Griffin leapt to the platform, standing next to Addison. She reached down, stroking the back of his head. Xavier broke through the line of jaguars, coming to the edge of the platform.
“You will die Griffin. Now. Either as jaguar or man, you will fight me.”
Addison watched in horror as Xavier shifted, dropping to the ground as a large broad-shouldered jaguar. He leapt to the platform, knocking Addison aside, walking over her as she lay on the wood as if she weren’t even there.
She struggled to sit up, reaching out. “Griffin!”
But Griffin wasn’t looking at her either.
She was, for the moment, totally forgotten. There was nothing she could do but watch.
Chapter Six
Griffin’s wounds hurt, but he pushed the pain aside. Addison was safe, and she was his. Now only Xavier stood in his way. And he was ready to fight, to the death, if necessary. He was going to make sure it was Xavier’s death.
The two powerful jaguars circled each other. The platform was narrow and Griffin was forced much closer to Xavier than he wanted to be. His foot slipped off the edge but he caught his balance. But in that instant he knew Xavier saw a weakness to exploit.
Xavier pressed forward, crowding Griffin to the very edge. Griffin was limited to a narrow edge of the platform.
He had two choices: he could jump off, risk giving Xavier the advantage of being above him. Or he could charge.
Griffin dug his claws into the soft wood, tensed and threw himself at Xavier. For a moment he saw surprise in Xavier’s eyes, but then he was on top of the older jaguar, rolling him across the platform. From the corner of his eye he saw Addison scrambling backward, disappearing over the edge of the platform.
Xavier was extremely powerful and Griffin struggled to gain some kind of control. They came apart with snarls and growls, Xavier taking a swipe at Griffin’s injured shoulder, tearing the flesh deeply.
But they were in the center of the platform and Griffin had more room to move. He circled around Xavier, looking for any weakness. The old jaguar had been through many fights and Griffin knew he’d been severely injured, tendons and ligaments torn, but Griffin couldn’t remember which side the injury was on. He would favor that leg and Griffin watched him now, waiting for the weakness to show.
Xavier moved to his right, then turned, circling back to his left. Griffin refused to change direction, forcing Xavier back in the other direction. Xavier snarled, displaying three sharp fangs. One was broken in half, just a jagged edge showing. He took a step, then another, and Griffin saw what he was waiting for.
The rear leg facing Griffin was the weak leg. Xavier would favor it, and it wouldn’t be as strong. Griffin needed to keep that leg toward him. Xavier would be hesitant to put his full weight on that leg, or so Griffin hoped.
Xavier feinted, swinging a huge paw at Griffin, driving him a step back. Xavier circled to the left, but Griffin blocked him, pushing him back, closing in, forcing him to do something he didn’t want to do.
The frustration in Xavier’s expression, in the way he moved, was obvious. Griffin growled, tried to control the adrenaline rushing through him. He knew he had the advantage, but now was not the time to give it away by being over-confident.
Griffin could wait no longer. He set his feet, pushed off, and hit Xavier in the shoulder. The hit was solid and Xavier went down, the platform shaking beneath their weight.
This time he had a solid purchase, claws and fangs sinking into Xavier’s thick pelt. Xavier’s scream of pain echoed through the clearing as thick blood filled Griffin’s mouth.
He twisted his head, tearing flesh and muscle. Xavier snapped over his shoulder, narrowly missing Griffin’s foreleg.
The two jaguars struggled, rolling and thrashing across the platform, but Griffin held on.
They came to the edge of the platform and Xavier’s struggles increased. Griffin rolled them over once more, pushing them over the edge, hanging on as they fell to the ground.
As they hit the ground, something snapped, and shooting pain flared through Griffin’s front leg. He lost his grip on Xavier, and the jaguar instantly scrambled from beneath Griffin.
Griffin struggled to his feet, wincing at the pain in his foreleg. Xavier rounded on him, and he braced himself, despite the pain.
