Chapter Seventeen

Don't Do Anything Stupid And Don't Die.

"We often think back and realize certain people came into our lives for certain specific reasons. Then one day, we look up and they've somehow drifted out of our lives, and we never see them again. What we don't think about, though, is whether we drifted into their lives for a certain purpose. Were we needed for something? What effect were we supposed to have? Should we have helped more? Did we leave their lives better than when we found them?" ~Katy

"Alittle to the right, Jack." Raphael narrowed his eyes and stared into the woods beyond.

"So Jack isn't the guide?" Katy was tired again and leaned even more into Gage. He, not missing anything when it came to her, noticed immediately and scooped her up. He sat on one of the benches that lined the boat, holding her in his lap. Lola sat beside them, and Callon stood beside her, his hand wrapped around the back of her neck, under her hair.

"Nico said Raphael can track shadows." Lola looked at Katy and frowned. "I don't know what that means, but suffice it to say, he has some way of finding Azure. Now, you." She pointed at Katy. "Why do you suddenly look like you haven't slept in days? You looked as healthy as the rest of us a half hour ago."

Lola's question made Katy glance around at their companions crowded on the weathered deck.

Across from where she sat with Gage, the royal pair, Talbot and Rose, looked as if they could be holding court even amidst the ramshackle surroundings. Rose's moonlit hair cascaded around her, luminous in the gathering dusk. Everything about the young woman was ethereal grace, from her delicate features to the fluid way she moved.

Beside her sat Talbot, elegant power personified. Though relaxed, his large frame radiated coiled strength. His movements were sinuous as a snake as he shifted closer to Rose, one muscular arm coming up to rest casually on the rail behind her. The gesture was subtle, but proprietary. Together, the two exuded an air of royalty, almost seeming to glow with their own inner light. Katy found herself captivated by the striking couple. But then Gage's arm tightened around her waist, and she remembered her best friend had asked her a question.

"It's Azure's spell, or his voodoo chick," she said quietly. "Tying my life to the captive women drains me. It's getting worse."

Lola's eyes sparked with anger, her marbled skin taking on various shades of red. Callon shifted next to her, and Katy noticed the hand not on her neck clenched into a fist. No doubt a response to his mate's distress.

Gage's arms banded around Katy comfortingly. "Her strength wanes bit by bit each day those females are bound. My blood gives her some strength back, but it's not lasting as long as it did the first time. We need to end this."

From his perch on the bow, Otto suddenly spoke up. "Otto will fix it." He scampered over and pressed two small-clawed hands to Katy's forehead, face scrunched in concentration. "I make it right, Mistress."

"Thank you, my friend," Katy said sincerely. Rousing herself, Katy sat up straighter. "I'll be okay once the spell is broken. We all just need to stay focused on the task ahead." She spared a grateful smile for her mate and loyal friend.

Lola's eyes glistened with unshed tears. She was hurting for Katy. "I'm going to be fine," Katy reassured her.

"Oh, I know you're going to be fine," Lola said sharply. "Because no other outcome is acceptable."

"Agreed," Gage said gruffly, though his eyes softened as he looked down at her. But any reply was forestalled as Raphael called out.

"We are near the witch's territory. Be on guard." The demon's gaze constantly roamed their surroundings. The trees had taken on an ominous bend, gnarled branches clawing at the hull as they passed.

Katy shivered, exhaustion creeping back over her. "It's getting worse," she whispered. Her chest tightened, and breathing was becoming a struggle. Gage smoothed a hand down her back. "I can give you more blood." His body was taught, and she hated seeing fear in his steadfast gaze.

"No blood offerings." Raphael came to stand near them. His eyes roamed over Katy, but not in a flirty way. It was as if he was assessing her. "Marissa can draw energy from any blood, especially freely given. This is her domain, and that of the souls that serve her."

Katy's legs trembled uncontrollably as the boat crept through the foreboding bayou. The thick, oppressive air was saturated with malevolent magic that weighed down on her like a lead blanket. Gage held her tightly, practically carrying her weight as she struggled to stay upright. His jaw was clenched so tightly it looked ready to shatter, his eyes dark and filled with concern beneath furrowed brows.

