by M H Soars
Crossing my arms, I say, “I don’t follow.”
“Look at the dates. Those people lived around the same time this town was founded. I believe those are the dates of their deaths, and they’re not too far apart from one another.”
Dante stares at Sam and me expectantly, but when neither of us say anything, he continues. “What if those are the names of the original Mother of Wolves and the members of her pack?”
I let out a groan. “Dante, please. Let’s not start with that nonsense now.”
“No, Tristan. It’s high time you start accepting what’s right in front of you. The Mother of Wolves legend is real, and I’m almost one-hundred-percent sure Red is her reincarnation.”
“Even if that’s true, how does knowing her name in a previous life help us now?” I fire back.
“I don’t know yet.”
“Sorry to interrupt your useless argument, but aren’t you forgetting one concerning detail?”
I glare at Sam. “What?”
“If this list is what Dante thinks it is, then Zeke is aware Red could be the Mother of Wolves, which means—”
“Other scumbags from the underworld might know as well,” Dante finishes, then curses.
I rub my face, frustration, anger, and fear swirling in a dangerous mix. “Let’s go find Red.”
With purposeful steps, I march out of the house, but my stride is cut short by my mother’s approach. Lyria and Billy are right behind her, carrying a beat-up Seth between them.
“What happened?” I ask.
“We know where Red is,” Mom replies, the hard set of her jaw telling me it’s not good news.
“Where is she?” Sam takes a step forward, wincing a little as he does. He hasn’t recovered completely, but he seems determined to ignore the pain.
Seth lifts his bruised face, one eye completely shut and purple, his lips split and bleeding.
“Valerius sent his cronies. She’s in Shadow Creek.”
Chapter 3
Dante
I don’t take my eyes off Seth as he tells us the story of how three Shadow Creek enforcers ambushed Red and took her away with them. Seth had been around the area, heard her cry for help, but had been overwhelmed in the end.
“You said those shifters were in human form. Why didn’t you shift when you heard Red’s cry?” I ask, watching the enforcer closely.
Seth’s jaw sets into a hard line. Grinding his teeth together, he finally bites out, “I did shift, but one of them hit me in the eye with the butt of his tranquilizer gun. Hence this.” Seth touches his swollen-shut eye. “Then two of them shifted as well, and kept me busy while the other escaped with Red.”
“I found Seth in the forest near the path leading to your studio, Dante,” Lyria chimes in. “Those Shadow Creek wolves meant business. They would have finished Seth off if I hadn’t showed up.”
Lies. The word comes to my mind unbidden, as a warning. There are no visible telltale signs in Lyria’s demeanor that she’s being untruthful. It must be my gift manifesting, then. I watch Seth and Lyria closely now. Both had plenty of reasons to get rid of Red. They’re cunning enough to realize she stood in their way of power.
Billy fidgets where he stands, drawing my attention. Our stares connect for a brief second before he lowers his eyes to the ground. Interesting. Does he know something? I need to speak to him in private.
“I swear to God, if those fuckers touch one strand of Red’s hair, I’m going to tear them apart limb by limb,” Sam replies, his voice almost coming out as a growl.
You’re not the only one, brother. I keep the thought to myself instead of broadcasting to him. Sam doesn’t need me riling him up.
Tristan takes a step away from us, but stops when Mom calls to him, “Where do you think you’re going, Tristan?”
My oldest brother can’t hide the glint of surprise shining in his eyes when he looks over his shoulder. “I’m heading for my Jeep. I’m going after Red.”
“No, you’re not.”
“You can’t be serious,” Sam complains.
The urge to speak out against Mom’s command is paramount for me, too, but I swallow back the retort. I know very well what she’s going to say next. Technically, Red doesn’t belong here with us, mating bond or not. She’s a Shadow Creek wolf. But Seth and Lyria don’t know that yet, at least not officially. It’s possible Seth got that piece of information by snooping around, though.
