“Ouch!” She flinched away.
Rage narrowed his eyes. “Who did this to you?”
“It’s okay. I’m okay,” she promised. She’d been hit before, lots of times. It wasn’t anything serious. Now wasn’t the time to mention that though. It would only incense Shadow to be reminded of the past abuse she’d suffered.
“Who struck you? Which one? Point him out.” His voice came out animalistic and scary.
“I shot him in the thigh and ran away from him.”
He studied the men on the ground before he eased her down and jerked his head in the direction she’d come from. “Go. You shouldn’t see this.”
“See what?” She was hesitant to let go of him and clung to his arms.
The muscles in his jaw clenched. “Go, Beauty.”
He was going to kill them. It wasn’t just an idle threat to scare them when he wanted the mercenaries to fight him hand to hand. He was seriously pissed and wanted more than blood.
“You don’t have to do that. Arrest them. We have laws.”
He stepped closer, peering down at her. “Go.” His nose flared. “More Species are coming. You’re safe. Just walk out of sight and wait for me.”
She shook her head. “You could get into trouble if you kill them. Don’t do this for me.”
He took a deep, shuddering breath, possibly attempting to get control of his rage. “They came to steal you. A message has to be sent and I’m sending it. No one survives if they get near you. I never want this to happen again. The one who paid them might attempt to hire others but word will spread to mercenaries when these ones disappear. They will know death awaits them if they accept this job. Now go.”
Shadow was willing to die and kill for her. That was the message he was giving her. Strong emotions welled inside Beauty, almost overwhelming her. Gratitude for the lengths he’d go to keep her safe, appreciation for the self-sacrifices he was willing to make because she didn’t believe he could kill without care, but most of all, she felt love.
I’m in love with him, she realized. How it had happened so fast wasn’t really a mystery. Attraction, trust, the laughs, the intense discussions they’d shared, and finally the physical bonding had united them in an intricate bond. She also realized she had a choice to make.
“Is this what you really feel you must do or are you just doing it for me?”
“Both.”
“Will you sleep better at night knowing they are dead or lie awake being haunted by more blood on your hands?”
An eyebrow arched.
“I don’t want you to kill them if you’re going to suffer for it. They aren’t worth that. I know Justice will never allow them to go free.” She licked her lips, searching for the right words. “I don’t want you to look at me and remember death. Don’t do that to us.”
His head snapped up to peer at something behind her. She followed his gaze and barely suppressed a gasp. Two huge Species had stepped out of the woods, both only wearing loincloths. Their faces were typical of Wild Zone residents. There was no mistaking the more animal-like features they had or the untamed look in their striking eyes.
“The others are dead,” one of them rasped. He stared at Beauty with open curiosity but then shifted his gaze up. “These are the only ones left except for the shot one on the ground with Torrent.”
“What about the helicopter?”
A big man wearing cut-off shorts stepped out of the woods. His catlike eyes were stunning and so was his unusual nose, a trait he must have inherited from the lion or other large feline genes with which he’d been infused. He waved his hands at the other two, indicating they should go back into the thick trees. They disappeared without a word.
“I’m Leo.” He smiled at Beauty. “I’m glad you’re safe.” His focus fixed on Shadow. “Officers dragged the two humans out of the loud flying vehicle and have them on the ground. Torrent sent me after you to see if you needed help.” He bent, grabbing one of the mercenaries by his hair. “Come on, human. Fight and I will hurt you more.” He growled low, a terrifying warning. “The officers want you.” He grabbed the other mercenary still curled into a ball from being kicked in the nuts. “You too, whiner. Walk or be dragged.”
Relief washed through Beauty. It seemed Shadow wouldn’t have to kill for her after all. The decision had been taken out of his hands, something she was grateful for. There had been enough bloodshed during his lifetime, in her opinion, and she didn’t want to be the reason to add more.
