The lion roared in victory over her, then James demanded in her mind, Shift to your human form. I want to feel your fangs in my neck. To know you accept your fate.

When he lowered his lion's body over hers and she felt his erection against her thigh, Rose's fear spiked. Her insides shuddered and her entire body began to quake.

Rage filled her. Never again would she be the victim. While she took his blood, he'd be vulnerable. He would die.

Duncan's voice in her head made her heart rate kick up. Rose, fight him.

He'll kill you, she said.

A life without you won't be worth living. Fight him, damn you.

The lion jerked his head to stare at Duncan, then roared when he realized Duncan was awake. James narrowed his gaze on Rose once more and growled in her head, Shift and take my blood or he dies.

Rose knew James would kill Duncan the first chance he had once she was mated to him. She had to do everything she could to help Duncan survive. She closed her eyes and focused on Duncan. Gathering her energy, she let it build upon itself, like a tornado spinning around inside her. Her gaze locked with Duncan's as she spoke in his mind, No, a ghra, you fight for us. At the same time she mentally directed every bit of strength she had left within her straight toward him.

The force knocked Duncan right out of the men's hold. Extreme weakness overtook her and the room began to spin around her. Rose met James' lion's gaze. Kiss my ass, she hissed in his mind before she lost consciousness.

Ian's voice had shaken Duncan awake. Good, you're back. Losing our connection freaked me out.

I'm so fucking weak, Duncan had replied mentally. I can't lose her, Ian.

I know. I'm tracking your scent. Just hold on.

The impact of Rose's life force had slammed into Duncan like a freight train. He'd never felt so bulldozed and energized at the same time. He immediately rolled behind some freight boxes as bullets whizzed past him.

A split second later the crates in front of him shuddered as if they'd been hit. He heard the lion's roar at the same time the boxes jolted once more. Duncan saw them toppling and vaulted on top of another stack.

Staring down at the lion, he taunted, "You'd better shift to human form, James. You might have half a chance against me then."

James roared and jumped on his hind legs to rock the stack of crates underneath him.

Duncan leapt off the boxes and landed on the balls of his feet in front of James.

How did you recover so quickly? James asked.

Because she's my Anima, Duncan said in a smug tone, enjoying James' annoyance.

I didn't smell any of your blood mixed with hers, James roared in his head as he leapt for Duncan, his claws ready to dig into his skin.

Duncan concentrated on a cougar's form and felt his body instantly shift. At the same time James slammed into him, shots rang out once more.

While Duncan swiped his claw at James' heart, out of the corner of his eye he saw Ian and Jax shooting at the transers who'd taken cover behind several crates.

James landed a hard blow to his face, causing the room to spin around Duncan. He shook off the dizziness and bit down on the lion's front leg.

The lion let out a roar and dipped his head, ripping at Duncan's shoulder with his teeth.

A black jaguar appeared behind James, inflicting a powerful blow to his back. James growled at the pain and immediately let go of his grip on Duncan's shoulder to defend himself.

Ronan's appearance surprised Duncan. He'd worry about Ronan later. Right now the bastard had saved his life.

The two large cats rolled on the floor, delivering severe wounds to each other. Blood spurted amid roars of outrage. Duncan watched the battle, tension flowing through him. The Guardians were evenly matched in both size and strength. Each used his mental powers to knock the other back, but it seemed both vamps wanted the outlet of a physical fight more than anything else.

The gunshots had finally ceased and Duncan glanced over to see all the transers were dead. Both Jax and Ian were squatting next to Rose.

Duncan heard her heartbeat but it was weak. He knew she'd depleted much of own life force to help him, but she'd also lost a lot of blood in her battle with James. She needed to replace the blood she lost or he would lose her.

Take her. Make sure she feeds, he spoke mentally to Jax.

Jax lifted Rose in her arms, nodding to him.

Mark's very weak, Duncan spoke to his twin. I think James also took his blood. Get him out of here.

Ian walked over to Mark's limp body and lifted his bulk over his shoulder, then he turned to look at Duncan. Ronan did come to us to help find you, but just the other day, he threatened your life. I don't think leaving you to battle him alone is such a good idea.

Duncan paced in his cougar form, watching the two larger cats rip each other to shreds. This is my battle to fight, he growled.

