Uniquely Unwelcome (The Shadow World)
Page 16
“I am.” Coy replies.
“I see.” Jobe says. “Well Coy, a long time ago there was a curse put upon a small group of Lycans. This curse has left them permanently in wolf form since. We have been working on finding answers to remove the curse but as you can see, we’ve had no luck.”
Finally finding my voice I ask, “Who put the curse upon them?”
“A Witch.” Jobe says with the same venom as Accalia. When he continues, it seems as if he’s in another time, staring off into a void that only he can see.
“A group of Vampires had nested near a Lycan encampment for a week. They brought havoc upon the encampment and the local human community. One night five Lycans went out to meet with the Vampires. They wanted to bargain with them to leave. However, the Vampires had other things in mind, and had kidnapped one of the Lycans’ wives after they had left camp.
Of course, the husband was furious. He attacked the Vampires and freed his wife. The others joined him in the fight. They all made it out alive, but barely. They did, however, manage to kill one of the leeches. Later that night a Witch came into camp. She was furious with the Lycans because the Vampire they had killed was her lover. She put a curse upon them that left them in their true wolf form. They have been that way ever since, which was over 300 years ago. Some live here, others roam the earth in hopes of finding answers and revenge.” Jobe looks at Coy and then returns his gaze to me.
“So is that why you dislike Witches?” I ask, still having some trouble getting my words out right.
“We don’t like the fact that they align themselves with the leeches. That we do not tolerate or trust.” Jobe still holds disgust in his voice which masks his radiant voice.
I may not understand this feud between the Lycans and Vampires but I do understand when things are taken too far. Not asking the Witches for help even when it’s to free their own kind seems a little too much. If Jobe is supposed to do everything he can for his Lycans, wouldn’t that include accepting any help he can get?
“Have you thought about turning to the Witches for help?” Jobe gets an offended look on his face, so I rush on. “I mean just for this one problem, not a permanent alliance. They may know of a solution to fix the wolves since it was a Witch who caused it.”
“We have had many ponder that same idea. But I do not trust the Witches, and I believe that it would bring no real solution.” His tone leaves little room for debate. He holds his hand up to stop any more questions.
“Now let us discuss the situation that has brought you before us. It seems that we have a new threat to our kind and the others.”
“It would appear that way,” Ethan says.
“What is your solution?” Jobe asks directing the question to me.
“Well obviously the first step is to find the missing Shadows.”
Jobe looks a little thrown off. “I was under the impression that you already knew who was responsible.”
“If I already knew who was responsible, none of you would be needed. However, I don’t have any survivors with me and no knowledge of where they may be.”
Jobe looks at Zaire, giving him a look of disappointment. I guess they thought we knew something but needed help with the rescue. I wish that was the case.
Looking back at me Jobe asks, “Why do you seek counsel with us?”
It seems that I have only really sought counsel with Jobe since Zaire has yet to join the conversation but once. I don’t remark on this aloud, “We were hoping you could enlighten us on a few things.”
“Like what?” Zaire finally utters and then moves over to the sofa next to Jobe.
“Any knowledge you may have on those who have gone missing in your packs. Their locations, names, anyone that might have witnessed, basically anything you know.”
Jobe chuckles a little and then he says, “You know that could have been taken care of with a telephone call. Why seek us out? I thought we were setting up battle strategies.”
I ponder that question myself. Why am I traveling all over the world to meet with these leaders? Why not just save a lot of time and call each one? Then I would have my answers within hours and could already be embracing Addie.
Dagna had told me that I needed to meet with each leader of the original colonies. She didn’t say why or give any alternative way of communicating with them. She just said to meet with them. But why? A phone call would have sufficed, right?
Then I look over at Coy. If we hadn’t met with Aldrick we wouldn’t have saved him, although that could have been a good thing. At least then he wouldn’t have been on our weird expedition that is leading us all over the world and bringing unknown dangers.
He was already in dangers hands at the lair. Then I remember him light up at the sight of being outside those walls and into the world, and it seems kind of worth it. We might not have saved them all, but one is a start.
I look at Jobe and give him the best and honest answer I can. “I was told to meet with the leaders of the original colonies. I was not told why to meet with them but rather that I must.”
“Yes, but I wonder if it was more for you rather than finding the answers you seek.” Zaire leans back in the couch, propping one leg up on his other.
“I believe you are right, Zaire.” Jobe smiles at his Beta. “She does seek answers but it seems there’s more than one reason.”
I pick up on what they’re getting at and quickly shift the conversation back. “So back to the topic at hand, do you have anything or not?” I don’t mean to be short with them but I’m not going down some crazy life meaning road right now.
Without a word Jobe stands. As he’s walking toward the door I’m thinking he’s leaving. I’ve pissed him off or something and this is it, we are being kicked out. The information that we came for is not going to be given to us.
When Jobe opens the door, Accalia is standing right outside. “Accalia, will you go get Garron for us?”
Accalia nods and leaves. Jobe returns to his position on the couch. “Garron was with his wife Damara when she was taken.”
