An Everlasting Bite (18 page)

She was dead on about that. Never in Rynn’s wildest dreams would she have expected to find Kali here, nor, would she have come back to this house on her own accord.

“Does Hendrix know of this?” Echo demanded.

Danika shook her head. “He’s too soft to do what is right. I knew what needed to be done here, and how to fix this problem. I didn’t need his help.”

Echo growled low in her throat, pushed Rynn away and took a step toward her. “I will not let you hurt her, Danika.”

“You do not have a choice,” Danika replied, then pulled a pistol from the back of her jeans and aimed it at Echo. Without a second’s hesitation, she fired and Echo fell to the floor.

Rynn screamed and fell with her. “Echo. Oh God, what have you done?” Blood poured from her stomach. Rynn grabbed Echo’s face in her hands, but her eyes clouded, her life began to fade away. Blessedly, she still breathed, but her breaths were sharp.

“Mother, stop this!” Kali hollered.

“No,” Danika shouted back at her. “This polluted being has taken your destiny from you. Briggs’ position, wealth, loyalty, this is what you deserved and she stole it.”

Rynn couldn’t take her eyes off of Echo. She’d been so kind to her, the only one who welcomed her and she just took a bullet for her. She couldn’t even blink or think to move when she felt the gun press against her head. Her friend was dying.

She pressed her hands to the wound along Echo’s stomach, in hopes it would give her time. Maybe a few more moments someone would come to their aid. The second she applied pressure to her stomach, Echo gasped and her eyes snapped back to life a little, the sense of shock faded.

Danika snickered cruelly, the end of the gun cold against Rynn’s head. “I paid others to do this, but obviously, they are useless and the only way to finish you is for me to do it myself.” Then, she cocked the trigger, the sound loud in Rynn’s ears.

Each second that passed seemed like hours, and when Rynn finally glanced up at Danika, all that surrounded her was peace and happiness. She had it good, even if it was just for a little while, and those memories filled her here. Surprisingly, she wasn’t afraid.

Maybe shock had a helping hand in that. But nonetheless, she accepted her fate.

Danika’s eyes were dark and determined. She gave a half smile then closed her finger on the trigger. Rynn slowly closed her eyes, heard the sound of gun’s explosion, and felt the bullet connect with the side of her head. It wasn’t painful as she expected. It stung, much like a burn.

Instantly, the side of her face soaked with blood. Wait, how could she feel that? She opened her eyes, raised herself up, and lifted her hand to her head. She felt quickly, it appeared the bullet had just grazed her. She could feel the little groove in the side of her scalp. Her hearing was gone, though, the sounds muffled. But she wasn’t dead.

Her gaze roamed the room to understand what had happen. To her surprise, Nera had just saved her life. She and Danika were in a fierce fight, both in human form, fighting to gain control of the gun. She couldn’t tell who had the upper hand.

Then, she remembered Echo. She glanced down beside her to see that Echo had blacked out, but still breathed. Instantly, she tore off her shirt, ignoring her bloody injury and pressed it deep into Echo’s stomach. Rynn was no doctor, but the fact that Echo wasn’t dead yet meant the injury wasn’t as bad as it looked. The second Rynn made contact with Echo’s stomach, her eyes opened and a horrified scream of pain erupted from her.

Suddenly, a loud deep growl roared through the room. Sayer barreled into the room, his attention immediately finding Echo. “Echo,” he roared and rushed forward to kneel next to her. “You’ve been shot? What the fuck is going on here?” He quickly jumped to his feet and assessed the scene.

“Danika,” Rynn shouted, the only word she could vocalize. “It was Danika!”

Sayer’s face darkened and in a two long strides, he grabbed Danika at the back of her neck and punched her with more force than Rynn had ever seen. Danika hit the wall and slid to the floor, knocked out cold.

Okay, Rynn had always been against violence toward women, but in this case, seeing her being knocked out felt damn good.

