Deadlands Hunt

by Gayla Drummond

  Showing them the fern fronds, Chase explained how to pad the stone floor under their bedrolls. Amethyst immediately collected an armful and carried them off to their bedroom. Chase decided there really wasn't anything else to call it, under the circumstances. He took care of his pack's sleeping places, while Sally and Peter tended to their own.

  The alcoves would be in darkness even with a fire burning, the Weren realized as his pack mates returned. Curtis grinned, winking slyly as he saw where Chase was standing and what he was looking at. Chase moved to help him unload the bundles of grass he'd collected as fodder for the horses. They went out for a third trip, and caught a few rock rabbits while gathering more grass and such. Kyle set to work the minute they returned, preparing dinner. Chase noted a blanket was strung across the opening where the small pool of water lay.

  "The ladies wanted a bath. Since the water comes from above, I told'em to just use the pool," Curtis remarked.

  In fact, by the time the group had settled down around the fire to eat dinner, everyone had taken a bath. Clothing was rinsed and laid over rocks to dry, while blankets had been pressed into service to preserve a semblance of decency.

  Chase took first watch, estimating it would be a while before Amethyst was able to don any clothing. Kyle relieved him after a while, blinking owlishly.

  To the Weren's surprise, he found a blanket strung across the opening of their alcove. Ducking inside, the shape shifter stared at the sleeping Amethyst for a long moment. Kneeling beside her, he gently shook her shoulder to wake her.

  "You're back," she murmured, then stole his breath away with "Come to bed."

  The Weren crawled under the blanket and gathered her close. The warmth of her against his bare chest was soothing.

  "Are you having wicked thoughts?"

  The question startled a chuckle out of him. "You could say that."

  "I believe I’m beginning to as well."

  With a quiet rumble, the Weren kissed her. “Good night, Amethyst.”

  “Good night, Chase.”

  Eleven

  A roar of pure rage woke them. Chase lunged upright, then to his feet, racing for the cave’s entrance. Outside of it, he found Kyle staggering back with an arrow through his left shoulder. Bran and Curtis were on his heels. “Guard the entrance!”

  Catching Kyle, he dragged him inside. The three humans jumped to help. Sally moaned at the sight of blood, but took the injured Weren’s hand and forced a smile. Kyle chuckled. “I’m all right, Miss Sally. Go ahead, Chase.”

  Shots rang out as Chase yanked the arrow free. “Shift. We’re going to need you.”

  Rising, he patted Amethyst’s arm. “Help me get the extra ammo.”

  “Of course.” Everyone helped while Kyle stripped and shifted to beast form, then back to human. Rolling his shoulders, the Weren grinned at Sally.

  “See?”

  “Yes, I do.” The blond blushed, then finished loading her pistol, as Curtis yelled for Chase.

  “There’s a whole damn clan of the bastards,” the burly shape shifter snarled once Chase was at the entrance. “If we stay here…”

  We’re dead, Chase silently finished, studying the dark landscape. They would run out of ammunition long before the orcs ran out of bodies to throw at them. But if we make a run for it, we might have a chance. “Bran, go tell the others to saddle up. We’re getting out of here.”

  “Damn no sense orcs. Why can’t they stick with a regular pattern of some sort?” Curtis complained, firing at another one that ran towards them. “I hate orcs.”

  “We’ll shift, and they’ll ride. Straight through, and let’s just keep going until we hit another canyon. Maybe it won’t be infested with the damn things,” Chase said, shooting another one. “Unless you have another idea?”

  “Nope.” They traded a grim look, and then went back to shooting.

  *

  “No matter what, keep riding east.” The instructions weren’t sitting well with Amethyst.

  “What if any of you are hurt?”

  Bran answered, “You keep going. We’ll either catch up, or we won’t.”

  She stared at him. “I can’t just ride off and leave you. Any of you.”

  “Of course you can.” Kyle grinned. “We’re not all that easy to put down, Amethyst. You do what you’re told, and we’ll handle the rest.”

