by Morgan Fox
He shrugged. “It has to do with your magic.”
If Tiffany thought her world was swirling out of control before, she was sure of it now. Everything around her was moving so fast it felt like she was standing in the grasp of a cyclone. Her body trembled as she thought about the flight to Germany. Even though she was more scared than she’d ever been, the chance to find real answers made it all seem worth it.
Maybe.
“Ryder, before we go, there’s something I need to tell you.”
“What’s that?”
“I’m terrified of flying.”
* * * *
Through the narrowed slits of her eyes, Tiffany watched as Ryder leaned over her to get closer to Brie. His body pressed gently into hers, igniting a protective shield she’d always experienced when he was near.
The sleeping spell she’d used on herself had worked, but not well enough. She’d hoped it would last until they landed, but apparently it hadn’t been strong enough because she was sure they’d just taken off.
“So maybe now would be a good time to explain in more detail why I just kidnapped Tiffany and pretty much put my ass on the line for you?”
Brie sighed. “It might be best if—”
A low, thunderous growl rolled from Ryder’s throat. “Don’t even consider not telling me. You wanted me and Tiffany here. Now that we are you better start explaining. It wouldn’t take much for me and Tiffany to catch the next flight back to Texas.”
“And how exactly would you travel without a passport? It was my magic that produced those documents.”
“Tiffany has power,” Ryder argued.
“True, but she would never be able to conjure the passports unless she truly believed she could.”
Was that true? Would just believing I could do it be enough to make my magic work? Is it my lack of confidence that’s driving my powers to go all wonky? It’s the same thing my mother said.
Ryder held his tongue. Tiffany listened to the intensity build in their words as they spoke. She could feel Ryder’s temper rising like the mercury in a thermometer. Ryder wasn’t at all thrilled to be playing in these lycan games, but Tiffany still sensed that even though he was oblivious to what was truly going on, he still would’ve helped Brie. He was desperate to put an end to the lycan virus and get back to his own life. She knew this, could feel it within her soul.
Now that they were traveling thirty thousand feet above the earth, cruising at a speed of approximately five hundred miles per hour, what was the harm in telling them why they’d been recruited and why Brie had left the safety of McCarthy Ranch to head to Germany?
“Are you familiar with the stories of the Werewolf Princess?”
Ryder shifted in his seat. “I’ve heard of the legend.”
“Are you aware that I am she?”
Ryder stiffened. “After the way you destroyed Mason, I assumed so.”
Brie wrapped her hand over Tiffany’s. Her touch was soothing, like that of a mother’s touch on her child. Tiffany relaxed instantly.
“Have you ever heard of the Lupinari?”
“No.”
“The Lupinari are powerful fey witches who possess both fey and lycan parentage. Every few centuries a female is born under a full moon invoking a powerful magic. This magic, if placed in the wrong hands, could prove fatal to humans and our kind.” Brie took a deep breath. “Lilly wants this power, and from the visions I’ve been having, she’ll stop at nothing to get it.”
Tiffany’s chest tightened. Her ears were ringing from the pounding of blood rushing through her body. Breathless and anxious, she asked, “And where do I fit in?” Slowly, Tiffany opened her eyes.
Brie smiled. “The Lupinara, Werewolf Princess, has an energy source that she pulls power from.”
“Like a backup generator?” Ryder asked gruffly.
Brie nodded. “Tiffany is that power source for me.”
Tiffany knew this. She and Sebastian had brainstormed on it. Learning that Brie thought this, too, seemed strange. Accepting her explanation would be like accepting that she was in fact the chosen one. The idea still rattled her. “This explains what happened to me when you killed Mason.” Tiffany closed her eyes for a moment, still wondering if everything around her was really happening or if it was all but a terrible nightmare.
Brie squeezed her hand. “I’m afraid it’s all very real, Tiffany.” Her gaze shot to Brie. She read Tiffany’s thoughts. “You are just now coming into your powers. The magic inside you is flourishing, and only together can we complete—”
Tiffany cleared her throat. “Umm, have you been smoking from the naughty stash? My magic is out of whack, and there is no way I’m this energy source.” She shook her head. “I can’t be. It was a fluke thing that I helped you with Mason.”
