They drove the short distance in silence. Theres Foxxs Mustang, Paenther said, when they turned onto the residential road only a few streets from the one where Feral House sat.
A red car sat on the side of the road appearing empty and abandoned.
Do you see them? Paenther asked.
No. Theyre probably in the woods. But a moment later, Tighes tone matched the sudden tension in the car. I called them telepathically, but theres no answer. If theyre chasing Mage, they should be in their animals.
Paenther pulled out his cell phone and punched some numbers. No answer.
Were going to have to track them.
Paenther pulled over to the side of the road. As the car slowed to a stop, Tighe threw open the door and leaped out, shifting midleap into a house cat.
He can change his shape, Skye murmured, surprised.
Delaney leaned forward. A lot of the Ferals can. It helps them blend into the human landscape. Zoo animals tend to draw unwanted attention.
Skye glanced at Paenther, tempted to ask him if he could change size, too, but his concentration was elsewhere. She suspected Tighe was talking to him.
As if in answer, he shoved open his door. Lets go.
Did they answer him? Delaney asked.
Skye opened her door, having to hang on tight to keep it from getting away from her as the wind tore past.
No. His expression was grim. He smells blood.
Paenther grabbed Skyes hand, and the three ran into the sharp wind to where Tighe, now a man, stood at the edge of the woods. Skye smelled the carnage before they reached it and prayed Tighe hadnt found the bodies of the Ferals. But when he looked up, a hint of grim satisfaction weighed in his eyes, and she knew he hadnt.
Mage, he said as they joined him. Now I understand the sudden turn of bad weather. Mother Nature is pissed.
Skye covered her nose as she looked down at the two badly mutilated bodies. The mens chests had been torn open. Their hearts were almost certainly gone. But enough of their faces remained for her to recognize them.
I know them.
Friends of yours? Tighe asked carefully.
She met his gaze without rancor. I have no friends among Biriks Mage.
Tighe nodded, seemingly satisfied, but his expression quickly turned to one of confusion. These two were killed by animals. Feral animals. So where are Jag and Foxx, now?
Paenther released her hand and stepped back, stripping off his shirt. Lets find them. When he was fully undressed, she stepped forward and pressed her palms to his chest. He covered her hands briefly, then released her as he began to shift.
Skye jumped back as the panther emerged where the man had stood. He took off into the woods but the tiger didnt immediately follow. The great striped cat was staring at her with deadly green eyes.
Tighes voice cut through her head with hard warning. If you harm Delaney, witch, you die.
She answered him in kind. Shes a good person, Tighe. I would never hurt her.
With a warning growl, he turned and bounded off after Paenther.
Was he threatening you? Delaney asked beside her. The wind whipped at her loose hair, sending it flying about her face like a dark mist.
Skye threw her a wry look, then went back to watching the cats. You know him well.
Oh, yeah. Theyre prickly as hell about who they let in their inner circle, but once youre in, watch out. The cavemen had nothing on these guys for sheer stubborn protectiveness.
Thats nice for you. To be protected like that.
Do the Mage do that?
Protect their females? Some do. When I was a little girl, I lived among Mage would have risked everything to keep me safe from the outside world. Unfortunately, it was another Mage who wanted me, and there was nothing they could do to stop him. She sighed. The only one who ever tried to protect me in the caverns was Paenther. And he was chained at the time.
She felt Delaneys probing gaze. Hes more than protective of you. Ive seen the way he looks at you, Skye. Its a lot like Tighe looks at me. Some of the Ferals think youve enchanted him, but I dont think its that simple.
Skye met Delaneys gaze. I love him. And he told me he feels the same.
Delaney grinned. Well, there you have it. Sounds like were going to be sisters-in-lawor whatever it would be. Feral Warrior wives-in-law?
Skye smiled, the rush of longing making her chest ache. Id like that. Shed more than like it. Having friends, a home, a family again was a dream shed barely dared to imagine.
Look left!
Tighes voice rang in Skyes head, tearing her thoughts from the fragile hope. At her side, Delaneys head jerked left and she knew he was speaking to them both. Two men. Do you recognize either of them, Skye?