Xavier lunged, knocking Griffin to his back on the ground, jaws snapping at Griffin’s exposed throat. Griffin twisted his body, wrenching his head to the side, Xavier’s fangs narrowly missing him.
Struggling against Xavier’s weight, Griffin fought to remain on his back, tensing his back legs. He thrust upward, catching Xavier low in his belly. He heard the loud grunt, felt the rush of breath against his face.
Griffin pushed harder, muscles straining, lifting Xavier until they both rolled over. Xavier came down on his weak leg, stumbling and then falling on his side.
It was the last chance Griffin had. Pain clouded his vision and his lungs ached as he drew breath. His front leg was all but useless. But he wouldn’t let Xavier see that.
He dove for Xavier’s throat, clamping down hard, mouth filled with fur, bone and cartilage snapping and cracking with the force of his bite. He held on, jaws locked, as Xavier thrashed beneath him. Claws raked the soft underbelly, tearing another gash, but still he held on.
From a distance he heard growls and snarls, and he caught a glimpse of jaguars circling them, but he was intent on finishing what he’d started.
Finally Xavier stopped struggling, his body going limp. Griffin gave him one last shake, but he didn’t move. He released his hold, jumping away, eyes never leaving Xavier.
“Griffin!”
Addison was by his side, arms around his neck, her face buried in his fur. “Are you okay?” Her voice was muffled against his body. He turned, nuzzling her shoulder with his face.
Pulling away, he limped to the center of the circle. The rest of his clan stood in a ragged circle, and he could see wounds and scratches, mostly to Xavier’s guards. It appeared that not all of them were on his side in this battle. But Ramos and the rest stood between him and any threat of attack. It was time to shift.
He closed his eyes, willing his body into human form. The pain was intense, his wounds and broken bones screaming as his body twisted and contorted from jaguar to human.
Then he stood for a moment, relishing being in his human form. Opening his eyes, he saw his clan leaders standing where jaguars had been. They looked at him expectantly.
The soft fabric of a cape descended on his shoulders and he turned. Addison had removed hers, draping it over him. He wanted nothing more than to leave this place, take her home, and begin whatever life they were to have together.
But he was now the leader, not just of his clan, but of all the clans. There were things he needed to set right. And he needed to do that now.
He stepped past Addison and climbed onto the platform, the leaders and Xavier’s guards gathered below.
“You have witnessed what happened. I accepted Xavier’s challenge and we fought, as he proclaimed. We fought honorably, and he is dead. I am now your leader.”
Griffin looked over the men. The clan leaders loyal to him bowed their heads. A few did not and he met each of their eyes. A few looked confused, but several held his gaze, challenge written on their faces. There would be trouble from them, but he would deal with them shortly.
“You are free to return to your clans. Let your people know that I am now your leader and will do right by you. Know that things will not be the same as they were under Xavier’s rule. There will be no more raids on the villages, there will be no more tests of bravery. And there will be no more mating rituals. You are free to find your own mates, and make your own choices.”
There were murmurs among the leaders, voices agreeing with him, a few smiles among the men. For now, at least, it seemed things might stay peaceful.
“Leave. Go home. Rest. We will gather again soon.”
The men turned to leave. He climbed off the platform. Addison was wait
ing and he pulled her into a tight embrace.
“Can we leave now? You’re injured.” She looked up at him, concern and exhaustion shadowing her eyes.
“One more thing and then, yes, we can leave.”
He caught Ramos’s eye, motioning the man to join him.
“Thank you for your help, Ramos. Without you, none of this would have been possible.”
“It was the right thing to do.” He bowed. “I am at your command.”
“Thank you. And since Kade is dead, his clan will become part of yours.”
Ramos smiled, and then bowed his head again, deeper this time. “It is an honor. I will serve both clans, and you, well.”
“And one final matter,” Griffin replied, his lips drawn into a grin. “Daphne is your life mate. You may take her with you.”
