by J. A. Saare
I felt energy surge to the surface of her skin and it burned through my fingers, licked down my palm, and settled into my wrist. Unable to contain the gasp that escaped from my lips, I embraced the intense pain and heat that rushed into my muscles. The licks of liquid flame rushed through my skin. I bit my lip to keep from crying out, my body erupting in heavy tremors as the magic did its work.
“Are you all right?” Sarah frowned in concern, her gaze drifting from me from the road.
“I will be,” I answered, dragging as much of her power into my trembling body as I could. It did what I hoped, trickling into my blood stream and stabilizing my body temperature.
“Ouch.” I breathed in, hissing at the intense burning in my shoulder while bringing my fingers to the ravaging fire. Several ragged tears were closing along the surface of my skin, healing from Sarah’s energy. The burning receded, replaced by a dull ache as the wounds closed and mended.
“I’m sorry.” She averted her eyes. “I had to pull you out of the water, and I panicked. I didn’t wait to shift back. I just dove in and pulled you out.”
“It’s okay,” I said in relief, grateful my body was adjusting to the comfortable warmth, the chill fading along with the tremors. “I’ve been bitten before.”
“I know, but I’m still sorry.” The corners of her mouth curved downward as she frowned. “Our bites can be painful.”
“It will heal.”
After releasing her hand, I settled back into the seat. I was still freezing, but it came from the clothing instead of within. The energy from her wolf continued to surge through my system, heating me from the inside out.
“I was so scared.” Her eyes flickered over to me. Tears threatened to fall from her lashes. “I couldn’t bring you back for the longest time. I must have done CPR for five minutes before you responded.”
“Time passes slowly when you’re afraid, it’s a proven fact.” I pulled the odd fact from my head, but couldn’t recall where it came from.
Attempting to pacify her, I intentionally shoved aside the fact I had probably crossed over to the other side—just as John’s grandmother had warned I would. The crazy old woman had been right. I had died. Maybe I wasn’t supposed to be revived by Sarah. By saving my life had she inadvertently changed the future? Or maybe those who wanted me dead would be back to finish the job.
“I think I should go back to see John’s grandmother,” I said quietly, looking ahead but seeing Sarah’s body go still in response. I had to take the trip back. If the Indian woman saw this coming, she could help.
“Give me your phone,” Sarah demanded and extended her hand palm up, staring straight ahead.
I maneuvered my fingers into my sopping wet jeans and tugged at my phone with lethargic fingers before eventually pulling it free. I placed it into her hand and her fingers gripped the cell harshly, causing the thin metal to bend. She lifted the phone in the air, flipped open the face, and frowned at what she discovered. She pressed a button and waited. Her brows furrowed in frustration and she growled before she threw the phone into the back seat.
“It’s fried,” she snapped. “The first thing we are doing when we get back is calling Caleb and Derek. They are coming home, tonight, and you will not talk me out of it this time. So don’t even try.”
I didn’t. I wanted Caleb home. With everything that was happening, he was the only one who would provide me with any relief or comfort.
“I also think you should call your parents.” Sarah swerved the wheel and brought us onto the crumbling concrete road that would take us home.
I nodded. My mother and father needed to know what was happening here. Halfbloods came directly from vampires, and they had been sent for me with specific orders.
“They said they couldn’t leave any marks,” I whispered, horrified by the memory. “They said it over and over. ‘No marks, the master said no marks.’”
“What?” She flipped her head around. Her brown eyes flashed liquid gold.
“They were sent here. They were sent to find me and to kill me. It was supposed to look random. Now they’ve failed, and now we know.”
“Decimus,” Sarah snarled.
“I didn’t think he would let this go. He’s powerful. The only one with the authority or ability to do anything to Decimus is the enforcer, and he’ll expect definitive proof that the prince is guilty of some crime before he will intervene. It’s not the same as hauling some poor bastard in and having my father interrogate him with visionary threats. He won’t take the risk unless there is something solid to nail him with.”