She saw the two he was talking about a distance away, walking casually, like humans out for a stroll. They were dressed in casual jeans and barn jackets rather than the blue tunics of Biriks sentinels. But as one of them turned, she caught his profile. Theyre Biriks men, Tighe.
The two cats gave chase. Immediately, the Mage took off, running in two different directions.
Get in the car and lock the doors, Tighe barked. Both of you.
Delaney made a sound of disgust. I hate getting relegated to the role of helpless She whirled, pulling her gun. Freeze!
Skye spun around to find a third man running directly for them. A man she recognized all too well. Devrell, one of Biriks cruelest sentinels.
Hes Mage. In her head she screamed, Tighe! Paenther!
The sound of gunfire exploded in her ears as Delaney shot at the man, but he was immortal and the bullets did nothing to slow him down.
Skye, run!
Skye hesitated, wanting to help her new friend, but there was nothing she could do. Besides, she knew it was her the Mage wanted. She turned and fled in the direction shed watched Paenther go.
Beauty! Whats happening?
Theres a third Mage. Delaney shot at him, but
She glanced behind her and gave a mental shriek. Shes down! Hes coming for me.
Run, Beauty! Im coming.
Her feet felt awkwardly heavy in the borrowed running shoes as she ran through the woods, leaping over the uneven ground, the forest-scented wind whipping at her face. The heavy thud of her heartbeat pounded in her ears as terror crawled up her spine.
She wouldnt go back there!
All around her, birds landed on nearby branches. Squirrels chattered angrily in the trees as if preparing to come to her aid, but she didnt call them. Theyd only get hurt.
Behind her she heard the low chant of a Mage spell and her heart sank. Seconds later, a rock the size of her fist rose from the ground and flew at her. She turned her head and raised her arm, but the rock slammed into her shoulder, knocking her off stride. More rocks flew at her, as if Biriks nightmare had come to life, hitting her legs and sweeping her feet out from under her. With a thud, she landed on her back on the forest floor, the wind knocked out of her.
Before she could leap to her feet, Devrell was over her, staring down at her with cold eyes ringed in a copper as bright as her own. He grabbed her and hauled her to her feet. Skye fought him, struggling against his hold as he dragged her back toward the road. Even though his strength was nothing compared to Paenthers, it was still far greater than her own.
Paenther!
Im coming, Beauty.
Moments later, a flash of black caught her eye.
Devrell released her, pulling a knife from his belt. As the panther leaped at him, going for the throat, the Mage slid the knife between the animals ribs. The sleek animal knocked the man to the ground with his powerful body, taking two more stabs to the chest and throat before he bit clean through Devrells wrist, tearing off his hand.
Blood sprayed from the Mages arm as the great cat lay across him, lengthwise, his deadly teeth mere inches from Devrells face. Tail twitching, blood matting his fur, the cat stared down at his captive like a hunter about to take a juicy bite out of his prey.
Paenther snarled, his eyes glowing green. But as Skye stepped closer, he swung his head toward her. Are you okay?
Yes. What about you? she asked worriedly.
Fine, Beauty. The panther growled and turned back to the Mage. Who sent you?
B-Birik, the man stuttered, his voice thready with shock.
Where are my friends?
Took them. The otherstook them.
Why?
The Feast of the Moon Spirit. Three Feralsto open the blade.
Skyes heart seized. Hes going to sacrifice them?
Yes. Birik wants you, too, if we can get you. Otherwise, hell use the viper shifter and pull his own power.
Youll not get her. Ever. The panther turned to look at her. Is there any reason I should spare his life?
Other than the Earth getting even angrier than she already is?
Paenther tilted his face to the wind as if just realizing the weather had changed. Other than that?
None. He deserves whatever you do to him.
Paenther watched her through his cat eyes, his body ablaze with pain as it always was when he was in his animal, trebled by the knife wounds. Wounds he could feel healing slower than they should be. He shoved away the deep worry clouding his mind and concentrated on Skye, on the echoes of old pain and deep hatred swimming in her summer-sky eyes. A pain that cut him deeper than the knives had.
