by Rosalie Redd
“Craya! Gods be damned.” Noeh raised his sword. “Attack!” Adrenaline rushed through his body like a gale force wind, fueled by his anger.
A large band of Gossum rounded the corner of the building. Ram led the pack, a triumphant cry erupting from his throat. He raised his arm and something glinted in his hand.
Noeh focused on the objects in Ram’s grasp—Caleb’s silver necklace and Jade’s gray bandana. A scream burst from his throat. He ran toward his enemy, driven by the rage that engulfed him.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Melissa peeked into the Grand Hall. No sign of Noeh. Good. She’d learned many things during her time with the Panthera, including the fine art of breaking and entering. She didn’t use the skills often, but knowing how was valuable.
After Noeh installed the lock on her door, she’d had a fitful sleep. Waiting until she heard his door shut and his feet shuffle down the hallway, she’d set to work. He’d be mad when he found her gone. She shrugged.
The warm aroma of baked bread, eggs, and bacon from the evening repast wafted past her nose. Her stomach rumbled. As she headed for the end of the line, the hair on the back of her neck rose in warning.
Warriors, council members, and males from the merchant population stared in her direction. Some sat at tables lined up in rows, eating their first meal of the night. Others stood by the wall, where the food—arranged in a magnificent display—took center stage. A few scattered females perched among them. It looked like most of them had already finished their meal, the food picked over, the tables almost empty.
She swallowed, grimacing at the taste of bile raw in her throat. It was happening, again. The males wanted to possess her, own her. A part of her wished she was barren, just like the other females.
“Carry on with your business.” Gaetan’s voice boomed across the room.
Melissa caught his look. He raised an eyebrow but didn’t get up from his seat or say another word. She relaxed her shoulders, aware of how tense she’d become.
Someone coughed. A strained laugh filtered through the air. The sound of forks on plates and renewed conversations picked the noise level up to a reasonable decibel. The tension dissipated.
When Melissa had moved up in the line, she grabbed two slices of bread, along with a pad of butter and some honey. Next up; scrambled eggs, two slices of bacon, and an apple. Her full plate sent her salivary glands into overdrive.
An empty table in the corner beckoned, so she took the lone spot. The fresh eggs and toast tasted good and filled her stomach. She relaxed to enjoy the moment, but a bite of the apple brought back memories of what had happened in the kitchen between her and Noeh.
Those blue eyes, swirling with bits of amber, haunted her. The skin on her neck and face heated. I need to walk this off, maybe that will cool me down.
She left the Grand Hall, not caring where she went. The corridors blended together, numerous doorways and tunnels leading to uncharted places. She passed them all, her only focus: to move her feet and burn off some of her frustration.
There was no other Panthera Pride out there, nowhere else she could run. The Keep, whether she liked it or not, was her new home. She’d have to find a mate by the next new moon. The realization made her stomach churn. Thoughts of her attraction to Noeh competed with her guilt over William, driving a wedge into her heart. One was off-limits, the other already gone. Then, there was Demir and his relentless pursuit. She longed to make a friend, someone she could talk to about her problems. A sob built in her chest, and she clamped her lips tight, refusing to let it out.
The chatter of voices and rakes hitting dirt emanated from around the next bend. She followed the noise, eager for company.
A large cave came into view, by far the largest one she’d seen in the Keep. Rows and rows of plants and vegetables lined the cavern floor. The smell of fresh earth filled her senses. Thousands of sunstones lined the ceiling, lighting the room and providing energy for the plants. The room was so bright she had to shield her eyes with her hand.
“This place is beautiful, isn’t it?”
She turned at the sound of a female’s soft, soothing voice.
Bet stood a few feet away, holding a basket filled with carrots, their green tops hanging over the edge. Her plaid dress had brown stains from top to bottom, evidence of her labor in the field. She put the bushel on the ground and motioned for Melissa to join her. “Let me show you around the garden.”
“This place is magnificent. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“Of course you haven’t, sweetie, the garden only exists here in the Keep. We grow all our own vegetables and even have some pigs and goats on the far side.”
