Wolf with Benefits
Page 128

Even the twins, at only three years old, had that predatory edge that would keep them generally safe. But Freddy was the puppy who would gleefully romp too far from his mother, and end up alone with a pride of lions or trampled by a herd of buffalo.
So they all felt an inherent need to protect the boy. Even Livy, who didnt feel the need to protect anyone but herself. But there was something about the kid that warmed even Livys cold heart.
As Livy moved forward, sniffing the air every few minutes, trying to locate Freddy while avoiding any of the loser cult membersjoining a cult? Really? Were people really that pathetic?that might be nearby, it took her a surprisingly long time to realize that she wasnt alone.
She stopped, spun around. Vic Barinov was behind her.
What are you doing? she asked.
Following you.
Why?
Because were all pretty sure youll be the one to find Freddy.
Just stay out of my way.
How can I be in your way when Ive been staying behind you?
She was about to answer that when she realized it wasnt worth the effort.
Turning, Livy headed deeper onto the farm, briefly stopping when she finally caught Freddys scent. Thats when she began running . . .
The group had split up, knowing they could cover more ground that way. Toni was trying to find Freddys scent but, deep down, she knew she was really looking for Delilahs. This had been a long time coming. She knew it. Del knew it.
So when Toni did lock on her sisters scent, she didnt try to ignore it. Instead she followed it right to one of the few finished cabins. There were guards outside, but when Toni walked past them, they didnt try to stop her.
She stepped into the cabin and took it all in. There were curtains over the windows, a large bed, a bathroom, fresh fruit on the table . . . everything a spoiled sociopath could need while everyone around her was probably starving.
I knew youd come yourself, Delilah said as she stepped out of the bathroom. You could have sent Dee-Ann or that big wolf youve been fucking. But I knew youd come.
She walked across the room until she stood in front of Toni. But Freddys not here.
I know, Toni said. Then she pulled her arm back and slapped her sister full in the face, knocking her to the floor. Once she had her there, she kicked her in the gut, sending her flipping over.
By the time Del landed, shed begun to shift. Toni joined her, her limbs, torso, and head changing, her hands turning into claws, her fangs bursting from her gums. Just as she shook off her clothes, Delilah rammed into her with such force, they went flying across the room and out the open front door.
Vic watched the bungalow where he and Livy were surelittle Freddy Jean-Louis Parker was being held. On the outside, he counted four guards. All male. All armed with knives. No guns that he could see, but the way they moved suggested theyd had some training. He doubted, though, any of them had been in the military, or were cops.
He did think, however, that they were fervent believers.
Believers worried Vic more than well-trained military personnel. Because there were no limits to what true believers would do to protect their belief system.
So hed want to move carefully on this. He wouldnt risk the safety of the boy.
With all that in mind, Vic turned to the female next to him but quickly discovered that he was standing alone.
Biting back an annoyed growl, he looked around until he finally found heron the bungalow roof.
How she got up there, he didnt want to know.
Livy looked at him, then pointed at the four guards outside the building. Vic briefly debated killing them but couldnt. At least not yet. They hadnt done anything to prove they were anything more than desperate full-humans in need of a messiah. So he decided to go with the tried-and-true misdirection.
I know you think youre doing the right thing, the prophet told Ricky Lee. By coming here for the child. But you dont understand.
What dont I understand? Explain it to me.
Its true. Delilah did take him for financial gain. To help my church, because she loves me.
Ricky Lee chuckled. Son . . . that girl dont love nobody. The prophets eyes turned steely. She loves me. She loves the god I represent. And she knows Ive seen the future. The boy has to be here . . . because he is the ultimate darkness. He will bring the beginning of the end.
Ricky Lee sighed. Oh, Lord . . . I was hoping you were just a good ol fashioned con man. Trying to make money off the boy like Delilah. But youre a true believer of your own bullshit, aint ya? And trust me when I say thatll cost you. In tears. Because if you think that girl is going to give up cash so you can start the end of days . . . youve lost your damn mind.
Im sorry you dont understand.
Im sorry you think I came alone.
Panic raced across the mans face. Keep him here! he ordered his men before running out of the building.
The two already in the room moved closer to Ricky Lee, and more full-human males walked in through the now-open doorway, surrounding him, all of them watching Ricky close. They were willing to follow their Prophets orders no matter what. Which, of course, was real unfortunate for them.
What with his big brother coming through that open window and unleashing his claws . . .