by Colt, Shyla
Walking to her front door, she peered out of the peephole with sleep blurry vision. The sight of Isiah on her porch with his hands shoved in his pockets made her grunt. Are you kidding me?
“I know you’re awake. I can hear you breathing, Joss.”
Yanking open the door, she narrowed her gaze. “This better be good.”
“It’s beginning,” he said cryptically
“What?” she snapped, unable to play games on so little sleep.
“Come see.”
“No.”
He huffed. “Come on.”
“I’m not—”
He grabbed her hand and pulled her out onto the porch. After hastily closing the door behind her, she followed him down the driveway.
“Now look up.”
Lifting her head back, she inhaled quickly. Long streaks of colorful light surrounded the perimeter.
“The energies are aligning. It won’t be much longer before everything my father predicated comes to be.”
Her muscles tensed. She balled her fists. Fight or flight instincts began to gather. Is this the moment when he makes a move? “Why does that statement sound like a threat?”
His regarded her silently. “Change is coming. Whether you wish it to or not. We’re bound."
She bit the inside of her cheek.
“The birthmark and the fact that you came here of all places means something.” He trailed his fingertips down the side of her cheek. “You’re the only one who knows what I went through, Joss. We’re survivors, you and I.”
Her birthmark tingled. She placed her hand over it. “What are you doing?”
“Nothing. I meant it when I stated the energies are aligning. I feel it, too. I can smell you now.” He sniffed. “Your body is changing, getting ready to bloom.”
“I’m your mate,” Kaz’s voice whispered in her mind, grounding her against the pack magic Isiah wove. Was her body preparing to accept Kaz? Was that the real reason why she’d yet to experience her first heat? I’m awake, and I’m coming for you.
“We could be good together, Joss.” Isiah’s excited baritone returned her to the present. He grabbed her hand between his. “Imagine the power we could generate, and how we could rule. We’d be unstoppable. You’re gentleness and grace. I’m the might and iron fist needed to keep unruly wolves in check.” He held her hand up, placing their fingertips together. Sparks ignited. A current flowed between them. She could feel a link. “No one could hurt us again, or force us to do things against our will. It’d be the ultimate revenge.”
The truth brought tears to her eyes. All of the avoidance of facts ended here. They were both a part of what was to come.
She pulled her hands back, hugging them to her chest. “We’re brother and sister.”
“In name only.” He rolled his eyes. “Besides, I never saw you that way.” He raked his gaze over her lewdly.
Her lip curled up in disgust. “This is wrong.”
“No, it’s not. You want to convince yourself of that because you’re scared. You’ve always been so resistant.” He shook his head. “It’s what makes you irresistible, you know? The fact that you don’t want the power you possess. You don’t have to fight this. We’re the same. The ones who were wronged, controlled, and manipulated.” He cupped her face. “There’s so much untapped potential.”
She grabbed his hand and forced it down. “You can’t make me do anything I don’t want to. I get a choice in this matter. You can push, insist, and bully me all you want. We both know I don’t break easily.”
“Damnit, Joss,” he screamed. She jumped back. “Why do you make me so angry? I want to make you my queen. To cherish you.”
“And what about what I want, Isiah?”
“You’ve never been into anyone else. What are you waiting for? You know the pack duties, reproduction, and guidance to the younger members. You’re starting to get long in the tooth. Even with your special position. Holding off on mating much longer won’t be a possibility.” He grinned. “Especially not with what I’m smelling.”
“Even if you’re right, I fail to see how it concerns you.” She kept her tone even.
“I’m the best. The bringer of change deserves nothing less than an equal. They’re all waiting for this to happen. Can’t you hear the whispers? They know I want you.”
“You can’t always get what you want,” she replied lamely. “If they’re so observant, they’ve realized by now I’m not interested.”
