Page 35 of Amaris Rejected (Stone Mountain Shifters #2)

Devon

Wherever we traveled, it didn't take long. I think he has a hideout in the city. I’m still paralyzed, so I can't get up to look. The van comes to a stop. Psychotic Jeni is still curled up against me.

"We'll take your boyfriend inside, Jeni," Remington says. "If he’s finally passed out, he’ll be out for 24 to 48 hours." In the dark, I struggle to close my eyes, so they think I'm unconscious.

Jeni lifts herself onto her elbow and gazes at my face. "It seems like he's out."

Marcus, you and the guys should take him to the first bedroom on the left for the night. Jeni, you can stay there with him. The rest of you females can sleep in the bedroom next door.

"Remi, can I borrow a car? I have an errand to run," Jeni asks.

"Sure, you can take the blue Escalade parked next to us," he says, pointing to another car in the driveway. "It’s got a full tank of gas."

"Awesome! Is there a black magic shop where I can pick up a few things I need?"

"Yes, it's just two blocks over," he points out. "I have an account there. Just charge whatever you need to me, little cousin."

"Thanks, Remi. I'll be back by morning." She smiles, leans into my ear, and whispers so I’m the only one who hears. "I'm heading up north to get rid of Amaris for good." She laughs and kisses me passionately. If my body were functioning properly right now, I’d be throwing up. How has my life devolved into such a nightmare?

Everyone piles out of the van, and I’m dragged inside and thrown onto the bed like a sack of potatoes. I can't move; I can barely breathe. I need to do something to prevent Jeni from reaching Amaris. I must protect my family from her.

My wolf stirs within me. “ Rue! We have to burn through whatever poison they injected us with. You need to wake up! Jeni is on her way to hurt Amaris, and we have to stop her.”

I can feel Rue trying to shake off the toxin that is paralyzing us, his presence growing stronger with each passing second. Unable to move or speak, we’re trapped in my body. Yet my mind stays alert, desperate to escape. Jeni mistakenly believes that eliminating Amaris will force me to mate with her. I can't let that happen, no matter what. Rue and I are fighting with our combined strength; the duality of our nature is a powerful force as we attempt to purge the harmful substance from our system. I sense my wolf’s fierce determination as he snarls and thrashes in my subconscious, struggling to break free and protect our mate. His resistance makes my heart race, helping the toxin dissipate more quickly.

As the poison’s grip weakens, we gather every ounce of strength to break free. With a surge of power, Rue and I unite like never before. We push against the pain, my body screaming in protest, but I finally manage to move my finger. Encouraged, I concentrate, urging my hands to curl and uncurl. Gasping for breath, I will my arms to lift. My muscles initially resist, but gradually, they respond. Trembling with the effort, I grasp the headboard. My back arches slightly as I struggle to sit upright.

My legs are the true test. Gritting my teeth, I force my toes to flex, then my feet. Pain shoots through me, a sharp reminder of the poison still coursing through my veins. Struggling against the stiffness, I command my legs to move. Sweat soaks my body, and my muscles shudder, but I keep pushing upward.

Even though the room is spinning, I can finally plant my feet on the floor. My legs shake, threatening to give way. I steady myself and rise, drawing on reserves of strength I didn't know I had, fueled by the purpose of saving Amaris—no matter the cost. With my heart pounding and breath ragged, we’re determined to reach her before it’s too late.

I stagger to the window and wrestle with the lock. After a few attempts, I finally get it open and throw my still-recovering body over the ledge, hitting the ground with a heavy thud. Gasping for air, I drag myself toward the van. Before I even think about hotwiring it, I realize the keys are already in the ignition. With a grunt, I haul myself into the driver's seat, buckling in to keep myself steady. I fire up the engine and quickly back out of the driveway, my mind sharp despite the pain.

Looking around, I see I’m in the city's dregs, where criminal elements hide in the shadows. It’s dark, grimy, and reeks of desperation. I note the street we're on so I can share that information with the enforcers later. Right now, reaching Amaris is my top priority. It took me too long to get moving. There’s no time to waste.

