“And you’ll stay away from her until then. Are we clear?”
“With no balls, I won’t have a choice.”
“That’s true.”
“I’ll go easy on you, Nelson,” Zenya said.
“Then Columbus will just find another punishment. Let’s get this over with.”
They obviously knew each other, and Nicolas worked hard to control his jealousy. He realized Zenya did it on purpose and continued to be angry with him for not taking her along to fight. He had a feeling they would all have a chance to fight eventually. He silently asked the goddess for a few months of peace.
Zenya’s body hit the mat with a loud thump. Nicolas clenched his fists. She sprung up and avoided a roundhouse kick. Nelson obviously held back the force of his blows, but Zenya was no seasoned fighter. As the match went on, she let her frustration show. She managed to take a bite out of the wolf’s arm after changing to cat, but he wore her down and her feet dragged.
“Enough.” Nicolas barked.
“I’m not finished.” She spoke into his head.
“You are finished. He’s trying not to hurt you, but accidents happen and I don’t want to kill him.”
She leapt from the ring and barreled out the door. Esta and McDonald immediately took off after her.
Nicolas didn’t follow, thinking the running would do her good and save him, for a short time, from the verbal beating she was dying to deliver his way.
***
Zenya let her cat free. Her bodyguards wouldn’t stop her anytime soon, but it was important she remain safe. And though her mate didn’t see it, she wasn’t stupid. She’d survived the cats in order to rescue Nicolas. They hurt her, raped her, and made her feel helpless. Her mate took that feeling to a new level, and unfortunately she understood. He couldn’t help who he was or stop his irritating habit of being alpha at all times.
Her breathing became short pants after several miles of running full out.
“Will you speak with us Zenya?”
She stopped beside a stream of water and shifted, sitting down on the warm rocks to catch her breath. Esta and McDonald shifted, too, and waited until she had her breathing under control.
Esta spoke first, “You need to be able to defend yourself.”
“If no one can hurt me then how will I learn?”
“McDonald and I will work with you. We can’t hurt you badly, but I think a little pain will go a long way.”
“I’ll be a cat full time in three weeks.”
“Then we work on your human fighting now and your feline fighting then.”
Zenya looked at McDonald. “You agree?”
“I like my balls where they’re at. Of course I agree.”
Zenya laughed and glanced at Esta. “Did you really eat that wolf’s balls?”
“Almost. I was in a frenzy. Your mate stopped me.”
Her eyes traveled between them. “What do you see as my biggest weakness?”
Esta didn’t miss a beat, “You’re afraid.”
“I’ve always been afraid.”
“If you could protect yourself and not be a victim, that would change,” McDonald said with conviction.
“It’s all I’ve ever known.”
“No more. We’ll help you. Your cat form is the same size as Esta’s. You can be just as deadly.”
“That’s what I want.”
“Then stop being a crybaby and change it,” Esta murmured.
“If you just teach me to kick your ass, I’ll be a happier cat.” She gave Esta a smile.
“Hell no, but I’ll teach you to kick McDonald’s.”
“It’s a place to start. Thank you both.”
“Right now I’m more worried about what your mate will do when he sees the bruises.” McDonald smiled tentatively.
“When do we begin?”
“Now. You need to run back to the cabin to build your endurance.”
“I’m exhausted.”
“Too bad. Will you wimp out this early?”
Zenya didn’t answer, just shifted, and took off.
“Tomorrow you run as a human,” proclaimed Esta.
“As long as she’s covered.”
“Do bouncing tits bother you, McDonald?” Esta snapped.
“Only the one’s belonging to my alpha.”
“I see your point.” Esta answered with sudden understanding.
Chapter Thirty-three
A week later, they all sat at the dinner table finishing off their meal.
“I’m learning to throw a knife,” Talya told Nicolas.
“Are you any good?”
“I will be.”
“How are you coming along, Sheeba?”
“We’re using telepathy to zero in my aim. Vorlyk’s helped healing a few times when I’ve been off.”
