Dying Covenant: The Complete Series

by Amanda M. Lee

  “Sami, don’t worry about me,” I said, touching one of the hairs. It was coarse and hard. It was like one of those chin hairs that pops up out of nowhere and you have no choice but to pluck it because it’s strong enough to kill someone if it gets too long. “I’m fine. Your grandfather can’t hurt me.”

  “What are you talking about?” Helen asked, confused. Her gaze bounced between faces. “Did I miss something?”

  “You didn’t miss anything,” James lied. “Sami is merely upset. She … took something she heard the wrong way.”

  “No, she didn’t,” I said. There was no way I was going to let him weasel out of this. “She heard you just fine. You said she wasn’t enough. She got upset and stormed into the woods and then this happened because you’re a jerk.”

  “You’re a big jerk,” Sami said, jutting out her lower lip. “I’m just as good as a boy.”

  “Of course you are,” Helen said, stroking Sami’s hair as she attempted to soothe her. “Anyone who says you’re not as good as a boy is an asshole.”

  Helen so rarely swore her words were enough to make me smirk.

  “He’s also sleeping alone for the foreseeable future,” Helen added. She had a bright smile on her face, but her tone was deadly. “He’ll be sleeping alone for a very long time.”

  “Oh, Helen, don’t be like that,” James whined. “It’s not how it sounds.”

  “It’s exactly how it sounds,” Aric challenged. “You forced us into a position where the council said it had information to help but we had to join the pack. You know what that would’ve meant for Zoe and me.”

  “Yes, a divorce,” Helen said. “Zoe isn’t the type of woman who is going to let Aric have a son with someone else. What were you thinking, James?”

  James looked abashed. “I was thinking that … .”

  “He was thinking that I would never let Aric have a kid with anyone else, but there’s still a chance I could give Aric a son,” I finished for him. “He was trying to force my hand.”

  Helen’s mouth dropped open as her gaze moved from face to face. “Is that true, James?”

  James hung his head. “How did you know?”

  “Because I feel as if I’ve gotten to know you over the years,” I replied. “You don’t want Aric to be unhappy. You know he would be unhappy if we broke up. You also know that I would do anything to keep him from being miserable, including giving him another child if it’s in my power to do so.

  “The problem you have is that I don’t want another child,” I continued. “We have Sami. We didn’t agree to have one child on a whim. We had very important reasons, and those reasons haven’t changed. In fact, they’re stronger now.”

  “Sami is a target because she’s our child,” Aric said. “We’re doing our very best to keep her safe … and she’s certainly coming into her own.” His grin was wolfish as he smiled at Sami. “She’s going to be something phenomenal. She’s going to be a wolf and a mage … but we need to keep our focus on her.”

  “Do you really think I’m going to be phenomenal?” Sami asked, her lower lip quivering. “What if I never change back?”

  “You already have changed back,” Aric replied, gesturing toward her hand. It looked normal again. “Your grandmother was right. The change was tied to your emotions. The moment your mother and grandfather started talking like rational adults you calmed down.”

  Sami clutched her hand and stared at it, flipping it over to study her palm. “Will I change again?”

  “That would be my guess,” Helen said, beaming. “I think you’ll do a complete change under the full moon.”

  “And when is that?” I asked.

  “Tomorrow night.”

  “Well, I guess you’ve got a big party coming your way, huh?” I rested my hands on my knees. Do wolves have coming out parties? Oh, who cares? She deserves a party no matter what. “Do you want regular or ice cream cake?”

  Sami appeared dumbfounded by the question. “I … can I have both?”

  I nodded. “Absolutely. You’re two things. You’re two worlds coming together. Having two cakes seems to fit.”

  Sami smiled. “Can they both be chocolate?”

  I nodded.

  “Can I have sprinkles on the ice cream cake?”

  I nodded again.

  She took me by surprise when she threw her arms around my neck. “Thank you.”

  I swallowed the lump in my throat. “You’re welcome.”

