Jill woke up in the same jet she’d been in before when she’d been kidnapped, only now it wasn’t just Shark and Fido she had to deal with. The quiet man who’d clawed her shoulders was also present, still at her back in one of the seats behind her.
She glared at the remaining jerk in a chair across from her, who she suspected was half the reason her sperm donor even existed. He confirmed her suspicions when he introduced himself as Decker Filmore.
“You’re going to get my clan back for me, and help me accomplish a lifetime goal.”
They had her tied like a mummy, with ropes encircling both her and the chair she sat in, winding from chest to ankles. “You know, for a jacked-up family who never wanted anything to do with me my entire life, this is all kinds of fucked. You understand that, right?”
Decker just placidly smiled. “I didn’t know about you, or I would have killed your mother right after your birth and brought you home. You wouldn’t be the foul-mouthed woman you are today. I’d have taught you to respect me.”
“He’d have beaten you into submission,” Fido growled.
She didn’t spare him a glance since he sat somewhere behind her. “Did you hear that? I think a dog is talking. Someone grab a camera, hit record, and we’ll be trending on Twitter if you post it. It’s a miracle.”
“Goddamn bitch!” Fido snarled.
“Sit down,” Decker commanded. “She knows what buttons to push. What is Twitter?” He looked to the shark for clarification.
“Ignore her remarks. Jillian is rude, and she tends to say things that don’t make sense in her sad attempts to make one feel stupid.”
“I don’t have to attempt anything. Stupidity is a done deal in your case.” She flashed him a smile, since he sat in front of her.
Decker glanced at his watch. “How long until we land? I want to call Aveoth and get this over with. I almost wish I could watch him kill my enemies.”
“We’ll finally make those traitors pay…and do it from the comfort of the jet.” Shark also glanced at his watch. “Soon. We’ve already crossed the border into Alaska.”
“Aveoth won’t do what you want.” Jill wiggled, trying to loosen the ropes, but they had no give in them.
“We should drug her again.” Shark flashed his white teeth in his own evil version of a smile.
“I agree. Anything to avoid staring at you two.” She tensed her legs, pushing on the ropes. “I noticed you’re not doing a chimney impression this time. I take it the jerk you serve doesn’t like smoking?”
“Do not call Decker a jerk!” Shark snapped.
Decker leaned forward in his chair, his gaze fixed on her. “Aveoth might want me to prove she’s still alive. No more drugs. You remind me of your grandmother. My mate had no respect for me either—and I killed her. I’d keep that in mind.”
“I’d say I’m shocked but…so not. All you Filmores are losers. Too bad you didn’t extend that murder streak to the rest of your family so none of you are left.”
Deep growling sounded from behind her.
She put her head against the seat and sighed. “Your doggy sounds like it might piss all over or chew up your expensive plane. I vote that we open a door and toss Fido out.”
“I’m going to fucking kill her,” Fido snarled.
“Sit down and shut up, Boon!” Decker ordered him. “I won’t allow you to fuck up my plans because you have no control over your temper. This bastard child is going to be the downfall of our VampLycan enemies. All four clans will bow to me or they will die. Aveoth will do whatever I say because he wants her blood.”
She swallowed hard, not liking the pure bliss that crossed Decker’s face with that little rant. He really wanted to kill a bunch of people. It sickened her that they were related by blood. “You’re wrong. Dimwitted and delusional, too.”
Decker cocked his head, studying her too close for her comfort. “I don’t believe what you told Cole. I do, however, think that you probably did seduce one of his GarLycans into running away with you. That will make Aveoth want you even more. He and I are a lot alike in regards to seeking vengeance against those who’ve done us wrong. He’ll make your life a living hell, Jillian, and enjoy every moment he pays you back for betraying him with one of his own enforcers.”
There was no way she could allow Decker to use her against Aveoth. He had a lot of pride and honor. To do the bidding of a heartless prick would kill him inside. Aveoth had offered her everything he had by mating her. She needed to do everything in her power to outthink these bastards.
They were in the air, and VampLycans didn’t have wings. One glance assured her the cockpit door was closed. It meant the pilots would be safe if she could somehow get the cabin to decompress and force them to make an emergency landing. That couldn’t happen unless she got out of the ropes.
A plan formed, and Jill tried to look terrified over Decker’s words, even purposely making her hands shake.
