“It’s not good.” His voice shook but he didn’t give a shit about that. Trey tried to be careful when he hoisted Sadie into his arms. “I need to get her inside.”
“All of you,” Diskant said, his tone dark, “stay out here and keep watch. If you want to leave now’s your chance. But if you chose to split don’t bother coming back. I’ll escort you out of my city if you ever show your face here again.”
Trey marched to the house, trying not to jostle the woman in his embrace. She’d lost so much blood. He felt it coating his arms, staining his skin. He didn’t want to look down and see the damage but he had to look at her face. She was so pale, her skin an eerie white. Her eyes were open but he could tell she was close to losing consciousness.
“Don’t give up on me.”
“I won’t.” Even her voice—whispering through his thoughts—was weak. Then, with a pain that sliced through him, she thought, “I’m sorry.”
Son of a bitch. He wanted to kill something. To destroy the first thing he saw.
After everything she’d done, she thought she’d failed.
“I’ve got you, darlin’,” he whispered, eyes burning as his vision blurred. “I’m never letting you go. Fuck them all.”
“I do love you.” Her fingers drifted to his forearm, weak and uncoordinated. “I have for a long time.”
Forcing back panic, he increased the pace.
She wouldn’t have made that confession if she wasn’t afraid. With her injuries he didn’t blame her. She was surrounded by people who’d turned their backs on her. She had no way of knowing if they’d keep her safe or toss her out.
Her head lolled back and she went limp.
At the very least she wasn’t feeling any pain. Once he got her inside he’d pry her mouth open and force his blood down her throat if he had to. His number one priority was getting her well. Then all bets were off. Once he’d healed her properly he was finished.
He’d thought the pack was more important than her.
He’d believed he couldn’t live in a world without them.
He’d been wrong.
Chapter Sixteen
“Stay and find out what’s going on. Use my private number for updates. Keep me informed.”
“Yes sir.”
Kinsley MacGregor returned the phone to the cradle and rested back in his chair. His spies had seen Aldon attack and wanted to put him on alert. Kinsley wasn’t surprised. In fact he’d suspected it would happen. Often he had premonitions about what was to come. A nifty gift when one dealt with creatures and insane humans who wanted to kill him.
He rocked back and forth, trying to compartmentalize his thoughts.
The timing was bad but the pack didn’t have to have him in New York.
He knew Sadie was good for the wolves.
His gut told him the pack shifters wouldn’t welcome a vampire with open arms but something would transpire that would make them see the light. Apparently Sadie had placed herself in harm’s way to save Ava. Very smart. None of the wolves could turn their backs on anyone who’d protected the Omega’s mate, especially with the female being pregnant.
She’ll carve her niche. That’s one problem solved.
As for the other woman—the vampire named Leigh.
He had a strange feeling about that one but he couldn’t put his finger on what nagged him. Something was going to happen and it wasn’t entirely good. Yet he couldn’t pinpoint why he had the feeling something was going to go wrong, nor could he get any kind of mental impulse that forewarned of what might transpire.
Was it Aldon?
He let the question sink in, mulling it over.
No. It wasn’t Aldon. There was a threat but it came from somewhere else.
Aldon was a danger to be sure but what was going to take place didn’t involve him. Not yet. The scenario was one Kinsley couldn’t see. Knowledge existed but remained out of reach.
Perhaps it had to do with some form of magic.
He’d always had issues sensing future events when that element was involved. Since they were taking Leigh to an enclave Kinsley wasn’t surprised he didn’t have a solid grip on what he was experiencing. Maybe it was even more than that. Perhaps it was Ava’s brother and the amulet everyone seemed so keen to get their hands on.
Better wrap things up. You’re out of time.
He felt the presence of his butler before the man had a chance to enter the room. Going still, he anticipated his guest. This was the one thing he’d waited for. Something he desired beyond measure. But it wasn’t going to come easy.
When it came to matters that involved him, Kinsley’s gift never helped.
He’d never been able to gauge his own future.
He’d never seen what was in store for him.
“Master MacGregor?”
Lifting his head, Kinsley looked at George.
The human had served him faithfully for decades, never asking any questions. It was a relief, really. Everyone always wanted him for something. Over the centuries he’d grown accustomed to it. Whenever things got crazy they asked for his help. He was old, having seen a lot of things. He shared his knowledge and gained favors from shifters all over the world. It had been easy, offering his aid. And why not? He’d gained a fortune and notoriety. Wonderful things considering what he was about to face.
It was his time to take a blind leap of faith, to venture into unknown territory.
“Is everything ready?” he asked, even though he knew it would be.
“Yes sir. They’ve loaded the car. The plane is ready and waiting at the airport.”
His eyes flicked up to George’s and he gave him a curt nod. “Have the car brought around back. I’ll be down shortly.”
Tension knotted the back of Kinsley’s neck as he watched George leave. He rolled his head, trying to loosen the aching muscles. Visiting Diskant had actually been a welcome distraction. He’d needed time away from his home to put a bit of space between him and his…guest.
She’s more than that and you know it.
And there rested the shame of it all.
The first time he’d laid eyes on Persephone Maples he’d known what she was. Like all shifters, he’d felt the animal within shouting its content, telling him he’d finally found the woman meant for him. But she wasn’t what he’d expected when he’d pictured his mate.
It wasn’t that she lacked beauty.
In her mid-twenties, Persephone still retained the youthfulness that radiated from women. Her hair—a long, lush mahogany—was wavy and thick. And her mismatched eyes—one brown and one blue—were utterly captivating. Unfortunately she’d lived a hard life, experiencing more than she should have in her short years. She’d done a good job of hiding it but he’d eventually seen right through her.
He went back in time, recalling their first encounter.
He’d used his charm to seduce women in the past but it hadn’t worked on her. He’d tried thickening his brogue, giving her the look so many women adored. When that didn’t help he’d dressed to impress, wearing clothing he thought she’d appreciate. He ditched the business suits, going for jeans and casual shirts. She’d actually laughed at his attempts, giving him the cold shoulder. She’d even poked fun at his muscular form, asking if he’d heard the story about steroids and the male anatomy. He bore her insults, letting them slide off his back. Frustrated that he didn’t take a hint and kept returning to her place of employment, she’d made fun of his hair, asking if he was giving Fabio a run for his romance cover model glory.