Ramos looked up, eyes widened and then his smile grew. “Thank you, Griffin. You have made me very happy.”
From the jungle came a feminine squeal and the foliage parted. Daphne ran into the clearing, throwing herself at Ramos. He caught her, swung her into his arms, and she turned her face up to his. He crushed her against him, and the kiss they shared was so passionate, so intimate, Griffin turned away.
Addison turned to him. “Can we go now?”
“Yes, we certainly can.”
He held out his hand and she took it. The pain in his body raged, but for the first time in days he felt hopeful. And he wanted to start his new life with Addison as soon as possible.
Chapter Seven
Griffin’s limp grew more pronounced the further they walked. Addison was more worried about the blood running down his leg. It seemed to come from the wounds in his stomach. But he’d pulled his cape close and she hadn’t gotten a good look at any of his injuries.
“How far to your home?” She could hear the concern in her voice and it was clear Griffin heard it as well. He glanced down at her, the imperious expression she was used to seeing on his face melting away.
“Half the morning, maybe less.”
“That far!” Half the morning meant nothing to her, but it seemed like an impossible amount of distance to cover, especially for an injured man.
“It’s not that far. It’s closer than you think.”
He was wincing with each step, his stride uneven. “But you’re badly injured, losing blood. We should…”
“I am fine, Addison. Shifters heal faster than humans. By the time we’re home, I’ll be well.”
“Even the broken hand?”
He held out his hand. It was discolored and swollen, and Addison guessed there was more than one break in the bones of the hand, if not some of his fingers as well. It looked incredibly painful.
“Even the hand.”
They walked in silence for a time, Addison trailing behind Griffin on the narrow path through the jungle. Finally even that disappeared and Griffin pushed through the thick foliage, their progress slowing. Her heart sank. They’d be in the jungle for hours at this rate.
Suddenly, they broke through the thick vines and she found herself in a clearing ringed with small huts. There were shouts and before they’d gotten more than a few steps, a dozen men, and women surrounded them.
There was a distinct shift in Griffin’s demeanor. He straightened, the limp disappearing, the broken hand tucked in the folds of the cape. He strode forward, greeting his clan.
The group stopped, silence descending, as they waited for him to speak. He looked over them, meeting the eyes of each clan member.
“I am back. And I have brought a mate. She is to be welcomed into the clan.”
Addison felt ever pair of eyes shift to her and her face grew warm. She managed what she hoped was a confident smile, something befitting the mate of their leader as whispers of the group washed over her. There were open looks of approval from the men, and shy smiles from the women.
“I am no longer just your clan leader. I am now the leader of all the clans.” There was a stunned moment of silence and then voices rose around them, questions filling the air.
Griffin raised his unbroken hand. “I defeated Xavier in an honorable challenge. He is dead, as is Kade. His clan is now joined with Ramos’. There will be changes; there will be no more raids on the villages. There will be no more clan fighting.”
A cheer rose from the clan, startling birds from the trees. Addison saw relief on the faces of the men and women. Voices rose again, questions again bombarding him. Griffin held up his hand once more, and the voices faded to a low murmur.
“We will meet soon. But I have other duties to attend to.”
There was laughter this time. For a moment it was embarrassing, but then strangely familiar. The group broke up, moving toward the huts, small groups forming and reforming.
Addison caught the eye of the women near the back of the group. She saw that they appeared to be shifters as well, with characteristically dark skin, dark eyes, and black hair. She’d hoped, after finding Daphne among the clans, she’d be lucky enough to find other women from the expedition. Her heart sank when she realized it had been a stroke of luck Daphne had survived. The chances of more than one woman being found were slim to none.
Griffin had moved away from her, a few men of the clan surrounding him. They appeared to be guards or his lieutenants. He spoke directly to them, they nodded, and then stepped back.
“Come.” Griffin held his hand. She reached out and took it, and he led her to a hut set at the edge of the clearing. He held the pelt covering the door and she stepped inside.
