Pillar of Light (The Lost Princess Book 1)

by A. Mashburn

  Genesis whimpered. I do, Love, I do. But be at ease; with you getting your memories back, much of what happened will make sense. However, I must warn you. You may find that your past holds great pain and you may begin to feel anger and resentment settling into your bones because of the choices that were taken from you. Just remember, Nicoli and Xander, they’re part of us, too. Everyone did what they thought was best at that moment.

  What do you—

  Her question for Genesis trailed off as she saw Nicoli coming out of the barn. He wore just his jeans, which hung low on his hips. Nicoli’s muscles were bulging as he lifted a giant leather contraption above his head, effortlessly. His chiseled abs danced in sync with every step he took. Gretchen took in the curve of his hips and the V that formed, pointing to the juncture of his thighs that she so desperately wanted to taste. She couldn’t tear her eyes away and subconsciously licked her lips in anticipation as the desire built inside of her.

  Genesis purred in her mind; I’m not the only good thing that’s come of this. She was practically drooling over him as he tossed the contraption onto the ground with a thud and gazed her way with a knowing grin on his face, hooded eyes smoldering with desire.

  Nicoli sauntered towards her, their eyes locked in a heated embrace. He pulled a handkerchief out of his back pocket and held it out to Gretchen with a sly grin on his handsome face. She peered at him questioningly.

  He reached forward and wiped her chin with the cloth, “You’ve got some drool—right there,” he teased.

  She smacked his hand away and glared at him. “I do not.” As she pivoted away from him with a stubborn jut to her jaw.

  Nicoli laughed huskily and picked Gretchen up in his arms. “Aw, Love, don’t be cross with me—it was adorable.” He nuzzled her neck, making her huff and roll her eyes in response.

  “What is that thing, anyway?” she pointed to the leather lying in a heap on the ground.

  “That is how we’re going to be riding to Romania. It’s a magical harness of sorts called a dìollaid. We use it so that Mo can carry us without fear of us falling off or being injured by the elements. The sides roll up and there’s even a canopy that we can pull over our heads if it rains.”

  “It’s huge.”

  “That’s what she said.”

  The joke made Gretchen giggle. “Stop being silly and if I recall what I said earlier—”

  “Hey, hey—now you’re just being mean.” He feigned a pout and Gretchen laughed at him. “Seriously, how big is she that she can lift both of us and all our things? I just don’t see how it’s possible,” she asked.

  “She’s pretty big,” Nicoli replied as Mo walked out of the barn towards them.

  “Are you making fat jokes, asshole?” Mo scowled at Nicoli’s remark.

  He grinned mischievously. “Well, I mean if the shoe fits Lizzy. Also, you’re the third person to call me that today.”

  Mo raised her eyebrow at him in question. “Then there must be some truth to it.”

  Gretchen wrapped her arms around his thick shoulders and laughed into his neck. “Awe, don’t take it personally. I like you, anyway.” She pecked him on the cheek.

  “So, I was thinking, since the fog is thick and the clouds low, it would be easier if we left from the glade about a mile behind the cabin. This way, we don’t have to lug that thing the rest of the way up,” Mo suggested.

  “You’re welcome,” Alice appeared in the doorway, smiling. “I thought some cover would be helpful, so I whipped up a simple weather spell to keep you hidden.” She held out a little bag. “It’s a spell pouch,” she explained with a shrug like it was no big deal. “Keep it on you and for as long as you have it, you will be concealed.”

  Gretchen squirmed in Nicoli’s arms. “Put me down.”

  When her feet hit the ground, she engulfed Alice in an embrace. “You’re amazing. Did you know that?”

  Alice was silent for a moment before saying, “Thank you, your Highness.” She smiled again and squeezed Gretchen’s arms affectionately as she released her. “With this, the glade will do well as a starting point for your journey. I’ve also packed food in case you need snacks, and some tinctures for wounds. Oh, and water, so you guys can stay hydrated.”

  Gretchen beamed at her. “See?” she looked to Nicoli and Mo, “amazing.”