Jeni

It was easy to find the little shop Remington directed me to. It was in a back alley, and the area appeared as seedy as the rest of the neighborhood. Opening the door, I am overwhelmed with the noxious smell of black magic. Yep, this is the place all right.

Taking a shopping basket, I enter the first aisle and start filling it. On my list are the ingredients I’ll need to enchant Devon and his wolf, keeping them under my control. I might add a few ingredients used in love potions. While those are mostly myths, the ingredients have real properties that will help tether Devon to me.

Grabbing a bottle of wine, I move past the shelves, trailing my fingers through the dust on the jars and vials. I carefully select wolfsbane and a silver tincture, the essential ingredients for what I’m about to create. Next, I add St. John’s Wort, which helps the nervous system maintain emotional balance, preventing sudden bursts of aggression and effectively diminishing Rue.

Cedarwood follows, chosen for its ability to calm wild energies. Valerian root, recognized for its sedative properties, will help temper the beast’s volatile nature. I reach for hops, which will dull the senses and bring about calm. Chamomile and lavender are next, chosen for their ability to soothe. Basil and sage are the perfect herbs to offer protection and cleansing. Black salt is crucial, as it disrupts the link between Devon’s human and shifter sides.

Mugwort comes next; its strength lies in its ability to further suppress the wolf’s instincts, establishing a mental separation between his two natures. I reach for Dragon’s Ash, a fine powder harvested from dragon fire breath, known for its ability to control primal aggression. My eyes find the moonstone essence, and I grab it. Known for its lunar connection, this liquid harnesses shifting energies and helps suppress the wolf.

Following that, I add rose petals, honey, ginger, and cinnamon to my basket. These will sweeten the effects and spice up the love potion element. I also include Damania, which, as an aphrodisiac, heightens sexual attraction and emotional intimacy.

Lastly, meticulously infusing Witches' Blood Root and Bindweed into the concoction will create a strong, unbreakable bond between Devon and me.

As I approach the register, I notice a display for a new product called Mesmerdust. The ad claims it can induce a short-term trance, temporarily making targets compliant and obedient. I pick up a container, knowing that it will be useful at some point.

I add gloves, rope, and duct tape to the collection of items needed to secure what I’ve worked so hard to achieve. Then, I grab a silver knife, a mortar and pestle, along with a small cauldron to blend everything. My thoughts drift, and I reflect—this is my life’s work. For as long as I can remember, my sole aim has been to bring Rue to his knees and Devon into my heart.

I can’t recall a time when I didn’t love Devon. Having grown up together, played together, and sometimes even napped together, we’ve been inseparable since childhood. Naturally, I committed myself to this pursuit. It’s all I ever wanted, and our parents supported it wholeheartedly. Well, except for Luna Wright.

Everything was going according to plan until Luna Wright practically forced us to attend that darn Meet-and-Greet, where we encountered our mates. I missed the chance to be the mate of the most powerful Alpha in the Kingdom, but I don’t regret it. All I want is Devon. I’ve spent my whole life keeping the females away from him, even if it meant hurting a few of them along the way. I can’t help but laugh.

With my purchases in hand, I head to the SUV, carrying the bags that contain the items to strengthen my bond with Devon and further my plan to eliminate Amaris. I leave the city and take the main road through the territory.

Before long, I pull up to the gates of the Sunlight Shimmer pack. A couple of enforcers are on duty, and I need both to get close for my plan to work. I roll down my window and start flirting with the young enforcer who approaches me.

"Hello, handsome," I coo with a mischievous smile, fluttering my lashes.

The enforcer's eyes widen, yet a slight grin curls at the corners of his mouth. "Hello, miss," he replies, coughing. "How can we help you this evening?"

"I need a couple of strapping males to assist me with something. Can you invite your friend over?" I husk, giving him a wink.

