Midnight Revelations: The Watchers, Book 3

by D McEntire

  With a rumbling growl, the wolf hurtled in front of the Rogues, cutting off their path to the boat waiting for them.

  The Rogues halted in their tracks, surprised by a snarling black wolf standing in front of them with its ears back, its hackles raised and its fangs gleaming in the dark.

  A staring match ensued for several moments before she slowly advanced, seeing the Rogues glance at each other in confusion.

  That’s right. You two aren’t going anywhere.

  The Rogue carrying the little girl shifted her in his arms. “Get back, you stupid dog.” He used his leg to kick out at her, causing his body to turn and shift the girl again. The move loosened the hold over her mouth. In an instant the girl opened wide and chomped down on his hand as hard as she could, forcing him to release her with a jerk while he hissed in pain.

  As if in slow motion, Suma watched the girl fall from his arms and land on her hands and knees in the grass. Without hesitation, the girl scrambled to her feet and ran.

  The unfolding events angered the second Rogue. He released his hold on Peta and lunged at the wolf, using his elongated claws as a weapon. Suma rolled, then stepped back several paces to decide her next move.

  Chancing a quick glance over her shoulder, she saw Peta grab the little girl’s arm and pull her along as he ran back to the tents. The sight of the children running for safety gave Suma a sliver of relief.

  With the children out of harm’s way, she let the wolf take control, bringing down the two Rogues, then watching as they disintegrated into ashes.

  It was then Suma returned to her human form with a burst of bright, white light. Still held in the throes of adrenaline from the fight, she hadn’t scanned her surroundings before releasing the wolf’s form.

  A gasp made her head snap in the direction of the tents, and her chest tightened when she saw the two children standing hand-in-hand, eyes wide at what they had witnessed.

  Suma sucked in a breath, waiting for screams of terror while they ran toward the tents to alert the others of the witch in their midst. But, it didn’t happen. Instead, they slowly walked toward her, their faces filled with awe.

  “H…How did you do that?” asked Peta.

  Suma smiled though she was tense and ready for rejection. She didn’t know what to say. Should I tell them I am a Skinwalker?

  “Yes, dear granddaughter.”

  Suma gasped at hearing her grandfather’s voice in her ears, and for a moment, she thought it was her imagination.

  “Grandfather?”

  “Yes, Suma. You have protected your people well. Tell them who you are and give them another chance. Times have changed in the past five years.”

  “But have the people changed?” Suma asked, still feeling reluctant on divulging her true nature.

  Her faith in her grandfather won the battle she waged inside.

  “My name is Suma. I am a Skinwalker. I have been protecting your…our people for a long time.”

  The children looked at each other, then smiled at her.

  “Thank you, Suma, for saving us,” Peta said with a boyish grin and excitement beaming in his eyes. “I don’t know why those men grabbed us, but we were scared. They were weird and turned into monsters when the wolf fought them.”

  Suma nodded, not knowing what else to say. “Uh, I think you two should go back to the tents. I’m sure everyone will be worried when they can’t find you.”

  Each child grabbed a hand, and tugged her toward the tents. Shocked over their actions, Suma didn’t move.

  “Come on,” Peta pleaded. “I want to tell my father what you did. He’ll be glad you helped us.”

  Suma started to shake her head and tell them she couldn’t go with them, but she didn’t know how to explain to the children she wouldn’t be welcome. They were too young to understand their people had turned her away.

  Steeling herself for what was about to come, Suma allowed them to pull her along to the opening in the fence.

  When they stepped through the hole, Suma noticed people frantically searching the tents and booths for the two children. Suddenly, a woman turned in her direction and cried out, alerting the others. Men and women hurried to where she and the children stood, and Suma tensed, fighting down her panic.

  For several minutes women hugged the children, checked them over to ensure themselves the little ones were uninjured and wept tears of joy while they both rambled off what had happened by the river.

