The truck had only a few scrapes. Jade looked back to where we had spent the night, "My life is going down a strange road, and I don't have a map," she muttered.
"I know that feeling," I commented, climbing into the truck.
Jade pulled herself into the truck and buckled herself in. "What do you mean?"
"Nothing. Let's get to the council and find out if they have a map for you."
We were back on the road again. The rocks were nowhere to be seen. I will admit that whoever was following us at least cleaned up their mess if they failed. Jade's comment about Bael gnawed at me. How was he connected and, more importantly, why?
Having driven this road so often, I allowed my mind to wander, but it kept traveling in circles. If Bael was involved, there was no way I has handing Jade over to him or any member of the council. How far would we have to run to be out of their reach? I felt possessive, wanted Jade to myself. Maybe Logan and Mica were right and I had unknowingly bonded myself to Jade. I jumped when I felt a gentle hand on my knee, snapping me back into reality.
"Sorry," Jade said, pulling her hand away. "I tried saying your name, but you weren't paying attention. We're just lucky that we did not end up on another impromptu camping trip. Not that I would have minded." Her smile faded. "Why so serious? You put on the bad werewolf look again."
"Nothing."
Jade snorted. "Yeah, and I am the Goddess herself. Let's just say that I can feel things."
There have been very few times when I have been shocked by what I have seen or heard, and this was one of them. In all the time I have walked this earth, I have never come across a person who was able to read me so easily. "Just wondering what Bael has been up to."
"Thought you said you did not know who or what Bael was."
"Lied."
"Well, stop it. It will not do any good to hold anything back in a relationship."
I choked. "In a relationship? Us?"
Jade laughed, her hand once again on my knee, moving its way to my nether regions. "I don't sleep with just anyone. There is something about you. I feel connected, okay? I know it sounds contrite and stupid, but that is how I feel. Even when I first woke up at your place and saw you nude. It was a shock, but it felt right." Jade blushed.
I pulled over to the side of the road, only a few miles away from town. I turned to face Jade, but she was staring out the window. Turning her to face me, I saw tears in her eyes. One lone tear escaped down her cheek. "I'm sorry," she mumbled.
I smiled as I wiped the tear away. "There is no need to apologize. It has been a very long time since I have been in a relationship." I leaned over and kissed her lightly on the lips, inhaling her scent. My blood raged as our kissed deepened. Jade's stomach rumbled. I pulled away, laughing. "Guess you're hungry?"
Jade's blush deepened, going down her chest. She laughed. "How about them pancakes?" she asked, her lips smacking as though savoring their phantom flavor.
"You got it, New Ager." I said, pulling back onto the road and speeding up to get Jade to the nearest Pancake House.
"Stow it, wolf." Jade laughed.
The place was busy when we entered. The scent of pancakes, sausage, bacon and maple syrup filled the small dining area. A short, petite blonde with hair covering her ears and a small waist walked up to us.
"The infamous bounty hunter is gracing us with her presence," she said, leaning in close to us, her voice barely above a whisper. Then she pulled back with a smile on her face. "The usual place, Toni?"
"Yes, the usual spot. Thank you, Amiee."
Amiee led us toward the back of the dining area. All around, tourists and locals were enjoying the fare that was offered. As we sat down, Amiee handed Jade a menu and gave me a quizzical look. I shook my head, and Amiee just smiled. "So, ladies, I will get your coffee and be right back."
"Make it dirty," I said as she turned to walk away.
Amiee just nodded, holding up her hand in acknowledgment.
Jade looked over the menu. "Why doesn't this place just offer granola or something light?"
"I don't think your stomach will handle just granola. Besides, I thought you wanted pancakes."
"What are you getting?"
"My usual."
"Which is?"
"The Gold Rush Special."
Jade looked and her menu, and her eyes widened. "There is enough here to feed me for a week."
The Gold Rush Special, my personal favorite, included four pancakes, two waffles, five strips of bacon, two sausage patties, one hamburger patty, a pork chop, and a New York strip steak, along with three eggs. I lowered my voice, leaning in close, "I'm a wolf, remember?"
