Secret Jaguar

by Stacy Claflin

  Mom glanced up at me and wiped her eyes, smearing mascara across her face. “Dad’s dead, Katya. Maybe you saw someone else, but he’s gone.”

  “You’re just cruel.” Alley sniffled.

  I glared at Che. He had to believe me. The one person who knew about the supernatural world.

  His expression was filled with disappointment.

  I crumpled to the ground. “Dad! Carter!”

  “Don’t do this.” Alley helped Mom up. “After everything we’ve all been through, how dare you?”

  “I’m telling you the truth.”

  Alley narrowed her eyes. They shone with tears. “This is low. You need to stop, sis. Now.”

  “He’s in the secret wing!”

  “There’s no hidden wing. It doesn’t exist. Just go. Leave us all alone. I don’t know why you’re doing this.” She and Mom turned their backs on me and wandered down the hall.

  “He’s really here. I swear.” Why didn’t they believe me? It was like they were under a spell.

  A spell. That had to be it.

  I rose and pounded on the wall again. “Dad!”

  Once they saw him, they would have to believe me.

  Alley stormed over to me, grabbed my shirt and yanked me back. “Stop this now, Katya. I can’t believe you’d keep up this charade.”

  Mom pulled her away from me. “She might not be able to help herself.”

  “What?” Alley stared at her.

  Mom took a deep breath. “Shortly after Dad’s funeral, his dad—your grandpa—came to me.”

  “What?” Che exclaimed. “You never told me.”

  “I don’t have to tell you everything. You came to help me with the girls, and I appreciate it, but you’re not actually part of this family.”

  Che looked like she’d slapped him with her words. “Are you feeling yourself, Jennifer?”

  “I’ve been in contact with Kevin’s family every so often over the years. They told me the truth, Che. The truth you never did.” Her nostrils flared.

  His mouth gaped. So did mine.

  Mom knew about us being shifters?

  “What secret is that?” Che demanded.

  I took a step back, keeping my gaze on Alley who was about to learn a truly shocking secret.

  Mom glared at Che, then turned to me with a sad expression. “Mental illness runs in your father’s side of the family. It’s from your grandmother’s side, Katya. None of you can do anything about it, but you’ve inherited it from him.”

  I couldn’t even blink. Mental illness? She thought we had a mental disorder?

  “Your grandpa told me the signs to look for in you girls, and you have every single one, Kat. I was hoping he was wrong, but I can’t keep burying my head in the sand any longer. It’s time to get you the help you need.”

  “What?” I exclaimed. “I don’t need help!”

  She frowned. “Honey, you’re banging on a wall, screaming for your long-dead dad. I know you girls wish you got a chance to know him—believe me, there’s nothing more I want for you two. But there’s nothing any of us can do.”

  I pulled out my phone and found the picture of the secret wing’s hidden door and compared it to the wall in front of me. “Wait. This is the wrong wall. It’s the wrong wall!”

  Mom put her hand on my arm and squeezed. “We need to get you help before this progresses any further. Your grandpa knows a doctor who is familiar with your family’s illness. He can help us get you what you need. He already gave me one thing.”

  I stared at her in disbelief. “What I need is to show you where the hidden wing really is!”

  “Why do you believe them when you know Dad didn’t trust them?”

  “He had the mental illness too. It turns people against their families.”

  My mouth dropped. “That’s crazy! Listen to yourself.”

  Alley stepped closer to me. “You’re the one who thinks our dead dad is alive.”

  “He is alive! I’ll show you.”

  “Stop this.” Alley grabbed my other arm.

  I looked to Che for help. He surely couldn’t go along with this. Not when he knew how dangerous my grandfather was. In fact, my grandfather had probably done something to turn my mom against me—maybe a potion similar to the one Tap had given me.

  Mom turned to him. “I need you to go downstairs to the lobby. A huge group is due right about now, and I’m in no state to greet guests.”

  “I really shouldn’t leave right now.”

  “I’m your boss, and I said to go!” She glared at him.

  Che nodded. “I’m going to find someone who can take care of the guests and be right back.”

  I stared at him in stark disbelief. How could he abandon me now?

  He threw me an apologetic glance and left.

  “Mom, you’ve got to listen to me.” Anger and fear ran through me. I pulled away and bones popped.

  Mom’s face paled. “I’ve been trying to pass that popping off as normal for an athlete. That’s what I wanted to believe. But according to your grandpa, it’s one of the main signs of this particular illness.”

  “No, you don’t understand. He’s lying.”

  “I’m sorry to have to do this.” She reached into her purse.

  I should have run, but again my feet failed me.

  My mom pulled out a syringe and stuck it into my arm. “This is for your own good, honey. Your grandpa promises it will help.”

  Everything went blurry. And cold.

  Then black.

  Chapter 25

  Carter

  “Should it take her this long?” Kevin asked.

  It had taken twice as long as I’d have thought, but I didn’t want to worry him. “Maybe she couldn’t find them, or maybe they’re busy with hotel guests. It could be anything.”

  “Or they might not believe I’m still alive. I wouldn’t put it past my father to come up with something elaborate and convincing. Something that would leave nobody with any doubt that I was dead and gone.”