The enforcer gestures toward his teammate standing in front of my car. "Come here, Enson. This lovely lady needs our help." He leans back down, resting his arms on the door frame.

As Enson approaches the window with a smile, I motion with a slight wiggle of my finger, urging him to come closer. When they both lean in, I open my other palm and blow the Mesmerdust into their faces. The fine powder hits them, instantly dulling their eyes and sending them into a state of captivation. For a short time, they’ll be compelled to obey me.

I giggle softly, trailing my finger along Enson’s jaw. "I’ll be heading into the compound for a while. You’ll let me come and go freely without a word and erase all footage showing I was here. You won’t even remember I was around. Can you do that for me?"

"Yes, ma'am," They respond flatly in unison and step back to open the gate. Without another word, I drive forward. I have a house to find and a little mate to erase. The euphoria I feel is delicious, and I can't stop smiling at how easy this is.

Devon

In the distance, I see Jeni's vehicle pulling through the compound entrance. Within minutes, I approach the same entrance at full speed. Slamming on the brakes, I wave frantically at the enforcer. "You need to let me in now!" I shout. "That female who just went through the gate is a prison escapee, and she plans to harm my mate, who is a resident here."

"Sir, what are you talking about?" The enforcer looks at me, puzzled, eyeing my disheveled state. "No one entered before you. I need to see your ID, please."

I search my back pocket for my billfold, only to find it missing. It must have fallen out during tonight's struggles. "I don't have my ID, but I can’t waste time getting inside now!” I bellow. “My mate’s in danger."

The second enforcer approaches, his finger to his ear. "Rhodes!" he shouts. "Stephens has been trying to reach us and is sending out a unit. He insists we let in a wanted fugitive, Jeni Quinn. Facial recognition picked it up. What the heck is he talking about?"

"She's probably entranced you into following her commands. What’s that on the front of your uniforms?" They look down to see a silvery powder residue.

"I can't wait any longer; my mate needs me now!" My grip tightens on the wheel. Adrenaline surges through me as I slam the accelerator, crashing through the gate while the enforcers scramble to get out of the way. "I'm coming, Amaris! Jeni, prepare for retribution!"

Amaris

It’s been an exhausting day at work for me. Between Mom's physical therapy, taking care of Zoe, attending to clinic patients, and making hospital rounds, I’ve reached my limit. Zoe and Mom are both asleep in their bedrooms. I curl up on the couch to catch up on the local news before I take a bath.

The blonde bombshell news anchor appears on the screen, holding a microphone, with a dramatic banner flashing across: "Breaking News.”

Good evening, Stone Mountain. I’m Shelly Fox, your local news reporter for KSMN, Stone Mountain Network," she announces with excitement, her eyes shining brightly. “Behind me, you can see the chaos unfolding at our headquarters building, one of many city structures bombed earlier this morning.”

The scene around her is one of utter devastation. The city skyline looms in the distance, with plumes of smoke rising from a handful of buildings across the landscape, their structures are shattered by explosions, while the streets are littered with debris and rubble.

“According to officials,” she continues, “this morning’s coordinated attack also involved a daring prison break. Authorities believe the bombings were a planned distraction, designed to draw emergency resources away and help the fugitives escape."

“The mastermind behind the strike and subsequent prison break? None other than the infamous Remington Reems II."

A headshot of Remington Reems appears in the upper right corner of the screen. Shelly goes on, “Mr. Reems is suspected of leading a dangerous crime syndicate with influence extending well beyond the Kingdom. He’s wanted for multiple heinous crimes, including murder, human trafficking, and drug distribution. He’s also listed on the Supernatural Bureau of Investigation’s (SBI) Most Wanted List."

She pauses before continuing, “Authorities remain tight-lipped, but video footage has surfaced showing Reems and his accomplices storming the high-security headquarters and breaching the basement prison block, where they released the detainees.”

The shot cuts to grainy video footage showing several males with backpacks surging into the cell block. Then, Devon appears on screen, charging at the thugs in defense.

