Psyche Honor (Psyche Moon)

by Buhr, Chrissie

  Billie’s expression turned to stone. “I don't know how he'll take that.”

  “That's way cool.” She referred to the shared memory. “Weird, but cool.”

  Billie, too lost in thought to appreciate Amy’s comment, voiced her thoughts. “I think we need to consider the possibility of leaving. We may not be able to stay here.”

  Amy disliked the idea immensely. “No pack will take you in if you leave. Your only chance of living in a pack is to stay here and work it out. Think about it, Billie. If Jason honestly believes you're collared, he'll kill you to save you. You're like a daughter to him. He'll hunt you down.”

  Billie stood and paced in frustration. “I know. You're right. I'm not ready to throw in the towel. But I am ready for a backup plan.”

  Amy shook her head violently. “Discuss your backup plan without me. I won't lie to my Alpha. But Billie, don't do this unless you have no choice. If you leave, it'll be for good. You’ll never have Pack again.”

  I couldn't fathom this conversation happening in front of me. My head spun. I didn't want to be the reason Billie walked away from her pack. If we left, would Cassandra succeed in destroying the Pack? If we stayed, would everything explode around me? I stared at Amy, fearfully remembering Kato’s vision. I didn't know what to do, and more than anything I wanted to talk to the old Wolf. Desperation burst out of me. “Stop it! Billie, we aren't leaving. We're not discussing a backup plan. We are not throwing in the towel!”

  Amy's jaw dropped, and Billie gawked at me. Neither had ever heard me raise my voice like that. It didn’t happen often. Amy grinned abruptly and faced Billie. “I agree with Sadie. If she has the teeth to stick it out, then you should stick it out.” Billie saw my determination and sat down, resuming her meal. She didn't argue, but she didn't like it. “I think we need a new topic,” Amy declared.

  “I visited Jazz at her lab today,” I offered.

  “Eeew. That place stinks.” She crinkled her nose. “She gets very excited about her genetics stuff. Always has.”

  “Gary said you've known her a long time.”

  “I met Jazz in 1950. She was just out of high school and visiting her aunt here in Boise before heading off to college. We were a lot alike. In the 40s and 50s women weren't supposed to be independent and free. Jazz and I were both determined to have our own lives and careers, to make our own decisions in life. Hopefully that included a man, but only if he could handle us.” Her eyes sparkled at the memory. “We had a lot of fun that summer. I'd just bought one of those new Polaroid cameras, and we took loads of pictures. She went off to college, and we stayed friends.”

  “You made her Wolf; right?”

  She nodded. “Yep. It was 1952 when I told her I was Wolf. She was visiting over Christmas break, and Lee had just died. A lot of kids died that year from polio - it was a very sad year. Lee was her little brother. She was devastated. Wouldn't get out of bed, wasn't planning on going back to finish school. Nothing I did would snap her out of it. I thought if I showed her something magical, she’d feel better.”

  “Did she?” I wondered.

  “Yes, but not how I thought. She saw a way to live long enough to do more in science. She was always very serious about that. And after Lee died she was determined to save the world. I made her wait until she was done grieving for her brother before I would recommend her to become Wolf. Two years later, I bit her.”

  I shook my head. “I'm still wrapping my brain around how old you are.” Amy smirked knowingly. “You look my age, and you're old enough to be my grandmother. I'm completely blown away by Kathryn and Richard.”

  “I'm just a Pup compared to Richard. Hey wait, do you know how old Kathryn is?”

  I adorned my best angel face and sing song voice. “Maybe.”

  “I've been asking her for decades. How did you find out?”

  “She told me.” Even Billie came out of her sour mood enough to appreciate Amy's response.

  “Well, spill it! How old is she?” Amy leaned forward desperately, and I enjoyed tormenting her.

  “I promised I wouldn't tell.”

  “Not fair! You have to tell. Please! This has been torturing me for ages! 125? Less? More? Come on, Sadie.” I refused to answer, smirking. “Billie, make her tell me,” she pleaded.

  “Kathryn will tell you if she wants you to know,” Billie replied silkily.

