Chapter Eight

“What are you doing here?” Seth asked, placing Blythe behind him.

“I’m wondering where you’re taking my mate,” Killian snarled, reaching past Seth for Blythe. She gasped and jerked backward. She wanted nothing to do with him at the moment. He’d embarrassed her in front of Carrie and Walker and had spat on all her beliefs in finding love.

“She doesn’t want to be around you right now,” Seth snapped. “You were a complete ass to her and deserve this.”

“What I said was the truth,” Killian straightened.

“You don’t know how to love?” Blythe called over Seth’s shoulder.

“Love?” Killian scoffed. “There is no room for love. Love is a weakness. It gives your enemies something to hold over your head. It makes you foolish. I will never love anyone.”

“You’re a monster,” Blythe muttered. “I won’t be used. I don’t want you anymore. I’ll get the guards to let me leave or I’ll find someone else. I won’t be with someone that won’t love me and treats me like crap. I thought we had a moment earlier, but apparently you were just playing me.” Blythe’s felt like her heart was broken. She’d opened up earlier, giving Killian part of herself, and he’d taken it and basically crushed her and didn’t care.

“That mark on your neck says you belong to me.”

“Marks fade and can be replaced,” Seth told her. Blythe hadn’t known that, but that was good information to have.

Killian’s eyes darkened and he elbowed Seth in the face, pushing him out of the way as he went after Blythe. No one was going to take what belonged to him away. She bore his mark and therefore belonged to him and was supposed to do what he told her. Shifters were the greater species. Humans were weak and only brought hardships to all shifters. That was what his dad had told him from birth. Killian hadn’t asked to be in the Running, but as the fates had it, he’d been thrown into the mix. When he found Blythe, there was something about her that told him to claim her and keep her safe. Now he was pushing her away and had even hurt her. It pissed his tiger off and they were waging an inner battle.

“Blythe, run! Get to the second floor and find Walker.”

“Stop!” Killian was jerked to a halt by his brother’s hand on his shoulder.

“Go!” Seth commanded. Blythe turned and ran. She heard the sounds of fighting behind her and pushed herself to go faster. Part of her wanted to make sure that they didn’t kill each other, but Seth had told her to run. Blythe was also scared of Killian in his current state. What had happened to him?

She saw the door marked stairs and pushed it open. She started down the stairs as fast as she could, almost tripping toward the beginning. She skipped some and touched every other one. She made it to the third floor before she heard the door open above her. She screamed and went faster than was actually safe. Luckily she made it safely to the second floor and threw the door open. The noise of the door slamming against the inner wall echoed down the long halls. She ran down the hall, screaming for Walker.

Doors opened and heads poked out behind her. She ignored them. Up ahead, a man came out of a room. She ran toward him. “Excuse me, where is Walker?” she asked, trying to catch her breath. Any second, Killian would catch her. She had to hurry and no one seemed to want to help.

“Who are you?” the man asked. He looked behind her and his eyes widened. “What the fuck is going on?”

“Walker!” Blythe shouted. “Carrie!”

Just then a blur leaped over her head, the air tickling the back of her neck, and the stranger was tackled to the ground. The man’s eyes darkened and he grabbed the tiger by the throat. He threw the tiger down the hall away from them with his legs and then jumped to his feet. He shifted immediately into a black bear, standing between the tiger and his prey. He roared and stood on his back legs.  His claws were razor sharp and Blythe bit her lip to keep from calling out for them to stop. She needed a distraction to get away, and this was the perfect chance. No way was she going to ruin that.

She turned to run, but was stopped. A door opened and an arm jerked Blythe into the room. She went to scream, but quieted when she saw it was Carrie. She felt a sob well up and circled her arms around her newfound friend’s waist.

“Don’t let him take me,” Blythe begged. Her racing heart was loud even to her own ears and she tried to calm down.

“Walker, do something!” Carried pleaded, looking up at her mate. She was scared for Blythe. Something was seriously stuck up Killian’s ass right now and she wasn’t safe around him.

“Blythe, has Killian claimed you?” Walker asked. He looked angry and his fists were clenched at his sides.

“What?” she asked, looking up at him, tears streaming down her cheeks. She sniffed, hoping her nose wouldn’t run. That was all she needed.

“Have you had sex?” he asked.

“No!” Blythe denied. What did that have to do with anything? Why had he asked that? She blushed and hid her face in her hands. “He’s only marked me.”

