by Bethany Shaw
Daniel shrugged. “We’re pretty agile and have quick reflexes. Don’t think I have to worry about falling. Even if I did, I’d land on my feet.”
“It must be nice. I’ll admit I’m kind of curious what it must be like to turn into a wolf,” Nora murmured, plucking another pepperoni.
“It’s an adrenaline rush. Everything is sharper, clearer, your senses are heightened. The feeling is a pleasure pain, but it is worth it. It’s pretty amazing,” Daniel admitted.
“It looks cool,” Nora laughed.
Daniel took a bite of his cake, using his thumb to wipe some frosting off the corner of his mouth. “I’ll show you sometime. I mean if you want me to.”
“Really? I kind of saw it the night we met, but there was so much going on and at the time, I didn’t believe what I was seeing. April’s told me a lot, but seeing and hearing are two different things.”
Daniel turned to look at her. Nora shifted, twisting so she was facing him. The fading sun shone brightly in her eyes, causing her to squint. “You’re not scared of what we are—what we can do?”
“I was at first, but April’s my best friend. She’s family. She’s never judged me. Who am I to judge her for the way she was born? Her being a wolf doesn’t change the person that she is. It’s a lot to take in at times, but I want to be here for April for,” she paused as a red tinge crept over her cheeks. “I want to be here for you—everyone,” she rushed.
Daniel swallowed and stared down at his empty plate for a long moment. For whatever reason Nora liked him. He’d had his fair share of women, but no one had ever taken the time to get to know him before—not that he’d ever let them. “True loyalty is hard to come by. I’m glad you’re here with us.” Daniel cringed internally. That line sounded lame even to him.
“That’s part of being a friend,” she grinned, lifting her food to her lips.
Wait! Did she just friend zone me? Daniel turned back to the setting sun with a sigh. She only saw him as a friend. At least she sees you as something, he thought.
“I don’t have anything going on tomorrow. Are you free?” Nora questioned.
“I have watch overnight, and then have the day off,” Daniel offered, crumpling his plate up into a tiny ball.
“Oh, so you’ll be sleeping then?” Nora asked in between bites.
“I don’t sleep much. I never have. There’s always something that needs done.”
“Well, if you don’t have anything planned, we should do something,” she beamed, her eyes meeting his. Daniel frowned, confused. Didn’t she just friend zone him? Her smile quickly slipped away. “I mean we don’t have to. I just thought that we...” she backpedaled.
“That we what?” Daniel asked his voice gruffer than he’d intended.
“You know.”
No, I don’t.
Heat flushed across her cheeks, and she looked away. “I thought we were...never mind.” She shook her head and stood up. The wooden boards creaked beneath her as she headed toward the ladder.
Daniel banged his hand against the floorboards, sending the straw flying up around him. Great job, Daniel! Now she’s leaving. “Nora,” he said, jumping to his feet. Nora stopped, and slowly turned around to face him. She used the toe of her sandal to kick at the straw.
Sirens blared overhead. Nora’s head shot up and she stumbled back. Daniel whirled around, his widened gaze on alert.
“What is that?” Nora asked clutching her chest. The loud horn continued. An endless shrill filled the otherwise peaceful evening air.
“It means we are under attack. We got to go,” Daniel said, pulling her to him. Before she could protest, he lifted her up, cradling her against his firm chest. He darted to the edge of the loft. Nora opened her mouth and gasped as he leapt over the side. Daniel’s stomach plummeted the sensation of weightlessness filling him. He landed on his feet and set his passenger upright. His fingers laced with hers and he yanked her toward the main house.
Chapter Eight
Nora stumbled as one of her flip flops fell off. Daniel paused winding his arm around her waist and pulled her against his firm torso. They sprinted toward the house, abandoning her shoe in the yard.
Men ran out of the house and leapt off the porch. Before their feet had touched the ground, they’d turned into wolves. In the blink of an eye, they were gone. There shredded clothes left in a heap on the lawn. Howls erupted all around them.
