Knight Shift

by Paulette Miller

“How? We weren’t that loud, were we?”

  “What’s loud are your thoughts. Just before that night with Thorne, he told me that he had been able to read your mind like reading a book. In fact, he said that your thoughts project to him and he believes that the distance is growing.”

  “But why?”

  “He’s guessing that it’s all the trauma you’re going through. Your mind is reaching out and, for some reason, you’re perfectly tuned to his frequency.” When she gasped and her cheeks flushed, he added, “He hasn’t shared any of your personal thoughts. To protect your privacy, he’ll keep them a secret from the family until you tell him otherwise.”

  Knowing the images that were typically running through her mind, she said completely embarrassed, “I’ll never be able to face him again.”

  “Yes you can. He cares a great deal for you. He may be young, but he understands more than we give him credit for.” When Penny nodded numbly and took a step toward the camp, he said, “Ahhh, Penny. You might want to finish getting dressed before returning to the camp or Ben is going to know a lot more about you than just what’s on your mind.”

  Penny looked down to find she was still naked from the waist up. She quickly picked up her remaining clothes and, while she finished getting dressed, Jax said calmly, “I’ll go first. You can follow.”

  *~*~*~*

  Although Logan preferred the previous outfit, he stared at the lovers as they returned back to their camp. He was initially upset that he didn’t catch his prize, but found that he was excited to see what the morning scene would bring. He then scaled down the tree and slowly slinked his way toward the cave where he planned to wait for the next show.

  *~*~*~*

  Per the plan, Penny returned to the campsite shortly after Jax. Unable to make eye contact with Ben, she announced, “It’s a big day tomorrow, so I’m going to bed.”

  As she walked away, Ben called, “Sweet dreams, Penny. “

  Penny turned, expecting to see a smirk on Ben’s face but, instead, she saw his kind eyes and gentle smile. They nodded to each other before Penny crawled into the tent. Chad shifted back into his Rottweiler form and began to circle the camp again.

  Shortly thereafter the twins returned and, finding Penny already in bed, they both jumped into the tent, making Penny screech. Jax couldn’t stop a smile when Taylor asked, “Penny, why do you smell like a pine tree?”

  Chapter 59 - Final Farewell

  Just before sunrise, Jax stuck his head into Penny’s tent and couldn’t stop from chuckling at the sight. Penny was fast asleep surrounded by the twins and Ben, who were sprawled out in so many directions it was difficult to tell which arms and legs belonged to whom. Seeing the content looks on everyone’s faces, especially on Penny’s, Jax didn’t want to wake them, but morning was coming fast and if they were going to implement Penny’s plan, they needed to get moving.

  Jax tapped the closest foot to the tent opening and said, “Time to get up.” Everyone stirred and crawled out of the tent.

  *~*~*~*

  As the family ate a quick breakfast Susi had prepared, Logan moved into a position just inside the cave. From his perch, he planned to observe whatever Penny had planned and, when it didn’t work, he was going to watch his fellow Night Walkers needlessly burn in the sunlight.

  *~*~*~*

  Once the horizon was starting to glow, Jax looked at Penny and asked, “Are you ready?”

  Penny nodded and stood. After she walked over and sat next to Sam, she asked calmly, “Where do you want to feed from me? My neck?”

  Sam shook his head and replied nervously, “I think your wrist would be the best place. It makes it easier for others to separate us, if needed, and it would contain the damage better if I get carried away.”

  Penny agreed and handed him her arm without a bit of hesitation.

  Sam gently cradled her wrist in his palm and gently rubbed the faint scar left behind from when she was bit by Van Gogh. He knew that to leave such a mark from a newly turned Night Walker, Penny must have suffered a great deal of pain. Yet here she was, willing to go through it again.

  As he continued to stare at her soft skin and Penny felt his growing reluctance to take what she offered, she said, “Please Sam. I need you to do to this so that you can stand by my side. I won’t say goodbye to my family without you.”

  Hearing her plea he agreed, but refused to do anything until everyone else moved into protective positions.

