Scent of the Heart

by Parker Williams

  Then like a balloon with a slow leak, Mikhail crumbled to the floor, with Casey still holding him, sobbing and pounding his hand on the mat.

  ***

  “One of the men, a bear shifter, big, smelly and brutish, had gone out hunting near the edge of the enclave,” Sev said quietly. “He had a very successful journey, coming back with two deer he had killed. There was enough there to feed my brothers and me for a week, maybe more. I begged him for something to give them, and he laughed. I…offered myself, and he sneered at me, saying that with this much food, he had his pick of the women in the outer ring. I offered to cook and clean for him. He agreed, and I set to making his area immaculate, then I stripped the deer and proceeded to make venison steaks out of it for him. When I was done, he kicked me out. He said he’d changed his mind.

  “I was angry. My brothers were starving, and I was still in pain from my first beating. I couldn’t shift well enough to heal the damage yet, so I snuck into his area late that evening and tried to steal something for us to eat. He caught me and I ran. Not far or fast enough, as his bear caught me and he mauled me. His claws raked my body, drawing so much blood. He continued to bite me. By that time I was so thin, he was able to fit his mouth around my torso. My screaming brought others who forced him to drop me, and he ran off. It seems he was consumed with bloodlust and ran into the forest. Kell found him and took his head, which he had mounted on a wall somewhere.”

  The Alpha glanced at the Protector who gave a slight nod. “What happened to you was wrong on many levels,” the Alpha said, gazing into Sev’s eyes. “You did what you needed to survive and provide for your family. I do not fault you for that. Were either of us in your circumstances, we would have done the same thing.”

  Tears prickled the corners of Sev’s eyes, and he swiped a hand across them. For years he’d wanted someone to forgive him, and now the most important men in the enclave had absolved him of his crimes.

  “I am ashamed of those who lived in the outer ring. Had they banded together, their lives would have been much easier for all.”

  “That’s not how it worked, Alpha. Elizar forced us to fight over scraps. I think he allowed the bear to rush to the woods with the intent of having Kell hunt him. Painful emotions run deep for those who were forced to be in the outer ring, because those on the inside continued to live a much better life. Or at least that’s what they were told. Elizar was evil, and we’re well rid of him. But he divided us into factions, and that rift isn’t going to be easy to heal.”

  The Alpha steepled his fingers. “I have noticed that the integration has not gone as smoothly as we had hoped. We thought that, given time, people would assimilate once again.”

  “They have, to a point. But those who lived outside feel they will always be second-class citizens.”

  “Nonsense. Everyone is treated as equals.”

  “Walk through the marketplace. See how some who lived in the outer ring are treated by those who lived within the walls. They don’t trade fairly, asking for outrageous things. They feel justified in their demands because we were branded as criminals. And that was by a murderer.”

  “It seems there is still a long way to go,” Zak said with a sigh.

  Jake clutched his hand and touched his lips to Zak’s fingers. “It’ll work out. I promise.”

  The tenderness between the mates caused images of Casey to run through Sev’s mind, and he winced. He’d finally accepted that the shaman was his mate, but it was certain that he would be rejected if he tried to broach the subject. And rightfully so. Sev could never fall in love with a man.

  Even if he was already halfway there.

  ***

  There was finally a bit of calm in the storm. After Casey put a healing balm on his wounds, Vadim had drifted off to sleep. Mikhail occupied a spot in the corner of the room, sulking. Casey approached slowly, not wanting to startle the kid. Wary eyes watched him as he took a seat.

  “Did you know that our Alpha and Protector’s parents were both murdered by Kell and Elizar?”

  Mikhail gasped and shook his head.

  “In fact, Elizar had both sets of parents put to death, and then he had Kell kill the people entrusted with their care. Jake’s parents were like my family, too. When I found out they died, something inside me went numb. I never told Jake, but I grieved like he did.”

  Mikhail’s eyes opened wide. Casey thought he might be on to something and kept up a slow, easy conversation. He explained how much Jake’s guardians had meant in his life, how he’d gone to school because of them, how they protected Jake and Casey with their lives. And how Zak, Jake, and Casey would give theirs for the enclave. Mikhail sat in rapt attention, nodding as Casey explained he understood some of what the young man felt, but how he couldn’t blame it on his brother. His parents had sacrificed themselves so that their children could live.

