Wolf's Bane (Shifted)

by Leite, Lynn

  “There were witnesses, but they were afraid to talk to anyone except the council members. The council has ruled that it was self-defense.”

  “Of course it was. He was attacking her,” Bryce growled. God, what this girl had been through.

  “What you have to understand is, according to Bane, she should have submitted. He blames her for his son’s death, despite the council ruling.”

  “Shit. But you got her out. She’s here?”

  “Yes. That’s why I needed to speak to the two of you. Hannah and John have gone to the West coast in the hopes that Warren will think they have their daughter with them. His official ruling was that they be banished. He couldn’t sentence her to death when the council had ruled in her favor.”

  “But you think he’ll come after her?”

  “I know he will. Bringing her here was the only way to keep her safe. I know this puts the pack in the middle. I just couldn’t leave her there. She needs protection.” Drew seemed to be apologizing for his actions. As Alpha of the Reiner pack, he had a pack to worry about. Bringing his niece there had made the pack a target.

  “The Bane pack is no match for us, Drew. You did the right thing. We can assure her safety.” Lars tried to comfort his friend. Given the circumstances, he would have done the same thing.

  “Thank you both for understanding. Bryce, that is why I would like you to continue. No one knows I’m back, and I’d like to keep it that way for a bit longer. Julie and I need to concentrate on Ashley at the moment.”

  “You’ll be staying here though, right?” Bryce didn’t think taking the girl to some remote area would provide the amount of protection necessary. He knew his Alpha well. Drew might think leaving would protect the pack.

  “For now, yes.”

  “Drew, the pack would understand. We are behind you. You need to stay here to assure her safety. Warren Bane wouldn’t attack the pack house.”

  “You haven’t met the man. He may have complied with the council’s ruling, but if I hadn’t gotten her out before the council left, I’m sure he would have eliminated her and her family, including Julie and I. The man was a tyrant before he lost his son to a lowly female.”

  “For now, he doesn’t know you are here.”

  “For now, I just want to give Ashley time to heal. We will remain primarily in our living quarters. Bryce, Lars, I would like Ashley to meet you. It’s important that she know who is safe.”

  “Of course. We could close the pack house to visitors.”

  “That might send up a red flag.”

  “We can say it’s being renovated.”

  “That might work, but how do we explain the lack of workers?”

  Lars thought for a moment. “Drew, I have five boys. Both Colin and Mathew work in the building industry. Lexi is now mated to Gage Cheveyo. He owns and runs a design company that focuses on architecture. We could have only people we trust come and go.”

  “Royal was extremely helpful, and he is aware of the situation. Perhaps asking the Cheveyo pack for assistance in keeping up appearances would work,” Drew agreed.

  “I’ll call Lexi, and the boys, and explain. I’m sure she would help.”

  “Thank you Lars, Bryce. My family is indebted to you.”

  “Your family is our family, Drew. You chose my son to be your heir. That’s family.”

  “I suppose it is. Come meet Ashley. She’s with Julie in the great room.”

  “Does she know we are coming? We don’t want to scare her.” Bryce asked.

  “She knows you’re coming.”

  3

  Ashley Freedman sat quietly wrapped in a quilt her aunt had given her. Even the roaring fire couldn’t diminish the chills that seemed to be a part of her now. She wasn’t in pain. She couldn’t feel the wounds that littered her body. She couldn’t feel anything inside or out. She was numb.

  A knock at the door made her jump. She shook her head, scolding herself for being such a baby. She knew that Warren would come, probably sooner rather than later. She also knew that, when he did come, he wouldn’t knock.

  “Come in,” Aunt Julie called while looking at Ashley to see if it was alright. Of course it was alright. What was she going to do, lock herself in a tower for the rest of her life? She needed to get it together, get strong, so she could leave. Being here only put more of her family at risk. As soon as she was able, she would go… go where, she didn’t know.

  “Ash, I have Bryce and Lars with me.” Uncle Drew was walking on eggshells around her. They all were. No one knew what to say.

