One minute Kade had his Sabre teeth fastened in a Dire’s neck, digging for the vein, and the next he was twisting in terror. Writhing on the ground, along with everyone else. But even as he screamed, something inside him rejoiced.
Zach.Zach was alive.
The wave abruptly cut off. Everywhere Kade looked, Dires crawled and hobbled away, whimpering. Braden’s Dires had been so sure they’d killed the Empath. Kade had been pretty damned sure too.
The Sabres hauled themselves to their feet and chased after them. When the Dires vaporized, vanishing into the forest, Kade called his people in with a roar.
They’d all lived. But only just. Rafe and Ryan were barely mobile, and had to be helped back to the farm, bleeding heavily.
Cara would be busy.
The Sabres staggered back into the yard. The barn was still burning. The dampness along the grassy verge had stopped it, but the licking flames threatened the nearby hay shed.
Kade searched the walking wounded for the least affected. “Grayson,” Kade asked. “Can you get the hose back on that barn? It’s a loss, but we need to stop it from spreading to the shed.”
“Roger that.” The tall Were headed for the hose, which was creating a helpful puddle between the fire and hay shed.
As Kade and the others approached the porch, the dog, Spike, retreated, growling. Kade ignored him and pushed his way inside.
Cara emerged from the living room.
“Zach—” Kade began.
“He’s alive, but we’ve got bigger problems.” Cara kept her voice low.
Bigger problems? Kade stared at her as Trevor plunked Rafe down into a kitchen chair.
“Zach’s power upset the twins again.”
Cody had his arm beneath Ryan’s shoulders. He cursed and pulled his bond brother with him toward the living room, but Cara stopped them.
“Triage is right where you’re standing. You’ll have to bleed in here for now. I need peace and quiet around Kitani.”
“But—is she going to deliver?” Cody’s lips were pulled back from his fangs, and he looked ready to do battle. Kade knew too well that this was a battle he couldn’t fight.
Cara shook her head. “She’s not ready, yet. But those kids are very upset. I have to calm them down.”
“Zach?” Kade glanced toward the dining room.
Cara shook her head. “He had a fractured skull. Pretty bad, too. Bleeding in the brain. With Jessie’s help, I’ve healed him. Not sure how much damage was done before I got in there and locked things down. I’ve done what I can, so now it’s up to him.” Some of her worry slipped through the cracks. “Could use him right now. The babies are terrified. It’s not good.”
Kade’s gut twisted. Images of Isa flashed through him, her violet eyes flooded by pain.
Jessie came running in from the living room. She shot Kade a look. And he caught a glimpse into her mind. The beginnings of the telepathic mate bond which would strengthen once she transformed. He sensed her worry. First Zach. Now Kitani.
“She needs you,” she said to Cara who rushed by her.
“Kade.” She breathed. Some of the worry was for him. And relief that he’d made it back. “Are you okay?” Her eyes scanned his body, fastened on his face.
“I’ll be fine. I’m tough.”
“Jessie.” Cara called from the living room.
“Help her.” Kade’s face revealed far more than he would have liked.
Her eyes darkened. Had she sensed his fear? His panic that Kitani would suffer the same fate as Isa? Her mouth pulled into a grim line, and she nodded before turning and jogging toward Cara.
Leaving Kade standing in the kitchen among eight bleeding Weres. Two of which were almost as panicked as him.
