by Tia Didmon
He pulled a knife from his side. Though it had embedded to the hilt, blood dripping over the black suit, it closed immediately once the blade was removed.
Jordan held a second knife that Hunter kicked from his hands. The men came together in a flurry of fists and grunts as they fought. She remembered when Sarah had fought Jordan not long ago. He had been slow, lacking coordination. She saw none of that Jordan today. He countered most of Hunters moves, only allowing the seasoned fighter occasional full body blows.
Jordan backed up and dropped his hands, allowing Hunter’s claws to slash his throat. He smiled cruelly at Racheal as blood gushed from his throat. His voice was like gravel as he spoke. “This is the beginning of your destruction,” he said as he fell to the floor.
Racheal looked down at the mangled flesh at his throat. She knelt, checking his pulse. “Hunter grab an empty vial.”
Hunter's eyes glowed. “Why?” he snapped. His animal's aggression broke loose. Racheal touched the wound tentatively. “Something is off. I want to know what he did to himself. He had no sense of self-preservation. His blood is clotting way too fast. His flesh has the wrong consistency.”
“Is he dead?” Hunter asked, his composure returned.
“Yes.”
Kevin Kallan entered the room. His gaze immediately fell on Jordan's body.
Gerald entered behind him. The jagged scars on his throat deterred from his boyish good looks. His eyes remained firmly on Hunter.
Kevin held up his hand, halting Gerald’s advance. “It seems you have saved me the trouble of dealing with my insubordinate son.”
Racheal was surprised. “You were listening?”
Kevin smoothed the lapel of his immaculate suit. “I am aware of everything that happens around me.”
Racheal surveyed Gerald. He wasn't the same man she had last seen. His eyes were lighter in color. His demeanor more aggressive. He seemed more like a caged animal than a man. “If we have done you a service then you should let us go. An even trade if you will.”
Kevin smiled without humor. “Unfortunately, you have also robbed me of a geneticist. One with the knowledge of the shifter species. I'm afraid you will have to take up his position in my company.”
Hunter growled. “Not a fucking chance.”
Gerald moved aggressively as he was silent.
Kevin grabbed his arm. “Not yet.”
Gerald backed down. Though his eyes were malicious as they bored into Hunter.
Racheal pursed her lips. “I won't be a prisoner again.”
Kevin raised his eyebrows. “This isn't a negotiation. That wasn't a request.”
Racheal took a slow breath. “Actually, this IS a negotiation. I believe I have access to something you want more than me.”
Kevin laughed. “What could you possibly bargin with?”
Racheal's eyes narrowed. “A cure for your MS or at least a way to stabilize it so it doesn't progress any further.”
Kevin's face hardened at the mention of his illness. “I have my own means to get that.”
Racheal didn't move. “Jordan wasn't working on it. Neither was Cortez. So, you would be starting from scratch. You have already wasted millions but none of it has gone into the cure you need.”
Kevin's eyes narrow. “And you just happen to have this cure on you?”
Racheal shook her head. “Of course not. I didn't come up with the idea until after I saw what Jordan had done to himself. I will need a sample of Jordon's blood as well as yours. I will synthesize what you need within three weeks. If I don't, you can kill me.”
Hunter growled. “Fuck Racheal!”
Racheal turned to him. “Trust me. I can do it.”
Hunter’s eyes flashed. “I know you can do it, but this fucker doesn't deserve your help.”
Kevin walked calmly to the window. “Interesting proposal. I am still out a geneticist.”
Racheal put her hand on her hip. “Not really. Cortez is brilliant. She taught Jordan and she seems to know more about genetic alteration than I do.”
“Yes, my former mistress has been very busy.” His voice held no emotion.
“Do we have a deal?” Racheal asked.
Kevin turned back to her. “Two weeks. If you give me what you promised you will be considered off limits.” He motioned with his head toward Hunter. “He will not be given the same privilege.”
Hunter huffed. “I don't need your reassurances.”
Racheal shook her head. “I'm not sure two weeks will be enough time...”
