Winter's Rise (The Winter Series Book 1)

by Breezy Jones

  “Fight me!” I screamed in his face.

  He wanted to. I knew it. I could see it in his venomous stare. But every time he tried to move toward me, Ryker’s alpha force held him back.

  Although I knew Eric couldn’t respond, I kept screaming, “Fight me, dammit!”

  “He can’t,” Ryker’s voice was low in my ear. At some point, he must have moved across the room to kneel beside me. I looked down to find a towel wrapped around my shoulders, doing its best to cover my important parts. “He can’t disobey his alpha’s commands.”

  I shot to my feet and yanked the towel more tightly around me, now caring about how exposed I was.

  Ryker placed a hand on my shoulder, and I finally relaxed. I looked around the room, breathing heavily as I took in the many faces gathered around us. Eyes full of fear, anger, and confusion met my gaze.

  Two men knelt beside Eric, pausing as they looked to Ryker for approval. I felt his nod against my hair, and they continued to help Eric sit up.

  Angrily, Eric swatted them away, picking himself up from the floor. Nursing his shoulder, he snatched the towel Lexi had been trying to hand him.

  Ryker stood, addressing the rest of the room in a voice that brooked no argument. “Nina is a part of this pack.” He fixed his stare on Eric who looked ready to murder. My wolf snarled, and I had to bite back a smile of satisfaction at the bloody wound still oozing. Already, it had started to close, and I knew he’d be fine—physically. But that said nothing for the wound to his pride now that his entire pack had watched me take him down.

  Ryker went on, “I know for a fact that Nina has absolutely nothing to do with the attacks. She’s a victim, just like the rest of us. And anyone who disagrees is free to challenge me for alpha. Otherwise keep your damn mouth shut or help us come up with a way to protect her and the rest of our people.”

  At his words, a few mutters went up around the room. Eric huffed but said nothing.

  I glanced down at the puddle of blood that decorated the tiled floor.

  “Meeting’s over. You’re dismissed,” Ryker called out.

  Slowly, one by one, the others began to exit the diner. I turned to Ryker, the rage finally cooling enough for me to realize how much trouble I might be in now. “I’m… I’m sorry,” I stammered out, my voice cracking. “I didn’t mean—”

  Ryker wrapped his arms around me and said with a hint of a smile in his warm voice, “Is what it means to have alpha blood.”

  I looked up at him, my brows knitted in confusion. My breath caught at the pride reflecting in the golden pools of his eyes. “I don’t understand.”

  “You disobeyed a direct order from your alpha,” Ryker explained. “And while fully shifted—which by the way, you did beautifully, and painlessly if I had to guess.”

  He was right. I’d shifted so easily just then. But it didn’t cancel out the fact that I’d disobeyed Ryker’s alpha order. I cast my eyes down guiltily. “I know, I felt the order.” I breathed. “I was just so angry.”

  Ryker’s chest heaved. “No, you’re an alpha at heart. Only an alpha can disobey another alpha’s orders. And in wolf form it is even harder to resist. That’s why Eric stopped fighting. He couldn’t, not once I gave the order.”

  “Oh,” I exclaimed. “Can there be two alphas in the pack?”

  “No, there can’t.”

  My eyes grew wide. “Ryker, I seriously didn’t mean it. I don’t want to fight you.”

  “You don’t have to fight me,” Ryker said, his voice calm as his eyes searched mine. “This hasn’t ever happened before so I’m not sure what it means exactly, but we’ll figure it out.”

  “Yeah… Okay,” I said releasing a breath of relief.

  The diner bell sounded, and the doors opened as Eric and Mason entered carrying an unconscious man between them. I recognized the man as Santa though his appearance was haggard—his white beard was matted with blood and his red coat torn.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Mason and Eric laid Santa gently onto a chair just as more men filed into the room. A dark-haired man helped a redheaded man while two others limped across the threshold. As I looked closer, I was able to pick out Santa’s sons—they looked similar to their father. A lot younger maybe and thinner but the resemblance was uncanny. The youngest-looking son, however, looked more like Jack with red hair, contrasting oddly against his lavender eyes. All three were covered in bruises, and their clothes ripped and torn in places.

