Wolfen Secrets (The Western Werewolf Legend #3)

by Catherine Wolffe

  The Guardian’s hand rested on her shoulder, reminding her of the first time he’d done so several months before. “Black magic?” Sonja glanced up. The Guardian’s eyes were sad. Perhaps he shared her defeat. She’d not considered her pain might also be his. “How is that possible? Aren’t warlocks the only ones who deal in black magic?

  “The choice is given to those who seek the power.”

  “What could a warlock want? Surely he doesn’t want my blood too!” Hating the thread of panic working its way into her voice, she reached out, taking his long nailed paw in hers.

  The Guardian’s gaze grew more forlorn.

  Searching for a way to comfort the poor beast, Sonja reached up, laying her other hand on his greenish-blue talons. With the long nails the Guardian used as weapons resting under her fingers, Sonja’s memory of their first encounter came back to her. Her reaction to contact with the great beast hadn’t always been so comfortable. He’d proven to be a formidable ally. Now, his steadfast support was such a comfort. “Thank you, Guardian.”

  “The gods understand, my child. Yours is a great burden. Were it possible I could take the responsibility from you, I would.”

  She smiled a trembling smile for him. Ty had said the same thing only a few minutes earlier.

  “What will you tell me of those responsible for this death, Guardian? Are they so evil, they would use children to lure us into their trap?’’ When he gave no answer except to drop his head staring hard at the ground, she cocked her head, peering up at his profile. If he didn’t want to answer, that was all right. It wouldn’t be the first time she’d managed to figure things out using what he didn’t say.

  She cut her eyes again at the beast. Not a handsome fellow, still, his nature was good. she’d grown to love the hairy warrior with all her heart. His tall stature with the long lanky arms, which practically drug the ground when he walked, was so familiar to her now. Through a mass of matted, dirt-infused black hair, he peered from deeply-set black eyes. One could argue his whole appearance was off-putting, if not alarming. After all, had anyone ever seen a wolf-god before? She’d be the first to admit her introduction to the Guardian hadn’t been exactly cordial. His was definitely a presence, which grew on a person. Smiling to herself, she considered how fortunate she was to have met the wolf god. She’d gleaned all he had to share.

  It was time to change the subject. “I’m going on the offensive, Guardian. I’m tired of waiting around until some wild-eyed vampire decides he wants to bask in the sun and comes after me. You’ll help or you’ll step back, but I’ve made up my mind. I’m going to find the bastard responsible for this attack. His sorry ass is as crispy as a chicken leg before I’m done. Understand?”

  The Guardian raised one bushy brow, giving her his best summation. Without a word, he pursed his muzzle before flicking a glance at her stalwart stance. “You’ve come far from the first day you bore the burden of becoming a werewolf, especially a wolf with such legend. I’ve taught you many things. The danger is yours to face. Only you stand and take the blows. With such a decision, you’ll claim your birthright as leader of your pack.”

  “Pack or no pack, my mind is made up, Guardian. I will take the battle to the enemy.” Fire burned in her eyes. Steely determination filled her heart.

  “You make me proud, Sonja.” From an invisible pocket in his hair-covered hide, the Guardian pulled her silver cross. The same one she’d given Ty after he’d announced he was leaving to go after the vampires who held his men.

  “Where’d you find this?” Sentiment laced her question as her lips trembled with the pleasure the gift brought.

  “When you were at your lowest, I held this talisman for you. The time has come to give it back. During the Indian attack, you’d discovered who’d deceived you. The disbelief of your late husband, Robert’s emergence as the vampire king made you doubt your abilities. I’m proud you’ve come to terms with the past. It’s time to move forward. Never doubt your ability to overcome the obstacles fate hands you.”

  Sonja nodded. “I never dreamed I’d see him again. Never dreamed when I lost him it was because he’d become a vampire. He supposedly died honorably in the war. It’s all still hard to grasp.” She lowered her eyes. “Hard to believe all of this, but the betrayal is most difficult.” Straightening, she scrubbed her hands down the blanket. The sigh she released was cleansing. With a short laugh, she flicked a glance in the Guardian’s direction. “What a colorful tale I’ll have to tell my children, hey?”