  “You ... know ... too! Oh my gosh, this is total not fair!” She threw her arms up in the air. “I will get this out of you. I mean it!” She threatened with wide eyes.

  “She's not very good at intimidation, is she?” I asked Billie.

  “She couldn't scare a cookie away from a six-year-old,” Billie agreed.

  “Oooooh. You guys are dead.” Her face turned red, and she clenched her fists.

  “She's cute when she's mad,” I remarked.

  Billie laughed, and it sounded like honey after the day we'd both experienced.

  Chapter 13

  Work the next morning began blissfully routine. I checked the logs and messages, handed out new work assignments, and exchanged a few pleasant words with Gary. Taking a page from Gary's book, I looked forward to a mundane shift free of Adrienne or any other Pack problems. Even so, I stayed vigilant of everyone in the vicinity.

  Gary and I ate lunch outside, treasuring the late summer sun. Fall would move in soon, making the warm day that much more precious. We chatted about his kids and our newly discovered mutual friends. I cherished the relatively normal day.

  The status quo ended shortly after lunch when I sensed Cassandra approaching the warehouse. I felt like hiding and reminded myself that I had a job to do. Protecting Billie and the Pack outweighed my aversion to the Mage. No matter how I felt about her, their lives depended on the charade. I preferred a different time and location and almost wished Adrienne had showed instead.

  Verifying my mental shields, I continued with work as if nothing had changed. I didn't acknowledge her presence, letting her approach as if I didn't sense her. Feeding her a false sense of advantage would work in my favor. She entered the warehouse floor in my line of sight, and I acted a little surprised.

  “Sadie, child. How are you?” She addressed me condescendingly as she approached. She surrounded herself with false sweetness, and I thought of the candy house in Hansel and Gretyl. She didn’t fool me.

  I played the part and acted a little confused at her arrival. “Cassandra. Why are you here?”

  “You didn't return my phone call yesterday. I thought maybe you ran into some trouble, so I'm here to check in and make sure you're okay,” She lied and her smile didn't reach her eyes. I thought I did a better job of masking my true intentions than she did. I didn't dare spin an illusion to keep our conversation private. I didn't want to give this Mage any reason to suspect I had something to hide, so I prayed she knew to be discreet.

  “No trouble, at least none I can't handle.”

  “If I'm going to be looking out for you, child, I expect you to return my calls.” She chided me like the parent she pretended to be. Her use of the word 'child' irritated me every time.

  “I didn't have any privacy last night.” Peripherally I sensed Gary's attention on us. He'd noticed Cassandra, who stood out like a sore thumb in her designer clothes. Curious and concerned, he made his way across the warehouse floor towards us.

  “I'm sure you can find a way to return my calls. I'd prefer the usual way of communicating of course.”

  “I prefer the phone. I was going to call you back after work today.”

  “Work, yes. Why do you work here?” She waved her hand around the warehouse and turned her nose up at all of it.

  “It's a good job,” I replied defensively. Gary reached hearing range. I couldn't get rid of him without drawing attention to him. I couldn't even panic. If Cassandra knew Gary's association with the Pack, she'd claim him and use him. I wouldn't let that happen.

  She drawled, and I wondered why she bothered with the accent. “For someone else, p
erhaps. This is beneath you.”

  I shrugged. “This is what I know.” I turned to Gary before he could speak, my tone impatient. “Yes, Gary. What do you need?”

  He hesitated and looked between Cassandra and I. “I don't need anything ...”

  “Then go back to work,” I interrupted before he could give away our friendship. “I'm talking.” Insulted, he turned on his heels and walked away. Instead of returning to his workstation, he turned the corner and listened just out of sight. Cassandra's arrogance worked in his favor. She dismissed him as Human and of little value.

  “I doubt you came here just to insult me. Why did you come?” I turned to her defensively, seemingly embarrassed she found me in a lowly Human occupation.

  She smiled, taking the bait. “It's time for you to come back to where you belong. You're one of us, and you should be with your own people. I'd like to use your redhead for a job, and in exchange, I'll teach you how to use your powers.”

  “What do you want her to do?” I asked cautiously, very aware of our audience.

