Chapter 14
Briar
Quick and energetic, a young girl twirled and pranced across the street. Had I ever been so carefree?
Long auburn locks flew out around her in a circle, just like her skirt. She lifted her face to the darkening sky and froze when she spotted me.
Blossom? It couldn’t be. What was she doing outside?
“Briar?” The girl waved.
It really was Blossom. I waved back.
“I didn’t know you were here,” she said. “Are you coming to dinner?”
“Yeah.” I nodded. “Of course. I’ll be right there.”
How long had I been up here? And where was Thorn? He had been the only constant through everything that had happened, and his absence left me with a sense of loss. I missed him.
I grabbed my shoes from the floor and started down the ladder. Was he busy with alpha duties?
My bare foot hit what I expected to be floor. A sharp stab of pain shot up my leg, and I recoiled. “Ouch!”
Down on the floor was something small and turquoise.
I climbed from the ladder and picked it up. It was a somewhat see-through sculpture of a wolf...no, not a wolf...a coyote.
As soon as the realization hit, I knew—this was meant to be me.
I held the sea glass to my chest. First the tiny stone village, now this. Thorn continued to surprise me with his thoughtfulness. My heart was full, and I missed him even more than before.
I slipped the coyote into my pocket, put on my shoes, and headed outside to meet Blossom.
She threw her arms around me before I could take two steps away from the door. I hugged her back, and Sylvie fell in beside us as we started walking. Funny, with my people here, it felt like I’d returned home.
Sylvie leaned close. “How did it go? Did you speak to the Warrior of Water?”
Blossom danced ahead, not paying any attention to us.
“I did.” I considered my words.
“He said no, didn’t he?” Sylvie shook her head. “You’re convincing, more than anyone else I know, but we’re still coyotes. We mean nothing to them.”
Blossom looked back over her shoulder first at Sylvie, then at me. Maybe she was listening. I wished the world was different for her. Maybe it was changing little by little. We were in Lycaon. Beyond wild imaginings, I’d never believed that was possible.
“It wasn’t like that,” I said. “Hale can’t heal the affliction. He’s agreed to speak to his guardian on our behalf.”
“Guardian? If we’re counting on the dragons, that’s even worse.” Sylvie patted Blossom’s shoulder. “You run ahead. We’re right behind you.”
“No guards following us?” I asked.
“Thorn commanded we be free to walk around unattended,” Sylvie said. “His second, Forrest, isn’t happy. He’s stalking behind us, leaving some distance.”
I turned to see, and found him a few streets back, with his arms crossed and a frown aimed in our direction. “Do you think he means us harm?”
“He’s hostile, but not antagonistic.”
I looked at her hoping for clarification.
“He’ll scowl and growl, but he doesn’t bite.”
I nodded. We’d certainly seen our share of that behavior.
Sylvie led me to a large area of tables and food. A cornucopia of colors decorated the rows of tables. There was roasted fish with root vegetables, pastries and fruits, squashes and gourds.
The coyotes and wolves didn’t mix, with my people all gathered at one end. But everyone seemed content to eat in the same place at the same time.
I took a seat next to Willow.
“You’re back!” She handed me a plate and leaned her head on my shoulder.
“I am. Are you holding up okay?”
“I haven’t eaten this well in...ever.”
I nodded.
“I wasn’t sure at first,” she said, “but I’m so glad I followed you.”
I didn’t know what to say. “Thanks?”
“I’m staying with that crazy human woman—Polly. She braided my hair.” Willow turned so I could see. There were tiny white flowers woven through the loose braid.
“Looks nice,” I said.
My people talked and ate, they even smiled. The energy was different than it had been when we’d first arrived. It was light, and dare I think it—hopeful.
I took a bite of sliced coulu. The green fruit was ripe, juicy, and satisfying.
“I overheard Forrest grumbling something interesting earlier,” Sylvie said, glancing behind me to the way we had traveled.
If I had to guess, I’d say Forrest was still back that way scowling at her.
I picked up another slice of fruit, swirling it through the white sauce that seeped across the plate. “What did he say?”
“He’s not allowed in the cells, but you are.”
Cells. That caught my attention.
“Sounds like they have a holding area.” Willow frowned. “Do you think it’s for us if we misbehave?”
I shook my head. “No. They have some of our people, those who attacked with Herrik.”
All eyes were on me.
“Who do they hold?” Sylvie asked.
“Reed?” Willow’s eyes went wide.
“Flint,” I said. “I’m not sure who else is—”
“By the will of the guardians, let Herrik be dead.” Sylvie whispered under her breath. Then she cringed and looked to Blossom, who was busy talking and hadn’t heard.
“You don’t mean that.” I gave Sylvie a pointed look.
She gave me one right back that said she meant every word, and then some.
“You can find out who’s in there. What are you doing sitting here?” Sylvie shooed me with her hand. “Go.”
I rose to my feet and popped the fruit slice in my mouth.
My stomach fluttered, nervous energy pulsing through my veins. I hurried past Forrest on my way to the back of the village. He stalked behind me. I could feel his presence without looking.
