Nightshade

by Andrea Cremer

  “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Ren didn’t look at me when he spoke, following his father out the front door.

  I watched as my mother stood up, straightening her blouse.

  “Well, we’d better get this cleaned up.” She began collecting glasses, placing them on the tea tray.

  “Mom,” I said. “Aren’t you going to say anything?”

  “Whatever do you mean, dear?”

  “Why did you let Emile do that to you?”

  “He’s an alpha male, Calla.” She didn’t meet my eyes as she continued to tidy the living room. “It’s simply their way.”

  “Dad isn’t like that!”

  “No,” she replied, lifting the tray. I followed her into the kitchen. “But Efron and Lumine prefer different characteristics in their leaders. Lumine encourages a stoic approach and of course—”

  “Finesse,” I finished. “How could I forget?”

  She offered me a flat smile. “Efron thinks it’s better to have alphas who use . . . a firmer hand.”

  “Is that what you call it?” I snarled. “Because I’d say Efron and Emile are both leches!”

  “Don’t be vile, Calla,” she snapped. “It’s unbecoming.”

  “Are you going to tell Dad?” I asked.

  She piled dishes into the sink. “Of course not. He hates Emile enough, and you heard our masters say that cooperation is of vital importance right now. We can’t have the men tearing at each other while we’re trying to set up new defenses. They’re so silly that way.”

  “Silly?! No one besides Dad is allowed to touch you!”

  “No inferior man can touch me. This was about rival alphas. Something you’ll hopefully never have to live with. Emile will take any chance he has to challenge your father. He’s always wanted to prove he’s the dominant alpha of the two packs. It’s only gotten worse since Corinne was killed.”

  “But—”

  She turned on me, holding up her hand. “Leave it, Calla. It’s over.”

  “So this is what finesse is?” I couldn’t hold back my outrage. “Acting like a whore for any man who visits your parlor?”

  I was on the floor before I realized she’d hit me. My cheek throbbed from the blow.

  “Listen very carefully, Calla.” My mother stood over me, her fist still clenched. “I said it once, and I don’t want to explain myself again. Emile is not any man. He is the Bane alpha. You cannot cross an alpha male, even when you belong to another. You risk your own life to do so. Do you understand me?”

  Still dazed, I couldn’t speak.

  “Do you understand me?” I’d never seen such a hard look in her eyes.

  “Yes, Mother,” I whispered.

  “You must be tired.” She rearranged her face into a picture of kindness. “Once I’ve finished here, I’ll make you some chamomile tea and draw you a bubble bath. You have a big day tomorrow.”

  I nodded, numbly climbing the stairs. Ansel’s door was shut, music blasting from within. My mother must have sent him upstairs when the Keepers arrived. He didn’t hear any of that.

  I thought about knocking but headed for my own room instead, letting my baby brother keep his dreams about romance and true love a little longer. I closed the door and started to cry, wondering how much time I had before my mother would appear with tea and when the Keepers would discover how far my betrayal had gone.

  TWENTY-FIVE

  “YOU CAN’T ALL GO TO THE CAVE.” I PACED along the base of the steep slope. My packmates had pleading eyes locked on me. We were still waiting for the Banes to arrive. The bare light of dawn made the earth shimmer in rusty hues that reminded me of Haldis. I shivered, knowing that the mysterious object was the reason for this patrol and that none of my packmates shared that secret. None of them could go to the cave. They’d know I’d been there and with another wolf. I was desperate to keep them away.

  “But Logan has some horrible pet in there!” Fey exclaimed. “It’s not fair if we don’t all get to see it. I’ll bet it’s monsterific!”

  “Did you really just say ‘monsterific’?” Bryn asked, garnering a stony expression from Fey. They’d been bickering more and more since the night at Burnout.

  “This is not about fair, it’s about our orders,” I said. Their grumbling set my teeth on edge. “Just take it up with Ren when he gets here.”

  And I’ll make sure Ren sends me to the cave.

  A rustling in the underbrush announced the Banes’ arrival. Five wolves emerged; seeing that we were still in human form, they shifted one by one. Ren last.

  “What’s up?” he asked.

  “My pack is more interested in sightseeing than doing their jobs,” I said.

