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07 River Green

74 His Back

91 He Won't

43 Three Hours

42 My Mercy

Chapter Fifteen

****Here's a bonus chapter for Thanksgiving! Happy holiday.

37 Not in My Inn It was a precarious situation to know there was a blade at my neck, and not yet know who held it. But they were prepared to slit me wide open. I don’t even know who it is. Which meant I needed to move slowly and carefully. My gaze flicked to my peripheral to see the grizzled features of a square jaw and ash covered cheeks. The man smelled like roasted food and stale ale. The innkeeper. I faintly recognized him from when I’d bought the room earlier. “'Fraid not love.” He said, confirming what I suspected. “Not in my inn. You’ll all have to take this little romance outside if you wish to continue it." “Oh, we do.” The scarred leader rose. “Right now, in-fact.” “Is that her?" One of them asked their scarred leader. “She's supposed to be at the fortress! How would I know!" They don’t even know what I look like. I hoped that their other information was just as useful. “Why else would she claim to be?" The remaining bearded one expostulated. The bald one shrugged. “I don’t know!” “Well what is she doing here.” “Shut up!” The bald one shouted. Rattling the table as he walked around it to approach. “What’s it going to be?” The innkeeper asked me. “Do I gut you here or you taking this outside.” “Fine.” I stiffly lowered my sword. The burly innkeeper caught my shoulder and turned me. Escorting me out the front door with the blade against my neck. My stomach sank. I just lost the upper hand. I had taken the opportunity to use the element of surprise to help me overtake them. Now I was going to have to face all three, face to face. At the door the innkeeper withdrew his weapon and let me step out. I whirled to face the doorway as I cautiously backed up, refusing to give these foes my back. I lifted my sword as I prepared to confront my new enemy. I stepped aside from the doorway to give me a chance to react when they jumped at me. The three killers filed out. Rain began to patter across the thatched roofs on both sides of the road. A carriage rolled by behind me, sopping through the mud and leaving a spray of it over my legs. I didn’t bother to look. I knew better then to look away from hired ruffians. The three circled wide, strolling a lazy distance to span around me. They were all a lot larger than me. Both in width and height. I slid my feet back in order to ensure that they couldn’t close me in. I scanned across all three, back and forth, to see who the first one that moved would be. I can’t miss it, or I they’ll kill me in a second. I rolled my fist over the hilt of my sword, adjusting my grip. The rain began to dump, pouring faster. Large droplets that plopped softly over the dirt and grass along the road to the inn. I crouched, turning the blade in my hand to hold it at the ready. Lifting it toward the leader in the hope that I could maintain control of the battle “Are we going to fight or just stand here in the rain?” I asked impatiently. Hoping to trigger the leader to come after me first. He’s likely the strongest. If I can hurt him bad enough he stays down, it could drive them all off. “Aw, look at this Raf.” The dirty bald man laughed. “Our little kitten knows how to use a blade." He’d looked at the scarred man when he said ‘Raf.’ Raf is the leader. I noted. All three of them were pacing, closing in on me in tight semi-circles. They’re circling like wolves. With me in the middle. The knot in my gut tightened. They're big, and I'm outnumbered. But they want to hurt my baby. They're not going to get a chance.  I vowed to myself. If it takes my last breath, they’ll never get to her. My grip on my sword turned white-knuckled. The dirty bald one moved to my right. Unwittingly, signaling an attack. I managed to duck his blow and dropped to one knee. Unexpectedly sinking into a puddle and slipping slightly. In a heartbeat, I regained my balance. My sword found its mark. Severing deep into the man’s thigh before he could retreat. The metal cut deep into skin and muscle. I had to jerk it out quickly, for fear of the muscle closing around it. Which made it impossible to pull back out. Movement just behind me drew my attention. I felt the presence there. I ducked and let myself slide sideways in the mud to get lower. I twisted, managing to evade the bearded ones blade but had me driving toward Raf’s lifting one. I tried to veer out of range but as I ducked it slit through the edge of shoulder, just above my bicep. I hissed through my teeth and bit back a pained scream. Don’t show them weakness. I reminded myself. I straightened, ignoring the pain. My daughter matters more. Hot blood rolled down my arm in a steaming rush. It’s bad. I knew from the amount flowing out of the wound. Worse yet, I wasn’t feeling the pain yet. Which was a hard indication of the wound’s severity. The bearded one moved to slice at my throat with thin sword from a thigh scabbard. I stepped sideways and twisted, effectively moving from his swing. I simultaneously ran my sword into his stomach and upward. Using my other hand to press at the back of my sword hilt in the hope of pushing it harder. Then I wrenched it free as fast as I could. Searing through the muscles which were already trying to flex. He screamed and fell to his knees, trying to hold the flesh pouring out of him, inside. But it was already too late. He was nearly split in half from his pelvis to his sternum. I noted that had this been any other situation, I would likely have felt horrendous remorse and subsequently rushed to put the man out of his misery rather than letting him suffer as I was doing now. But he wanted to slaughter my baby in her bed like an unexpecting lamb. I watched him pitilessly. He cannot do that now. I glanced at the bald one and saw he was still flailing in the mud, cradling his thigh. And from the look of it, would soon be bleeding out. He was already lying in a large pool of it. I heard the squish of mud and leapt around, sliding