  Behind them, Seth and Lexi piled into the room as the dark-haired pack member helped the youngest of the brothers into a chair. The other two found chairs at the same table as their brother.

  Lexi pushed her way past the men to get to Santa. Ryker followed behind her, kneeling on the hardwood floor by his chair. She checked for a pulse and then moved her hands down his arms and stomach.

  “I don’t know what’s happened to him.” Lexi sighed. “This is magic.”

  I frowned looking from her to Ryker. His face was like a stone mask, and it sent a chill down my spine. I looked to the floor as Ryker stood.

  “What happened, where did we find them?” Ryker asked, turning to his advisors.

  “My scout team found them in the woods out by the warehouse,” Eric said with a hand attached to his hip and a sneer pasted on his face. “From what Santa’s sons said, Krampus let them go.”

  My gaze whipped to the three brothers nursing their wounds. My mouth dropped as I looked at Ryker.

  “What do you mean he let them go?” Ryker asked sternly.

  Eric’s laugh sounded through the room as he made his way toward a table in front of me. I balled my fists, preparing for whatever he had for me as Ryker rushed to my side.

  “Oh, yes, Krampus is taking over Christmas. It’s all your fault, Nina.”

  I moved toward Eric, but Ryker placed a hand on my shoulder stopping me.

  “It’s you he wants. He’s doing all this because of you.” Eric said, tapping a finger to his lips.

  I glared at him. “I’m not giving myself up.”

  “Oh, but you will,” he said. “Because Krampus let them go to give you a message.”

  I knew even before he said anything else that this would be bad. My legs shook where I stood as I curled my hands against my chest trying to calm the fear that had seeped inside of me. I gaped at him unsure of what to say or how to answer. My gaze bounced around the room, landing on every pack member, before settling on Ryker.

  “He has Lindsey.” Eric spat out between gritted teeth, walking closer toward me. “He’s going to kill her. The only way to save her is to give yourself up.”

  I moved my head from side to side, looking to the youngest son again. His expression was solemn as he stared back at me. His eyes told me the truth even before he said anything.

  “It’s the truth,” he admitted. “That was the message.”

  His words were like someone had dropped a large ice bucket on top of me. I turned away from him, staring out the window and seeing nothing. Everything around me disappeared as my mind desperately fought for clarity. Tears pricked at the back of my eyes, but I ignored them as Lindsey’s eyes swam before my mind. Memories of the two of us replayed like an old video.

  Pacing the hardwood floor, I paid no mind to the group gathering around me. I couldn’t think about or focus on their injured. I couldn’t even think about Eric in that moment. Not with Lindsey’s life in peril—my best friend and Krampus had her. I had to stop him. If I knew nothing else, I knew that.

  “We have to go after her!” I exclaimed, turning to Ryker.

  He gazed back at me silently for a minute, his expression softening as he came up to me.

  “She’s gone, Nina. There’s nothing we can do to save her.”

  “I’m not risking my life for a damned vampire!” Eric’s tone cut across the room as he jumped up from the c
ouch. “We kill vampires. We don’t save them.”

  Ryker’s jaw clenched. “Eric, enough.”

  “No!” Eric shouted. “If you do this… If you choose her over your pack…” He paused letting the words sink in. His eyes glowed with malice. “You’ll lose the pack.”

  I glared at him, knowing he was right. Ryker would lose the support of the pack. I didn’t care, I had to try.

  “Lindsey is my best friend,” I pleaded.

  Pops came up behind me, patting me on the arm. “Nina, she’s a vampire. I’m sorry, dear, but she’s not the girl you remember.”

  I shook my head violently. “No. she’s not what you think. I know her! She saved my life.” I paused, racking my brain for anything to prove to them what I knew. “She saved Seth’s life.”

  I looked up to Ryker again and could see the pain in his eyes but knew he would not help me with this. Not this time. A vampire’s life just wasn’t worth it for them.

