Feral Instincts (The Feral Series) by Erin Ashley

and Daniel to track him while his trail is still
fresh.”
    “Joseph!
Come here for a minute.” A dark vampire separated himself from the others and
hurried to Ethan’s side.
    “Teagan
found this female newborn during the raid.” Joseph looked at the pale female in
Teagan’s arms in surprise. Never had they found any survivors on any of their
raids. “Take her to Dr. Randall at Claymore, he’ll know what to do for her.
I’ll radio him and let him know she is coming. Take good care of her, she may
be our link to Salvatore. I’m holding you personally responsible for her. Have
Colin drive you.”
    With
a low growl, Teagan reluctantly handed her over to the vampire. He was
surprised at the sudden feeling of possessiveness that passed through him as
the large vampire took her into his arms. As he passed her to Joseph he
realized that even though she was unconscious she gripped his shoulders
tightly, not wanting to let go. Gently he slid her arms off of his shoulders as
he gave her to Joseph. He wasn’t sure he liked this plan but Ethan was right,
he needed to get working on Salvatore’s trial. He gritted his teeth, growling
as he watched Joseph’s broad back walking away with her ebony hair trailing
over his arm.
    “Don’t
worry, I’ll take good care of her.” Joseph said over his shoulder in response
to the Lykan’s low growl. His long legs quickly covered the short distance to
the SUV. “Dam, who knows what kind of hell she went through inside Salvatore’s
lair.” Holding her chilled body close to his chest to keep her warm, he looked
down and was surprised to see crystal blue eyes rimed in smoky lashes. Dam, this
raid just got much more interesting.

Chapter 5
     
    Joseph
could feel the little female’s eyes on him as he eased his large form into the
waiting SUV and settled her in his lap. “Don’t worry little one, your safe now.
No one is going to hurt you.” Joseph could see her fear and confusion and could
feel her start to tremble in his arms.
    Ava
looked up at a face that was either that of an angel or a devil, she couldn’t
decide. Dark hair was pulled back in a low pony tail and hung half way down his
back. His golden eyes held strength and power, the planes of his face were lean
and strong with a full slightly smiling mouth.
    “Who
are you? Where are you taking me?” Even though she was obviously in pain her
voice was soft and melodic, soothing to his ears. The harsh expression on his
face softened as he tried to find the words to reassure her.
    “My
name’s Joseph. I’m taking you someplace safe where we can get you some help.”
    Ava
was suddenly filled with panic at his words. “No you can’t! No hospitals!
Salvatore… he did something to me. I don’t want to hurt anyone.” Joseph could
hear her heart speed up and she began to struggle uselessly in his hold.
    “Easy
little one, no hospitals, but I will take you to someone who can help you.”
Joseph fought the smile that threatened the corners of his mouth. This little
slip of a vampire didn’t want to hurt anyone . She was as ferocious as a
wet kitten right now in her weakened state.
    Ava
quieted, having worn herself out and settled in against the warmth of his broad
chest. She was just too tired to process everything right now and decided to
just rest her eyes for a little bit. Joseph grit his teeth at the little flip
his heart did when she settled against him. She was asleep in seconds.
    Joseph
took his time studying the small female in his arms. Her features were
classically beautiful and delicate. Thick sooty lashes rested against her cheeks
and her wavy ebony locks lay in sharp contrast to her pale skin. She was small
and yet still curvy. He could definitely understand why Salvatore had taken
her. Hopefully they had gotten to her before Salvatore had a chance to carry
out all of his plans for her. Joseph grit his teeth in anger at the thought of
this helpless female in the hands of a bastard like Salvatore. He had