Vampire Mine

Chapter Five

A multitude of thoughts ran through Sadie’s mind as she tried to formulate a plan. Nathan had been correct. The coven wouldn’t have come for her. Even if Leigh had pleaded Sadie’s case and attempted to sway them to take up arms for the cause, they weren’t strong enough physically to face a threat. As a whole, her sisters-in-magic weren’t the most powerful nest of vampires in the world. That was the reason they’d approached her so long ago. Up until then Sadie had remained with her family in Alaska. Many supernatural creatures lived there, in a place far from mortal society.

She recalled accepting their offer, bidding her mother and father farewell, knowing there was a decent chance she’d never see them again.

Some vampires attached themselves to covens. Others—who found their brides or grooms and wanted to live their lives in harmony—generally floated from place to place. She’d assumed that one day she’d see her parents again but there was no guarantee. The opportunity to live her own life had been too tempting, so off she’d gone in search of adventure and her own place in the world.

Leigh.

That poor girl’s situation had been so different. No one knew who’d bitten her, changed her and left her to face the transformation alone. Anyone else probably would have died. Leigh’s heritage—one she didn’t know about—and having mage blood advanced the transition.

Much like Ava Brisbane…

Diskant’s mate was telepathic but Ava’d had no idea of her mage heritage when Sadie had mentioned the possibility to her. The Omega’s partner had seemed confused, wanting to know more before Sadie had been forced to leave. Often mortals with abilities didn’t know they came from a magic wielder somewhere in their bloodline. It wasn’t unheard of for traits to skip generations and manifest decades later in family trees.

A nagging feeling ate at her gut.

Had Geneva—the leader of the coven and vampire in charge—known what Leigh was capable of? Had the secretive and oftentimes bitchy head of their nest suspected something? Usually the coven voted on who entered their home. With Leigh, Geneva had simply held a meeting, told them of the young girl and her circumstances and pretty much welcomed the fragile vampire into their domain. It wasn’t unheard of but it was suspicious. Not to mention Geneva had seemed too protective of the girl—encouraging Leigh to stay indoors, indicating it was good that she take her time to accept what she’d become.

Recollections of her meetings with Geneva flashed before her eyes.

Her leader had seemed so intent on destroying Aldon the last few months. Sadie agreed a rogue vampire was a danger but what if there was a reason behind Geneva’s fear? What if Leigh somehow played a key role in Geneva’s plans? All of the members of the coven had secrets. Despite their bond, they didn’t share everything. Their leader was more aloof than most, appearing mostly when the coven gathered to address issues.

They lived under the same roof. How often did she really see Geneva?

Her heart raced and her palms went clammy.

Not much.

Driving for several miles, they came to an enormous set of gates in the middle of nowhere. Nathan rolled down the window, said something to the man who approached the side of the car and suddenly the mechanism keeping the barrier in place parted wide. Nathan drove past the guards, hands clutching the steering wheel, his knuckles almost white.

Like it or not, her heart went out to the man.

He’d said Leigh was his mate. She hadn’t wanted to believe it but his behavior told her he hadn’t been lying. He hadn’t spoken as they’d driven, jaw clenched, eyes pained. She knew how possessive and protective werewolves were of their females. Before Trey, she’d thought nothing could keep a shifter from its mate.

Maybe Trey hadn’t meant to be a total douchebag.

He’d been drunk as hell when he’d attacked her harshly with his words. Maybe she’d gotten it all wrong. Maybe there was a reason they’d found each other again.

Or maybe your brain is fried and you can’t think worth a damn.

Listen to yourself. Yuck, yuck, yuck!

“Promise me you won’t run.” Trey’s unexpected rasp against her ear sent a prickle down her spine. All of her mental observations flew out the window. “If you do, I don’t know what’ll happen. Think about the people this could impact. Not just Leigh. Not just me and you. This will hurt everyone in the pack, including men, women and their children.”

Damn him.

The magic words—women and children.

White mage vampires never harmed the innocent. It went against everything they stood for. Knowing she could be the cause of suffering sent a pang through her chest. Once again she didn’t have much choice in her decision. Hurt others and save her own ass? Or stand and face the firing squad? Neither option seemed all that promising.

Her word meant everything to her so it wasn’t easy to whisper, “I promise.”

Putting her thoughts on hold, she surveyed her surroundings.