Daniel led them up the steps and quickly pulled away. “Go inside and stay there,” he ordered.
“Be careful,” Nora called as Daniel leapt off the porch. His shirt and shorts tore away from his body. Reddish-brown fur burst through the material, and the tattered garments fluttered to the ground. The wolf turned to her, his golden eyes meeting hers briefly before he sprung off toward the action.
“Nora,” Claire said, running onto the porch. The older woman wrapped a firm hand around Nora’s elbow and pulled her backwards. “We best get you inside,” she coaxed, even though she remained motionless, her eyes were transfixed in the direction Daniel had run off into.
“Does this type of thing happen often?” Nora inquired flinching as growls and snarls tore through the night air.
“We are at war, child. Until this conflict is over, I fear it will get worse. We should head in where it is safer,” Claire sighed, leading them both into the comfort of the house.
Nora kicked off her one remaining shoe by the door and looked around the living room. Claire closed and bolted the thick wooden door behind them. Emily, Marcus, and two men she didn’t know stood at the window, looking into the distance. Sarah sat on the couch next to Natalia, who was clutching her son tightly against her chest. The she-wolf sat stiffly, her eyes alert as if she were ready to spring into action at the first sign of trouble. Footsteps echoed to her right and Nora turned toward them. Lark marched down the hall a large black rifle in her hand.
“Our men aren’t marked,” Claire warned, eyeing the weapon.
“I’m not going to shoot anyone unless they come charging toward us,” Lark acknowledged.
Claire nodded with a sigh.
“I’ll help you keep an eye out,” Marcus volunteered, making room for Lark at the window. “It’s the least I can do since I’m not able to be out there fighting.”
Nora looked around the room again. “Where’s April and the other girls?”
“With enforcers on the other side of the house. There is a hall with a door just off the kitchen. It is closer to the cars in case we need to make a quick escape. I can take you there if you want,” Claire offered.
“I don’t think April’s there, Mom,” Emily said quietly, her emerald eyes wide. “I’m pretty sure I saw her run out with the rest of the guys.”
Claire clutched her chest as she shook her head. “Goodness, I hope she isn’t caught. Devon and Gene gave strict orders for us to stay inside during an attack. There is no use in us making ourselves easy targets since us women are what they are after.”
Nora closed her eyes, sending a silent prayer out for her friend. If April was out in the fighting, there was no way Nora was leaving this front room. “What can I do to help?”
Lark turned from the window, eyeing her sister for a moment. The younger blonde sat on the couch, her eyes staring blankly ahead. “Take this,” Lark said, pulling a small silver gun from her holster.
“I’ve never-“
“They get close enough, it won’t matter,” Lark assured. “Besides the gunfire will probably scare them off, assuming there are only a few who make it up this way. Before you pull the trigger make sure the safety is off,” she explained, flipping it off then back on again.
“I think I’ll take you up on that offer for shooting lessons,” Nora said, carefully flipping the cool metal over in her hand. It was heavier than she’d expected. A tremor of fear went through her as the full ramifications of using a gun ran through her. Could she kill someone? If it meant life or death for herself or someone she loved—yes, yes she could, she realize
d.
***
The trees whizzed by as Daniel sprinted through the thick brush. His golden eyes narrowed taking in his surroundings. The scent of copper flittered through his nostrils. He was getting close to the fight. Darting to the right, he cut through the shallow water that ran across the property. Mud and algae squished between his toes. Water sloshed behind him and he knew he was not the only one to take this shortcut.
Finally across the water, he hopped up the hill joining Devon, Gene, and several other members of their pack. A howl of pain sounded to their left and as a pack, they turned in that direction. Daniel pushed himself faster, harder, hoping they were not too late for their comrade.
A break in the trees lay just ahead of them, and Daniel could see a flash of fur in the distance. Daniel’s adrenaline kicked up, his pulse roared in his ears, and his muzzle curled up.
