Nine Tails Collection 1-3: Kitsune and Shaman novel

by J. L. Weil

  He made a face. “Yes, Devyn,” he replied, as if it was painful to say his name. “That guy gives me a bad feeling. I know you don’t want to hear it but I don’t like you hanging out with him, especially alone.”

  “Is this about Saturday night at The Dome? Jesse, I’m really sorry we cut out on you and Hannah like that. I swear it wasn’t to hurt you. There were so many people there, and I started to feel sick. I had to get out of there. Devyn made sure I got home.”

  “How gallant of him,” Jesse said, not bothering to hide his distaste.

  I turned, and fumbled with the combination on my locker. “I know it’s weird seeing me hang out with another guy, but he’s helping me.” I popped the latch and swung the metal door open, shoving my books inside. I angled my head and looked at him as he leaned against the locker beside mine. “I never want to feel like I did that night in the alley, defenseless and weak.

  “I still wish you had called me. I want to beat the living crap out of the guys who did that to you.” His hands clenched into tight balls against the binder he was holding.

  Oh, they had gotten what they deserved. Devyn had seen to it. “I appreciate that, I really do, but it’s over now, and I just want to move on.”

  His lips tugged downward. “I didn’t mean to rehash it or drudge up old memories. I’m worried about you.”

  “I know,” I said, stretching up onto my toes and pressing a kiss to his cheek. “And I appreciate it.”

  Tim O’Brian, one of Jesse’s lacrosse teammates, whistled as he walked by. They shared some lame head nod.

  I rolled my eyes. “See you later?”

  Jesse gave me a lopsided smile. “Depends on what your dad is making for dinner.”

  “Taco Tuesday,” I said, slamming my locker shut as I started to walk backwards. I was meeting Devyn in the parking lot after school today for one of our riveting sessions, and it would be best if Jesse and I parted ways here before he got a glimpse at the Shaman. “I’ll be sure to save you a plate.” We both knew he wasn’t going to turn down free food. Ever.

  Jesse had practice every day after school… the joys of being a jock. “You’re the best, K.”

  I waved, pretending a lump hadn’t suddenly formed in my gut. If he only knew. I was anything but a saint.

  Pushing through the double doors leading out to the parking lot, I took a giant whiff of fresh air, gulping it up. So many scents at once. Gasoline. Pine. Fresh cut grass. A prickly feeling stole over me, and I knew I was being watched, so I gave the parking lot a sweeping glance with my superior eyes, letting out a bit of the fox inside me. It was a new trick I’d been working on, using the abilities without fully shifting. My eyes passed over Anthony Thompson, captain of the lacrosse team. He forked his fingers through his wavy brown hair before giving me a slow wink and his signature I-know-I’m-hot shit smile.

  Felicity Turner shot me a dirty look, like she was going to shove one of her pom-poms down my throat. Felicity was a cheerleader and probably in the fantasies of more than half the guys in our school. More power to her. My goal in life wasn’t to be a sex object, but Felicity did a stellar job.

  I hated her.

  The feeling was mutual.

  Hate might have been a strong word, but mostly we stayed out of each other’s way. The fact she felt threatened by me was hilarious. I had no desire whatsoever to catch Anthony Thompson’s attention.

  Scrunching my nose, I moved past Seaside Heights High’s perfect couple and continued to scan the parking lot. Although I couldn’t see who was watching me, I was aware of their eyes on me. I tried to ignore the prickly feeling, stepping off the curb and into a row of cars, but it wasn’t easy. My Kitsune instincts were urging me to shift, unease slithering up my spine. It wasn’t until I caught sight of someone else the impulse to shift faded.

  Devyn St. Cyr.

  I couldn’t explain the excitement threading through me.

  Okay, that was a lie. I didn’t want to admit what that excitement meant.

  In black jeans and a black T-shirt, he leaned against his sleek car, watching me with a sinister smirk on his lips, and an equally menacing glint in his emerald eyes. “You look like you could use a drink. Rough day?”

  “When isn’t it?” I mumbled, stopping in front of him.

  His lips twitched. “Someone ate her bitch-flakes today.”

