by R L Medina
His pained look made my heart twist. I looked away, not able to stomach it. How was I supposed to help them? What he asked was impossible.
“I’m sorry, but—”
“Come with me. Just one day in the city and see it for yourself.” A fervor shone in his eyes.
“I can’t just leave my pack.”
“You said your alpha was in the city? I’ll help you look for him. Let me show you our camp and—”
“Drew.” Becca’s voice was edged with warning.
He glanced at her and back to me. “Please.”
“Our alpha doesn’t want to be tracked. He’ll return when he’s ready. I’m not going to risk myself by going into the city for no reason if it’s as dangerous as you say it is.”
Drew issued a harsh laugh. “But you’ll send us back there? To die?”
My lips pursed. “It can’t be that bad.”
“It is.”
I sighed. Part of me wanted to go. To scope out the city for threat and maybe…
Find our mate.
At least make sure he was okay. Diego’s words echoed in my mind. If what he said was true, I couldn’t just do nothing. If the witches had him, I needed to get him—before it was too late.
“Alright. I’ll go,” I consented. “But this doesn’t mean I’m letting you move your camp here.”
Drew nodded. “I know. Thank you.”
“It’s not that I don’t want to help but… I have to think about my pack.”
He kept nodding. “Of course. I know.”
I just had to tell Jay and Tati. The idea of explaining my decision to them made my stomach churn, but I couldn’t leave without telling them what I was up to.
Excusing myself I went to hunt down my betas. I found them inside the clubhouse, finishing their breakfast. Their eyes shot to me as soon as I approached. Everyone fell quiet. Ignoring the heavy tension and curious stares, I strode up to them with purpose.
“Good morning.”
“Morning,” they returned, eyes still narrowed on me.
My chest tightened. I hated how things had become between us and I knew that it was my fault, but I couldn’t take back what I’d said, and I didn’t know how to make things better.
“The humans left yet?” Jay asked.
“They’re leaving now and I’m going with them.”
Everyone watched us but didn’t say anything.
“I’m going to look for Elijah. To see if he’s really with the witches like Diego said he was.”
Jay’s face hardened. “And if he is?”
I met his stare. “Then we’ll get him back. We’ll have to come up with a plan first, but we’ll do it.”
“You’re not worried this is a trap? That the humans will take you captive?” Tati asked.
I scoffed. “I’ll be fine. But if it is a trap, then you two will be in charge. Don’t come after me.”
Jay shared a look with Tati but didn’t argue any further. After giving them instructions to keep an eye on everyone, I grabbed my rain jacket and hunting knife before meeting up with the twins. My wolf’s apprehension filled me. The thought of finding Elijah was the only thing convincing her that this was a good idea.
In silence, I followed them out of the neighborhood. Thoughts raced in my mind as we headed for the city.
What would we find there?
It didn’t take long until we made it to the outskirts of Savannah. Sweat beaded my forehead, the summer humidity thicker after the rain had stopped. The smell of campfires filled the empty streets. My chest tightened. Seeing the city for the first time since the curse made me pause. All the buildings looked the same, almost as if the spell hadn’t happened, but the abandoned cars and broken storefronts were proof enough of the world we were living in now.
“We have to move quickly.” Becca interrupted my thoughts.
Drew nodded to her and looked to me. “Our camp is on the other side of the city. An old movie theater.”
I scanned the square, my eyes snagging on the direction the Savannah witch coven would be. My wolf stirred, desperate to forget the humans and chase after Elijah. Pushing her down, I followed the others across the street.
They led me past empty restaurants and stores and down alleys. We made it to the older section of Savannah without any problems. The older historical buildings and cracked cobbled streets looked unchanged. Large oak trees covered with Spanish moss sprawled here and there, offering shade. We ran along the railroad tracks and entered the old city park Vines and weeds sprang up along the old statues and lampposts.
Wasting no time, Becca and Drew led me down a side street, motioning for me to be quiet.