“Actually Tiffany,” Brie said, twisting in her seat to face her. “Your magic has been fueling mine for months. Your need to practice is proof of that. You want to get better. You need to get better.”
She did, but she assumed it was simply because she wanted to better understand her potential. “What do you mean?”
“Your instincts have been taking over, and you’ve been exploring your magic. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t, but even when it doesn’t do exactly as you want, you still feel its power growing inside you. Am I right?”
Tiffany’s eyes rounded. Everything Brie said was true, and even though she didn’t want to believe it, something inside her, most likely her magic, was telling her to trust Brie.
“If I’m this power source, what am I supposed to do?”
“For one thing, you need to stay alive.” Tiffany’s blood ran cold. She already knew that she and Brie were linked. Now it all seemed to make a whole lot more sense. “If something happens to you while you’re transitioning, it will harm us both.”
“If I die—”
“Then I will die as well.”
“Wait a minute,” Ryder barked. “If that’s true, then why the hell did I bring her to you? Wouldn’t she be safer with Sebastian and the others?”
“Safer, yes, but I need Tiffany to embrace her birthright. I need her to accept that she is my other half and that I can’t do this without her.”
Zane’s words flashed in her mind. Brie is your older sister. Is this why she was connected to Brie? Were they linked not only by magic, but also by blood? A lycan father? The cabin pressure seemed to be squeezing in on her, making it harder for her to breathe.
Ryder’s voice drew her from her thoughts. “Destroy Lilly, you mean?”
“Yes,” Brie answered.
Tiffany’s heart sank into the pit of her stomach. “How will we do that?”
“I haven’t gotten that far yet,” Brie admitted.
“What?” Ryder’s voice elevated. “Then what are we doing outside the protection of the pack?”
“We’re going to talk with the people who know more about us than we do,” Brie said plainly.
“The Lupinari?” Tiffany replied.
Brie nodded.
“How did you find them? Even my mother couldn’t tell me where the originals lived.”
“I didn’t find them. Sebastian did. He kept a good record of his encounter with the originals. I found his notes. I don’t think he meant for me to do that.”
Ryder chuckled. “Let me guess why. He feared you might jump on a jet to Germany to find the Lupinari yourself.”
Brie frowned.
Ryder rubbed a stiff hand over his face and asked, “Why me? I get both your roles in this mess, but what’s mine? How did you even know I’d help?”
“You’re Tiffany’s guardian,” Brie said simply as if they both should’ve already known this bit of information.
Ryder scowled. “What?”
Brie sucked in a deep gulp of air. “Since you’ve known each other, you’ve felt something, a connection to one another. When you were together, the feeling might have even felt sexual, but it was always instinctive like you needed to be clos
e together.”
Tiffany suddenly felt naked sitting between them. Yes, she’d felt sexually charged around Ryder, but only when they’d been together. Once they’d separated, the feelings faded. Now that she’d thought about it, she hadn’t felt anything but magic since he’d come to get her at Reyes’s place.
“It’s not happening now though,” Tiffany blurted out. “Why is that?”
“Your power is growing, and Ryder is accepting his role to protect you.” Brie smiled. “The attraction is only there to bring you together. Once your bond is established, you’ll feel normal again.”
Ryder leaned back in his seat and stared up at the overhead bin. “I feel so damn violated.”
So did Tiffany. “I need to go to the restroom.” She unclipped her seat belt, sprang to her feet, and headed for the bathroom. Her mind was racing, and her stomach rolled with nerves. Brie had her rushing headlong into the unknown. She was so out of her element and charging into danger. She was trapped in a nightmare, and there wasn’t a thing she could do to stop it. If she tried to use her magic, she might very well crash the plane.
Once Tiffany reached the lavatory, she pushed open the door. Suddenly a heavy weight was shoving her into the small space. A masculine hand covered her mouth and forced her around. In a breath she came face-to-face with eyes so beautiful she nearly cried.