Isiah chuckled. “When has that ever mattered when it comes to building empires? You think they care so much about your feelings? They are sheep. They look to the Alpha to provide and protect. They don’t want to think. Do you truly believe they had no clue what he was doing to us?” His words twisted her guts into knots. “If they could turn a blind eye to that, what do you suppose would happen if they understood the lack of union is threatening the balance?” He covered his mouth.
“You wouldn’t dare.” She thrust her chin out.
“Do you really want to find out?”
“There are plenty of wolves who would love to mate with you,” she said exasperatedly.
“None of them are you.”
“You have a serious problem, Isiah.” Shaking her head, she pulled her robe closer.
He paused. “This isn’t all about my own selfish desires you know. I’ve seen it.”
“Seen what?”
“The future.” He nodded his head. “A version of it. One I need to make that come to fruition.”
“How?” She crossed her arms under her breasts.
“Kishi.”
The name shocked her. “The lamia?” she spurted. “Why in the hell did you believe her? She speaks with a forked tongue, like most of her people. They tell you what you want to hear because it amuses them.”
“People fear what they don’t understand. Lamia are rare and nearly extinct.”
“Yes, and she, in particular, is a mad one, who’s been alone in her cave for too long. How could you trust her words?”
“She offers a glimpse into the future for those willing to take a risk. I’m no fool! She’s been right many times before. I’ll tell you a secret.” His voice lowered. “Her powers are far beyond what anyone suspected. She’s competent with magic.”
“You break all of the rules, and answer to no one.” She scowled. “How do you plan to lead?”
“As I see fit. There’s always bumps in the road with shifts of powers. Can’t you feel it?” He holds his hands up and slowly spins around. “That time we’ve all been on edge waiting for is coming.”
“A war?” she guessed.
“A species war. Us versus them. I plan to make sure we end up on top.” His eyes promised great violence. Cold that had nothing to do with the weather swept in and bypassed her soft robe.
“You’re cold.” The menace disappeared beneath the surface. “Let’s get you back inside. I can’t have you getting sick.” The dual personalities had her always walking on eggshells. When he turned sixteen, the Alpha took him away for cleansing and brought him back changed. That trip broke an important part of his humanity. She grieved for the boy who’d once been her confidant.
“Thank you.” She choked the words out and allowed him to guide her home. His warm hand burned through the material separating them. The announcement had made him more dangerous. He didn’t bother trying to hide his infractions, and the entitlement ballooned. The truth in Brook’s words delivered a roundhouse kick to her face. She needed an exit clause and a way to keep her mom alive.
* * *
Joss stood outside of the cave entrance. The position of the archway entrance hid everything beyond from view. Her senses tingled. Magic aided the mysterious shadows. Her nerves exploded. Self-preservation told her to return the way she’d come. Her clothes were soaked with a light sheen of sweat from the long hike into the deep woods.
She ran through everything she knew about Kishi. Granted a safe haven on their land, she was known for her trickster ways,
and they were cautioned against the danger they’d place themselves in trying to out-swindle the expert conwoman. The lamia were nearly extinct, and the ones who remained struggled to create a sustainable living. Half human, half snake, the race couldn’t hide in plain sight.
Embracing her fear, she stepped forward and crossed the threshold of magic and shadow, trusting her anxiety to keep her alert and help prevent stupid mistakes. She stumbled, stunned. A dark green, circular wooden door, reminiscent of a creation from a Hobbit village greeted her. Asian lettering drawn carefully in yellowed paint lined the edges. It must be a spell. Her skin prickled as she drew nearer.
A brass knob in the center of the door gave the dwelling a charming touch. Raising a shaking hand, she rapped on the door and braced herself for what would come. The hair-raising rattle of buttons greeted her through the thick door. She clutched the strap of her bag across her body and focused on breathing normally. The door creaked open to reveal the woman. Forcing her eyes to remain on her face, she met the odd pale green elliptical eyes similar to that of a cat. She carries poison.
