Claimed by the Beasts: A Shifter Reverse Harem Romance Page 10

  Boom! Boom!

  “What the hell?” The sound of gunfire peppered the sky, dragging her out of her reverie. Blinking furiously, she turned around in a full circle. There had to be hunters in the woods. Of course, but what were they shooting at? Suddenly a cold slice of terror raced through every cell in her body. Fear unlike anything she’d ever known seemed to swallow her in a vacuum. There was something wrong. This wasn’t just about hunting for food. No. No. Panting, she heard a single shot ringing into the sky and bit her lip. Every time she breathed her chest hurt. Undaunted, she darted a glance back toward the creature she knew was protecting her. The vibe was clear, and she was able to read his mind.

  Get away.

  Scarlet took off running, racing back toward the house. She knew he was following her, keeping his distance yet also making certain she was safe. Clearing the woods, she bounded toward the house, sensations of hot breath on her heels. Another single shot in the distance pummeled her onto the porch but her true nature set in. She refused to be threatened by any man or beast. She swirled around and glared at the forest, the sun forcing her to squint. “Fuck you, assholes. You will not force me away.” Simply saying the words made her feel better. After studying the area one more time she moved to walk inside the house, then stopped short. His cry of pain was muffled but she could feel every vibe of his anguish furrowing into her heart.

  You are mine and we will be forever more.

  Every part of her wanted to ignore the voice, the beckoning, but she couldn’t. Her steps slow and methodical, she moved to the bannister. In the distance she could see him, the most incredible creature she’d ever witnessed in her life. The lion was a massive beast, strong and proud, his head tipped back, his massive mane blowing in the scattered wind. His beautiful golden eyes bored into her very soul. She didn’t have to say a word. Their connection was unearthly. And she knew without a doubt they were fated to be together. They were destined to mate.

  * * *

  “You asshole! You did this!” Trevor’s deep voice boomed over the small crowd, his eyes shimmering, his beast dangerously close to the surface. “He is our king. I should kill you for what you’ve done.”

  “Fuck you!” The man stood with his feet apart, his muscles tense as if ready for a fight. “He was in the hunting zone allowed to the humans.”

  “And so were you,” Bristol shot back.

  Larken remained sitting on the back of the tailgate, listening to the angry banter. He’d been far too exhausted after being shot to find his way back to the compound, calling Trevor after making certain Scarlet was safe. Yes, he’d ventured into the wrong location, but what he’d seen had answered several questions. There was a ploy driven by the humans, but were any of the Pride members involved? He would keep certain aspects to himself for the time being, including the fact he was aware that the murder of the young woman had been handled by human hands, her body ripped apart in an effort to disguise the kill as performed by an animal.

  A lion to be exact.

  “Damn you, Jax. Your hunting could have gotten him killed! Larken returned to accept his role as our leader,” Trevor snapped.

  “Do you want us to believe that he will do what is required?” Jax flung his arm in Larken’s direction, spitting on the ground. “He is no rightful king.”

  The others murmured, some nodding.

  “We hunt for food. Nothing else,” another man said, making certain the entire crowd heard him.

  “Bullshit, Gunner,” Trevor snarked. “I’ve tracked you myself. You should be banished. All of you.”

  “Enough!” Larken winced as he struggled to stand, placing his hand over the almost healed wound. The shot had come from a human hunter. If the man hadn’t been so terrified at what he was seeing, his aim would have ended Larken’s life, the bullet entering his brain. He issued a low keening growl in Jax’s direction, the sound a clear threat and not only to the bastard standing in front of him, but to the others as well. Jax reeked of blood.

  Human blood.

  Disgusted, Larken twisted his neck from side to side, his bones popping back into place. Shifting had allowed him to heal much faster, but he was still too weak to physically be challenged. At least for now. He had no way of knowing whether Jax was simply pushing his authority, cleaning up after the recent kills or working with the humans, but he would find out.

  A young girl moved between them, tossing a nasty look at Jax. “We must work together. The Red Moon is almost here. We must protect our alpha and our betas. Or we will die.”

  “She’s right,” another female said.

  “We need a queen,” still another yelled.

  The roaring murmurs grew louder.

  “There is no queen!” Jax yelled. “And you will never be safe here. I’ve seen the true monsters up close and personal. They’ve taken lives, trying to put the fear of God into everyone else in town. So. They. Will. Hunt.” The words given a dramatic flair, he turned in a full circle, making eye contact with some members. “Do you see this blood? A young woman who I couldn’t save. When do you think one of ours will be killed? Soon. If we don’t hunt them first.”

  Trevor hissed. “We are not murderers.”

  “Like hell we aren’t,” Gunner mumbled under his breath.

  “We remain close together until the Red Moon.” Bristol took a step closer to Jax, a confrontation brewing.

  “And you really believe that we’re safe here?” The young woman challenged him, a sneer on her face.

  Larken had known Tina Parker his entire life. She was orphaned and the last birth within the Pride, only days apart from Jax’s child. The two births were heralded as an event to celebrate, perhaps a break in the curse. They’d been wrong. He held back a smile as she moved to within only inches of Jax, his massive muscular form towering over her. There was no fear on her face, merely distaste.