  “I’m glad I’m not a boy,” she whispered. “Even if Grandpa hates me.”

  “Don’t you worry about your grandfather,” Helen said, sliding a dark look in James’ direction. “He and I are going to have a very long talk about boys, girls and who has more worth. We’ll fix his attitude right up.”

  “That sounds nice,” Sami said, resting her head on my shoulder as Aric stroked her hair. “He doesn’t get any of my cake, though. He’s mean, and mean people don’t get rewarded with cake. They get rewarded with kicks in the butt.”

  I pursed my lips to keep from laughing as I glanced at Aric. “Okay, she gets that from me.”

  Twenty-Two

  “None for you.”

  Sami doled out her cake at the picnic table that night, skipping over a pouting James and delivering heaping portions to Helen, Aric and me. She seemed delighted with her power position. She also got that from me.

  “You should offer some to Tate and Joshua,” I suggested as I dipped my spoon into the ice cream cake. “We have more than enough, and boys love it when you give them cake.”

  Aric shot me a dirty look. “Don’t encourage her.”

  “Do you not like it when I give you cake?”

  “When have you ever given me cake? I’m the one who buys the cake.”

  “Yes, but I’ve given you Twinkies before and you loved them,” I said, grinning as I sprayed some whipped cream on my dessert.

  “I do love your Twinkies,” Aric whispered, kissing my cheek before snagging the whipped cream. “We’re not sharing the rest of this. I have plans for it.”

  I raised my eyebrows. “Sami will be in the cabin with us tonight. There’s no way we’ll be able to foist her off on your parents given how angry she is with your father.”

  Aric’s eyes were thoughtful as they shifted to James. “Yeah, she’s really making him pay for being a jerk, isn’t she?”

  “Are you upset about that?”

  “Not in the least,” Aric replied. “As for the other thing, well, I’ve been thinking.”

  Uh-oh. His smile was wolfish. “Oh, yeah?”

  Aric nodded. “If you can make soundproof domes outside, why can’t you do one in the cabin?”

  That was an interesting suggestion. “I don’t see why I can’t try.”

  “Good girl,” Aric said, lifting the whipped cream canister. “It’s going to be a good night. I can feel it. Then, tomorrow, we’re leaving.”

  I licked my lips as I regarded him. “Okay.” I thought about arguing, but in the end loyalty was more important than anything else and Aric had certainly earned my loyalty. The wolf pack might be able to help, but what it wanted in return was more than either Aric or I could survive. We would have to get our information someplace else. “You have to tell your parents, though.”

  “Gladly.”

  “What are you guys talking about over there?” Helen asked, her eyes suspicious as they bounced between faces. “You look as if you’re up to something.”

  “They’re probably talking about something dirty,” Sami said. “That’s why they’re stealing the whipped cream.”

  My cheeks burned as I focused on my cake. “How could you possibly know that?”

  “I watch a lot of television, and you guys have dirty minds,” Sami replied. “I know when you’re going to be gross. It happens all of the time.”

  “You could stay with us tonight,” James offered. “That would get you away from them and their gross stuff.” He was so desperate for Sami to forgive him I almost felt sorry for
him. Almost.

  “No, I don’t want to stay with you,” Sami said. “You’re mean.”

  “Sami, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.” James adopted a pitiful expression. “Honestly. It was an accident.”

  “Yes, well, I don’t believe you,” Sami said. “You knew what you were saying. You might not have wanted to hurt me, but you wanted to hurt Dad. That’s the same as hurting me.”

  The words made me proud. Sami didn’t get everything when it came to family, but she understood loyalty.

  As if reading my mind, Aric leaned forward and pressed his lips to my ear. “She gets that from you, too.” He looked equally proud. “Sami is staying with us tonight,” he said, straightening. “We’re leaving first thing in the morning.”

  Helen balked. “Because of what your father did?”

