“You say that when you’ve brought this trouble here?”
“We came because one of your wolves sought help. We stayed because there was a genuine threat to your land. Now that threat is gone, and Terra is the one under threat from my father’s wrath. Not you. It’s the least you can do.”
“You overstep.”
“Do I? How long would it have taken for you to figure out it was a reptile shifter who hunted on your lands? How long would it have been until you figured out how to catch it? How many of your people would have died in the meantime?”
Brent’s brow creased, and he glared at me. I shooked with anger.
“Fine,” Brent snapped eventually. “I will do what you say.”
“As soon as we return?”
“Yes. As soon as we return.”
“Then let’s head back.” Kaleb took hold of my hand. “I tire of wolves.”
33
As we made it back toward the cabins on Brent’s land, we did not expect all the wolves of Caladonia Moor to be out in force, each one holding a candle in wait. As soon as they saw us carrying the body of Torroro, a scarf over his head thanks to Mayra, everyone started to cheer.
Theodulf’s doing I was certain, having roused them out of their beds. But then I noticed Anya’s face. She came running up to us when we stopped before the crowd.
“Are you okay?” She grabbed Brent’s face, landing a kiss on his lips. Lowering her voice, she added, “Theodulf came back and told me the news. Bevren was up. He overheard. He’s rallied everyone.”
“Has Theodulf said anything?”
“He tried to, but then I heard you coming through the trees. I told him we’d talk after us women folk put the coffee on to have a proper celebration. He said for us to prepare for him to address the crowd.”
Brent shared a glance with me. “No need for that.” His eyes hardened. “I’ll address them now.”
Anya raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Brent removed the scarf from Torroro’s head, but I went to stop him. Kaleb took my hand in his and held me close.
With the help of his wolves, Brent lifted Torroro’s dead body above the air so the waiting crowd could see.
“My wolves. My family. My pack!” he bellowed. “We have caught the culprit who sought havoc on these lands. It is over!”
Another roar of cheers exploded over the hundreds of wolves who had gathered in the chill of the coming dawn. Some cried—many exalted. And then I noticed Theodulf making his way over, thumping the ground with that stupid stick of his. I poked Brent to hurry.
“I honor the IET agents who gave us the resources and knowledge to catch the culprit!” Brent shouted after narrowing his eyes at me. “The wolves of our pack and I take responsibility for shedding the blood of the murderer on our lands! We take this day to cleanse, to rid us of this beast, and to honor those who have fallen at his hand!”
“Now, see here,” Theodulf said, rushing forth. “It is my sons…”
Cole appeared. Stepping out of the crowd, he got into his father’s path before Theodulf could stop him. He put his hand out to Brent, congratulating him. “I traveled to the outskirts last night,” Cole told us all. “I put a call into the prison and the Consilium in the event we caught Torroro. They’ve contacted his family.” He looked at me. “They contacted his mother.”
“And?”
“She knew the inevitable, I think. She asked if he’s put to death to burn his body so his ashes can make it home. Neither the prison nor Consilium want the body for further investigation. They will be happy to amend the paperwork.”
“What is all this?” Theodulf demanded, puffing his chest out. “You wish to burn the body?”
“Here. On these lands,” I said before he could harp on about taking the body with him. I wasn’t sure what Theodulf was up to, but no way in hell would he get his hands on Torroro. Not if I had anything to do with it.
Brent glared at me. “Terra…”
“Burning a body on your lands is a way of cleansing it.” I looked to Mayra for help. “Right?”
“Erm.” Her eyes flittered back and forth between us both. “Yes. Yes, it is. Some of his body will return to the earth that bore him, and the rest to the wind, to his mother. But your intention in that, an element of forgiveness, will mean no ill-will simmering within your pack or on your lands. You return what has gone. You fulfill the circle of life. It will help aid with the healing.”
Okay. So even I knew she’d winged it. She shrugged, helpless, uncertain. But low and behold. Brent bought it. Or at least he acted as if he did.
