“What are you talking about, Artie?” Sparky asked as he gently pulled the young wolf away from his brother’s too quiet body. “You’re not going to practice dark magic are you?”
“Of course not! You know I only learned about it to help my father protect the last Custos. Once you go down that path, you can’t come back,” Artemus sighed as he ran a hand through his hair. “We don’t have time for this right now. If you want to save your mate, Alpha Grant, then I need you in your human form.”
Grant glared at the man for a moment before he closed his eyes and controlled his breathing. It was hard, but he managed to push his wolf back, but just barely. The beast was just beneath the surface waiting for a chance to punish all who had hurt his mate. “If he dies—”
Artemus actually grinned. “I know, I know, you’ll kill me slowly.” The Magi looked at the doctor who had moved closer. “Do you have either atropine or epinephrine?”
Doc Houston nodded. “I have both, but I fail to see how that will revive the young man. I can’t hear a heartbeat, do you, Alpha?”
Grant shook his head, “No, but—”
“But you don’t feel a break in the bond,” Artemus finished as he glanced over at Sandy. “Nor do you, young Omega. If Richard was truly gone, you both would feel it.” The Magi glanced back at the doctor who stood with a syringe in his hand. “Now this is what we need to do. I can feel the magic of the collar that prevented its removal has been lifted, but the key is obviously with Alpha Clifton. We need to break the lock and then destroy the collar or it will continue to drain Richard’s life force.”
“What the he—er—heck is going on?” Sparky asked as he held the struggling young pup tightly.
They all looked at the human lying on the bed. His form was surrounded by a strange golden aura and the tattoo on his arm pulsed with the same strange glow that had happened when Sparky was thrown across the room. “If that means what I think it does, I’m outa here. I don’t intend to fly Air-Ricky again anytime soon.”
Artemus shook his head. “I haven’t felt anything this powerful since the last Bellatorum and Omega were killed.”
“We don’t have time for a history lesson. Tell us how to save my mate, Magi!” Alpha Grant placed his hand on Ricky’s hair. He leaned down to whisper into his mate’s ear. “You hold on, Semme’, remember your promise to see where the fates will lead us. I’ll be here waiting for you to return to me my mate.”
“The glow is getting weaker,” Doc Houston remarked. “I don’t think we have much time to get this young man back.”
“You’re right doctor,” Artemus answered. “If we’re lucky, a dose of Atropine will increase the heart rate and bring the young man back to us once we remove the collar.”
Alpha Grant stood up while he pushed aside a stray lock of hair from Ricky’s face. “I can break the lock, but how do we destroy the collar?”
“That’s where I come in.” The Magi glanced at Dakota. “Do you have the things you took from me?”
Dakota looked at Alpha Grant who simply nodded his agreement. “Yes, I can get them for you and bring them here.”
Artemus shook his head. “No, that will take too long, I can feel the life thread getting thinner and his aura is almost gone. Once the Alpha removes the collar, I’ll take it and follow you. In fact, it would be better if it’s destroyed away from the human.”
Grant didn’t need any further instruction. He reached forward and gently turned the collar until the lock was in the front. He studied it for a moment before he placed his hands on either side of the lock and pulled. He knew he had to be careful as his shifter strength could easily break his mate’s neck. He continued to pull at the thick metal until he heard a click and the collar dropped from Ricky’s neck.
Artemus reached over and grabbed the cursed object and quickly followed Dakota from the room. Grant watched as Doc Houston quickly placed the large needle over his mate’s heart. The needle was plunged directly into the heart muscle as the medicine was dispensed. Grant stepped back as Ricky gasped and sat up clutching his chest before he fell back on to the bed.
“Ricky!” Grant cried as looked up at the doctor.
“His heart rate is a bit fast and his breathing a bit rapid but assuming there is no other damage, he should recover Alpha.” Doc Houston shook his head. “I was sure he was gone—”
“Why isn’t my brother awake?” Sandy demanded as he crawled onto the bed and lay down beside his sibling. His slim arms slipped around Ricky’s chest as tears fell from the young shifter’s eyes. “Artie said he would get better, but this isn’t better. Ricky? Wake up, Ricky, I’m sorry about before, I didn’t mean it.”
