Ceva's Chance

by Lilli Carlisle

  He reached across the center console and weaved his fingers with Ceva’s. He needed the connection; she grounded him and gave him strength. She must have felt the same way because she held his hand tightly. Something was really bothering her, and he hoped she would tell him soon so he could help, if there was a way to help.

  Lothar never thought he’d be in this position. His entire life had been spent training with and leading his warriors. He never thought he’d have a chance at a life outside of that—a mate and children. Did Ceva want children, and would they be wolf or witch? He knew he was rushing things; they hadn’t even mated yet, but he could always hope.

  He’d been raised by his mother and joined the warriors as soon as he was old enough. He’d wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and protect his pack. As it turned out, Lothar was skilled at combat and tactics and rose in the ranks quickly. He hoped that somehow his father knew of his son’s accomplishments and would have been proud of him. It would have been better had his father lived to see how far Lothar had come, they could have talked strategy—Lothar would have had the best kind of mentor.

  Lothar and Ceva rode hand in hand to the next town over, while remaining vigilant of any changes that occurred around them. Hell, they could be sucked through a portal. There was no telling where the danger would come from next—ogres or dark magic—but the quiet wouldn’t last long. It never did.

  They arrived in Newton shortly after dark, and it seemed that the entire town was waiting for them, all one hundred and eight of them. Packs came in many different sizes, ranging from fifty to thousands. The larger packs had the capability of fighting back, but small packs would never survive an attack.

  The team parked their SUVs and approached the waiting group. Lothar dreaded what was to come. Ceva had arranged for the members of this pack to stay with a much larger one for safety. The only question would be if they accepted the offer. Alphas didn’t particularly like depending on other Alphas for anything.

  “Ceva, it’s good to see you again, although the circumstances are grave,” the large Alpha said.

  “They are, Alpha Dedric. We need to talk.” Ceva smiled; she was fond of this Alpha.

  He ran his hand through his thick mane of hair. “Is it true the people of Kerrock are gone?”

  “Yes, only Karli, an Omega, survived by using a protective shield. Everyone else is gone,” Ceva explained.

  “Come, good friend, you and your team are welcome here.” Dedric led the way through the townspeople and up to a two-story cabin with a wraparound porch. Newton was a cute little town with wonderful people whom Ceva had assisted in the past. There was a flood a couple years back that had almost washed the town away. She had come in and diverted the river farther away from the town before it had a chance to damage anything.

  The team walked into the foyer where Ceva stopped the group to ask, “Dedric, may I request food and beds for my men and Karli?”

  “Of course, of course, we have a room for you and Karli, and bunks for the men. Will that do?”

  “Yes, thank you, old friend. It’s much appreciated. We’ve been on the road all day,”

  “We must guard Karli.” Joseph’s assertion came out in a low growl.

  Ceva knew they didn’t want to be separated, but this was not negotiable. Dedric was offering his hospitality, and she would not have it questioned. “Joseph, I understand that you’ve just reunited, but if you think me incapable of protecting her, I’m more than willing to prove it to you personally.”

  Joseph’s face went white and he took a step back. “No, Ceva, I know she will be safe with you at her side.”

  “Good answer,” Ceva teased to lessen the sting of her reproach.

  “Lothar and I will be meeting with the Alpha. Can the three of you,” she pointed to Joseph, Rowl, and Karli, “make sure everyone is settled and fed?”

  “Yes,” Rowl answered.

  She smiled then followed Lothar and Dedric to his office. In the center of the room sat a large, ornately carved oak desk. Chairs were arranged on the one side and a large, leather, high-back chair sat behind the desk. The walls were covered in paintings and pictures from a long life, considering wolves could live up to one thousand years. Dedric was only slightly over two hundred and had no Omega mate. The town was small, and that typically made Omegas steer clear of them. It was a cruel reality for an Alpha.

  “Sit, sit, my friends, and tell me what you’ve seen,” Dedric instructed.

