by Kim Faulks
Anger rippled, somewhere in the distance the boom of thunder followed. Rowen’s lips parted in a smirk. I’d never raised my hand to strike a woman—not in all my years of fighting—but my fist clenched. I considered breaking that rule.
North and Byron shook their heads; the movement drew my gaze. None broke ranks to come to my side—they just stood there, hurting, torn. What had we become?
Lightning in the distance brightened the sky, and then died. The wolves moved out of the way as I left my family behind and headed for the house. I’m so sorry, Odessa. Those words resounded inside my head. I’m so damn sorry.
So where did this leave her?
I stepped through the shattered wall and made my way to my bedroom. My hand shook as I gripped the handle. I swallowed the hurt and the pain. I tried to quell the brutal waves inside. She needed me to be strong. She needed me to help her—to heal her.
I bore down on the handle and opened the door. Her back was toward me. A tray sat on the dresser. One lone saucer…
It hadn’t been there before.
Her frail body bounced and trembled.
“Odessa.”
She stilled for a second before dropping her head and whispering. “Go away, Victor.”
Those words filled my chest with stone. I shoved the door. The bang ripped through the room. “I’m not going anywhere. Please, look at me. Talk to me.”
“I… I’m not welcome here. I’m not wanted.”
The hitch in her voice rattled me. She lifted a cup to her lips.
I turned to the tray. “Where did you get the tea?”
She turned her gaze toward me. Her cheeks glistened with tears. “It was here when I came in. I thought…”
Her brow narrowed. Her sadness swallowed me like a never-ending tide. But she was still alive, she was still safe. Maddy’s words rang like a bell inside my head.
Tonight. No one will notice—not until it’s too late.
Odessa dropped her gaze to the cup. The dark, murky liquid splashed the sides. I took a step. Her hand slipped. The contents fell and splashed against the tiles.
“Dragon,” she whispered as the cup fell.
End over end. The white cup hit the tiles and shattered. White fragments scattered across the floor. Her hands went to her stomach. Her eyes widened, the whites glowed like a full moon on a clear night. I couldn’t move—couldn’t do a damn thing. I forced myself to move. Shards crunched under my boots.
“Poison.” She whimpered, and then doubled over. A moan slipped free.
I grasped her arm and pulled her into me as she dropped to the floor. “Please. No. Odessa. Please, please.” I turned to the door, my screams rebounding in the room. “Somebody help me!”
White, the room was so white it was blinding. I turned back to her. Blood trailed from under her nose in a slow slide toward her lip.
I didn’t listen. Why didn't I listen?
Her eyes dulled. The spark dimmed.
My throat burned, my screams were acid. “Please, someone help me! She’s dying.”
I shook my head as I sank to the floor. This wasn’t real. This wasn’t happening.
Blood cascaded, flowing freely. Those brown eyes were gone. Her pupils widened.
Something whispered at the back of my neck.
I jerked my head up.
My heart thrashed inside my ears. The sound was deafening.
Odessa twitched in my arms. I dropped my gaze. Her face blurred, and then cleared. Thick tears hit her chest. Those eyes, those beautiful brown eyes.
Were gone.
Black filled the space.
She blinked.
I flinched and dropped her.
There was something wrong here—something very wrong. Black tendrils of smoke reached from her nose and lapped the trail of blood. The glossy rivulet drew back, leaving a hint of blood at the ridge of her lip.
A low growl slipped free and that whisper of other filled the room once more. Power gripped me in a cold embrace. This was nothing like the Alpha’s power that tickled my skin and stood my hair on end—this power was searching, was slicing—this power cleaved through my mind. This power could take my life—this power could take all our lives.
My boots squealed on the tiles. I shoved my heel against the floor. Run, whispered a voice. A boom tore through the room behind me.
“Get out! Get out of here. You need to run. Run dragon!”
Spittle flew from the old woman’s lips to splatter my cheek. She turned her head. Her wrinkled face paled as Odessa climbed to her feet. This wasn’t the woman I knew. She wasn’t the woman I made love to—but she was. Somewhere deep inside she was there—waiting.