  “Is that a yes?” she smiled widely.

  “No, that's a question.” I shot back. “I don't know you. I’m not going to agree to something without knowing what it is.” Gary standing around the corner and hearing every word I said broke my heart. He would no doubt hear exactly what Cassandra heard. He'd believe the ruse, and he'd believe I’d betrayed the pack to a Mage. I had no choice but to focus on the conversation with Cassandra. I'd figure the rest out later.

  “Power, child. You're agreeing to power that even our own kind will envy and respect. The kind of power that an entire pack can bring us. With your redhead, we can have all of them, and if you share in the work you'll share in the rewards. Don't you want to come home, child? Get rid of this human life you've been pretending to be a part of?”

  I exhaled and looked her squarely in the eyes, reflecting that I wanted to trust her but didn't. “I need to know more before I can make that kind of decision.”

  She considered me closely before making up her mind. “We're meeting soon to finalize our plans to take back the Treasure Valley. I'll be in touch.” She turned and walked away, leaving me breathless at my good luck. I knew her goal, and I was in.

  I sensed Gary about to step around the corner before Cassandra was out of sight. “Don't move, Gary.” I called to him, just loud enough for him to hear. Cassandra turned and waved just before she exited. “Okay, she's gone now.” I turned and he stepped around the corner, shaking and pale.

  “I trusted you,” he began.

  “Wait, please. It's not what it looked like,” I tried to explain, but he backed up a step.

  “It looks like you're selling us out.” His hands balled into fists.

  I dropped my arms to my sides in defeat. “Never. I can't explain what I'm doing, but I need you to trust me. Please don't tell anyone.”

  “I did trust you. Not anymore.” He ran. He ran at top speed out of the warehouse without looking back.

  I thought I would crumble. The room began to grey, and I fought to keep myself from falling. Sadie! What's wrong? Is Adrienne there?

  No, it wasn't Adrienne. But the shit has hit the fan. I grabbed my purse and walked through the office.

  What happened?

  The receptionist looked up at me, startled. “Are you leaving too?”

  “Yes. Family emergency,” I replied without even slowing. She saw something in my expression and didn't question me.

  I can't explain yet, but we're both in danger. I'm leaving work now. Where are you?

  I'm at Jason’s house. She would hear Gary's story soon.

  Whatever happens, know that I love you, and I would never do anything to hurt the pack. Whatever you hear, trust me.

  Sadie, what's going on? Clearly alarmed, she wanted answers that I couldn’t give her.

  I can't explain yet. Trust me, no matter what you hear. I started the car and sped out of the parking lot.

  * * *

  Sadie cut off contact suddenly, leaving Billie confused and alarmed. What the hell was going on? Jason answered the phone, and she could hear Gary's panicked voice on the other end. She’d left work early to fill Jason in on her recent altercations with packmates. Standing in his living room, she listened to both sides of the call.

  Gary’s voice came through breathless and quaking. “Sadie sold us out. Some Mage visited her at work today, and they were talking about collaring the entire pack. She sold us out!”

  Jason's eyes darted towards Billie, and his guard went up. Sadie wasn’t kidding. The shit had hit the fan. Jason spoke into the phone without taking hooded eyes off his Beta. “Billie's right beside me. What exactly did they say?”

  “The Mage - the other Mage - asked to use Billie for a job in exchange for teaching Sadie how to use her powers. Sadie said maybe. The Mage said they’re meeting to finalize their plans to take back the Treasure Valley. She invited Sadie to join them and get rid of her human life.”

  “Sadie wouldn't do that,” Billie disputed loud enough for Gary to hear through the phone.

  “I'm sorry, Billie. But she is. She's joining them.” He paused, knowing the gravity of the statement. “Jason, Billie is collared. Billie is how they're going to take the pack.”

  Jason kept his focus on Billie, his entire body readying for a fight. “Gary, go get your kids and get them somewhere safe until this is over.”

  “I won't leave Jazz behind,” he argued.

  “You have to. I need her here, and you're safer without her right now. Don't tell anyone where you're going, not even Jazz. Just go.”

