Fighter (Outsider Series)

by Micalea Smeltzer

  “I really do have some things I need to do,” he turned back to his desk.

  “I don’t like sleeping without you.”

  He looked up at me, those cerulean eyes glimmering. “I guess this can wait till morning.”

  “Good answer,” I winked.

  * * *

  We ended up inviting Bentley, Chris, Bryce, and Charlotte to go with us to the movie. We all needed a bit of lightness and fun right now.

  The weight of what we were about to do was taking its toll on everybody. Even though Travis was as evil as it got, we would still be committing murder when we ended his life.

  I knew from experience that it wasn’t easy to end a life, even if you had to. I was often still haunted by the image of light leaving Robert’s eyes. I killed him to save Bryce, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat, but that didn’t mean it was easy. Not by a long shot.

  “What should we see?” Caeden squinted at the blinking red letters that displayed the movie titles.

  “Something funny,” I answered.

  “That sounds good to me,” Bentley shrugged.

  The others agreed as well.

  We paid and made our way through the theater. It was small but nicely decorated. Since it was the middle of the week there were only a few other people milling around.

  “What theater are we in?” Bryce asked.

  “Four,” Caeden answered.

  “Sa-weeee-t,” Bryce drew out the word, grabbing Charlotte’s hand.

  We picked seats in the middle of the back row of the stadium seating. I sunk into the plush red leather seat and Caeden handed me a menu.

  Wait, a menu?

  “What’s this for?” I raised a brow.

  “Oh,” he said, “I forgot you haven’t been here. They serve food while you watch a movie.”

  “Like actual, food-food? No popcorn?”

  He chuckled and brushed the ends of his brown hair from his eyes. “They have popcorn, but regular food too. None of that cheap concession-stand food.”

  I flipped through the menu, reading over the item. “Hmm, I could get used to this.”

  “Just grab one of these,” he pointed to pieces of paper in a little cubbyhole, “and write down what you want. When you’re done, just fold it up and stick it in the bar.”

  “Easy enough,” I shrugged.

  He grinned and picked up one of the pencils scattered around on the bar area in front of the seats and started writing down his order on a slip of paper that was provided. When he was done he slid it my way. I perused the menu, at a loss of what to get. Everything sounded so good.

  I finally settled on a steak and cheese sandwich, and of course, popcorn. I scribbled it down and folded the paper just like Caeden had said. I stuck it in the metal holder and it reminded me of a white flag of surrender waving in the wind.

  A waitress came by, asked a few questions, and said she’d be right back with our drinks.

  A few minutes later, the lights dimmed and the previews flickered on the screen.

  I wiggled around in the seat, trying to find a comfortable spot, and Caeden wrapped his arm around my shoulders. I lifted the armrest and snuggled close. His lips brushed the top of my head and I felt him inhale.

  “Cookies?” I whispered.

  “The most delicious cookies on the planet,” he whispered.

  The movie ended and I was so relaxed and full from the delicious food that I didn’t want to move.

  “This was nice,” Charlotte stretched.

  “Yeah, I think we needed this,” Chris smiled at me.

  “Good, I’m glad,” I said, with a smile.

  We walked to the parking lot and Caeden looked at his watch. Turning to me, he said, “It’s our turn for watch duty.”

  I took a deep breath. I knew I had to do this but I didn’t want to. I didn’t want to have to watch Travis drag another human into his hideout, torture, or kill someone, and not be able to do anything about it.

  Just two more weeks, I told myself. Two more weeks and this will all be over.

  If only, I could really believe that.

  twenty-four

  Who’s on watch with us?

  My mom and Nolan. Caeden answered me.

  A little thrill went through me at the thought of seeing Nolan as a tiger.

  Caeden’s chuckle filled my mind. The dude looks just like any other tiger you’d see in a zoo.

  I don’t care. It’s still awesome that he’s a tiger.

  You know, there are all kinds of other shifters out there. Panthers, eagles, bears, lions, cheetahs- Caeden rattled on.