“We will burn him on our lands!” he shouted to his people. “We will do so to cleanse them. For him to return to the earth we all worship! We will honor Mother Nature. And we will use our morning as a new start, a new beginning as we remember those injured and fallen!” He nodded for the others to help lift Torroro higher. “As the dawn comes, we will see him burn!”
Theodulf’s face fell. But when he looked at me, I saw pure hatred—something he quickly masked when Cole spoke to him about what they could contribute to the celebration of a new beginning.
The surrounding cheers deafened, some agreeing with the burning useful for cleansing, a lot of the younger wolves chanting, “Burn, burn, burn!” like a bunch of hoodlums.
Chaos ensued. Anya clapped her hands together to order the women forth to make refreshments, setting up tables. She turned to the chanting male wolves, shouting orders their way to give them an alternative purpose of setting up the fire. After that, she disappeared into the crowd, each group of wolves shifting off to help set up the dawn celebrations where they would burn Torroro’s body.
I wouldn’t be watching. I couldn’t. Even though I understood their need for justice. Even though I’d asked Brent to claim responsibility. I couldn’t stand there and watch Torroro’s body burn.
‘We won’t hurt you, okay?’ My lies echoed back at me, and I felt nauseous.
“Come,” Brent said, putting a hand on Kaleb’s shoulder. “Come help us carry the body to the fire. You deserve to be represented, too.”
He said nothing to me. But I didn’t expect him to. This was a wolf thing. Or Brent being courteous knowing my feelings on the matter. Who knew?
“I’ll be fine,” I reassured Kaleb. “I promise.”
“I’ll catch up with you soon. Stay with Mayra and Zax.”
“I will.”
Letting them go, I felt Mayra take hold of my hand. Zax took hold of the other.
“Come on,” Mayra said. “Let’s go have some hot chocolate in our cabin. You can rest there while waiting for Kaleb.”
“We must contact Libby and Bernard. Call off the cavalry.”
“I’ll do that soon,” Zax replied, reassuring me, and I squeezed his hand.
“Thanks for your help. Both of you.” My eyes filled with tears. “I feel sick.”
“According to the wolves here, hot chocolate will see you right.”
Helping them with their belongings they’d brought out for the trap, the three of us pushed through the crowd. I tried to block out the happy chatter, sensing the surrounding excitement. I understand, I had to keep reassuring myself, but those eyes of Torroro’s. Pleading as he believed my words. I couldn’t settle. I remembered his love for his mother, the way he’d said her name. I thought of his love for her when he had fingered the locket.
“Shit.” The locket! “Guys, carry on to the cabin. I’ll catch you up.” Piling the things I carried into Zax’s arms, I retreated.
“Terra!” Mayra shouted after me.
“I won’t take long. I need to get something. I’ll be back in five.”
Jogging through the trees, I passed by other cabins now empty as their inhabitants were off celebrating with the others.
I slowed down my pace, needing the time, the fresh air, to rationalize all that had happened. I’d get the locket off Kaleb, leave him to it, and then join Mayra and Zax for a while. I couldn’t let go of the anger in of what Eli and
Theodulf had done. To think Cole and Kaleb came from the same family is laughable.
Almost reaching the next border of trees, I heard the celebrations begin. I didn’t want to think about it. I didn’t want to listen to it. But I vowed to myself five minutes. Five more minutes, and then I’d be in the cabin's sanctuary, away from it all.
“And where do you think you’re going?” Eli asked, stepping out from beside one of the empty cabins. Sporting a green vest and gray combats, he looked ready to enter a battle. His muscled arms flexed, and his upper lip quirking up in readiness.
Great! This is all I need.
“I’m on my way to get the locket of the shifter you murdered,” I snapped. “If you’ll excuse me.” I took a step to walk by him, but he blocked my path.
“I don’t think so.” He crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes emanating hate, and burning through me.
“Just back off.” I tried to step around him again, but this time he caught me and pushed me back. I readied myself for a fight, one I wouldn’t mind getting into right now with him in particular. I laughed bitterly and pointed at the bruises I’d caused on his face. “You hungry for more, sweet cheeks.”