  The Guardian’s hand rested again on her shoulder. “He was dying, much like Ty was dying when you found him. A witch or warlock took pity on him when he begged for his life. I’m sure he told the crafter he wanted to see you again. H received the gift he asked for, the second chance to live, to come home to you. However, Robert’s intentions, skewed by greed, had him trading in his gift of life on the chance at immortality. He joined the vampire coven. He’s the one who killed the vampire king, taking his place.”

  “How do you know this?” Her brow knitted in curious concern.

  “It’s my job to know these things. You see, up until then, the vampires lived in peace among the living near your home. They fed on wildlife and those already dying. Robert wanted more. The vampires became ruthless, bloodsuckers who sought to destroy all those of warm blood. He craved power and wealth. What better way to have those things than to take them?”

  Sonja’s eyes went dark. “Why haven’t you told me this before, Guardian?”

  “Would you have believed me?” He stepped toward her again. This time, he peered deep into her eyes before continuing. “Answers are given with time. All creatures learn at the pace destined. You’ve come to grips with who you are, an honorable werewolf protecting your pack. Now, you’ve set your sights on your destiny – to search out the evil lurking among mankind – the vampires.” He reached over, gripping her small hand in his big, blue-green talons. “Take heed, my child, your efforts will be fraught with hardship – on that you can depend. Trust not those who come to you in the darkness for their intentions are evil. Protect those you love and keep them close. You’ve already learned this lesson on the trip here. Nothing has changed. The vampires still exist. They still crave your blood. Be vigil least they find a niche in your armor.” The Guardian bowed his head, speaking quietly. “Rely on Tyler as he will on you. He still fights the changes shifting brings to his life. He will need you more than ever once you reach Texas. He carries a great burden of his own. The lieutenant will no doubt be tried over and over again. Be patient. He’ll find his way in his own good time. Now, I must go.”

  “Go?” Sonja gazed unblinking into his dark face. “Go where?”

  “Away. The time has come for me to leave. You’re strong, resilient. You’ll be a good leader. However, in order to lead, you must discover your own way.” The Guardian towered over Sonja.

  She gazed up at him, hoping she’d misunderstood. “What are you talking about, you overgrown beast? You can’t go.” She meant the words to be filled with humor, but there was no humor in his face. “You can’t just leave us here alone and…and…alone!” She spread her arms when more reason wouldn’t come. “What are we supposed to do if you leave? We’ll never explain what we are to those we meet. They’ll string us up like the bloodsuckers did the first night I changed. Do you actually expect me to believe you’d let such a thing happen?” She shut up then, hoping against hope she wasn’t right.

  “Relying on one’s self is what a leader does, Sonja. This is your destiny. This is your birthright.”

  “Bull shit!” The tears pooled, stinging her eyes. Pulling herself up to all her five foot two, she leaned into his chest, peering bleary eyed at his expression. The bastard had the audacity to appear resolved, even composed. A surge of temper spiked. Her blood began to heat. She wouldn’t allow the tears to fall in front of him, so she wheeled, walking away. Time, she needed time to absorb all this. She’d go to Hortence. Yes, that’s what she’d do. Hortence would ma
ke sense out of the mess. “Will you say good-bye before you leave?”

  The hulking shadow of the Guardian rose over her own, blacking out the light. “Yes, I plan on leaving on the morrow, so I’ll say my good-byes tonight.”

  Sonja nodded. Unable to see clearly, she stepped further away in hopes he wouldn’t recognize her tears.

  “Don’t cry, my child. This is a time of joy, of celebration. You’ve grown so much over the past months. I hardly recognize you.” His laugh sounded hollow. Releasing a breath, he tried again, “There is a reason for all things under this sky. Ours isn’t to question. We must obey the ancient prophecy.”

  “Do you know what I think of the ‘ancient prophecy’?” She turned abruptly. “Do you really want to know, Guardian?”

  He reached out, taking her by the shoulders. His long, hairy arms, once so frightening, now enveloped her in comfort.

  The feel of security was reassuring.

  “I have a boon for you.”

  Her interest pricked. “A boon? Really?”

