by J. M. Witt
Falling in love. Fuck. Was I in love with Mina? I had to presume that I was. I’d never felt anything like it before. My father had always said to me, ‘Son, with your mother I struggled living with her, but knew I didn’t want to live without her. Unfortunately she was taken from us both too soon. But I wouldn’t trade a single day of my life with her; good or bad.’
Even on his death bed my father whispered her name. Victoria was infuriated, though she tried to hide it. I felt sorry for Victoria. As much as she tried to fill the void my mother had left, she just couldn’t do it. That was it. I was in love with Mina. Nothing and no one would ever fill me up the way she did.
“You’re up.” Turning, Zeke was standing in the garage doorway as I worked on one of the trucks.
“Yup. What’s going on?”
“I could ask you the same thing. Pack is wondering what’s going on with you. We came here on a mission.”
Dropping the tools into the toolbox, the loud clanking ringing in my ears, I wiped my hands on a rag. “Zeke. What aren’t you telling me?” He just stared blankly at me. “Why does your mother want her dead? I need to know.”
“You don’t need to know. Tell me now if you can’t handle it and I will.”
Stepping closer to him, I got in his face, “You’ll do no such thing. When is she getting here?”
He knew who I was referring to and replied, “In a few days.”
“Nothing, and I mean NOTHING happens to Mina until I’ve spoken with Victoria. You understand me?”
He nodded and I stormed out of the garage. I drove into town and met with my PI again. He still didn’t have anything new. I began to realize that it might be time to come up with a new plan, but that meant I’d have to tell Mina the truth. And that was something I didn’t want to do. It would pretty much guarantee that I would lose her. And I couldn’t blame her.
The PI was helpful and gave me some contacts to get fake IDs and some possible places Mina and I could run off to. If I couldn’t talk Victoria down, I’d have no other option but to get Mina out of town. And there was no way I wasn’t going with her, even if she hated me in the end.
When I got to Jillian’s later that day, she and Mina were out in the back yard. Mina was entranced, eyes aglow, but she was doing things I hadn’t yet seen or heard of her doing. Snowballs hovered in the air around her and before I knew it, one landed square in my chest. Laughing, I brushed the snow off before it soaked through.
Clapping, I praised her, “Well done. Since when did you gain the power of telekinesis?” She smiled, but she was still spellbound.
Jillian chimed in, “She’s very special. She’s come such a long way in such a short time. But it also makes her more dangerous and more vulnerable.” She took a few steps toward me and lowered her voice. “If someone knows how potent her powers are, they may try to steal them.”
“Steal them? You can do that?” She just nodded. “Fuck.” She tilted her head at me in question. “It’s nothing. I just had no idea.”
“She’s unique. Since she’s half shifter and half wizard the odds were more likely that she’d have neither power. It’s extremely rare that instead, she’s twice as powerful, but twice as vulnerable to those who would want her power for the wrong reasons.” I tried to process it all as she continued. “Just think of the devastation Mina could inflict if she put her mind to it. Now, give that power to someone who truly has evil or misguided intentions.”
She didn’t need to say anymore. I more than understood. Victoria must know about all of Mina’s powers and wanted them for herself, but why? How the hell had I gotten myself into this mess? Thank God for that letter from Scott or Jude, whomever it was, because without it I may have never thought twice about what Victoria had sent me here to do.
Mina stopped shortly after. Running over, she threw her arms around my neck with a huge grin on her face. Jillian went inside and gave us some privacy. Leaning back, she kissed me and then stopped when she knew I wasn’t into it like I should’ve been.
“What’s wrong?”
Shaking my head, “Just a lot going on with the pack. They’re eager to go home.” She tensed immediately. “Calm down. The plan was never to stay here in Woodland Creek.”
Pushing out of my arms, she clammed up and red began to spread up her neck. “I, so, you’re leaving?”
“Stop and let me finish. That was the plan, but things change.” I pulled her back to me and got nose to nose with her. “I want to stay. I don’t want to lead the pack if the pack takes me away from you.”
