We entered the training area again and Autumn immediately zoomed over. She touched my shoulder, her eyes scanning the length of me for any damage. “Are you okay?”
“Shouldn’t you be asking your fiancé?” Dathan butted in. “I’m the one who got attacked.”
“What?” Autumn’s voice took on a hint of hysteria. “Did Ulric or one of his men get in here?”
“None of the above.” Dathan aimed an index finger at me. “This guy got a little angry and violent while we were sparring.”
“Uh-huh.” She squinted, glancing from me to Dathan. “I’m betting you provoked him.”
Dathan threw his head back and laughed, then returned to the spot where we’d been sparring. That was my cue to get busy.
I’ll fill you in later, I told Autumn. Obviously, I’d have to omit big chunks of the incident, especially anything that involved the ring or my feelings for her.
After a couple hours of hardcore training, Yvonne and Sean strolled in. “You called, Your Majesty?” he asked, as about half the compound’s inhabitants poured into the training area.
“Yes.” Natasha swept toward them. “I want to do an aerial inspection, see if we can locate Ulric or any nearby werewolves. If we know his whereabouts, perhaps we can decrease our chances of being caught off guard.”
“If an aerial search is conducted, you should be excluded, Your Majesty,” Sean said, his eyes fierce.
Yvonne grunted. “Agreed. I’m sorry, Your Majesty, but we can’t allow you on such a mission.”
Silence permeated the room like electricity, charging the air with tension. Pretty ballsy outright disobeying the queen. The last thing we needed right now was mutiny.
Chapter TWELVE
Autumn
Natasha’s blue eyes glinted like cobalt. “Last time I checked, I was the shape-shifter queen. I give the orders.”
“Yes,” Sean agreed. “And per your orders, I must keep you safe. You will stay here while others go in your stead.”
When Natasha opened her mouth, Yvonne cut her off. “As your loyal subject sworn to allegiance, I’m afraid I must agree with Sean.”
“I’ll go, Your Majesty.” Persius powered through the throng of people to stand beside Yvonne and Sean. “Three more and we have a full team.”
“I’ll go too,” Haji added. “Maybe we form another team and cover more ground faster.”
“I’m in,” came a shout from the crowd.
Natasha’s voice was drowned out with a chorus of volunteers. Her eyebrows drawn, she zeroed in on my father. He nodded and her shoulders slumped. I didn’t have to wonder why Natasha was listening to my dad now—her older brother.
Interesting dynamics between Natasha and your father, don’t you think? Dathan spoke into my head. Did you get the rest of the story from him?
I located Dathan sitting in a nearby chair and shrugged, not feeling the need to tell him I already had the info.
Well, no need to rush the rest of the truth. It won’t change the path of our war.
It’s all about the war for you, isn’t it? I sent him a scathing look. Sometimes I wonder if you care about anyone besides yourself.
My dear, Autumn, he said, rising from his chair. I was blissfully ignorant until you came along. If not for you and your friends, I’d still be sleeping comfortably. He stalked toward me. If I didn’t care, I’d be at my palace right now. If I didn’t care, I would’ve let you and Zack go on being blind to what you are. If I didn’t care, I wouldn’t be here. He loomed over me, his eyes on fire. You started all of this and now you’re going to help me finish it.
The noise around me increased, but I was too focused on Dathan to allow the ruckus to fully register.
“Problem?” Zack’s gaze bounced from me to Dathan.
I told myself to breathe. In and then out. I’d been wondering what Dathan’s ulterior motive was, but now I believed there wasn’t one. He just had sneaky ways of going about accomplishing the plan I already knew about.
“No.” I brushed my shoulder against Zack so he could hear what I was about to say to Dathan. We need to break up because sooner or later, someone’s going to notice these little moments between the three of us. You don’t need me anymore; you already got acceptance from everyone here. And our breakup needs to be public, for obvious reasons.
Dathan groaned. Whatever you say. I’ll trust you to choose the right moment. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to pay attention.” He flipped around to tune in to the crowd.
