by River Ramsey
“Fair enough,” says James, heading back to the SUV. By the time I turn around, Rowan is a wolf again. As soon as we’re in the car, he takes off running and James has to struggle to keep pace with him.
I’m still reeling from the fact that he came back for me. The last twenty-four hours have brought me nothing but heartbreak, but knowing that the three of them are standing by me makes it all seem possible to bear.
Chapter 22
After driving so long in the other direction, the journey to the Visath pack feels like a step back, but I know it’s the next step forward. I’ve had a lot of time to think, and just escaping isn’t going to cut it. My father has done the unthinkable, and his web of betrayals is more complicated than I ever could have imagined. He’s been using me since I was born, and if he’s not my birth father, given everything he’s revealed about his character lately, I have to assume that he didn’t come by me through any legitimate means.
That leaves an uncomfortable number of questions unanswered, namely, who are my birth parents? And why did Mace leave that locket for me to find? Was he trying to lead me down the right path, or is this yet another betrayal that’s going to come back to haunt me?
When we finally arrive on the outskirts of the Visath territory, Rowan instructs us to wait while he reasons with his contacts inside. I can only hope the neighboring pack still thinks fondly enough of his family to help us, even though I never imagined a friend of Adam’s would be a friend of mine.
He seems like such an insignificant threat now. The pack was far from idyllic or peaceful under his rule, but at least he kept order. At least he didn’t bring strangers to our streets to point guns at our children.
Rowan is gone for almost an hour, and I can tell the others are starting to grow as nervous as I am. He finally comes back, human and fully dressed, flanked by a few outlands guards.
Christopher and James jump out first, and for once, I follow their request to stay behind. I begin to relax when the conversation seems peaceful enough, and before long, James comes to get me.
“It’s safe,” he assures me, helping me out of the car. One of the guards takes the keys from him and drives the SUV off somewhere else while we’re led into the pack. The streets are quiet, save for a few people drinking and talking outside a bar. They all stop to look at us, but they resume their conversation a moment later.
“The Alpha Lord has agreed to hear you out, so make it good,” Rowan whispers to me as the guards lead us down the road toward an old colonial mansion up ahead. Ivy clings to the thick columns around the house and willow trees stretch over the stone walkway like they’re bowing to welcome the guests. I never imagined the Visath pack was so homey, but it’s smaller than I expected. I hope their army can at least mount a decent defense.
The servants give us worried glances and skitter away as the guards take us to the Alpha Lord’s chambers. The man is exactly as I remember him from the one time I saw him in attendance at one of Adam’s rare social gatherings. He doesn’t seem to recognize me at first, and as usual for an alpha his age, he only addresses the men in the room.
“When Rowan told me a runaway omega wished for an audience with me, I was curious enough to humor you,” he says dryly. “Especially when he informed me you had some tall tale to share about Eternus?”
“It’s not a tall tale,” I say, speaking up even though it would be enough to get me thrown into a locked room for a week at home. The time for pandering to tradition is gone, and if this old man thinks that it will save him from Eternus’ forces, he’s got another thing coming.
Even James seems shocked at my bravado, but I step forward. Something tells me that playing the meek, shrinking violet omega won’t get me anywhere with the Alpha Lord. “It’s the truth, and I witnessed the invasion of my pack first hand. We have no other reason for being here than to warn you.”
The Alpha Lord stares at me and for a moment, I’m sure he’s going to throw me out. It’s a gamble, but it seems to have paid off when he chuckles, breaking the tension in the quiet room. “My, you are a feisty one, aren’t you? I’d heard there was an omega who thought herself high enough to choose her own mate, and you certainly don’t disappoint.”
I’m sure he doesn’t mean it as a compliment, but I smile anyway. “With all due respect, my lord, your pack is in grave danger and there’s no time to waste on formality.”
“Spoken like a true Marok wolf,” he chuckles, leaning back in his chair. “Alright, go ahead. This should be good,” he says aside to his advisor.
