The Hawk's Keep

The Hawk's Keep : Teased

Chapter 5

Teased

I groaned as my inner animal wouldn’t leave me alone. If this kept up I wouldn’t be able to make it all the way to the base in time. Jay was riding on my tail pipe, Bunny still tucked close to his chest but this time her eyes were directly on me and not on my best friend.

Good maybe my hawk could settle the fuck down for one damned minute! He did. He stopped pressing against my mind and instead calmly waited, seeming to like her attention on us. The bird was preening. Jeez. It took about an hour before the big gray building rolled into view, trees dotting the surrounding area to keep it semi covered in case of an attack. And there might be one soon.

Shiba stood outside with his daughter beside him, her own weapons strapped to her hips were double edged swords and several different throwing weapons I didn’t care to remember. But this didn’t make me feel any better. If the king was willing to risk his own daughters’ life then something bigger was taking place around here. “James…”

“Shiba, Lyre.” I mumbled, bowing my head to the two. Just because I lived a lone life didn’t mean I didn’t respect the king Shiba was, but it didn’t stop me from wanting to kick his royal ass from time to time.

“Come, where is the rabbit?” Bunny stepped out from behind Jay, her red eyes wide with fright and that had my hawk restless and angry. “Easy my dear, no one will hurt you here.” Shiba assured her, coming closer to inspect her. “Hare shifter, albino at that. I’m surprised you can even stand to be out here in the sun right now, rabbit.” I wanted to growl as Shiba stalked around Bunny, making her flinch with each step he took. “And from the smell of it, you’re not just Hare…ah…viper.”

Bunny trembled as the cat stepped closer and whispered something to her that made her pretty red eyes go wide before clenching shut. Finally I had had enough. Just because she was a shifter didn’t make her tough like the rest of us! I was beside Elizabeth in a flash, wrapping my muscled arms around her small body and glaring at Shiba, “Back off, cat.” I hissed, eyes turning golden as my hawk merged to the surface in anger. I wasn’t as big as Shiba in my true form but I was damn big enough to take his furry ass out.

“She’s made you soft, James.” He accused, turning on his heel with a smile as Lyre bounced on her feet. “Looks like she can stay after all.” Made me soft? I almost scoffed until Bunny pressed closer to me and I automatically tightened my hold, leaning my head down to sent her.

“You alright, Elizabeth?” I asked, using her name for once. She stuttered a ‘yes’ out before I scooped her up into my arms and followed Shiba into the building where I was greeted with a huge hug by a very, very pregnant Eyrin.

“James.” She breathed, pulling back to smack the back of my head harshly. Damn it this woman got stronger each time I see her! “What did you get yourself into now, dumb fuck?” rolling my eyes I grinned.

“Nothing I can’t handle, babe.” The cat king snarled not far off ahead of me and I just couldn’t help the snicker that escaped me. Despite everything, despite the fact I had given my word never to pursue Eyrin again the stupid cat was still insecure about all this. “Sounds like your man over there wants some attention too.” Eyrin chuckled and kissed my forehead.