  Chase ended the discussion by picking her up. Setting her on the back of his gelding, he smiled. “Don’t worry about us. Just ride. We have to get past them, and worrying about any of you stopping isn’t going to help.”

  “But…”

  “Please?” he asked, smile fading. Biting her lip, Amethyst nodded. “Thank you. Everything will be fine, I promise. Trust me.”

  “I do,” she replied as Sally and Peter drew up alongside, also mounted on black geldings. The fourth was rider less, but wore bridle and saddle, as well as burdened with the supplies. “What about the other horses?”

  Chase grimaced. “Uh, we’re going to send them out first, as a distraction.”

  A protest formed and died before nodding. “I hope they make it.”

  “So do we. Preferably taking down a few orcs on their way,” Curtis muttered, beginning to shift. Bran and Kyle followed suit. The three humans kept their eyes averted while Chase stepped back to strip off his jeans and do the same.

  Amethyst took the offered piece of clothing, tucking them into a saddlebag. The shape shifter stood tall enough to look her in the eyes. Chase rumbled softly, claws touching her hair, while Bran and Kyle herded the three horses down the passage.

  With a howl, they set the terrified animals running, and seconds later, the rest of the group was out in the open and resulting confusion. The plan was mostly successful. The group of Weren and humans did break free of the circle of orcs, and two of the other horses did as well.

  Sally shot one orc – the one that cut her former mount’s legs out from under it after it had bowled over a few of the ugly creatures. The blond woman was weeping, and Chase felt terrible for being party to the cause of it.

  They ran until the sky lightened, then paused for a break. It was a brief one, because some of the orcs had decided to give chase. Snarling, the Werens held them off long enough for the humans to remount and start away. Amethyst looked back, her heart pounding, and was relieved to see the huge, wolfish shapes racing after them.

  And so it went for the next four days, until they found another canyon and finally reached the end to find themselves forty miles from the nearest town, which happened to be Adersol.

  When they rode into town, filthy and haggard, Amethyst almost cried with relief. A hot bath, a meal, and a real bed sounded like heaven. She glanced at Chase.

  How were they going to handle this? She wasn’t certain that she was up to any negative scrutiny, not as exhausted as she felt. And what were Sally and Peter going to do?

  The red head soon realized she really didn’t care. She’d love to sleep in Chase’s arms, but she was so tired, sleeping alone also seemed wonderful. Just as long as it was in a real bed.

  “I’ll get the rooms, if someone doesn’t mind taking my horse?” Peter suggested as they pulled up in front of the inn. Bran took the reins after he’d slid off. “Ah, how many rooms should I request?”

  “Whatever they have,” Chase replied, twisting to help Amethyst dismount. “You and Sally should go ahead inside. We’ll take care of the horses.”

  “All right.” Giving him a weary smile, she followed her two friends into the inn to find only three rooms available. Once those were theirs, she requested baths readied and their trunks brought to one of the rooms. Peter left to help the Weren with the horses.

  Walking upstairs, Sally whispered, “We’re going to get married, Amy.”

  “That’s wonderful.”

  “How are we going to decide who sleeps where?” The blond frowned.

  “We can share a room. I mean, the two of us and… Peter and Chase?” Amethyst suggested after a glance sho
wed the hallway empty. Sally smiled in agreement.

  *

  “Oh, no. I’ll share a room with Bran, or have one to myself.” Curtis scowled at Kyle. “You snore.”

  “I snore? Me? Hah! You snore like a dragon.”

  “Just pick a room,” Chase told them, following Peter into the one they’d been informed they’d be sharing while the two women disappeared into the bathing chamber. “And keep the noise level down.”

  “Are you certain this is a good idea?” Peter turned as he shut the door. “It’s not really proper, you know.”

  “Maybe not to you, but it’s tame by our standards.” Dropping the saddlebags onto the floor, Chase collapsed on one of the beds. “I’m too tired to do anything but eat and sleep.”

  “Well, there is that,” Peter agreed, sitting on the other bed. “And I suppose we’ll be chaperoning each other.”

