Page 26 of Ghost
Bianca
Shifter
Seth’s moaning interrupted my attempts to bask in my newfound knowledge. There was a pregnant pause because he suddenly turned over, falling off the couch. The remaining human officer, and the newly transformed hyena, did not seem concerned. Even though, a moment later, he proceeded to throw up. Instead, they remained near him. As if waiting.
During this, I armed myself with a cane—the only other remotely suitable weapon in the area.
Damen and Kasai had been maneuvered into separate corners of the room. The path between the front door and myself—which had been blocked previously—was now clear. But it didn’t matter anymore, I couldn’t leave.
Damen’s movements were slowing, enough for me to notice the silvery sword in his hands. He stabbed and dodged as the hyena darted around him, nipping at his arms. On the other side, Kasai appeared to be playing with his prey.
I knew next to nothing about this world, but I assumed this was abnormal behavior for shifters. The knowledge made me feel somewhat better—if this were a lapse in judgement, then perhaps I could help.
My plan died as the remaining officer and Seth began transforming. At the same moment, the hyena I had thrown the book at began to stalk toward me.
His eyes were a bright red, with a crazed glint. I doubted that I’d be able to bring them back to their senses.
“Bianca, get out of here,” Damen shouted.
I couldn’t even look toward the door—the urge to flee would probably win if I did.
“I can’t,” I argued, tearing my gaze from the last moments of Seth’s transformation. “You’re bleeding all over the place.” The sight of his blood caused something unfamiliar to stir deep inside of me. Ihadto stay.
Which really sucked, because I wanted to leave. But I simply couldn’t. I didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but Damen clearly needed assistance. He was much less formidable when covered in flesh wounds. And then there was his delicate behavior outside only a little while ago.
He was very good at lying to himself, but he was in over his head.
Damen shot me an indescribable look. “What are you… It’s not—Bianca!” His retort ended in a shout, and I barely noticed him moving in my direction. Abandoning his own fight.
At the same moment all three hyena jumped toward me.
My pathetic weapon was clenched in my hand, and terror began to overtake reason. I had no idea what I was trying to do, but at least my plan to stop Damen from being eaten had worked.
Even so, it was instinct to stumble backwards. Bravery was much easier when pointy teeth weren’t snapping in your direction. There was nothing left to do. I closed my eyes, waiting for my inevitable end.
I had known true friendship before I died. I was grateful for that at least.
A ghastly sound echoed through the room. It overtook the snarls and barks, and caused my insides to quake. Something large and hard crashed into me from the side, causing me to drop the cane in surprise.
The pain of teeth ripping into my flesh never came.
Whatever had tackled me was holding me protectively against them. It was an odd feeling, especially compared to the terrible sound tearing from its chest.
My eyes were still closed, and fear seeped into my every pore. Logic told me that I wouldn’t be killed by my rescuer. However, the growling didn’t appease my fear.
Other noises rang through the room. Damen’s whistle, the cackling of hyenas, and a sound that sounded like a roar. But none of them were as terrifying as the rumble against my ear.
And then it was over. For a long moment, the room descended into a heavy silence.
“Bianca!” Damen’s anxious shout broke the tension.
My eyes popped open.
The first thing I noticed was the bare, sculpted chest in front of me. My eyes trailed upwards to spot the equally attractive face of the chest’s owner.
A familiar, very angry face.
Titus’ green eyes were dark with fury. His face stone-like and his hair wild. He looked terrifying, but his focus was on a place over my shoulder, not me.
