Shattered Strength: Shadowcrest Pack Series Book Two

by B. Livingstone

  “Riley, you know it’s impolite to stare,” Grace states with a hint of humor.

  “What? Oh, sorry. It’s just, I have to ask. What are you?” The group around me all begin to laugh at my dismay. “Come on, help a girl out here. I can feel your power from here. You’re fucking powerful. Combine that with what Grace is putting out. Geez, I can’t believe the roof is still on this place.”

  Taking pity on me he stands. “I am Jameson Barns, a shaman. It is an honor to meet the true alpha of the Shadowcrest Pack. Our fathers were good friends during their time.” Well isn’t that interesting.

  Pointing to his twin he continues, “This is Paxton. He is Grace’s familiar, and yes he is like Pegasus as in he has wings and is a horse. However, he is not the Pegasus. Pegasus was the name of the winged horse from Greek mythology who was created from the blood of Medusa when she was beheaded by Perseus. He became such a legend that nowadays all winged horses are referred to as Pegasus but in reality, they are just that, winged horses. There is only one true Pegasus.”

  “So you’re not Pegasus, oh well. You’re fucking awesome nonetheless,” I exclaim and Paxton just beams with pride, and Grace chuckles.

  Paxton leans into Grace whispering, “Wait till she gets a look at you.” Bringing a wide grin to Grace’s face with a gleam in her eye.

  I go to respond to that remark but Jameson continues, “We are from a small tribe in Washington state. Grace’s other mate, Killian cannot be here with us. He is deep undercover within Alastair’s camp. He was the one who warned Wilder that Alastair was coming to Vancouver. He has been sending us updates about Alastair’s plans to move into other territories. Ones that we have been visiting and brokering alliances with. Thus, gaining support for the upcoming war.”

  All thoughts of where they are from and the fact they feel familiar fly out the window. “Hold it right there. War? I expected a fight between Alastair and myself for the title of Alpha, but I didn’t expect an all-out war.”

  “Riles, Alastair has been slowly taking over packs across the United States and southern Canada for years. We have found records of packs he completely wiped out because they refused to follow him. So yes, sister, I’m afraid it is a war that is coming. One that if you do not win will mean the end of civilization as we know it and, love, I’ve seen the possible outcomes of this war and we do not want that. He will tell the humans of the supernatural world and all those who follow him, shifter or otherwise will rain havoc on earth. It will be a bloodbath.”

  My nerves begin to tremble as butterflies take flight in my stomach, not the good ones either, but rather feeling like a man being led to the execution block. Trying to control the panic rising up in me, I breathe and begin to recite important numbers out of order. “7, 1, 8, 12, 8, 7, 12, 1.”

  “What is that?” Grace asks.

  “She is centering herself. It’s a way to control the panic. She’s getting really good at that.” Reed’s praise resonates in my soul and I give him a small smile as I inhale a deep calming breath.

  “Were those our birthday months you were reciting?” Wild asks with amused curiosity.

  “Yes. You guys are my happy place.” With a grin on my face, I confront my fear head-on. “Okay. So, war it is then. Let’s get started.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Riley

  “Before we dive into war talks, I need a moment alone with Reed. Why don’t you guys order pizza? War talk requires cheesy goodness.” Grabbing Reed’s hand, I lead him up to the roof.

  “Okay, Reed. Spill it. What is your connection to Alastair?”

  Walking over to the edge, Reed braces himself against the wall. His arms begin to shake as his grip on the iron bar tightens.

  “Alastair is my uncle.”

  “What?” I gasp. No, this can’t be. I begin to pace back and forth.

  Looking out over the city, Reed continues his story, “He is my mother’s oldest brother. After my parents were married, he didn't come around much. He and my father never got along which is why he ended up at another pack, yours, I presume. He always said my mother married beneath her, even though my father was an alpha and at the time he was only a beta.”

  Turning, he looks down at me. “Grace was right about what she said. He has killed other packs that refused to follow him. Worse though, he’s not the only one. His brother has as well.”

