Cancer's Moon: Zodiac Assassins, #7

By Artemis Crow

Thirteen Zodiac Assassins

Forged in the Darkness of the InBetween,
Ruled by the Shadow Side of their Stars,
The Only Hope for the Light of Humanity.

What Would You Sacrifice To Find Your Place In The World?

A Zodiac With No Power

Cancer needs to prove that he can be an asset despite not having an offensive power like the other Zodiacs. When Lyon's children are taken by humans, he volunteers to go with the Zodiac leader, his mate, and the Kellas Cat Outbreeder to find them. But just as the mission starts, Cancer and the Outbreeder find themselves alone with a kitten as their only guide to find the children, mercenaries tracking their every move, a black jaguar sizing up Cancer for his next meal, and the power of the looming supermoon threatening to upend it all.

A Woman Between Two Worlds

Half paranorm and half Native American, Nokomis has struggled to be accepted as an Outbreeder, taking in every unwanted cat, creating a haven for the old and injured and traumatized, yet never measuring up in the eyes of the arrogant Kellai. Ordered to provide a familiar for one of the Zodiacs' adopted children, a Kellas Cat deemed "tainted" by her association with the other paranorm species, she ends up with a Zodiac who needs to believe in himself if they stand a chance of surviving.

A Home Threatened From Above And Below

With the Master of the Dark and his coven rising out of Hell, and humans experimenting on the paranorms they capture, can the Zodiacs defend the only home they've known, or will they finally have to abandon the dark of the InBetween and seek refuge in the light that's proven just as dangerous?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Artemis Crow
• Release date: May 28, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201134938

Book preview

1

Cancer shifted his sore-to-the-bone body, trying to roll onto his side, but his face pressed against a huge, hairy furnace. With his eyes still closed, he slipped a hand out from under his blankets; his palm landed on a thick-furred flank. A long, heavy tail started thumping the bed, the beast’s butt a scant inch from his nose.

For goddess’ sake, why must you sleep right up against me, you overgrown dog, he groused, the Fenrir wolf wriggling even closer to him.

The wolf snorted and bestirred itself just long enough to cut a fart in Cancer’s face.

Cancer opened his eyes and regretted it immediately. Argh!

The cavern’s light was low. Only the vialled souls of dead fallen angels hanging on the rough, rock walls provided light enough to move around without tripping over the uneven ground, or over the dozens of wild and domesticated cats, Fenrir wolves, and paranorms sleeping, well, everywhere.

Cancer grabbed the edge of the blanket and fanned for a moment before turning away from the flatulent wolf and straight into the face of a black jaguar. Pale gold eyes stared at him; his long whiskers almost touched Cancer’s face. The huge cat’s lips curled, exposing his very long, very sharp teeth. A growl rumbled low, vibrating the mattress.

Cancer froze, afraid to blink. Moving away was out of the question. He could slither down the bed, but the sheets were tucked in tight and he’d be stuck. If he scooted up, he’d hit the headboard he just had to bring down to this lower cavern. Going over the top of the wolf was a seriously bad idea. You wouldn’t think such a huge beast would get touchy about being crawled over, but the Fenrir wolves took umbrage at the littlest things.

He was trapped.

Outbreeder, he whispered, his voice drowned out by the distant roar of the cavern’s twin waterfalls.

Silence.

Cancer closed his eyes and took another breath. Here goes nothing.

Outbreeder, he said in a loud voice.

Bodies shifted, snoring paused, a grunt or two sounded, but no reply.

The jaguar growled louder, his body tensing.

Something touched Cancer’s hair and he jumped. The cat rolled onto its belly and hunched its spine as if preparing to attack.

Be very still, Zodiac, the Kellas Cat Outbreeder said.

I. Am.

Can you make your shell appear in case I can’t stop him?

Cancer closed his eyes and willed his newly discovered power—a defensive carapace—into existence.

Done, he whispered, relieved his voice didn’t crack like a stripling boy’s under the tension.

She removed her hand from his head and backed away a few steps. I’ll be right back.

What? Wait.

And my name is Nokomis, by the way; Outbreeder is my title, came her hissed response.

You’re worried about nomenclature? Now?

I don’t know what that means, came her reply.

Nomenclature is a system or set of terms or symbols used especially in science, art or other disciplines. Not for people, the human Georgie called out.

More groans and snorts and rustling of bedding followed her pronouncement, but no one bothered to come to his rescue.

Suijin save me. Cancer pressed against the back of the wolf and gave the jaguar a glance. Deciding which body part you’ll eat first, aren’t you?

The cat grunted and continued to stare.

The Outbreeder Nokomis reappeared, a slab of red, raw meat in her hands. Take this and toss it. If you’re lucky, he’ll settle for it.

Settle for it? What do you mean settle for it?

Instead of you.

Eating me would be so much work and there’d be lots of screaming, I can guarantee it.

Yet, so much more meat to be had. Let’s hope he’s not hungry enough to want crab on his menu.

Not helping.

I’m all kinds of help. Like, see how his eyes have widened?

Yes.

He’s seconds away from jumping on you, so I suggest you throw the meat instead of continuing to argue with me. She grinned and spread her hands. See? Helping.