  Jax lowered his head until his lips were inches from hers. “Only I can protect you. Only I can make certain the humans are kept in their place.”

  Batting her eyelashes, she pursed her lips. “You’re not man enough to protect us. Or your group of friends.”

  “You bitch!” Jax snapped, even as the crowd roared in laughter.

  Larken gave both Trevor and Bristol a commanding look. “Enough, everyone. Being at each other’s throats isn’t going to solve this.”

  “Larken has come home,” an older male said above the crowd. “He will find our queen and break the curse.”

  “Your great hero left us for years or did you already forget?” Gunner chortled.

  “He has returned,” Tina insisted, giving Larken a respectful nod.

  “Tell us, Larken. What are you going to do to find our queen?” Jax’s eyes glowed.

  Larken could easily read the man’s mind. Jax was well aware of Scarlet’s true identity. Had he been the one to divulge to the humans threatening her?

  “For God’s sake, Jax, he just returned,” Trevor snapped.

  Jax snorted then grinned at the men flanking his side, the rogues who certainly had several of the Pride mesmerized by their lies. “Right. I guess we should expect miracles from our king. What crap. Gunner is right. We refuse to buy that shit. We will do what we want when we want, and it has nothing to do with a ridiculous curse.”

  Larken knew the majority of the Pride was with him, but the few who weren’t were formidable, having refused the old customs for far too long. The murders would continue. Of that he had no doubt. He needed to protect the Pride at all costs in order to prevent a bloodbath.

  “Then you will be the first to die.” The male voice was softer yet said with the utmost authority. He stood just outside the communal building, his eyes locked on Larken.

  The Pride made a path, bowing their heads in respect. Other members had joined, many just returning from their day jobs and their schools. When Larken left years before, they were over thirteen hundred strong. And now? Less than nine hundred. Children were needed and the only way was to get past the time of
the Red Moon.

  “The curse is real, the magic strong. Look around us. We’ve lost many of our own kind to disease as well as to indiscriminate killings by humans. Yet we still thrive. But we will all die if certain protocol is not followed. You have been taught since children what must be done as well as when and you will follow the rules. If any one of you chooses to do otherwise, you may walk out of our establishment. But I assure you of this. You will be hunted, and you will be killed.”

  The Elder’s words echoed through the group, everyone now quiet as the understanding settled in.

  “Hello, Father. You are looking well,” Larken said, eyeing the other two Elders who followed Dartan.

  Dartan shook his head as he approached, clasping his son’s arms. “And you almost got yourself killed. You are far too valuable, my son, to venture off on your own at this point.”

  “I’m fine. I wanted to see which of us has been hunting humans,” Larken stated, glaring at Jax. He also knew Jax had been telling the truth. He’d had nothing to do with the murders.

  “If any member of the Pride is caught and convicted of hunting humans, they will face execution.” Dartan’s words floated into the crowd, a clear reminder of their laws.

  Jax huffed. “We only hunt for food, old man. If you don’t want our help, so be it. Blood of our Pride will be on your son’s hands.” He beckoned the others and they trailed behind him.

  Dartan held his tongue, yet his expression was one of dark determination.

  Larken kept the smirk on his face as the ten or so men followed like lap dogs. When Jax stopped, turning and allowing his eyes to transform, Larken issued another warning growl until his father placed his hand on his shoulder, the grip firm.

  Leave it alone. Dartan’s directed words were no longer spoken.

  What was his father so concerned about?

  Trevor winked, a smile on his face, obviously happy he was taking control.

  Dartan waited until the talking within the members died down. When he spoke, his volume was loud enough to be heard by all. “You have returned to take your place, my son, to be with your queen?”

  Larken felt Trevor’s mental push and exhaled. “I have returned home.” He’d been cornered into making a decision.

  “That doesn’t answer the question, Larken,” another Elder stated. “We need your full commitment. Our time is running out.”

  Dartan held a look of amusement as he waited for his son’s answer.

  “I will accept my position as leader of the Pride,” Larken said through clenched teeth. He didn’t need his extra senses to know that Jax would stop at nothing to keep him from taking the final ceremony, including an attempt on his life. There will far too many mysteries, keeping him on edge.

  Several of the Pride members cheered, others coming up to congratulate him.

  “Come. We should talk.” Dartan wasn’t going to take no for an answer.

  Larken gave both Trevor and Bristol a look before being led with the other Elders into the communal cabin, a place that had been the center of their social and business gatherings for at least two hundred years. He gathered a sense of pride as he walked in, yet a dull ache remained in his stomach. His father was revered by every member of his kind, his heritage as being a true direct descendant of the king of the Saharan desert legendary. No one knew his age, including his own son, but it was suspected that he’d lived for thousands of years.

  “Is it true about the Demons?” Larken asked directly. “Are they considered a threat?”

  “No more so than any other rogue group.” Dartan moved slowly toward a small bar.

  “You’re certain?”

  “As we can be, my son. We will always have enemies, but at this point, we must concentrate on the curse. We also must keep the peace with the people in town. That is vital. Would you like a drink?” Dartan poured several glasses without waiting for his answer.