Well, well, well. Trey hadn’t been kidding.

Diskant Black had pulled out all the stops. She wasn’t able to see the shifters guarding the area but she sensed them. An enormous house appeared in the distance, large enough to be a freaking mansion. A building had been erected nearby, possibly for livestock, although she didn’t see Diskant Black as much of a cowboy. The man liked to ride motorcycles, not horses. Glistening water reflected rays of the sun, drawing her eyes to a swimming pool.

Damn. The sun.

Unlike stories depicted, she could venture out in the day. All vampires could. But the sun drained their strength quickly and their skin had a definite aversion. She’d been shielded inside the vehicle but that would all end once they climbed out of her Camaro. If necessary she could bear the rays for up to an hour, but no more than that.

Relief rushed through her.

Thank Goddess Leigh had driven Sadie’s vehicle when she’d gone to see Nathan and Trey. The windows were properly tinted, keeping her safe as she drove around New York and the surrounding areas. If it had been any other mode of transport she probably would have been forced to duck and hide in the back.

Where was the fun in that? She had the best seat in the house.

She flexed her ass. Trey rewarded the movement by squeezing her thigh. He’d been hard as a baseball bat when they’d first settled in the car. Slowly his erection had stopped poking her buttocks. Now, however, she felt the hard ridge resurface.

Her eyes drifted closed.

She’d waited so long to feel him lodged inside her. After seeing him fully nude and witnessing his impressive build, she knew he’d have to force his way into her body. Once there she’d feel every single inch, his thickness more than enough to tease her pussy. She’d come harder than she ever had in her life, she was certain.

Trey chuckled and she winced. Rookie mistake. He could smell her arousal.

Stop acting like a horny teenager!

Nathan pulled to a stop several yards from the domicile and cut off the engine. “We’re here. Get your shit together. It’s game on.”

Before they made it from the car, Diskant Black appeared. Huge, foreboding, angry. He stormed toward the vehicle with a tiny pixie behind him. He stopped moving and spun around to face his mate, his shoulder-length dark hair whipping around his face. Ava didn’t back down, her blue eyes blazing, short blonde hair with pink tufts scattered all over her head. She placed one hand on her hip and rested the other over her slightly bulging belly as she gave him hell.

Dread swamped Sadie, giving her an ample dose of fear.

She hadn’t known. She’d had no idea.

No wonder the Omega seemed so pissed.

The last time she’d seen Diskant’s mate she’d been slim and teeny. Not so much now. With her petite size, it was easy to see her condition. Ava—the tiny female who’d brought the most powerful shifter in New York to his knees—was pregnant.

“I told you!” Ava snapped, easy to hear as her voice rose. “She’s not a threat. I listened to her the moment they arrived at the gate.” Taking the hand from her hip, she tapped her temple. “I’m able to do that, remember?”

Considering her age and experience, Sadie didn’t usually get embarrassed about sex. But knowing Ava had heard her thoughts about Trey made her cheeks burn hot. She knew the tiny female was powerful telepathically but she’d never imagined she could listen in to others’ minds from such a long distance.

Then she remembered the locket she’d learned was in Ava’s possession.

How could she have possibly forgotten something so important?

With a zephyr Ava’s powers would magnify tenfold. No wonder she’d been able to hear Sadie’s thoughts so easily. Craig Newlander—the master of the Villati who researched and stored information about the paranormal world—had told her that Ava possessed the thing. Apparently Aldon had been too late to get his hands on the relic. Sadie decided it was for the best. Ava wasn’t power hungry enough to unlock the darkness of the magic and Diskant could keep his mate—and therefore the locket—safe. She’d thought it was the proper place for the mystical thing.

Before she could dwell on her monumental slip-up Trey opened the door and climbed out of the car. Guards appeared, all of them armed with weapons. They surrounded the three of them, eyes darting from the Omega and his mate to their unexpected guests. Sadie’s senses went on alert. The sun did drain her but with Trey’s blood she’d be able to protect herself. She gauged the threat, thinking of who she’d take down first. She wouldn’t kill them but she could cause enough damage to keep them down.

“She knows about me,” Ava continued, pointing a finger at Diskant’s chest. “She can answer so many questions I have. You will not send her away. She needs our help. Stop being a Neanderthal and pull your head out of your ass.”