“I’m dead serious, Samuel. If the you three show up at the Shadow Creek pack’s territory with claws and teeth bared, Valerius will have all the ammunition he needs to declare war against us.”
“So what? Those fuckers have been messing with us for years. They’re probably behind those mind-controlled rogue wolves, too,” Sam continues.
“What mind-controlled wolves?” Lyria asks, and I immediately curse in my head. Damn Sam and his big mouth.
The ire shining in our mother’s eyes tells me she also wants to throttle Sam for letting that information slip.
“I know a war should be avoided at all costs, but if we don’t do anything, it will only embolden Valerius more. We need to make a stand,” Tristan continues, ignoring Lyria’s question.
“And we will…but with a cool head and a strategy behind it.” Mom raises her chin, exerting her alpha power, daring anyone to contradict her.
Tristan balls his hands into fists by his side, clenching his jaw so hard I’m afraid he might crack a couple of teeth.
“I don’t understand why Valerius would kidnap Red,” Lyria says. “What’s so special about her?”
Keeping the growl that bubbles up my throat contained is a great effort. Those are exactly the words I would expect from the former beta, especially considering her infatuation with Tristan and how he lost the little interest he had in her when Red came along. However, underlying Lyria’s contemptuous tone, I catch a hint of deceit. She knows exactly why Valerius took Red.
“Take Seth to the infirmary. I’ll be right there to have a look at his injuries,” Mom says.
No sooner had Mom spoken those words than a black SUV comes up the driveway leading to the front of the alpha’s manor. I freeze on the spot, sensing more than seeing Tristan and Sam tense up as well. We all recognize Mayor Montgomery’s car approaching. Fucking fantastic.
“What is she doing here?” Tristan asks in a low, dangerous tone.
Pinching the bridge of her nose, Mom sighs. “I called Mayor Montgomery to let her know about your father. Likely, she came to pay her respects in person.”
Mom turns to Lyria. “Go on. I don’t want the mayor to see Seth like that.”
Without a word, Lyria and Billy drag Seth inside the house, using the main entrance instead of the clinic’s door on the side of the building. A few seconds later, the mayor’s car stops in front of us. The driver steps out, then opens the back door. A slender woman wearing a sharp suit emerges from the vehicle. Her light blonde hair is pulled back in a severe bun, emphasizing her resting bitch face even more.
Her cold gaze sweeps past my brothers and me before she focuses on Mom, who stands stiffly next to Sam. Without any greeting, she approaches her, kissing her on both cheeks when she’s near. I’ve never seen the mayor greet anyone like that, not even her husband, but I’ll go out on a limb and say Mom didn’t appreciate the gesture.
“I’m so sorry for your loss, Mervina. Anthony was a great shifter and leader. He’ll be missed.”
“Thank you, Georgina. Anthony was indeed a great leader.”
It’s strange to hear Mom greet the mayor by her first name, but due to the nature of the woman’s visit, I suppose a more informal approach is warranted. They were both part of the same coven before Mom chose to be turned into a shifter. But that’s as far as my knowledge goes about their previous relationship. I don’t even know if they were close friends before.
“If there’s anything I can do, let me know.”
Mom opens her mouth, but Tristan cuts in.
“How about yo
u grant Wolfe Corp the permits so we can resume construction?”
The mayor furrows her eyebrows. “Tristan, you’re aware Valerius is claiming ownership of those lands. It’s my job to make sure you’re not building on property that doesn’t belong to you.”
“Cut the bullshit. You know very well we bought those lands legally. Our documentation is solid. Valerius has no claim over them.”
The mayor’s gaze turns icy cold as she narrows her eyes to slits. “I’ll let that lack of respect slide taking into consideration you’re grieving. Besides, I didn’t come here to discuss business.”
“And we know that, Georgina. Thanks for coming. But as you can imagine, there’s much to be done.”
The mayor runs her hands over the front of her jacket, smoothing invisible lines. “Of course. I should head back to the town hall anyway. My job as the mayor never ends.”