“But it’s who you are.”
“People change, Mina.” She started to object, “Stop. This is my choice to make if I make it.”
“I’d hate to see you give up something so precious just for me.”
“Don’t you get it? You’d be the precious thing I can’t give up, not the pack.” She couldn’t even make eye contact with me and I knew why. She didn’t feel worthy, but that would change. One day she’d figure it out and I thoroughly looked forward to that day. Until then, I’d just keep showing her.
I was falling for him, hard, and now I was terrified he was going to leave. Maybe I should’ve offered to go with him. But his pack—most of them, anyway—hated me. I felt incredible guilt at the thought of him choosing me over them, but didn’t know how to fix it.
Then it dawned on me. I should try to extend the olive branch and make amends with Zeke. I knew that he and Rollo had been raised as brothers and thought of each other that way. I had to try to get in Zeke’s good graces. Anything to make it easier on Rollo. Of course, there was a chance it could make things worse, but I had to try.
Like a bad girlfriend, a few days later I snooped in Rollo’s phone and copied down Zeke’s phone number. I wasn’t sure how else to get in touch with him without Rollo finding out. Now it was do or die. I sent him a text message and asked if he was willing to meet for a beer. I didn’t take him as the coffee type, but I knew he liked beer.
I wasn’t waiting as long for a response as I thought I’d have to wait. He accepted my invitation and we agreed to meet in the afternoon, knowing Rollo would be working in the garage. I smiled and hoped this helped. I really did want to make things easier for us all.
Sitting in Vider’s, I waited for Zeke to show up. I hoped that he’d come alone, but I wasn’t really sure if he would or not and it wasn’t like I requested he did. But I assumed he knew it was implied.
Debi set a beer down in front of me and jerked her head toward the door. He was here. Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself as he sat down next to me. He ordered a beer and Debi brought it for him right away.
“So. You wanted to chat?”
Nodding, I set my beer down and turned to look at him. “Thank you for meeting me. I know we got off on the wrong foot, Zeke. I’d like things to be amicable between us, for Rollo’s sake.”
I waited as he took a few sips of his beer, like he was contemplating what to say. “Took some gusto calling me. I know Rollo’s been on edge, but clearly he’s into you. I don’t want to stand in the way of what he wants.”
Wow. I was shocked he was being so cool about it all. Maybe I’d been wrong about him. We actually sat and talked about some of his childhood and how much trouble he and Rollo used to get into as kids. Sharing a few laughs, I became hopeful that Rollo wouldn’t have to make a choice. He could have the pack and I both.
“I should head out. Got things to tend to.”
“Ok. Thanks again, Zeke.” He slapped down some money for the beers and I refused. “I got it.”
“Nope. I believe I still owe you.” He winked and again I was humbled. I just nodded and he took off.
“I still don’t like him. He’s shady.” I turned to Debi as she glared at his figure walking out the door.
“I mean, he’s kind of scummy, but we had a good talk.” I took a deep breath and let it out. “I really think everything’s going to be fine.”
Pursing her lips, she cautioned me, “Well, just b
e careful. I don’t trust him.”
Debi didn’t trust anyone so I took her words with a grain of salt. “Yeah, yeah. I got it.”
I left a while later and headed back to my shop. My phone alerted me of a text message and when I opened it up, it was from Zeke. Some of the words were jumbled, but they said that Rollo had been in an accident at the garage and that he needed me to come to Scott’s immediately. I didn’t hesitate. Locking up the shop, I jumped in my truck and high-tailed it to Rollo.
When I pulled up the drive, I didn’t see Rollo’s truck and wondered if it was in the garage. Parking, I hopped out and headed toward the garage. There was no one in there. Turning toward the house, I spotted the lights on in the barn and headed there instead.
Walking into the big open space I called out for Rollo and then for Zeke. There was no response. What the hell was going on? Turning around, I pulled out my cell and headed toward the house. I ran right into Dixie and she didn’t make any attempt to apologize or to get out of my way.