“As it's unlikely that you will survive your transformation. I will extend a two-month amnesty to the entire Cascade clan if you deliver.”
Racheal felt her heart squeeze at his words. Would she help this monster only to die anyway?
She looked down. “Agreed.”
Hunter grabbed Racheal's arm, turning her around. “You can't help him. Especially using our DNA!”
Racheal touched his hand gently. “I'm not going to use your DNA. I am going to use Jordan's.”
He tried not to let her soft touch affect him. “It's the same thing isn't it?”
Racheal looked at him for a long time before she answered. “Kevin won't be able to recreate what Jordan did. Even with more time, I doubt I will be able to figure it out but I will make only enough for Kevin. Once I create the serum, it will have a twelve-hour shelf life. It won't be recreated. Also, it’ll be coded to Kevin and his MS. It will be useless to anyone else.”
Hunter stood immobile.
Racheal squeezed his hand. “I'm asking you to trust me, Hunter.”
Hunter let his hand drop. “What do you need?” he asked grudgingly.
Racheal motioned to the shaft. “I need Jordan's sample case. I will take the samples from Kevin then Jordan's body.”
“Hold on,” Kevin said. “Before I give you my blood. What do you mean my specific code?”
Racheal turned to Kevin. “I’m manufacturing a cure using Jordan's DNA. As you have a familiar bond, I will be able to code it specifically to you and you only.”
Kevin looked Racheal over coldly. “Have you considered the good we could do if we were able to manufacture cures for currently incurable diseases?”
Racheal walked over to one of the lit fridges, pulling an empty vial from its holder. “I was blinded by that idea once. I didn't realize it came at the expense of exploiting another race.”
Kevin frowned. “I find your ideals annoying and short-sighted.”
Racheal grabbed a needle from a sterile package, turning back to Kevin. “I'm sure you do. Would you like your cure or not?”
Kevin removed his jacket and rolled up his sleeve. “Proceed.”
Racheal motioned to a chair in the corner. “You will be more comfortable if you sit.”
Kevin's eyes hardened. “Do as your told.”
Hunter growled low. “Don't talk to my mate like that you...”
“Hunter,” Racheal reprimanded.
Racheal went to Kevin's side, taking the blood sample first. “I need to take some spinal fluid. It will hurt.”
Kevin leaned over lifting the back of his shirt. “Do it.”
Racheal collected what she needed. “I'm done. I'll grab the samples from Jordan. Get the case.”
Hunter positioned himself below the ventilation shaft as Gerald approached him. He had met Gerald briefly back at the lodge when he'd helped Sarah rescue Devon. He hadn't noticed the slight smell of decay then.
Gerald stood close to him, touching his chest with his own. “Retrieve the case.” His voice was all gravel.
Hunter glanced at Racheal. “I don't trust you in the same room with her.”
Gerald looked over at Racheal. “She isn't what I require.”
Racheal's face blanched. “Sarah. You still want Sarah.”
Gerald turned his head creepily to the side. “She no longer has what I require.”
Hunter knew he wasn't lying. His cat squirmed at the tinny overtone in Geralds' voice. It held no e
motion when talking about the woman he'd swore he'd loved since he was a child.
Kevin put his jacket on and smoothed the lapel. “Enough talk. Get what you need and get out. You have work to do.” He turned and left the room.
Hunter jumped up and grabbed the case from the shaft, jumping down before Gerald moved.
Gerald turned. “Follow me.”
They moved into the hall. Fully armed men in black gear immediately stopped all movement and stood by the wall, allowing Gerald to pass. Fear emanated from their downcast glances.
They rounded a corner, running into Cortez and her two bodyguards. Her surprise was evident. “What are you doing? That is Jordan's case!”
Gerald’s tone never wavered. “They’re on assignment for my father. Move aside.”
Cortez stepped back. “This is my facility...”
Gerald stepped up to her. “If you do not move immediately, I will deactivate every soldier you have. Then I will kill you.”
He wasn't lying and Cortez knew it. Hunter thought his terminology unusual yet everything seemed strange about Gerald Kallan.
