Consumed

Chapter 29

Katie had made a colossal mistake in foregoing a tranquilizer gun. She eyed the man pacing against the far wall, animals visibly shifting beneath his skin. But she’d had no clue she’d be able to mate him, to force the lion genes back into his blood. With the bite, her plans for the night just reversed completely. She had to keep him away from the moon now. Knocking him unconscious right now would be a great idea. They’d both gotten dressed to face the night. “You just need to hang on, Jordan.”

He whirled on her, eyes morphing yellow, canines flashing. “I need to get outside.” Guttural, his voice sounded like cement being crushed.

The moon had been up for about an hour ... not high, not in full power. Yet.

But even Katie felt the pull. The need to head outside into the balming rays caused her neck to itch and her head to pound. Fear for him, fear for her, made her muscles vibrate in place. This was going to be the most difficult night of her life.

When he resumed pacing, she eyed the leg iron attached to the bed. How in the world could she get the restraint around Jordan’s ankle?

He growled, stretching his neck, increasing his pace. “Don’t even think about it.”

She started, sliding her shoulders along the wall. “We can survive anything for one night.”

Pain and a primal rage rode his strong exhale. “Open the door, go out, and shut it behind you.” His gaze stayed on whichever wall he faced while moving. “Now.”

If she opened the door, he’d be too tempted to get out. “I’m staying here. To help.”

He was on her that fast. Hands manacled her biceps, lifting and slamming her against the door. Hard. Leaning down, his face an inch from hers, he snarled.

She snarled right back. Digging her hands into his thick hair, she yanked his head down. Clasping his mouth, she shot her tongue inside, rubbing her core against his. A wildness rode her, deep and strong.

His groan filled her mouth. His hand dropped to her ass and he pivoted, throwing her to the bed. Two strides and he was on top of her.

Biting his shoulder, she pushed up, shoving him over. Jumping on top of his abs, she ran both hands down his amazing chest. Muscles, man and animal, shifted beneath her palms. So much power.

Flashing a saucy smile, she maneuvered down between his legs, unclasping the button on his jeans.

His breath caught, and interest ripped through his now topaz eyes.

She blew heated air through his jeans and he gave a low groan, shutting his eyes.

Leaning to the floor, she made a quick grab for the restraint, snapping it around his ankle. Then she leapt for the door.

His roar filled the small room. Jumping up, he lunged for her, arms outstretched. The chain jerked him back. Raw fury shot across his face. “What the fuck?”

Fear dried the spit in her mouth. Licking her lips, she tried for a shrug. “You placed the restraints there for a reason. Since I bit you, going outside is the most dangerous move you could make.” If she could keep the father of her children from turning into a big hairy monster that wanted to kill them, then she would.

“I would’ve rather had the blowjob you just hinted at.” Deep red covered his high cheekbones. Lust, need, and wildness.

Some of that was for her. “You survive the moon tonight, and I’ll blow you every chance I get.” The breath panted out of her lungs. Some fear, some desire. Mostly fear.

He coughed out a laugh. “I’ll keep that in mind.” Buttoning his pants, he dropped to the bed. Sweat soaked through his T-shirt. Ripping off the material, he wiped his chest and brow, throwing the cotton to the ground and revealing a tanned, broad chest. “Of course, we could start now.”

Temptation warred with reality. She settled her stance against the door. “I think I’ll stay right here.”

The lion rippled beneath his skin. “Wise girl.”

An oiliness slid down her spine. The taste of burnt charcoal briquettes coated her throat. Fear and awareness spun inside her brain, as well as caution. She struggled to keep her face mild. Brent was close—and he wasn’t alone.

She exhaled smoothly. Good air in ... bad air out. Electricity spiraled through her chest. Calm. She needed to at least look calm.

Jordan lifted an eyebrow. “What the hell’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing.” The need to slash through the door elongated her claws.

He closed his eyes, lifting his chin and inhaling. “I feel them coming. Werewolves.” Standing, he focused, the lion’s eyes gone. Yellow eyes tinted bloodred stared back at her. “Get out of my way.”

“Sure,” she breathed out, fighting terror. Sidling along the wall, she kept out of his reach.

Steel rattled when he tried to lunge forward. Confusion lifted his eyebrows. He turned to stare at his captured ankle. Several hard yanks later, and the restraint remained in place. His fangs dropped low. Throwing his head back, he bellowed a howl from hell.

