by Helen Harper
I took a very deep breath. ‘So you made a cat on a night prowl go somewhat astray. So what?’
‘It is very small,’ it mourned. ‘It is trapped now on the quarry wall. It cannot get out.’
‘Let me get this straight. You forced us off the road because you want us to rescue a damn cat?’
It swayed. ‘Maybe kitten.’
‘Fetch it yourself.’
‘I cannot.’ The will-o’-the-wisp raised up its palms. ‘I am not corporeal enough.’
I closed my eyes and counted to ten very slowly in my head. When I was done, I looked out across the fields. ‘Fine. Where’s the sodding quarry?’
***
I took three shifters with me: Lucy, Boran and a werecougar named Thomson who I didn’t really know. Staines and the others stayed behind to move the vehicles out of the path of any oncoming traffic. Thomson appeared extraordinarily unhappy at the turn of events and grumbled a complaint in the direction of the will-o’-the-wisp as we trudged out across the field towards a row of trees screening the quarry from sight at the far end.
‘I would understand if you were to feel disgruntled at breaking our journey in favour of a mere cat, even though all life is to be considered sacred,’ I commented. ‘You, however, appear more upset at our flickering friend than anything else.’
He scowled. ‘I’m sorry, my Lord Alpha. I do not wish to speak out of turn.’
‘But?’ I prodded.
‘But we’re following a fucking sprite. We’re shifters. We’re better than the rest of the Otherworlders. Not only that but we’re the Brethren! To be dangling after a freak like that…’
I eyed him carefully. He was one of Brady’s recent acquisitions. Unfortunately it showed. ‘We are not better than anyone else,’ I said, keeping my voice calm and even. ‘There is no such thing. Feeling superiority over others will only lead to downfall.’
He hung his head. ‘Yes, my Lord Alpha.’
I had the distinct feeling he was only saying what I wanted to hear. I wondered how many others in the Brethren were of this ilk. It was a distasteful thought.
‘This way, this way!’ the will-o’-the-wisp crooned, dodging through the trees.
The cat’s plaintive meow was already audible. I quickened my step, following the noise through the small copse until we emerged on the side of an old, disused quarry.
‘This should be fenced off,’ I frowned.
The will-o’-the-wisp danced on the edge. ‘Fences are no fun.’ It pointed a wavering arm downwards. ‘The cat is down there.’
I peered over. On a narrow shelf, curled up into a small ball of fur, was a very small kitten.
‘How on earth did you mistake that for a human?’ Lucy asked.
There was no answer. The will-o’-the-wisp had vanished. I sighed and shook my head. ‘Let’s get the kitten and get out of here.’
Boran’s hand shot up in the air. ‘I’ll do it, Lord Corrigan.’
‘No, it’s alright. I dragged you out here, I might as well be the one to risk my neck.’
I edged over, trying to assess the best way down. I could slide and then halt my momentum on the same shelf the kitten was on. It might leap off in fright when it saw me coming though. I scratched my chin and shrugged. Then, without thinking about it any further I jumped off, dropping several feet and bending down to catch the cat at the same moment as my toes landed next to it. I scooped it up just in time, although it still squeaked in protest and began hissing, claws scraping out towards me as it struggled to escape.
‘Stop that,’ I told it gently.
It lashed out, tail whipping wildly from side to side and yellow eyes glaring at me with a mixture of hope, fear and sheer rage.
‘Boran, hold my feet.’ Lucy moved out, falling down headfirst towards me. ‘Give me the kitten, my Lord Alpha.’
It spat and wriggled. I stroked it in a vague attempt to calm it down before passing it over. Underneath the soft fur, I could feel its heartbeat beginning to slow and its muscles gradually relaxing. The kitten subsided, as if realising it wouldn’t be able to escape. A tiny, almost involuntary purr emitted from its throat. I couldn’t stop myself from smiling. Then I reached up and handed it over to Lucy. Boran heaved her upwards, kitten clutched closely against her chest. As soon as she’d disappeared back over the edge, however, I heard a cry of dismay.
