by Amy Star
“Oh yeah. It was a good dream. You, Conner, and Vincent were traveling through the woods to a new place. You had a baby in one of those carriers strapped to your back. You looked really happy.”
“That’s really sweet.” She tilted her head.”
“I wasn’t with you guys.” Sadness darkened his face as a tear streamed from the corner of his eye.
“Well, that is a crazy dream because I’m not planning on having a baby any time soon.” She sat up a little straighter. “And these guys wouldn’t go anywhere without you.”
“I never really put much faith in dreams.” He took a deep breath. “Until I met you.”
“You sweet, awkward weirdo.” She smiled, furrowing her brow. “Don’t start putting too much stock in all that mystical mumbo jumbo. I can’t be the only sane person around here.”
“I’ve never been good at talking to girls.” He scoffed to himself. “Even as a kid. It was like I could only think of the worst possible thing to say.”
“You didn’t get many valentines in elementary school, did you?” She stroked his face.
“I never had a girlfriend. Not that I minded much.” He chuckled then winced at the pain. “Being out here, there weren’t a whole lot of opportunities to meet people. After spending almost a year on the streets, I didn’t want anything to do with people.”
“The guys are both worried about you.” Jillian started to get up. “I’m going to go get Vincent. He’ll want to know that you’re awake.”
“No.” He reached out and grabbed her hand. “There’s nothing they can do. I can feel it.”
“I know you’re in a lot of pain, and shifters aren’t big on pain killers.” A knot formed in her throat as she squeezed his hand. “I can’t imagine what you must be going through, but you’re not going to die, okay?”
“You’re awake.” Conner came out of his room, rubbing his eyes. “You thirsty?”
“A little.” Finn shifted his weight as a pained expression came over his face.
“Finn.” Vincent came out of his room. “How are you feeling?”
“I think it might be time to call it a day.” Finn smiled weakly.
“That’s bullshit.” Conner snapped. “You’re too damn stubborn to die.”
“Conner, easy.” Vincent approached, picking up his blood-pressure cuff. “He’s right, Finn. We’re not ready to lose you just yet.
“Whatever part I was meant to play in this.” Finn looked up at the ceiling and then back at Vincent, who was glaring at the blood pressure gauge. “I think it’s almost over.”
“Dammit…” Jillian got to her feet. “I should have known this would happen. The spirit said I would end up coming back for another favor. I just assumed it would be my life on the line.”
“What are you talking about?” Conner looked at Jillian.
“I don’t know if the spirit saw this coming or if she made it happen.” Her eyes filled with tears. “But, I know what we need to do. We have to take him to the circle.”
“What?” Conner’s eyes darted to Finn and back to her again. “It took us forever to get you there and no offense, but even when you’re not dying, you’re too slow.”
“Out of the question.” Vincent held his hands up.
“I’m telling you… this is the only way to save him.” Her voice grew stern.
“And I’m telling you,” Vincent growled, his boots heavy on the wooden floorboards as he planted his feet in front of her. “Every time he moves, we risk opening up whatever arteries got nicked when that bullet shattered. If we try to haul him up the mountain, he’s as good as dead.”
“Vincent, you’re going to have to trust me on this.” She knew what happened when her mother talked back to her father. The sound of the back of his hand against her mother’s face wasn’t something she would easily forget. Still, she couldn’t back down.
“I am still the alpha of this den!” You can choose to stay here and be a part of this, or we can take you back to the city. But neither of those scenarios will involve you having the authority to…”
Vincent was so much bigger than her, even though she was reasonably sure that he was a better man than her father, it took all her courage not to shrink back as he raised his voice.
“Listen, the spirits can save him, and I have something they want.”
“Don’t.” Finn shook his head. “I’m not letting you sell yourself to the spirits for this.”
“Why not?” She held her hands out. “It’s my fault you got hurt in the first place.”
“That’s not even true.” Finn closed his eyes.
“You were doing something nice for me, and you got hurt.” She looked around at Conner and Vincent. “I don’t know what kind of asshole would just sit back and let a good person die, but it’s not me.”
“All due respect.” Vincent stood between her and Finn. “I don’t care what you say. I have been part of this world a lot longer than you have. I’ve seen a lot of shifters die, giving themselves over to faith when they should have had a dose of common sense.”
“I know you’re scared of losing him.” She gestured to Finn. “But that’s exactly why you have to trust me.”
“Trust is something you earn in this house!” He roared, towering over her. “You had just finished complaining about him taking off without a word. But where were you this morning when stumbled in here bleeding all over the floor?”
“That wasn’t her fault.” Conner cut in.
“You stay out of this!” He took a few steps toward Conner. “We’ll definitely be having a discussion later.” He looked back at Jillian. “But, we are not dragging Finn up that mountain.”
CHAPTER NINE
“Fine.” She narrowed her eyes at him, storming out the front door.
“Great.” Conner chased after her, shoving past Vincent. “Way to lay down the law.”
“Let her go.” Vincent followed them outside, grabbing Conner by the arm. “She’s not a prisoner; she can leave any time she wants.”
