Tiger forced his body to move despite the pain and struggled until he sat upright. He glared at his friend. “I will get up and beat you if you keep threatening to go after what is mine. She’s all I think about when I’m not with her. It’s gotten hard to leave her side and her scent nearly drives me insane from wanting to touch and mount her.”
He knew he shocked his friends as they gaped at him, all traces of humor gone from both males. He didn’t care what they thought. He’d messed up badly by sending Zandy away. “I love the feel of her in my arms when I am going to sleep and waking with her is wonderful. I think of her when she isn’t with me but I want her to be. Zandy is exceptional. She’s different. She’s—”
“Your mate,” Bestial cut him off. “Idiot. Whether you wanted one or not, you have her, Tiger. At least you did. You caused her tears. It was hard for me to watch and I can’t imagine how it would harm a mate to hear those words. You inflicted great damage. I don’t know if she would wish to stay with you after today.”
“Get her home number. Maybe she doesn’t have her cell phone with her. She might have forgotten it when she heard of the accident.”
Bestial nodded and called the NSO again, asking for Zandy’s home number. He memorized it and dialed while watching Tiger. “I will tell her it was the drugs and offer her an escort back here.”
Tiger was relieved. “Thank you. I have to tell her I never meant what I said.”
Bestial frowned. “Her phone is busy.”
Impatience drove Tiger insane after many failed attempts to reach her. “I can’t stand this anymore. Help me up. We’re going to her home.”
“No,” Jaded stated. “You’re staying put until you’re healed.”
“I need to get to Zandy.”
“Remain calm,” Bestial ordered. “I have a plan. Human females talk too much but I know there is a way to have an operator do an emergency interrupt. I would call this urgent.” He made a phone call and then finally hung up. He eyed Tiger. “Her phone is off the hook. The operator said so.”
Tiger tried to climb out of bed. “I’m going to her. She is upset and I need to clear this up.”
Bestial moved fast and pushed him back. “She only lives a few miles from Reservation, correct? I’ll send a few of our males to her house and make them hand her the phone to talk to you.”
Tiger grinned. “Thank you.”
Bestial shrugged. “Remember this if I find myself a human mate and I screw up. I might need a few favors.”
Tiger smiled. “My word to you.”
* * * * *
Zandy’s face hurt when she roused and her mouth felt swollen. Her bottom lip throbbed when she ran her tongue over it and she tasted blood. She tried to sit up but something kept her restrained. She slowly took in her surroundings and realized she was on a bench inside an old motor home.
Handcuffs chained her wrists together in front of her and thick straps at her shoulders, waist, thighs, and ankles secured her flat. She tried to wiggle her arms out from under the straps but they were too tight. She strained to hear anything but didn’t pick up any sounds.
The motor home had seen better days with its fading orange-and-brown décor. She tilted her head back to see the kitchen and found the source of the smell that bothered her when she spotted a lot of dirty dishes. Whoever it belonged to was a slob.
Her head turned and she stared at the scattered pamphlets littering the floor. She twisted her head enough to read a few. They were targeted toward spreading hatred for New Species by using religion.
“Fuck,” she sighed, dropping her head back on the padded bench. Memory returned and fear grew into terror.
They had mentioned burning her at the stake. She’d read enough hate mail to guess what their basic beliefs were. Some fanatic religious groups had popped up, stating that the human/animal hybrids were really spawn of the devil put on Earth to bring the destruction of mankind. They’d watched too many horror movies in her opinion but unfortunately they weren’t prone to listening to a voice of reason. They were firm in their conviction that only evil beings could have fangs and growl.
Think! Calm down. You need to get out of this mess.
A man’s voice penetrated her thoughts, growing louder. Her head turned toward the closed door, expecting someone to check on her at the very least. Her only chance would be to trick them into releasing her. Her arms and legs strained against the restraints but they had no give in them.
“Tonight we’ll show all those devils that they can’t win.”
Another man spoke, sounding nervous. “It will make women think twice before associating with evil. Are you sure we shouldn’t drug her first? I don’t know if I can stomach listening to her scream while she burns.”
Zandy’s stomach heaved. They really planned to burn her alive. It was beyond horrific. Her terror returned full force as she struggled harder against the strong belts.
“We are righteous in this, Brother. It’s our duty to show what must be done when one embraces evil.”
“You’re right, Brother Adam. I believe that as strongly as I believe in our charter. We must show the sinners how they will be punished to prevent this plague from spreading.”
The door to the motor home creaked loudly as it opened. The bright sunshine that poured inside momentarily blinded her and she blinked a few times. She’d been unconscious all night. The first man who stepped inside was the one who’d blocked her exit last night at her front door. He met her frightened stare with a frown.
“You are awake. I will listen to you now if you want to confess your sins before your soul cleansing this evening.”
Zandy refrained from calling him some choice, insulting names and from telling him what a stupid, crazy son of a bitch he was. Another man, a new one, who appeared to be in his mid-sixties followed Adam up the few stairs. His wrinkled gaze narrowed on her.
“She doesn’t look evil, Brother Adam.”
“She allies herself with the devils. Don’t forget that. Evil comes in many forms and her innocent looks are just a ruse for the foolish.”
