Emerald Fire

by Valerie Twombly

  Brock squeezed the warm wood of the dagger’s hilt and set his jaw. “If they’ve touched her, if they’ve harmed her in any way, they will beg me for mercy. The torture I will inflict on them will be slow and painful. They will be kept on the threshold of death but not allowed to cross over until I allow it.” He thrust his shoulders back. “I’m not the same man I was before. Today, I’ll not run away.”

  Damis slapped him on the back. “Welcome back, friend. We have your mate to save and a war to wage with these humans. It’s been a long time coming.”

  “What do you mean a long time coming?” Brock sensed there was more Damis wasn’t telling him.

  Damis motioned Brock to follow him down a dimly lit corridor. “Elias has been tracking this group for some time. Trying to determine how many there are and where their command center is.”

  Brock grabbed Damis by the arm and pulled him to a stop. “What? You both fucking knew about these people and said nothing?” Anger heated his veins, and he tried to remember the man he held in a vise-like grip was his prince and supposed friend.

  Damis shot him a menacing glare. “We had no idea Sarah was in any real danger, and you were not told because I thought it better not to rehash your past.”

  Fuck! He knew what Damis meant. They hadn’t trusted him to keep his shit together if he’d found out these bastards had resurrected their little hate group. He’d have gone over the edge, a place he currently teetered because they had Sarah.

  * * * *

  Sarah was unable to keep her eyes open. They throbbed as if someone had jammed an ice pick into her corneas. She’d been so stupid, but how was she to know they’d drugged her tea? Mrs. Somers had seemed like such a sweet woman. When Sarah had walked into the back of Mrs. Somers’ shop, she’d been greeted like a long-lost granddaughter. The old woman had even dressed the part, complete with flowered skirt, white blouse and pearls. The last thing she remembered was becoming violently ill then dizzy. She must have blacked out because she had no recollection of anything after that.

  She tried to get past the stabbing pain in her head and the fog that seemed to surround her. As best she could tell, she was chained to a bed that groaned every time she tried to move. The room held no windows that she could see, but then again, it was pitch black. Hell, for all she knew, it was dark outside. She could have been here for days and be none the wiser.

  She tried to sit up, but the pain in her head sent her stomach into a lurch, causing her to relax back into the lumpy mattress. As she swallowed down the bile, a door opened, sending bright light to her watering eyes. A dark figure stepped inside, but she was unable to make out any details.

  “I see you’re awake,” a low, gravelly voice commented.

  Male. She’d suspected as much from the size of his frame, and the voice confirmed it.

  “Who are you?” Her own voice surprised her, as it was almost unrecognizable.

  He stepped closer. “Someone who thinks your kind needs to be eradicated.” He let loose a menacing laugh. “It’s fucking sickening how our government allows the spawn of Hell to live among us.” He leaned over and placed a cold hand around her throat. His rancid breath assaulted her. “It’s taken us years to come back together after your so-called leader wiped out most of our families.” He squeezed, cutting off her air. “But he didn’t get everyone, and now, we’re back. We’re going to take back what belongs to us.”

  Sarah struggled to bring air into her lungs, but his grip was too tight. Instead, she tried to raise her knee to kick at him, but he caught her. His calloused hand ran up her leg and under her skirt, stopping at the boundary of her panties. “You are a pretty thing, I’ll grant you that, and since you demons like to whore yourselves out, we’ll oblige you before we kill you.” He dug his nails into her flesh. “Yes, I wouldn’t mind fucking you just to see what all the fuss is about.”

  She sensed the smile plastered on his face and tried to swallow her rising panic at what they would do to her. Somehow, she needed to get free.

  “There are five sturdy, horny men here, and they all plan to have a go at you, as well. Matter of fact, Stan is getting everything ready so we can string you up for easy access. Maybe, we’ll fuck you to death before we cut out your heart.” His grip around her neck loosened, and she went into a coughing fit. “Enjoy your solitude while you can.”

  He laughed and jabbed a needle into her skin then turned for the door.

