Page 22 of Savage Mates

There was no explanation.

No understanding.

But the pull was strong, forceful enough all I could think about was protecting her. Even though the jungle was filled with musky stench, odors of rot and death, life and food, her scent was stronger than anything else. It filtered into my nostrils, lingering and pulling me.

Staining my skin.

Intoxicating me.

Moments later, I felt Zeus’ presence. We were connected, the three of us. All alphas. All pride leaders. It had caused several confrontations before we’d surrendered to the understanding there wouldn’t be a single leader of the pride.

He was angry. He was close to being unhinged and he refused to admit we couldn’t allow her to be harmed. Or worse. Yet his body vibrated much like Thor’s and mine. We weren’t just feeling the need to protect.

We were hungry for something else entirely.

Up to this point, we’d never felt anything other than hatred toward a human. The desire was powerful.

And very wrong.

We powered on, our stealth keeping us protected.

Every attribute was enhanced. Speed. Sense of smell. Sense of sight. We could see clearly in the dark, run faster than ever before.

The mutants were fast as well, but not nearly as much as the gift we’d been given.

With every step, the pull was stronger, her scent all around me.

As we neared the compound, we knew the other lions were already just outside the buildings. There was no time to waste. Remaining quiet, we moved through the foliage, keeping low, swinging our heads from side to side. The old military base was quiet, the darkness comforting.

No watchdogs. No men with guns.

Just silence.

But we could hear their advance, tongues licking jowls in preparation of a fine meal. I advanced, studying the three from only yards away.

They were so intent on killing the humans that they hadn’t sensed we were right behind them. Two males. One female.

There was no need for words. We knew what we had to do. I padded closer, swinging my head toward Thor. He sensed the same thing I did.

The largest lion was prepared to break through the glass window. Once inside, carnage would begin.

With no second guessing, I lunged forward just as the male jumped. We collided in mid-air, our massive bodies slamming together.

Snarls.

Growls.

I raked my claws across his face just before we pitched and rolled.

Thor had taken on the second male, chasing him away from the compound. Zeus attacked the female, only I had a sense he had no intention of killing her. She was a victim, not a monster.

“Leave her alone,”I growled before raking my claw across the lion’s face for the second time.

He jerked back, issuing a low-slung growl before leaping forward and knocking me to the ground.

“Why don’t you pay attention to saving your own miserable life,”Zeus countered.

Anger furrowed deep within, fueling my actions. I swung my paw, knocking the mutant beast to the ground. Before he had a chance to attack, I sank my canines into his neck. His howl was cut short when I ripped out his throat.