Her mother hugged her hard and kissed her brow. ‘Children are the greatest gift our kind can give to each other.’
Skye swallowed and touched her brow where the feel of her mother’s kiss lingered. A life without children was something that could not be borne by one of the Were.
‘The need to procreate—it is as much a part of our nature as is our animals. If that need is stifled, it can lead to insanity.’
Her mother’s words whispered around her, cruel, taunting words that brought a fresh bout of pain because of the truth that had always been inside her.
She couldn’t be with Jason.
She couldn’t be his and he couldn’t be hers because she’d been too young and weak and frightened to say no to her grandmother, even though deep inside she’d known what her grandmother insisted upon was wrong.
‘Skye. I know this is a lot to take in. I know you don’t, or can’t, believe in this right now, but it’s true. You are my mate. It’s why you feel so drawn to me, and I to you. That’s why we made love at the snow—neither of us could hold against ties far deeper than the Bond Wine could create.’ He leaned his forehead against hers, his breath brushing over her face in an intimate caress. ‘I think when your father bonded us when you were a baby, he’d seen that we were fated to be together.’
She closed her eyes against the horror behind his words, but it didn’t help. Her heart was tearing apart. She was dying inside.
He seemed to know her pain because his lips pressed against her brow in a comforting caress before he leaned back to look into her eyes once more.
‘That’s why you feel safe with me when you know so little about me. It’s why it hurts me when I can’t touch you. And I know you have to be hurting, too. But now you know. Now you don’t need to deny this any more.’ His voice was a harsh whisper against her ear, placating, but full of a deep pain at the thought she was denying him.
He didn’t understand.
Pulling back, she looked up into his eyes. ‘I love you too, Jason. But I—’
His lips covered hers, cutting off her words. Her thoughts swirled in her head, desire overtaking panic. And between his sweet, intoxicating kisses, his words tumbled into her mouth.
‘That you love me is enough … for now.’ He deepened the kiss, tongue tangling with hers, and she couldn’t resist.
When he eventually pulled back, he looked deep into her eyes, their panting breaths mingling. ‘The mating has only just started, but I don’t want to push you. There will be time to get to know each other better after we’ve tracked down this rogue coven and stopped them. After you and River are safe and the Curse is broken. If time is what you need, then I will court you some more.’
He crushed her to him again, and she was helpless against his words, against the passion and power of his kiss, his desire.
‘I would do anything for you, Skye Collins. Anything.’
Tears fell from her eyes as his words pierced her soul.
‘Hey,’ he said, brushing the tears from her cheeks. ‘What’s this?’
She closed her eyes against the stark look of unbridled love pouring from his startling blue eyes. ‘The mating bond isn’t complete,’ she said. It was her only hope now.
‘No. It needs acceptance from both sides for that to be so, and a few ceremonies, one public in front of family and friends, and one private, for us to be irrevocably linked. But it will happen for us, Skye, because I love you and you love me. The Fates meant for us to be together.’
She was shaking, couldn’t stop. His words were what her heart had always longed for, but they were the exact words she knew would destroy her. ‘I can’t—I can’t be with you, Jason. I can’t have children.’
His hands jerked on her face. ‘What? What are you talking about?’
‘I can’t have children.’ The words tumbled out. ‘Morrigan made me have a hysterectomy when I was in my teens. She used her money and influence to get it done because she was afraid of my power, that I would pass it on and that the rogue coven would try to go after any children I might have. Not that she said that to me at the time. I barely understood what was happening, but I was so afraid of my power, of passing the evil of it on, that I let her do it.’ Her lips trembled with the bitterness of that ignorant decision, one that she’d always regretted but never more than now.
‘You are Alpha. I might not have many memories, but what I do have lets me know that you must have children. For the health and wellbeing of pack, the Alpha must pass on his strength through blood. You need children. I can’t give them to you. I can’t be your mate.’
His hands dropped from her face and he inched away. ‘You are the last of your line.’
