New Species 09 Shadow (22 page)

She climbed down the trunk slightly until she sat on a lower limb and hugged it tightly, fearful they would try to snatch her from above. She glanced down, instantly sorry. Bob had started climbing after her.

She pulled out the gun, her belly aching from where she was sure she’d been burned from the warm barrel after firing it, and she aimed. He looked up and froze.

“Stay away from me.”

“How many bullets are left?” The one in charge spoke softly but she heard.

“I don’t know, Dillon.” Bob answered. “She’s discharged three but that’s a Glock 9. I don’t know how many were fired off before she stole it and it might have big mag. Could be a lot left.”

She frantically looked for an escape. The other trees were too far away to safely transfer. Some primates were known for jumping from branch to branch but she wasn’t willing to risk falling to her death. Her hand shook slightly as she aimed the gun at the man drawing closer.

“I’ll shoot you. Stop!”

He climbed to the other side of the wide trunk, out of sight. She shifted forward, trying to keep him in view. Thick branches protected him. She glanced around again, praying help would arrive.

It was as if Shadow heard her silent plea. He suddenly rushed out of the foliage behind the two on the ground. She watched in utter amazement as he grabbed both mercenaries by the backs of their necks, lifted, and threw them. One hit the dirt under the three while the second one wasn’t so lucky. He slammed into the trunk. The enraged Species wasn’t done.

He tore their weapons off them, flinging them into the river. The man in the dirt put up a struggle but one punch from Shadow kept him down. The one who’d hit the trunk recovered a lot slower. Shadow’s head snapped up and their gazes caught and held for an instant before he looked at the third one in the tree. He howled.

Startled, Bob lost his hold on the tree and fell about ten feet into thick bushes. Shadow went after him, dragged the groaning man out by his boot and disarmed him. Guns and knives were tossed into the river. Beauty watched in rapt fascination as Shadow centered himself in the middle of the three mercenaries.

“You thought you could take her from me? Fight
me
. You are cowards for going after a small female. Lie there whimpering as you die. I. Don’t. Care. I’ll attack either way.”

Beauty kept silent despite being tempted to warn the humans that fighting an enraged Species would be stupid. Shadow clearly wanted to beat on them and they complied when they attacked. Of course he left them with no choice, his threat to kill them as loud as his snarled words. They probably thought their three-to-one odds boded well against Shadow but he’d made certain they could only fight with their bodies. She lowered the gun, afraid it would accidently discharge and hit Shadow.

Her gaze ran over Shadow. He wasn’t bleeding much. His arms and face had scratches but nothing serious that she could spot from her high perch. He moved as if he were unharmed as he dodged a fist aimed at his face and threw his own. She picked up a slight crunching noise before Bob screamed, stumbling back as blood poured from his smashed nose and mouth, landing hard on his ass.

Shadow’s foot shot out as the leader of the mercenaries tried to come at him. The scream that came out of Dillon was horrifying when the heel slammed into his groin area. Beauty winced as the injured mercenary just dropped, rolling into a ball. Shadow wasn’t fighting nice but he was inflicting pain. He showed no sympathy for his opponents. They had tried to kill two Species and had come to return her to a hellish existence.

The third man hesitated before he launched himself at Shadow’s back. Shadow must have sensed it though and dodged, bent a little, and the guy landed in the dirt instead. Shadow came down on his torso, knees first, probably breaking his ribs in the process. Fists pummeled the human as the Species nailed him. Beauty glanced away but then forced her attention back. She wasn’t weak stomached. Not anymore.

Bob tried to crawl to the river, probably attempting to escape. Shadow rose from his bloodied opponent and stomped on the back of Bob’s leg. A snarl tore from his mouth as the fallen man screamed in agony, suffering a broken leg to match his nose. Shadow reached down, fisted his hair and said something she couldn’t hear. Bob sobbed, begging for his life, but Shadow just slammed his head down hard into the earth.