  “Ha.” Eric clapped his hands. “She’s also the one that attacked him.”

  I glared back at him, feeling my teeth elongate with my sudden anger.

  “She was compelled,” I shot back.

  He grunted as I turned to Ryker.

  “What about Christmas? Krampus will destroy Christmas forever. You have to at least care about that!”

  Pops folded his hands in front of himself. “There’s nothing we can do to stop him, not without help. Especially after Enzo told you the council doesn’t want us to interfere.”

  “We can’t go in, not right now,” Ryker said, his stern voice giving nothing away.

  “No! He’ll have killed her by then!” I shouted, backing away from them. “I won’t accept that. I can’t.”

  I looked to Lexi and Ryker as they stood motionless. Ryker’s face a hard mask and Lexi’s a sad one. Their eyes said everything I needed to know.

  “Christmas Fae are losing their magic. They can’t help,” Seth pointed out.

  “Without their magic, Nick will die. They all will. We’re powerless to do anything about it,” Pops added solemnly.

  I looked from them to Ryker again, tears streaming down my face.

  “I can’t believe you all. You’re just giving up,” I muttered. It was clear I wouldn’t find help here. “You’re supposed to be my family…my friends…my pack.”

  The last of my hope evaporated. The pain in Ryker’s eyes hit me like a bullet—hard and fast. I couldn’t breathe for the pressure on my chest. I gritted my teeth. “I’ll do it myself. This is what you do for your family. Even if it costs your life.”

  I turned and ran from the house. I didn’t look back out of fear that the pain would suffocate me. I was all alone again. Lost again. As if everything had come full circle. In one fell swoop I’d lost my family and my friends. In one fell swoop I was all that was left. My vision blurred with the water in my eyes, but I didn’t let it stop me as I ran across the snow-packed sidewalk, my destination clear. I’d save Lindsey even if I died trying.

  The snow fell hard and fast in the worst blizzard we’d had so far. Deep down, I knew magic was behind it. Krampus’s magic.

  I hadn’t any idea how I planned to get in and save Lindsey, but I knew I had to try. That thought kept me going, pushing past the pain ripping through my chest. Out of nowhere a hand wrapped around my arm stopping me. It was Ryker.

  “You can’t go, Nina. You’ll die.” His words were pleading.

  I scrunched up my nose. “I don’t care. I have to try.”

  “Just think about this for a minute,” he said, his eyes boring into mine.

  I narrowed mine and ground out, “I don’t need to think about saving my best friend. She’s running out of time.”

  He sighed. “I can’t let you. I won’t.”

  Anger and hurt fueled inside of me.

  Squaring my shoulders, I stuck out my chin. “Either come with me or get out of my way.”

  He widened his stance, gripping my arm tighter as he started to tug me toward his house. But I was having none of it. I had to save Lindsey.

  I struggled against him.

  Ryker turned his back.

  “I’m going with or without you,” I said my voice low and calm. “The choice is yours.”

  Ryker balled his other fist. “You know I can’t, but I also can’t let you go.”

  I was determined, and I knew exactly what my wolf would do. “Let. Me. Go.”

  Ryker ignored me as a silent battle flared between us.

  I summoned my wolf to the surface—just enough to draw upon her strength— jerked my arm free from his grip and darted toward the woods. I wasn’t going to let anyone or anything stop me, not even the fact that I was on a suicide mission by myself.

  When the factory came into view, I stopped running and caught my breath. I had no game plan and no idea how to create one. All I could think about was saving Lindsey.

  Shaking out my arms, I made up my mind.

  “Enzo!” I called out to the surrounding trees, hoping he’d hear me. Suddenly, there was a loud pop and blue smoke filled the area. I coughed through the haze.

  When the smoke cleared, Enzo stood before me dressed as impressively as always with a smile spread across his full lips. He bowed impressively. “At your service, dearie.”

  I shivered but not from the cold.

  “I need your help,” I told him, jutting out my chin, hoping I looked confident.

