Page 80 of Savage Mates
Thor nudged me with his muzzle, pushing me against Zeus.
“Fine. I’ll climb on.” Zeus even did the gentlemanly thing, crouching down with his front paw so I could easily grab his mane and slide onto his back.
The moment I was secure, they took off running.
At first, I was terrified, but within seconds, the rush became incredible. They easily maneuvered the rocky area leading to the water’s edge. They knew exactly where to cross, perhaps where the water was the shallowest.
Still, the water was turbulent, even more so because clouds were rolling in as if a storm was approaching. It was typical in the Philippines and perhaps would prevent the mercenaries from attacking. What I needed was a little time. Twenty-four hours should be enough.
If I was that lucky.
Although I had to admit that I was so enraged it would be difficult to control my mouth with Abbott and Douglas.
My lions moved through the water as if the depth and heavy current didn’t bother them in the least. My heart was racing, the boost of adrenaline providing me with some courage.
As soon as we were on the other side, I took a deep breath. They took off running again and this time, I was allowed a thrill almost as if seeing the world through their eyes.
When we were close, every inch of my body felt weak. I could see two of the buildings between the trees. My heart was doing palpitations, my pulse weaker than before.
All three slowed, Zeus stopping so I could slide from his back. The military compound was only a couple hundred yards away.
“You need to go,” I said a few seconds later. The truth was I didn’t want to be away from them. I continuously felt the pull we shared, the need that made absolutely no sense, but right now it was all about being uncertain what would happen from here.
Their bodies hummed and I almost thought they were shifting again, but Titus moved my hand. I turned and looked at him. There was no need for communication other than what we were sharing at that moment.
I nodded and backed away, hugging my duffle bag against me. In a few moments, I’d need to pull off the finest acting job I’d ever accomplished.
They waited where they were, the light breeze blowing through their manes, their eyes glistening even in the dim lighting. All three were truly the most beautiful creatures I’d ever seen and my body tingled from simply being around them.
When they’d disappeared into the forest, I took a deep breath and turned to face the last trees I’d need to head through. It was now or never.
I was barely halfway up the gravel road when I heard a squeal.
“She’s here. She’s alive!” Carrie’s voice rang out as she raced toward me, stopping a foot away with her eyes open wide. “Oh, my God. Are you okay? You’re bleeding.”
I bent over, placing my hands on my slightly bent knees feigning exhaustion. “I’m fine. I didn’t think I’d make it back.”
As soon as I stood, she wrapped her arms around me. “We thought we’d lost you. Kyle went after you. In fact, he’s out looking now.”
When I looked up at the group of buildings, I noticed Dr. Abbott was talking with the pilot, both watching me. Peter said something to them and jogged down to meet us.
“Jesus. You look terrible,” he said.
“Thanks. I had a long night.”
“What happened?” Carrie pressed.
“Rory and I were attacked. Then I was knocked out. I have no clue what happened to him.”
Peter whistled. “Who attacked you, the mercenaries?”
“Yes. Then the lions came. I think they protected me. I felt them right by my side while I slept and tried to find my way out. That’s about all I remember. Fortunately, I was able to get some DNA samples. I don’t know how good they are since I had to make my way through a river.” I glanced at the two men, the pilot finally walking away and Dr. Abbott heading in our direction.
“You must be starving. And thirsty,” Carrie said, completely buying my story. She started to walk away, but I gripped her arm, pulling her back.
“Hold on. Listen to me, both of you. I doubt I’ll get another chance to say anything privately to you. Whatever is happening here isn’t what we believe. There were experiments performed years ago by a true monster.”
“What?” Carrie asked.
