by Jade Alters
Preston ran up beside me in his human form as the first shots rang out. It took only a mere glance between us to agree, and we moved forward in unison — stepping carefully and quietly over to the now-unoccupied guards’ gate. Now that the firefight had begun, this could turn into a numbers game fast. It would be our job to keep the others from being swarmed, ideally before the enemy realized we were inside.
They had certainly noticed Blake and Hale. Shouts rose up around us as we ducked behind a tarpaulin, picking off a couple of stragglers from the edges of the pack. After all this time they spent evading us, I’d expected them to be more organized than this. Sometime since they settled here, they must’ve grown complacent.
Any survivors wouldn’t make that mistake again.
However, all thoughts of the foot soldiers around us soon evaporated as our eyes fell on a cage of wooden pikes. Half-shrouded by a tarpaulin, it lay close enough to the campfire to illuminate its sole occupant.
I took hold of Preston, his wrist tight in my hand. The urgency must have spoken to him; his gaze followed mine, and we both stood for a moment in silence as we recognized the huddled form of our mate inside this cage.
We didn’t waste another moment. After a quick check to make sure we wouldn’t draw attention, we slipped across the encampment square and reached her side. Our footsteps were light on the approach, but she still raised her eyes as we came near — first afraid and tired, and then wet with relief.
I lifted a finger to my lips as she made to speak, shaking my head.
Don’t speak. You’re okay, but we need to get you out of here.
Of course, she couldn’t hear me like Preston could, but I hoped the meaning came across to her somehow. As the firelight reflected in her eyes, brow furrowed and jaw firm against the fresh onslaught of tears, I saw something braver and sturdier appear.
I squeezed her hand through the wooden bars, only retreating to help Preston as he discovered the door. Our first attempt to spring the lock was quickly foiled; instead, after a glance at each other, we realized what plan B had to be.
You ready for gunfire on our side? Preston asked. We need to spring Jess out.
She’s safe? Blake asked. I felt Hale’s mind hovering right over us, eager for the answer.
Frightened but seems unharmed, I answered. She’ll be better once she’s out of here.
There was a short period of silence, and rapid fire from the other side of the camp. Jess’ hands tightened on the bars, and I was reminded that she still didn’t really know what the hell was going on. That the others were safe.
I gave her a smile, instinctive and reassuring.
Do you need me? I asked, eyes still skimming over Jess as Preston continued to work the lock. I could take her back, out of the way.
There was a short silence as Blake weighed it up. Take her. Preston — see them off, then come to us. Yes?
I nodded, feeling my fellow Norths’ affirmations flood my system too. There we were in sync. I put my fingers on Jess’ torch gentle but serious. When her eyes met mine, I gestured at her to stand back. Mimed shooting the lock.
She nodded and pressed back against the wall. There wasn’t much space for her to move to, and she seemed to sense that — lifting her arms to cover against the upcoming blast. I stepped back, nodding at Preston.
We’re ready, I thought.
Hold, said Blake. A few beats stretched out, birdsong a soft contrast against the sounds of fighting at the front of the camp. It was almost peaceful.
Of course, a second later, the pressure popped as Blake’s order came through, loud and clear.
Go. Shoot.
Preston wasted no time, firing carefully to part the lock from the door. He unhooked the metal from the door and swung it open, waving Jess through as I held my arm out to shield her.
“Stone…”
I shook my head, listening out. The encampment had definitely noticed that some of the shooting was behind them; we didn’t have a big window to move in.
“Follow me,” I said. My voice was as soft as I could make it, but it still felt alarmingly loud compared to the silence of my usual communications in these situations. Like every armed man in these woods could hear us. “You can run?”
She nodded. That determination flashed in her eyes, and a good swathe of my fear melted away. What had I ever been afraid of? Jess wasn’t some glass maiden who’d snap at the first opportunity. I’d never met a real woman who was — but her mettle right now, and her refusal to answer their questions, proved that she could take care of herself.
Of course, our One Mate would be brave like this. Nothing else would make sense.
I led her quickly back into the guards’ entrance, weaving through the palisades with purpose and nimble feet. Unfortunately, my desperation to keep her safe had me distracted, and I was surprised as we came face-to-face with another guard running up from the woods.
My instinct was to play stealth and go for his neck with a clawed hand, but the last thing Jess needed was more confusion and stress right now. That left me only the nuclear option — but my moment of hesitation had cost me. The guard brought down the heavy butt of his shotgun, aiming for my head. I ducked just in time to take the blow on my shoulder instead, groaning under the weight of the impact. So long as he was hitting me and not Jess, it would be alright — but I didn’t plan on giving him a second chance. Though my shooting shoulder was on fire from the hit, I lifted and sank a clean two bullets into his chest.
“Oh my God.”
I came right back to Jess’ side, eager to soothe away her fear. I wanted her well and comfortable, as always — but our silence was extremely valuable right now. We couldn’t risk being heard now and bringing down the weight of the main fight onto ourselves.
“It’s okay,” I said, low and sincere. “We’re alright. We just need to stay out of sight. Once we’re far enough away, we’ll run. I’ll get you back safe, and they’re going to be just fine here. Okay?”
