The Touch of Snow

by Anna Edwards

  "He beat me black and blue when I wouldn’t suck his dick. I've still got scars." The final girl pushed her way through the crowd and lifted up her top to show a two-inch scar on her stomach.

  "Miss Harper, I should be asking you to let go of Mr. Henderson and arresting you for assault," The sheriff said as he appeared at the door. Kas was right by Selene's side, he would get her out of there if need be. "But, I think I must have got something in my eyes because I didn’t witness any assault. Mr. Henderson had a funny turn after hearing his many wrongdoings finally being exposed. He stumbled against a table, a booth and the floor; I'm sure everyone in here saw that. Jessie? Caroline? Bethany?" The three girls who had spoken up stepped forward. "I think we need to take statements from you three, and anyone else that has a story to tell about Mr. Henderson. Deputy." A scrawny little man appeared. "Take the girls to my office and interview them, please. I'll bring Mr. Henderson in."

  Selene pushed her foot one final time into Stuart's back causing him to cry out again. The sheriff smirked. "Miss Harper, I want to thank you for making a citizen's arrest. I hope to see you around town a lot more.”

  "Thank you, Sheriff."

  The sheriff took Stuart from under her boot and pulled him out the door. The crowd in the restaurant approached her one by one to give her thanks before dispersing. Kas pulled down the strap of her cardigan.

  "Excuse me?"

  "Cream." He pulled out a tube of the lotion that Brayden rubbed on her bruises previously.

  "Seriously, you carry that stuff around with you?" she huffed.

  "Always. I've learned to expect the unexpected. Even more so since you arrived," Kas grumbled.

  Jane came up to her and gave her a massive embrace.

  "Oh my God, you were so brave. Nobody has ever stood up to him. I know his father is going to be livid about this. Maybe the town will realize now they don't need to back down to him all the time."

  "I hope so. Maybe we should stay here a little while longer to ensure everything is alright?" Selene suggested.

  "I'll be fine," Jane quickly replied.

  "I have allies nearby. I will have them come here immediately to keep watch." Kas pulled his phone out of his pocket and started to dial.

  "Kas, there is no need." Jane frowned.

  "No arguments." Selene shook her head at Jane, there was no point in trying to argue with him

  "Stuart's father will be spending the next few hours trying to get his son out of jail. The people of this town have hated that family for a long time. You've brought about change. See? I told you; you exist because you were given to those that need help." Jane was so happy with her.

  "I guess." Selene felt a sense of pride

  "You better believe it. Now go find my son."

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  "Welcome back Selene." Scott sidled up to her and put his arm around her shoulders. "It's good to see your happy, smiling face back in our home. Can I help you to your room with your bags? Or rather, get Tyler to carry them to your room?"

  "Hey, what?" The wolf looked confused.

  "I'm alright Scott, my bag is light. I think I can manage it." Selene smiled sweetly and shrugged off Scott’s arm.

  "Yeah, back off. The lady needs room to breathe and not have your stinky lion breath all over her the second she walks in the door." Katia greeted her with a kiss on the cheek.

  "Bloody male chauvinist pig. Sorry, lion." Emma kissed the other cheek. "She doesn't want you in her pants, remember the conversation we had where I said you are not God's gift to women. You're a big pain in the ass, and your mane is going gray."

  "You lie!" It was the lion's turn to look shocked. "How could you say something like that? I'm not turning gray. Selene, please, she's lying, isn't she?" Before she had time to answer Scott was running up the stairs with his hands in his hair.

  "That was mean, Emma, he'll be in front of the mirror all day now checking for gray hair," Kas grumbled.

  "Yes, but we will get some peace and quiet." Emma gave an evil cackle.

  "Here." Zain stepped forward and handed her a plate. "It's a honey sandwich to say sorry for making you so upset you had to leave. I know I get a bit protective of my honey, but I do so like it."

  "Um. Thank-you." She looked at the dripping mess on the plate. It was more bread swimming in honey than a sandwich. I'll eat it later, if that is alright? I'd like to find Brayden first. Kas said you were probably the best person to take me."