I hoped Sylvie was right about him being grumpy but not antagonistic.
At the big metal door, I stopped, waiting for Forrest to confront me. He remained a shadow.
“Briar, would you like to come in?” A woman’s voice came from the door, or more accurately, from inside. The door was open.
Surprised, it took me a moment to respond. “Yes, please.”
A woman opened the door the rest of the way. She was a few inches taller than me, with kind eyes and dirty-blond hair that was a similar shade to Thorn’s.
I walked past her and down the tunnel. The bang of the door shutting behind me made me jump. The darkness was jarring, but there was enough glowing moss to light the way.
This time, I stopped in front of one of the doors that did not belong to my brother.
“Would you like me to open it for you?”
Again I jumped when I heard the woman speak. “You’re so quiet, I didn’t realize you were here.”
She smiled. “I didn’t mean to startle you. My name’s Dahlia. I’m the caretaker down here.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“You, too.” She gestured to the door. “This room belongs to Quill. Would you like to speak with him?”
“No,” I said. I only really wanted to speak with Flint. But it would be good to know who was being kept. Even if Sylvie didn’t press me when I returned, I wanted to know. “Who else is down here?”
“Flint, as you know. Basil, Rush, Barrow, Ellwood, Glen, and Reed.”
Reed. I had to tell Willow.
“Not Herrik,” I said, thinking aloud.
“No.”
I wasn’t sure if that was a relief or not. In part, I agreed with Sylvie. Life would be easier for all of us if the alpha was dead.
“I’d like to see my brother, please,” I said.
Dahlia led me down farther into the tunnels and pulled a key from her pocket. It shimmered a shade of green, though it was possible that it only
appeared that way in the mosslight.
She held the key to the door, where Thorn had rested his hand, and the door opened.
I might have asked about the key if my brother wasn’t standing in front of me, looking no worse than he had the last time I had seen him.
A smile spread across his face. “Hey.”
“Hey.” I walked in and hugged him. “How are you?”
“Given the circumstances, I’m fine,” he said. “How are you? You look...tired.”
I laughed. It sounded dry and humorless to my ears, even though I really was okay. Tired, definitely.
“I’m fine,” I said. “Good, even.”
“Really?” He raised a brow and tilted his head, clearly not believing me. He’d have heard it in my voice if I’d lied.
“Really. I visited with the Warrior of Water. He’s going to try to help us.”
Flint’s jaw dropped.
“It’s true,” I said. “It’s like I’m living this totally different life. It feels really awful telling you this when you’re stuck down here.”
“No, don’t feel bad. Entertain me with your tales. You’ve charmed two warriors.”
“Charmed?” It was my turn to give him a look of disbelief.
“What was he like?”
“Big,” I said. “Nice.”
“That’s pretty vague.”
“He’s larger than life, a character who tells stories and enthralls everyone around him. He’s focused on drinking and eating. The whole experience was surreal.”
“And he agreed to cure the affliction?”
“Not exactly,” I said.
“I’m sure you did everything you could.” Flint tapped my shoulder. “It was a longshot to begin with.”
His expression was tight. It was clear he was holding back his disappointment.
“I think he’ll come through,” I said, half-believing it.
Something indecipherable flashed in Flint’s eyes. Just as quickly as it appeared, it was gone.
“How is everyone?” he asked, changing the subject.
“Spirits are up. Everyone is allowed to walk around unsupervised.”
“That’s great.” Flint gave me a small smile.
“You’re next. I’m going to talk to Thorn. He trusts me, I mean, I think he does, or he somewhat does.”
He said I’m his mate.
Flint yawned. “I look forward to it.”
“I should get going, let you get some rest.”
“Goodnight, Briar.” He lay down on the bed of leaves in the corner and closed his eyes.
“Goodnight, Flint,” I said softly, before turning to go.
I pulled the sculpted stones from my pocket and ran my thumb over the detailed carvings. Everything was going to work out. Thorn was on our side. He was on my side.
Reality was starting to sink in. Thorn had the right to choose who was worth being his mate. And he had chosen me. If I was being honest with myself, I couldn’t imagine anything I wanted more. I cared for him, I really liked him, I wanted to be with him. If I let myself, maybe I even loved him.
I emerged from the tunnel ready to stand up to Forrest if he wanted to bother me. But he wasn’t anywhere to be seen.
The village was lit by torches, and the sky was dark except for the stars. We all sleep under the same stars.
I headed toward Thorn’s hut, hoping he’d finally come home.
I was ready.
I was ready to talk about our future. I was ready to try living it.
Halfway there, a shiver raced across my skin. I froze.
A familiar scent filled the air—coyote. And it wasn’t one of mine.
Chapter 15
Thorn
It was getting late and Briar had not returned. Most likely she had taken advantage of the newfound freedom I had offered and was socializing or even staying the night with a friend. Time could have gotten away from her while visiting her brother.
Unable to settle, I paced my living room.
There was no reason to be so agitated, yet my skin prickled with restlessness. Better to check on Briar than try to sleep like this.