“Wait. You mean that he was with her and they didn’t take him too?” This could be a major breakthrough, having an actual witness to talk to.
“He barely survived. Now he lives with the grief of his missing wife.” Zaire is looking down at his hands. I can see where his skin is lighter on his ring finger, probably where a wedding ring once was. I wonder if something similar happened to his wife. “I’m sure he doesn’t see the greatness of it as you do.”
There’s a light knock on the door and then a man steps through. He resembles the other men in the room. Tall, dark hair, brown eyes, cutting looks. But his expression is haggard. His eyes have dark circles under them, no doubt from worry and tears. He looks torn apart and lost.
“Garron,” Jobe rises from his seat, offering it to Garron, “this is Racquel, Coy, and Ethan. They’re here to discuss the recent disappearances. I thought you could tell them what happened the night Damara was taken.”
Garron is staring down at the floor. He’s resting his head in his hands. I can’t see his expression but I know it’s one of pain. He runs his hands over his face and through his hair as he looks up at us.
He quickly jumps into the story. “We were in London enjoying the night while getting some supplies. We stopped in the park before coming back, enjoying the quiet night. Damara said she was thirsty, so I walked to a café across the street.” Garron’s voice catches, “I shouldn’t have left. I should have….” Tears start running down his face. My heart breaks at seeing his raw pain. Garron finally collects himself enough to continue. “When I came back they were there. These creatures I have never seen before. They were all around her, trapping her.
I rushed to fight them off but I never made it. Some of these creatures stepped out of the shadows and started fighting with me. They were strong. I kept looking over at Damara. I could hear her screaming for help. Right before I was knocked out, I saw a figure step out from behind a tree. The creatures
held Damara down as he stepped behind her and injected her with something.
Then everything went black. I think they thought I was dead. If not, I don’t understand why they would have left me. They had to have thought I was dead right?” Garron is now looking up at Jobe for comfort and understanding.
Jobe places his hand on Garron’s shoulder as Zaire does the same. “Of course, I don’t believe they would have left behind a witness like that.”
Garron doesn’t say anything. He just returns his face to his hands, probably trying to hide his pain and tears.
“What did the figure that gave her the injection look like?” I make my voice gentle, although I’m not sure if it’s to comfort him, or me. I feel sorry for Garron but I’m also afraid of what his answer’s going to be.
“I didn’t see what he looked like. He had a cloak on that covered his whole body and his face.”
My heart stops. The threat from the creature didn’t scare me. This did. I think back to my dreams with the cloaked man, the creatures killing me and the others. The conformation that the cloaked man is real is too much. I’m not stopping until I find Addie, but how can I continue with the others?
Ethan scoots to the edge of his seat, his face full of compassion. “How do you know it was a man?”
“His build was tall and broad. But what really confirmed it were his hands. They were definitely a man’s hands. That was the only part of him that I saw.” Garron still isn’t looking at anyone. His voice is low and strained.
“Did he have a horseshoe scar on his right hand?” Before even thinking it through, I had asked the question that left everyone looking at me. I cringe inwardly as I lie to the people who are just as dependent on my honesty as I am theirs.
“Something Cate told the Elders when she visited them in her spiritual form,” I tell them. “She had mentioned something about the scar on her kidnappers’ hand.” Everyone nods, accepting my lie. Jobe and Zaire both close their eyes for moment, as if giving a moment of silence to Cate. I find this funny considering they claim not to care for the Witches.
Garron looks at me with a tear stained face, “I was more worried about my mate than I was about scars on the man taking her from me.”
Jobe obviously thinks Garron has had enough and places his hand on Garron’s back, “That will be all Garron, thank you.”
Garron rises to leave. Just as he reaches the door, he looks back. “Are you truly going to find them?”
I stand and walk over to Garron. I don’t touch him but I look him straight in the eyes. His eyes are blood shot from all the crying he’s done. “I’m going to do everything I can. I promise you, I won’t stop until we find out where they are.”
“Then let me come with you.” Garron pleads with me with desperation.
I know him going isn’t the best option but I don’t know how to tell him no. I know how he feels. He just wants to help find his loved one. If someone had told me I couldn’t go find Addie, I would have gone on my own anyway.
Luckily I don’t have to tell him no. Jobe walks up beside me. “I don’t think that is wise Garron. I know you’re hurting and I’m afraid your pain will hinder them. You should stay here with us and wait to see what they find.”
Garron doesn’t say anything. He just turns and walks out the door. Jobe runs his hand through his hair and sighs. He returns to the couch and I follow.
“I’m afraid the only other information we have for you is where the disappearances took place.”
“That will be very helpful, thank you.”
Zaire rises and walks over to the desk. He grabs a piece of paper and a pen. I watch as he writes down the names and locations. Once he’s done he hands me the paper before sitting back down. “Now if you need anything else, please don’t hesitate to call on us.”
I take the paper, intentionally touching his hand. “We will thank you.”
I want to say more, not ready to leave just yet. Unfortunately my time has run out, as Coy and Ethan rise and walk toward the door.
