Seductions (Alpha City Book 4) (11 page)

“The riffles we have will penetrate a rhino’s skin, but nobody knows how tough the dragon’s will be. Remember to shoot and run like hell for some cover before his fire can get to you. With shots coming from different directions, he may not know whom to target. That’s what we want. Jamal needs to be confused making him show us his underbelly. We have to keep him busy so he won’t burn up the city and our homes.” Nolan stood up and started pacing, ticking off points on his fingers. “The problem will be when they bring in more people spreading us thin. Everyone knows to go underground early and the streets should be deserted. Hopefully, the cameras scatted throughout the city should be able to provide us with some footage and give us time to find them. The sewing club is already at the mines manning the camera system the girls built, and they are already searching. Bo and Cat are also ready with weapons to help us to keep the dragon confused. The fire department is stationed in the city in case he tries to burn it down. Guards with weapons are stationed there too. Until we get that laser, or new information on how to defeat the dragon, we are playing Russian roulette. And we’re not losing any more of our people. It’s time to outsmart the dragon. Bring him in and then unload on him. He will never expect that.” Nolan finished vehemently.

“We need a break to mull things over. I have some dinner cooked,” Lex said, walking into the living room.

“Let’s eat and then go set up. Who knows if Jamal can or will come out early? I don’t want to chance it,” Brody added, determination in his voice.

A
fter they ate
, everyone left, some heading to the mines and some on other errands to get ready for the evening. Brody hadn’t said much since dinner and Sage knew something was worrying him. She was in her bedroom changing clothes and packing a small bag when Brody walked in. God the man was beautiful, sweet, and full of love. So much love. She couldn’t believe he was her mate. But Sage knew she was in love for the first time and she could never leave him.

“You’re very quiet.” Sage waited and watched as he swallowed hard.

“I want you and everyone else to be safe. I’m worried we have overlooked something.”

“I will be there to help you, Brody. I can use magic against him.” She watched as Brody’s body stiffened. His eyes changed colors as his bear showed his golden eyes.

“Absolutely not. You will not be anywhere near that dragon.”

“But Brody, the sister stone can help us…help me.” Sage tried to explain, but her words were falling on deaf ears. He wouldn’t listen to her.

“No, Sage. If I know you are safe, I can concentrate on what I need to do. If you’re there with us fighting, then I will be worried about you and I could lose focus. I could screw up. Please stay in the mines. Please do this one thing for me? I beg you. For once, will you please listen to me?”

Dammit, the man was using a guilt trip on her. She wanted to defy him and use her magic to help protect him, but she wouldn’t. The fear was evident on his face. She couldn’t put more stress on him worrying about her.

“Okay, Brody.” He let out a harsh breath and pulled her to him as she continued, “I’ll stay back this time, my love, but remember I’m a witch and can help protect you and the others with magic. Claudia Blackwood is a witch. Alpha City will need all the good witches they can get when the shit hits the fan. You have to realize that this is my fight, too. I’ve lost more than most and I’m not going to lose any more of my clan, friends, or you.”

His hand shaped her face, rubbing his finger across her lips. Sage’s breath caught in her throat when their eyes met. Without a thought, Brody ripped her shirt open and pulled her bra down, revealing her breasts. His brown eyes flashed with need and Sage gasped. The feeling was intense and desperate. Her hands grabbed his arms, holding on trying to breathe, but every time he looked at her, she felt like she was going up in flames.

Bending down, Brody cupped her breast in his large hand and latched on, sucking gently then scraping his teeth over the nipple. Crying out, Sage couldn’t hold on. The feeling was so intense her legs gave way, falling toward the ground. Catching her, Brody laid her on the floor and pulled her pants off. Quickly he popped his pants open and sank inside. Everything faded away after that. All she could do was enjoy the ride. She wrapped her legs around him and grabbed his shoulders, her fingernails digging into his shirt. She knew now why nobody ever did it for her before—she was his, and he was waiting for her.

She was so close when she felt it. The urge to bite him. Jerking his shirt away from his shoulder, Sage leaned up and bit down. She could feel her teeth growing and pushing into his skin. Blood rushed into her mouth and nothing felt better.

Brody growled, pumping harder into her. He pulled her hair back, holding on when her orgasm rushed forward. He stared down at her, watching her as he continued to push inside her faster. Nobody existed but the two of them. Their problems faded away when the second orgasm hit, bringing Brody along with her.