  “Still, there’s no reason for them to doubt Katya. She’s smart and level-headed. They all adore her.”

  “You should go and find her.” He lay back down on the bed.

  “I promised her I wouldn’t leave you alone.”

  “I’ve been alone for nineteen years. What’s another few minutes?”

  “No. I can’t risk something happening to you. Katya would never forgive me. Neither would I, actually.”

  “Then take me with you.”

  “But if she comes back, and we’re not here…” My voice trailed off. There didn’t seem to be a good solution. Then I thought of something. “I’ll just text her. Let her know I’m moving you.”

  “We just can’t stay here. That’s all I ask. I have a bad feeling.”

  I couldn’t deny that my inner sirens were wailing. Katya should’ve been back or at least tried to contact me by now.

  No service.

  “What’s the matter?”

  “I don’t have a signal. This wing must be blocking it—the same magic that’s kept you hidden. It’s the only thing to make sense.”

  “Let’s go, then.” Kevin struggled to sit.

  I offered him my arm and helped him to his feet.

  “Thanks. I gave up trying years ago.”

  “So, you can walk?”

  “Yeah. I just had no reason to for so long.”

  He leaned against me and took a step. Though he stumbled, he regained his footing and took another step. “I should have never given up.”

  “Can’t blame you after all that time.”

  “I didn’t even know they were here in the building for the last five years. If I’d had any idea, I’d have been making so much noise. I would have built my strength as much as possible.”

  “You can’t change any of that. Let’s just get you out of here. Without magic, this wing is depressing and repressive enough. It’s ten times worse with the magic.”

  Kevin continued leaning against m
e, and though it felt like it took a week, we finally made our way out into the lit hallway. He covered his eyes immediately. “It’s blinding.”

  “I’m sure it is. Just lean on me, and I’ll guide you.”

  We crept along through the halls. He gained a little more strength the farther we went. Not much, but some. He’d need some food as soon as we made it to the main part of the hotel, which at this rate, could take a week.

  I pulled out my phone. Full service again. I called Katya. It went straight to voicemail.

  “That’s weird. Is she out of range? Did she go back?”

  “What?” Kevin asked.

  I didn’t want to add anything for him to worry about. “Oh, I’m just trying to find Katya. She might’ve doubled back and missed us.”

  “We should turn around.”

  “She’ll find us once she sees we’re not there. We need to get you food. How are you doing now that you’re out of the cursed wing?”

  “I can’t die in this hotel, remember. Let’s go back.”

  “You need to eat.”

  “What if Alley and Jennifer are with her?”

  “They’ll find us.” I called Che. It rang, but then went to voicemail. “Where is everyone?”

  “That’s what I’d like to know.”

  I called some of my pack members, but continued only getting voicemails. Irritation ran through me, and I wanted to throw my phone.

  Kevin and I were still so far away from the main part of the building. I could order pizza, and by the time we got to the lobby, it’d be cold from waiting so long.

  “Do you want me to carry you?”

  “No, I need to do this.”

  “I don’t mind.”

  He ignored my offer. “Are you in love with my daughter?”

  I turned to Kevin, surprised by the question. “Come again?”

  “Do you love Katya? I picked up that vibe between you two.”

  “Very much, yes. I’ve spent the last month trying to keep her safe from your family.”

  He grumbled at the mention of them. “I appreciate that. And Che’s still in the picture? I know it was a lot for me to ask of him to watch them, but as a lone jaguar, he knew why it was important.”

  “Che hasn’t left. He’s very protective of them, and they think of him like a father—but they definitely know you’re their dad.” I cringed at my words. He’d probably feel horrible knowing his kids thought of someone else as their dad, even if it was his best friend.

  “It’s fine. I wasn’t there, so I couldn’t expect anything else. I’m just glad it was him rather than anyone else, especially any of my family.” He took a deep breath. “But he and Jennifer…? They’re not an item?”

  “I’ve never seen anything between them.”

  Kevin breathed a sigh of relief. “Not that I could blame either of them if they did. I made Che swear he’d watch over the girls if anything ever happened to me. I knew what that could lead to, and I’ve had nothing but time to think about it.”

  “Nope. If anything, she’s so focused on running the hotel and taking care of the twins, she has no time for anything else as far as I can tell.”

  “And what about you? How did you come into Katya’s life?”

  We had nothing but time, so I told him the story of how I’d sensed her years earlier and was immediately worried for a lone female jaguar shifter. Then as her protection spell had weakened, I finally found her, but unfortunately so had their family.

  “I’m glad you found her first. You seem like a good kid. What’s your story? Where’s your family?”

  It was my turn to groan. “Not all that different from you, actually. I managed to break free from my family a number of years back.”

  “And you’ve been on your own this time?”

  “I’ve joined a pack of mismatched werewolves that also accepts other supernaturals.”

  “Interesting. And they offer you protection?”

  “Like I’m blood. In fact, I need to see if I can get one of them to answer their phone.”

  “Try Katya again. Or Jenny. I need to talk with her.”