  “Wait. You say they’ve killed entire packs for refusing to follow them. Alastair has been with the Shadowcrest Pack for as long as I can remember. Your other uncle, Alastair’s brother, was he a beta as well?” Wearing a sad and solemn expression, he nods his head, knowing where my thoughts are going. “You don’t think…” I can’t finish the sentence; it can’t be true.

  “I do think.”

  “Oh, Gods.”

  Grabbing my shoulders, he pulls me into a tight embrace. “I am so sorry, Riley. I never wanted to keep this a secret from you. I was just terrified you’d reject me if you knew I shared the same bloodline as that bastard.”

  Hugging Reed back with as much strength as I can muster, “Blood doesn’t define you, Reed. You aren’t him. You never could be. You are also your father’s son.” Releasing my hold on him, I step back enough to reach up and cup his face between my hands. “You are my mate, Reed. My strong, brave, and selfless mate.”

  Leaning down his lips sear to mine, pouring all his fears and doubt into me through his kiss. I take it willingly, devouring them. In their place I return all the passion and strength I feel with him.

  “Reed, man. You up here? Ah, shite. Sorry.” Turning I find a giant standing in the doorway to the roof access. He has to be at least 6’7, maybe 27 years old, brown hair with slight red highlights, full beard, covered in tattoos from what I can see peeking from under his sleeves in the glow of the overhead light. His vibe screams rugged biker.

  With a bright smile on his face, Reed replies, “It’s okay man. Is the pizza here?”

  “Bang on, man. We’re ready to get started.” Walking up to me he sticks his hand out. “I’m Killian by the way. You must be Riley.”

  “That would be me,” I greet, placing my hand in his. He leans down and kisses the top of my hand.

  “The pleasure is all mine.”

  Pulling me into his side, Reed protests, “Okay, enough of that Romeo. You’ve got your own girl to hit on.”

  “Yes, I must get back down there to her.”

  We head back downstairs and the smell of melted cheese and hot dough fills the air and suddenly I feel the empty pit in my stomach growing angry. An audible growl sounds from the pit, begging to be filled. Everyone in the room begins to laugh and embarrassment pinks my cheeks.

  “Sorry. I haven’t had anything to eat except coffee this morning.”

  Reed kisses the top of my head before whispering in my ear, “It’s okay baby, we all know how you love to eat.”

  Axel

  Gathering in the living room around the coffee table where ten pizzas sit piled high, Grace and her men take up one side of the room while Riley and the rest of us settle in on the other. I sit in the middle of the couch with Cree and Wild on either side. Riley sits on the floor between my legs, her back resting against the sofa. Enzo sits perched on the edge of the fireplace, eyeing those in the room. Reed is taking up his normal central position by the windows, never taking a moment to relax. Five pizzas down in about ten minutes, Riley, I swear ate an entire pizza herself. Since her run as a wolf the other night, the woman has had quite the appetite. I am pleased to see her curves filling out and a healthy glow in her cheeks.

  The only sound filling the room is that of chewing and swallowing until Killian breaks in, “Got any beers?”

  All of us look to Riley before Reed replies, “No man. No alcohol here.”

  Riley turns her head down, facing away from everyone. I can see the shame she tries to hide. I place my hands on her shoulders trying to provide her some comfort and strength. I hate that she feels shame for her past. For what she perceives
to be her shortcomings. We all have a past and things we’re ashamed of, but she shouldn’t. Not one of her mates has a problem with the sacrifices we’ve made.

  “No big. Want me to run down the road and grab us some?” Paxton asks.

  “Guys!” Grace interjects with heat, finally clueing into the conversation. “You know better.”

  “It’s okay. Really. I’m okay. If you want a beer, you’re welcome to grab some.” I catch a glimpse of unshed tears shining in Riley’s eyes as she tries to act strong.

  Guilt flashes across Killian’s face as his eyes widen. “Aw fuck, I can be such an eejit. I’m sorry, Riley. Mo chroí is right. I got so used to being with Alastair and the guys. I wasn’t even thinking. How are you doing with all this?”

  “I’m sorry, your what?” Confusion lines Riley’s features as her shoulders lose some of the tension and she sits up straighter.