  Susi wasn’t taking any chances so she kept her distance in case the scent of Penny’s blood caused her to lose control. She waited anxiously at the edge of the trees with Chad, as a massive Pit Bull, at her side. Ben stood behind Sam and, holding onto his shoulders, prepared to reach out mentally to feel the Night Walker’s every subtle reaction. Jax took his position directly behind Penny so that he could whisk her away at the slightest hint of danger. The twins flanked their Human friend and were prepared to separate her from Sam at the slightest direction from either Jax or Ben.

  Once Sam was satisfied that all safeguards were in place, he lifted Penny’s wrist to his mouth. When he hesitated, Penny said sweetly, “Go ahead; it’s okay. We’re surrounded by our family and they’ll keep me safe. Put your faith in them. I know I have.”

  Sam reluctantly bit into her wrist. Penny cringed at the initial prick, but then her body began to relax as a pleasant wave washed through her. She leaned back against Jax’s chest and sighed contentedly.

  When Penny started to giggle, Jax looked to Ben for guidance. When he nodded, Jax announced, “That’s enough, Sam.”

  Penny was lost in the sensations and didn’t want Sam to stop. When she started to protest that he should take even more, Sam gave off a sound similar to a growl and latched on even harder. The twins quickly intervened and forced his mouth to release her.

  Once separated, Sam fell back and scrambled away to put some distance between himself and the source of the hot liquid his body now craved. While Penny was held back by Jax to prevent her from chasing after Sam, the twins blocked her path until they knew both parties could control themselves.

  Jax continued to hold Penny and quickly licked her wound shut while she giggled and swayed as if she was drunk.

  Sam sat silently on the ground with his eyes closed in deep concentration. Everyone waited anxiously for him to respond to their queries. After a few minutes he opened his eyes, stood, and said, “I’m okay now. She’s safe.”

  Jax asked, “How do you feel?”

  Sam replied, “Right now, I can feel her blood coursing through my veins like pure fire. I don’t know what caused the change, but the impact of her blood has dramatically increased since the last time I tasted her.” He licked his lips and added, “It’s amazing. I feel invincible. It’s like I could jump off the cliff and fly across the valley.”

  Jax knew the feeling all too well as the small amount he just took to close her would gave him a moment of pure warmth and contentment.

  Sam turned to Susi and waved her over, saying “It’s time. Morning is coming quickly and we’ll need a few minutes before the sun rises to confirm that you react the same way that I do to her blood.”

  Susi looked petrified and, standing right where she was, she said, “Maybe I should hide in the cave. I’m not sure I can do this.”

  Penny released her hold on Jax and called, “Susi, don’t be afraid. Together we can do this.”

  Sam helped his reluctant mate get into position and he stayed pinned to her side. Once everyone was again ready, Penny handed Susi her other wrist. Susi took it gently into her hands and was shaking so hard that she was having a difficult time holding on. She looked up into Penny’s eyes and asked, “Are you absolutely sure about this? I don’t want to hurt you.”

  Penny nodded and replied, “I’m one hundred percent sure. Do this and soon you’ll be standing at my side with the sun in your eyes.”

  Susi wanted to be able to stay so she took in a deep breath, closed her eyes, and bit into Penny’s skin.<
br />
  Penny’s body instantly stiffened and she gasped as pain shot through her arm. As the sensation increased and spread throughout her body, she could no longer hold in her reaction. She quickly turned her head and buried it into Jax’s chest to muffle her shrieks of agony. Although Jax hated seeing Penny in so much pain, he knew how much this meant to her. He forced his protective instincts back and, while she sobbed, he wrapped his arms around her and whispered encouragements in her ear.

  Susi, on the other hand, was moaning very loud and had to be held back so that she didn’t push Penny down and pin her to the ground. As Sam said words of control to his mate, Ben concentrated on Susi’s every subtle reaction. When his eyes shot open and he yelled, “Stop!” everyone moved with a blur of speed. While the twins attempted to break through the death grip Susi had on Penny’s arm, Sam worked feverishly to convince Susi to let go. It was only when Penny let out an agonizing scream, that Susi’s mind clicked back into reality. With the entire family working together, Susi was forcibly separated from Penny. While Susi continued to fight with all her might to sink her fangs back into the sweet flesh, she was pinned to the ground by both Sam and the twins. Jax pulled Penny into his arms and, as her body shook violently from the lingering pain, he took a moment to quickly stop her wrist from bleeding.