in the mud again as I tried to avoid Raf’s swiping sword. I bowed my back and managed to keep my stomach out of range. But before I could gather my footing, he was following up with a dagger in his other hand. I was unable to escape it, as he expertly hooked the curved tip into my hip. Luckily it was short and curved, which meant it hit bone and couldn't go further. Though it still left a trail of blinding pain in its wake. “They were my friends, you bitch.” Raf grated through gritted teeth as he wrenched his dagger forward. It ripped through me as he scooped out a chunk of flesh and muscle. I missed the moment when I didn’t feel the pain. An explosion of it burned through me like scalding water. Causing every one of my nerves to explode in bursts of anguish. “Ah!" I shrieked in pain. Clutching underneath it in the hope of stopping the skin from tearing any further as he ripped the blade out. I panted, fighting a wave of excruciating dizziness. I peered up at him. “And they are my family…The ones you wanted to kill.” Raf took advantage of the moment to maneuver behind me. He caught a fistful of my hair and yanked my head back. “You won’t be much good to them now. I’m going to get your piglet, mommy. And dress her like the animal she is." “No." I said viciously, eyeing him sideways. “You won't." Before he could slice me with either of his blades. I swept the killer's dagger from my waistband, where I'd stashed it as I came out the door, I turned it backward and jammed it into Raf’s side. I yanked it back out as fast as I’d jabbed him. I rolled free of his slackening grip to repeat the process as many times as I could. He whined, muttering something unintelligible as he sputtered. He spit blood as he tried to get pleading words out. I had no compassion for him. Only death. I didn’t stop stabbing him until my hand was so soaked with fluid that my palm slid over the serrated edge, gashing me. Only then did I realize he’d slumped against me. He swayed pathetically. It dawned on me now that he’d been frozen with shock from the moment, I'd first stuck him. That’s why he’d made no attempt to defend himself after that. He was, in all likelihood, dying from that wound all along. Still, it didn’t feel like enough.

134 Better than Before JACKSON Jackson led Malachi to the parlor and gestured for him to take a seat. Malachi shot him a wary glance. “Should I be nervous? You haven't been this formal with me since you first taught me swordplay." “I-" Jackson opened his mouth to argue, but paused to mull it over, and decided Malachi was probably right. “I had good reason to be worried. I thought you'd take your arm off for sure." “I didn't." Malachi pointed out defensively. “No... You did not." Jackson recalled. “You were surprising adept. A brilliant strategist." “Underestimating me is never wise." Malachi grinned. “No it’s not... Yet everyone keeps doing it." “That they do!" Malachi laughed, clearly pleased with that fact. They both knew it was how Malachi often gained the upper hand in any conversation. People expected his mind to be as feeble as his body. Jackson sobered. “I brought you here to have a moment with you in order to discuss something forbidden.” “Forbidden?" Malachi leaned forward, his eyes brightening. “Count me, interested ." Jackson chuckled. Leaning forward from the settee opposite Malachi so they could speak in low voices. They were both sitting with their elbows propped on their knees, stretching over the table dividing them to whisper as they had when they were young boys. “I know the hopes you have for exploring the sites and countryside of Ferus." “Yes..." Malachi said warily. He sat back, stiffening, as anxiousness stole over his features. He was suddenly worried that something grave had changed, and he might never have the freedom he’d always hoped for. “Jackson…” “Let me explain.” Jackson lifted a hand to stop whatever objections were coming. “We both know your adventures will be rapidly cut short with the life you’re currently living." “It hasn’t been much of a life thus far.” He objected. “The danger of Ferus is a risk which we both know I'm willing to take. You agreed to that." “I know. But I find myself less willing to forsake you to whatever fate awaits you, now that the time draws nearer." “Do not ask me to stay here." Malachi said harshly. Frustration was heavy in his voice. He wasn't looking at Jackson. Instead, he plucked at loose threads on the settee. His usual composure fracturing in his current agitation. His tone was rising, and he was growing angry, though he was doing all he could to restrain himself. “It's not what you think.” Jackson asserted. He sighed. “I..." Jackson paused to tilt his head in order to listen to the steps that were suddenly outside the parlor door. Someone had drawn close enough to hear them. *** FIERE The apprehension tightening my stomach was enough to have me leave my meal and head into the foyer. I wanted to ensure that no one overheard Jackson and Malachi’s conversation. Especially when it could be as good as treason. Jackson had been very clear about what some of the nobility in the realm would do if they found out what was even being discussed.  