Wolf Trilogy: The Box Set

by M. R. Polish

  “Sorry.”

  He walked closer. “Es, what’s wrong? What happened? You’re covered in blood.”

  “Ree.”

  He reached me, but stayed a couple steps away. “Are you okay?”

  “I killed her.”

  “Sweetheart, it’s okay. You did the right thing.”

  I let the tears fall. My heart was broken. I’d killed somebody. Jarak wrapped his arms around me, holding me tight. His shoulder became soaked from my tears that I couldn’t stop crying.

  “Shhh. It’s okay.”

  “No—it’s not.” I whimpered in-between sobs. “It was—Ree. I killed her.”

  “You had to. If you didn’t, she would’ve killed you. Was it actually her? Are you sure?”

  I sucked in a shaky breath and nodded. “Yeah.”

  He stood there and let me cry everything I had out on his shoulder. He never tried to push me off. My snuffles finally subsided with fewer tears. I pulled back and wiped my face with the sleeve of my sweater.

  “We’re at the bottom of the mountain. We’ll be in Stanley in about five minutes.”

  I nodded but stayed silent. I looked down at the blood that dried on my skin. Without a word, I magicked it gone. All trace of what just happened, except for the pain it left in my heart, vanished. Ree’s lifeless face haunted my mind.

  He walked me to the truck and helped me climb inside. Once he was back in the driver’s seat, he reached over and took my hand. “It’ll be okay.”

  I wanted to believe him, but it was so hard. I could still see her body hang limp by my hand. That wasn’t something I wouldn’t forget anytime soon, along with the image of Ian cutting off that guy’s head.

  My stomach churned and flopped around. I struggled with the urge to throw up. I let go of his hand, and wrapped my arms around my middle.

  “Don’t think about it. It’ll just make it worse.”

  “Yeah.” I just wanted the stupid war to be over. I didn’t think I could do that again, and I wasn’t sure how to kill Nicholas after killing Ree. It will be so much harder than I ever thought when I actually have to come face to face with him. All of this was like a training party.

  Twenty Two

  Esmerelda

  W e pulled up to the same gas station where the bus travelers disappeared. A shiver coursed down my spine. I was certain I’d just witnessed a horrible death to one of the missing travelers. The vision of Ian beheading him was scorched into my memory. I hoped their families would be consoled—except, no body, no funeral, and no closure.

  Parked out front was Bry’s silver BMW. I got out of the truck and ran over with Jarak right behind me.

  Bry got out of his car and locked his doors with the keyless entry button. The beep sounded foreign in the small mountain town. He wore his usual getup with jeans and a blue button up shirt. Jarak rested his hand at the small of my back as we greeted him.

  “Ara, or should I say Esmerelda.” He embraced me.

  I hugged him back, happy to see him. He might not be my biological dad, but he was still a parent and so far he hadn’t changed like Meadow. I breathed in his familiar scent of fresh musk and held him tight.

  “Dad.” A tear slid down my face. His hug felt like home. “Thank you for coming.”

  He pulled back. “Of course. I’ll always be here for you, kiddo. We have lots to talk about.” He held his hand out for Jarak.

  Jarak accepted it and shook his hand. “You can ride with us. Maybe you can talk to Es and keep her mind off the drive.” He helped me into the truck, with me sitting in the middle, next to him and Bry in the passenger seat. I tensed up thinking about the rough ride I’d have to endure.

  I was the first to break the awkward silence that fell over the cab of the truck. “I’ve been told stories about why you and Meadow kept me, but I’d like to hear what you have to say.”

  “I’ve known who you were since I saw Meadow running with you. I worked for the B.O.M.B., or better known as Bureau of Magical Beings, for years as a marshal before I met her. I was the investigator assigned to your disappearance. Meadow used her magic to compel me, so I couldn’t tell anyone I found you, or anything about the real you. I fought against her and that damn spell for years trying to free you—to free us. I have magic of my own, but not enough to break the spell. Although, I was able to use mine to do the same spell to her. She couldn’t leave and take you to Victor, nor could she call or talk to anyone. We were both stuck until one of us gave up. I vowed it would never be me.” His jaw clenched as he talked.