“This is where all the humans are. Those who haven’t been captured by Diego or the vampires,” Drew explained.
“There should be guards posted. Where is everyone?” Becca frowned.
She loaded her gun and scanned the area.
Humans. My wolf warned. I looked around, squinting against the sun to spot what she’d sensed.
“Stay close with us.” Drew leaned closer to me.
My wolf bristled at his nearness.
Three armed humans appeared ahead of us, their expressions too far away to read.
Becca sighed in relief and moved forward.
Drew stood by me and gave me an encouraging smile. I watched as Becca led the others to us.
Two burly guys and one petite girl, all carrying guns, and judging by their harsh faces, they weren’t exactly thrilled to see me.
Careful, my wolf warned.
“Where’s Ben?” Becca demanded.
They exchanged glances.
Drew sucked in a breath. “What? What happened?”
One of the boys sighed. “Ben is dead. He was turned by a vamp. We had to put him down.”
My eyes widened at the confession. Drew swore, running a hand through his short hair.
“Jason is in charge now,” the other boy added.
Becca scoffed. “Jason? That twat can’t even shoot a gun.”
“That right, Becca?” a deeper voice called.
We turned to find a giant of a guy striding toward us. Small blue eyes peered at us from under a dirty baseball cap. The sleeves of his camo T-shirt were cut off to reveal muscular arms, the envy of any football quarterback.
Becca’s lip curled. Drew stiffened beside me and my wolf stood on guard. Jason’s eyes landed on me, lingering on my chest a little too long.
He grunted. “Who’s this?”
Drew took a step closer to me. “We should talk inside.”
Jason turned his head and spit. Becca shook her head in disgust and spun on her heel. Drew motioned me after her.
My heart pounded as the other humans brought up the rear. The thought that Jay had been right, and I was walking into a trap crossed my mind and made me shudder.
Loose gravel crunched beneath our boots as we walked. I twisted my neck, trying to take it all in and commit it to memory. Just in case it turned out to be a trap. But my gut instinct was to trust Drew. I didn’t know why, but I had faith in his sincerity.
They led me to an old movie theater where another guy stood guard, holding a shotgun. Letters were missing from the sign above it and the building was badly in need of a new paint job.
“How did Ben get turned?” Drew asked as we entered the building.
Jason shrugged. “Ambushed.”
“Here in the camp?”
The big guy shook his head. “No. In the alley.”
He turned to me. “What’s she doing here? She human? Her eyes look funny.”
I fought the urge to roll my ‘funny’ eyes. “She is right here and can talk for herself.”
He frowned at me. Clearly, he didn’t like a woman who could speak her mind.
“I’m Valeria. And I’m Alpha of the Shadow Wolves.”
His nose crinkled in distaste. “Werewolf?”
I dropped my arms by my side, ready to spring into action if needed.
“She’s o
ur friend. She helped us with… Jen.” Drew stepped between us.
Jason’s eyes narrowed. “Then, where is she? Huh? Where is Jen?”
“There was… she—”
“Jen’s dead. She got bit. Valeria, tried to help her. But she didn’t survive the change,” Becca cut him off.
I glanced at her. Wasn’t she going to tell him about the woods? About the body coming back to life?
Still frowning, he looked at us all and scratched the stubble on his chin. Others crowded around, whispers growing.
I could see it in their eyes. They didn’t trust me. I could hardly blame them after what happened to Jen.
My wolf snarled in warning.
“Well, what is she doing here?” Jason demanded.
Drew frowned at him. “I asked her to come. To see what it’s like in the city.” His gaze slid to me. “To convince her to let us make camp near her pack. Further outside the city.”
Jason scoffed. “Why would we do that? We’re fine here.”
Drew shot him a glare. “Fine? Jen was taken—”
“That’s because she left the compound. That’s on her,” Jason cut him off.
“They’re not going to stop coming after us,” Drew insisted.