An emotion that closely resembled disappointment flashed across his handsome features before he sighed. “Walk ahead of me but stay in sight. I smell a lot of the residents nearby. I’ll take this one and Justice can decide his fate.”
“Thank you.”
She watched silently as Shadow grabbed the man and hoisted him up roughly. The human moaned in pain but he was alive. He might regret that once he faced their laws. New Species had no mercy for enemies. She walked, keeping close to the tall Species.
There was no fear when she noticed a few solitary figures in the woods. They were Wild Zone residents who’d come to help. She smiled at a few of them in thanks, but they kept their distance. Some of their features were shocking, more animal than human. Her heart went out to them. It would be tough for them to fit in at Homeland and the reason for Reservation became apparent.
The first glimpse of the cabin made Beauty’s knees go weak. The entire first level was bullet-ridden, all the windows shot out, and holes of various sizes were ugly reminders of the attack. It stunned her that the structure didn’t just collapse. Part of the deck had been blown apart, probably from a grenade. She halted in her tracks, not even aware of doing it or the fact that over a dozen Species milled in the yard.
Breeze walked out of the broken front door, helped by a tall Species. Blood soaked her shirt and pants along one side, the red stain bright. She’d been shot or stabbed to cause that wound.
“Oh no.” Tears blinded Beauty.
“I’m fine,” Breeze swore firmly, hearing her. “It is just a graze.”
The man helping her walk growled in response. “That would imply you don’t have a hole going through you. Shut up and allow me to carry you to the Jeep.”
“No. You shut up.” Breeze punched him in the side where they were touching, one of his arms around her waist. It wasn’t a hard hit, more of a playful tag with her fist. Her smile appeared forced though. “It’s not bad at all, Beauty. You look about to faint. Don’t. It’s just a scratch.”
Something fell heavily to the ground with a grunt and Beauty jumped, jerking her head in that direction. Shadow had dumped the mercenary he’d been carrying and stepped closer, anger still etched on his face. He reached her in long strides and wiped the blood from his hands onto his sweats before gripping her hips.
“I’ve got you. Climb up me and I’ll carry you.”
She glanced around at all the Species men silently watching them. They seemed fascinated to see what she’d do. Shadow lifted her without any further warning and she ended up plastered against his chest. He adjusted his hold to cradle her in his arms but she didn’t protest.
There was nowhere else she’d rather be. His chin rested on the top of her head. “You’re safe. It’s going to be fine.”
She hoped he was right. Her gaze drifted back to the destroyed cabin and she inwardly winced. Some vacation. She had a bad feeling it was over and her time with Shadow might come to an end too. Her arms wound around his neck, holding him tightly. She didn’t ever want to let go.
Chapter Eighteen
Medical had turned into a buzz of activity since Shadow had left the day before. Officers were grimly waiting to be seen by the overworked staff. Shadow carried Beauty inside, walked to the front counter, and growled at the human male nurse behind it.
“She was hit and needs to be seen.”
“Take a number,” the harried male sighed, glancing at Beauty. “She looks okay to me besides the bruise. Both doctors are really busy right now.
They are patching up those mercenaries and we have injured officers.”
Shadow snarled. “She’s more important than the humans who attacked us.”
The nurse’s eyes widened as he stepped back. “I understand and agree with you but we’re in triage mode. It means the most critical are seen first.”
Another male walked up behind the counter, a Species wearing blue scrubs, and waited for Shadow to meet his gaze. “I’m Destiny. I was just transferred here from Homeland.” He glanced at Beauty. “Hi, Beauty. Are you okay?”
She nodded. It alarmed Shadow a little that the male knew her name. He didn’t like it and stepped back when the other male attempted to touch her. He snarled in warning, daring him to attempt it again.
Destiny raised his hands, palms showing. “Easy. I’m a nurse. I trained at Homeland and I’m familiar with all the females, her included. I just wanted to move Beauty’s hair away from her cheek to see the damage. The doctors are busy but I could examine her.”