  "Of course. I'd like that. Miss Molly said he was up on Harrison's Glacier when she last saw him. We'll check there first." The bear was almost jumping with excitement.

  "Emma," she handed her the plate, "Can you put that in the fridge for me for later, please?"

  "You can't put honey in the refrigerator.” Zain grabbed the plate back. “It goes all funny. No, I'll eat it to give me energy before we leave. I can make you a fresh one later."

  "That's a good idea." Emma laughed behind Zain's back as the bear swallowed the sandwich in one gulp and then licked the plate.

  "Let's go." Selene was ready, more than ready, to find her man.

  It had taken them a while to get up the mountain; she wasn't as good a climber as the others. At one point Zain had transformed into a bear so that they could negotiate a rocky passage with ease. The further up they got the colder she felt. She could see why Brayden loved to be up here. His body temperature was definitely a degree or two higher than most other people.

  If Death Valley felt like, well, death, then Glacial National Park was life. Even in the craggy rocky cliffs plants grew, small alpines full of color. It was a heavenly place.

  Zain got up on his hind legs, sniffed the air, and let out a roar. It was returned by a growl that she instantly recognized. It wasn't too far away. She started to run toward the sound, stopping when she realized Zain wasn't following.

  "You're not coming?"

  He shook his head and pointed to a river a little down the mountain.

  "Salmon?"

  He grunted.

  "Is Brayden far?"

  Zain motioned with his hand for her to go.

  "Thank you."

  Hopefully, one day, she would get the telepathic link that the others had so that she was able to talk to them in animal form. For now, she knew Zain was happy with finding his dinner. He was a bear, a simple bear, who thought primarily of his stomach and left more challenging things to the others.

  She jumped over a small clearing and found herself in a lake of ice. It was beautiful. She'd never seen anything like it before, you didn't tend to get ice in Death Valley. She placed her hand down onto it. Cold. She pulled back and blew on her hand to warm it up. This was Brayden's home, his natural territory, his safe place. The rumbling mewls hit her before she saw him appear, in snow leopard form, from a shallow fault in the glacier. He was absolutely stunning. His sleek coat was splattered with black spots, his eyes were large and vibrantly green, and they stared into her very soul. He came before her, and she knelt in submission. He was a wild beast and deserved respect even though she knew he would never hurt her. She unbuttoned her shirt and folded it neatly beside her. Brayden's ears pricked up and he sat in front of her contentedly. She got to her feet, removed her jeans and knickers, and knelt back on the ice. Surely she should feel some cold, but she was surrounded by warmth that came from Brayden.

  "I'm going to touch you," she cooed. He got to his feet and took a step back with a snort of disapproval. "Please. I know you don't want to hurt me. I accept what we cannot be for now. I give you whatever I can because I love you. I'm yours Brayden, in mind, spirit, and when we can, body. That will never change. I kneel on ice, but I feel no cold because you are with me. Let me be yours."

  He stepped forward on large paws covered in white and black fur. Such was his magnificence and power that she knew that in one swipe, he could kill her. She felt so tiny in comparison to him. He lowered his head and with a slight quiver, she touched his soft fur. The tingle came instantly, and she star
ted to shift, her entire body transforming itself.

  She shut her eyes as the last vestiges of her body switched. She knew when she opened them, the world would look different. How did a cat see? Was it in color? Brayden mewled; he was waiting for her.

  She opened her eyes. Cats saw in color, but it wasn’t as vivid. She had a wider vision but not as clear. It made her a little queasy. She inhaled a deep breath, and scents from all over engulfed her. A rustle nearby caught her now-enhanced hearing. She turned her head, her vision taking a moment to catch up. A bird hopped out of the bushes, took one look at them, and flew away. Brayden settled beside her and started to purr. His head nuzzled her side as he licked her fur.