Ian withdrew the knife he had strapped to his hip. At one time Ronan was an honorable man. Mother maintains her faith in him. Setting the blade on the floor, he kicked it across the room. When it skidded to a stop next to Duncan's paws, Ian continued, To even the battlefield.

Duncan glanced down at the knife. When he lifted his gaze back to his brother, Ian had already disappeared behind the crates, following in Jax's footsteps. His twin's voice entered his head one last time. When you're battling against the odds, forging an alliance may be the best course of action.

Duncan's gaze locked on James and Ronan. The two animals had reared up on their back paws. They were using their front claws to hold on while they bit at each other's upper bodies.

Duncan nudged the knife with his paw, considering the best course of action. Standing on the flat side of the knife's blade, his weight lifted the handle so he could grasp it in his jaws.

As he stared at the two Guardians who'd foregone weapons in lieu of face-to-face combat, Duncan's honorable conscience reared its ugly head. Even though he knew he would be at a disadvantage in size compared to the two larger animals, Duncan lowered his head and opened his mouth, dropping the knife to the ground. He'd respect their chosen method of fighting, but he'd do it his way.

Could he shift to a larger form? He was half Atruan with a priestess's blood running through his veins. He hadn't really tried beyond that first effort in the woods. Today, his cougar form might work to his advantage. Recalling the lesson he'd learned from the smaller cougar he'd seen in the woods, an idea came to Duncan. It was risky but he'd learned to depend on his instincts. He hoped he could trust Ronan to work with him.

Duncan took off running toward the fighting cats, gaining speed. When he was within a few feet of them, he stopped and let the combination of momentum and his paws on the slick, dirty floor carry him underneath the battling cats.

He had to sidestep to keep from getting crushed while he waited for the right moment to strike. But when James finally started to lower his front paws to the ground, Duncan reached up on his back legs and clamped his jaws around the soft skin covering James' heart. Duncan dug his teeth deep, twisting and turning his head as fury at James and protection for his Anima rushed through him.

The lion let out a yelping roar at the pain he inflicted. At first James stumbled in surprise but the desire to survive kicked in. He tried to shake Duncan off at the same time he dug his long lion's claws down the cougar's sides.

Duncan gritted his teeth at the horrific, ripping sensation that tore into his sides, but he held on out of sheer instinct. When James stumbled once more, Ronan knocked the lion over onto his side. Duncan went down with him. He released his locked jaw hold from the lion's chest right before the jaguar jumped on James, grabbed his throat with his powerful jaws and yanked, ripping it open. The lion's roar sounded more like a drowning gurgle as blood spewed from the gaping hole in his neck.

Duncan watched James convert back into his human form. His naked body was covered in fresh, bright red claw and bite wounds. The smell of blood and impending death permeated the room.

When James took his last breath, Duncan lifted his gaze to Ronan. You must pay for killing Rose's father.

Ronan had also suffered in the battle. Blood oozed from his wounds as he narrowed his metallic jaguar gaze on Duncan. Another day, he said and slowly turned around.

Duncan watched the powerful display of muscles rippling through the cat's broad shoulders as he walked away. He recognized the Guardian's action for what it was. Ronan was intentionally exposing his unguarded back to him. Daring him to attack or allowing him the advantage, Duncan wasn't sure. Maybe both.

Duncan reminded himself that before he'd been betrayed, Ronan had acted honorably by trying to save Rose's mother from James.

Another day, Duncan agreed.

The cat paused mid-stride at his comment. He didn't look back, but instead continued walking. Duncan stood there taking deep breaths as he surveyed the carnage. He was the only living being left in the building.

Once he'd burned all the dead bodies in a cleared field behind the warehouse, Duncan flew to the shore of Lake Michigan and fed on a man out for an evening stroll. He needed the blood to regain all that James had taken as well as the additional loss of blood from the battle. His body on the mend, Duncan shifted to a raven's form and swiftly flew to Ian's home. Only the deep wounds the lion had inflicted down his sides remained tender to the touch.

Ian met Duncan in the wide foyer as he closed the front door behind him. "Rose is upstairs resting."

Duncan exhaled the breath of relief he didn't know he'd been holding. "How's Mark?" he asked, his shoulders tense.

Ian grinned. "Mark's a fighter. He'll be fine by morning."

