Territory - Prequel

by Susan A Bliler

  ‘It’s time to forget about the past, to wash away what happened last. Hide behind an empty face, don’t ask too much just say…cause this is just a game’

  She ran hard even as she fought to retain control over her emotions. She’d had so little control over anything in the past few days; surely, she could control herself, her heart. It was all she had left.

  Such a beautiful lie to believe in. It’s a beautiful, beautiful LIE MAKES ME…

  She fell to her knees, sliding through the mud for several feet before her fists curled deep into the earth forcing soil hard under her nails. The pain of it felt good, a refreshing reprieve from the pain in her heart that she could do nothing to cure. She fought to hold back her emotion to suck it down, but it wasn’t the pain that sent her over the edge it was the anger.

  On her hands and knees, hip deep in wet earth she threw back her head and screamed with all the misery and rage a soul could expel. “AHHHHHHHHHH!”

  Why? Why couldn’t she have saved her brother? Why hadn’t she seen it coming?

  “Aaaaagh!” Sobs wracked her body as she pulled her fists back and crossed them over her chest. Please God let the ache stop! She sucked in a breath as warm tears stole down her cheeks, “Please just fucking stop!”

  She lifted a muddy hand to cover her mouth, while the other ripped out her ear buds. She sat rocking back and forth and simply cried. She cried until feeling all the pain, anger, and hatred left her exhausted. Taking in a long breath, she laughed through her tears at herself. How in the hell would she explain her appearance to her mother?

  She jumped when heard a rustling behind her. Spinning quickly, embarrassment stole through her at the spectacle she knew she would be to any passerby.

  At first she was relieved to see a large dog standing in the tree line, but her relief quickly faded when she realized it wasn’t a dog at all. It was a huge gray wolf.

  Fuck! She scanned her surroundings quickly searching for a stick, or branch, or rock, or anything resembling a weapon. She found none. She slowly rose to her feet remembering an article she’d read somewhere that animals didn’t like to attack anything larger than them. Shit, that was bears…wasn’t it?

  She took a tentative step backwards, her eyes still scanning the area for a weapon even as she noted the posture of the wolf. Tail’s not wagging, definitely not a good sign. Or is that only for dogs? God why didn’t I pay attention to that damn wolf biography on the nature channel?

  It felt a little odd to have her heart clenching from an emotion other than anger and sadness. Chloe took another step backward even as she thought. Is it sad that fear is a little invigorating?

  Her heel caught on a root and unable to catch herself, she dropped to her ass with a wet thud. When the wolf took a step closer she scrambled backward until her back hit a tree and that’s when it happened.

  Her eyes locked with the wolf’s and that same peaceful serenity she’d felt the night before staring at Dell engulfed her. The wolf stepped closer and Chloe slumped back against the tree resignedly, no longer caring whether the beast intended to tear her to shreds. She couldn’t tear her eyes from his.

  Again that same warm amber gaze stole her torture, leaving her at peace. Maybe he’s going to kill me, she thought with little emotion. Maybe this is the peacefulness that people say washes over you just before you die.

  If it was, she didn’t care. She’d welcome death if it meant feeling this tranquility forever.

  When the wolf approached, Chloe lifted a tentative hand and held her breath. The wolf seemed to notice, but didn’t take his eyes from her. When she buried her fingers deep in the thick matte of grey fur they both jumped. Chloe grasped her wrist against the electric shock she’d felt. She stared at the wolf that retreated to the tree-line before she scrambled to her feet. She didn’t look back as she made a mad dash down the hill side. She cut through the woods until she found the path, her head felt fuzzy, but she shook it off and raced as fast as her legs could carry her. She didn’t hear the wolf in pursuit, but that didn’t mean she had any intentions of slowing.

  At the bottom of the hill she dashed out into the road and had to jump back just as quickly as a car sped past sounding its horn loudly, perturbed at her idiocy.

  She turned and huffed great sawing breaths as she eyed the forest. No sign of the wolf, but just to be safe she walked the shoulder of the road all the way back to town.

