It turned out then that the leader of the Amorkans didn't have the strength of character or compassion for other living creatures the way Paul's ancestors had. It was said that the opposing pack's panic and hunger led to them shifting at will and killing anything that got in their way. They sounded like nothing more than scary stories when he was a boy. And for a long time, that was what Paul had believed, until a year earlier when his parents passed on, and he took over as pack leader.
“Wait…would you just wait a minute?” Nova shook her head. “So you’re telling me that the Amorkans are real and that they not only might be back, but they may be killing humans?”
"No, I'm not saying that. Our dumbass brother is, though." Zeke replied.
“I swear to God.” Paul made a move like he was going to slug Zeke, but Nova stepped in the way.
“Would you two cut it out, please?”
Paul gave Zeke a look of disdain. “What I’m saying is that I don’t know anything for certain. I’m not an investigator, and I sure as hell don’t have all the facts. But I know our kind. All signs point to a shifter. And I think you can both agree with me that one of our own could never do something like this. So if not an Amorkan, then who? What else am I supposed to think?”
“What do you think, Zeke?” Nova asked, always the level-headed one of the family, looking to get all the facts before reaching a decision.
He shrugged. “Honestly, I hate to admit it, but I think Paul may be right.”
“Gee, thanks a lot, dickhead.”
“Paul!” Nova scolded him. “This isn’t the time.”
“What I mean is that while I don’t want it to be true, I think it could be. My only questions are, What would something like this mean for us? Where could they have they been? And what in the hell do we do now?”
Paul watched as his siblings looked to him for answers. Answers that he certainly didn’t have and had no idea how to get.
“I don’t know. All I do know is that we can’t tell the others about this. It will only cause more of a panic and a slew of questions that I won’t be able to address. I need to do some more digging and see what I can find out. But I’ll need you two to keep up appearances and run things here.”
“Why? Where are you going?” Nova asked with concern.
"I think I need to spend some days out on the mountain. Observe, keep an eye on things, and see if I notice anything out of the ordinary. I mean if they're back, they're out there. They have to be."
“I don’t know if I like the idea of that, big brother.”
Damn that kid. He was a pain in Paul’s ass, but they loved one another. It was obvious that Zeke was truly worried for him.
“I’ll be fine.”
They both eyed him skeptically.
“Honest. You know I’m careful. And I know how to fight.”
“Maybe I should come with you,” Zeke offered.
"No, that will only raise suspicion if we both disappear for a couple of days. I'm the leader of our pack. I need to do this. You know Dad and Grandfather would have done the same thing, too."
"He's right," Nova said. "But you better be careful. Because so help me, brother… If you let anything happen to you, I will hunt you down and kill you myself."
Paul laughed and grabbed both of his siblings, embracing them into a hug. “Duly noted, sis. Duly noted.”
Chapter Ten
Kinzey stumbled through the forest, wondering how she could have been stupid enough to think this was a good idea on any level. She had her small BB gun with her that she kept for protection, but in light of the Sheriff's press conference, it hardly seemed like a small pellet would be able to stop whatever predator was lurking in these mountains.
She’d just been so damn frustrated for the past two days. Ever since that night with Paul it had become increasingly obvious that she had been a one-night stand. Which hurt her feelings, but more than that, it pissed her off. He’d been so sweet and affectionate after they’d had sex. Even gone as far as to walk her to her front door. It had been eons since a man had done anything that chivalrous for her. And to have him just blow her off like she was nothing just proved how naïve she was when it came to men.
If nothing else, the anger she’d been feeling was fueling her career ambition. No matter how dumb were the decisions she was making because of her rejection.
She’d been walking for what felt like hours when she made her way to a clearing in the trees on the southern slope of Grand Lake. It seemed so out of place, she found it hard to believe that she hadn’t heard about it on one of her local tour guide pamphlets.
There was a long, large boulder sitting at the base of what almost looked like a dance floor for the wildlife. She almost giggled at the thought that it would be the perfect place for a DJ’s booth.
She took a seat on the big rock and lay on her back, looking up at the stars. Having been to many a dance club in her younger days, she would take the big open sky and bright stars over the lights and laser shows she’d seen any day.
A noise caught her attention, and she bolted up into a sitting position. She sat silently, looking around in the darkness and debating on whether or not to turn on her flashlight.
She had purposely left it off with the full moon shining above. And she thought it best not to draw that much attention in case wildlife lurked in the shadows.
The sound of footsteps crunching against leaves seemed to be getting closer, and it was all she could do to remain still.
Now more than ever, she was more convinced that her idea of investigating out here in the great wide open, completely on her own, had been a very bad plan indeed.
Completely motionless, she had no idea what to do. If she ran, would something chase her? If she stayed still, would she become the next victim?
Oh, Kinz… how do you get yourself into these situations?
Because you’re a dumbass, she answered herself.
Her heart pounded in her chest as she looked across the clearing and saw two sets of glowing eyes staring back at her.
Oh, God.
