A Love Untamed (Feral Warriors #7)(78)

She used his worry for her against him. “Do you really think I’m safer out here? Alone?”

She knew the moment she had him. With a sigh of resignation, he nodded. “All right.”

The three of them started into the tunnel together. As Fox led the way, Castin pulled a slim flashlight out of the pocket of his pants and turned it on. His other hand retrieved his knife and he began weaving it, twirling it, between his fingers, faster and faster, the muscles in his arms tensing.

Melisande’s trouble radar leaped. The Castin she’d once known had always been calm and reserved.

“Fox?”

The name had barely left her lips when Castin lifted his knife and aimed it for Fox’s back, for his heart.

Chapter Eighteen

Fox heard the alarm in Melisande’s voice and whirled, turning just as Castin swayed, grasping the wall, his knife falling from his hand.

“I can’t . . .” the new Feral gasped. “The pull . . .” Bending down, he snatched up his knife, turned, and strode swiftly back to the cave’s entrance. Standing in the rain, he arched his back, taking deep pulls of air.

Fox followed him, Melisande close on his heels. “What in the hell just happened?” His gaze went to Melisande but it was Castin who answered.

“I almost attacked you. It was as if something inside me took over.”

“The darkness,” Fox muttered. “It’s trying to claim you.” Bloody hell. If Castin turned on them, they were sunk.

“I felt it building as I walked into the tunnel, like steam rising inside of me, about to explode.

Fox eyed him intently. “And how do you feel now?”

“Fine. The pressure’s gone.”

Which gave Fox two choices. Leave the male here and hope to hell he didn’t lead the sentinels into the tunnel after them. Or kill him.

The thought sickened him. He really thought it likely that Castin was the best of his line, the one meant to be chosen. From the story he’d told of the night of Melisande’s capture, he’d been the only one the chieftain had disposed of, the only one of the cheetahs who would have fought to save the Ilinas instead of torture them. Then again, a lot of cheetahs had been born since then. And those who’d tortured the Ilinas had died at Melisande’s hand a long time ago.

Castin might be the best of his line or he might be a hell of a fine liar. Fox couldn’t be sure.

But he couldn’t take the man’s life. Especially not now, not when Melisande was still absorbing the probability that Castin had never betrayed her at all.

“Stay here and wait for us,” he told the male who might one day become the cheetah Feral. As Castin handed his flashlight to Fox, Fox nodded his thanks. Then together, he and Melisande headed back into the tunnel. As she slipped her hand in his, as his fingers closed tight around hers, his animal sighed with relief. He flicked on the flashlight and, following Sly’s memories, led the way into the narrow passage through the rock, a passage barely wide enough for them to walk side by side.

“Do you still have feelings for him?” he asked her, unable to hold back the question any longer.

Melisande snorted softly. “I have no idea what I feel for him anymore. It may take me weeks, or even years, to sort it out. Would it bother you if I did?”

“Aye.”

She cut him a look that was almost coy. A coy Melisande. Who’d have thought it possible?

“I have feelings for you, too, Feral. In fact, I can honestly say that what I feel for you is a hundred times stronger than anything I ever felt for Castin.”

The pressure eased inside him. “I’m glad.” He grinned, delighted when she smiled back. Pulling her close, he kissed her hair. “I don’t want you to leave when this is over. I never want you to leave.”

She sighed, melting against him just a fraction. “I don’t think I could, Feral. You’re becoming annoyingly important to me.”

He kissed her hair again, grinning. “I’m glad.”

They came to a long, stone staircase rising into the dark. As they started up, he released her hand. “I’m going to try to find Kara.” He shifted into his fox, then, climbing on four paws, called to Kara, opening his mind so that Melisande would hear as well.

Kara? If she was in the fortress, she should be close enough to hear. If she wasn’t . . .

Yes? Kara replied excitedly. Who is this?

Fox sent a prayer of thanksgiving winging to the goddess. Fox.

Fox! You’re here?

Aye. Hidden. Where are you, sweetheart?

In a jail cell deep beneath the castle. Lyon’s not with you. It wasn’t a question. If Lyon were within communication distance, he’d have already spoken to her, they both knew that. Is he okay?

Last I saw him, he was fine. Physically.

Thank God.

He’s with Kougar and Wulfe. I have Melisande with me. One of the new Ferals, Castin, is waiting for us outside. We had a hell of a time reaching this stronghold, but we’re inside now.

He remained in his animal, engaging his keener fox senses as he listened for sound of Mage. Melisande stroked his fur as she climbed beside him, pleasing him immensely. At the top of the stairs, they followed the passage, side by side, as it wound through the rock. The scent of the air changed, growing more damp and smelling of mildew. Far in the distance, he could make out the faint rumble of voices. They were at least a couple of levels away. Nothing close.