Cancer closed his eyes and threw the meat to his right. The jaguar blinked and tensed further until the meat hit the ground with a dull splat. The wild cat sniffed and turned his head in the direction of the free meal before leaping from the bed and into the darkness.

Cancer exhaled and sagged. Why does he want to eat me?

I suspect he sees you as a threat.

Me? I’m nothing of the kind.

That’s for him to decide.

So he ends up on my bed?

Perhaps, once he decides, he wants to be close enough to kill you.

Why the hell did you bring such a dangerous cat?

Instead of answering his question, Nokomis watched the big male inhale the meat then slink off, getting as far away from anything living as was possible. No other Outbreeder can get him to eat. I had no choice.

So you’re planning on bringing him with us to find the children?

Look at him.

He was inches away. I couldn’t help but.

As large as his frame is, he should be three hundred pounds; instead, he weighs two hundred and continues to lose weight. If I hadn’t brought him, he would have starved to death. As it is, if he doesn’t choose to live, he won’t.

Well, keep him away from me, or convince him I’m no threat. I literally can’t keep my carapace up all the time.

She cocked her head and studied him, a frown slowly forming. I don’t own the cats, nor do I control them, so work it out yourself. In truth, why he chose to get in the bed with you is beyond my understanding. You are the only person he’s gotten close to out of everyone here, including me. Rather insulting that.

Nokomis left without giving Cancer a chance to respond, her focus on walking around and stepping over the bodies between his bed and hers.

Cancer sat up and rubbed his skin, willing his carapace to disappear, breathing slowly through the nausea-inducing adrenaline. Goddess almighty, how am I supposed to sleep now?

Soft cries pulled him out of bed. He stood, but remained still until his eyes adjusted enough for him to navigate the cavern. He crossed the space until he reached a wall and the four female Fenrir wolves and their newly whelped pups lying in individual nests of moss, covered by thick comforters.

He folded his legs under him and watched one female nudge each of her babies until they found a teat and began to nurse.

It’s a miracle to have one litter whelp, but four at one time, Lyon said softly, sitting next to Cancer.

Freedom was what they needed. You gave that to them, Cancer said.

We gave that to them, especially you, C. I’ve barely been around the past weeks.

Cancer nodded. I did learn that they needed more than just the meat they’ve been fed for decades. They’re omnivores and needed a far more varied diet. Between that and their cruel treatment by the Twelve, I’m amazed they survived at all.

Lyon slapped him on the back. Like I said.

They sat in silence watching the pups knead as they suckled, their grunts turning to growls when a littermate tried to encroach on their space.

Think you’ll hear from Abella soon? Cancer finally whispered.

I hope so. I don’t think I’ll be able to keep Persephone here much longer.

She has…changed since giving birth, Cancer said, hoping Lyon wouldn’t take offense.

Lyon stared at the female wolf. I’ve heard hormones are strong in a new mother, but I don’t dare say that to her face.

She killed an angel with her mind. I think that’s more than hormones.

I was there, remember?

Yes, but has she told you how she did it? I’ve never seen anything like it, no doubt the Powers haven’t either. Doesn’t that make her a target?

I imagine it does.

Ever since Circe, Asmodeus and Llewellyn had blown a hole through the four worlds, releasing a demon army, they’d been threatened on all sides.

But angels and archangels.

I know, my brother, I know. Lyon stood and offered Cancer a hand, pulling the Zodiac to his feet. It’ll be dawn soon. I think I’ll make my way to the surface and see if I have a message from Abella.

Mind some company?

Not at all.

The two Zodiacs crossed the cavern again to access the path that rose along the wall, up to a small exit. They’d learned of this deep, isolated haven because the reclusive Pestilence Fairies—recently revealed to be fallen angels—had shared its location with the trapped paranorms who once lived in the main cavern of the subterranean world called the InBetween.

The moment the passage to Hell had been opened, the Great Cavern of the InBetween had become a nexus for Hell and Hades and the human world. No matter how strong the Zodiacs were, they had to leave it behind, give up the only home they’d known for safety deeper within the network of tunnels and caves that comprised the world that the goddess Hecate had created for them. With Libra and Taryn somewhere out west still searching for kidnapped paranorm children, Pisces only the goddess knew where—if he was still alive—and Gemma, Gem, Tread, Meri, and Sagittarius on a mission to Hell, their numbers were too few.

Circumstances had torn them apart, and now—since humans had taken Lyon and Persephone’s children—the Zodiacs would be divided further. As soon as Abella got the location of the children, Lyon, Persephone, Cancer, and the Outbreeder, with her cats, would be setting out to free them.

Cancer scrambled along the steep path, his legs complaining after days of navigating the trail. Finally they reached the top and walked their way down the widening tunnel that eventually got them to the Great Cavern.

Lyon paused, Cancer by his side, the pair listening and smelling before stepping inside the huge space.

Your Spidey senses catch any scent, C?

Crabs and spiders are not related.

Spidey sounds better than crabby. Just be glad your eyes aren’t sticking out of your head on posts, Lyon added, the backs of his hands against his temples, his forefingers pointing out and moving in circles.

