There was something bigger happening here, and my gut instinct told me to be very afraid; not for myself, but for every other soul in this place. We were cattle to slaughter, all of us.
I nodded subtly at my brothers. Without hesitation they came to me. Rawson and Lionel brought Ember closer. I met her eyes, before dipping my chin at the two males, who nodded back.
The shit was about to hit the fan. I had no idea how many people would turn on me, but it usually happened soon after the announcements. People were angry and scared at being chosen and they thought I was responsible.
The warden said he believed us descended from the Weres who had guarded the gates of hell. My nostrils flared, a familiar darkness rushing through my blood. Well, he’d better hope he’s not right, ‘cause if Em doesn’t survive, I’ll find my way back there and rip that fucking realm apart.
“You ready, boss?” Owen’s voice was quiet and cold as ice, but his attention didn’t waver from those around us.
Across the gym, Drake met my eyes. He strode over. “I’m going to find Charlie,” he stated, his voice tight.
“No,” I said, glancing at Ember. “Firecracker?”
Her face quickly closed down into a stubborn mask as she worked out what I was about to say. As much as I loved her defiance, I prayed silently for her not to challenge me. My anxiety was heading through the roof at the thought she’d be caught in the riots about to happen, but I’d give in to whatever she wanted. “Drake, you stay here, we might need you. Ember, go and find Charlie. We need to know she’s safe.”
The weight of my lover’s defiant gaze was enough to have my gut tightening with desire. Despite my worry, I smirked, my brothers would laugh their asses off if they knew how pussy whipped I was.
“Why do you want me to leave? What’s happening?” Her eyes narrowed on the people around us.
“They’re about to announce the fighters for each day. Only there will be more fighters, and more days in the arena than usual, that means more death, and some of these shifters won’t like that. If their mates are called, some will be looking to punish the one they hold responsible. Me.” I held her beautiful gaze. She bit her lip and swallowed before scanning those around us, hesitating. I stepped up to her and kissed her temple. “I need to know you’re safe, Ember.”
Her mouth opened like she wanted to argue, then she nodded and stepped back, cracking her neck and rolling her shoulders.
“But right now, I need you to do something for me. Charlie has to stay safe and be here for Drake. He needs her, we all do. And she’ll not run from you.” It turned my stomach that I couldn’t share my plans with Ember and my nerves jangled with fear for her. I swallowed rapidly at the thought of what I was going to do. I hoped to the gods, and any other deity listening, that Zander and Ember were right, and ultimately my Firecracker would survive my plan. My hands shook, so I quickly crossed my arms to hide them. She had to. I wouldn’t consider otherwise.
“Lionel. Rawson. Stone. Go with Ember and find Charlie. Be ready for anything.” I glared right at Stone. “And make sure they get back here—even if you don’t.”
Stone’s face remained stoic, but his eyes flickered with remorse. He nodded. “They’ll get here. But I’m asking permission to get Shannon, too.”
I almost smiled. He looked so pissed off by vocalising that request, clearly refusing to acknowledge how deep his feelings ran for that woman. I nodded and a little of the tension ebbed from his jaw.
I brushed a light kiss over Ember’s lips. “You make sure you get back to me, even if you have to kill to do it.”
She smirked though there was no levity in her eyes. “You know I’d end anyone who tried to stop me from reaching you.” And she walked away with the others.
I dragged my attention from her and rolled my head, loosening my neck before cracking my knuckles. I growled. “Ready, brothers?”
“Hell, yeah.” Without exception they all agreed and, as was their right, pulled on the power of our bond. I gladly lent them some of my wolf’s strength.
An unemotional disembodied voice crackled through the speakers.
“There will be four pools of fighters for this arena spectacle. Refusal is not an option