Banewolf (Dark Siren Book 2)

by Eden Ashley

  “He died anyway!”

  She flinched. Rhane had never raised his voice to her in anger. “Don’t blame me,” she whispered. “I’m telling you now.”

  “I don’t. I’m sorry.” Rhane sounded like he was about to choke. Looking at Kali, he took a deep, shuddering breath. “Shit.” He started pacing again.

  “I must have thought Rhaven was safe,” Kali muttered to herself. “Your army was coming but wasn’t going to make it in time. I went back to help. I was too late. Everyone was dead, except Rion, War, and Orrin. They were just children. Ptolen tried to hurt them, so I killed him first.”

  “And you just suddenly remembered all of this?”

  “I’ve been remembering bits and pieces. Now everything fits together. I didn’t tell you before because at first, all I remembered for sure was that I knew I was about to betray you. I didn’t understand why. There was no context to explain any of it.” She tracked Rhane’s movements. Never had she seen him so distraught, expressing such diverse and raw emotions. “Rhane…I’m sorry. I thought he was safe. I should have never defied them.”

  Rhane whirled. Crossing the room in two strides, he snatched her from the bed, slamming her body against his. He kissed the top of her head and pressed his face into her hair. “A messenger brought Rhaven to me. You had every right to think he was safe.” Hugging her tighter, he drew in a long breath. “I wasn’t blaming you earlier. None of this is your fault. Do you understand that?”

  Kali held onto him but kept silent. For what it meant, she couldn’t absolve herself of responsibility. Rhane lifted her chin and searched her eyes. “Do you understand?”

  Matching the intensity of his gaze, she squared her shoulders. “It wasn’t your fault either.”

  Rhane’s voice nearly destroyed itself with regret. “God I failed at everything I promised you. I had no right to take you from that island.”

  “I’m glad you did.”

  He drew her close, and she clung to him, wishing she could take away his pain. “I never deserved you,” he whispered. Sitting on the bed, he pulled her down as he lay back. He looked exhausted. The emotional roller coaster had taken a bigger toll than any physical fight she’d seen him emerge from. Kali lay across his chest and kept silent, sensing he just needed her to be there. She had given him a lot to absorb in the last few minutes.

  When Rhane started talking again, his voice sounded distant, as if he were reliving the past. “A hooded messenger came to our camp. Rhaven was disguised among his cargo, bundled in fabrics. I knew the situation had to be dire, and immediately withdrew the army. But we came too late.”

  “Who sent the messenger?”

  “You don’t remember?”

  She shook her head.

  “I never knew. An ally.” Rhane laughed bitterly. “No wonder they took you away from me. My government was corrupt enough to plan the murder of nearly a thousand innocents of their own race. Your life and Rhaven’s were nothing to them. The Builder was right. This is far more serious than I believed.”

  Kali propped herself on one elbow for a better view of him. “Who is the Builder helping you?” Rhane tensed. He continued to stare at the ceiling, but she could see his expression was troubled. “Will you trust that I will tell you when the time is right?”

  She knew he would tell her now if she pushed. But he really didn’t want to. Kali decided to trust his instincts. Despite his thoughts on the matter, he had done a really good job of protecting her thus far. She kissed his cheek. “I’ll wait.” Rhane’s eyes closed for a long moment. “What are you going to do?”

  He looked at her. Now his eyes were angry, flashing like green lightning. “I need to talk to my father. I have to find out why our own Primes would betray us.”

  “Power,” Kali stated simply. “Ptolen wanted to take the earth away from humans. He said they would use royal blood to rebuild.”

  “This is madness.” Rhane sat up and scrubbed his face with one hand. “If the Warekin were involved so long ago, they could still be a part of this mess now.”

  Kali wasn’t sure she followed. “Do you mean sending Gabriel after me and The Siren’s Heart?”

  Shaking his head, Rhane frowned. “I thought Gabriel only wanted your power. Now I’m not so sure what he wants.” He fell into a thoughtful silence. A long time passed and Kali nudged him. Rhane squeezed her hand. “Sorry,” he said awkwardly. “The Builder warned me that a war is coming between the races. I’m supposed to champion the good guys. Or at least that’s what he claims to be. If I do, I get to keep you.”