I summon my resolve and begin to explain everything I’ve learned over the last couple of days. The shocking conversation I overheard between my father and the General, the truth about Mace, even the strange locket. The Alpha Lord goes from casually amused to listening intently as I continue, and I can tell from the look on Rowan’s face that a lot of this is news to him, too.
Once I’m finished, I stand back and wait for the Alpha Lord’s judgment. His decision whether to act could change the tide of the war my father and his allies have planned. I can only hope it’s still early enough to make a difference.
“We have been watching the developments within your pack with great interest,” he says thoughtfully. “And I’ll admit, your intelligence checks out with my own.”
“So you believe us?” I ask hopefully.
“I have no doubt that Eternus wants this land,” he scoffs. “That has never been in question, and in thirty years, they haven’t managed to take it. Every other Alpha on the outlands border knows the same.”
“But things are different,” I insist. “My father —”
“Your father is the spawn of Marok, the weakest link among our region,” the Alpha Lord says sternly. “It appears that you did not inherit that weakness, but for an omega, it’s more of a curse than a blessing.”
“You don’t understand,” James growls. “They are coming and it’s only a matter of time before they take over. Ryland wants as many annexed packs under his control as possible, before he stages a coup against the King.”
“A rebellion against that precocious boy king is none of my concern,” the Alpha Lord spits with a dismissive wave of his hand. “Let them storm our gates. My men could use the refreshment of cowards’ blood.”
“Sir, I think you should at least consider warning the other alphas,” Rowan says carefully. “Presenting a united front could make Ryland and his forces back down.”
“I’ll hear no more of it tonight,” the Alpha Lord grunts, taking another gulp from the large chalice in his hand. “Now, if you’re so worried about these timid dogs, you can take shelter in the pack for the night, and nothing more. It’s only out of loyalty to your father that I offer that much.”
“Yes, sir,” Rowan mutters, bowing his head low.
He’s silent as we’re escorted out of the chambers and he leaves us to go speak with one of the guards across the room. I can tell from their body language that there’s some connection between them. The other man glances our way and nods before patting Rowan on the shoulder and returning to his post.
“What did he say?” Christopher asks solemnly as Rowan comes back over to join us.
“He’s an old family friend. His family has a cabin up in the woods, outside the pack,” Rowan answers. “They’ll let us stay in their barn for the night.”
“Probably smells better than that hotel room,” Christopher mutters.
Turns out, he’s right. Just not by much.
The barn is old and dusty, but at least it’s not currently in use. Kara, the farmer’s wife we’re staying with, comes in carrying a stack of sheets and thick blankets that should make the straw mattresses more tolerable.
“I’m sorry there’s no room in the house,” she says apologetically. “Ever since Zane’s cousin came to stay with us, we’re full up.”
“We appreciate you letting us stay at all,” I assure her, taking the blankets. “I can’t thank you enough.”
She smiles sympathetica
lly at me, then looks up at Rowan. “I just hope that everything works out alright. We packed some supplies for you to take with you tomorrow and left them in your SUV.”
“Thanks, Kara,” Rowan says warmly. He follows her to the barn doors and pulls them shut.
“Well, looks like we’ve got shelter for the night,” Christopher murmurs. “Let’s hope the Alpha Lord is right about his impenetrable fortress.”
“He’s a pompous old bastard,” Rowan mutters, somber once again. I realize he was just putting on an act for his old friend, and the fact that he’s worried makes me even more on edge.
“What if he’s wrong?” I ask. “All these people are in danger and they don’t even know it.”
“That’s life in the outlands,” says James. “Eternus has always been a threat.”
“Still, there’s gotta be something we can do.”
“There is,” says Christopher. “Whatever secrets your father is keeping, we get to the bottom of them and use them against him. To do that, we have to get out of this territory.”
