“You can have pizza but no beer.”
“I’ve had beer before.”
“I don’t care. It won’t be happening again until you’re twenty-one.”
Her stubborn gaze landed on the other two wolves. “Is he always such a spoil sport?”
“Yes,” they both answered at the same time.
“I was afraid of that.” She flounced away without another word and the three men followed.
The pizza tasted delicious. Even Vorlyk took a few bites. Vampires could eat food in small amounts but most didn’t bother.
Nicolas wanted to sit by Zenya, but she had Amy on one side and Samson on the other. His wolf didn’t like how close the other werewolf was to Zenya. When Samson scooped up a piece of pepperoni from Zenya’s camo-covered thigh, a low growl rumbled from Nicolas’s throat and everyone looked his way.
Samson put a few inches between himself and Zenya, but didn’t give up his seat. The group broke up a short time later, and the men went back to their trailer for some shut eye before dark rolled in.
Nicolas couldn’t hold back his irritation when Samson said he was sleeping with his men and not making use of the trailer. “Be sure to stay with your men.”
The werewolf looked at Nicolas and then looked away before speaking. “I have no interest in Zenya other than seeing she’s cared for. Word won’t circulate fast enough for her to be out of complete danger, and even then some wolves will still consider her a traitor.”
“I will watch over Zenya.”
“She’s not your pack.”
“She will be.” With those words, he tossed the gauntlet, and for the first time since the impromptu meal, his wolf rejoiced.
“So that’s how it is?” Samson smiled.
“That’s how it is.”
Samson walked away whistling.
The humans kept their distance. Most had no idea what the trailers held. The existence of werewolves and vampires was “need to know” and access to the secret meant you existed at the top of the chain of command. The cats, wolves, and vampires quietly entered the military camp and then took their leave an hour after the sun went down. Samson and his group left, heading in the other direction, minus Nicolas’s two wolves.
They made a straight shot out of the desert, then into the Arizona Mountains, and approached the center of the Southwest Clan’s territory hours later.
The temperature dropped and Nicolas couldn’t help thinking of his home high in the mountains of Ohio. He wanted to look out over Lake Erie and smell his land again. He shook off the feelings of melancholy knowing it would be a long road before he stepped foot in his territory. There were cats and vampires to kill first, and the wolf clans needed to stay close to each other and avoid another attack like the one that took out his clan. He would wait.
Chapter Seventeen
In the early dawn hours the three vehicles approached the main residence. Marcus and Columbus waited at the front of the house. Marcus kissed Amy and then drew Zenya in for a long hug. “Our motley children have missed you and I’m quite sick of having my wife worry.”
Zenya smiled shyly at Marcus. “Are they sleeping?”
“Yes, for at least another two hours if you don’t mind. We take our quiet times when we can. Let’s get you all fed and settled first and then you can wake them.”
Nicolas stood back and watched the interaction between Zenya and the vampire. Then Columbus grabbed him and placed a couple of ham hock fist slaps to his back. “It’s good to see you alive, Nick.”
“I couldn’t agree more. Have you heard from your father?”
“Twice. He spent some time with Dmitri and his bears, but left them over a month ago. He’ll show up again eventually.”
Nicolas turned and Marcus’s strong arms pulled him in.
“You’ve caused a lot of trouble, wolf.”
“Nothing Zenya couldn’t handle.”
Marcus laughed. “Welcome back. Our hearts bleed for your pack and Fredrick’s death. Amy filled me in on your new pack. With more females than men, I’m sure some of mine and Cheri’s wolves will be happy to help you with security.”
“Thank you. We’ll need all the help we can get.”
“We don’t need help from wolves.” Esta’s defensive stance said it all.