Decker noticed, and smirked. “I almost pity you. I hear GarLycans love to chain women and keep them locked up in dark caves.”
Fido barked out a laugh.
She turned her head and arched her back enough to spot him over the headrest. “What do you think is funny, dog breath? I’d prefer being kept in chains inside a dungeon any day over being near you. At least a real man would be fucking me. You’re never going to be able to touch me. What a poor, sad puppy you are.”
He lunged out of his seat, right at her. She automatically flinched but expected the attack. Fido really did have anger issues and no control. He’d want to make her pay for that taunt…which hopefully meant getting her out of the chair first.
“Goddamn it, Boon!”
The infuriated VampLycan ignored Decker, his claws slashing at the ropes. His other hand dug into her arm, trying to drag her out of the seat at the same time. It happened to be the arm attached to her injured shoulder.
Agony ripped through her and she fought not to pass out. That wasn’t part of her plan.
* * * * *
Aveoth paced in his office, ignoring the steady gazes of Kelzeb, Fray, and Chaz. They’d arrived back at the cliffs an hour before but Decker hadn’t called. He should have.
“What if they’ve killed my Jill? She’s so human. What do they know of drugs? They could have overdosed her. I smelled the VampLycan who had threatened to rape her. What if Decker couldn’t keep him leashed? She’d have fought him, and she’s so fragile!”
“Don’t torment yourself, Aveoth.” Kelzeb stepped in his path. “Decker is too much of a greedy fuck to harm her. He needs your mate to get what he wants.”
“He’s insane and has no honor,” Aveoth shot back.
“I’d go with Kelzeb’s theory here,” Fray said. “We all know Decker will stop at nothing to get payback on the VampLycans he hates. He’ll treat your mate as if her ass is made of glass.”
“We’ll get her back,” Chaz stated firmly. “Decker is toying with us. He’ll contact you.”
Aveoth pushed Kelzeb out of his way and resumed pacing. “His demands are going to be unreasonable.”
“They always are.” Kelzeb snorted. “He’ll want his clan back, and he’ll try to push you to go to war with the other clans to take out his competition. Same as always. It might be a good idea if you put them on alert and let them know he has your mate.”
“No.” Aveoth shook his head. “Some of the VampLycans in Lorn’s clan are still loyal to Decker. We keep this between the four of us and do whatever is necessary to get my mate back.”
“She’s not giving off the calling. That’s the good news.”
Aveoth stopped pacing and glowered at Chaz.
“I apologize. I was just thinking about how things could be worse. Not all of Decker’s enforcers are mated. She’d drive them insane with her needy scent if you hadn’t strengthened the bond.”
Aveoth suddenly stilled and closed his eyes. “I feel her!” He rushed to the open balcony. “I can sense her. She’s getting closer.”
The three GarLycans had followed him outside. Kelzeb moved in front of him. “How far?”
Aveoth had to concentrate hard. “It’s difficult to tell, but at this stage of our mating, she has to be less than five hundred miles away.”
“It means she survived the drugs they gave her.” Fray raised his hand. “High five. That’s something to celebrate.”
Aveoth rumbled at him. The enforcer dropped his arm to his side.
“Sorry, my lord. One worry down though. Always look for a bright side. She’s alive, and closer than we thought.”
Chaz punched his twin’s arm. “Shut up. You’re not helping.”
“Close your eyes and try to focus on her. I know this is new but you can do it, Aveoth.”
He listened to Kelzeb and tried to clear his mind, closed his eyes, and mentally reached out toward Jill. He wouldn’t be able to pick up her thoughts, but Gargoyles had the ability to link to a mate’s location if they were within range. The distance varied by the strength of the bond. He regretted not having her drink more of his blood, silently promising to fix that mistake once he safely got her back home.
“She’s closer.” He turned slowly to the right but then stopped, adjusting to the left a tiny bit. His eyes snapped open and he pointed. “She’s in that direction.”
Fray nodded. “Decker is bringing her back here. He’ll probably use the landing strip. We should go there and be waiting.”
“Attack them when they land and take Jill,” Chaz added.
“I can call twenty of our men to go with us. We’ll take down anyone Decker has brought with him while you go after your mate.”
He nodded at Kelzeb. “It sounds like a good plan.”
Aveoth’s phone rang and he snatched it from his pocket. Kelzeb stopped him from accepting the call. Aveoth growled at him.