“I guess Ava told you we were coming?” Trey asked, seeming totally at ease.

He cautiously lowered Sadie to the ground. She wondered if he’d put space between them. He’d indicated he wouldn’t unless they were pried apart by a tire iron. Their bodies brushed and she felt her feet settle against the hard earth. Ready to step back, she gasped when he took her hand and twined their fingers together.

Holy shit.

That was a public display of affection and he’d done it in front of everyone.

“What are you doing here?” Diskant snarled, whirling away from Ava to face the car. “Isn’t there a pack meeting you’re supposed to be in charge of?”

“Cade’s got it covered,” Nathan replied, maintaining his sense of calm. “We had to come here. You need a heads-up about some serious shit.”

“You know better, Trey.” Diskant’s fury didn’t ebb, his irises prismatic as they shifted into various colors. “You know not to bring danger to this place. I’ve killed men for less.”

“Diskant.” Nathan inserted himself into the conversation. “You should listen to him. Don’t let your temper override reason.”

“If I want your opinion,” Diskant rounded on the werewolf, “I’ll fucking ask for it!”

“Take a chill pill, D,” Trey said. “We’re not the enemy.”

“Like hell you’re not!” Diskant snarled.

Shit.

Tempers would only escalate. Sadie knew that. She’d been in the middle of enough conflicts with her coven to see where things were headed. Diskant would defend his interests. Trey and Nathan would do the same. There was one way to communicate everything that had happened and show Diskant everything he needed to know. But that would require taking an enormous chance with her coven, Nathan, Leigh’s life and Trey’s future. Even if she showed Diskant the past in images, would it be enough to persuade him to help?

She glanced at the enraged male.

He wasn’t functioning on a sensible level. He was in full protective mate mode.

How could she take such a plunge if the reward wasn’t worth the cost? What if her plan backfired and she didn’t avoid a fight but instigated one?

What other choice do you have?

A yank of her hand was all it took to get free. Her fingers slipped from Trey’s and she stepped away. She phased the moment she was no longer physically tied to him, reappearing behind Diskant. She grasped the ginormous man’s arm, collected her thoughts and sent them into his mind.

For the first time he’d see Ava’s attack through Sadie’s eyes. It wouldn’t be pretty. Ava had almost died thanks to Shepherds. When Sadie had given her blood to survive, her intentions had been pure. There had been no agenda. No hope for a debt owed. She’d done it simply to give Ava another lease on life.

Once those memories had passed, she allowed other memories to rush into Diskant’s head. She showed him why she’d had an interest in Ava in the first place, clarifying the reasons their paths had crossed.

Ava’s amulet.

The zephyr.

When she’d tracked Aldon, she’d discovered he’d been after something valuable. It had taken time but eventually she’d uncovered what the vampire had wanted—the zephyr Ava possessed, cleverly hidden inside an amulet passed down from Ava’s mother. With it he could kill millions of people. Control the world. Dominate everyone and everything he pleased.

Holy fuck! She heard Diskant’s thought, felt his alarm.

Relieved he was finally getting the picture, she redirected her thoughts to her capture and rescue and the threat Aldon posed. Making sure she included every single moment so Diskant could see who he was dealing with—a vampire undaunted by shifters. She made sure she added Nathan’s link to Leigh in her thoughts, hoping that the Omega—even if he didn’t have any sympathy for Sadie’s position—might soften when it came to the other couple.

For added effect, she also gave him brief portions of Leigh’s past and how much the young vampire had suffered following her change, including the pain and heartbreak Leigh had yet to overcome.

Someone snatched her away from Diskant. Her yelp of alarm carried through the open area. She hit the ground as she spun, driven away from the Omega. Lifting her head, she saw Trey crouch in front of her. His growl was feral, his fingernails forming into claws. Diskant looked like he’d been waylaid with a dummy stick. Swaying on his feet, he shook his head.

“No way,” Diskant murmured, “not possible.”

“She showed you the truth.” Ava sounded shaken. Chancing a glance at her, Sadie saw Ava had paled. “Think about it. The night we met you saved me from vampires. We never knew why. Then the locket and Thomas…it makes sense.”

“Thomas?” Sadie had to ask, determined to put the puzzle pieces in place.

“My brother,” Ava sighed and raked a trembling hand through her hair. “I don’t have the necklace. He took it when he left town.”