They both lay on the ground panting for air. Her eyes closed for a brief minute and reality came back to her. Brody needed to leave and she needed to get to the mines and help the girls watch all the monitors.

“I’ve never loved anyone like I do you. Good Lord, lady…you know how to rock a bear’s world.”

Sage laughed. She turned on her side and smiled at him. “You are my world.”

“And you are mine.” Brody leaned over her and kissed her like it was the last time they would see each other.

“I’ll be waiting for you to come and pick me up in the morning,” Sage whispered. “And you better not be late.” She loved him so much that the thought of him getting hurt just about killed her. Nothing could happen to him.

S
age strapped
her bag over her shoulder and barely got herself settled before she had to hold on for dear life as Brody rushed through the woods, Lex and his guards already ahead of them scanning the area. Brody was the biggest bear she had ever seen. He was even bigger than Lex or any of his guards. Sage twisted her hands in his fur to hold on. The soft texture of his fur was cushy to touch, with long brown hair. Brody’s ears had white fur mixed in at the top, making her wish they could slow down so she could reach out and run her fingers over the tips of them. He was simply the cutest teddy bear she’d ever had, and he was hers to love forever.

Closing her eyes, she listened as his long paws pounded the ground as they traveled through the woods. She smiled as the wind whisked through her hair. She wanted Brody to keep going but for the first time in her life she was needed and she had a purpose. Not just by her family but by Brody. He was her life mate, and she would never want another man again. Nobody could compare to him. He was kind and gentle, but he was also fierce and deadly.

Sage frowned, thinking about that. Brody would protect his friends tonight, she knew, and that’s what scared her the most. It was his nature, engrained in him to safeguard all that was important to him. To protect everyone at all cost. Brody would sacrifice himself if he thought someone he loved was in danger. That was unacceptable. Still riding his back, Sage cast a protection spell over him that would protect him from fire. It would only shield him for a few seconds but hopefully it would be enough time to get him to safety. She promised him that she would stay in the mines with London and Zoey. He promised to pick her up in the morning. They both promised and she was going to live up to hers, but Brody had to live up to his as well. He was dropping her off then he was going to meet up with the other Alphas.

Sage knew that the battle would rage on tonight, and she was scared to death. Worried that something would go wrong. Fear was harsh as it snaked up her body making her feel doubt. The what-ifs continued to repeat in her head. Friends and family had already died. Tonight they had to turn it around; gain some much-needed ground, than use everything they had to kill Claudia and Jamal. No more banishing Jamal back to Hell, only to let him rise again. They had to make sure he never escaped again. He was to be eliminated. Claudia could never be caged in a jail, either, as her magic was too dangerous. She needed to be exterminated, too.

Sage could feel the change in herself. She was no longer an innocent. The events of her past had changed her. They had made her stronger, but vulnerable too, because now she had something so precious to her that she would do anything to keep him safe.

Brody slowed down, and the door to the mines opened as he shifted to say goodbye. Me-Len stood waiting. Before she could go inside, Sage grabbed hold of Brody, holding him tight against her body. “Don’t you
dare
take any chances.”

“Okay.” She could feel the smile on his lips.

“Don’t try and be a hero and get yourself killed.”

“Okay.”

“Because, Brody King, you have someone here waiting for you,” Sage whispered, her throat catching. “And I will haunt you if you get yourself killed. You will regret the day you met me. Do you hear me, grizzly?”

Brody smiled. “Yes ma’am.” Bending down, Brody’s lips caught hers. The air moved around them. She could feel the magic floating in the air. She made a little prayer, asking the sister stone to protect her mate. The feeling of energy tickled her nose as the stone vibrated against her chest. She knew that the stone had heard her and would protect her mate tonight.

“I’ve got to go.” Brody pulled back, regret etched into his face. “Now go on. I’ll wait until the door closes before I leave. I love you, Sage. I love you with all my heart. You are the part of my soul that was missing and now you complete me in every way.”

Sage hesitated at the door before he inclined his head, motioning her in. Brody King completed her as well. He was her missing link. Everyone that came before him could not compare to what she had now.

Sage glanced over her shoulder and smiled. Me-Len locked the door and pushed the button, lowering them into the ground. “What a good man. I almost burst into flames just listening to him.”

Sage had to smile at her grandmother. “He’s my everything.”

“Then let’s go watch the cameras and see where we can help them out.” Me-Len wrapped her arm around Sage and walked them down the hallway to the computer room.

The room was huge with so many monitors hung on the wall that she didn’t know which ones to look at first. “Where will Brody and the other Alphas be?”

