I braced my hands against the floor, nausea rolling through me as I fought against her will. The sound of my ragged breaths filled the room and I spat, determined not to break under her sharp gaze. “I’ll call her whatever she allows me to,” I gritted out. “She has the right to her name.”
She inhaled, and I choked as it felt like all the oxygen in the room disappeared. “But you have no rights here and I’m tired of your defiance.” I managed to lift my head in time to see her smile icily. “Shift.”
There was no resisting her command as my body shimmered, and a moment later my wolf stood there, a low growl escaping as I glared at her impotently. I snapped my teeth at her and she cocked her head.
“Shift.”
Again, I couldn’t stop the transformation as she commanded my body. I landed on my stomach and this time it was a little harder to push myself up.
“What are you doing?” I questioned, muscles quivering as I held myself off the ground.
“Solving a problem,” she answered and this time she didn’t bother to utter a command before I was once again a wolf. My head hung low as I panted, trying to figure out how she could force the shift on me, something I thought only an Alpha could do.
“How?” I grunted when I was once again a man. I stayed on the ground, conserving my strength, and she sighed.
“They don’t teach you the origins of your kind?”
I shook my head slightly and she moved until her feet stood in front of my face.
“Pity. You might have thought twice about coming here if you’d known.”
I anticipated the shift this time but even with the small window of opportunity, I couldn’t stop it from happening. My wolf couldn’t stand and we laid there, our energy depleted to frighteningly low levels.
“Still you fight me.” She almost sounded impressed, but I wasn’t encouraged. “You are strong.” Her teeth flashed. “The harder you are to break, the longer it’ll take,” she crooned as I once again laid there as a man. I couldn’t recall how many times I’d shifted in a row, but it was too many.
“Stop,” I ordered and she let a startled laugh.
“You think you can command me?” I could hear her move, but couldn’t open my eyes. “You should thank me for your very existence,” she snapped and I managed to crack my eyes open a slit. “Without us, you wouldn’t exist.”
She forced me to shift twice in rapid succession and what little strength I had disappeared. I couldn’t even twitch a finger, but what terrified me was how dim my connection to Dru had grown. I barely felt her energy at all.
I could feel another shift coming and desperation gave me the strength to resist it. I was horrified to realize I’d been draining strength from Dru through our connection.
“What are you doing, wolf?” I heard her screech but withdrew into my mind, conserving my last bit of energy to do what I needed to save Dru.
Caleb, Dru’s soft voice came through, full of regret, but if was the last thing I heard I’d die a happy man.
Dru, I replied and her warmth blanketed me, disguising the fact that I was freezing.
You’re here, she breathed and something loosened in my chest.
Wouldn’t be anywhere else, I answered smoothly, not wanting to worry her. A surge of power went through me as her Gran tried to force the shift again, and as I resisted my voice cracked when I asked, What do you see?
Stars. They’re blanketing the sky, she answered, barely audible as her strength waned along with mine.
Are they as stunning as you? I asked, already knowing she outshined them all.
Far more stunning than I could ever be, she replied, but I could sense her pleasure at my comparison.
Somehow I doubt that, I contended, my voice fading as I fought the power slamming into me. Each second was harder to hold than the last and I wasn’t sure how much longer I could do it.
Caleb, Dru’s panicked voice fueled my determination. What’s wrong?
I need to break the connection between us, I answered, hearing my words slur. I didn’t have much time and I knew she wouldn’t be able to sever the bond. It might….hurt a bit, I lied, knowing it would be the worst agony imaginable, but also aware she was strong enough to withstand the abrupt loss of a Pack bond.
Why? She cried out, and I sensed her trying to reach me. What’s happening?
Nothing, I lied again, unwilling to tell her that her grandmother was slowly killing me and it was killing Dru as well because we were linked. Only one thing mattered and it was my strongest thought, You’ll be safe.
