Gah, it hurts!
Eli went to stab her, but Maman, in her bear form, lunged for his throat, knocking him back. Maman turned back to check on Aimee, who had at least recovered enough to clothe herself.
Her mother placed one large bear claw on her face . . . where she was sure her Sentinel mark was visible. The frightened concern for her in those black eyes brought a trembling smile to Aimee's lips.
"I'm all right, Maman."
Maman went for Eli, but the coward had run off. She pursued him while Fang came running up to check on Aimee.
He helped her up and cupped her face in his hands. "Are you all right?"
She nodded. "Why are you still human?"
"It's the only way to fight the demons and win."
Aimee looked around at all the bodies and the blood-covered combatants and floor. "I'm not too sure we're winning."
He flashed her that taunting grin of his that somehow managed to make her feel better even in the face of possible slaughter. "We're not dead yet."
No, but that was about all that could be said for them at present.
Fang kissed her, then rejoined the fight. Aimee turned to see Remi get kicked back at the same time one of the demons let out a belch of fire. Remi ducked the blast. The fire went skimming across the polished countertop and caught on the wood of the bar. Flames skimmed across the top and lit the bottles of alcohol.
"Oh, no," she breathed as the fire quickly spread. Her heart in her throat, she ran for a fire extinguisher while Kyle did the same.
"Fang!" she called, needing more help.
Fang turned at the same time Eli went for him.
Aimee froze in painful shock as she realized what was about to happen.
Eli, sword in hand, was going to behead him.
Screaming, she ran at Fang to save him. He turned as the blade was coming down. Aimee died inside as she realized she'd never reach him in time even if she teleported.
Just as the blade would have reached him, Maman put herself between them. The sword, instead of beheading Fang, was buried deep in Maman's side.
"No!" Aimee screamed as she saw the stroke.
Maman fell over Eli, pinning him to the floor as the bear mauled him until he stopped moving. When he was still, Maman tried to leave him, but she stumbled.
Aimee reached her mother, who was shaking and gasping. Blood was everywhere as it flowed from the gaping wound. "Maman?" she choked.
Her mother turned human to look up at her. It was then she saw just how horrific the wound was. Aimee conjured a blanket to cover her mother's naked body.
Carson appeared at their side and shook his head as he saw the wound that had almost cut her in half. "There's nothing I can do. I'm so sorry, Aimee . . . Nicolette."
Aimee grabbed him by the shirt. "Get Talon from the swamp." He could heal wounds like this. "He's her only hope."
Carson vanished.
Maman gasped for breath as she took Aimee's hand and turned it over to see her marked palm. A tenuous smile curled her lips. "My beautiful daughter." She kissed her palm.
Aimee choked on her sobs as her brothers surrounded them. "Hold on, Maman. Talon's coming."
She swallowed. "It's too late, ma petite." Her smile sad, she touched Aimee's marked cheek. "You were always so beautiful . . . you should have told me the truth of you long ago."
Tears stung Aimee's cheeks.