––––––––

“EASY, EASY,” David said as Sarita took several deep breaths standing in the middle of the field shaking. “Focus. Is your skin itching? Is it burning? Prepare for her to come in hot.”

Sarita closed her eyes and scanned the area. Before making a complete turn, her back caught fire. She jumped, kicked out, and made contact. David boosted her energy sending Nadira flying back against the wall. She bounced off and flew forward so fast, Sarita felt the impact of the hit as she skid backward and rolled on the ground to avoid Nadira’s blows.

Sarita sensed the energy ball and threw up a shield deflecting it. Taking a moment to catch her breath, she stood and walked with the shield firmly in place.

Nadira’s eyes blazed dark blue as she pointed to Sarita. “Today you will join your mam.” She ran at Sarita who disappeared and reappeared behind Nadira, slamming the shield across the back of her head, knocking her forward into the ground.

“My mam’s standing over there,” Sarita said.

“Focus,” David snapped. “Do not listen to her.”

Sarita shut out everything except David’s voice. Using her senses, she zeroed in on every movement in the field. Taking a deep breath, Nadira’s anger stung Sarita’s nostrils.

Agitated, and walking in a small, tight, circle, Nadira growled and disappeared.

Sarita’s sensory antennas sharpened. Seconds later her back caught fire. Without thought, she dove forward, rolled and leapt up with a roundhouse kick that caught Nadira beneath the chin, sending her flying backward.

Unfortunately, Sarita didn’t throw up a shield to defend against the energy ball Nadira released just as she went down. It knocked Sarita back several paces as she fought to remain upright.

David sent cooling energy, flooding her as he urged her to throw up her shield. Nadira didn’t let up. She sent five energy balls in succession, knocking Sarita’s shield back beneath their power.

“Wait until she’s a little closer,” David said. “Then we’ll lasso her to the ground.”

Nadira laughed as she lobbed another ball of energy. “This was like taking candy...”

“Now,” David said sending a boost to Sarita who lashed out a whip of energy that wrapped around Nadira’s legs a few times. Sarita pulled.

Nadira fell to the ground unable to stand. Sarita threw several energy balls. Several made contact, others were deflected by Nadira’s shield, giving her enough time to break free of the lasso.

“Good,” David said. “Plane dance with her.”

Sarita disappeared, and reappeared behind Nadira, hitting her with the edge of the shield and disappeared again.

Nadira yelled her anger and frustration. She pointed at Sarita and flew across the field, slamming into Sarita’s shield so hard she went airborne and hit the top of the dome before hitting the ground.

Struggling to breathe, Sarita widened her shield until she could stop the ringing in her ears.

“Are you okay?” David’s voice sounded different, heavier.

“Yeah, give me a second. Knocked the wind out of me.”

“Take your time. Whenever you’re ready, kick out.” Healing warmth flowed over Sarita.

Something was off. Her skin tingled. “David?”

“Patience, when you’re ready, we’re going to kick her off you,” he said, his tone hard.

Nadira threw fast, powerful punches that should’ve broken several bones and done serious damage. Unharmed, Sarita realized she was encased in a bubble she hadn’t created. Nadira’s anger spiked to the point it was visible. Sweat rolled from her face onto the bubble and slid down. Merciless dark eyes glared down at Sarita, and fangs crested her lips. 

“This bitch is really trying to kill me.”

“She is,” David said pissed.

Nadira yelled again and used her claws to penetrate the bubble.

“Oh hell no.” Sarita pushed up dislodging her and kicked.

Nadira flew backward and hit the ground enough that she bounced.

The bubble disappeared as Sarita jumped up, took a few running steps and leapt forward, landing on top of Nadira. A red haze filled her as she punched and hit Nadira in the face over and over. Blood flew everywhere. Nadira tried to defend but the punches fell with the speed of a jackhammer.

