The feline strode closer. “What do you mean, you insolent piece of dung?”
“If he doesn’t want money, then he must want something else. And you said this king of yours was real keen on finding these guys, right? So maybe your informant lets the king know that it was his information that got you these guys. He claims the credit and gets the reward.”
Gemma could tell her words were having an effect. The cats were as dumb as Cal had said they were. They were instinct machines, unfamiliar with logic but cagey enough to be nervous at her words.
“You,” the commander said, pointing to four of the guards surrounding them. “Bring me Evar Kange.”
Gemma saw the look of recognition and surprise in Cal’s face before he quickly masked it.He knows that name.
Taking a deep breath, she continued, the first step in their plan completed. They were down to only four guards and the commander. She prayed that the boys’ powers would be enough to take it from there.
Juston wasted no time. “Send the guards away,” he commanded, his eyes blazing red.
The Vanfian stood there, staring at him a moment before she spoke. “Nice try. Kange warned me that you had powers. Good to know this collar works.” She scratched at the bejeweled thing around her neck. “It itches like hell.”
“Fuck,” Cal muttered, then leapt to his feet. “Time for Plan B.” He aimed a kick directly into the guts of the commander. She let out a yowl of anger and leapt at him.
Gemma stood frozen, watching as her man fought a creature of sharp teeth and claws. Forcing herself to concentrate, she yelled at Juston, who was already attacking one of the guards. “Try your powers again. She’s the only one with the collar!”
“Drop your weapon and freeze,” he said, throwing his hand up at the guard in front of him. The feline dropped the weapon and held in place. Juston picked up the weapon and made quick work of the next guard.
The commander managed to get her powerful back legs under Cal and flipped him off her and across the room, where he slammed into the wall. Then she leapt for Gemma, holding her claws to her neck.
“Release her,” Juston said, holding a weapon on the commander while tossing another to his brother.
The guards stood frozen and disarmed. Only the commander was left. If she could get away from the commander, they’d be—
Gemma winced as the claws at her neck raked her, drawing blood.
“Fucking bitch!” Cal yelled, storming toward them.
“Stop or I kill her,” the feline warned.
“Do it,” Juston said with a shrug. “She’s a pleasure slave. So what?”
Cal’s eyes widened. “Brother, I don’t think—”
“I know you like her, but I promise I’ll buy you two more when we get home.”
Gemma could feel the Vanfian’s grip loosen infinitesimally as the brothers argued. It was the opportunity she’d been waiting for. With all her might, Gemma slammed her heel down on the cat’s foot.
It yowled in pain, releasing its hold on her. Gemma dropped, giving the brothers a clear shot. They didn’t waste their opportunity, and the feline dropped beside her with sightless eyes.
In seconds, Cal was at her side, pulling her into his arms for a ragged kiss. She’d barely adjusted to it before he was gone, stomping across the room to punch his brother across the face.
Juston’s head rocked back. “Godsdamn it, it was part of the ruse, you dumbass!”
“If you ever risk her life again—”
Juston put his hands up. “I won’t. Now get next to the doors here. When Kange and the rest of the guards rush in, I want to be ready.”
The brothers took up positions on either side of the doors, their backs to the wall. Gemma hid behind the massive throne, the only thing that looked sturdy enough to survive a beam if it was fired. In moments, the doors slid open and Kange entered with the rest of the guards.
Evar Kange caught on to the situation far faster than the Vanfians, but the doors were closed behind them before he could do anything about it.
“Hands in the air,” Juston shouted.
“Drop your weapons,” Cal warned.
