by Sarah Beth
He sat down beside her and hummed, “Oh, fantastic. My favorite.”
She laughed before handing him two silver packets. “That’s for you, freeze-dried beef. I’ve got water boiling for it now.”
Leaning closer, he kissed the side of her head. Enjoying the feel of her hair against his nose — she had taken the braid out when they stopped for the night and strands blew around her face in the breeze. Although he liked the way the different colors in her hair were more visible in a braid, he loved her hair flying free even more. He took the packets from her, ripping them open. “Thank you.” Whether it was the fire or his kiss that caused her cheeks to grow red, he wasn’t sure. He sure hoped it wasn’t the fire, though.
They ate in relative silence, enjoying each other’s company and the setting sun. From the elevation of the cave, the reds and oranges of the sun painted the entire sky before them. There was something about a winter sunset that always made Wesley feel at peace. Sure, a hot summer’s night was just as beautiful. But with the fire crackling, and the snow sparkling all around them, he decided he kind of liked winter best. And as Abby scooted closer to him, leaning her head on his shoulder and snuggling into his side, he was certain.
Putting his arm around her shoulders, he pulled her closer still, and kissed her head. “We should probably go to sleep. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow, and you’ll need as much sleep as possible.” He felt her nod against his shoulder, but neither of them moved. After a few more silent moments, she lifted her head just enough to look at him. Hooded eyelids hid her bright green eyes.
“Wes, what do you think The High Forest will be like?”
He shook his head slightly, before raising his other hand to brush hair out of her face. “I don’t know. The only Faye I’ve ever met is Elazar. I don’t know what to expect.” She hummed, leaning into his hand as it settled on her cheek. Her eyes slid closed, and he smiled, thumb brushing gently on the soft skin by her lips. “Come on, let’s go to bed.”
He helped her up, gathering the blanket around her, before making sure the fire wouldn’t go out anytime soon. Following her to the tent, he waited while she sat down just inside the flap and unlaced her boots. Reaching around her, he grabbed a fresh pair of socks and handed them to her. More socks were already stuffed at the bottom of their sleeping bags so they would be warm come morning.
Kneeling on the stone floor in front of her, he started taking off her socks. Her toes were chilled, but they weren’t cold enough for him to become concerned. The last thing they needed was for her to get frostbite, hiking to meet the Faye Council. Once a fresh pair of thick socks were on her feet, he looked up to find her watching him, a small smile on her lips. “What?”
Shaking her head, she scooted back into the tent and into her sleeping bag. She was already replacing her coat with another sweater, by the time he had changed his socks and climbed into the tent. He had to crawl in on his hands and knees, and even then his head was brushing the roof. It was a small tent, usually used for one person. As he struggled to get into his sleeping bag, without taking out the tent or Abby, he heard her laugh. “Hey, this isn’t easy. Stop laughing.”
Her chuckles turned into full-blown laughter by the time he slid in, knocking into her a few times. He couldn’t help it — he was laughing by then too. Once he was finally comfortable, he lay down facing her, his head on his arm. Her laugh died down to a chuckle as she scooted closer to him. Not that there was much space between them to begin with. Her face was so close to him, he could smell her scent every time he breathed in. Lilac and wet grass, the fresh dirt smell of magic. It was intoxicating.
With a slight sigh, she leaned in slowly. Briefly meeting his lips with hers, their breath mingling for a moment after, she smiled. “Night, Wesley.”
He smiled as she settled down beside him, her head just beside his. Her breaths were already deep; her heartbeat slow and steady. They had had a long and rough day, and tomorrow would be just as strenuous. He wasn’t surprised that she was exhausted. With a final kiss to her forehead, he took a deep breath of her scent, and laid his own head down. “Sleep well, Abby.”
