Page 31 of Savage Mates

“Look out!” I warned, but not the men. The lions.

A single roar of the Cape lion echoed in the trees seconds before they attacked the other two rogue beasts.

And the man.

Exclaiming, I turned away as the lions snarled, roaring and growling as they ripped into flesh and bone. Guttural snarls filled the afternoon sky, mournful sounds that strangely enough enthralled me. Their movements were swift, almost beautiful like a structured dance.

Moving swiftly, I crouched behind a tree, still gasping for air as I watched the dance of death. But I refused to run away.

The terror remained, but I knew in my soul these lions had no intention of hurting me. They would fight to the death if necessary to protect me.

Every animal was gorgeous, their fur shimmering in the sun. White. Blond. Golden. Chestnut. They represented every species. The ground beneath me vibrated as bodies were tossed aside, lifeless eyes staring back at me.

The sound was horrific, but it only lasted minutes.

Then there was utter silence, the forest no longer moving. No longer crying.

Just silence.

My heart continued to thud and for a few seconds I did nothing. I wanted to see and experience them in all their glory. I needed to thank them for saving my life.

Very slowly, I rose to my feet, turning around and bracing myself for the horror. Shadows had formed in the late afternoon sun, the light cascading through the trees creating a shimmer that captured the lions perfectly.

They were absolutely beautiful creatures, more powerful than any other in the kingdom.

The eight beasts were blocking the macabre view, every one of them studying me as they licked their jaws and jowls.

But the three I’d seen before were paying close attention, allowing their heated gazes to fall to my feet. It was as if they were checking to see if I’d been injured. I felt their heated gazes and intense concern deep within my bones.

Half laughing from nervousness, I wanted so much to be able to express my gratitude. As I’d always done with Simba, I simply talked out loud. Maybe I was nervous. Maybe I was concerned, but I wasn’t afraid. Something inside me had always said Simba knew what I was saying and I felt the same right now.

“Thank you. For protecting me last night. And for saving my life. I hope you can understand what I’m saying.” I continued to laugh nervously. “You can. Can’t you? You need to know that I won’t hurt you. I’m only here to try and help future lions. It’s hard to explain.” I’d never felt so awkward around any animalas I did at that moment. Blubbering wasn’t like me, but around them, electricity kept my mind muddled and my heart racing.

Maybe I was kidding myself that they even thought I was a threat, but I felt much better sharing my thoughts.

There were footsteps as Rory busted through the trees holding his weapon with both hands, pointing the barrel at the lions.

Without thinking, I rushed through the pride, so I was in front facing the soldier, throwing out my arms. “No! These aren’t the same lions who attacked us. They’remylions. Mine. Don’t you dare try and shoot them.”

My mind raced, thoughts rushing, a rambling series of words that I couldn’t piece together.

But I knew coming here was important.

I also knew Dr. Abbott had been right. Danger was all around me. But not from these beautiful creatures.

Finally, the soldier lowered his weapon, gasping for air. I could tell Rory was severely injured. He fell against a tree, sliding to the ground.

“Fuck. Are you alright?” I gritted out before wiping sweat from my face. There were so many thoughts racing through my mind, so many questions. What the hell had been done to the lions? Once again, Blackwell Industries crowded my mind with endless possibilities. Yes, I was excited. More than I should be.

Even if what I’d hoped could be true about the existence of hybrid lions, the island was not the ideal location to test the theory. And what would I hope to accomplish? The thought there could be shifters should be the furthest thing from my mind. As a scientist, I couldn’t think along those lines. I’d be alaughingstock if I ever breathed a word to that effect. However, whatever experiments had been performed on the beasts, their DNA altered.

Plus, a tiny part of me still wanted to believe. The mental battle was gutting me.

“I’ll live, Dr. Radcliff. However, we need to get the fuck out of here. It’s not safe,” Rory spit out and wiped his bloodied face with his sleeve.

No shit.

His disdain for the entire situation continued to piss me off.