“Odessa, look at me.” My voice was brittle and broken. I shoved against the floor and pushed myself onto my trembling legs. “Odessa. Look at me.”
She lifted her gaze, following the movement. My knees buckled, sending me to the floor.
The old woman’s nails grazed my arm. “Dragon. Stop. She’s shifting.”
Black eyes captured me. I forced myself up on one leg, then the other and locked my knees, never once taking my mind off the woman I loved. “I’m here. You’re okay.”
She dropped her head, taking in the shattered cup, black mist seeped from between her lips. I’d kissed those lips. I still felt the warmth.
“They tried to hurt you, but you’re safe now. You’re safe with me.”
A keening sound bubbled up from my dragon and slipped from my lips. The old woman whimpered and slapped her hands over her ears. The high-pitched whine was piercing. Odessa shook her head—brown eyes replaced black.
I took a step, edging closer. “That’s it. That’s it baby.”
She closed her eyes and snarled. “Get back!”
The black mist retreated into her body, leaving no trace behind. Odessa shook like a wolf after the rain. Her blonde hair whipped through the air. When she opened her eyes there was no trace of her wolf—only perfect amber eyes.
She held my gaze. Her lips trembled. “Someone tried to kill me…they tried to kill me, Victor.”
I tried to think, tried to understand. Wind howled through the cracks in the window as the old woman whispered. “This place isn’t safe for you anymore.”
Where is your family now Victor?
Where is the mighty Bloodletter?
Abandoned.
Forgotten.
I closed my eyes to the deep snarl of my dragon as his words sliced right through me. There were no tears, no sorrow. Marcus would sacrifice Odessa at Rowen’s word—I knew that now. He didn’t care if Odessa survived and he didn’t care about finding a better way—a safer way. These new wolves were commanded by someone and my brother was the perfect fit. He’d gone behind my back to get to Odessa before—why wouldn’t he do it again?
Family, the word stuck in my throat. I couldn’t trust them—not anymore.
The cold moved in like a predator and staked its claim. I’d been abandoned. The truth was like a spear through my chest. I’d been abandoned—just like I’d abandoned him.
You know what you need to do.
I nodded my head. My words blended with the dragon’s until I didn’t know where mine ended and his began. “So we’ll run.”
10
Odessa
I lowered my head as the wind picked up speed. Gusts whipped hair into my eyes. Slick tears fell, blurring the darkness.
They’re from the wind, I told myself.
They weren’t tears of pain and sorrow at all.
The bitter tea still lingered somewhere in the back of my throat. I licked my lips and worked enough moisture into my mouth to swallow. But no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t rid myself of the taste.
They tried to kill me.
I gripped the straps from my backpack and hitched my step—shifting the weight—and kept on walking. A faint sound slipped through the night. I stilled my steps. The crunch of boots ahead drowned out the fleeting call. Was it a wolf? Was it the new Bloodstone pac
k?
Pain bloomed in my chest like the most beautiful and deadly night flower. They tried to kill me. To find their brother. Wouldn’t I have done the same? Kill another, hurt another, to find my way back to kin?
I searched inside for answers, and then shook my head, casting slick tears aside. No. I’d rather be alone forever. There was far too much pain in the world—far too much hopelessness—and sometimes, family could be…cruel.
The heavy thud of boots slowed in front, the brutal wind whipped the sound away. I slowed, dropping my shoulder and releasing my bag from one side. I reached into the belly of the thicket, finding my way through the thorns.
The berries were thick, juicy. I worked fast, piling the berries into a cloth, and tied the ends. I felt the poison working its way through my system, clenching and twisting. My stomach rumbled in protest and the shadowed wolf waited.
I picked a handful of raspberry leaves as Victor’s steps grew faint. The sound of heavy chains clinked and rattled in my mind.
They tried to kill you, Odessa.
Let me return the favor.
