The Wolf Prince

by Karen Kelley

  Her teeth were not strong enough to even gnaw a strand of the rope. Frustration filled her. She was only two miles from home, and the thought was killing her.

  Was Surlock looking for her? Was he even alive? Her stomach clenched. His captors were as crazy as Excoria. Were they both doomed?

  No, she wouldn’t think about the lunatics who’d taken him prisoner. Or the fact that terrorists usually killed their hostages. But if he was really a prince, would that make a difference?

  She didn’t know what to think anymore and this infernal humming in her ears was driving her up a freakin’ wall! She couldn’t stand it. She struggled to her feet and began to hop toward the front door.

  “Where are you going?” Excoria said behind her.

  “Out of here.”

  “I don’t think so.”

  Darcy knew she was screwed when she heard the click of the tranquilizer gun. Ah, hell. It popped her right on the butt. Tears filled her eyes as she sank to the floor, thankful the carpet was plush. The Bishops had spared no expense. Still, it wasn’t the most comfortable landing.

  Excoria strolled over, then rolled Darcy onto her back. “Think of it this way—you can take a nice long nap. You don’t have to worry about getting free. I loaded this one with a little something extra, so enjoy all the colors and pretty lights.” She laughed as she moved out of Darcy’s line of vision.

  Excoria was right about one thing, Darcy didn’t feel the urge to run. No, she was just going to lie here and trip out. Her mom would be so pissed when Darcy told her Excoria had given her drugs. Darcy had never even experimented in college.

  Wow, what an intense shade of blue. This was really cool. Her mouth was so dry, though, and she was getting the munchies. Maybe some chips and French onion dip and chocolate cake.

  Yep, she was screwed. But the lights were pretty.

  CHAPTER 28

  “Don’t move or I’ll blow your brains out,” Ralph repeated, the gun aimed at Surlock’s head.

  Surlock vaguely heard Ralph’s voice. The words kept repeating over and over in his head that Darcy might still be alive. If there were any kind of chance she might be …

  Surlock squared his shoulders and looked Darcy’s father straight in the eye. “I may be the only one who can save her,” he told him.

  The man studied him for a moment, then sighed warily. “Put the gun down, Ralph. Even if this is a trick, we have no choice but to go along with him. I want my daughter back alive. Let’s go inside.”

  Ralph didn’t look happy about taking the gun off Surlock, but he did. Mr. Spencer and Surlock went inside. Ms. Abernathy was in the hall, arms crossed in front of her.

  “Do you know where our girl is?” Her words were cold and hard, but Surlock noticed her bottom lip tremble.

  “No, but I’ll find her, and I’ll make sure she comes home safely.”

  She nodded. “I’ll put a pot of coffee on.” She looked at Surlock. “And I’ll make some fresh juice.”

  “I know you’ve been staying here, but I’m not sure why,” Mr. Spencer said. “I think I need more of an explanation than what I’ve been told.” He looked at Ms. Abernathy. “We’ll be in my study. Make sure Mary isn’t disturbed. She was up most of the night and this is the first decent sleep she’s had.” His hard gaze landed on Surlock. “The doctor had to give her a shot early this morning.”

  Ms. Abernathy dabbed at her eyes with the hem of her apron, then quickly left the room.

  Surlock followed Darcy’s father into his office. Once he was seated behind his desk, he began firing questions so fast they all ran together.

  Surlock held up his hand. “I think I need to start from the beginning and tell you everything.”

  Mr. Spencer frowned, but motioned for him to take a seat. “It will be nice to hear the truth. Just make sure it is the truth.”

  “I was sent here to protect Darcy,” Surlock said.

  “My daughter doesn’t need protection. At least, she didn’t until you arrived.” When Surlock didn’t speak, Mr. Spencer waved his hand. “Go on, go on.”

  “She was walking in the park behind your home when she saw a wolf. The wolf left, and when I stepped from behind a tree, I startled her. She held a heavy branch and acted on instinct, hitting me over the head.”

  “Good for her! I made sure she took self-defense classes before she went to college. It served you right for scaring her!”

  Surlock wasn’t so sure in this instance.