He hurt you. It wasnt a question. The truth was written all over her face.
He enjoys bringing pain to others.
To you?
She looked away, then met his gaze, her mouth tight. When Birik chained me to that rock where you were kept, he invited his sorcerers and sentinels to use me, too, figuring the worse it got, the quicker Id cave. His men still had souls at the time and few took him up on the offer. This one joined me on that rock every night, usually with two blades. One of flesh, the other of steel.
Paenther snarled deep in his cats throat, his gut twisting with rage for the child subjected to such brutality.
He stared down at his captive. You die. For her, you die. He made sure Skye heard the words as clearly as did the Mage beneath him.
The man yelled in fear as Paenther struck, ripping out his throat before tearing at his chest until he had the heart in his mouth. He looked up at Skye. If hed seen horror in her eyes, hed have tossed the heart aside and ended it there. But those blue eyes blazed with gratitude and vindication, so, his gaze fixed on hers, he ate it.
For you. Thunder rumbled angrily in the sky.
Id kiss you, but youre a little messy.
Paenther gave her a feline smile, then called to Tighe.
Is Delaney okay?
Yes. You?
Well be right there. He looked at Skye. Help me shift back, Beauty.
Small pellets of hail began to fall. The Earth was angry, all right. She was going to get a hell of a lot angrier once he got his hands on Birik.
Skye slid her hands in his fur and helped him shift back with a burst of pain that nearly sent him to his knees. When he was standing on two feet again, he pulled her against him, shielding her from the hail, and led her back toward the road.
Where did the blood go? Youre clean.
Thats the upside of not being able to keep my clothes on when I shift. I dont retain much of anything.
You dont even have to take showers?
It doesnt work that well. Besides, Ive found Im rather fond of showers.
He could almost feel her blush. Holding her against him like that, he felt that overwhelming protectiveness well up inside and spill over. Never again would anyone hurt her. Not as long as he drew breath.
The hail grew in size until he could feel it tearing at his bare back. Hell, his Escalade was going to be dented for sure. But he didnt care. Goddess, he didnt care. Hed slain one of Skyes dragons, and for that he felt on top of the world.
Skyes hand touched his arm. Are you sure youre okay? Those stab wounds healed?
They healed. For the most part. Things werent right in his body, and it was seriously starting to worry him. He remembered all too well the way Fredericks body had turned mortal just before he died.
The rage burned through his mind stronger than before, requiring a control greater than hed ever had to exert. And the pain when he shifted was getting worse. A pain that was as much of the soul as the body. A pain that whispered of loss and isolation. And a rending inside him he wouldnt survive.
If he lost the panther spirit, he would die.
Only now, within the arms of an enchantress, had he finally begun to live.
CHAPTER 20
Skye shielded her face from the blowing snow as Paenther ushered her into the foyer of Feral House. The hail had ended, but Mother Nature had yet to forgive the Ferals for the death of three Mage. Souls or not, the Mage were a part of nature as no other creatures could ever be.
Behind them, Tighe carried his mate, who was protesting loudly.
Tighe, Im fine!
But the tiger Feral ignored her as the four ducked into the house and shut the door against the blizzard.
Let me down, Tighe. Now.
What happened? Lyon demanded as he strode into the foyer, Kara close behind him.
Paenthers big hand brushed at Skyes hair, dislodging a small shower of wet droplets around her shoulders as he met the gaze of his chief. Foxx and Jag are missing, Delaney was attacked and knocked unconscious
But Im fine. Tighe, put me down!
but shes fine. We found two dead Mage when we got there and killed a third after learning Birik means to sacrifice Foxx, Jag, and Vhyper at midnight tonight. Did I miss anything?
Tighe grunted. Nothing but the fact that you still cant shift without the help of your witch.
Lyons expression turned hard, his gaze flying from Paenther to Tighe and back again. Hell. In the war room. Now.
Ill ask Pink to bring coffee. Kara turned toward the kitchen. You all look like you could use something warm.
Paenther stroked Skyes head, then slid his arm around her and ushered her down the hall, following Lyon.
