Stefan had decided to stay in the shadows while the brash Donil attacked Zina. He took the opportunity to belly-crawl toward Laylah's chair. His paws were silent as he inched along. He didn't need Zina's attention on him. Not yet, at least. He made it to his niece and pushed his cold nose against her hand. He felt her jerk and then go still.
::Hey, want out of this hell hole?:: He heard Laylah's hiss of recognition and then he received a surprise.
::You! You were in my head at school during the fight with Violet. Who are you? Wait, you're one of them!::
::You can speak mind-to-mind?:: Stefan was confused. Henry and Jacques maintained, in fact insisted, that Laylah was not capable of telepathic speech. She could receive thoughts, yes; send them, no.
::You can send thoughts?:: he asked again. He felt her amazement through the link they shared.
::I didn't know I could. I mean, I never tried to before. Are you here to help me? I can't break the ropes like last time.::
He licked her fingers. ::Yes, I will free you. Be still.:: He clamped his teeth around the loose part of the rope and with a savage jerk, broke it.
She rubbed her wrists and glanced down at him. ::Can you get both feet? If not, Crazy Lady had a knife.::
Stefan looked about, but didn't see one. ::Stay seated. I know where one is.:: He licked her hand again and belly-crawled back to the door he'd used before. Donil and Zina still grappled with each other across the room and away from Laylah.
Stefan knew Zina's ways. She was toying with the Panther Alpha. His former love held the mistaken belief that a wolf was better than any feline. It had been one of the few things they'd never agreed on. Feline Alphas were more dangerous because they didn't worry about the clan's thoughts on their decisions. Plus, the larger cats outweighed any single wolf. He was banking on Zina's arrogance. It would give Donil the opening he needed. Still thinking about the two fighting Alphas, he missed the footsteps of an approaching opponent and was bowled over.
He snarled, rolled and snapped at his assailant. He felt his teeth score flesh. He jerked and came away with fur. Stiff-legged, he stood and waited for his opponent to stand.
::Stupid, Boris. Very stupid.::
::My Alpha will be thrilled to see you dead.:: Warily, the tan-gray wolf stared at Stefan.
Stefan snorted. ::Yes, Henry would celebrate my demise. But, sorry to disappoint. It's not gonna happen today.::
::And why not?:: Boris demanded.
He yipped, his eyes dancing with laughter when a tranquilizer dart hit the unsuspecting Boris in the flank, knocking out the Beta Enforcer.
::Took you long enough,:: Stefan groused and then wagged his tail.
"I'm in no hurry to tangle with my Alpha or Gerard," Alexis retorted. "Here, I do believe you need this." He held up a dagger.
Stefan growled.
"Hey, don't get mad at me. I love watching a good fight and the young panther is doing well. I saw you with your niece and knew what you needed. So here, watch the edges. I've got to go. Don't need to be rounded up by the Council's army."
::You really are a grouchy bear, Alexis. Much thanks for the assist.:: Gingerly, he took the blade between his teeth. ::Go hibernate somewhere and come back in a year or two. They will have forgotten your part in this mess.::
"Perhaps, old friend. Perhaps. Oh, by the way, Jacques and the rest of Henry's obedient Betas are fuming on the southeast hilltop." Alexis waved and lumbered down the hall.
Stefan shook his head. People never ceased to amaze him. He trotted back inside and peeked in on the fight. Zina and Donil were still human which made him frown. Why hadn't they gone animal? He didn't have time to wonder. Using the shadows for cover, he made it to Laylah, who'd had enough presence of mind to keep her hands behind the chair as if still bound.
::Good girl. Here. Be careful. It's very sharp. I will keep watch.:: He laid the dagger in her left hand.
::Thank you.:: She started sawing away at the rope.
Stefan whipped around when he heard the crash. Zina was shifting to her Werehum form. ::Change, Alpha!:: Stefan roared at Donil.
::Be quiet, old man! Besides I can't.::
::What do you mean, you can't? Are you mad? Zina will kill you if you don't!::
::Laylah doesn't know I'm Were. And I don't want her to find out this way. Get her out of here, Stefan!::
::Of all the idiotic...! Fine, I'll get my niece out of here.:: Angry at the Panther Alpha's stupidity, Stefan nipped Laylah's hand.
::Ouch! Stop that! These knots are tough and I'm going as fast as I can.:: Laylah glared at him.
::Less talk, more cutting.:: Stefan snapped. He smelled blood. Things were going from bad to worse.
Laylah freed one leg and started on the other. Stefan helped by gnawing on the knots. The final rope fell and he took her hand in his mouth, careful to not pierce her skin. ::Come.::
::What about Donil? We can't leave him here.:: She hesitated.
He growled a warning. ::Move! You are a distraction he cannot afford!:: He regretted yelling at her the instant she gave him a wounded look. ::Laylah, I didn't...::
"Die, Boy!" Zina shouted triumphantly, startling Stefan and Laylah.
He whipped his head up and saw Zina slide her claws home inside Donil's abdomen. ::No!:: He threw back his head and howled defiance. Helpless, he watched Zina retract her claws and push Donil backwards.
The younger man staggered and went down, writhing in pain.
"Never send a boy to do a man's job," Zina taunted and kicked Donil's leg. "And you, Stefan, did you really think I wouldn't recognize your scent? You're such a naughty boy, trying to steal my prey."
He bared his fangs and took a step toward her. ::You die, this day, Zina!:: He would have said more, but Laylah once more surprised him.