Billie stayed with Jason most of the morning. As time went on, I was increasingly tempted to check in with Billie. Admittedly, if I could have done so without Jason sensing my presence, I might have. Others felt the same way, casting anxious glances at the mouth of the cave.
At last Billie's voice appeared in my mind. I'd been waiting for it so intensely that it startled me. Love, would you join us? Jason wants to talk to you.
Of course. I jumped up and glanced at Kato, who nodded and softened his eyes in encouragement.
In the cave, Jason sat upright. He looked better, which relieved me to no end. His gaze remained stony, and Billie scowled. My nervousness rose as I sensed her mood. I sat by Billie and waited for someone else to begin.
“Having a Mage in the pack would be a mistake.” That was not the conversation starter I’d hoped for and resentment began to build. “You've proved that you won't willingly hurt us and you're even willing to protect us. It’s still a mistake. Mages and Wolves have been enemies for too long to ignore the problems with having you around.” He waited for an argument, but I didn't give one. He continued. “You can come home, and you have the protection of the pack, but that's it. You may not attend pack meetings, and Billie may not discuss Elder Meetings with you. You are not allowed to enter the mind of anyone in the pack except Billie's. Are you willing to follow these rules?”
“What about Kato?”
“Kato can make his own decision about that. He's the only one. If anyone else asks, your answer is no.”
I nodded. “Staying out of pack minds is something I'd do anyway. As for my Pack Status, I do not believe that this is the best solution. I could help the pack with adversarial Mages and more, but not as well with my hands tied. The others will see that you don't trust me, and it will cause more problems than it will solve. But I want to come home, live with Billie, and have the pack in my life. So I told Billie that I would follow whatever agreement she made with you. Yes, I'm willing to follow your rules if that's what the two of you agreed on.”
Billie nodded in affirmation of her agreement. Jason replied, “Good.”
“Will you keep Richard, Adrienne, and any others like them from harassing me?”
“You have my word.” His word was good enough for me.
“Can I join you on the full moons?”
“No.” I felt Billie bristle, but she didn't show it in her expression or body language. This was a matter of contention for her. They'd obviously argued about it. “And Billie can't choose to spend them with you if she wants to be Beta.”
“I was looking forward to that,” I lamented and remembered Kato's words. “But being Beta is important, to her and to the pack. I won't ask her to give that up for any reason.” Billie noticed my set jaw and determination. She sensed a deeper reason in my resolve but she didn't ask.
“Anything else?” He didn't like being grilled, and his question came out in a snarl.
“Thank you for not threatening to kill me this time.” It came out snide. I would do as he asked, but I wouldn't be meek, especially if he liked my teeth.
“Hmmmph. Then that's it for now. Billie, tell everyone we hike out in two hours.”
She appraised her Alpha critically. “Amy already said neither of us should hike out today. They would enjoy another night out here. They don't have to know why.”
“Two hours.” She nodded and stood. I followed her out into the sunlight.
She waved at Kathryn and Richard to join us. “We leave in two hours. Will you spread the word?”
“Of course, dear,” Kathryn replied. “How did it go with Jason?” She relayed the agreement made for our return with business-like detachment, including Jason's promise that no pack member would harass me. Kathryn saw her distaste. “Are you satisfied with the arrangement?”
“We agreed to it, and we will follow it.” I nodded, backing Billie up. “Everyone will. We cannot be divided.”
Richard listened but didn't respond. Silence from the normally gregarious man was disquieting. His barriers, higher than ever, meant I could sense little from his surface emotions.
“I'm going to put Nathan as Phil's new roommate. He seems to understand that Nathan wasn't the one who killed John, and that will give them a chance to mend any resentment. He's adjusting well, but he should have a week or two to settle into city life as a Wolf. The pack account will cover his expenses at first. Richard, would you find him a suitable job paired with another Wolf? I don't care if his income covers his expenses for a while. Making sure he's stable after everything he's been through is more important. The Pack will cover the rest if needed.”
“I'll find him something,” he replied.
She turned her attention to Kathryn and described where we parked the Jeep. “Is that anywhere near your vehicles?”
“It's only a slight detour.”
There are a few Humans I should free on the way home, I reminded her.
“Do you have room for Nathan? Sadie would like to stop and free the remaining Human pets on the way home. I bet he wants to be with Amy anyway.”
She smiled in delight at the budding relationship. “We have room for him.”
“Okay. Then let's call everyone back from the run and get this place cleaned up.” She was Beta again, a comfortable role for everyone. Kathryn and Richard went to work. With a howl, he called back anyone not in camp, and they trickled in over the next half hour.
Amy and Nathan, the last to arrive, approached Billie, and I with linked arms. Amy had a favor to ask of me. “Would you gather some more of that root to take home? It's doing Jason worlds of good, and I'd like to have extra in case someone else whacks their head.”
“Sure. How was your run?” I asked eagerly.
Nathan blushed, confirming my suspicion. Amy replied for them both, squeezing Nathan's arm in hers. “It was great! He's so much nicer now than he was before.”
