by Dani Harper
But he did. With unbelievable strength, the golden wolf heaved her straight up and over the wall, then jumped down after her onto the field of ivy. Any other time she would have cussed him out, complained about the treatment or the new scrapes and bruises she’d just picked up. Or maybe she’d just plain slug him. This time, however, adrenaline overrode everything as Neva picked herself up and ran with everything she had. Together, she and Travis raced flat-out for the forest beyond.
Just as the first of their enemies gained the top of the wall.
Shaken and furious, Meredith stalked to her private elevator and headed down to the lower floors. She needed to soothe herself with the caress of magic, but not something strenuous. No demons today. She couldn’t stop rubbing the back of her neck, still feeling the hot breath of the big blond werewolf on the vulnerable skin, even as the deafening ring of his long sharp teeth still echoed in her ears. The first time she’d met the golden wolf, he had shown her no fear. And promised her no mercy. She’d been excited then, aroused and titillated by the threat, and amused at the novelty of it.
This time, the entertainment factor was distinctly lacking. The swiftness of the attack was the worst. Why, the creature could have severed her head from her body before she could react, before she could shape-shift and shock him away from her. Her own fault, definitely, oh yes. She’d been so caught up in the confrontation with Geneva that she’d forgotten all about Travis. And especially forgotten the fact that she’d called his wolf to come out. In fact, the little bitch had probably been trying to distract her on purpose, hoping her lover would succeed in killing her big sister for her.
Instead, the golden wolf had mocked her—her!—by knocking her down and walking over her, as if she was nothing. Her beautiful face had been marred by the impact, her nose bleeding and one eye puffed nearly shut. His hind claws had marked her back, gouging deep as they sprang off her body.
Her rage flared again at both the insult and the injury, and her silver wolf struggled to break free. But there was no one nearby to vent her feelings on, no one to tear asunder, no one’s entrails to yank out. Now, now, be patient a little longer, she told the creature that lived within her. We’re going to take care of ourselves first, darling, and then I’ll turn you loose. You can start with that awful Riley wolf, and then we’ll go hunting. Slowly, reluctantly, her alter ego settled, placated somewhat by her promises.
She had to pause a moment before her fisted hands could unclench enough to turn the key in the lock of her most loved sanctuary. Candles flared as she entered, but this was not her vast marble spell-crafting room. No, this was a much more intimate setting, a combination of study, spa, and elegant kitchen. Like a cook relaxing by trying out new recipes, the combining of ingredients for potions would help to ease the stress from her shoulders. And she needed to whip up something to take the bruising and swelling from her face. If she couldn’t restore it to its natural perfection quickly, she might have to put together a temporary glamour spell. Oh, and a hot soak would do her nerves such a world of good.
She’d tried to call Zarita, of course, but the doctor wasn’t answering. No doubt she was out there, driving the van, helping the rest of the pack search for the fugitives. Meredith wished she’d thought to call her first, before issuing the general command to recapture her little sister and her lover…but as a master of magic, Meredith could take care of herself if she must. As she gathered the elements for some of the spells, an unopened bottle of Black Pearl cognac caught her eye.
Dear old Andrei had once said that quality brandies—and this was among the very best—were designed to be savored in tiny amounts, but where was the fun in that? Her face hurt, she had a pounding headache, and her favorite toys had left the building. Meredith wanted to feel better now. She filled the crystal snifter past the halfway point and sipped steadily while she leaned over the elegant bronze bathtub and turned on the golden faucets. As it filled, she threw double handfuls of crushed juniper berries and geranium leaves into the water, and then carefully added three vials of blood from Geneva’s blond werewolf, Travis. The other three vials she emptied into her glass and watched as the crimson liquid spread ghostly tendrils throughout her dark drink like a tiny apparition.
She was going to feel much, much better very soon.
And really, didn’t she already have everything under control? Geneva and Travis would be recaptured any minute now—you can run, but you can’t hide—and then Meredith would unlock the mysteries of the blond werewolf’s blood, even as she used Geneva’s to power her most beautiful spell yet, her masterpiece. In fact, once she had her little sister back in her hands, Meredith would make certain Geneva begged to help with the project. The image cheered her immensely, and she giggled. She drank deeply from the crystal glass, almost draining it, then shrugged out of her clothes.
Hours later, Travis and Neva were still running. Natural wolves were built for it, able to keep up a ground-eating pace that would carry them thirty to fifty miles in a single day. Experienced Changelings could travel even farther and faster. Even a newbie like Neva could run like a greyhound, but here, the rough terrain and steep slopes made any kind of speed difficult. The only upside was that it was similarly hard on their pursuers.
And their pursuers were still with them.
It had become painfully obvious to Neva that the very best they could hope for was to maintain their slender lead, and she was starting to flag. Travis wouldn’t allow them stop for rest or for water, but even he couldn’t run forever. His voice sounded tired in her mind.
Christ, I really thought we’d lose them by now.
They’ll never stop. She’d reached the point of exhaustion where even mindspeak took a lot of effort. Never. If Meredith set them on us, they’ll chase us until their feet bleed and their hearts give out. We’re gonna need the Marines or a damn miracle in order to get away.