  “Just get in and drive. Fast,” I said, opening the passenger door and slipping in.

  “Fast is the only way I drive.”

  My stomach did a series of senseless cartwheels I now associated with Devyn, and he put the car in gear. It was a gentle ride, so unlike my little Nissan Maxima as it glided toward the road leading out of the school, which made the jerking halt so unexpected.

  I opened my mouth to ask what the hell his deal was, but I figured it out for myself. Two guys had stepped out into the road, and those prickles I’d been feeling earlier came back tenfold.

  Nothing like a pair of Silvermyst to complete my day.

  I braced myself in the seat, fingers gripping the edge as I anticipated Devyn doing something crazy, like mowing down the bastards with his car. His fingers flexed on the steering wheel a second before his foot hit the accelerator, but to my great surprise he swerved to the right at the last minute, riding on the shoulder and not killing the Silvermyst.

  I spun on him, fast enough to give myself whiplash. “Why didn’t you hit them?” My voice was all panicky.

  He kept his eyes on the road, only lifting a single brow. “Now you suddenly like violence? You want me to turn the car around and mow them down in the parking lot?”

  “Aren’t they just going to come back and try to kill me?” I retorted

  “Probably.”

  “Are you insane?”

  He swung the car into the flow of traffic, as he merged onto the main road. “Says the girl who’s asking me to kill for her.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Isn’t it what you do?”

  He met my gaze. “If it saves your life, I wouldn’t hesitate.”

  My heart pattered when it had no reason for pattering. Stupid heart. “My point exactly.”

  He gave a one-shoulder shrug, turning his eyes back to the road. “You were in no danger; besides, I think I want to have a one-on-one with these guys, pump them for a bit of information.”

  “So, you plan to seek them out later?”

  “That, or they’ll find you. Either way, I’ll be there to grill them.”

  I didn’t doubt that.

  Sinking in my seat, I studied the scenery as we sped toward the waterfront. Spring was in full bloom, with summer trying to break through. Vibrant colors were everywhere: bold reds, fifty shades of green, skies clear and blue as the sun’s beams glistened over the crystal waters. With summer on the horizon, it meant I only had a month left of school.

  The beach was empty when we pulled up, just how I liked it: peaceful and secluded.

  Devyn came around to the other side of the car as I shut my door. He had Wrath and Fury in his hands; the twin snakes were wound up his forearms, looking hungry. “You up for a round?”

  “Am I ever,” I replied, so ready to release the overflow of emotions inside me, everything from rage to pity; it was all swimming within me.

  “Good, you’ll need this.” Before I knew his intention, one of his swords was sailing in the air at me, with Fury, I think, wrapped around the hilt, connecting to Devyn’s forearm.

  I reacted on stupidity and instinct, reaching out and grabbing a hold of the hilt. “What do you expect me to do with this?”

  “They’re part of the Second Moon, a direct tie to my world, and their properties could help you,” he explained.

  Wrinkle lines crowded my forehead as I stared down at the unusual object in my grasp. It was the most beautiful weapon I’d ever seen. Truth be told, this was the closest I’d been to anything this sharp and fatal. The blade hummed in my hand as I turned it from side to side, the sun glinting off the shiny steel. Fury’s tongue d
arted out, tasting the air between us. Her bright eyes caught the light, sparkling like a gem. “I’m confused. I thought they only responded to you,” as I said that Fury began to twine around my wrist, her skin cool and textured. I found it oddly comforting.

  “You have a bond to me, therefore to what is mine. Fury and Wrath will fight to protect you just as I will, and that includes lending you their strength and abilities.”

  I was speechless. It never crossed my mind. “And you think they might be able to help me get my powers?”

  “I’m not sure, but it’s worth a shot. It can’t hurt. I have this inkling that the deeper your link is to your heritage, the more achievable your nine tails might be.”

  It was a good theory, and a place to start. At this point, I’d try anything. If Devyn had told me to pretend I was a unicorn, sprinkle glitter in my hair, and poop rainbows, I would have done it. Yeah, I was desperate, but seriously, being a unicorn didn’t sound that bad.

  “Wow, I think that is the first good idea you’ve had,” I said.