Cancer snorted at the ridiculous sight. You got me there.

He took a step inside the cavern and drew a long and slow breath through his nose. Individual scents danced along his tongue, most from the huge space around him, but others, too, that had drifted down from the huge hole in the roof leading to the human world.

I smell humans, woodland creatures, water and woods, even a little angel stench, but nothing fresh.

Good, let’s move. I don’t want Persephone to wake and find me gone.

Lyon passed Cancer and strode fast to the double doors at the main entrance. He opened the right door but remained inside as he scanned the small glade directly in front of him and the woods on all sides. The grass in the glade had been trampled, divots had been torn out during the battle with the angels, and large scorch marks had been created by the dragons who had joined the fight on the side of the paranorms.

Yet, even though it had only been days since the damage had been wrought, signs of life were already interspersed in the destruction: tiny mushrooms in the shade, small blades of green grass dotted among the black blades and gouged earth. Gaia was already tending to her wounds, ever vigilant in her fight against the damage done by those who should have been her stewards.

Cancer sighed. With what was coming, Gaia would soon find herself fighting to hold herself together. They all would, human and paranorm alike.

Lyon walked to the middle of the glade and pulled out his phone. He turned it on and waited for a connection.

I’m still amazed you can get a signal out here, Cancer said, joining him.

I get one, but it’s crap, Lyon said, scrolling through his messages. He scowled and gripped the phone tight. Damn it.

He shut the phone down and pocketed it. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes.

Nothing from Abella?

Nothing. Let’s go back.

They worked their way back down to the new cavern and parted without a word.

Cancer returned to his bed and slipped under the covers. It hadn’t been long since Abella had left for Las Vegas to play a poker game, just a few days, but the waiting seemed much longer. If anyone could win and get the location of the children, it was Abella. She was their best bet.

But still.

Cancer closed his eyes and forced his heart to slow. He needed rest for the coming mission, one that he had serious second thoughts about going on. Of all the Zodiacs, he was the only one with no offensive power, only a defensive carapace, and he’d only just learned about that. Why the hell he had volunteered was still beyond him, but he had. Maybe it was because he couldn’t stand to be left behind again, relegated to the job of keeper for Candace, no matter how much he adored the baby Portend.

He pulled the thick blanket up and scooted over until he was against the wolf’s back, relishing the waves of body heat that combated the chill. The double waterfall nearly drowned out the quiet burble of the water flowing through one section of the cavern, but both lulled him, pulling him down into a drowse as only water could.

Just before he drifted off, a huge body jumped on the bed and filled the space on his right. Cancer opened one eye.

The jaguar stood over him like a vulture contemplating roadkill, his huge head only inches away, his eyes glowing gold. He sniffed Cancer’s face from chin to brow before plopping down against Cancer’s side, the exposed bones of the cat’s emaciated body digging into Cancer’s flesh. The cat groomed his paws and face, cleaning away the blood from the raw meat, purring hard enough to vibrate the bed.

Son of a bitch.

* * *

General Beauregard Baker watched his laptop screen, the zeros behind the one slowly ticking up until one hundred million dollars filled his offshore bank account. Abella had done it. He’d sent her to play the exclusive Texas Hold’em game in his stead, and now he had the money to buy his way into a very wealthy future.

I got it. Get to the airport. We have work to do. He hung up the phone and closed the laptop. Stretching his legs out in front of him, he reached for the whisky and took a celebratory sip. Put the men on alert, and get me to the InBetween. Lyon is about to get the call and I want to be there when the Zodiacs try to leave.

The driver nodded once and pulled the Suburban onto the narrow, rural road.

Baker lifted his radio. Cunningham, over.

Yes, General? Over.

Any movement? Over.

The subject came outside at dawn with a second Zodiac. He checked his phone then they both retreated back inside. I could have taken them, sir. Over.

Stick to your orders; we want as many of the Zodiacs as we can get. As of now, you are earning enough to pay for your children to go to any school they want. Including Ivy League. Over.

Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. Over.

Baker put the radio on the seat and studied the passing trees. Dense forest surrounded them on both sides, the dark green of pine trees, and the pale green of new leaves on the oaks, maples, hickories and elms. Thick, hairy vines of poison ivy wound up established trunks, the triple leaves dotting it waiting for passersby to brush against them and spread their oil.

Picking up the laptop again, he opened it and stared at the huge sum in his account for a moment, envisioning what he could do with all of it rather than the half he would have to content himself with. Betraying his about-to-be partner would be a death sentence, though, and at his age, comfort and security vastly outweighed the benefits of the fortune. Besides, fifty million would keep him fabulously comfortable for his remaining years.

He pulled out the numbers for the private security’s bank account and entered them, transferring half of the money. He waited until the transaction was complete then logged out and shut down his computer.

He hit speed dial on his phone and waited. The money is in your account…partner. Baker nodded. Yes, we’re heading there now. We’ll have the Zodiacs soon. Will you be meeting us at the site? He rested his forehead against the cool window while he listened. Good. I look forward to shaking your hand.