  “Thank you…” I wasn’t sure what to say.

  He smirked. “Every time I argued with her it was because I protected you. Right before the accident, I caught her meeting with Victor. I knew she couldn’t say anything so he’d have to figure it out for himself, but I also knew I was close to losing you. After years of searching, I finally found a secret distributor and was able to lace her coffee with Belladonna, and then I put a spell on the truck to crash into her car… I knew she was immortal and would recover from a crash. The poison is what I needed to end her life. A mortal doctor would never know she was poisoned… The crash was a cover, to make it look real.” He took a deep breath before continuing.

  “I’m not sure Victor actually works for Nicholas, so he may not have ever told him where you were. I have my suspicions that he has his own interest in you, but for what I don’t know. It could explain why Nicholas has sent some of his breeds after you. He might not have Victor on his side as we have thought all this time. I’m sorry. I never wanted to hurt you.” He looked away, staring out the window.

  I contemplated everything he just admitted. “I have a question. What about my real parents, Adonia and Torres. Where are they?”

  “I haven’t heard from them, but then again I couldn’t contact anyone. They probably assume I’m dead, as long as I have been gone. I’m sure they’re incognito, still searching for you but laying low. Adonia will never rest until she has you back.”

  My heart ached for the woman who I never got to know. The woman from my dreams. I must’ve had the dreams because they were reaching out to me, and I was accessible while I slept. How horrible to have your daughter ripped away from you right after you give birth to her, then to have her raised by someone who wants her dead. At least I’m presuming Meadow wants me dead. Why else take me to Victor? Or Nicholas?

  Bry looked over at Jarak. “I’m surprised they haven’t been in contact with you yet.”

  “Why? What does Jarak have to do with them?”

  Jarak tapped his leg anxiously, but never said anything.

  “I just thought that they’d heard you where found is all.” Bry was covering for something Jarak wasn’t saying—I just knew it.

  “Am I really the one who’s supposed to defeat Nicholas?”

  Bry nodded. “I’m afraid so. Although, you can’t do it alone. Your mother has almost the same gifts as you do and you will need her help. You will also need The Reaping Spell, which is why you’ll need the five witches.”

  My shoulders dropped. “But they’re dead. Aren’t they?”

  “You can awaken the five witches from their deaths—you and your mom can do that. They are actually in a death-like sleep, not really dead at all.”

  Jarak swerved the truck slightly. “Sorry. Squirrel.”

  I frowned at the obvious lie. Something was up.

  Bry continued, “Your mom's Seer foresaw it long ago. You will also need your own Seer. But then again, you already have her with you don’t you?”

  I hesitated, and then shrugged.

  “Hum, I thought Ailaina was with you.” He winked at me. “I’m glad she’s here. So… I guess, first you’ll need to find your mother, and then together you can commence the reversal spell on the witch’s deaths. My memory isn’t all that great, but I think it had something to do with fire bringing the wind, that forces the water to cover the earth, then the spirit arises… or something like that. You need them because they are the only ones
who know the Reaping Spell.”

  “You mean she’s has to bring all five witches back to life to defeat Nicholas?” Jarak sucked in a deep breath and held it. He tensed up and let go of my hand.

  Turning away, I ignored him and his behavior. “So we open their tomb and awaken them, got it. I have one more question. Do I have to kill Nicholas in order to defeat him?”

  Bry grinned, but it didn’t reach his eyes, so I knew he only did it for my sake. “I’m not the one who can answer that. That’s something your Seer can do.”

  “But, we’re gonna have to kill those vampires plastered on the hill behind the house,” Jarak told me.

  I folded my arms across my chest. “Well, Ian and I killed two vampires today, so I hope that gets some attention.”

  “Wait, did you say Ian? You never said anything about Ian being at the house and the killing of a second vampire. You just said Ree.” Jarak seemed almost mad at my mention of Ian.

