Page 63 of Claws and Effect

Holden’s eyes returned to the road. “Frances Rubin isn’t known for unnecessary dramatics. If she found something important?—”

The impact came without warning—a massive force slamming into the SUV’s right side. Metal crunched, tires squealed against asphalt as Holden fought to maintain control. Through the windshield, Laykin watched in horror as two blackSUVs rammed the security vehicles at the front of their convoy, shoving them off the narrow mountain road.

“Ambush!” Holden barked into his comm unit, swerving to avoid another impact from behind.

A second crash rocked the vehicle, this time from the left. The SUV spun, tires losing traction on the curved road. Laykin braced against the door, her lioness surging to the surface as adrenaline flooded her system. The vehicle lurched to a stop, surrounded by black SUVs that had materialized from the dense forest on either side of the road.

Laykin grabbed her phone, fingers flying over the screen to call Zyle. He answered on the first ring.

“Zyle! We were on our way to the assembly—we’re under attack!” She struggled to keep her voice steady as figures in tactical gear poured from the surrounding vehicles.

The SUV’s door beside her ripped open with inhuman strength. A clawed hand reached for her.

“Marcello—he’s—” Pain exploded through her shoulder as the attacker dragged her from the vehicle. She screamed, the phone flying from her grasp.

Her lioness took over, claws extending as she twisted in her attacker’s grip, slashing across his face. Blood sprayed across the pavement as he howled, releasing her. Laykin rolled to her feet, taking in the chaos around her. Holden had shifted into his massive gray wolf form, tearing through attackers on the other side of the vehicle. The remaining security detail fought desperately against overwhelming numbers.

A ripple of shock froze her for a precious second as her attackers shifted—not bears this time, but lions. Golden-maned males with familiar markings of the Summit Pride.

My uncle’s men.

The realization hit like a physical blow. These weren’t mercenaries or rival shifters—these were her own people, turned against their princess.

The closest lion lunged. Laykin’s shift came with practiced speed, her human form melting into her lioness in a fluid movement. Her muscles bunched as she met the attack head-on, smaller than the male but faster. Her teeth found his throat as they tumbled across the pavement.

Holden’s wolf form leaped over the SUV’s hood, intercepting another lion headed for Laykin.

Run!Holden’s voice filled her mind through the telepathic link shifters shared in animal form. His wolf eyes locked with hers over the lion he wrestled to the ground.Get to safety! They’re afteryou!

I won’t leave you!Laykin projected back, her mental voice fierce as she clawed her way free from her opponent.

Three more lions circled her, cutting off escape routes. Behind them, she saw her security detail falling one by one, overwhelmed by numbers and the ferocity of the attack. Pride members fighting pride members—a sacrilege that made her blood boil.

GO!Holden’s mental command thundered through her consciousness as he slammed his attacker into the SUV’s side, the metal denting under the impact.We can’t protect you if you stay!

The logic pierced through her battle fury. If these were Marcello’s men, she was the primary target. Every second she remained put the others in greater danger.

Two lions charged simultaneously. Laykin darted between them, using her smaller size as an advantage. Her claws raked across one attacker’s flank as she sprinted past, heading for the tree line. Heavy paws thundered behind her as she reached the forest’s edge, plunging into the dense undergrowth.

The forest provided cover, familiar territory for a lioness raised in these mountains. Laykin wove between ancient trees, using every trick she’d learned as a cub exploring these woods. The sounds of pursuit grew fainter as she put distance between herself and the road.

Her shoulder throbbed where the first attacker had injured her, blood matting her golden fur. She needed a strategy beyond simply running. These were lions, not bears—they could track her for miles, tireless in their pursuit.

A massive fallen oak provided the opportunity she needed. Laykin crouched behind it, muscles coiled tightly as she controlled her breathing. The forest fell silent around her, the calm before the storm.

The first lion appeared minutes later, moving cautiously through the underbrush. Alone. Separated from his pack. His head lowered to the ground, following her scent trail directly toward her hiding place.

Laykin waited until he passed the oak before springing. She landed on his back, teeth sinking into the vulnerable spot where neck met shoulder. The lion roared, twisting to dislodge her, but Laykin held firm. Her smaller size meant she needed perfect positioning—one mistake and his superior strength would end her.

His claws caught her injured shoulder, tearing the wound wider. Pain lanced through her body, but she refused to release her grip. Blood filled her mouth as she bit deeper, seeking the artery. The lion’s struggles weakened as his lifeblood pumped between her teeth. A final shudder, and he collapsed.

Laykin released him, panting. She couldn’t remain here. More would come. She limped deeper into the forest, seeking another defensible position. Her shoulder slowed her, the injury more serious than she’d initially thought. Warm blood trickled down her leg with each step.

FIFTY-ONE

The next clearing offered no cover. Laykin hesitated at its edge, sensing the trap before she saw it. Two lions waited at the far side, too still, too patient. They’d circled ahead, cutting off her path.

No retreat possible—the sounds of pursuit grew louder behind her. She was caught between them, injured and alone.

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