  Brayden got to his feet and mewled for her to follow him. He made sure to keep his tail touching her at all times. They jumped over a few rocks at a slow speed so that she could get used to being on four, not two, legs. She found her stability and stamina before they chased through the park. They sprinted past Zain in the river. The big bear had a large salmon in his mouth and looked very happy. Eventually, they came to a stop before a cave. Brayden nodded for her to go in. It must have been the place he'd been sheltering since there were clothes and a blanket inside. She'd thought he would spend all his time as a leopard in the wild, but he must have changed a few times. She wanted to speak to him. She shut her eyes and thought hard on her words.

  "Your home."

  "Yes."

  The word popped into her head. Her eyes sprang open, and she stared at him.

  "You heard that?" The thoughts entered her head again.

  "Yes." She concentrated on her reply.

  "You are evolving with your powers. We will beat this one day."

  "We will. But till then, I want this."

  She was very careful to ensure that the tip of her tail still touched him but presented herself to him, her sex in animal form for him to take. He growled, the pupils in his eyes dilating. The cave had little light, but with her cat's eyes, she saw everything. They could not be mates in her natural form but in his, they could. They could join together as one and have a life. Brayden walked a circle around her, brushing up against her, marking her. He took her neck in his mouth, his teeth not breaking her skin, and she bowed to him. He was the master here.

  She let out an impatient cry and was sure she got a chuckle in her head back, but her ability to form cognitive speech had disappeared. She had never wanted something so badly. Brayden mounted her back and she waited for him to enter her. Waited. Waited.

  "I can't do it." He stepped away, human again, and she changed back to normal as well.

  "Brayden. I want it. Please," she pleaded.

  "I know you do. And I want so much to give you it because I want it too, but I want our first time to be special, not animalistic rutting."

  She shivered, the cold suddenly getting to her.

  "Cover me up in that blanket. We made progress today with the telepathy so it shows it can be done. We've got hope." Brayden picked up the blanket and pulled it around her shoulders. He made sure not to touch her flesh but held her as close as he could.

  "I missed you."

  "I missed you, too. Kas took me to see your mother."

  "And she sent you straight back here."

  "Sort of. But not before I dealt with Stuart. I did learn something from my lessons."

  "You’re turning into a formidable fighter.” He smiled. “I spoke to Molly, the old puma I told you about once."

  "I know, she told the others you ate all her dinner." She lightly punched him, playfully, in the stomach.

  "I did not. I ate three-quarters of it." He pouted in response.

  "You'll have to take me to meet her one day."

  "One day?"

  "When I can run on my own."

  "You're not giving up?"

  "No, I'll do this. I'll work it out. I'm going to ask Jessica to remove the spell so I can practice harder. I was created for a reason, and that is to be with you." She raised her hand to touch his cheek but stopped short of his skin.

  "One day. One day we'll be together in every sense of the word."

  "Why one day?" A crack of lightning flooded the cave, and Nuka appeared. Brayden stood in front of her; fangs displayed.

  "Calm down pussy cat. I'm not here to harm you. I'm here to help you." Nuka rolled his eyes. “Cats. Pounce first, think later.”

  "Help? You've never helped anyone in your life," Brayden snarled.

  "You've been painted an atrocious picture of me, haven't you? I bet Kas even told you I killed your father." Nuka crossed his hands over his chest to feign injury to his reputation.

  "Kas said nothing, but I know that you were there."

  "Yes, I was. I know what happened and all is not what it seems." Nuka barked back his teeth clenched.

  "Are you trying to tell me Kas killed my father? Because I won't believe you."

  "Alas, I have no proof of who killed your father, but I do have this." He pulled a phone from his pocket and pressed play. Kas and Jessica's voices appeared.

  “Are you sure you can segregate the spell?”

  “Yes, it’s a simple adjustment. It won’t take much.”

  “And she will not be able to touch Brayden without shifting?'”

  “No. We’ll control her. We can use her powers for our needs.”

  “I will go and wake her, then.”

  She could feel it, through the blanket, every fiber in Brayden's body breaking down as he struggled to take in what was on the phone. It was a betrayal of the worst kind. Kas and Jessica had adjusted the spell so that she would not be able to touch him.