“You’re sure they’re safe?”
That her first instinct was to be interested in their safety instead of her own spoke volumes — about her character, and about what we meant to her. I swallowed, wishing I could transfer to her all my care and adoration as easily as I could communicate with my pride.
For now, I could only squeeze her hand.
“I promise,” I said. “They can handle themselves. Let’s just get you out of here. Ready to move?”
We moved back through the trees, arching around to steer clear of the camp’s view. Eventually the sounds of the fight lay somewhere behind us, and even that seemed faint.
“Jess,” I said, leading her back onto the main path. “Time to run.”
Her face was steel as we ran together. She must have been exhausted after the way she’d spent her day, and after already feeling unwell, but if so then it wasn’t written on her face. When we occasionally slowed to let her body rest, only then did I see the signs of tiredness — the heaviness of her breath as she bent over to recuperate her energy, and the self-deprecating smile.
“This definitely wasn’t in the job description.”
I grinned, leaning against a nearby tree. “Yeah, sorry about that. Should’ve read the small print.”
“I’d have spent more time on the treadmill if I knew.”
We smiled at one another, somehow finding a moment in the panic and the threat. Still, I felt that this wind of hers was mostly adrenaline — that once she was back in the safety and security of our cabin, she would process the danger she had been in, and retreat into herself a little.
It had happened to me, too, the first time. There was no way to prepare for it. I just wished it was a lesson she didn’t need to learn.
“Alright,” I said. “Last leg. Let’s get you back inside.”
“And get you patched up,” she insisted. Yet again, she wasn’t her own primary concern. Relief and affection filtered through me, feeling certain once again that we’d have more time together.
That she’d know the truth, and be herself again.
Stone, Blake stepped in. I could feel his stamina was low. Is she okay?
She’ll be fine, I said. Just a little shaken.
I could only hope that I was telling the truth.
Jessica
As the light slowly faded in and chased the darkness away, marking my night from hell officially over, I felt like I was waking from a particularly vibrant dream. If not for Stone’s steadying presence beside me on the couch and the silence in the rest of the cabin, I might have believed it too. The last few hours had gone by in a blur, barely strung together in my memory. How long had it been exactly? Only the lightening sky could say — but at last, Stone sat up straighter in the chair, lips pursed.
“They’re coming home.”
I was tired enough not to question how he knew that. It took me by surprise when I sank down into the couch just how little energy I had left; even trying to stand had made me dizzy, so Stone had been fussing over me ever since. He’d brought a blanket to wrap over my shoulders, and tea to drink; his hand seemed to find its way to mine whenever I most needed it, whether I said so or not.
By the time the door opened, it was like I’d almost run out of oxygen. My breathing was shallow and sad, and as much as I was glad to have Stone here with me, I couldn’t relax until I knew that the rest of them were safe — until that door opened and all three came through, battered and bruised but alive.
My legs failed me again, but as it turned out, I didn’t need them. They all came right to my side, and in a heartbeat, I was wrapped in all four of them — Stone’s hand in mine, Hale curling down over the back of the couch to hold me, and Blake and Preston crouching at my front. Preston’s forehead nestled against my knee; the whole thing, being in contact with all four of them at once, felt overwhelmingly intimate, even in the silence.
It only made the guilt in my stomach swirl all the worse. Which of these men would I hurt, once I told the truth?
“I’m sorry,” I managed, after a few beats. My voice sounded raw and broken as the tears finally saw their opportunity to break free. “I didn’t know that was going to happen. I just needed some air; I just—”
“You have nothing to be sorry for,” said Blake. His calm voice was exactly what I needed right now, and I closed my eyes to sink into the comforting tone of it. I felt his thumb brushing the back of my free hand, and the feather-light touch of his fingertips against my wrist. “You didn’t ask for that. I just wish we could’ve gotten to you sooner.”
“I’m okay,” I insisted. “I’m out.”
“Technically, you did us a favor,” said Hale. “We’re done with this mission a whole lot earlier than we expected to be.”
“You weren’t ready.”
“Turns out we were ready enough,” said Stone, squeezing my hand again. I opened my eyes to meet his, feeling a connection course through from his being to mine. The affection and fondness I felt for all these men was almost supernatural; it made the thought of losing it and harming them even worse.
All at once, it swelled to a knot in my throat.
“I’m so sorry.”
I felt a rush of kindness from each of them — a massaging grip, or a tender touch. I had lost track of whose hands were where now; instead, we all felt like one larger consciousness, melted together. Fated.
“You’re safe now,” Stone insisted, shifting closer to reassure me. “We’re here.”
I didn’t know how to tell them the truth, but to keep it from them any longer would be a lie — and I certainly couldn’t lie to them.
“It’s not that,” I managed eventually, speaking past the cracks in my voice. “I mean… it was awful, and I’m exhausted, and I’m so glad we’re all here, but there’s… there’s something else. It’s not just that.”
I could feel them moving around me, and opened my eyes to see a knowing, wordless glance pass between them. I could feel my jaw tightening and shuddering as I pressed myself to speak again.
