Page 30 of Hunting for Redemption

“I have a bad feeling,” I say slowly, never stopping my movement forward. With the address in mind, it’s even easier to follow Axel’s scent, knowing exactly where it’ll lead me. “Why is she being so sloppy? She didn’t cover her tracks at all.”

“It’s almost like she wants you to show up.”

I swallow thickly. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

“Don’t think like that,” Ronny says right away and I can hear his fingers flying over the keys of his keyboard. “Stay positive, Jeff. You’ll get there in time.”

I nod despite the fact that Ronny can’t see me. I can hear movement and a moment later, Martin is coming online with me, his voice in my ear alongside Ronny’s. They might not physically be here with me but they’re on my side, they have my back. It renews my strength and resolve. We’ll get to Axel in time.

Axel’s scent leads me to the warehouse. The doors are closed but not locked. Everything inside of me is screaming at me that this is a trap but I can’t stop right now, not when I know Axel is just beyond these doors, waiting for me to save him.

I take only a second to compose myself before opening the door and walking inside. It’s dingy and run down in here. I look at the ground, finding two sets of fresh footprints. One from the woman and another from Axel.

“You don’t have to pull them so tight,” I hear Axel say and I follow the sound of his voice, like a beacon leading my way. “It’s not like I’m going anywhere.”

“Shut up,” the woman hisses out and my back stiffens. She sounds different than the last time we met. Before she was calm, collected. She knew exactly what she was doing. This time she sounds completely out of control.

“Found them,” I breathe, wanting the guys to know I’m here.

“Be safe, Jeff. I’m three minutes out. I’ll be there as fast as I can to have your back,” Martin says into my ear. “And don’t be afraid to do what you need to do to keep your mate safe.”

If my heart could beat, I know it would be hammering a bruise into the inside of my chest. My steps are silent as I go.

“I know you’re here.” I go completely still, my entire body locking up. “I can smell you.”

There goes my element of surprise. I step out into the open, no longer needing to hide. My eyes lock with Axel’s and I do my best to silently tell him that everything is going to be okay. I’m here to save him.

I look over at the woman who’s done so much damage in the small amount of time I’ve known her. Her eyes are still dark, filled with hate, but this time they’re foggy. She’s losing control of herself.

A pang goes through my chest. If only I could help her, if only I could save her. I pity her. I wish I didn’t have to kill her. If given the chance, my stomach clenches because I wonder if I’ll even be able to do it. Will I hesitate?

I clench my hands into tight fists, trying to clear my head. Are these even my own thoughts or is this the sire bond? Fuck, I feel all tied up inside. I freeze in place. In my line of work, hesitation usually gets you killed.

“Look at the gift I’ve given you,” the woman says, giving me a wide smile that’s filled with malice. The look makes a shiver run down my spine, especially combined with the blood that’s drying across her mouth. No doubt that blood belongs to Carlos. “You’re faster. You’re stronger. You have supernatural instincts now. You’re welcome.”

I let out a hiss of annoyance, uncaring that my fangs are dropped or that I so obviously don’t sound human. “I have nothing to thank you for.”

“Nothing, huh?” She steps behind Axel, running her fingers over his shoulders. The way he tenses up makes me see red. Mine. Mate. Intruder. Instincts are shouting at me to make this woman stop, to have her not touch what’s mine. But at the same time, there’s a pull inside my gut, telling me to protect her. Gods, I hate this. I feel like pulling out my own hair.

“Don’t fucking touch him.”

“You can thank me for bringing you to your true mate. Isn’t it wonderful? That bond you share with them? It’s beautiful.” Her eyes turn even darker and I startle, watching as the whites completely disappear, filling with dark red. “You took that away from me!”

“You were killing humans,” I tell her. “I couldn’t let him keep hurting people.”

“Humans are below us,” she says, like it makes complete sense. “They’re our food.”

“They’re innocent people!”

Instead of responding, she lets out an inhuman snarl. I start to move but I know I’ll be too slow. That hesitation is going to be the death of my true mate and I know without a doubt that I’ll never be able to forgive myself.

But Axel moves faster.

Just as the woman is diving down to bite Axel’s throat, he tosses his head back, connecting with her nose. She lets out a scream, distracted. This is my chance and I refuse to not take it.

With my heightened speed, within the blink of an eye I’m behind her. I have no weapon. I have no gun. So I use the only thing I’m equipped with; following instincts I didn’t even know I had, my nails grow into sharp points. Sharp enough to piece skin.

A sickening sound rings through the room as my hand goes through this woman’s back. In my hand, I hold her heart. With a quick jerk, I pull it free from her chest. She turns to look at me with wide eyes, like she’s in shock. And maybe she is. Her eyes meet mine before they dart down to my hand where her heart lies. After another excruciating moment, she crumbles to the ground.

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