“He took it?” Horror, disbelief and terror poured over her. “Where did he go?”

“We don’t know.” Ava reached for Diskant and in an instant he was there, wrapping an arm around her. She leaned against him, revealing just how small she was in comparison. “He disappeared. We were going to hire an investigator but I decided it wouldn’t matter. Thomas is Thomas. He does what he wants, when he wants. If he doesn’t want to be found, he won’t be.”

He doesn’t want to be found.

There was one way to find him, whether Thomas liked it or not.

Just like that—click-click-boom—Sadie saw the future.

The visual made her stomach churn.

Leigh could locate a person using a personal possession. Aldon had learned Leigh was capable of doing so the moment he’d taken Sadie’s blood.

No wonder he’d taken her captive.

Sadie was the only real friend Leigh had. As such, Aldon had known Leigh would come to rescue her. Then he’d have everything he needed to find Thomas and locate the zephyr.

Hell in a handbasket.

She looked at Ava as she made it to her feet. Trey did the same, shuffling back as he did. He stopped at her side and she reached for his hand. He wrapped his fingers around hers, his grip tight. She let the touch settle her before she walked toward Ava, extending her free hand.

There was more information to share, things Ava needed to know.

“Don’t you fucking think about it!” Diskant yelled.

“Stop.” Ava soothed the wild man with a simple touch, reaching out to Sadie as she did. “If she has something to show me, it’s my right to see it.”

“Him too.” Sadie’s gaze ventured to the Omega, her eyes flitting over his huge form. “Create a link. We’ll seal the circle. He needs to know as well.”

Diskant’s snarl of warning didn’t deter Sadie. She didn’t stop until her palm met Ava’s. Their minds merged—Sadie’s, Trey’s, Ava’s and Diskant’s. As usual, Sadie felt disoriented and off balance. The present time no longer mattered. They were stuck in a vortex of the mind, everyone’s thoughts churning together. She concentrated and called on her magic, using it to settle those trapped in her head.

Clarity. Warmth. Reason. Purpose.

Yes, this was comforting. This was the center she needed to balance.

She felt the familiar, warming glow of her power and showed them what to expect, recalling pictures of Rainbow City. The entire population had been destroyed in hours by a pestilence demon—one that had been conjured using a zephyr. Unseen, the demon had done its work. Bloodied bodies, eaten away as a virus ravaged them one by one. All it had taken was the presence of the beast, one who drew power from the sickness it inflicted.

Her strength started fading, the product of mentally sharing so much with so many.

There was so little time and so much to tell.

She did her work as quickly as possible, thinking of the images she’d been shown of the Fallen—vampires who embraced the dark side of their magic. Powerful, radiant and stunning, the Fallen were stronger than most of their supernatural counterparts. The last time they’d risen to power the world had faced the Third Pandemic. Millions had died, suffering what they thought to be the plague. If her kind hadn’t intervened—assisted by those they usually considered enemies such as shifters, witches and warlockes—the taint would have spread.

“Aldon isn’t of the light. He’ll kill us all,” she conveyed telepathically, swaying as her magic dissipated. “Vampires and Shepherds are the least of your concerns. If he gets what he’s after everyone you love is doomed. There won’t be a tomorrow to look forward to.”

Her legs buckled but she never hit the ground. Solid arms scooped her up. She went willingly, content when she felt Trey’s solid chest and capable arms holding her tight. She took comfort in his scent, letting him be the strong one for once. After today, none of them would be safe. Aldon had started the game, one he intended to finish.

There was nowhere to run and nowhere to hide.

It could very well be the end of days.

Trey tried to keep his shit together as he held Sadie. What he’d just seen—how Sadie had just fucking shared what she knew—rocked the ground beneath his feet. Diskant and Ava looked equally shaken. He could scent Ava’s fear as it poured from her. The acrid smell of Diskant’s rage scorched his nose.

“Get back to your posts and keep your eyes open.” Diskant snapped out of it, barking the order to his guards. With a sideways look at Nathan he added, “Call Cade. Tell him to cancel the pack meeting. If he asks questions, don’t give him answers. Tell him to close shop and get his ass over here.” He turned his head, gazing at Trey. “As for you two. Bring her inside. It appears we do have a lot of shit to talk about.”

