by Niki Trento
“Tell me what you want!”
There is silence. I search along the walls for a pathway, a tunnel, something. I am not that far from the mouth of the cave, but I’m not sure where it is. My mindsight is of no use. Almost like it’s being blocked.
A meeting.
“A meeting?”
Yes. With you and your mate.
They knew? “Why?” I have to keep them talking. I pat my pockets for my phone but it isn’t there. The only other thing I could try was the mental link.
Donovan? Axel? Zeke? Hope I am not too far for them to hear me, and that the elves haven’t blocked that, too.
We have a proposition for you, Alpha. It concerns your mate. Your pack, too.
“You expect me to bring her to you? Not a chance in hell.” The last word a growl from deep in my chest. Celeste’s safety is paramount.
Silence. Nothing from the elves. Nothing from the pack. I keep trying to call Donovan.
You think we want to kill you. We do not. We have no desire to hurt you or your pack.
“Why should I believe you? You tried forcing one of my shifters to take over my pack.”
No. We were trying to get you to come to us. That shifter has a one track mind. Power. We used that to our advantage. We told him he “could” become the alpha, we did not tell him he would.
“Why? What is it that you need from me so badly?”
You. Bring your mate, your whole pack if you wish, to the cave at the midnight hour. We will talk more then.
Before I could say anything more, I hear Celeste’s voice calling my name.
“Barin! Wake up!” She has one hand on my face, the other on my heart. My eyes flutter open and she sighs with relief.
When my eyes adjust to my surroundings, I notice that it is nearly dark and I am surrounded by parents and pack.
“What happened?” Donovan’s shoulders sag slightly.
“The elves want a meeting.”
“What?!” Celeste is panicking.
“When? Where?” Donovan asks at the same time. His voice is demanding yet calm.
“The cave at midnight.”
“You aren’t going, are you?” The worry in Celeste’s voice makes my heart pinch.
“Yes. With as many of you that are willing. I don’t think they are looking for any kind of battle. They didn’t seem menacing at all. More of an annoyance.”
“Bringing all of us with you, we will be able to surprise them and overtake them.”
“They invited you all. Especially you, Celeste. They said that they have a proposition for me that concerns us all.”
“What kind of proposition could they possibly have to offer?”
“I don’t know, that’s why I have to go.”
I stand up, brushing the dirt from my jeans and feel a bulge in my pocket. My phone is there. Where had it gone when I was in the cave? I have too many questions unanswered. Brainstorming is easier when more than one brain is working on it, so I tell them exactly what happened.
“Then we go. All of us.” Zeke is ready for whatever we need to do.
“We will call the pack in, discuss everything, then make plans.” I take my phone out and send a group text to call the others to the den.
I really don’t want to drag my pack into what could be a trap, but I know that they won’t be able to sit quietly at home while I go on my own. Besides, whatever the proposition is that the elves have to offer supposedly involves the whole pack.
It is easy to think the worst. The shifters and elves don’t have a very promising track record. Slaughters and war. Distrust and racism. How can I expect anything other than the worst possible scenario? We have to be prepared for a fight.
As shifters, we depend more on our claws and teeth, not to mention our speed and strength, as weapons. I don’t think we will have much chance of shifting quickly enough. If I have some of the pack come as wolves, I worry that will be viewed as a threat. However, it will also let the elves know that we are prepared for anything.
**
Everyone but Celeste goes to do their own thing. Kathleen is hitting the books. I see her with my mindsight flipping through the pages of the tomes. Donovan is in his room, working at his desk. I would be willing to bet that he is working on possible battle plans. Zeke is with the tech guys checking footage of the cave.
“Barin, did they give you any idea or hint as to what it is they want to talk about?” Celeste asks.
“No, love. I think we should expect and prepare for the absolute worst, though.”
“Good idea. What about our parents? Should they come with us?” Her line of questioning is that of an alpha. Consider all angles of the situation and all the players on the board.
“I don’t think so. They aren’t part of my pack. Perhaps we should send them home?”
“Do you really think either of our fathers would willingly bail on us? What if something happens? If we are all trapped, they would be able to help us.”
The gruffness in her voice grounds me. The points she makes are ones I should have been thinking about myself.
After all these years of leading this pack successfully, and I am behaving like I have no fucking clue what I am doing.
After sucking in a deep breath, I roll my shoulders and blow out the air in my lungs. Feels like I am preparing for a fight.
Meanwhile, Celeste has her arms crossed over her chest but she looks calm.
“Then we ask them to stay behind. As long as the elves don’t block off our communication with them, we could always call them in. Or at the very least, keep them updated.”
“That sounds reasonable. I will invite them back to your office.” She leaves to find our moms and dads. I know it will be difficult for them to stay out of a fight. The only thing I can do is sit at my desk with my head in my hands.
It isn’t often that I have the time to myself to allow my worry to show. Keeping things bottled up is only going to make me volatile and the situation could become a lot worse if I am not cool-headed.