  Nodding, the Guardian tilted his head. “Yes, I was going to save it for tonight, but I think I can better explain the purpose now.” He released her before extending his great paw. “Here, sit with me.”

  Sonja moved on leaded feet. She’d been so sure everything would be all right with his help. The Guardian would never leave her. Sniffing, she accepted the linen kerchief he handed her. Unable to fathom where he’d plucked the gentleman’s article from, Sonja shook her head delicately. Probably hidden in his alter ego’s persona, the country gentleman’s disguise he wore among the humans. Nothing made sense at the moment, she mused.

  “You will be tested. Here, sit beside me.” He paused, waiting for her to catch up. The log was large. Suddenly she was exhausted. “The elders will test your skills. Your training they’ll temper accordingly. They’ve permitted me one return visit to assist you in your war against the evil ones. While you’ll have all the knowledge available to them, you’ll have the responsibility of asking for my help. You can only make the request once, so choose wisely, Sonja.” His dark eyes bore into hers.

  “One visit?” Sonja dropped her head and surged from the log to stand, hands on hips with a firm set to her jaw. “One? Some boon, wolf god. You’ll be about as much use in one visit as I am with another head.” Huffing out a breath, she stared at the intimidating figure seated on the log and grimaced. “I think the elders aren’t as convinced as you. Perhaps they expect me to fail or don’t want to waste your time with my problems.” Her chin wanted to quiver, so she turned away, clenching her teeth, listening to them grind under the pressure.

  ***

  He’d had all he could stand of the elusive wolf god and Hortence, the witch. As far as Ty was concerned, they could both disappear. Neither did Sonja any good anyway. Unable to believe what he’d seen only minutes before, Ty cursed low and long under his breath. The mighty wolf god understood everything. Ty huffed out a laugh under his breath. What, could he see the future? Could he foretell the coming danger? Ty kicked at the dirt before scowling. Guardian did manage to keep them both from dying back there when the Indian vampires attacked. But Christ, he was always cutting things so close.

  “How long have you been standing there?”

  “You’re in a foul mood,” Sonja said as she stepped toward him. Dried blood smeared her forehead and made a dark line down her face. Her blanket was tattered, yet managed to keep her modesty in place. Running a hand through her gold curls, Sonja sighed before meeting his eyes. “Well you won’t have to worry about the Guardian anymore.”

  Ty cut her a questioning eye. “What the hell are you talking about now?”

  Ignoring his temper, she continued, “He won’t be driving you crazy with undue chances where our safety is concerned.” Readjusting her blanket more tightly about her, she missed the curious surprise in his face.

  “What, he’s planning on leaving?” Ty shook his head in approval. “Well good riddance, I say.”

  She glanced up and her eyes held unshed tears. The lush mouth, Ty could bring up from his mental archives at a whim, quivered slightly. “Aw, come on, Sonja, you’re not making any sense. Here, don’t cry! I’m sorry. I didn’t mean I wanted him to leave.” Reaching out, he gathered her into the warmth of his embrace. “Tell me why you’re crying. What’s the matter?”

  She sniffed and batted away tears before leaning in to rest on his shoulder. “I guess nothing’s the matter, the way it’s supposed to be really sucks though.” She sniffed and hiccupped before quietly tightening her hold on him.

  Unable to fathom her queer reply, Ty shoved her back a couple of inches. With his fingers, he lifted her chin. There was something, she wasn’t telling him. His ire rose at having to play guessing games. Peering deep into those whiskey-colored eyes, Ty forgot for a moment what his concern was as he wished he could simply languish with her in his arms forever. She hiccupped again and brought him back. Furrowing a brow, he gazed patiently at her as she wiped away more tears. “You’re not making any sense, Nymph. Here, let me get your clothes. I’ll help you dress. Sit down.” Steering her to a small patch of grass, he smoothed out a place for them both. He sat straddle legged in front, giving her his full attention. “What’s this about Guardian leaving and why does the way it is suck?”

  Her calm, quiet nature, the veneer for all kinds of anxiety, grew more ragged. “Talk to me.”

  “I lost the girl in the fire those bastards set.” She blinked and tears ran down her face unheeded. Automatically, she raised her arms, baring her beautiful breasts for his view while he slid her shift into place.