“You are braver than I thought. I wasn’t sure If you would arrive at my door or not.” Kishi had a fluid movement, similar to a blade of grass swaying in the wind. A long, black dress covered her upper body and most of her … tail? The reality of a snake combined with a woman was difficult to take in.
“I seek your knowledge, Kishi. If it pleases you, I’d like to speak with you.”
“Such fine manners.” Kishi nodded her approval. Her bronze skin and black hair reminded Joss of Egyptian queens from long ago. Thick, dark bangs were cut across her forehead. High cheekbones, and thin lips curved into a wicked smile that made her uneasy.
“Please come into my parlor.” Said the spider to the fly. “It’s so rare that I have visitors.”
Kishi slithered her way inside, bidding her to follow with a wave of her slender hands. The walls were painted white, adding to the high ceiling effect. Colorful vases were arranged on the floor, and tasteful art hung on the walls. Thick, cream-colored Persian rugs with intricate patterns lined the floor. It was rustic luxury living.
“You expected me to live like a squatter?” Kishi asked with a smirk.
“To be honest, I hadn’t thought too much on it.”
“No, I don’t suppose you would. Your Alpha pays handsomely to keep me here.” The comment shocked her. Why would Ian do that? “I see I’ve surprised you. You better than most see things aren’t what they seem in White Creek.”
A square table was a whimsical mixture of roses and lace as multiple tablecloths were layered and carefully arranged to create a stunning background for a dainty cream-and-rose-colored tea set. A three-tier cake stand held scones, fresh fruit, and other pastries.
“You knew I was coming?” Joss marveled.
“I anticipated you were. The future is a constantly changing thing, impossible to pinpoint one-hundred percent of the time.” Kishi shrugged. “Does Harvest Apple Spice sound okay?”
“Yes, please.” Joss sank into a chair, placed her hands into her lap, and clung to the etiquette courses she’s been enrolled in from the moment she came to live in White Creek. Everything people witnessed was a carefully constructed front.
Kishi didn’t appear to be mentally unstable. Had this been another lie? She watched Kishi work in the kitchen visible via the open floor plan. She placed the shiny blue tea kettle onto the burner of the stainless-steel stove. Calling this cave a home didn’t do it justice. This was a sanctuary tucked away inside of a stone fortress.
“I would appreciate it if you’d humor me. I don’t get many opportunities for tea-time.”
Joss nodded, trying to work her way through the thoughts spinning around her head in a wind tunnel.
“Biscuits?” Kishi appeared with a platter of lemon cookies.
“Oh. Yes, please.” Joss took one daintily. The buttery flavor of the rich shell blended with the tart lemon filling. She hummed her approval.
“I’m glad you like them.” Kishi smiled before moving to the kitchen and back at a speed that made her blink. A sugar bowl and creamer pitcher were set in the center of the table. “Cream and sugar?”
“Yes, please.”
“How many lumps?”
“Two.” The bizarre exchange threw her for a loop. The woman was cordial and almost grandmotherly. Her long, artistic fingers were graceful as she handled the dishes gently. French manicured nails with jewels caught the light. Was she playing a part or had Ian lied? Why would he keep her in the lap of luxury if he’d been her savior? The picture he painted didn’t match the obvious arrangement.
The kettle whistled, and Kishi moved in her odd way toward the kitchen. Returning, she poured the tea into Joss’s cup and then her own.
“You have questions?” Kishi asked.
“I do.”
“Ask them.” Kishi sat in the chair across from Joss and sipped her tea.
Stirring her spoon around in her teacup, Joss gathered her thoughts. “What does the Alpha pay you for?”
“That is the right question. Do you think his ability to control and predict comes naturally?” Kishi hummed.
“You,” Joss whispered as puzzle pieces shifted into place. All of the things he’d said would come to pass. The way he stayed a step ahead of droughts and other natural occurrences. He’d gone to Kishi, wooed her, and set her up in a mini castle. The elaborate scheme made her horror grow. Ian was every inch the cold, calculated planner his son was.
“Why are you telling me this, Kishi?”
