Twenty Nine
WIN HUDDLED CLOSER to him as he squatted behind the bush, peeking out from behind brambles. Luke was trembling; she placed a large paw on the crook of his elbow to steady him. He smiled shakily.
“Are we really going to do this?”
She froze. She remembered Grayson hovering over her, kissing her asking her the very same question, but for a very different reason. Win nodded gravely.
“Are they even in there?”
I don’t know. I can scout out and look first. You wait here.
Win crept closer to the cabin, her paws light on the wooden bridge, nails clipping as she crossed it deftly. She turned and surveyed the old, rickety construction. They had better be fast. If they got caught, this was their only way out of here. She could survive the torrent rushing below. Luke might not. The thought stayed with her, rolled around in her gut as she approached the house, keeping low and fast.
She knew the danger she was putting him in. He could get caught. He could get killed.
We won’t, she said to herself. She carefully mounted the porch, sniffing around the crack in the door. She peeked through the low window, peering through the lacy net curtain, stained with lack of washing. Jennifer was gone, no longer tied and gagged. Win wondered where she was, if she was still even on the property at all. She scouted around the back of the house and wished she hadn’t.
The backyard was littered with old farm machinery. There were pens of chickens cooped up in small cages. The moment they got a whiff of Win’s scent, they went into an insane flurry. Win ducked as feathers filled the air, along with a lot of squawking and commotion. She snaked around the pens on her belly, pressing close to the ground, watching for any signs of life within the house. Expecting at any moment, lights would flick on, and Grayson would appear with a gun. Part of her wished he would. Fragments of memory returned, him holding her, her gasps as he rocked her, the way he’d collapsed on top of her when it was over. Sickly, she fought them back.
When nothing happened, Win scurried back around the front. There was a familiar rustle in the trees, and the falcon landed on the porch steps.
They’re gone, Win. I saw their truck pull away an hour ago.
Did they take anything from the lock-up?
I don’t know. They were fighting. The boy was upset.
I bet. Win sneered and threw her mother a narrow stare. Why didn’t you tell me that would happen to me? You kept that part secret.
I’m sorry. I’m sorry you had to go through it alone. The falcon bowed her head.
Win bared her teeth. Luke buried me. I don’t know how he’s even still here.
The falcon hopped onto Win’s back. Don’t let it distract you. It’s happened to all of us. It’s horrifying. Can you blame us for not telling you?
Win paused. I guess not. Are you sure they are gone?
I’ll have another fly around, but I’m certain. Look, the truck isn’t even here.
Alright. Win eyed the bird as it hopped away. Mom? Was he upset? What were they fighting about?
He said he’d killed you. She took off, her wings beating the air, leaving Win to ponder what she’d said. Not allowing her thoughts to linger, she ran back across the bridge. Luke stood, hoisting up the gas can over his shoulder.
“All good?”
Good. Let’s get this over with.
Luke followed her across the bridge, uncertain as he took a step on the rotten boards. He followed the animal through the yard until they reached the ramshackle lock up. Luke stood panting, hands-on-hips, eyeing the building. “Okay…leave this to me.”
He was gone for about ten minutes, but when he came back, he stank of fuel, having managed to drop half of it down his shirt and jeans.
“I threw it everywhere,” he panted. “But I’m kind of worried I might go up like a Christmas tree if I light that thing.”
Win nodded in agreement, trying to think on her feet. She scampered to a small area of undergrowth, twigs and leaves growing between the gears of an old, rusting tractor. She used her teeth and pulled free a large branch that must have fallen during the last big storm; she dragged it across the yard, dropping it at Luke’s feet.
Light this, she said. I can toss it near the building. Luke dug around in his pocket for the matches. A few trembled attempts later, the end of the branch sparked. He placed it carefully in Win’s jaws, snapping shut, feeling the heat of the flames lapping at her fur as she sprinted around the small building. With a roar, small fires fizzed to life, and within a few moments, the crumbling wooden paint caught light. Luke urged her back to a safe distance, the light of the fire reflecting off his glasses. “We did it, Win.”