  Again, he gathered all his patience, following her change of direction as best he could. “I know, Nymph, I’m sorry. You can’t blame yourself every time the damn vampires attack innocent people. It’s their ploy to get you out in the open.” Reaching out, he rubbed her arm.

  “I called the Guardian to help right before I went into the shift. A lot of good it did me. Still, I think I understand why he won’t help us. We have to do it on our own. The elders decree we do it on our own. That’s what he said. That’s why he’s leaving us, Ty.” She dropped her head to focus on the buttons of her shirtwaist.

  Her fast-paced explanation left his head spinning. “What kind of nonsense is this?” Ty gave her a slow warning shake of his head, as if the mere motion would stall another change of topic. “He can’t leave now. We still need his sorry ass!” The truth of his statement hit him after the words left his mouth. Ty swallowed hard as he helped her to her feet. Yes, the beast irritated the holy hell out of him. They still needed him desperately!

  She used Ty’s arms to support her as she stepped into the plain cotton skirt. “He also said the conjuring of a fire and a child lost in the flames is the work of a black magic crafter like another witch or a warlock.” She helped Ty tuck the shirtwaist in before turning her back to him for him to tie her skirt.

  The look she sent him was so forlorn and despondent. Her crying came in sobs now coupled with hand wringing. Like any true southern gentleman, Ty would have promised her the moon if only it would stop her tears. Ty’s need to protect her reared tentacles to defend. “That tears it.” Ty slapped his hands on his thighs before standing. He had to move because he couldn’t sit still any longer. Dirt and rock shifted underfoot as he walked away. Stopping, Ty wheeled, before pointing his finger at Sonja. “The bastard’s gonna get an ass full of my boot. He’s nothing - a damn coward, leaving us out here to fucking die without so much as an explanation! Who does he think he is?”

  “He’s a god, Ty. He has other wolves he must train.” She stared at her hands clutched in her lap. Her shoulders drooped. She sniffed, wiping a finger under her nose.

  He couldn’t stand to see her so lost. The crying had subsided. Now might be a good time to offer help. “Here, Nymph, it smells like smoke but it’s fairly clean.” With his handkerchief in his hand, Ty eased down beside her. Her warmth circled him. Each muscle went lax with her touch.
She sunk deep into the embrace he offered. Ty grinned. She thought she was the lucky one. “Magical,” he sighed.

  “What?” She snuggled closer. “Did you say something?”

  “Ah, no, Nymph. Just relax. Here, let me give you a massage.” Slowly, he rubbed the knotted muscles of her neck, unable to resist stealing a kiss along her collarbone before tugging her shirtwaist aside to taste her shoulder. The soft skin along her breastbone grew enticing. Ty found the need to comfort her further as he toyed with the edges of her collar. He’d never understood why he could be so aroused by her no matter what she donned. The fact remained. She brought out the cravings in him like no other woman he’d ever known.

  “Stop it, Ty. I have to get cleaned up. The Guardian’s going to tell everyone at supper tonight.” She attempted to get up. He made a move to hold her fast, turning her to face him.

  “Will Hortence leave too?” Hating the question even as the words left his lips, Ty picked up her hand and gently laced fingers with hers. His rough, calloused one dwarfed her slim, soft one. Her burns were healing nicely. She’d be completely well by suppertime.

  Shrugging her shoulders, Sonja gave a non-committal reply. “I don’t know. He didn’t mention anything about Hortence.” Looking down at the healing burns on her hands, Sonja sighed heavily. “We need to say a prayer for the child. I mean, in case this afternoon was more than a dream.”

  “We will.” Taking her chin in his fingers, he examined the waning injuries to her neck and face. The werewolf’s hide couldn’t stop the fire from burning deep. Thank the gods she had restorative powers. Otherwise, she’d bear numerous scars from all the encounters she’d already faced. Suddenly, his heart squeezed in his chest. “I want you to promise me something, Nymph.”

  “What’s that, Lieutenant?” Her eyes grew a shade cooler. She expected him to ask for something she couldn’t give.

  “I want you to promise me...” His fingers gripped hers tight. His eyes bore into hers.

  “I’ll try.” Her hand he held trembled.