“Because you need all of the facts to deal with what’s coming.”
“You’ve seen things then?”
“I have, but it’s more important that you experience it for yourself.” She sipped her drink, peering over her cup at her.
“Is there anything I need to know now?”
Kishi narrowed her eyes. “You will come again soon and drink with me. We will speak again on things.”
Chapter Four
Joss approached the rustic luxury log cabin. A rectangle of large windows bisected by crisscrossed logs created smaller triangles that gave birth to a breathtaking focal point, set out front and center from the rest of the home. The open floor plan allowed anyone on the outside looking in to see the living room and dining area. It spoke of the power Ian wielded as Alpha. There was no fear of attack. He lived his life proudly out in the open. And always on display.
When she first arrived at eleven, the house felt like a grand manor home fit for lupine royalty. Two large wolf-themed totems rested on either side of the large, wooden door with a moon pattern burned into it. Intricately carved and colored in shades of black, white, and red, the totems told the story of the pack. Or so Ian claimed. It was the castle the king and queen presided in and ruled from.
Normally, she looked forward to her afternoon lunches on the back patio with her mother. Today, that wasn’t the case. Uneasy from her talk with Kishi a few days earlier, she scanned the area for any sign of Isiah. His scent was imprinted on the grounds, but none were recent. Unlocking the door, she entered the building. The scent of smoky wood and the pumpkin spice air freshener her mother stockpiled once autumn arrived mixed with the sweeter female muskiness of her mother and dark spice of Ian.
“Mom,” she called out.
“In the kitchen, baby.” Her voice echoed in the cavernous space. Walking over the wooden floor, she found her mother arranging a cheese, cracker, and meat tray. The rainbow fruit platter with cream cheese and marshmallow fluff dip on the counter made her drool. It’d been a favorite since she was little.
“Are you trying to butter me up, Mother?” Joss teased.
“Wow. He wasn’t lying.” She placed her paring knife down on the large, rectangular cutting board.
“Who?” she asked, confused.
“Isiah. You’re ready to blossom.” Her mother beamed.
She sneered. “Mom.” The thought of the charlatan discussing her hormones with her mother
pissed her off.
“What? I’ve waited a long time for this.” Her mother hurried around the counter. “It’s an exciting time in a female wolf’s life.”
“It’s open season on unwanted advances,” Joss mumbled.
“No, honey. You have your pick.”
“Not everyone wants a mate, Mom.”
Her mother flinched. “You make it sounds like a filthy, four-letter word.” She dropped her head. Pale blonde hair fell like a curtain, separating them even farther. Her thin frame was accentuated in her high-waisted jeans, with a white T-shirt, and red and black checkered plaid shirt on top. Despite the magic preventing the cancer from ravaging her, she always seemed right on the verge of relapse. It was like the power could keep the inevitable at bay, but it couldn’t restore her hardiness.
“It’s not where my head is. I don’t knock others for their beliefs and practices, but this isn’t Victorian times. It’s not my time to come out at social season and seek a husband. I refuse to be offered up like a prize mare everyone wants to breed.”
“Joss.” Red splotches appeared along her mother’s angular jawline. She tilted her pointy chin down and shook her head.
“Are we going to pretend like all of this is normal?”
“Wolves mate—”
“What goes on here is not natural,” Joss snarled. The time for tiptoeing around the topic had passed.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment to arrive. I did my best to do right by you, though truthfully there weren’t many options available to me. I’m sorry I couldn’t be the strong example of a woman you deserved. When your father had his heart attack, I was caught off guard. I’d never imagined a life without him. Stone was young and in his prime. I hadn’t sensed anything through our bond, or his scent that signaled anything was amiss. Grief and guilt are a hell of a combination to deal with, and I was a suddenly a single parent with no support on top of it. It’s not an excuse, mind you.” She held up her hand, staving off Joss’s response. “Merely an explanation.” She glanced around. “Let’s take our food outside and finish this conversation there.”