A thorn gouged the back of my hand as I wrenched free. The sting was instant, shoving the bitter wind aside. I yanked my hand to my lips and tasted blood. The footsteps in front were so faint now, barely even there. I could be all alone out here, no one would ever know. I tucked the berries into the top of my pack and set off, gaining speed.
I swung my pack over my shoulder and grasped the strap. “You just stay right where you are.”
Victor had barely spoken since we left the house. A few words—kind words, soft words—were all that lingered between us, but as we hit the road and dipped back down the other side of the mountain and away from his home, the conversation waned until there was only silence.
I caught the glimpse of white in the distance before he rounded a pine and disappeared. The wind howled through the trees, turning colder with every minute that passed. I yanked the collar of my jacket higher and followed Victor’s trail.
The night grew colder—too cold for autumn. I dug into my pack and grabbed the raspberry leaf. Small thorns grazed my fingers as I tore a small piece free and shoved it into my mouth. I needed hot water, a nice fire to warm my body and ease the low cramps in my stomach.
“Victor.” My voice rang clear, yet his steps never slowed.
I chewed and swallowed a leaf, wincing at the sour taste. A few berries and half a leaf, and my belly eased, but the poison lingered. I grasped low-lying branches and pulled myself along.
One foot after another, my body fell into the regular motion. I’d tracked my way across this countryside and back again—always walking—never ending. But there was a difference. I’d been searching for something—or someone. I’d walked with a purpose, until now.
The brush thinned out, sparse trees gave way to rocky mounds. Soft dirt turned hard under my boots. I slowed, listening to the wind howl and rage through the small cluster of trees. Victor’s silhouette grew larger as I raced to catch up.
“They’re coming. We need to keep moving.”
An icy touch caressed my face. I lowered my gaze and stared down the sheer cliff face. White flakes floated from the sky in front of my nose. I lifted my hand, snow danced around my fingers, and I couldn’t help but smile. “It’s snowing.”
The slick rocks glistened under the glow of the full moon. A perfect night to escape—and a perfect night for an initiation.
Victor looked straight ahead. His voice was void of emotion. “The rocks will be slippery. I’ll go first.”
Snowflakes clung to the hairs on my arm as I reached for him. “You don’t have to—”
But a gust snatched the words from my mouth and he was already gone, already dropping to the ground. His boots slipped against the surface. I dropped to my knees as rocks tumbled.
“Victor.”
His boots gripped, finding a hold, and for a second there was only the pounding of my heart.
“I’m fine. I’m fine…just be careful.”
Snow clung to my lashes as I eased my feet over the edge. Pebbles clattered to the ground. I followed him, using the strength in my arms until my boots gripped.
Step after slow, agonizing step I followed Victor down the mountain. By the time I neared the bottom, the tips of my fingers stung, burning with the razor edges of the rock. The wind smashed me against the surface, battering my eyes and blurring my view. Tiny cracks became wide ledges, until the small shelf gave way to the bottom.
I wiped my forehead, wincing at the spear of pain from my wound. Sweat dripped between my breasts and I opened my jacket to the bluster. My body cooled in the second it took for me to turn.
The sky lightened. Above stars sparkled like the glint of sun on the water. The sun would soon rise and we weren’t far enough away.
“Are you ready?”
Something in my chest fluttered with his words. I nodded and tucked my jacket into place. “Yes. Where are we going?”
He gave me his back and growled. “As far as we can.”
The base of the mountain was wide and rocky. I kept my footing, making my way to the edge. Through the pebbles and the boulders, I felt the water—rushing, chopping and churning—just like I felt it with Victor.
His rage was palpable, leaking out with every command. I followed his steps, keeping closer while the soft flecks of snow came down. My boots slipped on the slick surface. I moved toward the edge where the pebbles were smaller as the dark sky lightened.
We kept the pace, following the dry creek bed until the ground turned boggy under our feet. Night gave way to morning. I snagged my knife from the side of my pack as the sun rose. We followed the river through the range until tiny movement caught my eye. I licked my icy lips, my breath a white cloud of smoke. “Stop.”