Baker listened for a moment then laughed. There’s rich and then there’s filthy rich. Let’s make sure we are the latter.

2

My cats are getting restless, Nokomis ground out, her head tilted back to look in Lyon’s handsome but decidedly scarred and deadly face.

There were few who gave her pause, but this Zodiac’s savagery was legend. He was a wild cat of the stars. That afforded him some leeway in her book, though she remained cautious around him, as she did with her most volatile charges.

Yet, enough was enough.

I have selected those I will take and those to be left behind, she said. We need to leave.

I haven’t gotten a location yet. Wandering aimlessly with a herd of cats is not desirable in the human world. We wait.

It’s not a herd.

What? Lyon said.

My cats are not called a herd. You can choose clowder or colony, but they are not a herd.

Before Lyon could respond, Persephone stepped up next to Nokomis. She pulled her waist-length, silver hair into a loose bun then planted her fists on her hips. I’m leaving tomorrow, Lyon, even without a location, or any of you. I’ll not wait beyond that to find my children.

Nokomis moved closer to Lyon’s mate, but not close enough to be touched by the Portend. She’d seen Persephone clasp her hands to an angel’s head and kill him with her mind—a Power no less, one of Heaven’s feared dog soldiers—and she wanted no part of the woman’s madness. Frankly, it would be better if she remained behind, but in the short time Nokomis had been with the Zodiacs she’d seen Persephone’s strength and determination. Staying in the InBetween would not be on this woman’s list of options.

I will leave then as well, she said.

Nokomis! Cancer yelled from across the cavern.

The Zodiacs, fallen angels, the other paranorms, and Tread’s two human sisters turned to see what he was yelling about. The stoked fires and torches illuminated the huge space, ferreting out the darkest of corners and leaving nothing hidden, including the one spot along the burbling stream that had three natural steps leading into the water.

Cancer stood on the lowest step, naked, the water just reaching the lower part of his flat belly. On the ground sat the black jaguar, smack on his robe, staring at Cancer like he’d decided now was the time to make the Zodiac his next meal.

He’s doing it again, Cancer yelled louder than was necessary, unable to control the volume or the waver.

What do you want me to do? she called back, ignoring the growing chuckles.

Make him move.

I told you last night that I have little-to-no sway with him.

How about some meat? Throw a piece.

I’ve already fed him. You can’t overfeed an emaciated animal; it could kill him.

Cancer leaned over and reached slowly for the edge of his robe, but before he could get close, the cat growled and swatted at his hand.

Then the jaguar lay down, covering the robe completely.

Well, hell, Cancer yelled.

Is there really nothing you can do? Taurus asked, rolling his shoulders like his skin itched. I could stand a swim myself. He winked at Tread’s sister Allie. Company would be nice.

The tall human warrior bared her teeth at the huge Zodiac then crossed her arms, signaling a silent but emphatic no.

Nokomis cupped her mouth. Jaguars love the water. Splash around. Maybe he’ll join you.

For goddess’ sake, Cancer groaned.

He eyed the cat then looked to his left. Inching back on the ledge, he dug his toes into a small crack to keep from slipping. Just as he crouched to leap, great guffaws rolled over him.

He scowled at his audience. I hate you all so much.

Raising his arms, he pushed off the ledge hard and dove deep. He had just gotten a few feet away from the steps when he heard a splash above him. He grabbed a rock to stay on the bottom and looked up just as the jaguar dove down.

Cancer waited until the cat had almost reached him before he pushed off and skimmed the bottom just under the creature. He raced to the steps and leaped onto the first one. Jumping out of the water, he rolled, grabbed the edge of his robe and scrambled to gain his feet, covering his naked body before blushing bright red.

The jaguar broke the surface and shook his head. He snarled once before ignoring Cancer, diving and swimming as if he hadn’t a care in the world, or hadn’t had the Zodiac on his menu at all.

Insufferable bastard, Cancer grumbled as he strode to his bed and the huge chest sitting at the end. He glared at the others. You can stop laughing now.

Aries walked up to Cancer and patted him on the back. Seriously, that cat has you pegged.

For food.

Never thought I’d see any cat dick around with someone so completely. I have to say, the jaguar is growing on me, the ram said, continuing to dig.

Cancer shoved Aries away. Then keep it here, if you’re so enamored of the beast.

Nah, I think he has a crush on your inner crustacean.

It’s my outer crustacean I’m worried about.

Let him have a nibble; maybe he won’t like crab.

Ha, ha. You see him swimming like a fish? Jaguars eat fish and crab and other aquatic things.

Well then, brother, you do have a problem. Good luck with that, Aries said, laughing as he walked away.

The jaguar climbed out of the water and glared at Cancer.

Before the cat could challenge him further, he dressed quickly and jogged over to Lyon. How about we go topside and check your phone again?

Yes, let’s all go, Nokomis said. My charges could stand some sunlight and fresh air. She chirped and the wild and domesticated cats stopped their play and rose. The little domesticated cats and kittens ran, while the larger wild cats padded to her side, all of them milling around her. She reached down and plucked the tiniest kitten—a pure black, bat-eared Oriental Shorthair—from the ground and set it on her shoulder. Ready?

