by R L Medina
“Go away.” I pushed past him.
His hands whipped out and caged me. I gasped.
“Tell me you don’t want this, and I’ll stop.” Fane’s voice grew rough.
I swallowed. “I don’t want this.”
His eyes dipped to my lips. “Why don’t I believe you?”
My heart pounded against my ribs and heat spread across my skin. I couldn’t deny the pull he had, but I also couldn’t let myself fall. I was the queen of the witches. So, start acting like it.
“McKenzie.”
I shuddered at the sound of his voice. He moved closer and I should have fought him off, but I didn’t.
In one swift movement, his lips captured mine, and I was lost.
Falling deeper and deeper.
.
His body pressed against mine and the heady scent of whisky and cologne—musky and woody—filled my senses. My skin was on fire. Somewhere in the back of my mind, my good senses were screaming at me.
What are you doing? Stop this. Stop it now. Stop it now before…
His tongue found mine and all rational thought ceased.
I let him press in closer, my back slamming against the wall. He broke the kiss for a breath, his eyes still piercing me. I was vaguely aware of my labored breathing and the rise and fall of my chest. Why couldn’t I stop? Why was my body betraying me?
My cheeks reddened. What had I done? The need to get away, far, far away filled me.
“Good night, Fane.” I threw my magic at him, making him stagger back.
Lifting my chin, I marched out, not daring a glance in his direction. My heart thumped wildly in my ears.
I touched my trembling lips, wondering if I’d imagined it all. Had I really kissed not one, but both vampire princes and in one night? It couldn’t be real. There had to be an explanation. Could it be compulsion? I shivered at the thought, but if it wasn’t compulsion that made me do it… weariness filled me. I had to end this now.
Focus on the barrier and the curse. Don’t let them trap you. You can do this.
21
Valeria
The witches gave us a car to travel back to our camp. It was a super old, rusted bucket of a car, but it was the first vehicle I’d ridden since the curse and I was thankful we didn’t have to walk. Though I worried all our movement was going to catch Diego’s attention. Was he watching us, waiting for another chance to attack?
I leaned my head back against the seat and sighed.
Beside me, Elijah shifted and winced.
“Does it hurt? The hex they put on you?” I asked him.
My wolf snarled at the thought.
He glanced at me. “Only if I think about killing a witch. So, yes, it does.”
“When does it wear off?”
He glared at the back of the driver’s head. “They didn’t share that information.”
“I’m sorry.”
Elijah looked away and didn’t respond.
The gentle hum of the car filled the silence. When I looked up, the witch was staring at the road ahead as he drove and Drew sat in the passenger seat, looking out the window. Becca sat next to me, but had fallen asleep.
Elijah turned to me. “Why do you care about the humans so much?”
I winced at his question. My eyes darted to Drew who was trying to pretend that he wasn’t paying attention to us. “Because what Diego is doing is wrong, Elijah. Hasn’t there been enough death already? Why can’t we just… not kill each other?”
His eyes searched my face. “Humans have killed us for centuries.”
“And we’ve killed them. The cycle goes on and on and I’m tired of it. I… I don’t want any part of Diego’s future.”
“He’s just scared. Scared of what the humans will do if they’re in control again.”
I met his gaze. “That’s why this covenant is so important. Everyone would be equal. All of us would have a say and be in charge.”
Elijah shook his head. “It will never work.”
Anger sparked inside me. “If you don’t believe in it, then why are you even here? Why don’t you just tuck tail and run again?”
He flinched, making me almost regret my words.
“Where else would I go? The barrier is still sealed.”
For now. If the queen was able to break the spell that held us trapped in Savannah, then what? Would he leave again?
We fell into silence, our inner wolves content just to be close. Drew and the witch didn’t respond to our conversation, but I was curious to know what they were thinking. Visions of the fire and Diego’s pack flashed in my mind. And Jen. They’d been through just as much grief and violence as we had. We had to help them with the covenant. It was the only way to salvage what was left of Savannah.
Before long we were driving up to our camp and I dismissed the thoughts.
Elijah stiffened. I’d already told him about the witch attack in the forest and how Drew and Becca had come to us. I even told him about what I’d said to Jay about him. Something I still hadn’t apologized for.
Though I hated the idea of the witches hexing him, part of me was thankful he couldn’t hurt them or anger them. He would be safe from them now and maybe he could let go of his obsession with avenging Rachel.
Two wolves appeared at the gate. Jay and Rob—armed with guns. My heart leapt into my throat. Where did the weapons come from? We only had two shotguns and no bullets in our supply.
The witch stopped the car and glanced back at us.
Elijah opened the door and stumbled out. I followed him.
Rob hurried to open the gate for us. I motioned for the others to drive in and turned my attention to my wolves.
“Elijah.” Jay ran to him.
I watched as they embraced, my hurtful words about Elijah’s true feelings momentarily forgotten. Rob greeted him too and glanced at me.
“Alpha.” He nodded at me.
I looked at his handgun. “Where did the guns come from?”
He exchanged a look with Jay before meeting my gaze once more. “A gift. From Diego.”
His words shook me. A gift? For what?
