Adda opened her mouth to speak, ignoring the tremble she felt. The last time she attempted, the truth did not turn out well for her. Still, if the woman found interest in the orb, perhaps Scet could be tempted with the same information, maybe even enough that he would help her get to it. She could definitely see the benefit of having his help along the way, she hadn't even made it to the mountains on her own without finding trouble.
She studied his suspicious expression with a good dose of wariness. It would not be easy to keep her condition to herself.
This is a bad idea. Nex reminded, as if his opinion was going to change her mind.
“I'm looking for an...”
A sharp shadow fell across the ledge, which was odd, because they were well above the majority of the canopy. If she looked out toward the forest she could scan the tops of the trees. A few branches reached up to their level, but not above it. Not high enough to block the sun, which had risen to nearly directly overhead.
Even more concerning was the size and solidity of the shadow. It disappeared quickly, but something had definitely passed over them, and it wasn't a cloud.
She tried not to let her imagination run with the possibilities it could be, better to react once she was certain. But several images ran through her mind, each one worse than the last. A factor, she guessed of spending a little more than a week with the world trying to kill her.
Her heart leapt about like those monkeys in that tree the night before. She craned her neck, studying the remainder of the cliff. It towered above her, twice as high as they had climbed already. Whatever flew over must have gone over the top.
“You saw that right?” she asked.
Scet's scowl wasn't leveled at her any longer, he aimed it upward now.
“Oh good,” she looked back at the cliff-top. “I would hate for it to be my imagination.”
“I would rather it had been your imagination.”
If possible, the sexy timber of his voice turned even sourer. Joyful this man was not.
When I chose you, I didn't think you would come with attachments. Nex seemed as put out as Scet, but his comment made little sense to her.
“If you're climbing up, you'd best be quick. Illaise is less than a mile off, and given her supply of curses when I flew over, she's not happy with you, Shifter. I'm sure she'd love to use you as target practice while you hang on this cliff,” a jovial voice called down from above. A head popped over the upper edge, topped with blond hair. Amber eyes looked down at them from between two tall stones, assessing the situation.
“We are not climbing up,” Scet informed him. Adda, personally, was a little more concerned about the man's declaration about Illaise. The Alpha? The woman was hunting her, as Scet had assumed.
The blond head tilted, a lopsided grin giving his face a boyish charm. The interested glint in his gaze as he re-assessed her gave truth to that lie. That, was a look of seduction, cast without thought, as if it were instinct to do so. There was no boyish innocence in this man.
“Fair enough,” he countered. Then he did something Adda did not expect. He jumped.
A distressed squeak escaped her lips before she could stop it. Her stomach leapt into her throat and she had the insane urge to try to catch him before he splattered upon the forest floor. Of course, from this height he would only kill her, too.
The instinct was unnecessary, it turned out, because half way down, his form exploded into the shape of a Dragon. A golden Dragon, with scales that shimmered in the sunlight as if he was made of the precious metal.
Adda shuddered. The process of a Dragon's change had always seemed violent and painful to her, and the great beast, itself, was no better. It had taken most of her life to come to see the Dragons as unique individuals, but to her they all had the same cold stares. The same potential that the Lord might lose his control and the beast would snap.
While she had been sorting through her thoughts, the Lord had managed to land below them and transform back to himself. It was her turn to poke her head over from above.
“Where are we going, then? And will it require my Dragon's strength, or my more...manly talents,” he waggled his brows her direction, “in battle of course,” he winked.
She blinked.
It was almost too much for her tattered emotions to handle. Where had these two come from? They obviously knew each other...not to mention the pack hunting her...but even for a Dragon Lord, the blond was impeccable. Such virility didn't just happen everywhere, and here were two prime examples.
“We aren't going anywhere. The woman is going to the Aerie, Bloodbriar will have Lisrith there by now.”
“No, I'm not.” Adda stopped staring at the Lord below her and gave Scet her full attention. His face was a neutral mask, but he narrowed his eyes as she spoke. “I thought I made that clear,” she added, just in case he thought she appreciated his interference.
“Still don't have much luck with the women, hey Shifter?”
The Lord's tone was joking, but Scet tensed, one of the muscles in his shoulder twitched, likely due to the fist he was making at his side.
“You'll have to forgive this Shifter,” the blond continued, either oblivious, or uncaring of Scet's reaction to his teasing. “His time isolated in the wilderness hasn't done much for his charm.” He flashed another smile in Adda's direction, a knowing smile, proving there was nothing wrong with his charm.
“I can understand your reluctance to travel with such a dour companion. If you'd rather an enjoyable escort, I'll be happy to carry you to the Aerie.”
“I'm not...”