“I’m not leaving, you asshole.” Jillian stomped over to the firepit and pulled out a blackened stick. “If you won’t help me get Finn to the circle, I’ll bring the circle to him.”
Drawing a circle on the ground, she closed her eyes, trying to remember the symbols that blazed to life when the spirit healed her.
“Earth… Air…” She took a deep breath and exhaled as she moved on. “Fire… Water…” A fifth symbol appeared in her mind’s eye, too persistent for her to ignore. Writing it in, she Tossed the stick aside.
“What’s this?” Vincent indicated the fifth circle.
“I know it’s different.” She frowned, putting a hand on her forehead as three words repeated in her head. “Vesh nock varray?” She looked at Vincent. “Do those words mean anything to you?”
“Vesh noque waure?” Vincent cocked his head. “Where did you hear that?”
“From a creepy, vampire-looking dude floating over my bed this morning.” She scratched her neck. “He scared me at the time, but I kept hearing his voice in my head when I was worried about Finn. I think he was trying to warn me.”
“I honestly don’t know what it means.” He looked at Conner and back at Jillian. “It was written on the last page of my grandmother’s journal.”
“Maybe he tried to warn your grandmother about whatever was coming for them.” Jillian looked down at the fifth symbol, that resembled an eye with a teardrop where the iris would have been.
“Or maybe he is the one who killed them all.” He crossed his arms. “I’ve never met a vampire personally, but they don’t exactly have a reputation for being helpful.”
“I guess we’ll find out.” She held her hands out, palms up, and stepping onto the fifth symbol. Vincent and Conner stared at her for several agonizing seconds. “Come on,” she whispered. “I can’t get you spirits to shut up while I’m trying to sleep, but now you don’t have anything to say?”
“Vince,” Conner looked up at his alpha, “if yo
u don’t believe in this shit, how can you ask the rest of us to?”
Vincent let out a heavy sigh, producing a flip-top lighter from his pocket and re-kindling the remaining logs on the fire pit. Conner went back into the house and brought out the basin.
“Should I toss this out and run to the well?” Conner looked down at the pink water sloshing around the ceramic bowl. “It’s got a little blood in it.”
Finn must have had a little bit of blood on his face that transferred to the cloth they were using to keep him cool.
“I think we should leave it.” Jillian looked to Vincent for validation. “Maybe the spirits will see it as Finn’s presence in the circle.”
“You’re the oracle.” Vincent bowed his head. “We’re in uncharted territory, so your guess is as good as mine.”
Jillian nodded to Conner, and he set down the basin on the water symbol and took his place on the air glyph. Vincent stepped forward onto the earth glyph, and they began their chant.
“Finn!” Jillian called toward the cabin. “You have to be water this time.”
Inside the cabin, Finn felt himself slipping away, but through the darkness, he could still hear their voices. From Conner and Vincent's perspective, it didn’t seem like anything was working for almost a full minute. Starting at the glyph where Jillian was standing, blue light cut through the darkness, spreading into the mandala pattern that it had burned into the rock. A warm wind swirled around them one way and then the other.
Jillian’s eyes closed, and her head fell back, her arms hanging limply at her sides, prompting Vincent and Conner to cease their prayers. Her body snapped to action as if possessed by an unknown force, drawing shapes in the air leaving trails of blue light with her fingertips.
Hello? Jillian called out to the spirit as her consciousness drifted further and further into the stars.
Is that you, little one? Two stars combusted in the darkness as the spirit opened her eyes. I knew you would come, though I didn’t expect you so soon.
I have a hard time believing that. Jillian squinted into the bright light.
Arrogant little thing. The spirit narrowed her eyes. Do you think my eyes are on you all the time?
I… suppose I assumed you were omnipotent… kind of like a god where you’re everywhere at once.
Are you trying to flatter me? Jillian felt the bemuses smile of the spirit even in the darkness. I am not all-powerful. The futures I see have not yet come to pass, and they can always be changed.
Did you still want to make that bargain with me? Jillian held her head high.
I grew tired of your kind long ago; no matter what guidance I offer to move you toward your most supreme destiny, more often than not, humans prefer to defy authority even if it means the destruction of all that they love.
You didn’t answer my question. Jillian folded her arms. If you’ve given up on guiding humanity, then why don’t you send me back to my body and never speak to me again.
Is that what you wish? The disembodied face floated in a circle around Jillian. To be left to your own devices.
No. Jillian took a deep breath. If you save Finn the way you saved me, I will agree to be the vessel you need to bring shifters back to the world.
How can I be sure that you’ll keep your word? The spirit glared. I have been cheated by your kind before, and the consequences were… tragic.
I will stay here with them. Jillian turned her spirit body around to face the spirit. I will be their oracle, and when I’m ready, I’ll take one of them to be my mate. I swear it.
When you’re ready? The cosmos vibrated, warping the fabric of reality with light and sound as the spirit laughed. Is that how you think this works?
A long, daunting silence followed.
What do you think is a reasonable amount of time? Jillian swam forward, worried that the spirit had left her floating in the dark all alone.
Must we play this game? The spirit took on the appearance of a purple mist and swayed one way and then the other.