  Enzo’s grin widened as I shifted my weight uncomfortably under his greedy stare. “You’re cute when you’re angry.”

  I huffed as his gaze, sparkling mischievously, raked over my skin. “Thinking that you can’t do this alone?”

  I rolled my eyes and considered my options for a moment. “Maybe I can. It’s obvious talking to you was a mistake.” I shoved past him. “I have to do this.”

  “I can help you,” Enzo suggested. His voice twisted, and a glint appeared in his eye as he fell into step beside me.

  I exhaled loudly. Accepting his help was something I knew I’d regret, but I didn’t see any other choice. There was no way I could do this alone. I stopped and folded my arms across my chest. “I’m listening.”

  Enzo’s eyes grew wide with excitement. “For a price.”

  I knew him well enough by now to know Enzo didn’t do anything for free.

  “Whatever you want, I’ll pay,” I said, glad my voice sounded stronger than I felt.

  His eyes darkened with my words, giving away his own eagerness.

  I realized that this had been his goal all along. But I was willing to play along if it meant saving Lindsey. When it came to her, I’d gladly give whatever he asked for. I’d already lost everything else.

  He chuckled, the sound both melodic and creepy at the same time. “Then we have a deal.”

  “Only after we save Lindsey,” I said. “You get nothing if you don’t help me save her.”

  He lowered his head. “Fine, fine. But I warn you, little wolf-y. I will have my payment. Don’t think you can pull one over on me.”

  His venomous words were so fierce I almost had to question which side he was on. Except I was pretty sure he wasn’t really on either side—but acting in his own interests. Holding out my hand to him, I sucked my cheeks in. He bounced on the balls of his feet once, his demeanor shifting back to his charming self as he took my hand in his and shook. A blue light gleamed between our locked hands. I looked up. Enzo’s eyes shimmered with a gleam that convinced me I was making a huge mistake. When the light disappeared, a faint glowing circle remained on my wrist.

  “A contract…” he explained, while dipping his chin toward the band. “Has been signed.”

  I cracked my knuckles, taking in a deep breath. The fact that Enzo had never said what he wanted in return had not escaped me. But it didn’t matter. It was a price I’d gladly pay if it
meant saving Lindsey’s life. Nonetheless, I had the sinking feeling that I’d just sold my soul to the Devil.

  “Right,” I said, finally yanking my hand free of his. “Let’s go.” I started forward, but Enzo stopped me immediately.

  “Whoa there, dearie. Let’s not just storm off without a plan.”

  “I have a plan,” I said, waving my hand dismissively. “Go in and blow them all to hell and back with your magic. Save Lindsey, save Christmas, and stop Krampus.”

  Enzo smirked. “Oh, well then. If that’s the plan, don’t let me stop you,” he teased knowingly and held his arms out gesturing for me to pass. “But do you even know what kind of magic we’re up against?”

  When I didn’t respond, he tilted his head to the side and asked, “What about the wolves, or Krampus for that matter?”

  I quirked a brow suddenly unsure. “Fine,” I relented. “What’s the plan?”

  Enzo eyes sparkled under the moonlight giving me the impression I’d just sold my soul to the devil.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Enzo and I edged around the side of the warehouse, each step muffled by the snow. The surrounding air hummed like a warning of its own. I tried my best to ignore the inherent danger in what we were doing, but there was no denying it. There was also the real possibility that my partner-in-crime was quite trying to get me killed with his insane plan.

  Glancing over at Enzo, I asked, “You’re sure they won’t recognize us? Even the vampires?”

  He beamed. “As long as they’re compelled, they can’t. My magic disguise keeps them from being able to tell the difference between us and them.”

  I chewed the inside of my cheeks. “Okay… What if they’re not?”

  He rolled his eyes, and we continued along the side of the building. “Trust me.”

  I scoffed at that. Trust was not a term I’d use with Enzo.

  As the entrance came into view, I squared my shoulders. Two vampire guards were stationed at the door.

  “Remember, they can’t tell who you are,” Enzo whispered.

  “Okay,” I said, not trying not to second guess this now.