“Then he won’t be taking you away. I’ll keep him away. Carrie, don’t open the door for anyone. We’ll keep Blythe safe. I’d heard that Killian was a jerk but this goes above and beyond. He’s not going to treat a potential mate this way. If he won’t cherish you, Blythe, then we’ll find you someone who will.”

“Be careful,” Carrie called after her mate. He was so overprotective when it came to Carrie’s safety and other females in duress. It was one of the things that drew Carrie to Walker.

“I’m so sorry,” Blythe whispered. She felt bad for dragging Carrie and Walker into her troubles. She’d only just met them and, to her, putting all of this on them was kind of rude. But she hadn’t expected Killian to chase after her and cause problems either.

“Shh! It’s okay. This isn’t your fault. Is this about earlier?” Carrie asked.

“Yes. He doesn’t believe in love. I called him a monster and he flipped. He told me that love is a weakness and anyone that loves is foolish.”

“I’ve heard stories about Killian. He’s had a rough past.”

“Everyone says that, but that isn’t an excuse! He can’t keep hurting people!” Blythe leaped to her feet. “Oh no! What if he killed Seth?”

“Blythe! Calm down, dear. Seth can handle himself. It takes a lot to kill a shifter,” Carrie told her. “He’s fine. Walker will take care of Killian and then we’ll find you a mate that cares about you and will cherish and love you. Do you like bears?”

“I… I don’t know. I don’t understand what happened,” Blythe told her. She pulled back and leaned against the wall. Carrie sat on the ground and Blythe slid down the wall to join her.

“Talk to me.”

“He was being so gentle and amazing at first. This guy tried to rape me and Killian protected me. He killed him and got hurt. So I bandaged him up. Well, that night we slept in the same bed. I woke up to a nightmare and was screaming in my sleep. Killian immediately threw himself over me thinking someone had broken into his room. Then, when he figured out what happened, he pulled me against his side and rested my head on his chest. He also placed my hand on his heart and put his hand over mine.”

“He sounds sweet. Not at all like the man in the cafeteria.”

“Yea, well, now he’s not. He is a completely different person. Something we said or something he saw had to have made him snap.”

“I wonder what could have happened. It sounds like something must’ve set him off, but I’m not sure what it would be. Maybe it was seeing the way Walker and I interacted, but no one knows except Killian.”

“Maybe that’s what it was. But gosh, Carrie,” Blythe sighed. “I had asked him what a mark was and how it was given. He explained it to me and then he marked me! It was amazing, but Carrie, I’m so new at this. I don’t understand my body’s reactions or what to do. My mother tried to talk to me, but it was too awkward. I’m completely innocent when it comes to men.” Blythe hid her face in her hands after her admission, embarrassed by her lack of knowledge. She did know that what Killian did to her earlier was amazing. He’d only marked her, warning her that it caused pleasure. At first, she hadn’t believed him, especially when his teeth initially sunk into her flesh. But then… Then she felt amazing.

“Oh my,” Carried sighed. “Being with a shifter is intense. They’re very passionate and demanding in the bedroom. They also like to dominate and you have to submit. They can lose control sometimes, but Walker would never hurt me. No matter what. If I tell him to stop, he would. That’s the kind of man you want for your first time. Killian seems dangerous and not that kind of man. I really think you need to find someone else. The mark can be replaced with someone else’s. It will heal over time and disappear. A mate will constantly mark their partner to keep the bite in place for everyone to see. If Killian doesn’t bite you again, someone else can and they will replace it. Every mark is different and leaves a bit of the shifter’s scent imprinted on your skin.”

“I don’t know, Carrie. Things are moving so fast. I really just want to go home. I miss my family,” Blythe muttered, throwing her hands in the air before burying her head in her knees as she pulled them close to her body. She was exhausted from all the stress, even after her nap earlier.

“I know it’s hard, but the sooner we find you a mate, the sooner things will settle down. An unmated female causes deaths and fights. Men will literally fight to the death over you if you don’t choose someone. You need a gentle but strong shifter. One who will protect you and make sure you’re loved. If Killian won’t step up to the plate, we’ll find someone else. Walker won’t let anything happen to a woman.”

“Thank you. I feel so bad for throwing my problems on you.”

“It’s nice to have a friend. Most of the other girls don’t like me, or their mates won’t let us mingle. We’re pretty even on all the floors. My only friend ended up getting pregnant and dying in childbirth. Her mate is taking care of their son, but I help out a lot because he’s not himself while grieving. The baby is almost two months old now and growing fast.”

