by Cali Mann
Uncle Derrick was sure to have connections, but Cal’s parents were enforcers. Who would be a better option? I didn’t want to open this up to more people, because Sasha was right there—the more people involved, the more trouble. But I trusted my uncle. He’d always been there for me, and I didn’t know Cal’s family.
I walked out onto the school’s back porch. The wind blew through me, brushing the dry leaves across the stone. But the sun felt good anyway, so I leaned against one of the banisters and hit the button to dial Uncle Derrick.
“Lucan,” he said gruffly. “What do you need?”
Forcing a lightness into my tone, I asked, “Can’t I call my favorite uncle just to chat?” Even though I knew it needed to be done, my wolf whined within me. I was betraying our mate.
“I’m your only uncle, and I’m busy. We’re organizing the pack’s winter retreat.”
My heart warmed. I loved our camping trips. The whole pack would come, and we’d hunt and live rough for a week or more. There’d be games and entertainment, and we bonded as a pack. I hadn’t been to any since I’d come to Thornbriar. Uncle said that they weren’t worth taking time off school for and I’d have plenty to attend in the years to come. I shook off the fond memories and reverted to what I’d called about.
“I need your help. My mate and her brother are in trouble.” I wasn’t betraying her. I was saving her. We needed to use every resource available to us.
Uncle Derrick stilled on the other end of the line. He stayed silent for a long moment, then said, “Of course she is. Damn spirit shifters.”
“Do you really dislike them so much?” I asked, trying to judge his mood. I wished I’d been able to have this conversation face to face. It was so much easier to figure out what he was thinking when I could see his expression. Spirit shifters had been hated so long in our world, I don’t think anyone knew what else to feel about them. I certainly hadn’t expected to mate one. But Sasha had said Uncle Derrick hated her. Wolf whined, pawing at my skin.
“She’s your mate,” he said gruffly. “I’ll help.”
I frowned. He hadn’t answered my question. I felt uneasy, but I brushed it off. I was doing the right thing. Sasha and her brother were pack. He would never go against pack. Uncle Derrick had come to my rescue when my parents died. I would have been killed in the mad scramble for a new alpha, but he’d taken the reigns. He could be as fierce and protective as anyone I knew. He’d stood up for me enough times over the years, I knew I could trust him no matter what.
I shook myself. I needed to concentrate on the matter at hand. “Do you know the executioner, Charles Denison?”
“Former,” my uncle corrected. “He’s been let go now.”
“Yes, because we don’t hunt spirit shifters anymore,” I said, frustration seeping into my tone. “Were you friendly?”
“Not particularly.”
I could see his head shaking. Uncle Derrick was built large and had a full head of hair and a beard, so when he shook his head it was like a wooly mammoth quivering. “Well, he’s been after my mate.”
“He’s not contracted by the Council.”
“I know,” I said, pacing across the porch. Was I doing the right thing? I didn’t know, but I couldn’t stop now. “He’s been trying to get her to cause trouble at Thornbriar.”
“What kind of trouble?”
“The kind that gets spirit shifters expelled . . . or killed.” I rubbed at my tightening chest.
“How?” Uncle tapped his pencil on his desk. I could hear the tap tap tap of it through the phone.
“He’s holding her little brother hostage.”
A growl echoed through the phone. “He kidnapped pack?”
“Yes.” My voice echoed my uncle’s growl. I knew he’d understand. “And I need to get him back.”
“So you want to know likely hideouts for the executioner.”
“Exactly. But he’s got spies throughout the guard and possibly the Council, so it needs to be kept secret.” I sat on the rail, leaning back and looking up into the sky. Sasha was going to be furious with me, but if it saved her and her brother, did it matter? She needed to trust me to take care of her. That’s what an alpha did: we took care of our own.
“Of course. Let me reach out to some people, and I’ll see what I can do.”
“Thank you.” Relief filled me as we said our goodbyes and I hung up.
