Page 35 of Mysterious Mate

“Cage? It’s the League. They’re hitting our beaches. We’re surrounded.”

Cage stood and shoved Willow at Jones. “Get her to safety now.”

“I want to stand with you,” she pleaded.

“Willow, you go with Jones and do what he tells you,” growled Cage. She had picked the wrong time to get all noble and shit.

“It’s me they want, Cage. Let them have me, and all of you can get away. I’m not letting anyone die for me.”

Cage groaned. Why couldn’t his mate be one of those women who cowered and wailed? Why did she have to be so brave and fearless? “Not your choice. If you’re a part of this team that means you take orders from me, and I’m ordering you to go with Jones and get to safety. I can’t think straight with you in danger.” That wasn’t necessarily true, as he was damn good at compartmentalizing, but he knew he needed to give her a reason to go.

“Jones, your boss isn’t thinking straight. Make a deal with them,” said Willow in an all-too reasonable tone.

Why did Jones look like he was enjoying this?

“Jones, if you do what she says, I’ll snap your spine like a twig and toss you into the ocean to drown and be food for the sharks,” he growled. That took the smile off Jones’s face. “As for you, Willow, if you don’t stand down and go with Jones, I’ll make sure you never sit down comfortably again. Do you understand me?” She gulped and nodded. “Good. Then move it. Both of you.”

Willow stood beside him, her face a mask of determination. Cage turned to her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Stay close to Jones. He’ll get you to the safe room."

Willow looked as if she was going to argue and then relented, nodding, her eyes locking onto his. "Be careful, Cage."

He offered her a tight smile. "You, too." He nodded to Jones. “Keep her safe.”

With a final squeeze of her hand, he watched as she and Jones hurried towards the keep, disappearing into its shadowy depths.

CHAPTER 18

CAGE

The mid-day sun shone down on the castle grounds, casting shadows across the sprawling gardens, courtyards, and stone walls—those might come in useful in the impending fight. Cage stood in the center of the bailey, his eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of movement that would signal the League’s forces were closing in on the castle itself. The air was thick with tension, a silent promise of the impending battle.

Cage turned back to his men, who stood ready for his command. "All right, you know the drill. Split into teams and cover the beaches and sea cliffs. We can’t let them get a foothold here."

His men nodded, their expressions grim but resolute. Cage would never get over how his men’s unwavering loyalty and courage could make him feel so humble. They moved out, each group heading towards their assigned positions, the sound of their footsteps echoing against the stone walls.

Cage led his team towards the cliffs, the salty tang of the sea mingled with human sweat and the distinct smell of large beasts filling the air. The League was hitting them with human and shifted individuals. The path leading toward the sea cliff was narrow and treacherous, the ground beneath them uneven and littered with loose rocks. As they approached the edge, Cage spotted movement below. Figures clothed in camouflage scaled the cliffs, their movements furtive, stealthy and filled with malevolent intent.

"Here they come," Cage growled, his voice a low rumble. "Get ready."

His men spread out, taking up defensive positions along the cliff’s edge. Cage felt the familiar surge of adrenaline as he prepared for the fight. But before he could engage, a massive shape emerged from the shadows, barreling towards him with terrifying speed.

A silverback gorilla, its eyes burning with feral rage, launched itself at Cage. He barely had time to react, shifting into his bear form just as the gorilla’s massive fists swung towards him. The impact sent him sprawling, but he quickly regained his footing, his roar echoing across the cliffs.

The two beasts circled each other, each sizing up his opponent. The gorilla charged again, its powerful arms swinging with deadly precision. Cage dodged the first blow, but the second caught him in the side, sending a jolt of pain through his ribs. He retaliated with a swipe of his own, his claws raking across the gorilla’s chest. The gorilla screamed in outrage and pain.

The battle was brutal and relentless, each strike a test of strength and endurance. Cage’s mind focused solely on his opponent, the world around him fading into a blur of fur and blood. He could feel the strength of the gorilla, its raw power a formidable match even for his bear form. But Cage had fought too many battles to be bested now.

With a fierce roar, he surged forward, his jaws closing around the gorilla’s arm. The beast howled in agony, trying to shake him off, but Cage held firm, his teeth sinking deeper into flesh as he shook it. Summoning all his strength, he twisted, using his weight to throw the gorilla off balance. They crashed to the ground, a tangled mass of fur and fury.

Cage shifted his grip, releasing the arm and going for the gorilla’s throat. With a final, desperate surge, he clamped down, his jaws closing around the vulnerable flesh. The gorilla thrashed wildly, but Cage held on, his determination unwavering. Slowly, the thrashing subsided, the life draining from his opponent’s eyes.

Breathing heavily, Cage released his hold and stepped back, his chest heaving with exertion. He shifted back into his human form, the adrenaline still coursing through his veins. His body ached, bruises and cuts marring his skin, but he couldn’t afford to rest. The battle was far from over.

He found one of the caches of weapons and clothing they had stashed around the island and pulled on pants and boots. They were a poor substitute for proper clothing but better than going barefoot and letting his junk hang out. With a determined stride, he made his way back to the cliffs, where his men were still locked in combat with the invaders.

"Stay focused!" Cage shouted, his voice carrying over the din of battle. "We can’t let them breach our defenses!"

His men fought with renewed vigor at his command, their movements precise and coordinated. Cage joined the fray, his fists and feet moving in a blur of controlled violence. The enemy was relentless, but so were they. Every step the invaders took was met with fierce resistance; every advance thwarted by the defenders’ unwavering resolve.

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