  “That’s not what—” Fey began.

  “Shut up, Fey,” I snarled. Last night’s visit from the Keepers and Ren’s father had pushed me well past my normal line of tolerance.

  Ren began to laugh, waving at the rest of his pack. “Don’t worry, Lily. The thing in the cave is all this lot will talk about too.”

  “Perfect,” I muttered. “Why don’t I just go up there? The patrol route is more important anyway. We really need to know what’s been sneaking around the slope behind our backs.”

  “Calla’s right.” Ren raised his voice. “The patrol is much more important than whatever is in the cave.”

  A few of them grumbled, only to be silenced by Ren’s growl.

  “Which is why I’ll be going to the cave myself,” he continued.

  “But—” I tried to hide my panic.

  “I’m not saying this more than once.” Ren ignored me. “Calla looks for evidence of the Searchers along the cavern perimeter. Bryn, Ansel, you’re with me—we’re heading to the cave. The rest of you, do what Calla tells you, and if I hear complaints, you’ll answer to me. We’ll catch up with you after we’ve checked the cave and finish the patrol together.”

  No one spoke. I bit back my own startled response. Bryn and Ansel? I didn’t understand why he’d take two of my packmates and not his own. At least I’d be able to talk to them afterward.

  For their own parts, Bryn and Ansel looked stunned but followed suit when Ren shifted into wolf form. I did the same and the rest of the pack focused on me, though Dax glanced at Ren once, looking forlorn.

  This is how it goes. I shared my thoughts with my assigned group. Even if my fear outweighed my strength, I still had to act like an alpha. Sweeps in widening circles, starting with the inner perimeter, then moving south. Mason, Nev, Sabine, and I will take the east-west route. Dax, Fey, Cosette, you run west-east. We’ll minimize overlap while covering maximum ground. Any questions? I felt a little guilty for snapping at Fey earlier and hoped putting her with Dax would make up for it.

  They lowered their muzzles in compliance. Good. Get going.

  Fey took the lead with Dax and Cosette following her up the western route.

  I was about to lead Mason and Nev up the slope when Ren’s voice entered my mind.

  Calla?

  What is it? I halted, ears flicking back and forth. It was clear he was sending his voice only to me.

  Sorry if I threw you off, but it’s important that they get used to new patrol patterns. I’ll take good care of Bryn and Ansel.

  Of course. Thanks.

  I’m sure you won’t miss anything too exciting in the cave. I’ll let you know what we find as soon as I can.

  And then his voice was gone. What was he going to find in there?

  No dawdling. Fear and frustration drove me to nip at Mason’s heels, but I let Nev and Sabine hear the thought too. Let’s go.

  Hey! he protested. We were waiting for you.

  That’s no excuse. I wagged my tail, wishing I could feel anything besides the twisting of my stomach.

  I told you, man, Nev crooned. I always knew she was a tyrant.

  Sabine sat quietly, waiting for her orders. I wondered what she was thinking.

  Nev and Mason’s laughter filled my mind as we raced up the hill, playfully biting at each
other’s flanks, flying past each other to take the lead. But the joy of running free had been sapped from my limbs.

  It had only been a matter of days since Shay and I battled Logan’s spider and took Haldis from its resting place. I’d lost so much blood, it could have seeped into stone, staining the cave walls. Maybe the spider’s scent would cover mine? But what if it didn’t? What would Ren do?

  I snapped at a squirrel that darted in front of me. Mason nipped at my jaw. You okay?

  Headache, I responded. Let’s slow up; we should start tracking here.

  We spread out, noses low to the ground, moving at an easy lope, searching for scents that were out of place, clues I knew we wouldn’t find. Knowing that we had nothing to search for but evidence of me and Shay made tracking an exercise in tedium. I caught his scent early on our patrol, knowing it would be unrecognizable to my packmates. I dutifully led Nev, Mason, and Sabine through the motions of a hunt, all the while wondering what was happening in the cavern.

  Can we grab something to eat? Mason’s voice interrupted my own thoughts. I saw a grouse back there and I’m starving. I don’t think there’s anything to find. Just a stray wolf who’s been wandering in this range.

