Page 3 of A Seduction Of Death (Umbra Hunters #4)

THREE

Razar

M y beast growls in my chest as I stare down at the girl I have pinned under me, my mind frozen as I try to understand the name she just uttered. My Pup’s big green eyes watch me with an air of caution, her gaze locked with mine as her chest heaves with rapid breaths. I can scent the fear lingering around her, but I can't quite figure out why it’s there. She was fine only moments ago when I was in my Beast form, yet the cloyingly sweet smell of terror crawled forward the moment I shifted into my regular form.

My mind reels as I try to shove the need to rage down. If I let it lose now I could hurt my Pup and that won’t ever happen. Instead, I concentrate on the information I do have and what I’ve just learned. My eyes move from the small bruise on my Pup’s temple to the busted knuckles on her right hand, then down to where her pulse flutters against the delicate skin of her neck. Her hands tremble at her sides, and I scowl at them when I see the blue tint on her fingernails. Eyes darting back to her red cheeks, I snarl when I see her lips, which are an odd purple color. Her eyes look slightly unfocused as she stares up at me, and her body heat is almost nonexistent.

If my Beast hadn't pushed me to check on the sound of something in this direction, I wouldn't have come looking here, simply because the heat signature was too small to be my Pup. Unfortunately, I was wrong; my Pup is in worse shape than I thought. I don't even think she knows how bad her condition is yet. She’s probably running on pure adrenaline after Elaine's death.

Fucking hell, this girl is going to end up dead; she’s too damn breakable and doesn't seem to have a thread of self-preservation in her infuriating body.

If she dies…

I move my glare back up to her eyes so she can see how mad I am, then huff in annoyance when she only matches my glare, her eyes narrowing into challenging slits. Her refusal to submit makes my body come alive with need, the new feeling like an uncomfortable pressure in me that I can’t relieve. I refuse to acknowledge the damn erection in my pants as I stand, then grab my Pup by the collar of her shirt and haul her to her feet next to me. This is not the time nor place to be turned on. One of our allies, a woman who my brothers truly care for, is dead, and my Pup is turning into an icicle.

“I’m not lying, Razar,” she rasps, her voice softer than I thought it would be as she swallows hard and steps back from me. Frowning, I tilt my head to the side and watch her closely, trying to figure her out.

Is that the reason for her fear? She thinks I don't believe her words?

As much as I would love to fall into that delusion and pass her words off as a lie, I already know I can't. My Pup is many things, several of which are unseemly attributes, but she’s not a liar, or not a good one, at least. Besides, my Beast has been wary around Jesthren since he showed up on this mountain. I was just trying to ignore what he’s been trying to tell me. At first, I thought it was the prolonged separation of being in the human realm, and my Beast needed to get used to my brother again. But this makes more sense despite how much that hurts to admit.

I scoff and roll my eyes as my nostrils flare, the bitter scent of death and acid drifting over the howling wind as the storm around us picks up in strength. I place my hands on my hips and glare around me at the amount of snow coming down in sheets. Even with my advanced eyesight, I’m having difficulty seeing more than a few yards in front of me.

“We need shelter,” I inform her, my voice sounding off even to my ears as I fail to shove the anger and pain of yet another brother's betrayal down. “The storm is only going to get worse, and you have hypothermia setting in.”

“But, we need to get to the guys. Jesthren is still out there,” she responds, swaying on her feet as I shake my head at her stubbornness. Why must I become obsessed with a woman who is this stubborn while freezing to death? My hands dart out to grab her shoulders, steadying her until I know she won’t fall back to the snow under us, then glare at her.

“You stay on my heel, and I’ll take Elaine. The moment you feel weak or think you are going to fall, you tell me.” I slowly release her, frustrated that I can’t scoop her up and rush her to the small cave I spotted slightly down the mountain, but I refuse to leave Elaine here where the Beastia might get to her.

“But the guys!?”

“On my heel, Pup!” I snarl, ripping my cloak off my shoulders as I bend down and stare at Elaine Drakos' lifeless face. Fury is like a red-hot flame inside me as I gently wrap the black fabric around her body, pull my hood over her face, and lift her into my arms. “Right behind me, step in my footprints. It’s not far to the cave,” I tell her, moving so I stand directly in front of her. Her stubborn eyes soften, and her lip trembles the moment she moves her attention back to Elaine.

She surprises me when she nods, stepping close to me as she crosses her arms over her chest. A howl breaks through the air, and I curse as I snap my head to the right, studying the trees. I don't like not being able to defend Meyer and Elaine. I need to get to that cave, so I have a spot where I can keep them safe.

“They always find me. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to outrun them,” my Pup whispers, and I shake my head.

“You don't have to outrun or hide from them anymore,” I growl as I start walking, my attention split between keeping a protective eye on my Pup and watching the dark silhouette of the trees through the thick snow. “I’ll kill them before they can get close to you again.”

