Page 55 of Wolf Trap

The shifters beside me were gone, caught up in the throng as the escaping men overpowered them.

I flung myself against the bars. Austin and Lycaon didn’t stop. Glancing up, I saw the man who had spoken already leaving, strangely composed.

Lycaon patted Austin, said something, then gave a final look to the entrance as Austin continued weilding flames.

With his T-shirt and jacket in hand, Lycaon suddenly stood beside me, looking back.

Anthony was beside Austin in the ring, speaking fast.

The vampire glanced at us, then a sharp nod. Then blackness appeared before my eyes.

My stomach lolled violently, but when the light came back, spots danced and bobbed before my eyes, sweat broke on my forehead and Lycaon pulled me into him.

“It’s alright, we’re safe.”

Slowly, I peeled myself away to find we were at Anthony’s house. With Austin. And Hakon.

Hakon was about to shout.

Anthony smiled. “Well,that was dramatic. Still, Adara has a base. Jax found the address. I suggest we rest for thirty minutes and then destroy them? Drink, anyone?”

Lycaon wiped his forehead with his sleeve, his voice rumbled, “No. I’d like to take Elsa back to mine for some respite. Who can take us there?” His eyes widened expectantly.

Hakon barked, “That’s all very well. You two go off for nookie and leave us here to clean up your mess. Great, bloody great. You’ve just shown everyone that you, the first werewolf, can wield magic that takes down their monsters, and your plan is to go off for a shag? You’re as dumb as you are big.”

Lycaon stepped forward, scowling at Hakon. “Watch your tongue, vampire! I simply want her to get some respite and, for once, I don’t want to depend on the charity of others!”

I grimaced at Lycaon’s reaction, and the words tumbled out of my mouth. “No, I don’t need respite. What happened to Jax? Look, Austin, how do we destroy Adara’s base? We need explosives. As Hakon said, Adara has just seen that Lycaon can destroy their monster. What did you say to that… creature?”

“That’s for me to know. The creature was part werewolf. That meant he was part man. A prayer usually works on demons, ifyou’re a believer. I appealed to the lupine side. Are you sure, Elsa, I think you need a rest? I’m concerned-”

Anthony tutted, “Well I’m getting a whiskey. As for Jax, I’m pretty sure she can take care of herself.”

I waved my hand. “Honestly, whatever. I couldn’t rest now even if I wanted to! I just want to destroy them. Then I can rest.”

Defeated, Lycaon’s shoulders sagged.

Austin offered, “Well, magic aside, I have a few tricks up my sleeve. I’ll grab some ingredients and my backpack.”

Smiling like the cat who got the cream, his voice like silk, Anthony offered, “Well, a drink then, and a toast. May your efforts be a success!”

Hakon eyed him with a snarl. “You're notcoming, vampire?”

Anthony looked at me. “Do you want me to come, Elsa?”

I nodded. Lycaon hissed, turning away. Wide-eyed, Anthony shot him a lopsided grin. “And what about you, Hakon?”

“Mate, I wouldn’t miss this for the world! So, Austin’s getting explosives. Where are we going and do we have a map of the place? What’s the plan? I do not want my body parts snatched and sewn like some Frankenstein’s monster!”

Nathaniel and another, a lean man with long raven hair and tattoos over his face, neck and arms came into the room carrying a holdall.

Nathaniel sighed, his eyes more swollen, bloodshot. He held Anthony’s stare before speaking.

The slightest nod from Anthony, who walked over to him, a small hug and the other man spoke.

“We’ve used what we could, and made some bullets from the ingredients. Lucky for you, Aaron and Acacius were gracious enough to spill a little blood, and I’ve added a hex, a curse, into the bullets. Between us, we’ve made about thirty bullets.” He eyed me and Lycaon but said nothing whilst Austin strode up to him and grabbed him in an embrace, then spun around.

“Elsa, Lycaon, meet Lucius, my master teacher. And one of the finest of men you could ever wish to meet.” Sliding his arms down Lucius’s arms, Austin grabbed his hands. “Thank you.” Then Austin turned to Nathaniel. I was surprised that the vampire stepped forward and hugged the mage. They whispered something to each other, both smiling.

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