“You didn’t give up the humans to him, did you?”
Rob shook his head emphatically. “No, Alpha. He didn’t come into camp. Only met with Jay and Tati.”
Elijah frowned at Jay. “What did he want?”
Jay glanced from me to Elijah. “Just to tell us that he was working with some of the rogue witches. They’re working on a cure for the curse. He promised if we took his side, that he could help.”
My wolf growled. I scowled at Jay. “And what did you tell him?”
His eyes narrowed on me. “That he would have to discuss it with our alphas when they returned.”
“If you’ve been scheming behind my back, Jay—”
“I have never given you reason to doubt me.” His eyes flashed silver.
Elijah stepped between us. “Enough. I know you wouldn’t betray our pack. Thank you, Jay. Let’s go. We’ll gather everyone together and go over the plan.”
Heat rushed through me. I hated that he could swoop in and take control so easily when it was a struggle for me. I hated that I’d let the distrust build up between me and my betas, but mostly I really hated the fact that Diego thought me a weak alpha. Thought he could sneak behind my back and take my pack.
We will kill him. Rip his throat open and watch while his blood soaks the earth.
My wolf’s promise made a shiver run down my back.
Elijah turned to me. “Val?”
Straightening, I walked with him as we headed for the clubhouse. There were a lot of things we had to discuss with our pack. At least I wasn’t the only one who had to call the shots.
Our alpha is back. My wolf’s joy filled me.
Despite the anger at his leaving, I couldn’t help but feel the same happiness at his return. I wouldn’t have to do everything alone anymore. At least until he left again.
Back at camp, I let Elijah explain to ever
yone what was happening. Jealousy filled me at the easy way they accepted the plan when it came from him. The humans listened, eyes wide. Drew and Becca stood with them and I could hear Drew’s reassuring words that we would get the others back.
Sensing my gaze, he turned to me and smiled. I nodded at him in acknowledgment and glanced at Elijah. He was watching the exchange with narrowed eyes.
There would be no hiding how we felt from Elijah and I wouldn’t have wanted to, anyway. He was my best friend. He would understand, wouldn’t he? We wouldn’t be the first fated pair to explore other relationships in our human form.
“Elijah,” I called him.
His head whipped toward me.
I motioned him over, ignoring Drew’s intense stare.
Eyes followed us. My wolf sensed the pack’s unease as they watched me escort him away from the humans. Jay’s face split into a smug smile.
We left the clubhouse and walked along the sidewalk away from the others.
“You don’t have to say anything. About the human.” Elijah spoke first.
He didn’t meet my gaze.
“That’s not why I called you over.”
His dark eyes bore into mine. “Then what?”
I scoffed. “This whole plan to capture Sylvie and ally with the others. I want to know that I can count on you. That we can count on you.”
His face softened, and I turned away. I didn’t want him to know how his leaving had cut me, but there was no hiding anything from him. He knew me too well. Knew my wolf too. In the way only he could.
Not your human.
I stared in the distance, trying to collect myself.
“I’m sorry and I know my apology isn’t enough. But I’m here now. You’re not alone, Val.”
My fists clenched. How did he always know the words I needed to hear?
Because he’s our mate.
“I was doing fine without you, you know. We all were.”
He didn’t say anything.
“I hope you didn’t agree to come back for me.”
His smile was sad. “I didn’t.”
I reeled. Even now, he wounded me. My wolf snarled within me.
“Then why are you here?” My words were strained.
He sighed. “I owe you my help. To get this covenant signed. Make sure Diego doesn’t come after our pack.”
“And then what, you just disappear again? Without a goodbye?”
“I said goodbye to you.”
“But not to the others. You owe them that much too, Elijah. They’re loyal to you. Even when you abandon them.”
I started to walk away.
“Val.”
The pain in his voice stopped me cold.
His eyes darkened. “The human.”
I stilled, holding my breath. If he thought he had the right to tell me how to feel, he’d find my fist in his face.
“Why him?”
His question rocked me. Why? Thoughts raced in my mind. Because… he was sweet, handsome, brave, but Elijah was all those things too.
But he left.
I lifted my chin. “He was here when I needed him.”
Elijah’s shoulders flinched, regret flickering in his eyes. I turned away, pretending his reaction didn’t cut me in two.
The rest of the day we spent mapping out the city and coming up with a plan to get Sylvie away from her pack. We also needed to gather the other alphas. Convince them to side with us and not Diego.
Pulling my hair up and out of my face, I faced the others. “How are we going to do this? Take her right from under Diego’s nose?”
Drew glanced at Becca and then back to me. “We lure her away from the pack.”
Chills crawled up my spine. I didn’t like where this conversation was heading. “Lure her with what?”
He met my gaze. “Me. I’ll be the bait.”
My eyebrows flew to my forehead. I looked to his twin, but she didn’t seem surprised—pissed, yes, but not surprised. When I turned to Elijah, he seemed just as unmoved.
Anger stirred inside me. Had they already discussed this? Without me?
“That’s the plan?” I whirled on Elijah.
His lip curled. “Don’t look at me. It was his idea, not mine.” He pointed a finger at Drew.