Sighing, I tried being civil. “Hey. Have you seen Zeke or Rollo? Zeke texted me saying that Rollo was in trouble.”
Smirking, she confirmed, “Oh, he’s in trouble for sure.”
Shaking my head, I spit out, “I don’t have time for you games Dixie. Please tell me where he is.”
“He’s not here.” I turned to see Zeke walk in the side door behind me and a majority of the pack followed in behind him. “We need to talk, Mina.”
I grew panicked knowing I couldn’t take them all on by myself. When I looked behind Dixie, the main barn door was blocked with pack members as well.
“We need to clear the air about a few things.” Zeke closed the distance between us as I tried to remain calm. “Do you know why Rollo really came to Woodland Creek?” I just shook my head. “Well, it was for you, but not like you think.”
What was he talking about?
“You were his mark.” He paused. Stifling a laugh he added, “I can tell by your expression that you’re confused. You were his mark, target, next project. He came here to kill you, just like he killed Scott, and just like he killed your mother.”
There was no way. Anger flooded me as I lunged at him, but was quickly restrained by two large men. “You’re a liar.” I spit on him and he just wiped it away like it was nothing.
“Did he tell you how he got that shoulder injury?” I just stared at him, refusing to believe a word he said. “Your mother had a guest that night and he put up quite the fight. But nothing like our Rollo. Even as a teenager he was bigger and stronger than most men.”
The tears threatened as he started describing my childhood home to me. Then he talked about how Rollo couldn’t get himself to kill a kid and that was the only reason I was spared that night. I was going to be sick.
“Don’t worry. He’ll be here soon enough to confirm everything.” Then he took his index finger and ran it across my jaw. “Until then we’re going to have some fun.” He jerked his head and the two goons dragged me to the center beam in the middle of the barn.
“Zeke. Let me go or you’re going to regret this.” I tried fighting against them, but I was no match for their strength.
“No, I don’t think I will.”
I had no other choice but to use my magic, but before I could focus, searing pain shot through the side of my head and everything went black.
When I came to, I was naked except for my shirt and panties. And the shirt was tattered. I was strung up by my wrists and couldn’t feel my arms, the blood supply gone from them.
“Ah, the beauty awakes.”
My blurry vision worked hard to focus. When everything became clear I noticed that I was the only woman in the room. This wasn’t good. My body didn’t feel like it had been violated in that way, but I had a feeling that’s what was about to happen.
Zeke moved closer to me and with everything I had, I used my abdominal muscles and threw my legs up and out kicking him in the gut. He fell back, holding his torso, and coughing profusely. The moment I closed my eyes, everything went black again.
The commotion coming from the back of the property had me instantly on edge. Something was terribly wrong. All the trucks were here, including Mina’s. When I walked into the barn, what I saw had me seeing red. Mina was tied by all fours, spread eagle, and barely able to stand. Her clothes were gone, only a tattered shirt and underwear donned her body, and she appeared to be unconscious. Someone was going to die for this.
“Mina!” I looked around, smelling everyone but not seeing anyone. Where had they gone? Bellowing out, “I know you’re here. What’s going on?” As I rushed to her, I pulled the knife I always carried from my pocket and began undoing her binds.
A small whimper escaped her lips and I was thankful to hear it. It meant she was alive. The temperatures were below freezing and I had no idea how long she’d been strung up there. After cutting both her legs free, I cradled her to my chest and swung her up into my arms.
“Mina, you need to wake up.” I moved to a corner where I thought we’d be safe and set her down on a pile of blankets. Stroking her face, she became agitated as she tried scurrying away from me. “Mina, it’s me.”
When her eyes opened and registered upon my face, I saw two emotions. Relief and anger. “Get away from me!” She tried scrambling to her feet and fought off my attempts to help her.
“Mina, let me help you.”