“The intense footage shows Alpha Devon Wright of the Still Waters Pack fighting off a group of attackers,” Shelly’s voice cuts in over the video. “During the struggle, Alpha Wright was overpowered when one of the assailants injected him with an unknown drug, knocking him unconscious.”

I gasp in terror as I watch.

“It’s suspected that the motive behind this was to free the prisoners in that block: Jeni Quinn, Tracy Vincent, Sheila Morris, and Marissa Hunt, all accused of recent mate bond tampering,” Shelly notes.

“But the drama doesn’t end there, folks! Jeni Quinn, who stands accused of tampering with the mate bonds of Alpha Devon Wright and his Luna, is seen in that same footage claiming that Alpha Devon is her boyfriend. And then, wait for it—there’s more! Shockingly, Jeni Quinn kidnapped the unconscious Alpha Wright, under the guise of their romantic relationship!”

The reporter pauses again briefly, allowing us to hear audio of Jeni declaring that Devon is her boyfriend, followed by Remington ordering his gang to take him.

“Enforcers are scrambling tonight to locate both the fugitives and the victim,” Shelly concludes. “Stay tuned, viewers, because the drama is far from over. We’ll continue our coverage and interrupt your programming as developments unfold. I’m Shelly Fox, your local news reporter for KSMN. Have a good night.”

The screen shows Shelly dropping her microphone out of sight before turning to stare at the smoking skyline.

I sit there in stunned silence as the news continues with the weather report.

Jeni is certifiable.

After the kidnapping this morning, she sent me photos of her and Devon from a phone, I assume is hers, along with a cryptic message saying that they were together. Even though the pictures were real, the text was just another lie. I hope he’s okay. I don't think Jeni would hurt him, but there’s no telling what he’s going through under her control. The authorities visited me earlier today and reassured me that his safe rescue is imminent, but seeing it all unfold on video is still jarring.

Beyond tired, I switch off the TV and head upstairs to my bedroom when the doorbell suddenly rings. Pulling out my cell phone, I open the security app, only to find the doorbell camera feed blocked.

"Wh--who's there?" I stammer into the mic, but silence follows.

I'm not foolish enough to open my door in the dark of night while my camera is compromised. Moving to the window, I peer outside. The porch light is off. I try the switch, but it won't turn on. Could the bulb be blown?

Without warning, a large object crashes through the sidelight window beside the door, shattering the glass. A gloved hand reaches through the jagged shards, fumbling for the lock. Immobilized with fear, I can't bring myself to move. The door slams open, banging against the wall. On the other side stands Jeni, brandishing a silver knife.

Her pupils are blown unnaturally wide, revealing a look of desperate need. I stagger back, realizing why she is here with a weapon in her hand.

"Jeni, what are you doing?" I manage to choke out, my voice quaking. I look toward the stairs, hoping the noise hasn't disturbed Zoe. Please, goddess, protect her from harm. Don’t let her hear this… don’t let her come down here.

Jeni doesn’t answer, her expression cold and unreadable. She approaches almost leisurely, kicking the door closed behind her. Each step punctuates the silence with the crunch of shattered glass underfoot as she gets closer, with the silver blade gleaming in her hand.

My heart pounds in my chest as I instinctively search for an escape or something to defend myself with.

Jeni lunges just as the door bursts from its hinges, and Devon charges through. He steps in front of me to block Jeni's attack. Horrified, I watch as if in slow motion as Devon sacrifices himself by taking the blade meant for me.

As he collapses to the floor, he pulls Jeni down with him. Rolling on top of her, almost as if she were a lover, grasping her hair to bend her head back and expose her neck. Sickened, I go to turn away, but her face reflects a crazed longing toward Devon.

Without hesitation, his wolf's maw snaps open, delivering the kiss of death as he rips Jeni's throat out. Throwing his head back, he howls, blood dripping down his chin and mixing with his own, while Jeni's eyes glaze over, her life stilled.

Wounded, Devon collapses beside her, the knife still protruding from his chest.