  I wanted to get his mind off his brother. “Jarak how is it possible for them to be my parents? The story you told me about them is a couple hundred or more years old.”

  “Remember, I told you a Guardian can become immortal as long as their partner has the same ability. Not everyone is that lucky—my grandfather loved a mortal and died hours after she did. My parents were mortal also. Most Guardians are mortal with an exceptional capacity. Your father married an immortal. Certain magic and poison can kill an immortal, so it’s something you still need to be wary of and not take for granted.”

  I mouthed an ‘Oh’. I still had a hard time grasping the concept that my parents were ancient, and I would never die. Unless some crazy, power induced warlock who dabbled in dark magic and Belladonna decided to kill me.

  The ride back up to the house was just as miserable as I remembered. Finally, Jarak parked the truck and we shuffled outside. I hid behind Jarak as we walked to the house, then I froze. “I can’t go in until I know they’re not in there.”

  “Where have you been?” Ailaina stormed out of the house. “You left me here with dead, headless bodies!”

  “I’m sorry.” I reached out to her. “I just couldn’t stay, and you were unconscious.”

  “The Princess returns—don’t worry your highness, I even cleaned all the blood.” Ian stepped out from the cabin wiping his hands on his pants, then like a hitchhiker using his thumb, pointed over his shoulder at Ailaina. “This one wouldn’t stop freaking out till it was gone.”

  “Ian.” Jarak stepped forward.

  “Brother,” Ian said tersely, holding his hand out in a gesture for Jarak to shake.

  I marched up the stairs paying no attention to Ian and his cocky attitude, but hesitated before entering the cabin. He was right. I couldn't see even a speck of blood. I was thankful, but I wasn’t sure I would tell him that. Princess—indeed. The nerve of that man.

  A clasp of hands coming together made me spin around. “So are you ready for round two?”

  Ugh, Ian. “Round two?”

  Jarak brushed past him. “She’s not ready. She wasn’t prepared to kill as it was and you weren’t exactly subtle about beheading that one in front of her.”

  “Well the princess needs to know what to do if she wants to live. You should have taught her and had her prepared. Maybe it’s you who’s slacked in responsibility. I never would’ve left her unprotected. What have you been doing this whole time? She should have been learning how to survive.”

  The name princess infuriated me. I wasn’t some spoiled brat who needed everything done for her. I had come so far in a short amount of time, and I was a witch. I didn’t need him or anyone else. “I’m ready, and quit calling me that.”

  “Good.” Bry came in behind Jarak. “Because if I’m not mistaken that would be them coming down the side of the mountain behind the house right now. Why did Nicholas send so many? What don’t I know?”

  “Nicholas doesn’t need me now. Instead, he wants me dead so nobody can use me. That’s why we’re here. I’ve been searching for the other antidote he needed to create his breeds—and stop it. I think Ailaina saw it in a dream, but I still don't understand it fully.”

  Bry and Ian both let out a deep breath, and then Bry cleared his throat. “Well kiddo, you’re sure in some deep stuff.”

  I laughed. “That’s an understatement.”

  A loud hum surrounded the house. The hair on the back of my neck stood up. I knew they were close—too close.

  Ian darted to the kitchen and came back with the duffel bag from earlier. Reaching in, he pulled out a handful of wooden stakes and threw them at us. I caught three and tucked two of them in the back pocket of my jeans. Each of the guys had four to six. Panic settled into every nerve in my body. It was too soon for me, but I refused to give Ian the satisfaction of knowing I was scared.

  I stared at the wood in my hand. “Why so many stakes?”

  Bry tucked his away the same way as I did. “From the look of that group coming, I just hope we have enough.”

  “Esmerelda! Join us and Nicholas will spare you.” A man’s voice boomed through the air outside the cabin making me jump.

  “Go to hell!” I yelled back.

  “Fine, but that was your last chance.”

  My heart pounded hard. I scanned our small group. “We need a plan.”

  At that moment Maztic, Luna and a large black wolf appeared with us. Luna walked to my side. “I’m ready to hear it.”

