Page 29

“Hell, no. We’ll never carry him out.” Even between us, there’s no way that’s happening.

“Maybe we should leave him,” Sheela says. “Maybe this was a mistake, and he’s too far gone, and—”

“He’s not too far gone. We’re still alive, aren’t we? Nobody’s throat has been ripped out. Though maybe you should leave. You got us here—that was amazing—but maybe it’s time for you to go.”

“I’m not leaving you. Besides, I think it’s too late.”

And I think she’s right. I take a deep breath and shove at the wolf still crouched over me. “Move.” I do a growl of my own. It’s pretty impressive if I say so myself.

He blinks. Which doesn’t help much.

“Now,” I yell. “I want fucking out of here. I do not want to end up locked in the cell next door. Not fucking happening. So, get your arse in gear and move.”

His head tips to one side and he looks at me. Then he slowly leans forward and buries his muzzle in my neck. I go still, but I know the danger is past. He breaths in deeply and whines softly, I feel the stroke of his warm tongue as he tastes my skin.

Then he slowly backs away from me.

For a second, I go all weak and pathetic as relief floods through me. I sniff and blink away the tears. Then I scramble to my feet.

“Time to get the hell out of here.”

I turn, feeling his gaze on my back as I step out of the cell and take a big gulp of the—relatively—fresh air. I sense his movement behind me as Fury leaves his home for the last weeks. Once in the corridor, he comes up beside me and I get my first good look at him. I want to cry all over again; he’s a mess. His coat is stark and patchy, and he’s so thin, I swear I can see his ribs. And those eyes; normally a beautiful golden amber, now they’re the color of fresh blood, tinged with madness.

I reach out my hand and lightly stroke his shoulder, feeling the now familiar tingle as we touch. He blinks up at me, and I rest my palm against him, trying to convey something through my touch. Hope maybe.

“Amber.” Sheela’s low voice interrupts my thoughts.

At her tone, I go instantly still, dragging my eyes away from Fury and turning to face whatever has got her panties in a twist—though I could make a good guess. A low growl beside me gives me a clue that it’s not going to be good news. I hold my breath.

I can hear them now—booted feet on the stone-flagged floor. Shit, I was hoping we’d have longer—like a couple of years—to get a head start.

They come around the corner in a tight-knit group. I recognize the guard I fought with; he’s bringing up the rear, his broken arm cradled against his chest. I’m not sorry. I wish I’d done something a little more…debilitating.

They come to an abrupt halt when they see us, eyes widening as they spot Fury quivering beside me. I can feel the tension in his muscles under my hand and the growl reverberating through his bony frame.

There are four of them. At first, the odds don’t seem good, but then, I’ve seen Fury in action before. I just hope, in his weakened state, that he can take them. Otherwise, we’re fucked.

I wish I had my sword.

I glance at Sheela. She’s frozen in place.

“Can you send them to sleepagain,” I whisper.

“I can’t. I tried, but I’m drained.”

“Shit.” I search the area for anything I can use as a weapon. There’s nothing. The nearest torch is on the wall behind the group of men.

Why don’t they move?

They haven’t even drawn their weapons. They’re just standing there, staring at us.

Fury growls again and takes a step forward. I keep my hand on his fur.

The man in the front swallows and then slowly raises his hands. He licks his lips. “Commander,” he says, his voice raspy—I’m guessing with fear. “I fought with you at Selenith Vale.” He waves a hand to incorporate the others. “We all did.”

And that means…?

I wait, impatiently, for him to say something else. Fury growls again and curls his upper lip revealing one sharp white fang.I can feel his muscles coil, ready to spring, and I tighten my fingers in his fur.