“Don’t seem too eager. They believe we’re cold, that we don’t bond to mates as strongly as they do. Remember what they presume to know about us and use it to your advantage.”
He hated everything his best friend said but it was solid advice. He gave a sharp nod and cleared his throat before answering the call. “Lord Aveoth here.”
“I have something that you lost.”
Aveoth allowed the cold to seep into his bones. He’d played this game plenty of times in the past with Lord Abotorus and the council. “I told you to never call me again, Decker. You don’t learn.”
“I’ll kill Jillian if you threaten me with death again. I can put it on speakerphone and make you listen as she draws her last breath.”
His wings ripped out of his back. The pain helped to keep him from threatening to tear out Decker’s throat for even saying those words. “You don’t have her.”
“I do. I’m sending you a photo by text.”
“Let me talk to her if you really have her.”
Decker snorted. “I’m not giving you that satisfaction. I want a face-to-face meeting with you and we’ll negotiate her return.”
“Put her on the phone now or I’ll assume you’re a liar. Prove that you have her or I hang up.”
The silence drove Aveoth crazy.
Decker finally sighed. “I would, but she pissed off Boon. He struck her before I could stop him. My granddaughter has quite a mouth on her. She’s alive but unconscious. I sent the picture. Look at it. That’s your proof. I want to meet with you face to face. You try anything and Jillian is dead. You might be able to fly but you don’t have the ability to heal someone who’s torn to pieces. That’s how you’ll get her back if you don’t do exactly what I demand. Are you listening?”
Aveoth had to relax his hand so he didn’t crush the phone he held. “I am.”
The spiteful prick had the nerve to laugh and sound happy. “There’s a set of large boulders to the northwest of the landing strip, about a mile into your territory next to a clearing. Do you know where I speak of?”
“I do.” Aveoth ground his teeth together.
“We meet there in twenty minutes. You go there. She’s dead if you aren’t on top of that boulder. I see an aerial attack coming and she dies. You try anything and—”
“She dies. I am not a moron, Decker.”
“Whatever you’re planning won’t work, Aveoth.”
“That’s Lord Aveoth to you.”
Decker chuckled. “Perhaps I should have you call me Lord Decker, since I have what you want. We’ll be at the clearing in twenty minutes. Any aggression and you’ll never get your hands on Jillian.” He ended the call.
Aveoth handed the cell phone to Kelzeb so he wouldn’t smash it. “Did you hear all that?”
“We did.” Kelzeb tapped the screen and grimaced at whatever he saw.
Aveoth had forgotten about the photo, and he wasn’t certain he wanted to see it. “Is it Jill?”
His friend turned the phone—and Aveoth stared at his mate. She was tied to a plush leather chair, her head tilted to one side, and a red mark showed on her cheek where she’d been struck. A little blood stained her lower lip.
“I’m going to kill them all.”
“We will kill those fuckers.” Kelzeb sounded just as furious as he felt.
“He’s going to force me to do his bidding. I can’t risk Jill’s life.”
“Decker will underestimate what the four of us can do. We’ll think of a way to save her before it reaches that point.” Kelzeb held his gaze. “We’re smarter.”
“I feel sick from worrying about her,” Aveoth admitted.
“That’s natural. We’ll meet with Decker and get her back. Whatever it takes.”
“Yes.”
“They aren’t going to play fair so we lie our asses off if need be,” Fray chuckled. “I’m down with that. It might not be the most GarLycan thing to do, but look who we’re dealing with.”
* * * * *
Jill had woken again while she was being dragged off the jet. It was daylight now, the sun high and bright, and she got a clear view of the landing strip. It was a long, paved road with trees lining both sides about sixty feet from the pavement.
It was Cole who kept hold of her, forcing her to move. She struggled to lift her feet as she shook herself further awake…and then a heavy weight on her chest finally caught her attention, and she looked down. “What the fuck?”
The shark’s tone implied he wasn’t any happier about her predicament than she was when he confirmed, “It’s a bomb.”
“Have you idiots totally lost your minds?” Her hands were tied behind her back and she struggled to catch her breath. She had a bomb strapped to her chest. “You’ll all die if this thing goes off.”
She twisted her head, looking back to find Decker. He kept about ten feet of space between them.
“I don’t think that’s far enough. Want to come closer? I’m taking you with me if I go boom.”