  “Why are these people being murdered?” Larken walked toward the set of French doors, peering out onto the impressive grounds. While the land was flat, there were incredible landscaped features located near a sizable lake, flowering shrubs and trees lining the roads and driveways. He’d forgotten how beautiful everything truly was. Living here could be considered a paradise if every day wasn’t fraught with danger, perceived or otherwise.

  “To add to the hysteria, the lure,” Dartan answered, far too casually.

  In the limited reflection, he watched as Tomas and Christian took their esteemed places at the table. The two other Elders seemed pensive.

  “I’m sorry to hear about Viola,” Dartan said casually. “She was a special woman.”

  “She brought us far too many issues, Dartan. You know that,” Tomas scoffed. The Elder had been by his father’s side for decades, if not centuries. “This could have been much easier without her stirring the pot.”

  Christian narrowed his eyes as he glanced at Larken. “She had her reasons, including real fear for her granddaughter.”

  “Rightfully so. Scarlet is being threatened.” Larken shook his head.

  “I suspected that might happen. The truth is that Viola Dumane had certain duties, ones she took very seriously. For decades, she remained silent, absolutely trustworthy.” Christian stated the words with conviction.

  Larken could sense the Elder had been carrying a secret. He took a step closer to the table, leaning over. “You knew about Scarlet Dumane all along. Didn’t you?” The demanding tone created a sizzle of energy in the room. “Didn’t you? You knew she was the queen, but helped Viola keep this silent.”

  “Be careful, boy,” Tomas said between clenched teeth.

  “I have a right to ask why a man I respect almost as much as my father would keep this kind of secret.” Larken narrowed his eyes, his breathing ragged.

  “Remember your place, my son,” Dartan commanded. “We have had huge responsibilities placed on our heads.”

  “My place? I’ve never been allowed to forget my place.” Huffing, Larken turned back toward the window, able to see Christian’s reflection in the crystal-clear glass. Of course, Christian had enlisted Viola’s help to harbor the secret for as long as possible. Her black magic, their ability to protect their own was a formidable combination. He’d never liked the man since his arrival in the village.

  Christian’s face softened, a slight smile curling on his lip. “That’s all right. Larken does have a right to know. As you can imagine, what we hid from everyone had to be protected. I trusted Viola with all our lives and she never failed us. Sadly, as Viola grew older, her fears escalated, creating certain issues for the Pride. We will forever be grateful that she attempted to educate our future queen.”

  Larken could read between the lines. Viola’s disturbing and very open accusations had been the cause of the increasing fear from the townspeople.

  “Is there anything else you’re hiding, Christian? I thought we were here to work together.” Dartan shook his head.

  “I was given the order a long time ago by those we do not question,” Christian answered. “I am sorry that I could tell no one. We were attempting to protect the young woman until close to the time.”

  Larken resisted chiming in. The ancient Elders were a myth as far as he was concerned.

  “Are we certain she is the one?” Tomas asked.

  Larken searched Christian’s mind for any additional data. The Elder was masking something else. Why? What was the man afraid of? “I have confirmed that she is the true mate.”

  A quiet settled into the room.

  “Are Trevor and Bristol prepared for their requirements?” Christian asked.

  Larken nodded. “They are as prepared as they can be.”

  “But you aren’t convinced this is the right method,” Dartan suggested.

  “You’ve always known my feelings, Father, and I’ve never lied to you. While my senses have accepted that she belongs to me, I’m having difficulty with aspects of the curse.”

  “You will understand more in time,”
Dartan said as he looked away, his eyes clouding.

  Christian walked around the table. “You must bring her here. You must prepare her. The binding ceremony must take place on the eve of the Red Moon.”

  “I will bring her here when she’s ready,” Larken answered, his thoughts drifting to Scarlet. She would not take kindly to being forced, but he would do as necessary.

  “As leader, you are required to follow protocol.” Tomas had anger in his tone.

  “It is vital that she is protected, Larken,” Dartan stated. “At all costs. I think we all understand and appreciate your reservations, but there are several occurrences that you aren’t aware of. We have many enemies.”

  The words hung in the air, like a damning secret was about to be exposed.

  “Why do I have a feeling you’re hiding a piece of the curse?” Larken asked and he knew by the looks shared between the men that they were keeping vital information. “Tell me. I have a right to know.” He turned to face them, pushing with his mind. For a split second, he was able to read them, to see the ugliness, but only enough to heighten his discord. Yet he suspected what they’d done, altering perhaps the very course of the curse of the Red Moon as well as their destiny. But this wasn’t the wretched secret that he knew in his gut hung around his neck like a weighted chain.

  And if he was right, there was nothing anyone could do to stop their eradication.

  Chapter Six

  And in the days of the Saharan kings, men believed to be gods, they were forced to make a change in their path. The majority annihilated by savages roaming Africa, the few remaining leaders made a choice, and one that would alter their destiny. Mutating into majestic white lions, these powerful shifters roamed the desert, destroying their enemies—with the exception of one. The Mumbas, a tribe feared by all, enacted an ancient curse, one that would plague the Saharan lions as they returned to human form. In the early stages, all their queens would die of a terrible disease.