  “Partly,” Aric confirmed. “We came here for help, but they’re not going to give it without trying to control us in the process. We’re not going to be controlled, so there’s no reason for us to stay.”

  “You’ve got that right,” I said, finishing off the last of my cake and dropping the empty plate in the receptacle next to the table. “I’m going to take a walk.”

  “Do you want me to go with you?” Aric asked.

  I shook my head. “I have a feeling that your parents want to unload on you in private,” I said, reaching for Trouble’s leash. “I don’t want to be around for it. I’m too tired to deal with it. I thought I would take Sami.”

  “But … that’s not safe,” James said. “There could be trouble in the woods.”

  “We won’t go far.”

  “But … it’s not safe.” James’ tone was insistent. “I forbid it. You’ll be putting Sami in danger.”

  “You forbid it?” That was rich. “You’re in no position to forbid anything.”

  “Besides that, Zoe is Sami’s mother,” Aric said. “She’s kept her safe for twelve years. She kept her safe yesterday. Don’t ever tell my wife you forbid her to do anything.”

  James balked. “But … I … .”

  Aric ignored him and focused on me. “I would never forbid you to do anything, but promise me you’ll be careful.”

  I smirked. “I promise.”

  “Good. I’ll hold on to the whipped cream and have a talk with Mom and Dad while I’m waiting for your return.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  “CAN I ASK you something?” Sami asked, scuffing her feet against the dirt as we walked around the perimeter of the bonfire area. Trouble had his nose in the bushes as he scented various animals. Sami seemed unsure of herself as I held the leash and watched her.

  “Sure.”

  “Do you think Dad would’ve been happy here?” Sami asked. “I mean, say he never met you. Do you think he would’ve been as happy here as he is at home with us?”

  “That’s an interesting question,” I replied, tilting my head to the side. “I’m honestly not sure how to answer it. I think your father is someone who finds the good in any situation, so I guess he probably would’ve been happy.”

  “As happy as he is with us?”

  “Probably not.”

  “How come?”

  “Because I bring joy and light to the world,” I teased, poking her side. “I know you can’t help yourself from asking questions like that, Sami. You’re a curious girl. But we can’t know the answer. There’s no such thing as going back in time. You can only go forward.”

  “And you and Dad will always move forward together, right?”

  She’d never been worried about our union before. I internally cursed James as I nodded. “Sami, we’ll be together forever. I promise.”

  “Good,” Sami said, blowing out a sigh. “I don’t want Grandpa to win. He’s a butthead.”

  I pursed my lips to keep from laughing. “He’s not a butthead,” I said. “Well, he’s not a complete and total butthead. He loves you. What he said was … .” What? A mistake? No, he knew what he was saying. He was trying to shove a sword through Aric’s heart, but the blow somehow caught Sami in the process. Even though I was angry with him, I knew James would never purposely hurt Sami.

  “Your grandfather loves you,” I said. “He just can’t seem to let go of the past. He seems to have that in common with a lot of people here at this wolf shindig. That doesn’t make them bad people. It simply makes them misguided.

  “We’re strange creatures to them,” I continued. “Most wolves like their women to be quiet and obedient. We’re lucky that your dad isn’t like most wolves.”

  “He likes his women feisty and mouthy,” Sami said, grinning.

  “Who told you that?”

  “Dad.”

  “Well, far be it for me to ever argue with your father and his infinite wisdom,” I teased, smirking. “Your father is the best man I know. He’s the strongest man I know. He’s the most loyal man I know. We got lucky when we got him and I need you to never forget that.”

  “I could never forget that,” Sami said, her attention drifting to a group of kids playing on the other side of the fire. I recognized Joshua right away. He was in the center of the group. “I hope I find a guy like Dad one day. Do you think I’ll get lucky twice?”

  “I do.”

  “That’s good,” Sami said, still looking at the group of kids. “Since we’re leaving tomorrow, can I go and spend a little time with the other kids?”

  I didn’t bother hiding my smile. “Do you mean Joshua?”