Grant looked at the doctor who shrugged. “It’s up to him now. I’m sure part of the reason he’s not awake is because he’s just tired, Sandy. We need to leave him alone and let him get some rest. Why don’t we go to the kitchen and see what Vicky is making for dinner?”
“But I wanna stay with Ricky—he needs me!” Sandy argued.
Sparky stepped forward and pulled the young pup from the bed. “I’m sure Alpha Grant will let you know as soon as he wakes up. In the meantime, I just brought home the latest racing game—I bet you a plate of Vicky’s cookies that you can’t beat me.”
Sandy glared at Sparky. “Can too! I beat you last time.”
Sparky winked. “Ah, young Jedi, but that was because I didn’t unleash my secret weapon. This time I can’t lose!” Sandy began to follow Sparky towards the door. Grant chuckled as he listened to the shifters banter. “No cheating!” Sandy’s voice echoed in the hall before the door closed.
“It’s good to see Sparky with Sandy. The boy obviously missed his friend,” Doc Houston said as he started an IV and inserted the needle into Ricky’s vein. At Grant’s look the doctor explained, “It’s just fluids to keep him hydrated. We don’t need any other complications. If he doesn’t wake soon, I’ll add something to give him the nutrients he’ll need to recover.”
“Will he be okay, Doc?” Grant asked as he pulled the chair in the room closer to the bed.
The doctor looked down at Ricky for a moment before he answered, “Normally I would be worried about the amount of time his brain went without oxygen. But somehow, I get the feeling the goddess has better plans for this young man. I noticed that he already heals faster than normal humans. Between his bond with you and whatever gifts he’s received from the goddess—I think he’ll be just fine.” The doctor placed a hand on Grant’s shoulder. “Just give him time. His body has been through a lot, even for a Bellatorum.
“A what?” Grant asked, as he smoothed the blanket over his sleeping mate.
Doc Houston smiled. “Don’t worry I’m sure Artemus will bring you up to speed as soon as Ricky recovers. In fact, I think both of you need to talk to the Magi. Did you know his father died trying to protect the last Omega and his Bellatorum?”
Grant glanced back up. “So he knows all about Omegas?”
“Yep, and he’s willing to help young Sandy, as well. Considering where you found the Magi, I’d say fate was smiling on you and your mate.” The doctor gathered his things and walked towards the door to the room. “I’ll check back later to see how he’s doing; in the meantime, congratulations on finding your Semme’, Alpha.”
Ricky blinked at the white fog that surrounded him. He had no idea where he was and it frightened him. The last thing he remembered was Alpha Grant’s bite and an orgasm that had made him see stars—then nothing. “You have nothing to fear young one,” a soft voice seemed to surround him. But he couldn’t see the source.
“Who are—where am I?” Ricky asked.
“The ‘who’ in your question will become clear to you some day as to the where, you are neither here nor there. This is the place of decisions and it is time you made yours Bellatorum.” Ricky shook his head. He should be afraid and yet the voice calmed him. For the first time in his life he felt truly at
peace.
“Am I dead?” Ricky whispered.
A soft chuckle surrounded him. “No, young one, it is still not your time. I have much planned for you and your friends. However, even I have my limits. I cannot overcome free will. So the choice is now yours, return to your life along with all it entails, or remain here where nothing will touch you until your time to move on arrives.”
“It is peaceful here.” Ricky sat down and pulled his knees up to his chest. He sighed as he reached up to feel the slightly raised skin on his neck. The place where Grant had bit him still throbbed slightly. He rubbed at it absently as he continued to think out loud. “I made a promise to Grant and my brother. I know Grant thinks I’m strong and Sandy.” Ricky chuckled. “Well Sandy thinks I’m Superman. But I’m not strong—”
“And that would be where you’re wrong, my young warrior. Many before you have felt the same and yet they have found their way. You will too. Strength does not only come from muscle and bone but also from the heart and soul. Besides, I have provided you with someone to help you bear the weight you carry. Allow him to take over when the responsibility you carry becomes too heavy for one person.” The voice seemed to flow over him, caressing him as it spoke. Ricky swore he could feel a gentle hand rest on his shoulders for a brief moment.