  “Thank you, Alpha,” Lothar replied.

  Once they were settled, Ceva told him what they’d found in the last town, or more to the point, who they didn’t find.

  As they provided the details Dedric’s scowl deepened and his hands balled into fists that began banging on the desk. “What do we do to protect ourselves?”

  “Your town wouldn’t survive a direct attack by ogres, and we have to search out who’s responsible for the disappearances. I’ve arranged for your people to temporarily consolidate with a larger pack for protection.”

  “Leave our town behind?” he said with a barely suppressed growl.

  “Only temporarily,” Ceva assured.

  “Are you sure it’s necessary?”

  Ceva knew no Alpha would want to abandon his territory, but in this case there was no choice. “Yes. Their pack lands are more than ten times larger than here, it’s nearly twelve hours away, and they have sizeable troops. They’ve taken in another pack until this is over. Alpha Dane is an honorable man and will help protect your people as his own.” She leaned forward to emphasize how much she wanted him to say yes to this plan. “We’re headed to Ramsha Mountain in a couple days. We just need to check a few things along the way. I’ll meet with you when I come back to make sure everything is well. But this is the safest solution for your people.”

  Dedric slapped his hands on the desk. “I will think on this and give you my answer in the morning.” She knew that any Alpha would hate the idea of relying on others to protect his pack, but she hoped Dedric saw there was no other choice.

  “Let’s get you two something to eat,” the Alpha said and led the way out of the office.

  They followed him toward the large kitchen, where they found the rest of their team eating ribs and wings. The scene seemed so normal, and the deception rankled. Ceva knew the odds that some of these men wouldn’t be returning to Black Ridge was high. She prayed to the gods she was wrong, but in her heart she knew it was inevitable.

  Chapter Three

  Lothar and Ceva walked around the small town hand in hand, enjoying the first quiet moment they’d had together all day. He wished she would share her burden with him so he could help carry the load. He could feel the worry pouring off her and was about to ask her to tell him when she finally spoke.

  “I need to tell you a few things that might change your feelings toward me.”

  “Nothing could do that.” It would be impossible to change feelings so deep, right?

  “Don’t be so sure.” She released his hand. He didn’t like being separated from her, but he didn’t push. No matter what she said, he would be there for her; they could work anything out.

  “Come sit with me,” he said and then led the way to a bench in the center of town.

  The line between her brows deepened, and all he wanted to do was wipe her dread away. The park was empty; no doubt families were preparing for the worst. He hated that someone had put such fear into innocent people.

  “I’ll understand if what I tell you changes your mind about me. Even though it’s my past, it affects my present and future. The royal family knows, but so far they are the only ones to not treat me with disdain.”

  “Whatever it is, we’ll deal with it together. I’m not leaving you.”

  She looked around the park, rechecking that no one else could hear their conversation. “I’m a genetic mistake.”

  “And that means?”

  She took in a deep breath. “I was born to a dark witch and wizard. My parents use th
e dark powers. I’m a genetic anomaly.”

  Okay, he didn’t see that coming. He’d had no idea a white witch could be born to a dark witch. But this knowledge didn’t change his feelings for her.

  “When I was a baby, my parents gave me to a coven of white witches and walked away. I didn’t see them again until I was an adult. I was born with a fraternal twin. He’s a dark wizard.”

  “That doesn’t change how I feel about you. It just makes you special.”

  Ceva looked up and the sadness in her eyes was palpable. “My twin brother’s name is Penrod.”

  “The same Penrod you think is responsible for teleporting a whole town of people?” Lothar was beginning to understand the depth of her distress.

  “Yes. I spent my entire life in a coven that didn’t trust me not to go dark at any moment. After all, my parents’ blood runs through my veins. The King and Queen were the first people to befriend me, and, of course, Helena. I would do anything for them. Before their friendship I had lived for a long time pretty much alone.”

  Lothar gathered Ceva into his arms and held her tight. “That must have been horrible for you. I’m so sorry you had to live like that. You have friends now, and you have me, if you want me.”