The older man nodded grimly. “That is true. She might end up a bride of a demon like the other women who visit their den of evil if we don’t intervene.”
Adam nodded. “We’re saving her soul. She’s a mere woman and we all know how weak and foolish they are when they see masculine skin. That is why those NSO demons are all so big. Women take one look at them and it drives them to the sin of feeling lust. They hide their women from us because they know we’re stronger and can resist sins of the flesh.”
Oh, hell! She couldn’t hold back anymore. These guys were flat-out ridiculous. “You know what you could save me from?”
The old man peered at her curiously. “What do you want to be saved from, child? Do you wish to embrace God and take the right path before your soul is cleansed of evil on this night?”
“I want to be saved from you crazy morons. That’s the biggest load of horseshit I’ve ever heard. Men are the ones who think with their dicks. If you’re so religious have you ever heard of the Ten Commandments? Thou shall not kill. Does that one ring any bells?”
Adam sputtered. “See? Her soul is already gone. She probably fornicates with the devil himself. It’s just as I stated. Those demons flash their muscles and they turn the women into lusting whores. This is why she must be nailed to the cross and her soul cleansed with fire.”
Fear was replaced by anger quickly. “If I was doing the devil he’d be here and torch your asses, like having a big weenie roast. Ever consider that? The devil knows all, right? He’d come get me if I belonged to him. Let me go, you stupid bastards.”
“See?” Adam nodded at the old man. “Hatred pours from her mouth.”
“Hatred? You’re talking about nailing me to a cross and setting me on fire. You honestly think I’m hateful because I can call you stupid bastards? Hello? Can you use your brains for once? You might want to ponder that one before you commit murder.”
The
old man frowned. “We aren’t really going to nail you to a cross. We’re going to bind you to it. Putting nails through your body would be too cruel.”
Zandy’s mouth opened in shock. “Are you kidding me? You don’t think setting me on fire is cruel? Who the hell are you people and what is wrong with you? Lay off the damn drugs, people. Put down your joints and smoke some common sense.”
“That’s enough,” Adam snapped. “We are saving your soul. We are cleansing you and showing others that working for the devils will bring nothing but death and destruction.”
The older man eagerly agreed. “Fire cleanses the soul.”
“What do you assholes do in your spare time? Go hunt down teenagers who listen to rock music while wearing black, accuse them of being witches, and dunk them? Give me a break. Ever hear of medication? Get on it.”
“We do not need medication!” Adam yelled. “Our mission in life is casting out all evil and doing God’s will by fighting the devil and his spawn, created by his minions.”
“Minions? For real? How many comic books have you read? They aren’t real. Newsflash for you, nut job. The only evil happening is you twisting religion to suit your narrow-minded bigotry against people you don’t understand.” She glared at him. “I might not be able to get free but I want you to know one thing, Brother Adam. You’re a pathetic idiot.” Her gaze cut to the older man. “The only things more pathetic than a moron are the ones who follow him.”
She might not have long to live but damn it, she would make them miserable while she had breath. Both men looked ready to explode in rage after she’d insulted them. It was slightly satisfying and encouraged her to go on. She’d always wanted to vent after reading hate mail and she suddenly had a chance to unload—if she could hold back her fear.
“I think your real problem is you have no life and this is the only way you can get a woman. You have to kidnap them and tie them down to make them listen to this bullshit. It must be rough knowing you’re both such losers and it’s a jealousy thing, isn’t it? New Species are hot and you both couldn’t get laid if you walked into a whorehouse wearing hundred-dollar bills.”
* * * * *
Bestial’s phone rang and Tiger felt his heart jump in his chest. Zandy would have to forgive him after he explained about the medications and how he didn’t even remember what he’d said. He’d tell her how he felt about her and she would hopefully believe him. He wouldn’t give up until she did. He could be very convincing when need be and he refused to give up on getting her back into his life.
His friend answered the phone. “This is Bestial.”
Tiger watched the male’s face pale and his mouth tighten. Anger glinted in Bestial’s eyes as a growl burst from his lips. “Tell me what it looked like.” He paused. “How many? Could you follow the trail?” He listened. “Are you sure?”
Alarm gripped Tiger, sensing something was seriously wrong. Had the NSO been attacked again? Another helicopter fired upon? He struggled to sit up in bed, his ribs feeling much better since he’d gotten several hours of sleep.
Bestial refused to look at him. “Call in all law enforcement, even the humans. This is priority. We must find those males immediately and I want to be called the second you know anything.” He hung up.
“What has happened? Are any of our people hurt? I am so tired of the stupid humans. Why can’t they all be reasonable, like the majority of them?”
Bestial rose from his chair by the door and finally held his gaze. The cold, angry look in them only made him more certain something horrible had happened. His friend stalked closer to the bed before he paused within arm’s reach.
The male pulled in a deep breath. “We couldn’t free any task members to escort our males to Zandy’s home until this morning.”
Tiger’s stomach knotted and his hands clenched into fists at his lap. The rate of his heart raced and he had a sick feeling something bad had happened to the female he had such strong feelings for.
“Is she well?” He knew he couldn’t stand it if the answer wasn’t positive.
