Page 84 of Beast

“You’re going to keep her alive, right?” Amanda’s voiceseems strained. She clings to the wall as though she does not want to get anycloser to the crime she is taking part in.

Palgrave’s chest puffs, and a vicious laugh comes out of hismouth. “For a while, though I suspect she’s going to wish she’s dead.”

“The Dellacourts aren’t simply going to let you take Dante’sconsort.” Amanda’s arms come over her chest.

“I’m sure they’ll thank me. Did you see the press coveragetoday? She’s a freak. Everyone is talking about what an embarrassment the bitchis. Donald Dellacourt will more than likely shake my hand.”

“I don’t think you understand them.”

Palgrave’s eyes narrow. “And you do, peasant?”

Amanda’s back stiffens. “Well, I know Dante well enough toknow that he won’t let it go. I know he started out with a stupid plan, butthis is what he does. In the end, he almost always does the right thing. Hebroke up with me. I certainly didn’t expect that. Why would he break it offwith me if he intends to put her aside?”

Palgrave’s lips turn distinctly cruel. “I think youoverestimate your charms, dear.” He stalks toward her.

I begin to growl. I can sense Palgrave’s intent, but Amandadoes not seem to have the same instincts. She stands there as the huge manwalks up to her.

“He liked me,” Amanda protests.

I watch as Palgrave takes the woman’s head in both hishands. He cups her cheeks in a mockery of affection. “Of course he liked you,dear. Every male likes a female who opens her legs for him. Every man likes awhore until she’s served her purpose.”

Palgrave’s hands snap around, and a loud crack reverberatesthrough the room. The blonde slumps down, her eyes dead before she hits thefloor.

“Doctor, do you have a morgue somewhere in here?” Palgraveasks the question with a lackadaisical tone, as though he is mentioning theweather.

Rage fills my gut. Amanda was not a good person, butPalgrave is worse. This is what he will do to me. He will use me and dispose ofme.

The doctor looks up from his work. He glances down at thedead body. “I’ll have someone take it to the harvesting room. I can always useorgans. Although you could have told me you were going to dispose of her. Now Ican only use the eyes, skin, and hair. You destroyed many organs that wouldhave made this company money.”

Palgrave waves it off. “I just wanted her to stop yapping.And she might be right about Dellacourt. He might come after her if only tosave face. Luckily, he has no idea I’m the one behind everything. I’m sure hethinks King Torin is doing this to fuck with him. He has an overinflated senseof his own worth. Now let’s get back to this little bitch. Unlike the dead one,she can still make me some money.”

And then I smell something wonderful. I open my senses andcatch the smell of sandalwood and hair gel. It smells like home.

Dante is here. He came for me.

Years of loneliness wash away in an instant, and I realizeall my pain led to this place. Had the pack treated me with the smallest bit ofkindness, I would never have left. I would have stayed and lived only half alife, never realizing what it means to love. I would have told myself that thisis the way the world works and accepted what I was given.

Dante showed me a different way. My world, my love, my soulare all worth fighting for. I can see myself through my husband’s eyes, and Iam lovely.

I cannot contain it one second longer. It is there in mygut, churning and begging to be released ever since the moment I met him. Themating howl. The call of a wolf to her true mate.

I throw my head back and howl.

“What the fuck is that?” Palgrave yells, putting his handsover his ears.

I open myself and am flooded with him.

A couple minutes more, Kaj. I love you, baby.

I feel his intent. He heard my call and opened himself, too.He might not understand the formality of the call, but he recognizes themeaning behind it.

Fight, Kaj. Fight.

I pull my strength around me and charge the cage. The barsshake but hold. I snarl and bark at my captors. I might not be able to get outof this cage, but I can buy Dante time and give him the edge of surprise.

“She’s gone fucking insane. Do you think she has rabies?”Palgrave takes a long step back. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out asmall device. When he flicks it on, a little charge pulses through the room anda blue light flashes. “This is a sonic blade, you dumb bitch. Do you know whatit can do to you?”

“I think she understands quite well what we’re planning ondoing to her. You see, this is why using animals without reasoning skills isbetter. This one understands English. She’s not going to be distracted by atreat when she understands we’re going to remove one of her limbs for study.”White Coat shakes his head. “I can get her to stop that infernal howling. Ifthis kills her, at least we’ll have some quiet.”