by KC Kellersen
“Spy!” the Queen exclaimed, finally stopping to stare at Sarina.
Ignoring the Queens comment Sarina continued, “Her power is great, even without her wolf, but we need to know if she is the white wolf. No other wolf is as powerful as her. Send the alphas to Stillforest to get her,” Sarina said enthusiastically. Sarina was really interested in this child and not in the spy? Why? Did she already know who I was?
“How does this help me catch my spy?” Lillian asked irritated, clearly not letting the spy business go, to my own discomfort.
“It is obvious your spy is one of your household staff. So, for starters, forbid any movements to the market for now. Have the alphas leave tomorrow night for Stillforest, under cover of darkness,” Sarina said duly. She took a long breath before continuing, “Tell Irene they are leaving in two days’ time and have her spread information around about a white wolf sighting in Stillforest. Have the protector lie in wait for the spy to make their move.” Shit! I was going to have to be really careful from now on. If they were on to me from just one mission, what would happen with two? Or three?
“That is a good plan. I like it.” So, Lillian was not the one who came up with the plans. It was Sarina. Lillian was just a fucking puppet for her. I would bet money that Sarina either had a spell on Lillian or she had something over her head.
“If you want to take it a step further, have a small army of guards go with the alphas. Once the alphas secure Ruby. The sentries can stay and wait for the traitors. You may be able to catch two dogs with one bone.” Why is Sarina using Lillian? Why not just kill her and take the crown for herself? Does she need her alive for something? And, why does she want the girl? Too many questions and not enough answers where Sarina was involved.
I heard footsteps coming down the hall from the front of the throne room. The same fear that immobilized me just moments ago now had my adrenaline pumping. I quickly left my hiding place, heading towards the kitchen. I stopped in the first servants room I came across and grabbed a pen and some paper. I needed to sneak out fast, while Irene was still in the throne room with Lillian.
I may get caught as the spy, but Lillian and Sarina couldn’t get their hands on the child. If they thought Ruby was the white wolf, I would do everything in my power to protect her. I wrote quickly.
Alphas are under spell. Ruby Stillforest Powerful pup. Alphas leave tomorrow night!
I rushed out the empty servants room and continued on towards the kitchen. I prayed that no one would be in there, but it was not my luckiest day. Henry was in there with Mary. And of course, today would be the first time either of them paid any attention to me. They both watched me walk in. I tried to calm my thumping heart to no avail.
I wanted to keep going straight out the door, but Mary decided to speak for the first time ever. “Where you off to?” she asked.
“Just need some fresh air.” I wrapped my arm around my sore ribs to both provide comfort and add as a visual explanation. I was breathing heavy, and my heart beating too fast. I probably looked like I was having a panic attack, which was slightly true.
“Would you like some company?” Her voice was kind, and I knew she was just offering a comfort.
“No, thank you.” I said shortly. I felt guilty about it, she has been through hell! She didn’t deserve rude words from me too. She nodded at me, but the kindness never left her face. Maybe she understood the sentiment all too well.
I went out the door slowly and took what appeared to be an unhurried walk around the castle. When I was sure I was out of sight and there was no one around I started running for the tree line. Just as I was entering, I heard footsteps coming from near the training center entrance. My adrenaline spiked even higher. I stopped and waited, but the footsteps continued on without stopping. With a heavy sigh, I went straight to my normal meeting spot with Zev.
I whistled for Zev and smiled at his returning caw. “Hey pretty boy, you look nice and shiny. Are you getting enough to eat around the castle? Huh pretty boy?” I scratched him as he loved on me. The last time I was out here I spent more than an hour with him. It was nothing compared to the time we used to spend together but hopefully he understood. He has spent the last two days flying around here at the castle waiting for me. What would happen to him if I was caught?
I pushed the thought out. I needed to remain positive. Two more weeks. Two more weeks and I could go back to my safe life. One where I could run with Liam, cook with dad, and read with mom. I could eat three meals a day and sleep without the ever-present fear and dread.