Jade shook her head. "Sometimes it is easy to forget. Do they say anything when you order that?"
"Nah, Amiee is an elf, and Fred, the cook, is a sprite. Helped them open this place a few years back."
Jade looked at her menu once again. "Okay if you are going to be that way, I will have the Kid Gold Rush."
I smiled. The woman had an appetite and was not afraid to show it.
Amiee came back with two dirty chais. "We are running low on your chai mix. Remember to bring some in next time." Amiee pulled out her order book. "So what can I get your friend?"
"I'll have the Kid Gold Rush. All meats medium and the egg over easy," Jade answered, handing back the menu to Amiee.
Amiee smiled as she took the menu. "The woman knows what she wants." Amiee turned to me. "The little breakfast or do you want it super sized?"
"The little."
Amiee nodded and left us to enjoy our coffee. I inhaled the spices as I sipped the drink. Jade did the same. "I could get used to this."
"Wait until you try it cold with a shot of espresso."
Jade laughed. "I don't want to be up all night."
"It could have its benefits." A sly smile crept along my lips.
A loud explosion rattled the windows. Patrons jumped at the sound. A look of horror clouded Jade's face.
"My shop," she said as she started to run to the door.
I followed her out. A billowing plume of dark grey smoke and bright orange fingers of flame were coming from the direction of Jade's shop. "How did you know?"
Jade was panting, pushing herself to get to the shop. "Wards."
A crowd had already gathered, and the sounds of fire trucks screamed in the short distance. Jade pushed through. I was right on her heels. The heat of the flames held her back. Tears were steaming down her face. "My Harley."
I barreled through the heat towards the little shed. The door was locked, so I. Ripped off the door. The flames had just started to consume the little garage. I pulled the bike out when a large bout of flame licked its way towards me. The bike was heavy. Then Jade was at my side, helping maneuver the bike out of the flame's reach.
Another explosion knocked me to my knees. Jade was just out of reach behind the bike. She propped the kickstand down and rushed over to me. I smelled burned flesh and winced in pain as I stood. Jade touched my back, and I yelped as the pain strengthened, coursing down my back. I waved her back and stood on my own.
"You have to get help," Jade choked out.
"That was my best jacket." I offered my attempt at a lame joke. Jade smiled weakly and followed me out into the crowd as the firefighters set about putting out the flames. A movement from the corner of my eye drew my attention. I recognized that grey hair. Mica. I pulled away from Jade and moved to the end of the crowd.
With all attention at Jade's shop, I allowed my change to happen quickly. The sounds of tearing clothing added to the internal sounds of my body reshaping. My back was only singed; my fur would grow back quickly. Mica changed into his wolf form, and the chase was on.
We ran through side streets and back alleys. I was gaining on him. He was heading back to his territory. I cut through backyards, knowing that most would not question a wolf running through their property. I scented Mica and jumped from a stone outcropping, landing on Mica's back. The shock of my attack broke b
oth our concentrations. We tumbled nude onto the graveled alley. We both scrambled to our feet, circling for an attack.
His body was covered in scars and tattoos that were never seen when he was clothed. His eyes were full of hatred as he charged me. I sidestepped. Mica could not stop in time as my arm wrapped around his throat. He squeaked.
"What were you doing?" My breath harsh in his ear.
"Bael."
"What about Bael?" I tightened my grip.
Mica no longer struggled. He closed his eyes. His lips moved without sound. His skin grew hot. I pushed him away as his body blackened. The tattoos encased his body as it collapsed on itself. Mica fell into a heap of ash, was caught by a small dust devil, and blew away.
I leaned forward, resting my hands on my knees. The pain in my back worsened. Sounds coming down the road pushed me into action. I changed back and loped back to where I had last seen Jade.
The crowd was gone; only a few firefighters remained, cleaning up. I put my nose into Jade's hand. She jumped and looked down.
"Toni?" She asked.
I nodded and padded away from the scene to a side alley. Jade followed. I changed before her eyes.
