“Why would the wolves even want to go back to this Tracey guy?” Mark wondered. “If he was pissed enough at being beaten to fire every one of them that worked for him, then who knows what he’d do to them as punishment if the challenge happened to be overturned?”
“Alex told us in the alley in Columbus that Kevin would kill him if he didn’t come back with me,” I said then. “I thought he was just being melodramatic, but now I think maybe he wasn’t. Thinking about it now, I believe he was genuinely afraid.”
“Saphrona, call your dad—he should still have the kid under lock and key somewhere since we haven’t yet called to tell him he can release him,” Race said. “We’ve got Tyler’s number, so I’ll get the ball rolling on that end. Looks like I might have to hold my first pack meeting ahead of schedule.”
Saphrona already had her cell phone in hand, her thumb paused over the keypad as she looked at him to ask, “What should I say to Diarmid when he asks what he’s to do with the boy?”
Race looked at me. What do I do? he asked silently.
It pleased me that he was asking for my opinion instead of simply making the decision on his own, which was a power granted his new position he could certainly exercise if he wished. I repeated the words I had said to him earlier that afternoon: What kind of Alpha do you want to be?
Race nodded mutely after a moment and looked at Saphrona. “Tell Diarmid to bring my wolf to me.”
***
Contrary to what I had first believed, we didn’t have to wait very long. I’d thought Diarmid and his goons had kept Alex locked up at the Mackenna building, but it appeared I was wrong given that Lochlan’s Escalade came roaring up the driveway about 20 minutes after Saphrona’s hurried phone call. It stopped and the engine shut off as Race led the way out the back door, but only one door opened and shut on the vehicle. When I came down the back stoop and looked over, I noticed an edgy-looking Alex sitting in the passenger seat biting his nails. His injuries seemed to have healed, for which I was thankful, so I remained silent as my brother, Saphrona, Mom, Tom, and Martha all joined us.
The appearance of so many seemed to agitate the boy further as Lochlan turned upon stepping to his sister’s side. Race drew in and released a breath, then said, “Come on out, Alex, no one is going to hurt you.”
The timbre of his voice caused the boy’s eyes to widen. He stared openly for another long minute, then slowly pushed the door open.
Why is he staring at me like that—like he can’t believe…whatever he can’t believe? Race asked me silently.
It’s your voice, I replied. When a shifter becomes an Alpha, the magic changes something about their voice that enables them to give orders that must be obeyed. Alex knows by instinct that you’re his Packmaster now.
Race nodded mutely as Alex stopped about five feet in front of him. “Sir,” he said with a stiff nod, his eyes suddenly cast downward.
“Look at me, Alex,” Race said. Alex looked up, his eyes still slightly wide, blinking under the scrutiny.
“I understand that you were acting under orders from your Alpha,” my mate began, “but Kevin Tracey isn’t your leader anymore. I am. He’s pretty pissed about that, by the way, which means he could take not only your failure but his own out on others—including you. So you’ve got three choices, kid: Remain loyal to a man you claim will want to kill you the moment he sees you, take your chances with me, or attempt to join another pack.”
Alex swallowed. “Are you going to kill me?”
I noted that a muscle twitched in Race’s jaw, but his voice, though tight, was calm as he replied, “This morning I wanted to. Now… now I just want to put what happened behind me. I reacted in a blind rage, but no matter how justified I may have been, I know I’ve got to be a better person than that if I’m going to be a better leader than Kevin Tracey. So you get a pass this time.”
The young man in front of us visibly relaxed. “I thought Doc Bloodsucker here fixed me up just so you could kill me there for a second,” he told us. “I…I really didn’t want to do it, you know. I knew it was wrong.”
“Well then, sleep easier knowing this, kid: I’m going to make it a standing order that if I ever tell any of you to do something that goes against what you believe in—if you think I’m giving an order that’s plain fucking nuts—you don’t have to do it,” Race returned. “I’ve been through enough of that shit myself—doing something I didn’t want to because someone ordered me to do it. I’m not going to do that to anyone else.”
