I was half-asleep on my feet, trying not to compute how long or far we’d walked, when we heard a distant shout. Immediately wide awake, I called out my list of names telepathically as the wolves took off running, Josh and I following as fast as we could.
No response, but that didn’t mean one of them wasn’t who’d shouted. Fighting for your life took precedence over answering calls. A low, slender branch left a welt on my cheek. “Ouch.”
Josh dodged left, disappearing behind another tree, and I almost stopped, worried he wouldn’t reappear. But he did, bobbing his head when I swung my arm to indicate he should stay close. The wolves had outdistanced us, and I didn’t want to lose the kid too.
Shouldn’t have worried about losing the wolves. Irina appeared, running our way, but she turned and ran off again when she saw us. It was enough to know they were making certain we didn’t get lost.
Another shout, louder this time, made it clear we were all still heading in the right direction. Grigory popped into sight ahead of us, instantly turning and dashing back the way he had come. I didn’t know if that meant they hadn’t reached whoever was shouting yet, or that they were trying to get us to hurry and catch up because they had.
I was useful in a fight, but would be hampered by my need to keep Josh safe since he was human. Probably should say something to him. I huffed most of the words out. “When we get there, stay close and behind me.”
“Okay.” He wheezed the word. Obviously, he’d been spending too much time behind a keyboard for a kid his age. I wasn’t his parent though. Just the closest available adult.
We burst through a line of trees and I skidded to a halt, grabbing Josh’s arm. “What the hell is that?”
“That” was a large, dark gray creature with wings, a long neck, and horns on its head that glinted blue in the weak moonlight. It kind of looked like a dragon, except it only had back legs. There were wickedly long claws at the tips of its wings. Nick avoided one as it swung one wing forward, opening its mouth to shoot a stream of flame at the only humanoid figure involved in the fight, who dove aside to avoid becoming a cinder.
“Drake,” Josh huffed. “They’re related to dragons but not as smart.”
He’d gotten a better magical education than I had. The wolves were trying to circle the drake. Not an easy task, because it also had a long, spike-ended tail.
One it was fond of swinging around. I winced when it struck Grigory and sent him flying several feet. The black wolf hit the ground, rolled over twice, and was back on his feet to shake it off and charge back into the fray again within seconds.
Okay, what can I do? I wanted to act, just wasn’t sure what would work best. The drake was too big for me to throw around with telekinesis. “Do you know if this is one of the critters they’ve given sanctuary to here?”
“It wasn’t listed in the brochure, and those elves didn’t mention it either.” Josh edged closer to me. “Why?”
“I don’t want to hurt or kill it if it’s supposed to be here. Are there are lot of them?”
He shook his head. “I don’t know.”
The drake opened its mouth to shoot another flame. That, I could do something about. With my aerokinetic ability, I pulled air away from the flame’s path. The fire sputtered out just a few feet past the drake’s muzzle, and the creature raised its head and shook it. “Heh.”
“You did that?”
“Yep.” I did it again when the drake whipped its head around and tried to fry Irina. Using my cryokinesis to freeze the drake also occurred to me, but I didn’t want to be responsible for killing the last one alive, if it were the last of its kind.
Maybe if I hurt it a little, it’ll take off. I may have grinned at that thought, before calling on my telekinetic ability and sending a surge of it to whack the hell out of the drake’s head. Right after I did it, Josh yelled at the others to back off, which was a good idea. I didn’t want one of them to get smacked by the drake while I was whopping it around.
They heard the kid and obeyed, running to join us. The humanoid figure was one of the elves who had been in charge of the petting zoo.
It took several telekinetic punches before the drake had had enough of being attacked by something it couldn’t see. Spreading its wings, the drake shot a final, defiant flame in our direction and leaped into the air. I gave it a final swat on the ass to speed it on its way.
Chapter Eleven
Once the drake was out of sight, I dusted my hands together and smiled. “There.”