* * *

Cancer waited for the cats and the Outbreeder to work their way out of the cavern before following.

Allie fell in beside him. I want to come with you. To find the children.

Grate joined them. I want to go too.

No, Allie and Cancer said at the same time.

Cancer turned his attention back to Allie. That’s up to Lyon.

But you could talk to him for me.

Cancer stopped. And why would I do that?

You need a fighter, besides Lyon. A human who can get you through doors that may remain closed to a paranorm.

I’m a great lock picker, no doubt better than any of you lot, Grate said a little louder.

No, Cancer and Allie said, their voices in sync and slightly raised.

Cancer ran his fingers through his hair in frustration, determined to stay calm. We were assassins for years, working in the human world without problems.

No problems? None? Allie challenged.

Cancer didn’t reply. Of course they’d had trouble, especially those Zodiacs who hadn’t taken as much care to remain covert. He, however, had been cautious. Between that and being the smallest of the lot, without any horns or spines or claws or fangs potentially popping out at inconvenient moments, he’d never been discovered.

That’s what I thought. Allie said.

What about Georgie? You okay with leaving her behind?

She’s got her books, and Grate here to watch over her. Allie looked over her shoulder at her sister. The woman’s head was bowed over a book—her perpetual look these days—her glasses threatening to fall off her elegant nose. She’ll also have a lot of men around to protect her.

Right. That means she won’t need me to watch over her. I’m going, Grate said.

No! the pair said for the third time.

Grate threw up her hands and stalked away, muttering.

Get ready, Grate! Allie yelled. We’re starting our stick-fighting training when we come back down!

Grate didn’t turn around; she raised her right hand and middle finger, giving Allie the bird.

Teenagers, Allie muttered. She looked back at Cancer. You were saying?

And one of the men protecting her will be Taurus, Cancer said. The bull’s penchant for seducing women is legend in the InBetween.

Allie grimaced. You have a point. I’d hate to have to kill the bastard for putting a hand on her.

Taurus appeared. Who am I putting hands on?

Allie pulled her fighting sticks out of the clips on a belt around her hips and whirled on the Zodiac. She attacked, pummeling Taurus’s face and arms, the long, wooden weapons moving so fast Cancer could barely see them.

Nice, Taurus said, raising his arms to shield his face. But not good enough.

He lunged for her and wrapped his welt-covered arms around her waist, trapping her hands.

Allie squirmed for a minute then relaxed. She looked into his handsome but decidedly arrogant face, and wet her lips with the tip of her tongue.

Taurus groaned and dropped his head as if to kiss her.

Just before their mouths touched, Allie swung her right leg and kicked the bull in the stones.

His eyes widened then glazed. He released Allie with a squeak and dropped to the ground before toppling over onto his side, his knees bent, hands cupping his groin.

Hands off Georgie, got that? she asked, bending over him, the tips of her sticks an inch from the bridge of his nose. I mean it.

Taurus grimaced, but his eyes twinkled. Guess you better stay to make sure.

Cancer took a step back. Goddess only knew what these two would do, and he had no interest in getting pummeled.

Am I clear? Allie demanded.

Why would I want any woman but you?

Allie stood and threw her hands in the air. Moron. She wiped her hands on her shirt and holstered the fighting sticks before turning to Cancer. So?

So, despite what he says, you can’t trust Taurus. His needs get strong enough and he’ll turn to any woman in the vicinity.

The fallen angels—

No, not them. They could smite him if he irritated them.

I don’t know; they haven’t yet.

Cancer nodded. Stay here, Allie. We need Georgie to keep working on Llewellyn’s books; solving his code would be a great help to us. Is she getting any closer?

Yes, but she’s having to learn as she goes. Allie rolled her eyes. Fine, I’ll stay. But I won’t promise that Taur will be in one piece when you get back.

Cancer held out an arm, inviting Allie to start the climb, biting his bottom lip to keep from laughing. Whatever you have to do.

* * *

Allie and Cancer joined the others in the glade, the morning beautiful. Sunlight pierced the deep veil of trees ringing the ridge that overlooked the space, dotting the grass with rays of gold. The dew that had formed since Cancer and Lyon had stood here in the early dawn glinted like diamonds. Birds flitted in the forest, their chirps and warbles a soft background noise that mixed with the rustling leaves.

Nokomis’s cats, both big and small, raced and leaped, their boundless energy a joy to watch.

What a glorious morning, Cancer said.

But Allie had fallen back to take Georgie’s arm and guide her through the glade, since the scholarly woman only had eyes for the book she was reading.

Georgie? Cancer called out.

Georgie grunted, but didn’t look up.

Cancer backtracked. He pulled the book from Georgie’s hands and closed it. It’s time for you to pull yourself out of the past and into the present.

Georgie looked up and squinted. But—

It’s a lovely morning. Take a moment before you have to go back to the cavern. He held up the book. This can wait.

She pushed her glasses up. A few minutes.

He fell into step with the human. Know anything about cats?

I’m more of a dog person, though they are beautiful. Not too sure about the tiger or jaguar, Georgie said, watching the Outbreeder’s cats.