“Why not?”
“When the enforcer makes his move, Decimus will use his power to overtake everything, and no one can stop it. He’ll dig inside their heads, and if they won’t agree to his demands, he’ll make them do as he asks. He won’t go gently into that good night. Dylan Thomas could have written that poem for him specifically."
“Now is not the time for humor.”
“I’m not being funny. I wish I was.”
“We’ll get this settled,” she said more to herself than me. “You’ll see. Everything is going to be fine. Derek and Caleb will come back, and we’ll sort this all out.”
I nodded without speaking, staring out the window instead. The moon rose in the sky, covering the land in a bright blue hue that cut through deep ebony. Gazing through the window at the shining stars, I was thankful that I was able to enjoy them at all. I never would have imagined that the last time I might glimpse the glistening lights would have been on the front porch with Chris the evening before. If I had, I would have remained with him in those whitewashed rockers for far longer.
“It doesn’t make any sense.” Sarah broke the silence.
“I know it doesn’t. None of this makes any sense.”
I made sure to adjust the seat belt when Sarah stopped obeying any and all traffic laws. She pushed the odometer past the one hundred mile notch, the little needle steadily climbing inside the red rounded face on the instrument panel until it was buried at the far end of the red border. The engine purred under the hood, answering her readily. The mufflers in the back roared as we sped along the highway.
She didn’t bother with headlights once we reached the Blackney’s property line. Flipping them off, she drove in the dark. She blasted past the gate that had been left open when we’d left earlier, passing the cows in the fields and sending them into a scattering frenzy. The large white house appeared in the distance, the lights from the porch providing a welcoming glow and beacon that would guide the way home.
Sarah barreled up the drive and yanked the emergency break, spinning the rear end of the Camaro around in the gravel. Tiny rocks sprayed along the porch, cracked against several of the windows, and fell around the car and onto the ground.
Once she’d shoved open her door, Sarah climbed out of the car and hurried to my side. She opened my door and reached inside for me. I waved her off with a weak smile and shuffled out of the seat of my own accord. I was exhausted, but you wouldn’t hear me complaining. It was better than the alternative.
She threaded her arm around my waist, keeping me upright, and assisted me to the house. I could see the forms of people through the glass surrounding the white front door.
Chris and Beverly hurried outside, their faces panicked and worried. A dark figure pushed past, his white blond hair stark in the moonlight, his blue eyes bright in the dark.
He strode forward without hesitating. The melodic tenor of his voice sang in my ears, a soothing sound so familiar.
So missed.
“Emma?”
I allowed myself to crumble as my name came from his lips. I had held in my fear and terror, but now, dry sobs racked my frame. Releasing Sarah, I carried myself on unsteady legs toward him. He crossed the distance for me and I tumbled forward, landing in the safety of his waiting arms.
Trent wrapped his hands under my legs and back as he lifted me off the ground and cradled me against his chest. He strode past Chris an
d Beverly and carried me into the beckoning hearth of the house despite their presence.
His soothing voice appeared inside of my head, speaking gently in my mind so that no one else would hear.
“I’m here now, Emma. Just as I promised. I’m here.”
Chapter 12—Breaking Point
If there was one positive aspect to be found after being attacked and drowned, it was that Caleb wasn’t home to witness the aftermath when Sarah came barreling down the drive. It was bad enough explaining what had happened at the cabin to Chris, Beverly, and Trent. I didn’t even want to consider what it would have been like with Caleb in the living room.
Before I climbed into a steaming shower, I got to take a good look at myself, and it wasn’t pretty. Blood was smeared all over my face, courtesy of the CPR that had saved my life. My hair was in disarray, tangled and snarled together, bunching up my back and hanging in a nest around my face and shoulders. My eyes had lost any of their happy green pigments, delving into a dark chocolate brown reminiscent of Sarah’s.
