Page 7 of Monsters (Vengeance #3)

Rhodes instantly barked orders as I moved closer to the window, my brow furrowing as I tried to grasp what was occurring.

It was clear no large army stood on my land, so who the hell did this?

It wasn’t King Mario’s style to send out single units to pick away at my border.

He was more of a “big show” type of guy.

An over-compensator if you ask yours truly.

“I want to go with you,” I commented to Adyen as he tossed on his jacket. Had I ever mentioned how handsome he was? How handsome all my boys were? Even after a night of celebrating, Adyen had only a slight scruff to show for it.

Damn him.

“Baby,” he tilted my chin gently. “I would really rather you stay here, but I won’t stop you.”

My lips quirked up in an appreciative smile as I walked towards the door.

Smart man. I tossed my heels to the side and sprinted, ridiculously fast, towards the riding stables.

I didn’t run very often because, frankly, it seemed a bit childish to sprint down my castles hall without shoes, but if there was ever a time it would be this. It felt exhilarating in a way.

The corridors of stone were dark and I found myself sprinting through the shadows that the oil lights didn’t reach.

Damn we needed more electricity around here.

I had long given up on my hair and the normal silky texture was wavy and dancing with my movement.

If I didn’t take a moment like this to appreciate my agility and abilities, I’d never do it.

I entered the stables and slid to a stop in front of the correct stall, my boys following behind. My boots were already there and I slipped them on as I swung myself up onto my midnight colored horse. Her name was Midnight. As I’ve said I am very creative with names. It should be my second job.

“You should stay here,” Taylor muttered. I smiled. I had never thought of the demon having a protective side because in normal life he is the adventurous one. Right now though? I could see the authentic concern all over his face. It was quite sweet really.

“It’s going to be fine,” I promised before offering him a confident look.

Rhodes shifted with a loud echoing roar into something far more vicious than a normal jaguar.

His massive long teeth were deadly as daggers but when he nudged my leg I didn’t flinch.

The twins were already on their way out there with the guard.

The four of us left to catch up to them.

I grasped the reins on Midnight and with a gentle movement against her side, the bitch took off like a bat out of hell.

I lied. This was better than running.

Despite the circumstances, a smile crawled onto my face.

I could have traveled by foot but I’d always enjoyed riding and the muscles that worked felt good.

A howl echoed through the forest that had the savage in me wanting to hunt.

I knew our guards who could shift had to track scents.

The explosion cast a massive red light with the fire that hit our border.

I didn’t hold out hope they would actually find anything useful.

No doubt most of it had been burned up by now.

I jumped off Midnight right as I reached ten yards out.

Rhodes had kept pace with me the entire time.

He had worn one of those special uniforms that stayed on despite shifting.

It was a shame because I would much rather he shift back naked but I suppose this wasn’t the time.

“What the hell happened?” I demanded from Neo.

His glittering eyes met mine as the soldiers around him scattered.

Athens watched for the soldiers crossing the border just in case more laid in wait.

It was odd seeing such a serious look on his face.

I felt compelled to remove the tension from their lives.

Unfortunately, we all knew damn well that would never happen.

“Bomber,” Neo stated, his voice rough. “Probably a suicide bomber, but we won’t know for sure.”

“What?” I demanded. “Do we know if it was one of Mario’s men?”

My alchemy mage shook his head. “It was dragon fire so there was nothing left of him or her. I fear that this had nothing to do actually causing harm. He didn’t even cross the wards on our borders. He just blew himself up to make a fucking point.”

The wards on our border were strong but if someone was determined enough they could fight through the pain.

Especially if they were skilled. It made me cautious that Mario’s wards were so weak of late.

The fucker probably wanted us to leave our land so that he was in a landscape he understood better.

I could feel the magic inside of me growing furious as a snarl nearly broke from my throat. “Any update on what the scouts have said?”

Athens spoke as he walked forward. “They’ve been prepping but no movement yet.”

Well, that would take them a bit. Hopefully.

Unless they portaled but, shit! An entire army?

That would take time as well. My heart started to beat more rapidly as I shook my head.

I really hadn’t wanted to go on defense but it seemed that if we didn’t make a move soon, we would be forced to.

My biggest problem? I didn’t want to leave our land because it left it weak and undefended.

Yet, staying here exposed the entire kingdom to war.

My hair whipped across my face as the cold wind howled with anger.

The fire died down along with my spirit.

I needed sleep. I needed to think this over.

“Rhodes,” I said softly. The man appeared at my side, his eyes darkened as if he knew what was going on in my head. “Call a meeting with the commanders of SE and the Red Masques tomorrow. I need to change our strategy.”

He didn’t ask questions that might change my mind and I was thankful because I had no idea what he would change it to.

Without another word, I made it back to my horse and swung myself up.

I began to ride back home. The only comfort I felt was the sound of Adyen above me in the skies, his heavy wing span looking black instead of gold.

The longer I rode the more livid I became.

I hated Mario. Gods, I hated him so much.

I would kill that fucker for what he’d done to my mother and how he’d murdered my father in cold blood.

No matter how long this took, I vowed to see his heart ripped out from his body.

Savage, you say?

He had no idea what was coming for him.