LoveThineEnemy Page 7

  She took a swig from her water bottle. “I still think we should’ve told Tyson about our plan.” They had argued about letting the alpha in on their plan the whole time they finished packing, preparing to leave.

  “Trust me, mate. It’s better this way. I don’t know exactly how this is going to go down, and I sure as hell don’t need him thinking I am going to betray their position to Arik.”

  She understood his reasoning, but it felt odd going off reservation with not so much as a see you later. But the tension that had her nerves tingling as if she were a child sneaking out of the house, didn’t seem to faze Shadeau. Was it because of his ability to shift his loyalties? She looked up at him.

  He kissed her nose. “Stop worrying. I’m with you and that is all that matters. Come on. We need to keep moving. And make sure to watch out for crazy humans.”

  Jasmine stashed her water bottle into her backpack and ran after Shadeau. Things were in an uproar. She had managed to steal a small handheld radio before they left. The unveiling of the paranormal world around the humans had them going crazy. And not just the mouthy kind of crazy. No they were forming mobs to seek and destroy.

  The government was calling out werewolves, wanting to talk and negotiate. Why couldn’t they figure out wolves weren’t a threat? Werewolves had been living among them since the dawn of time. Yes there were some periods that werewolves attacked the populace, but that was a rarity. Knowledge of their existence caused panic within the human race. This was why they had hid their existence for so many years.

  And it really pissed her off too. They not only had to deal with this vile creature Arik, they would also be paying for his dumbass choices for years to come. Finding a way to move forward would be hell. She only hoped there would be a way to do it.

  The scent of human filled her nose and she slowed up as Shadeau did. Judging by the smell it was a group of them. Unfortunately there wasn’t a way to know how many without catching sight of them.

  It would be best to avoid them entirely. Shadeau gave her a signal to double back. The scent was growing stronger so they must be headed this way. She took the lead, and they made their way around the obstacle.

  Had it been a hunting party? She shivered. At least they were headed away from the camp area Jasmine and Shadeau had left. If the humans came close to where the others were hiding, then it could force the werewolves to take their lives. And that would just complicate the shit out of things. Humans needed to realize werewolves weren’t a threat. Well, at least until you piss us off.

  As they came back around they spotted the hunting party. No mistaking what the six humans decked out in camo with rifles were up to. Nausea had her placing a hand over her tummy. It made her want to take this Arik character down even more. Life as she knew it had forever changed and the fault was laid at his doorstep.

  The group marched through the foliage away from them. Shadeau wrapped his arm around her shoulders as they waited for them to get far enough away before they started making forward progress again.

  “We’ll have to commandeer transportation.”

  Jasmine glanced at Shadeau. She knew he was right, but she really didn’t like the idea of stealing someone’s car. “Lead the way.”

  * * * * *

  Misha strode to the cell door that had been indicated. Bile rose in his throat as he thought of the woman on the other side of this cold metal door. This was wrong. A scream sounded from down the way and he cringed. He wanted to hunt down the two other men chosen for this and beat the living shit out of them. How could they take a woman against her will? It made him sick to his stomach. But he was among enemies and he couldn’t do as he pleased because they would kill him. But he could control his own actions.

  Getting himself killed wouldn’t help any of these people who were being held. He had to bide his time and play the game. He took the key to the cell from his pocket and inserted it into the key hole. A turn of his wrist had the door swinging open.

  Huddled in the corner shaking was a small female form. Long, dark hair covered her face. She tucked her bare feet up under her bottom. He ground his teeth at the sight, wanting to roar with his displeasure. He closed the door and secured the lock.

  Her sobs reached his ears and broke his heart. He’d never hurt this woman. Visions of the past assaulted him. He remembered the cries of his own mother before they’d left Russia. He’d been only seven and his father had been away for work. In a closet all alone, he suffered every scream torn from his mother’s lips. Never again.