Nathan returned to the Camaro, retrieving a phone from his jacket as he left. Diskant kept his arm around Ava as he led them to another fence that surrounded the house. He punched a code into a numerical lock system, opened the gate and ushered everyone inside. A set of back doors opened and Emory appeared, his mate Mary right behind him.

Thank fucking God.

As brothers, Trey and Emory had faced some issues. But now, with Emory mated, things had finally settled into place. Apprehension filled the air and Emory gave Trey a level stare. He met his brother’s eyes and tried to communicate his need for backup, hoping his brother could read between the lines. He hadn’t told Emory about Sadie, worried about his brother’s reaction to his mating with a vampire.

At that moment it felt stupid to have kept something so important to himself.

“What’s up?” Emory asked, standing so Mary remained protected behind him.

“Get back inside.” Diskant motioned to Emory and Mary, indicating they should move with a wave. “It’s not safe out here.”

“Do you think they understand how important this is?”

It took Trey a second to comprehend Sadie was communicating with him telepathically, keeping the conversation between the two of them. He turned his full attention to her, peering down. Her brilliant blue eyes met his. He wasn’t entirely sure how it worked, so he simply thought back to her.

“Yes.”

“Good.” She sounded so tired. He wanted to take her to bed, shield her in his arms and watch over her as she got the rest she obviously needed. Her lips curved slightly at the corners into a small, knowing smile. “I’m not sleepy, just drained.” There was laughter in the thought. “I’ll be back to fighting form in a little while.”

“I don’t want you in fighting form.”

The thought of her fighting for her life, facing Aldon on her own…

He growled and lifted his head to find everyone staring at him. He swiftly lowered his head, cursing himself. They didn’t know he had been talking to Sadie. How could they? He probably appeared totally unhinged in their eyes, likely to go off at any second. Hopefully they thought the attitude was normal.

Newly mated males were known to be pissy.

Diskant urged Ava into the nearest recliner. “Get off your feet, Ava mine,” he whispered, stroking her hair.

She didn’t protest, settling into the plush furniture with a sigh. She’d gotten past the first trimester of pregnancy and her constant fatigue worried the Omega more often than not. It was the reason Diskant had returned the status of Alpha of the pack to Trey—so he could ensure Ava carried and delivered their child without any undue stress.

So much for that.

Trey took a seat on the sofa, keeping Sadie nestled against him. She sighed and rested her head beneath his chin. Her exhaustion beat at him. His brave little mate was more delicate than she thought. Good thing he’d found her. She wouldn’t have to face the world alone. He’d keep her safe. Make her happy. No more fuckups. No more stupid mistakes brought on by his stubbornness and dedication to the pack. Since he’d come to Diskant, the cat was officially out of the bag. He wouldn’t take back his claim on her—even if he could—no matter if it cost him everything.

Emory had taken Mary to the fireplace. She rolled her eyes when, once again, he placed her behind him. She wrapped her hand around his arm and stepped in beside him. The glare he gave her promised a future punishment but she didn’t seem fazed. Instead she smiled at him, her doe-brown eyes brimming with love.

An invisible fist squeezed Trey’s heart.

If Sadie had any love for him before, had he destroyed it? Had his dumb ass managed to ruin the only good thing he’d ever have in his life? He ran his hand over her head, enjoying the feel of her hair against his palm. It was going to be hell gaining her trust. Women had the memory of elephants. Even if she forgave, she’d never forget.

Fuck me.

“Keep thinking such sweet things and I just might,” Sadie purred in his head.

Son of a bitch. Fuck me twice.

“Sneaking around in my head, are you?” he thought back, wanting to give her ass a hard slap for the intrusion. Not because he minded—her awareness of how he felt would give the leverage he needed. His intentions didn’t stem from anger or agitation. The thought of her perfectly rounded rear turning a nice shade of pink from a few well-aimed pats turned him on.

“Does anyone want to give me a clue about what’s going on?” Emory asked briskly, studying Trey. “Why have you brought a vampire to our home?”

“She’s mine, brother,” Trey growled, warning the male to tread lightly.

“Yours?” Emory frowned and his nostrils flared as he scented the air. “She’s a leech.”

Trey felt Sadie tense against him, Emory’s hateful words piercing her like daggers.

“Say that again and I’ll rip you a new asshole.” And he would, sure as shit. “I’m making it clear here and now. Vampire or not, she’s my mate. Deal with it or get the fuck out.”