  “Go on,” Mr. Spencer urged.

  “I lost my memory and only recently did it return, but too late to protect Darcy.”

  “You know who has her?”

  “I do.”

  “Then we should call the authorities.” He reached for the phone.

  Surlock shook his head. “That’s the last thing we need.”

  His hand stilled. “You can’t get her back by yourself unless you’re some kind of James Bond. Are you?”

  “No.”

  “One thing I don’t understand—why does my daughter need your protection?”

  He hesitated. “Because of who she is.”

  “You mean because she’s rich?”

  “No, because of her mother and father.”

  Mr. Spencer sat forward, resting his hands on his desk. “She’s adopted. If we couldn’t find out any information on her biological family, then why would I believe you could?” His eyes narrowed. “Maybe you’re in on the kidnapping and you want to make sure I deliver the money. Who are you exactly?”

  Surlock rose to his full height, bowing slightly. “I am Prince Surlock Valkyir from the planet New Symtaria. We’re a race of shape-shifters. Darcy was born to a Symtarian mother and a man from Earth. Because she’s an impure, rogue Symtarians want her dead. That is why I was sent here to protect her.” He downed his head in shame. “Except I failed.”

  Mr. Spencer came to his feet, his chair slamming against the wall behind him. “Now you listen to me, you fruitcake. If my daughter isn’t in this house within the next hour, I’ll have so many FBI agents crawling all over you that you’ll wish you had never heard the name Spencer.”

  He wasn’t taking the news as well as Surlock had hoped.

  “I can prove it,” Surlock told him.

  Mr. Spencer clamped his lips together.

  Surlock figured he only had a short time to actually prove his words. This might be too much information, too soon, but he didn’t have time to break it to Mr. Spencer gently. “The wolf Darcy saw was my animal guide. It lives within me.”

  Chinktah, I need you.

  Of course you do. I don’t know how you survived so long without me.

  Chinktah, I really don’t think we have time to argue the point.

  Okay, okay.

  Surlock felt the familiar pain grip him, but held steady. The pain wasn’t so bad he couldn’t stand it. Over the years, shifting had become more of a discomfort.

  “What’s going on? Where did this fog come from?” Mr. Spencer jerked his gaze from side to side.

  “This is what happens when a Symtarian shifts,” Surlock managed to tell him before everything went dark. He closed his eyes. The change was taking place. Hands became paws, a thick coat of fur covered his skin.

  It is good to be out again, Chinktah said.

  Surlock opened his eyes and blinked. As always, it was as if he saw through Chinktah’s eyes.

  Mr. Spencer eased behind his chair, using it as a shield. “How did a wolf get in here? If this is some kind of trick—” He rubbed his hands over his eyes. “This isn’t happening. Lack of sleep, that’s all it is.”

  Chinktah jumped to the desk, and papers scattered to the floor.

  Don’t scare him to death, Surlock warned.

  Well, I don’t see what’s so hard to believe. You told him the truth, and now here it is, staring him in the face.

  I think that’s the problem. Can you look a little less menacing, and stop staring him in the face?

  Whatever.

 
Chinktah lay down on the desk, then lowered his head to his paws.

  “There’s a wolf on my desk. A really big wolf. This isn’t a trick. It is real.” He took a deep breath. “Okay, I believe you, I think.”

  Chinktah stood and jumped to the floor. Good enough?

  Very well done, Surlock told his guide.

  Then find your soul mate so we can leave this planet. I tire of people who refuse to accept anything they cannot see or touch. Besides, you were quite depressing when you thought she was lost forever.

  The fog began to roll in again. Surlock felt the change taking place.

  The fog began to dissipate. He blinked. He was always a little confused when he returned.

  “You’re naked,” Mr. Spencer said.

  Surlock rose to his feet, casually reaching for his clothes. “On my planet, we don’t perceive the naked body as something embarrassing or shameful.”

  “You are what you say you are,” he mumbled as if he were still digesting everything.

  “I am, and now I need to find Darcy. She is with one of the rogues.”

  Mr. Spencer’s face drained of color. “The ones who kill people like my daughter.”

