Cadence woke slowly, her mind foggy. She could barely remember the shiver's that racked her body or the uncontrollable chattering of her teeth. It almost seemed like a nightmare, but when she looked around and seen the same room she knew it hadn't been a dream. Cadence noticed something hard beside her and turned, a scream lodged in her throat.
"I wondered when you'd would wake up." Thomas said, smiling. "It seems that I've run out of time. Your father is here along with the Slide pack."
Cadence mind went blank as Thomas pulled her closer. The sound of growls and fighting finally penetrated her dazed mind and she fought, pushing against Thomas.
"It won't take long just a bite really. It will be over quickly." Thomas cooed.
Cadence pushed hard, elbowing him in the face as she struggled. She could see his teeth shift and screamed. She didn't want to be Thomas's mate. Tears stung her eyes as her arms began to shake. Thomas got closer and closer and just when Cadence was sure he'd mark her he was gone. Cadence blinked and nearly cried with happiness when she seen Connor.
*
*
Connor had tore through the pack house searching every room for Cadence. The last room he came to he paused until he heard a scream. Connor broke the door off the hedges and didn't stop as he ran forward and yanked someone off the bed. Connor looked to the bed and his heart stopped when he seen the tear and fear in Cadence's eyes.
Connor growled when he felt who he was now sure was Thomas, struggling in his hand. His hand tightened and he threw Thomas through the second story window. He glanced at Cadence wanting to comfort her, but knew he had to take care of Thomas first. Connor's bones cracked and snapped as he shifted. When he was done he jumped out the window, landing with a thud to the dirt below.
Thomas was just then getting up, but Connor didn't give him a chance to do more then stand before he attacked. Connor's jaw closed around Thomas's arm and he yanked. Connor could feel the skin tear and could taste the blood. I'm going to make you beg for death! Connor growled as he released Thomas and circled him.
"I won't die so easily you cocky bastard." Thomas snarled as he shifted.
They both clashed against each other, snapping and biting each other. Both of them equally damaging the other. Connor remembered Cadence's face and felt his stage grow hotter. When Thomas turned, Connor lunged at his throat and didn't let go. He didn't immediately snap Thomas's neck even though he could, but slowly cut off his air supply.
Connor listened to the sound of Thomas gasping for breath and squeezed just a bit tighter. How does it feel? Having the life squeezed out of you. You shouldn't have messed with someone I love. Connor twisted ripping Thomas's throat out.
Connor watched as Thomas took his last breath and huffed. He turned away and looked around. His pack and John's men stood surrounding the women and children. Connor shifted back. And walked forward not caring about his nudity. "If you value your life and the life of your children remain seated. Do not attempt to do anything." He warned. He wouldn't kill them, but they would be locked away until Connor decided what to do.
Connor turned and ran back into the pack house. He walked into the room and straight to Cadence who was now sitting up. He wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in her hair. "I missed you." He whispered.
Cadence had gotten control of her emotions, sighing as she let Connor's warmth and scent surround her. "I was so scared.." She never wanted to admit it, but it was the truth for a moment she was sure that she would never see nor be with Connor again and the thought terrified her. Cadence pulled away from Connor and smashed her lips to his.
Connor didn't get the chance to say he had been afraid himself. He worried he wouldn't be there in time and he almost wasn't. He decoded that it would be best not to admit it to Cadence. She was vulnerable right now and Connor needed her to see him as the strong mate he hoped he could always be for her. He loved feeling her next to him again. And he cowed that he would never let her go again.
"I love you Cadence." Connor whispered before picking her up. "Let's go home."