‘What is it?’ I called, suddenly alarmed. I sprang up to join them, landing back on solid ground just in time to see a flash of ginger fur disappearing into the distance.
‘It got free before I could do anything,’ she said mournfully.
I patted her shoulder. ‘It’s a cat,’ I reassured. ‘We’re independent creatures who can look after ourselves.’ I glanced back at the quarry. ‘Most of the time, anyway.’
***
It was starting to get late by the time we got back to the cars. Staines’ arms were folded and he was looking pointedly at his watch.
‘I know, I know. We’ll make excuses when we arrive.’
He raised his eyebrows. ‘And tell the Cornish pack what exactly? That we stopped to rescue a bloody cat? We’re the Brethren. They wouldn’t dare to ask why we’re late.’
I looked at him. ‘That’s not a good thing.’
‘I know.’ He sighed. ‘What happened to the will-o’-the-wisp?’
‘Disappeared.’
‘Smarmy creature.’
‘Yeah. Although,’ I pursed my lips, ‘he’s the first Otherworlder I’ve come across since Brady’s death who’s treated me like a normal person. Apart from Leah, of course, people act differently when I’m around these days.’
‘It’s only natural.’
‘You realise it’s very possible that one of the shifters we’re about to meet is responsible for brutally murdering their alpha?’ I realised what I’d said and looked guiltily at Staines. ‘I don’t mean like you and Brady. That was different. This man’s entrails were strewn across half the county.’
‘I know what you meant.’ He glanced at me curiously. ‘What of it?’
‘There haven’t been any photos of me on the Othernet, have there? They’re not necessarily going to know what I look like.’
‘One or two will.’
‘I might be able to find out more from the others if I’m not Lord Alpha Corrigan of the big, scary Brethren.’
‘You want to lie to them?’
‘Not exactly. Just,’ I shifted uncomfortably, ‘perhaps just not tell them the whole truth.’
‘We can try,’ he said doubtfully. ‘It probably won’t work for long.’
I cast a look over at the rest of the Brethren climbing back into their cars. My gaze fell on Thomson and I frowned. ‘There are some recruitment ideas I have that I’d like to discuss with you on the rest of the journey.’
He followed my eyes. ‘Good idea, my Lord Alpha. We could do with diluting some areas of the Brethren at the moment.’
I nodded grimly. ‘Now let’s get a move on. These Cornish people are grieving, Staines. We shouldn’t keep them waiting any longer.’
Chapter Four
The entire Cornish pack had gathered in one room to greet us. The formality of the proceedings was surprising and I felt a tiny trickle of guilt as it quickly became apparent they’d been waiting like this for at least an hour due to our delayed arrival. The vast majority seemed to be thrilled at our presence, despite the obvious signs of grief and more than one set of puffy, shadowed eyes. I ran my gaze over them all, assessing each one in turn.
Having met her at a previous gathering in London, I immediately recognised Julia, the older woman standing slightly to the side who had received the Voice. Regardless of my words to Leah about her potential lack of suitability, I knew in all honesty she’d be an effective alpha. Her eyes flicked to Staines at the front then back to me. It had clearly taken her all of two seconds to realise we were implying he was the new Lord Alpha. So much for that idea then.
The other Cornish shifters ran the full gamut of a
ges and types. There were several excited-looking young women who were crowded towards the front, with others lined up stiffly behind them. One particularly arrogant-looking man nearer the back caught my eye. He was focused on Staines and there was evidence of challenge in his expression. I recognised his sort. There was no shortage of shifters who thought they had the ability to take on the best of the Brethren. Most were quickly disabused of that notion but I had the faintest feeling this one had more to him than mere bravado. His size helped. He was probably a bear or a lion.
Staines stepped forward. ‘The Brethren brings condolences for the loss of the Cornish pack’s alpha. We know that he was a good leader who kept the Way and held you together. Do not fear that we will not uncover the truth of what happened. His death was untimely and – unexpected.’