"I'll be okay," she whispered, trying to reassure not only him but herself as well. "I haven't gotten to drive you crazy long enough yet. I should at least get a decade."

Gage shook his head. "You get eternity," he said sternly, as if his tone could somehow keep her here with him.

Katy heard a sniffle, and she turned her head to see tears in Lola's eyes. Katy reached out a hand to her, and Lola practically lunged at her to grab it. She pulled it to her chest and pressed a kiss to the top of Katy's knuckles. "No crying allowed during an eerie boat ride through a dark-magic infested bayou." Katy's voice was rough.

"Shut your piehole." Lola huffed. "I'll cry if I want to."

Katy's lips turned up in a smile. She loved her friend and, damn, she didn't want to die. The thought pierced through her, and she had to clench her jaw to keep her own tears at bay. This was not the time to lose her crap.

"Mistress." Otto was suddenly there, standing in his baggy clothes, his head reaching her knee. He placed a clawed hand on her leg, and the pain in his eyes nearly broke her. "Otto make it right. I…" He paused, and the scales on his face changed color several times before going back to the green she was used to. His eyes closed briefly and then opened, staring straight into hers. "I love you." Then, in a streak of green, he turned and lunged from the boat.

"OTTO!" Katy tried to reach for him.

"Dammit," Gage cursed. "Bane, can you follow him?"

Katy looked over at the panther. He gave a sharp nod, then looked at Taras. The Prime inclined his head. "Go. Watch yourself."

In a flash Bane went from man to sleek panther and jumped from the boat just as it came to a halt, bumping up against the shore. Katy's heart felt weak in her chest, though Otto's little stunt had definitely made it beat faster. She was going to strangle him. Her body felt so heavy, and she suddenly just wanted to sleep. So she'd strangle him after she took a nap.

"You can't go to sleep." Lola patted her cheek. "All hell is about to break loose, and I need you present and accounted for, Katy Dire."

"Gage," Talbot said. "I came to bear witness to what happens here tonight. My mate and I will have to give testimony to the shaman and our kingdom. But this is not my battle. I will keep her safe, and Callon, I will keep your mate safe as well."

Gage looked down at Katy and then helped her sit up. "I don't care what that demon said. You need my blood." He bit into his wrist and held it up to her mouth. The look he gave her made it clear that there would be no arguing with him. As she took his wrist in her mouth, her mate looked back at the snake king. Katy didn't think there was any chance that Gage would allow someone else to guard her, so she was shocked to hear what he said next.

"If anything happens to her, I will kill you and leave your mate to live a life broken and alone, and I will destroy your kingdom until all that is left is dust." His voice was flat as he spoke, but the look in her mate's eyes made her shiver. He wasn't bluffing.

"I understand." Talbot's words came through clenched teeth. He was a good diplomat. She'd give him that.

As her mate's blood filled her, energy renewed Katy's lungs and muscles. Nothing like it had before, but she could sit up and even stand on her own. She released his wrist and took a deep breath, filling her lungs with, well, not fresh air. It was putrid, but at least she was breathing.

Zeena moved suddenly, jumping to her feet, and everyone else who had been sitting stood as well. Katy looked at the former queen, her eyes focused on the dark clearing in front of them. "I can feel him. He's coming."

Taras leapt off first, his wild mane of hair flying behind him like a banner of war. Lyra followed close behind, with a look of determination across her delicate features. Nico followed, whistling a happy tune like he wasn't about to fight some fallen snake king and an evil witch.

Callon looked at Lola and took her face in his hands. He pressed a quick, firm kiss to her lips. Katy probably should have looked away, but dammit, they might all be dead soon. She wasn't going to miss a second of what might be the last of her life.

"Stay close to Talbot," Callon told her. "Shift if you need to."

Lola nodded and patted his cheek. "Don't die. I will be beyond pissed."

He grinned, and his sharp teeth gleamed. "I love you, too, Sazzi." Then he turned and sprang over the edge of the boat with the grace and ease of his beast.

Gage turned to Katy, and she held up a hand. "I know. Stay with Talbot. Don't do anything stupid and don't die. I've got the rules memorized."