Daniel surged forward, lunging at the first enemy wolf he spotted. He yanked the furry, grey body to the ground. His nails elongated puncturing its sides as he leaned forward and bit into the wolf's sensitive neck. Blood oozed into his mouth and the wolf below him whimpered in pain for a brief moment before falling silent.
The growls and snarls around him intensified as the rest of the pack engaged the trespassers. One of his brethren fell to the ground and another wolf pounced on him. Red clouded Daniel’s vision as he charged the other wolf, driving him away from his fallen pack mate.
Daniel landed on his side, but used his momentum to roll over and spring back to his feet. The other wolf snarled and dove for Daniel. Daniel reeled up on his back legs and caught the other wolf, shoving him back to the ground. Clamping his jaw around its muzzle, he held tight and twisted his head with all his might. A sickening crack pierced his ears and a tiny pop reverberated into his mouth. Daniel released his hold, letting the limp wolf fall to the ground in a cloud of dust and debris.
The fight wasn’t over yet. Daniel glowered, glancing around. The invading pack was outnumbered, and they were quickly succumbing to his pack. His gaze followed his pack mates, searching for any who may need help. Daniel’s eyes froze on a smaller, mousy brown wolf. Is that April? A small inhale confirmed his suspicion. Part of him wanted to interfere with the fight on her behalf, but she was winning. With one last slice of her paw, the other wolf lay on the grass bleeding out. She wiped her paw on the ground, and then looked up at him. April bowed her head down before trotting around the perimeter.
Daniel jogged forward, watching as the last two intruders were taken down. Devon and Gene both sat back on their haunches before howling loudly up at the starry, dark blue sky. The pack joined them calling out in victory with a cacophony of high-pitched yowls. Daniel relaxed back and let out a loud bellow of his own.
***
Nora paced back-and-forth across the wooden porch. Sarah, Emily, and Claire sat in the swing. Their gentle swaying caused it to creak. Lark sat on the porch steps, her bottom lip caught between her teeth as she peered into the darkness. Natalia stood with her back against the house siding, and her arms crossed over her chest. Marcus had gone to check around the perimeter of the house. Though the fighting had ended nearly an hour ago, no one had returned to the ranch.
“I’m sure she is fine,” Claire said, breaking the silence. “The guys would have noticed her and kept her safe.”
“Nowhere’s safe,” Sarah mumbled, shaking her head.
“Sarah-“ Lark started.
“No,” Sarah cut her off. “It’s not safe anymore. And it’s probably never going to be again. Is this what our life is now? Attacks, fear, kidnapping, and death?”
“Hush, child,” Claire said wrapping an arm around Sarah. “It’s going to be all right.”
“You don’t know that,” Sarah snapped, standing up. “My mom and dad were returning from a party when they were struck by a drunk driver. They thought everything was going to be all right too. It wasn’t. They’re dead. Rick thought it was going to be all right. And where is he now? Dead! Preston thought it would be all right too and where is he? Dead! Everyone’s dead, and it’s just a matter of time until Devon, Gene, and the rest of the guys join them too—maybe even us if we’re lucky enough. Otherwise, we look forward to a life of being raped repeatedly so we can pop out werewolf babies.” The girl shook her head as tears trickled down her face. A loud sob tore through her throat before she bolted inside, slamming the screen door behind her.
Lark stood up and walked to the door.
“If you talk to her, don’t discourage her. Just listen. At least she’s finally letting it all out,” Claire advised.
Lark nodded and gave the older woman a small smile. “Let me know when Devon gets back—that he’s all right.”
“Of course,” Claire said.
The crowd on the porch grew quiet again as Lark followed her younger sister inside.
“Do you think she’s right?” Emily asked after a long minute. “Juarez’s pack has us outnumbered. They’ve already defeated so many other packs bigger than ours.”
Claire placed her fingers in her daughter’s hand. “We must have faith, Emily. If we don’t believe we can, then we never will.”
“We are different from the other packs Juarez went up against,” Natalia said, quietly. “Gene and I have been talking. All the other packs were strictly werewolves. We have humans here. Humans who are in an alpha position, and myself who was raised outside of the pack. We think differently, view situations in another light. They may know about Lark and the guns, but it’s not something they will ever use. They are afraid of them,” Natalia pointed out.