Win, now you have to leave, above her the falcon urged. You’ve done the hard part, now get out of here.
No! Win snapped back defiantly. I’m not leaving until it’s done and the place is dust.
Flames lapped at the building, like devil's fingers, probing and seeking their way inside. Waves of blistering heat wafted their way, forcing them back, Luke’s face dropped in horror. Within seconds gulfs of fire consumed the small building, smoke plumes sailed through the air. It spat out ash, sparks of burning debris landing too close to their feet. Luke used his arm to force Win back. He held up his arm against the roaring flame.
“We’ve got to go!” he cried, his skin scorching, like being too near a hot oven.
Win shook her head, tears blurring her eyes. No! Not until I see them leave! The way her grandfather had left, his wolf running off into the forest with his sister. She needed to see them leave.
Luke grabbed her around her midsection, heaving her back. She batted him angrily, her claws splayed. He shot her a glare. “Don’t be an idiot!”
I need to see this, Luke!
“See what? It’s on fire like you wanted; now let’s go before someone sees!”
There was a crack, the timbers of the building starting to fracture. Win saw it, what she had been desperate to witness. Blue flames licked out of the window, fizzing and crackling, snaking their way up to the roof.
Yes! She said, butting Luke’s leg with her head. There, look!
He squinted. “What?”
They’re leaving! They’re leaving!
Waves of blue rolled off the building, like crystal glass sweeping down the walls, slithering across the ledges and cracks. Luke stood rooted to the spot. “Win what’s happening?”
Like ocean waves rippling on the shore, the light spread across the yard, catching everything in its grasp. Win looked at Luke, stood paralyzed, watching as the torrent headed straight for him. She wailed his name, but it was too late. Like when she had been caught by the wave from the stone, it rolled toward him, catching him in its wake.
Luke! She screamed. He was stiff, his face contorted, he stared the wave down as if he could push it back with his gaze. Sweat dripped off him as he tried to look in her direction.
“Win, you have to go!” His eyes watered, black sooty tears.
Win leapt into a tree, out of the path of the oncoming wave, rolling toward her like unstoppable lava. She clutched the branch with her claws, as on the ground, something happened. Luke was suspended a foot from the air, his feet dangling limply. Out of the wave, a fox, hollow and blue, ran at him, careering straight through his center. Win saw his jaw clench in pain, his body arch inwards, his arms splayed as it plowed straight through him and out the other side, disappearing into the night.
No! Luke, no! She wept. She had to do something. This was going to kill him. His teeth gritted, his body splayed like a crucifixion victim, he could do nothing as a mountain lion emerged from the wave, running at him and not stopping.
Luke yelled, bracing for the hit. She melted into his core, sparking and crashing through the other side. His spine arched in agony, head lolling onto one side. Win had to act. She watched helplessly as out of the blue flames, a kestrel soared through the air.
Win leapt. She was free fallin
g, air whooshing across the sleek velvet of her body. She caught Luke mid-air, he yelped as she wrapped herself around him, claws sinking into the flesh of his shoulders. The kestrel hit Win first, she absorbed some of the energy. The kestrel’s mind was bleak and chaotic. Strange images floated into Win’s head, and she saw the jailhouse, the bars of a locked cell. She could sense the bird’s desperation, her stark loneliness, trapped in a cell, waiting for someone to rescue her.
Except no one ever came for her.
Vivienne Hickory was free from her jail at last. The world shook and quivered, her vision swimming, lungs squeezing. She held onto Luke, wrapping her arms around his neck, crying into his shoulder. She lifted her chin, their faces inches apart. She tried to smile, to tell him it would be okay.
“Hold on,” she said. “You can do this. Don’t die on me.”
His eyes fluttered closed, and she shook him; her grip tightened around his neck, snaking her hand down, she pressed her hand into his. “Don’t die, please!”
“I’ll try,” he moaned. The light rippled through them. Win's insides shifted, contorting and snapping back into place.