“Thank you all for coming to my aid.” The elf bowed. He was the lilac-eyed one who’d been on hand for us, during our visit to the petting zoo: Taenallen.
“You’re welcome.” I wasted no time, having a resident in my grasp. “Do you know what’s going on?”
He tilted his head, wiping a streak of blood away from his hairline. Whatever wound the blood had leaked from was gone, which meant it couldn’t have been too bad. “How much do you know about realms such as this?”
“They’re magical, there’s a construct that manages them, and only people tagged in can interact with that construct.” Hah. Look at me, remembering things I hadn’t been certain were important to know.
“Yes. Our magical construct has been tampered with in some fashion. It won’t respond to me, nor the others, judging by the fact that things haven’t been returned to normal.”
Since we’d found him trying to fight off a drake, I’d guessed he hadn’t had any luck fixing things. “Okay. What should we do, Taenallen?”
“Even though the construct’s not responding to me, I am still bonded to it. Even with the changes, I’m able to sense where the main access point for it is, and have been making my way there.” He pushed his long, black hair over his shoulders. “We should find others there, as they’ll be doing the same, and perhaps between us all, we’ll be able to make repairs.”
If any others were still alive. I nodded, our new plan crystal clear. “Then we’ll make sure you get there. Lead the way.”
The elf bowed again. “Of course, my lady.”
It struck me how strange it was that several elves had shelved me under the “my lady” or “Lady” label. Maybe I’d find out why someday, but for now, we were off once again, after he indicated the direction.
Josh, on my left, asked the question I was hesitating to. “What happens if you can’t fix it?”
“I’d rather not contemplate that.”
Oh, boy. I didn’t want to contemplate it either, seeing his grim expression. Would we be stuck here, or could I teleport everyone out? “How far do we have to go?”
Taenallen frowned. “We shouldn’t have more than a few hours’ travel. However,” he made a small gesture with one hand, “the current situation may result in time and distance difficulties.”
I remembered the path changing constantly with a shiver. “Yay. Hey, was the drake one of the animals you guys gave a home to?”
The elf shook his head. “No. We don’t... didn’t have drakes in this realm. They can be vicious and destructive creatures.”
Whoops. Maybe I should’ve done more damage then. The way things were going, I’d probably get another crack at the drake. A sudden, stiff wind from behind slung my hair into my face. We all turned and looked up, probably expecting it to be the drake coming in for a rear attack.
Instead, we discovered clouds boiling into storm cells overhead. Taenallen sighed. “Weather difficulties as well.”
“Crap.”
An hour later, it was obvious we had to find shelter. The wind moaned and screamed, causing the trees to dance wildly, and low branches to slash at the three of us on two legs. Rain had begun pouring down in sheets, making it hard to see and creating a massive amount of mud. My running shoes were caked and full of it, while my jeans were splashed with mud up to the knees.
The elf, Josh, and I kept track of each other by keeping hold of clothing. I had a fistful of Taenallen’s shirt tail, while Josh had a death grip on the bottom of my jacket. Nick wasn’t avoid
ing me any longer. He trudged along beside me, his head ducked and his fur plastered to his body.
I heard a howl. The elf changed course toward it, and a few minutes later, we were out of the rain and wind. The other wolves had found a pile of huge rocks tumbled together, which formed a reasonably sized cave at the center after passing under two leaning on each other. “Thank God.”
Josh let go and sank down. “Wow. I’ve never been this tired or cold in my life.”
Taenallen slicked his hair back, gathered it all in one hand, and squeezed out rain water. “I have some useful magics.”
I tried to follow his hair-wringing example. “Anything helps.”
The wolves were taking turns shaking their fur out by the entrance. The elf began gathering rocks and piling them in the center of the space. Me? I plopped down by Josh, making a face at my filthy jeans and shoes. “On the whole, this sucks.”
“Yeah.” He yawned and shivered. “I hope my mom’s okay. I mean, Rourke’s with her and all, but this is way past crazy.”
“Yep, even for me.” Had things been crazy for his mom? Maybe we’d get a chance to talk after this was over. If it were ever over.
