Scions: Revelation

by Patrice Michelle

  Hawkeye snarled at her and shook his head. Emma growled back, crouching closer to protect the young panther. She was going purely on her gut instinct with this one, but above all else, she knew she could not let Hawkeye hurt this panther.

  Emma, Landon has gone after Malac. Do you want me to spare this one, as well? Caine’s voice entered her mind. Emma glanced his way. The light-colored panther and Caine were facing off, circling each other, looking for an opening to strike. She nodded vigorously, hoping Caine would know to knock the beast out so he wouldn’t be a threat to him or anyone else.

  At that moment, the panther leapt toward Caine and the two animals rolled across the ground, ripping and snapping at each other with their claws and sharp teeth. In mid-turn, Caine began to shift and before the roll was complete, he’d fully shifted to his Musk form. Grabbing hold of the panther’s muzzle with one powerful clawed hand, Caine slammed his fist into the panther’s jaw, knocking out the animal.

  Emma blinked at Caine in his Musk form. She’d been told the Lupreda couldn’t shift to their werewolf form during the full moon, that the moon forced them from their human to their wolf half, unless they wore silver. When the panther underneath her began to stir and growl as if he planned to attack her, Hawkeye nudged Emma out of the way with his shoulder and slammed his massive head into the other panther’s, knocking him unconscious with a satisfied grunt.

  Caine gave Hawkeye a curt nod. The panther returned the gesture before he moved to stand beside Emma. Turning his black werewolf muzzle toward Emma, Caine spoke in her mind. Hawkeye will keep you safe. I’m going to help Landon track Malac.

  After Caine jumped to an open window two stories above them and disappeared inside, Emma glanced around them. The battle appeared to be over. Wounded panthers, wolves and vampires were scattered along the street. Some leaned on cars, others lay on their backs panting and bleeding in the dirty snow, and a few, at least one or two from each race, were very still. Emma tried not to think about the losses as she padded up the road to see how Jade and Aunt Mary were doing.

  A loud roar caught her attention right before something heavy landed on her back, slamming her to the ground. The wind wooshed out of Emma’s lungs, quickly followed by horrific pain, but when Emma was unable to let out a moan or even move, panic set in.

  Malac must’ve dived on top of her from the building above. Heavy thuds landed on the street next to them and Malac was yanked off her before the panther could do some serious damage.

  Jachin, Caine, Landon and Hawkeye surrounded the panther. Blood oozed from several vicious wounds along his feline body, yet Malac didn’t give up. He roared and swiped at them all with his deadly claws. Emma rolled onto her side and saw the vengeance in the faces and tense stances of her comrades. Each of them had his own reasons for wanting a piece of Malac, to pay him back for every bit of pain and suffering he’d caused.

  When they all began to snarl at each other, Emma’s heart jerked with worry. She gingerly moved her paws under her and started toward them when a loud shot echoed through the alley.

  Malac paused mid-roar and then the panther crumpled to the ground, unmoving and silent. A single bullet wound oozed blood from the center of his head.

  “For my daughter!” Roland yelled, his frame quaking in anger and anguish. Dropping the handgun, he fell to his knees beside Jade and gathered her limp body in his arms.

  Emma followed him and touched her muzzle to her aunt’s leg. Mary shooed her toward Jade with a quiet but gruff, “I’m fine.” Moving to Jade’s side, tears filled Emma’s eyes and she rubbed her panther whiskers along the female Velius’ cheek. Jade touched her muzzle, then gulped in air. Blood seeped between Roland’s hand, despite the pressure he was putting on her wound. Tears trickled down the woman’s temples into her hair as she stared from Jachin to Hawkeye and then Landon and Caine, who’d all moved to stand on either side of Emma. Her forehead creased in pain and her words came out broken and winded. “We. Did. It. Right? Worked together for peace.”

  Emma’s heart ached for the woman who’d led the panthers with such dedication and vision. Not everyone agreed with the methods she and Roland employed, but they all shared her desire for peace.

  Kneeling down beside Roland, Jachin’s blue gaze locked with the older man’s and then Jade’s as the vampire clasped her hand. “Yes, peace, Jade. We did it.”