Turning back to Drew, I sucked in a ragged breath. “That’s crazy. You can’t offer yourself as bait. What if she catches you?”
He drew himself up. “Then you guys will swoop in and take her.”
“Once we have her, we’ll go to Taylor first. Her camp shouldn’t be too far from Diego’s.” Elijah added.
“Uh… won’t Diego be hot on our heels once he finds her missing? His wolf will alert him.”
“We’ll wait until he’s distracted.” Drew’s voice was firm, determined.
There was no way he’d change his mind now, and as much as I hated it, Elijah was right, there weren’t a lot of other options for us.
“You’re not… we’re not going to hurt her. Just hide her until the covenant is signed?” I looked from Drew to Elijah.
Becca stared off into the distance, not bothering to take part in the conversation. Elijah and Drew shared identical frowns.
“No.”
“Of course not.”
They spoke simultaneously.
I blew out a breath in relief, feeling better. Kidnapping was one thing, but hurting her, even if she did deserve it, that didn’t feel right to me.
“Once we get her, we’re going to have to be quick. Get away fast before Diego comes after us. You think you guys can keep up?” Elijah looked to Drew.
The human gave him a flat look. “Don’t worry about us.”
Elijah grunted, but before he could start another argument, I held my hand up for silence.
“Sylvie isn’t stupid. She might not fall for the trap.”
Drew’s determined gaze flickered to me. “She will.”
I didn’t respond. My thoughts jumbled together as worry grew. This wouldn’t be easy. It could end horribly, horribly bad.
Yes. My wolf’s agreement did little to stop my fears.
“Are we really doing this?”
Elijah turned to me with a questioning look.
I shook my head at him and rubbed my arms. “Kidnapping Sylvie? Don’t you think that’s a little extreme.”
His lips flattened. “Extreme? No. I think it’s stupid.”
Drew’s head snapped towards him. “You’re the one who suggested it.”
Elijah stared at him coolly. “Yeah. Because no one else had an alternative. If you want to force Diego’s hand, that’s the only way. A wolf’s bond can’t be broken.” His eyes narrowed to slits.
Drew met his accusatory glare with a face of stone. If he was scared of Elijah, he didn’t show it.
Foolish human.
Brave, I countered.
Fool.
I shrugged off my wolf’s words and stared out at the city. We were getting closer to Red wolf territory and soon, Diego would be alerted to our presence.
“Ready?” The witch asked, holding up the strange mixture the queen had given us.
My lip curled. “It smells horrible. I can’t imagine what’s in it.”
He grunted. “I doubt you’d want to know, anyway.” He held it out to us, and I went first.
I opened the lid and held my breath. It was supposed to keep the wolves from finding us right away. Some sort of cloaking potion, but like most of their magic, it was temporary.
Tossing the bottle back, I swallowed just a drop, wincing as the lukewarm liquid hit the back of my throat. I fought the urge to throw up.
It tasted like sea water with a dash of something spicy. Shaking off the strange sensation overcoming me, I handed the bottle to Elijah next. He took a sip, made a face, and gave it to Becca. Drew took his turn after her and we exchanged looks.
My body tingled, but other than that, I didn’t feel changed. What if the cloaking didn’t work?
“Alright. Let’s move,” Eli
jah urged.
Becca and Drew had the guns, so they led the way. The street was quiet and empty. Right away, my wolf tensed.
“You said you know where they are?” Elijah looked to Drew.
The human nodded. “Yeah. Follow my lead.”
Elijah frowned at him. I squeezed his arm in warning. Now was not the time to play the big, bad alpha card. We needed to work together to do this.
His dark eyes met mine and his lips quirked into a small smile. My heart warmed at the sight. I couldn’t help but be comforted by his presence. I felt like I was whole again, but I hated that. That I needed him.
It’s the bond. He needs you too.
I dismissed my wolf’s words. We had other things to worry about than our bond or rocky relationship. There would be time to deal with all that later—hopefully. What we were about to do wasn’t exactly a guaranteed success even with the witches’ help.
22
Valeria
Morning sunlight streamed in from the wide branches overhead and a warm breeze lapped at my clothes and hair. Perfect weather and, in the past, I would have spent it at the lake or in the woods, letting my wolf enjoy it as well. My eyes swept the empty streets of the wealthy district. Instead I was about to go head to head with a dangerous alpha and help the humans and witches seal the covenant.
“Are we sure this is where he’ll be?” I turned to Drew.
He gave me a solemn nod. “It’s either here or back at our old camp dealing with the rogue witches.”
The images of the burning theater filled my mind. I shuddered at the thought of the poor humans under Diego’s control now. Would he give them over to the vampires? Let them put slave collars on them so they could feed from them whenever they wanted?
Mansions lined the wide street, each standing far enough from the next and boasting large overgrown yards and gardens that had probably once been a sight to see. Their colonial and Victorian style spoke of old money. They were built ages ago, in a time when humans didn’t believe in our existence. I wondered what those long dead owners would have thought about a violent group of werewolves living there now and a world where everything they’d built had collapsed. Dismissing that depressing thought, I scanned the street.
