Page 5 of Mysterious Mate

“I can’t even imagine what you must think of me,” said Willow, shaking her head. “I was a fool for so long, and then I didn’t want to know.”

“Stop that. You did what you had to do to stay alive, and then you chose to get out and to bring down La Faucheuse. You gave me the information before I even had us out of there and told me to ensure that it got into the hands of those who could use it. You didn’t make deals with it—didn’t try and hold onto it until you were sure we would protect you. What you did was brave and heroic…”

“If not a little self-serving.”

Mercy snorted. “What? You weren’t supposed to try and save yourself? Don’t be stupid. You dying wouldn’t have helped anyone.”

“But you don’t know what I saw…” Willow whispered.

“The mind can play funny tricks on us when we’re that frightened. I know you were terrified and still chose to act. I know the horrifying things you must have seen over the years, and still you chose to act. We’ll get you whatever you need, including someone to talk to, but for now, get some rest. We’ll be on our way within the next couple of hours.”

It was no trick. She knew what she had seen, even if her knowing could make no sense of it.

Her mind whispered the words, but Willow chose not to argue. Instead, she started towards the small bedroom off the main living space. “Thank you, Mercy.”

“You’re welcome, Willow. Now get some sleep.”

Willow slept fitfully for only a handful of hours. Her dreams were confused and violent.

In the dense forest clearing, tension crackled in the air as the two formidable beasts faced off. The grizzly bear, a towering mass of muscle and fur, stood on his hind legs, roaring a challenge that echoed through the trees. His eyes blazed with determination, knowing he had to protect what was his and all those who depended on him.

Across from him, the silverback gorilla bared his teeth, muscles rippling beneath his dark fur. The gorilla’s eyes were cold and calculating, filled with malice. He had terrorized those in the forest for too long to be concerned with a mere bear.

With a sudden, thunderous charge, the gorilla lunged, swinging his massive arms with brutal force. The grizzly sidestepped, narrowly avoiding a devastating blow, and countered with a powerful swipe of his own. His claws raked across the gorilla’s chest, drawing blood and eliciting a howl of rage from the injured primate.

The gorilla retaliated with a flurry of punches, each one calculated to incapacitate. The grizzly absorbed the blows, his thick fur and hide providing some protection, but the force was undeniable. With a snarl, he surged forward, using his bulk to knock the gorilla off balance.

Both had sharp teeth and were massive, well-muscled killing machines, but the grizzly had the advantage of sharp claws that drew blood with each swipe.

The two clashed in a whirlwind of teeth and strength, each trying to overpower the other. The gorilla managed to land a crushing blow to the grizzly’s side, momentarily staggering him. But the grizzly recovered quickly, using his immense power to grapple the gorilla and force him to the ground.

Pinned beneath the grizzly’s weight, the gorilla thrashed violently, trying to break free. The grizzly snarled, his jaws closing around the gorilla’s shoulder in a bone-crunching bite. The gorilla roared in pain, his struggles weakening.

With a final, determined effort, the grizzly slammed his full weight onto the gorilla, driving the air from his lungs. The gorilla’s movements grew sluggish, his strength waning as he drew his last breath and succumbed to death. The grizzly stood victorious; his breathing heavy but triumphant as the silverback lay defeated beneath him.

The forest fell silent, the echoes of the battle fading into the distance. The grizzly raised his head and let out a roar of victory that proclaimed his dominance. The threat had been vanquished.

A chaotic, swirling mist flashing with a cacophony of noise, electricity, and shards of color enveloped the towering grizzly before fading away to reveal a broad-shouldered, well-muscled, naked man who seemed to display the wounds the gorilla had inflicted on the bear.

As the man turned toward her, Willow felt a rush of arousal and fear, and she stumbled back…

“Willow,” said Mercy softly as she touched Willow’s shoulder. “It’s time to go.”

“What?” Willow said, still caught in the last vestiges of the dream and momentarily disoriented before reality came crashing down on her. “Right.”

They left the cottage in a different vehicle and drove to a small private airport. Willow glanced around. It wasn’t much to look at, but again it was surrounded by an open field. It would be difficult for anything to sneak up on them there.

Waiting on the tarmac was a small, private jet. Mercy pulled up to the extended stairwell where a tall man in what appeared to be a butler’s uniform stood waiting. There was something oddly familiar about him. As the vehicle rolled to a stop, the man headed toward them, opening her door and then Mercy’s.

“This is where we part. The jet belongs to Colby and is here to take you to the most gorgeous island where you’ll be safe.”

“I thought you’d be coming with me,” said Willow fearfully.

“No. I just get people out and to those who can keep them safe. Ensuring someone’s safety over the long haul isn’t really my forte, but I’ve been to Castello della Guardia. Don’t let the thick castle walls fool you. On the inside, the keep itself rivals the most beautiful, elegant mansion you’ve ever been in. You’ll love it there. It’ll be like staying at a five-star resort. The guy in charge of your security is a man called Cage Weston. He can be a bit… uhm…” she seemed to search for the right word, “… taciturn, but there isn’t anyone else I’d want ensuring my safety.”

Willow’s heart was racing despite the calm facade she wore. She trusted Mercy and didn’t want to be turned over to anyone else. She’d waited months, planning her escape with meticulous detail, only to have the timetable moved up without warning.

A single misstep could have been catastrophic. But Mercy had gotten her here, and Willow had to believe she wouldn’t hand her off to anyone she didn’t believe could keep her safe. So now she was here, planning to board the private jet that would take her far away from the life she had been forced to lead.

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