“Esta, meet Marcus and Columbus.” He looked at the ornery she-wolf. “Believe it or not, Zenya is their cat and part of their clan. She’s cared for Columbus’s baby brother and sister since their mother died in a cat attack. It will only matter that you are a cat to you. If you help defend the wolves, they will defend you. If you want safe passage to Canada, that will also be arranged, but for now you need to play nice and get rid of the huge chip on your shoulder.” He spoke with alpha command.
Madayah placed her hand on Esta’s arm. “We are here as guests and we need you.”
Esta looked at Madayah and relaxed slightly. Vorlyk stepped forward and Nicolas made the introductions. All three vampires remained stiff and on guard. Territorial behavior was in their nature and mostly they communicated by email or post. It made for easier alliances. But, when they had to meet in person it always made for awkward situations.
Marcus looked at the other vampire. “We have another large residence a few miles from here. It’s been cleaned out and stocked with necessities.”
“Thank you, I’m sure that will be easiest. Our group is exhausted and we need a day or two of rest. I thank you for your hospitality.”
“I know you’ve had a long trip and we won’t think it rude if you want to settle in right away.”
“That would be best. Is that okay with you Nicolas?”
“Yes. We need solid sleep. Let’s go.” He felt frustrated in leaving Zenya, but he knew he had to care for his pack first.
It took ten minutes to drive to the large cabin. It had five bedrooms and would accommodate them all easily. One vehicle drove away, the other left for their use. Troy and Bernard expectantly settled into a bedroom with Nicolas. Vorlyk and Madayah took another room and the women decided to bed together.
Nicolas called a meeting before they went to sleep. He wanted a chance to speak with them without Marcus’s wolves around.
The furniture in the main living area was large and comfortable and easily allowed them all to sit down.
Nicolas looked around the room at the faces of his new pack and the vampire who made them a clan. “We’re safe here, but if the cats go out I want you to have Troy or Bernard with you. There are three more wolves from my old pack who I hope will join us. The wolves outside our pack are jumpy right now and it will take them time to fully accept you.”
“They will never accept us.” Esta’s eyes glowed hotly with her dire warning.
Nicolas’s patience was running thin with the cantankerous she-wolf, but he did his best to hold back his ire. “You kill the enemy and they will accept you. You help protect their women and children and they will honor you. We have she-wolves that fight and they’re respected for their service.” He took a deep breath and then continued. “There’s a doctor in Texas that specializes in human and beastkind pregnancy. We are a small clan, but having children will help us grow. The other clans will offer us protection and maybe some of them will stay. I’ve never led cats. We aren’t conventional, but with the war we need to be strong.” His eyes drilled into Esta’s. “I said before I wouldn’t make anyone stay, but I’m asking for a little more time, Esta. I won’t make you, but I’m asking.”
“You would allow us to breed?” Sheeba, the shyest of the bunch, spoke up.
“There is no ‘allow’ involved. Your body, your choice. We cherished the babies of the pack. Marcus has a private plane that will fly you to Dallas when you’re ready, if that’s what you want. I prefer only two of you go at present and you will be taking a contingent of wolves, but arrangements will be made as soon as you want.”
He looked around at the emotions showing on the women’s faces—hope, disbelief, and even confusion. “Let’s get s
ome sleep and then we’ll have a big brunch in a few hours. I think Troy, Bernard, and I can handle one meal a day.”
“You would kick me from the kitchen?” Madayah looked distressed.
“No. I just don’t expect you to do all the cooking.”
“And if I prefer to do the cooking?”
“Yes, alpha, what if she prefers it?” Troy spoke up.
“Then you and Bernard will be doing your fair share of dishes.”
Troy looked at Bernard and then both wolves looked to their alpha. “We can handle that better than cooking, and I think the ladies would all agree if they ate one of our meals.”
Soft laughter drifted around the room.
Nicolas looked at Sheeba and saw tears running freely down her face. If he had his say, she would be going on the first trip to Dallas.