What about you? Her words blurred, unintelligible, as another surge of power threatened to take me. I knew there was no more time and I had to sever the bond between us now. With my next breath, I let go, mouthing the words I prayed she could somehow hear, “Stay safe, Princess.”
Words couldn’t describe the next moments, my thoughts scattered as I tried to remember who I was without her. The Pack bond I shared with Dom and the Navarre Pack flickered dangerously, threatening to extinguish and I knew once it was gone I would be lost. Breaking the bond I shared with Dru was worse than releasing my Pack and position of Alpha.
It was worse than dying.
The only thing that allowed me to endure the loss was knowing it was the one thing that could save her.
“Wolf, you will not escape me,” Dru’s grandmother screamed, spittle flying, and my eyes flew open. The Pack bond I shared with the Navarre Pack brightened, then glowed white hot as they reached out, sensing my loss and protecting me.
I rolled into a crouch, one fist planted on the ground as I stared her down, my wolf fierce behind my eyes as I growled, “She’s safe now. Do your worst, witch.”
The blast of power slammed me against the wall, my skull cracking loudly and I slid down the wall, my vision blurred as I looked at her, rage contorting her face, her hands held out as if she could ring the life from me. Everything stared to fade, my injuries fatal if I didn’t shift, but my body couldn’t go through another shift.
My eyes started to close, unwilling to have my last vision be of the bitter woman who choose to kill me, when I saw her fold and fall to the ground, as a white angel took her place.
***
Don’t die, a sweet voice begged. Don’t tell me I was too late. Dru is going to kill me. My heart pounded, thoughts slowing congealing, one word echoing above the others, Dru. Yes, yes, that’s it. Oh thank God. She kept talking, the words scrambling around in my head, but I didn’t try to make sense of them. A keen sense of loss pierced me and I reached, trying to find the cause for the huge hole in my mind.
Pack. The thought consumed me.
We can get you to your Pack, a frantic voice assured me. Just wake up and tell me where they are. Oh God, preferably before she wakes up.
A tiny light flared to life, its light comforting me, but not explaining the deep sorrow I continued to feel.
Dru will be here soon.
Dru, I repeated, latching onto the name as sorrow sent a sharp pang through me. She was the reason I felt this way.
Yes, Dru, the voice answered, sounding relieved and familiar. Dru will know what to do. The voice paused and I recognized it as female. I hope.
I pried my eyes open a crack, but could only see a curtain of white. The curtain parted and insanely blue eyes met mine. You’re awake, a surge of relief shot through me, but I knew it wasn’t mine. Those eyes began to glow as heat snaked through my head. You’re hurt but I can’t tell where, she told me, her lips pressed together in concentration. Can you tell me where it hurts?
Paige, I stated and she nodded, giving me an encouraging look.
Yes, I’m Paige. It’s good you know who I am. Stress lines bracketed her mouth, aging her, and I tried to pat her hand, but fell short.
I’m okay, I tried to reassure her, but she only gave me a doubtful stare. I promise.
I can feel your pain, she explained, her eyebrows drawing down. I just can’t find its source.
Some wounds you
can’t heal, I informed her, knowing the pain she referred to was the loss of my bond with Dru. She lifted her hands from my head, and sat back on her heels, studying me. You just have to live with them. Memories and thoughts pieced themselves back together, reminding me who I was, and I dragged myself into a sitting position.
Where is Dru? I asked, unable to reach her mentally even though I had no problem communicating with Paige. I slumped forward, fighting the weakness that plagued me, but it was impossible.
She’s on her way back, Paige assured me. She’s just not here yet.
My gaze caught on the crumpled form of Paige’s Gran and I asked, What happened? Paige’s eyes widened as she gave me a frightened look and I shook my head. I’m not going to be mad, I told her, really hoping the old bat was dead.
I…., Paige stopped, staring at me like she hoped I could just read her mind so she wouldn’t have to say it out loud.
You have to tell me, I prompted, switching my gaze from Gran lying there to Paige.