‘Yes.’ The word was a whisper torn out of her.
She watched as he got up and moved away to stare out the window, his words and actions ripping her heart from her chest as she knew they would. But it was worse, so much worse than she’d thought it would be because she suddenly realised something she’d never known before. Unless River had children and they were witches and warlocks, then she was it. And when she died, as one day she must, then the Curse would activate in full and it would be the end of them all.
When finally he spoke, his words were whispered, but the anguish in them whipped at her. ‘Why didn’t you tell me this before?’
‘I didn’t realise. I always thought it was just my pain to bear … I—I—I didn’t know.’
He spun to face her. ‘Your grandmother knew.’
‘No.’
‘She was one of us. She would have known.’ He rubbed his hand over his jaw, the rasp of his whiskers sounding like fingernails down a blackboard to her shredded nerves. ‘She must have hated us so much.’
Her mouth worked as a different pain sang a bitter melody through her, making her shudder. ‘Grandpa?’ she whimpered.
I didn’t know. His voice was an echo of pain beside her. I’m so sorry.
Skye shook her head, the words she wanted to say stuck in her throat, choking her.
Jason made a low sound of pain and turned away. ‘I have to think.’
She watched blindly as he left the room, wanting to stop him, to say something to take it all back, but she couldn’t. There was nothing she could say. Nothing she could do to take back the horror. Because even if she learned to master her powers and brought the pack back to strength, even if they tracked down the rogue coven and put an end to their evil plans, even if Jason and Adam got their revenge, it didn’t matter.
When she died, the Curse would re-establish and they would all die horrifying, painful deaths. All because of her.
No, not because of her. Because Morrigan had played on her fears and had taken advantage.
Her fingers tingled with the burn of her flame. But not only her fingers. Every inch of skin was suddenly drenched in cold, cold fire. And it was a burn that would never die until she found out why.
She stood. A light breeze fluttered her hair.
Where are you going in such a hurry, love?
‘Morrigan.’
No, Skye. Stop. You can’t go over there like this.
‘You wanted me to go to her.’
Not in anger.
‘She did this to me, to the pack. I have to know why.’
No. Stop, love. Think. There has to be a way to bind another witch or warlock to the pack—just as the original Colliere Witch did.
His words stopped her. ‘But she was a powerful witch.’
You are more powerful. You could do so much more. You could find someone, tie them to the pack. Everyone could be saved. But not if you burn yourself up first on a bit of revenge that will serve no one.
‘It will make me feel better,’ she snarled.
No, it won’t. That kind of energy, it burns from within. If you let it lash out, you will not only kill Morrigan, you’ll kill yourself. You’ll bring death to River and the pack now, not in some distant future.
His words doused the cold fire flickering on her skin. ‘But she has to pay.’
And if she truly did this thing, then she will. But you need her help, now more than ever. Hers and Alfrere’s. Morrigan was a Pack Witch. Even if her fear of the rogue coven made her do this, I don’t believe she meant to destroy the pack. She can help you. I know she can. I know she will.
‘Then I’ve only one choice, don’t I?’ She continued to the front door. She opened it. Adam stood outside.
‘Where are you going?’ He came towards her. His large hand landed on her shoulder, pulling her to his side, turning her back around.
She twisted out of his grip. She wouldn’t be stopped.
‘Skye? What’s wrong?’ He reached for her again.
Goaded by anger and desperation, she raised her hands. Fire flickered out of her fingers, and wind gusted around her. With a cry, she released her power at him.
He flew back, a startled look on his face, and slammed up against the side of the garage. There was a sickening crack as he hit, bounced off the brick and landed hard on the garden bed. He didn’t get up. Didn’t move.
Oh God, what had she done?
She raced forward, kneeling down beside Adam. He was breathing.
She buried her face in her hands and began to shake.
A sigh fluttered her hair. It’s okay. He’ll be fine. Were are made of steel in comparison to the rest of us. Just call the others. They’ll help you. It’s not too late.