As they entered the room, Skye looked toward the big window, surprised to see that the snow had stopped as abruptly as it had begun, leaving several inches on the ground. Mother Nature seemed to be over her fury.
Paenther pulled out a chair for her, and she sat at the big table. Instead of sitting beside her, he stood at her back, a strong, protective force behind her.
He loved her.
Tighe and Delaney took seats across from them. Wulfe and Hawke sat at the end.
Lyon paced. How did Jag and Foxx get captured?
We dont know. We found three live Mage and two dead when we got there. And no Jag or Foxx. Theres no telling how many Mage they ultimately had to take on.
They still shouldnt have been captured. Theyre Ferals, for goddess sake!
Kougar joined them, remaining by the door as Lyons hard, worried gaze raked his warriors.
The Mage are no longer the enemy we once knew, Roar, Tighe said quietly. Dark power is damned strong.
Lyon growled, the sound of a lion rumbling from his throat. Tell me about the sacrifice.
Paenthers hands cupped her shoulders. If the Mage I killed is to be believed, theyve taken Jag and Foxx to the caverns. Birik intends to sacrifice them at midnight tonight during a moon feast, along with Vhyper.
Lyons gaze dipped, and he met her gaze with an amber intensity that felt as if he tried to see deep inside her. Can he raise power this way? Dangerous power?
She braided her fingers together in her lap. I believe so, yes. Biriks a snake enchanter. Vhypers death will help him tap into his gift. The deaths of the other Ferals, along with many snakes, could be dangerously potent.
Enough to free more Daemons, or even Satanan himself?
She desperately wanted to give him the answers he needed, but she just didnt have them. I dont know. Im sorry.
Lyon frowned and looked over her head at Paenther. We have to get into the cavern and we have to do it now. Are you healed?
No. The Shamans not-a-friend, Ezekiel, taught her to pull good power instead of dark, but it didnt work with her magic bound. Paenthers hands left her, and she glanced over her shoulder to see hed crossed his arms over his chest. But it doesnt matter. Im ready.
No. The word came out of her mouth like a shot.
Paenthers gaze dropped to her, a hint of displeasure in his eyes. But Lyon had to understand even if Paenther was too stubborn to admit it.
She turned to meet Paenthers gaze. You wont survive it.
BeautyIll be fine.
That mountain is warded with magic, Paenther. Theres no telling how much more damage it might do to your connection with your animal. And if you get captured, theyll put you in shackles again. Your animal cant take it, Paenther. Youre going to lose him.
Theres no choice. Im the only chance Vhyper and the others have. No one else has been able to find that mountain.
What about Skye? Tighe asked.
Skye whirled to face him, but she shook her head. I dont know where it is. Until this past week, Id had no contact with the human world; nor had I been off the mountain since I was taken there as a child. If someone can get me to the mountain, I can find the cavern with ease. But I dont know where the mountain is.
Was there a town nearby? Anything you might remember?
Nothing I could see from the forest. Just farmland. And the one small country store where I met Paenther. If there was a human town nearby, I never heard it discussed.
Tighes gaze swung to Lyon. So, Paenther can lead a team to the mountain, then wait behind.
Like hell.
Hawke tapped his fingers on the table. If the magic around that area was so strong we were getting disoriented just trying to find the Market, theres no reason to believe well be any more successful getting up the mountain and into the cavern. Were almost certainly going to need a guide. His gaze swung to Skye.
Paenthers hands squeezed her shoulders. Shes not going near that place again.
Hawke didnt back down. It might be the only way for us to get in.
I can lead you. Skye said the words before she lost her courage.
Not without me, Paenther said behind her. And as soon as were at the caves entrance, youll run right back to the Market.
A lions growl rumbled in Lyons throat. And what about you, B.P.? What if shes right? What if the warding damages you further?
Paenther met his chiefs gaze with stubborn determination. Theres no alternative. Im the only one whos been inside that cavern or knows what Birik looks like. Besides, Skyes not going without me.
Stubborn Feral. He wouldnt survive it. Skye shoved to her feet, forcing Paenther to back up. There is an alternative. I may be able to heal him. Now. Before we go.