  “Yes, sir,” Gary replied reluctantly before Jason hung up.

  Jason scrutinized his Beta with harsh regret, his neck muscles popping. “What do you know about all of this?”

  “I don't believe any of it,” Billie replied, doggedly defending her mate. “Sadie wouldn't turn on us. There has to be another explanation.”

  “Where is Sadie?” he demanded.

  “Why?” Billie didn't believe for one second that Jason only wanted to talk.

  “I asked you a question, Beta. Where is Sadie?”

  “I won't let you kill her.” Billie stonewalled him.

  Jason opened his phone again and hit speed dial without looking at it. “Find Sadie and kill her.” Matthew's voice on the other side of the phone asked about Billie.

  Sadie where are you?! Billie screamed through their link as she listened to Jason give the order to kill her mate.

  I'm on my way home.

  Matthew's coming to kill you. Jason is giving the order now.

  Jason continued his conversation with Matthew, sensing Billie’s mental contact with Sadie. “If she tries to stop you, then we know for sure that she's collared. End her suffering.” Jason's voice hitched slightly as he gave the order, his stoic control slipping.

  Sadie hesitated before replying anxiously. I'm not surprised after what Gary overheard. Do you believe me? Jason hung up the phone and shoved it into his pocket.

  You are my mate. I trust you. Billie could hear the sob of relief from Sadie. Jason watched her carefully, distrustful of the mental contact he sensed. You're not safe at home. Matthew will look there first.

  Where do I go?

  Billie thought. Nowhere in the valley is safe for us. We need supplies. If Matthew's not at home when you get there, you'll find a large hiking pack ready to go in the garage. Grab the pack and get out of there. If Matthew’s around, don't even stop.

  “Where is Sadie, Beta? This is your chance to prove you're still you.”

  You made a backup plan without me?

  Yes.

  Thank God.

  “I'm still me, Alpha.” Billie turned her focus unwaveringly to Jason. He didn’t believe her and collected himself for a fight. Billie relaxed.

  “Prove it. Don't fight me and tell me where the Mage is.”

  “You know me, Jason. You know I would do anything to protect someone I love. I won't let Matthew kill my
mate.”

  “I won't let you stop him.” Jason lunged and delivered a series of swift blows, which Billie countered. She didn't strike back, only blocking and dodging initially.

  “I don't want to fight you.” She couldn’t keep this up like she could with most. She had to convince him soon or fight back.

  “Then give her up,” he replied. Her words to Sadie echoed through her head. I will never give you up. With sudden determination, she countered his punch, twisted, and landed a single blow to the back of Jason's neck. They were nearly evenly matched, and she got lucky.

  With that one blow, he fell nearly unconscious to the floor. It would only last a minute, but she only needed a minute to get out of the house and drive away. In her rearview mirror, she saw Jason run out the front door. She expected to see rage, and instead she saw his eyes filled with sorrow.

  I'm coming, love. I'll be home in a couple minutes. She called to Sadie as she pushed the traffic laws as much as she dared.

  I just got here. I'm headed to the garage now.

  Hurry!

  Found it.

  I'll meet you out front.

  Okay. Shit! Matthew is here.

  Billie increased her speed. He's fast. If he's 20 feet from you, he can reach you before you have time to think. Don't let him get near you.

  * * *

  I walked out the front door of my home and placed the pack on the ground at the edge of the driveway. I waited, standing in the middle of the front lawn in plain sight. I sensed Matthew approaching from the rear of the house in wolf form. He thought he could sneak up on me.

  Billie’s Jeep screeched around the corner. The entire property is protected by illusion. No one can see us, I informed her. She drove right up into the yard and screeched to a halt.

  Matthew gave no warning. Suddenly a wolf leapt out of the bushes and raced towards me, ignoring Billie so he could complete his mission. Fortunately, he didn't know my abilities. When he leapt for my throat, Billie’s screams echoed through my mind and pierced the afternoon. The Wolf found only air, a perfect image of me disappearing as soon as he touched it. I stood a short ways away and watched as the Wolf looked around in bewilderment. I couldn't mask my scent, and he wouldn't be fooled a second time.