  Her arm burned at the injection site, and her vision blurred. All she saw was darkness after he closed the door behind him. She tugged on her restraints to no avail and realized whatever was in that needle must be draining her power. She tried to think, to plan an escape but felt herself slipping away. Need to stay awake. Must survive.

  Sarah had no idea how she’d get free of this mess and all she could think of was Brock. He’d been right to leave her. This was exactly what he’d feared, losing another mate. Unfortunately, by the time Elias figured out she was missing, she’d most likely be dead.

  She let the tears spill that had been threatening. Deep in her heart, she knew Brock cared for her. How would he react when he found out what happened to he? Her murder would send him over the edge.

  * * * *

  Brock tried to center himself and push aside the panic rolling in his stomach. He gripped the blade in his hand so tight his knuckles whitened. “I’m a fucking idiot,” he whispered.

  “We’ll find her,” Damis replied back.

  God, they’d better or he couldn’t be held responsible for his actions. Right now, the need to find her and keep her safe was the only thing keeping him sane.

  Both men hugged the walls of the dark corridor and headed for a dim light that flickered at the end. Voices could be heard laughing, but Brock couldn’t make out what they were saying. Adrenaline coursed through his veins and with it determination. He’d been given a second chance at happiness, and he’d tossed it out in the trash like a wadded up wrapper. Now, again, he was being given another chance. Mina had led them here, and if Sarah was still alive—stop thinking she’s not—he would claim her as his. Somehow, they’d get through this nightmare.

  They approached the doorway. Brock on one side and Damis on the other, they peered around the corner. What met his eyes caused bile to rise, and it took every ounce of willpower he had to remain still. Three men circled Sarah like vultures waiting for their prey to die. Her wrists were tied to a chain attached at the rafters. Her legs were spread and her ankles shackled to the floor. Two other men sat at a table, tipping back bottles of whiskey and gaping at her with a hunger that made Brock’s stomach boil.

  Brock curled his lip and snarled. From the corner of his vision, he saw Damis bring a finger to his mouth, indicating silence. They would have to wait for Elias and Snake to surface on the other side before going in. Rushing the men without backup could get Sarah killed. Brock set his jaw and looked straight at his prince.

  Where the fuck are they? he mouthed in silence. The sound of ripping fabric caused him to turn his head. They’d torn off her dress and left her in only her bra and panties.

  His vision went red.

  Without thought or regard to his safety, Brock ran into the room growling like a maniac and slashing the blade back and forth. He barely registered Damis cussing behind him as he thrust and twisted the dagger into the gut of the first guy who came at him. All he saw was Sarah. He had to reach her, but first, he needed to gut every human in the room.

  Shouts and the sounds of fighting echoed around him. Several more men came from nowhere, and in the melee, he had no idea how many they fought. Shots rang out, and his anger boiled. What the fuck had Damis been thinking handing him a dagger. He hoped the others had guns or this wasn’t going to go down as planned.

  Pain radiated from his side followed by a warm wetness running across his stomach. He glanced down briefly to see the front of his shirt soaked with blood. Apparently, he’d been hit. He pushed through the pain. Almost there. A few more feet and he would
reach his goal and free his mate. A blade slid deep into the side of his chest, puncturing his lung. He gasped and faltered. He never saw the man come at him and it was all the time the humans needed.

  “Stop right fucking there!”

  The room silenced, and everyone’s attention focused on the man holding a long blade to Sarah’s neck.

  “If any of you so much as twitch, I’ll take her fucking head off.”

  Brock’s breath caught. He focused his vision and glanced around to assess the current situation. Elias and Snake stood like stone on the other side of the room. Their blades dripped with blood, and the bodies around them indicated they’d taken a few out. He tried to locate Damis but was unable to find him. Brock was the closest one to Sarah, but he knew if he moved the man with the knife would hold true to his promise and take her head.

  Think damn it!

  There had to be a way out of this mess.