  They stood frozen in that blissful moment; no one wanted to leave the peaceful little cabin. The fates however, had other ideas. The hair on Gretchen’s arms began to stand in awareness and Nicoli placed a protective hold around her waist as he stiffened and scented the air. At the same time, Alice and Mo looked around them, their eyes peering intently through the trees.

  “What’s happening?” Gretchen whispered, feeling the air still around her.

  The silence was oppressive as they looked at one another; not even the normal forest animals made a sound. “You have to leave; an intruder has entered the barrier,” Alice warned them.

  Nicoli glanced at Alice, “Will you carry her to the glade?” She nodded and began to undress.

  “Gretchen, look at me, Princess.” Gretchen did as she was told, and Alice continued. “I am going to shift. I will need you to get on my back and hold on. You will not hurt me; just grab a hold of my fur and do not let go, understood?”

  Gretchen nodded her head and grabbed her backpack filled with supplies. She looked to Nicoli, who already had the huge leather pile gathered in his arms.

  A howl pierced the air as Alice began to shift. Her bones snapped, lengthened and reformed to allow for her much larger wolf frame. Genesis pranced in Gretchen’s mind saying one word repeatedly, Sister. White hair sprouted from Alice’s porcelain skin as she landed on all fours, shaking her massive body.

  She was enchanting. That was the only word Gretchen could think of to describe her. She was a luminescent white, with shimmering gold on her snout, ears, tail and paws. Her eyes shone like the bluest of sapphires and a golden star marking on her chest. She laid down on her belly and looked over her shoulder where Gretchen was standing, awestruck.

  Well, climb on. Alice gave her a wolfy grin.

  How can we hear you inside our head? Gretchen asked.

  I’ll explain on the way. An unfamiliar voice reached Gretchen’s mind and she eyed the wolf quizzically.

  I’m Aurora, Alice’s wolf, she explained.

  Sister, Genesis yelled excitedly.

  And yes, I am Genesis’ spirit sister, the Moon Goddess is our mother and created our spirits as twins. It is so good to see you both, I wish we had more time, but we must go now.

  Gretchen nodded her head in ascent, then climbed on her back without another word.

  Hold on, Aurora cautioned.

  Looking around, Mo and Nicoli were already gone. They’re waiting for us at the glade. Alice’s voice explained.

  A foreign howl pierced the air as they sped through the trees, dodging tree roots and fallen limbs along the way. The exhilaration Gretchen felt was indescribable. Just wait until you can shift, sister. Aurora smiled in her mind.

  She’s right; it’s so much better, Genesis agreed excitedly. But it’s so good to see you, Aurora; I’ve missed you so much.

  Gretchen’s heart was racing as she heard a growl to the side of them. Aurora turned quickly to avoid an auburn wolf nipping at her leg.

  Fucking bastard, Aurora growled and skidded to a halt as she crouched low and snarled at their attacker head-on.

  Get off, Gretchen and stand behind me, she ordered. Gretchen climbed off her back and not a moment before her feet hit the ground, Aurora was at the wolf’s throat, pinning him to the ground and forcing him to submit. Shift, she ordered as her eyes glowed and the air around her vibrated with her power.

  Well, that was over quick, Genesis grinned with pride in their shared mind.

  Aurora looked their way out of the corner of her eye. Aye, we are both very powerful sister, you more so than I will ever be. Just wait and see.

  When Aurora looked back to the wolf she
had pinned, he had already shifted back to his human form; Aurora scrambled back stunned. She squinted at the strange man with her eyes wide and muzzle hung open in shock as she shifted into her human form so they could communicate. Yet, instead of asking him who he was or attacking him like Gretchen thought she would, they both stood there motionless, gawking openly at each other.

  “Liam?”

  “Alice?” Their naked bodies collided in an embrace. Alice wrapped her slender legs around his torso and held his face in her hands.

  “Alice, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know it was you.” He looked into her eyes, “If I had known it was you out here on your own, I never would have—I mean, I would have come sooner but not like this. How are you alive?” Liam cupped her chin in his hand while the other curled around her slender waist and his bright eyes danced with unshed tears. “How is this possible?”

