Bound to Kill

Darius

“Someone better start talking.” My body is rigid. I take shallow breaths. “The goblins were already dealt with before Stan died. Who did this?”

Strain is apparent on their faces, my Alpha power demanding compliance.

Connor is the first to speak. “Alpha, I was beside him. One minute, he was fine, then he was on the ground. I didn’t see anyone attack him.”

“There are twenty-one of us. Someone must have seen something!” I stare everyone down, accusation in my eyes.

My gaze settles on Adrian. His face pales when he realises he’s suspect numero uno.

“D, I was protecting your six the entire battle.” His posture deflates, making me feel like shit for suspecting him.

I nod before eyeing the rest of the group, who watch each other cautiously.

Was it someone from Lakeside?

It’s too dangerous to linger. I decide to resume our journey. “Perez, can you conjure something to carry Stan?”

“Yes, of course.” A stretcher appears instantly.

My harsh stare returns to the group. “Standing around exposes us to another attack, but you will be questioned back home. Stan’s death will not go unpunished!”

I watch Adrian and Connor lay Stan on the stretcher with a lump in my throat. My fingers twitch, red-hot fury coursing through my veins.

Our progression resumes. I walk behind the group, observing their every move, alert and ready to execute any threat.

Julia falls back to join me. “I’m sorry for your loss, Darius.” She lowers her voice to a whisper. “I was looking at Stan when he died. It wasn’t a physical attack.”

My head snaps in her direction. “Perez? That makes no sense. There’s no motive.” It can’t be the “no shit, Sherlock” remark.

Julia shrugs. “I don’t know why, but we need him to get home.” Her gaze bores into me, warning me to keep my temper in check.

Returning my focus to the group, my eyes narrow on Perez. “Vengence can wait until we get home.”

Hybrid Assassin

I teleport to Paris and rent a car, then drive to CDG airport, awaiting the Alpha’s arrival with a concealment spell in place.

The flight arrives right on time. I tail the limo, stake out the house the Alpha enters, and then follow him to the museum.

When the Fae tells the group to link hands, I place mine on his lower back, keeping my touch light to avoid detection.

Bored as hell, I’m delighted when goblins intercept the pack.

Finally, some entertainment.

Leaning against a tree, I watch the carnage with a grin. To my displeasure, the pack makes it out intact.

No, this won’t do.

With the snap of my fingers, I conjure a sword and behead the tall guy with platinum blonde hair, throwing my head back in glee when the Alpha starts throwing around accusations.

Much better.

Listening to the two Alphas suspect their Fae guide is the best part. I’d cackle if it wouldn’t expose me.

Craving more upset, I glance over the group to select my next victim, conjuring a silver shuriken and twirling it between my fingers.

I ponder my next kill. Eenie meenie blah blah blah, who should I slay with my throwing star?

With the target chosen, I release my shuriken and watch it shred his carotid artery.

Mindlessly, he grabs the star and yanks it out, gurgling on blood before dropping like a sack of potatoes.

There are gasps and screams.

I raise my hands in victory, then revel as chaos ensues.

Alexa

When I finish telling Leslie what the rogue shared with me, my bond with Darius flares, and I gasp. “Leslie, Darius is here.”

“Yes, he is and has been for a while. I wondered when you’d notice.”

I feel my eye twitch. “You knew my mate was in the Faerie realm and didn’t tell me?”

Leslie smiles at me sweetly, like butter wouldn’t melt. “I didn’t want to interrupt your story. You know how I feel about bad manners.”

Closing my eyes to control the volcano bubbling inside me, I take measured breaths through my nose—anything to avoid another visit to the orb of doom.

One, two, three—

My wolf growls and thrashes to shift. I will eat him!

Seriously? What happened to all your kumbayas? I mockingly mimic her voice. Don’t sass him! Remember the list!! If I have to eat him, we’ll be stuck here forever! Be POLITE!!!

That was before he kept us from Alpha—mate could be hurt in the snowlands. She hisses, but her fight to shift lessens. However, I will refrain from eating the maggot for now.

I smile at my victory in calming her.

Oh, don’t go congratulating yourself, human. You only gave me my advice.

I can hear the eye-roll in her tone. Touché. But let it be known, you’re just as psycho as me.

Debatable.

Feeling calmer, I open my eyes. “Leslie, I told you what you wanted to know. Take me to Darius.”

“You would deny him his moment of glory?” Amusement twinkles in his eyes. “He’s come all this way to rescue you.”

I’ve never wanted to slap the smile off a face so much. I bite back a snarky retort. “If you would be so kind as to take me to Darius, we can all put our heads together to figure out where the evidence is.”

Leslie takes his time to consider. “Very well, lead the way.”

“Can’t you…” I swirl my hands, adding a visual effect to my request. “…portal us there?”

“Nope, tapped out from the last trip. We need to do it the old-fashioned way.”

Marvellous!

I notice the buzzing interfering with my mind-link with Darius vanish after Leslie agrees to reunite me. That bastard must have blocked our connection.