  “I think we’d probably better find them first.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “She and Alley might have to see you to believe you’re actually alive.”

  He grimaced. “That’s probably true.”

  We plodded along in silence for a while. Every once in a while, I tried calling someone. It was futile.

  At long last, we reached the hall leading to the main part of the hotel. But at the rate we were traveling, it could be an hour until we reached the rope. Then there was the matter of finding everyone else.

  I made more calls. Toby finally picked up.

  “Carter, where have you been?”

  “Where have I been? I’ve called everyone, only to get voicemails. What’s going on?”

  “That jaguar shifter pack you’ve been worried about is in town. Their scent is thick, and people are disappearing.”

  “What do you mean disappearing?”

  “The news—they’re reporting about a dozen missing locals.”

  “You’re saying the jaguars are kidnapping humans? Why?”

  Kevin looked at me, his expression tight. “Ransom. They want to trade the humans for Katya and me.”

  “Did you hear that?” I asked Toby.

  “Yeah. Is that Che?”

  “No, it’s actually Katya’s dad. Turns out he’s not dead, after all.”

  “And they know it?”

  “They’re behind it.”

  “This is worse than I thought. Is Katya with you?”

  I took a deep breath. “She was. Clearly, I shouldn’t have let her run off on her own. I just thought it’d be quicker for her to find her mom and sister.”

  “Do you think they got her?”

  “Nothing would surprise me at this point. I think we’d better assume they have her.”

  Toby mumbled something. “Okay, I’ll call Gessilyn. We need more than a cloaking spell now. I’ll talk to you soon.”

  “Wait. Have someone bring food.”

  “How can you think of eating at a time like this?”

  “Kevin needs it. He hasn’t eaten in twenty years.”

  Silence.

  “Toby?”

  “Yeah, I’ll have someone send food. He really hasn’t had food in two decades?”

  “Nope.”

  He swore. “They have to be working with witches, too. That’s the only explanation.”

  “I’d say that’s a good assumption.”

  We ended the call, and I turned to Kevin. “Since your family is holding people hostage, you think that means they want Katya and you?”

  “I know it. They’ve pulled this before. It’s practically their signature move.”

  My insides tightened. “And what will they do to the innocent people if they don’t get you and Katya?”

  He held my gaze. “Kill them all—unless we kill those jaguars first.”

  Chapter 26

  Katya

  A searing pain ran from behind my right eye to my ear, and then radiated out to the rest of my head. I wanted to rub my temple, but my body was too heavy to move. Even my eyelids were too much effort to open.

  I moaned, but the sound didn’t make it beyond my throat.

  What had happened? Where was I?

  Whatever I lay on was hard as a rock. Had I been knocked over and was now resting on the ground? But where?

  I sniffed the air. It didn’t smell like anywhere familiar. Not the hotel or anywhere on campus I was familiar with. Nor was it Carter’s mansion or that supernatural bar in the woods.

  The floor felt strange. It vibrated.

  Vibrations?

  There was a sudden jolt, and I rolled over onto my back and bumped into something.

  Was I in a car?

  I struggled to open my eyes. It was so dark, I may as well have still had my eyes shut.

  Another jolt. I rolled back onto my
stomach.

  The vibrations stopped. An engine cut. Doors slammed shut. Muffled conversation sounded.

  What was going on? Desperation clawed at me as I tried to remember how I’d gotten into the situation.

  The volleyball game? No, that’d been a while ago. Finals? Those were done. Then Carter had taken me on that romantic picnic. That had been amazing. One of the best events in my life. A sweet memory I’d always treasure.

  Another door slammed, bringing me back to the present. I was locked in a car’s trunk and had no idea how I’d gotten there.

  Then it hit me.

  I’d found my dad. My supposedly-dead dad. He was alive! But my mom and sister had thought I’d lost my mind. The only thing I’d actually lost was my sense of direction inside that maze of halls.

  She’d been in contact with my grandpa, who had claimed to have a doctor who could help me with my supposed craziness.

  Terror ripped through me. I was trapped in the trunk of a car, and outside were members of my dad’s family. Horrible, barbaric people who wanted to force me into a marriage where I’d be nothing more than a slave and baby-making factory.

  I had two options. Either I could thrash around and try to bust out or I could lay still and take them by surprise when they opened the trunk. Neither option was ideal. They were just outside, and there were more of them than me.

  Unless there was a third option. What if I shifted inside the trunk and attacked them when they came for me? They’d not only be surprised, but in human form.

  They wouldn’t stand a chance.

  I’d be cramped as I waited in jaguar form, but it’d be worth it if I could get away and maybe take a few of them out, too.

  I listened, trying to hear what they were saying. If I was going to remove my clothes, I needed to know that I had enough time to shift before they opened the trunk.

  No matter how hard I concentrated, everything they said was muffled. I couldn’t make out a single word. It was like trying to hear someone speak when under water—something I was all too familiar with after nearly being drowned by invisible hands.

  I had some luck.

  Not only that, but I probably only had a little time to make my decision. Shift or not? Staying in my human form seemed like a horrible choice. They could too easily overpower me.