  From somewhere in the background, an elderly woman stepped forward and eyed Suma speculatively. Suma saw recognition in her eyes.

  “Suma?” the woman questioned in a soft voice. “Is that you?”

  Instinctively, Suma took a step back, bracing herself for their attack. She recalled the anger and fear on the faces of those who had discovered her gift five years ago when she, as the black wolf, had fought the Rogues who had encircled a group of children as they were playing ball.

  The woman smiled warmly. “Oh, Suma. You came back.”

  With a nervous smile, she silently prayed to the Spirits her people’s recognition would remain peaceful.

  Another woman approached the crowd in a rush, and Suma tensed. Without warning, the woman seized her, embracing her tightly and cried her thanks over and over. Suma realized the woman was the children’s mother. Awkwardly, she brought up her arms and returned the embrace.

  The crowd gradually parted, catching Suma’s attention, and she stepped away from the children’s mother. Slowly, the chief, who also served as the mayor of her city, stepped into view and she sucked in a breath. Oh boy, here it comes.

  “Suma. I heard the children telling everyone what you did…what the wolf did. Thank you.”

  Suma knew her apprehension was written all over her face.

  “Come, please. Let us talk.” He motioned with his hand for her to follow, and as she walked forward, she glanced at the faces of the crowd, expecting to see the same expressions she had long ago, but found only appreciation and acceptance.

  Could this really be? Are they no longer angry and afraid?

  The mayor stepped aside, allowing Suma to enter the tent ahead of him and his wife. A rustle of sound behind her had her turning her head to find the woman pulling back the large flap covering the tent’s entrance, allowing the others to hear their elected leader speak.

  “Suma, as you know, I was not the mayor when you were forced to leave five years ago. It was all recorded, and I read the account carefully during my first year in office. I also heard the stories from many in the community, and let me say, I found the issue to be rather disturbing. This is the twentieth century for God’s sake, and it should have never happened. Our people have passed down myths and legends since the beginning, but it should have been clear to see you were not a person who would have done harm to anyone. You were born on the reservation and raised by your grandfather who was well-known throughout the community as a great man.”

  He paused a moment and regarded the group gathered outside. “For far too long we have tried to ignore the dangers around us—the creatures walking the earth at night—pretending if we closed our eyes, they would go away. That was foolish, and tonight has proven it to us. We can no longer turn a blind eye. We have to stand and fight this battle. We have to come forth and protect our own—the people of the reservation. I will be resolute in making that happen. We will create our own group of protectors, and will fight the battle with honor and bravery, just as our ancestors did in the past.”

  The mayor stepped forward and laid a hand on Suma’s shoulder, giving it a comforting squeeze. She didn’t move, wondering what was coming next.

  “Sumanitu Taka Wiya, will you return to your people and accept our humblest apologies for our actions in the past? We want, once again, to be your family and friends. We honor your gift and are in your debt. Not only for your actions tonight, but for the mere fact that even after the injustice done to you by your people, you have stood by and protected us all these years.”

  The
mayor gave her a wink, which made her realize her people had known of her presence all along, but never approached. Or had she made herself unapproachable, always within the shadows and hidden from them?

  Tears filled her eyes as she listened to the mayor’s words spoken in their native tongue—Shoshone. All cheered and clapped loudly when his speech was finished.

  No longer able to hold back the pain and loneliness she had felt all these years, she broke down and sobbed. The women of the group, including the mayor’s wife and the two children she had saved, rushed to her and held her tight in a collective embrace. Their warmth filled her, and she knew in her heart the memory of this moment would stay with her always.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Suma had politely refused the mayor’s offer to stay with them for the evening, explaining a dear friend had been injured and taken to the hospital, and she needed to check on her condition.

  During the drive across the river, guilt that Dana had ended up being seriously hurt ate at her.

  The emergency room was quiet. Suma slipped past the nurses’ station and peeked into each curtained-off section until she found her friend.