  “Okay,” she said turning slightly to see the men entering. She was not used to being asked permission. The Bane told their women what to do and they did it. She had always known her parents were different, and seeing Aunt Julie with Uncle Drew, she knew now more than ever that the Bane way was wrong. Uncle Drew had slowed down the second his wife had told him he was driving too fast on the way there. A Bane were would have sped up and reprimanded his mate, telling her to stay in her place.

  “It’s okay dear. You’re safe,” Aunt Julie whispered, feeling her niece tense up.

  Ashley watched as two huge were-men came into the room. She tried not to show how fearful she was. Keeping her head down, she peered through the hair that had fallen around her face like a shield. The two men looked similar, one older than the other, but both had dark hair with whisky colored eyes. Drew had said his Beta’s son would be taking the Alpha position when he retired. It was clear that the younger of the two was Alpha.

  She noticed how good looking they both were despite her aversion to anything male at the moment. She had to keep reminding herself that one or two men’s actions didn’t make all men bad.

  “Ashley, this is Lars, my second in command, and this is his son Bryce.”

  “Good to meet you,” Bryce said taking a step forward. The girl drew her legs up, clutching them with her arms as she sank deeper into the cocoon the blanket made around her. “Sorry,” Bryce said knowing he had scared her. She was trying to hide in plain sight. His advance had made her retreat even more. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  The man’s words hurt. She was afraid to have him come closer and, rationally, knew she had no reason to be. Uncle Drew trusted these men and she was acting like a coward.

  “It’s alright. You didn’t scare me,” she lied. “It’s just been a rough week.”

  Bryce smiled at the girl’s comment. A rough week was an understatement. She had been through hell. He could see strength in her that lay just beneath the surface. She was damaged, but Bane hadn’t broken her.

  “I know you don’t know us, but your uncle explained what happened.” Bryce caught a hint of pain in her hidden gaze. Her dark hair hid most of her face, but you could still detect the shadows within. Her grey green eyes were dull and lifeless. Had they always been that way? “We want to help. Just let us know if you need anything.”

  “Thank you. I won’t be here that long, but it’s kind of you to offer,” Ashley said lifting her chin to look directly at the man. This stranger was offering his assistance only because she was the niece of the Alpha.

  “Ashley, we have discussed this,” her Aunt Julie said in response.

  “I know we have. I only agreed to come here because I had nowhere else to go. As soon as I’m able, I will be leaving. My being here puts you all at risk.”

  “I can go take care of Bane right now!” Bryce didn’t know where that came from. He was angry at Bane, and after seeing Ashley curled in a ball on the Alpha’s couch, he was enraged. After all she had been through, she still had to live in fear of retribution. He wanted to take care of the problem, show her there were good men in the world.

  “Bryce,” Lars reprimanded.

  “What Dad? Look at her. No woman should be treated that way. If this Bane character thinks she’s at fault, he needs to think again.”

  Ashley felt the rage coming off the were across the room. The enormous man’s anger should have terrified her, but it didn’
t. It intrigued her. A man she didn’t even know was willing to defend her. Maybe, just maybe, her mother had been right. There were more men out there like her father and Uncle Drew.

  “You can’t just go kill him,” Ashley said wincing at the word kill. She had killed and would do it again. Death was too good for Richard Bane.

  “If he comes for you, I will.” Bryce knew his reaction to the situation was extreme. She wasn’t family. She was a girl he had met ten minutes ago, but even before he met her, he knew he needed to protect her. She wasn’t helpless. She had killed a full grown male.

  “Why would you do that for me?” The hair around her face fell back a bit. allowing Bryce see more of her face. She had delicate features and smooth skin. The shadow of a bruise on her cheek looked angry and purple against her pale skin. Her fingers were the only thing showing as she clutched the blanket around her neck. Was she cold? It seemed warm to Bryce. He wanted to comfort her but didn’t know how. She was afraid of him, so he dare not go closer.