I checked the reactions of the crowd. Several gulped and seemed to be on the verge of tears while others straightened their backs in proud acknowledgement of the achievements of their deceased alpha. Staines spoke the truth. John had been a decent man, more enlightened than many of his peers. On the occasions I’d met him, he had seemed oddly wary of the Brethren but he’d also possessed the air of someone not only wise and experienced, but also kind. There was no doubt his death would leave a gaping hole.
One brown-haired woman, who’d been looking pointedly at the floor until this point, lifted her chin up. There was a sad smile on her face and her eyes, which were the oddest colour, seemed unfocused. I rubbed my chin. There was something curious about her.
‘These are dangerous times and you are without an alpha,’ Staines continued. ‘For thirty years we have left you in peace. We respect the Cornish pack and the work that you do keeping this corner of the country safe. However, we also offer you an opportunity to brighten these sad days. We will aid you by conducting the ceremony and appointing a new alpha, as is our responsibility. We will hold evaluations and interviews with every single pack member to ensure the appropriate alpha is chosen.’
The woman’s expression twisted in a sudden flash of rage. I watched her carefully.
‘And we also extend you an invitation. The best and the brightest among you may join us, come to London and become part of the Brethren, the shapeshifter elite. We have spaces for new recruits. This is your opportunity to join in the battle to keep all of this world, not just Cornwall, safe from all harm.’
Almost to a man, the Cornish pack gasped. It was an unusual opportunity we were providing, even though shifters were usually allowed to switch packs in the event of an alpha’s passing. While some of them looked thrilled and others terrified, the brown-haired woman appeared almost calculating. Interesting. In the search for potential murder suspects, I was certain I’d found one. I couldn’t even tell what manner of shifter she was. Predator certainly, but she didn’t seem to have the look of a socially inclined werewolf. I’d have said weretiger but her posture somehow lacked their usual element of grace. I watched her eyes travel along each Brethren member, assessing each of us in the same way I was assessing her. When her gaze moved and met mine, there was the briefest flash of panic and she immediately ducked her head down.
Julia stepped forward with a perfunctory smile. ‘I will show you to our guest quarters.’
We filed out and were led up a stone staircase complete with an extremely shabby-looking carpet. I almost tripped on one spot where the fabric had worn through and received a vaguely amused glance from the shifter behind me who then took particular care to avoid it. It was clear the Cornish keep, while spotlessly clean and tidy, was in dire need of a make-over. I made a mental note to check on their allotted funds from the Brethren bank accounts. If we could justify spending money on expensive cars, we could certainly do more to help out the rural packs. When Julia pointed out the dorms the majority of the shifters occupied, I felt secretly appalled. I could say little on the matter, however, when we were taking up an entire floor of bedrooms for the duration of our visit.
‘I imagine you will want this one,’ she said to me drily, and gestured to a large room on the left which was clearly their most opulent.
Rather than maintaining the fiction that I was just another Brethren grunt, I inclined my head and thanked her. ‘How many shifters do you actually have?’
‘Thirty-nine,’ she replied automatically. Then her face clouded. ‘Thirty-eight now.’
I smiled at her in sympathy. ‘He deserved better.’
Her answering look was grim. ‘He did.’
‘Once we’ve dropped off our bags, I’d appreciate it if someone could show us the site where he died.’
She nodded. ‘I’ll have it seen to.’ She met my eyes. ‘It was a monster that did this. Not one of us.’
I was gentle. ‘We need to investigate every angle. Starting tomorrow, I’d like to assess everyone. Not just in physical bouts. I need to speak to each shifter individually.’
She stiffened. ‘I’m not sure…’
I wasn’t about to brook any argument. ‘It must be done.’
Julia looked troubled but she didn’t protest any further. ‘I will make the necessary arrangements.’
‘Thank you. With only seventy-two hours, it is also best if you and I meet as quickly as possible to arrange the alpha initiation.’
She nodded.
Tonight?
She jerked. Yes, my Lord Alpha. We can meet before dinner.
I held her gaze, using the full weight of my ability to compel her. Tell the truth. Is there any chance a shifter could have done this?
No. Her eyes and her Voice were clear.
