Sanctuary (A Hunted Novel Book 1) (14 page)

“No,” the other cried out as he peeled himself off the ground. He raced toward her and tackled her to the ground.

She grimaced as her head collided with a rock. Warm liquid trickled down her temple and the scent of her own blood permeated the air. The man straddled her, wrapping his hands around her throat and squeezing. She took her clawed hand and curled her nails into his flesh. The man growled and gritted his teeth, but instead of loosening his grip he tightened it. Tess sputtered as panic coursed through her.
Think Tess, think. You’ve had years of self-defense and combat training. You can do this.

Fear bubbled in her as her vision darkened, the lack of oxygen already taking its toll on her. Her throat burned, and her lungs begged for air.
Don’t panic. Focus on freeing yourself. That’s the only way this ends well for you.
Tess closed her eyes, calling on her training.
Shift your hand back you need both of those.
Her body trembled with exertion as she forced her hands and face to return to normal. She tucked her leg around her enemy and shifted her hips slightly. Her hands went to his shirt, gripping it tightly. She bucked up, throwing her attacker off balance. His grip loosened as she used her momentum to roll them over.

She landed on her knees between his thighs. He blinked up at her with surprise. Tess smiled inwardly.
Bet you didn’t see that coming, jerk.
Before he had a chance to attack again, she urgently moved one hand to his jaw, and the other to his temple. Gripping tightly, she twisted with all her might. A sickening crack echoed through the air.

Tess scrambled off the dead hunter, and fell on her butt, taking in large gulps of air. Her lungs ached as she drew in each breath and her head spun violently.

Pull yourself together Tess. Hunters never travel in small groups.
Her body shook as she stumbled to her feet. The forest spun around her, whirling around rapidly. Tess closed her eyes and bit her lip. She opened them, and fixed her gaze on the surrounding woods, forcing her roaring her ears to listen. The brush rustled behind her and soft, calculated footsteps crunched their way toward her.

Tess inhaled sharply. Should she stay and fight, or run? She quickly mulled over her choices before taking off at a rapid sprint. Running was safest. She didn’t know how many assailants there were, and it was only she in the woods. Nate was miles away at the compound. She gritted her teeth. As much as she would love to flee into the safety of the underground bunker, she couldn’t lead her enemy to it. No. She needed to lose them first then backtrack. It was the safest way.

Her ears roared as she jumped down a drop off and landed on her feet. Rising from her crouched position, she darted off again. If she got to town, she’d have a better chance of losing them in the crowds. She prayed Nate didn’t come looking for her. If anything happened to him... she sucked in a breath, she didn’t want to finish the sentence. Even if he didn’t want to complete their bond, she couldn’t bare the thought of something happening to him. He’s going to be fine. Worry about yourself.

***

N
ate scrubbed a hand over his face as he watched the monitor. Three men crept near the door to the compound. Without his sense of smell, he couldn’t be sure, but instincts told him they were hunters.

He gritted his teeth as he glanced at the other monitors. No sign of Tess. Was that good or bad? Nate rocked back in his seat and let out a long sigh. Part of him wanted to go above ground and find her; the other, more rational part knew that would only put her in more danger.

Hunters were right outside the door, they would no doubt see him, and realize they were close to the bunker. Tess was a smart girl, and he was certain that she could take care of herself if need be. But how many men could she take on by herself at once? If a large group attacked her, she wouldn’t be able to evade them.

He drummed his fingers on the edge of the desk as he continued to stare at the monitors. Tess presumed members of her pride were alive and on their way here. The compound needed to stay a secret. If she were out there, she would lead any enemies away from their hideaway.

Nate flipped through the screens on the monitors in an attempt to figure out how many combatants were here. The only men he saw were the three earlier ones.
I should go out the garage and go after her. Hunters won’t see me that way. I can loop around and let them chase me away; that way they won’t keep looking for the entrance. Then I need to find Tess.

He shot up, but hesitated as another thought struck him. What if she came back while he was gone? What if they missed each other?