  “I would do it for any woman that was mistreated.” Ashley was surprised that she felt sudden disappointment. For a brief moment, she and hoped he was doing it for her specifically. What would it be like to have a man that was that fierce to defend your honor? A man that cared enough to vanquish all your demons. It was the stuff of fairy tales, and for a brief moment, she wished it was real.

  “I don’t want anyone getting hurt because of me.”

  “How is this your fault?” Bryce snapped angrily and stepped forward without thinking. He was angry at the situation, not her. He envisioned Gage, his sister’s mate. What would he do if this was his sister, Lexi? Gage would tear the man who threatened his mate apart. He actually had done just that. A man who had threatened his sister had been sentenced to death, and Gage had personally seen the sentence carried out.

  “Bryce, you’re scaring her,” Julie yelled as she jumped up to stop him.

  Bryce looked and saw fear in Ashley’s eyes. It was because of him. “Oh god, I’m sorry. I just …it’s not your fault. You deserve better.”

  “How do you know?” Ashley mumbled putting her head back down.

  “How do I know what?” Bryce said softly. He didn’t mean to make matters worse. Instead of assuring her she was safe here, he had frightened her.

  “How do you know I’m worth it? I killed a man.”

  “I’m sure he deserved it.”

  “Yes he did.” Bryce caught sight of a tear rolling down her cheek just before she buried her face in the blanket.

  “Ashley, you’re safe here. We’ll make sure of it.”

  “Thank you.” Ashley’s words were muffled. She still had her face buried in the blanket that surrounded her.

  “Ash, if Julie and I are not available, I want you to go to Lars, or Bryce, for help if you need it,” Drew said quietly. “The pack house will be closed. Only Lars and his family will be coming in and out.”

  “I don’t want to be any trouble.”

  Bryce tensed. The girl thought she was trouble. She didn’t feel worthy of the help she was getting.

  “You’re not trouble. There is no dishonor in asking for help if you need it,” Bryce told her.

  Ashley couldn’t get over this man. She had expected her father and uncle to support her but no one else. Even her friends were afraid to back her until the council demanded the truth. They were probably in trouble for speaking up. Women were not allowed to speak against the Alpha. She hoped they weren’t being punished. The males that had witnessed and even participated in the attack were the polar opposite of Bryce Woodland. They had said horrible things like, that she had deserved it, and that she was a cold blooded killer. Bryce wasn’t judging her. He was trying to help. She could hear the anger in his voice but knew it was not directed toward her.

  “We will let you rest, Ash. Bryce, can you remain here in the house for the time being? I’ll be taking some time off to be with Ashley until this is settled.”

  “Of course Alpha.”

  “Lars, I know Jane thinks Bryce is too young to be a full Alpha so feel free to tell her that I am here. Other than your family and the guards, I think it’s best that the pack thinks I’m still away.”

  “Understood. Ashley, your uncle is like family to mine. He has always been a second father to all my children. I consider you family as well.”

  Ashley tried to respond, but her eyes filled with tears as emotion choked her. These strangers were kinder to her than her pack had ever been. She loved her mother, but suddenly, she was angry with her. How could she choose to live in her father’s pack after growing up in this one?

  “I’ll see you out,” Julie said standing, “I’ll be right back, Ashley.” Ashley just nodded. No words were going to come out even if she tried.

  Julie followed her husband out as he led Bryce and Lars from the room. Looking back in to make sure Ashley was alright, she slowly closed the door.

  “Bryce, could you come by tomorrow? I think it would be good for Ashley.”

  “I don’t see how. She’s scared of me.”

  “She’s scared of everyone, and with good reason. Her reaction to you and your father was not what I had expected. Since the attack, the mere presence of a man other than Drew or her father terrified her.”

  “I don’t see how this was any different.”

  “It was. Believe me. In the last two days, Ashley has said maybe ten words all together. She didn’t speak at all on the way here. You she talked to.”

  “If you think it will help, sure, I’ll stop by. I was thinking of asking Lexi to come.”