There is no response, which I’m thankful for, since I’m not sure why I said those words out loud. I tense when I feel her small hand grab the back of my shirt, holding onto me as we move. It takes a moment for me to relax into the casual touch, but when I do, I find it much easier to concentrate with her holding onto me. We continue our trek through the deep snow, moving much slower than I would like, and I bite back a growl every time my Pup stumbles and almost falls. I can hear her heavy pants, and I almost drop Elaine when a small, pained whimper breaks through her purple lips.

I can feel my Beast pressing to the surface, frustrated that we aren't caring for and holding her instead of Elaine’s body. He doesn't like anyone, not my brothers, not my parents, and most definitely not Elaine. But he is infatuated with the blonde girl clinging to us and doesn't understand why I won't help her when she desperately needs it.

Almost there , I mentally snap at him, trying to get him to lay off before I accidentally shift. I sigh in relief when I see the opening of the cave and quicken my step, feeling my Pup’s grip tighten on my shirt as she tries to keep up. The moment we clear the mouth of the cave, the howl of the wind softens, and the snow, which was pelting us with wet, heavy flakes, finally eases. I move to the back of the cave, already knowing it’s empty by the scent of snow and nothing else. Crouching down, I place Elaine's body on the ground before turning and growling when I see Meyer hunched over, her hands on her knees as she trembles.

“Fuck,” I snarl, taking three long strides to reach her and snatch her light body up into my arms. She’s stiff and cold as her green eyes move around the cave, and she smiles. I glare at her, frustrated that she would have the audacity to be happy when she looks like she’s on death's doorstep. Does she like giving me anxiety and panic attacks?

“I know this cave,” she whispers, and I still, staring at her as she laughs a little. Great, now she’s losing her mind. Nox is going to be pissed.

“Get this off,” I snap, moving her further into the cave while yanking at the jacket on her shoulders. It's soaking wet and partially frozen, landing on the ground with a thump when I finally get her out of it. Using my magic, I pull the cold air from around her, trying my best to help, all while wishing I had my brother’s fire ability instead of ice. It would be incredibly helpful right now.

“Thanks,” she rasps as I crouch down, setting her on the cold stone of the cave floor. Then, hissing a shocked breath when her ice-cold fingers come in contact with my hand.

“Shit!” I growl, grabbing her hands, enveloping them easily with my own as I puff warm air on them. “You’re fucking frozen! What the hell were you thinking taking off on your own like that?! You should have gone directly to the castle.”

“They had Elaine,” she whispers as I yank off her boots and pants, growling in frustration.

“She died anyway, Pup. Now your life is in danger,” I remind her, yanking off her shirt and then my own so I can put the dry fabric over her head. She’s practically limp in my arms as I get her covered in my shirt. My worry increases when I realize she’s not shaking anymore. “Fuck!” A weird sound breaks from her, making my heart stall as I look up at her face and then freeze when I see tears running down her cheeks. “No. No, no crying,” I plead, my eyes widening when she hiccups, then sobs and doubles over, curling into a small ball in front of me.

I glance desperately around me, wishing one of my brothers were here to help comfort her. I hadn't meant to make her cry; I only stated facts. But I know I’m not the softest of individuals, and maybe I should have waited to chastise her until she wasn’t turning blue. Awkwardly, I reach out and pat her on the head a couple of times, trying to remember what Valen or Creed does when she's upset but drawing a blank. However, my attempts to comfort her only make her cry more, and I lean back, watching her with trepidation as I swallow hard.

Give me a bloodthirsty Beastia any day, and I can handle them, but a crying woman… “Shit, Pup,” I grumble and grimace as I lean forward, grabbing her roughly around the waist and yanking her onto my lap. A shocked gasp tears from her trembling lips, and her watery eyes meet mine as I attempt to wrap her up in my arms. The pressure of her body in mine sets my teeth on edge, and my mind battles with my body. One wanting to keep her there; the other wanting to shove her as far away as possible. When she arches a brow and gives me a weird look, I growl under my breath and glare at her.

“This is your first time hugging someone, isn't it?” she whispers, her voice husky and breathless, but the tears lessened, so I was successful in my mission to get her to stop.

“Of course not,” I scoff. “My mother would never let me leave without a hug,” I grudgingly admit, making the tiniest of smiles appear on her lips. I don’t tell her this is the first time I have initiated a comforting touch of any kind. I don't need her to think I’m going soft or some shit.

“Yeah, I can see her doing that.” She nods and then leans her head on my chest. Her arms start to shake as I use what little magic I have to add warmth to my hands and press them to her back, heating her slowly. I wish Valen were here; he could have this whole cave heated in under a minute with his magic. Even Nox would have more magic at his disposal and could heal her while he was at it. Unfortunately, I wouldn't put it past my dim-witted brothers to still be wrestling on the ground while Valen and I have been out here freezing our asses off to find our Pup.