I hit her, Paige answered, the words barely a whisper in my mind.
I nodded, impressed despite myself. Why did you come? I asked, puzzled by her presence.
Dru sent me, Paige rocked back on her heels. I was almost too late.
But you weren’t too late, I told her and nodded to Gran. And you saved my life.
Paige bobbed her head, wrapping her arms around herself as she looked over her shoulder at her grandmother. But she’s going to wake up eventually, she finally answered and I winced, no longer ignorant of her Gran’s ability. Then what do we do?
I didn’t have an answer for her as I shuddered with cold, unable to regulate my body temperature. Paige saw and seemed to realize the problem. She gathered the few clothes lying around and handed them to me. What do you need?
Food, I grimaced at the gnawing sensation in my stomach. A lot of it.
She shot me an apologetic glance and shook her head. Dru is supposed to bring meat. Paige rubbed her hands together. There’s never enough to go around.
How many? She gave me a confused look and I clarified. How many live here?
22, she answered.
They don’t provide food? I questioned and she glanced down. They don’t share the responsibility?
They’re old mostly. There are a couple younger than me, but if they could leave they did, she explained. There are no jobs here, and Gran is, we both glanced over at the old woman on the ground, still formidable even when she was down, Gran, Paige finished with an audible gulp.
And you won’t explain why you won’t leave?
Paige grew thoughtful, but before she could say anything we heard shouting. She scrambled to her feet and shot me a frightened look. They can’t find her here like this.
No one is going to come down here, I assured her. Go find out what’s going on.
She raced out of the cell, forgetting to shut it and I slowly got to my feet, my gaze locked on the helpless form of Gran.
Chapter Eleven
Dru
I jogged the last mile, feeling a sense of urgency coming from Paige. Caleb was a blank page in my mind, and frustration warred with worry as I came to the outskirts of our little community. Dawn was peeking over the horizon but already several members had gathered in the center of the village. I skirted around them, not wanting to be discovered coming from the woods completely naked and covered in my own blood.
What’s going on? I asked Paige, heading for the house.
Where are you? She sounded freaked and I slowed, ready to change direction if she needed me.
Going to the house. I need clothes, I answered calmly.
I’ll meet you there, she replied. Strickland came back with two boars, she added. Did you have anything to do with that?
I didn’t reply, wishing for the umpteenth time that a conversation could end when you were no longer in earshot, instead of the mental ones that meant you couldn’t escape. She didn’t push though and I ducked into the crude outdoor shower, pulling the handle to dump freezing water over my head and rinse the blood off.
A towel appeared in the door and I took it, scrubbing myself dry. I lowered the towel to find Paige scowling at me. I’m fine, I muttered and she rolled her eyes, her finger poking my side. I flinched, dodging another strike. Okay, not completely fine.
Her hand hovered over my side and I nodded, letting her heal the fractured rib. Heat radiated from her palm as the bone splintered apart and knitted back together correctly. I gritted my teeth against the pain but didn’t utter a sound. Caleb? I questioned, unable to wait any longer.
He’s alive, she reported, her eyes coming up to meet mine. But we have another problem.
I tilted my head and she motioned for me to follow her, tossing a shirt at me. I yanked it over my head as we headed back to the underground cell, avoiding the excited people gathered around the boars Strickland had brought back. Never fails, I muttered, watching as they congratulated him.
Quit pouting, Paige ordered.
I’m not pouting, I retorted, smoothing my expression before she turned around. He just gets all the credit. Is it any wonder they despise me?
Paige slowed, her gaze contrite. They don’t despise you, she replied and I let out a disbelieving huff. They’re terrified of you, she revealed, as if that was somehow a better alternative.
Thanks, that makes me feel so much better, I answered, casting a lingering glance at those who’d gathered before hurrying to catch up to Paige. What is so – I stopped, staring in disbelief. “Gran?” I hurried down the stone steps, a different kind of dread going through me at seeing her lying on the ground. “Is she?” I glanced at Paige but she didn’t look any different, giving me hope that Gran hadn’t kicked the bucket.