“I don’t know how to protect Sandy. I don’t even know what I’m supposed to protect him from. I mean, I know letting Alpha Clifton get his hands on him would be bad, but how am I to help him when I don’t understand myself?” Ricky glanced around but still there was nothing but a gentle breeze in the white mist.
“I have provided you with one who will guide you and your brother. You will soon learn that you are more than capable to handle any challenge. In fact you and your friends have to succeed or all will be lost.” Ricky looked deeper into the mist and though he could make out a vague feminine form, but before he could focus it was gone again.
“You’re starting to sound like a bad impression of Yoda. Are you trying to tell me that the fate of the world depends on me? Because I gotta say, if that’s the case—you and the world are royally screwed. I can’t even handle my own life much less protect the rest of the planet.” Ricky shook his head as he tried to understand what was happening to him.
Suddenly the peaceful feeling he’d had since he woke up disappeared and was replaced with a sense of foreboding. The mist was no longer a soft white but had begun to turn ominously dark. The voice was no longer calming, but threatening as it responded.
“How dare you question me?” The voice thundered while lightening streaked through the sky. Ricky could feel the anger as it surrounded him. He dropped his eyes and hunched into himself, waiting for a blow that never seemed to land. He stayed curled into himself with his eyes closed until a light touch on his shoulder caused him to look up cautiously. The mist was back to the peaceful white from before. “I apologize, young human; it is hard to remember that your society no longer understands who or what I am.” In place of the anger he’d felt before, a deep sadness surrounded him. He felt the need to comfort the unseen being.
“I’m sorry, I’m just trying to understand what it is you think I can do to help you? As you said, I’m just human and you’re—well you are obviously some kind of god right?” Ricky stood and looked around before he sighed and sat back down. It was obvious the being wasn’t going to show itself to him. In fact, he figured whoever it was had gone because there was nothing but silence for what seemed like a long time. Just as he was beginning to think this was all some kind of weird dream, the voice returned.
“I am not allowed to explain everything to you. Some things must just be accepted without true understanding. However, I can tell you that the reason we now must follow these rules is because in our superiority we allowed one to unleash the unforgivable power. A force that will mean the end to all that is good in the universe, in other words the balance between good and evil will be permanently tilted to the darkness. You, your brother, your friends and your children are the answer to keep the delicate balance.”
Ricky shook his head before he stood and wiped at the knees of his pants. He now knew this wouldn’t be possible.
“You said ‘my children’? I hate to break the news to you, but I’m gay and I’m mated to a male wolf shifter. There won’t be any biological children.” A soft chuckle filled the air around him.
“There is more than one way to have a biological child, human. In fact, your seeds will be sown and begin to produce before you know it. Just remember, there is always a reason for what happens, even if you might not understand it at the time. Through adversity some of the world’s greatest leaders have emerged. You are no different my young warrior.”
Ricky couldn’t believe what he was hearing. But as he was preparing to object, the voice interrupted him.
“But enough with the questions, I must have your decision.”
Ricky sighed as he rubbed the tattoo on his arm. He swore he could hear Grant’s voice pleading with him to remember his promise to give their mating a chance. While he still felt the Alpha had only acted out of sympathy, he had promised him he’d at least try. Maria’s words also echoed in his head—he’d promised to take care of Sandy. There was no way he could keep his promises if he stayed here. He glanced around at the white mist one last time. It would be so easy to just stay here and yet, his heart had already made the decision. The wind began to swirl around him as he took his first step forward since arriving in this strange place.