Sayer immediately ran from the house, and returned a second later carrying a bag and rope. He threw the rope at Nera. “Tie her up.” He knelt beside Echo. “Rynn, you must help me.”

“Of course, anything,” Rynn replied through the tears. What had just happened? Her mind couldn’t reconcile the past moments. One thing she did know, she needed her mate.

“Where’s Briggs?”

Sayer tore open Echo’s shirt to expose the bloody mess of her body. “He’s still fighting the others. I heard Echo’s pain and came for her.”

“Mother, why?” Kali screamed out in horror. “Why?”

Echo was semi-comatose now, her eyes blank. Rynn touched her forehead, the skin cold and wet. She suddenly began to throw up bloody fluid from her mouth.

Oh, this was bad. Really, really bad. Sayer didn’t appear fazed. He jabbed her with needles, too many for Rynn to count, and Echo didn’t even flinch.

Tears spilled over and trailed down Rynn’s cheeks. “Echo, stay with us.”

“She will not die,” Sayer growled. He tore off his shirt, jabbed himself with an intravenous needle and put the other in Echo’s arm. His blood instantly began to drain into hers.

Rynn hadn’t known he was a doctor, but suspected he might be because he seemed to know what he was doing, which was a relief. He grabbed a small container from beside him, opened it and unwrapped sterile instruments—scalpels, clamps, needles and surgical gloves.

“Keep hold of the wound tight,” Sayer told her.

Rynn pushed in harder, barely able to breathe. How could this be happening? How could all of this be true? Her mind swirled in confusion.

Seconds later, Sayer knocked her hands out of the way with gloved hands and took a scalpel to Echo’s stomach.

From there it was clamps and digging into her abdominal cavity. “Clamp,” Sayer shouted at Rynn, and she handed it to him immediately. All that remained was the urgency to see that Echo survived.

For the next few minutes, Rynn became a robot—no thought only action. She assisted Sayer as he healed his mate and her friend. She and Echo had just become close, she couldn’t lose her, not when she needed her so much. While she had Briggs, she needed more than just him in this wolf world.

Danika moaned from her hog-tied position on the floor. Rynn looked behind her.

Nera did nothing but glare at Danika with a look that clearly said she was a dead woman if she so much as moved a finger. When Rynn glanced back to Echo, Sayer had managed to get all the bleeding from the passage of the bullet to stop, but he still didn’t look pleased.

“The bullet didn’t hit anything vital,” he said in a calm, monotone voice. He angled Echo onto her side to face him as he examined her back. The bullet had gone straight through. He rolled her over onto her back, “Grab the liquid from the bag there. Spray it along the wound.”

Without hesitation, she reached in, grabbed the bottle and started to spray the open wound. Whatever it was, it smelled antiseptic. As Rynn continued with that, Sayer took sutures from the sterile container and motioned for Rynn to move away. Then, he got right back to business and, stitched up the bleeders where the clamps were, then removed the clamps.

His hands worked quickly and within no time, he had the front of her completely stitched up. “Help me turn her over,” he asked.

Rynn assisted him, and once Echo lay on her stomach, he went to work on the back of her. Less bloody, but still something Rynn could live without seeing again.

Minutes later, he was done, and jabbed a needled into her arm. Instantly, she gasped and her eyes shot open. “Echo.” His tone filled with worry.

Echo blinked several times, finally able to meet his eyes and smiled. “Ouch.”

He sat back on his legs, let out a long breath and laughed.

“Rynn,” Briggs shouted. She glanced up just as he rushed into the living room. “Why are you bleeding?”

Rynn reached up, felt wetness soak her hand, she pulled it back to find blood completely covered it. Blood dripped from her fingers in thick droplets. When she looked down to her chest, her white bra was also red.

With everything that had happened to Echo, her own injury was the furthest thing from her mind. Now that Briggs mentioned it, a headache larger that felt bigger than the world itself started to develop.

“Oh, I forgot, a bullet grazed me.” The shock of this situation took a backseat to the reality of what had just happened.

Suddenly, the world spun and her eyes clouded with darkness.