  Silence descended on their small group once Jade took her last breath. No one said a word. No one moved for several minutes. No one could. Only the sound of Roland’s soft cries and Mary’s comforting words as she hugged her brother’s shoulders filled the air.

  When Landon jerked his wolf head up and stared behind her, Emma turned to see Kaitlyn in her human form kneeling beside the light brown wolf Emma had saved from the panther earlier. Emma remained in her panther form as she followed Landon and Caine over to Kaitlyn’s side.

  Kaitlyn’s eyes filled with worry as she met her mate’s gaze. “Roman’s spine was badly wounded. He says he can’t move.” Tears spilled down her cheeks and she ran her hand over the wolf’s head and ears. “He—he wants you to end it for him. He doesn’t want to live like this.”

  When Landon looked up at Caine towering above them in his Musk form, Emma’s chest tightened. Without hearing the words, she knew what he was mentally asking of his Second.

  Chapter 15

  I could end it for Roman with one bite, but in your Musk form, you could make it painless.

  Caine glanced at his powerful Musk hands, and then he stared at Roman, the happy-go-lucky guy who wore T-shirts sporting “I’d rather be boarding than bored” logos. He understood why Roman would feel his life was over, but…what if he could eventually heal?

  As if he knew the dilemma going on inside Caine’s mind, Landon spoke to him once more. This decision is entirely your own. As leaders, we have to make the tough ones. I consider you my equal in that respect. Whatever you decide for your packmate, I’ll stand by you.

  Laird limped over to stand beside him and lifted his auburn wolf head to stare at Caine. Don’t do this. He’ll heal, he said, his tone sad, imploring.

  What if he doesn’t? He’ll never forgive me, Caine said to Laird as he met Roman’s deep brown gaze and thought of all the fun times they’d had together as friends.

  Well? Roman finally spoke to Caine. Get it over with, damn it!

  Caine flexed his jaw for several seconds, then shook his head. You’ll heal.

  Addressing Kaitlyn, Caine said, We’ll need to make a stretcher for him when we take him home. His neck needs to be immobilized so he doesn’t have permanent damage.

  When Caine turned around, he saw that Hawkeye stood with all the remaining panthers behind him. Some were wounded and some were barely conscious, but their attention was focused on Hawkeye. Emma moved to stand beside Caine in a supportive stance.

  In the blink of an eye, the panther shifted to his human form and spoke to the Velius with a deep authoritative voice. “Malac is gone. Too many events have happened for you to deny the prophecy’s truth. The prophecy speaks of a leader…‘A leader is needed, you know this is true. Look not to one but two.’ I know many of you believe I was the second leader along with Emral—Emma—but I’m feral, a loner who prefers his solitude, and that will always be true.”

  Sweeping his arm toward Caine and Emma, he continued. “They are your leaders. This wolf has proven he’ll do whatever it takes to protect your Queen, and for that you should be forever grateful. Either choose to follow them or leave, but know that if you try to stir trouble with the other races as Malac has in the past—” Hawkeye’s gaze narrowed “—I’ll help Caine and the others hunt you down.”

  Caine was surprised by Hawkeye’s declaration and his support, but before the panthers accepted him, before he asked for Emma’s decision, he wanted them to see him standing side by side with Emma—as he truly was…different from them in many ways.

  Releasing his Musk form, Caine shifted back to a black wolf. He could never love
Emma enough for the gift she’d given him—the ability to shift at will despite the silver chain. He realized what she’d inadvertently done after he’d heard the gunshot and dove out of the building window in his human form to help her. Without conscious thought, he’d shifted on the fly as he flew toward the ground, landing as a wolf to face Malac. He was no longer zerker.

  With a nod of approval to Caine’s wolf, Hawkeye morphed back to his panther form, and then turned and ran off down the road, disappearing into the night.

  Caine slid his wolf muzzle along Emma’s panther one. Is this what you want, Emma? For me to be your mate and help you lead your pride? If you don’t wish it, I’ll understand and walk way. But if you do, I promise to protect you with every fiber of my being, even as I spend the rest of my days repaying you for the gift you’ve given me.