As I reluctantly stand to leave, Jobe stops us with a protest. “Wait just a second. I would like to talk with Coy for a moment.”
“Would you like me and Racquel to step out?” Ethan asks, placing his hand on the door knob.
Jobe shakes his head, “No that will not be necessary.”
Coy looks at me, a little perplexed. I can tell he’s a little scared from the rise of his heartbeat. What could they possibly want to talk to him about? He walks back over to sit on the couch. I take a seat right next to Coy, offering him my support just as he has me. Plus it keeps me close to Jobe and Zaire. Ethan stays next to the door, probably wanting to give them space.
“As you know you are a very lucky man. As far as I know, no one has ever escaped from the Vampires’ imprisonment before. We would like to offer you protection here. You would be free like any other human but with more protection from the pack.”
Coy raises his brow; apparently that wasn’t what he was expecting. “That’s really nice of you but I’m afraid I will have to decline your offer.”
Jobe looks a little surprised by this. “Just out of curiosity, may I ask why?”
Coy looks at me with a sad smile. He doesn’t take his eyes off me as he answers Jobe. “I hate this world.”
I jerk like I’ve been slapped. I really don’t know what I’d been expecting. I guess I was thinking that he really wanted to see the world and didn’t want to be shut out again. But when he said he didn’t want to be a part of our world, it hurt. By saying he didn’t want anything to do with the Shadow World, he was saying he didn’t want anything to do with me.
I was starting to look at him as a friend, someone who didn’t judge me. Now he’s sitting there basically saying that’ll never happen. And unfortunately, I will always be a part of this world.
And why should I expect him to stay? He made it clear when we left Sofia that he wanted to be free. So why is this so crushing? I’m unsure of the answer so I just get mad at myself, resenting these feelings. Now I’m kind of wishing Ethan and I had stepped out.
Coy turns back to Jobe, a sorrowful look on his face. “I know that the Lycans can protect me from the Vampires but I’m willing to take the risk to live a normal human life like I want. Once I find my brother, that’s exactly what I plan on doing. I want to separate myself and my brother from this world and forget the past. Just move on and be a family like we should.”
“Our offer will always be open, as it is for you Racquel.” Jobe says.
I nod my head, not really accepting their offer or refusing it. I thank Jobe and Zaire once more before we leave. Walking back through the growling wolves, through the cave, and out to the field like a zombie, I mentally curse myself the whole way for being so foolish.
Accalia walks with us, Cade is nowhere in sight. She and Ethan talk amongst themselves the whole way again. I am too zoned in on my own problems to pay attention to their conversation or how they part ways.
As we’re approaching the car, Coy walks beside me. Nothing is said until we’re almost to the car. “Racquel, I’m sorry it’s just-”
I interrupt him, choosing to look ahead instead of at him. “It’s okay, really. You deserve a normal life filled with happiness. Besides, it’s not like we’re friends or anything. You’re just tagging along to find your brother, remember.” My voice holds no emotion, unlike my heart.
Coy places his hand on my arm, turning me to face him. Then he lifts my chin so I’m looking at him. “You’re wrong. We will always be friends.” He runs his thumb over my cheek. Then running his hands down my arms he tries pulling me in for a hug.
I resist. This guy, who I have opened up to more than anyone in my life, has just reminded me why it’s best to keep people at bay. They can hurt you with simple words. Continue to hurt you with simple gestures. Keeping your heart shielded and not letting people close keeps your emotions simple. Letting people in leaves you on an emotional rollercoaster that causes too much pain.
With a shrug of my shoulder, I turn to the car. Instead of getting in the back, I hop into the driver’s seat, trying to keep a distance between Coy and me.
No one says anything. Ethan gets in the back without a word. Danika hands over the keys and I take off. The ride back is quiet. Everyone is stuck in their own little minds thinking about their problems or the next move at hand. That’s where my mind stays. I block out everything except what we are going to do next.
Chapter Thirteen
Once we arrive back at the café, everyone returns to their rooms, needing a break and wanting to pull themselves together. We all agree to meet back in the café at seven to discuss what we have so far. I hope we can figure out a pattern or something useful.
I can imagine Coy is shocked when he enters his room. There should be a clothes rack in the center of his room, full of shirts in a ray of different colors, some jeans and other pairs of pants. Danika also arranged to get an assortment of underwear and socks, a few pair of shoes, and a coat.
I smile at the thought, then take some time alone to try and unwind. My mind is racing, a slight pounding thrums behind my eyes. To relieve the pressure, I release a little mind power. Sitting in the middle of the room, I start moving different objects around the room. I switch the lamp on the dresser for the lamp on the bedside table, then take all the drawers out of the dresser and re-shuffle them.
I move smaller objects, such as the remote and magazine from spot to spot. Then I look over at my bedside table and see the picture of me and Addie. It was the only personal thing I had brought with me beside clothes and a few weapons.
I bring the picture from the table to my hands, looking down at Addie and her smile. Remembering once again the moments we shared; the laughs, the tears, and the talks. I clutch the picture closer to me and for the first time in a long time, I cry.