If I’m going to give you my word, I need to know the terms. Jillian’s brow furrowed. I don’t know what gave you the idea that this is a game, but I assure you, I’m very serious.
Very well. The spirit swirled around her. You must choose a mate before the first full moon of winter, and you must fill your womb before the first full moon of Spring.
But October’s almost over! Jillian’s eyes widened. Do you think it’s reasonable to give me a month to decide who I’m going to spend the rest of my life with?
The first full moon of winter. The spirit withdrew, and the falling sensation washed over Jillian. Do you accept?
She was being pulled back into her body no matter how much she fought the current. She had to make a choice. Now or never.
I accept!
So be it. The spirit’s voice echoed as Jillian’s soul was sucked back into the Earth’s atmosphere.
Conner and Vincent watched helplessly as her body slammed into the ground, knocking the air from her lungs. Conner knelt down, putting his arm around her as she struggled to draw one breath. When she did, she sat up, pointing toward the cabin.
“Finn…” She coughed, collapsing as everything went dark.
CHAPTER TEN
“Finn!” She sat up, scrambling out of bed through the kitchen and into the den.
Finn looked up, smiling at her as she broke down sobbing. “Whoa, hey, don’t cry.” His eyes widened. “I’m okay, I swear.”
“Can I?” she gestured to his ribs.
“Oh.” He pulled back the blanket, and sure enough, a nickel-sized scar was left in place of the gushing wound that she had seen the day before. Something else was different. About a dozen little scars were scattered over his torso. She traced her finger over one of them.
“Were these there before?” She frowned.
“No.” Finn picked up a pie tin from the floor and shook it softly, causing the bloody metallic shards to slide around. “These things were pushing their way out all night. I’m still a little sore, but I don’t feel like my organs are shutting down.”
“Well, thank the spirit for that.” She shuddered at her own choice of words.
“Not a fan of the paranormal, are you?” Finn smiled, scooping another bite of potato into his mouth.
“My family dragged me to church occasionally; a lot of voters are religious. I was always kind of a closet atheist, but I guess I have a religion now. I’m not sure how I feel about that.”
“I wish you hadn’t done what you did.” He shook his head. “I mean, don’t get me wrong; I’m grateful. But I never wanted you to be forced into… what the prophecy says. It’s wrong to force that on someone.”
“No one is forcing me.” She took his hand. “My life never would have been the same after meeting the three of you. Sure, I might have gone home and lived out the rest of my stupid, boring days. But I think some part of me would have always regretted leaving.”
“You can’t mean that.” His shoulders drooped as he looked down into his plate. “If we had taken you back before you got bitten by that snake…”
“Or if I had buckled when Ted asked me to marry him because I was more afraid of disappointing a bunch of strangers…” She lifted her shoulders toward her ears.
“You talk about yourself like you’re this shallow person.” Finn touched her cheek. “But, your actions prove that’s not who you are.”
“I don’t always do the brave thing or the right thing.” She bit her lip as she got a far-off look in her eyes, remembering all the times she’d disappointed herself over the years. “There were so many times that I just went with what was easiest rather than what I wanted. But when I didn’t accept that proposal, I think that’s where I broke free of the destiny I was headed for.”
“And that’s also when shit got scary.” He chuckled.
“You’re not wrong.” She laughed softly. “On the other hand, if I went all in and embraced a different destiny, I could do something meaningful with my
life.”
“What about all that stuff you said about not wanting your value to be determined by your ability to procreate?”
“Well, the great spirit, as smart as she likes to think she is, has even less tact than you.” Jillian nudged him. “Who’s to say that my staying here and taking on the role of the oracle wouldn’t result in me falling for one of you and ending up pregnant without her interfering?”
“Are you just saying that so that I don’t feel guilty that the great spirit is now your pimp?” Finn pushed a chunk of potato around with his fork.
“Fuck you.” Jillian’s jaw dropped as she laughed, slapping him on the shoulder. “I’m my own pimp; thank you very much. I still have the final say over who I want to have a baby with, so don’t get it twisted.”
“My money is on Conner.” Finn smirked. “I see the way you look at each other. I’d sell my soul if it meant you would look at me like that.”
“Well, I’m still trying to sort out what I actually think and feel versus what these shifter pheromones are doing to my body. When I choose someone to raise a family with, it needs to be based on a hell of a lot more than…”
“I’ll never be able to repay you for what you did.” The gentleness in his eyes captured her. “And I wouldn’t dream of expecting that you’d choose me. Just know that no matter what happens, I’ll always look out for you, and I will always put your happiness ahead of my own.”
“You mean that, don’t you?” She studied his expression. “I mean, I’ve had a lot of guys make a lot of promises. It’s almost metaphysical how, when you open up to me, I can feel that everything you’re saying is the truth.”
“I don’t know about metaphysical.” He stretched. “But you’re opening my mind to new possibilities, that’s for sure.”
“No.” She smiled, leaning in to kiss his cheek. “The first time you spoke to me in the woods, I could feel that you meant me no harm. I trust you, and that’s something that’s not always easy for me to do.”
“I trust you, too.” He smiled. “Just promise me that you’ll always be honest. I don’t want to make an ass out of myself if you fall for someone else.”
