Page 59 of Forbid Me

The air carried the sharp scent of fear mingled with the metallic tang of imminent conflict. I braced myself, muscles coiled, preparing to shift into my panther form and confront first the dozen guards before facing the true danger outside. Stella's flesh bristled with the oncoming change. I wanted to tell her to hold back, to stay behind me.

She wasn't going to stay back. She was coming with me. We'd ride this out together. If it came to it, we'd die together.

Before I could act, I saw something unfolding beyond the dust from the pirate ship. Something else was moving in fast. Faster than the ship had traveled.

There was no mast, no sails. There was no swirling tornado. It cut a straight path toward the ship on four massive paws.

Those paws struck the ground louder than thunder. More like bombs exploding. The golden beast was so bright it blocked out the sun. Everyone onboard the ship, onboard the train, sheltered their eyes as they witnessed the fury of the panther king.

With the blood of the gods running through his veins, Dion's beast was nearly as large as the ship. His roar was a thunderous sound that reverberated through the air, a primal declaration of his presence and power. It was a sound that spoke of ancient strength and untamed wildness.

The security guards froze in their tracks, their resolve faltering at the sight of the king. A stunned silence fell over the train and its occupants. The witch's voice over the loudspeaker cut off abruptly as she retreated toward the back of the ship.

With a massive paw, Dion swatted the anchor away like it was a ball of yarn. Then he opened his mouth and let out a deafening roar. The sound shook the ship, sending it hurtling away. The pirates spilled out and fell to the ground, making a thud and crunch as many died. Those who didn't became a snack for the king's beast.

Licking the blood off its maw, the panther king turned back to us. I dropped to my knees, pulling Stella down beside me. I knew my time was up. I also knew that she would forever be safe. It was more than I could ask for. I just hoped my death would be as swift as the pirates'.

CHAPTER 41

Stella

Blood and Beryl was a different world from a different era. I'd grown up comparatively wealthy in the Crossroads. There was always a roof over my head that didn't leak. I had at least one meal a day. My clothes were never rags, and not just because of my power.

In the Crossroads, I'd walked each day on broken cobblestones and pavement that bore the scars of war. If people didn't watch where they stepped, they could easily become a casualty. Most structures were dilapidated, if they stood erect at all. There was hunger in people's eyes back in the Crossroads, and they just might cross the street to take a bite out of their neighbor if they thought they could get away with it.

Here in Blood and Beryl, the structures stood tall and proud, reminiscent of photographs from a century ago when humanity thrived and order reigned supreme. The homes and businesses alongthe streets bore none of the scars of decay that plagued the outside world. There were no broken windows or crumbling gutters. Instead, the buildings boasted a pristine appearance, as if they had just received a fresh coat of paint. There was an air of cleanliness and prosperity that permeated the atmosphere, a bright contrast from the dark squalor and desperation of the streets of No Man's Land.

Even the people appeared healthy and well-fed. Their faces bore none of the gauntness or weariness that those living beyond the House's walls wore. If the common folk lived in such luxury, then surely those in positions of power must lead lives beyond imagination.

I'd heard about the Vampire King and his shifter queen, whose animal walked beside her at all times. Niamh would gossip about their love story, looking dreamily off into the distance. Before Danni became consort to the king, she had rejected the cruel wolf prince of another House. Elias had born witness to that rejection, and when the prince's father would've had Danni killed, Elias offered her sanctuary at Blood and Beryl. Then, soon after, he claimed her as his own. It was supposed to be a love match. I couldn't wait to see for myself so that I could tell Niamh.

At least I hoped one day I could tell Niamh. And Tori. I had to believe my girls were okay. They were both smart enough and tough enough to make it through the portal opening alive.

"I'm sorry for the threats to your life, Stella. I should have come for you myself once I realized who you were."

The King of Panthers looked down at me. His eyes, dark and intense, held the weight of centuries, but he couldn't have been too much older than me. Though looks could be deceiving with supernaturals. Vampires lived for hundreds of years without aging a day.

Dion looked like he was in his prime. Golden strands of hair framed his face, catching the light in a halo of radiance that accentuated his regal bearing. His eyes were pools of darkness that threatened to suck me in. Except I didn't feel even a pinch of fear as I met his gaze.

There was an echo of his beast that lingered around him. Like a golden aura pushing off his shoulders. I could still see traces of the giant jaguar in the curve of his mouth, in the way his muscles tensed beneath his skin, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.

Supernatural physics was weird. How could a beast that big fit itself into this man… who honestly was still very, very big.

Despite Dion's massive size and undeniable strength, I knew he wasn't a danger to me. Something inside me told me he was safe. He was shelter. If I wanted, I could crawl into his lap and he would hold me. He'd tell me everything would be okay. And I would believe.

Except I didn't want to crawl into his lap. I was happy right where I was. Next to Oz.

"That's okay," I told the king. "Oz took care of me."

I glanced over at Oz, but he was avoiding my gaze. His jaw was tense, his hands balled into fists. He was stewing. Likely not just over the latest battle he'd nearly lost me in. He was probably thinking back on all our mishaps and how he would give an accounting to his king.

"He never let anyone hurt me. He put himself between me and danger every time. And we made it through safely."

Oz did look at me then. The turmoil churned in that golden gaze that I loved. I wished we were alone so that I could kiss and soothe him. But I doubted that kind of behavior would be appropriate in front of the king.

"I never doubted he would," said Dion. "Once you're on Panthera, I can assure you there will be no more threats to your life in the palace."

"Can't say I'm not looking forward to palace life." I grinned as I imagined the luxury, and by luxury, I meant a warm bath and a decent meal. A new outfit didn't even cross my mind… at first.

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