“He’s right,” Rowan agrees. “I grew up with these folks and I know how stubborn they are. I already talked to Zane and Kara and they know everything that’s going on, but they refuse to budge.”
His words are sobering, but I know he’s right. Most of the Marok pack is the same way. As much as I want to protect all of them and atone for my own role in my father’s plan, I know the only way I can actually help right now is by staying out of his clutches.
“Rowan,” I say suddenly. “Earlier, you told us you came back because of something you learned about my mother. What was it?”
He frowns as if he’s just remembered. “I was hiding out in the pack she happens to be from. I only found out because I was asking around about your dad. Something about his triumphant homecoming just didn’t sit right with me,” he explained. “One of the people I was staying with knew her from school. She said she remembers when your mother and father—er, sorry. When she and Ryland came to visit right before you were born.”
“Then she might know who my real father is,” I say excitedly, reaching for the locket. I pop it open to show the picture inside to Rowan. “Do you think she’d be able to identify these people if I brought her the locket?”
He hesitates, and I can tell he’s not sure how to tell me whatever it is. “Dani, that’s just it. She was with your mother the month before you were born.”
I wait expectantly for him to go on. “So?”
His brow furrows. “I don’t know how to tell you this, but… she wasn’t pregnant.”
His words cut me like a knife even though I’ve known all along I was hoping for something highly unlikely. “I—is she sure? Some women don’t show much.”
“She remembers clear as day, Danica,” he says gently. “Emma wasn’t pregnant at all. Certainly not eight months along.”
It feels like there’s a weight on my chest that won’t let up. James leads me over to a bench to sit down, which is good, since the barn feels like it’s spinning.
“I’m sorry,” Rowan says guiltily.
“Don’t be,” I murmur. “I knew when I saw that picture there was a good chance my father wasn’t the only one who wasn’t who I thought he was. I just hoped…”
James sits next to me, putting an arm around my shoulder. “Whatever the truth is, we’ll find it,” he says, sounding so sure of something I’m afraid to even hope for.
“He’s right,” says Christopher. “Whatever we have to do, as soon as we get you to safety, our first priority is going to be finding out the truth about your parents.”
“I hate to be the bearer of more bad news, but that probably means finding Mace,” says Rowan. “She found the locket at his place, right?”
No one answers out loud, but the silence is clear enough. My path has turned into a dizzying mass of knots, and all of them lead back to Mace. If he was savvy enough to not only slip his collar but escape before my father could track him down, I know finding him isn’t going to be easy.
For the night, I’m too exhausted and overwhelmed to think about all of it. All I want to do is sleep. I lie down, and James holds me close, stroking my hair as Christopher stands guard and Rowan beds down up in the loft. Knowing they’re here, and that they’re all safe, means more than I know how to express right now. I just hope I find the way to tell them before it’s too late.
Chapter 23
My dreams are fitful and full of fire. The flames lap at my feet as I struggle against ropes binding me to a stake high off the ground, in view of the entire pack. Their somber faces are all turned up, flushed by the blaze eating away the fuel at the bottom of the stake.
My father leads them, his blood red uniform and gleaming brass glowing in the reflection of the embers. The heat is overwhelming and I can barely breathe, but I can make out the sight of one man standing behind him, scarcely visible through the flame.
His piercing gray eyes cut deep into my soul. Mace. He puts his hand on my father’s shoulder and leans in to whisper.
“Long live the King.”
I scream as the flames engulf me, and I sit upright as a pair of strong arms wrap around me. At first, I’m sure it’s the rope cutting into me, but the familiar scent awakens me fully and I find myself in James’ arms, staring into his concerned eyes. Rowan rushes down from the loft and Christopher is right beside us, a worried expression on his tired face.
“You’re alright,” James says, holding me close to his chest. “It’s fine. It was just a dream, Dani.”