A flash of heat turned both our eyes to Taenallen’s rock pile. The rocks glowed a dull red, and he smiled at us. “As I said, I have some useful magicks.”
Hot damn, I need to learn that trick. Our whole group gathered around the pile to warm up. The male wolf shifters changed back to their human forms, but Irina didn’t after glancing at Josh. Nice of her to respect human customs.
Things took a turn for the better when the elf opened a small pouch hanging from his belt and asked, “Is anyone hungry? I always carry food supplies.”
After a much-needed meal of bread, cheese, jerky, dried fruits, and fresh water thanks to Taenallen’s magical pouch, we all were yawning. The elf did his best to explain how he had heated the rocks, and I tried to mimic his magic with my pyro ability, only to cause my practice pebble to explode.
The elf heated more rocks and made a perimeter circle of sorts around us and his original heated pile, creating a lovely space heater. He also agreed to take first watch, while the rest of us bedded down.
I fell asleep instantly, and slept hard until Logan said Sweetheart? Can you hear me?
That woke me, and I sat up looking around for him. Everyone but Patrick was asleep. He’d apparently taken over the watch, and was sitting by one of the outer rock heaters, guarding the entrance with his back to me. Logan?
For a second, I thought I’d merely been dreaming. His mental voice had sounded faint. Then I heard Yes. Where are you? Are you all right?
I’m filthy, but otherwise good. Where are you? Are you okay?
I’ve been better. Could use a hot bath and a good night’s sleep, now that I know you’re okay. Are you alone?
I hesitated for a second. All this time, and I hadn’t gotten any response from him, despite how frequently I’d telepathically shouted his name. Asking if I were alone wasn’t necessarily suspicious, but things were crazy. Someone could be mimicking his voice. Before I answer that, tell me something only we’d know about.
His chuckle sounded right before he went into great detail about our most recent love-making session. My blush flared into being like a supernova, and I checked to be certain no one had woken up and was watching me. Patrick wasn’t looking my way. Okay, okay.
I could go on for hours, but if you’re convinced I’m me, I’ll stop.
I’m convinced. No, I’m not alone. I’m with Nick, Patrick, two other shifters, the elf from the petting zoo, and that teenager, Josh. I waited for a second. Are you alone?
No. I have Rourke, Tasha, and Cressley with me. Is Josh all right?
I glanced at the sleeping kid and smiled. He’s filthy too, but otherwise fine.
We just made his mother extremely happy, Logan said. By the way, she’s a...
Natural mage like me. I know. Josh let it slip.
I could almost feel his smile through our link as he said I’m not going to pass that on. She’s about as much a fan of publicity as you are.
His mental voice sounded less faded. You sound like you’re getting closer.
I think we are. I just smelled your scent on a leaf.
I kind of wanted to scream “Yay!” but swallowed it to keep from waking everyone. Keep talking, and I’ll let you know when you hit normal volume.
I’ll check in every couple of minutes. Will that work, my queen?
Instant dopey grin. Absolutely.
I’d need to warn Patrick we might be about to have visitors, and got up to do so. He looked over his shoulder as I approached. “Can’t sleep?”
“Oh, I could use some more, but I think it can wait. I finally picked up Logan.”
He cocked his head and gave me a shadow of the leer I knew he was capable of. “Wet dream?”
“I’m gonna smack you.” If he hadn’t looked so tired, I would have right then. “No. Telepathically. He’s with a few others, and said he just found a leaf with my scent on it.”
“Are you certain it’s him?” was his next question, his leer gone.
I nodded. “I was suspicious too, but yes, it’s him.”
Cordi? Logan sounded louder.
I’m here. Patrick’s standing watch for us and I told him what’s going on. Hey, can you see a big pile of rocks?
Let me climb a tree.
I waited. Logan spoke a moment later. I see what looks like the top of a large rock pile. Any chance you can make a signal, so I know it’s the right one?
Just a minute. “I’m going outside for a second.”
