The Hunted

Chapter 27

Author's Note: Timelines are overlapping with some of these POVs.

Multiple POVs

Luke's POV

We headed down a hallway with flickering fluorescent lights. I guess Corey knocked a few things loose with that mini-earthquake. For such a quiet guy, he's a rather possessive mate. Silas and I tried contacting Kieran with no response at first, but then suddenly he answered. Find Sergi, he's being magically drugged. I'm not sure how long he can last.

Another group is on their way to him. Where are you? I asked him.

Northeast corner of the building. I can see the lake through the window. Kieran replied.

Are you injured? Silas asked him.

No, just trapped sort of. Damn witch did some spell and I can't move - he growled. The three of us exchanged concerned glances. This witch was carrying some serious firepower if she could suppress and separate humans from their shifter sides and literally paralyze one of us.

We're almost there, brother, I told him as we approached the door we thought he was behind. "Stealth, or shock and awe?" Brandon smirked.

"Light it up," I grinned. He raised his hands and shot a wave of air that ripped the metal door off its hinges as if it were paper. "Cool," I laughed. When the room cleared of dust and debris, we met the wide eyes of my brother laying stark naked on a bed. "Dude, clothing is not optional." He rolled his eyes but didn't move.

Silas grabbed a flimsy hospital gown and tried to drape it over him. If it wasn't for the life-threatening situation we were in, it would have been downright hysterical. It was like trying to dress one of those stiff-limbed dolls when the clothes were just a bit too tight. Finally, he managed to get the gown and some scrub pants on him, then Silas growled, "Really? Fucking really, Kieran?"

"What?" Brandon and I both asked. Silas just pointed to the mark on North's neck. Clear as day were two delicate little bite marks. I swear my brother was grinning, frozen or not.

"She marked you?" Brandon asked, his eyes wide. "Did you?"

Sergi and I both did. Then we marked each other - Kieran chuckled.

I tried not to laugh, but I couldn't help it. The thought of North and Raven being eternally bound to each other was too much. I was clutching my stomach in laughter as the other two just gaped in shock. "Oh, fuck, this is going to make one hell of a family photo," I snorted.

A shrill scream pierced the air and North fell to the floor, the spell suddenly released. Before we could ask if he was okay, both he and Brandon fell to the floor crying out in pain as they gasped for air.

Callie.

Nate's POV

It hadn't taken us long to find Raven, well, Sergi. I swear Corey had some sort of radar as he led us down several flights of steps and into a dark corridor. The look on the man's face when we entered was priceless. Before we could even make a move, Corey had him suspended in the air, then slammed against the floor.

"Corey, stop!" Victor yelled. "We need him to know what he did to Raven."

Corey's eyes were vicious as he finally released the man. In minutes, we had removed the IV line and were trying to rouse an unconscious Russian.

"What the fuck was in that?" I demanded.

The man just gave a pathetic look, "More than you can fix. No one but the witch can undo her magic. I simply gave the doses."

"Unfuckingbelieveable!" Kota growled.

We turned when we heard a loud slap. "Wake the fuck up, you stubborn bear!" Corey yelled at him, then slapped him again. Suddenly, a shrill scream pierced the air and Corey fell to the floor. Sergi's black eyes popped open and he roared, then clutched his chest.

Sean's POV

We had followed the voices into a large chamber. A woman was raving in French, while a hooded figure bowed low, holding onto Callie. And there in the corner, looking just like the last day I saw her, stood Sang.

Her head was lowered slightly as she clasped her hands in front of her. As if she felt my eyes on her she raised her head and turned toward us. A sadistic smile crossed her face as she spoke, "Regardez, Maîtresse, plus d'animaux. (Look, Mistress, more pets.)"

"Who the fuck are you calling pets, Trouble?" Gabe yelled.

She blinked innocently, "Oh Meanie, it will be so nice to play with you all again." Her words sent chills down my spine.

"You won't lay a hand on them," Callie growled and lunged toward her. She managed to get a handful of hair and swipe her nails down Sang's chest before she cried out in agony.

The hooded figure held out her hand, twisting her fingers at odd angles. It took me a moment to realize that Callie's body was mimicking the odd movements. Fuck, that's got to be the witch. When Callie let out another scream, Owen shifted, fangs bared. In an instant, he bolted toward the hooded figure with Axel right behind him. They both lunged and the woman fell to the ground, her head next to her.

Lisette let out a piercing scream, and faster than we could react, Sang let loose daggers toward Axel and Owen.

"Owen!" I screamed. He turned just in time to see Callie step in front of him. His eyes widened as she met his gaze, blood running down her mouth. No, no, this can't...no!

Lisette began yelling at Sang as they fled the room. Callie fell to the ground, the sound of her knees echoing off the walls. Axel and Gabe were screaming for help, begging her to hold on. I stood, helpless, unable to move watching Owen cradle her face as he asked, "Oh love, why?"

She gave him a soft smile, "Second death to save the rest. You'll be okay, I promise." Her chest rattled and suddenly flames engulfed her body and she was gone.

Axel fell to the floor, crying out as he felt the pain of his mate dying. 

Author's Notes: Darkness before the light, my lovelies.