  Tears filled the panther’s golden eyes staring back at him. Caine’s heart stuttered and he waited for a sign. Tears could mean so many things. Stepping close, Emma ran her whiskers along his muzzle and leaned into him before she tucked her nose underneath his powerful jaw.

  Caine clamped his jaw over Emma’s muzzle, locking her against his neck in both a loving and possessive gesture. The sudden sensation of her purr vibrating against him made his throat knot and his chest swell with love and pride for this amazing panther and her acceptance. He knew they’d have a tough road ahead of them bringing the Velius pride around to a group who lived and breathed as one. But together, he and Emma could make it happen.

  When Caine heard the Alpha’s howl behind them, quickly followed by the other Lupreda, a bit of tension released from his body. Landon understood his decision and approved. The moment the Velius began their own deafening din of panther roars, Caine relaxed. Lifting his head, he released Emma and together they joined the primal chorus.

  Emma stared at Caine as he drove them out to “their cabin” in the Shawangunks. He’d said it would be their getaway house when they needed a vacation from the city. And after the last two days, they certainly needed one.

  Between Jade’s funeral and those of several others they’d lost in the battle, as well as the various back-to-back meetings they’d conducted with the Velius, Emma and Caine had spent tons of time together—working—only to fall asleep in each other’s arms exhausted the past two nights.

  Mary had insisted Roland move in with her temporarily—that he needed to get away from the city for a while. According to her aunt, Casper hadn’t left Roland’s lap since the man had entered the house. Emma was relieved she didn’t have to worry about them. Mary and Roland would take care of each other and would join their pride once more when they were ready. Now, if she could just get in touch with Hawkeye. She needed to tell him he had a family waiting for him to return.

  After Emma had given Jared her notice, telling her boss that she’d stayed with her sick aunt at the hospital the past several days, she and Caine decided to start fresh in every respect. They would sell off Jade’s and Malac’s old properties and use the proceeds to build a new facility and a home for the Velius, one that was conducive to group meetings and activities.

  The truck’s headlights shone on Landon leaning against the cabin’s porch railing as they drove up. Emma glanced Caine’s way. “Since you called him to let him know you were staying here for a few days, I’m sure he’s waiting on you for a reason. I’ll go inside and let you two catch up.”

  Caine reached over and captured her hand as she started to get out. Kissing her palm, he shook his head. “We’re a team, Emma. Whatever Landon has to say to me, he says to you.”

  His comment surprised her. “Are you sure? He’s still your mentor in many ways.”

  He smiled. “He’s my friend first and foremost.”

  As Emma and Caine climbed the porch steps, Landon pushed off the railing and addressed Caine. “You look good, if a bit tired. Those Velius giving you hell?”

  Caine laughed. “No more than the Lupreda would when reorganization and reshuffling of duties occur.”

  Emma smiled at Landon. “I’m in awe with Caine’s ability to garner devotion and respect from my pride so quickly—” She paused when another vehicle drove up behind theirs and four Velius men climbed out, looking focused and on guard.

  Landon’s eyebrow shot up as each man took a post around the four corners of the house. Amusement laced his comment. “I see how well you’ve gained their trust. That’s a helluva security detail.”

  Caine shook his head. “Emma is precious to them. Even though she’s safe here, it’s hard for them to let go of old habits and concerns.” Stepping off the porch, Caine called out to the men, “Your senses allow you more leeway. Spread out from the house a bit and you’ll be more effective.”

  As the men quickly adjusted their positions, deferring to Caine’s direction, Emma smiled. “You’ve taught him well, Landon.”

  Landon’s green eyes crinkled with his deep laugh. “He’s far too stubborn for me to teach him anything, Emma. You’re seeing Caine’s own leadership skills in action. Over the years, all I’ve done was to steer him away from crazy extremes.”

  “I guess that’s my duty now.” Emma snickered.

  Smiling, Landon nodded. “Yes, it is. He’ll keep you on your toes.”

  “It’s great to hear how loved and respected I am,” Caine snorted as he returned to Emma’s side.

  Emma wrapped her arm around Caine’s waist, enjoying the feel of his muscular body against her side. “We’re just teasing.”