He smirked. “Oh, I’m ready for more. A lot more. And I can’t wait for a taste of what’s getting both my brothers acting like lost pups.” Eli reached out to grab me, so I knocked his arm away. He laughed. “I’d hoped you’d make this difficult. I love it when my bitches fight back.”
Three more shifters came out from behind the cabin, circling me.
“What’s wrong?” Eli asked, taking a step closer. “Don’t you want to scream for help? See if my brothers come running?”
“They wouldn’t hear me,” I replied, not taking my eyes off him. “You’ve made sure of that by striking out at me now. You lily-ass coward.”
“Coward?” His eyes flared. “Oh, bitch. I’m so going to show you how much of a coward I am.”
He rushed forth, his arms instantly on mine, trying to pin me. I evaded his moves, hit out at his side and kicked. Another grabbed shifter me from behind. I threw my head back, smacking him hard in the nose, elbowing the other coming in from my side.
One of them hit me, dazing me some. I lashed out and caught Eli’s hair, yanking his head down against my knee. I felt the pain of his hard head but was happy when I heard him groan. I grasped another’s groin and squeezed hard. He yelped.
They hit. I hit. They grabbed—a tearing sound came as my shirt ripped. Eli cackled with glee. Two tried to hold me still as he licked my skin. I wrenched my arm free and whacked his hand away as he reached for my bra.
A guttural roar left my lips, and I elbowed Eli’s temple, kicking back at another’s shin. Using all I’d learned at the academy, I moved fast the second I saw my chance, hitting and kicking in places I knew were vulnerable. One fell to the ground, and I stomped hard on his groin. Then I back-fisted another while kicking Eli.
One of them grabbed me again from behind, so I gripped him hard and threw him over my shoulder at the other. Eli barreled into me, cannoning me to the ground.
Panic hit when I felt his weight upon me, but I didn’t stop fighting, not even when he tried to hold me down. He laughed when I attempted to head butt him, moving out of the way in time. His roaming hands found the buttons on my jeans, and another shifter trod on my arm to hold it place. The other, still holding his bleeding head, came over to hold my other arm as the one whose groin I’d stamped on wailed with pain at our side.
I screamed alongside him, a sound I’ve never heard before coming out of my mouth, the force of it like sandpaper on my throat. But I didn’t stop, kicking and wiggling as Eli unfastened the top button of my jeans. I screeched, throwing every insult I could muster. No way in hell would I make it easy. I yelled and shrieked like a banshee.
A roar, so loud, it broke the sounds of the night, reverberated around us. Eli stilled above me. Another shifter fell back in shock.
Kaleb still in his human form, dove hard at Eli. Cole and the young wolf, Ethan, came in not far behind him. I struggled to get up as fast as I could, panting hard and pulling my ripped shirt around me so no one would see. Cole tried to get in between the two brothers as Ethan attempted to take on two of Eli’s buddies. One of him went to hit him, but I intervened, the two of us getting into a scuffle.
Hearing a yelp, I turned to see Cole punch one wolf in the face before reaching in between Kaleb and Eli. Kaleb didn’t falter, roaring with every hit he delivered to his younger brother.
Ethan yelped, and I turned to see Eli’s crony had recovered, elbowing Ethan in the face. I hit and kicked the bastard hard, happy when he fell to the floor. But turning to help Ethan had cost me. A set of arms clasped from behind, swinging me toward the tree. I put my hands out, trying to stop myself, but too late. Caught in the roots beneath my feet, I fell at the wrong angle. I hit my head hard against the tree trunk, pain searing through me as my brain sought the darkness.
No! I begged, not wanting to fall unconscious. Ethan. Kaleb. Cole. I needed to help them all. I needed to stop Kaleb from killing his brother. I needed to…
All other thoughts failed me as the darkness finally took me under.
34
The first thing I felt when I opened my eyes was the thumping pain of a headache.
After blinking a few times, Kaleb’s concerned face swam into view from where he lay next to me on the bed.
“There you are,” he whispered, but there was no light in his eyes. He tried to smile, but he didn’t quite make it.
Something’s wrong.
