The Belial Ring (The Belial Series 3) by R.D. Brady Read Free Book Online Page A

’d gone too long without allowing his natural instincts to be indulged. It had taken weeks to get the bloodstains out of the house. And then, of course, he’d had to replace the whole staff.
    It had been satisfying, but killing humans had b ecome complicated. Laws, families. It was a nightmare.
    He smiled at his pets. Man against beast. He chuckled again. The perfect solution.
    Besides, killing humans offered very little challenge. They were too slow, too vulnerable, too weak. He’d been searching for a worthier foe when he’d come across a man doing some interesting research.
    Amar had always been intrigued by science ’s almost limitless potential in this age. As a child, he’d seen pictures of the two-headed dog created by the Russian scientist Dr. Vladimir Demikhov. Although most of the world had been horrified by the doctor’s creation, Amar had been fascinated. He’d always wanted to create a beast of his own imagining.
    More recently, Chinese doctors had successfully merged human cells with rabbit eggs. Amar knew that combining his own cells with an animal would create a beast truly worthy of his skills. He’d convinced a scientist to add Amar’s own blood to the cocktail given to the cubs in utero.
    It had taken a few years to get the formula just right. The cats that had filled these cages, including the two that remained, were second-generation.
    Enhanced speed . Healing. Now they were a worthy challenge. Finally, an opponent worthy of his time. Amar liked to think they were the feline version of himself.
    The previous hunts had been exhilarating. Amar had almost been disemboweled. He smiled at the memory and then sighed. But now there were only two left. He would be sad when the hunts were over.
    The new litter had twelve—but they were only a year old. He’d need to give them at least one more year, maybe even two, before they were ready.
    Titus prowled his cage, easily the biggest of the cats Amar had created. His mate, Cleo, paced the cage next to him, agitated on behalf of her man. Amar had saved the best for last. These two were the strongest and fastest of the litter. They’d offer him the greatest chase yet.
    Amar patted the cage. “Don’t worry, Titus. It’s you and me soon.” He glanced at Cleo. “Looks like you’ll have to get used to being alone.”
    Cleo just stared back at him, her silver-grey eyes almost human, her dark lips pulled back in a hiss.
    Amar walked away from the cages and back out of the barn. His cell rang as he was heading to the house. He glanced at the screen before answering, then said, “Is it done?”
    “ No, sir. She’s always with her group. She’s never alone.”
    Amar sighed, staring up at the sky. He had hoped to catch her alone. It reduced the possibility of her being harmed. But it seemed he’d have to chance it. “Fine. Take her anyway. I don’t care who she’s with. If Chandler and Rogan are there, though, make sure you bring enough men. Just do not let her be harmed. She doesn’t heal quickly.”
    The statement brought him up short. Actually, maybe she did. They’d have to test that, once she was in his possession.
    “ Yes, sir. And the others?”
    “ Unimportant. Do not let anyone get in your way.”

    CHAPTER 8
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Hershey, Pennsylvania
     
    L aney walked out of the theater at Chocolate World, holding tight to Max’s hand. Not that she was worried he’d get carried away by the crowd. He was so hyped up on chocolate right at the moment, though, that there was a chance he might just bounce his way out of the place.
    “ Laney, can we go to the gift store?” Bright blue eyes from under a mop of wavy brown hair stared up at her. Two dimples winked at her from his cheeks. Max was four years old and cuter than any kid had the right to be.
    Laney laughed, looking around. The people at Hershey sure knew how to market. The entire place was a gift store. “I’m pretty sure we can’t avoid it.”
    She shared a smile with Max