“I’d love to meet him!” Blythe loved children. She just knew she wasn’t ready for any of her own. Apparently, that’s all Killian wanted from her. Her face fell into a frown and Carrie immediately tried to cheer her up.

“I’ll take you there tomorrow.” Carrie wanted to see the baby anyway, so why not take Blythe with her? The woman needed some cheering up. Being in the Running and then finding out your new mate is a jerk would be rough on any woman.

“I can’t wait to meet him. What is his name?” Blythe asked, trying to stay focused on the conversation and lesson her thoughts. Right now her thoughts only made her sad.

“They named him Charlie. He looks like his daddy.”

“Cute name. Is he a bear?” Blythe asked, leaning back and stretching out her legs.

“Yes. He lives down the hall from us. He’s a good friend of Walker’s.”

“I have a question,” Blythe blurted out.

“Yes?”

“Is there one person in control of each of the shifter groups? Like, do they have an alpha?” Blythe was curious because she remembered someone mentioning it, but couldn’t remember who had. It may have been Lorna.

“There is an alpha, but he doesn’t necessarily control everyone. There are Council members that are in charge of huge decisions or when a shifter becomes dangerous to those around him. The three strongest shifters make up the Council. At least that’s how it is here on this floor.”

“Thanks, that makes sense. One person would have to be super strong and crazy to want to lead all of these shifters.”

“That’s the truth.”

“I told Seth I’d ask my family to send some more medical supplies if they are able. Or to talk to someone that could help. I hate that your friend died in childbirth. It makes me not want to have a child if everyone keeps dying.”

“It didn’t used to be like that, but as the times have gone on and this place has gone further downhill, the supplies aren’t being restocked and more and more women are dying. It’s terrible but no one seems to care.”

“Shifters are people too,” Blythe admonished angrily.

“I know! No one outside knows what is going on in here. It’s terrible and sickening. Oh and I don’t know how you’re going to let your family know. They don’t let us write them and we never get the letters they write us. We’re secluded in this place. I’m sorry if you didn’t know that.”

A knock on the door startled both of the girls.

“Hello?” Carrie called.

“It’s me,” Walker called from the other side. Carrie jumped to her feet and opened the door. Walker walked into the room and Carrie gasped.

“What happened to you?”

“He didn’t want to go nicely. Took a few men. He seems to really want Blythe back,” Walker met her eyes. Blythe looked at the floor.

“I’m so sorry for all this trouble. I’ll leave,” Blythe headed toward the door. Walker slammed it shut and moved in her way.

“No way am I letting you anywhere near him. He’s crazy and stupid. You’d make any man a great mate. He’s blind and needs to be taken down a few levels.”

“But all this trouble is because of me. You’re hurt because of me. I’m more trouble than I’m worth,” Blythe muttered.

“You could make one of my men very happy. They are pissed by what I told them. They want to kick Killian’s ass. A lot of them are single and looking for a mate. We could find you a perfect match,” Walker told her.

“I guess I could meet them. There’s no harm in chatting,” Blythe smiled softly, though it didn’t reach her eyes. Her mind kept replaying her moment earlier with Killian. Part of her wanted to give him another chance. Maybe she could teach him how to love and that loving someone wasn’t a weakness but a strength.

“You and Carrie can have the bed. I have some things to take care of. Get some sleep and take a shower. You need to relax and be ready for tomorrow, because tomorrow we find your new mate,” Walker smiled and then kissed his mate. He turned and left the room, leaving the two women behind.

"I don't wanna force anyone out of their own bed!" Blythe spoke up.

"It's fine. Walker is gone a lot and I'm used to sleeping alone. You're fine," Carrie smiled sadly, staring at the door.

"Why are you alone a lot?" Blythe asked as the woman went about getting them some sleep clothes. Carrie handed her a pair of pajamas before answering. She’d completely forgotten the bomb that Carrie had dropped before Walker came in about not getting to hear from her parents.

"Walker is on the Council," she said as if that explained it.

"And why does that mean you sleep alone?"

"He's busy doing whatever it is they do."

"That's dumb. You don't even know what he does?" Blythe quickly changed, turning her back as Carrie did the same.

Once they were both changed and lying on the bed, Carrie reached over and turned off the light. Blythe was silent, wondering if Carrie would answer her.

She closed her eyes, and the first thought she had was wondering where Killian was and if he'd give up so easily. Did she want him to give up? Wouldn’t that prove that he had to care, at least a little bit? No, that just means he thinks he owns me. I will not be owned by anyone. I am not a possession. I am a living person.