Sam snorts a little too loudly, catching the woman’s attention. She glares before returning her attention to Mom once more. “When can we expect an official announcement from you?”
“An official announcement? About what?”
“I don’t want to sound insensitive, but with the tense situation between you and the Shadow Creek pack, the sooner we know who your new alpha is, the better.”
The blood rushes to Mom’s cheeks as her expression turns murderous. “I am the alpha. Is that official enough for you?”
The mayor’s eyebrows shoot to the heavens as her mouth turns into an “O”. “I didn’t realize you planned to rule the pack alone. Is that…wise?”
“Are you questioning my ability to lead?”
“Oh, no, far from it. It’s just this pack never had a female alpha lead alone before, and with the tensions high between you and Valerius… I just don’t want to see a shifter war break out. I don’t have the resources to come to your rescue, and I might not be allowed to help if Valerius has cause to demand reparations.”
Fuck. The mayor is in league with that fork-tongued snake. She’s already laying down her excuses not to assist us if Valerius decides to attack.
“What cause could Valerius possibly have to declare war against us? A land dispute?” Mom asks, her tone now ten degrees colder.
“Oh, no. Not a land dispute, but if he found out you broke a common shifter law, like harboring a newly made wolf who doesn’t belong to your pack for instance, he will be within his right to strike you if he wishes.”
Damn it. How can the mayor know about Red? Who leaked that information?
Mom’s expression becomes as hard as stone, impenetrable. What she’s thinking isn’t obvious; she’s the epitome of neutrality. “Message duly noted, Georgina. Thanks for coming.”
With a brief nod of her head, the mayor turns on her heels and slips into the waiting car. It’s only when the SUV disappears down the driveway that Mom speaks again.
“While I tend to Seth, I want you three to decide who is going to pay Valerius a visit and claim Red as your mate.”
Chapter 4
Red
I blink in rapid succession while my brain grapples with Valerius’s words. My stunned silence lasts a couple of beats before I can find my voice.
“You planned this? Did Seth and Lyria help you as well?”
Valerius flicks a strand of his hair back, an arrogant gesture that has me wishing I was loose so I could punch the smugness from his face.
“Oh, dear. Wouldn’t you like to know?”
“You’re odious.” I struggle against my bindings once more. In my anger, I feel my wolf rise again from the place it had been numbed down. Maybe the key to awakening it completely is to allow the anger to spread. It had worked in my first days as a wolf when I couldn’t take animal form unless I was aggravated enough.
“Odious,” he snorts. “You couldn’t be more boring, could you? I’d love to stay here and listen to you throw half-baked insults at me, but I have a feast to prepare.”
“You’re throwing a party? What for?”
“To celebrate Anthony Wolfe’s death, naturally. That bastard lasted long enough. It’s quite fitting he died at the hands of his own sons.”
My stomach clenches painfully as I remember that terrible fight. Only a monster would rejoice in the pain of someone’s death.
“Did Seth give you that information?”
“That little vermin didn’t need to tell me anything. I have eyes everywhere.”
Shit, he has more spies in our midst? Who? He’s not going to tell me if I just ask. I need to find another way to get that information, and then get out of here so I can warn my mates and Dr. Mervina.
“If that’s so, then you don’t need me for intel.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, Amelia. Your knowledge will be most helpful. You’ll see.”
I make a sound in the back of my throat that almost sounds like a growl.
“Now, don’t be ungrateful.” Valerius continues. “This is also your welcome party. The pack is dying to meet you.” The man’s devious smile tells me his wolves are anything but excited to greet me.
“I thought you would keep me chained up until I agreed to betray my—the Crimson Hollow pack.”
Valerius waves his hand in a dismissive motion. “Nah, the bindings and this prison cell have served their purpose already.”
“What purpose is that?” I hiss.
He ignores my question, switching his attention to my bound wrists. It’s easy to guess the reason, though. He did it to scare the shit out of me. Bastard.