Ha! Agreed, he said.

They stopped at a fallen log and sat. In seconds, Nokomis joined them.

You want to know about the cats, Nokomis said.

There are many breeds I don’t recognize, Cancer said.

I take in two different groups of cats: rare ones, especially the ones who are endangered, and the cats the other Kellas Cats refuse to take or want to kill. The injured, the abused, the unwanted.

Cancer and Georgie stared at Nokomis a long time.

Finally, Nokomis cleared her throat. I’m hoping by giving the rare cats a safe place to live, they might reproduce. I hope to get them off the endangered list before I am gone.

Gone? As in die? Georgie asked.

More like, before I am no longer able to communicate with the cats, no longer able to meet their needs.

Does that happen often with an Outbreeder? Cancer asked.

Often enough that we always have to watch out for signs of losing our abilities. Once that happens, we must make sure the next Outbreeder is trained up to take over.

I didn’t know, Cancer said.

Nokomis shrugged. It’s not widely shared outside of the Kellas Cat world.

Why does it happen? Georgie asked, pushing her glasses back up her nose.

We think the strain of communicating with the cats, over time, damages parts of our brains.

But the Kellas Cats communicate with their familiars for a lifetime, if they’re lucky, Cancer said.

Yes, but Outbreeders are doing the same thing with dozens of charges at a time, hundreds of cats over a lifetime. That number can irreparably damage the brain, at least for the unfortunate.

And you? Cancer asked.

I have been fortunate. So far. Nokomis shifted away from them. Point out a cat you don’t recognize and I’ll tell you what it is.

Cancer and Georgie turned their attention to the numerous running, leaping, and grooming cats around them.

Georgie pointed to a prowling, medium-sized, white and gray, wild cat with huge paws, long legs, a bobtail, and black tufts on the ends of its ears. That one.

That’s a Canadian Lynx. She’s young yet, so she will grow more. They are endangered, but she is also blind in one eye due to an injury.

So she was rejected by the other Outbreeders? Georgie asked.

Yes, Nokomis said, I took her to spare her life.

But blindness due to injury isn’t genetic.

I agree, but it doesn’t matter, not in the Kellas Cat community. Her injury has made her different and they have rejected her.

Georgie frowned but said nothing more.

How big will she get? Cancer asked.

She’ll be somewhere between seventeen and thirty pounds.

What about the black kitten you carry on your shoulder? The one with the funny ears, Georgie asked.

That’s an Oriental Shorthair domesticated cat, a kitten. Some have those interesting bat ears, like his. He’s a bit young yet, but very eager to explore the world, so I brought him.

Cancer shifted on the log to study Nokomis as she continued to answer Georgie’s questions.

The Outbreeder’s brown eyes sparkled with pleasure and passion for her charges, the love for them evident, yet they constantly roved the glade and up the ridge, watching the cats carefully. The slight breeze lifted the ends of her thick, dark brown hair while the sun highlighted the few red strands.

He lost track of her words, his interest turning to the full lips forming them, the flash of white teeth, and the gestures of her scarred, long-fingered hands. Her scars had been hidden by the low light of the cavern, but here they were illuminated, and numerous, based on the small amount of bare skin exposed. Working with cats hadn’t been without its dangers, but it hadn’t dampened her love for her work and the animals needing her.

Hers was a courage he admired…and lacked. He looked away from her unique beauty, the pit of his stomach dropping. His left leg jiggled up and down; his hands started to sweat. Anytime now, Lyon would get the call…

Shit! Lyon said, his voice echoing in the glade. He pulled out his phone and answered. Abella?

Persephone immediately whipped around, her silver brows pulled together, a deep frown marring her lovely, delicate face.

Everyone stopped talking; even the cats seemed to slow their antics.

Lyon nodded once and disconnected the call. He stared at the phone for a moment then held it up. We have the location!

3

Lilith gathered her floor-length, red hair and wound it around until it formed a loose bun, anything to get it out of the way of donning her leather armor. The dragons had entered Hell—she had felt their presence—but they hadn’t made it to Portam yet and she wanted to know why.

She snapped her fingers at the maids surrounding her. Hurry up! I have to get out there, now!

The women worked in sync—they had practiced this for centuries—each one responsible for a single piece of the blood-red armor, each knowing the order in which the torso armor with its pauldrons, the gorget, the bracers, and the thigh armor and greaves fit together.

In less than sixty seconds, Lilith was prepared for battle.

She strode to the fireplace, pulled down a pair of fighting daggers, plain but deadly, and slipped them into the sheaths sewn into the waist of the chest armor. From a small box on the mantle, she removed two four-finger rings that looked like brass knuckles. They could serve that purpose, but their real function was to concentrate her magic in her hands, magnifying it.

My queen? one maid asked, holding out a leather helm.

Not today, Lilith said, waving the woman away. I want no visual impediment.

Striding out of the bedroom—the maids running to keep up—she quickly reached the front door of her castle. The damned souls who had been chosen by Lilith to serve her waited restlessly outside, wringing their hands, their feet and eyes shifting.

Wait for me here, she ordered.