Zane!
Pulling her into his embrace, her arms instantly circled his neck. “Oh, Zane,” she breathed. A weight of relief escaped her as she buried her face against his chest. “How did you find me? How did you get on the plane?”
He cupped her face in his hands and began kissing her, first her cheeks, and then her lips. “I sensed you needed me, and when I saw Ryder carrying you out of the house, I knew something wasn’t right. I followed you to the airport.” He held her stare. “I told you that I’d always find you. You can never run from me.” He kissed her again. “Luckily the flight wasn’t completely booked.” He looked her over, skimming his fingers over her face and arms, inspecting her. “Did Ryder hurt you?”
She shook her head. “No.”
“What the hell does he think he’s doing? What’s gotten into him?” Zane’s eyes flickered silver, and his claws lengthened. “I’m going to kill that son of a bitch for taking you from me.”
Slight turbulence rocked the plane, and Tiffany trembled. “Now might not be the best time to go all wolfy on Ryder,” she told him, her hands touching any part of Zane she could. Fear of flying sucked. “We are sort of in an airplane, and the idea of losing cabin pressure due to you two clawing the shit out of this place makes me a little less than excited. Besides…Ryder didn’t kidnap me. I’m here for Brie.”
Zane arched a brow. “Come again?”
“Brie asked Ryder to bring me to her. We’re going to Germany to find the Lupinari.”
“The originals?”
Tiffany smiled and kissed him. “Have I ever told you how sexy I think your mind is? I love that you know so much.”
The corner of Zane’s mouth tugged up into a crooked grin. “Is that what I have to do to get you to say—”
She poked him in the chest. “I never said I didn’t,” she blurted out.
He locked gazes with her, his eyes widening. “No, you didn’t, but you also never said you did.”
Tiffany’s cheeks heated. “You didn’t really give me a chance, now did you? Everything between us has happened rather fast, and it’s all been sort of chaotic.” Her eyebrows rose up. “Face it, if Lilly hadn’t had her vampires attack me, we wouldn’t be standing in the lavatory of an airplane right now.” She skimmed her fingertips over his forearm, glancing down at the light dusting of hair covering his skin. “I bet we’d still be dancing around the attraction we have for one another.”
He licked his lips. “It’s a good thing that Lilly attacked you then,” he said low and teasingly. “I’d hate to not be able to do this.” He brushed his lips over hers. “Or this.” He lifted her up onto the sink and wedged himself between her legs.
He unbuttoned her blouse, pushing the shirt from her shoulders. He was quick to remove her bra. His mouth clamped down on her erect nipple, and her head fell back, banging into the mirror. Immediately, he stood to his full height, hitting his head on the arched ceiling.
Both holding their heads, Tiffany couldn’t help but giggle. “Maybe we should wait until we reach the hotel,” she told him, still smiling.
Groaning, Zane agreed. “Yes, that sounds like a good idea. As tempting as it would be to join the mile-high club, I fear I’m too large.”
Grinning, Tiffany dressed with Zane’s help and opened the door to the lavatory only to find Ryder staring at them. She swallowed hard as a sudden panic overcame her. Looking at Ryder was like looking at Sebastian as he scolded her.
“Brie’s been waiting for you,” Ryder said calmly, locking gazes with Zane. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to use the bathroom.” He moved to the side so Tiffany and Zane could exit.
“How did Brie know I was on this flight?” Zane whispered in her ear.
“I have no idea,” Tiffany said, wondering how Brie knew as much as she did. Was her magic that much more advanced that it gave her a third eye?
Zane placed his hand on Tiffany’s shoulder, pulling her to a stop. “Did you ask her about being your sister?”
Tiffany shuddered, nibbling her bottom lip. “No, but now might be a good time.”
Chapter Eleven
Sebastian arrived at Reyes’s estate right on schedule. The sun was about to come up, and everyone was preparing for their trip. Dominic and Megan loaded the truck with supplies, while Reyes secured the property, setting the required alarms before their departure. Sebastian scowled. He hadn’t seen or heard a thing coming from Tiffany’s room. A sudden wave of unease settled over him.