“Zip it, diptwats,” Diskant muttered, shaking his head. His eyes drifted to his mate. “Shut the fuck up. We’ve got other shit to think about.”

“How so?” Emory might have seemed at ease but Trey knew better.

As a family member of Shepherds, Mary remained in a constant state of danger. Plus Emory wasn’t stupid. Under normal circumstances Diskant would have forced Trey to leave with Sadie. Shifters and vampires didn’t mate. Especially not with Alphas. Yet here the Omega was, welcoming Sadie to the fold. Emory recognized and understood that.

Smart man.

“Tell me everything,” Emory ordered.

“Fuck, I don’t even know where to start,” Diskant conceded, lips molded into a scowl. “Ava’s brother has put another target on our asses. We’re dealing with some heavy shit.” Moving from his mate, he started pacing. “We’re going to have to arrange a meeting with the pack. It’s not going to go well. First we’ll have to get them to accept Trey’s mating. Assuming they do, we’re going to have to tell them what’s about to happen to the city. They’re not going to take the news lightly. Most of them will probably cut and run.”

“What news?” Emory snapped and Mary shifted closer to his side. “Answer me.”

“Remember the vampires that attacked Ava the night I found her?” Emory nodded and Diskant said, “They were sent by someone—a master vampire to be precise.” He glanced at Sadie and Trey before he continued, “It’s Aldon. He’s into some deranged shit.”

Emory’s irises flashed amber as he nailed Trey with an accusing glare. “I thought you said we could trust him.”

“I was wrong.” Talk about an understatement. He’d been more than wrong about the vampire. He’d been stupid as hell. “He’s been planning something big for months. I had no idea.” He rested a hand on Sadie’s thigh and gave it a squeeze. “If it wasn’t for Sadie none of us would have known what was happening until it was too late. He’d have taken us down with a snap of his fingers.”

“Isn’t that convenient?” Emory’s livid gaze intensified, irises becoming yellow. “Maybe you’re too blind to see what’s going on. Maybe she’s trying to play you. That’s what vampires do. Or have you forgotten? She’s probably not even your mate. They use magic to trick people and you’re wrapping yourself around her finger like a pussy-whipped pup.” Emory gazed around the room. “Am I the only one who finds all of this a tad suspicious?”

“Emory,” Diskant snarled, “Simon says shut the fuck up.” Their Omega stopped pacing and faced Emory and Mary. “If you don’t want to have faith in your brother then have it in me. Do you honestly think I’d have welcomed a vampire if I didn’t have a good fucking reason? Do you honestly think I’d put Ava or Mary in harm’s way? I’m going to tell you what’s going on, there’s just a lot of ground to cover. I’m trying to sort this shit out in my head.”

Sadie tried to rise from Trey’s lap. “I can show him.”

“No,” Trey snapped, planting his arm over her midsection. “You’re too weak. You need to rest.”

“It’s not as hard to communicate with one person.” She leveled him with a determined look. “We need to clear the air. This is the fastest way to do it.” When he opened his mouth to argue she shook her head. “We’ve wasted enough time. We have to find Leigh.”

God, he hated it when he didn’t get his way. But she was right.

“Fine,” he growled and stared at his brother. “But he comes to us. You stay right where you are.”

“Barbarian,” Sadie reprimanded him privately.

“You’re damn right,” he replied immediately. Fuck grabbing her by the hair and dragging her around. He was going to chain her ass to his side. “You ain’t seen nothing yet, baby.”

Emory hesitated, his attention riveted to his mate. After several seconds he gave Mary a nod and moved away, walking slowly toward the couch. Mary seemed uncertain, gnawing at her lip, wrapping her arms around herself.

“What’s she going to do?” Emory asked, cautious and jumpy. “Bite me?”

“You’ll never be that lucky, fuckwad.” The simple notion of Sadie feeding from Emory had Trey’s wolf clamoring for his brother’s blood. “She’s going to touch you and share what she knows. Which is more than you deserve after the shit you just spouted.”

Sadie lifted her hand when Emory stopped beside them. Emory didn’t want to accept her touch—Trey could smell the detestation coming from his brother—yet he did just the same. He wasn’t aware just how quickly Sadie could send another person shared thoughts and images, thinking it took minutes at the very least. He found himself surprised when she pulled away in seconds, appearing pleased. Emory, on the other hand, looked like he was going to toss his Cheerios.