  “A rogue bit me, but when I thought for sure I was going to die, I was saved.” She motioned for Gretchen to come closer. “Liam, this is Princess Gretchen of the Royal Pack. She saved me that day. How are you here?” She wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his neck. “How are you alive? Mom and Dad said the rogues killed everyone, the whole clan. I asked specifically where you and Brianna were, and they just shook their heads as they told me to run.” She leaned back, looking intently at Liam. He set her on her feet and looked to the ground.

  He began pacing. “You must understand, Alice; I had no idea.”

  “What are you saying?” Her voice quivered.

  “We don’t have time. You must go; I was hired to find the woman with Nicoli and bring her to Alpha Jayce. I didn’t know who she was or that she saved you. I swear I didn’t know she was the princess. Hell, I didn’t even know you were alive.” He pleaded with her to understand, as he pulled her in for another tight embrace.

  He continued to hold Alice as though if he were to let her go, she might drift away. “I swear, had I known, I never would have taken the contract and now that I do, I will not fulfill it. However, I cannot guarantee that there won’t be others. I will keep the area safe, and I swear to you I will explain everything. But if you want to protect her, you must get her out of here now. I will wait for you back at the cabin.”

  His shoulders heaved with every breath. “I never stopped loving you, Alice. I carried your death with me every single day and now, I know you’re alive—please meet me back at the cabin. I have to get my men away from here.” He crashed his lips to hers and held her as close to him as he could without joining their bodies, before releasing her. A moment later, he had shifted into his auburn wolf and howled as he raced into the trees. The farther he went, the farther the sounds of howls went from them.

  Alice looked in the direction Liam ran and sighed. “We should keep going. The others will worry if we are too late.”

  “Alice—”

  “Please don’t; he was part of my tribe—my clan. He was my betrothed and we loved each other very much. You see, I was next in line to lead our tribe. My parents loved the idea yours had about the guys growing up with you to build a bond, so Liam and I did the same. We were everything to each other growing up. And now—now he is my mate but I fear we may be on opposite sides of this war.” She swiped away a stray tear that fell from her eye, then squared her shoulders as she said, “For now, I do not wish to think about it. I just want to keep you safe and help to get your memories back.”

  She shifted and Gretchen climbed on her back again.

  They raced through the trees. Hold on tight, Aurora yelled as they approached a stream. Gretchen clutched her fur and clamped her legs together securely on either side of Aurora’s massive body. Aurora leapt gracefully over the babbling brook and as they soared through the air, Gretchen reveled in the feeling of the wind blowing through her hair—it was exhilarating.

  The edge of the tree line fast approached. I know Nicoli and Mo haven’t told you, but I feel I should warn you. Mo is massive; she’s a—

  “Dragon—” Gretchen said out loud as they crossed into the field. “She’s a fucking dragon.”

  Aurora pranced forward. Just remember she’s still your best friend in there and immensely powerful. She’s the only shifter I know of that can communicate with every shifter, so, she can hear everything you say. Mora is not known to communicate much, she listens though.

  Gretchen looked at the dragon in the field. She was beautiful but fierce, just like Mo. As they came to a stop a couple of meters away, Gretchen climbed off Aurora’s back and approached the giant beast.

  “You can go up to her; we’ve got a few minutes to let you get acquainted. Meet Mora, Mo’s dragon counterpart.” Nicoli grinned. The dragon’s giant head moved to the side and eyes as dark as onyx peered at her and smiled. The Dragon, Mora, actually smiled.

  Gretchen walked towards her as she gawked at Mora, “Mo—” she started, and the dragon huffed and rolled its eyes. “Sorry, Mora,” Gretchen said guiltily, “you are beautiful.” And she was, she had scales larger than Gretchen’s hand that spread across her massive form, every single one shone a different iridescent hue of black opal, from the tip of her nose to the giant spikes at the end of her tail, she was otherworldly—breathtaking. Mora shifted to help Nicoli secure the dìollaid over her wings and under her belly. The individual scales shone a unique shade of black, blue, green and purple with each movement.