Melissa scanned the immense cavern. Rows of tomatoes, beans, and corn lined this end of the cave. A female Jixie wearing a full skirt and a frilly white blouse hurried by with a basket of green beans balanced on her head. One hand held on to the wicker lip while the other moved back and forth in stride with her fast gait. Other Jixes skittered past Melissa, intent on their own tasks.
“This place is so…big,” Melissa said.
Bet laughed and walked down an aisle filled with blueberry plants. She picked a few round, plump berries and handed them to Melissa. “Here, for you.”
“Thank you.” The berries smelled fresh and sweet. She popped the small fruit into her mouth, and her taste buds erupted with flavor. “Wow, amazing.”
Bet nodded, a sly smile threatening to break free. “Tell me, what brings you here?”
Melissa didn’t know where to begin, but maybe she could talk to Bet. Her chest lightened as hope welled inside her. They walked between the rows of berries. Taking a chance, she decided to tell Bet the truth.
“The males—they stare at me with such longing in their eyes. I-I can’t take it.” Her bottom lip quaked. She fought hard to bring her emotions under control. “The gods want me to take a mate, but it’s too soon since William and my baby Seth died.”
“How long ago did they pass away?”
“Almost a year.”
“Who’s to say whether that’s long enough? Only your heart knows.” Bet grasped Melissa’s hands and squeezed them gently. “I doubt the gods would require you to find a mate if they didn’t think you were ready.”
“Yes, but…I…” Melissa struggled, her words tangling together as confusion and fear roiled within her.
“Put the past behind you, for your future is here with us.” Bet reached up and touched Melissa’s shoulder, a stretch for her short stature. “You will find a mate, one who will love you deeply.”
“How can you be so sure?” A single tear escaped and rolled down her cheek.
“I have faith in the gods, don’t you?”
“I do, but…” She stared into Bet’s eyes. The little Jixie’s words reminded her of her personal commitment. Things will work out, they always do. Trust in the gods. She grabbed on to those words and held them close to her heart.
Bet returned to holding Melissa’s hands, and her knowing eyes twinkled. “Tell me, is there anyone you find attractive? Anyone who makes you feel alive?”
Melissa bit her lip and pulled away from the kind female. “There are so many males, but I’ve had little time to get to know any of them. Their stares make me uncomfortable.”
“I can’t blame the males for looking at you with longing in their eyes. You give them hope.”
“Why me?”
“You gave birth. Children are always hope for the future. It would mean so much if you took one of the males as your mate.”
“I need to, I know, but…I’m not ready.”
“The time will come when you’ll have to move on. You’ll make the right choice, I know you will.”
They walked in silence for a few minutes. The notion of taking a mate made Melissa’s heart ache. She didn’t know if should could move on. The heat from the sunstones warmed her skin. She wished she could go out in the sun and return to her life as a human, far away from here. But alas, never aga
in.
“You ok?” Bet asked.
Melissa sighed and stared into Bet’s soft brown eyes. “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course, what is it?”
“Why do you think Alora told Noeh to watch over me?”
“Well, I thought it was because you lost your shield power. That’s not what you are really asking, though, is it?”
Melissa shook her head and took a deep breath. “I’m asking about Noeh. Why him?”
“Let me tell you something about Noeh,” Bet said. “He’s a great king, one who’s kept our kind together over the last few centuries, ever since the great scourge. The loss of so many females took a toll on many of our males. Fights broke out over the remaining females. Several males died. Noeh, through his strong will and firm rule, brought our kind back together. He forced us to keep our priorities straight, to care for each other, and to fight the Gossum.”
“Noeh is loved and respected, I can see that, but I’m still not sure what this has to do with me.”
Bet patted Melissa’s hand and led her toward the crest of a nearby hill. “Life hasn’t been easy for Noeh. He’s tried so hard to keep everyone going, to give them something to hope for, to keep living. For a long time, his faith kept him on track. He believed the gods would always be there for us. He prayed to Alora and Veromé, but they never heard him or chose not to help. As a result, he lost much of his faith and compassion. His marking faded as a result.”