I heard footsteps on the stairs and felt a wave of apprehension. There are Eternus everywhere here. And they all had exceptional hearing. It was that knowledge that had me pushing back my plate, too restless to remain seated while I wondered who could be trying to eavesdrop on the forbidden conversation Jackson and Malachi would be beginning. No one can overhear. I stepped into the foyer to stand guard but was unprepared for the wave of cool air rolling from the lower halls toward the massive front door. I crossed my arms over my chest and briskly rubbed my biceps to keep heat moving through them. I strolled a slow circle through the foyer, peering into each room to ensure no one was cleaning or lingering there. I caught sight of the two of them in the back parlor, the brown one. It was a rarely used room and people rarely went there. Which means everyone would be less likely to notice an unusual conversation happening there. I knew. I continued those slow circles even after I caught Malachi's voice emerging. I moved to linger between the servant’s hall and that parlor. I noticed a young maid emerging from one of those rooms with a clean apron. “Do you need something mum?” “Not at all. Would you mind running upstairs to tidy my chamber.” “Right away miss.” She said quickly. “Is there anyone else back there, that might assist you?” “Talia.” She said. I don’t know who that is. But the maid took my slow stare as a directive to fetch the other girl. In moments they returned. I spoke loudly to ensure I was masking anything Malachi and Jackson were saying. “Go up right away. Dust the trim and shake the tapestries please.” “Yes, mum.” The first girl said. They scurried up the steps to do my bidding. I resumed my pacing. Stopping anyone that neared the vicinity of that room and redirecting them to other areas in order to ensure these halls remained empty. I caught Jackson’s voice as I walked by. But it was barely audible. I chewed my thumbnail nervously. I told myself not to worry, reassuring myself that they were speaking in such low tones that I couldn't catch a word of it. Which means no one else will either. That gave me some relief. But not enough to leave my post. I’m not leaving his back exposed. I had never been able to leave Jackson hanging when he needed me. I won't now. Especially not when we’d just found our way back to each other. I paced that hall with purpose, guarding that entrance like a sentry ready to battle to protect him. *** Jackson recognized the stride, and the weight in that careful step. He could tell from the sounds beyond the door that she was the only one within range. It was easy to guess why she had come to pace before this door. That knowledge gave him added confidence as he dared to whisper the sacrilegious. “I want to offer you something.” Malachi's head whipped in his direction. “I'm listening." “What if you could have an eternity to do all the things you've dreamed of…but the price would be that you'd be hunted all the while?" Malachi thoughtfully wobbled his cane before him. “I’m afraid I wouldn't make it very far before someone caught up to me if I were hunted." “What if you could?” “Could what?" Malachi leaned in. Suspense was heavy in his tone. “Run..." Jackson breathed the word. “How could I do that?" Malachi shook his head in disbelief. As if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “If I..." Jackson opened his mouth wide enough to allow Malachi to see the long thin teeth pushing through his gums to protrude into his mouth as he mimicked a chomp. “Bite you." Malachi tilted his head like a fascinated bird. “You’re considering changing me into what you are? I thought you couldn’t.” “I can. But it means to defy every law the realm has. You would be haunted by anyone that found out. And they would find out. Eventually. And if they were able to confirm it, was I that made you, they’d likely come after me too." “And you were willing to risk that?" Malachi was astounded. He sat straight in his chair. “For you and all you've done for me and Fiere, yes." “And what," Malachi rolled a finger. “ does  your pretty bride-to-be think of this idea?" “She suggested it actually." “You jest!" Malachi objected, his expression flabbergasted. “No, I do not. Not in this. Fiere knows you've been like a little brother to me. And, I suspect, she doesn't want to see me lose anyone else." Malachi shook his head bemusedly. “That would be unbelievably generous of her, wouldn’t it?” “That is the character of my Fiere.” Jackson said proudly. “The part that so few get to know.” “You’re certain, you did not mistake her?” “She brought up the idea as if it were the most natural thing in the world." Jackson shifted. “Which made me think... Maybe it should be. Maybe a long, healthy life might be the greatest thing I could give my friend." Malachi looked like he'd been struck by a carriage. “How would it work if you did?" “You'd never be able to come back, or to send word to me at all, unless it was of the gravest importance. You'd likely lose any ability to reproduce. Perilously few Eternus can, afterall. You would have to stay on the move in order to avoid being tracked down. You'd have to change your name and identity. Malachi, the Eternus king would, essentially, be dead." “The death of me, and the rebirth of someone else." Malachi murmured in wonder. “It would not be an easy existence, I warn you. And it may even prove trickier then the one you've lived already." “But it could be richer.” “Not in wealth.” “But in life.” Malachi breathed. “Yes.” Malachi bobbed his head to indicate it was all soaking in. Then he shot Jackson a sideways glance. “Never talk to you again, huh?" “Nope." Jackson affirmed. “The death of one man, and the birth of another... With many risks to combat." “What are the other ones I should be aware of?" Malachi wanted to weigh each one. He liked to analyze opportunities from every angle. “Any unique traits I have, may pass to you.” Jackson winced. “Wolf traits, that is." “Ah." Malachi said. “You don’t sound surprised.” “Did you guess I didn’t know.” “I don’t recall telling you.” “I’ve known you a long time, friend. Not everything can be hidden from eyes that see.” “See when no one is looking.” Jackson laughed. “What are the wolf traits?” “Too many to list.” “Several benefits, but at the top of the list of downfalls is the hunger. A ravenous lust for raw meat and blood. Similar to that of the Eternus, who require fresh blood to refuel, but the hunger of the wolf is different. Cruder perhaps.” “Mmm.” Malachi grunted in response. “Ultimately, the biggest concern would be facing the unknown. I don’t completely know what you’d become. I’ve never changed anyone into what I am. My mixed blood may make it more dangerous.” “I can guarantee you nothing.” “Except life.” Malachi made it sound like treasure. “But I am uncertain of the quality.” “It would likely be better than what I’ve overcome already… How can I lose?” Jackson gave a grudging head tilt. “You have me there.”