The anger I feel is quickly replaced by relief when I hear his voice.

Lexi, if you can hear me, I’m coming for you.

I’m not usually emotional, but I could cry happy tears. I hear you, Darius. Thank you for coming for me. I’ll meet you halfway.

Darius

I watch with horror as a throwing star materialises out of thin air and embeds in Connor’s throat.

Unable to contain my rage, I shift and charge the only magic wielder on this excursion. Perez’s eyebrows raise in surprise as I lunge for him, knocking him on his arse. I grip his throat with my fangs, ready to chow down.

I link Adrian and instruct him to communicate with the Fae for me. Ask him why.

“You used magic to kill another member of our team. Why? What do you gain?” Adrain demands.

Perez trembles beneath the weight of my wolf. His voice wobbles. “I d-didn’t. I wouldn’t!“ There’s no scent of a lie. “There must be another Fae nearby, concealing themselves.”

Releasing his throat, I back up. Dammit all to hell!

I shift and offer Perez my hand, assisting him back to his feet. He nods in thanks and magics me up more clothes and another stretcher. I feel bad for almost disfiguring him.

“Everyone, keep your eyes peeled. There is an invisible assassin in our midst.“ My jaw ticks. “Zoe, help Adrian carry Stan. Luke and Claire, carry Connor.”

“Yes, Alpha.”

“Perez, can you offer us any protection?”

With a wave of his hand, a magical shield blankets everyone. A moment later, a deadly wind sweeps in from the east, knocking down several trees.

I smirk. “Somebody isn’t happy we have protection.”

“This will deflect magical and physical attacks,” Perez informs. “I should have done it before, but it drains me. I’m not sure how long they’ll last.”

“Understood. Let’s move.”

Once again, we traverse through snow, following the pull that guides me to Lexi. Each step feels heavier, sinking me deeper into the snow. The grief and guilt of losing two more packmates weigh me down. My stomach physically aches.

Suddenly, the interference on my link with Lexi cuts out. Thank the Fates!

Lexi, if you can hear me, I’m coming for you.

I hear you, Darius. Thank you for coming for me. I’ll meet you halfway.

The sound of her voice makes my steps falter. Hope blossoms. My heart soars.

Of course I came, little wolf.

Just talking to her lightens the weight on my shoulders and soothes the ache in my chest.

Are you okay? Did he hurt you?

I’m fine! The Fae’s crazy powerful, but he’s on our side. I’ll explain in person.

After a few moments basking in my relief, I update the others. “Lexi is okay. Our connection is back.”

Julia grips my hand, squeezing, making sure what I said is true. I nod, and she lets out a loaded breath. “Thank the Fates! How far is she?”

“Unclear, but she’ll meet us halfway.”

Julia’s eyes fill with tears. I bring her in for a brief hug, feeling every bit as emotional.

Trekking once more, our pace quickens. My need to hold Lexi makes my body thrum.

Although the tightness in my chest has eased, the swishing in the pit of my stomach hasn’t. My wolves died because I brought t—

Lexi’s voice interrupts my thoughts. Darius, I feel your sorrow. What happened?

The block the Fae put on her must have prevented her from feeling the loss. We lost Stan and Connor.

She gasps. I’m so sorry!

It’s my fault. If I’d just come alone…

Don’t you dare do that! Lexi sounds pissed. It makes my lips twitch. Did you force them to come?

No, but—

Then, you will not play the blame game. Stan and Connor knew the dangers and came anyway. There will be time to honour their bravery later. Right now, focus on getting your butt here safely.

I fight the smile tugging my lips. Yes, boss!

I can show you who’s boss when we get home.

And she’s successfully got me out my damn head. The guilt feels a little more bearable. My wolves were brave. They came to save their Luna. Their deaths will not be in vain.

We cross a bridge, and the tug in my chest feels stronger. Lexi is close.

I charge to the front of the group, scanning between the trees for my little wolf.

Then I spot her.

Mate!

She breaks out into a sprint and jumps into my arms. Our mouths crash together in a desperate kiss that takes my breath away, leaving me lightheaded.

Having her in my arms, feeling her, tasting her is everything. I groan into her mouth, pulling her body flush against mine. We’re floating, lost in a bubble—everything else fades.

Lexi sighs, content. I feel her emotions through the bond, her happiness lighting her up inside.

A fake cough bursts the bubble, bringing us back to the group. Lexi pulls away from my hold looks around, smiling at the familiar faces. I feel how touched she is that so many put their lives at risk for her.

My gaze falls on Julia, holding her arms out to hold Lexi. But her smile and tears of joy shift to a look of horror.

Then I feel white-hot fire tearing open my chest. My gaze snaps to Lexi. She coughs blood. An enchanted spear impales her chest.

Someone screams. Lexi’s legs buckle. I catch her before she hits the ground. Her eyes glaze over, and her pulse slows.

“No, no, no. Stay with me, baby,” I beg.

Uh oh! Shadow Creek wolves must be cursed. Do you think Lexi will make it?

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