  “Grab those three and tie them up then give them an injection,” the leader snarled. “This has gone down better than I’d hoped. Looks like I’m getting four of you motherfuckers to gut.”

  “Harm a hair on her head, and I’ll slice you inch by slow, painstaking, fucking inch,” Brock growled.

  The guy laughed. “Can you get to me before I slit her?” The bastard pressed the knife deeper into her skin, and he could see blood trickle down her neck.

  Fuck! His grip on his own blade tightened.

  It was apparent the one who held Sarah had to be the ring leader. The injection he spoke of must have been how they’d subdued her. Brock looked to Elias for any indication they could beat this. Had it not been for Elias rolling his eyes toward Sarah, Brock might have missed his opportunity. When the two humans approached, he held out his dagger as if he were going to drop it to the floor. A second later, Damis shoved his knife into Sarah’s captor’s back. That’s when Brock made his move.

  He spun, blade extended. The head of the first man hit the floor as blood sprayed into the air. The second man never had time to react. Brock was on him in seconds, the man’s head meeting the same fate.

  “Get her out of—”

  Before Brock could finish, Damis had grabbed Sarah and vanished. Brock let out a sigh of relief that she was free but then worried if she was all right. He took a step forward and stumbled. Elias was at his side instantly.

  “Easy, buddy. Let’s get you home and healed.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Sarah rolled over and realized something was different. Softness covered her skin, and she was no longer bound. Slowly, she opened her eyes and was greeted with sunlight filtering in through several windows. Taking a deep breath, she recognized the scent of the ocean. She pushed herself into a sitting position and glanced around. She was in a king-size bed, surrounded by rich, wood-paneled walls. Something told her she was aboard Brock’s boat. She barely remembered seeing him when those awful men had her strung from the rafters.

  She shuddered at what they had intended for her. Sarah suddenly worried for Brock’s safety, though she was sure he’d brought her here. Still…she had to see him with her own eyes. Spotting a robe at the foot of the bed, she grabbed it and wrapped it around her naked body. She padded across the room to the open door. The rich aroma of coffee and frying bacon caused her mouth to water so she followed its trail, not remembering when she’d last eaten. Hell, she wasn’t even sure what day it was. Whatever they’d drugged her with had left her memories fuzzy.

  She found Brock standing in the galley, placing bacon on a plate. He looked up, and their eyes met.

  “I’m glad to see you’re awake. How do you feel?” he asked.

  She stared. He looked unharmed, but she remembered him covered in blood. A quick scan revealed nothing, at least nothing visible anyway. Relief swarmed over her then anger. She remembered now.

  “Sarah?”

  She closed the distance between them. Raised her hand and slapped him across the cheek. “You…you son of a bitch!”

  He rubbed the reddening mark on his face. “I know I deserve that and more. I can do nothing but beg for your forgiveness.”

  She pursed her lips and tried to ignore the tingling between her legs. Even in her anger, the bastard still made her wet, and that pissed her off even more. “You fucking left me without a word. Left it to another man to tell me you’d dumped me.” She clenched her fists, wanted to pummel him but realized she probably owed him thanks for saving her life.

  She reined in her anger. “Where are the others?”

  He pulled a mug from the cabinet, poured coffee into it then added cream and agave before handing it to her. “They’re cleaning up the mess.”

  She sipped. “Mess?”

  “Yes. We left no survivors.”

  “What happened? It’s all too hazy,” she asked.

  “I was heading back to see you when Mina told me you were in danger.”

  She felt her brows lift. “Mina?” She’d have to remember to thank the woman if ever the chance came about.

  Brock lifted his shoulders. “I know, wild, huh? Anyway, Damis got me to the warehouse where we met Elias and Snake.” His eyes darkened. “When I saw how they had you strung up and when they ripped your dress, I lost it.”

  She set the mug down. The anger radiated off him. “Thank you for coming.” She tilted her head. “But why were you coming to see me?”