London and Zoey pointed to a set of monitors. She watched as Brody and the other Alphas stood together along with their betas and guards. They looked like an army of superheroes, standing there plotting to destroy the dragon.

Sage glanced around the room and found a group of women staring up at her, members of the sewing club Nolan had mentioned from the quilting material draped over their laps. Her hands automatically found the marks Brody had given her when they mated a few hours ago. Her hand traced down the marks as if it gave her strength to face the members of his clan. Sage lifted her chin, waiting for someone to say something. She wouldn’t let them push her around. Nobody would ever do that again. No, she wasn’t a grizzly bear by birth, but she was one now. She could feel the bear inside of her giving her strength.

Sage took a deep breath and walked over to the older ladies of the sewing club. All eyes lowered when she stood in front of them. “Ladies, my name is Sage and I’m your Alpha’s mate.”

She could see London and Zoey watching from the corner of her eye, ready to step in if she needed them. She loved her cousin but she was going to handle this on her own. “I hope we can all be friends.” Sage pointed at a quilt lying across one of the women’s laps. “I’ve seen some of your work. Brody showed me the last quilt you made him, and I have to say that it matches perfectly with his bedroom furniture. The stitching was so delicate and remarkable well made. I thought it was beautiful.” Sage watched as the ladies smiled. “I would love to learn to do that.” She could see that most of the ladies were nodding, but they all looked toward one lady. Apparently, there was an Alpha in the sewing club.

The lady abruptly stood up making Sage want to step back, but she held her ground. If she moved, the ladies might not think her worthy enough of being their Alpha’s mate.

“I would like to welcome you to the King Clan, Alpha. My name is Vivian Moss.”

“It’s very nice to meet you, Vivian.” Sage stuck her hand out.

Vivian ignored her hand and leaned forward to hug Sage. “Lex told us how happy Brody is now. We can’t thank you enough. He is a good man and a great Alpha. He’s been waiting for you for a long time.”

“I’ve been waiting for him, too,” Sage said, a smile on her face. All the ladies smiled back at her.

“If you need anything, and I mean anything at all, just ask any of us and we will help you.”

Sage almost hated to pull away from the group because she felt safe and comfortable. Right now she needed that. She was scared that something was going to happen to Brody, and if something did, it would be the end of her. She already knew she couldn’t live without him and never would.

“Thank you, Vivian and ladies, for a very warm welcome. I needed that,” Sage admitted with a smile. “I will let you get back to work. Remember, if you need me for anything, I will be there, too.”

Sage hesitated and walked away. London and Zoey had already set up in front of a set of TV monitors. “Looks like everything is okay with the Clan.”

“Yeah.” Sage glanced back at the ladies who were already working the camera system. “Lex helped with that.”

“Lex is a sweetheart. He’s always helping everyone. I wish he would find his mate soon.” Zoey answered. “He’s a real catch, that one.”

“Anything unusual on the monitors?” Sage asked.

“Nothing yet. In fact, nobody is out and about,” Zoey answered.

“Thank God,” London said, watching the screen. Something must have caught her eye because she moved the mouse forward, allowing them to see one of the streets in the city.

Pointing at the screen, Sage asked, “Who is that?”

“I don’t know. The face recognition isn’t hitting on anyone in the system.” It was one man walking around looking in windows. “Whoever he is, he appears to be window shopping.” Zoey answered. “Now he’s trying the door.”

“You think it’s a trap? Maybe he is trying to get someone to go after him?” Sage asked.

“Don’t know…but if we are wrong and he gets hurt, then what?” London answered.

“I say we continue to watch him for a few minutes. See what he does,” Sage suggested.

“I agree,” London and Zoey answered in unison.

They all sat down watching the screen. Then another man showed up on another street. This time he was knocking on people’s doors. “Look.” Sage sat up and moved the mouse, trying to get closer. “It’s not picking this one up, either.”

“It sure isn’t. Look. She must have called in some support because strangers are showing up everywhere and on every street. They are searching for the people.” London picked her phone up and called Ryder, letting him know about the men checking the stores and homes.

“Ryder is sending a team to pick them up and get their phones,” London said. “We need to give them the street names and they will take care of the rest.”

They sat and called out the street names to London. Everyone that was on the streets was picked up and removed. “Ryder said they were hired to see if anyone was home or at the stores, then report that information back via their phones. They are humans who got paid to check the area. One of the guys is taking them home in the van. They want them out of the city before Jamal gets here.”