I sat on the toilet for the longest time after my body was clean and my hair was tangle free, trying to calm my fears and to keep sheer terror at bay. I was home now, and I was safe. Each time I thought about the lake and being forced under the icy surface of the water, I pushed the memories away. I couldn’t deal with it, it was all too much.
But how does someone ever really deal with dying?
After Trent had carried me inside and I collected myself enough to talk, I asked for Caleb and my parents. Chris promised to call his son, and Trent assured me that he had Mom and Dad covered. Soon I would be surrounded by those closest to me, those I trusted, and their presence would make all the difference in the world.
Pushing my hands against the soft pink flannel pants and standing, I released an uneven breath. I shuffled to the mirror, stopped in front of the glass, and stared at myself. At least I didn’t look like the recently deceased. There were no bruises or marks, nothing left behind on the outside as a memento. The only thing that was different about me was an inward case of the willies.
I pushed damp strands of hair behind my shoulders and walked to the door, determined not to tremble or breakdown again. I switched off the light at the same time I pulled open the door. Stepping outside the steamy warmth of the bathroom, I entered the chilly hallway.
Trent was leaning against the wall, waiting patiently. His concerned aqua eyes were mesmeric in the dark, flashing in my direction as they traveled along my body before returning to my face. He was still as beautiful as I remembered, with his stunning features and gorgeous alabaster skin. Aside from the blond locks ruffled on the top of his head, and the uneven black turtleneck around his neck, he was the image of perfection.
“Are you all right?” he asked, reverting to his habit of speaking to me using his own unique ability.
Telepathy.
It was wrong of me to respond in any way except verbally, but old habits die hard, and I slipped easily into our preferred method of communication.
A simple thought was all it took.
“I’m fine.”
His tall frame moved away from the wall, encompassing the hallway. He was slightly taller than Caleb, and thinner, but he was equally as solid and imposing. Moving in close, he hesitated, lifting his hands and then pausing as if he remembered himself. He stopped inches from me, fists clenched tightly at his sides.
I didn’t have the same reservations. I needed to feel his comforting arms, his steely strength. I crossed the distance and he slipped inside my mind, seeing my intention, and reacted. Sheltering arms came around my waist to embrace me, encouraging the nearness that allowed my face to settle against him. I sighed against his chest. His cool hands brushed strands of hair away from my face and gently combed them down my back.
“I’ve missed you.” His words were the merest brush of his voice in my mind.
“I’ve missed you too,” I thought back, meaning every word, knowing he would pick that truth from my thoughts as easily as the words.
“I called your father. He’ll be taking a flight with your mother in the morning. They will be here soon.”
“Is that really necessary? Are things that bad?”
“We are being proactive this time. There is reason to be concerned. Luca wishes to bring you before the enforcer, but first he wants to see you. He’s beside himself with worry, as is Lily.” He paused, fingers stilling their movements. “He is also quite upset with your wolf for leaving you unattended. That was never part of the bargain for bringing you here. Caleb swore you would be safe with him and his family.”
“It’s not Caleb’s fault,” I defended him quickly, pulling away from Trent’s arms to stare him in the eye. “His sister is missing. He had to go. Anyone can understand why.” I glanced away guiltily. “Besides, I didn’t exactly tell him about the deranged old woman and what happened when we went to see her.”
“Emma.” I could hear the disappointment and reprimand inside my mind.
“I know, I know,” I muttered under my breath.
He cleared his throat quietly, staring down at me. His lips lifted at the corners, forming that insanely angelic grin no one could possibly deny.
“The more things change, the more they stay the same.” He shook his head, but his smile continued to linger.
A noise came from the stairs and Sarah’s dark head appeared as she steadily climbed up. When she saw us, the look of confusion on her face was replaced with one of anger. She frowned, eyes narrowing and glowing as the irises shifted from brown to caramel. She stomped up the remaining stairs, folded her arms over her chest, and glared at Trent.