They went to their bedrooms. Nicolas tossed and turned before getting up and walking through the house. He peeked inside the crack of the women’s door. Their feline forms weren’t in the two large beds; they lay curled in a pile on the floor. He knew it would take time for them to feel safe. He would keep them unharmed or die trying. He walked back into his room and lay down, finally closing his eyes, but it was more than an hour before sleep took him away.
Chapter Eighteen
The smell of bacon and eggs drifted into his sensitive nostrils and he opened his eyes hearing talking from the front of the house. When he walked into the large kitchen they waited around a huge wooden table. Madayah moved about the kitchen like it was hers. Judging by the wonderful smells, he had no trouble giving it to her. The table was set and they all looked relieved when he entered the room.
His two wolves seemed uneasy, but gave him grins when he sat at one end of the table. The chair at the other end remained empty and would until the evening meal when Vorlyk joined them.
Large bowls of steamy food plopped down on the table and everyone began helping themselves. Nikka sat on his left and Troy on his right. Esta sat next to Nikka and Bernard next to Troy.
“Stop.”
Everyone looked to their alpha and food stopped making the rounds.
“Esta, I want you on my right and Troy you will be on my left. Bernard next to Esta and Nikka next to Troy.”
No battles for rank had taken place and they all stayed seated just looking at him.
“It wasn’t a request.” He released a small amount of alpha power into the room.
Four chairs pushed back, they grabbed their plates, then changed places. When they settled, he spoke again. “Esta, until you make a decision, you are my second. There will be no challenges for thirty days. Troy, you are next. Then Nikka and then Bernard. Troy and Bernard, you are young, though I know you’ve fought in Afghanistan. Esta and Nikka know our enemy better than any of us. If you don’t like this arrangement you can challenge when the thirty days are up. Until then my word is law.”
“Yes, alpha.” Three voices said at the same time.
Nicolas turned to the silent Esta. “Speak now if you can’t handle the position.”
“You want a woman as your second?”
“I couldn’t care less that you’re a woman. I’ve seen you fight, you know our enemy, and you deserve a chance. I don’t know if you can keep the spot after thirty days, but if you can it’s yours.”
“Is challenge to the death?”
“Only for alpha. I can’t stop that challenge and there is no thirty-day restriction.”
“I don’t wish to challenge for alpha.”
“I’m glad to hear it. It would be a shame to kill you and miss out on your bad attitude.”
“I love her attitude problem.” All eyes turned to Talya.
“Sheeba, you’re in charge of Talya.” Nicolas said in exasperation.
“I’m blind.”
“Sorry, I wasn’t aware of that.” Nicolas deadpanned.
Everyone sat speechless and then Sheeba began laughing. Soon, they all joined in and a minute later the food continued making the rounds.
When they finished eating, Nicolas spoke. “I want everyone resting today, but tomorrow we’ll get time in the gym and I want to see each of your skills or lack thereof. We’ll work as human with weapons and then as beastkind. We need to learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Madayah, you’re not exempt. I need to know that all of you can fight. If you need help in a certain area, we’ll train you. There are no exceptions. You walked through a jungle for days on end. I will make sure you can defend yourself and our pack.”
No one argued and they all began clearing the table and cleaning the kitchen.
“Can we take a walk and see what’s around here?” Talya asked.
“We need to learn the area, so now’s as good a time as any,” Nicolas said.
Madayah spoke up. “Would you mind if I stay here and plan the meals and see if there is anything we need, alpha?”
“No, but Bernard will stay with you.”
“Vorlyk sleeps close by.”
“I’m aware of that, but I prefer you have a wolf with you while he sleeps.”
“Yes, alpha.”
Nicolas knew all his battles wouldn’t be as easy as the ones he outlined this day, but it was important to set the tone. Vampires handled vampire business and the alpha handled the pack. A clan stayed healthy this way.
“Can we shift, alpha?” Talya no longer needed to keep a fast pace and her cat needed freedom.
“It’s up to you.”