Natasha eyes dulled as she seemed to relent, directing her words at Yvonne and Sean. “Fine. I will take your advice and reluctantly give my consent for my people to put themselves at risk.”
A collective sigh whispered through the shape-shifters, including me. She was my aunt and my parents cared deeply for her. I needed her to be safe.
“I’ll be one of the twenty,” my dad volunteered. “We brought Ulric to you. We can’t let your people take the biggest risks.”
Natasha waved her hand at my dad as if erasing everything he’d said. “No. My people know the area and we can do it more efficiently. You will stay here with Olivia and your daughter. Ensure that the young are as ready for battle as they can be.”
My limbs sagged in relief. It’s not like my dad could defy his queen.
“I need all volunteers to coordinate with me now,” Sean said.
As the shape-shifters gathered around Sean, I gravitated toward Renzo and Zack while I watched my parents. Their eyes were glued to Natasha, their brows scrunched in worry—probably because we could lose some of the crew. Hell, maybe more than just some. We had no idea how many uber powerful werewolves Ulric had with him or what they had planned for us.
Even as my chest tightened at the unknown and possible death toll, I knew we didn’t have a choice but to proceed with the aerial search.
Chapter THIRTEEN
Zack
With nothing better to do while Natasha and Sean organized their volunteers, I slanted against the wall and snuck occasional glances at Autumn who was whispering with her mom. Dathan chatted to Quentin.
Watch this. Autumn’s eyes flashed.
“Dathan.” She spoke loudly, like she wasn’t trying to be discreet. “I need to talk to you.”
Dathan’s eyes narrowed and guarded. “What is it, sugar?” he asked, rising from his chair.
I inched closer to them so I didn’t miss anything. Olivia stood too, as though protective over her daughter.
“You probably shouldn’t call me that anymore.” She angled her chin toward her chest, her eyes wide and filled with regret. “I can’t marry you, Dathan. I’m so sorry.”
A harsh laugh escaped him. “Oh, you can’t, huh? And why is that?”
“A lot of reasons. I mean, you’re plenty attractive, but I feel like we don’t really connect anymore, you know?”
I couldn’t help but grin.
“I understand.” He bit his bottom lip, and I wasn’t sure if he was suppressing his amusement. “Is there someone else?” You’re welcome, Zack.
“Uh…” She scanned the dead-silent enthralled audience—who were all waiting to see how the dis-engagement unfolded. “There’s someone I’ve been getting closer to. Which is why it’s not fair to you if I continue this. It feels wrong to commit to one person when I can’t stop thinking about someone else.”
“Well, I can’t deny that we’ve been drifting apart. This is probably for the best,” Dathan muttered. “Are you going to tell me who it is or shall I guess? You have my word that no harm will come to him.” He followed the path of her gaze, then scoffed. “Zack? You’d rather be with a commoner than a vampire king? I guess you two are perfect for each other.”
Thank you, I told him as he headed for the stairwell.
No sweat. He halted, pivoted and surveyed the room. We’re basically done for a while. If you’re smart, you’ll both escape into the queen’s apartment before it gets crowded. Go now and I’ll escort you.
I don’t have to be
told twice, I pushed into his head, then focused on Autumn. Meet me in our room?
You go first, she answered. I’ll slip out as soon as everyone stops staring.
My clever girl just paved the way so we didn’t have to hide. I could get a proper kiss from her. In front of everyone. Maybe not this second, but as soon as a respectable amount of time had passed. I imagined the possibilities and smiled to myself.
Dathan and I waited in the hallway for Autumn, then the three of us dashed down the stairs to the next floor. At the door to Natasha’s suite, I let the security system scan my eyes. The door glided sideways and Autumn and I hurried through.
I’ll be in the park, sulking over how I’ve been jilted. If you two decide to go anywhere, let me know and I’ll be back to escort you. Dathan saluted us as the door slid shut.
Thanks, I said.