Squeezing Trent’s arm, I wisely stepped back and away from him. He crossed his arms as he turned from me and grinned at Sarah, intentionally remaining close to my side.
“Chris called Caleb. Everyone is on their way back.” She scowled at Trent, her eyes issuing a clear warning. “He wants you to call him.” She lifted her hand, showing me the phone gripped tightly inside.
“Thanks.” Stepping forward, I accepted the phone as graciously as I could.
She and Trent squared off, neither willing to move out of the way or to leave. They were going to have to sort out their personal shit or the entire house would suffer.
“Trent said my parents are coming,” I told Sarah, reminding her that my relatives were exactly like him. She rotated her gaze in my direction, though her face remained turned to his.
“That’s good. As family, they should be here.”
“Can we all please try to make peace?” I looked back and forth between them, speaking as amicably as possible. I didn’t want to take sides if I didn’t have to.
Trent shrugged, purposely lifting a dark eyebrow and smirking at Sarah. Sarah’s deep rumbling growl echoed in the hall and tickled my skin.
“Listen to me,” I snapped at the both of them. “I’m not in the mood right now. If you wouldn’t mind, could you please check your egos at the door? I’m all stocked up here!”
I shoved past them, hurried down the hallway and into Caleb’s bedroom, and slammed the door behind me. I leaned against the wood, attempting to calm my frantically beating heart. An eerie haze swept through me, desperately wanting release. My temper refused to fade, increasing and building.
What the hell?
I sank down on the bed. Pulling Caleb’s pillow into my face, I took his comforting scent into my nose. The red haze eased, fading until my entire body was encased in heated trembling. I drew in a shaky breath. I didn’t know how much more of this I could take. I was finally reaching my breaking point.
“Emma?” Sarah’s concerned voice was muffled through the door.
Closing my eyes, I forced myself to take a deep breath before I answered. Losing my cool wouldn’t help anyone or make anything better.
“Come in,” I said, clearing my throat and pressing back onto the bed until my head met the wall.
She opened the door, came inside, and closed it behind
her. “I’m sorry. I know that was incredibly insensitive of me. I saw the two of you together and I lost my temper. You have to understand something. Sometimes the animal instincts are more powerful than our human ones, and Caleb is my beta. It’s natural for me to want to protect his mate.”
“I’m not angry.” I tried to smile but a hint of my agitation was still there, hiding and lingering within. I wasn’t entirely myself, but there were a multitude of reasons I could find to blame it on.
Sarah’s gaze dropped to the phone clutched in my hand. “You really should call him.”
“I will. I’m just bracing myself for the lecture I’m bound to receive.” Leaning up and pulling his pillow into my lap, I placed the phone on top.
“He’s not angry with you. He’s angry with me. I broke a direct order.” She sank to the floor in a pitiful heap.
“Why would Caleb be angry with you? You didn’t do anything.”
“Being a part of the pack isn’t all fun and games. There is a hierarchy you are expected to follow.” She looked at her fingers, wringing them nervously. “Caleb gave me the order to stay, and I was told to keep you at home and to report directly to him if anything happened.”
“Sarah,” I said her name in disbelief, shock replacing the tension on my face. I sounded as hurt as I felt. “You stayed to spy on me?”
She looked me in the eye, shaking her head. “I would have stayed for you regardless. But he did give me a direct order, and as he is my beta, I’m obligated to follow it. Since I didn’t tell him about the old woman and what she had to say, he’s none too happy with me.”
I felt the anger returning, building inside my skin. I couldn’t trust anyone anymore. Sarah said she was my friend and that she and the pack loved me. Yet she was spying on me for Caleb, and worse still, Caleb had asked her to do it. It was a huge violation of trust, one I never expected from those that claimed their way of life was ultimately about solidarity. You didn’t spy on the people you cared about most.
“Emma?” Sarah’s voice was full of regret.
“I need to make my phone call.” I bit out the words, hurt and angry.
