Fang Chronicles: Tyboll
D’Elen McClain
Fang Chronicles: Tyboll
D’Elen McClain
Copyright 2015 D’Elen McClain
Edited by Michelle Kowalski
Cover Art by Fantasia Frog Designs
Originally published May 2015 as part of Romancing the Paranormal: All New Tales Anthology
All rights reserved including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form.
This is a work of fiction. ALL characters are derived from the author’s imagination.
No person, brand, or corporation mentioned in this Book should be taken to have endorsed this Book nor should the events surrounding them be considered in any way factual.
Dedication
To: Lori Jo Levy, Stacey Terry, and Kaya Afia
There are no words but I will try…
I love you three. Not just for all you do by shouting my name across the web, but because you bring light into my life.
Kaya, Honey and Mandy’s story brought us together. The humor in Tyboll’s book is because of you. Thank you ladies, for everything.
Chapter One
Tyboll
Her hands move over my chest, her fingers silky smooth as they glide slowly downward. As she lowers herself to kneel before me, she trails kisses along my fevered flesh. I’m so hard I could burst at just the picture she presents. Fiery red hair covers her face and it’s in my way. I want to see her lips surround me. I sweep her hair aside and…
A heavy weight lands beside me and I groan into my pillow. “Come on, grumpy old bear. It’s time to go.”
It takes me a few seconds to separate the dream from reality. I’m in my cabin, in bed, and the last thing I want to do is wake up. And I hate red hair. “Mandy, get out of here,” I grumble. She doesn’t need to see her adopted father with an erection. I can’t help wondering if all female wolf shifters are as irritating as she is.
“If I leave, you’ll fall back to sleep and we’ll never get there,” she grumbles back. I know that her complaint will turn into a low whine if I don’t get up.
“I’ll be out front in five minutes, but the clock doesn’t start until you’re out of my room.” I’d told her a thousand times to stay out of my bedroom, but it did little good. I put the fear of the Goddess into most of our clan. Mandy, unfortunately, was immune. “Where’s your brother?”
“Patreous is with my mate. The two of them should be able to contain a two year old for a few hours.”
I move the pillow aside and squint at Mandy. “That little hellion couldn’t be contained by the National Guard. I pity your mate and my son.”
“Honey would agree with you, but Patreous deserves everything he gets and more. It wasn’t that long ago that he was the hellion.” Mandy rubs her flat belly. “Hopefully, when this one gets here Deme will calm down and be a proper sister.”
I harrumph loudly. “Don’t count on it. Deme the Devil will have the new cub up to mischief in no time. It will take the entire clan to watch the pair of them.”
The corners of Mandy’s lips tip down. “I fear you’re right. I’m lucky Honey’s father is alpha or the clan would disown me for raising such a monster.”
“No one will disown you or they’ll contend with me.” Her smile returns at my words. “Now get out so I can get up.”
She jumps up from the bed like it’s on fire. “I’m going, I’m going, but hurry.” She runs from the room without looking back.
I can only shake my shaggy head and scratch my bushy chin. Adopting Mandy was the best thing I ever did. She was the only wolf who could lay claim to being a full member of the bear clan. We have wolves here and a few are mated to bear shifters. It’s not the same. Mandy is bear and everyone in the clan accepts her as such. It’s not a small thing for a wolf. Our clan tends to be reclusive and feel far superior to other beastkind. It rocked the bear clan when Mandy kidnapped Honey and claimed him as mate. A wolf mated to a bear was not done before Mandy. She won our hearts, though.
She and Demetria are one and the same—hellions. I smile as I dress then head to the front door to start this infernal day that my daughter talked me into.
I swore I would never search out the clan witch again. The woman is pure evil. She also thinks she has good reason to hate me. Of all the stupid things, Mandy wants to know if she is having a male or female child. Someone put it in her head that Veda will give her the answer. If I discover the idiot who set me on this path today by putting this idea into Mandy’s head, they’ll be lucky if I don’t wring their neck. But how do I say no to Mandy on anything? The girl loves me and Patreous. The fact that it took her three days to talk me into this mad scheme is a testament to how badly I don’t want to go.
Women. Can’t live with them and can’t sacrifice them to the Goddess. I walk outside to begin my day from hell.
Mandy begins chattering before we hit the tree line. “So you’ve met her before.”
“Unfortunately,” I growl.
She ignores my bad mood like she always does. “Is she old with a wart on her nose?”
I roll my eyes without Mandy seeing. “She’s the foulest creature in the forest. You sure you don’t want to change your mind?” I knew it wouldn’t work, but I gave it another try.
“Of course not, silly.”
My grumble is snarly enough that birds ditch the trees and fly away with a loud rustle of wings. Only Mandy can get away with calling me silly without repercussions. She skips along like a child instead of a mature woman who is expecting a child.
“I hear she’s never wrong when she tells you the sex of your child. I just don’t understand why the she-bears of the clan are afraid of her. They tried to talk me out of coming today. If it wasn’t for you, I’d be going alone, and I have no idea how to find her.”