“You seem nervous,” said Hale, voice a pleasant hum beside my ear. “You don’t have to be.”
“But it’s just… what I have to tell you…”
“We already know.”
I looked sideways, tugged as if strung by Stone’s simple announcement.
My jaw dropped open a little, and I turned between all four of them. Brow creased and heart hammering, I tried to grapple with the truth of that. How could they know? I’d only just found out myself. Even if yesterday evening felt like a long time ago now, it was really only a couple of hours. Unless they’d gone searching thoroughly through my room, they shouldn’t know — and I couldn’t imagine any of these respectful, kind men doing that, not even while I was missing.
“Jess, it’s okay,” said Blake. “Let’s just put that out there right away. We’re not mad; we’re not hurt. We’re not jealous. We tell each other everything.”
I tried to process what he was saying to me. They weren’t jealous? That wasn’t something you’d say about a pregnancy. So what exactly where they talking about?
My brow furrowed, and Blake found my eyes as he pressed on.
“I think there are a couple of things we ought to tell you, too.”
Hale
This was not the ideal way for us to have this conversation, but we had no other option. After all our concern about her physical health, it seemed that maybe pure guilt had been harming her the whole time. It hurt to know that she’d been unkind to herself about this — that we could have alleviated the pain at any time with a dose of truth, if only we’d known about it.
Well. Better late than never.
Her eyes slipped from each of us to the next, trying to read the situation. I moved around from behind the couch to sit next to her, leaving room for Preston and Blake.
“You thought something bad was happening, being with the four of us?” I suggested.
She nodded, eyes cast down.
“You felt drawn in and you couldn’t help it, even though it doesn’t make sense? Like you need us just as bad as we need you?”
She turned to face me. Eyes creased with confusion and surprise, her eyes bored into mine, lips thin and unsure. “Yeah,” she admitted, in a half-whisper. “Exactly that.”
“Well,” I said. “We’re the same, Jess. Pulled to you. Wanting you.”
“Since the start?”
I glanced at Stone, passing the baton to him.
“We weren’t looking for someone to make us feel like this,” he said. “If that’s what you’re asking. We really did need your help. It just happened that we met you, and… yeah, for me? I felt that right from the start.”
Their eyes locked. Hearing Stone speak his truth, specifically and openly, made me feel a twist of approval and happiness in my stomach. He was an asset to our pride, much as we liked to tease each other. In this moment, I couldn’t have respected him more. I could see the weight he was lifting away from Jess’ shoulders, bit by bit.
“And you always knew?” she pressed, voice still stumbling. “About… when… I spent time with each of you? You’re not mad?”
“No,” Preston confirmed. “Not at all. We knew, and we never minded. It’s not supposed to be that way between us.”
“Meant to be…?”
This was a lot for anybody to take in, but I was impressed with how Jess was handling it. Though I could see a storm of questions in her eyes, she wasn’t freaking out. She wasn’t falling to pieces. She was just holding on for more understanding, eager to understand.
“We mean that literally,” Blake clarified. “See, this is part of what we wanted to tell you, Jessica. I’m sorry we couldn’t before, but… I’m sure you’ll understand why it had to be a secret.”
She blinked. She took a deep breath, and Blake took the opportunity to carry on.
“We are shifters,” he said, in as plain a tone as he could manage. “Lion shifters.”
Now it was our turn to inhale. I looked away, sure she would prefer not
to spend these few seconds being stared at. It was a lot to come to terms with, even without four pairs of eyes on you.
“Wait,” she said, after a pause. “What?”
“That’s why we’re here,” Blake continued, even and steady. “That’s the special something we have that no other group can provide.”
“But they’re not real.”
Stone rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb, drawing a gentle circle around her knuckle. “To most of the world, yeah. We know how it sounds.”
“You’re teasing me.”
She didn’t sound convinced. Clearly, this was already a lot for her to work with. To save her the mental gymnastics of trying to decide whether this really was an elaborate joke on her, I shuffled forward in the chair.
“Would it help to get this part out of the way if I showed you?”
Jess nodded, eyes wide. The corner of her mouth turned up in a sweet smile — half challenge, half apology.
“Alright,” I said. “Let’s see.”
I rolled my shoulders back, already feeling the lion in me unfurl. Knowing that I was about to shift was always a thrill, even after 27 years; it was a formative but secret part of me. I had to be careful of guarding the secret, and hiding away a part of yourself didn’t come naturally to anybody. It warmed me to know that Jess was finally about to see all of me — not just the human-filtered side I had been forced to limit her to.
As I slipped forward into my paws, I heard an audible gasp from Jess. When I lifted my head, great mane flopping around my face, I saw the awe on her face. To my relief, it definitely outweighed the fear.
“I…”
The others gave her a little space as she shrank to the floor to reach out for me, one shuddering hand slowly closing the gap between her fingertips and the top of my head. Just before she reached me, I bumped my head up playfully to touch her first. She jumped, but gave a breathless laugh a second later.
“So it is you in there, huh?”
“Nothing ever changes with that one,” Stone agreed. She looked between us, peering into my dark lion’s eyes, and Stone’s human pair.