  Dana was sitting up in a hospital bed, her husband Keith by her side. An IV was taped to her arm. Suma could not see how Dana’s legs had fared since they were covered by a blanket.

  Keith straightened when she walked into the room, and she tensed, waiting for the tongue lashing she was sure was coming. His wife had risked life and limb to save her, and she could see on his face he was not pleased. She could see the concern and fear, not to mention the love for his wife.

  Suma waited several heartbeats, then walked over to Dana’s side and placed a hand over hers.

  “How are you feeling?” Suma asked, mentally kicking herself for asking such a stupid question. Obviously, Dana wasn’t feeling too hot at the moment. She was surely in pain from her injuries. Suma winced at the memory of seeing the cougar mauling her inside the cage.

  Dana gave her a warm but sleepy smile, which slightly relieved Suma’s worry. “I’m going to be fine. Just some stitches here and there. They’ve got me on some pain medication so you’ll have to forgive me if I nod off on you.”

  Suma knew Dana was playing down her injuries for her sake. She managed a small smile.

  Keith cleared his throat, but Suma dared not look at him, not yet. Her guilt was heavy in her chest, and she couldn’t bear to see the anger on his face.

  “I’m gonna walk outside and smoke. I’ll be right back.”

  He leaned down and gave Dana a loving kiss on her forehead, then left the small room.

  “He doesn’t look too happy,” Suma said warily.

  “No.” Dana laughed softly. “I’m waiting for the yelling to start. I’m sure he’s just biting his tongue until I am feeling a little better.”

  Suma held herself together when inside she wanted to scream. Dana would not have been at Jed’s place if she hadn’t run away. So caught up in her own troubles, she had been careless.

  “I’m so sorry about all this, Dana. None of this would have happened if I hadn’t left the trailer.”

  “Suma, don’t you know everything happens for a reason? It all worked out, didn’t it? Jed is gone, and we don’t have to worry about him anymore. One more animal killer is out of commission, and I am very grateful for that.”

  Suma tried to absorb the truth of what Dana was saying, but her eyes could only see Dana’s bruised and bandaged body.

  “Did you find Rayne and tell him what happened?”

  Dana’s question halted her sad thoughts, and made them shift gears. She had found Rayne at the park, but had realized a relationship between them would not work, so she had done the only thing she could do—walked away.

  “Yes. He was at the park as you said, but he was in the middle of a battle against the Rogues. Seems more of the creatures had been dropped off. The good news was he was not alone. Other Watchers were there to help, and it looked to me like they were doing a good job.”

  As Dana stared at her a moment, Suma knew the woman was trying to read her face and what she was not saying. Finally, her friend sighed heavily.

  “You didn’t talk to him, did you?”

  What Suma didn’t want at the moment was to have this discussion, so she changed the subject.

  “My people are safe. No one was hurt tonight.”

  Dana smiled. “That’s good news. I’m glad it turned out okay.”

  Suma beamed at her, then her smile faded. “I will be returning with them to Utah. We will be leaving sometime tomorrow.”

  Though Dana tried to play it off, Suma could see the disappointment on her friend’s face as she spoke.

  “I know. You belong with your people, but what about Rayne? Are you going to tell him?”

  Suma shrugged and looked down at her hand still covering Dana’s. She really should let Rayne know she was leaving, she told herself. He deserved to know. She had been accepted back into her tribe and hoped he would be happy for her.

  Then, she remembered his situation. He was the only remaining Karankawa. She had been alone only a few years, whereas he had lived alone for over a hundred. Her heart ached at the thought, but what else could she do?

  Rayne stood in his bedroom, taking in the earthy, peaceful scent into his lungs. He had been gone for days and was glad to be back home. Home.

  Was this his home now? He could see himself at home with Suma, but the thought was crazy.

  Aggravated, he tossed his jacket and bag on the bed. With a hard jerk, he unzipped the bag and began unpacking, tossing dirty clothes into the laundry basket and placing items he did not use in the dresser.