  Surlock grimaced. “Yes.”

  He reached for the phone. “I have to call the FBI.”

  Surlock grabbed Mr. Spencer’s hand. “No, it will only give the rogue more reason to kill her.”

  “But how can you find her by yourself?”

  Surlock’s smile was grim. “I’m not alone.” He took the small device Kristor had given him and pushed the button. It would lead his siblings to him. “Help will soon arrive. Then we will find her.”

  Mr. Spencer wearily rubbed his forehead. “Darcy, my baby girl, is part alien.”

  “That’s one way to look at it,” Surlock said. “If you came to New Symtaria, you would be the alien.”

  The door to the office opened and Ms. Abernathy poked her head inside. “You’d better come quick. We have company.”

  “I think my brothers and sister have arrived,” Surlock said as he hurried out of the room.

  “I should’ve known,” Ms. Abernathy said. “They look as handsome as you.”

  He followed Ms. Abernathy out back.

  His sister was holding Ralph’s gun, examining it actually.

  “Careful, sister.”

  “It’s very antiquated,” she said, looking up.

  “But it will still kill.”

  She handed it back to Ralph, who took it with a grateful sigh.

  “You summoned us?” Rogar said.

  “Darcy may still be alive. The rogue who has her asked for ransom money.” He nodded toward Mr. Spencer. “This is her father.”

  “I found a warehouse not far from here,” Kristor said, nodding toward the east. “There were signs of rogues, and a female.”

  “That warehouse has been vacant for years,” Mr. Spencer said. “You didn’t find Darcy, though?”

  Kristor shook his head. “No, I’m sorry, she’s been moved. The rogue who has Darcy probably guessed we would eventually find out Darcy was alive and come looking for her. They must have left in a car because I lost the trail quickly.”

  Mr. Spencer’s shoulders drooped. “Then she could be anywhere.”

  “We’ll find her,” Surlock said.

  “Our animal guides can find her easier,” Rogar spoke quietly so only Surlock and his other siblings heard.

  Surlock turned back to Mr. Spencer. “Do you have something of Darcy’s?”

  He stuck his hand down in his pocket and brought out a necklace with a silver heart. “She wears this a lot. I thought if I kept it close she would be okay.”

  Kristor took the necklace, then looked between Mr. Spencer and Ralph. Ms. Abernathy had also joined them outside. “We’ll find her and bring her home, but we need a private place to … change. You can understand our need for privacy.”

  Mr. Spencer nodded. “The guest house. You can leave through the back,” he said quietly. Then he said louder, “Ralph, give me that gun and go inside. Ms. Abernathy, do you think we could have some of that coffee now?”

  “Yes, of course.” She hurried inside.

  Surlock quickly led his brothers and sister inside the guest house, then looked at each one of them. “We have to find her. Do you think you could give us a little magic, sister?”

  He handed Karinthia the necklace. She closed her eyes, holding it close, then passed it to Rogar. He did the same, then Kristor, before he gave it back to Surlock. Surlock placed it in the center of their circle.

  “I’ll do my best.” Karinthia took Surlock’s hand, then Rogar’s. Kristor clasped his brothers’ hands and the circle was joined. “Spirit of the goddess, go with us as we search for Darcy.” The sound of thunder roared around them even though the sun shone brightly outside.

  They each called their animal guide. The fog rolled in, thick and heavy as the four shifted. When it cleared, a hawk, a jaguar, a wolf and a unicorn stood in a circle. They each left in different directions as they began their quest to find Darcy.

  And heaven help the rogue if Darcy was harmed, Surlock thought. Maybe he would break his father’s law after all.

  Surlock had to believe she still lived, though. She was his life, his love, and soon they would be together.

  CHAPTER 29

  Darcy was definitely going to kill Excoria. After the pretty swirling lights had gone away, she was left with a headache the size of Texas, and a damned humming in her ears that could have vibrated the walls.

  Where the hell was Surlock? He should have saved her by now. She sniffed. If he was still alive, that is. Oh, Lord, he had to be alive. She loved him.

  What if he didn’t love her?

  She didn’t care. Well, she did, but it would be enough to know he was alive.