Shadow debated it. “I want a doctor. Tell one of them to stop working on a human to tend to her. She’s a priority.”
“I agree.” Destiny lowered his hands to his side.
“I’m okay,” Beauty protested.
“Silence,” Shadow ordered softly. “Get a doctor, Destiny. She was struck in the face by a human with a closed fist. Her bones are fragile and there’s swelling. He might have broken something.”
“I’m sure I’m okay,” she whispered. “It’s fine, Shadow. I can wait. I smell a lot of blood in here.”
“That’s true. We had a Species shot with a tranquilizer dart and then some of the protesters decided to take advantage of the confusion. They threw bottles and rocks at the officers. A few were hit.” Destiny stepped closer. “One of the Wild Zone residents was shot and he’s in surgery.”
“Clear a hole! I brought two medics to help,” a male shouted as the doors were shoved open behind him. Shadow knew that voice and turned his head, surprised to watch some of the task force members enter the building. “Go help,” Tim Oberto ordered two task force members. “Do whatever you can.”
Shadow swung back around and nodded at Destiny. “Take us to a room.” He made sure he didn’t bump into anyone while he got Beauty away from all humans. They frightened her and she’d been exposed enough to them. The task force posed a danger right now since a traitor was amongst them.
He ducked his head, hoping to avoid his old boss for the moment. Destiny led them down a hallway to an empty exam room. Shadow glanced around and gently settled Beauty on the bed. He released her and marched to the attached bathroom, making sure no one hid inside. It was clear and he approached Beauty again.
“Do you feel safe with this male?” He indicated the Species nurse.
She nodded. “Yes. I know him. I get regular checkups and he’s there often.”
He spun around to glare at the male. “You protect her. Don’t leave her side. Do you understand? Anything happens to her and you’ll die a slow and painful death. I have to go talk to someone but I’ll hurry back.”
Destiny calmly regarded him. “Everything I’ll need is in this room. She’ll be safe.”
It angered Shadow to have to trust someone he didn’t know but he had little choice unless he brought Tim into the room. Beauty had been traumatized enough. “She better be.” He left the room, closing the door behind him.
It was easy to find the human task force leader. He stood on a chair in reception, barking out orders to more of the task force on scene. “Sit down, damn it, if you’re bleeding.” Tim pointed to Mark, one of his team. “Go grab bandages and wet rags. Clean some of them up so it’s easier for the medical staff to assess them.” He pointed to another member. “Cory, man the damn phones. That incessant ringing is giving me a headache.”
Shadow paused behind Tim and growled. The male turned his head and peered down at him. “Shadow. I’m glad you’re here. You look banged up, but good. Go to Security and give them a report. We have a second team arriving in ten minutes but we need to know what happened. We’re holding an emergency briefing as soon as the helicopter lands.”
“The human piece of shit who once held Beauty prisoner hired mercenaries to steal her.” He stepped around the chair to face the male. “Someone on the team gave them access to my emergency transmitter.”
Tim paled. “What?”
“They knew about my coin and that’s how they located the cabin.” He wanted to howl in rage. “They admitted it, before you ask how I’m certain. Bragged about it. Someone betrayed me.”
Tim stepped off the chair. “Shit.” He grabbed his cell phone, dialing. “Someone betrayed all of us but I’m on it. I’ll have the son of a bitch by his balls before he can say ‘fucked’.”
“I want his head,” Shadow demanded.
Tim nodded grimly. “Patch me through to Trey, private headset,” he ordered whomever he spoke to. He put his hand over the phone. “I’m on with one of the pilots of the helicopter. There’re only two possible suspects. I’m going to have Trey arrest them until we can narrow down which one of them it was. They are assigned to his team today.”
“How do you know you can trust Trey? I know he has the access codes.”
Tim snorted, some of his anger fading from his features. “That boy is the son I never had and he’s as loyal as they come. I once thought he’d be good married to my daughter so I checked him out. But then she met Brawn. It wasn’t Trey who sold you out. I’d bet my pension on it.”