  “Killian is Irish. He’s lived in the States so long he hides it well but when he gets flustered it begins to show. That’s how he’s blended in with Alastair’s crew for so long.” Grace laughs out as Killian’s cheeks redden. It really is a sweet sight, the two of them.

  Confusion still radiates off of Riley as her mood begins to turn melancholy. It is clear her mind is playing a dark game with her again. Not wanting that, I bend over and whisper in her ear, “Mo chroí. My heart.” I place a small kiss on her temple before sitting back. Just then Cree places his hand on Riley’s shoulder, his pinky overlapping my own. I look over to him and he gives me a small nod and half-smile.

  Running my free hand from Riley’s shoulder to her neck I give her a little squeeze before moving my fingers up through her hair. She turns her body slightly to lay her head on my knee, her arm wrapping around my leg. I continue to run my fingers through her hair as the others begin to discuss the other packs involved. Packs that are under Alastair’s control, packs they have been able to get to first, and the lost packs that Alastair slaughtered because they refused to follow him.

  Killian starts to run down the pack names for each category, Riley’s attention is grabbed as he lists off those that Alastair eliminated. Her head immediately turns to Enzo, as though she knows something we do not. Confusion takes root and I look to Cree who shrugs his shoulders. Glancing back to Reed by the window, his eyes are trained on Enzo. His body rigid and tense, readying for a fight.

  Enzo’s face turns cold as his eyes lock on Killian. “Was there a pack in New Mexico that refused to fall in line that he eliminated?” His voice is cold and calculated. The air in the room feels heavy with saturated magic and the temperature has dropped a subtle five degrees, enough that a shiver travels through Riley’s body. I look over to the shaman to find deep silver veins running down his arms end in his hands which glow with murky silver magic. His eyes are glowing with an orange hue over his normally dark brown.

  A feeling of worry rushes my system and my wolf begins to pace, preparing to break free.

  Easy boy. We don’t know what’s going on yet. Let’s not start something that could hurt our mate. With that, he sits his ass down with a huff.

  Killian’s eyes fill with remorse and understanding. “I’m afraid there were three.”

  Taking a deep breath, Enzo asks, “Who?”

  Glancing down at his hands Killian closes his eyes in thought, as though he’s flipping through papers, searching for the information he needs. Hmm, must have a photogenic memory.

  “The Summit Pack. Highland Pack. Delta Pack, which wasn’t Alastair directly. His brother was responsible for the Deltas. He challenged his alpha, but when he lost that challenge the alpha took pity on him, knowing who he was trying to live up to, he let him live. Azazel took that as an insult to his strength and abilities. In retaliation, he led an uprising with the aid of Alastair, against his alpha and his family. Reports state there may be one survivor, though it was never confirmed. The alpha’s son. It’s said that he was away at the time of the attack. I believe a soldier overseas. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to come home to that. I wasn’t there, but I’ve seen the photographs of the carnage they left behind.”

  Enzo’s fists are clenched so tight his knuckles have turned stark white. His breathing is rapid and shallow. His eyes are glowing honey gold and a line of growls rumble from his chest.

  Riley shifts to her knees preparing to crawl in front of him. “Riley. Don’t,” Reed commands. This only infuriates Enzo further, pulling a teeth-baring growl from him.

  “Reed, you know he won’t hurt me. I believe in him.” She moves in front of Enzo and slowly raises her hand to his cheek. Directing his stare to meet her eyes. I can see the moment she registers in his mind. A whine escapes him as a tear escapes Riley’s eye.

  “I know, Enzo. I feel it too.” She moves in closer wrapping her arms tightly around him. As he buries his nose in her neck, his shoulders start to shake and a gut-wrenching noise escapes him. I have never seen Enzo so vulnerable and broken.

  “Riley?” I whisper.

  “He’s okay. He’s going to be okay,” she sobs into his shoulder. Sharing in his grief she holds him, comforts him. Unable to stop myself I look to Reed for answers. His only response is to shake his head. Riley strokes up his back and cups the back of his head. “We’re here for you Enzo, all of us.”