I knew that Uncle Derrick would help. I didn’t know why Sasha wouldn’t believe me. He was on our side. Wolf knew it too, so he could quit his bellyaching.
Now I only needed to wait for him to call me back, and we’d have another option.
23
Sasha
On Friday morning, I stood at my bedroom window, gazing out across the field. Time seemed to inch by as I waited for our plan to fall into place.
I cradled a mug of tea in my hands, breathing in the minty scent. I’d never been much for hot drinks, but something about it comforted me just like the shawl draped over my shoulders. I’d written “help” on that paper on the Oracle’s desk, if that’s really where I’d been. Maybe she was sending me some kind of help, some juju. I shivered. If only it was that easy.
A knock came at the door.
“Come in,” I called, setting the mug down on my desk.
Drew peeked his head in. “It’s time.”
I nodded. I lay the Oracle’s shawl on my bed, smoothing it out. “When they lock me up, will you bring this to me?”
“Yes,” he said, his arms coming around me.
I spun and kissed him.
He kissed me back, hungry and fierce as if it was the last kiss we’d ever have. And who knew? It might be.
I let him go and headed toward the door. Drew followed.
Each door that opened and closed behind me was like the slamming of a jail cell. Each one proclaiming my doom. I didn’t know what would happen. We were faking Larkin’s death to get my brother back, but the Council would descend like vultures as soon as the news was out. I didn’t know what they’d do. Would I be marched out in front of some archaic firing squad?
“Larkin said she wanted to see Sasha,” Drew told Poseidon.
He nodded. Those had been his order this morning too.
Larkin had told Drew that Poseidon argued with her. Insisted she shouldn’t see me alone and she had made it clear that she could handle me. Especially now that she knew what I was capable of.
I trailed after Poseidon, my feet slow and plodding. I fanned my fire in my breast. It was limp and reluctant. This had to work. Alex needed to live. I revived my anger at Chuck for forcing me into this and fed it to my fire. Why was this so much harder than it had been before? Why didn’t I want to do this? It was the only way to save my brother. I had no choice.
The headmaster’s door loomed before us, and I knocked.
“Come in,” Larkin called.
I nodded to Poseidon.
His hand stopped me. “Don’t try again, Sasha,” he said, his voice gravelly. “It won’t go well for you.”
“Of course,” I said, lying to his face. “I wouldn’t.”
Drew lead me in.
Larkin sat on the couch, watchful and waiting.
I couldn’t even look at her. I walked to her desk instead and picked up the vial we’d gotten from Chuck. I hadn’t even opened it, afraid that whatever the executioner had put in there might really kill someone.
“I need to go,” Drew said, squeezing my shoulder.
“I know,” I whispered, leaning into him. “I don’t know if I can do this.”
“We all agreed, Sasha. This is the only way.”
I took a shaky breath. “Okay. Go.”
He kissed me and left, closing the door behind himself.
“Where is it?” I asked, turning to Larkin.
She stood and led me to a compartment in the wall. Pushing the hidden lever, she opened it. Inside lay a woman about the headmaster’s age and shape, dead and blackened. The corpse was dried and didn’t
smell as much as I’d thought it would, but I still felt bile rising in my throat. A chill ran down my spine, making me want to run as far and as fast as I could. I’d never seen a dead body before.
Larkin gestured for me to help lift the body, and I shook my head violently. I wasn’t touching that thing. But I gritted my teeth; I needed to be stronger. Alex needed me. I forced all the feelings running through me into my fire. I’d have to act soon enough.
I put my hands on the corpse. It was surprisingly dry and not gooey like I expected. The empty eye sockets peered up at me ghoulishly, and I held back the contents of my stomach. We lifted the body and carried her to the couch. The woman wore new clothes, the same ones that Larkin herself wore. The headmaster arranged the body in a natural pose, then she turned to me.
Her sharp eyes studied me. “You have to burn everything. Thoroughly.”
I blinked, gazing around the office. “Did you take anything that was important?”