  Arik had saved his family and brought them to the States, so Misha had done what Arik asked of him. The people he’d been forced to kill were no better than the man who had attacked his mother. But this was a new level of disgusting. And he’d be damned if he played a part in it.

  He could save this woman the horror of being violated. With slow movements he approached. His heart constricted as she flinched and tucked herself tighter into the corner. He wasn’t sure if there was audio in these rooms, so he dared not speak until he could whisper in her ear.

  Slowly he sank to his knees and reached forward to brush her hair away from her face. He couldn’t catch his breath for a moment. Beneath the dirt and tear streaks the woman in front of him was the most beautiful he’d ever seen. Light-green eyes stared back at him as more drops slid down her cheeks. And her scent. He took in a deep breath. His body started to react. It horrified him. He closed his eyes, willing his lustful response to go away. He’d heard others talk about the scent change that came with a werewolf in heat. He just hadn’t expected it to affect him under the circumstances. But he was in control of his body, and he would rather kill himself then force this woman beneath him.

  “P-please,” she whispered.

  Her words tore at his heart. He lifted his finger to his lips in a gesture for her to be silent. She stifled a sob and squeezed her eyes shut. He leaned forward, whispering in her ear. “You have nothing to fear from me. I’ll not harm you or force you to do anything. But they can’t know that I did not breed with you. So we need to put on an act. Can you do that?”

  He pulled back slightly to see her face. She stared at him, bewildered. After a moment she gave him a slight nod, confirming she was up to the task.

  * * * * *

  “A van, huh?”

  Shadeau smiled as he opened the back door revealing a bed. “As much as I would love to say I was thinking about sex, it would be a lie.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Well mostly a lie. I was thinking about your warmth and the ability to haul people.”

  Jasmine closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her face against his chest. She felt his erection against her tummy and laughed. “Wasn’t thinking about sex?”

  “I said mostly.” He gave her a toothy grin. “I seem to stay in this state around you. And as much as I want to bury myself inside your body, I’ll refrain because it’s way too dangerous to let our guard down like that.”

  He had a point. She released him and accepted his offered hand to help her into the back. They had found this spot before Shadeau went hunting for a vehicle. While he was gone she’d busied herself with moving loose foliage around so they could conceal the car as best as possible. Good thing she’d been overzealous in her actions or they would never have been able to camouflage the van.

  Shadeau closed the back doors and they both lay down and snuggled under the covers. She smiled as he pulled her against his chest. His hard cock rubbed her ass. “Maybe I should sleep on the other side of the bed.” She wiggled her hips teasing his erection.

  He growled, tightening his hold on her. “You aren’t going anywhere.”

  “Are you sure?” She pushed her bottom back into him. “I wouldn’t want to be a tease.”

  He swatted her ass. She yelped, trying to pull away from him and he growled. Jasmine couldn’t stop the laugh that bubbled up inside her.

  “I’m not laughing.”

  She laughed harder.

&nbs
p; “Just keep that sexy ass of yours still or I’m going to retaliate.”

  Hmm. That sounded like fun. “And what if I want you to?”

  He nipped her earlobe. “Are you trying to get us killed?”

  She released a huff of air. “Oh, all right.” She played as if he’d hurt her feelings, but nothing could be further from the truth. She smiled as she closed her eyes, sinking into the warmth of his embrace. It had only been hours ago that he’d made love to her, yet she wanted his body again, and his erection indicated he wanted her as well. Would she ever tire of him? She had a hard time believing she ever could.

  “When we enter Arik’s camp tomorrow, I’m going to have to treat you differently.”

  His whispered words sent a chill through her and he hugged her tighter. “You mean you’re going to have to treat me like shit.”

  “Yes.”

  She knew they’d have to put on an act. “It’s okay. I know it’s not real. And I’ll give back as good as I get.”

  He placed a lingering kiss on her neck. “It doesn’t bother you?”