  By the time she arrived at her mother’s she was shivering. Her arms clamped tightly around her, she’d had designs on hosing herself off before going in, but opted against it. The last thing her mother needed was to have to take care of a sick daughter.

  Chloe eased the front door open, toeing off her muddy running shoes just outside the front door. She was tiptoeing through the sitting room when her mother’s voice halted her.

  “Jesus! What happened to you?”

  Chloe stilled, righting her hunched shoulders as she turned to eye her mother then dropped her eyes to her mud encrusted running clothes. “Oh…uh nothing. Well, something.” She lifted her eyes and caught a hint of her mother’s growing impatience as she stumbled on, “I went for a jog on the mountain path and I tripped on a branch.”

  Bea crossed her arms over her chest. “Tripped on a branch or got beat up by it?”

  Chloe rolled her eyes turning her back to stalk towards the stairs, “Oh mom! I just fell. It’s slippery.”

  Chloe was halfway up the stairs when her mother yelled, “Where’s your jacket? You didn’t wear a jacket? Why wouldn’t you wear a jacket?”

  Chloe lifted a hand and shook her head opening her mouth for a defense, but none came. “I’m gonna hit the shower,” she offered lamely then she turned and was gone.

  ***

  Dell hadn’t moved. From the moment Chloe ran from the forest, he’d stood transfixed. What have we done?

  He thought the death of his eldest brother was the worst pain he’d ever be called upon to endure, but he’d been wrong. Watching Chloe have her break down alone in the forest had been more than painful to watch, it had been excruciating. Never in his life had he wanted to heal another’s suffering as much as he wanted to heal hers. She’d been so strong, fought so hard to maintain her self-control. Much like him, she’d only afforded herself the luxury of exhibiting any real emotion when she thought she’d been utterly alone. She was so much like him. He too had stayed strong as new Alpha. His newly claimed pack relied on him, watched him for signs of weakness, and he’d given them none. But it didn’t mean that he hadn’t shifted at night and run miles into the woods to howl his misery at the ever constant moon. Yes he’d suffered, but not like her. Her cry had been so painful to watch that his throat had thickened with emotion, making it nearly impossible for him to swallow down his anger. He’d never been so angry. He’d wanted to hunt down whoever had caused Chloe’s misery and rip their fucking throat out but how could he when his family had been the cause.

  Self-condemnation rolled through him in persistent waves leaving him nauseous with the guilt. I should have shifted, should have held her.

  Even as he thought it, he knew it would have been impossible. Whatever spell or medicine she’d used on him still hadn’t dissipated. When she’d touched him, it had been just as agonizing as when he’d first met her eyes.

  Unable to stand any longer, he sat. His amber wolfs eyes staring unseeingly into the forest. He couldn’t get over how beautiful she’d been. Dropped in the mud covered in earth, sweat, and tears, and he hadn’t been able to tear his eyes from her.

  Has she always been so beautiful? Why hadn’t he remembered? Surely, he should have remembered just how unbelievably breathtaking she was. Maybe it was the witchcraft she’d been using on him. Mates? He quickly discarded the thought as quickly as it was taken up. Love spell? But why? She’d have no desire to bind herself to her enemies in any intimate manner.

  Dell sobe
red then, rising quickly. Unless she wants me to suffer as she feels her brother had suffered. To be bound to a mate that would never be mine, a mate that would never allow a claiming. Dell’s jaw began to work as he gnashed his teeth. Deceitful little… He turned then and raced back to the Blackbird compound.

  Chapter 6

  Shuffling down the isle of the local supermarket, Chloe picked up a can of artichoke hearts and eyed it unseeingly before she slid it back on the shelf. Her mother had demanded to go to the market even though Chloe protested. “It’s too soon,” she’d argued to her mother who in turn snatched up her coat and said, “Too soon for groceries? That doesn’t make sense.”

  Tired of waiting for her mother who’d disappeared to retrieve a pound of jalapenos, Chloe abandoned her position in the canned veggies aisle and set off in pursuit of her mother.