  “So, now I’m some stinking door prize?

  “More like a pawn. We’re all just pawns.”

  “That makes me feel so much better.”

  “I’ve got to get the statue back. The Builder seems to think we have a better chance if we hold most of the pieces.”

  “The map and the statue.”

  “The ledger must be important as well. Rogues want it too badly.”

  “Rogues were the Golden army. They were the ones who slaughtered the Warekin.”

  It hadn’t been a question but he nodded. “And if the Primes were in league with them then, the same is probably true now.”

  To accomplish any of what he spoke of, Rhane would have to return to Asia. Kali chewed her lip. “Will you leave soon?”

  “No. I need to take care of the threat here first.” He stroked her cheek. “Then I’ll go.”

  She threw her arms around his neck and hid her face. She didn’t want him to see the tears spilling from her eyes. Twice in one day she was crying. Kali couldn’t figure out when she’d become so emotional. “Where were you today?” Changing the subject felt like a good idea.

  “I know York’s teaching methods. I didn’t want him to hold back just because I was hanging around.” Untangling himself from her grasp, Rhane stood up and retrieved a satchel from next to the chair. “I picked up some files from your office. Wesley agreed to let you work from here.”

  “Thank you.” Kali took the bag and set it in her lap. Having the work she loved made her feel only a fraction less sad.

  “Cheer up.” Rhane lifted her chin. He wore the slow grin that showed his singular dimple. It was the rare smile; the one Kali loved so much. “I’m still here.”

  Chapter 40

  As if remembering treason within Rhane’s government and the knowledge that she’d murdered a Prime weren’t enough, things at school took a turn for the worse a few days later. War’s suspension had finally ended. Having him back meant Matthias and Ander’s presence didn’t have to be as strong. In truth, Kali missed them at lunch. Their foreign ways were pretty humorous. But Rion and War thought it’d look strange to other students—having four new guys sit with Kali in the cafeteria. So, she learned how to find Matthias in the gymnasium rafters and a quick glance behind before rounding a corner often yielded a view of Ander’s large form lurking in shadow. At the end of the day, however, the kindred were nowhere to be found.

  Kali walked next to Warren. Rion followed, keeping in step with their leisurely pace but looking absolutely bored while doing it. “Can someone tell me again why we’re walking all the way back to Hunter’s Valley?”

  “I can’t go home, and work isn’t safe anymore. All my time is spent either at school or inside the manor. I need some fresh air.”

  “We could’ve rolled the car windows down for you. All you had to do was ask.”

  She took a moment to toss a playful glare at Rion over her shoulder. War was frowning, not nearly as patient with Rion’s sulking as Kali had been. “Dude, get over it. If Kali wants to walk, we’re walking.”

  “Yes. We are walking. I’m just trying to grasp the reasons behind this insanity. We’re out in the open here.”

  “What are you afraid of exactly?”

  Rion trotted up fast enough to put himself in the lead. Then he slowed to a backward walk. The “I EAT BUNNIES” emblazoned in shimmering letters on his t-shirt was a bit distracting from the argument wit
h War. “In case you’ve forgotten, Kali happens to be the most wanted gal in the supernatural world right now. Reapers have made at least half a dozen plays to get her. Rogues tried to burn her up in the forest. Which was a dumb plan considering she’s a siren. Ian says he’s doesn’t, but who could blame him for holding a serious grudge. She sucked one of his guys dry. And let’s not forget about Gabriel-slash-Cal. That crazy duo still isn’t over the breakup.”

  “Nothing is going to happen, Rion. Relax.”

  “Relax. You say that like it’s nothing. But really it is a big something. What happens if a dozen rogues or if Gabriel himself comes outta the woods looking for blood?”

  “Rhane kicked Gabriel’s butt pretty hard the last time. I doubt he wants another fight anytime soon.”

  “I’m not getting a strong listening vibe from you.”

  “You just can’t hear it over your whining.”

  “That’s nice. Defeat my reasonableness with caveman insults.”