Leaving the nervous crowd behind, she nearly ran to the front gate. If ever there were a time for her to have the Ardat Lili by her side, it was now, but she hadn’t expected the dragons to have any problems bringing the soulless one to Portam.

She paused at the gate and looked out across the flat, brown mud surrounding the city, seeing the reason why the dragons hadn’t come. They were down.

She growled as she took the first step into the ankle-deep muck, the sucking sound she made with every footfall driving her temper ever higher. Why must I always clean up everyone’s incompetence?

The thought went round and round as she slogged her way to the dragons.

Stopping at the first one she came to, she kicked the creature in its craggy, scaly head until it stirred. The beast grunted then growled.

What the hell happened? Where is my prize?

The white dragon climbed out of the mud and shook like a dog.

Lilith planted her fists on her hips and dropped her head back to look up. Well?

The dragon opened her eyes and stared at Lilith, but before she could answer, the mud stirred around her and two heads popped up, the men’s features obscured by the muck.

Who are you? one of the men barked.

The other man looked around. Where’s Gemma?

That’s what I want to know, Lilith said, glaring at the white dragon.

The creature hung her head. The Master of the Dark was waiting for us. He took the bane named Gemma.

Lilith’s rage exploded, the flat, brown landscape turning red in her eyes. The same red coiled out of her hands, her magic pooling, expanding exponentially around the rings on her fingers. She raised her hands and shoved them down hard. The magic hit the two men in the chest and drove them deep into the mud.

Their arms and legs flailed, fighting to reach the surface, but Lilith threw her head back and screamed at the empty sky, holding them fast. She needed to kill something, and if it couldn’t be her son, then these two unlucky sods were it.

* * *

Lyon, I want to go with you, Aries said, looking around at the other Zodiacs. We all do.

Lyon zipped his duffle bag closed and turned to the tall, blond Zodiac. I know you do and I appreciate it, but not only do we need to move fast, someone needs to stay here and protect this place and all the people needing it. He rested a hand on the Zodiac’s shoulder. That needs to be the rest of you…with you in charge.

Me? Ah, man, you know that’s not my thing. I need to be able to move and I can’t do it with responsibility around my neck, choking me.

You have always said that, yet you come around when we need you.

Yeah, but that’s just for that moment. Sustained responsibility for the other guy? Nope, nope, and nope, Aries said, his face turning red and his eyes darting around like he was looking for another candidate for leadership. Or an escape.

Lyon squeezed the male’s shoulder until he got his attention. I know you hate the idea of being the leader, but I need you to do this. The others are strong and capable, but you are better. Hell, it should have been you leading the Zodiacs from the start, not me. I see that in you, even if you don’t.

Aries rolled his neck and nodded. Fine, but you better get back here fast. This leader thing has to be temporary.

He shuddered.

Lyon grinned and released him. That’s the plan.

He turned to Persephone and saw her standing by the path to the exit, a pack slung over her back, speaking with Cancer and Nokomis. The cats they were taking had been separated out. They wound around the Outbreeder’s legs, eager to move, while the cats staying behind were stretched out around the cave, napping or swimming.

Goddess help us.

The Outbreeder had promised her cats wouldn’t slow them down and he hoped she was right because he was in no mood to accommodate.

He walked up to the group, weaving his way through the moving felines. Ready?

The three nodded.

Good, let’s go get our children.

He walked past the others and started up the path. Persephone fell in behind him, Cancer and Nokomis awkwardly vying for third place, until Cancer waved her forward and fell in behind. The cats darted up the path, except for the kittens. One pair were so small, Lyon scooped them up and tucked them against his side with a single hand, their purring commencing immediately. Persephone passed him to take the lead without a word.

He was antsy to get his children back, but more than that, he was desperate to get his mate back. Since the loss of the children and the trauma of the birth, Persephone had been hard with a brittle edge. Cancer was right about what they had all witnessed during the battle with the angels. Lyon had never thought his sweet, loving mate had that kind of power, or the will to use it.

They reached the Great Cavern.

Lyon set the kittens down and watched them bound off to the Outbreeder. He strode to the outer doors and rested a hand on one. Let me go first, just to make sure.

He opened the door and slipped out.

* * *

Persephone started to follow him, but Cancer took her arm. Wait.

Not anymore, she said, none too gently removing his hand.

She followed Lyon outside, shutting the door behind her.

Cancer turned to look at Nokomis, but she was chasing two kittens who had wandered away. He didn’t want to leave the Outbreeder alone so he cracked the door. Lyon and Persephone were already in the middle of the glade, Lyon frowning at her, Persephone ignoring him. It had been that way with those two for a while now. Everyone saw it, but no one had said a word, not even behind their backs. It was too painful to witness, especially knowing how much they loved each other.

He watched the couple continue forward, their anger stowed but still obvious. They climbed the ridge directly ahead and stopped. The breeze picked up, the fresh air swirling past Cancer. He drew in a deep breath and caught the scent of human, fresh and here.

Shouts rang out deep in the woods.

Cancer stiffened, his hands gripping the door, his nails digging into the wood.