  Gretchen ran her hand up the massive beast’s nose, “You’re so soft.” The scales under her hand had a dense but soft texture that was very pleasant and cool to the touch. She placed her head against the dragon and rubbed her cheek unscrupulously against Mora’s snout. A low chuffing sound emitted from her as she gently nudged Gretchen, showing some of her teeth as she did.

  “Mora,” Gretchen gasped, “oh sweetie, no wonder why Mo didn’t want to tell me what she was. I would never have believed her—you’re magnificent.” More of that low chuffing sound echoed and Nicoli laughed.

  “Well, she likes you, that’s for sure. Isn’t that right, Lizzy.”

  Mora’s whole demeanor changed; her scales moved like dominos as she growled, baring her teeth when Nicoli reached forward to pat her.

  “Uhm, Nicoli. I wouldn’t do that, or you might be drawing back a bloody stump,” Gretchen warned, snatching his hand away from Mora, mid-air as her giant jaws snapped shut.

  He shook his finger at the dragon, “Bad dragon,” he verbally reprimanded her. Gretchen couldn’t stop the laugh that erupted from her throat as the dragon looked truly affronted with her wide, shocked eyes glaring at Nicoli.

  He glared right back at Mora, “Fine, we’re ready to go anyways.”

  Alice hugged Gretchen’s neck, refusing to cry. “You stay strong, you hear me?”

  She then patted Mora’s side, “Keep them safe, fierce warrior.” And as an afterthought added, “and please try not to eat Nicoli.” Mora chuffed and bowed her head in acknowledgment.

  “Nicoli, don’t get into too much trouble. You’ve already pissed off the dragon and Slovenia is not to be trifled with; she will not tolerate any form of disrespect.”

  He nodded and hugged her close, “I will be safe. You’ll meet us there, right?”

  Alice nodded, “Just as soon as I wrap some things up here.”

  Once Nicoli and Gretchen were safely inside the leather seat, Alice shifted, tilting her head to the sky, as a long howl pierced through the silence. She waited as Nicoli muttered something in a foreign language under his breath and the fog engulfed them. Mora spread her enormous wings and beat them against the wind as she ran, lifting her body slowly into the air. After a moment, the trio was airborne and out of sight.

  Alice took off towards her cabin in Aurora’s form. She ran towards her past to determine what secrets he held and what the future may have in store. She was both fearful and excited as the cabin came into sight and she saw Liam pacing on her porch.

  Chapter Eleven

  Scarlett spent another night in Jade’s arms; her body enveloped in his
scent. She turned to look up at his sleeping form. Using her finger, she lightly traced the hard outline of his jaw up to his full lips. She leaned up on one elbow and gazed down at him. Her heart was at peace, beating in sync with his, if only he could feel it, too. In her heart of hearts, she thought she would wake to find that he was her mate once her birthday came. She leaned down and kissed him gently. The moment her lips met his, she felt his arm wrap around her and pull her close. His lips moved with hers as he traced the hem of her shorts. She knew he wanted her and never understood why he held back. Yet, she knew she couldn’t be with him in this post drugged, half-asleep state. She scoffed at the thought and yet, pulled back and said his name.

  Jade’s eyes opened at half-mast. The intensity in his stare made her breath catch. “Scarlett.” He placed one last chaste kiss softly on her lips before he released his grip on her. She recoiled at the distance he put between them as he shifted away from her. He didn’t realize what he was doing to her; her heart was breaking as tears sprung to her eyes, she tried to blink them away.

  “I’m sorry,” he muttered. Scarlett instantly felt cold from the loss of his heat. She rolled to her side trembling, curling in on herself.

  She felt the bed shift under his weight again. “Are you cold?” She didn’t answer; her throat was too tight and she didn’t trust her voice not to give away the emotions she was trying so hard to keep bottled up.

  He placed his hand on her shoulder and she closed her eyes as she tried not to feel the emotions his touch provoked inside of her. “Scar, will you talk to me, please?”

  “Please, just go back to sleep. You need your rest.”

  “When we were showering, what did you do? The wounds are damn near healed and then you slept all damn day and into this morning.”

  She stiffened, “What? What do you mean?”

  “You’ve slept for an entire day, Scar.”

  “Tomorrow’s my birthday.” She felt his arms wrap around her again.