  “Perhaps a woman would be even better to break her out of this shell she seems to be hiding in.”

  “What did the doctors say?”

  “She refused to see them. As I said, she wasn’t letting any men near her. She became hysterical. We thought it best to give her some time. The fact that she agreed to meet the both of you was a positive sign. Bryce, I know it’s asking a lot, but if she’s talking to you… you don’t understand what a positive sign that is.”

  “I want to help. I meant what I said. No one deserves the way she was treated.”

  5

  Ashley heard the conversation in the hallway. Her hearing was excellent, better even than some of the other shifters. Her Aunt Julie was right. She had spoken to Bryce more than she had anyone else since the attack. She had closed herself off purposely. Thinking about what happened just hurt too much. It was easier to close all her thoughts, remain numb. Somehow, Bryce had broken through that resolve. She knew she could trust him.

  Listening to the rumble of Bryce’s voice soothed her. She believed he truly wanted to help. She warmed at the thought that Bryce had offered to kill Warren for her, even if his offer confused her. Why would a man she had never met before offer to avenge her? It didn’t make sense. What was in it for him? He was Alpha. He already had the promise of being pack leader. Why would he offer to kill the Bane Alpha? Perhaps, it was to gain land and power, but he already would have that without risking his life.

  If he did kill Bane, she would be free. She was strong. She knew that, with time, she could get past the attack. She had done what she had to, and made no apologies for that.

  Her fear stemmed more from Warren’s promise of retribution. Ashley had no doubt that her uncle’s pack would suffer if she remained there. She had to find a way to keep them safe. She didn’t want to be responsible for an attack on what appeared to be a gentle and benevolent pack of shifters.

  She groaned, feeling the pull of skin tear at her injuries as she stood. She was tired. Sleep would be the best way to heal. The wounds on her body were extensive. Just moving caused pain. The injuries would heal if she shifted, so why wasn’t she?

  “Because then you’ll forget,” she answered her own thought. She didn’t want to ever forget what happened to her. The scars would remind her, help to shield her in the future. If she let herself forget, then her guard would be let down. She wouldn’t be foolish enough to let
some other man claim her as property. She had known turning Richard down would make waves. She had foolishly thought he was only claiming her to fulfill his father’s wishes. She knew better now.

  Richard had been obsessed with claiming her. Denying him had been a slap in his face. Looking back, she could have just agreed, pretended to go along with the marriage, then suddenly disappeared, or faked her death. Death would have been better than having to spend a lifetime with a man she detested. She’d rather be alone for eternity.

  The way things were looking, she’d get her wish. She would spend her life always looking over her shoulder. A partner or children wouldn’t factor into that future. Her heart broke at the thought of everything she had lost. No man would want her now. As a young woman, she had dared to dream of a loving relationship like her parents or aunt and uncle. Now, she had lost that as well. The thought of being intimate, letting a man get that close, have that kind of control, made her shutter. A brief flash of Bryce’s face flashed in her mind’s eye. He frightened her in a different way. He was large and imposing, and his anger was fierce, but, somehow, she doubted he could ever hurt her.

  “Now you’re fantasizing about strangers. You really have lost your mind,” she reprimanded herself. A man like Bryce wouldn’t want her knowing what he already knew. Even if she could get over her fear of being touched, she was damaged, tainted. The scars she would wear from not shifting would warn men away. It was for the best. No use dreaming about the gorgeous Alpha. It was just hormones, a physical reaction that any female would have to his looks.

  “There you are.” Julie rushed to the far window where her niece stood looking out into the darkness.

  “I think I’ll go to bed, Aunt Julie. If you don’t mind?” Ashley said clutching the blanket tighter.

  “Oh no dear, of course I don’t mind. Things will be better tomorrow. You’ll see.”

  Ashley just nodded. She didn’t think things would ever really be better, but there was no use telling her aunt that. Tomorrow she’d be better physically. Tomorrow she’d figure out where to go from here. The longer she stayed, the more danger the Reiner pack was in. She couldn’t have that on her conscience.