Understanding flittered across her mind with a sickening certainty. “They wanted to force your shift, which would allowthem to take you both as prisoners, so I would have no choice but do what they want.”
Fucking assholes.
Both men growled in denial.
“Go,” Ryder snarled, the amber eyes of his wolf glowing in defiance.
Not fucking happening.
No way in hell would she leave her men behind enemy lines, and she narrowed her eyes, not about to let anyone get their claws or fangs into them.
She touched Ryder’s chest, and the spell shattered like cracked glass. He inhaled sharply, picking her up and crushing her against him. His whole body trembled, even his wolf giving a tiny whimper at the thought of her being taken from him. She slid her hand to the back of his neck, her touch seeming to calm him…until she whispered a demand in his ear. “Set me down.”
A vicious growl rumbled in his chest, and his hands tightened around her. His claws prickled along her hips, the tips imprinting into her flesh, but they stopped short of drawing actual blood. She kissed him, forcing her tongue into his mouth, and he responded slowly. Once he got a taste of her, he bent her backwards, devouring her.
She reluctantly broke the kiss, pressing her forehead against his shoulder to catch her breath, his fresh green scent tasting of freedom. When she stepped away, she turned toward Caedmon and touched his arm.
If she concentrated enough, she could feel the wolf deep within him snarling at being contained, bright red lines of the spell like chains binding him. Even as she watched, the metal thinned as he fought his way free, a golden light chafing against the links, but it would take him a while.
She grabbed the chain and yanked, and the spell disintegrated at her touch like she’d swiped her hand through smoke.
Much to her surprise, the instant he was free, Caedmon wrapped her in his arms and pulled her close, a tremor running through him that made her stomach tighten in awareness. He ranhis hands down her back, subtly checking for injuries. This close to him, he smelled like plums in a way that made her mouth water. Underneath was a second scent that reminded her of a wood burning stove on a cold winter morning that urged her to linger and snuggle close.
Only when he was satisfied that she was unharmed and untouched by the magic did he set her aside and stand to his full height. The calm that was so much a part of him was now gone, torn away as rage darkened his face.
A deadly warrior stood before her, and she’d swear that the lines of his tattoo darkened, the air around him thickening with magic. He gave her a smile that was pure vengeance and held out his hand in silent invitation. “What do you say we make the alphas regret thinking they could play games with us?”
She placed her hand in his, a spark traveling up her arm at his touch, and smiled up at him. “I like how you think.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
CAEDMON
They entered the ranch house, Ryder leading the way toward the back. Morgan expanded her senses, but the whole building felt empty…all except one spot where the alphas waited for her, ready to pounce like she was a lamb sent to slaughter.
She would show the fools the dangers of playing with her and her men, so they would think twice before doing any such thing in the future.
Ryder threw the door open wide and marched into the lion’s den, a vicious growl rumbling in his chest. He was more wolf than man at this point, the compulsion to keep her safe riding him hard. She entered next, and the temperature in the room dropped drastically. At the far side of the room, five men sat at what looked like a judge’s bench, each scowling in condemnation.
The rest of the room was empty, almost stark with the lack of any furniture or paintings. The exception—one wall was completely made of glass, giving a wild and majestic view of the oceans beyond.
Until you looked deeper.
The waves were dark and turbulent, threateningto drag you to the bottom of the ocean…much like the alphas. The window was obviously done on purpose, a not so subtle intimidation tactic.
Fear us.
Obey us.
Or we will destroy you.
A throat cleared, drawing her attention back to the alphas on the opposite side of the room. Carrington was seated on the far end, a massive scowl on his face. Next to him were the two other alphas who had summoned them.
There were five in total.
They were handsome and charismatic, each of them very alpha and demanding, their animal magnetism both repelling and drawing her to them.
“Miss Moran.” The severe tone cut through the room, and she straightened, slowly turning toward the inquisition…because that was exactly what the meeting felt like.