‘No. I have to go.’
No, you don’t. Skye, love, just wait.
She shook her head. She loved her grandpa, but he wasn’t right in this. She had to go before the anger grew again and she hurt someone else. She needed answers and Morrigan was the only one who could give them to her.
‘I’m sorry,’ she whispered to Adam then clambered to her feet. The wound in her leg ached a little, but it was nothing compared to how it had felt.
With one last glance down at Adam, she turned and ran down the path to the garage, the cold, blossom and eucalypt-scented air cutting at her throat as she gasped for breath, grasped at control. She couldn’t face Morrigan if she wasn’t in control.
Pressing the button to open the door, she pulled her keys out of her pocket and walked into the dark. A minute later, she had the car started. Looking over her shoulder, she pulled out of the garage and down the drive.
There were people out on the street dressed in costume.
It’s Halloween. Happy birthday, love.
How could she have lost track of days like that? She’d been so caught up in everything that she’d forgotten. She hadn’t called River or given him a birthday present. Not that any of that would matter if she didn’t find some way of saving the pack.
He’d forgive her. He always had.
A prickling sensation chased down her back, but she didn’t know if it was fear or adrenaline-shot worry. She ignored it. It didn’t matter if the rogue coven followed her now. They couldn’t get inside Morrigan’s house, not with the barrier Alfrere could erect. She waited for a happy group of trick-or-treaters to pass the driveway, then reversed out with a squeal of wheels, changed the gear and took off down the street, not even noticing she was speeding.
***
‘I think this is important, Shelley.’
‘But it makes no sense. Especially in relation to us.’
Jason could hear Shelley’s frustration as he approached the door. He probably should tell them he was here—he didn’t want to eavesdrop on a private conversation, but then Bron’s words caught his attention.
‘I think it does. We might not have power like witches do, but we’re able to harness it. That’s what we do when we call on the Goddess. And I think that’s what this spell is about. I think Paul left us a clue as to how to help Skye and the Were. We need to tell Skye and the others.’
‘Is that wise? I mean, we don’t want to give false hope.’
‘Hope is never false—and don’t roll your eyes at me, it’s true.’
‘Don’t you think we should go and tell Skye now?’
‘Tell her what?’ Jason asked as he walked into the kitchen. Shelley turned around to look at him, a biscuit up to her mouth.
Bron looked past him. ‘Where’s Skye?’
‘I left her in the study. I had to think.’
‘You left her there?’ Shelley asked, daggers in her eyes as she put the biscuit tin down on the edge of the bench. ‘She was injured. You were supposed to look after her. I thought you were her mate.’
Jason clenched his hands at his side. ‘I am. But she told me she couldn’t have children. I didn’t react very well to the news.’
‘You walked out?’
‘I know, it was stupid. I realise that now. But it’s not every day the woman you love more than anything, the woman upon whom the safety of your pack rests, tells you she is the last of her line.’
‘Oh, Goddess!’ Bron gasped. ‘I never thought of that. If she can’t have children, it means your pack will die when she does.’
Jason nodded.
Shelley swore and swung around, knocking the tin of biscuits to the floor with a deafening clatter.
‘What’s wrong? Where are you going?’ Jason called after her.
‘Skye’s gone to Morrigan.’
Jason shook his head as he followed her, Bron trailing behind. ‘No. Adam wouldn’t have let her through.’
‘He might not have had a chance. Skye must realise Morrigan knew what the hysterectomy would do to the pack. If I know anything about my friend, she wouldn’t let Adam stop her from going to Morrigan to get answers. Maybe even to seek revenge for what she’s done to all of you.’
Heart in his mouth because he knew Shelley was right, Jason reached the front door and swung it open. ‘Fuck!’ He leapt towards the body crumpled on the garden bed next to the garage.
‘Adam!’ Bron cried behind him.
Jason knelt beside his brother and lifted him into his arms. Adam moaned. Relief flooded through Jason. He leaned his forehead against Adam’s.