Blue light was fading, drawing them down to the ground. They landed crumpled with a thud, a mass of entwined limbs.
I’ve killed us both. She wept, feeling him wrap his arms around her, his warm hands on her skin. Her eyes flew open.
“Luke?” It was her voice. Her voice! “Luke?”
He groaned. “I’m okay.” He sat up, smiling, his face covered in soot. “You’re human.” He unbuttoned his shirt, stripping down to his vest underneath, quickly bundling it around her shoulders. “And you’re naked.”
She threw her arms around his neck, kissing his wet face. “I don’t care! Oh my god, you’re alive. Are you alright?”
He patted his body down, rubbing the back of his neck. “I think so…I mean, three dead women pilfered my body but other than that—just peachy!”
Win rubbed his arms, checking him for any battle damage. “What happened? Could you feel them?”
Luke blinked. “I heard them in my head. Their thoughts—voices.”
Win could sense he was holding back, concealing something darker, and he avoided her stare.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” She hugged him again, and he laughed it off. “We did it.”
He stood, staggering before tugging her up with him. Win was grateful for the shirt, conscious of him trying his best not to look as she buttoned it up, the glow of the fire still hot against her human skin.
“Win.” He linked his fingers through hers. He stepped closer, cupping his hand around her neck, pulling her so close she didn’t have time to back away. He looked exhausted, boyish, and handsome, and she was flooded with adrenaline. “I didn’t think I’d see you again, as you are.”
She laid her hand over his, trying to shush him, but he was babbling, his eyes wet. “I saw you in the forest, what was left of you...” he choked and brought her forehead to his. “I saw you dead, and now you’re here.”
He hugged her fiercely like he’d never let go again. Emotion bubbled up in her throat, finding the nape of his neck and fiddling with his hair. “Come on,” she urged.
Her last words were cut off by a truck racing into the yard. Win and Luke broke apart. She stepped in front of him protectively as Grayson climbed out of the truck. The passenger door slammed open. Jennifer Riley screamed as she ran up the drive.
“What have you done?” Her face was demonic. “What have you done to my home?”
“It’s over, Mother,” Grayson said from behind her. He stalked past, staring up at the burning building. “It’s over now. Accept it.”
“No…Henry!” She seized her hair, the flames making her look as though she’d been flung out of hell. “Henry, they’ve burned Henry!”
Luke and Win found one another. He clutched her hand tightly. “Who the hell is Henry?” He’d drained. “Win…who is Henry?”
“My boy!” Jennifer screamed. “My beautiful boy!”
Luke staggered back, falling to his knees. Grayson was at Win’s side, he tried to take her hand, but she snatched it away. “You said Henry was dead!” she yelled.
Grayson’s face fell. “He is dead. She means his ashes. They’re still in there.”
“No! No!” Jennifer writhed on the ground, her shoulders juddering. “What have you done?”
The building was moaning, hinges creaking and groaning. Win saw the way Grayson stared at it; he was biting his lip, thinking.
Jennifer bolted. It seemed to happen in slow motion. Grayson screamed after her, his fingertips inches away from her dress as she flew past him, plunging straight into the flames. Her arms folded over her head like a shield.
“Win, listen to me, please.” Grayson pulled her away from the flames, hot tears stinging as they dried on her skin. “Everything I said to you is true. I love you. I can’t erase what I’ve done, I know. What I saw in the woods—I’m a coward, Win. I ran away, and I should have stayed with you.”
“Grayson…why are you telling me this now?”
He took her face and kissed her swollen lips. He breathed against her mouth; she didn’t have the strength to push him away.
“Because—I have to go after my mother.”
“No!” Win clutched at his hand, trying to cling to his fingers as he yanked away. “You don’t have to do this. You’ll never make it out!”
He stared at her, helpless, his eyes darting back to the crumbling building. “I have to Win. I have to try to get her out. I’ll never forgive myself if I don’t try.”