What if I am walking my pack into their death? I would never forgive myself if I lost any of them to my own curiosity.
Maybe it is a mistake to give the elves an audience with all of us. The more I think about it, the more I think it will be best to go alone. I would be destroyed if anything happened to Celeste.
I know that I can’t leave without them. They would just show up anyway. Even if I use the alpha command, it won’t work on Celeste. She would follow even if no one else did.
There is a soft knock on the office door. I compose myself and stand up. “Come in.”
Celeste and both sets of parents file into the room. Celeste comes over and stands next to me, gripping my hand in hers. I know at that moment, that no matter what we face, she will be by my side.
I tell my story again, finishing with what Celeste and I have decided would be the best job for them. I half expect Robert to argue; to demand he go with us to help protect his daughter.
“Do you have a plan beyond having us stay behind?” Robert’s deep voice commands respect.
“As of right now, I am as far as gathering the pack and letting them decide if they go. I would rather go alone, if only for the safety of the pack.”
“There is no chance you are going without any kind of back up!” Celeste all but stomps her foot and crosses her arms over her chest. Her face speaks volumes. There will be no arguing with her.
“Dear heart, I know that. We should leave some of the pack behind. Donovan, for example, is next in line to take over. He should stay.”
“Good luck convincing him of that, son.” My father’s fondness for Donovan shines in his features. “That boy has gone through hell and back with you for just about your entire life. He isn’t going to see reason, no matter how much you throw at him.”
I know my father is right. I hang my head, exasperated. Was there no right way to handle this?
“Look, our parents will be here holding down the fort with whoever stays b
ehind. It may not be a bad idea to have Spencer to stay with them. You said there were cameras set up at the cave, he could be our hidden eyes.”
I lift my head up. She is right. Maybe they have some body cams like the cops use. A plan starts formulating in my mind.
“Let’s go wait for the pack. I think I may have an idea.” We all go to the living room where we hold all of the full pack meetings and wait. Glenda and my mother go to the kitchen to make a quick dinner packed with as much protein and calories as they can. We would need the boost if there is going to be a fight.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Barin
By the time the meal is done, the entire pack has once again gathered in the living room. Nicolette is bringing plates piled with burgers topped with grilled avocados and sides of roasted potatoes in by the armload. I watch as the burgers disappear and pray to the goddess that this won’t be our last meal together.
“I want to start by telling you all that I appreciate each and every one of you. This pack...this family that we have become is the best group of shifters I could ever ask for. I know that any one of you would go through the flames of hell for me, for each other. However, I couldn’t possibly ask you to do that.”
“What are you suggesting, Barin? That we all sit back and watch you walk into a possible trap?” Donovan stands, anger written on his face and in every muscle.
“No. Because I know you wouldn’t. I think I have a plan though. Mom, Dad, Robert, and Glenda are going to stay behind for sure. Celeste and I are thinking if Spencer and Gray don’t have any objections, I would like them to stay behind, too, for surveillance. I’m thinking body cams, do you have those?”
“Actually, we do! Haven’t had much use for them before, but would love to test them out.” Spencer is as excited as a kid at Christmas.
“Great! How many do you have?”
“Seven, if I’m not mistaken. Right, Spencer?” Gray asks.
Spencer nods at Gray.
“All right, who wants to go?”
One by one the members of my pack stand with heads bowed. Gray and Spencer remain sitting as well as the parents. I am able to sense nervousness from more than a handful of the pack. Most of them, though, are anxious. Mixed with those feelings is courage. My shifters are not afraid, just unsure of what to expect.
Celeste has been at my side this whole time, standing with me; showing support and rank. She smiles at each of the shifters as they opt-in to back up their alpha.
Now that I know who all is willing, I can make plans. It is easier knowing how many shifters and which strengths I am working with.
Not knowing if the elves will block any abilities means we are kind of going in blind. I also don’t know how many elves we are going to face. I will have to try using my mindsight when we get closer to the cave. Perhaps I will be able to tell how many there are.
In the past, they have blocked my ability. I hope that they were serious about this being nothing more than a discussion. If that’s the case, then maybe they won’t block me out.
“Spencer, let’s get those body cams up and running. Celeste, Kathleen, me, and Axel will go in as the first wave. Donovan, Zeke, and Cole will be the second wave. I want Cash to stay back with Vivian, Gray, and Spencer to help them monitor. The rest of you will be at the mouth of the cave. I want two body cams in each group.”
“Gray, do the body cams have walkies in case they block our bond?” Donovan asks.
“No. I can give you all walkies, cell phones probably won’t work in the cave.”
“How about one walkie-talkie per group. Only use them if the elves attack and you can’t use the bond.” I need my pack prepared.
“I don’t know where exactly they are going to meet us. All they said was to be at the cave at midnight. My thought is to have the first group go in, check it out. Basically to get the initial feel of the surroundings. After a few minutes, the second group can come in unless I tell you otherwise.”