“Fuck,” Emory exhaled, taking a step back, eyes saucered. “Jesus.”

“Now you know why I couldn’t break it down to you like the ABCs,” Diskant said, validated. “Not that easy to explain, is it?”

The double doors opened and Diskant, Emory and Trey growled in unison. The sounds lessened when Nathan stepped inside. The poor bastard looked like shit. He’d obviously been running his hands through his hair—the strands darted in all directions—and he was as wired as a wild animal in a cage. If they didn’t find Leigh soon he was bound to look even worse.

“Cade’s on his way,” he informed them as he walked to the couch and rested Sadie’s sword against Trey’s leg. “Have you decided what we’re going to do?”

“We’re going to get our shit in order.” Diskant’s power as an Omega fell over the room as he spoke. “We need to find this girl who’s so important and bring her here before we even think about addressing the pack.”

Nathan took a step back and took a deep breath. As a Beta he was the most sensitive to strong emotions, especially when a shifter called on his or her beast. With Diskant being able to change into every single animal form, it pulled more energy from the man. Trey tried to compensate, calling on his own beast, directing waves of fortitude to his second-in-command. His wolf met Nathan’s and strengthened it, giving it a measure of comfort. Nathan righted himself, his nod in Trey’s direction his expression of gratitude.

“I don’t know if she’ll come,” Sadie confessed, sounding sad.

“Oh she’ll come,” Diskant’s voice lowered an octave. There was an underlying threat in his words. “She’s placing every single person I’m in charge of in danger.” He turned his gaze to Sadie. “I’ll fight your nest and take her by force if I have to.”

“You’re not putting a fucking hand on her.” Nathan stormed into the room, baring his teeth. “I don’t care who or what you are. She’s my mate. As such she’s due protection from the pack. If you hurt her, you violate everything we stand for. I’ll contact every single pack we’re connected to. I’ll tell them what you’ve done. They’ll bring you down one by one.”

“He won’t hurt her, Nathan,” Ava chimed and shuffled from her seat. Diskant moved to assist her immediately, his anger about Leigh swiftly turning to concern for his mate. “She’s only a girl,” Ava whispered, using the hand Diskant offered her for balance. “She didn’t ask for this.”

“If you promise to give her your protection, I can find her,” Sadie said. “There are only so many places she could be.” Everything inside Trey rebelled at his mate’s offer. She must have sensed his unease because she pulled away so he could see her face. “I’m not running. I’m presenting an option. None of you can cover as much ground as quickly as I can. Besides,” her eyes lowered to his mouth and returned to meet his gaze, “you and I have to talk. There’s a lot we need to discuss.”

“Are you sure she’ll come back?” Emory questioned, wary despite what Sadie had shown him. “Are you sure we can trust her?”

If you want to earn her respect—if you want everyone to believe in her—balls up.

“Yes,” Trey responded as he stood, lifting them from the couch. “We can.”

As soon as he was upright he let his mate go—his wolf howling in his head at the loss of contact—and took a step back. He retrieved her weapon and handed it to her. She accepted the sword like the warrior she was, gripping the sheath that covered the blade. He knew she was capable of defending herself—she’d practically saved their asses when they faced Aldon—but he couldn’t prevent the instincts that demanded he prevent her departure. It was his duty to watch over her. Only a pussy would stand idly by as his mate ventured off without his assistance, guidance or protection.

Fuck. This was one of the hardest things he’d ever had to do.

Letting her leave, left with only the hope she’d return.

What if I can’t trust her? What if I’m wrong?

“Come back to me.” Even in his own head he sounded like a sappy, lovesick pup. “Don’t make me hunt you down. I will if I have to. When I find you it won’t be pretty. I mean it, Sadie.”

His pride had been forgotten. He couldn’t care less what the others thought.

If he lost face in front of those he trusted most, he’d get over it.

If he lost his female, he’d never survive.

Her eyes lingered on him as though she heard the thought. “I’ll be back. Promise.”

Gazing around the room, she slid her sword into the sheath that protected her weapon. “Don’t wait up on me,” she instructed. “The clock is ticking. Start making plans.”

Then, before anyone could stop her, she gazed at Trey and disappeared.