Win sobbed, clawing his arm as he tried to yank away. She was strong enough to make his feet dig into the ground. “No, Grayson…you’ll die!”
Grayson cast her a pitiful look, giving his arm a final tug out of her grip. “She’s my mother. I can’t leave her.”
He pulled away, leaving Win screaming after him. Bringing up his arm, he plunged straight into the burning building.
“Grayson, come back!”
Win screamed, her throat raw. Luke grabbed her by the shoulders, forcing her back against his chest. Helplessly they could only watch as the two figures disappeared inside, long seconds rolled by.
“I have to go after him!” Win cried, but Luke caught her wrist and pulled her back.
“No way in hell…not after what we just went through.”
“But—he’ll die!” she sobbed. Luke wound his arm around her neck. Flames danced out of the mass pyre, smoke billowing straight at them.
“It’s his mother, Win….” His voice trailed off as if, somehow, he understood. “Let him go.”
The house whined, roaring as timber splintered and fell. The roof caved inwards, and with an almighty roar, it collapsed.
“No!” she screamed. Luke held her by the arms. “Grayson…No!” Win balled into Luke’s shoulder, unable to watch as the building crumbled.
Thirty
DAWN BROKE THROUGH the trees, the leaves glistening with early morning dew. Above the canopy, an eagle swooped low, her talons inches from a vole who had scurried out from under a rock. Rowan waited, biding her time, hiding behind a curtain of golden leaves before the small creature dared to venture out again. Rowan dove, crisp leaves flying into the air as she caught the vole deftly in her claws, not allowing it a moment to utter a cry before she necked it back. A dark-haired woman wandered into the clearing with a pile of clothes under her arm. Rowan landed nearby, allowing her body to move through the transformation. Her muscles pulsed, and bones cracked, her human spine, lengthening. Rowan peeked her redhead out of the bush.
“I’m here,” she hissed to Evan. The dark-eyed girl smiled in relief and jogged the clearing, tossing her a sweater and shorts. “Did they come back yet?”
“No.” Evan was wringing her hands. “No signs. Your dad is out in the car. I’m worried, Rowan.”
Rowan was worried too, and she was sick with it. She wished she could erase the la
st day and take back their awful argument. After Win had stormed off, she had dragged Evan to the bar, where she had proceeded to get blind drunk. Evan had driven her to her apartment in Lincoln, but she had woken in bed, sweating at three in the morning, her hands glowing with warm blue energy. Evan had been at the window in her nightdress.
“What is it?” Rowan had slurred, still half asleep. A pounding headache was splitting her skull in half. Evan had whipped her head around, her mouth pinched.
“There is a fire in the woods,” she said. “Something’s wrong.”
Rowan had leaped out of bed, staggered, and fell back. Her vision swam. “Oh god, it’s Win.”
“It’s been all over the local news,” Evan explained, hurrying to the kitchen and grabbing her a glass of water. “But I woke up, and I could feel them…I could hear them in my head.”
Rowan’s eyes rounded. “Who?”
Evan smiled in relief. “The lost ones. I think somehow, Win did it.”
Back in the woods, Rowan sniffed the air, trying to detect Win’s scent on the air. Her eyes filled with tears. It was like she was gone. Her human scent carried off on the breeze. Like she was never here. Rowan had wasted time. She hadn’t warned Win of the dangers of the calling, of what would actually happen to her human body.
I thought we had more time, she thought miserably. But she ought to have known, the road her sister had been traveling was fast and dangerous. She’d not listened to any warnings; she’d basked in the changes within her body.
Win had endured her calling alone, painfully, horrifically. She rubbed her arms and stood rooted to the spot. Evan approached from behind, untucking her curls out of the sweater she’d pulled over her head.
“I’m sure she’s fine,” Evan whispered, close to her ear.
“I should have been there for her.” She bit back emotion, her face hard. “I said some awful things.”
Evan chuckled. “As I recall, she said some pretty awful things too. You’re sisters, you’ll work it out.”
“We need to find her!”
Wild Spirit: Huntress Page 30