“She won't be carried anywhere, not by you,” Scet interrupted. He had adopted a neutral, uncaring tone, but somehow authority still dripped through it.
Adda glanced at the Lord. Dragon's were temperamental creatures, and powerful. Physically, they could tear apart a Shifter before they could blink. In fact, she hadn't seen a race that could best them, not without massive advantage in numbers. If they were not tied to more delicate creatures for breeding, they might fly far from all others and be free of danger, or perhaps be the worst type of ruling race. Either way, it was naturally best not to aggravate them. Adda knew, with more certainty than she cared to have, that the Lords only had so much control over the beasts that shared their souls.
This Lord seemed unperturbed, though, the amber of his eyes still dim with lack of concern. Maybe the Dragon was asleep and hadn't heard the insult. She had no idea how the symbionts worked. For her, when she was a wolf, she was still herself. What she gathered about the Dragons was that, when the beast was loose, it was more like riding as a passenger in their minds.
A convenient fact that excused the Lords for the beast's actions. Like the Dragon that had taken her father. Six knew Lis had never gotten over that night. Of course, she had witnessed the 'accident,' as it had been later termed. Adda had only heard about it. A tough thing to swallow when one was four and a little ironic that Lis ended up mated to one, actually, but there had been no scent of fear in the air. It was her willing choice, and if a man had won Lis over, then he must be very worthy indeed.
The Lord's shrug reminded her that her thoughts had wandered once more. She could really use a deep restful sleep. One lacking in dreams, preferably.
“I hardly answer to you, rogue.” He stretched long muscled arms above his head and began working his neck back and forth. It looked like he was performing the stretches that the warriors were given before practice...or battle.
Glory driven as he seemed, Adda hoped he was preparing for nothing.
“Besides,” he continued, moving on to rolling his shoulders. The display made manly ripples across his pectorals, the firm bulge of the muscle moving with an almost hypnotic grace. “The woman is clearly uninterested in returning with you. We have the same goal, you should be thankful for my offer.”
Beside her, Scet muttered something indistinguishable beneath his breath. She might not have been able to make out the words, but his intent was clear.
“Do you want to climb down?” the Lord—she should get his name, she decided, it felt odd referring to him as the Lord, even in her mind—called up to her. “Or perhaps you would prefer if I fly up? I'm not sure my Dragon can land on that ledge, magnificent as he is, but he might be able to scoop you up as he flies by...”
Instantly, all she could see was a vision of great claws crushing around her, trying to lift her into the air from an unstable position. That was quickly followed by a slow and detailed imagining of what would happen if the beast lost its grip.
“Ah...,” her stomach did some exercising of its own.
“You misunderstand, I will not allow you to take her. The last time you were in charge of a woman's safety, she wound up bleeding out in a clearing.”
Adda blinked back at Scet. He had moved over to the part of the ledge that they had climbed up. These two definitely had a history, and it didn't sound encouraging.
“Perhaps I lost her, Shifter, but I did not piss off my Alpha by mating her.”
Mating? He was mated? An odd twinge of disappointment joined her confusion.
No, he couldn’t be mated, she would have scented such a thing. And her imagination wouldn't have gone off on such a tangent; it was shameful to lust after a mated Shifter.
Adda focused on the ground at her feet and inhaled, which was silly. She had her nose pressed against his back while they had climbed and she hadn't detected a mated scent, she wouldn't do better now. Notes of forest and cedar, things that were earthy and wild, those she caught, a mixture uniquely his, but no hint of a mating.
She eyed him. He was staring furiously down at the Lord, but he was not denying the man's words. What kind of knotted web were they weaving? Whatever they spoke of, it wasn't going to be of help to her little problem, except that it served to remind her to keep her interest...and lust, to herself.
“I wouldn't have had to mate her if you hadn't lost her. You are not in Firestriker's good graces, either.”
Adda struggled to keep her mouth closed, tossed between confusion and outrage. What kind of way was that to talk about a mating? Even one that wasn't ideal?
“And that is why I will protect this one. You already took more risk than is necessary. Why leave Illaise to chase her through the forest?”
Scet didn't answer, but he had turned his head and glared down at the Lord, who returned the look with equal force, a flash of amber lighting his eyes. They held each other's gaze for a long while, long enough that she wished she knew a way to diffuse the situation. Scet broke the contact first, but Adda had a feeling he hadn't given up, just realized how pointless it was.
He turned to her, instead, raising his brows, expecting her to join him.
The pang of misplaced jealousy goaded her, she didn't have any claim on him—Six, she didn't even know the man—and she considered refusing his aid for a moment. Somehow thinking about pressing herself against him once more poked at her pride.