Nate punched the back of the chair, sending it flying across the room. It hit the wall, bounced, and then tipped over, falling to the floor with a loud clang. He shook his head in frustration. His eyes drifted to the monitor again, hoping to see some sign of Tess. He hated that she was out there alone. What if something happens to her? What if she runs and doesn’t come back? He growled at the thought.

Movement flicked across one of the screens and he narrowed his eyes as he stepped closer to the monitor. The leaves rustled and a pink blur flitted past the camera. There were plenty of women hunters, but he’d never seen one wearing pink while on the prowl.

He squatted down and drew the keyboard toward him, pulling up the nearest camera. His pulse roared in his ears as two children came into view. Flicking his gaze to the other screens, he tried to pinpoint where the hunters were.

God no.
If he was looking at the monitor’s right, the groups were walking straight toward each other.
I have to do something.
He pulled up the feed by the garage. It was still clear.

Turning on his heel, he sprinted through the compound.
Move faster, Nate.
Even at full speed, it would take him a few minutes to swing around to the other side of the structure. If he transitioned he could move ten times faster. But if he changed into a wolf, the children could view him as an enemy, and run straight into their enemies hands. He screeched to a halt as he came to the large garage door. Nate jammed his fingers over the buttons and snatched a remote from the wall as the door creaked open.

Dropping to his knees he slid under the door, mashed his finger over the close button and bolted through the woods.

Nate pumped his fists as he darted over the uneven ground. His hands cracked, turning into sharp claws. Weapons. Best to be ready for anything. He pushed himself harder, faster. The hunters wouldn’t care that they were kids; a shifter was a shifter to them. 

His calves burned as he climbed up a steep incline. He grunted, pulling himself to the top, and back to his feet.

A scream ripped through the trees, followed by the loud crackle of a gun. He gritted his teeth.
I’m too late.

T
ess surged ahead as her heart hammered in her chest. She’d been halfway to the town when she’d heard the gut-wrenching shriek followed by gunfire. Someone was being hunted in these woods, and she had to find them. If she wasn’t already too late.
No. Please let whoever is being pursued be okay. Please.

She inhaled a deep breath, forcing the air into her screaming lungs. A gunshot didn’t always mean someone had been hit. Hunters missed their mark from time to time. The shifter could have startled the hunter too, and the gun gone off by accident. She silently prayed that was the case.

She scrambled up a hill, keeping her eyes vigilant for movement. A ferocious roar echoed through the woods and she pushed herself faster. That was definitely a cat—a leopard. To her knowledge, most other werecats had been exterminated. The leopards were the only werecats alive. It had been that way for some time—at least in the United States. Whoever was out there, was more than likely a member of her pride.

Tess zipped through the trees.
I have to find them.
The low hanging branches whipped against her skin. Her eyes focused on a sleek black cat. He was tearing into something—or someone.

She inhaled deeply, smiling as she recognized the scent.
Dustin.
Thea was here too, she knew it, Dustin would never leave her. Tess bit back a cry of joy as she bolted toward her brother-in-law.

Motion to her left caught her eye. A long steel barrel protruded from the trees, the tip taking aim at Dustin.

“No,” Tess shrieked. She leapt over a log and launched herself at the hunter. Tess grunted as she collided with him. The gun banged loudly as it discharged. She tumbled to the ground on top of the man.

Hissing, she reeled her hand back, and punched. The man groaned beneath her as his lip split, and blood spurted out of his mouth. He grabbed her hair, wrenching her head backwards.

Tess fisted her hands, willing a quick shift. Her hands reshaped into claws. Flexing her sharp nails, she jammed them down into her enemy’s chest. His eyes widened with surprise before they darkened. The man’s hand fell limply out of her hair and thudded to the ground.

She pushed to her feet and went to turn around when someone grabbed her from behind.

Another hunter appeared in front of her with a sly grin on his face. “Hold her steady, Joe,” he said, aiming a gun at her legs.

Tess flexed her paw and slammed it back into her attackers body. If they thought she was going to stand there helplessly they had another thing coming. She would fight until her last breath. Her nails connected with flesh, and she dug her claws into him and raked her hand up his body.