“I will keep my promise. I choose my mate and my brother.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
GRANT STOOD AND STRETCHED AS HE WALKED TOWARDS THE window. The ground was brushed with a layer of snow while small flakes kissed the windowpanes, only to swirl away. Lake Serenity was frozen over now and the mountains that framed it now wore permanent caps of white. It was beautiful and yet the one who would make this moment perfect still lay quietly in the bed behind him. A soft knock at the door caused him to turn around.
“Come in.”
David walked in and glanced at the bed before he returned his attention to his older brother. “I just wanted to let you know that the last of the Willow Creek Pack members have arrived and been given temporary housing. Luckily we had enough space for now, but we’ll need to build more homes in the spring.”
Grant nodded as he walked to the bed and sat down in the chair that now felt as if it had become a part of him. “How are the hired mercenaries doing?”
“Blaze has them under control.” David sighed as he ran a weary hand through his short-cropped hair. “I hope we never have to do something like that again. Even Dad was affected by the number we had to kill. I just don’t understand why more of them didn’t join us; it was almost like they feared something more than death.” The Beta shrugged. “But then I guess it’s fewer we have to keep an eye on.”
“Those who agreed to join us are still under guard, right?” Grant gently traced the faded scar on his mate’s arm as he spoke. It had been almost three weeks and still there had been no change. In that time the Willow Creek Pack had been disbanded. There was no sign of Alpha Clifton and the hunt for their missing pack mates was still underway.
David winked. “Don’t worry, big brother, they are wearing a special ankle bracelet. Not to mention we’ve finished installing the new surveillance cameras throughout the Alpha compound as well as throughout the pack lands. The bird and animal population has grown significantly after our latest success with the drones. Nothing happens without Jason and I knowing about it.” The middle brother walked towards the bed and looked down at the quiet human. “He’ll come back to you, Grant.”
“He has to—” Grant said softly as he pulled the blanket up higher. “I can still feel him you know.” Grant touched his head. “The connection is weak, but he’s still here. Doc says he will wake up once his body is ready, but I wonder if it’s not something more.”
“You think he doesn’t want to wake up?” David asked.
; “Would you?” Grant glared up at his brother. “All he’s known is pain and fear. Hell, from what I’ve learned, we are lucky that he is still with us at all. I never should have left him alone—”
David growled as he glared at his brother. “So what are you going to do? Lock him up or chain him to your bed? Get real big brother. No one could have stopped what happened. You sitting here day after day, avoiding the pack, your friends and even your family won’t bring Ricky back and it certainly won’t prevent bad things from happening to him again in the future. Give it a break, big brother, and face facts, even you can’t control everything.”
“That’s my job damn it! I’m responsible for every member of this pack, for their safety and well being. How will it look if I can’t even protect my own mate!”
Grant could feel the hair on his arms begin to sprout as he faced off against his brother. The stress of the past weeks was finally getting to him. His wolf had been fighting for control ever since the threat to his mate had been discovered. He knew he should have given his animal a chance to run free but he was afraid if he left his mate, the human would once again be gone when he returned.
“So this isn’t about Ricky then is it, Alpha,” David snarled. “This is about you not being as all powerful as you want to believe. Well let me tell you something—”
A soft groan from the bed was followed by a raspy voice, “You two are loud enough to wake the dead!”
Grant rushed to the side of the bed. Two hazel eyes blinked up at him. “You’re awake, my mate.” The Alpha couldn’t keep the smile from his face or the feelings of relief that surged through him. Even his wolf was howling with joy. His mate had come back to him.
Suddenly the argument he had with his sibling no longer mattered; nothing mattered except for the slight human who lay in the bed looking up at him with confused eyes. The realization shocked the Alpha.
For years he told himself he couldn’t have a true mate because it wouldn’t be fair to his mate or his pack. How could he provide each with the care and focus required to be a good mate and a good leader to his pack? It was the main reason he had avoided any kind of emotional relationship. He’d seen the strain it has placed on his father and mother’s relationship. They had come out stronger, but all had not always been good between them. However now he realized he could have both—he would have both and he dared anyone who tried to argue differently.
The Alpha's Promise Page 21