Alex blew out a breath and ran a hand through his hair. “So what’s this mean now? For the pack and all?”
“What it means is the pack has the same options as you: stick with Kevin, take a chance on me, or try another pack,” Race replied. “I know that some of them—the witnesses to my challenge—have acknowledged my claim, but they’re still free to change their minds. I’m not holding them to anything at this point.”
“Is there going to be a pack meeting soon? That might be the best way to get your message across, getting everyone together and telling them about what’s happened. Even…even what I did.”
Race sighed and took a step forward. Alex tensed as if he expected to be struck but he didn’t step back. Putting a hand on the boy’s shoulder, my mate said to him, “I may just have to tell everyone, but if only, as you so aptly put it, to get my point across. And since you mentioned a pack meeting, I’ve already put that in motion. Tyler and some others who were at the gym when this all went down, they’re spreading the word even now.”
Alex nodded slowly. “Tyler might be a bit of a meathead sometimes, but he’s a good guy. And he’s one of Kevin’s lieutenants…or he was. If he’s accepted your claim, you’ve already got a pretty good following. People listen to him, and if he says they should follow you, they will.”
Patting Alex’s shoulder Race removed his hand and stepped back. He glanced at Tom and Martha, who regarded him with what I knew to be pride, then he glanced at me before turning his gaze back to Alex.
“If he’s that charismatic, then that is definitely a point in my favor. But like I said, I’m initially going to leave the choice up to each individual. If they choose to pledge their loyalty to me, then… Well, let’s just say we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it, eh?” Race said.
“Well, I know one thing,” Alex said, then dropped suddenly to one knee and bowed his head. “You had every right to take my life for what I did today, but you did not. For that I am ever in your debt. And because you showed mercy, you have my loyalty.”
A split second before we all heard his laughter, I felt Race’s amusement, though even connected to him as I was, I could not fathom what he found so funny. Alex was frowning even as Race was helping him to his feet.
“Not sure what I said was funny,” he said with a frown.
Race shook his head. “I’m not mocking you, Alex. It’s just that before today, I would have called myself any number of things. ‘Merciful’ is not one of them.”
Seventeen
Tom and Martha left shortly after the young werewolf declared his loyalty to Race, letting us know that they’d speak to the Canine representative on the Council of Families first thing in the morning to see when the hearing would take place; as it was likely to be soon, they advised Race to stay near a phone. My mother, Alex, and Lochlan all stayed through dinner, during which both Race and Alex got to know one another. They eventually relaxed to the point where they were trading good-natured insults, and I knew instinctively that no matter what happened, my mate had just gained a friend for life.
There were also a number of calls made to my cell from Tyler, who reported that he and the others from the gym had managed to reach the rest of the pack to tell them what had happened. As I’d explained to Race, each person had reported feeling a shift in the magic, but weren’t sure what had caused it. Some of the older members were making noise about sticking with Kevin, referring to Race as a “meddling interloper” (among other choice names), but h
ad agreed to attend a pack meeting tomorrow afternoon at Tyler’s house. Some were waiting to hear from Race himself before making their decision, and yet still others had accepted him without hesitation. Those, Tyler admitted, were mostly young wolves who had felt their free choice had been stifled under Kevin’s leadership and were more than willing to accept someone new, no matter who it was.
When dinner was over, Race borrowed Mark’s truck to drive Alex home. After kissing him goodbye and waving as he backed down the drive, I turned to find Lochlan standing by the back stoop, watching me. His expression was…wistful.
Perturbed by it, I asked, “Is something wrong?”
Lochlan blinked, then smiled briefly. “No, my dear. All is right in your world, is it not?”
I scoffed. “Almost. We have to get this business with the pack straightened out, but other than that… I suppose everything else is right.”
“I imagine so. You have met your mate in life, and you are healing from the terrible trauma that was done to you,” the vampire said. “I am truly happy for you, Juliette.”