  I get it! Just keep in mind, I haven’t grown up in this world and this is all new to me. I think I have a right to be a little excited.

  Sure, sure. Caeden snorted.

  The wolves we were relieving appeared ahead of us.

  Jeremy stepped forward.

  Nothing has happened. According to the others, he went in just before we came on duty and he hasn’t come out since. We haven’t heard anything either. Everything has been strangely silent…

  Thank you. Caeden said.

  Jeremy bowed a little on his front legs and then took off running. The others sprinted after him.

  I followed behind Caeden to a spot near the one we’d first hidden in. His mom was already there. We hunkered down beside her.

  Anything? Caeden asked.

  Nothing.

  A noise from behind had us turning around, ready for a fight.

  It’s just me. Nolan’s voice purred. A second later his tiger form appeared from behind a tree.

  What are you doing? Be quiet. Caeden snapped.

  Sorry, had an itch. Nolan rubbed against the bark of the tree.

  Stop that! You’ll leave your scent! Caeden roared.

  Travis doesn’t know me; therefore he doesn’t know my scent. Nolan reasoned.

  Yeah, but he’ll know there’s a tiger around, and the last time I checked, tiger’s don’t live in Virginia.

  Geez, you’re grumpy today. Nolan slinked towards us. He was huge, double, maybe even triple, the size we were as wolves. He was an intimidating sight. I couldn’t imagine an entire pack… streak, was the word he’d used, of them. What’s buttercup up to? Nolan nodded at the cave.

  Buttercup? Do you give everyone a nickname? Caeden looked towards Nolan.

  Aw, Cay-berry, did you think you were special? Nolan purred.

  Caeden growled.

  Just answer my question, Cay-berry. There’s no need for jealousy.

  According to the others, Travis has been inside for around five hours.

  He hasn’t come out at all? Nolan asked.

  No. Caeden replied.

  Do you think… Nolan trailed off.

  What? Caeden turned towards Nolan.

  Do you think maybe there’s another exit? Nolan asked.

  Caeden snorted. We’ve thoroughly scouted the place. There’s no other exit.

  What do you think he’s doing in all this time? Nolan asked no one in particular.

  Sleeping? I supplied.

  That’s a possibility. Amy agreed.

  Bad guys gotta sleep sometime, too. Nolan chortled.

  Ya’ll are ridiculous. Caeden shook his head.

  You know you love us, Cay-berry.

  Just be quiet and watch. We might miss something important. Caeden scolded.

  You’re no fun anymore. Nolan laid down on the ground, zeroing his green eyes in on the cave’s entrance and exit.

  I have a job to do. Caeden growled softly.

  Don’t we all. Nolan muttered glumly.

  Just as Jeremy had said, everything was strangely quiet. It was as if this part of the forest was forbidden. No squirrels or birds, or any woodland critter, were nearby. It’s as if, even the animals could sense the pure evil that was taking place here, and didn’t want anything to do with it. It amazed me, just how in tune the animals in the forest were with their environment.

  We were nearing the three-hour mark of our w
atch when the screaming started. Not just one, but many, maybe five or more. The screams echoed out of the cave and around the surrounding mountains. It was a scream of fear, of pain, and of unspeakable torture.

  Around the screams, we could hear them begging, pleading, for their lives.

  It tore me up that I could do nothing to help, that I had to wait, and bide my time. It didn’t seem fair that I had this ability to shift and I couldn’t help the defenseless humans, at least not yet. Soon though, we’d be eliminating the problem. Travis would be gone and all would be well.

  At least, I hoped.

  The screams grew louder.

  What do you think he’s doing? Nolan stood, his voice dripping with contempt.

  Nothing good. Amy winced, as the screams continued.

  I just don’t understand. Nolan continued. Why bother torturing humans? You’d think he’d be after his pack for abandoning him, the sick bastard.

  Well, you know what I think. Caeden’s voice was lower than a whisper.

  And I told you there’s no way. Nolan snapped.

  You don’t know everything, Nolan. Caeden said.