  “He’s one of the kids,” Sami hedged.

  “Go ahead.” I offered her a genuine smile as I nodded. “Have a good time, but do not leave the circle area. No matter what, don’t go into the woods.”

  “I won’t.”

  I leaned against a tree as I watched Sami scamper in the direction of the junior wolf shenanigans. I had no idea what she was going to say to them. The rumors of her fiery hands had surely made the rounds, but now her hands were famous for doing something else, too. She would shift soon. I didn’t even know how to wrap my mind around it.

  Aric seemed thrilled at the prospect, and I thought that was probably a good thing because it would bring them even closer. It would also make her physically stronger throughout the years, and I would never be unhappy about that. The stronger she was physically and mentally, the more likely she was to thrive.

  “You seem lost in thought.”

  I recognized Lincoln’s voice before I shifted my attention to him. He hovered beneath a low-hanging branch about ten feet away. “I am,” I said. “I was thinking of the long drive we have tomorrow.”

  “You’re going home?” Lincoln didn’t seem particularly surprised. “Are you really going to leave without getting what you came for?”

  “I’m not willing to give what you’re asking,” I said, refusing to lie. “I know what kind of game you’re playing. I’m not interested in being a chess piece for you to move around the board. I’m in control of my own destiny.”

  “You’re certainly in control,” Lincoln said, bobbing his head. “The thing is, have you ever considered that you’re not exerting that control in the manner that would benefit you most?”

  “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “Think about it,” Lincoln prodded. “You’re the one in control, yet others are trying to control you. Why do you think that is?”

  “I’m not in the mood for games.”

  “It’s a legitimate question.”

  I blew out a sigh and focused on the man. He’d been the quietest one in the room when we went before the council. He didn’t ask embarrassing questions. He seemed genuinely curious. That didn’t mean I trusted him. “I don’t think they care about controlling me,” I replied after a beat. “This is all about James getting his grandson.”

  “I’d be lying if I said James wasn’t keen on extending his family line, but he has never expressed anything other than pride when talking about your daughter,” Lincoln said. “You must realize that he’s not the villain in this.”

&n
bsp; “Did he send you over here on his behalf? If so, he’s dumber than I thought.”

  “He has no clue that I’m pleading his case,” Lincoln countered. “You were not raised in a wolf family, so you don’t understand what it means to earn the respect of a pack and then lose it.”

  “No, what I don’t understand is how Aric choosing to be his own man and making life decisions that were best for him somehow affects James and makes him lose respect,” I shot back. “I will never understand the dumb way men think. And before you even try arguing, it is men. I don’t think you guys would have half the problems you do if you promoted women to leadership positions.”

  Lincoln snickered. “You’re funny. I like you.”

  “Well, I don’t like you.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “I don’t like that you’re trying to manipulate Aric. I don’t like that you’re upsetting him. I especially don’t like the way you’re trying to control him.”

  “I have no interest in controlling Aric,” Lincoln explained. “That’s the last thing I want. He’s already a strong and proud man. We get nothing by trying to humble him.”

  “Then why withhold information and hurt him in the process?”

  “Don’t mistake me for those other men in that room,” Lincoln replied, wagging a finger. “I see the future for what it is. The pack cannot remain like this forever. You’re hardly the first person to suggest that women are equal to men.

  “During my time I’ve seen the women of this pack come into their own quite a bit. They don’t want their lives to revolve around birthing pups and taking care of them,” he continued. “That is not their goal or dream. They’re modern women, and in a generation the old ways will be nothing but a memory.”

  “Then why press for Aric to be under your control?” I challenged. “We both know it’s because you want to force the issue on giving him a son. For the record, Aric doesn’t want a son. We’re focused on keeping the child we already have safe. That is our priority.”

  “I get that,” Lincoln said. “But the others don’t see it. They don’t see the power in your one child because they can’t get over the fact that she’s a girl. They’ve heard about your feats, but they don’t believe them because they’ve never seen them.”