Page 91 of The Tracker's Secret
Slowly, wincing at the agony of my injuries, I rose to my hands and knees, gun still in hand. Blake’s breaths became shallow and labored. He painstakingly turned his head in my direction and peered at me with hatred in his eyes.
Shaking, I rose to my feet and pointed the gun straight at his chest. My finger caressed the trigger. The hatred in his eyes subsided and morphed into fear. He didn’t want to die. Based on what Jake had said, the wolfsbane currently in his system wouldn’t kill him, but a bullet to the heart—wolfsbane or not—would send him straight where he needed to be... hell.
You see, Red, I’m strong, too.
I sensed a nod of concession from her and smiled.
Blake opened his mouth and said something unintelligible. I took a step closer.
“What?” I aimed the gun at his head to give him a bit more encouragement to talk.
He mumbled again, seemingly ready to confess since he thought he was dying.
“What is it, Blake? Tell me. Who else is responsible for this?” No way he was doing all of this alone.
Blake whimpered. His cowardice surprised me, though it shouldn’t have. He was a big bully, and bullies didn’t have a shred of courage. They needed others behind them to prop them up and get them out of trouble when they went in over their heads.
He struggled to form words, but only puffs of air came out.
“Speak, dammit! Or I’ll blow your brains out.”
His eyes widened, then darted downward in fear.
Suddenly, pressure built in my temples. I winced in pain and staggered backward. My brain felt ready to explode like an overripe pumpkin.What the hell?I blinked, shaking my head as I struggled to regain my focus. After a few deep breaths, the strange sensation passed. I decided I’d had enough of this bastard.
“Be grateful I’m not a murderer like you,” I spat, then let my arm drop.
I couldn’t kill Blake—not in cold blood like this. The police would be here at any minute, and with the poison in his veins, he couldn’t cause any more damage. He would go to jail, and maybe, he would confess, and all of those responsible for inciting war and distributing poison to vampires would be taken down.
I stepped back and gingerly picked up my torn clothes. I turned them all around then slipped them on as best as I could. Their tatters covered the important bits, if just barely. I really needed a ring like Eric’s. It was my new life goal to save for one of them. This naked business was quickly getting old.
Limping, I hurried toward the back of the warehouse where Jake had fought Blake. When I noticed a twisted shape on the floor I froze, afraid to get closer.
God, please, please.
Blood puddled under his body, the light from the hanging fixtures shining on the wet surface. Tears slid onto my face as I took timid steps in his direction. His fur was matted with blood, and one of his legs was twisted at an odd angle. Trembling, I knelt by his side, set the gun on the concrete floor, and pressed my fingers to his neck. A weak heartbeat tapped in his throat.
Sobbing, I pressed my forehead to the side of his head.
“You’ll be all right. You’ll be all right,” I said over and over, stroking the soft fur between his ears. “I’m sorry I’ve never said it, but I want you to know that I love you, Jake. I always have. I hope you can hear me. Also, as soon as you’re better, there’s something else I have to tell you. I think it will make you very happy. You might have to help me and teach me a lot, but I’m willing to learn. For you. We’ll be happy. We’ll be so happy.”
His breathing slowed and became shallower.
“Please, hold on. Help is on its way.”
Tears blurred my vision as I tightened my fists over handfuls of his thick fur as if that could keep his life tethered to this earth.
When sirens sounded in the distance, I jumped to my feet and rushed between the crates. I had to guide them quickly to Jake. One second might make all the difference.
As I exited the aisle, I came to an abrupt stop.
Blake was gone!
“No!”
That was impossible.
A trail of blood ran across the concrete, headed toward the exit, but there was no way he could have stood up, much less walked out of the building.