“Beauty?” Shadow’s head snapped upward. “Are you hurt?”

“I’m okay.” Her voice came out shaky.

“Come down here. Can you do that or do you need me to climb to you?”

“I can do it.” Her hands trembled slightly as she shoved the gun back into her waistband and began the descent. It was tougher than climbing up had been. It might have just seemed that way since blind panic no longer gripped her so she did it more slowly.

Shadow held utterly still until she reached the lowest branch and then both his arms rose. She bent forward enough for him to grip her hips. She braced her arms on his shoulders and fell into him. She had absolute trust he’d catch her and he did.

Strong arms wrapped around her waist, hugging her so tightly it was hard to breathe. She didn’t complain about that or him refusing to put her on her feet. They’d survived and he’d come after her. She’d been sure it wouldn’t end so well.

“Look at me, love,” he rasped.

She pulled her head back enough to see his face. Small cuts had left one cheek bloody, probably from flying glass inside the cabin when it had been torn apart by bullets. A gash was on his forehead was no longer bleeding, but blood smeared back into his hairline. One arm released her waist and his big hand gently touched her cheek.

“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 t
he 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.” He 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.”

Beauty frowned. “His name is accurate?”

“He’s your ‘Shadow’.” Destiny suddenly chuckled. “That was a good one, wasn’t it? He’s right next to you.”

She smiled. “Thank you for caring for me.”

Shadow growled again, drawing her gaze.

“What?” She didn’t know why he looked angry.

“It’s his job to treat you. I am taking care of you.”

“Okay.” She began to wonder if Shadow was more hurt than he’d let on. He was unusually irritable and perhaps a bit irrational to make such a slight distinction. “Will you allow Destiny to look at your cuts? I’d feel better. You don’t want me to worry about you, do you? I will.”

“I’m fine.” His stubborn streak reared its head. “None of my injuries require his assistance.”

“He is fine,” Destiny agreed. “I’ve been eyeing his wounds and the way he’s moving. He’s got some bruising but the cuts aren’t bad. Just disinfect them the first chance you get and slap some bandages on the worst ones. We fight infection easily but why take the chance?” He turned, opened a cupboard and removed a small box. “Here. It’s a mini med kit. It’s got everything you’ll need.”

“Thank you.”

The door opened behind them and a human walked in. She remembered him from when she was rescued. Beauty tensed until Shadow stepped between them. His body completely shielded her from the sight of the other man.

“I wanted you to know both suspects are being detained and Al is all over their bank accounts, phone records, and tracking their movements over the past twenty-four hours. We’ll figure out which one it is.”

“Thank you, Tim.” Shadow softly growled. “I still want his head.”

“I have a feeling there isn’t going to be much of this ass left by the time he’s taken apart by our team. He broke the code. Never screw over your brothers. We’re sending one of the helicopters back to Homeland. Justice called and wants you to escort the Gift back. She’s too exposed here and I have to agree. She needs tighter security.”

“Understood.”

“Blades up in twenty. I’ll have a few of the guys cover you there.”

“I’ll have officers drive us.”

The man hesitated. “Just because we had one bad apple doesn’t screw the entire pie, Shadow. I don’t want this to sour you on the task force.”

“I trust the team but I know the officers wish to speak to me. It will give them the opportunity.”

“Sure.”

Shadow shook the man’s hand and Tim left. He grimly regarded her. “Let’s go. I have to give a debriefing before we meet that helicopter.”

“So we are going back to Homeland.” She didn’t really need to say the words but it was better than what she really wanted to blurt out. What was that going to do to their budding relationship?

“We are. You’re safer there. There’s too much open land here for them to breach and miles of walls that they obviously were able to sneak across.”

A knock sounded at the door and it opened, admitting Jaded, the council member. He glanced at Beauty and jerked his thumb at Destiny to leave before addressing Shadow. “You look good after what you suffered.”