Cole's Redemption (Alpha Pack #5)(46)

Ignoring him, Zan laid a hand on his chest. Assessed. “Femoral artery tear. If you weren’t a shifter, you’d be dead by now. Let me work.”

He started again, struggling with every second, with every cell he coaxed back together, even though the job wasn’t as tedious as Tarron’s healing. When he was finished, he swayed on his knees, then collapsed.

Something warm gushed from his nose. He tried to wipe it, but couldn’t move his arm. Jax’s face appeared over his, worried. Zan couldn’t make out what he was saying.

Then the world gradually vanished and the pain with it.

Selene was playing a game on the Wii with Blue when the call came in.

She wasn’t the one who answered. Suddenly Melina was striding into the room, and when Selene glanced at her, she immediately knew something was wrong.

“What’s happened?” She pushed to her feet, leaving the game. Blue joined her.

“We have to leave right away for Prince Tarron’s stronghold.”

“Why?” she asked in growing alarm. “What’s going on?”

“The team was ambushed tonight by a large group of rogue vampires. They were traveling to the stronghold with the prince and his men in two cars when the attack happened. Zan had to heal your father or he was going to die. The prince as well.”

Selene felt the blood drain from her face. “Is Zan okay? Of course he’s not, or you wouldn’t be here.”

“I’m going to be honest. His brain is rupturing from the stress of healing again too soon, and the prince’s doctor can’t get him stabilized. They think your being there will help him, considering your bond.”

“What are we waiting for?” she cried. “Let’s go!”

“Good. We can send for some things later.”

“How are we getting there? Will we take a helicopter, too?”

“No time, and there’s an easier way.” Just then, Noah joined her, followed by Kalen, Mac, and the new baby. “We’re all going, including Kalen. And Mac and the baby aren’t going to be left here virtually all alone in this big place.”

She was about to repeat her question about how they were getting there when three males in black jeans and black long-sleeved shirts suddenly appeared in the game room out of thin air. Selene jumped with fright and scrambled back.

“It’s all right,” Melina reassured her. “These vampires are some of the prince’s soldiers. Vampires can teleport, so they’re going to take us directly to the stronghold.”

“Okay.” She hoped she didn’t get sick. Teleporting sounded scary as hell, though she’d never done it.

There wasn’t much time to worry. The three vampires spread out, instructing them to link arms. Told them to close their eyes.

And in a flash, she felt as though she were hurtling through space. Rushing along like she was seated in a fighter jet—with the top down.

As quickly as she made that comparison, the trip was over. They were on stable ground again. Or rather, a floor. Opening her eyes, she gaped at her surroundings. They were standing in a huge foyer fashioned out of the mouth of a cave. The space was every bit as richly appointed as a palace, and that’s in fact what it was. A massive stone fortress carved right into the side of a mountain. She couldn’t imagine any enemy strong enough to penetrate it.

“The prince will see you momentarily,” one of the soldiers informed her. “Wait here.”

Then they were gone. But in the next instant, she spotted her father and a tall, stunning man hurrying toward them. Her father’s face was drawn, worried, and the other man’s was too.

“I’m Tarron Romanoff,” the prince said, confirming his identity. “Your mate saved our lives, your father’s and my own. He’s a very brave and honorable man.”

She resisted the urge to demand he take her to see Zan right the hell now. “Thank you. I think the same of him.” She hung on to her composure. “Please, how is he?”

“Not well, I’m afraid. His brain has been pushed to the limits of his endurance, and the bleeding continues. He’s unconscious.”

“How can I help? I’ll do anything.” She meant that.

“Our doctor and our team of nurses believe strongly in the power of the mate bond. Especially in cases where one mate is straddling the line between life and death. The mate bond can sway the other partner toward life and healing.”

Tears filled her eyes. “I’ll do whatever it takes to get him well. May I see him now?”

“Of course. Come along and we’ll get you settled with him.” To the others, he said, “I’ll have rooms prepared for all of you. I’d like to extend an invitation to your medical staff to work in our infirmary while the Alpha Pack remains our guests and we battle this rogue problem. We know so little about shifter medicine; your presence would be a great help.”

“Nurse Brooks and I accept, thank you,” Melina said. “Dr. Grant is on maternity leave.”

The prince graced the baby with a warm smile. “I see that. I’ll make sure the baby and his parents have the best accommodations available.”

He spun and walked away. The group followed, entering a whole new world.

But all Selene could focus on was making sure her brave Healer was healed himself.