“So am I free to go?”
“Hmm, that would be too easy. Rather, I’ll leave this door open. When you manage to get free of your bindings, you can walk straight out.”
Yeah, right. This sounds way too easy. There must be a catch.
“You’re not afraid I’m going to run away?”
“Oh, Amelia. You could try to escape, but you’ll find that no one enters or leaves my domains without my permission.” Valerius smiles smugly before his attention turns to Nadine. His expression immediately becomes one of disdain.
“What are you still doing here, mutt? You have a pile of onions with your name on it to peel.”
Nadine turns her gaze to the ground before scampering out of the room. I wonder if she’s an omega like I was. She sure acts submissively enough.
“You shouldn’t treat your wolves like that. It’s despicable.”
“That’s how I rule my pack, and you’d better learn to fall in line quickly. Mother of Wolves or not, I won’t tolerate insubordination. I’m not a softy like the members of the Wolfe family.”
“You know nothing about them,” I say through clenched teeth.
Valerius narrows his eyes, and his lips curl upward, revealing the hint of teeth. “If that’s the case, you’ll remedy it soon enough.”
I open my mouth to rebuff his remark, but he swings around, leaving the room before I can say anything. But good to his word, he left the door wide open. I don’t trust this. It must be a trap, but I can’t simply stay here and do nothing.
Struggling against the bindings, I try to break free once more. Valerius might think it’s impossible to escape his territory, but impossible to me just means someone didn’t try hard enough.
As much as I struggle, I’m no closer to breaking free, though. My wrists are scratched raw, the skin close to the leather bindings red. It’s no use—only my wolf will be able to break free of these.
With a deep breath, I focus on the tiny energy dancing inside of my core. It’s nothing but a fragment of what my power used to be, but it gives me hope.
I don’t know how long I keep my eyes closed, imagining my wolf breaking free from its prison. Hours must have passed, but I felt my wolf getting stronger with each minute. It motivates me to keep trying without stopping.
I only attempt a shift when I sense the wolf’s energy spreading through my limbs. Its essence is not as strong as it used to be, but I have wasted enough time already. At first, nothing happens. I don’t feel the usual tremb
ling sensation rip through my body. But finally, a ripple finally runs down my spine, and my fingers begin to tingle. The only problem is I sense the wolf slipping away. I’m losing it. To push it through, I bite my lower lip and think about Seth and Lyria, the two snakes who betrayed my pack. I imagine myself punching Lyria in the face, breaking all her teeth. A low growl erupts from my throat, and the picture I painted in my head changes to something way more vicious. It’s my wolf’s thoughts. In it, it’s tearing that woman to pieces limb by limb. Such savagery should terrify me, but I’m past the point of caring. I let the beast take control. Like a tsunami, it rushes through my cells, almost erasing my human thoughts completely.
When my joints snap and my muscles begin to move and change shape, I rejoice in the sharp pain. It’s working. I’m shifting. Then there’s the sound of the bindings tearing off. I’m free.
I leap out of the bed, landing on four paws. The urge to howl is immense, but I can’t draw attention to myself right now. I need to escape. What I do is sniff the air, then the ground, trying to pick up on any scent that might be important. There’s nothing out of the ordinary besides a faint scent of ammonia, which I assume was used to clean the place.
Sticking my head out of the door, I look left and right. A long and dark corridor stretches in both directions. Besides the absence of an immediate threat, a shiver runs down my spine. This place is spooky as hell. My body is tense, and I’m on defense mode as I pick a direction. I can’t tell if it will lead to the exit or not.
The place seems deserted, but the strangest detail is my door is the only one in the entire corridor. The hallway stretches several yards, and there’s nothing but smooth concrete walls on both sides. However, the farther I go, the faster my heart beats as a great sense of doom hangs above me. It’s a bad feeling that I can’t shake off. Whether it’s my sixth sense, or something else entirely warning me, I don’t know. What I do know is I’m definitely not going in the right direction.