He pressed his forehead to hers and took a deep breath. "You're the best thing that has ever happened to me, Katy Dire." His voice was gruff as he spoke, his hands resting on either side of her neck. "Whatever happens tonight, it's going to be okay. We're going to be okay."

She frowned, not really understanding this version of pep-talk. She'd totally thought he'd be giving her the "don't do something stupid" speech. Then she realized why he was saying this to her. "Otto." She breathed out as if the air had been punched from her lungs. "What's he gonna do, Gage?"

When he didn't answer her, Katy stepped away from him and headed for the edge of the boat. Screw being safe. She was going to move while her legs still worked. She was going to stop her reckless little shadow from getting himself killed. As she tried to put her leg over the boat, it bumped up against something solid, only there was nothing there. She tried again and was repelled by an invisible force field. "Umm, why the hell can't I get off this boat?"

Raphael stood only a couple feet away, and had been about to jump off the boat. He stopped and looked at her, his brow drawing down over his violet eyes. He walked over to her and grabbed the wrist that had the bracelets on them. Gage was beside him in a second, growling, of course.

The demon chuckled. "The little lizard is sneaky. He put a spell on the bracelets. A boundary spell. And then he made the boat the boundary."

"What?" Lola walked over to where they stood. She reached out her hand and tried to shove it outside the edge of the boat. It came up against an invisible wall, too. "So we're stuck on this boat?"

"Dammit!" Katy stomped her foot. "That sneaky little scaly bastard!"

"Looks that way." Raphael turned to the captain, who looked rather calm for the circumstances. Katy wondered what sort of glamour they'd managed to use on him. "Jack, once the three ladies and the gentleman are the only ones left on the boat, could you back it away from the shore?"

"I can do that." He nodded as he took his hat off and scratched his head. "I'd appreciate that you do your business quickly. The bayou, well, it ain't right. I mean, it's worse than usual."

Raphael's eyes glowed as he smiled, showing sharp teeth. "Don't worry, we will be quick." Then he jumped over the side of the boat in his dress shirt and slacks, somehow looking just as deadly as Callon had.

"Have I mentioned that I'm going to strangle that little bug-eyed, baggy clothes wearing lizard when I get my hands on him?" Katy attempted to untie the bracelets. Whatever magic he'd used on them, they weren't budging. Lola, too, tried her best to remove the bracelets. She pulled at them with her teeth but had no more success than Katy.

Gage cupped her cheek, regaining her attention. He started to say something, but there was a loud crashing sound, and they all turned to see what caused it. Moonlight illuminated a clump of nearby shaking trees. Suddenly, an enormous emerald snake burst from the foliage, venom dripping from its foot-long fangs as it let out a menacing hiss. Azure had arrived, madness radiating from his reptilian eyes.

"Keep them safe, Talbot," Gage said, and then the man was gone, and in his place was a massive wolf. He let out an ear-splitting howl as he launched himself toward Azure.

Lola's eyes widened in shock as Azure, the massive serpent, crashed through the dense canopy of trees. The sound was deafening as branches snapped and leaves rustled in its wake. Before she could even process what was happening, her companions sprang into action with supernatural grace and agility.

Callon let out an earth-shaking roar, his muscles bulging with power as he transformed into a golden lion. He launched himself at the snake, his large paws pounding the ground with each stride. Taras, already in his sleek, tawny lion form, joined the attack with ferocious speed and grace. Gage, with his swift movements and lightning-fast reflexes, darted forward to distract the serpent while the others attacked.

The bayou erupted into a violent battlefield. The air was filled with snarls, howls, and furious hisses as fangs and claws clashed in a deadly dance. Trees splintered, and the ground trembled underfoot as the creatures fought with savage ferocity. Lola couldn't tear her eyes away from Callon's form, every swipe of his powerful paws sending her heart racing.

Even Azure, with all his formidable strength and size, struggled against the relentless onslaught of attacks. For every strike he landed on his opponents, they countered with fierce determination. Sharp claws and teeth found purchase in his scaly hide until it was stained black with ichor.