I watched as she turned and left, in some haste to get away. Boyne sidled up to me.
‘Do you think she’s the one, Lord Corrigan? She stands to benefit the most from his death, after all.’
I was certain even without using compulsion on her that Julia didn’t have a murderous bone in her body. ‘No. Besides, if any of these shifters were involved, they probably couldn’t have acted alone. It’s not an easy task to kill and eviscerate someone without being harmed yourself in the process.’
‘His intestines. Were they really…’
I gestured down at my bag. ‘I can show you the photos of the scene if you really want to know.’
He paled. ‘No, it’s alright, my Lord.’
‘In that case,’ I instructed, ‘you need to stay here and check the list of resident shifters against their reported whereabouts at the time of the murder.’ I looked over at Lucy. ‘I need names, ages, photos and basic backgrounds on everyone.’ Particularly a certain brown-haired shifter, I thought. ‘Staines and I will visit the site. The rest of you know what you need to do. We’re not here for a holiday,’ I told them all quietly. ‘Let’s get this job done.’
***
The sky had already begun to darken by the time I ventured outside to wait for Staines. I sucked in a deep breath of fresh air that contained just the tiniest salty hint of our proximity to the ocean and looked around. I had to admit that I was impressed so far with what I’d seen of the Cornish pack. Their alpha’s death and our visit notwithstanding, they had an effective set-up in this little corner of the world. They certainly did a far better job of maintaining good relations with the local human population than many other packs. There was something to be said for quiet country life. I’d checked through all the reports of the recent Otherworld activity and, while there were often incidents, they were rarely catastrophic. No doubt that’s why there were neither mages nor urban-loving vampires in the vicinity. Unfortunately, it made John’s murder all the more sinister. I could not even begin to imagine the sequence of events that had led to his death.
I looked over the assembled cars and frowned. Their presence was rather conspicuous, considering the wealth they advertised. It would probably be sensible to move at least some of them out of sight in case any humans ventured in this direction. My gaze fell on my own vehicle and I realised with a sinking feeling that either the failing light was playing tricks on me or I’d already managed to scr
atch the bodywork. I was convinced this wasn’t a result of the will-o’-the-wisp; it had to be as a result of the gravel lining the driveway. Frowning, I walked over to it. This was not going to make it particularly easy to return the car to the dealer now.
From behind, a door slammed with a loud, jarring sound. Thinking it was Staines, and irritated by the noise he’d created, I stiffened and turned round. Instead, however, it was the brown-haired woman, marching past me with hurried feet as if afraid I’d try to stop her. I just caught a glimpse of her reddened cheeks before she turned away, and wondered what it was that had made her blush. She avoided looking in my direction and merely strode towards a line of trees, hips swaying. I watched her go. Her hair was dull, her clothes drew no attention to her body or personality whatsoever and her natural scent was extraordinarily odd. And yet…there was still something there, an odd sense of coiled power, perhaps. I shook my head.
‘Penny for your thoughts, my Lord Alpha?’
I jerked. I’d been so lost in my reverie I’d not even heard Staines approach. At least he’d not slammed the front door in a petulant pique.
‘It’s one of their shifters,’ I muttered, thrusting my hands into my pockets. ‘There’s something strange about her.’
‘What’s her name?’
‘I don’t know. She’s the one with long brown hair.’
He raised his eyebrows. ‘That doesn’t really narrow it down.’
‘Her eyes have strange little flecks of yellow. She walks like she’s angry at the world.’ I stared in the direction she’d gone. ‘Admittedly that’s not surprising with all that’s happened, but still.’
‘I’m really not sure who you mean. What’s her shift?’
‘I have no idea,’ I said honestly. ‘At first I thought one of the bigger, meaner ones.’
He looked amused. ‘Like a werepanther, you mean?’
I threw him a look. ‘Up close, she actually smells more of rodent than anything.’
‘I can go and ask…’
‘No.’ I shook my head. ‘Don’t bother. I’ll work it out sooner or later.’ I smiled to myself. I was actually rather looking forward to it.