  “But I miss them so much,” Mikhail moaned. “And Sev seems so out of it. He spends more and more time in skunk form than with me and Vadim. It’s like he’s forgotten about us and wishes he wasn’t burdened with his family.”

  Casey tucked a finger under Mikhail’s chin. “Your brother is an honorable man. He definitely doesn’t want to be rid of you. I think he’s overwhelmed with having to make decisions that no young man should need to make. He misses your parents so much. I can feel it in his energy.”

  Mikhail was quiet for a few moments, then hesitantly said, “I’m sorry I said you weren’t a true shaman.”

  “And I’m sorry we had to meet under these circumstances. My door is always open to you and Vadim, day or night. We as a people will get through this. Elizar took a lot from us all, but he won’t break our spirits.”

  Casey glanced up and saw that Mikhail’s eyes were closed and he was breathing deep and even. He pulled a thin sheet from one of the makeshift beds and covered him, easing him down onto the floor to sleep. He stepped out into the front yard for a breath of air. He’d noticed the negative energy and assumed it was a part of the healing process. Now, he no longer knew. Once again he wished Hakiim was there to guide him. He missed the man so much.

  Casey.

  The voice was clearer than ever. He could feel Hakiim, smell the woodsy scent that the man gave off.

  “Hakii? I can’t see you.”

  No. And that’s a good thing right now. I need you to help me.”

  “Of course. I can cross over and see you.”

  No! You mustn’t. You should not do it, especially not alone. It’s not safe.

  “Why? What’s going on?”

  Please don’t ask questions. I don’t have a lot of time. I need you to do something for me.

  “Anything,” Casey promised.

  Bad things are coming. You need to be prepared. You need charms, lots of them. Hang them everywhere in the enclave. Leave no place unprotected. I don’t know what form the danger will be in, but you must not fail.

  “I’ll talk to Zak and Jake. They can—”

  No. Only you can know. You have the power. More than you realize. You can’t let the Alpha or Protector become involved. They can’t handle what’s about to happen. Only you, Casey.

  Shivers rolled through Casey. He’d never heard Hakiim panicked. He always was in control.

  Promise me, Casey. It’s very important.

  “Why can’t I see you?”

  When things are settled, you will. Then I will need you to guide me. For now, I ask only that you trust in me as I do in you.

  “Shaman?” a sleepy voice called out. Casey hurried back into the hut and saw Mikhail wrapped in the sheet.

  “What’s up?”

  “I heard you talking. I was worried.”

  The gesture touched Casey. This Mikhail seemed so innocent, nothing like the young man who pummeled his brother less than two hours ago.

  “Everything is good. For the first time in a while, everything seems to be going well.”

  “Will you sit with me? I don’t want to sleep alone.”

  Case
y ruffled Mikhail’s hair, smiling to himself when the younger man leaned in to the touch and sighed. “Of course. Give me a minute.” Mikhail nestled down, resting his head on a thin pillow. Casey took a few steps across the room, grabbed the extra mat, probably Sev’s, then laid it out between Mikhail and Vadim, who was already deep asleep. “Close your eyes.”

  Soft brown eyes drifted shut and Casey began singing a soft ballad from the 80s. Mikhail murmured and drew the cover tighter around himself. Realizing he was exhausted, Casey laid back on Sev’s mat, which smelled of him, and drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

  Awake before the crow of the cock, Casey rose and put breakfast together for his young charges. He heard Mikhail apologize to Vadim, which Casey considered a good start. There were no classes today since Mrs. Riley was home with her new babies, so Casey decided to take the boys on an outing. Today they would go deep into the woods and explore everything.

  He packed a lunch and left a note for Sev if he should come home before they returned. He expected Zak would keep him for breakfast at least. The ease with which he’d developed a rapport with Sev’s brothers surprised him. The little buggers seemed almost human in the light of the day. They playfully wrestled with one another, teased Casey unmercifully, even after he threatened them with a curse. He could almost believe they accepted him.