"What happened?" Jade asked.
"I need you to go to Amiee and ask her for my spare set of clothes. Also ask her to get Jock and Brun to load your Harley into the back of my truck."
Jade nodded and headed towards the cafe. I changed back into my wolf form and kept to the shadows. The firefighters had gone; only caution tape surrounded the building. My heart went out to Jade; she had lost everything but her motorcycle. With my nose close to the floor, something caught my attention. Following the scent, I found the source of the blast. Fireweed. Outlawed in the human world for its destructive powers. Only its thick stem remained, easy to spot due to its ever-changing color pattern. The blast had not been large enough to destroy the weed completely. It was harmless now, so I clenched it in my teeth and continued my search. All of the trinkets that Jade sold were destroyed, shattered and scattered about the small shop. I watched where I stepped to avoid the glass. A small velvet pouch remained untouched by the blast. I also grabbed it within my teeth.
"Toni?" I heard my name being called. I carefully made my way outside. Jade, Amiee, Brun, and Jock stood waiting for me. Amiee motioned for the guys to take Jade's bike. As they left, Amiee placed a set of clothes in front of me. I spit out what I held in my jaw as the change occurred. Despite the damage to Jade's shop, her eyes held a touch of lust when she looked at me. The now familiar heat of passion coursed through me as I changed into a pair of old jeans, a white t-shirt, and dollar store sneakers.
"Fireweed?" Amiee asked as she picked up the stem.
I nodded as I handed Jade the black velvet pouch. "I'm sorry, this was all I could find that had not been damaged."
Tears shone in Jade's eyes as she took the pouch from me. Opening the pouch, she smiled and looked up at me. "Thank you," She whispered.
"Oh, kiss her already," Amiee chided.
We all laughed at the comment and I did as Amiee told me to do. The kiss deepened, our bodies pressed tightly together.
"I said kiss, not start something you can't finish." Amiee laughed.
I broke the kiss, panting heavily. I noticed that Jade too was panting, getting air back into her lungs. Amiee held up the stem. Jade watched as the colors on the stem flowed like liquid fire.
"So that is fireweed."
"You know about it?" I asked. No one from the mortal realm knew of the plant. I cocked my head to study her. There was definitely something more to her.
Brun and Jock had the bike loaded by the time we returned to the cafe. Fred came out and handed over four large takeout bags, smiling as I took them from him. The smell of freshly well-prepared food attacked me, my stomach rumbling in defense.
"Gave you both the biggest we had." Fred said. He leaned closer to me. "There be a slight spell to keep the food hot and fresh until you get home."
"Thank you. My tab?"
"Not this time. Take that lady home and feed her. This one be on me."
I gave Fred a quick peck on the cheek before he dashed back into the kitchen. After giving Amiee a hug, I climbed into the truck, pulled out, and turned the truck home.
The phone was ringing when we entered my place. Jade carried the food toward the kitchen while I picked up the phone.
"Yeah."
"You have the girl, bring her to me now." The voice crackled on the other end.
I said nothing, my fists clenching. It was Bael.
"Did you hear me? Bring me the girl."
"No." I slammed the phone down.
Jade walked into the living room with two large plates of food. She sat them down and pulled me into an embrace, her lips brushing along my collarbone. "Bael?"
"Yes," I growled. I could feel my teeth growing. I wanted blood—his blood—to be spilled.
Jade stepped away and led me to our meal. We ate in silence. I wolfed down my meal—no pun intended—without tasting it. Fred had outdone himself with the amount of food that he had given us.
"You finish eating. I'll go get you a change of clothing," I said. Jade only nodded and attacked her steak.
I had my head in my closet when I felt a light touch on my shoulder. I grabbed the wrist and flung the person onto my bed. It was Jade.
"If you wanted me on your bed, all you had to do was ask." She laughed as I turned red, and then sat up and pulled off her t-shirt. Her bra was gone, and the sight of her breasts made me hunger, but not for food. I knelt before her, lavishing my attention on the gift she had offered to me. Jade hooked her finger under my chin, bringing my eyes to meet hers. Around her neck was a thin silver chain with a charm shaped like a pair of wings. I sat back on my heels.