What about magic?
Neva snorted. Where the hell are we going to get some of that? They don’t exactly sell it in corner stores like fireworks.
I’ve been wondering if this damn necklace is good for anything.
What are you talking about? What necklace?
He ran closer to her so they were muzzle to muzzle, then curled back his lip for a moment. Gripped between his teeth was a black egg-like stone and a coil of silver chain. In the intense light of the setting sun, the dark gem glittered and flashed with brilliant colors.
Neva stumbled in sheer surprise. You’re kidding. You stole her pendant? Why? And why the hell didn’t you tell me that before?
I figured it was some kind of magical tool—Meredith probably owns a million-dollar necklace for every outfit in her closet, but did you ever see her not wearing this rock?
That was an easy question. No. She’s forever playing with it, rubbing it, holding it. I thought at first that she just liked to fiddle with it, like a worry stone or something. But, yeah, it makes sense that there’s more to it.
Look, my grandfather said crystals can amplify, intensify things. I’ve been thinking—maybe that’s how your sister managed to maintain control of her wolves. What if she magnified the normal abilities of a sire?
Yeah, but it didn’t work on everyone. It doesn’t work on you and me.
No, but it works on most of her wolves. So what would happen if we used it?
Us? Are you crazy? We have to destroy it, not mess around with it. Or what if it works like a homing beacon and she can track us with it?
With this many wolves after us, no one has to work very hard to track us. They all know exactly where we are. But as for being dangerous, I can feel this thing vibrating like a damn dentist’s drill, and it hasn’t done anything more than irritate the hell out of me. I think you should put it on, see what you can make it do.
Why me? If you’re so eager to try it out, you put it on.
Because magical objects are usually tuned to their owner somehow. This belongs to Meredith. And nobody on the planet is genetically closer to her than
you are.
So is that why you were kissing her? You couldn’t tell the difference? Neva was surprised how much anger surged through her at the memory, and her pace increased accordingly.
No! For Christ’s sake, I was trying to fool her into thinking she’d fooled me with her disguise, so I could escape. He cursed himself then. It sounds frickin’ stupid, even to me.
Let’s just say it’s on the list of things we’re going to talk about later.
He sighed. Won’t that be fun. But if we don’t do something soon, there won’t be a later. Think about it—your DNA has got to be virtually identical. And I’m betting it’s close enough to fool the magic.
Was the man insane? We’re not carbon copies. And you don’t “fool” magic. Especially hers. The stuff she plays with is lethal.
Okay, but our other choices are to keep running until we die or be recaptured by Meredith’s goon squad.
We got away before. In a damn dump truck, no less! We’ll find a vehicle, we’ll hitch a ride—heck, can’t we steal a plane?
Travis was shaking his head. Five wolves, Neva. We were being tracked by five wolves. And we had some really close calls before we shook ourselves free. How many wolves do you think are after us now?
Her heart sank. They had at least ten times the problem, all as tireless on their trail as Arnold Schwarzenegger in the Terminator movies.
Crap.
TWENTY-SEVEN
Baker held out his hands to steady Riley as the wounded wolf rose and stood on four shaky legs. He should be in intensive care, not walking around. Zarita had given Riley a big shot of morphine, so he was feeling no pain, plus some kind of stimulant to help make up for strength he didn’t have. Baker had protested at first, thinking the combination sounded fucking dangerous, but she assured him that the simultaneous use of the drugs had been well tested. On humans. He supposed he’d have to be satisfied with that—and really, what choice did they have? His friend had always been a big guy, and he was an even bigger wolf. Carrying him was out of the question, and if they left him here, he’d die.
Zarita knew the complex inside and out, and damned if she didn’t take them directly to an honest-to-god tunnel. Built from an enormous culvert, big enough for even Baker to stand up in, it looked like it went on forever. “Shit, this is like a movie!” he said as she closed the door behind them and swung an iron security bar across it.
“It’s for the guards to use to take the bodies out,” she said quietly, dampening his enthusiasm considerably.
Glad I’m taking my own damn body out of here. Riley’s voice sounded good in his head. It was still an odd way to communicate, but after practicing it with Neva a few times, Baker had to admit it was practical.
They walked in silence most of the way, a row of bright lights along the ceiling keeping the claustrophobia down. In fact, it reminded him of the passenger boarding bridge to a plane—only the fucking jet was parked on the other side of the terminal. “Where’s it come out?” he asked.
“It goes under the wall and comes out in the forest.” She still carried the red plastic box with her, hugging it in front of her as if to comfort herself.
“Are you okay?”
“I have been with Ms. Meredith a long time. It’s frightening to think of what may happen when she finds me gone.”
“Your kids?”
She nodded. “Others, too. She will take out her anger on anyone left behind.”
“She’d do that just because Travis and Neva left,” he said, hoping that the couple really had managed to escape. “In fact, I think Neva’s more important to her than any of us. That might distract her from going after your family just yet.”
“I cannot get my children to believe me. They are grown, and think they know everything about this world. They will not move or hide, or even take precautions.”
“Yeah, but you’ve been gone for a while, right?”