Two steps out the door, and I was met by a deep bellowing sound. Not the summoning horn for the guardian, not the drum announcing a visitor at the gate. It was the warning horn.
Last time the horn was blown, it was in conjunction with a summons to Lord Celedon that I’d approved. Herrik and his coyotes had attacked. They’d used fire to spread fear, distracting us from the side of the village where they’d battered through the outer wall.
Panic welled in my chest. What was going on? And where was Briar?
I didn’t know where to look first, so I made the practical choice and headed for the front gate. I needed to protect my people, and I needed answers, and that was the best place to start.
I ripped my shirt from my chest and pulled off my pants, letting the restless energy of my wolf take control. In a glow of white, my bones snapped and reformed. As a wolf, I called to the earth for its strength and protection. Vines coiled up my legs and covered my body. The leaves transformed to iron plates that would shield me from whatever foe lay in wait.
I raced toward the village entrance. Cedar waved his horn at me from his perch in the tall oak. He pointed back the way I had traveled. “Breach at the southeast corner.”
I wasn’t the only one who would come. “Send the others along the perimeter,” I commanded in the shifter tongue. “Forrest and Woody through the center of town.” I started running before he had a chance to respond. There wasn’t a moment to spare.
“I will,” he called after me. “They came in through the treetops.”
While I didn’t know for certain who they were, I couldn’t imagine who else it could be. The scent of coyotes filled the night.
Herrik.
But why?
Last time hadn’t been about Lycaon, or my people. Herrik had been focused on Celedon and his relic. But the staff was broken, and we hadn’t heard from Herrik since. Neither had his people.
There was no reason to believe Briar was in danger from the rogue alpha, which made my task easier. If I didn’t need to worry for her, I could focus on protecting my people and stopping Herrik. This time for good.
The cells. He had to be here for his soldiers. It was the only thing that made sense, though Herrik seemed to have lost the ability to be rational. There didn’t have to be a legitimate reason for his presence here. He was mad.
The scent of blood was heavy as I approached the tunnel. The metal door was open, and a form lay motionless on the ground. I advanced slowly, watching shadows dance across the ground from the swaying trees above. Beyond the rustling of leaves in the breeze, there was silence.
I crept closer until I could see her face.
Dahlia.
Her heartbeat was faint, but she was alive, thank the guardians. I shifted to human form and checked her wounds. She was losing a lot of blood. I ripped a strip of fabric from her skirt and tied it around the gash on her arm and held her hand.
“I’m here. You’re not alone. You’re going to be okay.” She had to survive.
Was she seen opening or shutting the tunnel door? She was harmed for guarding the cells, a task which I had given her. I had failed to protect her. Her blood was on my hands.
My head throbbed and my chest tightened until I couldn’t hold back. A feral sound belted out into the night, a howl of my pain.
Footsteps approached me from behind, one set coming from the right along the outer wall, another from the left.
“There’s no one. If someone was here, they’re gone,” a deep voice said. He gasped. “Is that—”
I turned to find Woody with his hands held tight at his sides, staring at Dahlia’s unmoving form. And Forrest stood as a wolf with his head down and fangs bared.
“Get help,” I told Woody. “See that her wounds are cared for.”
He nodded and tore his shirt apart to use as bandages.
The air turne
d to ice under Forrest’s heated glower. “You did this,” he growled.
I didn’t deny it.
He continued, “You let them into our homes.”
“This isn’t the refugees’ fault—”
“I challenge you,” he barked.
Before I could respond, he charged.
Forrest sprung into the air. Scrambling on human feet, I shifted mid-stride. My slow human limbs transformed into nimble wolf legs. In a quick burst, I darted to the side and twisted around, catching his hind leg in my jaw as he landed.
I bit down and pulled.
Not now—I didn’t want to fight. I needed to find Briar.
He scratched at the stone ground for traction. Unable to gain footing, he flipped onto his back and snapped at me.
I let go of his leg and pulled my face away just in time.
Forrest rose back up to his feet.
This time it was me who charged. He backpedaled as I bit at him, but not fast enough. I caught him by the throat.
He froze but did not submit.
I squeezed my jaw slowly down on his neck. There was no satisfaction in it, no relief, only sadness.
Forrest growled once, then lay down and rolled to his back in submission.
I let go and looked to Woody. “Are you certain the village is clear?”
He nodded and answered, “Yes.”
“Good. And Dahlia?”
“She’s stable,” he said.
It was as much as I could hope for at this point. I pushed down the scratch in my throat. “Thanks.”
I turned for the open door to the tunnel. If the rest of the village was unscathed, the only thing left to do was check the empty cells and see if any of the prisoners remained.
Briar—where was she?
“I’ll challenge you again,” Forrest called after me in the shifter tongue. “As many times as it takes.”
“I know,” I said without looking back.
As I made my way down, every door I passed was open, and every cell was empty. But there was the sound of voices ahead.
The two stopped talking as I reached the last door.
Sitting on the floor were Flint and Briar.
Wolf Warrior of Land (Alphas & Alchemy: Elemental Shifters Book 2) Page 8