Chapter Four
Alex
The sounds of papers being shuffled around the desk filled Alex’s ears. His flight for New York would leave at sundown, and he had a lot of work to get done before he headed to the city. Rubbing the rough stubble on his chin, he flipped through the documents littering his office. He didn’t take the time to shave that morning, before taking the kids up the mountain. Another thing to add to his list before he left. A soft knock on the door lifted his eyes from the desk. “Come in.”
Tori poked her head in, her bottom lip between her teeth. “Are you busy? I can go back to packing.”
Her concern and worry was palpable in the air, her scent slightly sour instead of fruity like it was when she was happy. Alex smiled softly, setting the few papers he had in one hand down. “I’m never busy for you, you know that. What’s on your mind?” Was she worried about the trip to New York? He and Warren had decided that Tori would accompany him, deciding it would be helpful to have one of his own pack with him. Tori had never met the Alpha of New York before, perhaps that was putting her on edge.
“I’m worried about Abby and Wesley.”
Ah, of course. Tori had a big heart, always had, despite everything she’d been through in her young life. Alex smiled, gesturing for her to sit across from him. “I should’ve known. But you know Wesley won’t let anything happen to Abby.”
“I know. But what if they get lost? What if they can’t find this passage to the Faye? What if they need us and we aren’t here?”
Raising his hand in a placating manner, Alex sighed, although it did nothing for the smile on his lips. “Warren and Kyle aren’t going anywhere. If they come back here, they’ll be taken care of. I promise, they’ll be fine.”
Her eyes shifted from his to the map still laid out on the desk. “You don’t know that.”
No, he didn’t. But he had to be hopeful — especially in times like they found themselves in. He wouldn’t have survived all the years he had without finding hope. “You’re right, I don’t know for certain. But I trust my son and his abilities — and our dear Abby isn’t helpless, either.” Catching her eye, he offered a small smile. “We need to have faith in them.”
Slowly nodding her head, she let out a long sigh. “I know you’re right. I just — I worry.”
“And that’s one of the most endearing things about you, my dear. Just have a little more faith in them.” He went back to flipping through a stack of papers, deciding what needed to be burned and what he’d take with him. “Now, is that all that’s bothering you?”
Tori was silent for a few moments, but Alex didn’t say anything more. His daughter had always been one to think things through before speaking her mind and pushing for it never worked out. If she wanted to tell him, she would. But he had good faith that whatever was on her mind would work its way out — she came into his office, after all. Her silence stretched on long enough that he almost finished sorting through his disaster of a desk when her soft voice broke the quiet.
“I’ve never been around that many wolves before.”
Glancing away from his work, he observed Tori pick at the edge of her sweater. He was an idiot. Of course she’d be concerned about the trip to Ira’s territory. Cursing himself, Alex moved around his desk and sat in the chair beside her. Reaching forward, he gently took her hands into his and squeezed. “My child, I am so sorry I didn’t even think of what this trip might make you feel. I’ve been so preoccupied—.”
“It’s fine, really. I don’t mean to make you worry even more.”
“It’s my job to worry about my pack.” He gave her a pointed look and squeezed her hands again. “It’s no excuse on my part to have been so focused on everything else. I hope you can forgive me.”
“Alex —.”
“If there is one thing I promise since you walked into this room, it’s
that the least of our worries needs to be the wolves of New York. With everything going on, I’m sure they’ll be on their best behavior. And I’ll be right there.” She bit her bottom lip before slowly nodding her head. Patting her hand gently, he leaned forward and kissed the top of her head. “We need to leave soon, are you all packed?”
“Almost.”
Rising from his seat, he nodded. “Alright, go finish. I’m almost done here. Can you ask Warren to come here, please?”
Heading for the door, Tori stopped when her hand landed on the doorknob. “Hey, Alex?” With his attention already back on the documents, he hummed as he raised his head. She smiled that little smile only Tori had. “Thanks.”
Chapter Five
Abby
Over the following days Abby hiked more, and ate more, than she had in years. Wesley said she was burning at least five-thousand calories while they hiked, which meant she needed to try to eat at least five-thousand calories. Even though they had only been hiking a couple of days, she knew she had lost weight. Not a good thing when it was below freezing.