“Years. I’ve written letters, but Meredith has had them mailed from other places, so my family has never known where I am.”
If her story was true, it sucked. “Maybe Riley and I could convince them. After all, look at the condition he’s in—that should scare anybody. I could Change into a wolf right in their living room. They’d have to believe then. Hell, you could Change into a wolf and show them.”
“Unfortunately, I can’t. She never turned me. I don’t know why.”
Zarita lapsed into silence, and Baker was glad for the respite. He didn’t know what to say to that last little revelation. The bitch queen seemed to want to convert the whole fucking world to werewolfism, so why would she draw the line at turning Zarita? He gave up thinking about it and focused on Riley. The big wolf’s gait was stiff and halting, and from time to time he’d lean against his friend’s leg for support, but he kept moving. Can you Change back to a human, bud? Neva said it helps with healing.
Meredith controls everyone around the mansion—none of them can shift their form without her royal high-and-mighty’s permission.
Maybe it’ll wear off with distance. Kind of like mindspeak, you know? The farther away you are, the harder it is to hear anything.
A door came into sight. “There shouldn’t be any guards, but I will go out first and make sure,” said Zarita.
Baker wasn’t about to trust her that far, no matter how good she’d been to Riley. “We all go out together. If somebody’s there, just tell them we’re taking this injured werewolf out for exercise and fresh air.”
“Okay.”
The absence of argument made him feel like shit, but he still wasn’t taking chances.
They emerged into a rocky ravine, with rough-hewn steps leading down the side of it. Baker’s sense of scale, however, was thrown off by the ginormous trees. They towered overhead like skyscrapers, making it hard to tell the depth of the ravine. Finally he cupped his hands around his eyes to block out the forest and studied the terrain below. The remains of a fire could be seen smoldering in a stone basin maybe twenty feet down, but the thick stench it gave off was like no campfire he’d ever encountered. There was an oily sweetness to it, mixed with the scent of badly charred meat. The stink seemed to crawl into the pit of his stomach, nauseating him. “Fuck, is that what I think it is?” he asked.
“This is where they burn the dead. That’s why I was fairly certain no guards would be here. No one will come near here for days until it’s time to collect the ashes for Meredith.”
The bitch keeps the ashes? Riley sounded appalled.
“What the hell does she want with them?” demanded Baker.
“Dark magic requires such ingredients. Blood, bone, hair, ashes. And lives, especially lives. Several guards have disappeared lately. The staff believes that she’s killed them to enhance her spells.”
“And then she cremates them and uses their ashes for even more spells. Nice. A murderer who recycles. Let’s get the fuck out of here.”
Her face was grim. “I don’t like this place, either. If we follow the ravine south, it’s only a few miles to Redwood National Park. If Riley is able to Change by then, maybe someone there will give us a ride.”
Don’t worry, Baker said to Riley. I’m fucking stealing a car for us if I have to. He wanted to put as many miles between him and Meredith’s creep show as he could before nightfall.
In order to try and use the dark pendant, Neva figured she needed her human form. According to Travis, however, they needed a defensible spot. That sounded ominous. She couldn’t imagine trying to fight so many wolves. They would be dragged back to Meredith for certain.
This way.
He led her down yet another steep slope, and she could feel her strength ebbing as she strained to keep from sliding. It wasn’t long before the big tawny wolf was almost twenty feet in front of her—and her Changeling senses could hear her twin’s hordes not far behind her. Previously such sounds had spurred a burst of adrenaline, but not this time.
Christ, it’s about time! Neva, come this way.
In her mind
she was hurrying, but her pace remained the same. Finally she caught up to Travis and looked over his shoulder. There was a groomed path, and he nosed her hard toward it. Come on, it’ll be easier for you.
It’ll be easier for what’s chasing us, too.
There’s no choice. We have to get to a spot where you have time to Change and work with the stone. It’ll be a race, but this’ll help you.
She loped beside him, her nose to his hip. It was comforting somehow, and he adjusted his pace accordingly. She couldn’t help but wonder if he’d read the sign beyond the path, however: Damnation Creek Trail.
The terrain was a welcome relief at first. The giant redwoods began to thin out and get smaller. Giant groves of huckleberry trees and rhododendrons gave way to spruce-covered hillsides. The trail would be a challenging one for a human, but on four legs, it wasn’t bad at all. They crossed a small wooden bridge with a strange triangular frame. She assumed the water below it was Damnation Creek itself. Farther on, a similar bridge recrossed the creek. Then the trail narrowed and began to climb once more. Her muscles felt like wet ropes.
Neva looked back and saw a handful of their pursuers crossing the first bridge. Ahead of her, Travis galloped up to the trail’s summit.
Shit. Shit! Goddammit—who builds a fucking trail that doesn’t go anywhere?
She climbed up alongside him and looked down at a small rocky cove. There were steps carved into the rock face leading down to it—but the tide was in and the stairs led only to water. Well, at least they can’t get behind us.
I’m so sorry, Neva. I thought this would connect with one of the coastal trails.
S’okay, I needed a break anyway. Give me the stone, and stand back so I can Change.