When Rynn woke next, it was to a steady beep that came from next to her ear. She strained to open her eyes, but she did eventually able to. When she did, she was blessed with Briggs’ soft smile shining down at her.

“Urgh,” she groaned. “I feel awful.” More than just run down, she was utterly spent.

Simple movements were difficult. Even to blink used up too much effort.

Briggs brushed a hand across her forehead, the warmth of his touch reassured her.

“You lost a lot of blood—it took ten stitches and a couple pints of blood to get you back into shape.”

Her mind felt hidden under a cloud of fog. The last thing she remembered was blood on her hand. But why? A second later, the haze cleared. “Where’s Echo?”

Briggs nodded beside him and she followed his gaze. Echo gave her a wave from the hospital bed where she was hooked up to an I.V.

“Fancy seeing you here.” Echo laughed softly.

“I’m so glad to see you’re okay.” Rynn sighed with relief.

“Thanks to you,” Echo replied. “Sayer said you’d make a good nurse.”

She snorted over that ridiculous notion. “If I never see into someone’s insides again, my life will be fulfilled.” She groaned a little as she attempted to get comfortable. She’d never felt so weak. Rynn glanced back at Briggs, dumbfounded.

“Can you believe this? All the attempts were actually meant to kill me because Danika wanted you mated to Kali?” The shock of that hadn’t worn off. It was almost impossible to believe that anyone would go to such lengths when the world was not scarce for powerful werewolves.

His jaw clenched. “No, Danika is a stupid woman.” He took Rynn’s hand and squeezed it tight. “To think that all those attempts were meant for you.” He shook his head. “Danika is lucky she got off so easy.”

“What?” Rynn screeched. Danika should be punished for her actions. “They let her go?”

Echo laughed loudly. “Now that would be the day.”

Rynn ignored her laughter, focused on Briggs. “So, what happened then?”

“The witch is dead,” Echo exclaimed.

Rynn slowly glanced toward her again, unsure if she heard her right. “Clarify please.”

Briggs touched her arm, drew her gaze back to his. His expression was hesitant but determined. “When Hendrix came back and discovered what had been done, he dealt with the matter appropriately.”

Rynn’s eyes went wide. “He killed her?”

Briggs nodded. “Not only did she endanger your and Echo’s life, but innocent lives were also lost because of her actions. Hendrix gave her mercy by finishing her off quick.

I would not have been so generous.”

So many thoughts ran through her mind it was hard to figure out what to say. An unpleasant thought suddenly struck. “Kali didn’t witness this did she?”

“Of course not.” Briggs brushed his fingers across her cheek. “We had taken her back to the house and then after, Hendrix took her home.”

“Is Kali okay?” To know her father had to kill her mother, no matter what the circumstances were. Kali must be devastated. What Rynn had seen of the girl, she appeared gentle and sweet. Rynn couldn’t decide how she felt about the whole thing.

Briggs brushed the hair off her face and gave her a soft look. “This is the way of things. Of course, she will mourn her mother, but these are the consequences. Her mother’s actions are not usual things, she understands this and will not hold it against her father.”

Rynn just couldn’t grasp it. “He killed his
mate
?” To do such a thing had to be heartbreaking. It’d be like ripping your soul in half. How could he do that?

“What else would you have him do?” Briggs’ voice asked, soft and reserved.

“Call the police,” Rynn snapped. “Have her charged with attempted murder. That’s what they’re for.” At least then Kali could have seen her mother again. Danika deserved to be punished, Rynn believed that, but to kill her. It seemed so extreme.

“The woman almost killed us, Rynn,” Echo said. “It’d be unlikely she would be shown mercy.”

Briggs ran his finger over her furrowed brows as if to ease the tension. “I know the violence troubles you, love, but this is the way we deal with these matters. Danika not only risked many lives, but she attempted to kill Alpha mates. Forgiveness cannot be given in these matters.”

“She got what she deserved,” Nera’s voice snapped from the doorway.

