by Maggie Ryan
Chapter Seventeen
Deo
I smiled as I watched Cassandra walk into the dining room, a tray in her hands. If anyone wondered why this was, they didn’t ask. Aunt Margaret caught my eye and gave me a single bob of her head. Just as I thought—she approved of my wife. I returned her nod and also returned Draco’s grin when our girl slid into her chair, the action resulting in a soft moan as her plugged, punished ass took her weight. Pride flowed through me as Cassandra simply bit her lip for a moment before giving both me and her guardian a smile as dinner began. God, she was an incredible woman.
I sensed him before I saw him.
The scent of wolf still fresh on him, Xander burst into the dining room. Baal and Draco exchanged quick glances with one another, then as one unit, rose from their seats, coming to the end of the table, flanking me, one on each side.
Xander’s eyes were wild as he sat in Draco’s recently vacated chair. Aunt Margaret appeared, pressing a goblet into his hands. Even as he drank deeply, I knew he was impatient to tell us his discovery.
As if knowing that I wanted a chance to digest whatever news Xander gave me, Alekos stood. “Come, let us go practice those taekwondo moves Andrew taught us.”
“But I want to—” Cassandra began only to pause when Draco stepped to her, bent to whisper something in her ear. She blushed but the moment he pulled her chair from the table, she rose. “Yes, I suppose I need the practice.”
I couldn’t miss the look that Cynthia shot to Draco, then to me, and finally to her friend. Evidently what she saw satisfied her for she rose as well, and with Andrew, joined Cassandra. Though all three looked a bit wary, they followed their teacher from the room. Dolly and Artem remained in their seats, casually finishing their dinner.
When the room had cleared, Xander leaned in toward me. His bright blue eyes were resolute as he spoke, his youthful face animated. “They are coming,” he whispered in a hushed voice. “Now. It is nothing—nothing—as we have planned. This is a surprise attack. We have been outwitted.”
“Now, as in when, Xander?” Dolly asked impatiently in her thick drawl.
“Now, as in tonight. They are on the way. I thought I was trailing just a few of them over the hills, but they made a mistake. I saw one of the group peel away from his companions. Something told me to follow him. He made his way to the road and I saw them speak to others who rode in police cruisers. If I hadn’t actually seen the meeting, I wouldn’t have known there were more. I couldn’t detect the scent behind the metal.”
“Why now?” I asked.
Xander’s ice blue eyes focused on mine. His voice was calm, but he spoke urgently. “Tonight is the Wolf Moon.”
Artem said, “Now, who on Earth made up that?”
Xander replied, “Full moon names date back to the Native Americans, of what is now the northern and eastern United States. The tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full moon. Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred. There was some variation in the moon names, but, in general, the same ones were current throughout the Algonquin tribes from New England to Lake Superior. Since the lunar month is only twenty-nine days long on the average, the full moon dates shift from year to year.”
“And this January there are two full moons,” Dolly mused.
“Yes.” Xander offered her a tight smile. “The first, tonight, is the Wolf Moon. Amid the cold and deep snows of midwinter, the wolf packs howled hungrily outside Indian villages. Thus, the name for January’s full moon. The next will fall at the end of January. That will be the Blue Moon.”
“They are taunting us,” Artem growled. “The Wolf Moon,” he scoffed.
“I put the pieces together as I made my way home,” Xander said.
I murmured, “How long do we have?”
“It is now dusk. I suspect they will wait until the moon is high in the sky for dramatic effect. As soon as I figured out what was happening, I hurried back here.”
“How many?” Artem mused.
“I’m not sure; the windows were tinted, and they were moving so fast. There were five in the group. With those in the cars, the total is at least fifteen, maybe twenty?”
Baal let out a low whistle. “They’ve never gathered as many at once, before.”
“They have, but not in centuries. Not since the curse was placed,” Artem corrected, looking directly at me. “Though we’ve fought evil on our own accord before, this will be a battle unlike the others.”
I stood from the table. “It is time.”