“He didn't grab your ass this time?” Billie teased the new couple.
“Oh, he did, but it took a bit to convince him,” Amy replied. Nathan looked like he wanted to disappear.
I felt for him. “They do that to me too,” I told the Pup. “It looks like you're riding back with Amy.” That made him feel better. “I'll go get that root.”
Kato joined me, giving us a few minutes alone after the stressful meeting with Jason. What distresses you, Muzi?
It's petty, I admitted, but Jason didn’t thank me.
Do you seek recognition?
I don't know what I'm looking for, but not what I'm getting. He's treating me like something he stepped on and can't get off of his shoe. After all I did, and what I went through for the sake of the pack, he's treating me like a problem.
He is stubborn. He is realizing he is not the most powerful person in his pack. He is now third. This is not easy for someone like him.
I can understand that, I admitted. It still rubs me the wrong way.
I chose Jason for Alpha because of his leadership and strength. He is a strong leader and an honorable man. His power made it possible, but it was not why I chose him. It is the same with you. You will not gain recognition and gratitude as often as is deserved in the coming conflict. Be grateful for what you have and the rest will distress you less.
Taking his advice, I listed them. I have Billie, and we're returning home. I have Amy, Kathryn, and Nathan as good friends. I have you, Muso. Actually I have a lot more than I had a few months ago.
You are rich in friendships. Be cautious with your words to Richard. He is still a cornered wolf. I said much that he did not want to hear and is only willing to hear because of our long friendship. He needs time to lick his wounds undisturbed.
I'll give him space. I don't want to be around him anyway.
None deserve forgiveness, Muzi. It is a gift, he reprimanded gently.
I'd heard similar sayings, and I knew it to be true. As I’d discovered before, forgiveness isn’t easy. Kato sensed my mind working through it and let me do so. We found the root, a
nd he gave instructions to relay to Amy about its storage and use.
I've enjoyed being able to spend so much time with you these past few days. Will I see you much when I'm home?
I will come often. I have much to teach you of Sages. I was relieved.
We cleaned up the area so that no trace of human presence remained. If anyone stumbled upon the valley, they'd notice wolf tracks and an elk carcass, but no residue of anyone bipedal. Nathan had my pack ready, and he lifted it so I could strap it in place easily. “Just say the word, and I'll give ya a break from this thing,” he offered.
“I'll let you know if I get tired.” I thanked him. “How's it going with Amy?” I asked.
“She's somethin' special.” His eyes grew dreamy.
“She's very special. I'm happy for you.”
“She wants to show me Hells Canyon.” He fidgeted like a schoolboy having his first crush. “Just the two of us.”
“That's awesome! Billie and I like to get out of the city on the weekends. The two of you will have to join us sometimes.” He agreed.
The people around me shifted into wolf form until only I remained on two feet, and we headed out. I watched them silently as we moved at human speed towards the Jeep. Amy and Nathan rubbed muzzles now and again affectionately, and Amy liked nipping at his chin. Billie trotted with her Alpha who did his best to ignore me.
To my relief, I watched as Richard approached Kathryn, tail low and hesitant. She licked his face gently, and they walked the rest of the way together. I wanted to believe the matebond could survive anything. If Richard and Kathryn could patch things up, I took it as a sign that Billie and I could also survive any test. Watching them together once again gave me hope.
We reached the Jeep before nightfall. Billie, Kato, and I watched the others lope off into the woods. We'd rejoin them in Boise the next day. Kato and Billie shimmered into human form, so I didn't have to relay each part of the conversation.
Kato addressed Billie. “My Muzi does not like to keep secrets from her mate.” Billie raised her eyebrows at the opening statement. “I respect her wishes. I must teach her many things of Sages that are not known to Wolves if we are to succeed in what is to come. I ask you for a promise. What she tells you of Sages and of what is foreseen must not reach other ears. Can you promise to keep these secrets even from your Alpha?”
Billie had not expected this and considered his question carefully. “If the secrets do not put the pack's safety at risk and do not require me to lie to my Alpha, then yes.”
He nodded in approval of her answer. “At times it may seem to risk the Pack’s safety. Will you trust us to explain?”
“I can do that,” she nodded gravely.
“It may require you to lie to your Alpha. It may not.”
“That will be a problem for me,” Billie admitted.
“It is not in your nature to deceive. You are an honorable Wolf. I do not ask you to become otherwise.”
“If need be, can I send Jason to you for an explanation?” she asked Kato.
“You may send him. I cannot promise he will accept the explanation I am able to offer.”
“This is important, isn’t it?” Billie asked the Eldest with a sober expression. He nodded. “Then you have my promise.”
“You have my promise as well,” I told him.
“You must also promise to guard your mate’s mind so that none who have power over the mind may discover what she knows.”
“I will,” I promised again.
“You have an urgent task when you return,” he spoke to me. “It is known only to Sages that a Mage can become Wolf.” Billie's mouth dropped open. “We do not allow this to happen. We deliberately spread the lie that our bite is fatal to a Mage and ensure the death of any who try. This is dangerous knowledge I give you, for a Mage retains all the powers of the mind and gains the powers of the Wolf.”