  “Yeah.” The Weren closed his eyes. “Wake me up when it’s our turn for a bath.”

  He was asleep less than a minute later, leaving Peter alone with his thoughts.

  *

  Dinner was a quiet affair, taken in the common room while ignoring curious stares and whispers. Amethyst noticed and the activity caused worrisome thoughts to percolate through her exhausted mind.

  It will always be like this, she realized. Wherever we go, there will be stares and whispers. People will be constantly gossiping and speculating about us. Pushing her plate away, she rose. “I think I’ll retire early.”

  Chase almost stood up, but thought better of it. “You didn’t eat much.”

  “I’m more tired than hungry.”

  “All right. Good night, Amethyst.” The others echoed the sentiment, and she managed a weary smile before walking to the stairs. Once in the room, she changed into a nightgown and lay down. In Taryton, Chase would be out of place. Just as much as she would be in Rockshelme.

  It doesn’t matter, she thought. It doesn’t. I can endure such attention, to be with him.

  However, her worries continued even after sleep arrived, filling her dreams with warnings.

  *

  Over the next few days, Chase noticed her slow withdrawal and decided that it was because he hadn’t yet spoken to her. He should’ve, considering they were back in what passed for civilization, sharing a room and bed.

  Plans were needed, because his pack had to return to their patrol. He needed to send notice they’d be leaving the service.

  However, Peter and Sally announced their intention of marrying immediately, so that took precedence as everyone helped with the hasty preparations. Extremely hasty; the young couple married that very afternoon. Another room came available, and Amethyst took it, leaving him to move his things to the one Curtis had claimed.

  Temporary, Chase thought, accepting the turn of events with a shrug. After the impromptu celebration, he escorted her upstairs and kissed her good night. The Weren had trouble falling asleep, listening to her tossing and turning in the next room.

  He intended to speak with her the next morning, but woke to a missive that demanded aid for Hondo, which was having problems with orcs. Amethyst hadn’t yet come down, nor had the newlyweds. “Go saddle up the horses. I’ll take care of the bill and need a few minutes to talk to Amethyst.”

  “Going to finally make your offer?” Kyle grinned in anticipation. Returning it, Chase nodded and congratulations were given. Laughing, he fended them off.

  “She has to agree first. Go on, I think I hear her coming.”

  His pack hurried out, leaving him to watch the head of the stairs. Doubt took hold. Would she agree to go with him, so that they could get married in Hondo? Or would she want to wait here, for him to return?

  Either is fine, Chase decided as Amethyst appeared, wearing the buckskins he loved seeing her in. But his doubt grew when she didn’t smile while coming down the stairs. He stood, waiting for her to take a seat. “Good morning.”

  “Good morning, Chase.” She didn’t sit down. “The maid said you’d received news of some sort?”

  “Yeah. We have to head for Hondo immediately. They’re having some trouble with orcs.” Licking his lips, Chase studied her face. “I wanted to talk to you. About us.”

  “I…” Amethyst looked down, clasping her hands. “All right.”

  “I know we haven’t known each other long, but we’ve been through a lot together,” he began, uncertainty blooming.

  “Yes, we have,” she quietly agreed, still staring at the floor. Chase raised a hand, touching her chin to urge her to meet his eyes. “What’s wrong, Amethyst?”

  “I’ve been thinking about this - about us.” Her blue eyes were damp.

  “And?”

  "I'm afraid," Amethyst miserably admitted. "I'm afraid I won't be what you need."

  "All you need to be is you," Chase replied, feeling a chill take hold in his heart. "That's all I need."

  "But this… this isn't me," she protested, a sweeping gesture indicating the britches and shirt. "I'm a city person, accustomed to a safe life behind strong walls. To things like running water, and shops, dressmakers, and servants, teas and balls. I don't know how to cook or even sew anything useful, Chase. I don't know the things that are required in order to survive a life outside walls."