I tried not to frown. His words were nice words, and they felt sincere. But there was definitely something bothering him—that much I could tell. Though I knew it was technically none of my business, I found myself wishing he would open up to me and tell me what was on his mind.
“Thank you, Lochlan,” was all I found myself able to say.
He smiled that half-hearted smile of his again and then stepped up to me, leaned forward and kissed my cheek, then said, “Goodnight, my dear. I shall see you soon.”
“Yeah, goodnight,” I replied, and watched as another of the men in my life climbed into a car and drove away.
Shaking my head, I turned and started to climb the stoop, intending to join Mark and Saphrona for company while I waited on Race to return. As I was pulling the screen door open, my cell phone rang again. I loosed an exasperated groan, wondering what else Tyler could have to say that wouldn’t keep until tomorrow. But when I looked at the I.D. screen, I noted the Cincinnati area code and recognized the number as the same one Race’s mother had called from the other night.
“Good evening, Ms. Covington,” I said as I stepped into the house.
“Hello, Juliette,” Caroline Covington greeted me. “Sorry to have to call your phone again, but Race apparently hasn’t replaced his yet.”
I sat myself down at the dining table, the events of the day crossing rapidly through my consciousness. “Race has a good excuse for that, ma’am,” I said slowly.
There was a pause, and then Caroline said, “Let me guess… It has something to do with his condition?”
“Um, yeah, you could say that,” I replied.
“What happened? Is my son all right? Where is he?” Race’s mother queried.
I sighed. “It’s rather complicated, Ms. Covington, and with respect, it’s not really my place to explain. I’m sure Race will tell you anything you want to know.” I told her. “But I’m afraid that right now, he’s not here. He’s giving a friend a ride home to Dayton.”
“That’s kind of him,” Caroline mused. “Well, despite my sudden curiosity, you’re right, my dear. I shouldn’t ask you to tell me my son’s business. But you can tell me if he’s all right, can’t you?”
“Yes, I can. And yes, he is, you have my word,” I assured her. “Would you like me to have him call you when he gets back, or will it be too late?”
“Oh no,” she said with a chuckle. “It’s never too late for my son to call me, Juliette, but no, he doesn’t have to. I was just calling to let him know I managed to get a few days off to come up and spend time with him. I know it’s a little more sudden than expected, but to be perfectly honest, dear, I’ve been rather antsy ever since hearing about… well, you and your mom and everything. I figured getting the full story as soon as possible might settle my nerves, so I traded some days with a friend at work and I’ll be up tomorrow. I’ve got a flight into Port Columbus that will arrive around 2:30 in the afternoon.”
“I’m sure Race will—” I stared to say, but then paused. Race wouldn’t be able to pick her up. He had the pack meeting tomorrow.
“Juliette, is everything alright?” his mother said in my ear.
I cleared my throat. “Sorry. Yeah, everything’s fine, except that Race has a meeting tomorrow in Dayton at 2:00.”
“Oh,” she said, and I hated to have caused the disappointment I heard in her voice. “Well, I suppose I could always rent a car. Do you think your mother might be able to pick me up? I’d hate to impose on her, but…”
“Ms. Covington, I’m fairly certain Mom wouldn’t mind at all,” I broke in. “But I believe she’s working tomorrow. I can make the drive to Columbus to pick you up, if you like.”
“That’s really very kind of you, Juliette, but I’ll just rent a car.”
“No need for you to do that, it’s no trouble. Besides, I’m not sure Race would forgive me if I made you rent a car or take a cab,” I added with a laugh. “He’s going to feel bad enough not being able to pick you up himself.”
“Well, if you’re sure it won’t be a problem for you,” Caroline said slowly. “As I said, my plane should land at about 2:30. It’s Delta Airlines flight 1102. And you know what? I’m suddenly glad you’re being so generous with your time, young lady. It will give us a chance to talk girl talk.”