“She’s alive,” Caleb testified, relieving me of one fear. “Still out cold though. Paige whacked her good.”
“Pa-,” I couldn’t even say her name as I stumbled to a stop. “You…” I pointed at Gran as I looked at Paige, forgetting for a moment that she couldn’t hear me, but she clearly understood because her expression became remorseful.
I did it to save him, she defended, gesturing to Caleb.
“It’s true,” he confirmed and my gaze darted to him as he answered one of my questions. “Paige saved my life.” He swallowed, his face worn, but his blue eyes shined brightly as he looked me over. “You’re okay.”
I nodded shallowly. “I’ve had better days.” I took in his wan expression, the dark circles under his eyes and the way he held onto the wall. “But my day was still better than yours, I think.”
She was killing him, Paige shouted and both of us winced. Sorry, she muttered as we turned to look at her. I didn’t know what you were saying.
Caleb, I tried mentally, but he didn’t react and I wasn’t sure if it was because he didn’t hear me or some other reason. “We’ll talk later,” I muttered, dismissing him as I turned back to Paige and Gran’s unconscious body. We need to get her home, I told Paige, who nodded, her gaze darting between me and Caleb.
He’s hungry, she squeaked and I heard an audible snap come from Caleb’s direction. And cold. A rumble met that revelation and I glanced over my shoulder at him.
“She means well,” I snapped, irritated that apparently he and Paige could communicate just fine. “I’ll be back soon with food and clothes.”
“I’m fine,” he said curtly and I spun around, planting my hands on my hips.
“You’re not fine,” I contended, irrationally angry. “You just went a dozen rounds with Gran. You should be dead.” My chest rose and fell as I tried to rein in my emotions and his gaze swept over me, taking in the shirt that barely hit mid-thigh and my filthy feet. “I think food and clothing aren’t too much to ask for.”
“But I didn’t ask for them,” he commented and my hand balled into a fist. “But I’ll welcome anything you provide,” he added hastily and I forcibly relaxed my hand. “You know I didn’t mean to insult you….”
“Just shut up,” I interrupted,
reaching down and scooping Gran into a fireman’s hold. “I’ll be back soon with your gruel.”
“I deserved that,” he called as I stomped up the steps, Paige at my heels. “I’m sorry.”
I paused at the top of the stairs, avoiding Paige as she almost ran into me, and looked down at him as he stood in front of the bars. “And what exactly are you sorry for?” I asked pointedly and he dropped his gaze. “I’ll be back,” I sighed, afraid to linger any longer with Gran. There was no telling when she might wake up and I had little desire to explain since I didn’t even really understand what was going on.
I’m confused, Paige piped up and I grimaced.
That makes two of us.
I ducked into the shadows, adjusting my hold on Gran. Do your thing, sister, I murmured and she nodded, moving in front of us.
Why don’t you levitate her? Paige questioned, walking slowly so the glamour she’d covered us with would look more natural, and anyone whose gaze came our way would just skip right past us.
This is just as easy, I dismissed, unwilling to admit that I couldn’t access my abilities at the moment. My energy was at an all-time low and I suspected it had something to do with Caleb and whatever Gran had done. I was pretty sure a shift would be impossible and I was worried I wouldn’t make it back to the cabin with Gran.
Almost there, Paige said, sounding relieved, and I didn’t answer, concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other. She hurried to open the door and we slipped inside, grateful no one had stopped us. Here, Paige pushed Gran’s door open and moved out of my way as I dropped her onto the bed, almost collapsing myself. I’ve got you, Paige murmured, hooking her arms underneath mine and pulling me up. We moved haltingly to the door, Paige supporting more of my weight than I was, when she stopped. What about her?
Lone Wolf (The Pack Book 5) Page 8