It took a few moments for Sarita to realize David had merged with her completely. His anger toward Nadira was so great Sarita was certain he’d kill the woman and they would forfeit the contest.

Rolling to the side, Sarita forced herself to move back a few steps. “David, I need you to calm down. Anyone watching will know that wasn’t me. Help me but don’t fully merge with me like that again.”

Unfettered rage consumed him. Cold and calculating, he tried to redirect her to his enemy but Sarita refused to allow his interference. There was too much riding on this. Sarita understood Nadira had done the unforgivable in David’s mind, she had hurt his mate. For him, the penalty was death.

Sarita shivered from the force of his rage and tried to reason with him. “No, David. I have to be the one to deliver the blow. Tell me what to do, be my eyes, but don’t let her win on a technicality. Please, David. Please,” she begged afraid he wouldn’t relent.

“Don’t let her hit you like that again. I swear I will kill her,” he growled.

Seriously? Did he think she let Nadira beat her? The man was losing it. “Talk to me. How do I win this so it can be over?” Nadira’s face was healing as she stared at Sarita with hatred.

“Tyrese explained it to you. Either take her head or her heart.”

“What? Seriously?” Her stomach dropped at the idea of doing either.

“Yes. Use your claws, swipe across her neck or punch her in the chest, just make sure your claws are extended to penetrate. I’ll help.”

Sarita inhaled as Nadira unsheathed her claws and flew forward. Waiting until the last second, Sarita disappeared and reappeared behind Nadira holding her shield.

Tyrese’ warning of doing the same thing repeatedly stuck in her mind as she held the shield with both hands to block Nadira’s claws.

Nadira swung around blindly, scraping the shield and losing her footing.

Sarita leaned in and slashed her razor-sharp claws against Nadira’s neck. Blood spurted and hit the shield. Sarita backed up, holding the shield higher to keep from getting splattered.

Shock lit Nadira’s face as she grabbed her neck and scooted backward before shifting into her wolf.

Sarita’s stomach heaved at the gory sight. Looking down, she took a deep breath. “Do you yield?”

Blood pooled around the wolf’s head as her sides heaved with each breath.

“Seriously, La Patron can heal you if you...”

“No, he will not,” David growled.

“Well maybe not,” Sarita murmured as the smell of blood and gurgling noises coming from Nadira turned her stomach. Looking across the field at David, her parents, and the others, she wanted to run, to get away from the stench of death hovering over this woman.

“What now?” she asked David.

“Wait.”

Sarita’s chest tightened as she fought not to release the contents of her stomach. “For what?”

“Her death. This isn’t over until she dies.”

“I can’t watch this.”

“You’re doing fine, step away from her, walk to the middle of the field. Priestess Isodora will meet you when the time is right Don’t look back.”

Sarita straightened and walked forward until the nausea subsided and she could pretend she hadn’t just killed someone. She glanced down at her hands. Although the claws had retracted, dried blood stained her fingers. Not innocent blood, but still ...blood.

“I killed her.” The knowledge that she’d taken someone’s life hit hard. Tears filled her eyes, shame coated her throat and her body shook as the adrenaline ebbed.

“Self-defense, Sarita. She would’ve killed me if you didn’t kill her,” David said.

Jarred by his statement, she looked at him standing grim, and tall on the sidelines.

“As sure as I’m standing here, if she had killed you, I would’ve died.” He didn’t release her gaze. The truth of his words pierced her heart, canceling the shame and igniting a flame deep inside her belly, acknowledging his commitment to their bond.

Turning, she looked at Nadira, seeing her on the ground from a different perspective. By defeating her enemy, Sarita protected her mate, her den, and her litter-mate. Understanding strengthened her. She watched dispassionately as Nadira gasped her last breath.

Isodora appeared on the field, looked at Nadira for a brief second and then Nadira disappeared.

“You’ve won the challenge and saved your litter-mate from certain death,” Priestess Isodora said, standing in front of her.