  “You’re not worried I’ll snap one day and turn dark like my family?”

  “No.” Lothar squeezed her. “You can’t help who your parents and brother are, but there is no darkness inside of you, Ceva. You’re good through and through, and there’s nothing that will convince me otherwise.”

  She stepped back, but he wouldn’t let her go. “What about Penrod being my brother? The man who might be responsible for the loss of an entire pack? The same man who has tried to kill me on multiple occasions?”

  That news brought out a deep growl Lothar felt down to his soul. “He tried to kill you?”

  “Yeah. Quite a few times over the years. He doesn’t want a white witch as his sister almost as much as I don’t want to be his sister, especially after the first attempt.”

  “So, since we’re being honest, knowing that he’s tried to kill you…there’ll never be a time when I won’t want to return the favor.”

  “Well, one thing about being twins, we can’t use our powers on each other. They simply won’t work.”

  “You have to fight with conventional weapons,” Lothar stated.

  “Yes, and considering I’m immortal, he’d have to remove my head to kill me. He’s used swords each attempt, but I’m a little too quick for him.”

  “He won’t get another chance to get near you.” He growled deep and long.

  “Easy, Wolfie, he can use his powers on you.” She became quiet, pushed herself out of his arms, and stared out into the night. “Do you still want anything to do with me?”

  “Oh, beautiful. I’ll always want everything to do with you.” He couldn’t help himself; he needed to kiss her right then to confirm he meant every word he’d said. He didn’t give her a chance to think; he leaned forward, wrapped his arms back around her, and claimed her mouth until Ceva submitted and allowed him to plunder her mouth.

  They separated only so she could move to straddle his legs as they sat on the bench and went at each other like teenagers. His mind was only registering sensations, nothing more, or he would have heard the footsteps coming closer.

  Coughing, then, “Um, Lothar…,” a man called from directly behind them.

  Lothar stood and placed Ceva behind him, his claws already unsheathed and a low, menacing growl rumbling up his throat. Whoever dared disturb them during such an intimate moment was about to discover why you never snuck up on a wolf.

  “I’m sorry to disturb you, sir,” Harroth said as he took a couple steps back. The man was lucky he was a member of Lothar’s team or all hell would have broken loose. “We’ve received reports that ogres have been spotted ten miles to the south of town.”

  “Shit.” Ceva moved and hooked her arms under his. “Hold on.” Then she lifted them off the ground.

  Flying high above the trees was always exhilarating, but tonight he couldn’t enjoy the view. Ogres were bearing down on the town and they had to stop the foul creatures. Ceva landed them outside the Alpha’s house where a crowd had already gathered. Dedric stood on his porch talking to his people.

  Ceva went up the porch steps and grabbed Dedric’s hand. “Alpha, your people have to leave now. Take only what’s necessary and drive to the Black Ridge Wolf Pack. The roads heading there are safe since they’re patrolled by the King’s soldiers. Alpha Aldric will know what to do. The pack has many warriors and royal guards protecting the area. It’s the safest place for your people, my friend.” As she explained the townspeople grew quiet.

  The Alpha looked solemn but gave the order for the pack to evacuate the town. “I’ll be staying behind to help you with the ogres,” Dedric declared. “If anything happens to me, will your Alpha accept my people as his own?”

  “I have known Aldric my entire life,” Lothar said. “I know he will. I’m going to contact him right now to let him know what’s happening.”

  He went into the house, searching for quiet as the townspeople began organizing their getaway. Aldric answered on the first ring, and Lothar explained about the missing townspeople, the ogres, and how Dedric’s people needed sanctuary. Just as Lothar had predicted, Aldric agreed to take in the pack.

  By the time Lothar returned to the front porch, the townspeople were gone, undoubtedly grabbing what they could before fleeing. Ceva, the team, Alpha Dedric, and Karli remained.

  “Alpha Aldric will take in your people.” Lothar nodded to Dedric as he joined the group. “They must leave immediately.”