"Does silver harm werewolves?" Concern was evident in Jade's voice.
I smiled. "You have watched way too many bad movies. Silver only harms us when in the shape of a bullet and fired. But then, a silver bullet can kill anyone, human or not. Why?"
"These silver wings are a part of who I am."
I waited for Jade to explain, giving her a smile of encouragement. Jade stood and closed her eyes. She began to speak in a rhythmic chant in a language I thought long dead. I heard the ripping of skin. Jade's eyes snapped open as she cried out in pain. Bluish white light spilled from her back, becoming solid. She fell to her hands and knees. Wings the color of pure snow draped over her back. She was breathing heavily as she stood. The wings fell over her shoulders like a cape, covering her chest from my view. Her eyes, once emerald green, had deepened into a forest green, dark, welcoming and foreboding at the same time.
I stood to face her. Our eye contact spoke volumes though no words were expressed. She was a Guardian of the Gods. My mouth went dry.
"Well?" Jade asked, her voice hesitant. The wings folded back into themselves, disappearing only to reappear on the chain around her neck.
I pulled her into a tight embrace and kissed her deeply, passionately, hoping to express what I felt in that kiss. I pulled away and smiled, handing her a shirt from the closet.
Jade pulled on the shirt. "I guess nothing has changed."
"Oh yes, it has," I replied, changing into black tight leather breakaway pants. I slipped on a matching breakaway leather vest, wearing no t-shirt underneath. Shutting my eyes, I called forth my markings to run down both arms and across my collarbone. I heard a low whistle from Jade as I opened my eyes. I just smiled and buckled a silver belt scabbard; it hung low on my right hip. I pulled on black combat boots. "I am not giving you up." I turned and left the room; Jade followed behind.
The moon had just crested the Sierra Mountains when I pulled into Sleeping Angel Cabin Resort parking lot. The goblins paid no attention. The resort was quiet. Only the meeting hall remained lit, though small ghost lights bobbed about on the mountainside paths. Even the insects did not play their nightly songs. The metallic hiss of my blade rang loud in the still night air.
Th
e door to the meeting hall stood open, beckoning me. I squared my shoulders and headed into the lion's maw.
"Just wait a moment." A quiet, familiar voice called to me from the shadows. The little old lady who I had met only a few days ago stepped closer to me. The ghost lights surrounded her. She held out her hand, and a small orange ghost light landed in her palm. She whispered to the light, and it flitted off towards the mountainside along with its brethren. The lady looked at me. "You are crazy to go in alone." She scolded me. She clucked her tongue and touched my naked blade. "There. That should help a bit." The blade shone in pure silver. Whorls of colors danced along the blade. The markings they left behind matched the whorls and patterns that decorated my arms and chest. The blade felt more like an extension of my arm than a weapon.
"Thank you, but—"
"Hush. I am your ally, remember? Bael has been doing no good for this council, and it is time for new blood to bring back the life that the council needs and deserves," the lady said, stepping once again into shadows.
"What is your name?" I asked before I completely lost sight of her.
"Allie."
The roar of a motorcycle broke the stillness, and I lost sight of Allie. I turned to see Jade ride up on her bike. My blood turned to fire as she got off the bike. Her wings cloaked her as she strode up to me.
"What do you think you are doing?" I hissed, anger replacing passion.
"Taking my rightful place."
"What are you talking about?" I shook my head. "Just stay here."
"No, Allie helped you to help me."
"I don't want to lose you."
"How touching," a voice said behind us. I turned around, my sword coming to bear. Bael. His duster was open, revealing low-slung jeans and no shirt, giving us a view of his almost perfect body from his narrow waist to well-defined chest. His blond hair hung past his shoulders. An oily grin showed white teeth. He moved closer. "Jade, you will make a wonderful addition. With you, the council will come to its knees."
I laughed. "Such a B-rated movie speech. You have no say in this matter, Bael."
Daughters of Artemis Page 19
