Down the Dirt Road (The Dirt Road Series Book 1)

by Livell James

  Atticus could smell the pack surrounding him and let them come. He could have left, but this was one confrontation which needed to happen. There were things he needed to tell Lucas and another matter Atticus needed to attend to, the most important matter; he could sense her nearby, his mate.

  Atticus wasn’t the least bit concerned when Lucas stepped in front of him, only slightly straightening himself from his position leaning against the tree. He grinned at the arrogance Lucas showed. This man didn’t consider him an equal, but would soon learn to never underestimate an opponent.

  “Who are you? Why are you here?”

  “Please, let’s stop these stupid games. You know exactly who I am. The witches are watching, and I know for a fact, the old hag has already filled you in.”

  “You will have respect for these lands and the ones who rule it,” Lucas boomed. “That hag is the High Priestess of the McClane Coven. As a Were, you would do well to watch your tongue unless you would rather have it removed from your mouth, Atticus.”

  “Ah, I see you’ve heard of me. That’s good to know, but I see my name hasn’t brought the fear I’d hoped. Tell me Lucas, Alpha of the Valentin pack, mate to the Blue Moon Priestess, and former Guardian of the McClane Coven, do you believe your mate is safe? Do you believe he will just let her power go now the ceremony is complete?”

  “I believe, brother,” Lucas grabbed Atticus until they were nose to nose, “I can protect what is mine from anything you or Bane has planned. I believe with the McClane witches at my side and my pack at my back, neither of you will stand a chance at harming Kaylee.”

  Atticus pushed Lucas away, showing him a small portion of his strength. They were well matched, but Atticus had the advantage of the dark magic coursing through his body.

  “Then you’re a fool. Bane is in her mind, in her blood. Her Coven and family have let your mate down. He has been there all her life, and he will have her.”

  Lucas charged him, taking Atticus to the ground. Atticus allowed it, just this once; it wouldn’t happen again.

  “What are you talking about? Bane has never come near Kaylee,” Lucas yelled.

  Atticus rolled away after landing a few blows of his own. “Ask her mother, she knows. James Smith made a deal with the devil, and Kaylee is the one who will pay the price.”

  Atticus watched as Lucas started to strip out of his clothes, preparing to shift. He wasn’t opposed, he wanted to see how well matched their animals would be, but there wasn’t time. Holding up his hand, he said, “Stop I’m not here to fight you. If that was the case, I wouldn’t have allowed the ceremony to proceed. I’m here only to warn you and make you aware of what is yet to come.”

  “And why is that, Atticus? Aren’t you Bane’s little puppet, his enforcer, the one he sends to carry out all his dirty little deeds? Tell me does that include luring the young men he likes so much to his bed?”

  Those words infuriated Atticus and brought up way too many memories. Atticus retaliated, grabbing Lucas, punching him several times. “I see we both know what our Master demands,” Atticus said between gritted teeth.

  “I don’t have a Master, Atticus. That’s a disgrace only you hold,” Lucas growled.

  “Not for long. Remember my words, brother. Bane is coming for you and your mate. He will have you both under his command and in his bed before long unless you pay attention and take this threat seriously. I will not interfere again.”

  “Why? Because like a good little puppet you’re going to run back to your Master with your tail between your legs?”

  “No, because I’m taking what is mine.”

  “And what exactly do you think is yours?”

  Atticus moved quickly, knocking the werewolf standing next to his mate on his ass. Wrapping his arms around her body, he looked at Lucas. “You have your salvation, now I’ll take mine.” Danica screamed, and the two of them were gone.

  Lucas looked around; the remainder of his pack was standing, staring at the same place he was. “Find them!” Eric, Dylan, and Macon shifted, taking off through the woods, but Lucas knew they wouldn’t find anything. Atticus had flashed, something Lucas had heard about, but never witnessed.

  His scent was still in the air, along with Danica’s, but it was stationary. There would be no trail. Going to Matt, he helped him up. Matt tried to pull away, but Lucas didn’t let him.

  “Let go, Luc, I have to find her!”

  “No, you have to stay here and help me protect Kaylee. Didn’t you hear what Atticus said?”

  “I heard him, damn it, but I have to get her back.”

  “Stop it, use your senses, they aren’t here, you’ll never find them. We have to do what needs to be done, now. Build our bond, become what has always been meant to be, twin Alpha’s, born and bred. It’s the only way we can keep Kaylee safe.”

  “And, what, just forget about Dani? No, I don’t accept that. I failed her once, I will not do it again. I can’t believe you would even ask me to.”

  “I love Dani as much as you do, Matt, but you heard him, he won’t hurt her. He thinks she’s his mate, his salvation. We’ll find a way to bring her back, but we need to stick together, work together. Can’t you see that?”

  Lucas felt her before he saw her; Kaylee stood by his side, reaching for his hand. “Let him go, Lucas, it’s what is meant to be. This is his journey, you can’t keep him here because of me.”

  “Kaylee!”

  “No.” Looking at Matt, she said, “Find her, Matt, and bring her home, but watch closely, things are never as they first seem. Keep your mind open and your senses sharp. Atticus isn’t the enemy, he’s one of us. He just hasn’t found his place yet, much like you.”

  The End – For now…

  Atticus & Danica’s story –

  Dirt Road Redemption Coming Spring 2018

  Authors Note:

  Livell James – A little about me. I am lover of all things inspiring and a multitude of art forms. I have told stories with photography for many years and decided to put pen to paper for the stories I feel can only be told with my words. My debut story in a planned series is paranormal romance co-written by fellow Author Chelsea Handcock. When I am not writing or taking photos, I enjoy spending time with my wife and checking items off my bucket list.

  Chelsea Handcock – I am honored to have had the pleasure of writing this story along with a good friend, Livell James. I have been an admirer of his photography for quite some time. When he shared his ideas with me for this book I became inspired. I hope our combined words, will provide the same for everyone that reads it.

  Now we both would like to thanks for very special people. Tammie Smith and Cody Criswell, two truly extraordinary people, your photos brought this story to life for Livell and drew me in. Tammie, a woman of many talents also worked tirelessly with Livell to make the book cover perfect, we can’t thank you enough. Sandy Ebel with Personal Touch Editing, you kept your promise and made our words shine. DeAnne, thank you so much for being our beta reader, your thoughts and suggestions have enhanced the book to new levels.

  To our readers, thanks for giving this series a chance. We hope you stick with us and discover all the trials and tribulations yet to come. We hope we have left you guessing, but most of all, we hope I leave you intrigued. Enjoy the ride and happy reading.

  Please check out www.chelseahandcock.com for updates and future books. You can also reach either of us on Facebook at any time, https://www.facebook.com/livell.james.5, https://www.facebook.com/AuthorChelseaHandcock/.

 

 

 
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