by KH LeMoyne
“Beast, hear me. Break the bond. You are on my land within my protection. You have the power.”
No. It couldn’t be. His bobcat couldn’t match his former alpha’s hold. Yet a cry echoed as his claws curled into the ground and he tilted his nose toward the sky, Deacon maintaining his hold. Callum pushed, imagined ejecting the bastard from his flesh and blood. A tremor took control of his body. It felt as if his insides ripped free and vomited up his throat into the air above him. Borne along for the horrendous ride, Callum held his breath, waiting for bones to shatter and his skin to flay. But after what seemed many minutes, the battle released him. He sank back to his haunches, weary, and dragged cool, fresh air into his lungs.
Black bent down and looked him in the eye. “You’re strong. If I didn’t know you’d refuse, I’d offer you a position as one of my lieutenants.”
He shook his head. No, he had no desire to lead. But was the oath broken? The whole few moments had been like being dragged sky-high by an eagle and dashed to the ground. Surprisingly, he’d not only survived the fall, but his body felt light for the first time since…too long to tell. Slowly he shifted back into his human form, clothing and all. “It’s gone?”
A sharp bark of laughter broke the tension as the alpha released him and took a step back. “His hold on you may have felt deep, but in truth, your bond was shallow at best.” Then Black sobered. “Your beast never acknowledged your alpha, never submitted. Forcing him from you was easier because you were never committed to him.”
The memory of being held down, forcibly bled and torn, washed over Callum as sharp today as all those years ago.
“There is also a difference between an oath given freely and one like yours,” Black continued more quietly. “How old were you when he took your blood?”
“Seventeen.”
“Your freely given loyalty is valuable. Blood taken on its own is merely a charlatan’s toy.” His eyes narrowed. “Callum, are you prepared to pledge your life to my clan, to keep our secrets and protect our people from harm?”
Not that the alpha’s request offered an alternative. The power swirled around, signaling an act in process, not a choice. But Callum sucked in the hope, the fresh opportunity to be part of a larger whole with an eagerness he hadn’t expected. Cat and man agreed on this alpha, and when he glanced at Gillian, she offered him a shy smile. He sank to one knee, his palm on his thigh bracing him as he angled his neck for Black to make his claiming bite. “Alpha Black, I willingly pledge my fealty to you and your clan.”
“Just Deacon will suffice,” Deacon said as he placed his hand over the scars on Callum’s neck.
Warmth fluttered along his skin, soaking into his muscles and tendons. But where he expected teeth and pain and blood, there was only this soothing touch and a cleansing of the long-held ache from his first alpha’s claim. A brightness drifted around Callum, then Deacon lifted his hand away. He opened his eyes, uncertain whether the alpha was preparing to strike or had some worse plan in mind. Pale gold showed from Deacon’s eyes, a relaxed curve of a smile breaking the stern lines from earlier.
“Callum?” Uncertainty flooded from Gillian across the mating bond. He sent back reassurance, uncertain what would come next.
“I can’t undo the damage he caused,” Deacon said.
“But my blood?”
“You will not lose your blood to me today or I hope any day. If you betray my people, I don’t need a blood bond to find you or force your submission.”
With a rough exhale, Callum nodded. “I’ve never broken a promise freely given.”
“Then we are in agreement. But for your safety and that of your family, I believe it would be best if you remain in the sanctuary.
“We can live and work here?” Gillian asked, hope in her voice.
Not quite as optimistic, Callum considered the repercussion from having his work range limited to the small community of the sanctuary. How would he have access to his plans to build businesses and financial alliances? They’d ultimately be living on the alpha’s goodwill.
“You are free to live anywhere within my territory; however, I believe you would both be safer from Karndottir’s interference and potential vengeance here in Black Haven. At least for several years.” He gestured over his shoulder to the cabin behind him. “This home would be yours, if you choose. It’s not large, but it’s new, with plenty of land to expand later. More businesses are starting in town, and it’s close enough to walk.”