  “Reasonableness? Oh, so that’s what they call being chickenshit these days.”

  “Jerk.”

  “Wuss.”

  “You guys!” Kali threw her hands up in exasperation. “Both of you can relax. I cleared it with Rhane. He said this was okay.” And to her relief, tension bled from both of their shoulders. War gave Rion a look that said “I told you so.” Rion rolled his eyes as War moved past him. Five seconds later, the kin froze in their tracks.

  “What’s wrong?” she whispered.

  “We’re not alone,” War answered.

  “You’ve got to be kidding me,” Rion said.

  She stepped closer to War, but her training kicked in, making her careful to remain directly behind him. “Who is it?”

  Rion sniffed the air and groaned. “It’s just Bentley and his crew. What do you think they want?”

  “Payback.”

  Rion lifted an eyebrow as he looked at War. “Why the grim face? They’re just a few dumb teenagers. Nothing we can’t handle. Matter of fact, Kali and I could keep moving while you take care of them on your own.”

  War lifted his cap and turned it backward. “Take a two second break from being a pansy and have another whiff.”

  Rion did. A look of confusion crossed his face. “Something is off. Why does that smell seem so familiar?”

  Before War could answer, Tyler and Lloyd emerged from the woods, blocking the path in front of them. “I missed you in school today,” a voice called from behind. It was Bentley, standing with both arms folded and a rather smug look on his face.

  “Sorry about that.” War smiled darkly. “But Dad made me promise to stay away from assholes.” He studied the three boys. “You seem different.”

  “We are different,” Tyler said, inciting a glare from Bentley.

  “You made a bad choice.” War shifted his stance. Kali had seen him do that before. War was ready for a fight.

  Bentley shrugged. “Bad feels pretty good.”

  Looking back and forth between the boys, Kali sidled closer to Rion. “What’s going on?” she said as quietly as possible.

  “They’re servants now. Just like Shannon.”

  “What?” She couldn’t believe her ears. “You gotta be kidding me.”

  “Sorry, babe.” Rion leaned into War’s ear and said in a loud stage whisper, “Now is a great time to say I freaking told you so.”

  “You broke my nose, Abercrombie Red.” Bentley touched the mending bump that would forever alter his profile. “It was a great nose. Perfect. Now I’m going to break your face.”

  Tyler and Lloyd moved forward. Rion and War maneuvered to put Kali between them. “Skins?” Rion asked. But War shook his head. “Not unless they change first.”

  “Two of us against three Reapers. Not bad odds.”

  Bentley beamed a menacing smile. “We brought a few friends.”

  Right on cue, three rather large, mangy looking canines that were much too big to be normal wolves emerged from the surrounding trees. Crapola.

  “Three to one. We’re gonna need skins.”

  “I’m not useless,” Kali muttered.

  War’s eyes widened, nearing panic. “You cannot get hurt.”

  A new voice spoke from somewhere above them. “How about three to two?” By the time Kali looked up, Matthias had dropped to the ground, touching down lightly in front of Bentley. He was a head shorter. His sinewy build held only essential body fat, but was hidden beneath a bulky, almost sloppy manner of dress. By appearances only, Bailey had no reason to feel intimidated. The Reapers growled. Lloyd and Tyler shifted uncertainly.

  “Three to two odds mean another guy, Matthias.” War looked up into the canopy of trees expectantly. “Please tell me kindred know remedial math.”

  In answer, a screaming demon dropped from the sky and shook the earth as it landed between two Reapers. Unfolding to its full height, the kindred made the huge, wolf-like creatures seem as small as puppies. Uttering a second, more guttural scream, it lifted the closest Reaper and took a savage bite from the creature’s neck. The Reaper fell, writhing painfully beneath a dinner plate-sized paw that pinned it down. Turning, the kindred sank its teeth into the other Reaper’s spine.

  War and Rion’s human forms disappeared behind wolf skins. But Lloyd and Tyler had already fled. Bentley didn’t let them get too far ahead before he ran too.