She nodded. “And I put an air seal around the door, so they shouldn’t smell the smoke until it’s too late.”
“And you’re sure you’ll be safe in the wall compartment?”
“Yes. As soon as your brother is returned, Drew will come and fetch me, and I’ll explain everything.”
I bit my lip, tasting the salty blood.
“And then we go after the executioner.” Her lip curled in anticipation.
“Yes.” My words were faint as I stared at the body on the couch. I’d never even been to a funeral with a closed casket, let alone this close to a dead person. Nerves rattled through me. Pull it together, Sasha! I needed to stoke my fire, not scare myself silly. What was wrong with me? I swallowed, then turned to the Headmaster. “Go. I have this.”
She slid inside the wall and pulled the panel closed behind her. The rock would protect her from the flames, and she could follow the hidden path to safety without anyone seeing her. It was a good plan.
I poured the vial out on the dead woman’s lips, then dropped it in the trashcan by the desk. Whatever evil was in there, it was gone now, where it couldn’t hurt anyone. I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. I spread accelerant over the furniture and the body, letting it soak in. The smallest flame should send the whole place up.
Once it was ready, I focused, fanning my anger and filling my body with fire. It still felt off, just a bit, and I wondered if I was shifting into a different phase. I didn’t remember what came after fire for me, but this needed to happen now. I should have had Drew leave me a backup lighter. I never imagined I’d need it.
But it was time to concentrate. I lay my hand against the couch. I couldn’t quite bear to touch the corpse. Then I let go, sending my flames sliding down my arms and across the fabric upholstery. The accelerant did its job, and soon the couch and its occupant were merrily burning. I started on the rest of the room. We’d decided that burning the whole room would make it harder for them to identify the remains and figure out our trick. I’d get my brother back safe and sound once the guards announced that the headmaster was dead.
I hated burning the office. Who knew how many years the headmaster had worked here? How many memories she had? It was stupid. Alex’s life was worth more than any old furniture and stuff, but still, I cried, tears pouring down my cheeks. What was wrong with me? Where had the old Sasha gone?
When I finished, the flames roared and crackled around me. Heat washed over me, and sweat poured down my back. The stone walls kept the heat in like an oven. I wondered if it’d be better to give myself over to it. Just let the flames burn me up. Then it would be over. I’d be done with Chuck and his diabolical plans. I’d be done worrying about Alex and Molly and Drew and Lucan—everyone I’d let into my life.
A small meow sounded from my right. I peered under the desk at Nox. He seemed to be enveloped in a weird blue glow. Was it from the flames? I blinked and muttered, “How did you get in here? I left you back in my dorm.”
I grabbed the cat, pulling him out from under the desk.
He yelped and fought me.
“I’m only trying to save your life.” I couldn’t let Nox get hurt, no matter how little I cared about what happened to me. I ran to the door, banging on it loudly.
Poseidon swung the door open. Behind him stood a dark-haired student with an unhappy scowl on his face.
What was Flint doing here? I hadn’t seen him since he’d accidentally burned me in science class. That seemed a million years ago.
Poseidon shoved me at Flint. “Hold her. I have to douse the flames and see if I can save the headmaster.”
Flint grabbed my arms, yanking them behind me. I didn’t put up any fight.
“If she gives you any trouble,” Poseidon said, peering at me and pulling a string from somewhere in his belt. He handed the white rope to Flint. “Knock her out.”
Then he ran inside, spraying water everywhere.
Nox wound around my legs, meowing plaintively. I probably could have run then, tried to get away, but all I could do was stand and stare at the disaster I’d made. Larkin’s office was ruined, and the body on the couch looked like her.
Flint wrapped the rope around my hands, tying it tightly in boy scout knots. He muttered to himself as he did it, something about untrustworthy spirit shifters.
When the blaze was under control, Poseidon called for backup with his communicator and inspected the body. He rounded on me, his voice rough. “How did you do it? She wouldn’t just lay there and die.”
“S-l-eeping draught,” I choked out, trembling. “In her tea.”