  Slowly, carefully, half-afraid she'd draw away, Chase caught her hands and studied the backs of them. They were marred by scratches and bruises. Turning them over, he gazed at the half-healed blisters and the rawness of the rope burn cutting across her right palm. Despite the abuse they'd seen and survived during the days in the Deadlands, her hands still felt soft and fragile in his.

  Reluctantly, Chase listened as his heart told him there was something to her fears. The shape shifter knew Amethyst would always be enough for him. Yet he also realized that life as his wife might not be enough for her. Directing his gaze up, he met the blue ones he'd grown to love looking into and found in them her willingness to follow him in spite of her words. He knew, without a doubt that if he asked her to, she would go with him.

  The Weren quailed at the thought that time might prove he wasn't enough for her, wouldn't be able to give her all that he felt she deserved. Chase realized that he couldn't ask her. It wouldn't be fair, asking her to leave everything she knew behind to live among strangers for the rest of her life. Releasing one of her hands, he reached up to brush away a wisp of hair from her bruised left cheek.

  She'd gone through too much already, learning the truth of her sister's death and fighting to survive all the travails they'd faced in the Deadlands. Even in his home territory, survival wasn't a guarantee. No, he would have to accept the fact she'd be better off returning to the life she knew. Swallowing hard, he said, "I want you to be happy."

  "That's what I want for you," Amethyst responded quietly, holding his gaze with an effort that hurt. "I..."

  Whatever she was going to say was lost as the Weren moved a bit closer and lowered his head. Their lips met in a lingering, tender kiss. Chase hoped that it told her all the things he couldn't say. That he loved her and always would. That he would come if she ever needed him for anything.

  "It's all right," he said softly after ending the kiss. Forcing a smile to lips that felt as though they never wanted to smile again, he added, "Go home, Amethyst."

  With that, he released her other hand and did the hardest thing he'd ever done; turned and walked away. A part of him hoped she'd call him back, give him an excuse to be selfish. The rest hoped that she wouldn't.

  "Chase." It was a faint whisper and the Weren pretended he hadn't heard it while continuing to cross the wooden floor to the door.

  Amethyst gazed after him, torn between relief and a deep, terrible sense of loss. This is the right choice, she thought as the door shut behind him. It is, for us both.

  Isn't it?

  Twelve

  Curtis pushed away from the wooden column he'd been leaning against as Kyle and Bran straightened up on their horses. The three exchanged looks when Chase closed the inn's doo
r behind him. "Where's..."

  "Let's ride," his pack leader interrupted, striding across the porch.

  "Wait, Amethyst isn’t coming?" Bran asked, looking confused as Chase took the reins of his horse.

  "No." Chase mounted, not looking at any of them. Kyle scowled at the door of the inn. "Never figured her for a..."

  "Shut your mouth!" Chase's snarl cut him off before he could finish. More calmly, he admitted, "I didn't ask her to."

  "Why not?" Curtis was the one to voice the question. The burly shape shifter cringed back, catching a glimpse of tortured eyes under the brim of Chase's hat. The other ducked his head, and Curtis silently stepped off the porch to climb aboard his own horse.

  Four black horses wheeled about and left the inn's yard, breaking into a gallop once on the street.

  *

  The coach pulled out of Adersol, heading north and trailing a thick plume of dust. Peter and Sally traded a worried look at the blank expression on Amethyst's face as she stared out of the small window.

  She wasn't seeing the land rushing by, but a pair of pale, gold eyes filled with sadness and love. 'Go home, Amethyst' he'd told her, and with those words, the red head had known he'd agreed with her. They both knew she'd end up failing him.

  Hand curling into a fist, Amethyst wincingly savored the pain the movement caused in her wound. She hadn't failed him then, when it had counted. However, the future would lead to more chances to do so, and failing Chase was something she never wanted to face. It would destroy something in her if it did happen, so it was better not to risk it.

  She was returning to her safe life and maybe there'd come a day when the pain of watching him walk away would lessen enough that she'd marry someone. Children were supposed to be fulfilling and Amethyst supposed it'd be nice to have one or two to spend her days with.