140 Blood of My Blood The little she-wolf had somehow, while bleeding and disoriented, managed to elude the NightHunters following her long enough to make it here. To this place. “We need to get her behind the walls.” I murmured to myself, as I realized the urgency of the situation. Racer slid to a stop before her, looking like some kind of swamp creature. She squawked and stumbled but he whipped my cloak over her shoulders and righted her before she could fall. Then, like a good lad, he was off. She stood there, pulling that cloak tighter around her shoulders and looking around anxiously. When she looked directly my way, I saw what I needed. Beyond the haze of confusion and suffering and blood smears, were shimmering blue eyes framed by thick lashes. And low on her back where tendrils of silvery blonde hair that the blood hadn’t stained red. It’s her. Somehow, beyond all reason, my granddaughter had survived the slaughter that had taken her mother and father…And made it here. In all my life, I’d thought the only miracles I would ever witness were the birth of my precious, gorgeous, little daughter. And Rebekah being offered to me like some precious treasure. But this, the daughter of my daughter, being alive in this place, was definitely a miracle I hadn’t known I could ask for. Rain drizzled, drenching the fog and dousing the girl, but I couldn’t look away. Blood of my blood. One of the closest of my bloodline stands before me. Those eyes rewound time for me. Taking me back to the tiny blonde bundle that had so charmed me as she had clutched my knee and leaned forward to tell me about the red birds that her brothers tamed. Or rushed, dragging me by the hand as we ran into the woods to show me a grassy span of her favorite flowers. And long before that, those same eyes had looked at me from the gaze of my only daughter, when she was as old as this she-wolf was now. Those same eyes… The eyes of my Devastation. I recognized. I knew now, with absolute certainty, that this was my granddaughter. She lived. Somehow, beyond all likelihood she’d lived nearly a full changing of the moon in these woods. By herself. It was unbelievable. She looked furtively over her shoulders as she fisted the edges of my cloak to pull them tighter around her. She knows she’s still being chased. Which fueled my urgency to get her within the Asara walls. If she believed that, she probably had good reason to. Since they killed her whole family. I heard steady breathing behind me and knew the young man had returned to my side again. “Who is she?” He queried. “She’s breathtaking…” “Her name is Vanna Rae.” “That smell…” Racer sniffed the air deliberately, his eyelids fluttering closed as if he couldn’t get enough. “No.” I told him flatly. He blinked dizzily at me. “What?” “Don’t do that.” “What?” “Smell her like she’s your mate.” “Is that what this is? I’ve never smelled anything so…Intoxicating.” I stared at him. “Yes.” He bobbed his head. “I will shut up.” “Thank you.” I averted my attention back to her. “Can you go get your brothers. I want to heard her like you boys herd the deer. But instead of into a kill circle, I want to get her to the wall door.” “We can do that.” “I’d like to get her within the safety of the pack.” “I’d like that too.” I shot him a scathing look. “What?” He shrugged. “I’m saying we’ll help.” “Get your damn brothers.” I said impatiently. “Okay!” He started backing away. I caught him by the collar and hauled him back to me. “Whoa.” He lifted his hands in surrender. “What did I do?” “When you chase her, herd her gently. She’s clearly suffered enough already.” “Yeah…” Racer bobbed his head. “You’re right. We’ll be gentle.” I frowned. “You better be.” He ran through the trees in a burst of wind, which stirred twigs and leaves enough to draw Vanna’s attention. She jumped, cringing. She skittered to hide behind a berry bush. I gave a long inhalation, worried about her. She looks so lost. I suspected that all the blood coming off my granddaughter’s head indicated a deeper injury. She wasn’t acting like a normal wolf. Nothing like the confident pup I know. She was, effectively, shattered. I couldn’t imagine what horror she must’ve witnessed. I settled in, deciding I wasn’t moving until she did. I’m staying close to her. There was no chance I was going to leave her after having just found her. I intended to stay close and keep her safe until the boys returned. I can’t steer her toward the Asara by myself. That night I watched her clumsily climbing a tree. She rolled the cloak around her until only her legs stuck out to grip the branch she draped over. No wonder they haven’t found her. Hiding in the tree was a brilliant strategy. It was unlikely that the wolves would look up despite that her scent was everywhere. I waited for her to fall asleep then chewed a stick to get it sharp enough to cut into my bicep. I let the blood roll down my arm to create a spread. Then I leisurely swiped it over everything below her, including rubbing it on the trunk of the tree she was in. As far as other wolves were concerned, this area was marked by the potent pheromone of a virile male. Which would deter them from hunting for her here. And the strong scent of fury’s blood would mask hers. It’ll keep them away. I wandered a short distance away in order to chase a squirrel. I slaughtered it and dropped it at the base of the tree before returning to a distant trunk to sit against it for the remainder of the night. I didn’t sleep. I kept watch with my arms crossed over my chest and my ankles crossed as I sat there and calmly considered how I was going to persuade Edrick that taking in a feral, bloody little female, would be a good idea. As much as I hated the idea, it would help my case that Racer had clearly already detected that Vanna Rae was his mate. Edrick had