  She searched aisle after aisle until her mother’s familiar voice could be heard from nearby. Chloe followed the sound, turning into the produce aisle and locking eyes with Dell Blackbird. He was standing in front of her mother, smiling pleasantly. Chloe noted how his smile faltered when he saw her. How had he known she was coming? He wasn’t surprised to see her. His eyes were already locked on the spot she’d stepped into before she’d stepped into it. It was as if he was, Waiting for me?

  Frowning at him, she couldn’t explain the warmth that seeped into her bones. She felt like she’d just eased herself into a steaming hot bath. She blinked then realized she’d let her eyes linger closed for just a fraction too long. When she opened her eyes again Dell was staring at her strangely. For a moment she considered retreating, but when her mother’s eyes followed Dell’s gaze she lifted a hand to Chloe.

  “Chloe, come say hello to Dell.”

  Fuck! Chloe didn’t bother plastering on a fake smile. Dell knew how she felt about him, pretense wasn’t necessary. Approaching her mother’s side, Chloe said nothing.

  Dell extended his hand, “We haven’t been formerly introduced. I’m Dell Blackbird.”

  Chloe simply stared at him for several tense moments before her mother’s elbow in her ribs had her reaching out to shake Dell’s hand.

  When his fingers closed solidly around hers, Chloe thought she caught a wince flash across his stern features, but the thought was only momentary when her own buckling knees had her reaching out for something solid to steady herself.

  “Chloe!” her mother gasped.

  Dell reached out, enfolding her in his strong arms as he pulled her close.

  Shocked, Chloe held his gaze as she struggled to regain her legs. For some inexplicable reason, her muscles felt like melted butter. Struggling to right herself, her legs and arms began to tremble with the effort. “I’m fine,” she ground out trying to pull from Dell’s embrace. “Let me go.”

  “Should I call someone?” Her mother was near hysterical.

  “No ma!” Chloe pushed against the wall of Dell’s chest and tore her eyes from his even as she saw the muscle in his jaw twitch. “I’m fine. I’m…” she couldn’t explain it so she grabbed the first logical excuse that sprang to mind, “just exhausted. I think I ran too far this morning.” She could feel Dell’s eyes on her. Without looking up she pushed at the solid wall of his chest again. “You can let me go.”

  Dell extended his arms, holding her from him but keeping his hands firmly locked on her upper arms. “Are you okay?”

  Annoyed now she jerked out of his grasp, “Fine! Thanks!” Her eyes flicked up to her mothers, “I’m going to the car. Take your time.”

  Even as she stalked toward the exit she could hear her mother’s concern, “Chloe wait!”

  “It’s fine Ms. Lott, I’ll make sure she gets safely to the car.”

  Chloe quickened her step at Dell’s words.

  “Oh thank you Dell. I’ll just check out and be right there.”

  Chloe squeezed through the automatic doors before they had even fully opened. When the brisk Montana air hit her, she inhaled deeply unaware that the air in the store had become so stifling. She didn’t look behind her as she eyed the parking lot searching for her car. She stepped off the curb and heard a horn sound loudly before she was jerked back.

  “What in the hell is wrong with you!” Dell growled at her ear.

  With his arms wrapped around her, her knees once again gave out. What in the fuck is happening? Perspiration dotted her nose as her body suddenly ignited in a flood of warmth. Something was definitely wrong. The flu?

  When Dell spun her and swept her up into his arms, she wanted to struggle but when her eyes locked with his her vision blurred and sent the world spinning violently around her.

  She heard Dell curse and she tried to focus on his face. He too was flushed and sweating. Was she that heavy? When his eyes locked on hers, there was a bright flash. Flooded by light, she squinted, but it only grew brighter and brighter. The light was blinding, and when she closed her eyes against it, they didn’t reopen.

  ***

  “You didn’t see it Cindy. She fainted right there in my arms and it was literally physically painful for me. You’re certain it’s not medicine?” Dell demanded.

  Cindy shrugged negligently, “There’s no way to be sure. Best bet is just to stay the hell away from her.”