“That’s terrible.” Melissa’s heart swelled. He cared so much for his kind.
“If you ask me, I think Alora wanted him to watch over you to gain back some compassion and faith.”
“You think I can do that?” A flutter beat in her stomach.
“Well, yes. Not only do you bring hope for one of the males, you also bring hope to all of us.”
“So, this is about my fertility.” Melissa’s cheeks reddened, but she clamped down on her anger. She’d hoped it was about more than that.
“Partially, yes, but you have a spark within you. I think you’re here to do something important.”
Melissa chewed on her bottom lip, unsure how to take this last bit of info. “Something important? Me? I’m just a slave.”
Bet pursed her lips. “We’re all equal here.”
No, they weren’t, but Melissa wouldn’t press the point. As long as Demir kept the Dren as slaves, she’d never be equal.
They stood at the top of the hill, and the valley spread out below them. A sense of calm washed over her. The Keep was so beautiful—like Noeh. He ruled this land, and he was king. She couldn’t imagine anyone better for the job or more suited for a mate. The thought of being with him sent sparks of desire through her body. She cursed her traitorous reaction, for she could never be his queen.
Melissa pulled Bet into an embrace, the small female’s body engulfed in her arms. “Thank you, Bet, you’ve given me something to think about.”
She just wanted to live up to expectations. For the first time in a long time, she had hope for the future, but what that would be she didn’t know.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Ram’s elation pumped adrenaline into his body, and he let loose a loud whoop. He thrust his hand into the air. The necklace and gray bandana he’d ripped off the dead Stiyaha were the best kind of trophies. The pure hatred reflected in Noeh’s eyes was just the kind of juice Ram needed. Awesome! Noeh would have to wait, though. A group of large black cats were first on the agenda.
His soldiers met the panthers near the small fountain that graced the entrance to the asylum. In its glory years, the spring had provided a soothing touch to mask the atrocities, pain, and anguish that had lived in the building. Now, the idle spout was a great place to stake a claim.
Ram leapt on top of the decrepit fountainhead. He stood in the upper bowl to gain a height advantage and surveyed the scene. Ah, panthers. He would put their speed and cunning to good use.
His brood engaged the panthers in battle, the recruits testing out their new skills. A Panthera lost his balance, his leg and paw growing numb from the impact of a stinger. One of Ram’s new changelings landed on the injured cat’s back, his claws digging beneath black fur. Serrated teeth gleamed in the moonlight, closing over the enemy’s throat. The cat was the first to die.
The battle raged around Ram. Adrenaline pumped through his veins and gave him a natural high that rivaled the best of heroin trips.
Close by, a panther took down one of his new recruits. The large cat clawed his fighter across the chest and ripped out the poor sucker’s throat with his teeth. Black sludge poured from his warrior’s neck. Ah, well. Good thing there was an endless supply of shady humans to take his place.
“Jakar, behind you!” Ram warned his comrade just in time. A large black panther stalked his lieutenant. Jakar leapt out of the way and into the bottom bowl of the fountain. The panther backed up, unwilling to take on both of them at once.
Noeh and his Stiyaha warriors arrived at the scene. Tall and muscular, they were an admirable opponent.
Ram grabbed the spire with one hand, raised his fist high into the air, and yelled at the top of his lungs. “Death to our enemy!”
Lightness filled his chest, and his senses heightened. He had an overwhelming urge to laugh, so he went with it. The many trees surrounding the asylum swallowed the sound, as if the noise was a bitter pill, best taken right away.
This was his chance to finally rid himself of that Stiyaha king. His leg muscles tensed under his dark sweatpants. The strain shook his body.
Ram’s gaze locked onto Noeh. The world slowed. The clash continued around him—the zip of the Gossum’s tongues as they connected with flesh, the grunts and groans of the injured, the cries from the Stiyaha’s swords. Ram smiled, sensing a victory long awaited. He raised his hands above his head. “Shield!”