I look at my phone, it is 11:30 p.m. Gray and Spencer are equipping some of the shifters up with body cams. It will take us about fifteen minutes to get to the cave which means we will have to leave soon if we want to get there early.
Gray clips a body cam on me and waves, then I hear Spencer’s voice over a walkie say, “Barin clear.” Once all the body cams are hooked on and checked, Gray goes over to the monitors and starts directing those staying behind which they would be watching.
“Everyone is ready to go, Bossman. Let’s go steal their cookies!” Axel is hyped up and ready for a fight. His joke is welcomed with some nerve breaking laughter.
“One more thought; one shifter in each group should shift. Just in case we need teeth and claws right away,” Donovan adds.
Kathleen strips off her sweats and tank top allowing the change to take over her body. Zeke and Lucas follow suit. Within moments there are three wolves panting in the living room.
Kathleen’s marbled red and black fur make her stand out more compared to the darker browns of the boys. Her coat didn’t quite match her human counterpart's hair. Most shifters have the same color hair as they do fur, this is one of the many things that makes Kathleen unique.
Our little army makes its way through the woods. The wolves have already gone ahead a little bit to scout. The body cams are turned on and the walkie-talkies are set to the proper channels. We have the volumes high enough for our shifter ears to hear any calls for help, but low enough that hopefully the elves couldn’t.
We move quickly and silently. There is no talking. We had gone over the plan before leaving the house, just in case the elves have scouts of their own.
There is nothing outside of the cave. No wildlife, no enemies. At least none that we can sense, Kathleen reports.
Hold your place until we get there.
When we reach the cave, we break into predetermined groups. I take Celeste’s hand and we walk in, unsure if the elves will be close to the opening or not. We don’t go in too far before I ask Spencer if the body cam is working through the bond.
I can see Celeste and hear you, Spencer responds.
At least things are working so far. The body cams are small enough that they blend in with our clothing. The hope is that the elves won’t be able to interrupt the feed if they don't know they are there.
Kathleen is sniffing by the tunnel that we had explored once before. Axel stands next to her, his eyes closed. We wait for them to either nod or shake their heads before proceeding.
Celeste and I are to take point, and lead others down the tunnel. After a moment, they both shake their heads. I stretch my supernatural sight out as far as I can, but only see a path, no elves. We start walking.
The last time we were here, Celeste had been shaking like a leaf. Now she walks with confidence. Her grip on my hand is the only thing that gives away her fear. Kathleen's hot breath on our joined hands lets me know she is still close behind us. I can't hear Axel. In spite of his stealth, I know he is close.
Dick.
Every few feet Axel would say something inappropriate to check on the bond. Using inappropriate words is his way of easing as much tension as he can, so I would respond in kind.
Douche. I wondered if he was using the same words with Celeste and Kathleen.
We have been walking for about five minutes, the second group should be at the mouth of the tunnel that we are in by now.
Donovan? You guys good?
No sign of anything back here. You?
Nothing yet. I'll keep you posted as long as I can.
Copy.
A few minutes later, Celeste squeezes my hand and I hear her voice in my head.
Do you smell that?
I do. What is it? Kathleen responds.
This is the first time Kathleen has smelled the sweet water scent that I have begun to associate with the elves.
We are getting closer to the elves, I broadcast to the whole pack. In response, I hear about a dozen voices say “check” or “copy.” It is a relief that
the silent communication is still there. We delve deeper into the cave, following the scent of sweet water. It is getting stronger the closer we get.
We round a bend and are greeted with a glowing light. I pass the information on to Donovan. He answers back with a grunt. I stop walking, holding Celeste and Kathleen back.
Are you girls ready?
As ready as we can be, Kathleen, ready for a fight, responds.
Let’s get this over with. Celeste looks uncertain.
Considering her past encounters with the elves and the cave, I can’t blame her. I have to admire her bravery and determination.
We move on and step into the room. The light we see is a bright greenish-blue. It comes from large mushrooms that are growing out of the walls. Down the center of the back wall is a small waterfall that pools into the middle of the room; the source of the sweet-smelling water. There is no other life in the cave that I can sense or see.
Kathleen breaks away from us with her nose to the ground. Suddenly she starts sneezing. Barin, something is fucking with my nose. I can’t stop sneezing.
Do you smell something?
No, but something is over here.
Celeste and I go over to Kathleen, my nose starts to burn. Not like it is on fire, but like that feeling of sniffing in very cold air. Celeste is covering her nose, she must have been feeling the same sensation. I take Celeste’s hand and grab Kathleen by the back of her neck, I have to get them out of here. We move back towards the tunnel we came in from. The further we get from that area, the better my nose feels.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Barin
“We are pleased, Barin.” The melodic voice causes me to whip around.
Kathleen growls. Celeste snarls. I know the elves have finally arrived, and right where we just vacated.
The three elves are tall and slender beings with hair and eyes that shine silver-white like the full winter’s moon. Their skin is luminescent with a tinge of light green.
“Wish I could say the same. What is it you want?”
Donovan, we have contact. I send the message and wait for a reply.
