Consumed

Chapter 25

Jordan rubbed a hand over the scruff on his jaw. He hadn’t showered, and Katie’s scent covered him. No way would he shower her off. He’d left her sleeping, making sure not to awaken her—making sure she couldn’t follow him. Deep down, he was almost disappointed he would miss her explosion of temper.

“Don’t shave on my account,” Talen muttered as he eyed the far tree line.

Jordan shrugged, his gaze on the cliffs dropping to the ocean. “Considering chances are I’m about to turn into a beast, I figured, why bother.” Not the truth, but oh well.

“Right.” Talen sniffed the air, rolling his eyes. “Right.”

Vampires could smell as well as shifters.

Jordan turned, checking out the sniper positions to the south. The sun had disappeared and the moon would make an appearance shortly. His neck itched. The muscles along his spine ached with the need to shift. “I have about an hour before I need to lock myself in a room and hopefully keep my head from exploding. Do you mind if we hurry this up?”

“Sure.” Talen surveyed the door beyond the courtyard. “All nonessentials will be in the lower level. Guards on every level. Max and his team will cover the kids, who we’ve decided to keep in the playroom on the tenth level along with our mates.”

“Good move.” The playroom would keep the kids busy, and the tenth level was the most secure. “Escape routes?”

“We have tunnels leading from there to land, sea, and air options. If Max needs to retreat with the kids and nonsoldiers, he’ll make the decision as to direction at that time.” Talen checked his weapon. “Kane thinks you’ll be able to beat the moon.”

“He does?” Surprise lifted Jordan’s brows.

“Yes.” Talen frowned. “We need another front line—the door isn’t secured enough.”

“Yes, it is.” Even in despair, Jordan felt like grinning. “Kane didn’t say I’d survive.” Talen was actually using positive reinforcement with him. Probably Cara’s idea.

Talen lowered his brows. “The idea makes sense. Mating changed Katie, it’ll change you. You just needed more time.”

Yeah. In a fairy tale. Jordan nodded, giving his friend what he needed. “I think you’re right. I’ll be fine.”

Dage stalked outside, a digital tablet in his hand. “You’re not going to believe this.” He punched in buttons. “Your buddy Gerald has aligned with the demons. He’s in Scotland and is demanding you step down.”

The king flipped the tablet around and a form began to take shape on the screen. Jordan stepped forward, waiting until the panther could be seen clearly. “Gerald. What the fuck are you doing?” The time for diplomacy and manners had long passed.

The panther raised an eyebrow. “Figured you’d be dead by now.”

Asshole. “Thanks for the support—I’ll keep it in mind.” Jordan fought to keep his temper leashed. The closer the moon came to rising, the stronger the beast within fought against its shackles. “If you thought I’d be dead, why are you making stupid demands?”

The panther’s nostrils flared. “I don’t see what’s stupid about the king wanting his brother returned alive.”

Dage growled low. “You know where Jase is?”

Menace tinged the panther’s smile. “Yes. Kill Jordan and his bitch, and I’ll make sure you get your brother back.”

How did Gerald already know about Jordan’s mating Katie? If he survived the moon, he was hunting the leak. He kept his face placid, his voice bored. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“We know you mated the handicapped shifter.” Gerald stepped close to the screen, his features distorting. “We also know the second you die, she will be squired to safety by Noah Chance. I’m not playing hide-and-seek for the next decade until finally killing the lioness.” He looked past Jordan. “I know where your brother is. Jordan is going to die anyway, as is Katie. Make it easier on all of us. Kill them both.”

Anger swept through Jordan, his bones enlarging, the beasts within fighting to get out. He struggled to contain himself. “I’m going to kill you, Gerald.”

Talen grabbed the tablet, shoving his face close. “Where’s my brother?”

The panther sighed. “Do you accept my terms or not?”

Rage rippled down Jordan’s back. How the hell could Gerald turn against him like this? Not for a second did he think the Kayrs men would kill Katie. He, on the other hand, was probably fair game. Especially since his life expectancy wasn’t too great.

“You’re asking me to trade one brother for another,” Dage hissed. “You don’t want to do this.”

Surprise grounded Jordan. The Kayrs men considered him family. All of a sudden, the last hundred years of his leading alone, solitary and tough, seemed like a waste. “Take me out, Dage,” he whispered. “I’m going to die anyway.”

“No.”

He shoved Dage out of the way. “You don’t want Katie. She can’t shift, she can’t fight ... she’s no threat to you. But the king will kill me.”

“No, I won’t,” Dage muttered softly. “This won’t work.”

Gerald chuckled, flashing sharp canines. “Katie has to be taken out, and I promise I’m the guy to do it. Unless, of course, the king wishes to save his youngest brother before the demons turn him into an unrecognizable psychotic.”

Jordan struggled to remain in control. If his enemies ever found out about Katie’s pregnancy, there wouldn’t be a place on earth she could hide. Good thing his woman could fight. His claws shot out, and he kept them away from the tablet. “Prove you know where Jase is.”

“All right.” Gerald reached behind him, grabbing a man’s necklace featuring a silver Celtic knot. “I believe you recognize this.”

Neither man next to Jordan twitched a muscle. Their faces gave away nothing. Yet anger popped the oxygen and tension vibrated almost strong enough to see. He recognized the pendant, too. Conn’s wife had given the charm to Jase for his birthday about five years ago, first blessing the metal as only a witch could. The youngest Kayrs brother wouldn’t give it up willingly.

Anger wasn’t going to get Jordan anywhere. “The demons consider shifters to be fun pets. They’re using you right now, and they’ll continue to do so until they get bored. You’re a dead man if you align with them.”

The bastard’s gaze hardened. “For now, they have the power. Soon I’ll take over the feline nation and help the demons finish destroying the Realm ... and then the Kurjans. Vampires and Kurjans have existed long enough in this world, and we’ve waited long enough for you two to finish each other off. Apparently you both stink at war.”

“I will find you,” Talen growled, “and when I do, you’ll wish Jordan had found you first.”

Gerald licked his lips. “Your choice.”

The screen went blank.

Dage tapped his ear communicator. “Conn? Find Gerald Shotlam—he’s aligned with the demons and might know where Jase is.” Clicking off and pivoting around, he pierced Jordan with a glare. “Don’t fucking die.” Without another word, the king disappeared inside.

Jordan clapped Talen on the back. “Remember your promise.” He’d gotten vows from all his men as well as the Kayrs family to protect Katie and their cub. “My child.”

“My life.” Talen gave a short nod.

That was as good as a vow could get. Jordan nodded, wishing he could spend what little time he had left with Katie. Man, she was going to be mad when she awoke. “I need to check out my little room of hell.” It was right off the entrance, just in case his brain started to explode and he needed to escape. But his friends didn’t know he had no intention of escaping into the moon. Shackles remained under the one cot to keep him in place.

He’d never turn into a beast.

Hustling to the small room, he dropped to sit and catch his breath. While his grand plan included staying underground until his head exploded, he knew with a certainty that Brent would find him.

Their final fight would happen that night.