Vorlyk spoke, “Padding keeps it minimal.”
“I’m getting better. Talya and I make a good team.” There was pride in her voice.
“I’ve been working with Amy and Marcus at night,” Vorlyk surprised them all by saying.
Everyone went quiet. Vampires did not do well together.
He went on, “We know the cats outnumber us in vamps. We also know to some extent they manage to be in the company of other vampires. This leaves us at a disadvantage. Bottom line, if they can do it, so can we.”
His eyebrows arched. “Is it working?”
Vorlyk gave a slight grin. “The first few days were rough, but we’re adjusting. We don’t plan on moving in together, but Marcus has hundreds of years of killing experience that I lack. Amy is also improving. With Cheri on our side, Marcus thinks we have the advantage once Amy and I are up to speed.”
Nicolas agreed, “I’ve seen Cheri fight back in England. The wolves called her Madam Death.”
“I forget you’re so old.” Zenya looked at her mate with a rare smile these days.
They all turned at the knock on the front door. Vorlyk disappeared and then walked into the cabin with Columbus, who looked at Nicolas.
“We have a cat. Samson and his group took down several but saved one after I gave him your message. He’s in the feral cage in our basement.”
Zenya’s hand grasped Nicolas’s arm. He looked at her. “No, love, you will stay here.”
Anger flashed in her eyes. “If Vorlyk is with you I’m safer by your side.”
He couldn’t argue her point. “We all go.”
Madayah spoke, “The dishes can wait.”
Clothes would be waiting at the main house, so they all undressed and shifted. The cats and wolves ran as one unit. Nicolas couldn’t help feeling pride in his pack. Vorlyk materialized on the front porch when his clan arrived with Columbus and two of his bodyguards.
They dressed quickly and met in the large living area that was big enough to hold them.
“What condition is he in?” Vorlyk asked Columbus.
“He’s alive, though heavily sedated. Samson didn’t want him mind connecting with his alpha or vampire, so they drugged him. We have something to bring him out of it when it’s needed.”
Vorlyk considered the circumstances. “Once he’s awake he may be able to mind share.”
Columbus looked around at the new northeast clan and then back at the vampire. “Can you read his thoughts while he sleeps?”
“No, only his dreams and they will be unreliable.”
Columbus knew they had no other choice. “Then we risk it.”
“Do you know his name?” Esta asked. Her sharply spoken words conveyed her feelings.
“No, not yet.”
“May I be there, alpha?” Esta’s voice held deadly yearning.
Nicolas turned to Marcus. “Is it a problem?”
Marcus glanced at Esta and then answered Nicolas, “No, but I want this over with quickly.”
Vorlyk, Nicolas, Esta, and Marcus went down the stairs below the kitchen. The cage was in a room at the bottom. A man, naked and covered in dirt, lay on the cement floor.
Esta’s voice
went into Nicolas’s head with barely controlled fury. “It’s Fredock.”
“Who’s Fredock?”
“He’s Raykon’s right hand. When he’s not joining in the torture, he likes taking pictures, and videotaping what the cats do to women. He must die.” Esta’s entire body tensed and her eyes darkened with hatred.
“We need to know everything in his mind, Esta.” Vorlyk silently joined their conversation.
Marcus was the only one not included, and he looked at them expectantly.
“Esta knows this cat,” Vorlyk said out loud.
Marcus could read the deadly intent on Esta’s face, “Who is he?”
Vorlyk answered for her, “Raykon’s second. His name is Fredock.”
Marcus whistled. “He videotaped Raykon when he beat and shot Emily. We’ll call Brandt when Vorlyk is finished. He’ll want his blood.”
“So be it.” Nicolas could feel the fury coming off his cat in waves. He knew she wanted to kill every man that harmed her and her pack mates, but there were too many of them for her to personally kill them all. This one would go to Brandt if he wanted him.
Marcus picked up a syringe lying on a table beside the door. “Are you ready?” he asked Vorlyk.
“Yes.”