  Dell groaned in annoyance, “I want to, but for some fucking reason I’m drawn to her. She’s all I think about.” He shook his head. “It’s gotta be medicine, but if it is I don’t understand why it would have such a negative effect on her.” He stood then, storming from his office. “Where’s mama?”

  Cindy chased after him, “She’s gone to Great Falls to spend a few days with Aunty Connie.”

  “Christ!” the word came out as a growl. “Extremely poor timing. Get on the phone and get her back.”

  “She needs this break Briggs.” Cindy’s eyes turned imploring, “She’s still not over the loss of Mace and she just needs a vacation. Let her have some time with her sister.” She knew it was cheap, but she’d do whatever was called for to keep Dell safe.

  Dell rolled his shoulders in an effort to relieve some of the tension that had been building there for the past few days. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Let her stay. It’ll just,” his brows furrowed, “have to wait.”

  Cindy smiled then, “Don’t worry brother, by the time she gets home I’m sure your…illness will have passed.”

  Dell merely grunted before returning to his desk. “What do you know of medicine? How do I break it?”

  Yes! “Distance,” she answered too eagerly. “You need to stay as far from her for as long as possible. Her medicine won’t work if you don’t come in contact with her.”

  “And you know this how?” Dell asked hoisting his hiking-boot clad feet up onto the desk.

  “I actually pay attention to the stories Mama tells.”

  “Stories,” Dell emphasized, “it doesn’t mean any of it is true.”

  Cindy let her eyes slide over her brother condescendingly, “True enough to be affecting you.”

  ***

  It had been a few hours and Chloe’s cheeks still stung with the humiliation of being carried across the parking lot of the local supermarket by Dell.

  “Are you sure you’re alright hon? We could go to the E.R.”

  “I’m fine ma!” Chloe snapped a little too rudely before amending, “Look I’m sorry I’m just…it was pretty embarrassing.”

  “What is there to be embarrassed about? You fainted. So what! You should be thankful that fine young man was there to catch you.”

  With the memory Chloe’s cheeks once again flamed. “God mom, can we please just stop talking about it? I told you it was just exertion, I’m not sick.” Then as an afterthought, “And Dell isn’t a fine young man.”

  Her mother pursed her lips, “I am entitled to my opinion.”

  “Look, I’m going to lie down for a while.
”

  “That’s a good idea.”

  Now it was Chloe’s turn to purse her lips, “Are you going to be okay?”

  “I’ll be fine. I’ll start some dinner and wake you when it’s ready.”

  Chloe eased herself up off the couch her mother had been forcing her to lie on for the past two hours. She wasn’t tired in the least, but going upstairs and pretending to nap had to be better than being scrutinized by her mother every ten seconds.

  “Hold on to the railing,” her mother’s chastised.

  Rolling her eyes, Chloe was tempted to take the stairs two-at-a-time, but inevitably decided against it. As annoying as her mother could be, she knew she only meant well.

  In the guest bedroom, Chloe quietly closed the door and crossed to the bed before snagging the remote and plopping down to channel surf.

  The room was quite plain. White plush carpet covered the floor and the large bed, adorned with a satiny plum comforter, rested against the wall under the window. Only one painting hung on the wall. It was an oil painting her mother had done in an art class she’d taken years ago. The scene depicted two quaking aspens reaching up to a blue cloud dotted sky with majestic purple peaks in the background.

  Chloe eyed the painting. It was quite good really. When a commercial came blaring onto the screen she cringed and quickly pressed the button to reduce the volume. She didn’t want her mother racing up to ensure she was actually napping. Holding her breath and listening for several tense moments, she only exhaled once she was certain her mother wasn’t pounding up the stairs to check on her.

  Christ! She closed her eyes and listened to the low murmur of voices coming from the screen. They were talking about food. The cooking network? Ever since her spell earlier in the day she’d been unable to concentrate on anything except the mortification of the event. But now, finally alone and able to actually sit and think about it she couldn’t help but wonder if something were in fact wrong with her.