  Neither do you, Cay-berry. Nolan huffed.

  The screams cut off and we all turned back to the cave. A few minutes later, Travis’ white form slunk out. He seemed thinner and there was a crazed gleam in his eye that was more pronounced than ever before. Blood splattered his fur. He didn’t look up at where we were hiding. He turned and ran off into the woods, behind the cave.

  We should try to free them. I started forward.

  A large paw batted into my side, sending me skidding. I let out a yelp as several ribs cracked.

  Nolan! Caeden roared. That wasn’t necessary! You hurt her!

  Sorry! I didn’t mean, too. Honest. I forget how much stronger I am than you guys. Nolan said.

  Caeden growled and started over to me.

  My breath came out in ragged, throaty, gasps as my bones knitted back together. The process hurt like hell but it was better than having to heal the human way.

  I swear, I didn’t mean to hurt you, Sophie. Nolan padded over to my side.

  I know. Just promise to never do that again. I said.

  I’m sorry. I just meant to stop you. I want to go down there as bad as you but we can’t risk it. Nolan apologized.

  He’s right. Caeden nuzzled my neck with his nose. It was the only bit of comfort he could offer me. If we free them, he’ll know we’re watching him. He’ll go off somewhere else and start doing the same thing. Only we won’t know where he is.

  Sorry. Now it was me apologizing. I didn’t think.

  It’s okay. Caeden comforted me. I would love to go down there and set them free but we can’t. We can’t. He repeated.

  The last bone knitted together and I stood.

  I just hate that he’s gone and we’re right here. It would be so easy to let them go but I know what you’re saying. But just because I knew they were right, didn’t make it any easier to deal with.

  With a sigh, I turned back to the cave and pondered about the poor souls trapped inside.

  * * *

  I collapsed on the couch, exhausted. My muscles had been wound tight, holding me back, so that I didn’t bolt down the hill and into the cave. Even though, I understood why I couldn’t, my body couldn’t help but respond. Especially, when the whimpering and crying started.

  I put my hands to my ears, as if that simple act alone could erase the sounds of their cries from my mind.

  “Hey,” Caeden said, plopping down beside me and holding out a water bottle. He’d changed into loose navy basketball shorts and didn’t bother with a shirt. “Are you okay?”

  “I’d be lying if I said I was.”

  “Soph-” He started.

  “Please, I don’t need to hear it. I know. This is just hard on me. Not too long ago, I believed that I was human. Knowing that he’s hurting them but there’s nothing that I can do, tears me up inside.”

  “Believe me, my she-wolf, it tears me up too.” He pulled me against his side and ran his fingers through my hair. “It will be over soon, though.”

  “Will it?” I peeked up at him.

  “I hope so,” he rubbed his scruffy cheeks. Hoping up from the couch he said, “I have to mow the grass.”

  “Ooooh, can I watch?” I raised my eyes to his.

  He laughed and bent over, placing a hand on either side of me, effectively caging me in. “Do sweaty men on tractors turn you on?”

  “Just one sweaty man in particular,” I grinned.

  He chuckled and pressed his lips to mine. “I guess I can’t stop you from watching,” he winked and sauntered out of the room and out to the garage.

  Dang, what that man could do to me.

  My stomach growled so I decided to make a sandwich. “Nolan! Do you want a sandwich?” I hollered down the guest hallway.

  “That would be great! I’m not picky so whatever you have will be fine!” he yelled and then I heard the sound of the shower kicking on.

  The refrigerator was getting a little too empty for my liking so I grabbed a pen and paper and began jotting down items we were out of before making the sandwiches.

  I poured a glass of lemonade and was about to sit down to eat, when Caeden drove by the back of the house on a John Deere tractor.

  Oh, for the love of all that is holy, why did he have to look so delectable on a flippin’ tractor? He wore a baseball cap, flipped backwards, to keep his hair out of his eyes. Perched on his nose was a pair of aviator sunglasses, and man, if he didn’t look like he could model those sunglasses. The freckles that dotted his tan shoulders, stood out against his skin while the sun bear down on him, illuminating him in a golden glow. I wanted to run my hands along his side and up those shoulders before tangling my fingers into-

  Nolan cleared his throat behind me and I jumped. I turned and blushed at being caught.