  The towering kindred dropped to all fours again, facing the final contender with another shriek of challenge. The Reaper considered the two kin and the giant. Then it made the best choice. It turned tail and bolted.

  Directing its angry gaze to War and Rion, the kindred rose again. Underneath the grey hide its muscles rippled with power. Saliva-covered teeth were ready to inflict more damage. War and Rion drew back, encircling Kali tightly. They bared their teeth. Low growls emitted from their wolf forms. The kindred shrieked again. Hot air from the force of its challenge reached to where Kali stood, whipping her curls away from her face. Snarling furiously, the legs of War’s russet wolf bunched, preparing to launch itself into the fight. Rion’s smaller skin pawed the ground anxiously.

  But a laugh from Matthias cut across the battle line, and everyone froze.

  “Okay. Big guy, you’ve had your fun. Stop scaring the kids.”

  After a beat of silence, the giant sank onto its haunches and began to shrink in size. When Ander was completely human, War and Rion abandoned their skins. Begrudging looks of gratitude were thrown in the kindred’s direction. “Thanks for saving our butts.” War fiddled with his ball cap, wearing a scowl that reminded Kali a lot of Rhane. “Jerk move at the end though.”

  “I apologize,” Ander said solemnly.

  “Yeah, but you’re not sorry, are you?”

  For second, Ander was confused. Then a wide grin split his face.

  “That was awesome!” Matthias laughed again, slapping his knee. “You should have seen your faces.”

  “Yeah.” Folding both hands behind his head, Rion stood over the dead Reapers and studied their injuries. “That was pretty awesome.” There was unconcealed admiration his quick glance at Ander. His focus shifted to Matthias. “Can all kindred do this? He practically ripped them in half.”

  Matthias shook his head. “No. Ander is special.”

  “How so?”

  “He’s…well…” Matthias smiled proudly. “He’s a bit of a monster.”

  Chapter 41

  “Okay, Kali.” York was in full strut, like a platoon sergeant pacing before his troops. “Rion pounded on you pretty hard—as hard as a girl can—without much result. Your old skills aren’t going to be easily resurrected.” His sharp eyes didn’t miss the way her shoulders slumped. “Perk up, sweetheart. You get to punch someone today. Probably in the face.”

  Kali smiled.

  “Let’s switch gears. I’m going to teach you a pretty basic style of fighting. This is your new mantra: devastate and escape. Say it.”

  “Devastate and escape.”

  “Good.” He pointed t
o the kin. “Orrin, come and show Kali a passive stance. Good. Now move into a fighting stance.”

  Kali squared her hips and shoulders, spreading her feet a bit wider as Orrin demonstrated. When she mimicked his easy flow into a more defensive position, York shook his head. “He’s left dominant. You’re not. Step back with your right foot.” Satisfied with the switch, he nodded. “From here, most people are going to take you seriously. You’ve kinda got that Amazon thing going on. And you pretty much always look cranky. But we’re not training to deal with most people. Orrin is going to grab you. Try to stop him any way you can.”

  York gave the order and suddenly more than two hundred pounds of fight barreled straight toward her. She backed away, her eyes frantically searching for a weak point. Orrin was almost on top her. Closing her eyes, she swung out with as much power as she could muster. Her knuckles connected with something, but it was only a glancing blow. Then her arms were swiftly but gently pinned behind her back and she could no longer move.

  York clucked his teeth. “Terrible. You gave up ground and came out of your defensive stance immediately. Do it again. This time I want you to hit him without moving your feet an inch.”

  “He’ll flatten me!”

  “For the sake of practice, I promise he won’t.”

  “I would not hurt you even if under orders,” Orrin said softly.

  “Let’s not admit things like that aloud,” York reprimanded halfheartedly. “Again,” he repeated.

  Orrin advanced like lightning. Kali started to shift her feet but stopped. She wasn’t supposed to move. Okay, all I have to do is hit him. She struck out, missed completely, and found herself sitting on her butt. Orrin had put her there. That much she knew. But how he’d accomplished it without her feeling a thing was a mystery. “Hey!” she exclaimed, glaring at York indignantly. “If he can take me down so easily, why did you hit so hard the other day?”