“What’s wrong?” I tried to sit up, but pain sliced its way through my brow. I hissed.
“Careful.” He slowly helped me forward and arranged the pillows so I could sit upright. “Mayra’s off making a potion to help with your headache. Zax is shadowing her and won’t leave her side for a second. Bernard and Libby got my earlier message, too. The patrolling wolves led them here about five minutes ago, and they’re talking with Brent. Libby’s making an impression.” He laughed, but it sounded flat. Humorless.
“Kaleb… about what happened…”
“It’s fine. All sorted. You’ve not been out long. Not for you, anyway. My father swept Eli off the moment Cole broke us apart. He’s not on these lands any longer.” He took my hand in his, unable to look at me. “Did he touch you?”
“No. He didn’t.”
Pushing the blanket aside, he lifted my torn top. His fingers shook.
“Kaleb, I’m fine. I’ve had worse when I’ve walked into a shifter club. Honestly.”
“There were four of them on you.”
“Yeah,” I scoffed. “And did you see the state of them? You should be proud.”
He smiled, again, the light of it missing from his eyes. “I am proud.” He stroked my face before digging into his pocket.
“Torroro’s locket?” I gasped when he opened his hand. He dropped it into mine.
“Figured we should save it to give to his mother. Thought you’d want that.”
Tears filled my eyes. “Thank you. That’s what I wanted to do. How did you know?”
“I met his mother, too, remember? I also saw you paw it when you were part of Torroro.” He sighed. “You didn’t want him to die. And neither did I, but we saw a different side to him. We know the back story. The wolves here…”
“They don’t. And they’ve lost one of their own while Torroro went on his spree. I understand, Kaleb. And I’m glad it happened today before your father could intervene. I’m not sure why he wanted so badly for him or his own to come across as the savior, but…”
“We stopped him. And yeah. I don’t get that either.” He rose from the bed. “I need to sort some things out with Cole before he leaves. He’ll follow father over to Chamaya Moon Fields soon enough. Are you going to be okay for five? Mayra should be back soon.”
“I’ll be good. Thanks, Kaleb. For saving the day.”
His eyes flashed with such venom I thought I’d imagined it.
“Let’s just be thankful Ethan was returning to their cabin to get his mother’s shawl. He saw the commotion and rushed back to get help. I’d say he’s feeling good right now after saving the woman who saved his life.”
“Yeah.” I nestled down into the pillows, my heart warming. “He’s my hero.”
I grinned. Kaleb half-smiled, kissing me softly and briefly on the lips.
About five minutes after he left, a knock on the door revealed Bernard.
“Hey, sleepyhead.” He smiled as he entered. I tightened the sheets around me and waved him over.
“It’s so good to see you!”
He embraced me, and I held on tight. As I clung to him with only one arm, he glanced down at my covered form. With one swift move, he tugged the sheet away before I could blink. I pulled it back as his eyes burned.
“They did that to you?” he growled, his jaw clenched.
Covering myself up once more, I gestured for him to take a seat before he took off and started a fight with the wolves.
“It’s a ripped top for goodness sake. That’s all.”
“Mayra told us what happened,” he said through gritted teeth as he sat next to the bed. “The female, Anya, is it? She’s worried sick. She said she would come and see you soon, but they’re busy calming down the wolves. A lot is happening out there.”
“What do you mean?”
He studied the bump on my head and frowned. “Many are reveling and dancing around a burning Torroro. But many have also caught word of what happened to you. A woman called Clara, Ethan’s mother, is it?”
I nodded.
“Clara wants to lead a charge to have Eli reprimanded. Quite a few wolves are backing her, Ethan included. They’re trying to calm them.”
“Damn it,” I whispered, not wanting them to cause discord between the packs for my benefit.
“What can I say? You can’t help but create a drama wherever you go, can you?”
“Not my fault this time.”
“No,” he said grimly. “I can attest to that after all I’ve heard. Putting the pieces together, Kaleb’s father and brother have been very naughty boys indeed.”
Death Be Shifted (The Terra Vane Series Book 6) Page 21
