Page 46 of Savage Mates (Ruthless Instinct #2)

Limbs and pieces of wood were crashing against the buildings, debris flying everywhere. He kept the weapon pointed at me as he headed toward the plane.

A strange sense of beautiful knowing rushed my mind, the same prickles I felt when my lions were near enveloping every inch of me.

“You need to let me go,” I told Kyle.

“Not a chance. I’ll get a hefty finder’s fee for taking you with us. Life on a beach.”

“Hmmm… Not a good move.”

Another rustle and a series of low growls grabbed his attention.

“What the fuck?” he hissed.

The lions appeared without weapons, all in their animal majesty. They had him surrounded, standing still while the wind whipped around them.

All with eyes concentrated on one man.

I felt his sense of terror. And as every coward usually did, he only thought about himself and his safety.

“Get away from me or I’ll kill her.” He lifted the rifle. Too bad the angle wouldn’t allow him to point the barrel at me.

The lions moved closer. His fear increased.

The rush of adrenaline tearing through me was impressive. And I wasn’t afraid.

“What the fuck,” Kyle hissed, alternating pointing the weapon at one lion then another.

“I guess it’s a good day to meet your maker.” While he was in shock, I elbowed him while snapping my hand around the weapon, catching him off guard. He was pitched backwards and I immediately swung around even as he was stupid enough to come for me again.

The harsh smash was followed by a cracking sound, blood spurting from his mouth and nose. He immediately placed his hand over his face, still trying to come for me.

Thor growled.

Zeus roared.

The sound Titus made was pure savagery.

After one more hard hit, I managed to knock him to the ground and I walked away, hissing as I did.

“He’s all yours, boys.” I told my lions as I passed. The girl I’d once been was now long gone. The new one was much stronger, more resilient. And she had reasons to live.

All because of her lions.

They didn’t need to tell me to get back to the building and to safety. I jogged in that direction, feeling Thor’s, Zeus,’ and Titus’ heated glares.

The quiet reverence of how they stood watching, waiting lasted only briefly before they lunged forward, attacking Kyle.

Perhaps I’d have nightmares from the harsh screams erupting from the monstrous soldier.

But I doubted it.

The rain began to fall once again, huge drops pelting against my skin.

The attack took no time, the horrific noise once again drowned out by the typhoon. When I was safe against the building, I shielded my eyes, able to see the plane that was already taxiing down the runway. They certainly weren’t taking any chances the lions would interrupt their escape.

As the pride returned, my three mates in the front, I was surprised they hadn’t shifted. The rain washed away the blood and Thor padded closer.

“You were a bad girl.” I clearly heard his thoughts.

“I never told you I was a good one.”

His snarl was cute but laced with possessiveness.

Another sound coming from the plane caught my attention. Somehow, they’d managed to take off, banking toward the ocean almost immediately.

Maybe I had more of a sixth sense in me than I’d realized. Even though I was already drenched, chilled to the bone, I never took my eyes off the plane.

Just as expected, less than two minutes later, a wind shear grabbed them, pulling them toward the water. I could tell the engine was struggling and could only imagine the pilot and co-pilot’s terror realizing they couldn’t correct their mistakes.

A slight cringe pushed into my system when it crashed into the ocean, the loud boom easily heard over the fast-moving wind. The explosion was magnificent.

The exterior door swung open, Peter and Carrie rushing outside.

“What happened?” Peter asked.

“It would appear we’re stuck here for a little while longer. Let’s get back inside where you’ll be safe.”

“Oh, now, I know that voice. You’re coming with us.” Carrie cocked her head. She knew me better than anyone. I was hardheaded.

“I can’t. Do me a favor and take care of the little lioness.

I have a feeling she’s going to be okay.

You might need to assist in a birth.” Maybe it was wishful thinking or possibly I was just losing my mind, but I could swear the lifeforms were floating freely yet remaining close.

As if a few of them needed me to guide them to where the other lions were being held.

“You said so yourself, Dr. Radcliff. The lion is dying.” Peter glanced at the other lions shaking his head. Still uncertain of them. Still in awe.

We all were.

Zeus was beside me, issuing a very low frequency growl that he expected only I could hear. “You are not leaving the compound. You risked your life, little mate. You will be punished.”

“Well worth it, big boy. The lifeforms are free. I am saving the other lions. You can’t stop me. You don’t want to.” The mental tethering remained strange, but I was tremendously thankful I could read their minds.

That meant once we were safe, they could never lie to me.

I pressed my fingers against my lips. They were still slightly swollen from their rough kisses. Blinking away rainwater was an excellent disguise for my tears.

“You’re risking your life for something uncertain,” Titus told me.

“I’m certain. The lifeforms will save them. If we leave now, we will make it before the brunt of the storm arrives. Please do this with me.”

The three lions swung their heads from one to the other, trying to decide.

“If we do, you will follow our orders. Period.” As usual, Thor was decisive, determined. And completely dominating.

“Fine. I promise.”

“You’re talking to the lions. Aren’t you?” Carrie asked.

I laughed. “Maybe. Who knows. Perhaps one day you’ll be able to do that with Alexander.”

The blond brute lion roared in appreciation as if he could now read my thoughts. Maybe he was simply reacting to the look on Carrie’s face and the sweet blush crossing her jaw.

“That’s really… weird, Dr. Radcliff. Just weird.” Peter rolled his eyes.

“Maybe so, but this is my normal. We’ll return. You’ll be completely safe here.” I backed away, knowing what I needed to do.

This time I chose Zeus, slipping onto his back and holding his mane tightly in my fingers.

There was no way of knowing whether we’d be successful, yet as both a scientist and as a woman, I had to try.

That would redeem a part of me in my mind.

If I was successful and when we got off this island, which we would, I planned on spending the rest of my professional career helping injured animals.

And those who’d been forced into becoming hybrids.

It didn’t matter the breed.

I would protect them with my life.

As my lions, my mates would do with me.

For the rest of my life.