Soldiers swarmed Lyon and Persephone, their guns drawn, their shouts loud and insistent. Lyon looked back at the entrance briefly, shaking his head almost imperceivably.

Cancer wanted to come to his leader’s aid despite the shake-off, but he remained frozen. He couldn’t have helped anyone at that moment. He could barely breathe as he watched the humans take Lyon and Persephone.

Nokomis touched his back.

He jumped and shut the door, leaning against it so she couldn’t go outside.

She looked at the two rascally kittens in her hand and smiled. I finally caught these two. Are they ready for us?

Nuh-uh, he said, shaking his head.

What’s wrong? she asked.

Nuh-uh.

She shoved him aside and opened the door. What’s happening?

Humans.

She tried to open the door wide enough to slip outside, but Cancer stopped her and shut the door again.

We can’t help them.

You’re a Zodiac and so is Lyon. And Persephone is fighter. I can help too.

No.

Why not?

Cancer pushed her to the side and cracked the door again. The ridge and glade were empty of the humans and his friends. The men had already taken Lyon and Persephone. Slipping outside, he crouched low, ran to the base of the ridge and scrambled up, stopping short of the top. He peeked over and saw a troop carrier and several SUVs driving away.

He stood on the ridge and checked the ground around him, hoping Lyon had left something for him, a clue or, better yet, his cell phone, but all he saw was disturbed ground from multiple feet.

Cats ran past him. Nokomis reached him and brushed the leaves off her long skirt. They’re already gone?

Yes.

That was a very well-planned attack, she said.

We need to go back and get the other Zodiacs.

No sooner had he finished the sentence than tree bark exploded a few inches from their heads.

Crap!

Cancer grabbed Nokomis’s hand and pulled her with him, running through the forest he knew so well.

The cats.

They’re already ahead of us, he said, nodding at the group several feet away.

The lynx and tiger had the smallest kittens in their mouths, making sure they wouldn’t get lost in the rush. The rest had formed a circle around the other youngsters and made sure they didn’t fall behind.

Only the black jaguar stayed between Cancer and Nokomis and the soldiers chasing them.

What is he doing? Cancer asked as they slid down a steep hill.

I don’t know. His own thing?

Aren’t you the great cat whisperer?

Not that simple, especially not with him.

They reached the bottom and crouched to gauge the location of the attackers and catch their breath.

Cancer caught sight of the jaguar climbing a tree to its lowest branch—probably fifteen feet off the ground—and stretching out like he was going to nap. Seriously? He’s going to sleep…now.

Not sleeping, she whispered.

A pair of humans appeared, the men several feet apart, tracking them. One bent down to study the ground; the second walked forward, peering around for signs of movement. As if he could feel something wasn’t right, the soldier stopped.

Before Cancer could draw a breath, the jaguar leaped from the branch, hitting the soldier in the back, the cat’s powerful jaws biting the back of the man’s neck.

The human dropped immediately and didn’t move.

That’s how a jaguar hunts. They bite so hard it breaks the victim’s neck, paralyzing them.

Cancer’s gut bottomed out; he bit the inside of his cheek to keep from rubbing the back of his neck. And he considers me a threat?

She shrugged.

The second soldier had frozen and was turning around in circles, looking for his teammate. The man took another step and the jaguar rushed him, hurling his body onto the human, driving him to the ground and killing him as swiftly as the other.

Nokomis stood and whistled. The jaguar glanced up from the fresh meat and paused as if wanting to ignore her, but, after weighing his options, he left the soldiers behind and slid down the hill to the Outbreeder.

Cancer stepped away from her just as the cat arrived, his eyes not leaving the jaguar until the blooded killer prowled away to join the rest of the cats.

What do we do now? Nokomis asked.

I don’t know. Lyon has the location in his phone, so go back to the InBetween?

You said there was a large vehicle that could hold the cats?

Yes.

Then we take it and find the children.

Without the address?

We have cats. One of them will tune into Arrona, will feel her as only her familiar can, and whichever cat it is will lead us to her. Where she is, the rest of the children will surely be.

But the other Zodiacs…

Are needed to defend the paranorms and angels and the new cavern, especially if more of those men come back, yes?

Cancer looked up the hill that led them back to the InBetween, then in the direction of the RV Abella had purchased for the Zodiacs. Nokomis was right. If the men had come for more than just Lyon and Persephone, the InBetween was in danger and needed the other Zodiacs to remain behind to defend it.

But the children still needed saving, and now their parents had been added to the list.

Nokomis looked at him expectantly.

His gut churned. He’d left Lyon and Persephone undefended. He’d frozen. He hadn’t even tried to stop them from being taken, and now this? Leading Nokomis and her cats in the search for the children. Search was one thing. Yeah, he could probably find them, but what then? How could he, a Zodiac with nothing but a defensive power, rescue them?"

It was impossible.

He crossed his arms and took a step back from her. The sooner he accepted that he would have to turn back and get the other Zodiacs, the ones who could actually make this mission a success, the sooner he could go back to the only role left him: a caretaker.

But Nokomis stepped into him and placed her hand on his right forearm before he could break the news to her. "My cats will find them,