The vampires blinked into the locked cage. Nicolas kept an eye on Esta and saw her frustration. Given the chance, she would disobey and kill the cat.
“What specifically do you need to know?” Vorlyk asked Marcus.
“We have a traitor among us. Anything you can learn about the Canadian cats, and also Raykon’s whereabouts.”
Vorlyk nodded his head. “Give him the injection.”
Marcus didn’t hesitate. Sixty seconds after the fluid entered his bloodstream, Fredock began moaning and tried to curl his body inward.
Vorlyk’s hand went to his throat. “Do not move. Do not shift.”
The cat stopped immediately.
“Stay very still.”
“No.” His voice shook with panic.
Vorlyk grabbed the cat’s hair with his other hand. “I will rip off your head and then feed your body to my she-cats. Do. Not. Move.”
Unmasculine whimpers came from the cat. Vorlyk’s hand left his hair and traveled to his forehead. “I can tear it from your mind or you can answer our questions.”
“Raykon will kill me.”
“You’re already dead, but so be it.”
Nicolas knew Vorlyk’s power could be gentle. He had no idea it could also cause pain. The cat’s body arched and feline screams echoed off the walls. It went on and on. Nicolas looked sideways at Esta, but she showed no sympathy. If anything, her mouth tilted slightly in a grin. Crazy cat.
When Vorlyk lifted his hand, the cat began begging for mercy and the vampire pierced his neck, drinking greedily. It reminded Nicolas that his pack needed to gift Vorlyk with blood. It kept the pack alive and also strengthened the bond of the clan. He was sure his she-cats donated, but they needed to have a ceremony and make the joining of the wolves and cats as a pack official. He continued watching until the cat fell unconscious.
They left the room with Nicolas’s hand resting on Esta’s shoulder. She would have no opportunity to dispose of Fredock.
Upstairs, everyone waited impatiently. Marcus had obviously telepathically communicated with Columbus, because he was speaking to Brandt on the phone.
When he hung up, Nicolas turned to Vorlyk. “What did you learn?”
“The Canadian cats will not help. They’re staying out of it, but they will not help the wolves either.”
“We expected that.”
“Apparently, Raykon was with the group that Samson attacked but managed to get away. They were to rendezvous fifty miles from their camp. I doubt Raykon is there any longer, but it wouldn’t hurt for Samson to check.” The vampire looked disturbed.
With Vorlyk’s body language, Nicolas knew he wasn’t going to like what came next, “Go on please,”
“Raykon knows the females are here. He also knows, somehow, that Zenya is pregnant with your child. He’s ordered every female cat killed.”
“Fuck.” Nicolas heard Sheeba cry out, but he didn’t look at his cats.
“Anything more?”
“He didn’t know who the traitor is. Only Raykon contacts the person.”
“Do we have a chance to rescue any of the females before they’re killed?”
“Doubtful.”
“You must try.” Zenya’s tears ran down her face.
“Yes, we must.” Nicolas knew he would be leaving Zenya possibly for weeks. He saw when she realized the same thing and her hand sought his. He wiped her tears and kissed her tenderly, then turned to Columbus. “What did Brandt say?”
“Their child is only two months old. He will not leave Emily and the baby. He wants the head delivered after the death.”
“Who is it?” Madayah voice held dread.
Esta looked at the women. “Fredock.”
Talya began shaking and crying loudly. The women surrounded her. Esta looked at her alpha with nothing but rage. “He cut off her arm. At one time or another he tortured us all. It is our right to kill him.”
Marcus looked at the shock on Nicolas’s face, and then turned to the women. “How do you want to do it?”
Esta didn’t need to ask the she-wolves. Each one turned to the vampire with complete resolve. “Release him and we hunt.”
Chapter Thirty-four
Nicolas asked to speak with Vorlyk and his clan in private. Marcus, Amy and their wolves left the room, closing the ornate double doors behind them.
Alpha eyes went first to his mate. “I don’t want you part of this.”