  Mischief flashed in his expression. “Oh, I’m just getting started.”

  And that’s what scared me. What would he suggest next?

  Devyn came up behind me, slipping his hands under my arms, and covered my fingers, tightening my grip. “The blade will adjust its weight based on the user. How does it feel in your hand?”

  Better now, but it wasn’t the sword giving me a mad case of warm fuzzies. I fought the urge to lean back into him. “Surprisingly light,” I said, impressed my voice didn’t quiver. The blade was like a natural extension of my arm, and I was betting the connection to Fury had something to do with it.

  Devyn nodded. “It’s pretty freaking awesome, isn’t it?” he whispered, his warm breath tickling the side of my neck.

  Strands of hair fluttered over my cheek as I turned my head to the side. I wanted him to kiss me. “You have no idea.”

  We spent the next half hour going over the basics of wielding a sword, which Fury made almost effortless, while I tapped into my extra sense without shifting. It was an interesting experiment, and the longer I was connected with Fury the more intense my need to shift became. I understood Devyn was also testing my control.

  And I was about to lose it. “I have to stop,” I told him, my eyes illuminating and the grain of my voice gravelly. The fox was at the surface, scratching to come out and play. How long had it been since my last shift?

  “Why stop? Shift. There’s no one here but you and me,” Devyn persuaded, giving me a smooth and daring look. He took a step closer.

  Heat crept over my cheeks. It was an invitation I found I was unable to refuse, and there was something in the glint of his eyes sucking me in, mesmerizing me. I’d shifted in front of Devyn multiple times, but usually in the face of danger. This time there was something exotic about shedding my human skin for the fox with Devyn watching. I swallowed and gave in to the fox, letting the animal inside me loose.

  Relinquishing my control I shifted, feeling bones, muscle, and skin reform. It was cool and creepy at the same time. I shook out my fur like a dog, removing the lingering effects of the transformation.

  He bent down so we were at eye level, lifting a hand to run it over my head. “It never ceases to amaze me, seeing you change. It’s incredible. The air shimmers with magic. I can feel your shift inside me, as if your soul touches mine.”

  They were just words, but the power they had on me was profound. Devyn wanted to keep things between us less complicated, but if he kept looking at me like he was now, I knew I wouldn’t be able to hide what I didn’t even want to admit to myself. It was easier to concentrate on his less-than-redeeming qualities. Why did he have to make me feel so confused?

  I brushed the side of my face against his. Warmth engulfed me.

  We walked on the beach for a little bit. I almost took a chunk out of Devyn’s calf when he asked if I wanted to fetch a stick. Jerk. Baring my teeth, I let him know I was no dog. The time I spent in fox form was therapeutic, an escape I desperately needed. The sun slowly started to drop, painting the water with pinks and purples, reminding me I needed to get home for dinner.

  I was about to shift back when my hearing picked up something in the distance—voices. My ears perked up, and I lifted my head.

  Oh shit.

  Chapter Five

  Anthony and Felicity came stumbling down the beach, a six-pack of wine coolers in Anthony’s hands. They were the last two people I expected to intrude on my personal spot. Giggling and laughing, overall being obnoxious, they spotted Devyn and then me, the little white fox at his feet. Devyn had straightened to his full height at the first sign of my distress.

  “Oh, my God, is that a dog?” Felicity squealed, and released Anthony’s arm to rush over to where I stood on all fours beside Devyn.

  Wrath and Fury had conveniently vanished. I wished I could disappear. Having two people I went to school with—and didn’t particular like—so close to a secret I kept guarded, made me edgy.

  Hard lines etched around Devyn’s eyes. “She’s an arctic fox.”

  Arctic fox, huh?

  “Is it even legal to have one?” Anthony asked, narrowing his eyes at him.

  “About as legal as it is for you to be drinking those,” Devyn replied, his head nodding to the liquor dangling from Anthony’s fingers.

  “Riiight,” he winked.

  What a dumbass.

  While Devyn and Anthony continued to size each other up, Felicity crouched in front of me and lifted her hand. A low growl formed in my throat. If that skank touched me I was going to rip off her fake nails with my teeth, and if she was lucky I’d let her keep her hand.