  “Sorry to interrupt the show,” he chuckled.

  I bit my lip and sat down. I guess it wasn’t the worst thing, being caught drooling over your husband.

  “Your sandwich is –uh- over there,” I pointed, like he hadn’t seen it already.

  “Thanks,” he said before stalking into the pantry and coming out with a bag of chips. He poured some on his plate. “Want some?” he held the bag aloft.

  I nodded back towards the pantry. “There’s some salt and vinegar ones in a purple bag. Grab those, please.”

  He came back with the chips and sat down across from me. I’d already poured him a glass of sweet tea and he took a long drink. “You have no idea how much I’ve missed sweet tea. I’ve mostly been up north and they don’t make it right up there. You have to put the sugar in yourself and it’s just not the same. It’s never sweet enough.”

  I made a face. “I don’t like the stuff. I didn’t grow up around here, but Caeden loves it, so that’s why we always have it. To me it tastes like someone soaked water in old socks and then poured in ten pounds of sugar.”

  Nolan sputtered. “That’s a good one. Don’t think I’ve heard that before.”

  I shrugged and took a bite of my sandwich. “I just think the stuff tastes gross.”

  He chuckled. “I think it’s one of those things, that if you don’t grow up drinking it then you’ll never like it.”

  “Everyone around here seems to live off the stuff,” I shrugged.

  “It’s a southern staple,” Nolan smiled.

  I shuddered. “You guys can love it all you want. That nasty concoction is not passing through my lips.”

  “Fair enough,” he chuckled.

  “So,” I munched a chip, “if you’re from around here, where’s your family? I thought the only shifters around here were the Grimm’s and us?”

  “They live about an hour or so from here. They’re kind of recluses.”

  “Is that why you left?” I asked.

  “You really cut to the chase, don’t you?”

  I shrugged. “There’s no point in beating around the
bush.”

  “No… that’s not entirely the reason I left.” He paused. “Have you ever felt like, you don’t belong? Like you’re on the wrong path?” He looked up at me, those strange green eyes holding me captive.

  “I can’t say that I have,” I finally answered.

  He ran his fingers through the front ends of his light brown hair. “That’s how I felt. I just needed to get away and find myself.”

  “And have you? Found yourself, I mean.”

  “I can’t say that I have,” Nolan’s smile was self-mocking.

  “Just because you haven’t yet, doesn’t mean you won’t,” I said.

  “I don’t know how much longer I can wait,” he said, forlornly.

  “I have a feeling it won’t be long.”

  “You’re very wise,” he smiled, “especially for someone so young.”

  I laughed. “I’ve heard that before.”

  “So, I’m not telling you anything you didn’t already know?”

  “Exactly.”

  twenty-five.

  I crossed my arms and looked at the small sliver of moon peeking behind the clouds, outside our bedroom window.

  Caeden came up behind me and pulled me against him. He wrapped me tightly in his arms and rested his chin on top of my head.

  “There will be no moon out, tomorrow night.”

  “I know,” his breath gusted against my hair.

  “Are we ready?” I asked.

  “As much as we can be,” he replied.

  We’d spent the whole week planning on how we’d attack.

  We’d split up, into three groups. One group would come from the south of the cave, another from the east, and the last group from the west. Going into the cave would not be a safe option, so Caeden would be posted on top of the hill, where we’d been hiding during watch. When we were ready, he’d howl. Hopefully, Travis would do the rest of the work for us, by coming out of the cave.

  “Stop worrying so much,” he kissed my neck. “Whatever happens, happens. We can’t control fate. It is what is.”

  “Hmm, who could’ve said that?” I smiled, closing my eyes and relaxing into his warm embrace.

  “I don’t remember. She was really hot though.”

  I laughed, and it felt good to do so.