She set the dark-headed pup with the impish smile back on his feet and he ran to his mama, who gave them a nod before walking away with her mate. Someday, Makenna would be holding their child. When he’d made the world safe for his family. The renewed strength in his blood made him more determined than ever to see that happen.
It also made him rethink keeping the distance between him and his mate.
Rhys needed her. He had to mend the rift between them. He’d widened it this morning, being an ass to her before they’d come downstairs. Then later by staying away from her under the guise of taking care of pack business. No more. Maybe she was right. They were stronger together. They had more power than his parents had, and they could lose themselves in each other and still remain aware, protecting themselves and their people. Right?
That innate need to protect her, stand before her against any threat, wouldn’t let go. And neither would the old pain nestled down deep. But he had to find a way to protect her and still strengthen their bond, and also honor her power, not disregard it.
A power that, if the vibrations coming off her lately were any indicator, was growing stronger by the day. Combined with the rage building around her shield, it could be a recipe for disaster. A disaster he could help contain if their bond was complete.
“That was...different.” Makenna fell into his arms when he reached for her.
Rhys smiled as he caressed up and down her spine. “Your first blooding. How did it feel, all those wolves being added to the pack link?”
“Odd. But good. Like a good night’s sleep, a great meal, and a killer workout all in one.”
He laughed at her description, but it was appropriate. “It’s rare to blood that many wolves at once. Usually, it’s only one or two as they join a new pack.”
“I feel stronger. Like my magic is...brighter somehow.”
“That’s normal. As more unite under our banner, you’ll get even stronger. We all will.” He settled an arm around her shoulders as they watched their wolves prepare for the afternoon’s training session. “Hopefully this infusion will be what we need to defeat Kylian.”
A frown creased her brow. “And Brianna.”
Her eyes wandered to her sister, ducking out of a group as Trystan joined. Trystan’s eyes followed Amanda. He caught their gaze and nodded, then moved to lead an exercise. It was evident his head was elsewhere. While he led with authority, his eyes searched out Amanda. Rhys felt the increased tension between them. Hopefully whatever had happened wouldn’t dull his Beta’s focus. Rhys needed him at his prime now more than ever.
Makenna kissed Rhys, then untangled herself. She checked the weapons strapped over her cargo pants, then tightened her ponytail. “I’ll talk to Amanda later. See what’s going on.”
“Good idea. We can’t let personal matters draw our attention from our goal.” Her nearly ebony eyes narrowed. “I just mean we need to make sure things at home are running smoothly so we’re not distracted in battle.” Her frown eased but didn’t vanish. Rhys reached for her again, but this time her muscles tensed as he pulled her close. “Kenna, I’m sorry about this morning.”
She sighed and melted against his chest. “I just don’t want this war to tear us apart, Rhys. I need you.” She wrapped her arms around his waist.
He kissed the top of her head. “And I need you, love.” He raised her chin and took a long, slow taste of her mouth. His blood heated, and his body hardened as he drank her in. With great difficulty, he pulled away. Duty called. “We’ll fix this. All of it.”
Makenna nodded before planting a kiss on his chest and drawing back. “Okay.” She gave him a small smile that lightened his heart.
He watched as she gathered the wolves around them and herded them toward where Bowen stood near the tree line. He hoped he could keep his promise. No, he would keep his promise. He’d never broken one in his life and wasn’t about to begin with his mate.
For hours, he roamed the field, aiding where needed with the training groups led by Makenna, Bowen, Trystan, and Talon. His mate may still be learning how to wield magic, but she was extremely talented at hand to hand, and with a blade. Each warrior looked sharp and ready. He couldn’t have been more proud of their skill and determination.
Rhys smiled as he came upon a group of children pretending to be training like the adults. Every so often he’d step in and correct a move, or let them spar with him, coming at him full force as he blocked and dodged. Each time they knocked him to the ground and then all piled on top of him; each time they watched him intently as he demonstrated a move; each smile they blessed him with; each time a precious little face looked at him like he was their hero, he was reminded what he was fighting for. These pups and their future. A safe home where they could one day raise their own families. It warmed his heart and had him casting glances at his mate.