“Has anyone spoken with Tiffany this morning?” His question was directed at Reyes who was sitting in his office chair.
Reyes peeked up over top of his computer screen. “No, I assumed Zane was tending to her.”
Sebastian focused, blocking out all the sounds but that of the floor directly above him. He heard nothing.
As if the house was about to explode, he raced up the stairs and flung open Tiffany’s bedroom door. Her bed was made, and there was no indication that she’d been there.
He moved with haste to Zane’s room. Nothing. Neither one was in the house. Then his thoughts raced to Ryder. Where was he?
Reyes appeared behind him. Sebastian confronted him. “Have you seen Ryder? Tiffany and Zane are gone.”
“What?” Megan asked sharply, coming up the stairs. “What do you mean they’re gone?”
Sebastian sucked in a sharp breath. “Their scents have faded. They haven’t been here in hours.” He moved to stand in front of Dominic who now stood beside Megan. “Where the hell is Tiffany?” He poked at Dominic’s chest. “She was your responsibility.”
Dominic’s eyes swelled. “She was here,” he said through gritted teeth, swallowing hard.
“Why would she leave?” Reyes questioned, stepping in between Sebastian and Dominic. “She was terrified of venturing out on her own, afraid of being captured.”
“Ryder,” Megan said on a hushed gasp. “Ryder took her.”
Sebastian rounded. “Why would Ryder take her?”
Megan shook her head. “He wouldn’t hurt her, but he’s been acting strangely around her. She could’ve easily convinced him and Zane to sneak her out of here.”
“Why would they do something so stupid?” Sebastian asked angrily.
“Tiffany’s Zane’s mate,” Reyes said plainly.
“What?” Sebastian barked.
Megan told him, “We discovered this yesterday.”
Dominic growled. “I knew we should’ve kept them separated.” His dark gaze lingered on Megan.
“The damn fools,” Sebastian murmured. “Get Ryder or Zane on the phone. I want to know where they are immediately. In the meantime, we head to McCar
thy Ranch.” Sebastian stalked passed them, his shoulders tight with tension. “If those assholes know what’s good for them, they’re already on their way there.”
The moment they reached the city limits, both Reyes and Megan had attempted to call Ryder, Tiffany, and Zane a dozen times. Their phones immediately went to voice mail.
“Something is not right,” Sebastian said, his knuckles going white on the steering wheel.
“I should’ve known something like this was going to happen. The plan was just too perfect,” Dominic muttered.
“Stop beating yourself up,” Megan told him. “There was no possible way any of us could’ve known that they would pull something so stupid.”
“What if they’ve gotten caught?” Dominic asked. “What if Lilly has them?”
Sebastian’s gut rolled. The idea was bone chilling, but he knew if Tiffany had been captured, Brie would’ve called to tell him. The link between his mate and Tiffany was unlike any bond he’d ever experienced.
“No, they haven’t been captured.”
“How can you be sure?” Dominic asked.
Sebastian stared ahead at the tree-covered country road. “I just know.”
From out of nowhere, the truck was struck by a force that had them all holding on as the vehicle spiraled out of control, slamming into a cattle fence that lined the highway. Then, like rain falling from the sky, a nest of vampires descended upon them, punching through the windows of the truck, yanking Megan and Reyes from the vehicle.
The area where they found themselves was well shaded and did nothing to disrupt the vampires from attacking.
Dominic’s face was bloodied. A large hunk of glass stuck out from the side of his face. Dazed, Sebastian tried to put everything together. They were under attack, but by whom?
Instinct drove his gaze upward, and that was when he knew they were in trouble.
Lilly.
Her vileness crept over him like a violating touch. The air around him sizzled with a magical energy, causing the hair on his body to stand on end. The strange sensation was so familiar to him, but yet so different.
If his arm hadn’t been broken and wedged between the door and fence, he might’ve given it a second thought. But he was trapped and impaired. He and his team were sitting ducks against the vampires.