Lyons eyebrows rose. I thought your power only came at midnight.
My power is at its height at midnight. But I raise my power through the animals. Maybe if I call the forest creatures, I can raise enough to help him.
Could radiance help? Kara asked, walking through the door with a tray of coffee mugs.
A power raising. Hawke tapped the table in front of him. We need to call the power of the beasts. The power of the panther.
Lyon scowled. For long minutes, he paced silently, his face hard, his amber eyes alive with a thousand thoughts.
Skye stood there, waiting for his acceptance of her gift. She could help Paenther, she knew she could. But he had to give her a chance.
Lyon finally stopped and turned to face Paenther. Shes a Mage witch, B.P. A witch whos already demonstrated a disturbing power over our animals. If shes not what she pretends to be and seizes control, or uses the power she draws to incapacitate us, she could destroy us. If the Ferals go down, Satanan wins. Are you positivepositiveyou can trust her? Without a shadow of a doubt?
Skye clasped her hands in front of her, waiting for Paenther to tell them what hed told her. That he loved her. Of course he trusted her.
But the room rang with an ominous silence. He made no such declaration. He said nothing at all. A chill stole over her skin.
Slowly, she turned and saw him watching her with a myriad of emotions in his eyes. But the only one she felt, the one that drove a stake through her heart, was the doubt.
Hed said he loved her. How could he love her when he didnt even trust her not to betray him and all he cared about?
Pain ripped through her chest, tears burning her eyes.
He didnt love her. He didnt even know her if he thought she could ever willingly betray him.
She shoved past him and ran for the door.
Skye Regret laced Paenthers voice. But he didnt try to stop her.
With a sudden, desperate need to get outside, she ran through the house and out the door, into the yard. She stood in the snow, holding herself tight, tears slipping down her cheeks as she shredded the foolish dreams shed woven in her head since the moment Paenther told her he loved her. Shed let herself believe, hope, that his loving her would change everything. That he was finally able to look past what she was, if not quite forget.
Hed said he loved her. If he loved her, he should trust her, shouldnt he? But he didnt. He couldnt.
Because of what she was.
The cold wind froze the tears on her cheeks, the chill seeping deep inside, spreading a spiderweb of cracks across her heart.
I love you, Paenther. I can help you. But I can never be other than what I am.
Paenther stared out the window to where Skye stood, creatures flocking around her. Dogs and deer, squirrels and cardinals, they went to her, pressing against her, seeking her attention. Offering her comfort.
But for once she didnt touch them, didnt acknowledge them. Her arms wrapped around her middle as if she didnt even know they were there. Never had he seen anyone look so alone. And his heart broke. Hed done this to her. Hed caused her this pain.
I hurt her. I doubted her.
Lyon had demanded his promise that there was no chance she could betray them. But before he could give it, memories had flooded his mind, tearing out his guts. Ancreta running toward him that day just before she captured him, her gown torn, her cries tearing at his heart. And the way Foxx looked at Zaphene, poor lovesick Foxx with his starry eyes, head over heels in love with a Mage witch whod spun her web over him so thoroughly hed killed Beatrice, his Radiant, without ever knowing hed done it.
For one horrible moment hed wondered if he was Foxx all over again, snared by a witchs web of magic. How could he risk the lives of his men, of his brothers, on a Mage witch? Any Mage witch?
But how could he doubt Skye?
Lyon came to stand beside him. Knowing what I do of your background, Im amazed youve been able to trust her at all.
I do trust her, Roar. I cant always get past what she is. But I know who she is. Shes one of the purest souls Ive ever met.
As they stood together, watching the creatures gather around her, Lyon murmured, They say animals and children see the heart of a person. Theres a lot at stake here, B.P., but we dont have many options. If Ive learned anything from Kara, its that sometimes you just have to trust your heart.
I trust her with my life, Roar. If my life were the only one at stake, I wouldnt hesitate.
Lyon clasped his shoulder, drawing his gaze. Youre my second for a reason, B.P. If you trust her with your life, thats enough for me. Ill call the Shaman and get him back here to unbind her magic. Then well head out to the goddess stone.