She didn’t stop to think. She jumped up from the rock and began running up the hill through the trees.
The sound of something fast echoed through the forest and seemed to be right on her heels. Her lungs burned as she tried to muster her strength from her high school days when she’d been a cross country all-star.
Whatever it was seemed to be gaining on her and she couldn’t most fast enough. She pushed herself, trying desperately to make her short legs grow longer, when she felt a force hit her in the back, knocking her to the ground.
She went down with a thud as a menacing growl reverberated in her ear. Piercing knives seemed to be cutting at her back. Wetness coated her neck and ran down her shoulder as she fought for control over whatever was on top of her.
After several painful minutes, she managed to flip herself over and froze in horror as she looked up at her attacker.
A large, hairy beast was on top of her, with all fours pressing down against her body. Its breath was foul, and its eyes had a look of evil in them.
Whatever the Sheriff had been referring to in his press conference, this was the animal that was brutally killing innocent people.
This was it.
This was the monster.
The creature snarled and howled at her, its saliva dripping down onto her face as he sized her up like the main course at a buffet.
Please, God. I don't want to die.
She prayed, hoping for a miracle, but knew this would be her dying wish. There was no way she could survive whatever this thing had in store for her.
“Kinzey!”
She turned her head enough to see Paul standing several yards away. In that moment, any anger she felt toward him disappeared. All she could think of was what this monster might do to him, and she couldn’t bear the thought of it.
“Paul, run!”
The creature turned his attention to Paul and growled.
“P
aul, you need to –” Her words were stolen from her when Paul howled back at the thing perched atop her.
At first, she thought maybe he was trying to scare the animal, but what she saw next, she hadn't been prepared for.
He undressed as his body began taking on an unusual shape. Long hairs poured from his skin, and his head narrowed to an almost dog-like appearance as his ears grew. His fingers turned into sharp claws, and his hands were replaced with large paws.
He fell to the ground and turned as he snarled back at the creature. A bushy tail flipped around and went down just like her old retriever’s did whenever he was angry.
No longer concerned with her, the monster jumped off of her and lunged toward Paul. Or at least who—or what?—she thought had been Paul.
She laid there confused, wondering if she’d somehow hit her head and was imagining the whole thing.
Paul, or the creature he’d turned into, looked over at her seconds before the two animals met and howled at her.
She didn’t know how she knew, but for some reason she knew that he was speaking to her, telling her to get out of there, and fast.
Grabbing her backpack, she ran through the nearest line of trees and out of sight. Horrid sounds of fighting could be heard in the distance, and she resisted the urge to turn around and see if Paul was okay.
If he hadn’t shown up, she surely would have died. That much she was certain of. The man who she’d given herself to, the one who’d just saved her, she had no idea who or what he was.
That uncertainty filled her with a dread she couldn’t explain.
Chapter Eleven
Paul bit the Amorkan and swiped at his front leg. He didn’t want to kill him, but his anger of what he’d stumbled upon was taking precedent over any sense of reason he may have had. The Amorkan bit back, doing his best to knock Paul down but failing.
No matter how much rage he felt over Kinzey being attacked, he had a responsibility to his pack and this town. He needed the violence to end.
Who are you? Paul spoke to him just like he could any other Racinitine.
The creature stopped dead in his tracks and stared Paul down. He looked surprised, almost scared by his question.
Do you understand me? He asked again.
The Amorkan tilted his head to one side and took a cautious step forward.
You can talk to me. I’m like you are.
The animal dipped his head down and sniffed at Paul.
See. It’s okay. I won’t hurt you if you don’t hurt me.
I’m hungry, he replied.
Okay. You’re hungry. I understand you. Has it been a while since you’ve eaten?
He nodded. There hasn’t been much food ever since...
Since when? Paul asked.
Our pack leader got sick. He used to hunt for us. He died a couple of weeks ago. Ever since then Vlad has been leading us.
This Vlad? Is he an Amorkan like you?
Yeah. Aren’t you?
An Amorkan? No. Paul shook his head. I’m a Racinitine.
The creature froze in his tracks and positioned himself in an attack stance. His eyes blazed with red as he stared back at Paul.
Whoa. What’s the problem?
He snarled at Paul and howled. It was a sound of challenge, urging him to attack, but Paul refused to take the bait.
Calm down. I already said I don’t want to hurt you.
Orpheus warned us about your kind. Don’t try and trick me.
Who’s Orpheus?
He’s our new pack leader. Now, back away, or I’ll finish you like I’d planned.
Paul had no idea what was happening, but he couldn’t let himself get caught up in another fight with this guy. He needed to get to the bottom of this and find out why they were killing people.
He took a calming breath and tried his best to rein in his powers and the anger he felt over the situation. Going down on his legs, he showed his vulnerability to his adversary and tried again.
I’m Paul. And I promise you I will not hurt you unless you attack me. Can we please just talk?
Though he appeared suspicious, he took a step back and sat down on his haunches.
Thank you. Now, what is your name?