Jason rolled his eyes. “And moving outside the city isn’t going to stop them either. Why would we go to a wolf’s camp?” His eyes met mine.
“I never agreed to let you camp with us.” I glanced at Drew.
He gave me a pained look. “It would be better for everyone if we joined together. You need us.”
My wolf growled.
“I can’t risk my pack.”
Jason snorted. “The alliance isn’t going to work, Drew. Even Ben knew that. Just give it up.”
Drew whipped toward him. “So what, we just surrender ourselves to Diego?”
“What about the witches? Won’t they help you?” I interrupted.
Someone gave a harsh laugh.
Jason sneered at me. “The witches? They’re the ones that helped Diego take over the city.”
A sliver of fear ran through me. Elijah was with the witches. Was he okay?
“I’m sure they wouldn’t hurt your friend.” Drew grabbed my hand and squeezed it.
My heart warmed at the contact. He wasn’t part of my pack, but I’d started thinking of him as one of us.
He’s not one of us. He’s human, my wolf reminded me.
Regardless, I couldn’t just do nothing while Diego hunted them, could I? My mind raced trying to come up with a solution.
Drew sighed. “We’re going to run out of food at some point and then we’ll be forced to leave camp. If we don’t make an alliance, we’re dead.”
Everyone fell silent at his gloomy prediction.
Guilt prickled at me. Jen’s monstrous transformation flashed in my mind, making me shudder. Would that happen to Drew? To Becca?
“Come with me to see the witch queen. Maybe she can help.” I looked to Drew.
He nodded. “Standing together is our only option.”
His twin shook her head, but if she disagreed, she didn’t voice it.
“How are you going to meet the queen without Diego catching you? She’s on the other side of the city,” someone pointed out.
Drew looked at me. “There’s a group of rogue witches on the other block. They haven’t exactly gone out of their way to help us, but they steer clear of Diego and the vampires too. Maybe we could go see them first?”
Rogue witches. My wolf howled with fury. The images of the attack were still fresh in our mind.
“Let’s go,” I agreed.
I wanted to speak to them and find out more about what had happened in the forest.
“Take a gun, Drew,” Becca instructed. “I’ll meet you at the back.”
He waved to her in acknowledgment and motioned for me to follow. I glanced around at the others sitting around, their eyes narrowed in distrust.
They looked tired and dirty.
Scared, my wolf added.
Drew led me farther into the old movie theater. The sunlight didn’t reach the back and there was a stale smell of popcorn, mildew, and pee. I covered my nose as I walked.
He turned on a flashlight and took me into one of the screen rooms. The white glow of his flashlight revealed blankets and pillows thrown around the chairs. Is this where they slept?
I watched as he rummaged inside a backpack sitting on one of the reclining seats.
“Your friend. You said he was your alpha?” He glanced at me.
“Yes.”
“So… like your mate?”
I flushed. “Well we haven’t completed the bonding ceremony with our wolves. He’s… just a friend.”
My wolf growled at me. Mate.
“Why did he leave?”
“He needed time… personal reasons.”
Drew frowned. “Sounds like you’re better off without him then.”
My wolf snarled, wanting to tear into him.
“He said he needed time, that’s all. The spell… it took everyone in his family except his sister. She was killed in the city. By a witch. He needed time to grieve.”
He set down his flashlight, the light illuminating around us. “I’m sorry. We’ve all lost someone.”
I nodded. Drew pulled out a gun, checked the safety, and shoved it into the top of his jeans. I watched as he zipped his backpack up.
As much as Elijah’s desertion still stung me, it didn’t feel right to tarnish his image in the eyes of this newcomer. He was still alpha.
And our mate.
My wolf’s words made me cringe. It was the promise I’d grown up with that Elijah and I were going to be together. I was expected to accept it and follow tradition, but the truth was, I’d never fully accepted it. I loved Elijah. He was my best friend, but I hated the idea of being bonded with someone against my will. Not that he would ever force me, but our wolves were fated to be together whether our human sides wanted it or not.