“Kim couldn’t fight in her condition, it would’ve been crazy to expect that of her,” Sarita argued.

Isodora's face changed, sobered and appeared sad. “True, but others have done so in the past. It’s not always such an easy choice.”

Shocked, it took Sarita a moment to find her voice. “Wait, why couldn’t I see Jake through his disguise? I saw Kim when she was Lucas.”

“They’re mates, it doesn’t work in that situation, you and David will be able to use it interchangeably as well,” Isodora said.

“Was Kim, Lucas?” Sarita asked confused.

“Part of the time. She helped him become acclimated but there was no way he could link with you, which is an unsolvable problem when mates change forms with each other. Otherwise it is the perfect ruse, right?” Isodora said with a smile.

“Yeah, perfect,” Sarita said turning to face David. With the dome removed, everyone spilled onto the field.

“Is it over?” La Patron asked.

Isodora’s face brightened. “Yes. Sarita has honored her mam’s memory by defeating her killer. Her sacrifice for her litter-mate has released her from the curse as well.”

He nodded. “And the Inuit? They’re appeased by our efforts to leave their holy mountains?”

“Yes. All is well with them, we’ve had a good relationship with them for centuries. They appreciate you did not allow Nadira to travel over their land and limited her contact with humans,” Isodora said. “You are welcomed to return to their land whenever you choose.”

“Good. In that case, we will prepare to leave,” La Patron said.

“Yes. However, we will finish our conversation regarding Sarita’s duties, and what to expect. Her mate is aware, as her Alpha, you are entitled to be informed as well,” Isodora said.

“My son, her mate, will explain it to me,” La Patron said glancing at David who stood slightly apart with his arm wrapped around Sarita while speaking with the others.

“As you wish,” Isodora said and turned to Sarita.

Sarita met her gaze.

“I’m so proud of you. Despite your fear and uncertainty, you fought hard and saved the lives of those you loved, releasing you from the curse. We know you didn’t fight because of the past, instead, you fought for your future. One I’m sure will shine bright with love and happiness. May Salah’s blessing continue to overtake you every day of your life,” Isodora said.

Sarita’s eyes filled. “Thank you. When everything has a chance to settle and sink in, I’m sure I’ll be calling you...a lot.”

“I’ll always be available to you. Enjoy your journey home.” Isodora disappeared.

Grandfather smiled at Sarita and David and disappeared as well.

###

JASMINE TOOK SARITA in her arms and held her tight. “So proud of you. I’ve missed you so much, it’s time to go home.”

“Yes, I’m ready to go home.” Stepping back, she wiped her eyes and offered a watery smile. “I missed you more than I can say.”

Jasmine cupped her cheek and smiled.

Sarita returned to Asia and wrapped her arm around her mom’s waist. The two of them walked off the field toward the cabins, followed by the women, Quinn, Storm, and Adam.

David, Hawke, Silas, Tyrone, and Tyrese, watched them leave before turning to David.

“You almost blew it,” Tyrese said pointing at his younger brother.

“I would’ve done the same thing,” Tyrone argued. “I doubt I would’ve allowed Rose to fly across the field like that.”

“Did you smell Sarita’s fear?” Tyrese asked running his hand through his hair. “Scared me.”

“Yeah, but she used it to her advantage, Nadira got cocky,” Tyrone said.

“I sensed your assistance twice,” Hawke said watching David closely. “Were there others?”

“Quite a few times,” Silas said. “He was smooth, real smooth like a master magician. You did good, really good.” Silas hugged David and slapped him on the back a few times.

Jasmine smiled at the pride in Silas’ voice. During the fight, standing on the sidelines, they’d all been yelling support and instructing Sarita on what to do. It had been loud and emotional.

Everyone except David. He never groaned when Sarita was hit or shouted support when the tide turned or said anything. Instead, he appeared aloof, with his hands clasped behind his back as if he watched a game on the large screen. Even after Sarita delivered the death blow, David remained quiet as the rest of them cheered.