She sighed inwardly. As if she had any pride left to lose, and she needed his help. She studied the rocks. Even after resting, there was only one way she was getting down...well, two if you counted the Lord's alarming suggestion. After a moment, she made her way over to him, then, remembering the climb up, latched herself firmly against his back and held on as tightly as she could without cutting off his breathing.
It took several long minutes to make it safely to the ground, and it was no less terrifying than the trip up. Even Scet looked a bit piqued when she finally released him and stepped quickly away, giving herself some space from the warm tanned skin that had just been rubbing intimately against her breasts and thighs.
Oddly, the Lord said nothing, his possessive attitude not trickling over into cliff-climbing, Adda guessed.
Subtly, she straightened her spine, gathering her thoughts and courage. It wasn't as easy as when she was wearing clothes, but one couldn't be choosey when finding themselves in such situations. Somehow, she was trapped between the differing opinion of these two warriors, and she did not relish the position. Neither was interested in helping her specifically, only some sort of reward they sought for returning her. She really didn't have friends.
You were warned.
Shut up Nex.
“Well,” she smiled tightly, cursing the tears that burned at her lids; there was no reason for crying, it wasn't as if she didn't already know she was alone. “This is all very impressive and obviously you two have some issues to sort out. I wish you well with that, but I will be on my way now.”
“No.” The resounding answer came from the Dragon Lord, but Scet reinforced it by stepping into her path, physically blocking her passage unless she wanted to climb back up that cliff, or scuttle through the hand's width between two tree trunks.
Apparently they could agree on something. Too bad it was not something in her favor.
A howl startled the birds from the trees, and Adda jumped, slamming her back against a sharp stone. That's what she got for being cowed into a tiny space and letting her nerves get the best of her. Since when had she jumped at the slightest noise? The call of the hunt was distant still, but far too close for comfort, and now, she assumed, they had her scent. The pack was closing in, time to finish up.
“I am not going to any Aerie,” she told them, this time she did meet Scet's eyes, and then the Lord's.
“Well, you can't stay here. Illaise isn't going to sit down and have a friendly chat, not in her current mood. You really pissed her off, rogue.”
Scet frowned, “She was pissed before I got to her.”
For some reason Adda couldn't discern, both men looked at her.
“What?” she demanded. She had done nothing to the woman.
Scet was the first to shake his head, dismissing whatever thought he'd been having. “Illaise wants to clean away any trace of the creatures, but she is ruthless, killing innocents along with the damned in her crusade...”
Adda tried not to flinch, but the word damned hit her like a punch to the gut. Damned implied there was no hope for her, and she desperately wanted there to be hope.
He scanned the forest as if he might see past the first few feet inward. Nothing even twitched in the tangle of plants that surrounded them. “She is determined to kill the woman simply for her mistake of being in the cavern. I will get her to the Aerie where she can be better protected.”
The Lord frowned and Adda had a feeling he would argue...again. She didn't have time for a discussion.
“Adda,” again she drew the attention back to herself. Which was only fair, since she was the one being discussed. “My name is Adda, not 'the woman'. And I am not going to the Aerie, at all. I am heading west.”
“Why?”
“No.”
The men spoke at the same time, the Lord tilting his head in that charming way he had. Scet simply narrowed his eyes menacingly.
“No,” he repeated. “I will return you to your sister. Whatever else you've got in mind can wait. This is no time to be wandering the forest.”
“I am not going...and you can't make me.”
For the love of Six, she sounded like a petulant child. Where did he get the impression that he could make decisions for her? The arrogance.
He stepped closer, imposing on her space, again, attempting to intimidate her. She could almost feel the warmth from his body, and having his naked person so close to her own brought those irritating lustful feelings shooting straight back between her thighs.
“You don't think so?” he threatened, his voice low and husky. He met her eyes in a direct challenge.
It angered her that her first impulse was to back down, to let him have his way. That she liked the idea of him having his way.
She knew that part of it was her Shifter blood, the instinct that kept pack life peaceful and its members from being expelled and forced to go rogue, and part was her oddly placed lust for the man. But this time, such capitulation would cost her life. She only had a few days, she wagered, before she would lose the most important aspects of herself, before Nex would win. She needed to find a cure before that happened.
“Why are you heading west?” the Lord asked once more, casually, as if he hadn't a worry in the forest. Adda supposed he didn't really, given that he could simply fly up and away from trouble. As always, the Lords were unapproachable, the only proof that they had any vulnerability at all was the way they behaved toward their mates, if they ever let them past the most guarded sections of the Aerie. Personally, Adda had never met a Dragon's Mate...except Lis, for she supposed that was what she now was. Those of the Onyx Aerie were far too protected and limited for a mere Shifter child to have encountered.