“Gods,” Billie whispered. “That would be disastrous.”
“One of your packmates is discovering this secret. This knowledge must be erased.”
“Jazzlene,” I whispered. “She's running tests on my blood.”
“This knowledge and all record of it must be erased,” he repeated.
“I'll take care of it,” I promised. “I think Jazz of all people will see what's at stake and agree to let me erase this from her mind.”
“You must do this whether she agrees or not,” Kato informed me sadly. “It is an unjust thing to do to a Wolf, but it is for the protection of all Wolves and Humans.” Billie didn’t like it. “Honor must be kept in spirit while broken in action.” Kato repeated the words he'd said to me several times.
“The war between Mages and Wolves is escalating, and the three of us are right smack in the middle of it,” I told Billie. “It's not over. It's just beginning.”
Billie took it all in with a heavy heart. Kato pressed a hand gently to her cheek. “Two outcomes of this conflict have been foreseen. If the prophecy of you and your mate is fulfilled, peace will follow bloodshed. If it is not fulfilled, bloodshed will follow bloodshed and many will die, Wolves, Mages, Sages, and Humans alike.”
“I'm part of the prophecy?” Billie asked wearily.
“Yes. Your mate is at the center of the prophecy. You and three others are to aid in its success.”
“You're asking me to break a promise to my Alpha only hours after I made it.” She pinched the bridge of her nose.
“Honor must be kept in spirit while broken in action,” Kato repeated. “Your actions keep the pack safe as is your duty as Beta.”
She sighed. “I hoped life would go back to normal.”
“I don't think there's such a thing as normal for us. Not anymore,” I told her sadly and then smiled wryly. “I asked for a week off from all this, and he couldn't even give me that.”
“I'll talk to Jazz with you and help convince her to do it willingly,” Billie said. “I owe her that much.”
“That's a relief,” I replied. “We're doing the right thing. I believe it.”
“The Eldest Wolf Sage in the world is asking me to help prevent a war from going nuclear. How can I say no?” Billie decided. “I'm in. All the way.”
“You have great courage, Moonfire.” Kato kissed her cheeks. “Go home, daughters. You have earned it.”
“Aren't you coming with us?” I asked in surprise.
He looked at the Jeep with distaste. “I will walk.”
# # #
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About Chrissie Buhr
Characters and stories unfold within me whether I write or not. So I write! I love to dream the impossible and bring magic into the mundane. I believe beauty can be found in the most difficult of moments and humor keeps us sane in the midst of chaos. My characters are fantastic creatures that open our senses and let us see the world in a new way. Yet they are like any of us with strengths and weaknesses, struggles and triumphs, and sometimes they simply want to survive what life throws at them. When typing a conversation feels more like transcribing than creating and the words flow naturally from their lips, I know I’ve successfully breathed life into the characters.
Whether living in a cabin in the woods or a city apartment, Idaho’s wilderness is my home. The wilds are true civilization, and its inhabitants my sisters and brothers. I am most content with open sky above me, trees surrounding me, and feet bare against the earth. If you want to know how I feel about the wilds, look through Billie's eyes. She got it from me. I live a simple life. Friends, family, art, writing, and community are my world. The homes in my stories are oftentimes decorated with pieces inspired by local artists who have inspired me. I enjoy herbs and herb lore and spend time in the deserts and mountains around me.
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Preview ~ Psyche Shield
Psyche Moon Three
By Chrissie Buhr
“Majority rule only works if you’re also considering individual rights. Because you can’t have five wolves and one sheep voting on what to have for supper.”
~Larry Flynt~
Chapter 1
The hunter walked in near silence. His rifle rested on one arm, ready at a moment’s notice. The crisp early morning air carried the chirping of birds and chatter of squirrels. Alert, his eyes darted around him, looking for his prey.
Something moved in the brush ahead, and he raised his rifle closer to his shoulder, the barrel still trained at the sky. The movement continued, but he couldn’t tell what animal stirred. Stepping closer, he spotted a patch of grey. He hunted deer, so he settled his rifle into its resting place again. Still he stepped closer.
A small grey wolf with light brown on her chest and belly lay curled in the brush, peeking warily at him from twenty yards away. “Don’t worry, cousin. I don’t hunt wolves,” he told the animal.
The wolf relaxed and rested its head on the ground. She continued to watch the hunter warily, but her apprehension eased perceptibly.
The hunter, noticing the change in demeanor, stepped a few yards closer and crouched close to the ground. “You’re injured.” From his new vantage point, he could see dried blood across the wolf’s chest and one back leg twisted unnaturally. “You’re no ordinary wolf, are you? Did you know it’s wolf hunting season in this area?” The wolf’s eyes narrowed slightly, an expression so subtle many would have missed it. He stood, placed his rifle against a tree and walked away from it. “That’s what I thought. I don’t think anyone’s around. You’re better at that than I am. Why don’t you tell me what happened? I can probably help.”
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