Answering howls echoed in the distance. Muted and low-pitched ... but strong enough to be heard.

Multiple chills vibrated down Katie’s spine.

Fur sprang up along his torso. Black, not lion tan. Katie gulped in air. “Jordan, fight this. Please fight this.” He needed the moon to turn completely, didn’t he?

Grabbing his head with both hands, he yowled in agony. Pounding pain vibrated through the oxygen, suffocating the room. His knuckles turned white as he pressed, his entire body shaking. The fur turned lion color and then disappeared. He dropped to one knee, head down.

Tears pricked her eyes. Swallowing several times, she tried to force down the bile that wanted out. A couple of gags escaped her. Tremors shook her hand as she stepped forward and caressed his bare, heaving shoulder. “It’s all right.” She tried for soothing, but desperate and panting emerged instead.

He grabbed her around the waist, flipping them both onto the bed. The air swooshed from her lungs. All muscle, all male; he landed on her, one hand shoving under her chin, thumb and forefinger digging in.

Her head flew back and she cried out, her muscles tightening in panic. Instinct rose and she thrashed against him.

Strong fingers tightened their hold, cutting off her oxygen.

She froze, eyes widening, body shaking.

The hold lessened. “Unlock me,” he growled.

No recognition existed on his face, in his eyes.

The hold didn’t allow for her to swallow, but she tried anyway. Tears blurred her vision. “I don’t have the key.” Crap. Knowing Jordan, there wasn’t a key. He wouldn’t have left himself an out. “Let me go.”

His eyes narrowed. Inhaling, he levered to the side, one claw ripping her T-shirt down the middle.

Oh God. Panic welled up in her chest and she tried to fight, claws digging into his chest. He tightened his hold so she had to tilt her head even more to breathe. She paused, blackness swirling across her eyes.

His hold lessened a fraction. “Hands down.”

Trembling, mind scrambling, she retracted her claws and lowered her hands to the rough wool blanket. “Please don’t do this.” The monster inside him was winning. Should she let him continue? Would allowing him to do whatever he wanted with her keep him alive? Was it worth it? Could she even stop him if she wanted to?

She shut her eyes, relaxing against the bed. All or nothing. A tear leaked out the corner of her eye.

His claw ripped her bra. Two fingers brushed her skin. Metal scraped along her rib cage.

He rolled off her, sitting up.

Shaking her head, confused, she scrambled away from him. He slid the underwire from her bra into the lock at his ankle, twisting viciously.

Red covered her vision. Rage ripped up her spine. Jumping up, she nailed him right in the temple with a leaping sidekick. His head bounced back, a furious cry spilling forth.

Not caring, no longer feeling fear, Katie punched him in the nose.

Blood sprayed.

She hit again. And again. No way was the moon getting him. She’d knock his ass out first.

He jumped up, mouth open in a snarl, fangs glinting.

Pivoting, she kicked him square in the chest. The impact threw him back to land on the bed, which crashed to the floor in a squeal of abused springs.

The earth rumbled a second before a deafening explosion tore through the night. The walls vibrated, rocks tumbling from the ceiling. Katie ducked her head from the pelting missiles and tried to balance herself against the wall. Oh God. A bomb? The werewolves hadn’t figured out explosives, as far as the Realm knew. That meant one thing. The Kurjans were with the damn werewolves.

Jordan took full advantage of her retreat. Quick reflexes had the underwire twisted. The lock gave with an ominous pop.

Katie backed up, her heart beating too hard, blood rushing through her ears.

Jordan stretched to his feet. Fury glittered in his eyes, deep red covered his cheekbones.

Then he smiled.

The vision erupted in Janie’s head like a firecracker. Clear, no static, the image of her father being shoved off a cliff slammed like a rock in her gut. Kalin fought above, his sole goal to kill Talen Kayrs. She had to get to them or her father wouldn’t see another sunrise.

Terror shot through her veins. Her gaze darted around the underground playroom at Garret playing pool with one of Charlie’s buddies. Like typical guys, they seemed to be the best of friends. Of course, Janie knew where Charlie had gone. Hopefully Maggie could handle Terrent Vilks. Something told Janie nobody handled the huge wolf.

She eyed the area. Several other kids played various games or watched movies.

Her mother sat with her aunt and the other women on the other side of the bar, voices low in talk.

Guards lined the hallway outside as well as along every landing.

But Janie Kayrs knew something they didn’t.