Dolly, Xander, and Artem stood to join me, Draco, and Baal. Prepared or not, tonight we battled.
* * *
We stood, one beside the other, ten strong. The air was cold in my lungs as I took a deep breath. Outside the entrance to the castle my family, my wife, and her friends—our pack—waited. The Wolf Moon was indeed full and round, glowing a pale yellow. The moonlight shone brightly, lighting our battlefield, elongating our shadows across the ground. The wail of police sirens could be heard, climbing up the mountain, growing louder by the minute.
“Geeze,” Cynthia breathed from her position where she’d moved up beside Cassandra. “That’s intimidating.”
“Rather cocky of them,” Andrew said. “Not even bothering to attempt a sneak attack.”
Before I could reply, the sirens ended abruptly. It sounded as if they’d stopped at the bottom of the hill. I could hear car doors slamming shut.
It was only a few moments before I was able to make out forms. Moving slowly, the demons rose over the hill. As they kept coming, floating, eyes glowing red, I counted twenty. We were outnumbered two to one.
Cassandra stood between Draco and me. I watched her eyes widen as the enemy drew closer. The fear on her face was evident. I took her hand in mine, giving her fingers a squeeze.
“They’re really men?” she gasped in a hushed whisper. “Policemen?”
Until now, we had referred to them loosely as ‘spirits’, allowing our humans to picture the opponent as they saw fit. Anything was easier to imagine killing than a living, breathing man, and I knew how hard it was for those who’d never faced this type of malevolent darkness to understand that evil did not play by any rules. They were quick to use any means necessary to cause one to be misled, to falter for even a moment, which could prove deadly.
“No,” I said. “Do not consider them officers of the law. They gave up that right, that honor, the moment they made the choice to serve evil. They are worse than the very criminals they pretend to protect mankind from. They are the lowest of the low, scum.”
I met Cassandra’s gaze and then slid my eyes to include Cynthia and Andrew. “The Ambrosia family has the utmost respect for those who serve the better good, those who protect the weak, sacrifice their lives for others. Make no mistake: these are not those men. These are no more than corrupt devils who stain the names of those men and women who wear the badge and serve good.”
Though Cynthia was nodding vigorously, clearly ready for the task at hand, Cassandra still looked a bit shell-shocked, a state that would not bode well for battle.
“They take over the human form, but they are barely human in this state. They are pure evil… we cannot let them stand, understand?” Draco said, taking her other hand, the special bond the three of us had made felt in the strum of energy that flowed through our connected hands.
I gazed out at the advancing forms, adding, “Remember, these men were drawn to the dark.”
Draco released her hand, pulling one of the daggers from the black and silver bandolier both she and Cynthia wore around their bodies to hold their weapons. Grasping the knife by its blade, Draco extended it to her. “They will either destroy the innocent lives here and go on to destroy others, or we can stop them.”
Closing her eyes as if in meditation, Cassandra gave a shake of her head, her long ponytail swishing. Inhaling then exhaling a deep breath, her eyes snapped open. Her steady gaze pierced something de
ep within me as her eyes locked on mine. The fear had been replaced with a fierceness I had only witnessed in her during trial. My pride swelled as she wrapped her fingers tightly around her blade. A warrior princess who treated her dagger as an extension of herself. Her gaze leaving mine and focusing on the enemy, her voice rang clear and true as she demanded, “What are we waiting for?”
“That’s my girl. Fearless,” I mused, bending to kiss her cheek before releasing my hold on her and moving forward a step.
Andrew spoke, a reverence in his voice. “I feel as if I’ve been training all my life for this very moment. To truly serve and protect those who want to live in peace. This is my purpose.”
I had no doubt the boy would earn his keep tonight. What Andrew lacked in years he more than made up for in bravery.
Dolly threw her head back, curls bouncing, jumping foot to foot, pumping her fists like a boxer, a manic laugh bubbling from her throat. Widening her stance in her pink velvet jumpsuit, she said, “You go, Andrew. Show these demons what you’re made of.”