Duncan gave Ian a thankful nod then took the stairs two at a time. Ian followed by his side, his expression expectant. "Well?"

"James is dead," Duncan said in a cold tone.

"And Ronan?"

"Still lives. For now."

Ian stopped Duncan from proceeding into the bedroom with a hand on his arm. "And what of Ronan's status?"

"He must pay for killing Rose's father."

Surprise flickered across Ian's face, followed by anger. "That bastard has crossed the line one time too many."

"Agreed," Duncan said, then shook his head. "The vamp's a true conundrum. He could've battled me tonight, but he walked away."

Ian frowned. "Why did you let him go?"

"We worked together to kill James."

Nodding his understanding, Ian asked, "So what are you going to do?"

"I know what must be done with Ronan, but right now all I want to do is see Rose."

Jax was sitting on the bed beside Rose when the brothers entered the bedroom. She stood and walked toward them, her green eyes sparkling.

Clasping Ian's hand, she pulled her Anima out of the room, calling behind them, "She's a resilient one. By tomorrow she'll be as good as new."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Rose called after Jax in a tired voice.

Duncan's heart leapt at the smile she gave him. She was sitting up in bed, wearing one of his T-shirts.

"I could use one of those," he softly joked, glancing at his naked body.

"I like your naked self. Did you know that even though you're projecting clothes, I can see right through them?"

He winked at her as he took the hand she held out to him and sat down on the bed beside her.

While he laid a gentle kiss on her palm, she said in a quiet voice, "Ian told me what happened once I passed out." She paused. "Ronan still lives. I see the truth in your eyes."

Duncan's chest contracted at the anger reflected in her gaze. "He will be punished for murdering your father, Rose. I promise."

She nodded her understanding, then gave him a half smile. "So, how'd you like the mojo I sent your way?"

How he adored this woman! Duncan leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her lips. I've always thought you packed a helluva punch. Now I know for sure.

Rose grinned against his mouth, then pressed her lips to his. Desire stirred in his groin when she opened her mouth and her arms went around his neck, but Duncan pulled back. Regret clenched his stomach.

"I washed off in the lake but I need a bath and you need your rest."

"I need you," she insisted.

"Rose," he started to argue when a bright light flashed in their room.

Duncan and Rose turned their surprised gazes to stare at a woman with long, dark wavy hair who stood a few feet away. She wore a brown leather vest and a matching short skirt. A cream-colored cape fell to her ankles, swirling around her knee-high, lace-up leather boots. An ethereal white glow surrounded her like a ball of coiled energy.

"Ye are two of the most stubborn humans I've ever seen," she said in a lilting Irish accent.

"The Morrigan?" Rose asked, her eyes wide with wonder.

"In the flesh," she replied in a cocky tone.

The Goddess's dark gaze drifted over Duncan's form before she met his gaze. "As much as I can appreciate a well-built body such as yers, I suggest ye get cleaned and dressed."

Duncan frowned. "Why are you here?"

The Morrigan sighed as if to give herself patience with these humans' inferior questions. "Rose has a duty to fulfill. I assume ye would want to go along."

Rose sat up on her knees, her expression confused. "What duty are you-"

"I don't have time for all these silly questions," she cut Rose off, then waved her hand toward them both.

Duncan looked down to see The Morrigan had bathed and clothed him in jeans and a sweater. He glanced at Rose to see she was dressed in a similar fashion.

Protection for Rose's current weakened state weighed heavy on his mind. "Rose can't go anywhere. She's still recovering."

The Morrigan narrowed her gaze. "Rose has a duty to fulfill," she repeated.

Duncan gritted his teeth in anger. "Can't this wait until she's fully recovered?"

"Ye dare argue with me?" the Goddess' voice rose. "Enough," she said, then snapped her fingers.

Rose took in her surroundings. She was in a forest and she heard water rushing. A creek must be near, she thought. The spring wind whistled through the new leaves on the trees above her. When she caught Ronan's scent, anger flared within her and she searched the woods for his presence. Her gaze narrowed when it landed on Ronan ten feet away. Wearing a black sweater and black cargo pants, Ronan slowly stood from his crouched position in front of a huge oak tree. He'd tied his long black hair back by wrapping the streak of white hair around it. His boots crunched the dead leaves under his feet as he turned to face them, anger in his gaze.