  Caine pulled her close. “He was serious.”

  Landon’s smile faded to a serious expression. “I’ve always known you’d make a great leader. I wouldn’t have picked you as my Second otherwise. You make sound and fair decisions.”

  Caine’s arm tightened around Emma. “How’s Roman doing? He refuses to take my calls.”

  “He’s healing slowly.” Landon stroked his jaw, then sighed. “Only time will tell. I would’ve made the same decision you did for Roman. I told him so the night we brought him home.”

  Caine frowned. “Then why did you ask me to decide on his fate?”

  Landon’s gaze remained steady. “Because you needed to know what it felt like to have to make life-and-death decisions as a leader. Roman was your friend as well as your packmate. Learning to separate yourself from your emotions so you can make that impartial call is the hardest skill to master.”

  Caine grunted, acknowledging his statement. “While you’re here…” Lifting the silver chain off his neck, he held it out to the Alpha. “I’ll give this back to you.”

  Landon curled his fingers around the silver chain, his brow furrowed. “Care to tell me how you were able to shift, not only with the silver around your neck, but in and out of Musk form, even though it was a full moon?”

  Moving his arm to Emma’s shoulders, Caine traced his fingers along her cheek. “It was the damnedest thing. I didn’t know what Emma had done until I shifted on my way down from the second story of that building to defend her against Malac.”

  Emma glanced up at Caine as he continued. “I think I know what happened, though it’s only a guess, because a panther has never mated with a wolf before.”

  Emma’s cheeks heated under Landon’s steady regard. He was watching them intently. “Mated? But we haven’t. I mean you haven’t—”

  Caine chuckled and kissed her forehead; a soft electric touch to remind her how right they were for each other. “Remember when I told you that the Lupreda bite to mark their mates? You bit me that night, remember?”

  Emma’s face flamed brighter. “I have no idea why I did it,” she mumbled.

  “The desire to mate is fundamentally primal, Emma.” Landon’s light brown eyebrows elevated with his grin. “I find it amusing that you marked Caine and he hasn’t marked you yet. He’s always claimed to be a selfish bastard.”

  “I was trying to be honorable,” Caine grumbled.

  Laughing at Caine’s annoyance, Landon’s expression turned contemplative. “It’s intriguing t
hat Emma’s bite has apparently given you the ability to shift at will, though I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Kaitlyn and I still aren’t sure if my mating bite gave her the ability to shift to a wolf, or if she has always had the ability because she was half Lupreda but was hindered by the silver chain she’d worn most of her life. Gabriel has been so busy in the city, he refuses to share anything about his human mate Abby until he brings her home in two weeks. It’s driving Kaitlyn nuts not to know what changes, if any, have happened to her friend. It could answer the big debate between us.”

  Caine snorted, shaking his head. “You like thinking you had something to do with Kaitlyn’s ability to shift. You’re just jealous she can do so outside the moon’s cycle.”

  Landon slid his gaze to Emma. “See what happens when he runs off to lead his own group? Complete insubordination.”

  Emma smirked. “Um, I think he’s always been that way.”

  “Very true,” Landon agreed. “As for you, it’ll be interesting to see if Caine’s mating bite changes you in any way.”

  Landon’s comment sent heat shooting in rapid bursts throughout Emma’s body, spreading to every nerve ending. She’d fantasized about feeling Caine’s sharp teeth sinking possessively deep into her skin more times than she cared to count over the past few days, but she hadn’t thought beyond the physical pleasure she knew the act would bring. The idea Caine might also be sharing something more of himself with her sent her emotions flying. Emma was left speechless.

  The front door opened and Kaitlyn stepped out. “Oh, hi. I was just making sure you two had food since the last time you stayed here—” she cut her gaze to Landon “—someone forgot to make sure to have the Lupreda leave food for you.”

  Landon snorted. “Caine knows how to hunt.”

  “Not everyone lives on a steady diet of meat.” Kaitlyn grabbed her mate’s hand. “Come on, let’s leave them to their evening.” Nodding to Emma, she continued. “There’s a pot roast and a salad in the fridge.”