I missed my family and I wanted to go home, but I couldn’t make myself leave yet. I was here for a reason, I reminded myself, again. I may have left the safety of my family out of some misguided reason to prove to myself I wasn’t a coward; and I did that when I came here. I did that every time I sent a letter home to my family. But there was a more important reason for being here... The people of Ayorlyn needed me. I was making a difference. I could do this.
I tied the new letter to his leg, when I heard a twig snapping. I whirled around and winced in pain. Panic stole my breath as I looked in the dark forest for where the sound came from. It was too dark, and I couldn’t see anything. I braced myself for a fight, just in case. All my courage would do no good if I was caught. The forest was dense in this area, so even if it was a wolf, I could outrun them here.
Silence. There were no sounds coming from the forest around me, even Zev sat silently on my shoulder. Searching. I waited for a long moment until Zev relaxed and started loving on my neck again. I whispered to him very quietly, “Home to Liam,” and he took flight.
Chapter 8
Oliver’s POV
I paced back and forth in the hall to the library. Unsure of what to do. A spy! In the castle! This was one mission I would do gladly, and just not tell Lillian the results. The question was not about finding the spy. It was about whether or not to trust them with my secrets. My territory was safe at the moment, so if this is a trick from Lillian how much do I stand to lose from Lillian? Aside from my life?
Fynn was very excited about the possibility of someone to help us, but I couldn’t pin down a single course of action regarding the spy. And that was even if I found them. With a groan, I entered the library. All the guys were awake from the spell recovery and waiting for me.
“Oliver man what’s going on? You seem more stressed than normal.” Of course, Dale noticed right away. He was rubbing his head; the memory lapse was a bad one. Guilt broke through the questions hurtling themselves in my head. Here he was, in pain, and he was worried about me.
“It’s nothing Dale. What about you? How’s your head?” I asked, stopping to look him over.
“These headaches suck! Let’s get some fresh air,” he replied with a groan.
We all happily headed down to the training arena. It was not uncommon for us to do training after a mission and it was empty, as usual. The guys, still recovering, laid themselves out in the grass. I couldn’t force my body to be prone, so I paced. I still needed answers, but I wasn’t sure how to go about it.
“Alright spit it out Oliver. And sit down you are making me dizzy!” Cord exclaimed. I knew then what I had to do. These guys were a rock for me, without ever knowing it. Maybe it was time to tell them the truth. I couldn’t sit but I stopped pacing and measured my words carefully.
“I need to talk to you guys about something… Something I should have told you long ago,” I started the conversation. This wasn’t going to be easy, but I needed their help. I took a shuddering breath and dove in, “I lied to you guys five years ago. Sarina and Lillian never stopped using the mind control spell on you guys.” All four men popped to their feet in a semi-circle around me, then each winced with pain. Shit, I am not off to a good start.
“What the hell do you mean Oliver? How many times has this happened?” Dale asked through clenched teeth. The anger rolling through his body was almost tangible. Dale had a strong wolf-spirit and would be a force to be reckoned with,
when he was free to use it.
“I quit telling you guys about the missions after the first one.” I said, feeling guilty for ever lying to them. I thought I was doing the right thing, now I am not so sure.
“You can’t be fucking serious! You told us they quit using it because it used too much of her energy! How many times have we gone on these god damned missions?!” Cord cut in; the threat was clear in his body language. I never lied about the spell requiring a lot of energy, that was true. It was just an excuse to spare them the pain of the truth.
“Guys, I’m very sorry! I will gladly take an ass kicking from all of you. But the truth is, I was trying to save you from your own memories. You were force to do things that you wouldn’t be proud of, done things you wouldn’t be proud of,” I said pleadingly, I needed them to understand.
“How many wolves Oli? How many of our own people have we killed?” Ryan questioned; his tone just as low as mine was. He was afraid of the answer but needed to know the truth.