  Rayne paused when he looked at the small wooden box his father had presented to him long ago. Memories flooded him as he opened it.

  Rayne’s eighteenth birthday…

  A gentle breeze flowed through the village as the women cleaned the fish the men had gathered for the evening meal. Laughter from the children rang through the air as they played chase with one another.

  Rayne’s father beckoned, and he followed along a short path to sit on a boulder beside a cliff.

  “Rayne, my son. You have grown into quite a man—a man any father would be proud to call son.”

  Rayne smiled, pride settling in his heart at his father’s words.

  “I am glad I please you, Father. I have always tried to follow the ways of your teaching. You are a great man.”

  His father turned to him and pulled a wooden box from his pocket. Rayne took the box and held it up to the sunlight, admiring the intricate carvings on all sides.

  “What is it, Father?”Rayne asked, unable to keep the awe from his voice.

  “Open it, my son. It is a gift from the Spirits.”

  Rayne gently opened the lid, and stared at what was inside—a necklace with a leather strap holding a pendent in the shape of a hawk carved out of a coral, giving it a slight golden color.

  Rayne was confused.

  “What does this mean, Father?”

  His father chuckled, a sound Rayne loved to hear.

  “It means it is time for you to take up your destiny, my son. The Spirits have spoken, and it is you who will protect our people. As you know, our numbers are small, and many fall from sickness and war. You may not be able to protect us from the sickness, but there is evil out there. Things you do not yet know, but will in time. And you will protect us.”

  Rayne held himself still as his father reached for the necklace, and placed it around his neck. He lifted the pendent and held it in his palm.

  “My son, you are a Skinwalker and this is your totem spirit. It will become a part of you once you accept it. It is the will of the Spirits, my son. A great honor.”

  Rayne lifted the hawk pendant from his father’s hand, then felt warmth spread throughout his body. His eyes grew big, and he turned to his father.

  The look on his father’s face was of pride, and though tears filled the man’s eyes, Rayne knew his fath
er would not let them fall in front of his son. Instead, he cleared his throat and explained further.

  “Your totem spirit will come whenever you call. All you need do is hold the totem in your hands, and reach out to the totem spirit, accept it and draw it near. It will be there for you, always.”

  Rayne nodded in understanding. His heart not only held joy, there was also fear of what the gift truly meant. “I will make you and our people proud, Father, and the Spirits as well.”

  Present…

  Rayne recalled how he had accepted his totem spirit, the hawk, and reveled in its strength. Like a child with a new toy, he had soared through the air, seeing how fast, and how high he could go. Happiness had engulfed him until the evening the Rogues had attacked his village and slaughtered everyone—every man, woman and child. Even the animals had been ripped apart. All while he had been away, flying as if he hadn’t a care in the world.

  Rayne blinked back the tears, coming out of his memories of his people and how he had let them down. His heart was heavy and guilt lay like lead inside his heart. Never would he forgive himself, and he felt the Spirits would never forgive him either. He didn’t deserve forgiveness for his selfishness.

  Dana’s voice and what she had said after he had told her of his past flowed through his thoughts. “What could one man, even one hawk for that matter, do against the Rogues? You would have been killed just like all the rest. Then, there would be no more of your people left. You, Rayne, are their legacy. You.”

  If only it were true, Rayne thought. He would give anything to go back to that day and do it over again.

  A sudden draft blew through the bedroom, and Rayne jumped and glanced around the room. No one was there, but he could not get past the feeling he was no longer alone. He turned to the necklace lying in the bottom of the little wooden box and with shaking hands picked it up.

  The hawk seemed to glimmer in his palm.

  “My son.”

  Hearing his father’s voice, Rayne froze, his breath catching in his throat and almost choking him. Slowly, he turned around to see the man whom he loved so dearly standing in his room, looking as he did the last day he and Rayne had spoken.