  “What’s the plan?” Maztic asked as he sat down by Jarak.

  “They think we’ll come out and fight, but what if it wasn’t really us,” I said.

  “Go on,” Bry said, looking intrigued.

  “I think I can create spirit spells, and if we send them out first, then they won’t know it’s not us, and we will have the upper hand.”

  “I like it.” Ian squatted down, petting the black wolf who now sat next to him obediently.

  “Me too.” Ailaina moved closer to the window, looking out into the trees.

  Jarak put his arm around me. “Are you sure?”

  I nodded.

  Ian cocked his head. “What is all this mushy stuff? Don’t tell me that you fell for his bravado crap.”

  “Don’t worry brother, it just means she’s off limits.”

  Ian’s jaw clenched as he gazed at me. “That or just more of a challenge.” He smirked under his breath, but I heard him.

  A loud screech brought our attention to the looming vampires now surrounding the house.

  Jarak’s grip around my waist tightened. “Just stay by me.”

  “You just stay alive, and I’ll be okay.” I worried about him. Heck, I worried about all of us.

  I watched as Ailaina never moved, she just continued to stare outside. “Al, are you okay?”

  I walked over to her, touching her arm. She jumped. “What?”

  “Are you okay?” I repeated.

  “Yeah, I just had… It was like… Never mind.” She shook her head.

  Luna came over and rubbed against me. Reaching down, I rubbed her head between her ears. Her peace radiated into my soul. “Don’t worry,” she reassured.

  A group of shadows ran past the front window letting us know they were looking for a way in.

  Twenty Three

  Esmerelda

  I tucked the stake from my hand into my back pocket with the others. The door opened and two guys walked in. They sneered, showing their fangs, making my heart stop. I was glad I didn’t recognize them. That would make it easier.

  This was it. Ian jumped from the right, surprising one of them with his speed, and the black wolf, who I guessed must be his Spirit Wolf, jumped with him as if they were the same creature in their actions. If it weren’t a vicious scene, it would have been an incredible thing to see—a man and his wolf acting as one.

  Bry stepped in front of the second Crossbreed who stood staring at the blood that poured out from his friend’s slashed neck. I wanted to laugh at Nicholas’s mistake, sending in thirsty newbie bloods
uckers. Bry lunged and shoved his stake deep into the vampire’s chest without thinking twice.

  Ailaina squealed and covered her face with her hands. Everything happened so fast, but it was as if I watched it in slow motion.

  “Es, turn away.” Jarak wrapped his arm around me, turning my head, but I pushed his hand away.

  “No, I have to see. If I have to fight, then I need to watch.” I didn’t want to be the weak one. I knew what I needed to do. If I was going to get through this, then I needed help doing it. A Tranquility Spell was the only thing I could think of with my mind racing.

  I closed my eyes and focused, calling on the spirit elements. A surge of tingling energy blasted from my head all the way down my legs. I took a deep breath trying to relax my muscles. All of the anxiety and nervousness I experienced before disappeared. My mind was clear, and I was able to concentrate on what happened around me. It didn’t make it easier to watch, but at least I could handle and accept the deaths.

  Ian grabbed the same long machete from earlier and sliced their heads off. Cringing, I forced the vomit to stay down. I reminded myself that they were the undead of the world. So truly, we weren’t actually killing them, but it didn’t keep my heart from dropping into my stomach. The warmth from my spell took over and calmed the fear.

  “Hey, Princess—now would be a good time to make those spirits before he sends more in after us,” Ian called from across the room carrying the headless body, placing it on the other one, and throwing the head in a separate pile. I gagged at the sight.

  The bile in my throat burned, and I looked away before I couldn’t control myself, realizing my spell was barely helping me in this situation and wearing off fast.

  Closing my eyes once again, I pulled all the energy from everyone’s spirits. My own spirit pushed against me like the opposite side of a magnet. It was hard to pull enough energy from everyone without draining them. It was as if I carried them all physically, and the weight was almost unbearable.