Emile.
Okay, Emile. Any other time Paul would politely offer a salutation of saying it was nice to meet him, but he’d be lying, and Emile would know it. Can you please tell me about Orpheus and why he is telling you to be afraid of us?
I’m not afraid of anyone. I’m an Amorkan. We aren’t afraid of anything!
Oh, great, Paul’s trying to be civil and get to the bottom of things, and this guy wanted to get into a pissing match with him.
Right. Sorry, that’s not what I meant. But surely you do realize that the Racinitines and Amorkans come from the same bloodlines. We are a part of the same original pack.
I know that.
Okay, so why are we the bad guys all of a sudden? And where in the hell have you guys been all these years? Paul simply had too many questions running through his mind.
We live up in the caves. Far away from the humans. They tried to kill us off a long time ago. So we stay up in the clouds where no one can find us.
All right, I’m not going to get into the history of your kind with humans. What I would like to know is why this Orpheus doesn’t like the Racinitines.
He said it’s because of your kind that we have to hide. He says that you all went crazy long ago and started killing people.
Paul’s ears perked up. And Orpheus tells you this? Have you ever heard this before?
No. Vlad never even mentioned your kind to us. Orpheus was the one who has been teaching us about our history.
I see. And Orpheus was next in line for leader after Vlad?
No. Vlad's brother Cain was. But he died unexpectedly the morning after Vlad passed. Orpheus was their cousin, so he stepped in.
Paul nodded his understanding. He couldn’t be certain, but Paul had a sneaking suspicion that this Orpheus was manipulating his pack for the sole reason of gaining power. Which should be the opposite of any pack leader’s goal. His mission should be to his pack, first and foremost.
Listen, Emile. I know you don’t know me, but Orpheus is wrong. The Racinitines are not the enemy. And neither are the humans. You guys can’t keep hurting them. If for no other reason that we’ll all be found out. But most importantly, they’re innocent.
Step away from him, Emile!
Paul’s attention was drawn to the maniacal voice which came from the tree line.
Orpheus?
Out of the shadows came a large Amorkan, much larger than Paul had ever seen before. He was even bigger than any of their Racinitines. And for the first time in a very long time, Paul was beginning to doubt his fighting abilities.
Emile, go back to the caves. I’ll bring you something to eat. I need to have a word with this…thing.
Paul watched as Emile walked away with his tail between his legs. His entire mannerism showed a defeated and beat up Amorkan. It saddened him to think that they could be so similar, yet so different in the way they treated their kind.
Once Emile disappeared into the distance Orpheus turned his attention to Paul. Now you! You stay away from my pack. I don’t need you filling their heads with any nonsense.
Right. I guess it’s much better that their heads get filled with your lies instead.
Don’t test me, Racinitine.
You’re a disgrace to your bloodline. Just because your ancestors made a mistake doesn’t mean you have to repeat it.
Don’t tell me what to do. I’ll lead my pack in the way I see fit.
By destroying them? Paul snapped back. And for what? For power? Emile might be too young and naïve to catch onto your lies, but I hardly think it was an accident that both Vlad and his brother died. Rather convenient, wouldn’t you say?
What did Emile tell you?
Paul was disgusted with him. He was a monster in every sense of the word. You leave Emile alone.
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Please, don’t make me laugh. You’re going to protect my pack against me?
If I have to.
Think again. I am much more powerful than you’ll ever be.
We’ll see about that, Paul replied.
Yes, we will. Orpheus snarled and growled at Paul before making a quick exit.
Paul watched as he ran away, his strides getting faster as he made his way into the trees. He hated to admit it, but he was fearful of Orpheus. It was apparent that he’d do anything to keep his power and continue his evil ways.
They were about to have a war on their hands. One unlike any his kind had ever seen before.
Chapter Twelve
Kinzey had been missing ever since last night when Paul had found her being attacked. He’d gone to her place to talk to her after his meeting with Orpheus, but his knocks had gone unanswered, and her house had been dark and quiet.
He’d wanted—needed—to explain to her what she’d seen. Though he wasn’t exactly sure how he was going to do that. How did one exactly go about telling a human he was part wolf, part human? It wasn’t like Hallmark made a greeting card for such a thing.
In his many drives around town looking for her, he'd managed to phone his brother and clue him in on what had happened. This included coming clean to him about Kinzey and the night they had shared.
Getting chided by his little brother about mating with a human, something that was forbidden, wasn't exactly his greatest hour. Still, he knew Zeke needed to know everything. If something were to happen to him, his little brother would be next in line to lead their pack.
No matter how much Kinzey had come to mean to him, he couldn’t ignore his duty to his pack. They had to come first. Just like his father and grandfather before him had done, Paul would have to sacrifice to ensure their safety.
Now on his thirteenth hour of trying to find Kinzey, and running out of places to look, he wondered if she had made her way back to the barn for refuge. He wasn’t even sure she would know where to find it, but she’d left in such a hurry he couldn’t ignore the possibility and had to try.
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