Evidently catching Callum’s hesitation, Deacon turned toward him. “Tell me what concerns you.”
“It’s a generous offer.” Callum nodded and forced a smile. “I’ll need to find work. What I’ve done up until now—well, I can’t see continuing my previous jobs within the sanctuary.”
“I’m aware of the ventures you’ve established within my territory,” Deacon held up a hand before Callum could explain. “I have no issue with profitable interactions. Especially those benefiting my people. It’s what I would do myself if I had more time. However, tracking down people who need my help and encouraging the next generation toward a better future takes up much of my day. Would you consider taking up your previous role for me, for the clan?”
It sounded almost too good to be true. Callum waited for the other shoe to drop. Maybe he’d absorbed too much of Gillian’s enthusiasm or the alpha bond delivered endorphins instead of pain, because he could imagine himself working for Deacon.
“Of course you’d be able to benefit from your own transactions at the same time you develop opportunities for the clan. I prefer your office be in my home, so you can have ready access to me or my lieutenants. I’m impressed with what you’ve done for yourself, and I believe you can help so many more. That is if being my financial manager appeals to you?”
Callum opened his mouth several times to speak, overwhelmed by his good fortune. He decided on a vigorous nod, which, given the twitch of Deacon’s brow and the return of his smile, must’ve been acceptable.
“Come find me tomorrow. My house is at the top of the hill. I can share what holdings I have while we talk about where you would like to start.”
Gillian waited as patiently for the alpha to turn to her as her pounding heart would allow. Callum had survived the break of his bond to Karndottir. He’d survived his new alpha oath without blood or pain. His new position in the clan, one she knew would let him stretch as far as he wanted, was a godsend. Not to mention a home to call their own. It was too incredible to believe.
So she was the only thing left to cause problems for their future. But she believed in this future.
She had no oath to break, and she could handle pain, but what of her baby? She rubbed her belly.
Deacon’s gaze followed her movements. “I can shield your child from any harm, but being born in a territory isn’t the same as taking an oath there. You’re at no risk.”
Ah, he was a mind reader. But her baby’s risk depended on perspective. She’d watched, frozen in place, as Deacon’s power ripped Karndottir’s hold from Callum’s body. Part of her cheered the conquest. Another part half analyzed the composition of gray smoke bursting from Callum’s muzzle and snout and half calculated how a chemical antidote could dissolve the thick, nearly oily cloud.
A tiny reticent part feared for her child.
“Your son is not an omega, though he has special abilities,” Deacon said.
Mind reader for certain. Did he know about Dana too?
Deacon moved toward her, his eyes shimmering with red. “I was briefed on your situation and your past when I was notified you both had entered my territory. I’m sorry your family had no one to protect them from Gauthier’s ignorance. My goal is a strong clan built from all our members, not a chosen few.”
She blinked away the wetness on her lashes. The world felt small in comparison to the wide bleakness she and her mother had survived, but for some reason, this acknowledgment from an alpha who would never meet either of her lost loved ones helped heal the woun
ded part of her heart. He didn’t need to show her empathy. He didn’t need to have taken the time to acknowledge her pain. Yet, his efforts confirmed for her that he was worthy of her oath. Callum moved to her side and helped her onto her knees, clasping her hand and kneeling again beside her.
Deacon remained where he was but nodded. “You have both mated well. Strength and honor. I look to more men and women from your bloodline to guide this clan.”
Women? She was having sons. Every cell in her body vibrated with that assurance. But girls—yes, granddaughters. She wanted six of them. She smiled at Deacon, holding back her own precious secret.
“I pledge my oath to my alpha,” she started before her alpha could speak. “And to my clan, and promise to safeguard our secrets and protect those in need.”
“Elegantly said.”
She didn’t bow her head as Deacon’s fingers brushed across her hair and his palm gently rested on her forehead.
She wanted to see again the bright cloud of stars, the constellations that had circled Callum in the final moments of his oath. The bright twinkles she sensed as others in this new world in which she’d been accepted. Warmth and lighthearted humor wrapped around her, a blanket against cold and hate and vengeance.