I know he’s right, but my heart is still racing and I still feel the smoke in my lungs. I struggle to see through the tears, trying to convince myself that it wasn’t real. “I was being burned,” I say, touching my shoulders. My fingertips feel cold compared to the rest of my skin. “My father was there, and Mace, he…”
“It wasn’t real, Dani,” Christopher says, sitting beside me. “You’re safe. We’re not going to let either of them hurt you.”
Before I can respond, a howl from the village below interrupts our conversation. All of them turn to face the barn door and as soon as Rowan throws it open, I smell smoke. This time, it’s real. I rush to the door and Rowan grabs me to keep me from running out. Tongues of flame are spreading out around the pack, and I can see men in Eternus uniforms lighting the woods surrounding the town with dark torches.
“No!” I cry as Rowan holds me back.
“Get her out of here,” he growls, passing me off to Christopher. “I’ve gotta warn Zane and the others.”
“Come on,” Christopher says, taking my hand to pull me around the barn and away from the chaos.
“We have to help them!”
“They’re trying to smoke us out, literally,” Christopher argues. “We have to run.”
“He’s right,” says James. “The Alpha Lord had his chance to prepare for an attack. It’s up to them now. There’s nothing we can do.”
I know they’re right, but it doesn’t stop me from being overwhelmed by guilt. I think of Aspen and the promise I made to say goodbye. It’s only the knowledge that if we’re caught now, he and Rowan and Christopher and James will all face the punishment for my escape that keeps me moving forward.
Hatred burns within me, hotter than the flames behind us, and I make a vow to myself that I will stop my father—no, the traitor who kidnapped me as an infant and used me every waking moment of my life—no matter what it takes. I’ll find my parents, and I’ll have my vengeance. He won’t get away with this.
Once we reach the car, I leap inside and Christopher takes the wheel. James buckles me in as we peel out onto the deserted road.
“What about Rowan and the others?” I cry.
“He’ll meet up with us,” says James. The sound of gunfire coming from town mingles with wolves’ howls. I know that sound. A call of war. It makes me shudder, even as the beast within longs to join the fight.
How many more people will die because of me? Because he’s after me? We
have to run, but we can’t stop. There is no shelter, not out in these lands that Ryland and his men have marked for conquest.
He knows the game too well. He served Adam for too long, and he knows the terrain as well as anyone. A traitor is the most dangerous foe imaginable, and the General chose his allies well.
If we’re going to survive, I’ll have to choose mine better.
I catch sight of Rowan running alongside the SUV in his wolf form. “Stop the car!”
James seems reluctant, and he barely slows down, but it’s enough. I open the door and Rowan leaps in, all two-hundred pounds of muscle and fur.
I throw my arms around his thick neck and squeeze tight. He smells like the woods and there are leaves in his fur, but I don’t care. I’m so happy to see him. “What about the family?” I ask hopefully, looking down at him.
His eyes are full of sorrow and he gives his big head a somber shake.
I swallow the sob in my throat and curse the man who raised me. I curse myself, too, for letting this happen. I bury my face and fingers in Rowan’s fur as Christopher guns it out of the territory. We have to go deeper into the outlands before we can get out, but we all know the unspoken truth.
There’s nowhere in this land that’s far enough to escape. Anywhere we stop for shelter becomes Ryland’s next target, and we can’t trust anyone outside this vehicle.
After what feels like forever, Christopher’s eyes meet mine in the rearview mirror. “I think we lost them.”
“Too soon to say for sure,” James mutters. “Keep driving.”
“Obviously,” Christopher shoots back. “I just need to know where.”
James falls silent in contemplation, but I already have the answer. “We have to find a way into Eternus territory.” Now they’re all looking at me like I’m crazy. Even the wolf who’s resting his head in my lap.
“As long as we’re out here, we’ll just be struggling to stay a few steps ahead of Ryland and Harquest,” I explain, deciding I need to share the plan that’s been brewing in my mind ever since the Alpha Lord made it clear that a direct offense against Eternus wasn’t going to be feasible. “Our only chance is finding an ally more powerful than the General.”