Cortez looked away, moving aside. “Where is Jordan?”
Gerald motioned them to follow him. “He's in the lab.”
Gerald had opened the glass entrance doors for them when they heard Cortez scream.
Liam and Luca were waiting in a black SUV when they exited the property.
Racheal climbed in the back seat with Hunter.
“Get us out of here,” Hunter said.
Liam turned around. “How did you end up with Gerald Kallan escorting you off the property? When I got your text, I thought you’d lost your mind.”
Hunter proceeded to tell them what transpired inside the lab as Racheal ran serum sample idea's in her head. She didn't notice Hunter was talking to her until he shook her arm.
“Hey. You still with me?” Hunter asked.
Racheal rubbed her forehead. “Sorry. I get lost in my own thoughts when I'm on a deadline.”
Hunter’s jaw clenched. “No-one will be disappointed if you don't meet Kevin Kallan’s demands.”
Racheal turned to Hunter. “I have to. He will destroy your entire family if I don't. Not even Sarah will be safe.”
Hunter looked out the window. “We're stopping at the cabin to change then a car will take us back to Mt. Adams.”
Racheal clasped her hands together. Her voice dropped an octave. “You think that's wise.”
Hunter turned back to her quickly. “You're nervous. Why?”
Racheal shrugged her shoulders. “What if I affect other members of the lair?”
Hunter’s eyes squinted. “We'll keep the coyotes far enough away from you. The rest are my family. You know from Liam and Luca that you won't affect them.”
Racheal swallowed. “What about Sarah?”
Hunter looked confused. “I thought you would be happy to see her?”
Racheal touched his arm. “I will be. I am... what if she’s disappointed in me? She was the only true friend I ever had and I left her in Kevin’s and Gerald’s hands.”
Hunter grabbed her face in his hands. “She went there to save you. She was a Ranger. It's in her DNA to help people, and she loves you like a sister. Why would you think she would hold your abduction against you?”
Racheal shrugged. “I'm probably overreacting.” She was dropping the subject and Hunter knew it. His look said it was only temporary.
He unzipped his suit. “We're here. Let's get out of these and get our stuff together. Our car will be here in twenty minutes.”
Cade exited the cabin as Racheal stepped out of the SUV. “Fuck!” Cade growled.
Racheal watched as Cade's eyes turned full amber. They glowed like yellow embers against the black of night. His teeth lengthened before he growled.
Liam and Luca were on him immediately, pulling him toward the forest, whispering in his ear. He allowed them to take him, though his eyes remained on Racheal as they dragged him away.
Hunter had placed his body in front of her, shielding her as much as possible from his friend's aggression. He turned. “Racheal Cade isn't...”
Racheal back away. “You think I blame Cade? This is me. This is my fault. I helped in the early stages of the very serum Jordan used on me. He has modified it. Made it more aggressive but I helped engineer it.”
Hunter swore under his breath. “You didn't know.”
Racheal shook her head sadly. “That's where you're wrong. I knew what I was working on. He gave me a choice. Find a way to weaponize your DNA or find a way to expedite the mating hormone. You know what I chose.”
Hunter's eyes narrowed. “That's a damned if you do or damned if you don't choice Racheal and you know it.”
Racheal felt Hunter's anger rolling off of him. “Let's just get our stuff,” she said, walking toward the cabin.
She gathered her few belongings. Hunter did the same. She hated the forced silence that stretched between them.
Liam opened the door, peeking in. “Ride’s here. We'll be ahead of you.” He closed the door.
Racheal followed Hunter outside, stopping when she saw the white limousine. ‘Why are we riding in that?”
Hunter opened the back door for her. “I need time alone with my woman.”
Racheal frowned. “Why white? It looks like we just got married.”
Hunter motioned her to get inside. “And everyone we pass will think the same thing.”
Racheal approached the limo, checking that the driver had his window rolled up. “Kevin won't attack us. He wouldn't get what he needs.”