  Frost had hit the forest during the night, killing many plants, and the air still held a chill. Fortunately with the wards in place, the enclave was safe from extreme temperature variations. A famine would decimate them. The day went off without a hitch. Vadim was everywhere at once, trying to touch, smell, feel, and even taste things, which Casey had to remind him might be poisonous. Mikhail was more subdued, but Casey could see the wonder in his eyes.

  “You lived outside of the enclave. Is it everything I’ve heard?”

  “Depends on what you heard and who you heard it from.”

  “There are buildings as high as the sky. People are transported through the air at incredible speeds. Most have never heard of shifters.”

  “Who did you hear this from?”

  “Kell told the people about life outside of the enclave. Many tried to escape there.”

  “Yes, because Kell wanted to kill them. He didn’t lie. All of those things exist, but so does war, poverty, hatred, greed. The world outside is big and scary.”

  “But the wonders. How can you not miss those things?”

  “Because they’re just things. Not important to my life.”

  Mikhail seemed to be weighing his words. “My parents told me that I would always live in the enclave. Sometimes I wish I could talk to them now, so I could see if they still think that’s the path for me.”

  “I can help with that,” Casey told him. “Sit down here.”

  He pointed to the stump of a fallen tree. Mikhail sat, eyes wide. He looked up as Casey splayed his fingers and put them on Mikhail’s cheek. Warm skin grew hot as Casey slipped into a trance, calling to the boy’s parents. A darkness descended, the likes of which Casey had never seen. It had form and substance. It swept over him as he thrashed, trying to clear it. He could hear the mocking laughter as it swirled around his body, entering his pores. It choked him, bitter and harsh, as his world went cold.

  Then he screamed.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Sev walked into the house, feeling so much lighter. The Alpha and Protector had promised they would check into things, and do what was necessary to bring everyone together in peace and harmony as Sev had heard his parents speak of it before. Perhaps now he could find a way to feed his brothers. Sev was not without talent. He could work in a garden, having a very green thumb. He could paint a house or run errands. Anything that was asked of him, Sev would accomplish. It would ease the burden on him and help him feed the boys.

  The door burst open and Vadim rushed in. His eyes were wide with panic, and he was babbling something about the shaman. Sev’s blood ran cold.

  “What happened?” Sev demanded, gripping Vadim’s shoulders. “Where is Mikhail?”

  “He’s with the shaman,” Vadim blubbered. “He’s not moving, and Mikhail thinks he’s stopped breathing.”

  Emotions were a catalyst for the release of his beast. The more powerful they were, the more difficult it was to hold it back. Right then, fear clutched Sev with an icy grip, and the skunk clawed to get to its mate. “Go to the Alpha. Tell him what happened.”

  Vadim stood rooted in fear.

  “Go now, Vadim. You must get the Alpha.”

  Sev watched as Vadim hurried toward the Alpha’s house, then stripped off his clothes. His mate. Casey couldn’t die. Sev wouldn’t allow it. He flew out the door, following Casey’s earthy scent. Now it reeked of decay and Sev withered as a piece of him died, too.

  The ground sped by as he moved faster than he ever had before. Skunks weren’t known for speed, but Sev believed that right then it would be difficult for even the Protector to keep up with him. A roar behind him told him he was wrong. He could hear the pounding feet as Jake rushed past him. Never had Sev seen anything move so fast. When he caught up, he found the Protector on his knees next to Casey, his mouth pressed to his mate’s, and Sev saw red as anger coursed through him. He stamped his feet, growing more furious as he was ignored.

  “Sev, no!” Mikhail cried out.

  Hands gripped Sev, squeezing him tight. “He’s trying to help. Not his fault. Mine. It’s all my fault. He was trying to help me see Mother and Father, and he cried out. I’ve never heard anything like it. Please, I’m sorry. So sorry.”

  The words broke something inside Sev, and he shifted. His brother clutched him and sobbed on Sev’s shoulder. He peered over Mikhail’s shoulder as Jake continued to breathe into Casey’s mouth, then pound on his chest.

