A Place to Run (Trials of the Blood Book 1)

by Becca Lynn Mathis

  It was just past noon. I furrowed my brow.

  “Hey Frederick,” I said. “It sounds like I called too early in the day. Do you have a minute?”

  “Grace,” he said. There was a smile in his voice now. “I’ve always got time for you. You sound troubled.”

  “Well, it’s just that there’s something I want to ask you. Something that’ll probably sound a little crazy.”

  “Crazy doesn’t scare me,” he said. “What’s on your mind?”

  I took a slow breath. How do you ask someone if they’re a vampire? “I’m not sure how to word it.”

  He laughed. “Just ask it.”

  “Are you a vampire?”

  The sudden silence on the line made my ears ring.

  “What a strange question. Why don’t you come here, and we can talk?” There was a strange tone to his voice, an intensity I hadn’t heard from him before. It made me uneasy.

  “I’m, uh, kind of with some friends right now,” I said. “I can’t really get away.”

  “Come on, Grace. Come to me, and we’ll talk it out.” The tone was more insistent, but still odd. It didn’t sound like him.

  I leaned forward in the chair, propping my elbow on the desk. “Could you just answer the question please? I know it’s silly, but just humor me.”

  “Come to me.” Something about the way he said it this time sent a chill down my spine.

  “No, Frederick,” I said. “Just answer the question. Please.”

  He was quiet a moment. “No,” he said finally. “I’m not a vampire.” But his tone was wrong.

  My eyes went wide. “You’re lying.” I was certain of it.

  “Dammit! You’re one of those filthy, mangy mutts, aren’t you?” His voice on the line was loud enough that I had to pull the phone away from my ear.

  “What?” How the hell did he know that?

  “I should have turned you when I had the chance.”

  The line went dead. I stared at the phone.

  Holy shit. Frederick was a vampire, and now he knew that I was a werewolf. I somehow doubted anything good would come of that. Dammit.

  That definitely didn’t go as planned. I’m not sure what exactly I had planned anyway for that phone call, but whatever it was, that wasn’t it. I ran a hand through my hair. Well, it was probably only a matter of time before he found out about what I am now anyway, right? I mean, Colorado Springs is only so big.

  I slumped in my chair, but then I remembered Jenny’s dinner. I better at least try to call her while I’ve got a moment. But what do I say? 'Hey Jenny, sorry for bailing on girls’ night, got turned into a werewolf, but it's cool now, we can hang.' I shook my head and sighed, realizing a lie would have to do because—as Sheppard said—the world just isn't ready for werewolves. I knew he was right on that one at least. Most of the world would have a field day with their shoot-first-ask-questions-later mentality. Taking a deep breath, I pushed the button on the side of the phone and scrolled through the contacts to Jenny's number.

  I cleared the air with Jenny, giving her a lame excuse about a writer’s retreat I forgot about. Well that wasn’t so hard, lying to a friend. At least she hadn’t dug into my story much.

  I called Steph next, but she didn’t answer, so I left a message before checking my own voicemail.

  It was empty—as usual.

  Taking another look at the family tree still up on Sheppard’s screen, my mind drifted. All those connected lives, and I somehow fit into it all. I was a part of it. I thought of my dad and what I’d end up having to tell him—or not tell him. If I ever saw him again.

  Sighing, I closed the application and turned to head downstairs. Opening the door to the hallway, I smelled breakfast and the sounds of yet another action movie drifted up from the living room. Food sounded like a good idea, so I headed downstairs.

  Jamie and Ian were playing a videogame—some futuristic shooter-type game. Sheppard was seated at the dining room table, the same spot he had been at dinner the other night. He scraped the last of some potatoes and eggs from his plate. Kaylah and Chastity were in the kitchen, rinsing plates and loading them into the dishwasher. Through the window, I could see Matt and Daniel out in the backyard. It looked like they were sparring.

  “Grab a plate,” Sheppard said, gesturing to the kitchen. “There should be some scraps of breakfast left.”

  I did as he said and sat down at the table, my plate piled with bacon, sausage links, eggs, and toast. Werewolf scraps were still pretty substantial. I sandwiched some eggs and bacon between two slices of toast and took a bite.

  “So,” I said around my food. “Doesn’t being a werewolf kind of interfere with a stable income? I mean lawyers make enough that it’s probably irrelevant, but what about the rest of you?”