“Valeria?” Drew’s voice brought me back.
I met his gaze and blinked in surprise at his nearness. My wolf’s hackles rose. She didn’t like it.
“Sorry. What did you say?”
A small smile spread on his face. “I said his loss is my gain. I’m glad you’re here.”
I lashed out and shoved him against the theater wall, my wolf emerging before I could stop it.
His eyes widened in surprise and then something else flickered there. Desire. Heat spread across my skin as I stood nose to nose with him.
“I’m sorry… I—”
He removed my hand from his chest and pulled me closer. Shock filled me. My inner wolf pushed at my restraints, eager to rip him apart.
I shoved her emotions down. I wanted him to kiss me.
“Drew.” It was Becca’s voice that broke our moment.
He dropped his hands and groaned. “Sorry.”
I stepped back. “It’s okay. We better go.”
“Drew!” Her voice grew louder.
He sighed and grabbed his flashlight from the floor.
I followed him out, touching a finger to my lips and wondering what it would have felt like to be kissed by him.
My first kiss.
He’s not our mate. My wolf was indignant.
Right. I barely knew Drew and the shame of what I’d almost done washed over me. She was right—he wasn’t Elijah, but Elijah left. I rubbed a hand over my face. What was I doing? What was he doing? I’d seen how our new life pushed people together way too quickly. With the curse looming over everyone and brutal day-to-day survival the others needed something good to hold on to even if it wasn’t real.
But I was supposed to be the sensible one. The alpha.
I pulled my shoulders back and took a steadying breath. I could do this—be strong. I had to.
13
McKenzie
“Are you sure about this, Kenzie?” Kohl’s measured tone didn’t match the worry I read in his furrowed brow.
; I turned to face him. “No, but what other choice is there? If he can help me break the barrier then I have to go.”
He blew out a breath and shook his head. “I don’t trust his motives. Why is he offering to help us now? Why didn’t he come forward when he first woke up?”
“All good questions. Which I’ll be sure to ask him when we get there.”
Kohl’s lips pursed. “What if this is a trap?”
I walked over and grabbed his hands. “I’ll be fine, Kohl. He’d be stupid to try anything. You and the others will accompany me and be right there if I need you.”
“I just don’t see why he wants an audience with you alone.”
Yeah, I didn’t see why either and I had my own doubts, but I wasn’t going to voice them. Kohl didn’t need any more reason to worry about me.
“You’re the one who told me I should go.”
He scowled. “Yeah, with me.”
“And you’ll be there. If I start screaming for you, then you’ll know it was a trap. And if he kills me then—”
“Don’t say that. He’s not going to kill you. I’ll kill him first.”
His hands tightened around mine and his eyes grew stormy. A jolt went through me at his reaction. I averted my eyes.
“I was joking… kind of.”
“Not funny.”
I sighed. “Sorry. Look, I’m only telling you this, but I’m scared too. But we don’t have any other options. Let’s hear him out and see what he has to say. If it is trap, then we’ll take care of him.”
Kohl’s face softened. “Alright. I’m on your side. You know that, Kenzie.”
I did. Kohl was so painfully loyal at times and I wasn’t so sure I always deserved it. He waited for me to take the lead. I pushed away my doubts and headed for the stairs to gather the others.
The sun was starting to lower as Kohl stopped our car in front of the towering gates. Blake and Deepa fell silent in the backseat.
“Are you sure this is the right place?” Kohl’s brow furrowed.
I shrugged. “This is the address Fane gave me.”
“It doesn’t look like anyone’s lived there in forever. Everyone have their charms spelled?”
The others nodded in response. Our bracelets were spelled to keep us from being compelled. It was temporary, but all of us were strong enough casters to respell when the time came. After what happened to Mel’s best friend, many witches wore the charms for protection. But apparently Julia wasn’t one of them. I shuddered at the memory of her drained body. Her death wasn’t the first in our coven since the curse, but it was the first one caused by a vampire.