The pelt dropped and they were enveloped in a soft darkness. There was a small window that let in just enough light for her to see a wide pallet bed, small stools and a trunk. It was clearly a find from a raid, a large wooden affair banded in metal, with a large hasp and padlock. It held an empty bowl and a folded stack of cloth.
“We’ll be left alone.”
She turned. Griffin stood inside the door, exhaustion and pain clearly evident on his face, in his posture, in his voice. She reached out, taking his arm, pulling him toward the bed.
“Lay down, for heaven’s sake. You’re going to faint from blood loss. Is there anything to eat? You need water, and medical care.”
Her voice rose, panic-tinged, and she stopped, taking a shaky breath. But Griffin only grinned. “I’ll lay down, when the time comes. And water and food will be brought shortly.” He dropped the cape to the floor.
She’d forgotten he was naked beneath it. She tried not to stare, but then her eyes were drawn to his wounds and she cringed. They looked ragged and bloody, far too serious for Griffin to still be standing.
“Do you have a piece of cloth? Something I can clean you up with?”
He frowned at her, not moving. She threw up her hands in frustration.
“Hasn’t anyone ever fussed over you before? Here. Sit.” She pulled him gently to one of the stools, and he sat. She picked up the cape, ripping off a strip from the bottom. At the sound of tearing fabric, Griffin blew out a frustrated breath.
“Sorry. It’s the ceremonial cape, but I think I can put it to better use getting you taken care of.”
He shrugged, then winced. “The ritual will be no more. It was no longer used for its intended purpose. Xavier had perverted it to his own ends. It was more a battle to the death among us, rather than the beautiful ritual I remember.”
There was a soft knock outside and Addison jumped.
“It is only someone with food. You may take it from her.”
Addison pulled the pelt aside. A young woman stood holding a plank with water and food. Addison took it, and the woman bowed, leaving silently. Addison watched her walk away, then went back to Griffin. She set the plank on another stool, and poured water into a bowl. Griffin reached out, his hand over hers. She glanced up at him, ready for another argument about how he didn’t need anything done for him.
“I need to tell you there will be a guard outside the hut tonight, and every night. Possibly for a long time.”
“Is t
hat normal? Because you’re the new leader?” But she didn’t believe it was only that. She’d watched the men, both before and after the battle. The ones she knew were Xavier’s guards had really been fighting, not merely biding time while Griffin and Xavier fought. They’d caused serious wounds to the others, drawing first blood.
“Not everyone is loyal to me.”
She nodded. “I thought so. Xavier’s men are still loyal to him, to his leadership. And you’re worried.”
“I’m cautious. There is a difference. And there is no cause for you to be afraid. This village is well protected, as are we here.”
She was silent as she dipped the cloth into the bowl again and then wrung it out.
“What was the ritual like, before Xavier destroyed its true intentions?” She started with his shoulder, dabbing at the slashes that cut across his broad back. They were deep, but she thought they were actually starting to heal. Maybe the man was right, that he did have extraordinary healing powers. But he was still covered with leaves and sticky blood.
“It was a ceremony joining two mates. The cape was intended to be draped over both man and woman, after the priest blessed them.” He jerked as she pulled a leaf from one of the long cuts.
“Sorry.”
“It’s fine.” He waved his hand dismissively. “The priest said a blessing for fertility and long life. The chant today was a war chant, something Xavier created. The priest was told to chant, under penalty of death, the war blessing, after anointing you.”
“I’m sure he’ll be happy to hear he’s not under penalty of death any longer.” The wound on his back was almost clean. She dropped the cloth into the bowl of water.
“Let me bind your hand. There’s nothing I can do for broken bones, but at least it’ll keep the ends of the breaks from rubbing together.”
“How did you learn to do this?” He watched as she tore a fresh piece of cloth from the cape.
“Give me your hand.”
Gingerly he held out the broken hand. To her amazement the swelling had gone down, but when she touched him, he flinched.
On The Move Page 4