  Though I’d expected it, Mason’s assumption about the unfamiliar wolf sent a wave of relief over me.

  That’s all I’ve got too. I vote for lunch, Nev answered. Not grouse, though. I hate the way feathers stick to my tongue. What about rabbit? I love a fat rabbit.

  You two need to focus, Sabine snapped. We should wait to eat until we finish patrol. If there’s a new wolf pack coming into this area, we’ll have to chase them out. It will get too confusing.

  It’s just one wolf, Sabine. Stop showing off for Calla, Nev responded. I’ve hunted with you. You’ll go after the first rabbit we see.

  She sniffed the air disdainfully. Hardly.

  My own stomach rumbled, reminding me that we’d been at our pointless task for hours.

  I was about to answer them when a howl stopped me in my tracks. Ren’s long, keening cry pierced the mountain air, summoning the pack to their alpha. All the ease I’d felt knowing that Shay’s identity would remain hidden vanished. In a few minutes I’d face Ren, and I didn’t know what he’d found in the cave.

  Maybe that’s the lunch bell. Mason wheeled in the direction of the howl.

  Let’s find out what he wants. I turned, leading the way back up the mountain.

  Ren, Bryn, and Ansel were waiting when we arrived. I shook my ruff nervously when I saw the place he’d selected for our rendezvous—the very meadow where I’d first saved Shay’s life. I pawed at the dirt, not wanting to share this place with others, suddenly wishing that Shay were here and my packmates weren’t. Trying not to seem skittish, I approached Ren cautiously. He appeared calm, silently waiting for the rest of the pack to arrive.

  Fey and Cosette darted out of the eastern forest.

  Where’s Dax? Ren’s voice filled all our minds.

  He got hungry, Fey answered, looking over her shoulder.

  Dax appeared from the woods, dragging a freshly killed doe with him.

  Three cheers for Dax. Nev darted forward, sinking his teeth into the deer’s haunch to help Dax drag the carcass the rest of the way.

  Ansel’s tongue lolled out as he trotted toward our meal.

  Alphas eat first. Dax lowered his muzzle, baring his teeth at my brother.

  Ansel dropped to the ground, ears flat. Sorry, Ren.

  Don’t worry about it. Ren padded to my side, laying his muzzle atop mine. Hungry?

  He nuzzled my jaw, giving no sign of hostility. Maybe he hadn’t found anything. Reassured by Ren’s easy manner, my stomach rumbled at the suggestion of fresh meat. I guess.

  What’s your favorite part? He nudged me toward the deer.

  The smell of fresh blood edged out my irritation. The ribs. I licked my chops.

  Have at it.

  I tore into the carcass. Ren settled beside me, pulling chunks of flesh from its shoulder.

  The rest of the pack joined us, keeping a respectful distance.

  I know you’re all enjoying the food. Ren’s voice reached us even as he continued to eat. But I need to fill you in on some things, so pay attention.

  What was in the cave? Dax asked, his muzzle crimson with blood.

  You won’t believe it, Bryn said, hackles rising.

  A very big, very dead spider. Ren tore the deer’s leg from the shoulder joint.

  That sounds awful. Sabine strayed away from the gorging pack, either not hungry or put off her meal by the idea of a mutant spider.

  How big? Mason asked.

  Dax times three. Ansel licked Bryn’s jaw.

  That’s Logan’s idea of a pet? Nev snarled, tearing more ferociously into the deer’s flank.

  I think it was more of a sentinel than a pet, Ren replied.

  Nice to know he has such confidence in our ability to defend the cave, Sabine sniffed.

  Ren flashed his teeth at her. Anyway, it’s dead and Logan asked me to call him immediately if the cave was no longer guarded by that thing.

  When did he ask you that? I looked at him, not recalling any such conversation.

  He called last night, after we left your house.

  I laid my head on my paws, wondering how many times Ren would get orders that I didn’t know about.

  He wasn’t happy, Ren continued. My father, Logan, and Efron are on their way to the cave now. They wanted to look at something else, but it’s something that doesn’t involve us.

  Haldis. I rose, pacing around the group, trapped in my own thoughts. They were coming to check on Haldis. They had to be.