  “She’s right, buddy. You’re not alone anymore. You’ve got a mate and all of her mates for support now,” Wild states from his place beside me. He’s sitting on the edge of his seat, hands fisting his pants legs, holding himself back from going to Enzo’s side. Now there’s a thought.

  Patting the guys’ thighs, I stand and move over to Enzo’s side and place a hand on his back and one on Riley’s. I allow my wolf to rise just to the surface and reach out to touch Enzo’s, providing comforting waves of energy to flow between us. Wild, Reed, and Cree join us. Each placing a hand on Enzo, offering a connection and comfort.

  “When you’re ready, Enzo. We’ll be here for you,” I tell him.

  Pulling himself together, Enzo lifts his head and catches the eye of each of Riley’s mates. He gives us each a nod of the head in approval, understanding, and thanks. Turning his eyes on Riley, he spots the tear tracks on her cheeks and wipes them away with his thumbs as he cups her face between his hands.

  “Riley, I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve this. Deserve you. But whatever it is I did to be granted a second chance with a mate; I am overflowing with gratitude. You are perfect in every way a mate could be. You’re understanding, patient, loving, and loyal.”

  “Don’t forget sexy as hell,” Wild chimes in.

  “Smart and eager,” I add.

  “Strong and fierce,” Cree interjects, hiding his lower half from sight.

  “An alpha. A leader,” Reed states, not a hint of doubt or hesitation.

  “Ours,” Enzo finishes. We all growl in unison.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Riley

  Reed and I assisted Enzo with sharing his story with the rest of the group. Feeling it was important for them to understand the lengths that Alastair and Azazel will go to in order to get what they want.

  I watched Grace’s face for a reaction, any at all, but found nothing. She was not surprised by what she was hearing. Do you think she’s hiding something? I inquired with my wolf.

  Secrets. Bad. Worry filters through to me from my wolf.

  Me too. I’m concerned she knows more than she’s letting on.

  Squinting my eyes as I try to get a read on Grace, her voice filters through my mind. “Your face is going to get stuck like that,” she says.

  “Holy fuck,” I gasp in surprise.

  “What is it?” Cree asks, worry tinting his tone.

  “Grace. You. Holy fucking shit balls.” I point to her then to my head. “You were just in my head.” Every eye in the room trains on her, waiting for answers.

  “Yes. I have the ability to hijack bonds, to a point. I can communicate through pack and mate bonds without being a part of them. With y
ou though, Riley. You’re my sister, therefore we have our own bond.”

  “Fucking hell, Grace. I have had enough of this shit. You’re hiding a lot from us. From me. It’s time that you come clean and share everything. No more of this need-to-know mentality shit.”

  “Where’s the swear jar, Riles?” Grace questions with a smirk.

  “Fuck the swear jar, Grace. Talk. Now,” I demand.

  “I understand it’s frustrating feeling like you’re in the dark. But I can’t tell you any more than I already have. The future is always changing. For instance, you want to win this coming war and I can’t tell you how to do that. If I do, it won’t happen that way anymore. You’ll become sure of yourself, become cocky, and end up dead. I need you to still use caution. Certain conclusions and decisions need to be made on your own, no influence from me.”

  “I can understand that but you knew about Enzo’s pack though. Didn’t you?” I ask though it was more of an accusation.

  “What?” Enzo’s attention returns to the present. Still sitting beside him, I grab his hand in mine offering my support.

  “You need to tell them, mo grá,” Killian encourages.

  “Okay. Please remember I was young and scared and was trying to just be a normal girl. After everything that happened with Alastair, my dreams became worse. Every night when I closed my eyes my mind would become filled with death, horror, and blood. It got to the point I was terrified to go to bed at night, even if you were there beside me.

  “Shortly before we moved to Vancouver, I had one of the worst dreams to date. I didn’t recognize any of the people or wolves. They were being slaughtered. A strong man was being held down while a woman was being raped and then murdered in front of him. I watched as he fought against his captors, as he broke. It broke me. I didn’t know what to do with this dream, but I knew I had to do something to try and stop it. So I went to Jimmy. He assured me he’d look into trying to find the pack.