Jasmine knew David felt things deeper than any of his siblings. This fight weighed on him on many levels and he simply chose not to respond to anything external. Who knew what was said or done between him and Sarita during the fight.

“Really?” Tyrese sounded surprised. “I only picked up the time when he beat her face in. There were others?”

David looked at Tyrese and smiled. “She’s my mate, what do you think?”

Tyrese and Tyrone smiled.

“True, very true. Like Dad said, real smooth. You’ll have to teach me that poker face routine,” Tyrese said clapping David on the shoulder.

“It’s no routine,” Adam said walking up. “It’s David. Always has been.” He hugged David and slapped him on his shoulder. “Gotta say I’m glad that’s over and Sarita’s coming home. It’s past time for that chapter to come to a close. Happy for you, man.”

David embraced Adam for a few seconds. They stood close, side by side.

Jasmine touched Adam’s cheek and smiled. “Are you staying until after the wedding or are you and Bella returning to the team?”

“Bella wants to go to the Compound. I have a game between now and the wedding, so I have to go back. Tomas wants to come to the wedding, so we’ll probably fly in right after the game.”

David laughed and told them he and Adam discussed sending Lucas to stay with Damian and Matt since they had experience with teens.

“Who?” Tyrese asked.

“Turns out Lucas was Kim who was Jake, Kim’s mate,” Tyrone told Adam. “Wonder how they did that body transfer thing?” He looked at Silas.

“According to Isodora, changing forms is a skill given to Salah’s descendants who train as operatives. I’m not sure she was all that surprised when Salah discovered the ruse. If Sarita hadn’t mentioned not being able to link with Kim during practice, things may have gone differently,” Silas said.

“Considering all the other things she can do, that’s impressive,” Tyrese said looking at David. “The two of you make a powerful team.”

David looked at his father and shrugged. “We’re both processing everything, lots of stuff happened in a short amount of time.” He looked a Hawke. “Sarita returning home, mating with me is the most important thing in my life. She’s always has been my heart.”

Hawke placed his hand on David’s shoulder. “We’ve always known that, son.” They turned and walked toward the cabins, with the twins and Adam.

Silas pulled Jasmine close and kissed the top of her head. “Ready to go home?”

“I suppose.”

He looked at her.

“It’s really beautiful here, crystal clear waters, stunning mountains in the distance, nature at her finest. Unspoiled.” She sounded wistful.

“You want to stay another day?”

“I’ve got all of my children with me, whole and healthy. We could celebrate first and then go home,” she said.

“Here or...”

“I’d prefer to share a bathroom with just you if possible,” she said in a dry tone “Someplace close to both the water and the mountains. Have Jacques find something. When we get back, Renee’s wedding will take precedence with all the guests flying in and everything. Before we get swamped, I’d like a day to spend with my kids and closest friends.”

“Your sister’s going to be angry you didn’t invite her,” Silas teased.

Jasmine thought of Renee and shrugged. “These are my kids, my best friend, and my decision. Contact Jacques and then tell Adam to remain another day. I don’t think he’ll mind.”

Silas took her hand as they walked behind everyone else toward the cabins. “I told Jacques, he’s working on it. There are several places, finding one to hold all of us is the challenge.”

“He’ll find us something,” Jasmine assured him as she leaned in for a kiss. “We’ve got great kids, let’s invest some time in them to let them know how much we appreciate them.”

He nodded slowly. “Never quite thought of it that way, but you’re right. We’ve never had all six together on an adult trip, with or without their mates.” Silas looked at her. “This is another reason I need you in my life, to help me see the obvious. It just never occurred to me to do this. But as they leave, it’s important to nourish our bond.”

They stopped as he pulled her close, rocking her from side to side. “Very important to let those we love, know how much we love them,” she said softly, correcting him. “Actions matter.”