  Did any of you find anything on patrol? Ren asked.

  There’s a lone wolf on the mountain. Fey stretched back, shaking her ruff. I haven’t seen it yet, but that’s the new scent. Otherwise it’s just us.

  Shay. They’d also found Shay’s trail. My hackles rose.

  No Searchers, though, Dax added, gulping down a massive hunk of venison.

  We didn’t find anything either. Nev rested on his haunches.

  Not even a fat rabbit. Mason nipped at Nev’s ear.

  Let’s keep tracking down the slope, just in case. Ren walked away from the deer, which had been reduced to bones. Bryn, go with Dax’s group; I’ll join you too. Ansel, you track with Calla.

  You’re the boss, Ansel replied, craning his head to scratch his ear with his back paw.

  The pack split, moving off toward the woods.

  We’re right behind you. Ren sent the thought to the group. I need to talk to Calla for a minute.

  I watched my packmates disappear among the pines before turning to face Ren.

  What’s up?

  Ren came close to me, locking me in his charcoal eyes. Why were you in the cave?

  My pulse jumped, but I sniffed at the ground, feigning disinterest. I don’t know what you’re talking about.

  He lunged forward, knocking me onto my back. I tried to roll over, but he was above me, pinning me down, my belly exposed. His jaws locked around my throat, pressing on my windpipe, making it hard to breathe.

  I know your scent, Calla. You’d been in there. Two, maybe three days ago.

  I kicked at him, scraping at him with my nails. Stop. Let me up!

  Bryn and Ansel must have recognized your scent, but they claimed not to notice anything, which means they lied for you too. Are you trying to divide the pack’s loyalties? Do you really want to work against me? His teeth bit into my neck, forcing me to submit. I’d never thought I could hate Ren, but in that moment I was close. He clamped down harder, making me writhe from the pain. I kept kicking and he snarled. Don’t fight me. Just tell me the truth.

  I whimpered and went limp beneath him. I’m sorry, I should have told you. I was curious, so I went in this weekend during patrol.

  A low growl rumbled in Ren’s chest. Did you kill Logan’s spider?

  My mind raced as I weighed the risks of lying or stretching
the truth; telling the real story was out of the question.

  No, I replied, choosing the lie. The cave smelled all wrong, dangerous. I didn’t stay there long.

  I waited, hoping he’d believe me, wondering how closely he’d been able to track my progress through the cave.

  Why didn’t you say anything? He was still growling, but his grip on my neck loosened.

  I whined again but remained still. I’m sorry, Ren. I thought Logan would punish me. You know we’re not allowed to go inside.

  You’re braver than I am. I’ve wanted to sneak into that cave for years. His growling stopped and he released me, nudging my head up, helping me stand. I didn’t enjoy doing that to you, Calla. I will always protect you, but you can’t keep secrets from me. And your packmates can’t either—I’ll talk to Bryn and Ansel about this later.

  I’m sorry. I couldn’t meet his eyes.

  He pressed his nose into my shoulder. I need your trust. Do you understand?

  Yes. My limbs were shaking. What do you think killed the spider?

  The only other scent was the lone wolf, Ren replied. I’m guessing it’s the same one your group and Dax’s tracked on the slope. It’s hard to believe it could have taken Logan’s pet out by itself—that wolf must be some fighter.

  I thought of Shay wielding the ice axes, about how much I’d admired his courage, his skill as a warrior.

  I’m only trying to keep you safe, Calla. Ren licked my muzzle. Don’t take unnecessary risks. You’re too important for that. I need you by my side. I’m sorry if I hurt you.

  You didn’t. I let him nuzzle me despite my humiliation, relieved that he didn’t press the issue further.

  Without another word he darted into the forest, leaving me alone in the meadow. When I closed my eyes, I saw Shay, felt his lips on my arm, those first sparks of desire when he touched me. I raised my muzzle, wanting to howl my frustration, hating the silence forced upon me. The Keepers would be hunting for Haldis’s thieves soon. What would they do then?

  TWENTY-SIX

  I MADE IT HALFWAY TO THE STONE STEPS OF Rowan Estate before terror locked me in place. Shay had to drag me the rest of the way.