Over my dead body. Mandy will never be alone with that crazy woman. “The witch stinks, so you’ll know when you’re close.”
Mandy stops and turns. “That’s horrible. I’m sure she just needs a friend to bring her out of her shell, then I can suggest a bath.”
“It’s not a shell; it’s a two-ton metal tank.”
Mandy laughs and begins walking again. “Just you wait and see. We’ll be bosom buddies before the sun goes down.”
Hell no. That woman will chew Mandy up and spit her out. Then I’ll kill the old crone and dance on her grave. The thought lightens my mood for the first time today.
Chapter Two
Veda
I know today will change my life and I don’t like it. Of course, I have no idea what the hell will happen to set fate in motion. Maybe I’ll trip, hit my head, and forget who I am. It’s the best scenario I can imagine.
For months I’ve dreamed about today. Nothing solid and all of it confusing. Strange things—babies with long shaggy tails, an irritating gruff voice that makes no sense, and a burning heat that signals desire. Of all the stupid things, the last is the worst. The only thing I desire is peace and quiet.
I collect the poison mushrooms carefully. They won’t actually kill anyone, but the effects are unpleasant. For some reason gathering a supply is at the top of today’s list. Nothing bodes well for what’s to come.
Sadly, I miss my mother more right now than I have in years. It’s been a long time since she left and gave herself over to the Goddess. She told me it was her time. She said I will know when it’s my time. She was far away from me when she died but I knew the exact moment. A burst of electricity shot through my veins signaling her end. Death is the only way to hand over the final gift of power. A power I was born to possess. The pain was so great I doubled over and vomited. Then, I cried.
I have no one to give the power to. The fact t
hat I can live forever means nothing. We are meant to share our gift, through death, with our daughter. I’m the first of my line to break the pattern. I will be the last beastkind witch. That in itself is a blessing. We exist in a solitary world after our mothers grant their gift. The loneliness is so deep it turns our hearts to ice, or at least that’s how my mother explained it to me. She said the years with me were what saved her sanity. I feel the pull of insanity and finally understand what my mother meant.
There will be no end to my loneliness and my young girl dreams will go unfulfilled. When I was younger, I wanted what every girl wants. A prince—a man to cherish me—and love.
My mother set me straight and her words haunt me. “Love is not on our path. We connect with a human male to enable us to birth a female child. You will never see the human again. Your daughter will be your light like you are mine.”
So, I live a solitary life. What sets me apart? I never searched out a human male to breed with. I never felt what my mother claimed to be an overwhelming urge, forcing my hand. The gift of a child isn’t in my cards. I gave up a long time ago.
I wrap the cloth over my basket to keep the sun shining through the tree branches and spoiling my bounty. The mushrooms are found beneath the densest trees, in the darkest areas, at the base of their trunks. They are scarce. And potent. It takes only a small amount to cause the damage they are known for.
A shiver runs up my spine. Are the feelings I’m having a signal that it’s my time to join the Goddess? Although my mother said I will know, I feel like I know nothing. I’ve studied the great texts passed from mother to daughter for centuries and found no answers. Every witch follows the same path and cannot deny her duty. I failed. Duty never called and now these stupid dreams will render me completely insane.
“Can you smell her? She’s close,” a deep voice echoes through the trees.
I know that voice, though I haven’t heard it in years. There is no way that insufferable bear would possibly search me out.
No. Way!
“It’s not a bad smell, father, you liar. She smells like herbs.”
“You haven’t met her yet.”
I look down at my basket. My reason for collecting the mushrooms becomes perfectly clear. I don’t have much time, so I run the two miles to my cabin. My legs are filthy by the time I throw open the door. Grabbing a large cast iron pot, I place it on the stove to boil water. I cannot believe this is happening. Tyboll hates me and I hate him.
The female who calls him father could only be the she-wolf he adopted. I was stunned when I heard he officially brought her into the clan. The man has no heart. He is the worst of the worst as far as the bear clan goes. And why the hell would he bring her here?
I pull down the heavy mugs and carefully arrange them on the table. I didn’t close the door behind me. All are welcome. It’s the witch’s code. I take down tea from the cupboard along with the dainty china teapot that a she-bear gifted me long ago. She needed a potion to ease cramps caused by her menses. I spent a week gathering the herbs needed. Much like gathering the mushrooms this morning, my dreams guided me before she arrived.
I hear the she-wolf whispering as they approach the cabin. “Do you think she’s home? Why would her door be open?”
“She welcomes us into her web so she can trap us and suck our blood dry.”
I roll my eyes and don’t bother standing. “Enter. I will pass on your sour bear-blood, Tyboll, but maybe your she-wolf is sweeter.”
The she-wolf gasps and I can’t help but smile when she enters ahead of Tyboll. The reason for the visit becomes clear immediately. She breeds and this isn’t her first baby. It saddens me that mothers never bring their cubs to me. They’re afraid of what they do not understand and only visit when they must. But no children.