  “I have my own mechanic shop downtown,” Jamie said, not looking away from the TV.

  “The neighborhood here is almost entirely vacation rentals,” Sheppard said. “I run the management company and most of us keep them running and clean in between guests.”

  The sound of a car engine grew louder as it neared the house.

  “New renters today?” Ian asked, also not looking away from the TV.

  “No,” Sheppard said as he stood and took his plate to the kitchen.

  He moved quickly through the house, reaching the door right as the bell rang. He opened it wide, letting in a cold, earthy scent. The newcomer. He was a tall, skinny, blonde young man in wireframe glasses and army fatigues.

  “First Sergeant Langley,” Sheppard smiled. “Good morning.”

  I couldn’t explain it, but I was sure his smile was a ploy.

  Langley kept his face neutral and didn’t return Sheppard’s greeting. “Five days ago,” he said. “We lost the signal of the consanguinea’s phone out on the reserve. We picked it up again this morning, here, in a new device.”

  I stood from my seat and stepped into the living room. Ian and Jamie’s game paused, Jonathan appeared at the top of the stairs, and the back door to the house opened and closed.

  Sheppard’s smile didn’t falter. “Of course, she’s here.” He gestured over to me.

  Langley’s icy blue eyes met mine and I saw his nostrils flare and his chest expand. He was smelling me. He was a wolf!

  “She’s been turned,” he said.

  I took a step closer to Sheppard.

  “She was attacked on the reserve five days ago,” Sheppard said flatly, the smile fading. I sensed a tension in him and raised my chin, not taking my eyes off First Sergeant Langley.

  “She’s ours then,” Langley replied, holding his hand out to me.

  I narrowed my eyes.

  Sheppard laughed. “My pack is not yours, pup.”

  Langley dropped his hand. His tone was incredulous as he asked, “You would name her pack before you even know if she’ll survive the full moon?”

  “She was pack before you ever knew her name,” Sheppard countered. “Your commanding officer knew what he was doing when he came to me about the consanguinea in my territory. He knew who I was then, and he knows who I am now. I and mine do not fall under your jurisdiction, Langley. You would do well to remember it.”

  He broke into a feral smile and gestured toward me. “Let her choose.”

  Sheppard’s hand clenched into a fist and his jaw tensed. I stepped closer to him, positioning myself behind his left shoulder.

  Langley met my gaze again. “You would be stronger with us than you could ever be with them. Your talents will be wasted here. We would ensure you reached your full potential and would ensure you did not lack anything you needed.”

  “Talents?” I asked.

  “Consanguinea wolves are cut from different cloth, Ms. Cartwright,” he explained, pushing his glasses up on his nose. “If you survive your first change, you will need help and guidance with the power that being of the blood will grant you.”

  “Of the blood is the literal translation of consanguinea,” Sheppard said over his shoulder. “T
he Latin term is the more formal title, and—frankly—rolls off the tongue better.” He turned to face me. “His choice is a ruse. They will take you to Rome, to the Vatican, and no one you have ever met will ever see you again. They will turn you into a weapon while you figure out for yourself what it means to be a wolf.” His voice softened, and he placed his hands on my shoulders. “They will only ever value you for what you can do for them, and though you would undoubtedly do great things—you would never be more than their weapon.”

  Langley had gone completely still—the blue in his eyes resolved into steel. The whole house seemed to be holding its collective breath.

  “I would never hold a wolf that didn’t want to be here,” Sheppard continued. “I will not try to stop you if you wish to go with him.” He squeezed and then released my shoulders.

  I gave him a small nod. I had never thought of being that strong. Langley spoke as if I could be some kind of warrior-princess. But there was no warmth to him. I inhaled again. Only cold dirt, canvas, and shoe polish contrasting sharply against Sheppard’s warmth. I could pick out most of the rest of the pack now too: Jonathan’s electric woodsy-ness, Matt’s spice, Jamie, like motor oil...

  I locked my gaze with Langley and lifted my chin. My heart pounded in my eardrums and against my sternum. I took a step toward him, raising my hand. He extended his own hand, reaching for mine. I settled my hand against his chest and gently pushed him back a few steps, away from the doorframe. I softly closed the door in his face.