Shadow wasn’t sure what a pension was but he did trust Tim. The male wasn’t likeable at all times but he had honor. He took pride in his work and his team. His daughter was also mated to a council member. He’d privately shown pictures to his Species team members of his grandson, Kismet. The love he felt for the child was always apparent. Tim would never betray his extended family—the Species.
“Trey!” Tim covered his other ear to hear better. “We have a situation. Glance around and signal all the men on your team to remove their headsets right now just in case the pilot forgot to make this a private conversation.” He paused. “They all down?” He paused again. “Good. Just listen to me. Shadow’s emergency tracker was activated and that’s how those bastards who attacked Reservation found the Gift. You understand what that means. It wasn’t me or you so we know who is left. Arrest them both the moment you land and haul their asses to Security. We’ll figure it out later but I’ll be damned if we’re screwed a second time.” He held Shadow’s gaze while he quietly listened to the response, nodded and hung up. “Trey is on it. He’s pissed.”
“So am I.”
Tim shoved his phone inside his pocket. “We’ll figure out which one of them it was.”
“I want to be there.”
Tim hesitated. “Let’s figure out who it is first and then I’ll personally leave you alone in the room with the son of a bitch.” He glanced around and lowered his voice. “Do you know how many times I wanted to tell the other guys on the team about my grandson but wasn’t allowed to? Thank God.” He clenched his teeth. “He could have sold that information as well. I thought the NSO was being paranoid by not allowing humans to know but they weren’t.” He shoved his fists on his hips. “Just leave enough of him intact for me to get a piece.”
Shadow wasn’t about to make promises he wasn’t sure he could keep. “I need to return to Beauty. This information couldn’t wait. I know you’ve got it under control right now.”
“You need to get to Security for debriefing. You were on scene.”
“The mercenaries were hired by the wealthy human who bought Beauty from Mercile. Find him to make sure he’s never able to attempt it again. She needs me.” He stomped away before Tim could respond.
Beauty and Destiny both turned when he entered the room. The male stood too close to her but he just held an ice pack to her injured cheek. He glanced around, sniffed, and knew no one else had entered the room while he’d been gone.
“Thank you for protecting her.” H
e nodded at the nurse. “How is she?”
“Nothing seems broken and she’s not exhibiting any symptoms of a concussion. I’ve ordered a scan to make certain though. She’s Gift. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Her bones aren’t as dense as our other females’. I was going to take her as soon as you returned. Is it all right to move your female now?”
Shadow inched around him and scooped Beauty into his arms. He liked that the male knew who she belonged to. “Lead the way.”
“I can walk,” she muttered.
“I know you can.” He just didn’t want her to. She still appeared a little pale and she’d been through a lot. “Let me care for you.” As if he’d give her a choice but it was polite to at least allow her to think she had one.
“Thanks, Shadow.” Her uninjured cheek nuzzled the wall of his chest as she rested her head there, her arms wrapping around his shoulders.
Destiny opened the door wide and he followed the nurse farther down the hall to whatever tests would assure them Beauty had no serious damage. Shadow stewed, wanting to go to Security to personally show his displeasure at one of his fellow task force members but that would mean leaving her.
Beauty was his first priority.
* * * * *
Beauty didn’t complain as she waited for Destiny to return. Shadow hovered at her side and she was grateful. He’d even demanded food to be brought to her while they’d waited for the results. Her stomach was full.
“I was told the scans were clear,” the nurse stated when he walked back into the room. “You’re fine. Not even a fracture and the bruise only makes you prettier.” He winked and smiled.
Shadow snarled. “Don’t flirt.”
“It’s called having a good bedside manner.” Destiny stiffened. “I wanted her to smile by giving her a compliment. I’m not offering to share sex with your female. Do you think I’m blind or my nose isn’t working? Your scent is all over her and your name is very accurate at the moment.”