  Brock leaned against the counter, looking sexy in only a pair of faded cutoffs. “I came back to apologize and tell you…”

  She wrinkled her nose. “Tell me what? What an ass you are? I think I know firsthand.” Why was she feeling no satisfaction in insulting him? Right now, she wanted to hate him but found it becoming more difficult the longer he stared at her. Bastard! Those brown eyes gazed at her with a longing she would never burn from her memory. It made her desperate. Seeing Brock look at her like that caused a slow burn between her thighs. She had to remain steadfast, or he would break her heart. Again.

  “Tell you I’m sorry. I know it doesn’t make up for what I did, but I hope you will give me another chance.”

  She pulled the robe tighter around her and fought the urge to rip it off and throw herself at him. Damn mating bond. “I may forgive you one day, but I’m not sure I can give you another chance.” She cast her eyes down, knowing if she looked at him she’d lose it. “You broke my heart.”

  He moved across the small galley in two steps, backed her into the wall and placed his palms on either side of her. His hard body pressed against her soft flesh. “I know I fucked up big time, but I also finally came to my senses. I’ve been given a second chance at happiness, and I don’t intend to let you go this time.”

  She laughed and tried to hide the emotions swirling inside her gut. Didn’t want him to know how he affected her? “What do you mean you won’t let me go?”

  He pressed his lips to her ear. “I love you, Sarah, and I don’t intend to fuck this up again.” He nipped at her lobe before pulling back. “I’ll do whatever it takes to make you mine. You complete me, and I was an idiot for not seeing that.”

  She swallowed hard. He was so not playing fair with his sexual advances. Could she forgive him? After all, it was his love she truly desired, and god knew, her heart really wanted her to, but how could she be sure the words of affection were real. “What if I already agreed to mate with Elias? Did you even think of that?” She pushed on his chest, but he refused to budge. “It’s what you wanted.”

  His lip curled into a sexy grin. “I know you haven’t made any agreements, and Elias is willing to step away. He knows we are meant to be.” He leaned closer until his lips were inches away from hers. “It was Mina who brought me to you. She showed me where to find you. We are meant to be Sarah, and I’m sorry it took almost losing you to realize it.”

  Brock’s lips touched hers every so lightly, teasing before pulling back. Again, he repeated the simple caress, and she tried to push him away. Admittedly, it was only a half attempt. Deep down, she wanted to forgive him and und
erstood the pain and fear which prompted him to run away. He was here now. Had come back for her. Would this moment be different if not for the attempt on her life? Sarah suspected it might have been, but now that she had come so close to dying, some things didn’t seem important. Still, would he leave her again?

  She caught movement over his shoulder. Mina smiled at her then faded away. Sarah let out a breath.

  He nipped at her chin. “You know, if you really want me to stop, I will.” He cupped her face. “I never wanted to hurt you. It’s just our relationship scared the hell out of me, but I promise Mina is gone.”

  She knew it to be true. Somehow, she’d felt when Mina had disappeared, it was for the last time. His dead mate had brought them together, and now, she was free to move on. “Brock?”

  “Yes, darlin’?”

  “I choose you.” The words had never felt more right. She only hoped she didn’t come to regret it later.

  He smiled, scooped her into his arms and headed back to the bedroom. “I’ll show you how serious I am.” With great care, he lowered her to the bed. Tugged the tie on her robe and pulled it open exposing her naked flesh. “Beautiful.”

  He cupped her breast and suckled her nipple. His tongue circled and fangs scraped the protrusion. The ecstasy and pain together caused her to shift her hips upward, begging for the ache between her thighs to be sated.

  He ignored her.

  Brock moved to the other breast and again made long, slow circles until the nipple matched the other. He stood, leaving her cold, and dropped his shorts, His erection jutted, and she reached out to touch it only to have him grab her hand. “Not yet.”

  She started to object, but he licked her fingertip. Kissing the top of her hand, wrist and up her arm, he left a hot trail until he reached the inside of her elbow. Soft lips caressed the erogenous zone sending a shiver through her body as a moan passed her lips. Before she could recover, he ran his tongue over her mouth while pinning her arms to the bed.