  As the latch clicked into place, I closed my eyes. I wasn’t ready for his offer. I couldn’t just turn away from this pack. I wasn’t sure I made the right choice, but I wasn’t ready to leave with him. Sheppard meant for me to have a life as true to myself as I could manage—I could feel that truth coursing through me. There would be a time for great things after I figured myself out.

  I turned and put my back against the door only to be immediately swept into a hug from Sheppard. Over his shoulder, on the stairs, Jonathan smiled at me and stood. The gold flecks in his eyes were pronounced in the daylight.

  I heard what must have been Langley’s car pull away from the house as Sheppard released me.

  “His commanding officer will be by after the full moon, I’m sure,” Sheppard said. “General Buckheim doesn’t like to take no for an answer.” He met my eyes. “And you may change your mind.”

  I scoffed. “Good food, soft bed, keys to my car and my apartment?” I shrugged. “Hell of a package to try to beat. Besides, if I wanted to be in the Army, I’d have signed up when all of my friends did.”

  Jonathan laughed. “I can see it now,” he said, waving a hand in the air. “Corporal Cartwright, taking no crap and beating up the enlisted!”

  “God, don’t call me that!” I shook my head, but couldn’t help smiling along with him. “Just stick to Lynn, alright?”

  Kaylah fished a set of keys out of the bowl on the fireplace mantel.

  “Supply day,” she said cheerily. Looking at Sheppard she asked, “Mind if I take Lynn along?”

  “Of course not,” he said. “That’s a fantastic idea.”

  Kaylah jangled the keys at me. “Gitcher shoes on, missy. We’re wastin’ daylight.”

  My shoes were upstairs. Jonathan was on his way down as I turned to the steps. I paused to let him get down, but he paused too, leaving one foot on the stair behind him. There was mischief in his eyes as he quirked an eyebrow at me. Smiling, he pressed his back to the wall, spreading his arms out to be as flat as possible. He was mocking me.

  “I’m not touching you,” he said in a sing-song voice. “I’m not touching you.”

  I rolled my eyes and let out an exasperated breath. Behind me, Kaylah sighed too. I marched up to pass him on the stairs, smiling despite myself, and reached a hand to his hip.

  “Yea,” I said, “but I’m touching you.”

  His smile brightened. “Well fine,” he said, placing a hand on my lower back. “Then I’ll touch you too.”

  The next step, my left leg pressed against his and his left hand came up to stabilize me, brushing against my hip. My breath caught at his touch and I leaned closer to him. His smile disappeared. We weren’t playing anymore.

  “Sorry,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. He raised his hands and backed down the next step. “Sorry,” he repeated more firmly as I turned and hurried up the rest of the stairs to my room.

  What the hell just happened?! I took a breath and sat on the floor to pull on my shoes. I heard quiet, firm voices from Sheppard and Kaylah as I pulled the laces tight. Ian and Jamie’s game resumed.

  When I came downstairs, Sheppard and Kaylah were in the kitchen with Jonathan, whose back was to the living room. His shoulders were slumped, his head bowed. Sheppard had a hand on Jonathan’s shoulder.

  Kaylah smiled at me. “You ready?”

  Jonathan took that as his cue and turned to leave the kitchen,

  I returned Kaylah’s smile and nodded. “Yep.”

  Jonathan pulled his keys from the same bowl on the fireplace mantel and stalked past without looking at me. He opened the door and closed it firmly behind him as he left.

  I looked to Kaylah and Sheppard. I’m sure the question was clear on my face as a car engine started in the driveway.

  The car sped off and Kaylah hooked an arm through mine. “C’mon hun,” she said, steering me to the door.

  TEN

  OUTSIDE, THERE WAS a space between the cars lined up along the cul-de-sac where an olive green hard-top Jeep had been.

  “He’ll be back,” Kaylah said. “He just needs to clear his head.”

  She unlocked Sheppard’s Ram and got behind the wheel as I slid in the passenger side.

  “Did I get him into trouble?” I asked, buckling my seatbelt as Kaylah started the truck.

  “Naw,” she replied. “He should know better than to confuse you like that before yer first change.”

  I guess that made sense. “Well where did he go?”

  She tossed her blonde hair over her shoulder. “Probably jus’ to some muddin’ trail. Or to our runnin’ spot. No tellin’ really. He jus’ needed to stop pushin’ on ya.”

