you have a sudden desire to sink your teeth into his throat, love?”
“No.” Her voice was shaky. “I have a desire to go to my knees and I can’t make long eye contact.”
“Speak to him in your mind.”
“How did this happen?” Her lips didn’t move and the sound of her voice was accusatory.
Nicolas shook his head. “I have no idea. I didn’t ask for it.”
“Will you accept it?” Her voice remained hard, not giving an inch.
“Do I have a choice?”
“You could leave us.”
“Is that what you want?”
“No. But I want to know that you’ll lead us like you did your wolves.”
“I don’t know any other way to lead.”
“So be it. You must be the first wolf alpha of a cat pride.”
Nicolas shook his head again, though getting Madayah’s voice out now would be impossible. “Can we call it a pack?”
“We can call it anything the alpha wishes.”
“All six of us.” Nicolas knew he sounded ungrateful.
“And one vampire.”
Madayah looked between Vorlyk and Nicolas. “What about Zenya?”
“She belongs to Amy.”
Madayah’s eyes grew almost hopeful. “Do you think she could belong to you?”
Nicolas kept his expression blank. “I have no idea.”
The she-cat’s eyes sparkled, and finally she showed some humor. “It might be interesting to find out.”
Nicolas wasn’t sure how this new turn of events made him feel. On one hand, it partially closed the hole ripped from his heart when his pack died, but on the other, it opened up an entirely new set of feelings. He looked at the vampire. “This makes you my liege. How do you feel about it?”
“I’ve never had an alpha in my pride… pack.” He grinned. “I’m not sure what to expect, but it does make communicating easier when you’re in wolf form. I also know you’ll fight for the women.”
“Being alpha won’t make any difference when it comes to fighting.”
“But Esta will feel differently. Her reaction will be priceless, and the sooner the others know the better.”
Vorlyk called a halt to the cats ahead and approached the women. Zenya looked between them knowing something was up, but she waited for Vorlyk to explain.
“We’ve always been a small clan. I know having no alpha keeps you from feeling like a pride. I think maybe you aren’t a pride at all but a pack. Nicolas can mind connect with me and you. He is now your alpha.”
Esta was the first to respond. “No.”
Nicolas slowly turned his head and let his heavy gaze settle on hers. “Yes.”
Her breathing accelerated and beads of sweat broke out on her already damp skin as she tried to fight the power of his alpha. Her eyes lowered but her voice didn’t. “This isn’t right.”
Vorlyk’s response held no softness. “What is right Esta? Your own kind kill and torture their women. They kill your babies. You are nothing to them but trash. The wolves are different, or so we’ve been told. Nicolas has done nothing but help us. He lost his entire pack to the cats, but he’s helping you. Now he’s leading you as beastkind. I’m still here, but this is how a clan should work. I’ve told you he’s offered passage to Canada for you once we’re safe if that’s what you want.”
She wouldn’t look up. “I’m sorry, Vorlyk. I don’t know if I can do this.”
“Then you can leave once we’re safe. But you will help until then.”
“Yes, Vorlyk.”
Chapter Thirteen
Without Desi and Corla, keeping watch required each of them to increase their guard time. They were exhausted. Talya and Sheeba noticeably dragged their feet and made too much noise. They slept during the heat of the day, and at one point veered off course for more than a mile due to a large group of cats coming within a few hundred yards of them.
Every day in the jungle took its toll. They had to make it out of cat territory before Zenya contacted Amy. They knew they were close, but Nicolas also knew it was even more dangerous now. They passed a few settlements and then the settlements became towns and the jungle disappeared. They could only travel in human form during the day, but they pushed on. The vampire had no more trees to shelter him from the sun and his steps faltered. Finally, miles of desert stretched before them and Zenya made contact with Amy.
She spoke out loud after several minutes of silent communication. “Amy and Marcus are sending vehicles to pick us up, but we need to keep moving. We can carry enough water to make it another twenty-four hours.”
No one argued, but Nicolas couldn’t help the hair standing up on the back of his neck. He felt hunted.
In the early afternoon, they found some deserted shanties and stopped to get out of the heat. An hour into their nap, Esta woke Nicolas. “There’s a large group of vehicles coming our way. I have no idea who they are. It could be cat, wolf, or human.”
Nicolas went outside and watched for a moment as the trucks drew closer. “Wake everyone up. We’ll find out soon enough if they’re friend or enemy. As long as they don’t have a vamp, we’ll survive.”
His pack carried knives and two machetes, but they had no other weapons. Nicolas stood still and finally could see men with large automatic weapons riding in three trucks. It didn’t look good. The slight breeze worked against him, but didn’t help the men in the trucks either, because it blew westward, and the trucks came from the north. He had no idea who was approaching, but obviously someone knew they were here.
The trucks stopped approximately two hundred yards away. The men hurriedly jumped to the ground and took position.
Ze
nya’s breath crossed his ear. “Their minds are closed to me, so they don’t belong to Amy and Marcus.”
“I was afraid of that.”
A bullet ricocheted off the wall near Nicolas’s head and he pulled Zenya down. “Where’s Vorlyk?”
“Here.” The voice came from the adobe hut about ten feet away.
“Ideas?”
“I’ve never been a fighter, but I think I can blink in and take out a couple and then get myself back into the shade before I try again.”
“Why not get in and out just to see who we’re up against?”
“That I can do.”
Nicolas watched as a scuffle took place behind the third vehicle. All he could see was dirt fly into the air, but he heard the voices as the men realized they had a vampire in their midst.
The vampire’s voice materialized from the adobe hut again. “It’s your people, but obviously they don’t want to play nice.”
“They’re wolves?”
“Yes. They stink just like you.”
He ignored the gibe. “Okay, I’ll shift and see if they’ll stop shooting long enough to talk.”
“It’s your skin.”
Nicolas stripped off his sweat-soaked clothes and shifted. “I’m coming your way vamp and it would help if you cleared the doorway.”
Nicolas leaped out of his hiding spot and dashed to the adobe hut. Only one shot went off before he heard yelling to hold fire. “I’m going out. Hopefully they’ll talk first.”
“They’re your people. Make them see the light.”
Nicolas slowly made his way into the sunlight, walking straight toward the trucks.
“Stop where you are.”
Nicolas came to a stop and shifted to human form.
“Who are you? We know you have cats with you.”
“I’m Nicolas, Alpha of the eastern Pack.”
“He’s dead.”
“Then why would I introduce myself as him?”
Two men stood and began undressing. Nicolas had no idea who they were, but suddenly two wolves were running full at him. He shifted to wolf and waited.
Fang Chronicles: Zenya's Story Page 5