“Shut up.” He waved what looked like a TV remote in his hand. “It won’t go off unless I push this button.”
“Why don’t you wear this stupid thing if you want to commit suicide? That’s what you’re doing. Who was the idiot who built it? Did they even know what they are doing?” She really hoped it was just for show, but one glance at Shark’s grim expression made her feel even more fear. He looked scared…which mean it was probably real.
“It’s the only way Lord Aveoth won’t attack us. He does and you end up dead,” Decker snapped.
“I’ve been kidnapped by clowns and their crazy ringleader.”
“Shut up,” Decker repeated. “Or do you want Boon to hit you again? I wouldn’t mind letting my enforcer drag you to our meeting place. Keep your legs moving and your mouth closed.”
I have a bomb strapped to my chest. Oh my God. Jill wasn’t one to panic, but then again, she’d never thought she’d be a walking explosion, either. “Are you terrorists now? Maybe you watched too many Road Runner cartoons as a child, you think things blowing up isn’t as dangerous as it seems?”
“Be quiet!” Shark hissed. “Everyone is already on edge. We’re meeting with Aveoth soon. If he wants you, he’ll agree to our terms.”
She studied his face instead of where she was going, and it almost made her trip on a clump of dirt, causing her to stumble. Cole caught her, and the fear he couldn’t hide seemed to notch up higher.
It gave her an idea.
“You’re the smartest one of the bunch, aren’t you?” She kept her voice low. “Grab the stupid remote before that moron gets us both killed.”
He ignored her and kept forcing her forward.
“This day has completely turned to shit and it’s just getting started.” She just hoped it wouldn’t be her last. The trees thickened as they walked through the wooded area. Her hip still hurt enough to make her limp and she was pretty sure she’d dislocated her shoulder, from the way sharp pains jabbed through her every time she moved it. Yeah. This is definitely making my top ten list of absolute worst days ever in my life.
Four shapes came into view as they left the trees and entered a clearing. Jill locked her gaze on Aveoth as he and three other winged men from his clan waited on a massive boulder above them. She felt a little safer seeing all those faces. Kelzeb and Fray were with him, as well as Chaz. Relief hit hard and fast. Chaz looked pretty great for someone who’d been shot and fallen down stairs.
The shark released her but Boon took hold of the straps at her back, effectively keeping her in place when they came to a stop. He leaned in and spoke close to her ear. “Don’t try to escape. You wouldn’t get very far before he pushed that button.”
“I’m not a moron. There’s nowhere to go that the signal won’t reach. We’re in an open field with big boulders in front of us.”
“Bitches are stupid,” he huffed.
“And you have bad breath. Back off, Fido.”
She closed her eyes for a moment, wishing more than anything that her hands were free. She’d love to scratch out his eyes. He wouldn’t dare hit her back. One punch and she’d go down, possibly triggering an explosion. He would die in the blast with her.
“I’m here,” Aveoth thundered, his voice deep and loud.
“Don’t try anything,” Decker shouted back. “If any of those GarLycans attack us, you’ll get my granddaughter back in about a thousand pieces. See this device in my hand? I push the button and she dies.”
Jill turned her head and glared at the son of a bitch who kept boasting he was her grandfather. “You’ll go with me, genius. How many times do I have to say it?”
He glared back. “Shut up!”
Boon gave her a hard shove but kept hold of the straps, so she just stumbled.
She didn’t have to chastise him in any way. Decker beat her to it. “Don’t do that!”
Boon let her go. “Sorry. She pisses me off.”
She wanted to give Aveoth a hint of the story she’d made up, so she called out to him. “I’m surprised you even showed, Lord Ass-oth. Did you come to kill us all? I told these idiots you wouldn’t give a damn about me after I ran off with one of your hot guys. They still believe you’ll do anything to make me your blood whore. Even though I pointed out the one time you bit me, I bit back. I still smell like you. Gross for me!”
Aveoth folded his wings behind his back and crossed his arms. He was a smart guy. She hoped he’d follow her lead. He didn’t let her down after a few long seconds.
“I do hate to be refused. And I’m not happy that you caused one of my men to betray me. Perhaps you’ve changed your mind about giving me access to your body?”
“Those guys on the left look like the one we shot,” Boon whispered.
She hadn’t thought they’d recognize Chaz. “Do you see the two who look alike, standing next to each other? They’re twins. They used to be triplets. Should I tell them you’re the one who killed their brother? I bet that would make them play fetch with your throat.”