never denied any of the males their mate. He certainly won’t this time either. I knew. The Asara alpha had a soft spot for the Hayden boys because they were such good hunters. And decent border guards on top of that. The few times that an intruder had gotten too close to the walls, Edrick was comfortable sending out the triplets to run down and destroy the rogue. Edrick had said they’d never let him down. I’ll get her within those walls one way or the other. This young she-wolf was precious. *** In the middle of the night I saw two males roaming into the area. The way they were scanning through the trees before stepping, I could tell they were scouts. For a pack. Gauging from the rotting smell of them and their state of filth, it was safe to guess they were NightHunters. Part of the pack that murdered Deva and Ajax. I had never been so excited to kill a wolf in my life. I quietly slid my back up the tree until I was standing up. I waited for one of them to draw close enough that I could fall into step behind him. Without warning I reached over his shoulder and turned my fingers in until they were hooked claws. I ripped them over his throat and pulled out a chunk of tissue and tubing which left him a gaping hole to gasp through. He gurgled helplessly as he turned to look at me. “You should’ve taken the warning my mark offered and not challenged my territory.” The man stared at me through wide glassy eyes, clutching at his throat, until he finally collapsed. I stared impassively at him. Bloodied and pitifully limp at my feet. I caught his arm and hoisted him over my shoulder, holding him far enough out that his blood dripped from him, rather than running down my back. I’m already going to have his stink on me. I don’t want his sour blood too. There was something about NightHunter wolves that made them smell like they were all rotting. I didn’t know what it was, but it made them easy to distinguish. I moved into the path of the next one. He emerged from a grouping of high ferns. As his head rolled in my direction, he spotted me and jerked to a stop. “Should’ve heeded my warning.” I whispered to him. “Warning?” He shook his head. “I-I…Didn’t smell any marks.” “The hell you didn’t. No wolf misses my scent.” “I…” He aborted whatever excuse he was going to attempt. “I’m part of the NightHunters. There is a whole pack nearby. “Good!” I proclaimed. “I was hoping there were more of you.” That worried him. His expression darkened, even beneath the filth. And his eyes grew haunted. He took a wary step back. “Oh, it’s too late for that now friend. You’ve come too far.” “I’ll leave.” “Only to come back with more.” “I won’t.” “You’re right.” I closed the distance to him. “You won’t have a chance.” I caught him by his throat and his groin lifting him over my head before taking two steps to drop him over the jagged stump of a broken tree trunk. He only gave a slight yip before his breath drained out of him. I moved around to peer up at Vanna Rae, ascertaining she was out cold. Nothing is going to wake her at this point. She was beyond exhausted. I looked in the direction from which the scouts had come. It killed me to know that the particular camp I’d been hunting for nearly a full moon were just a little way off. I could get them all tonight. But to do that would mean leaving Vanna Rae exposed. I can’t do that. I’m not going to leave her. Those despicable beasts would live a little while longer because this wounded girl mattered more than they did.

06 Gravely Mistaken Startled, I leaned back, automatically retreating from the dark intent which I glimpsed in Jaecar’s hard features. I found myself tipping so far back that I felt the bear fur under my shoulders. My eyes were round as I saw him climbing over me. Casting a shadow that loomed over me as his large frame blocked out the light from the fire. I stared up at his angular cheekbones which were illuminated by the shadowed hollow below them. His pale eyes were nearly white in this light, and they were burning with intensity as he peered down at me. He continued his descent, sliding over my curves. His hands stopped when they were parallel to my shoulders. Eventually, he flattened out over me in a push-up. His body wasn't touching mine, but he hovered so close above me that I could feel the heat of his body warming me hotter than the fire which was right next to me. I breathed shallowly, my body nearly shaking from the power of being so close to him. Why does he effect me like this? Why does it have to be him? I wanted to be angry, I had the right to feel betrayed and still I was nearly quaking with the excitement of anticipation. He gave a long, rumbling, growl. It was the possessive tone of his wolf. It warned the she-wolf in me that he was speaking straight to her. “If you think I've had my fill, you're lost your damn mind she-wolf. I will never, never  have enough of you.” My brows lifted and I stared at him, surprised by the severity in his tone. My silence must’ve inspired him to continue. “If you believe it would be easy for me to turn you over to another male, you're gravely mistaken. It would destroy me.” “Why?” I breathed. He blinked at me as if he couldn’t believe I was asking. “Why would it destroy you.” “I want you, Samantha. And if I have my way, I will  keep you." There was such dark promise in his voice, that the wolf part of me shivered. I was horrified by the dark little thrill that rolled through me upon hearing that. I felt deliciously vulnerable…Feminine. Jaecar had that effect on me. “Do you. Understand. Me?" He enunciated each word. His gaze was hard, expectant. He’s not asking me. He’s commanding me to answer him. “Yes." I breathed, my wolf instinctively answering his. She always responds to him when he talks to us in that voice. I noted dryly. Knowing I wasn’t going to stop anytime soon.   