  “Goddamn you, Casey. You don’t get to die. Do you hear me? Breathe, you son of a bitch.”

  The Protector worked furiously, but for naught. Casey didn’t move. He was dead; Sev knew from the pain in his heart.

  ***

  “Okay, I’ve never seen the afterlife quite like this,” Casey muttered. The swirls of color, moving rapidly to and fro confused him. The spirit grounds were usually muted, not at all what he was seeing now.

  “You don’t listen, do you?”

  Casey spun and saw a familiar face. “Hakii!” He rushed forward and threw his arms around his friend. “Oh god, I’m so glad to see you. I tried to find you so many times.”

  “You shouldn’t have come here, Casey. I warned you.”

  “I didn’t come looking for you. I wanted to find Mikhail’s parents. Hakiim, this is my friend—”

  “He’s not here, Casey. You came alone. You… you died.”

  “Funny, I don’t feel dead.” Casey noted the solemn expression on Hakiim’s face. “Oh, damn. You’re not kidding. Well, that sucks.”

  The corners of Hakiim’s mouth twitched, and Casey knew he was trying hard not to laugh.

  “Yep, even on the other side, I still got it. So what now? Where do I go from here?”

  Big shoulders lifted as Hakiim sighed. “Nowhere. You’re trapped here, just as I am.”

  “Trapped? How is that possible?”

  “When Elizar captured me, he talked about an item of power he had gotten from the previous shaman. It was supposed to trap a soul at the moment of death and hold it, while he entered the body. Having a spirit trapped gave him power over it. I think he has the jar hidden somewhere, but the magic is active. He’s been trapping souls in here and is looking for a body he can inhabit. He wants to return and is using us to make it possible.”

  Very good, Hakiim. You have it all figured out, don’t you?

  The voice was like pitch. Dark and thick, grabbing and holding on.

  I tried to enter the shaman’s body, but his cursed magic is preventing me. He seems to be tethered by something and I can’t break it. No matter, it’s only a question of time before I find the one that will allow me to return.

  “Elizar, you coward. F
ace me,” Hakiim thundered.

  No, I think not. You see, I would have taken your body if that damned Protector hadn’t interfered. You would have served me until I could find a preferable host. Now? I think I enjoy having both of you here as my playthings.

  “Casey, you must go back. You have to find a way to make this right. Elizar can’t be allowed to return.”

  You can’t stop me. No one can. As soon as I have a body, I will once again reclaim my throne.

  Hakiim put his hands on Casey’s chest. “Make this right. I don’t matter; all that does is Elizar can’t return.” He pushed and Casey tumbled down a dark tunnel, speeding headlong toward a bright light. He heard Hakiim scream and the black tar that was Elizar reached for Casey, trying to pull him back.

  ***

  Tears stung Sev’s cheeks. Another loss that made no sense. The Protector cradled Casey’s body in his arms, tears flowing freely from deep amber eyes as they began the long walk home.

  “Protector? May I?” He wasn’t sure what he wanted, he just needed the contact. Jake nodded and Sev took Casey’s hand. Lightning sparked between them and knocked Sev back almost fifteen feet as Casey’s body jolted and he cried out.

  Sev scrambled to his feet and rushed to his mate’s side. The blue of his eyes was cloudy, and dark, but they were the most beautiful things ever.

  “Jakey?” Casey croaked out. “What’s going on?”

  The Protector knelt and put Casey on the ground, running his hands over his face. Jealousy bubbled up inside Sev, and his eyes narrowed as his change began.

  “Stop,” Jake demanded, his voice a whip crack. “Come over here.”

  Sev crawled toward Casey. He could hear Mikhail behind him, still crying. Relief warred with anger as the Protector still clutched Sev’s mate. Then Jake took Casey’s hand and put it into Sev’s, quelling the beast’s rage.

  Casey peered up, his gaze unfocused. “Hey, what’s everyone looking at?”

  “You’re alive,” Sev squeaked out.

  “Why wouldn’t I be? Jake, what are you doing here? Where’s Vadim? Mikhail? Are you okay?”