Page 20 of Capricorn Blessed

I whip my head around and see the tiger lunging forward. Two of his legs seem to collapse with each step, but he doesn’t seem to notice. The wolf jumps between us, swaying slightly. The tiger doesn’t slow.

I reach through the top, wrapping my hand around the locket and pulling it out.

I hiss as the glass slashes through my arm. The wolf turns, his nose twitching.

I flip the locket over, seeing the same almost triangular design on the back. I throw the chain over my head and race back to the door.

Chapter 10

Beorn

I burst into the hallway and run down the stairs. My vision starts to spot, but I can’t stop. The sound of paws hitting the floor follows me.

I push harder. Run faster. I yank the front door open and stumble down the steps. The world spins, but I keep going.

I hear something hit on the gravel behind me. I twist to see who it is, tripping over my own feet and almost hitting the ground.

I fight the spots pushing toward the gates. Harder and harder, but moving slower and slower.

The gate comes into sight, and I let out a sigh of relief. Safety is so close, if only I can make it. My feet tangle against each other. The ground comes at me quickly, and all hope of escaping seems to slip away.

I close my eyes, accepting my fate but not wanting to see myself become food.

The impact on the driveway doesn’t come.

Gravity reverses, and I feel myself flying up through the air, landing against something solid and warm. But not furry…

I crack my eyes open, seeing the pale skin of the chest I’m leaning against. I track upwards, my eyes landing on Kenric carrying me bridal-style toward the gate.

I lift myself enough to glance over his shoulder, seeing the tiger gaining on us as he charges down the driveway.

“Kenric,” I mumble, trying to force urgency into my voice, but fading fast. “Going faster would be good.” I sink back down, laying my head against his chest.

“Trying,” he grunts out.

My eyes drift close as I feel the off-balanced way he is running toward the gate. Almost like he can’t properly put weight on one side.

I faintly hear Dennis’s voice, “What the fuck did you do to her?! And why are you naked?”

I don’t hear the reply as I drift into the welcoming darkness.

Sound returns first. Two low voices arguing and one slightly higher-pitched voice interjecting every so often. I try to open my eyes, but my lids are heavy and uncooperative.

The next thing to return is the pain. My arm throbs in time with my heartbeat, and a whimper escapes.

The voices stop. I feel hands on my cheeks. Thumbs slowly stroking back and forth.

“Sia?” Dennis’s voice sounds hesitant. “Can you hear me? You’re okay. I’ve got you. Everything is okay now.”

I try to open my eyes, but my lids still refuse.

“What are you doing to her?” another gruff voice asks.

“Nothing,” Dennis answers. “She made a noise, and I wanted her to know she’s not alone.”

“But why are her eyes doing that? It looks like she’s having a seizure. You must have done something!”

I want to correct that second voice. Dennis didn’t hurt me. He wouldn’t. I try to tell the second voice that it isn’t his fault. I make some sound and both of them stopped talking. I’m not even sure they are breathing.

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