“Why?”
“He can see rocks, wants to make sure it’s our pile of rocks. I’m going to give a signal.”
Patrick nodded, but said, “What if your signal brings someone else?”
“I’ll set their asses on fire, or put ‘em on ice, if they’re not friendly.”
“I approve of that plan.”
Rolling my eyes, I prepared to get soaked again, went outside, and within twenty seconds, was sopping wet. I had to walk far enough away to be able to see the top of our rocky haven. Okay, watch for fire.
I’m watching, Logan assured me.
I was only able to cause a brief flash of fire. Did you...
That’s the right pile of rocks! We’re maybe ten, fifteen minutes from you. He sighed. And I’m going to give you the biggest hug the second I see you.
Not if I give you the biggest one first. Laughing, I ran back inside. “They’ll be here soon.”
Patrick smiled. “Good. This is a situation where more is definitely better.”
I sat down near the rock heater he was using, a little between him and the entrance, and began counting down seconds to keep track of the passing time.
Twelve minutes later I was on my feet, running into Logan’s arms.
Chapter Twelve
Two mini-reunions occurred, waking the rest of those who were sleeping. Actually, it was my initial shriek of joy that woke up everyone, before I launched myself at Logan. I passed a waterlogged Tasha as she ran straight for her son, but was too busy enjoying my reunion to watch theirs.
Logan caught me with a wide smile, lifting me high enough that I was able to wrap my legs around his waist. He buried his face into the crook of my neck and took a deep breath before lifting his head to meet my eyes. I planted the best “I missed you way too much” kiss on him that I had in me, and drew a deep, rusty purr from him.
We sort of clung together for a moment after that before I reluctantly uncrossed my ankles so he could lower me to my feet. Logan didn’t let go, bending his neck to press his forehead against mine, and said, “I missed the hell out of you.”
“He’s not lying,” a male voice said, and I turned my head just enough to see Rourke grinning at us. He was the only shifter with clothes on. “I’ll wait for an official intro, since you two are busy.”
He walked past, out of my view, and I turned my full attention bac
k to Logan. “I missed the hell out of you too.”
From somewhere behind us, Taenallen asked, “Is anyone hungry?”
We settled down around the ol’ rock heater pile to partake of the elf’s apparently never-ending supply of food. Cressley and I trapped Logan between us. The dwarven girl ate quietly, studying the group from under her lashes. She’d hugged Taenallen before picking her seat.
I brought the new arrivals up to speed on our adventures thus far after the “official intros” had been completed, so everyone knew who everyone was. Logan spoke for his group.
“We three,” he indicated himself, Rourke, and Tasha, “met up on the path right after I left. We found Cressley about an hour later. She’d been the last one to leave the main building, and was walking home when the event occurred.”
Josh and I traded a look of shared suffering, realizing that we were the only ones aside from the elf to have been on our own for hours and hours.
Rourke cleared his throat. “So the plan is to reach the main access, and figure things out from there?”
“Yup, that’s what we got,” I said.
He looked at Logan. “Can you carry her and Josh?”
My boyfriend—I should think of a cutesy, sappy nickname for him—nodded. “Yes, with a short break every few miles.”
“Okay, then the rest of us will shift. Except you,” Rourke nodded at Taenallen.
My eyebrows rose and my mouth dropped half-open while I looked at Tasha. He couldn’t possibly mean... “Wait a minute. I thought you were a...”
“I am, but one of my abilities makes it possible for me to change my shape to that of a wolf.” She stared at the rock pile and lifted one shoulder as Patrick and company looked at her. “Sorry, I know it’s not exactly a favorite for real wolf shifters.”
“If it’s a problem for any of you, you can take it up with me.” Rourke’s pleasant smile didn’t reach his eyes.
“You have the she-wolf ability?” Taenallen’s eyes nearly fell from their sockets. I’d never seen an elf look so surprised. His lips even formed an O when she nodded, her cheeks tinged pink. “That’s extremely rare.”
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