A circle of light pulsed around him. His heart beat fast against his ribs, fueling the shield with more power and strength. He wanted to shout his excitement throughout the forest but held back. All in good time.
The shield grew in size and traveled down the fountain, enclosing Jakar and the panther he battled. The feline extended his claws and scratched the surface of the force surrounding Jakar. Unable to penetrate the barrier, a low hiss escaped the cat’s lips, and he retreated. Jakar killed the Panthera before he could get away.
Noeh charged Jakar, his sword held in mid-air. The blade let loose a battle cry as Noeh brought his weapon down upon the shield. A loud crack, like thunder, bounced off the trees. Noeh’s arms shook from the impact. He stepped back and narrowed his glare on Ram. His pursed lips were evidence of his frustration. The sweetness made Ram’s heart swell.
He laughed, a big hearty guffaw that shook his entire body. He glared at his nemesis. “Come to me, you stupid king, come and get some.”
*****
Noeh’s heart raced as he stared at the shield surrounding Ram. He used her shield. The one he’d stolen from Melissa. Evil Kasard. Every time Noeh saw that shield, his anger notched up a level. Ram had tortured her. His female. His beast warred within, vying for control—and wanting to change. Noeh wouldn’t risk the transformation.
The air moved next to him, and the hair on his arm stood on end. He whipped his head around just in time to see the flash of Saar’s sword as it cut off the enemy’s tongue. Aramie took the creature down, severing its head from its spine with one quick swipe of her deadly claws. Noeh exchanged glances with her and nodded his approval.
A panther’s cry pierced the night air. Demir stood in the middle of three Gossum. His sleek cat frame and quick movements made it difficult for the creatures to attack, but he couldn’t hold them off for long. Ram’s shield expanded beyond the fountain and inched closer and closer to Demir. Noeh grabbed his knife from his boot sheath and threw his dagger at the closest Gossum. The knife lodged in the brute’s eye, killing the Gossum instantly.
The second adversary landed a blow on Demir’s hind leg, crippling him. His leg buckl
ed, and he dropped to the ground. Demir lashed out with his front paws, his claws tearing through the creature’s thigh, black blood spilling onto the grass. The dark color blended into the overgrown lawn, lost among the weeds. The injured creature landed on his back. A low grunt escaped from its throat.
Demir didn’t appear to see the third opponent, who’d circled behind him while he fought. The vile creature jumped onto Demir’s back and put him in a headlock. The beast cradled Demir’s head in the crook of his elbow. It placed its hand against Demir’s face, preparing for the final twist.
Noeh inhaled a quick breath. He raced toward the Gossum, his sword screaming for more.
The assailant tensed. His muscles bunched, ready to complete the deed.
Noeh thrust his weapon through the creature’s back, piercing his heart. The creature stilled, his entire body rigid. Noeh held his sword tight, waiting, as the attacker relaxed its hold on Demir. The creature slid off, forming a puddle of black muck on the ground.
Demir stood, favoring his right leg. He looked at Noeh and roared, almost as if he resented any interference. Well, craya, you’re welcome. Ungrateful cat.
Demir attacked the Gossum he’d injured and ripped him to shreds, taking out his apparent frustration and anger on the wounded monster. Adrenaline and sheer will must have powered his ability to fight, given his damaged leg.
“Noeh, over here.”
Noeh tensed at his name, the sound coming from his enemy. Ram’s black orbs stared without emotion. The eerie absence of color enhanced his cold and distant appearance.
Within the shield, two dead Panthera lay sprawled on the ground, their bodies turning to sand. Ram laughed, low and soft. The sound built until it crashed against the walls of the old asylum and was absorbed by the enveloping trees.
Noeh’s vision clouded. He stepped back and almost fell to the ground. He placed his hand on his forehead. Wetness coated his fingers. Blood. When had he been hit? He focused on the battle around him. The Gossum had the advantage.