On the third — and final — day of their hike, Abby was feeling like stabbing Wesley the next time he made her eat a protein bar. Cold be damned, she would puke if she ate another one. They had been trekking through a valley for the better part of an hour. As they crested a small hill, Abby could see that the valley ended abruptly. A frozen lake sat between them and the mountain on the other side. With a groan, she sat down heavily on the snow. Shucking her pack off her back, she rolled her shoulders. “Great. I don’t know about you, but I am so not walking across frozen water.”
Coming up behind her, Wesley chuckled as his own pack hit the snow beside her. Taking his water canteen, he took a drink before handing it to her. “The ice is probably at least two feet thick at this elevation.”
The water was ice cold as it went down her throat. “That’s nice. Still not doing it.” She handed him the water and then looked back at the lake. “Aren’t we close? I thought the passage to The High Forest was supposed to be right around here.” He hummed, searching in his pack for the map Alex had given them. As he unfolded the map, Abby looked out at the frozen landscape. She wasn’t much for winter, although she used to like the snow. Used to. Because after hiking in it for three days, she was about ready to hop the next flight to the Bahamas.
The mountains stretched high into the sky on all sides, snow-capped peaks blending with the fluffy clouds. Gray stone merged into the deep emerald of the evergreens, their color peeking out from under their snowy blankets. Although the frozen lake made Abby anxious, the reflection of the sky on the glass-like surface was stunning.
She was about to ask Wesley for one of those god-forsaken protein bars, when a pulling sensation bloomed in her chest. Her power pulsed, warming her from the inside out, as it responded to the pull. Standing slowly, Abby looked around. Something was calling to her, but what was it? And where was it coming from? Picking her way down the shallow slope, Abby was vaguely aware of Wesley calling her name. But it was far away, like he was calling for her through a dense fog. She reached the bottom of the hill, snow almost reaching her knees. She wished she had put on her snowshoes.
The lake was to her right, an expanse of pristine snow between them. But whatever was calling to her was pulling her further down the shoreline. With a deep breath, she continued through the deep snow. After a couple of minutes, Abby realized that she should’ve thought harder before walking without her snowshoes on. Her pack was behind her, still sitting in the snow. As she was about to turn around, ask Wesley if he had grabbed it, something in front of her caught her eye. Sitting just inside the tree line was a stone-covered mound. Cutting through the center, was a rock-lined passage.
She stopped so abruptly Wesley bumped into her back. Mumbling an apology, she walked again. This time, however, she was acutely aware of Wesley walking beside her, his shoulder brushing hers every so often. They stopped at the entrance, looking at the stone passage in collective awe. Abby could feel her own excitement and apprehension mixing with Wesley’s. His emotions mingling with hers in the silence.
She looked at him briefly, eyebrows raised in a silent question. Putting a hand on her lower back, he answered with his own silent shrug. Taking comfort in the pressure of his palm through her coat, Abby took a deep breath and walked into the pathway. Taking her glove off, she ran her hand along the side. Rock and moss were cold to the touch, but a warmth spread up her arm from the contact. Walking further, the path curved before opening wide. The rocky hill fell away to reveal a valley. A valley that had not been there when Abby and Wesley had stood at the top of the hill. With bated breath, Abby walked out of the passage, her hand falling to her side as the stone was left behind.
It was then that everything changed.
Snow melted away to reveal lush green grass. Flowers of bright colors grew under the full shade of the aspen trees. The passage they came through changed. The crumbling stone turning into a well-cared for stone archway, vines growing up the sides.The sun beat down on them; a warm breeze hit her face. She was sweating in her winter gear in seconds. Standing beside her, she saw Wesley take his hat off and stare.
Unable to help herself, she laughed. His shocked face aside, she felt giddy. More alive than she had in a while. The only comparison she had was when Wesley had first kissed her on that cliff months ago.