In the midst of the chaos, a shrill laugh cut through the cacophony like a knife. Lola's head snapped toward the sound just in time to see a woman, who must be Marissa, the voodoo priestess, emerge from the shadows. Her skeletal hands were already twisting in dark spells. Before Lola could even cry out a warning, the witch's magic flew from her fingers straight toward Lyra's unprotected back.

But Raphael was quicker than lightning, using his own impressive powers to knock the Prima out of harm's way before turning to face off against Marissa. Nico's chanting rose above the madness, his shamanic abilities, whatever the hell those were, adding to the chaos as he fought against the witch's dark magic with his own light. The battle raged on, a symphony of magic and mayhem, and Lola was stuck on the boat, unable to help. The beast inside of her flexed, frustrated that she wasn't being let out to assist their mate. But what the hell could a lion do from a boat?

She heard a gasp and turned to see Rose, the new KOV queen, covering her mouth as she watched in wide-eyed horror the bloodbath that was happening fifty yards away. However, Lola noticed the boat had moved and was still moving farther from the shore, as Raphael had asked.

"Talbot." Rose's voice was much stronger than Lola expected it to be. "You've got to go help. He's going to kill them."

"I won't leave you unprotected," Talbot told his mate. Scales covered his skin as he watched the fight. "And I spoke the truth when I told Gage this wasn't my fight. This is not my kill."

"Do you really think you can defeat me?" Azure's voice came from the snake's mouth, and it was as loud as Callon's roar. "You pathetic, weak foolsss who don't even know what is best for our kind."

"Oh great." Katy huffed. "This is the part where the evil ass gives us a monologue about why he can't be killed. Seen it in every action movie ever. Didn't like it the first time. Definitely won't like it this time. Would somebody shut him up? And where the hell is the panther with my lizard?"

Rose's eyes widened as she looked at Katy and then at Lola.

Lola winced. "Not a sentence you thought you'd ever hear in your life, right? I would say that she's usually saner than this, but that would be a lie, and I'd rather not start our relationship off on the wrong foot."

"I appreciate that." Rose stood a little straighter, as if Lola's joking made her less fearful.

Lola tried to pay attention to what was going on with Nico, the voodoo chick, her mate, and Azure all at the same time. Her eyes were bouncing back and forth like a ping-pong ball. Couldn't they fight closer together? Would that be too much to ask? Okay, now Katy's attitude was totally rubbing off on her.

"What's that?" Katy pointed at Azure.

"Really?" Lola asked dryly. "Is your brain shutting down now because of this voodoo spell, Katy? That's Azure, the bad guy in his snake form."

"Not him, you dip," Katy bit out. "Past him and past all the trees his massive, scaly body smashed. There's light." She squinted her eyes.

Lola rolled her eyes. "Use your wolf's eyes, Katy." She huffed. "Amateur."

"You've been a lion like a whole fifty minutes longer than I've been a wolf. Don't act like you got it figured out, princess. How, exactly, do I just use my wolf's eyes?"

Lola simply envisioned herself with her lion's eyes, and suddenly she was able to see a whole heck of a lot better. She assumed the same would work for Katy. "Just picture yourself with your wolf's eyes."

"Whoa." Katy braced herself on the side of the boat. "He has really torn this place up. I mean it looks like a tornado has come through here."

"That light you see is a house," Lola pointed out. Lola made a hissing sound as Azure got a little too close for comfort to her mate. "Callon, I wasn't joking when I said I'd be pissed!" She yelled out to her mate. Suddenly, another lion joined the fight, this one without the huge mane. "Lyra," Lola said absently as she watched the lioness move with beautiful agility.

"If Bane would get back here with Otto, he could help them finish this." Katy sighed. Her eyes were focused on the house. "He must have gone there. That's probably where the women are. Oh, he's gonna free them. Then Bane could bring them to us."

Lola thought about what the little lizard had said to Katy. He said he would make it right. Nico had pointed out on multiple occasions that killing the two human females would solve the Katy dilemma. Oh snap. Lola stared at the house. She didn't think Otto had any intention of freeing the women. All he was thinking about was how to save his mistress. Otto was no nonsense and all business. He would take the easiest path to the resolution he needed, which was Katy alive and healthy. Lola's stomach dropped as her beast spoke to her. He's going to bite them.