Dolly Ambrosia. How do I explain the love that swelled in my heart as I watched the mother of my pack lithely dancing in place, her smile wide and her eyes shining with joy? With her short stature and feminine ways, Dolly was often underestimated by the enemy, which she used to her advantage. The tiny woman was deadly.
“You stay close to the girls, Dolly. Show them how it’s done,” Artem called with a wink. I watched as my uncle gave his wife a long look, the love they shared evident in both their expressions. Flashing another huge smile, Dolly stepped back to join Cassandra and Cynthia while Artem turned to me, giving me a nod. The air tensed as the red glow of our enemies’ eyes came nearer.
Turning back, I cupped Cassandra’s face and gave her a kiss. There was so much I wanted to say, warnings I wished to give yet again, but there was no time. She’d trained hard. She was ready. That didn’t keep me from giving Draco a look. Though no words were exchanged, we said volumes in just a brief moment of time. Leaving her in the care of her guardian, I joined my fellow wolves.
Over my shoulder, I gave my pack one last long look. Draco my soon to be co-mate, Cassandra my wife, Dolly—like a mother to me—and my new friends Cynthia and Andrew. And no matter how old he grew, my baby brother Alekos. Turning to Artem on my right and Baal and Xander on my left, I spoke, my voice echoing with pride and love. “Ready yourselves.”
Facing the oncoming demons, we would be the first line of defense in our wolf form. Xander would leave the field as soon as his transformation was complete, running the entire perimeter of our lands to be sure there were no more on the way. He would remain in the forest, ready to destroy any demon deserters, then return to us when the battle was won. Alekos would stay human to communicate and protect his mankind. Draco would change to his wolf form, remaining close by Cassandra. I prayed we would not need to unleash Draco’s full power this evening.
With a nod, my hand moved to the ancient talisman of my belt and the others followed. The clicking of the metal clasp of enchanted belt buckles was the only sound in the night.
Along with the others, I wrapped my belt from my right hip, across my chest, and clasped its buckle over my left shoulder. When the fourth belt clicked, our auras began to rise. An audible gasp came from behind us as the colors rose and melded, forming a protective cloud around us. I could see the spirits slowing their advance as a wall of smoke closed before me. I felt my feet rise from the ground.
The smoke cleared. I padded my paw at the ground, agitated by the sudden stench of the demons. I turned my neck up from the ground, shaking the fog from my fur and my mind. A powerful urge had me lifting my head, my howl filling the night. My fellow wolves joined in, our four voices rising toward the full Wolf Moon.
A loud hiss was heard, the faces of the officers tightening in agony. Their red eyes flashed brighter. A guttural growl rumbled low in my throat. Holding my frame as still as possible, tension ran through my four legs. My ears stood on end. The fur on my neck prickled on my skin.
I could hear the low voices of Cassandra and the others murmuring behind me as they marveled at our transformation.
Alekos’ voice in an authoritarian tone they had never heard him use, commanded, “Focus.”
After a moment, I heard Draco’s voice, a fury in his tone he rarely used…
“Get back, Cassandra.”
Turning my snout over my broad shoulders, I growled.
Cassandra had inched toward the line of wolves, no longer by Draco’s side. My wife gasped as my eyes met hers. Hands flying to her mouth, she made a little noise I couldn’t understand. For a moment, I feared that while she’d seen the transformation from afar and had been infatuated, up close, perhaps it was too much for her. That was until her hand stretched out as if to pet me—the reach short as I stood almost as tall as she. She spoke as if she were in a trance. “You are so beautiful,” she whispered.
Draco tugged her back to her place even as he snapped, “Deo, eyes forward. Focus!”
Turning my gaze away from my wife, my eyes refocused on the enemy. The reek was so strong, I wanted to bury my nose in the dirt.
The imposing officers were now mere meters away. They spread in a long line before us. Twenty in total. There was a grim smile on a few of their faces, their red eyes burning with fury.