“A few...” Regret laced my words. I hurried on before they exploded in true fury, “Most missions were intercepted by the rogues, and those that weren’t were only capture missions. The deaths that did happen were purely accidental, not cold-blooded murder.” It was 1000% the truth but I could see the pain and disbelief in all three faces staring daggers at me. This look is one that I avoided, one that used to haunt my dreams. That is, until Alina.
“Why do you remember these things when we don’t?” Ryan asked, the accusation and distrust clear in his tone.
My tone was openly pleading for them to understand now, even though they knew this already, “I don’t really know the answer to that. I can only assume it’s because I am not the rightful alpha of Ironridge. Look, I am trying to find a way to break the spell. Until then, if I tell you the rest and the Queen questions…” I shook my head “You will answer whether you want to or not.”
“Then why the fuck, are you telling us anything? And why now? Why not continue to lie to our faces?!” Cord burst out. His anger was formidable, and his words were too loud. I panicked slightly; anyone could overhear. I needed to calm him down before he blew my secrets without the spell.
“I’m sorry Cord. You have every right to be angry. I am telling you now because I am at a fucking loss. I don’t know what to do!” I ran my hands through my hair and paced for a moment more. “I got word tonight, that someone in the household is a spy, working against the Queen. And before you ask, I tell you this freely because Lillian,” I spat her name in disgust, “assigned me to capture them. It’s my new mission.”
“Cord calm down, Oliver will explain everything when he can. We need to help him, if that’s what he wants from us. Let’s be thankful he has his head about him. Aside from this spy, Oliver may be the only one doing anything to stop this madness,” Dale said calmly.
He was going to make a great alpha one day, even Cord with his mighty temper would make a great alpha. Ryan was timid but would come into his own once he had more time with his wolf. He got the least amount of time to bond with his other half because he was the youngest.
“Thanks Dale. I don’t feel like I deserve your support anymore, but I truly need it.”
“What can we do to help?” Ryan asked in a quiet tone, but the determination behind it was strong. Perhaps he is not as timid as he leads us to believe.
“That’s just it. I don’t know. Do I find this spy and trust them with information, I haven’t even shared with you guys? Risking everything. Or do I keep what I know to myself and wait for someone else to come and end this for us?” This was the most basic way I could ask for help. I couldn’t give them details on the prophecy I heard, details of the spell they were under, or even the rogue army issues.
“Start with what has this spy done that makes you think you could possibly trust them,” Dale said insightfully as ever.
“Our last assignment... We were sent to Ironridge to capture my mother... I wracked my brain trying to find a way to stop the mission without getting anyone hurt. I finally put a plan in motion, but when we got to Ironridge everyone was gone. There was no one there. No humans and no wolf-shifters. It was assumed that the spy tipped them off that we were coming. The entire village got out safe.”
“Wow. That’s a pretty good reason to find him or her,” Ryan said.
“Back up, what was your plan that you put in motion?” Cord asked much calmer himself. But the anger was still there, simmering just under the surface.
“Uh, not that it did a lot of good. I knew I couldn’t stop the kidnapping of my mother without harming one of you, or having you kill me. So, I got word of a rogue ambush and planned to use it to get my mother out while you guys fought with the rogues.” This was another half-truth, but it was enough. I planned for the rogues to be there, and they knew they would be rescuing my mother.
“Is that why I feel like I’ve been down the rapids of Ayorlyn river?” Ryan asked with a grin.
“That and the spell has this effect on you guys. I had no way to warn them off, once the plan was in motion.”
Cord threw his meaty fist at my shoulder saying, “Fucker!” I could have dodged the blow, but I deserved it. I wanted them all to pound on me for lying. They were too understanding, once they got past their initial anger.
Perhaps they are grateful for the memories they do not have.
“Focus guys. I vote that you find the spy. If they can get you to whoever helped your pack, then we might have a fighting chance to win this and get our homes back. Not to mention our wolf-spirits,” Dale said.
“I agree,” Cord and Ryan said together. It is not so creepy, now that they are actually showing their own emotions.