“Your boyfriend helped you,” Poseidon said.
“Her boyfriend was here?” Flint asked. Anger radiated from him. I didn’t realize he was that close to the headmaster.
I shook my head. “He didn’t know anything about it. It was all me.”
“Why, Sasha?” Poseidon’s eyes were sad, full of more feeling than I’d ever seen from the big guy. “Why would you do this?”
“Because I’m a crazy spirit shifter,” I said quietly.
As soon as the other guards arrived, Poseidon posted them at the door and marched me down to the basement cell that Molly had occupied. The halls were full of students as we passed, but the guards warned them off with a look. I could feel their eyes creeping over me and hear the whispers of, “what did she do now?”
We passed the pools, and the salt-water scent rolled over me. I was numb. Just another crazy spirit shifter. The guards unlocked the door to the cell, and I stared inside. Molly had sat here for a while staring at the dirt-covered walls and the one lonely cot under the dangling light bulb. The door banged closed behind me.
Poseidon stationed two guards outside and hurried off again.
I lay on the bed. Nox curled up at my side, and I stroked him while I waited to hear that Alex was safe. I could hear the guards whispering about me, but I ignored the buzz of their voices. I was drained, empty of power and feelings.
Until I heard a soft grunt and then the door creaking open.
I sat up, swinging my head toward the dark figure who stood in my room. Tall, angry, with dark hair, and vicious eyes—Chuck. I blinked as if this was some kind of mirage.
“What are you doing here?” I choked out. Was he going to kill me, right here, right now? I should fight back, but I was so drained. I’d put everything I had into the fire.
He laughed, dragging me up.
My thoughts spun. Was my brother already free? Had he brought him? I peered around Chuck, looking for him. “Where’s Alex?”
Chuck didn’t say a word as he slammed duct tape across my mouth and yanked me from the room.
24
Lucan
Sasha was off pretending to kill the headmaster, and all I could do was pace. I’d already gone for a run in the woods. I was tearing my hair out with worry, and my mate wouldn’t even talk to me. What if they executed her before Chuck brought Alex back? What if he didn’t bring Alex back at all? Turning my phone over in my hands, I dialed my uncle.
> “What have you found out?” I asked as soon as Uncle’s face appeared on the video call. I’d needed to see him for this. To know that he’d done all he could. My mate was going to be locked up, and there was nothing I could do.
“Nothing, Lucan,” my uncle said, rubbing his temple. “He’s hiding out and we haven’t been able to find him.”
I snarled, more at myself than at him. I knew Uncle Derrick was doing what he could. “You didn’t tip him off that you were looking?”
“What, do you think I’m an idiot?” Uncle growled. His eyes were determined and unbending. Fierce and ready to protect the pack at all costs.
“Even with all we’re doing,” I said. “I’m worried he won’t bring Sasha’s brother back.”
“He is pack. You can’t let him be killed.”
I ran a hand through my hair. “I know that.” I’d have to go to Cal. I hated admitting that my pack couldn’t solve its own problems. And I didn’t want outsiders involved but we weren’t getting anywhere.
“You have a plan,” Uncle said, his dark eyes narrowing.
“Yes,” I said. Uncle Derrick was always checking to see if I was alpha material. If he could trust the pack in my hands. Sometimes I felt that the last years had all been one giant trial. Ever since my parents had died when I was twelve.
“What is it?” he asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
I’d said I wouldn’t tell. Of course, I’d said I wouldn’t tell anyone about Denison either. What could it hurt? And maybe Uncle could help. I raked my hand through my hair, and then I met my uncle’s gaze. “Denison wants Larkin to die. Then he’ll bring back Sasha’s brother.”
“Killing the headmaster!’
Outrage echoed in my uncle’s voice and I knew I’d made the right call. Uncle Derrick was a strong supporter of law and order and would never condone this action. I nodded and continued, “We’re faking the headmaster’s death. See if we can draw Denison out that way.”