He tilted his dark head, making the firelight dance over his hair and cast strange fiery highlights through it. “Don't you ever say that to me again, Samantha.” I could tell how serious he was. “Okay, Jaecar." I relented, sensing the gravity in that statement. I chewed my lip, which drew his eye. I could feel, from my hair to my toes, his hunger. He wants to kiss me. I knew it as surely as I breathed. “You have no idea what you do to me, woman." *** The hut was empty that night without Jaecar there. It was the kind of silence that’s heavy. It weighs on one’s soul and permeates until the loneliness itself becomes an unwanted companion. That was what it felt like tonight. After that intense moment earlier today, he had moved away from me and gone back out. Not even glancing over his shoulder before he left, swinging the door closed behind him. It was almost like he was running away.  I thought. I’d laid there staring at the ceiling. My whole body yearning for something just out of reach. I found my fingers twisting into the fur beneath me and my thighs tightening against the pulsing ache which now possessed my core. I could still feel the heat, the promise of his weight, hovering just above me. I’d thought he was going to join with me right there on the fire. And claim me all over again. But he didn’t. He left. In a hurry. And I didn’t really know why. Eventually I sat up. I didn’t move though, I sat there and waited. Thinking he would come rushing back in to kiss me and lay me back out beneath him. He didn’t. He hadn’t returned at all. And it had been hours. At length, I rose and went to curl up on the lone cot across from the fire. I braced my palm under my head and stared at the licking orange flames. Trying to find something calming in their dance. I couldn’t stop thinking about him though. Why did he leave like that? It seemed like since Declarations, he’d been gone more than he was here. Like he’s avoiding me. Yet, he’d told me he didn’t regret marking me. In-fact, he said he’d chosen me. He said he didn’t want to change things. And he doesn’t want to give me up. So why is he acting like he doesn’t want me either? I couldn’t make sense of any of it. I didn’t know how I wanted him to act, but this wasn’t it. I feared that his beast might demand he return and search for me near the fire. I didn't know what I would do if he did. My wolf had submitted to his startlingly fast earlier. Which promised that I would have little resistance against him when he wanted me again. Despite how I might feel about it. As soon as he commanded it of me, my wolf would turn me over in an instant. I felt her stir and knew that she’d wanted everything he did. My body had responded accordingly. I grimaced at the memory. Blushing with shame that I had been so willing. Even after everything. The wolf residing in me now belonged to Jaecar too. It was a weird realization. She was always mine, alone. Not anymore. Now she was responding to someone’s external command. I felt as if there was some treachery in that. He can draw her out with a mere growl.  There was something terrifying in knowing that he could reach intimate pieces of me so easily. So why am I here? I wondered. I had chosen to crawl into Jaecar’s bed despite all that. Not only because his scent still, strangely, comforted me but also because I somehow knew that he wouldn’t touch me. Even though I’m in his bed. Even though it’s only the night after the pink moon…If he didn’t take advantage of the situation earlier, he’s not going to. I jumped a little when I heard a mournful howl somewhere far off. Near the edge of the walls maybe. I sensed it was barely within the territory. It was a broken sound. The cry of a shattered wolf. It sounded like Jaecar. Why would he be howling like that? I wondered sleepily. I dismissed the thought as being my imagination. I chewed my lip and let my body ease, staring at the door as if I could will him to emerge through it. He didn’t. At some point I’d fallen into a pseudo sleep. Where things were dark around me, my mind was blank, yet I was still aware of sounds near me. Thus, I was noticed when I heard the door open and close beyond my sleep haze. He’s back. I wasn’t worried. He would never allow someone else in his hut while I slept. I was sure of that. Mad at him or not, he would shelter me while I slept. I knew Jaecar well enough to be certain of it. I didn’t move, though I did reach a more wakeful state as I waited with bated breath. Is he going to at least greet me? There were so many emotions ripping through me that I didn’t know which to focus on. And I was too tired to bother with any of them. They had plagued me all day and worn down my mind until I was too weary to consider any of them. I heard rustling and knew he was settling down somewhere else in the hut. Far from me. I sighed softly and let my body ease back into its restful state. *** I didn't know what I expected to find in the morning when I woke, but it certainly wasn't an empty hut. Just as hollow as when I’d laid down last night. Is he going to avoid me forever? I found myself growing annoyed. Dammit Jaecar! A more rational part of my brain reminded me that he’d asked me yesterday if I was ready to fight about all that had happened between us beneath the Mating Moon. I indicated I was not. Which must’ve told him that I didn’t want him around at all. Which isn’t true. I sat up, scanning the hut to verify what I suspected. He’s not here. I swung my feet around to the other edge of the bed. As I did, something swished off the fur blanket and fell to the floor. I felt something light on my foot. I looked down at it and found a bit of thin, rolled, leather lying in the dust. I picked it up and cautiously unraveled it. A pressed flower tumbled from its folds. I stared at it.