  “They will be gone long before the ogres arrive. Shouldn’t Karli leave with them to safety?” Dedric asked.

  “No. I have my powers and can protect myself.” Karli growled low and grabbed both Joseph’s and Rowl’s hands.

  “Very well, but we need to know what your powers are,” Ceva said.

  “Control over weather. I can create and control storms, and I have control over flora,” Karli explained.

  “Now that could be useful,” Ceva pronounced. “You could fry a few of them for us with lightning. It may not kill them outright, but it would slow them down long enough for us to have a chance to relieve them of their heads.”

  “No. You must go to safety,” Joseph argued.

  “I’m not leaving. I just found you two again, and I’m not about to lose either of you.” Karli crossed her arms and glared at Joseph.

  “You three figure it out,” Lothar instructed, and the three moved off to the side to continue their conversation.

  “Okay, we have to buy the pack some time to get clear of the town. The ogres are coming in from the south. We’ll meet them outside the town limits to mitigate the damage done to the buildings. Now let’s get ready,” Lothar ordered.

  Men ran to the SUVs to grab their weapons. Per their typical formation, half would fight in their human form, the other half as wolves. Lothar would fight as a wolf. It was the wolves’ job to slow down the ogres and distract them while those with swords removed their heads. Lothar looked around at his men and wondered if any would fall this night. He prayed not, but the odds weren’t in their favor.

  “I’m going to fly over the area and get a better idea what we’re facing,” Ceva said and came to stand directly in front of him. “You make sure to keep yourself in one piece, Wolfie, or I’ll be pissed.”

  Lothar wrapped his arms around Ceva and held her tight. “Don’t you be a hero and attack them before we have a chance to help. You fly recon, that’s all,” he ordered, knowing full well Ceva intended on fighting them herself. “Swear it to me, beautiful.”

  Ceva’s eyes flashed red, but Lothar didn’t care as long as she didn’t try to take on marauding ogres by herself. She was a powerful witch, but if there were a hoard of ogres and she had to use another power-draining spell, she’d be vulnerable.

  “Ceva, please. Or take me with you.” />
  “Fine, I won’t engage them, but only for you, Wolfie. But don’t think that makes me weak,” she grumbled.

  He chuckled. “You’re one of the strongest people I know. You could never be weak.”

  She leaned in and he met her halfway. Their kiss was tender, filling his soul with warmth, even in such a dire situation. Long after their lips parted, they stood in each other’s arms, unwilling to release one another. He knew he was falling in love with this frustrating, kind, irritating, amazing woman, and he was powerless to stop it, not that he would try.

  Slowly they parted. Ceva opened her wings and took to the sky. He watched her until she was out of sight.

  Ceva flew to the south to get a better idea of what they were up against. Damn Lothar for knowing exactly what she intended to do and for making her swear not to. The clouds were starting to gather above the town as Karli called forth a violent storm to use against the ogres. Ceva liked the strong young Omega who was willing to stand side by side with them to save a town she had no connection with.

  Soon enough, Ceva found what she was looking for: eight huge ogres. Are they getting bigger? Ceva didn’t have long to think on it before an uprooted tree came flying through the air in her direction. She dodged it and was about to retaliate when she remembered her promise. Instead of lobbing a fireball in their direction, she turned around and headed back to the town.

  What she returned to was absolute chaos. Three other ogres had attacked the town from the east while she was checking their progress to the south. She swooped down, unsheathed her sword, and aimed for the head of the first ogre. Lothar in his wolf form, as well as a few of his men, were attacking it. She dove out of the air and straight for the beast’s head. Seconds later, the ogre was headless and falling to the ground.

  A lightning bolt pierced the sky and struck a second ogre, blackening its skin and distracting it long enough for her to do away with him. She searched the area and found Karli on top of the Alpha’s house, commanding the weather like an orchestra. The third ogre was already dead after being beheaded by another one of their team members.