  “I hate tears,” Excoria snarled. “You’re not going to start crying, are you?”

  “No, I’m not going to cry.” Darcy sniffed. She’d be damned if she’d let the bitch see one tear slip from her eyes.

  “Good.” She flipped open her cell phone and punched in a number. Then waited. “Have you got the money?” she asked the person on the other end. Excoria gripped the phone tighter, her mouth turning down. “Your daughter might not have a few more hours.”

  Darcy’s heart skipped a beat. Excoria was talking to her dad. At least, she hoped Excoria was talking to her father and not her mother. She groaned. Her mother would probably know what was going on, though. She would be hysterical. No, she would be beyond that by now. Her mom would have taken to her bed, trying to escape her worst nightmare. Maybe the doctor had given her a shot to knock her out.

  Great, her mother would never let Darcy become a P.I. now. That is, if Darcy lived through all this, because she wasn’t quite so sure Excoria would keep her end of the bargain. She might take the ransom money and still kill Darcy. That way, her crazy cohorts wouldn’t come after her. Excoria could truthfully tell the terrorists she had done away with the impure. Sheesh, it sounded like something out of one of her dad’s James Bond movies.

  Excoria suddenly turned to Darcy. She’d had the decency to help her back into the chair. Only after Darcy had whined a lot, though.

  “He wants to speak to you.” Excoria held the phone up to Darcy’s ear.

  “Dad?”

  “Oh, God, you’re alive. I was so afraid.”

  Her heart began to break. “I’m fine, Dad. I—”

  Excoria moved the phone. “There, are you satisfied?” She paused. “She’ll only be fine for one more hour. If I don’t have the money by then, she won’t be fine.” She snapped the phone closed.

  “I hate you,” Darcy said.

  “So what else is new?”

  “You’re going to regret ever taking me captive when Surlock finds me.”

  Excoria’s hands trembled. That was the only sign she was paying attention. “But he won’t find you,” she finally said.

  “Are you so sure about that?”

  Excor
ia straightened. “By the time he discovers your body, it will be too late for him to do anything. I’ll be long gone and I’ll make sure he never finds me.”

  The room began to spin around Darcy and she could barely breathe. “You never planned to let me go.”

  Excoria shrugged. “Sorry. I can’t take that chance.”

  Oh, God, her parents would be devastated when Excoria didn’t deliver their daughter. They would never stop looking for her. Not until they discovered her lifeless body.

  Surlock would be furious. She knew him well enough to know that he would find Excoria, and God help her when he did. No, Darcy didn’t want God or anyone else helping the bitch. She wanted her to rot in hell.

  Excoria seemed quite unconcerned she was about to end someone’s life. What kind of a monster was she? Darcy was glad when the other woman left the room. If she had to be around her much longer, Darcy was afraid she might say something to anger her even more. There was no guarantee that Excoria might not go ahead and kill her at any time.

  Damn it, Darcy wasn’t ready to die. She hadn’t lived her dream. Hell, she hadn’t lived. She’d always been too afraid to take a chance. Her mother had only been an excuse. She could have talked her mom into letting her get a job if she’d tried hard enough. No, Darcy had been too afraid of failing to push the issue.

  She finally saw how really dumb that was. She might have succeeded as a P.I., too. Not that she had done such a great job discovering Surlock’s identity. He might be a prince or he might not be. Although right now she was pretty much leaning toward believing he was a prince. Why else would terrorists take him prisoner so they could trade him for their leader?

  Excoria, of course, had already lost her mind. The terrorists probably dealt in illegal drugs, and she had inhaled more than she should have. Her brain was already fried. She was not an alien. But that still didn’t change the fact she was evil and planned to kill Darcy.

  She wiggled her wrists—again. The ropes were too damned tight. She’d only managed to rub her wrists bloody.

  She looked around the room for a weapon. The lamp was too heavy to lift. There was a candy dish of sorts on the coffee table. Could she hop over to it, and get back without falling down? Maybe her ballet lessons would finally pay off. It was worth a try. But when she tried to stand, nothing happened. She frowned. Her legs were still numb from the tranquilizer.