“I welcome you both into my clan.” Deacon assisted her up. “But before I leave you to your first evening in Black Haven, I understand you might have a list of the victims.”
The children, right. He wanted all her notes and the details—her notebook. Hesitating, she considered asking if he’d allow her to make copies, but it might seem like she had something to hide. With a nod, she retrieved her notebook from her pocket and handed it to Deacon, then looked away.
The ribbon marked her last notes so it would be easy enough for him to find. A shame that she’d lose the other notes she’d made.
Instead of leaving with her journal, Deacon read through several pages and then, to her surprise, passed it back to her with a puzzled look.
“Are you a doctor?”
“No, I…”
“She worked for the doctor in our town for the last several years,” Callum offered, sliding his hand around her back. “She’s as fearless with a scalpel and a needle as she is compassionate.”
Mouth opened to tell Callum she didn’t need him commending her to the alpha, she paused. It wasn’t worth the effort. What use would any shifter in a sanctuary have of her skills anyway?
“I’m building a community here,” Deacon said evenly. “Of shifters, their mates, and their children. Some are human. Some have dormant abilities. Our Dr. Arnold shows up in my home weekly asking for qualified help to aid him in his clinic.”
Unable to help herself, she grabbed for Callum’s hand and squeezed. He drew her hand up and kissed her knuckles, then disengaged her tight grip with an exaggerated wince. “Tell the alpha what he wants to hear, love.”
“The clan would pay for your time and fund your official training.” Deacon waved toward her belly. “If you wish, when you’re ready.”
“Yes.” She squealed, before she launched into Callum’s arms. “Yes.”
“Good, then. Perhaps you’d make me a copy of your notes on the children and bring it tomorrow with Callum.” Deacon turned away without a backward glance and gestured toward the cabin. “Betty left meals inside for you. You’ll be safe and comfortable for the night.”
She stood on her toes and shouted, “Thank you, Alpha.”
He continued on, shaking his head. “You can call me, Deacon, Gillian.”
Eyes closed, she sank into her mate’s hold and for the first time in too many days inhaled the sweet scent of pine and snow and peace. “We did it.”
He tipped her chin up to delve into her mouth with a kiss promising a lifetime of joy. He drew away, his nose touching hers. “We survived, and now, my sweet mate, we will thrive.”
“Raising our family in our own house and helping our own people.”
Callum turned, his gaze assessing the building as he stroked his jaw with one hand. “It’s not like Vendrick’s cottage. I can build us a bigger one.”
Her heart nearly burst with happiness. “I love this one. It’s the perfect size for us. Like Deacon said, we can build onto it later.”
“For our other five children and your mother,” he teased.
“Of course. But only four more,” she said with certainty. “With Wharton and our five, we’ll have our six. Besides, we’ll have to pace ourselves with your new job for the alpha and mine with Dr. Arnold.”
“I don’t know what’s so magical about six children, but as long as you’re by my side, I’ll follow your plan.”
She smiled. Perfect Mann, perfect answer.
Epilogue
Black Haven Stronghold, Montana
Three days later
Breslin leaned against the rock at the edge of Black Haven Stronghold and waited for Alpha Black’s detail of enforcers to arrive. He hadn’t been here since he was a young teen, but he’d been born here. He knew the hidden caves and prime lookouts of these mountains and forests. Black Haven called to him with the same instinctual familiarity that his cougar recognized the bite of winter snow in the air and the metallic taste of an advancing lightning storm. It lulled and tugged at him like a sentient presence. Given the lore of the Earth Mother and the granting of magical powers from the sanctuary to its alpha, perhaps Black Haven was alive.
Even so, as an unpledged adult shifter, he couldn’t cross the threshold without an escort. He could find his way here blindfolded, but a step over the line and he’d be crushed to a crawling mass of blood and pulp.