Briggs backed away from Rynn to make Nera’s entrance visible. She held a couple glasses of water in her hands. She went to Echo’s bed first, then to Rynn’s, a smile on her face. “It’s cold.”

Briggs reached out for the hospital bed-control handset, and raised Rynn into a sitting position. “Thanks,” Rynn smiled at Nera, took the glass and took a sip.

The cold liquid slid down her throat and quenched her parched throat. She took another couple sips, then handed it to Briggs, who placed it on the bedside table.

Rynn owed Nera her life. If it wasn’t for her intervention, she wouldn’t be here now.

She felt humbled that Nera felt compelled to help her. Days ago, she doubted she would’ve done the same. “Nera…” Rynn began.

Nera interrupted, holding up her hand for Rynn to stop. “Think nothing of it.” She winked. “Makes us even now, doesn’t it?”

Rynn snorted. “I guess it does. How did you know Danika had attacked us?”

Nera tapped her ears, gave her a knowing glance. “You’re not alone in your gifts.

I’m a blue blood too. My gift is the ability to hear from long distances. I heard the conversation between you all.” She glanced at Echo. “I only wish my speed was as good as my hearing.”

Echo took a sip of her water, then placed it on the table which sat across her lap.

“Lucky we had you at all. If it wasn’t for you, we’d be dead and buried.”

Nera shrugged a little. Apparently, taking compliments wasn’t something she was used too either. Maybe they had more in common than Rynn originally thought.

Suddenly, Briggs stood, approached Nera on the other side of the bed and knelt before her. “I owe you for saving my mates’ life.” He gave her a look that declared his gratitude. “What is it you ask of me?”

Nera pondered that for a moment as she studied him, then glanced at Rynn with a huge smile. “I’ll take three
Hunka Chunka Burnin’ Fudge
sundaes.”

Briggs glanced at the floor and laughed.

Rynn nodded her approval. “Good choices.” She returned Nera’s smile. Things between them had changed. It took two near-death experiences to gain this level of friendship, but friendship wasn’t always easy. Sometimes the strongest bonds came from difficult beginnings.

“If you have ice cream on the mind,” Valor said from the door. “You’re obviously feeling better.”

“Hey it wasn’t my request,” Rynn retorted. “But it’s a darn good one.”

Valor looked over at Briggs who still knelt on the floor. “Dante and I will go and fetch this treat for the women.”

Briggs let out a deep sigh and his relief soared through Rynn. The idea of him having to leave her, apparently, did not bode well. “Appreciate that, boss.”

“I’m very pleased that you’re both on the mend, ladies. Our Pack would be lost without you.” Valor gave a gallant nod, spun on heels and left.

As he left, Sayer walked through the door. “How are the patients?”

“Alive,” Echo responded.

He reached out to her, took her hand in his and laid a soft kiss on it. “That’s a relief.”

He let go of her hand and made his way to Rynn. “Got some color back in you.”

Rynn nodded. “I’ve got ice cream on the way.” Seriously, the knowledge of what was ahead, gave her a whole bunch of rejuvenated juice. Vanilla ice cream, a thick brownie, hot fudge, she could already taste it.

Sayer gave her a puzzled look. “You’ve got what?”

“Another pay-off.” Echo laughed.

Sayer shook his head, checked over Rynn’s monitors and read the results that printed out. “Looks good here.” He placed his hand on her forehead. “Feeling better?”

“Like I said, I’ve got ice cream on the way, I feel great!” Amusement flicked through her, Briggs obviously enjoyed this. When she glanced at him, he grinned from ear to ear.

Sayer chuckled, drawing her attention back to him. “You made quite an assistant—

very brave of you.”

“You all seem to be under the assumption that I think while I’m doing these things. I don’t know how many times I have to say it, I don’t. If I’d had time to think about it, the last thing I would’ve been doing was staring into Echo’s guts.”