Decker inched closer and drew her gaze. “Stop provoking Boon. I didn’t give you permission to speak.”
“You’re going to blow me to hell anyway, so what does it matter? I hope he loses his temper, that way I take all of you with me.”
A muscle in Decker’s jaw flexed. Jill wasn’t sure if it was from anger or fear.
The shark stepped up. “Lord Aveoth won’t risk losing the bloodline,” he whispered. “He’s addicted. We have the upper hand. He won’t risk her life, so stick with the plan.”
That’s the rub. It irritated Jill, too. Aveoth would do anything to protect her. She couldn’t allow Decker Filmore to win. He’d force Aveoth to let him come back to Alaska, to torment and murder VampLycans. Her mate would have to abide not only because of his honor, but to avoid losing her.
Decker cleared his throat and faced the boulder. “I’m here to make a deal with you. I’ll trade you my granddaughter in return for—”
“Hell no!” Jill yelled. “I’ll just run away again with the next guy who’s willing to fly me out of here!” She couldn’t allow Aveoth to make promises he’d have to keep, promises that would end up costing lives he’d never forgive himself over. “Don’t bother making that trade, bat boy. I’m never going to let you fuck me or drink my blood!”
She inwardly winced at her words, but she needed to convince the men holding her that she and Aveoth didn’t like each other. She’d never forget the night she’d met him. He couldn’t kill Boon and Cole. He’d hated them, but he’d had too much honor to break his word. Decker Filmore wasn’t going to use a good man’s character against him to win. Not today…not if I have anything to do with it.
Decker grabbed her by the throat with his free hand, his fingers closing tight. “Do you think I won’t push this button?” He waved the detonator in her face. “You’ll be the first to die if Lord Aveoth and his men attack because of you.”
She couldn’t talk or breathe until he eased his hold and let her go. Air filled her lungs again as she gulped huge breaths, glaring at Decker. The crazy was written all over his face—but she also saw desperation. She mentally ticked off what she’d learned about the man. He was greedy, stupid, selfish, and had no qualms at all about fucking anyone and everyone over. He’d even admitted to killing his own mate…
Ah ha. Bingo.
Jill cleared her throat before whispering, “I want something out of this deal, or I’ll remind him why he doesn’t want me. You think he won’t do anything to make you push that button?” She arched her eyebrows, staring down her so-called grandfather. “You want me to cooperate? I’m looking at having to climb into bed with,” she jerked her head toward Aveoth, standing on the massive boulder, “scary dude. You think that sounds fun for me? No would be the answer. He turns into rock, does this freaky thing with his eyes like some walking lightning ball, and he called me a fucking concubine. That means one day he’s going to find a wife and toss my ass aside. I’ll be broke, and probably really old, judging from his shitty personality. No woman would be eager to hook up with him. I’d rather die right now than face that kind of future. I piss him off enough and your leverage is gone. He’ll want to push that button himself.”
Decker would understand greed, and she was good at dealing with assholes after the life she’d led in her bid to survive.
“He keeps a treasure room. I saw it. There’s this huge diamond about the size of my fist. It has to be worth a fortune. I’ll be set for life.”
Decker’s eyes narrowed, a calculating look in his gaze. “You want me to obtain it and hold it for you?”
Yeah, he thinks I’m that stupid. “No! I wouldn’t trust you as far as I could throw you. Bat boy up there will never agree to give it up unless I trick him. It’s some kind of artifact that means something to Gargoyles. He wouldn’t even let me touch the damn thing, yelling about some sacred oath to protect and guard it. I want to be rich when I get free, and that chunk of sparkle has to be worth millions. I’m willing to nail anyone if enough money is involved. You want to rule the clans and get the big guy off your back. I get what I want, and I’ll promise to be bat boy’s fuck-and-suck doll until he tires of me. He’ll make whatever deal you want if I say the word.”
Decker leaned closer, smirking. “We are blood.”
That sickened her. She was nothing like him, but she forced a matching smile. “I was raised dirt poor. I’m not going back to that shit when I get out of here. So, do we understand each other?”
“Perfectly.”
“Good. Let me talk to him then.” She was the one to back away and looked upward, meeting Aveoth’s gaze. “I’ll tell you what, big guy. I’ll agree to whatever you want on one condition. And you’ll want to agree if you want me in your bed or hope to get a drop of my blood, so listen close.”