  By the time Susi’s mind came back into focus completely, she found Penny sniffing back tears and being held by Jax while Sam was healing her wounds and attempting to remove the lingering pain. Sam knew that the bite was bad enough that, even with his healing abilities, she would carry a faint scar to match the one on her other wrist.

  Susi began to cry when she saw Penny’s pale skin and tear streaked cheeks. Although Penny’s head was still spinning, she forced her holders to let her go and she stumbled to Susi’s side. She attempted to console her friend until she felt heat on the back of her neck.

  Penny whispered, “Susi, look up.”

  Through tear filled eyes, Susi did as asked and gasped when she realized that a stream of morning sunlight was shining directly on her face. At first she prepared to scream and hide but, when she felt no pain, all other thoughts left her. She sniffed back tears, stood, and whispered, “This can’t be real. I must be in a dream.”

  Sam stood beside her and said, “This is no dream. You and I are in a sunrise.”

  Everyone watched quietly as the Night Walkers stood hand in hand with the sun peeking over the horizon and reflecting off their skin for the first time since they turned. A new round of tears started, but this time from joy.

  Susi turned to Penny and said, “You are truly a gift from above.”

  *~*~*~*

  Logan, who had been observing the scene from the cave, had been so taken by what he’d watch unfold that he fell out of his shadow into the sun. He had to scramble back into the dark and, with that brief exposure to sunlight, already had burns forming on his exposed skin. But the pain was the furthest thing from his mind. His pulse raced with excitement as he stared at the one that was now worth more to him than all the gold in the world. A wicked smile formed on his face and he whispered, “Sweet little Penny, I promise that you and I will be together again soon.” At that moment he knew that he would do whatever it took to possess her and her gift.

  *~*~*~*

  While Jax picked up the blue silk bag, Penny held out her hand to Susi and said, “Come help me say goodbye to my family.”

  Susi took the hand Penny extended and, together, they led everyone to the ledge. Once there, Jax handed Penny the pouch for her mother. She walked up to the edge of the stone and, with the valley lit up with the colors of a new day, Penny opened the bag and shook out the ashes, saying “Happy birthday, Mom.” As the air filled with the glitter of diamonds, she said, “I promise you that I’ll always eat my vegetables and learn to make your famous fried chicken, even though it means that I have to touch the awful animal.” When the twins made chicken noises behind her, Penny chuckled and then continued. “I’ll sing in the shower, even though the sound could make the tile crack. I’ll always find the good in everyone and never turn my back on someone in need no matter the cost. And if I’m blessed to be a mother someday and I don’t know what to do, I’ll let my heart be my guide, as you’ve taught me.”

  She turned to Jax who handed her the pouch holding her father’s ashes. As the air filled with his sparkle, she said, “Goodbye, Dad. I promise you that I’ll clean my guns regularly and keep my knives sharp. I’ll respect all of God’s creations and be thankful for the countless wonders that nature brings. I promise to be strong but, whenever I’m in need, I won’t be so proud to not ask for help from those I trust. You taught me how to stand tall and I’ll live each day in a way to make you proud.”

  Jax opened the bag and handed Penny the last two pouches that held her brothers’ ashes. She walked over to the twins and handed them each a pouch, saying “I know that Max and Morgan are watching and would be thrilled to have you send them on their way.”

  The twins took the silk bags and gently cradled them in their palms. They then stepped forward and, as they added their ashes to the growing cloud, Taylor said, “Max and Morgan. We didn’t know you long but, in our short time together, you became our brothers. I wish we had more time to get to know you better, but we were blessed to have had the privilege of you briefly entering our lives. We’re better men because of it.”

  Tadd added, “Thanks for helping to raise such a wonderful sister and don’t worry about her. She’ll never want for anything and we promise to protect her from chickens and boys named Robert.”