Tyboll fills the doorway and everything inside of me heats. It’s a strange burn that is almost painful—like the dream. I suck air into my lungs and his scent fills me. His shaggy, unkempt hair and beard cover his face and leave nothing but his startling brown gaze to stare into my soul. This is a mistake. I need to hold my breath or come up with a quick spell so I only exhale in his presence. And he says I stink.
I look at the she-wolf to escape his penetrating gaze. “Sit down and join me for tea. Then we shall speak about your coming child.”
I expect her to do as I command. Instead, she barrels across the small space and wraps her arms around me. No one ever touches me and I’m at a complete loss. I pat her gently on the back trying to think of a way to gracefully escape her tight embrace.
“Give the witch breathing room, Mandy.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I saw you and you have no warts at all. You’re beautiful and it took me by surprise. My father was not completely honest when he spoke of you.” Her arms slip away and I instantly want them back. Beastkind contact is a surprise and not unpleasant.
“Please sit beside me, dear. Tyboll, you may go outside and wait.”
“Humph. Not likely,” he says as he takes the chair across from me. “And you have three mugs, so you expect me to stay.”
Mandy sits beside me and fidgets around making me worry she’ll fall from the chair. I pick up Tyboll’s cup and pour in the hot tea before moving it his way. I fill the wolf’s next hoping the herbs will calm her. I’m even more surprised that old sour puss would adopt this rambunctious female.
Mandy’s excited voice fills the room when she says, “You know why we’re here?”
“Of course, my child. Let us drink first.” I take a sip from my cup.
“You really are a witch?”
I can’t help but laugh at the same time Tyboll groans. This woman is the exact opposite of the shy she-bears of the clan. She brightens the darkness inside my soul. I wish to spend time with her without Tyboll. I’ve never wanted anything so badly before.
I sit back in my chair and take another sip.
“This is wonderful,” Mandy says after she tries hers.
“It will help your babies grow big and strong.” I watch Tyboll take a sip of his. “Unfortunately, it will make your father’s penis wilt and fall off.”
He chokes and I smile. His eyebrows arch and he clears his throat. “You don’t scare me,” he says as he drinks down the rest of the hot liquid.
“Wait, did you say babies?” Mandy asks and brings me out of my satisfied elation.
“Yes, two male children. You are pregnant with twins. When will you change form to await the birth?”
“Twins,” she whispers before jumping up and throwing her arms around me again. “Honey will be so proud. He’s such a silly bear. This will make him feel manlier. Like he needs help in that department.” She sighs in a way that lets me know she’s thinking about things best not spoken aloud. “He is pure, one-hundred percent alpha even if his father is the current one in charge. He will walk around and crow for years.”
This entire recitation is said against my shoulder as she squeezes me tightly with her wolf’s strength. If I could actually spin a web, I would hold her against me forever. She is a blessing from the Goddess.
Chapter Three
Tyboll
I watch the stunned look on Veda’s face with a sense of pride. Mandy does this to people. No one is exempt. A smile cracks Veda’s stoic face. It changes her. For the first time, I see the same beauty Mandy spoke of after we entered Veda’s cabin. Unfortunately, I knew of the witch’s cold heart. I had asked her for one thing in my life—begged, actually—and she denied me.
Twins are a great gift. If we’re lucky, they will be just like their father. We can’t handle two more Mandys. Mandy releases Veda and runs to me. I can’t contain my grin. Veda raises her eyebrows. I’m not known for smiles, but what can I do when Mandy’s arms are wrapped tightly around me? Her joy is infectious.
My stomach rumbles.
Odd.
It rumbles again followed by a severe cramp that makes me release Mandy and stand from my chair. Veda’s grin widens.
She woul
dn’t!
“What’s wrong?” Mandy’s concerned voice makes me stare daggers at the witch.
“If you poisoned her, too, I will kill you.”
“No, only you, you stubborn, ugly bear.”
“You poisoned him?” Mandy demands as another cramp bends me double.
I hear Veda’s voice from a distance. “Don’t worry…”
That is all the witch manages to say before Mandy attacks. I look up just in time to see my daughter’s fist connect with Veda’s face. The witch falls from her chair and lands on the floor. She doesn’t move. I should feel satisfaction, but the pain is so great that I go to my knees.
There is probably an antidote, but now Veda is unconscious and unable to administer it. I close my eyes and groan. The pain is unbearable. A minute later, I pull myself up and run outside. We passed an outhouse when we arrived and I have an instant need. Mandy runs after me cursing. I can see her panic. I’ll kill the witch just for that.
I throw open the door to the outhouse. “Go check on the witch and see if there’s an antidote,” I say before slamming the door in Mandy’s face.
“There better be or I’ll kill her.” Mandy’s voice fades as she returns to the cabin. I sit on the round wooden circle and purge my intestines. I probably won’t die. Another cramp seizes me. Not dying is a horrible option.
***
Veda
I come to with a splitting headache and a wet cloth passing over my cheek. I move my jaw from side to side and groan.
Mandy’s growling voice breaks through the thrumming pain in my temple. “If you don’t fix my father, I’ll give you another bruise to match this one.”
“He’s fine,” I groan.
She jerks me up so our noses almost touch. “He isn’t fine.”
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