When he would pass Makenna, he made it a point to smile, to touch her. Every time he did, he felt her joy, her contentment. Even stronger than that, her determination to win washed over him. To save their people and restore her sister. And still, that perpetual sizzle of rage burning deep. Especially when she caught sight of her sister.
As the pups crawled all over him like ants, he couldn’t help but steal glimpses of her every chance he got.
There wasn’t a female in existence who rivaled his mate. She was arresting, radiant, and beyond capable. Raven hair caught the sun and swished around her head. Watching her lithe, muscular body spar, throw her magic with more precision than ever, was exhilarating. She was grace, fire, and lethal power. The Morrigan. The greatest queen to ever grace their people.
And she was his.
He was determined to see her happy.
Rhys laughed as he cuffed one of the bigger boys on the head, sending the kid flying. The male bounced right back up and charged. No fear, determination on his grimy, sweaty face. His laughter died away.
Though their people were warriors, they should be fighting the beasts that didn’t belong in this world. Not each other. He would see that their world righted itself. For her. For the children hanging off of him as he stomped around the field.
Finally, Rhys collapsed to the soft grass, the pups ganging up to take him down. He laughed as no less than a dozen pups leapt on him. Some in human form. Some still getting used to walking and playing in their wolf forms.
Maybe he should be training with the rest of his warriors. But these were his wolves too, and they needed him just as much. These children who had seen more than a child ever should, deserved joy. Deserved to play, free and uninhibited. Deserved to know they could rely on him, their Alpha, and that he would keep them safe.
A small elbow punched the air from his gut. The rough tongue of a tiny silver wolf licked his cheek, then his ear. He made a face and let out a playful roar, then shook them off as he jumped to his feet. He chased them as they laughed and squealed.
Two gangly, blond-headed boys hung on his back, determined not to let go. An adorable little girl with tightly curled dark hair and an angelic, porcelain face clung to his leg. Rhys paused and looked down at her. Her big brown eyes, flecked with gold, watched him intently, as if digging deeper. As if she could see into him.
She closed her eyes and grinned. “I see you with a shiny ring. You’re smiling. Princess Makenna is smiling too.” Her nose scrunched, wrinkling her forehead. “Ew. Then you kiss.” She opened her eyes and looked at him with uncertainty. “But I guess that’s okay.”
Rhys laughed and swung the boys around and to the ground. They scampered off to wreak havoc elsewhere. The little monsters.
He eyed the girl still sitting on his foot. “I’m guessing you are a Seer.” She nodded emphatically, the little tiara nestled in her black waves glittering in the sun. “And what is your name, oh wise wee one?”
“Adrianna O’Malley,” she stated while raising her chin proudly.
“Well, Adrianna,” Rhys scooped her up so they were eye to eye. “I have to tell you, I like this vision. But I�
�m afraid I have to correct one part.” He chuckled when she raised a tiny eyebrow. This pup reminded him so much of Kenna. “Makenna is a queen, not a princess.”
“Nope.” She gave him a look like he was deficient. “Princesses are cooler.”
He laughed. “All right, then. You can call her a princess.”
Adrianna rolled her eyes, as if she knew he was just humoring her. Then she gave him a loud kiss on the cheek before scrambling down. The miniature princess adjusted her tiara and tore after the boys, screaming like a banshee.
Rhys shook his head and grinned. He turned just as Makenna came to his side. She was sweaty, her tank top wet and forming to her sumptuous breasts. Dirt and blood streaked her soft skin. Her shirt and cargo pants were stained and ripped in multiple places.
He wiped at a smudge on her cheek. “I see training got a little intense.”
“Uh huh. Some of us were working while you were over here acting like an eight-year-old.” The words held no heat as she laughed.
She eyed the kids now circling them again, most in wolf form, growling, bumping and sniffing their legs, and nipping at their boots. Makenna picked up a fluffy white pup with chocolate eyes, flecked with gold. Adrianna, he knew.