When their strange voices rose, they spoke in unison. The sound of their high nasal tone made my ears stand at further attention. The screechy noise caused every hair on my back to stand on end. There was a terrifying cadence to their words.
“You know the one we come for. The one who turns away from you. Give her to us and you may live.”
“Never. She faltered, but she chooses us. She belongs with us. We will never abandon one of our own,” Draco declared, his voice deep and clear. With that proclamation given, he stepped forward, removing his belt. His transformation was lightning fast—a skill I envied in the dragon—and within a moment he stood next to Cassandra. He was a breathtaking presence, his brown belt strapped across his chest, the platinum buckle resting on his left shoulder—a badge of honor glinting in the moonlight. Without an ounce of fear, Cassandra’s hand went to her guardian’s back, her fingers curling within his magenta-hued pelt, her other hand holding the dagger she’d become an expert at throwing. They were different—but both were warriors. They would make magnificent mates if fate was good to us.
“We will fight,” Alekos said. I felt a stirring within me, a longing for my wolf brother to be by my side as well. But the defender must remain with his mankind. Able to speak to them, words of encouragement—or warning. Should the fight become deadly, the Ambrosia men had agreed Alekos was to flee to the safety of the walls of the castle with our humans—protecting their life above all others.
The hissing began again, snapping my head forward, the sound like claws scratching inside my skull. Straightening my spine, pawing the ground one last time, I angled my snout at our moon and gave the howl of the war cry. With a lunge, I took off toward the demons. Artem flanked my right. Baal and Xander brought up the rear.
Chapter Eighteen
Deo
Clumps of dirt flew from beneath my paws, damp from the recently melted snow. We charged as a pack, heading straight for the officers.
Artem lunged at the largest one who stood in the center of the twenty, paws landing on his shoulders, teeth tearing into the flesh of the man’s neck. There was a guttural scream and a stream of blood as the demon hit the ground.
Tearing my eyes away, I focused on the two officers directly before me. Wanting to take two at once, leaving less for the others, I stayed low to the ground, hunching, waiting for them to come closer to me. When they were near enough for me to see the whiskers on their unshaven chins, I lunged, throwing a paw into the center of each of their chests. One went to the ground underneath me, the other turned quickly, letting my paw fall from his chest. Blood rushed from gashes from my claws, but he still stood.
Growling, I sw
iftly dug my teeth into the neck of the man I had managed to take down, severing the carotid artery. The metallic tang of blood filled my mouth. Leaving the body, I tracked down the one I had mauled. Losing blood quickly, he was easily dealt with.
Gathering my bearings, I looked around. I was standing alone. I counted seven bodies. Excellent, thirteen to go.
That was when I heard the scream.
Turning, I leapt to my left, racing toward the group. In the chaos of kicking and fur, I couldn’t find Cassandra. Cynthia was before me, her hands shaking as she held the crystal in front of her, petrified by the advancing demon. The scream had been hers; I was sure of it.
I knew her reflexes were lightning fast; I had seen it with my own eyes. She could fight this battle. She took a chunk out of the calf of the officer, and he fell to his knees. Catching my gaze, Cynthia froze for less than a quarter of a second before she acted. Taking two steps toward the kneeling officer, she thrust the purple crystal straight into his burning eye. A sound like the release of a steam valve was heard as a fog lifted from his empty eye socket. The crystal turned to ooze, and a velvety violet spill flowed down his chest, burning and decimating his skin.
Smiling, Cynthia looked at me proudly. Dolly jogged up beside her, slapping Cynthia a high-five. “Great work, girl. Don’t let anyone tell you ladies are the weaker sex.” As she enjoyed her moment of extending congratulations, a demon appeared over her right shoulder. Before I could give a warning growl, Dolly threw her fist behind her head, plowing right into the nose of the demon. For someone with no supernatural powers, Dolly had a wicked sixth sense. Stunned, he clutched at his face as she turned, grabbing his shoulders and slamming her knee up and into his crotch. The demon fell to the ground in agony. Without flinching, Cynthia stabbed a crystal into his throat, his life ending with a guttural growl.