  “Well, I wouldn’t say that. I’m not looking forward to it or anything, but I know why we’re doing this.”

  “If at any time I think you are in more danger than we bargained for, we’re pulling out. I want you to make a run for it and not wait for me.”

  She looked at him over her shoulder. “Now wait a minute. What happened to ‘we’re in this together’?”

  “Those were your words.”

  She squirmed until he released her and she sat up. Even in the dark she could make out his handsome face. “My words? No. You agreed.”

  “I don’t want to argue with you.”

  “Well, maybe you should have thought about that before you started all this let me be the hero bullshit. I’m not going to agree to leave you behind.”

  He frowned. “Damn, you’re stubborn.”

  “And you’re an idiot if you think I’d agree to that.”

  He sat up. “Now I’m an idiot?”

  She groaned. “Oh hell, that is not what I said.”

  “I’m pretty sure you did.”

  Jasmine bowed her head, covering her face with her hands. Why did it always turn into this?

  His fingers encircled her wrist and he pulled her hand away from her face. “Listen to me, Jasmine. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

  “Yet you find it funny that I’d feel the same way.”

  “It’s not the same.”

  She pulled her arm from his grip. “Bullshit it isn’t the same. You need to stop treating me like I’m a beta. I was a soldier before you came along.”

  “So now the truth comes out.”

  She got to her knees and pointed her finger at him. “Don’t you dare try to turn this around on me. My status was no damn secret.”

  “I’m not talking about your role in your pack. I’m talking about me ruining your life.”

  She sank back on her heels, confused. “I never said that.”

  “Really? You just said ‘before you came along’.”

  She sighed. “That wasn’t what I meant.”

  “Well, regardless of how you feel about it, you’re stuck with me now.”

  Fire leapt back into her veins. “Really? You say that like I have no say in anything.”

  “If you wanted out, then you should have stayed back in the camp.”

  “I didn’t say I wanted out.”

  “Good.” He pulled her to him and claimed her mouth in a steamy kiss.

  She participated wholeheartedly, matching his tongue stroke for stroke. Damn if he didn’t fire her blood in more ways than one.

  Shadeau released her mouth and spoke in a harsh whisper against her lips. “You will run if I tell you to, because I can’t live without you.”

  She swallowed hard. Was that a declaration of love? He kissed her again, this time some of the anger had left, softening his lips as passion entered the mix. Did she love him? She wasn’t sure, but she knew she didn’t want anything to happen to him.

  He broke away, groaning. “You tempt me too much and we need to sleep.”

  Jasmine knew he was right, but her body burned for his touch. “We could be quick.”

  He nipped her bottom lip. “Sleep. I need you on your A-game tomorrow.”

  She sighed, letting him guide her back down beside him. “All right.”

  He kissed her neck. “I even enjoy fighting with you.”

  She smiled and closed her eyes.

  Chapter Ten

  Ten miles away from Arik’s camp, Shadeau pulled over and climbed into the back of the van. “It’s time.”

  Jasmine kissed his lips softly then turned and placed her wrists together behind her back.

  “I hate this.”

  “I’ll be fine. I can take what is dished out.”

  Shadeau whispered a curse as he picked up chains and bound her wrists. A sour knot formed in his stomach. The way he’d have to treat his mate to make this work made him want to throw up. “I should have never agreed on you coming.”

  “Did I give you a choice?”

  He didn’t have to see her face to know she was smiling. A growl escaped his lips as he wound the chain higher to encircle her elbows. “Does this hurt?”

  “Well it’s not supposed to be comfortable.”

  “Stop being a smartass.” He clicked a padlock into place.

  She turned and looked at him. “You know I can’t go into that place with the chains all loose and falling off. You’re going to have to be rough with me and I know that.”

  “Doesn’t mean I like it.”

  “Does that mean we can’t take the chains home to play with?”

  He frowned. “Maybe I should gag you.”