Aveoth cocked his head, studying her. “What is it?”
“You have to give me a gift for agreeing to let you bite and bed me. Your word that it’s mine, and that I can walk away alive and unharmed when you’re done with me. Otherwise I swear I’ll blow myself up.”
He frowned. “What do you want as a present?”
She hesitated. “You have to give me the object I desire most, and you have to swear above all other oaths that it’s mine, regardless of any you make hereafter.”
“Why that condition?” Decker hissed at her.
She glanced at him. “Do you think his wife will want me to have it? She’ll probably demand my death. That term will keep me breathing.”
Decker nodded. “Smart.”
It took effort to not roll her eyes but looking at Aveoth again helped. “That’s the condition.” She glanced at Decker. “Tell him you’ll kill me if he doesn’t agree to my terms.”
Decker moved next to her, touching her shoulder as if they were pals or something. Jill struggled with the need to jerk away.
“Make her the promise of a gift and the oath, Lord Aveoth. You want and need her blood. I’ll kill her if we can’t reach an agreement on this day. She’s the last of Marvilella’s line. There are no more granddaughters to offer you. If she dies, you’ll be forever bereft of the pleasure you seek.”
“Do it, bat boy,” Jill urged. “Trust me. I’ll be so worth your while. I’ll rock your world, and I promise to never run away again.”
Aveoth said nothing, watching her.
“Come on,” Jill urged. “You heard him. I swear on my life to submit to you from now on. Everyone wins. Say yes.”
Aveoth glanced at Kelzeb, both of them grim-faced. Kelzeb shrugged. Aveoth shifted his stance and dropped his arms to his side. “I agree.”
“Now you must agree to my terms.” Decker stepped forward. “Your promise that I get to return to my clan—and you must end the lives of my enemies first.”
Aveoth’s rage was clear as he snarled, his hand gripping his sword. “You want me to slaughter the other VampLycan clans for you?”
“I deserve to lead them all!” Decker yelled.
“Just say yes!” Jill urged him. “Naked. Blood. You and me, tonight. Doesn’t that sound fun, big guy?”
Aveoth stared at Jill. She nodded slightly at him.
“I agree…against my better judgment.”
“I want Lorn first,” Decker demanded. “Bring me proof of his death.”
“Um, excuse me, but there’s still a bomb strapped to my chest,” Jill reminded Decker. “We’ll all friends now, right? I get what I want and you get what you want. Take this thing off me.”
Decker hesitated.
“You either believe him or we stand here forever. He gave his word. It’s what you wanted. I’m still right here in blast radius if they attack. We’ll wait together while one of them goes after this Lorn person you want killed. Get me out of this getup!”
Decker nodded to Boon. The jerk began to unfasten the straps at her back and cut the bonds off her wrists. She carefully removed the vest and handed it to the scarred thug. “Here, Fido.”
He snarled as he took it.
“Don’t antagonize him, Grandchild.”
She wanted to tell Decker what he could do with his orders. The weight of the explosives being gone made her breathe easier. She held out her hand. “I want the detonator.”
“No.”
“Fine. Keep the damn thing, but if you push it, we all die. Remember that.” Jill looked back at the GarLycans. “I guess we’ll all stand around here while Aveoth has his number-one man go snatch the prey.” She met and held Kelzeb’s gaze. “You should do that right now, Stone Garden. Snatch the prey.”
He hesitated but nodded. “I will.”
“Lorn is to die first, then I want ever other clan leader dead,” Decker yelled.
Kelzeb cut a sharp look to him. “I heard your demand.” He spread his wings and ran off the edge of the large boulder, going airborne. His strong wings flapped, taking him into the air, gained altitude as he soared over the VampLycans.
Jill inched away from Decker and his men. They all turned to watch the GarLycan in the sky, making sure he was going in the right direction, not paying attention to her.
She heard gasps, and knew what was coming—Kelzeb must have already circled around.
Jill spun, sprinting for her life. This was going to probably hurt like a son of a bitch, but she raised her arms high. She prayed that they wouldn’t throw the vest at her.
“What is she doing?” That baffled shout came from Shark. “Get her!”