Adrianna licked Makenna’s jaw and Makenna giggled. “They are cute little boogers, that’s for sure.”
His heart thumped hard enough to crack ribs watching her rub noses with the pup. Someday. “That they are. And rambunctious.” He ruffled the fur of a couple of the small males as they ran by. “It’s good to have pups in the pack again.”
“Hell no, mister.” Makenna mouthed an “oops” at her language. They’d all have to adjust to having wee ones around.
She kissed Adrianna on her furry little head before setting her down. The pup took off, nipping at the boys’ tails and hind legs.
“Don’t go gettin’ broody on me. I’m not ready for that.” A shadow passed over her face. “And it ain’t exactly a good time to be bringing more lives into this fu─” she glanced at the pups staring up at them. “Screwed up world,” she said quietly. And how are we supposed to have kids if you never even touch me? She didn’t say it, but he felt the thought cross her mind. She gave him a guilty look. “I’m sorry, Rhys. I just─”
“It’s all right.” Rhys threaded a finger through her belt loop.
He shooed away the pups gnawing on the laces of his boots, then tugged her to him. Damn, he’d missed having her against him. It was time to remedy that. Surely they could steal a few moments. He leaned to her ear, his question not meant for the little spies who’d quickly returned to their feet.
“Why don’t we head upstairs? We have a little while before dinner.” He nuzzled her hair, inhaling vanilla, strawberries, and sweat from her workout. “I was thinking─”
“Rhys!”
Connor, who’d gone back out to scout after dropping off the new wolves, ran up to him. The two warriors at his back looked as out of breath as he was. Excitement and apprehension clogged the air.
Rhys turned, his levity slipping away as heaviness set in. Makenna clung to his side while the pups hid behind their legs. “What is it?”
More of the pack gathered around, nerves flaring along the pack link. Their faces ranged from somewhat fearful to expectant.
Connor skidded to a halt. “We found one of Kylian’s outlying camps.” He took the water bottle Reagan handed him. “On the other side of the parish. Not far from New Orleans.”
Rhys glanced at Makenna. Excitement and hope flared across their bond. He ignored the whisper of something darker from his mate. This was the first of Kylian’s camps they’d been able to uncover. They were one step closer to finding him.
“How many?”
“Looks to be about twenty-five or thirty. Seasoned warriors, but there doesn’t seem to be any mages among them.”
More good news. The average warrior didn’t carry as much strength in their magic as mages. Certainly not as much as he and Makenna had.
They had to seize this opportunity.
Rhys turned to the group. “Talon, choose your warriors. We’ll take thirty.” He cast a glance at Bowen. “Bring another mage with you.” At Bowen’s raised brow, Rhys explained, feeling like an ass that he’d banned Bowen from battle the other day. “We’ll need you for this one. Just in case. We’ll leave at dark.”
There was no time to waste. They had to strike hard and fast.
Facing Connor, Rhys shook the male’s hand. “Well done.” He acknowledged the other two warriors. “All of you, go and rest. Reagan and Amanda will provide you something to eat. Take the day. You’ve all worked tirelessly the past weeks. Your loyalty is appreciated.”
He eyed each of them, making sure to convey how grateful he was.
As the crowd scattered, Makenna headed toward the house, Rhys on her heels. “Looks like our naked fun will have to wait.” Her voice didn’t carry quite the levity she tried for.
Rhys sighed. While disappointed his plans to ravish his mate were delayed, he couldn’t help but be excited for the fight ahead. This would be the first time they could strike at Kylian’s forces with the enemy unaware.
It could be the break they needed. The beginning of Kylian’s fall.
He followed Makenna upstairs to their room. As she shed her tattered clothes and pulled on the leathers she wore for battle, he had to keep himself from lunging for her. Yet again, this never ending war came first. There was no choice. Their people needed this, needed a solid victory that gained ground against Kylian.
Rhys donned his own leathers. Joining Makenna at their weapons cabinet, he chose his favorite blades. Hand carved daggers his father had given him. “This plan of yours is good. It’ll get us that much closer to destroying Kylian.”