‘Ugh. What the hell happened?’ Adam muttered. ‘Why do I feel so crap? And why can’t I move my arm?’
‘It looks like his shoulder’s dislocated.’ Jason turned to Shelley, who had come to kneel beside him.
Adam peered at her groggily. ‘How did you get up there? And why’s there two of you, kitten? Not that I mind.’
‘I think he’s hit his head,’ Bron said.
‘You reckon?’ Shelley snorted. ‘I’ll check that out in a moment, but his shoulder needs to be put back in first. The longer it’s left like that, the more damage to his ligaments.’
Jason nodded. He couldn’t bear the thought of his brother being in pain. He was the Trickster—full of life and fun and laughter, something he fed into the pack. Something that had been sorely needed as the years without a Pack Witch crept past. But it went deeper than that. He knew now the Trickster’s relationship with the pack was symbiotic. He had to feed happiness into the pack because that’s what he needed to survive. The blow of Skye’s revelation tonight could just be the thing that killed Adam.
‘We need to fix this.’
‘Hold him and I can.’
Jason stared at Shelley for a moment before realising she meant Adam’s arm. Yes. Fix Adam’s arm then fix the rest.
He held his brother as she took his arm and pulled.
‘Holy fucking crap!’ Adam yelled. ‘That hurts like a bitch.’ He glared up at Jason, his eyes suddenly clear. ‘What the hell did I do to you?’
‘Your shoulder was dislocated. Shelley put it back in.’
‘That explains it,’ Adam muttered. He glanced over at Shelley. ‘Thanks, I guess.’
‘How do you feel?’
‘I’m a wolf, kitten.’ He flashed her a grin. ‘I’ll heal. Help me up, J.’
Jason put his arm cautiously around his brother and helped him sit upright.
Adam clutched his head. ‘Crap. My head is killing me.’
‘Here, I can help with that.’ Bron kneeled by him, cupped her hands just a
bove his skull, closed her eyes and muttered something under her breath. Jason would have sworn he could see a faint golden light glow from her palms spreading over Adam’s head. He frowned. He knew Bron was a reiki healer, but this seemed to be something more.
After a minute, Adam sat up.
‘That feels better already. Thanks.’ He looked up at Jason. ‘What happened?’
‘That’s what we wanted to ask you,’ Shelley said.
Adam shook his head. ‘I remember Skye coming out the door. She looked strange and I think I suggested she go back inside and then something hit me. Like a huge gust of wind.’ He looked up at Jason. ‘She used her powers on me, but I don’t know if it was really her looking out of those eyes.’
‘Why do you say that?’ Jason asked, throat dry and tight.
‘Because they were completely black. A poisonous, swirling black that chilled me to my soul.’
Jason leapt to his feet. ‘Have you got this?’ he asked Shelley, his gaze on Adam.
‘Go. We’ll meet you there.’
‘Where?’ Adam asked.
‘Cantrae House.’
‘Just give me a second and I’ll be at your back.’
Jason shook his head. ‘No time. I have to catch her before she does something stupid. Fuck! This is all my fault.’
‘What’s your fault?’ Adam asked, but Jason didn’t answer, because he was already running, pulling his aura around him so he wouldn’t frighten the hell out of the trick-or-treaters still on the street with the speed of his passing. His wolf wanted out, but he held him in, knowing he might need the power and speed of the wolf later. Racing through the streets, following the path he had taken only two nights before, he made his way to Cantrae House.
He just hoped Morrigan would be able to hold Skye’s powers in check and keep her safe until he got there. Because if something bad happened, he knew Skye would never be able to forgive herself.
And he would never be able to forgive himself for letting her down.
Chapter 19
Ferris didn’t answer the door when Skye rang the bell. Instead, the tingle of magic caressed her skin as the door opened. The warlock, Alfrere Juneau, stood inside the hallway, too far from the door to have opened it with his hand.
Leisl Leighton - [Pack Bound 01] Page 27