Her hand trembled around her soda can, sending fizz flying. Setting the grape drink down, she sidled toward the bathrooms set by the bar against the far wall. Well, the soda bar. A blank rock wall extended from the other end of the bathroom in an odd vestibule, and most people thought the king hadn’t gotten around to throwing a game or table inside it.

Janie stepped inside the small area and out of sight from her brother. Taking a deep breath, she swept her hand over the wall, sliding open a keypad. She punched in a six-digit code. A door slid open to Dage’s emergency elevator. Well, one of the several emergency elevators most people didn’t know about.

The king had always trusted her—she knew all the escape routes.

She hopped inside, pressing a button to shut the door. The rock smoothly slid closed. Man, nobody had even noticed.

Her breath panted out. The image of Talen dying pricked tears behind her eyes. She had to warn him.

He was so going to kill her.

The elevator actually rose to different strategic rooms within the compound. She pressed the button for the main viewing room on the top floor. Nobody would be in there, though guards would be standing at the ready in the hallway, gazes on the locked doors.

The lift jerked to a stop. A dull ache still echoed in her head from the concussion, but her thoughts remained clear. Her heart pounded so fiercely her ribs actually hurt. Sliding out of the elevator, she paused in the empty room.

Set north of the west entry, the room boasted a full communication panel, two chairs, and a one-way window facing the sea. Anybody looking from outside would just see pure rock. The vampires had technology human militaries would probably love.

Dodging for the panel, Janie opened the shades.

Werewolves, shifters, vampires, and Kurjans fought without mercy outside. Blood sprayed, people died.

She stepped back, gasping. Fear fought with nausea in her stomach. A gag escaped her. Quelling the need to vomit, she took several deep breaths. Where was her father?

Movement by the tree line caught her eye. Talen fought hand-to-hand with a Kurjan, knives flashing, a grim frown of concentration on his face. His reflexes were such that his movements became blurry. Man, he was fast. The Kurjan wasn’t one she’d seen before, either in briefings or visions.

An explosion rocked the headquarters. A baseball-sized chunk of rock dropped onto her shoulder. She bit her lip to keep from crying out. Blood welled through her shirt. Shouting filled the hallway outside along with rushing boot steps.

Trying to stay calm, her ears ringing, she scanned the buttons on the control panel. One of those had to open the window, right?

No labels. Colorful buttons, dark knobs, even levers made up the panel. But not a one described its function. The men who usually manned the station didn’t need labels. And it was probably better that outsiders couldn’t figure out how to use it. But she really needed to open the window. If she tried to go outside the door, guards would stop her. Nothing else mattered besides getting to her father.

Movement outside the window caught her attention.

Kalin.

The military leader stood close, head cocked to the side, focus on her. Gasping, she stepped back. Chaos ran rampant around him. He stood tall, moon glinting off medals. Slowly, a smile lifted his bloodred lips.

He could sense her.

Unbelievable. No way could the soldier see inside the rock. Yet somehow, he had a bead on her.

Lifting her chin, drawing on courage, she stepped closer to the window. So long as Kalin concentrated on her, the vision couldn’t come true. Her father would remain safe. She could even leave the window shut this way.

A werewolf backed into Kalin. The Kurjan shoved the beast away, his gaze never wavering. Seeing him in Technicolor and not in a dream world lent a surreal sense to the night. Thick black hair fell beneath his shoulders. The red tips seemed even brighter and his skin paler under the moonlight and surrounded by darkness. So different from her—from the vampires.

Even amid the battle, amid her fear, sorrow sank deep. She’d known him as a child. They’d almost been friends.

“I will kill you,” she whispered.

His smile widened.

No way had he heard her. No way. Even with the best of hearing, a vampire couldn’t have heard her words. But maybe Kurjans had better senses? Or maybe, and the mere thought made her want to hurl, maybe Kalin had a sense of Janie.

She sucked in air. “If you can hear me, you need to leave or you’re going to die today.”

His smile widened. Damn it, he could hear her. Most Kurjans had sharp, yellow teeth. Not Kalin. Deadly and white, the man had the teeth of a killer shark. He nodded to someone out of range.

Seconds later, the world blew up. The window crashed in. She flew backward, her shoulders hitting the wall right before her head smacked hard. Pain flared and she gasped. Lights flashed full and bright behind her lids. How many concussions could one brain take in a week?