Autumn wrapped herself around me like a blanket. I staggered over to the sofa, pulling her down and adjusting her in my lap. Her hands weaved through my hair and her mouth covered mine, swallowing my moan. I pressed her closer until her torso flattened against mine.
I didn’t get very far. I’m right outside the door with Olivia and Quentin, Dathan told me. I won’t be able to delay them but another minute or two.
Frustration consumed me and I did the opposite of everything I wanted to do. I nudged Autumn back, then gripped her hips as I stood. Her legs slid down the length of me and I stifled the urge to rush to the door and somehow reinforce it so no one could get to us.
Autumn leaned into me with her chin tilted up, tangling her fingers through mine. She was so damn cute when she looked at me like that. I landed a kiss on her forehead as her parents barged in. “What’s up, Mom?” she asked.
“I was worried so I followed your scent. It’s dangerous for you two to be alone, even here.” Olivia scanned the room. “There’s no security system that can’t be hacked, no fort that can hold forever.”
I tried not to think about what Autumn’s parents probably assumed I’d been doing with their daughter. Quentin seemed friendly enough but Olivia always kept her distance. I wondered what about me—other than the fact that I wanted to violate her daughter—made her dislike me so much. Was she still prejudiced against werewolves? Or did she dislike me even more now that she knew I was also part vampire?
Autumn plopped down on the couch, dragging me with her. “Is there news?” she asked.
“Natasha wants them to wait until morning after they’ve had a chance to rest and feed. Sixteen of them will split into four groups so they can cover more ground and finish faster.” Quentin scratched his chin. “Unfortunately, nine others have decided they don’t want to die in a battle they believe we can’t possibly win. That leaves about twenty staying behind.”
“They believe we can’t win?” Autumn gripped my hand. “That’s disturbing.”
“I agree,” Olivia answered. “The deserters will fly out with the scouting teams through the skylight. The ones who’ve declared themselves out of the fight won’t be allowed back in.”
“The deserters should be shot,” Dathan grumbled.
“Actually, I’m surprised all of them aren’t deserting,” Quentin mumbled.
Autumn studied her father. “Why do you look so worried?”
Natasha swept into the living room, followed by my dad. “Worried about what?” she asked.
“Once they leave in the morning, the remaining shifters aren’t your strongest fighters,” Quentin said. “A couple of them work the kitchen, one or two keep the gardens, another handles building maintenance and the rest are the scientists from the research department. Except for Yvonne and Sean, none of them are warriors.”
“The least skilled fighters,” Dathan said. “Which means while the others are scouting for Ulric, we’re essentially alone.”
“Not necessarily.” Natasha’s face appeared drawn and tired. “They may not be as experienced as you or me, but they still have considerable training. Everyone here trains. I guess it’s for the best that the others are leaving. We’ve lost so many battles over the centuries so I don’t blame them. But those with little faith will only hold us back.”
“Hang on,” I said. “We’re all warriors; seven of us here in this room. And as Natasha pointed out, the remaining crew has trained. We might be stressing out over nothing. We have a good chance against a few crazy werewolves.”
Olivia paced the other end of the room, keeping a safe distance from my dad and me, as usual. “It’s probably not only a few, Zack. There may be ten or more men with him. At least.”
“And they’re all amped up on vampire blood.” Quentin pinned me with a stare, then turned to Autumn. “If those psychos manage to get inside this place, we need to be together to fight them.”
“Otherwise, they can pick us off, one by one,” Renzo added. Sorry, bud. You’ll have time for Autumn when this is all over.
How much longer could Autumn and I keep this up and still have a relationship? My mood deflated like an empty blood bag.
Chapter FourTEEN
Autumn
The next morning, all the compound residents gathered around Natasha and Sean. Havers and Kieran had already checked the exterior monitors with extra diligence but Natasha wanted one person to go outside and make double sure she wasn’t sending her entire scouting party to the slaughter. Natasha tried to be that one person, but Sean and Yvonne shot her down. Not only did Sean volunteer to do the initial perimeter scope, he insisted on it.
