Werewolves Be Damned - By Stacey Kennedy Page 0,48
since it gave him a fine challenge, he didn’t like those odds with Nexi involved. However, he knew to keep those thoughts to himself, since it would only anger her. Besides, he spotted the fire in her eyes for the fight ahead. Guardians needed to protect and defend, a desire bred into their very veins, and he wouldn’t refuse Nexi that right.
She studied the house for a second before she asked Foley, “The werewolves that killed the woman earlier are in there? You know this without a doubt?”
He nodded. “The tracker pinpointed them at this location, and I recognize their scent, too.” He gave Nexi a long look, then his gaze locked on Kyden. “Seeing that you’re outnumbered, let me help with this.” He cracked his knuckles. “Been a while since I’ve had a good fight. It’ll be good to raise the hackles.”
Kyden wouldn’t dare refuse the offer of help. He understood Nexi’s desire to fight. Hell, the same desire drove him, as it did all guardians. But he wasn’t confident he’d be able to watch over her, which didn’t sit well. She might want to face her own battles, prove her strength, but he already knew. He only wanted her safe.
Brushing past him, Kyden strode toward the house with Nexi in tow. Once at the front door, he glanced over his shoulder. “Bravery is good. Stupidity is not. Yell if you need me. Clear?”
“Gotcha,” she replied with a firm nod. “Now you listen to me.” Staring him down with a serious look, she added, “Bravery is good. Stupidity is not. Yell if you need me. Clear?”
Foley barked a laugh.
Kyden didn’t.
Frustrated, he shook his head. “Nexi, will you listen to me for once?”
“I am listening.” Her eyebrows rose. “Are you listening to me?”
Irritation tightened his muscles, so he glanced at Foley, knowing she’d never agree to what he set forth. “Stay by her.”
“That’s not necessary,” Nexi stated.
Foley jerked his chin, a move that Nexi clearly didn’t notice because she didn’t comment. But it was enough of an agreement that if she got into trouble and Kyden was too busy in his own fight, Foley would look out for her.
Kyden cupped Nexi’s jaw, capturing her gaze. “Remember what you’ve learned. Act fast. Be brutal—”
“Kyden.” She sighed and rolled her eyes, moving away from him. “I’ll be fine. Stop worrying.” She shoved him on the shoulder. “Get in there.”
He hadn’t anticipated how hard this moment would be for him. A pull between the side of him wanting to protect her and the other that wanted to support her. Glancing at the front door, and on a deep breath, he used the power behind his muscles and kicked it.
The old hinges broke under his force and dust flew up in the air. “Where?”
Foley sniffed. “To the right.”
Kyden rushed into the house, sensing Nexi on his heels, and suspecting that Foley came up the rear. He entered the living room, or what might once have been one, but now was a rundown square room, empty of all furnishings.
Four wolves stood in front of the fireplace, fists clenched, and glared daggers at him. No doubt they’d heard the conversation outside and expected their appearance, which made Kyden wonder why they hadn’t acted.
Why was none of these wolves feeling remorse? Or fear that the Council’s Guard would hunt them?
One of the men stepped forward, and Kyden recognized him as one who’d killed the woman—the rustic looking one in need of a shower. “Get out.” He sneered. “You don’t belong here.”
Kyden stopped at the entrance, and Nexi settled in next to him, Foley at her side. “You don’t belong in New York. You shouldn’t have left the Texas pack’s protection. The murder you’ve committed tonight is unforgiveable.”
Silence surrounded him.
The werewolves didn’t deny it, or even react to his statement, once again raising alarm. Kyden also didn’t like how the other two wolves—not involved in the crime tonight—looked at him with such disrespect. These werewolves weren’t typical, and he had no doubt if Briggs saw any werewolf looking at the Council’s Guard with such contempt he wouldn’t have the chance to say a word because the wolf would be dead.
What had turned these wolves into coldblooded killers?
Before he could ask as much, Nexi snorted. “Liar.”
Kyden studied the wolves, as they once again showed no response. He thought it odd that these wolves were sticking together. They had rejected their own pack, but had remained protective of each other. Why?