“Help me! This is your fault. How long were you planning to keep up the act?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Come on Rollo, tell her.” I turned to the sound of Zeke’s voice and saw the entire pack with him, including our mother. She wasn’t supposed to be here for a few more days.
“This isn’t happening. I already told you.” I stepped toward Zeke making my challenge obvious. He was outwardly defying me and I’d had enough. What I didn’t expect was for him to challenge me back. “Zeke, this is enough.”
“Yes, we agree. This is enough. Enough of you doing your own thing. We think it’s time for a new leader. One who follows through with orders and puts his people first.” He motioned toward Mina, “Not some hussy.”
“You want to talk about following through with orders? I’m the leader, I make the orders.” Pointing at Victoria, I bellowed, “Your reign of terror ends NOW!” I stepped closer to Zeke and looked down upon the man I’d considered a brother my entire life. “Are we done here?”
“We filled Mina in on everything. She knows it all. Time to choose, Rollo.”
I looked to Mina, who was visibly shaking, and refused to make eye contact with me. “Mina, whatever they told you, it’s not true.”
Zeke started laughing. “You stupid fuck. You’re going to lose everything for a piece of ass.”
I shoved him back and spit out, “Are you challenging me for pack leader?”
“Damn straight I am.”
“You can fucking have it.” Pointing behind me, “She’s innocent and I will not have the blood of another innocent on my hands.” Looking to my pack, “If you want Zeke as your leader, that’s fine. For those who aren’t with me, get the fuck off my property. You’re trespassing.”
I turned away from Zeke, not expecting the sucker punch in the back. Stumbling half a step forward, I stood tall before turning on him. My eyes caught a glimpse of Mina. I could tell that she was nervous and unsure of what to do and whom to believe.
“Mina, get out of here.”
My mother stepped in front of her and proclaimed, “She’s not going anywhere.”
Before I could object, Zeke attacked me. Mina flinched before two of Zeke’s cronies grabbed a hold of her. They were all going to pay for this. But first, I had to get Zeke to see sense. Our mother had been lying to us. I still wasn’t entirely sure what about, but nothing added up anymore. Zeke was strong regardless of how much smaller than me he was. I shoved him back, not wanting to have this fight, but knowing it was the only thing that would stop this madness.
“You
let her go right now!” Nobody even flinched. The wind was knocked from my chest as Zeke rammed me in the gut with his head, both of us falling back. “Zeke! This is madness. You’re my brother.”
“You were never my brother.”
His words cut, but I didn’t have time to think about it. Was he really prepared to fight to the death for something I told him he could have? If he wanted to lead the pack, so be it. I was long over it. The only thoughts in my mind were Mina and a future with her. We grappled and both got in a few good hits. When I gained the advantage and we both stood, legs wavering, and chests heaving, he put up his hands in what I thought was surrender.
Before I knew it there were four men on me as the two who held Mina brought her forward. Looking to Mina, her eyes flashed that white-blue, and I knew what she had in mind. Though, I was going to try to get us out of there before going to those extremes. She had gained remarkable control over her powers in the passing weeks and we had the advantage since the pack didn’t fully know about her abilities. I shook my head at her, hoping she knew that I wanted her to wait.
The woman I’d always considered my mother stepped forward holding a large carving knife. “Tonight is the blood moon. We’ll make our sacrifice and the Spitz line will finally be stricken from this world. The Frost line, unworthy to rule, will also be vanquished. Zeke, my son. Come here.”
What the fuck was happening? There was no time to find out. I looked to Mina and nodded. She closed her eyes, so that no one would suspect, and the thunder came. It wasn’t long before the barn doors blew open garnering everyone’s attention. The sky had grown dark as rain pelted the exterior of the wood walls.
As the barn walls began to shake, the pack grew nervous. The grip on me was loosened and I took advantage of it. Freeing myself, I stalked toward Mina and the two men holding her released her reluctantly, as my mother screamed her objections. With Mina safely at my side, I pointed my finger at my mother and cursed her.