  “He wasn’t being pushy.” I mean, it just got a little too serious on the stairs is all. I was so drawn to him, but I wasn’t sure he and I were even on the same page, let alone whether I’d actually want to try to be with him.

  She pursed her lips in thought for an exit or two, and I waited her out. “Look, right now, you an’ yer wolf are kinda sep’rit things in th’ same body. Right now, yer wolf wants ya t’ do things, but yer humanity kinna questions it.” She hurried to add, “It’s not like yer wolf wants anythin’ bad, mind ya. It’s just that the two a’ya ain’t really one yet.”

  “Okay,” I said. “But what does that have to do with Jonathan?”

  “He should know better than to go stirrin’ up yer wolf afore yer all together!” Kaylah asserted. “Ain’t nuthin’ wrong with flirtin’ and wantin’, so long as it’s all a ya that wants it. You and yer wolf.”

  That made more sense. “So you and Sheppard are angry with him for being pushy before you think I’m ready. You’re worried I don’t really want any of this.”

  In a way, that’d be right, I suppose, but there was this feeling spreading through me that all of this was exactly how things were supposed to be for me. This was my life now, and this was my path. Goosebumps prickled my skin, like it had the last time I thought about how events brought me to the pack.

  “Well yea,” she said. “He’s gotta give you space to breathe and figure y’self out. Then you can be sure if y’want him y’self or not.” She exited the highway. “Till tomorrow night, ain’t no way you can be sure.”

  We drove a little in silence. Then Kaylah said, “I’m lookin’ forward to havin’ a extra hand in the kitchen. What’s yer signature recipe?”

  “Recipe?” I asked.

  She nodded.

  “Um, I don’t cook,” I said. “Unless Cu
p Noodles count.”

  Her face lit up. “Ooh, fancy noodles. That’ll be a nice change a pace!”

  I waved a hand and shook my head. “No, no. Microwave noodles in a cup. Like the college kids eat?”

  I had graduated last spring, but I wasn’t making enough to eat much better. I had never been much of a cook, really. I often left my noodles too long in the microwave, leaving me with mushy noodle soup.

  “That’s alright,” she said with a wave of her hand. “You can help us with the laundry then.”

  I laughed. “Only if you don’t mind it all going in together. Some things will end up pink though, and I never seem to get socks white again.”

  She deflated. “Well what can you do then?”

  I shrugged. “I’m not really the domestic type. I grew up learning what I needed to get by, but my mom wanted me to just be happy. She knew cooking and cleaning didn’t exactly cut it for me, so she taught me some shortcuts.”

  “Well, how in God’s creation are ya s’posed to find a good husband or mate that way?” She was incredulous.

  So was I. “What timeline did you grow up in?! I don’t need a man to get by! Sure, if I find love, I’ll be happy for it. I’m just not cut out to be a meek little housewife.”

  Kaylah sobered and took a breath. “I forget how times change sometimes. My parents passed away over a hundred years ago. I stopped countin’ my birthdays.” Her eyes were haunted again, like they had been the day I met the pack.

  “What happened?” I asked.

  “To my parents? They just got old, I guess.” She shrugged. “Daddy had a bad cough ‘n Mama had the shakes. They just never got better. Mama forgot my name at the end, wettin’ herself every couple a hours ‘cause she forgot where to go.”

  Alzheimer’s or dementia then. How awful for her.

  “What happened to you?” I prodded.

  “Oh goodness, me?” She pressed her fingers against her chest. “I jus’ fell in with the wrong pack at first is all. Buncha born wolves that didn’t take too kindly to a little turned girl. I slowed ‘em down—kept ‘em from bein’ as good as they coulda been—and they resented me for it. I tried to make up with keepin’ houses clean and cookin’, but the alpha eventually got sick of me bein’ too slow and weak. I was holdin’ ‘em back. He reached out to Sheppard, who brought me here. I didn’t know much about what it really meant to have a pack afore this’un.” She sighed heavily. “But it’s in the past now and we’ll figger out a place fer you yet, don’t you worry none. Sheppard’s pack ain’t like my old one.” She smiled at me. Her eyes weren’t haunted anymore. “We’re family. You’ll find yer way.”