Not the reason he’d taken his time to obey Vendrick’s command to present himself to the alpha. He’d delayed on purpose. No alpha deserved his unconditional trust. Especially not one who’d secretly dictated Breslin’s activities for years. In his experience, alphas were pompous power hoarders. Hereditary ascension created egos without equal.
The leaves rustled around him, and a massive grizzly broke through the tree line, stalking straight toward him. It didn’t blink. Didn’t give a hint of its intent.
Breslin didn’t move and let the pressing weight of the alpha’s power that moved with the beast wash over him. No point in losing what little advantage he had by announcing his abilities to one of the alpha’s enforcers. He wasn’t about to be drawn into a fight either. He’d earlier scoped out sturdy limbs fifty feet up and to his left as a good escape option. The bear could shake the trunk, but Breslin was fast in trees. He could outrun a big fat bear any day of the week.
He tensed, ready for the jump and shift as the grizzly shimmered from power on four paws to human. Silver-brown fur dissolved as boots, denim, and flannel covered him. Well, most of the fur vanished. A beard covered the majority of his face, with his hair hanging to his shoulders. The rest of him was tall, stocky, and heavily muscled.
The bear shifter leveled a harsh glare on him. “Deacon expected you two days ago.”
“I’m here now.”
“You don’t look so tough, ghost. Guess reputations are funny that way.” The man flashed white teeth in an overdone smile. “Get all blown out of proportion.”
The taunt got the best of him. Curling his lips, he offered a matching non-smile. “I can take you down.”
The man huffed and waved toward the way he’d come. “I’d like to see you try. After you’re finished with Deacon, I’ll give you a match in the barn at the orchard.”
Without another word, he headed back the way he’d come, evidently expecting Breslin to follow.
They walked together across the sanctuary line. The magic of the soil leapt up, licked a caress along Breslin’s legs and settled back down, appeased. “Eager to build your reputation by taking me down?”
“Whoa.” The bear shifter looked over at him, startled. “I’m offering a good workout in the ring. Not annihilation.”
Breslin shrugged, and they continued toward the town. A lot had changed since his boyhood. Stores and homes lined the d
irt road. Children played tag in the town square with a combination of humans and varied shifters keeping watch. The wolf elite no longer hung out, dominating the local workers. He wasn’t sure what to make of the changes and followed along until they reached a wooden sign for Romald Orchards.
“You keep going straight, and you’ll get to the alpha’s home.” The shifter gestured up the road and turned toward the orchard before he delivered another long look. “I was serious about the match. It’s hard to find good competition. Bears just want to kill each other, and wolves are too damn testy. Ask for Grizz, and they’ll point you in my direction.”
Uncertain what to make of the offer, Breslin continued along the path through the trees. Ten minutes later, the road broke through the woods and rose toward a long ranch-style house at the hill’s crest. A deep porch surrounded the home, with wide stairs leading to thick double doors intricately carved with various animals.
Black’s father had held court in the pub in town. At least when he wasn’t visiting his mate in some secluded part of the sanctuary—which was rare. It seemed Deacon Black liked the more visible signs of his power. Large house, refined details—probably took several crews of shifters to get this work done.
Breslin reached for the front door when it swung inward. A long-boned, lean-muscled woman with long braided auburn hair, plaid shirt, and dungarees, and just enough curves to her cheekbones and full lips to classify her as stunning in an exotic way, held the door open.
Housekeeper, paramour, or secretary perhaps? She was dressed unusually for the first, and a little rugged for the second, and from the length of her nails, not a good candidate for the third. But then, tastes varied, and skills weren’t discernible by scent. The only thing he could tell for certain, based on the golden gleam in her eyes, was that she bore her wolf close to her skin. “Ma’am. I’m looking for the alpha.”
“Do I look old enough to be called ma’am?” She raised her forefinger with a nail extended toward his face. “Be very careful how you answer that, and if you survive Deacon, then you make sure you come see me. I’m his second in command. And for the record, the only thing I better ever hear you call me is Trim.”