  "I'm sorry that I had to be the one to bring that to you. I didn’t want to, but I felt you needed to know. I also believe, that, may give you some insight into the murder of your father as well Brayden."

  "They tricked us."

  "Yes. And in the cruelest way. My brother craves power. Selene, you are a threat to that power. You have the strength in you to be what we cannot. An ultimate shifter—to be any animal, alive or dead—and that scares him because it means you are stronger than him."

  "And he can never control me because the only person I will ever submit to is Brayden. My mate. We have the power to take over the pack." She could see that Kas had misplaced fear in what she would do to the pack.

  "I have a druid who can help you. He visited the Council shortly after Jessica and was given the spell as well. If you consent, we can go to him, and I'll have him perform the spell correctly. You can be together. I'll even allow you my master suite so you can consummate your relationship all day." He winked at them.

  "How can we trust you?" Brayden was rightfully concerned, but he had an edge of hope in his voice.

  "I lost everything with my grandfather's death. I've wanted revenge; I coveted it. I'm not afraid to say that. But what I want more than anything is for shifters to be free to live happily and not be governed by a Council that knows nothing about how we live. I want you two to have the freedom to live alone up here in the mountains if you wish. I don't think you should trust me; I want to give you something others don't."

  "What do you think?" Brayden turned to her.

  "I'm stunned that they betrayed us. I don't know who to trust. There's only you."

  “Kas has always been controlling. He likes everyone in their place. I believe that he is scared of the power you wield.”

  “But enough to keep you from finding happiness?”

  “I don’t know. Jessica seemed to enjoy the fact that your power amplified hers. She’s always wanted to be a stronger witch.”

  “What about the others? Do you think they know?”

  “I hope not. It will destroy the pack. I don’t want to think about that. Right now we have to concentrate on what is best for us. If Jessica and Kas did indeed do this, we will demand justice later.”

  "Do you want to give the spell a try?" Selene asked him.

  "We've got nothing left to lose." Brayden turned back to Nuka. "We will
come with you."

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Nuka's mansion was a palatial log cabin in the forest near Moraine Lake in Banff National Park. The snow leopard in him fought to explore, run free. He suppressed it for the more urgent need at hand.

  "Thank you, Jackson." Nuka acknowledged the guy who had brought them some drinks. From the smell of him, he was definitely a feline. Probably a panther. Brayden tried not to growl at him.

  "Ciaran will be here momentarily. He is finalizing what he needs for the spell."

  "We've waited this long. We can wait a few moments more." Selene squeezed Brayden’s hand as she spoke.

  "I've asked one of the tigresses to prepare the room for after. You will be welcome here as long as you wish. I know I have a reputation of being a tyrant, but I hope that you’ll find I'm not as bad as rumor paints me."

  "We hope not as well." Why would Kas betray them like this? They just wanted to be an average couple. Was Selene really that much of a threat? Maybe Kas was not the man that Brayden thought he was. If so, then why had he cared for him like a son since his father had died? He was barely a man himself. Nothing made sense.

  "How did you get the audio on your phone?" Something didn’t add up to Brayden

  "I wondered when you would ask. I have Kas’ offices bugged."

  "No, you don't. Jessica does regular sweeps."

  "I'm afraid the witch's powers are inferior to those of my druid. After all, he was her teacher until she turned against him."

  "Ciaran had an affair with a wild dog. I think she had a right to turn against him." Brayden wasn’t going to allow Nuka to paint Ciaran as a good man.

  "She did not have the right to have him thrown off the Council. He was good at his job," Nuka barked back.

  "That depends on your interpretation of the Council’s rules. Jessica was his pupil, and the wild dog his subordinate."

  "I see that we will not agree on this.” Nuka stopped that particular with a wave of his hand. “I can assure you that the video came from one of my hidden devices." Brayden tried not to laugh. Nuka had the same attitude Kas had on occasions, even down to the pretentious tone.