72 Days Gone By For two days I endured that agonizing silence in the chamber. Afraid to leave and miss the return of the party. Hour after hour rattled by. I'd found myself unable to sleep either night. I was plagued by nightmare after nightmare of KJ being stabbed in his lower back, of his organs perforating and a slow, suffering death. Just as one dreadful vision ended, another began. Of a different, yet similar scenario. I tossed and turned but could find no reprieve. Tonight would be the third evening of such torment. I dreaded laying down. I stood at the window of KJ's chamber. Chewing my fingernails to the nub. I couldn’t calm my wolf. It felt as though she was pacing within the constraints of my flesh. Nudging her face across my right side before twisting around, dragging her claws against my belly before she strained my other side. There was a soft knock on the door. I suspected who it would be because the same person had brought me dinner last night. “Come in." I said absentmindedly. But I didn't dare look away from the window, for fear of missing the mob of yellow eyes approaching through the darkness. The wolves coming home. Let it be tonight. I prayed. The door opened and, just as I suspected, Markinnon entered the room. She was juggling a platter of food. She cast a glance toward the window, knowing I would be there. “You need to eat, my dear." “I'm not hungry. But thank you." “KJ will never forgive me if I let you starve while waiting for him." “I'm well." I gave her a faint reassurance. It was nonsense for me to be so obsessed with KJ’s return, especially when I still didn't know how things would end up between us. Still, I knew I couldn't stand to never see his smile again. Or hear that pleasantly low voice that teased over my senses. I have to see him. There were so many things I had yet to say to him. They went after the NightHunters because of me. Because KJ had feared what would happen to me if he didn’t. What if they don't come back?  It would be my fault. Everyone in the pack would blame me. “I'd like you to know that the alpha was up on his feet today." The alpha walked? I shot her a startled look. “So soon?" He looked to be at death’s door when last I saw him. I thought. “He’s strong." Markinnon nodded proudly. “No doubt about that.” I snorted, definitely agreeing with her. “He wouldn't have been hanging on while he was in such misery were he anything less." “That," She said quietly. “he did for me." There was such pride, such certainty in her tone that I had to hazard a glance at her. I found her standing there, posed as she often was, with her hands linked before her in that usual controlled manner. Like nothing could phase her. But I had glimpsed behind the curtain when I had seen her there with her mate. Barely able to witness his suffering. She hadn’t been able to tolerate the sight of the wound that was trying to consume him. I looked back out the window. “Eat something to night, dear.” She bid quietly. “Would you?” I asked her. “If he was gone.” She was quiet so long that I thought she might’ve left. Until I heard the floor creak as she shifted hesitating to admit. “I never do.” “Then you must understand.” “My sons always make me. They come, sometimes a different one each night depending on who has gone with him. They tell me that they care and that they don’t want to lose me while I wait. So because of them, I remember. I take bite after bite, even when I don’t want to. Because he would want me to.” That’s real devotion. I thought. Admiring her strength more by the minute. She’s not the female I first thought her. There was depth to Markinnon. Whether she was likeable or not, she was a good beta, I realized. That said, she turned and exited. The rustle of her skirts faded down the hallway. There was such tenderness in her voice when she mentioned the alpha. It made me think of what it truly meant to be the mate of an alpha, his beta. It must be hard. Every wolf in the pack would have an opinion of her. Markinnon was always on a united front with him. If she ever disagreed, we certainly never saw it. She presented as cold, efficient, and precise. Yet, she openly loved her children more than breath. Even after they've grown. A smile pulled at my lips as I thought of how she worried about KJ. She must’ve been beside herself when she found Crishanna was missing. I couldn’t fathom the strain she must’ve been enduring these last few days. I imagined that since I had helped the alpha, something in her had turned.  She’s softened toward me. She treated me completely differently from how she had before. Nearly doting on me.  I thought. She had ensured I had the bath after I’d helped. Which had been exquisite. Then she'd taken to bringing me the evening meal herself, in order to check on me. And to hear her speak of her mate…I'd never heard anything like it from the young females. They don’t know. I guessed. She had sounded as though she knew for a fact, that Alpha Kensington would claw his way straight out of hell if she asked him to. She knows he’s that devoted to her. There had to be such power in believing that. It’s where her strength comes from. I'd always imagined that she just did as he bid. That her role was merely to serve him. I'd seen something entirely different when in their chambers. She would've done anything to help him. And he held her hand so tight... Like she was his lifeline. I was learning that, like her or not, Markinnon stood her ground, fought ferociously, and loved fiercely. I sighed. She’s the kind of female we should all aspire to be. Even if she did betray me by luring me here. And sending me into that secret chamber. But deciphering how I felt about that at this juncture was impossible. I don’t know. I just want him to come back. More than I’ve ever wanted anything. 