Flapping sounds drowned out her ragged breathing as she ran as fast as she could, and then fingers locked around her wrists. She was violently torn off her feet, pain wrenching up both shoulders. If it hadn’t been dislocated before, she was certain her shoulder was now. Tears blinded her and she blinked them back fast, watching the trees rush at them, but Kelzeb gained altitude as she dangled in his hold. He flew higher. The fall would kill her if he let go.
“What the hell are you playing at, Jill?”
“Just take me to Aveoth and get ready to dive if that stupid vest blows up. A moron probably put it together, so I wouldn’t be surprised if anything sets it off. Will an explosion kill one of you if you shell first?”
“Doubtful. Decker wanted us high where he could see us but those boulders provide cover if we need it.”
“Hopefully we won’t find out.”
“Aveoth will want me to take you to the cliffs where you’ll be safe.”
“I’m not leaving yet! Those bastards kidnapped me for a second time. I’ll stand behind one of you guys but I have to speak with Aveoth.”
“I’m going to release you. Stiffen your body and I’ll catch you. I’m afraid I’ll break your feet if I land with you this way.”
“Don’t you dare!”
He let her go and Jill screamed, watching the ground rush up at her. Going rigid wasn’t difficult to do while falling like a stone in the sky. Kelzeb slammed into her from behind and wrapped his arms around her ribs and hips. Her stomach heaved at the way he braked their sudden fall by jerking her upward as he flew.
“Not cool,” she hissed, as soon as she was certain she wouldn’t puke.
He had the audacity to laugh. “Are you injured?”
“Maybe a little, but most of it happened earlier. Good grab-and-fly, though.”
He slowed, twisting them in the air, and lowered until they landed on the boulder a few feet away from Aveoth and the GarLycan twins. She stared down at Decker and his goons. They appeared pissed off and confused.
“He gave me his word!” Decker bellowed. “You can’t kill me.”
“Calm down.” Jill wiggled in Kelzeb’s arms, and he gently allowed her to slid down his body until her feet touched the boulder before letting her go. She didn’t look at Aveoth, afraid she’d lose it and just throw herself at him, she was so happy to be near him. She’d had serious doubts of surviving long enough to be able to do that again. “I just wanted to be far from that vest. I like my body in one piece.”
“Jill,” Aveoth softly rasped.
She finally met his gaze. “You promised me a present.” She made certain the jerks below could hear her. “You swore to give me what I want, regardless of any other promises you made. Remember?”
“I do.”
“Great. I want Decker Filmore’s head as a gift.”
She glared down at Decker to witness his shocked reaction. His mouth had fallen open.
“I figured you’d fall for pulling a fast one on someone else. You really are as dumb as I thought. Try telling Aveoth who to kill without a voice box.” She ran her finger across her throat and then flipped him off. Her gaze went to Aveoth next.
“Do you really want me to bring you his head?” Aveoth arched one eyebrow.
“No. I just want him dead.”
He broke their gazes, glancing at his men.
“They are fleeing,” Kelzeb warned. “Running for their lives. I’d like to take down the one called Boon. I didn’t like the way he touched our lady. I also didn’t miss that shove he gave her. He needs lessons on how to treat women.”
“Be careful of the bomb. He’s got it,” Aveoth warned.
“Not anymore. He just dropped it.” Chaz snorted. “He’s probably worried Decker will panic and hit the button and accidentally blow him up instead of us.”
“I hate suits,” Fray muttered. “They look so uncomfortable. What kind of VampLycan wears them, anyway? He must be crazy. He needs to be put down for the good of all kind.”
“I want the dopey-looking one who never said a word.” Chaz chuckled. “Just for the fun of it.”
Aveoth grinned. “I shall bring you Decker’s head. Stay here.”
“I won’t be upset if you drop it somewhere from high up on your way back. Just saying.” She grimaced. “Really.”
“A promise must be kept.”
She understood. “You have to actually bring me the head, huh? I can live with that as long as he’s dead. Be careful.”
“Don’t move. This won’t take long.” He released her and backed away, turning to his clansmen. “Let’s hunt. They don’t leave alive.”
“It’s about time,” Fray grinned. “Shithead season is on!”
Aveoth jumped, his wings sharply expanding and flapping. His men followed him into the sky and Jill watched them go. She caught a glimpse of Decker and his enforcers running through the woods. Boon shifted, dropping as he ran, parts of his clothing falling off his changing body.
“Go get them and come back to me safe,” she whispered to the wind.