Hunter helped her into the back before joining her. “True. Though I can't be certain that Cortez will share the same sentiment. I killed her son.”
Racheal nodded. “I didn't think of that.” She looked around the luxurious limo. There was a bottle of champagne chilling in the ice bucket. Crystal glasses hung from the silver stand. Soft music played. “If there's a movie screen and popcorn. I'm sold.”
Hunter closed the door and raised his voice. “Driver privacy please.” The black window separating the front from the back went up. “You won't have time for a movie.”
Racheal frowned. “Hunter, it's a four-hour drive to Mt. Adams and we have to cross the border.”
Hunter's eyes glinted amber. “I know.”
Chapter 11
Hunter smiled as the smell of Racheal's arousal permeated the air. He was done waiting. He wanted his mate.
Racheal looked down. “I know what you want,” she said quietly.
Hunter moved from the adjacent seat to sit beside her, tipping her head back so she could see the fire in his eyes. “My cougar has had enough waiting. We both have.”
Racheal frowned. “What if I don't survive the transition? If Kevin doesn't get what I promised he will destroy your entire lair.”
Hunter's teeth snapped together. “I'm tired of stepping around that madman. Jordan is dead so he can't activate the poisonous capsule. There is no reason to wait.”
Racheal put her hands on either side of his face. “Just wait until I make the serum. Then I'll do whatever you ask?”
Hunter’s eyebrows arched. “Anything?” he said silkily.
She brushed her lips against his. “Anything,” she said.
Hunter’s cock hardened as her lips gently kissed the side of his. His teeth lengthened, popping through his lips. A low grumble emanated from his throat.
Racheal pulled back, brushing her thumb over his protruding incisors. “Just until I finish the serum for Kevin and see what I can do for Aiden.” She dropped her hand to her lap. “I promise.”
Hunter hated the unsure waver in her voice. Like she doubted he would do anything for her. He slipped his hand behind her neck, pulling her on top of him. “Tell me, Racheal, do you want your mate?” His voice was low, forcing her to lean into him to hear.
Racheal bunched her hands in his hair. “I want you with every fiber of my being.”
Hunter knew his eyes were g
lowing. His animal so close to the surface needed contact with her as much as he did. His voice was barely human. “Prove it.”
Racheal kissed him hard, forcing her tongue between his lips, before nipping them, only to soothe the sting with more addictive kisses. She fisted his hair. She wasn't gentle. He loved the raw emotion. Desperation. She exuded with every stroke of her tongue. Every scratch against his skin. The way she pressed her pelvis aggressively against his erection made him crazy for her.
Hunter needed her compliance. His cat was surly about waiting, unconvinced that his mate wanted him as much as he wanted her, he needed her to prove that, when it was time, she would not back away from the transformation. He put his arms on the back of the seat opening his body to her. “Undo my shirt, Racheal.”
Racheal knelt on the floor in front of him, pulling his shirt open as she undid each button. When she was done, she sat back on her knees.
He touched his jeans. “Take these off.”
She undid the top button, unzipping the fly slowly as his cock sprang free. She removed his shoes and pulled off his pants. He liked her smile of satisfaction as his cock brushed across her stomach. She slowly removed her dress, revealing a pink lace bra and panties.
He growled. “Take them off.”
Racheal glanced back at the privacy window before her hands went to the clip between her breasts. She slipped the lacy garment off her shoulders, before moving toward him.
“Stop. Turn around. I want you to remove that spectacular thong slowly.”
Racheal turned, slipping the thin pink material down her thighs to her knees.
Hunter stroked his cock. “Now bend over. I want to see you pleasure yourself. Don't stop until I tell you.”
Racheal leaned over the adjacent leather seat, spreading her legs to allow her hand between them. She circled her clit tentatively before moving rapidly. She was moaning when her fingers disappeared into her tight entrance.
Her mewing noises were the end of Hunter's patience. He grabbed her hands, bringing them to the base of her back. She was pressed hard against the seat. One hand held both of hers as he positioned his straining cock at her entrance. He slipped between her tender lips, holding himself there.
