Page 35 of Hidden Pain

“Emma.”

“On it.” The lioness shifter turned back into a human. “Jessica, I need some clothes.”

The witch nodded, and with a flick of a wrist, Emma was clothed in jeans and a t-shirt. She disappeared into the tent, and Lily relaxed a little, knowing the maternal nature of the lioness would calm the children. There were only a few of them, but they still mattered.

Kingsley brought her close to him while she turned her gaze back to the circus people. But this time, her eyes were met by those of her tormentor, Frederick. He was staring at her intently, having clearly recognized who she was. An evil grin spread across his face.

“Welcome home,” he mouthed at her. Hunter must have seen it, for he growled and struck out at Frederick.

“Eyes on the ground, scum,” the alpha ordered and then pointed at the witch. “Cages for them all.”

The men of the circus suddenly found themselves in cages just like the women had earlier. Brayden then appeared, looking distressed.

“The shifters?” Hunter questioned

“Not good.” Brayden shook his head.

“Ethern,” Hunter called into the air.

Lily knew Ethern was a nomad. He was not associated with any particular pack, but he was fond of the Glacial Blood family. He was a multi-shifter like Selene and also a member of the Council. The dark haired, stern faced man appeared with several of the councilmen guards, and Lily snuck behind Kingsley’s back. She was still scared they would come and arrest her for trying to expose shifters.

“What do you have for me?” Ethern asked.

Brayden stepped forward. “There are about ten animals inside: two lions, a tiger, four horse shifters, and a family of brown bears—three of them to be exact.” The snow leopard shifter looked her way. “Parents and a little girl.”

That was all Lily needed to hear. She took off toward the tent to see for herself, tears streaming down her cheeks. She could hear the ringmaster’s laugh behind her. Hunter caught up with her and grabbed her around the waist just outside the tent.

“I don’t want you to go in there,” he ordered.

“I have to. I’m the only one who can help them. I need to help the little girl.” Lily looked over the wolf’s shoulder to where Kingsley was being restrained by Tyler and Zain.

“I need to go in there with her,” her human lover called out.

“You can’t go in there. It’s not safe,” Brayden insisted.

“I don’t care!” Kingsley shouted out.

Brayden turned around and looked at Hunter. Hunter nodded. Tyler and Zain let go of Kingsley, and he was by Lily’s side in a few massive strides. Then holding a hand each, both her lovers led her into the tent.

It smelled just as she’d remembered: unclean with the shifters left in their own defecation. Health and safety inspections were never a part of this circus. Lily could hear the animals around her growling at Kingsley as he walked past them with her. She held his hand tighter.

“He won’t hurt you.” She found herself saying. “He’s come here to rescue you.”

A couple of the faces were familiar to her from her time there, but she could see in their eyes they’d forgotten her. It was easier to forget than think about those who were no longer part of the circus whether they’d left alive or, more commonly, dead.

She reached the cage with the little bear in it. She reminded Lily so much of herself at that age. The mother and father both growled at her, warning her to stay away from their child. She ignored them and undid the cage. Hunter stood in front of Kingsley in case the little girl shifted and went for him.

“Hello.” Lily smiled at the girl. “My name is Lily. What’s yours?”

“Leave her alone!” the father bear shouted.

“I’m trying to help her.” Lily lifted her gaze from the little girl to the father. “I know exactly what she’s going through…except she still has her parents. I wasn’t so lucky. Mine were killed by the men outside.”

“You were once in this cage?” the little girl asked.

Lily looked at the rusty metal in front of her.

“Yes, I think I was probably in that exact same cage. It looks identical. Do you want to come out?”

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