“I don’t like you going out there alone.” Natasha’s mouth turned down as Sean prepared to shift into a bird and exit through the skylight.
“Someone has to.” Sean patted his pocket, pulled out a wallet then stuffed it back in. At least if he ended up being out too long, he had a leather wallet which would morph with him. “I won’t risk my queen’s life or anyone else’s. Besides, so long as I stay in the air, I’m safe.”
“Not necessarily.” Dathan clamped a hand on Sean’s shoulder. “As soon as you pass through the skylight, I want a connection with you. Talk or hum to me and don’t stop until you return. If you stop, I’ll assume our connection was interrupted by Ulric.”
Sean cast a doubtful glance at Dathan. “Because you think Ulric is capable of glamouring me from hundreds of feet away. And that’s assuming he realizes I’m a shifter.”
“Do as he says, Sean.” Natasha’s eyes pooled as she gave his arm a squeeze. “And be careful.”
“I will.” His arms vibrated for an instant before he morphed into an eagle. His majestic wings flapped, taking him higher and higher until he reached the ceiling. The skylight glided open and his wings whispered past the glass, then it closed after him.
With Sean gone, silence engulfed the room as we all waited. Dathan wandered to a corner, pensive as he tuned in telepathically to Sean.
I nibbled on my cuticles and glanced around the room, my attention frequently returning to the skylight above. Sean had to stay safe. And once all sixteen of them were gone, I needed every single one to survive. We could fight the upcoming battle without them, but as much as I wanted to think positively, I needed to be practical. The smaller our army, the less our chances of winning. Plus, they were good people and didn’t deserve to be murdered. Though my head told me Sean would be fine, my gut warned me to prepare for anything.
“When Sean returns with news that the area is secure, how long do you think they’ll be out scouting?” I asked Natasha.
“Days.” Dad materialized at my side. “Shape-shifters usually fly as common birds that travel in flocks, like ducks or pigeons. They’ll draw less attention but travel slower.”
“They’ll zigzag to cover more ground and that will slow them down,” my mom added. “Plus, they’ll need to stop occasionally to rest or refuel.”
Days? Fluttering above had our eyes riveted to the ceiling. The hatch opened and Sean glided down, the breeze from his wings reaching me and lifting my hair. As soon as his feet touched the floor, he morphed back into his h
uman form. “The mountain is clear. We should leave right away.”
“Don’t forget to check in every hour or so,” Natasha reminded him.
The team of sixteen said their goodbyes, then morphed into pigeons. The hatch opened again, they flew through the small opening at the ceiling and then the glass slid over after them. As I stood there staring up, Zack draped an arm around my shoulders and drew me against him. “They’ll be okay. They’ve all been around a while and they’re smart.”
The full scope of the mission hit me just then and my stomach bottomed out. “They won’t always be up in the sky untouchable. Each time they stop to eat or rest, they could be discovered and captured. And if they don’t find Ulric, they stay out longer...” My voice trailed off.
My dad’s mouth set into a grim line. “The longer they’re out, the higher the risk of Ulric discovering them.”
What could I say to that? We could lose a major portion of our army, but we’d allowed them to leave anyway. And maybe none of them were related to me, but they were loved by someone. Each one of them mattered. “They shouldn’t have gone.”
“Yes, this was an extremely bad idea.” Dathan glanced up at the skylight. “We can’t keep tabs on all of them at every second. Ulric could get power over one of them at any moment and we won’t know. We should call them back.”
Natasha’s gaze snapped to Dathan. “We can’t. We need to find Ulric and this is the only way. Otherwise, we’re sitting ducks waiting to be picked off.”
Dathan knocked his fist against the wall and dust floated in the air. “I don’t know what pisses me off more—that you’re right or that I couldn’t come up with a better way.”
“Practice without me. I have some business to attend to.” Natasha’s eyes fluttered before she disappeared through the door.
Dathan snapped his fingers at Yvonne and a couple others. “Follow her.”
Shapes of Autumn (Boxed set, books 1 - 5) Page 86