  To everyone’s shock, they ripped off their shirts to show that they were wearing matching M&M t-shirts with flames shooting out of the candies. Taylor shouted, “Hey heaven, open your gate because M&M are knocking on your door.”

  Tadd added, “They’re smooth and creamy. You might want to lock up the women, because they’ll soon be melting at their feet.”

  Penny joined their side and yelled, “Hey bros, you always told me to accept myself for who I really am so guess what? I now wear pink and lace and I like it. And I even giggle like a girl.” Her giggles echoed across the valley. “I’ll miss you more than words can say.” Her voice broke and the twins took her hands to give her strength to continue.

  After taking in a deep breath, she said to her family as a whole, “Don’t worry about me. I’ve found a wonderful Changeling family that have risked their lives to let me into their world and to stand at my side today. Oh how I wish you could have met all of them. They have amazing gifts and you would have loved them as much as I do. Please watch over them from above and keep them safe.” As a breeze gently carried the last of her family’s ashes away, Penny blew them a kiss and said, “Goodbye and I’ll love you all forever.”

  Penny, with her new family at her side, stood quietly and looked out over the valley for a long time. They then buried the pouches in a small, make-shift grave. Penny found a large, unique stone and drew a symbol on it that was made up of four birds in flight. After Ice came forward he etched it into the stone and placed it over the gave to mark its location.

  After they were done, Sam reluctantly announced, “The sun is started to get hot on my skin so Susi and I need to get to the cave.”

  As Jax prepared to help them up the cliff face, Susi took Penny into her arms and said, “Thank you for giving me the gift to be with you today. I’ll cherish this moment forever. And, until all of the craziness dies down, remember that even if you can’t see us, you’re never alone. We’ll be thinking of you every day.”

  After Susi and Penny separated, Sam stepped forward and said, “We may not be your real parents, but you’re a part of this crazy, make-shift family and I promise to care for you as if you were my own. Call on me if you’re ever in need.” They embraced and he kissed her on the forehead before walking toward the cliff face.

  After Jax forced Penny to sit and rest, the twins packed up the camp. Jax shifted and helped Susi to the cave while Sam managed to foll
ow behind them.

  *~*~*~*

  Logan was forced to travel deeper into the dark and, after finding a place to hide, he curled up and masked his scent. He planned to get some sleep and dream about how he would indulge in Penny’s gifts.

  *~*~*~*

  After Jax returned to the camp, he and Chad stood guard until Penny was strong enough to travel. Then, per her promise, she was carried down the mountain side. Although Jax would have liked to hold her the entire time, he and the twins took turns. The trip down was quiet and they made it to Penny’s car as the sun was starting to set. They wanted to spend more time with her, but Jax insisted that she be on her way before the sun went down. He wanted her out of the woods before any Night Walkers rose for the night.

  After Penny hugged and kissed everyone several times, Jax walked her to the car door. Once he had her tucked into the driver’s seat, she said, “Thanks for everything. It was a wonderful birthday and I can’t tell you how much it meant to have all of you there with me. I know we must go back to living our ruse for a while longer, but I’ll miss all of you terribly.” To herself, she added, “You most of all.”

  Jax replied, “Trust me. I’ll find Logan and make this right but, before you leave, you must promise me that you’ll never go into the woods alone again.”

  Seeing the genuine fear in his eyes of what could have happened, she replied honestly, “I promise.”

  Satisfied that she was telling him the truth, he added, “Remember, even if you don’t see me, know that I’m watching over you.”

  She sighed and replied, “My life is in your hands.” She trusted Jax above all others, but she knew that removing Logan wasn’t going to make the overall problem she posed to him and his family go away.

  After the sun went down and Susi and Sam left the safety of the cave, Logan also emerged and quickly rejoined his men. When Hawk didn’t see the one he expected, he asked, “Where’s Penny? Didn’t you get her?”

  Logan replied with a smile, “Not yet, but she isn’t going anywhere. I have a plan and your skills will be required. Let’s head back to the lodge and I’ll tell you about it.”