  She was actually going to pet me.

  Snap. I snapped my jaws, sending a warning I hoped she wouldn’t forget.

  Devyn finally took notice. “Whoa, no touching the fox. She’s temperamental.”

  I let another growl, refraining from taking a nip at him. Temperamental? How about I didn’t want her stink transferring to my white fur.

  “I’ll say,” Felicity glared, cradling her hand.

  What a baby. I hadn’t even touched her.

  “You look familiar. Do you go to school here?” Anthony asked.

  A muscle along Devyn’s jaw thrummed. Anthony was trying his patience. “No, I just moved into town, but I’m friends with Karina Lang. Do you know her?”

  A stupid, silly grin crept over Anthony’s lips. If I had been human, I might have hit him. “Yeah, I know her. She’s a hot piece of ass.”

  My jaw hit the ground. Who the hell says something like that in front of his girlfriend? It just solidified Hannah’s and my theory that Anthony was a douchecanoe of the tenth power. I actually felt sorry for Felicity.

  Thump. Devyn’s fist shot out, connecting with Anthony’s face. I hadn’t seen that coming.

  “What the hell, man,” Anthony hissed, coddling his cheek.

  “Get in the car,” Devyn barked. I knew he was talking to me.

  Holding my furry head high, I trotted up the sandy hill to Devyn’s car and hopped in when he opened the door. I was still smirking when I shifted back into my human skin. “You’re my hero,” I said.

  He shook his head and started the engine. “I’ve saved your life countless times, and it took a single punch to a worthless piece of shit to get hero status.”

  I was grinning like a fool. “I’ve wanted to do that since third grade.”

  “Too bad I wasn’t around then.”

  I ran my fingers through my hair, fixing any out-of-place strands. “No kidding. Did you see his face? I would pay a week’s salary to see you do that again.”

  “It can be arranged.”

  By the time Devyn pulled in to my driveway the high of Anthony getting what he deserved had worn off, and as I stared at the two-story white house with its black shutters I was reminded of everything wrong with my life. Letting out a heavy sigh, I sank deeper into the plush seat. “Devyn, how the hell am I going to do th
is? It’s crazy. I don’t know what I’m doing, but I also can’t sit around doing nothing and watch my mother die.”

  “We won’t. We’re going to figure this out. You’re going to get your powers, and we have all summer to crack the mystery behind your tails.”

  I wished his optimism would rub off on me.

  I had one hand on the doorknob when I remembered. “Oh, before I forget. My mom wants you to come for dinner.”

  “Why?”

  The expression on his face was classic. I wish I could have bottled the look to use against him later. My lips twitched. “You look petrified.”

  “I do not.”

  “Don’t worry, she doesn’t bite. Not anymore.”

  Devyn didn’t like my sense of humor.

  “Hey, Dad,” I greeted, seeing my father sitting on the couch.

  He pulled his gaze from the TV. “Who was that boy who dropped you off? I don’t think I’ve seen him before.”

  Uh-oh. I recognized that tone. It was his military voice, the one he used when I was in trouble, but I wasn’t sure what I’d done wrong. “Devyn. He’s a friend.”

  “Why is he driving you home? You have a perfectly good car in the driveway.”

  Good question, and one I’d rather not answer. “It was just a ride. No big deal. Kids do that, you know, carpool.” I thought it best not to mention Devyn didn’t go to my school, or any school for that matter.

  He wasn’t satisfied with the answer, brows thinning so they almost formed one straight line. “Why not ride with Jesse, then? It would make more sense.”

  It looked like I was going to get the third-degree. Sighing, I leaned against the wall. “I don’t see why me catching a ride home is something to get worked up about.”

  He pointed to his watch. “School ended hours ago. It’s dinnertime, Karina. What were you doing with him?”

  What is going on? It wasn’t like this was the first time I’d ever come home late from school. On the days I worked, I didn’t make it home sometimes until after ten pm. Why was he suddenly in such a tizzy about my whereabouts? “Nothing. We went to the beach.”

  “That’s not how we do things in this house. You know your mother needs you.”