“And Brianna.” She tossed the words at him as she strapped on her own weapons. A short, double-edged dagger, and a longer blade she wore on her calf. “Kill her, and the spell on Amanda will be broken.”
“We don’t know that for sure.” He wanted to believe it would be that easy, but Bowen didn’t seem to think so. He trusted his mage.
“We’ll see.” As Makenna straightened, Rhys saw that look in her eyes again. Wild, untamed bloodlust and determination, tinged with raw fury.
He took her chin in hand. “Kenna, you need to stay calm. Focused. Don’t let the need for revenge cloud your judgment.”
She glared at him as indignation crawled across her skin and bit him. “This ain’t my first rodeo. And it’s not about revenge. It’s about justice and our people. Just because I’m new to this doesn’t mean I don’t know what I’m doing.” She pulled away and stomped to the bathroom.
“I’m aware you’re a talented fighter. But this is personal, Kenna. You can’t let it consume you. You have to stay sharp and stick to the plan.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll leave a couple alive to question.” Literal fire licked the irises of her eyes and her hands glowed red.
“I can’t lose you, love.” He gripped her shoulders. “We go in, get the job done, and get out. All of us. Stay focused. Fight smart.”
Her gaze sharpened. “I’ve got this. I’m the fucking Morrigan. I’ll do what I have to.”
As she skirted around him and ran down the stairs, he wondered. She may be the Morrigan and a damn good warrior, but she wasn’t invincible. Battling her own sister and father, knowing the destruction and agony the two had orchestrated, was taking its toll.
He hoped her growing pain and anger wouldn’t get her killed.
CHAPTER FIVE
Delirium
This was not how she’d imagined her life. Broken, weak, and on the sidelines.
Amanda crossed her arms and leaned against a pillar on the front porch. Warriors gathered in the dusty parking area around Rhys, Makenna, Talon, and Trystan, getting instructions on executing their planned attack.
In another time, she’d have been in the center of that circle, decked out with blades and preparing for the fight.
Not a
nymore.
She’d been relegated to bystander. Watching them march to battle while she stayed home. To say it irked her was an understatement. Being unable to fight was akin to losing an arm or leg. She didn’t know how to function without doing what she was born to do.
Sure, she was adapting. Somewhat. She still trained, trying to improve upon what little strength remained in her body. But it wasn’t the same. Her sparring partners took it easy on her. They had no choice. Being as she was pretty much human, if they went full force like they used to, they’d kill her. Easily.
That burned.
Cookies. She needed to bake some cookies. Chocolate chunk with walnuts. That was what she was craving. Well, that and the blood of her enemies. It was looking like neither she nor her absent wolf would ever taste that sweet liquor again.
And who cared if the cookies just happened to be Trystan’s favorite? Amanda wasn’t baking for him. She was merely occupying herself. At least, that’s what she kept telling herself. Maybe if she said it enough, it would become true.
Her cooking hobby had become a full-time occupation, since she could do little else within the pack. She loved being in the kitchen. Liked hanging out with Reagan. But she wanted more than anything to be what she once was. Rhys still looked to her for counsel, her position as mediator still intact. But she was no longer part of the honored group that led their people to war.
“Stop worrying.” Reagan hip checked Amanda as she entered the spacious kitchen.
The solidly built, yet still regal looking red-headed spitfire stirred a pot of gumbo that made Amanda’s stomach rumble, then went back to chopping vegetables they’d collected earlier from the large garden.
She cut almond shaped blue eyes at Amanda. “They’ll destroy the camp, grab a couple prisoners to work over until they sing like birds, and be home before you know it. Probably before dinner’s even cold.”
Amanda envied Reagan’s positive, blasé manner. It seemed nothing ever rubbed the female’s fur the wrong way. Except for Talon. But like Talon, Reagan wasn’t all jokes and smartass comments. The female had a vicious streak. Though Reagan preferred to be in the kitchen, Amanda had watched her during training. The wolf was lethal. Without mercy in a fight. That made Amanda a little nervous, if she was being honest. Like the serial killer no one ever suspected, deadly beneath a cute smile.
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