I huff and look down, only to find Meyer staring at me. Her face is much closer than I’m comfortable with, so I quickly look to the other side of the cave. “What are we going to do?” she finally asks as her hand presses to my chest. I suppress my growl and take a deep breath as my Beast leaps forward, wanting to nuzzle into her as much as she nuzzles into us.

I can still feel her eyes on me as I sigh and shake my head, gathering the courage to look back down at her as I try to stay in control. I’m unsure what it is, but this girl both excites and terrifies me. I don't like it when I’m not in control, of me or my Beast, and every second I’m around my Pup, I feel exposed. She makes me feel things I long thought wouldn't be possible, and I don't know how to cope with it. Her tiny finger runs over the thick, corded scars that wrap around my torso, and I flinch when she looks down at them in surprise. I wait, holding my breath for the disgust to show on her face, the ugly, long scars only adding to my monstrosity, but there is only a look of understanding as she glances back up at me.

“Razar?” My Pup's small voice has my eyes darting back to her, commanding my attention as I study her delicate features. Her words only prompt me to answer her question instead of bringing up the scars on my flesh. Relief swamps me at her lack of disgust, and my Beast almost fucking purrs in my chest as he watches her with an obsession that scares even me. Her eyes are bloodshot, her hair a mess. She has a bruise on her temple, and her skin is still a weird blue color, indicating she's still in danger. I’m unsure how to answer her question, so I only shake my head because, for once, I'm not sure what to do. Arch’s betrayal gutted me; Jesthren’s might shove me and my brothers over the edge.

Meyer swallows and nods, slumping a little in my arms as she slowly turns her head to look in Elaine's direction. My hand darts out, snagging her chin and forcing her to look back at me. I can’t stand the pain in her eyes every time she sees Elaine’s body.

“No,” I command, softening my hold on her when she stares at me in surprise. “We are going to get you warm,” I say firmly as I look to the mouth of the cave and watch the dark night beyond, searching for any threats. “You will sleep,” I add, not looking back down at her while letting my fingers cup her jaw and cradle her head to my chest so she won't look at Elaine. “Then we find Nox,” I finally say as the wind howls outside. My Pup shifts in my arms, wiggling a little, and I tighten my hold on her, keeping one hand pressed to her back while moving the other to her chest. I can hear her rapid pulse and grit my teeth together, so I don't show how worried I am.

“I like that plan,” she whispers, and I frown. It's not really a good plan, but it will get us through the night so that I can get her into more capable hands. “Thank you, Razar.”

“For?” I ask, my eyes locked on the black cloak of night, wishing I could find comfort in it like I normally do. Instead, I’m concerned I won’t be enough to keep the girl in my arms safe. The darkness is now a threat to something I care about, and I don’t like it.

“I don't think I would’ve made it down this mountain with Elaine if you hadn't found me.”

“You wouldn't have,” I agree, and she snorts.

“Yeah. There’s the Razar I know. I was worried aliens kidnapped you and replaced you with a weird, caring version of yourself.” I move my glare away from the night and down to her.

“Aliens?”

“You know, tiny green men?”

“You’re ridiculous. Shut your mouth and go to sleep,” I demand, frustrated that she’s distracting me while I’m trying to keep her safe. I can feel her laugh in my arms, but surprisingly, she does as I request. After a few moments, I feel her grow heavy in my arms, and her breathing evens out. I wait, then wait just a bit longer before I finally let myself look back down at my Pup. Her lips aren’t as blue, and her heartbeat isn't as rapid. I sigh as I lean down a little and study her face. She looks so sweet and peaceful when she sleeps, reminding me of my tiny orange monster at the castle. But just like him, when she opens her eyes, she always has her claws out and is ready for a fight. My lip twitches up on the side as I move my hand from her chest and brush off a small strand of dirty blonde hair.

Why does this girl have such a hold on me and my Beast? I feel him settle in my chest, happy to watch her as she sleeps, and I roll my eyes at him. He’s a feral killing machine, yet he acts like a damn lapdog for this tiny half-human girl.

Shaking my head, I put my hand back on Meyer’s chest, needing her to continue to warm up. I wrinkle my nose as I realize I was staring at her like my brothers do. Groaning, I close my eyes as I wallow in self-disgust. Not because I was staring at her, but because I don't hate myself for doing it.

“Great. I’m turning into a pathetic fool just like them.” A howl echoes through the night, stealing back my attention, and I cling to that feeling of fierce protection as I stare outside. Protect. It’s something I know and can do.

Comforting, caring, and helping a girl when she cries. Yeah, those aren't my strong suits. But I know how to protect, so that's what I’ll do. Gods help any Beastia or Rogue Hunter who try to enter this cave tonight. They will meet a fast and painful end if they do.