“I trust your instincts Dale. I will try and find out who it is. I thought at first it might be Irene, since she is always around. Then recently, I started noticing someone else watching us. I just have never got a good look at them,” I said thoughtfully.
“That woman is absolutely attracted to you,” Dale said with disgust on his face.
I groaned, “Please don’t remind me!”
“No, he’d much rather have the pretty little blonde, who is giving Irene complete hell!” Cord exclaimed with a chuckle. I felt my face redden, which irritated me.
“Why haven’t you made a move yet? It’s painfully obvious she is attracted to you as well,” Ryan said with excitement. If anyone noticed women’s reactions it was Ryan. I let my mind drift to the one encounter he witnessed and remembered. Maybe he saw something I didn’t. All she did was snap at me that she didn’t need to be carried.
“Who say’s I haven’t?” I asked with feigned smugness. I haven’t and I wouldn’t, but they didn’t need to know that. They also didn’t need to know that my imagination and dreams were certainly pushing for me to make a move. It seemed she was a permanent part of my thoughts now, and they definitely did not need to know that.
“I caught her eyeing me a few times, you better move before I do,” Dale said with true smugness. “I fancy me a blonde as much as you do.”
“Hands off Dale,” I warned. Then I was irritated with myself, she wasn’t mine to be possessive of. Especially if she was showing interest in him. The jealously that flared at the thought froze me in place for a second. I took a couple deep breaths to expel the need to physically hurt my friend.
“Oohh, so touchy,” Ryan taunted.
Cord chimed in as well, “Sleeping with one little human, is not going to ruin your relationship with your mate.”
“And what if she is a wolf-shifter who hasn’t shifted yet?” Dale asked. His statement sounded playful and fun, but I wonder if his intuition was making him say that. I looked at him quizzically, he met my eye and shook his head slightly. It was bad enough that he made the connection and unknowingly spit it out of his mouth, he didn’t want them to know as well. I knew now that I had to find out, if it was the last thing I did.
“Please! no wolf-shifter in their right mind would come near Lillian willingly,” I s
aid. I needed to throw the conversation off that possibility, as quickly as possible. “Alright guys let’s head back. We don’t really want to be caught out here.” Was she a wolf-shifter? That didn’t seem to fit? Most wolf-shifters didn’t come anywhere near the castle, and they wouldn’t let themselves be beaten by Irene. Unless they were after something. Something like information. What if Alina was the spy?
I mule over the thoughts over and over as I led the way back on the small pathway. Almost back to the castle steps, I realized it was too quiet. The birds that were normally singing this time of day were quiet. My instincts went on alert and I felt Flynn close to the surface. He sensed it as well.
“Hey guys, you go on ahead. I’m going to head over to the servants quarters.” Dale and Cord raised their eyebrows at me while Ryan just smirked. The girl may be a pain, but she was a good alibi for me. I could see Dale’s questioning eyes didn’t match the others shock and amusement. His insight new I was lying, but he also knew better to question me. I winked at him, to throw him off and broke left, going around the castle instead through the back doors with them. When I was sure they were out of sight, I backtracked and slipped down the path.
Walking slowly, I waited for anything to raise my alarm, as I strained to hear all around me. Almost back to the training area now I sighed, dejected. There wasn’t anything or anyone out here. I turned towards the castle once more. Before I could take two steps, I heard a familiar whistle and the croak of a ravens call. I knew that raspy caw anywhere! ZEV! The memory slammed into me with such force, I almost stumbled.
“Where is Liam!” I asked more harshly than I intended, I knew it was the command controlling me and I couldn’t help myself. She curled herself into a smaller ball, trying to disappear entirely.
“Why do you want to know?” the young girl asked, her silver eyes narrowed in distrust, heart pounding with fear.
“It is my duty for the Queen,” my retort was still too harsh. I didn’t want to scare the girl. I was lucky, even for this small grey area in the command, that allowed me to answer at all.