  She laughed. “Come on, lover. Let’s get this thing done.”

  Once she was secure he left her alone in the back and took his place in the driver’s seat. Each mile they covered had the tension in his body climbing. They rode in silence. Time ticked by faster than he liked. His emotions twisted into a violent storm as he crossed over into Arik’s territory.

  He wanted to reassure her but he didn’t know what to say. The words I love you came to mind, shocking him even more. Did he love her? He had to push the thought away as he parked the van and spotted Arik marching his way with two of his soldiers at his side. It was show time. He exited the van without a word.

  * * * * *

  Jasmine sucked in a breath and gave her best pissed-off look when Shadeau slid open the door on the side of the van. They’d arrived more than ten minutes ago. She could only assume he’d been talking with Arik.

  “So this is your contribution?”

  Jasmine fought Shadeau as he gripped her arm, pulling her from the back of the van as she stared at the man who spoke. This wasn’t her first look at the asshole Arik. She remembered his face well from the clearing near her old den. The night he’d come for Julie, Luken’s mate. She growled at Arik as she struggled against Shadeau’s hold.

  Shadeau gave a hard jerk to her arm that made her stumble into him. Once she regained her balance she glared up at him.

  “She has a lot of fight in her,” Shadeau told Arik. “But she went into heat a few days ago, and I figured you wouldn’t want to waste an opportunity so I fucked her.”

  Arik laughed. “I’m glad you did. Between the two of you, that babe should make me a fine soldier.”

  Jasmine tried not to vomit as she thought about this asshole anywhere near her child. If she had a child. Time would tell. She didn’t want to think about that now. With a shout, she stomped hard on Shadeau’s foot and tried to make another getaway. She couldn’t stop the cry of pain as he released her arm and fisted his hand in her hair at her nape, turning her to face him. Beneath the strands the others wouldn’t be able to see how he gave a quick stroke to her neck with his little finger. She knew he was trying to reassure her, but those types of risks would get them caught. Time to prove she wasn’t a wilting flower.
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  She spit in his face and snarled. “I wouldn’t call what you did to me fucking.”

  Others around them laughed. Shadeau reached up with his free hand and wiped the spit from his cheek as he laughed.

  “Maybe I should give you a repeat performance. I’m sure I could fuck you more soundly a second time.”

  “Oh yeah? This time unchain me and we’ll see who gets fucked.”

  “Misha.”

  Jasmine turned her gaze to see a brawny male with shoulder-length blond hair stride forward.

  “Take the woman and put her in with the rest of them.”

  Shadeau’s hold tightened and Jasmine had to pipe down her own panic. But she couldn’t let him betray them with any possessiveness on his part. Shadeau had expected to take her to the cell himself. But she didn’t know what to do to get him to release her to this other wolf. She shot him a look of annoyance hoping he would get the meaning.

  It worked and he shoved her in the direction of the other wolf. Beefy hands sank into upper arms and steadied her. The man didn’t say a word as he released one arm and gripped the other tighter, guiding her across an open area toward a metal door that was set down low to the ground like a storm cellar.

  Other buildings encircled the clearing they were in. Some were only temporary but others were getting the finishing touches from construction crews. Arik apparently had been busy over the last couple of months. Towers had even been built and people with guns could be seen perched in the tops of them. Shit. Escape was definitely going to be sporty.

  She marched in silence next to him, shoring up her courage so she could face what lay on the other side of that door. So many different images went through her head, from mild to grotesque.

  Misha produced a set of keys from his jeans pocket and she had no choice but to lean over with him as he unlocked the door. The metal swung open wide on well-oiled hinges, revealing a dimly lit interior. Cement steps led down into a hallway.

  Misha grabbed a handful of the back of her shirt and pushed her forward. She took the steps quickly. At the bottom the space opened up to a long hallway. She could hear sobs and an occasional shout. Two men patrolled the hall, and they both looked shadier than a tree.