Paenther felt the weight of the world on his shoulders. And at the same time, an incredible lightness of spirit. Goddess, he loved her. What was more, he knew her.
He clasped Lyons shoulder in return, then turned and hurried out of the room.
Sometimes all you can do is trust your heart.
And his heart belonged to Skye.
Skye stood staring into the woods, unseeing, as the animals gathered around her, seeking a comfort she didnt have to give. Tears continued to skate down her cold cheeks, but she couldnt stop them any more than she could stop the cracks from forming over and over in her heart.
She felt rather than heard Paenther approach. He walked too silently for her ever truly to hear him.
Skye. He said her name softly before sliding his hands on her shoulders from behind. Im sorry.
Its okay. The thing was, she couldnt blame him for being cautious when so much was at stake. It was her own fault, and the fault of her foolish heart, for reading too much into his declaration of love.
He turned her to face him, but she wouldnt meet his gaze, not when the tears refused to stop. But he pulled her into his arms anyway, one hand at her back, the other sliding into her hair as he lifted her face to his. With eyes swimming in regret, he brushed away her tears.
Dont cry, Beauty. His face dipped, and he kissed her without hesitation, without doubt, with a fierce tenderness that claimed her, body and soul. A kiss of possession. Of declaration. Of promise.
Finally, he pulled back. Shaken, confused, she kept her eyes closed and clung to his waist, not even remembering reaching for him.
Look at me, Skye. As she looked up, his hands rose to frame her face. I trust you, little witch. With my life.
She sighed. Paentherits okay. I understand. You have a lot of reasons not to trust a Mage.
I do. Youre right. He stroked her jaw. But youve never given me any reason not to trust you.
Her mouth pursed ruefully. Other than the fact that I enthralled you and captured you?
To her amazement, a small smile flickered across his face. Other than that. I love you. I trust you because I know you. Ive seen the goodness in you from the beginning even if I had a hard time believing such beauty of spirit could possibly have been born a Mage. I trust you with my life, Skye. I only hesitated because He sighed and pressed his forehead to hers. Trust comes hard for me. And these men are my family. My brothers. Until you, they were the whole of my life.
She clung to the love in his voice and in his words. Id never do anything to hurt them. Or you.
He pulled back to look down at her. I know that.
With her fingertips, she traced his mouth. Youve become my life, Paenther. I cant let you suffer if I can help you. I cant let you die if I can do something to save you. I cant live without you. But the last she kept to herself. Because, despite his declarations of love, she realized now that not once had he talked about the future, most importantly, a future that included her.
He stroked her damp cheek. Lyon has called the Shaman to unbind your magic. Well do the power raising as soon as youre ready.
Lyon agrees?
He does.
Thats good. But a host of butterflies took flight in her stomach. Shed wanted them to give her a chance, but now that she was getting it, she was suddenly overcome with doubts of her own. What if she couldnt pull it off?
Paenther looked at her quizzically. Whats the matter?
What if I forget the words?
He kissed her forehead. I remember them. Were going to make this work. Together.
A head pushed between them, that of a big black Lab looking for attention.
Jealous thing, Skye scolded fondly, laughter in her voice.
Ignoring the dog, Paenther kissed her one more time, sweeping his tongue into her mouth, as she savored the heady taste of him. But the dog refused to be ignored, and she started to laugh.
With a chuckle, Paenther released her and stepped back. Go ahead. They deserve a little of your time, and the Shaman wont be here for at least an hour. Not with the sudden turn of bad weather.
She saw the glimmer of humor in his eyes and laughed. How was it possible to love another person so much that she honestly wondered if her heart would simply stop if his did? As she turned to her animals, her joy flickered and died beneath the weight of her fears.
What if she couldnt help Paenther at all?
CHAPTER 21
Two hours later, the Ferals and their mates trudged through the snow-blanketed woods. As they climbed down to a broad, flat stone, the goddess stone, Skye stared down at the glory of the raging Potomac River far below.
Though the snow had ended a while ago, the wind still whipped, cold and biting.
Paenther pulled her against him. Well call a Feral Circle to enclose the magic and keep out prying eyes.