73 Let Them Come Home I pushed thoughts of Markinnon aside as I averted my attention back to watching out the window. Even as the darkness of a third night descended. I sighed. Then I stiffened. I realized that I was seeing something. What I’ve been waiting days to glimpse… The darkness of far off trees were lit by what could’ve been far off torches, at a glance. But they’re not. I knew it was row after row of yellow eyes glinting in the darkness. Reflecting only the slivers of moonlight which made it through the trees to reach them. They were still too far for me to see their features. That eye shine carried for a long way. Weaving through the darkness like a beacon to tell me there were wolves. A lot of them… But is there KJ? Be with them.  I willed him, hoping that somehow, he would meet my demands. I knew if he had died in battle, they would've piled rocks atop him and done little more. That was the Lariot way. But now it hit differently. Today, I understood that it meant I wouldn't get to see him for a last time. I shoved those ghastly thoughts aside. Calm down, Henna. You don’t even know what’s happened yet.  I told myself. Hardly noticing that I was holding my breath as I waited for them to emerge from the trees. I waited. One second, then two. Their party filtered from the trees so I could finally see them. And at the forefront…was KJ. I would know his silhouette anywhere. And when he stepped into the moonlit meadow, I could see I was right. He was covered in blood. His shoulders were slumped and he appeared to be weary. Nothing like a male who had triumphed in battle. Oh no... What’s happened? I flew from the chamber, running barefoot down the hall, with my skirt fisted in one hand to hold it above my feet. In my rush, I nearly bowled over Markinnon who was coming out of the alpha's chamber with a stack of bloody sheets piled in her arms. I caught the banister and jerked myself around to the stairs. Barely breaking pace before running downstairs. Markinnon’s eyes rounded. She hesitated only a moment, before dropping her armload to pursue me. She instinctively knew why I'd be abandoning my post at the window in such a hurry. She was on my heels. “The boys are home!" She cried, her voice reverberating through the corridors. Her words caused a flood of other she-wolves to emerge from the chambers of the castle, then from various huts in the bailey when she announced it again. The reaction of these other wolves told me I wasn't the only one waiting at windows for someone to come back. The gate was dropped, and I was at the forefront of the wolves who'd remained behind, now pouring into the border of the meadow. I crossed the grassy span at a run to meet the hunting party. I threw myself against KJ, completely forgetting that I had no idea how wounded he might be. And that I could be hurting him. He grunted, but his arms automatically wrapped me. Embracing me hard. To my surprise, there were no mocking remarks or teasing smiles. Instead, he responded by doing what I could only describe as 'melting' against me. His shoulders enveloped me, and he dropped his face to my collar. I heard him inhaling deeply, and knew he was filling his nostrils with my scent. As if he needed it. “I missed you." There was something broken in his voice. I'd never heard him sound like that. “KJ?" I peeled back to catch his face so I could peruse his features. “What is it?" “We lost…So many…” His face was so smeared with blood that I couldn't tell where the wound it was coming from, was. Then while he was staring right at me, he simply collapsed. Falling face first into me. For a heartbeat I'd thought he was just leaning in for another hit of my scent, but as his full weight dropped into me it dawned on me that he was no longer conscious. I fought to stay on my feet and balance him, but he was starting to teeter and I feared he was about to fall back. I can’t pull him forward. He weighs too much more than me. “Markinnon!" I screeched. I saw her hugging a couple of her other boys. But as she heard the desperation in my voice, her head whipped my way. She assessed the situation in an instant. And was rushing toward me with horrified eyes. Her boys moved in sync with her, rotating to run toward me. I huffed as I held up his limp body. My breaths were muffled against the wide span of his chest as my feet slid over the grass, refusing to get enough traction to keep him above me for long. In moments, there were countless hands moving into my peripheral. They caught his shoulders, arms, and head. They guided him backward to the ground. I released him, knowing they were there to help. They crouched around him, shouting to each other. Their voices were a muffled hum in my panicked ears. I couldn't understand a word of it. All I could hear was the drumbeats of my heart thudding in my ears. I was overcome with a wave of dizziness and tripped sideways. I wobbled blearily. Hands closed around my upper arms and righted me. My head lolled and everything went momentarily black. Then my head fell forward. Which snapped me out of my disoriented state. I blinked my eyes, and my vision focused on Karisha standing before me. She held my shoulders to keep me from tipping over. It took me a moment to recognize her. Her brow was furrowed, and her face was covered in ash. But I recognized her unique eyes staring out at me. “It's okay!" She shook me as if trying to get her words to sink in. “He's okay." “He looked at me and he…” I started weakly. “he just... He fell..." I gestured helplessly to him limp on the ground. “I know." Karisha shook me until I lifted my horrified gaze back to her. “He's exhausted!" I stared at her in confusion, seemingly unable to register what she'd just said to me. “He's been leading us through hell, Henna. We've been fighting nearly non-stop since we left here. Three packs were in the area, already encroaching on our territory.” “Three!” My voice rose. “Yes. And he was at the front of it all. He fought harder than any of us." Her gaze dropped to him. “You should be proud to call him yours."