“Nonetheless,” Sayer retorted. “Quite brave.” He patted her forehead again, gave Briggs a firm nod then moved over to kiss Echo. “Fuckin’ rounds,” he growled. “I promise I’ll be back to stay with you shortly.”

Echo glanced around the room, lifted her hand attached to the I.V. “I ain’t going anywhere.”

With that, he smiled at Rynn, then left. She glanced back at Briggs. “Don’t you owe Echo something? She saved my life too.” As stupid as this tradition was, Echo deserved whatever she wanted and Rynn would see she got it.

“We saved each other,” Echo interjected. “It equals each other out.” She laughed loudly, but cringed in pain and grasped her side. “Besides, if this ice cream is as good as you make it out to be, what more will I need?”

The scent of warm chocolate fudgie goodness filled the air. Echo’s eyes widened and Nera smiled. Rynn’s stomach growled. A minute later, Valor and Dante entered the room with the sundaes.

“I think you might be onto something here, Rynn.” Echo waved Dante over. “Bring that to me.” He started walking and she waved again. “Quicker.”

He rolled his eyes, but complied.

Rynn laughed, then, glanced at Nera. “Come sit.” She wiggled her feet to the side to make some room for her on the bed.

Nera happily obliged, eyeing the sundae with a smolder in her eyes. “Mmmm…that does look scrumptious.”

Valor gave Nera her sundae, then handed the last to Rynn. Just the smell was enough to make Rynn sigh with pleasure. She lifted the spoon and at the same time, all of the three women placed a bit of that delectable sweet goodness into their mouths and moaned in ecstasy.

With, Valor and Dante on their way to do something Rynn cared nothing about, the women indulged in the treat. The only sounds from the room for the next ten minutes where sighs that were only produced by something filled with calories.

By the time they were done Rynn felt ravished. Echo and Nera looked to be in agreement with flushed cheeks, hooded eyes, and satisfied to the bone.

“That was simply marvelous,” Nera said, licking the spoon.

“Told you,” Rynn handed her bowl to Briggs who tossed it into the garbage.

“Wow,” Was all Echo said.

Briggs’ chuckle was the only other sound. He looked to Nera. “We all squared up then?”

She nodded with delight. “Yes, oh yes, that was certainly enough.”

Just then, Rainer stood in the doorway. “Nera, are you done here?”

Nera got up, circled around the bed and tossed her bowl into the garbage. “I am now.”

Rainer glanced at Rynn, then Echo. “Recovering nicely I hear?” They both nodded and he smiled in return. “Good.” His gaze fell back on Nera. “We must go. We have some trouble at home.”

Nera let out a deep sigh and looked at Rynn. “Welcome to our world, it truly never ends.”

Rynn sighed. Whatever happened to the good guys win and then deserve some time to rest? Obviously, television shows didn’t have it right, the danger never stops. As much as this world might shock her with its violence, this is her life now, so she would just have to accept that.

After quick goodbyes, Nera and Rainer were on their way.

Echo cringed a little. The fullness of her tummy couldn’t have felt good against her stitches.

She grabbed the morphine drip control that rested beside her and punched it with her thumb a couple times. “Time to sleep.” She smiled. By the time she pulled the blankets up she was already higher than a kite and on her way to happy land.

Briggs brushed his fingers across Rynn’s cheek. She loved him more now than ever.

Near-death experiences could do that. Having him with her, seeing the adoration in his eyes, filled her with enough love she could burst.

Their lips met in a way that was passionate yet gentle. The love that had grown between them had started from nothing more than two strangers meeting. Yet it was born on a level more than soul deep.

Briggs drew away from her, looked at her, his eyes filled with love and protection.

Their bond had never been stronger as they looked deep into one another’s eyes, and the heat smoldered.

Rynn felt like she’d come home.

The End

About the Author:

Stacey Kennedy is an avid lover of the paranormal romance and urban fantasy genres. If she isn't plugging away at her next novel, tending to her two little ones, she's got her nose deep in a good book. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband. Be sure to drop her a line at www.staceykennedy.com, she loves to hear from her readers.