The words that entered his mind were just for him, “I am your mate. These women need to have me beside them. They need to see my strength, even if you don’t feel I have any. You cannot take this away from me or them. Women are nothing to the cats. By protecting me, you make me appear as nothing. I would kill that cat for what he did to Talya alone. Let us have our vengeance.”
“I’ve never thought you weak. You are the strongest she-cat I know. Even afraid, you rescued me. You are pregnant with my child. I do not want you in harm’s way.”
“You didn’t know I was pregnant when you left me behind to hunt the cats that attacked Brandt. You take away what little pride I have in myself.” She refused to cry again. He needed to hear what she thought. He’d avoided it for the past week. “I love you, Nicolas. Please don’t stop me.”
“That’s the first time you’ve said the words.” His voice softened.
“I’ve been angry, but that would never keep me from loving you.”
“Did he touch you?”
Zenya knew he meant Fredock.
“They all touched me.” She refused to lower her eyes.
He turned to his liege and spoke aloud, “Will you hunt with them?”
“I will make sure Fredock harms no one, but I’ll not take away their vengeance by giving him a quick death.”
“Only our clan goes. It’s the women’s vengeance, but I will lose none of you. He won’t awaken for hours.”
“Then let us watch him below stairs until he wakes.” Esta looked her alpha directly in the eyes for a moment before glancing down.
Nicolas knew his cats needed this, “Let Vorlyk bring Fredock outside when he’s conscious. Please call for him.” Nicolas looked to his mate, “Will you stay with me?”
“No. I will go downstairs with the women.”
He understood and his eyes softened. “Please rest if it gets late.”
***
Zenya preceded the women down the steep stairway and entered the room. Talya held tight to Madayah’s hand and Sheeba used Talya’s shoulder to follow.
The metal bars of the cage attached at the ceiling and the floor in the center of the room. The six she-cats spread out and surrounded the cage, then sat on the floor. They didn’t have the key to the lock, which was probably for the best. They waited in silence, each with
their own thoughts of what this man had done to them. They stared at him in a vigil of death.
Three hours later, Fredock began to stir. After several minutes, he rolled over. His eyes slowly opened and he looked first at Madayah. He smiled eerily, and then looked around the room. His grin disappeared. The women stood.
“You are dead, Fredock,” Zenya told him.
“Are a bunch of fucking cunts going to kill me?” A shaky smile returned to his face.
Zenya spoke into the minds of the women. “Don’t listen to him. He wants a quick death and tries to anger us.”
“It will not be quick,” Esta promised aloud.
The other women agreed.
“You would be beautiful if you had two arms, bitch.” His words were for Talya.
She didn’t back down, cry, or show emotion. “I will pull out your guts with one.” Her cold eyes showed hatred far beyond what her teenage years should.
“I’ve fucked you all, and if you think killing me will give you a sense of pride, you’re wrong. You will always be whores.”
Zenya ignored him and called for Vorlyk. Amy appeared with the other vampire. She held the lock’s key. Vorlyk flashed into the cage and held the cat while Amy unlocked and then opened the door.
They followed Vorlyk upstairs while his hand covered the cat’s mouth, not letting him speak.
The rest of Nicolas’s clan and the wolves from Marcus’s waited silently.
Nicolas spoke, “Our pack wolves will follow you, but will not interfere. Justice is yours.”
Vorlyk shredded the clothes from Fredock’s body and whispered quietly into the cat’s ear, though he knew the others heard, “Your body will be torn apart. Your head sent to Brandt, alpha of the Northwest Clan, for what you did to his mate. We will dance in your blood and remember your screams for the rest of our lives.”
The cat stood trembling and naked in the large circle.
Zenya stepped forward. “Run, cat.”
The edge of the circle parted and with a last look around, Fredock shifted to his cat form and took off.
The women slowly disrobed. He wasn’t leaving the ranch alive, but they wanted him to live with his terror for just a little longer.
Before she shifted, Nicolas pulled Zenya into his arms and kissed her. “I love you,” whispered into her mind.
Fang Chronicles: Zenya's Story Page 14