“It worked out well for us at that abandoned house we attacked,” Claire nodded.
“Have you considered other things besides just guns?” Nora asked.
“We have spoken of a few different things. We are in the process of installing an electric fence around the edge of the property,” Natalia replied. “Of course we have to be careful since there are humans that visit the ranch from time-to-time.”
“I don’t know much about pack laws, but I know quite a bit about human history and wars,” Nora explained. “I’d be happy to help out and offer suggestions.”
Natalia looked down at the silent baby monitor in her hand. “I will run it by Gene.”
“They’re back,” Emily yelled, jumping to her feet. “They must still have a large supply of pants stashed in the woods,” Emily commented, nodding to the group of men that approached.
“Pants?” Nora asked, frowning. Heat crept across her face as she remembered the way Daniel’s clothes had torn free from him as he’d changed. “Right.”
“It’s okay,” Emily grinned. “Devon suggested the guys have pants out in the woods since Lark isn’t accustomed to seeing hundreds of naked guys.”
“So you guys don’t mind nudity?” Nora asked.
“I do,” Natalia replied.
“It is simply in our nature,” Claire shrugged. “Natalia didn’t grow up around a pack, but for those that do, it’s not a big deal. However, women do tend to not transition in front of the men, depending on the pack.”
“And there’s April.” Emily pointed to a lone brown wolf amongst the men.
“How can you be certain?” Nora asked curiously.
“No male wolf would be that small,” Emily explained.
Nora nodded accepting the brunette’s answer. She appraised her friend from afar and sighed seeing no sign of injuries. Satisfied April was okay, her eyes searched for Daniel.
“Gene,” Natalia sighed, hurrying down the stairs and embracing the alpha.
Nora’s heart beat rapidly in her chest as she scanned the crowd. Where is he? Goosebumps rose on her arms, and a cold chill zipped down her spine. Nora wrapped her arms around herself. A lump formed in her throat and she swallowed.
“He’s probably cleaning up. He had watch duty tonight anyway,” Claire said, coming to stand next to her. “I’m sure he’s fine. He’s a fighter.” Claire gave her shoulder a squeeze. “Here’s Devon now.”
“We’re all fine. Was anyone hurt?” Claire asked softly.
“They killed Jason Meyers, and Mason Wilder is pretty banged up, but he’ll live. We were lucky. It was a small contingent. They were most likely scouting out the area,” Devon said, his eyes drifting to Nora, before looking back at his mother.
Nora turned away from the mother and son, staring off into the distance. She was sad to hear that a man had lost his life but thankful it wasn’t Daniel or April. She opened her mouth to say something to Claire but realized that she and Devon were in a quiet, private conversation. April had also disappeared. Nora took a step back and headed inside and up to her room.
***
Shouts outside drew Fernando from his book. Standing up from the bed, he walked to the window. A snarl ripped from his mouth as he took in the bloodied men hobbling into their camp.
A loud tap thudded against his door. Enraged, he walked to the door, throwing it open. Malakai stood before him along with one of the top enforcers.
“There has been an incident,” Malakai said.
“Incident?” Fernando asked his voice tight. The putrid stench of soured milk reached his nostrils. Fernando narrowed his eyes on the wolf that had been in charge of watching the Harris pack for the evening.
“We were spotted,” the man replied, lacing his fingers behind his back.
“How?” Fernando growled his fists balled at his sides as he motioned the men inside.
“I’m not sure exactly. It all happened so fast,” the man stammered.
Fernando shoved a large stack of papers off his desk, sending the parchment fluttering to the floor. He then grabbed the cowering man by his collar and shoved him against the wall. “What happened?” he asked through clenched teeth.
“One of my men was spotted by a Harris scout. After that, the alarms went off and everything happened so quickly,” he replied, breathlessly.
“What were my orders?” Fernando snarled spittle flying from his mouth.
