Collecting the Pieces of the Shandhi Sword (Book 2 of Mark Series)

Chapter 11

Warm hands touched my shoulder as I came to the world. The sound of somebody calling my name filled my ears, but I didn't want to get up.

I was comfortable in this bleak darkness where I didn't have to worry about anything or anyone.

There was this stinging sensation that woke me up, and I attacked the person. I had the person by the throat but didn't squeeze yet. "Told you that would wake her up," the person gasped out.

I opened my eyes to see Carter and frowned down at him. "It almost led you to be killed," I said, all but growling out. I let him go and sat down on my haunches, waiting for a dizzy spell to pass.

"Are you alright?" Cameron asked as I toppled over and threw up some water.  He pulled my hair back, and his touch caused the hairs on the back of my neck to stand up in attention. His scent filtered into my nose, and I couldn't help but relax because I knew that he was safe and unharmed from whatever creatures had attacked me. "You were half dead when you got over here."

"I am," I confirmed, wiping my mouth. Slowly, I stood and looked around to see that everyone was alright. "No, I didn't see what was chasing me," I said, seeing Samuel open his mouth. "All I know is that they are bats and hate water."

Samuel closed his mouth and nodded his head. He pulled out his notebook to write what I had said but stopped when Carter took it out of his hands. "Hey," he said, trying to reach for it. "Give it back."

"Sorry, Man," Carter said. "But, we got to get going. Princess has to get this piece without any more interruptions." He glanced at me and raised an eyebrow. "You sure you are alright?" he asked, raising his eyebrow higher. "That was some fall into that small pond you had gotten into."

I nodded my head. "Ya," I replied. "Come on. Let's get the sword piece. I think that there will be another piece that I have to get to complete one." I looked around to see that everyone was safe and alive. "Are you all ready?" I asked, and everyone nodded.

I took a deep breath and connected the necklace back to me. "Then, let's go," I said. And with that, I walked into the mouth of the cave, praying that nothing would try to get in my way.

***

I walked forward, my eyes changing that to my Wolf. I was tense and nervous while I walked forward because it was really dark. I had no idea what was in here with us, and I hoped nothing was dangerous.

"Can you two see?" Carter asked. "Because we can't."

"Yes, we can," I said. "Cameron will take the back to make sure that nothing attacks us from behind. The rest... stay in between us, and you should be safe."

"Should?" Malena asked. "That is really helpful."

I narrowed my eyes at her and glared. "Well, would you like to lead and maybe lead us into a trap?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "If not, then shut up. I am not in the mood right now, so why don't you save it for later?" I bared my teeth at Malena, and she backed up.

"Whatever," Malena said, and I scoffed and rolled my eyes. She moved nearer to Cameron, but I didn't say anything.

I bit back a growl before starting to walk forwards. I stuffed my hands into my jeans and looked around, my whole body tense. I didn't feel anything off, which I was grateful for, but that didn't mean anything.

Monroe was behind me, and he stayed silent about what happened between Malena and me. Conflict filled his eyes, and I couldn't help but wonder why he wanted me to get along with her.

"It's getting lighter," Carter said, noticing what I had been noticing. "Why does it look like it is getting lighter?"

"Because it is," I replied, and my mated snorted. I followed the necklace and caught it when it fell into my hands. I looked at it before looking forward. "Stay here," I warned. "I am going to get my sword. Cameron, you are in charge."