Talya began dropping her clothes. Nicolas noticed Troy and Bernard watching. Nakedness was normal among beastkind, but it still bothered Nicolas for Troy and Bernard to take such interest in the young female. He knew saying something would only create more trouble in the long run but for now his low growl did the trick. Troy slipped out of his clothes and shifted. Sheeba did the same but Nikka and Esta stayed human.
His small group left the cabin; two mountain lions and a wolf walking side by side. Nicolas liked the look and feel of his new family and couldn’t wait to hunt together. It would be interesting to combine their skills and learn from each other.
The weather was perfect and it felt good to walk in woods that didn’t have undergrowth creating barriers every few feet. His own land was densely wooded, but more similar to this than the jungle.
He sensed Columbus’s wolves in the distance, but none approached. They walked out a few hundred yards from the cabin and then circled. There was a small one-room unoccupied cabin to the east. The door was unlocked. They looked inside the neat, clean space, then shut the door and continued their trek.
Nicolas watched Sheeba closely. She stayed a foot behind Talya, and used her ears and nose to guide her. She didn’t seem to have as much trouble navigating in cat form. He figured she was more comfortable in cat skin and her better sense of smell, along with heightened hearing, helped.
Nikka never used her voice. He whispered singularly into her mind and she looked at him with a question in her green eyes.
“Do you mind speak?”
She sighed and he thought she couldn’t answer.
“Yes, alpha, if I must.”
“Can you use your voice at all?”
“No. My vocal chords were damaged when I was a child. It was done to punish the she-cat who adopted me.”
“Has a doctor ever looked at them?”
“No.”
“I have no idea if anything can be done, but it’s up to you if you want to try and fix it.”
“Then I prefer to stay as I am. The male cats often ignored me and Sheeba because of our disabilities. I don’t mind keeping it that way.”
“The wolves won’t ignore you, especially with you being my forth in command.”
“Four of nine doesn’t put me that high.”
“Then fight to go higher.”
“Your acceptance of us is very strange.”
“The male cats’ loathing of females is beyond comprehension to the wolves.”
“I could feel the looks from Samson’s team. Not al
l of them will accept us as readily as you.”
“No, they won’t, but if they want to harm any of you they will go through me and also Troy and Bernard. More of them than you think will open their hearts. It helps that you’re females.”
“Did they all open their hearts to Zenya?”
“Marcus’s clan eventually did. If the other clans had more time with her they would have, too.”
They stopped when they saw another mountain lion approaching in the distance. Two cubs followed in wolf-skin; their small bodies covered in soft baby fur. A few grown wolves, obviously their guards, stayed back as they drew closer.
The cubs showed no fear and ran full tilt into their group. It was frustrating to not be able to communicate with Zenya, but it didn’t seem to bother her.
Talya and Sheeba rubbed against the two children scenting them. Sierra, the bigger rascal of the two, nipped Sheeba on the nose. A large cat paw came down on the little hellion and rolled her to her back. Sheeba proceeded to lick the child, ignoring her small yips of distress. Finally, Sheeba released the scamp and nudged her bottom, sending her flying a few feet away. Roland carefully made his way to the cat and sniffed without using teeth. Sheeba gave him one long lick, but didn’t hold him down. Talya followed Sierra as the young wolf began exploring a fallen tree and what lay beneath the branches.
Zenya nonchalantly placed herself between Nicolas and Nikka as they walked, but stayed several feet from Nicolas’s reach. It made him smile, because he sensed she might be a little jealous and that was good. He hadn’t liked her sitting beside Samson. With that thought, he stepped closer and ran his hand over the fur on her back. Her cat eyes looked up at him with pique. He smiled and she glanced away.
Chapter Nineteen
They slowly made their way back to the cabin. Esta provided Zenya with clothes and she changed in the bedroom.
The children changed to human, but quickly shifted to wolf again. No one even tried to put clothes on them. It was a complete waste of effort.
Fang Chronicles: Zenya's Story Page 7
