Chapter 71 Seventy-One
"Any brilliant ideas?" Danica asked while looking over her shoulder at the harpies that were quickly gaining on them.
'Just a little further.' Mason responded, picking up speed. 'There is a portal ahead and reinforcements waiting.'
"What about the ones that were in the harpie Palace?" Danica asked as fear clutched her heart. "You've got a lot of explaining to do when we get back."
'Sure.' Mason chuckled.
"Now's not the time to be laughing."
From behind, Danica could hear the harpies and trolls gaining on them. It seemed that if they didn't reach the portal soon, they would be recaptured.
"They're gaining on us!" Danica shrieked while ducking as a harpie swooped down towards her from above.
As the harpie attempted to right herself, something unseen slammed into her, sending her flying to the ground. Hissing and shrieking, the harpie tried to break free from whatever had hold of it.
From the wounds that were magically appearing on the harpie, Danica could only assume that Mason's pack mates had managed to become invisible and that they were secretly attacking.
"How?" Danica asked as Mason dodged two trolls that had managed to squirm their way from under the ground ahead.
'Later.'
"GET GOING, ALPHA!"
Shocked by the sudden voice, Danica looked over to see a very naked Chris running beside Mason; his body bore a few claw marks that were dripping blood as he moved.
"Where did you come from?" Danica asked, even though she had a general idea.
"Doesn't matter; the portals are just up there." Chris responded with a huff.
"Could the both of you stop with the not now and later?" Danica hissed irritation flaring.
'Sure, when we get to safety.' Mason responded, earning himself a slap from Danica. 'Hit me all you like if it will make you feel better.'
Danica opened her mouth to respond, only to stop as the portal to their world appeared.
Sucking in a breath, Danica closed her eyes as Mason dove through the portal with Chris in tow.
Air slapped and sucked against Danica's skin while blinding light surrounded her, before the world began to sway and contort back into that of their world.
The night sky above bore a blood moon that sent a chill through Danica as she felt Mason collapse beneath her.
"You okay?" Danica asked, quickly lifting herself off Mason's back.
'Fine.' Mason panted.
Danica watched the golden wolf that she had been sitting on moments before begin to contort and shift until Mason lay where it had been.
Huffing, Mason rolled onto his back, staring up at the sky. Behind them, Chris and a man Danica recognized as Mason's Delta barreled through the portal before it disappeared entirely.
Blushing Danica blocked her eyes as three very naked and oblivious men surrounded her.
"Uh... guys...." She tried, as she heard a growl from Mason.
"Go back to the pack and let them know that the mission was successful." Mason ordered in a way of getting rid of them.
"Yes Alpha." Chris responded as the sound of footsteps leaving could be heard.
"You're good to open your eyes now." Mason said gently.
Lifting a finger, Danica peeked around the area to make sure that the only people left were her and Mason before lowering her hand entirely.
"Should we head back too?" Danica asked awkwardly, trying not to focus on the bare man laying before her.
As if remembering the situation, Mason jumped up, fixing his gaze on Danica. His eyes darkened as they scanned her body, taking in all the damage she had suffered at the hands of the harpie.
"You need to be seen by a doctor." Mason insisted, scooping Danica into his arms.
"I can walk!" Danica yelped as Mason began moving forward. "Mason, put me down!"
"No can do." Mason responded angrily. "If I do, you may run away again."
"It hurts." Danica whimpered as the places Mason's arms and body touched screamed in pain.
With the danger gone for the time being, Danica's adrenaline was beginning to wear off, and she could now feel all of her injuries. Where she had been whipped on her back were torn and bleeding freely again, along with the spot on her thigh where she had been stabbed.
"I swear to the goddess, I will kill that harpie." Mason hissed, quickening his pace.
A shiver ran through Danica as Mason's words hit her. If he were to kill Marie, that would mean that an all-out war would break out. After all, the harpie clan wouldn't take kindly to their queen being killed.
Keeping her opinion of the matter to herself, Danica allowed Mason to carry her the rest of the way to the now bustling military hospital.
"Doctor!" Mason called to the first doctor to rush past them.
"Alpha?" The doctor responded, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "What can I do for you?"
"Are you kidding me, Dr. Gerald?" Mason snapped. "Look at her!"
Dr. Gerald took in a sharp intake of breath, as if just noticing that Danica was in Mason's arms. Lowering his glasses, he examined her as his face slowly grew pale.
"What happened here?" He asked, motioning for Mason to follow him. "How did she get this bad off?"
"Harpies!" Mason growled as he carried Danica into an empty examination room. "They've grown bold."
"Sit her down." Dr. Gerald commanded while grabbing some gloves. "She is going to need some sutures."
"No kidding." Mason responded sarcastically.
"Mason." Danica said warningly. "The doctor is doing his job; don't give him trouble."
"Right, you're right." Mason sighed, taking in a calming breath. "Sorry, do what you need to, Dr. Gerald."
"Thank you." Dr. Gerald responded as he began to examine all of Danica's wounds. "Man, she did some damage here."
Danica couldn't help but notice Mason flinch at the doctor's words, but he remained silent, allowing the man to go about cleaning and disinfecting her wounds.
He worked with efficiency, easily stitching up the gash on her thigh and the deeper wounds on her back.
"It okay if I do some bloodwork just to make sure everything is okay within?" Dr. Gerlad asked Danica once he was finished.
"Sure." Danica responded, forcing a smile. "You're the doctor; do whatever it is that you have to."
It didn't take long for Dr. Gerald to draw Danica's blood and disappear from the room, leaving Mason and Danica alone.
Remaining silent, Danica focused on the wall instead of Mason, who was busy watching her with a look of hurt.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Danica asked, unable to take it anymore.
"I..." Mason began just as Dr. Gerald re-entered the room.
"Everything good, doctor?" Danica asked, breathing a sigh of relief.
Dr. Gerald didn't speak as he looked at the clipboard in his hand and then at Mason before finally resting his eyes on Danica.
"Congratulations!" He beamed, "You're going to be a mom!"