“Her home was vandalized and they smelled four human males.” He reached out and gripped Tiger’s upper arms to keep him in place. Sympathy softened his gaze as they stared at each other. “They also found her blood. Her car was in the driveway but she wasn’t there. They believe she was attacked and stolen.”
The information was too horrifying to be real but Tiger knew Bestial wouldn’t lie to him on this matter.
“They lost her scent outside by the curb. They spoke to neighbors who saw a van there yesterday evening. Two of them thought they heard a few screams but believed it was someone’s television playing too loud. More of her blood was found outside. She was alive and actively bleeding when they took her. There wasn’t much, if that’s a comfort. I’m sure if they meant to kill her, they would have left her body. We’re doing everything we can to try to find her, Tiger.”
He lost his mind. It hurt too much to think and a roar tore from his throat as he tried to shoot out of the bed. Strong arms shoved him down and he fought. Zandy was out there, injured and kidnapped by human males. She needed him.
“Stop it,” Bestial shouted. “You’re still healing.”
The doors were shoved open as more of the task team rushed into the room and they tried to hold his body flat. He fought hard, snarling and biting at anything that came near his mouth.
“Let me up! I need to find her.”
“Calm!” Jaded roared, drawing Tiger’s attention.
He stared at the other feline Species and battled his emotions. “Get me my clothes now. I’m going after my female. Help me or get out of my way!”
“I understand but you’re still weakened by injuries.”
Tiger flashed his sharp teeth. “They took my female. Would you lie here meekly while others searched in your place? She’s mine.”
Jaded hesitated.
Bestial eased his hold. “I’d feel the same if it were my mate. Let me get you some of my clothing. Your clothes were damaged. We’ll find her, Tiger.” He spun away and left the room.
Tiger yanked out the lines to the monitors and in seconds was shoving his legs over the edge of the bed after all the males released him. He tore off the hospital gown.
Misery and fear flooded Tiger as he swayed on his feet waiting for Bestial to return, ignoring all eyes on him except Jaded’s. A sharp jab of pain dug into his heart at the thought that his Zandy might be dead. He shoved that concept away instantly. If they’d just wanted to kill her then they would have done so. They would have left her discarded body inside her house. No. They’d taken her for a purpose. Tiger snarled.
“I’ll kill them all if they hurt one damn hair on her head.”
Bestial walked in carrying the clothes. “We will help you do it.”
Jaded reached out to help steady him. “We will find her.”
Chapter Eighteen
Zandy fought the urge to cry, refusing to give Brother Adam the satisfaction of seeing her break down. She rarely hated people to the extent of wishing she could choke the living shit out of them but for him she’d make an exception. The idea of wrapping her hands around his throat and watching him turn blue while she squeezed calmed her. She’d had to listen to his rambling hate until she’d given up on insulting him. It only seemed to encourage him more.
A new man entered the motor home to address Brother Adam. This one looked fresh out of high school and needed a haircut. His shirt had holes and his faded jeans were in just as poor shape. His gaze avoided her completely.
“We are ready to test it, Brother. We need to make certain it will work for the real thing. Brother Davey said it should hold her weight but we don’t want it to break during the cleansing.”
“No, we don’t.” The jackass stood from the table and shot Zandy a glare. “We want her to burn without any glitches. We don’t want to create any bad press that would hurt our cause.”
“Yeah, committing murder will really endear you to people
,” she snorted.
“Shut up!” Brother Adam ran his fingers through his hair, looking enraged. “She never stops.” He glared. “I wish we had taken a different one.”
“Me too. We finally agree on something.”
“You are a vile woman.”
“You’re a crazy dickhead, hiding behind a warped Bible.”
His face turned red and he took a threatening step toward her. The older man stepped between them. “She’s tempting you to sin, Brother.”
“Send Brothers Bruno and Fred in here and we’ll carry her outside.”
Zandy couldn’t do anything but lie there waiting until the other men arrived to crowd into the tight confines of the motor home’s living room. The bench she was strapped to reminded her of a rescue backboard. They hoisted her up and tried to carry her out the door but it was too wide. Pain gripped her where the belts dug into her skin when they turned her sideways.
She screamed from the pain. It seemed to amuse Adam and he laughed. The sunshine blinded her again when it directly hit her face as they straightened her out. A sick feeling made her grateful that they were starving her, otherwise she might have thrown up.
Her eyes adjusted to the bright light and she took note of all the trees around the clearing the group had turned into a temporary home. Other motor homes and campers were parked nearby and the smell of a campfire filled her nose. Women were outside staring at her as the men took her to the back of the motor home where she’d been imprisoned. Their plan sank in when they began to talk again.
“How are we going to get her up there?”
Her gaze lifted to the high roof and desperation struck. She had to escape. “I have to pee!”
Adam shot her a glare. “Piss your pants. I don’t care.”
“Brother!” a stern voice barked. “Shame on you.” The owner of that voice walked forward—a thin-lipped woman in her fifties. “Where is your compassion? Let her use the bathroom.”
“It’s best if we leave her tied up, Sister Deanie.”
The woman glared at her leader. “I raised you better than that.”