The Rares

Chapter 25

~~~~Cosan~~~~

Russet led a wobbling Zephyr into our main room. Riner had been so upset when he was telling us about what had happened that we made him sit down, after telling us what he had named the little pups they had brought. The green-eyed gray one was Ryker, his sister was Willow, and his brother was Jerico.

Now Riner had his head in his hands, and Adrian was rubbing his back. Obviously, they had gotten close in their time together. 

I was snapped out of my thoughts when Zerrec and Zimri bounded over to Russet and Zephyr. Zimri pestered Zephyr about how he felt, while Zerrec sniffed his son's pelt. Zephyr had a bandage covering his shoulder and part of his chest, which protected the spot where he had been shot. 

I looked over to the little family, and my jaw tightened in anger. Zerrec was looking at Russet in that way. But she was occupied with Zephyr and Zimri.

"Zerrec," I growled, quiet enough that only he heard me. But Rhea, beside him, also heard, and looked over at me.

I jerked my head in an unmistakable "Come here" gesture.

"Yeah?" He asked as he padded over.

I opened my mouth to speak, but before I could, I heard a faint chop chop chop sound.

Russet glanced at me. 

"What's that?"

"Come on. Now."

Together we raced out of the stronghold, turned human, and watched the black helicopter touching down on the snow in front of us.

______________

~~~~Russet~~~~

My hair was blown out of my face as the spinning blades of the helicopter slowed. I shivered, imagining those same blades slicing me from the sky. 

I felt a strong grip around my hand, and I looked up at Cosan. He gave me a reassuring smile, and I turned my attention back to the vehicle. I saw a few faces peering out from the windows.

He gave my hand a squeeze, then stepped forward, and spoke quietly to the pilot. Thanks to my hawk-enhanced hearing, I could tell most of what they were saying.

"Where's Ramos?" The pilot asked.

"Dead. Years ago. In a Slayers attack."

"When was the last one?"

"About two months ago. My mate was kidnapped, and finally returned to us about one month ago. Why are you here?"

"Got a new generation of Halves. Four of 'em. One guy, three girls. Guys name is Marshall, the girls are Kiara, Jennifer, and Ariss. All cats. Just watch out, Kiara's pretty snippy."

"Four? Seriously? That's what you came for, scared my nephew's pups, my mate's kits, my sister's pups, and probably any other Wild creatures?"

"Had a bunch of little ones that died  young. A couple even died on the way. Had to check who was here."

"Hmm. Whatever. Just drop them and go. The sooner you're gone, the sooner we can calm down our little ones."

"Also got a big shipment of meds."

"Cool. Unload and we'll take it from there."

Cosan turned and came back to me as the pilot faced the back of the copter, and yelled at the four new Halves. Moments later, the door opened. Four scared-looking Hales stepped out. Well, two scared, one annoyed, and one who seemed like he was keeping his face carefully blank, for the benefit of the other three. I guessed he was Marshall.