The man howled, loosening his grip. Tess wriggled. If that gun went off, she didn’t want to be in the line of fire.

“Don’t let her go, Joe,” the other hunter called as he waved his gun around trying to get a good shot.

“I don’t think so,” Nate snarled, lunging out of the bushes, and tackling the man with the gun.

Tess let out a relieved breath; thankful Nate was not only here but unharmed.
Can’t stop fighting now,
she chastised herself.

The man behind her still had his arm wrapped loosely around her waist. She rammed her elbow back, connecting with his gut. Her enemy gasped. Tess whirled around, opening her paw and swiped it across his upper chest and neck. The hunter sputtered as blood sprayed from the wound. He dropped to his knees and then collapsed on the ground at her feet.

Tess turned back to Nate, in time to see him wrench the enemy’s neck to the side.

“Are you okay?” Nate asked, hopping to his feet. He rushed toward her, cupping her face in his hands.

“Yeah. You?” she asked breathlessly as she assessed him. There were no obvious injuries. She let out a relieved breath. They were both okay.

He nodded, grazing his thumb over her cheek before pulling away.

“Come on.” He grabbed her hand and tugged her over to where Dustin had been only a few moments ago. She kept pace with him as they raced through the trees.

Tess sucked in a deep breath as her gaze darted around the woods. Where did he go? There’s still someone out there. Dustin was hunting. That was the only explanation.

“Tess,” a familiar voice hissed.

Tess froze, spinning around.
Thea.
Her heart pattered wildly against her ribs. Thea was here—she was alive.

“Tess,” Thea sobbed, stumbling to her feet from her hiding spot. Their sister-in-law, Audrey, stood with Thea, helping to support her.

“Thea,” Tess breathed. A lump lodged in her throat, and tears pricked her eyes. Thea and Audrey were here. A weight lifted from her shoulders and happiness surged through her. They were alive—they were here.

Tess laughed as she started toward her sister. They were okay.

“Look out,” Nate hollered as a hunter appeared over the ridge. Nate grabbed a hold of Tess’ shoulder and flung himself protectively in front of her.

The hunter froze at the top of the ridge. His eyes widened in surprise as he took in their small group. He raised his gun, pointing it at Nate first. Tess swallowed; they were too far away to get to him before he fired. A smile formed on the man’s lips as he slowly moved his gun and pointed it at Thea.

Tess’ heart skipped a beat.
No. Please no. I just found her.
Everything happened in a blur as the tense moment stretched endlessly.

Nate sprung forward, racing to cover the distance between them and their enemy. Tess sprinted after him. The hunter unlocked the safety and curled his finger around the trigger.

“No!” Audrey shrieked, shoving Thea forcefully to the ground as a gunshot ripped through the air. Audrey stumbled back, her hand flying to her shoulder.

Dustin leapt over the ledge; his clawed paws outstretched as he attacked the hunter from behind and forced him to the ground. The werecat bit into the back of the man’s neck, tossing his own head from side to side. Their enemy wheezed, clawing at the ground briefly before collapsing completely into the dirt.

Thea. Audrey. Tess flew through the brush.
Please be okay.

“Audrey,” Thea cried out as she pushed herself to her knees.

Tess choked on a sob as her sister got up. Thea was okay. Her gaze flitted to Audrey. Audrey’s legs gave out, and she fell to the ground.

Tess inhaled sharply and rushed to Audrey. She crouched down next to the pale red head and pressed her hands against the large red blot blooming on her shoulder.

“Audrey?” Thea whispered, brushing strands of matted hair from the girls face.

“Are you okay?” Audrey asked her voice shaking.

“Me?” Thea gasped. “You just got shot. What were you thinking?”

Audrey swallowed hard. “The baby. The poison would’ve killed the baby,” she breathed.

“Oh, Audrey,” Thea wailed, bending over the wounded woman as best she could with her protruding belly.

Nate squatted down next to Tess, gently lifting her wrists and touching Audrey’s shoulder. “We need to roll her and see if the bullet passed through or not.”

“Who are you?” Thea accused, her head snapping up, and eyes narrowing. “Dustin?” she called her voice filling with panic.