Page 88 of Secrets and S'mores
My strike lands on his chin, sending him back into the edge of the crowd. He straightens, working his jaw. “Do you want to die? That would free up the girl for me.” Blood shines on his teeth as he grins at me.
“You accept my challenge.” It’s not a question, but Orion grunts in acceptance. There’s a hunger in his eyes, a desire for violence that makes my hands shake. I clench my fists to keep the tremble from showing.
He’s slowing, stopping. If she got enough into him, he won’t be able to shift. It’s unlikely I can defeat him in my human form, even in his current state, but as a wolf, I stand a chance.
The panic and turmoil drops away as I fall to four legs. My tail swishes behind me as I gather my haunches under me and prepare to leap.
Orion’s face scrunches, his eyes glowing with rage. He just figured out he can’t shift. I won’t waste this chance. All the tension in my body uncoils at once, launching me toward his chest.
Orion’s defensive pose cannot withstand a huge wolf landing on his chest. He goes down, wildly attempting to block me. My jaws close around his arm and I snap the bone down by his wrist. The scream from his throat is sweet to hear.
Sharp and sudden pain blasts through my body, overwhelming me. Jumping back, I realize there is a blade embedded low in my chest by the joint of my front left leg. Clamping my teeth over the handle, I pull the knife free and toss it aside.
Orion laughs, spitting blood on the ground beside him. He still cradles his arm, but clearly he thinks he’s won already. Blood flows through my fur and down my leg from the wound I can’t even see.
My growl warns him to stay down, but the stubborn bastard kneels, struggling to pull himself in a standing position. Crimson coats his collar and seeps across his chest.
Gathering my strength, I leap again. But this time he’s ready for me. His fist connects with the wound he already gave me, and the pain blacks out my vision for a second.
An undignified yelp escapes me, and I bite wildly as my legs give out. Orion grabs my front leg and pulls me sideways, squeezing and twisting. Memories of the beating they gave me last time I was here fill my mind, overwhelming my control. Snarling, I thrash and snap my jaws, connecting with his unbroken hand. Blood hits my tongue, but I can’t see the damage.
The pain of my leg wrenching and stretching the stab wound is too much. Fear of what is coming nextoverpowers my wolf, and humanity comes rushing in. My body shifts back without my permission.
Orion’s low laugh sends icy terror through me as he breaks my arm. I struggle to suck in air and stay conscious. If I don’t protect myself, I’ll be abandoning Ember.
His grip on me is too strong. My strength is fading as blood flows from my wound.
Something hits Orion, a blur of black fur, sending him sprawling. Blinking to clear my vision, I watch my beautiful little mate close her jaws over his neck and shake her head. Orion screams, yanking at her fur and trying to get a grip on her body.
With a vicious growl deep in her chest, Ember stays locked on him, her jaws clamped down with ruby liquid gushing between her fangs until Orion stills.
Ember’s shift flows over her as she turns and moves toward me, landing on her knees on the dirt as I try to push up to sit. Pain screams through my chest and arm and I land back on the dirt with a strained noise.
Red coats her face, her bare chest, her hands. We’re a matching set, bathed in blood. Her eyes shine wild, glowing like the wolf she is.
Reaching up with my uninjured hand, I brush her hair back. “You’re incredible,” I say, my mind swirling. But somehow I know it’s important to tell her how beautiful and amazing she is.
Her smile is everything. I could die in this moment, seeing her happy. Black crowds the edges of my vision and I push it away. I’ve got plans with my girl.
“Onyx!” her voice says, sounding far too worried. I try to answer, but my throat isn’t cooperating anymore.
20. Victory and Vengence
Ember
“Onyx!” I yelp, seeing his eyes unfocus and his muscles slacken. A new terror grabs me by my throat, strangling me. I can’t lose him. He’s been through worse; he needs to hold on long enough for his natural healing to kick in.
Jasper crouches beside me. “You just won back your pack. You need to address them. I’ll take care of him.” He forces a shirt into my hand.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” I snarl. His eyebrows rise, imploring me. “Fine!”
Standing, I yank the shirt over my head and then I look across the faces of my pack. Respect,shock, and anger reflect back, but I don’t give a shit. “Get him into the Alpha’s house,” I growl, motioning to Onyx. “And get first aid supplies.”
People shuffle where they stand. How dare they hesitate. My anger spurs my natural dominance, and I press down on all of them with my will, demanding their obedience with every part of my being.
Two men to my left step forward and reach for Onyx, lifting him up between them. Jasper steadies him, holding his seeping wound, as they walk toward the house.
Pointing to a female wolf I know wasn’t fond of Orion, I demand, “Go get all the healing supplies we have.” Of another, I say, “You, gather up anyone with medical experience. He is your Alpha and we will do everything to make him well and comfortable.” They bow their heads and rush to obey.