Two figures emerged from the trees, and the laughter died on her lips. Dressed in light green pants and tunics, silver-plated armor adorned their chests and helmets sat atop their heads. Although both had long blond hair, braided in random areas, their broad shoulders and strong jaw lines told her they were men. One had a bow across his back, while the other had a rather impressive sword strapped to his belt. The two men — Faye — stopped a few feet from Abby and Wesley. And bowed.
“We have been expecting you, Lady Abigail.” The one with the bow spoke, rising. His eyes regarded her before they shifted to Wesley. It wasn’t an unkind expression, but it didn’t give Abby any comfort either.
The other Faye rose, gesturing further down the grassy path, “Come. We will take you to a place where you can change into something more comfortable. The Elders have been notified of your arrival.” The Faye turned and began walking away, clearly unconcerned whether their words would be obeyed.
She shared a glance with Wesley before he put his hand on her back, again. Leaning in close, he pushed her to follow them, before saying, “Into the jaws of the wolf, hmm?” Her lips pulled into a smile, as she let Wesley lead her down the path, and to wherever the Faye were taking them.
~~~
She was fairly sure she was dreaming. She had to be; it was the only explanation. The two Faye led Abby and Wesley into a village, but from what Abby could see the village was huge. Homes and buildings looked like they had sprouted out of the ground. Made of stone and earth; their walls and roofs covered in moss. Vines reaching high from the stone walls to the trees all around them. Instead of doors, most buildings used brightly colored fabric hung over the entries.
While those buildings sat on the ground, others were suspended in the trees. They grew out of nowhere; like a growth on the side of the massive trees. The trunks so vast, Abby guessed it would take twenty or more people to circumference them. Wooden steps and archways led up the side of the trees, leading from the ground to the highest branches. The village was incredible, but it was the weather that really shocked her.
It had been freezing on the other side of the passage, with a couple feet of snow covering the ground. But here, it was warm and a little humid. The sun beat down through gapes in the branches, the shade a welcome respite as they walked. Flowers sprouted from the ground all around, lining pathways and decorating homes. Abby had never seen anything so beautiful. After walking for quite some time through the village of winding pathways, the Faye stopped at the foot of an immense tree.
Garrik, the Faye who had a stunning yew bow on his back, gestured to the stairway leading
up the side of the tree. “This way, Lady Abigail. A servant is waiting for you both. There will be time to change and rest, before dinner this evening. You will meet with the Elders tomorrow morning.”
Glancing to Wesley briefly, Abby took a step towards the stairs before pausing. Thinking it couldn’t hurt, she turned and bowed to the Faye who had escorted them through the town. “Thank you, Garrik.” Shifting, she turned to the other Faye, “Thank you, Katyr. Your home is beautiful.” If either of the men were shocked at her gesture, they didn’t show it. They simply bowed in return, before turning and walking the way they had come.
Wesley came to stand at her shoulder, brushing it briefly with his own. “Good job, Alex would be proud.”
She chuckled, turning back to the stairs and looking up. And up. “Well,” she shrugged, “manners are always necessary. Plus, I figured if we made friends now, they might be less likely to turn us into squirrels or something.” Without looking back, she put a foot on the step and, when it didn’t give under her weight, started climbing the tree. After a dozen steps or so, she realized that Wesley hadn’t followed. Turning, she found him still standing at the bottom of the tree.
He looked up at her, shock and confusion on his face, and said, “They can’t actually do that, right?”
Abby was still laughing when they reached the first landing. A small building sat to the left of the walkway, hanging in midair as it clung to the trunk of the tree. Standing just off the path, was a young Faye woman. It was remarkable how alike the woman looked to the two men. Their bone structures, lean and sharp, were the same. Long hair, loose except for the braids leading from her temples to the base of her neck, was a deep chocolate brown. Her eyes were a startling green. A green that Abby thought looked awfully familiar.
When she bowed, the long gown of golds and greens shimmered. “Lady Abigail, Wolf Wesley. I hope the guards were cordial.”