“Why does it matter?” Scet was growling. “Your goal is the same as mine. See her to the Aerie safely.”
“Oh, I intend to,” the Lord smiled, but the amber of his eyes was glowing now, “but I didn't say anything about going immediately. I might be convinced to take a circuitous route, if someone were to give me a good enough reason,” he flexed a little, suggesting any form of fight would be a good enough reason.
He met her eyes, not flirting any longer. There was a sharp awareness there, too, at odds with his casual attitude, that she hadn't quite expected. He was not the fool he first appeared to be.
Adda hesitated. Maybe she could get the Lord on her side. If she could convince him, at least then Scet would have no choice but to let her go. An odd guilt pulled at her with that thought. Scet had been the one to rescue her, and for whatever reason, she was drawn to the man. She couldn't help but find it disappointing that he would probably become disgusted and leave her to her fate.
That would be good for her. She had no need for further complications, especially where her wayward attraction to a mated man was concerned. The more he left her alone, the better; her battered senses were far too vulnerable to him.
She ran a hand over her face, pushing back the long auburn tangles that would need some attention soon. There wasn't much she had to bargain with at the moment, not with so much death closing in around her. Maybe the Lord would be interested in the orb.
It almost got you killed and you want to try it again?
That's the definition of optimism right?
It's the definition of insanity. You will be happy to know that when I gain control of this body, I'll do a much better job of keeping it safe than you do.
Adda forced an image of one of the creatures at him. Keeping her body safe...did he think she was an idiot?
He grunted unhappily. That is only necessary with unwilling donors.
I am unwilling. And I think the word you're looking for is victims.
He sighed morosely. It hasn't always been so.
Oh? They weren't always victims? Or those having their eyes torn from their heads and being bled to near death had another term?
Nex didn't answer. Either she had won the argument...unlikely...or he had something else to focus on.
The pack.
Both men sensed it, too. The Dragon Lord twisted, adopting a ready stance.
“Strale,” Scet called in warning. “You cannot fight them.”
“Why not? I owe her no loyalty.”
“Maybe not. But you cannot simply murder Shifters following orders. We should be on the same side.”
“That depends. If they are trying to kill me, I put them firmly on the opposite side.”
“They follow Illaise, as unfortunate a choice as that is, and you do owe loyalty to your General. He will not take kindly to you killing his mother, Dragon Lord.”
The Lord—Strale—deflated a little.
Adda pinched the bridge of her nose. What world had these two come from? It was as if they were throwing random relations around and it was impossible to decipher.
Her patience was running thin and she was a little concerned that Scet seemed to want to protect both herself and the woman trying to kill her.
“Great. It seems as though everyone knows everyone. Maybe you can all sit down and have a nice reunion, sort out some problems. In the meantime, I need to be going.”
The two men stared at each other, glares of distaste almost palpable. It was odd to be ignored like she wasn't there, but as long as they were busy...
She stepped around Scet, prepared to shift.
A firm warm hand shot outward, wrapping around her waist and halting her progress. Tingles spread from where he touched, a vibrant, alive awareness that stole all thought except for that his fingers were warm, and calloused against her skin. Small bumps rose along her arms and, to her chagrin, her nipples tightened.
He's mated, she reminded herself, heat rising to her cheeks, something her body didn't care about. Fortunately, no one else seemed aware of her problem.
“I will lead, north for now, we can debate our destination later.” There was no evidence Scet was affected as she was by their touch, which was exactly why she needed to get a hold of herself. Gods, it was no wonder Bakkus had taken advantage of her so easily, she really was a fool.
Scet met her gaze. Not a challenge, but a question. Would she obey?
Adda hesitated, torn between having a traveling companion, protection, and striking out on her own, where her thoughts would be clearer.
“I cannot be focused on our safety and worry that you will do something idiotic,” he told her.
“Well, how can a girl not agree to such flattery?” she muttered dryly.
“I told you I would be much more pleasant.” Strale smirked, then twitched, tilting his head. If there was something there, Adda should have heard it first, Shifters having the more sensitive ears. But the warmth spreading from where Scet's fingers still sat against her skin had arrested every other thought.
“Go,” Strale added. “I will confuse the scent, make them think we're heading east toward the Aerie. It should fool Illaise temporarily...if she doesn't stop to think for too long.”
Not a very reassuring statement, but Adda supposed it, and the offer for temporary protection, was the best she was going to get. They were still far enough south that traveling straight north would not put her out of her intended route too far, she hoped.
“How are you going to confuse the scent?”
“Don't ask him that,” Scet grunted, “and don't shift...the path we are taking will require our human forms.”