The crunch of boots echoed as he kept on walking. My throat burned as I called louder. “Victor, I said stop.”
My legs were like bricks, the muscles along my back burned. It’d been months since I’d walked this hard, but it was the snow that had me worried. I leaned to the side and dropped my pack to the ground. The movement came again, just inside the line of trees. I glanced to the still green grass at the water’s edge, then into the shadows.
“What is it?” Fear echoed from his tone.
I kept my voice low and moved slowly while I whispered, “Food.”
I lunged for the cover, and lifted my hand high. The blade felt so good in my hand, so normal after days of being confined to four walls. My heart leapt like a deer in full flight as I covered the distance and plunged into the shadows.
Tiny white tufts caught my eye. My shadowed wolf howled with the hunt, forcing me to move faster, lighter. I rounded the tightly packed clump and cut through the belly of the cluster. Thin branches whipped my face, but I was used to the pain…I craved it, forcing hot blood through my veins, forcing me to become the hunter.
The sweet scent of grass mingled with fear. I surged ahead, listening to the grass whisper as the animal scurried.
Catch me…catch me.
Gray fur shone as the animal raised its head before I whipped my hand forward and released.
The blade sliced the air, never once moving from target, and hit with a soft thud and the animal was gone, stolen by the long blades of grass. I rushed forward, dropping to one knee and stared at the rabbit.
Its eyes were wide, brown edges filled with fear. White and gray fur was stained red around the edges of my blade. I reached down and grasped the animal. He was fat and warm in my hands.
“It’s okay, it won’t be long,” I whispered. “I honor you for the food of your body and the warmth of your pelt. I’ll never forget this day and your sacrifice.”
The rabbit’s brown eyes widened, blood seeped freely and then he was gone. I stilled for a second before I grasped the handle and tore the blade free. This animal’s journey was done. He’d provide food and warmth, just as I would do my part when the end finally came.
I turned my head to the
rustle of grass as I made short work slicing skin from meat and removing organs.
Victor stared at my blood-soaked hand, and then lifted his gaze. “Nice catch. I guess we’ll need to stop soon. Can you keep going a little farther?”
I rose to my feet and nodded. “Sure, we’ll need more than this though if we want to survive.”
Victor just nodded, dropped his head. Was he the same man who made love to me mere hours ago? Was he the same man who laughed and smiled, and held me as I slept? I didn’t think so.
I made my way back to the bank and my backpack. I caused his hurt—his pain. I caused him to leave his family, a rift like that couldn’t be healed. A rift like that lingered like poison from tea.
The green grass was speckled with white by the time I stowed the rabbit away in my pack and started once more. I stared at his curled shoulders and listened to the heavy thud of his boots. I was used to being on my own—loved being on my own. The birds above sang; their song changed with the weather, short, sharp calls. I inhaled the scent of deer, and rabbit, and muskier game deeper in the woods. I’d always found company, even if it was the drifting clouds above, but I’d never felt lonely—not until now.
One mountain was exchanged for another. We climbed, skirting the sheer cliff faces and instead walking along the rivers. The sun beat directly overhead and my pack was stuffed with three more meals by the time he finally stopped, turned his head, and searched the crowding range. “I think we’ve lost them, for a while at least. We can rest.”
I gripped my arms and delved under the fur to press against the warmth under my arms. My hands stung from the heat and slowly warmed. I stared at the growing pile of snow on the bare ground and tried to still the chatter in my words. “T-the trees w-would be warmer. Make…shelter…keep warm.”
He stared at me, looked right through me. The frigid blast blew his thin cotton shirt, whipping it out, only to smother it against the hard curve of his chest. He wore no jacket, no fur. His neatly pressed black trousers and shiny black shoes captured the white tufts of snow, only to consume the icicles. He looked like he’d stepped out of the mortal world for a stroll in the wild. He looked strange…funny. I wanted to laugh—but there was no laughter, only pain. I’d broken him.