"I'm scared, Blythe!"

Blythe turned to lie on her side, her eyes going where she assumed Carrie was lying. "What are you afraid of?"

"I want to tell him, but I'm scared of his reaction," Carrie replied vaguely.

"Tell him what?"

"Blythe, swear you won't tell."

"I swear! Now tell me," she demanded.

"I'm pregnant..." she whispered.

"What?! And you haven't told him? How far along are you?"

"I think two months. I haven't started showing yet," Carrie replied.

"I think you need to tell him," Blythe told her friend.

"He has enough on his plate. I don't wanna add to it," she argued.

"Carrie, this is huge. We need better medical supplies more than ever," Blythe stated. "There's no way I'm gonna lose you!"

"I'm scared," she whimpered.

"Walker loves you. I've seen the way he looks at you. I want a relationship like that. You'll be fine!"

"I'll tell him... eventually."

"No, tomorrow morning!"

"Fine!"

It grew quiet and Blythe's thoughts went back to Killian. Was he okay? Why hadn't Walker said where he was or what happened?

"What will happen to Killian? Did they let him leave?"

"He's probably in one of the holding cells."

"Holding cell?" Blythe sat up. "What are they gonna do with him?"

"He'll be fine! Let's go to sleep. Tomorrow we'll introduce you to some handsome bears."

"Carrie, tell me. What will happen to him?"

"Blythe, leave it."

"If you don't tell me, I'll go find out myself," she said and started climbing out of the bed.

"Wait," Carrie grabbed her arm. "They'll just make him an example. Shifters are extremely territorial and don't like other shifters coming around. They get aggressive. They're going to show Killian they're no pushovers."

"They're going to beat him?" Blythe was shocked.

"Blythe, we have to stay out of shifter business." Carrie didn't release her arm, fearing Blythe would do something rash.

"Carrie, this is my fault!"

"He was an ass to you and you're defending him! He was going to hurt you," Carrie snapped. “Why in the world would you go back to him? There are other males that want or need a mate. Pick someone else.”

"I don't want him beat up because of me! I have to find him and make them stop." Blythe jerked her arm free and jumped to her feet. "Where is he?"

"Blythe, I'm serious! Don't you do it! Please, there are serious repercussions."

"Carrie, tell me where he is or I’ll tell Walker you're pregnant," Blythe threatened.

"You play dirty," Carrie hissed.

"Tell me, please!"

"He's to the left, last door on the right," Carrie muttered. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

"Thank you! I wasn't really going to tell!" Blythe called as she stumbled through the dark room toward the door. She found the lock and unlocked it, opening the door. She peeked into the hallway and turned to let the light shine over Carrie’s form.

"You're crazy," Carrie called softly.

"I owe him, Carrie. He kept a man from raping me," Blythe told her. Carrie stared at her in silence.

"I understand. Just be careful. Please don't get caught," she commanded. Blythe nodded.

"I'll try!"

Closing the door behind her, Blythe turned and walked down the hallway. Every little noise had her on high alert, but she didn't pass anyone. She wondered how late it was and if everyone was asleep or if she was just lucky.

She got to the end of the hall and turned to the last door on the right. Surprisingly, it opened easily. She peeked inside. Seeing no one, she stepped inside and locked the door. She turned around to a barely lit room.

She heard someone cough and jumped. She placed a hand over her racing heart and looked for signs of life. She saw something on the ground move and covered her mouth to keep from crying out.

Stepping toward it, she tilted the lamp to shine on the moving form. She gasped and almost dropped the lamp when she saw Killian.

"Killian! What happened?"

Killian moaned and turned just enough for her to see his face. His eyes were both swollen and one was completely closed. There was a gash on his cheek and another on his eyebrow. His lip was split and a trail of dried and fresh blood disappeared down the side of his mouth and to his neck. That was just the damage to his face. Blythe was afraid of seeing how badly the rest of him was hurt.

“Get out of here,” Killian mumbled. It was almost too low for her to hear. She leaned toward him and brushed his hair out of his face. He stared at her with his one opened eye. Her heart went out to him. This was all her fault. Yes, he’d been a complete ass earlier, but he’d been pushing her away. Maybe there was a reason behind it. She’d never find out unless she got him out of here. They couldn’t kill him or hurt him even more; she wouldn’t let them.

"I'll get Seth! Hold on!" She got to her feet and turned, slamming into a hard chest. Fingers gripped her arms roughly and she was jerked backward. She looked up and winced.

"What the fuck are you doing in here?"