Enemy Mine (Mending The Veil) by Kelliea Ashley

throbbing, his face bloodied and hurting. He was pretty sure the big man had managed to break his ribs, neat as you please, with his last punch to his side. Though his knees were weak, his hands trembling, his determination to keep the other man from reaching the cabin and the woman inside it was even stronger.
    Thoughts of Rissa, her warm smile, gentle laugh, and sweet kisses, kept him standing as he once more raised his fists to the other Guardian. Ray arched a dark brow at his wobbly form.
    “You’re done in, Holt. Don’t make this worse by forcing me to kill you.”
    “I’m not done, Dumain.” He spit blood on the ground in front of him as he tried to see the other man through his one good eye.
    “She’s not worth it.” Ray’s eyes flicked up to the cabin over his shoulder. “Or is she? Must be one hot little lay if you’re willing to take a dirt bath for her. Maybe I’ll keep her around a little longer than the last one.”
    Travis felt rage and fear for Rissa flood his system, infusing him with some well-timed adrenaline. His knees stopped shaking as he swung a hard right hook. He grunted when his fist missed as Ray stepped back only to land a punishing blow to his kidney. He hit the ground, but wrapped his legs around the other man’s. Satisfaction made him smile, though his lips were split and bleeding, as the bigger man fell flat on his face.
    “Son of a bitch! You don’t give up!” Ray rolled to his feet, quick and agile for a big man. “I’ll be sad to see that spark die in your eyes, but I’m sure your sexy Witch will make me forget all about you, once I get between her thighs.” He grinned and reached down for Travis’s shirt.
    A whirl of white, big and lethal hit Ray full on. A loud snarl of rage and a masculine cry of pain rent the air, sending a cold chill of dread through Travis as he rolled over to see what was happening. His mouth and eyes widened as he watched a full grown white tiger mount Ray. The big mouth opened on a deadly hiss, sharp teeth bared as the cat lowered its massive head.
    “Help, Holt!” Fear echoed through Ray’s outcry. His big hands were clenched in the cat’s fur, barely holding the head and teeth away from his exposed throat.
    That’s right, Guardian. Fear me!
    “Theophyline?” Travis blinked rapidly, trying to recognize the small, white fluff ball somewhere in the muscular tiger’s lethal body. A flattened ear flicked forward and then flattened back down as a hiss deep and filled with hatred left the cat’s mouth.
    “Please, help me.” Ray’s voice turned girlie and Travis smelled the unmistakable scent of human urine. Ray had pissed himself, so great was his terror.
    “Let him go, Theo. I’ll deal with him, now.” Travis got to his feet, ignoring the pain and his body’s silent plea to rest and heal.
    I have my orders. He is to die! Ray screamed as sharp claws dug into his shoulders. Red blood bloomed beneath Theo’s paws.
    If he dies, they will hunt us. Let me take care of him. I’m giving you an order, Theophyline. Back down!
    Dark blue eyes, full of death turned his way as the cat heaved a breath and moved to the side. She hissed in a warning as Ray moved to lift his head. He whimpered and laid still, his eyes never leaving the cat’s blue gaze.
    Travis moved over the man, his bloodied hand grasped a handful of Ray’s shirt as he pulled back his fist. “You’re bewitched! She’s put a love spell on you! Don’t do this Holt.” Ray’s fear was bitter in his mouth as Travis glared down at the poor excuse for a man.
    “I’m going to let you live, Ray. Against my better judgment and for only one reason. You’ll go back to the Elders and give them a message for me.” He leaned down, placing his mouth right next to Ray’s ear. He lowered his voice to barely a whisper, hoping to keep his words from the listening cat. “Tell them to leave us alone. I can’t gain her trust if I’m constantly looking over my shoulder and fending off