Strong, cold hands wrapped around her arms, yanking her up. Swaying, she forced her eyes to open. Hazy shadows danced across Kalin’s face.

She struggled to focus. “You smell like the ocean.” Even in dreams, the Kurjan smelled salty.

He eyed her forehead, interest lifting his lip. “You’re bleeding.”

She shoved against him. “Let go.” Dizziness swamped her. She had to get out of there.

His hold tightened. Closing his eyes, he leaned in, breath above her cut. He inhaled, nostrils flaring. “So sweet.” With a sigh, he backed away. His lids flipped open, deep green eyes flashing.

Her head pounded. Almost in a daze, she studied him. A dark purple line surrounded his green irises. In the dreams she’d never noticed it. “Let me go.”

A Kurjan screeched in pain outside as a werewolf clawed sharp nails down its neck.

Kalin frowned. “Apparently that one needs to die.”

Janie shoved against his chest, the metals biting into her fingers. “Let go.”

“That’s not going to happen.” Kalin glanced at the ceiling and around the room. Finally, he focused on the deadly battle outside. “A few more minutes and we should be able to get away to the north.”

The fight did seem to be heading toward the cliffs to the west and the forest to the south. Janie opened her mouth to scream.

His hand slapped over her lips. “I’d hate to knock you out.” Anger had his arched brows meeting in the middle. Light brown, nowhere near as dark as his hair. “This doesn’t please me any more than you. I had hoped to wait.”

Anger and fear slammed away the haziness. She went limp. As he struggled to keep her upright, she slammed a hand into his nose, aiming for his brain stem.

His head jerked back. Blood spurted, burning along her neck.

Shock filled his eyes, and he dropped his hand. Then he smiled again, red coating his teeth, the image more frightening than anything Hollywood could create. “Oh Janet. I’m going to have so much fun with you.”

Janie dragged air into her lungs and screamed high and loud.

For two seconds, the fight stopped.

Heartbeats later, glass rippled and rocks flew as her dad and Max leapt into the room, skidding over the huge control panel. With a howl, Talen grabbed Kalin by the neck and shot-putted him back outside. Blood squirted across the wall. With a grim glance at her head, he slapped a knife into her hand. Then he was back through the window.

Max settled his stance in front of her, gun at ready. “Stay behind me.”

A pounding started in her temple. Dots danced across her vision. Confusion had her blinking. She pressed a hand against her skin, and it came away sticky. “We have to warn my dad.” The words came out slurred.

“About what?”

“That Kalin is here.” The vision flared behind her eyes again.

“He knows.” Max stiffened when a werewolf flew by the hole in the wall.

Janie shook her head to concentrate. Her vision cleared. Pebbles scattered when she slid to Max’s side, her gaze on the monstrous fight outside. Talen and Kalin battled, concentration on their faces, their weapons flashing.

The interior door burst open. Three Kurjans jumped inside, two going for Max. Oh God. They’d breached headquarters. The third grabbed her, swiftly leaping through the gaping outside hole.

Wind bit into her arms. She kicked, shoving the knife in his throat. Blood coated her hand, burning like sparks from a fire.

He dropped her. She stumbled, wildly looking around for a safe place. Screams of the dying penetrated her eardrums.

Her father roared her name.

Turning, Kalin did the same.

A werewolf manacled her by the hair. Pain ripped along her scalp. She tripped, falling to one knee. The beast howled, fangs flashing, eyes morphing to red.

Oh God. He was going to bite her.

Talen started toward her. He’d never make it.

A wisp of sound ripped by her ear as a knife embedded in the werewolf ’s eye. He released her, yowling, turning away. She slowly lifted her gaze. Kalin stood at the edge of the cliff, having thrown the knife.

The leader of the Kurjan military had just saved her life.

Two werewolves stumbled, one falling right into him. They windmilled, Kalin’s eyes widening. Even across the courtyard, the green glint shone bright. He kept her gaze as he went over the cliff.

Max reached her first. Blood covered his torso. Hoisting her around the waist, he ran inside the now open headquarters and down the hall, passing two prone Kurjan bodies. Reaching an elevator, he shoved her inside. “Go to the tenth.”

The door slid shut.

Gasping, her mind reeling, she sagged against the far wall. Kalin had saved her. Then he’d fallen over the cliff. As a Kurjan, he’d be seriously injured but wouldn’t die from that. Guilt swamped her at the relief she felt.

She didn’t want him to die.