I couldn’t help but laugh, and after a few more pleasantries—and an assurance I’d make sure Race bought a new cell phone while he was out tomorrow—I said goodbye to the woman who would, sometime in the not-too-distant future, become my mother-in-law. I wondered what sort of “girl talk” she intended to bring up with me, and I suddenly thought of a question I really wanted to ask her.
When Race returned later that evening, he growled with annoyance when I told him about his mother’s impending trip north. He was upset that he wouldn’t be able to pick her up, to assure her just with his presence that he was fine. He also expressed concern as to whether my absence from the meeting would have an impact on his credibility with the wolves, and I tried my best to reassure him that as long as he mentioned I was attending to a family matter, he should be fine. Shapeshifters were big on family.
***
The next morning when we woke, I could tell Race was already preoccupied with worry about the pack meeting. I sensed his concern about the outcome, his lack of detailed knowledge about shifter politics. He worried as to whether or not they would listen. If they would respect him, acknowledge him as their leader. He wondered if those that had already pledged loyalty would change their minds.
He wondered whether or not he was truly capable of being a leader.
I knew that nothing I could say would assuage his concerns, so I just let my love for him, my belief that he was going to do fine, flow across our bond. Race looked at me and then reached for me, wrapping me in a warm embrace, his love and gratitude for my support flowing strongly back at me.
After dressing, we exited the apartment and headed toward the house, where we were to join Mark and Saphrona for breakfast. As we were closing the outer door to the stairs I noticed a horse that was not one of Saphrona’s tethered to a post on the other side of the driveway.
“Where the hell did that horse come from?” Race asked as I sniffed the air.
Recognizing the familiar scent of Saphrona’s closest neighbor, I patted Race’s arm. “I believe that horse belongs to Harry Mitchell, Saphrona’s neighbor. Come on, I’m hungry.”
We crossed the driveway and entered through the back door, finding Harry seated at the table with Mark while Saphrona stood at the stove. The man’s back was to me as we stepped inside, and it was with a start that I realized my soon-to-be sister-in-law had been right. His build, the broad set of his shoulders, was eerily similar to Race’s. I’d never thought of it, I suppose, because I couldn’t recall ever seeing Harry from behind before.
He turned and smiled good-naturedly at us, then stood and said, “Good morning, Juliette. A p
leasure seeing you again.”
I found that I could only nod, because now I was looking at the man’s face and I could see again what Saphrona had been talking about. Race and Harry looked a lot alike—so much so that it was more than a little disconcerting.
Race was politely shaking Harry’s hand as the two introduced themselves to each other, but feeling my shock, he casually placed his left arm around my shoulders and asked me silently, Jules, you all right?
Don’t you see it? I asked.
See what, babe?
I didn’t believe her when she mentioned it the other day—probably because I haven’t seen him in nearly a month—but Saphrona mentioned how you and Harry looked a lot alike. Now that he’s right in front of me, I see it. You have the same build, the same eyes. Even the same chin, I replied as we joined Mark and Harry at the table.
Race studied Harry surreptitiously from across the table, then turned to me with a frown, his thoughts churning so fast I couldn’t follow them. I sensed a mix of anger, frustration, and confusion within him, and was suddenly sorry I’d brought the matter up. Race, I—
“Harry, how old are you?” my mate blurted suddenly.
Harry looked at him with one eyebrow raised, the coffee cup he’d been lifting paused halfway between his lips and the table. My brother looked at Race as if he’d grown a second head, and while her glance back had been brief because of the breakfast she was cooking, I knew Saphrona was listening.
“I’m thirty-six, Race,” Harry replied slowly, lowering the coffee mug in his hand to the table. “Why do you ask?”
“Because you look too much like me for my comfort,” Race answered. “I admit I didn’t even give your appearance a second thought, but now that it’s been pointed out to me that we look alike, I can’t help noticing every little detail that’s mutual.”
From the Shadows (A Shadow Chronicles Novel) Page 26
