“Shit!” Just as he said the word, a massive dark gray wolf, snarling and frothing at the mouth, landed not two feet away from them. Atticus instantly pushed Danica behind him. He would fight, no matter the outcome as long as it gave her a chance.
Just as the wolf charged him, Danica screamed, “No, Matt! Stop.”
Much to his surprise, the wolf actually listened although he was still baring his teeth and had moved in front of Dani. That pissed Atticus off. Had he not been weakened by his own foolishness, he would have destroyed the wolf. The wolf changed into none other than Matthias Valentin, Lucas’ brother. Before either of them could say a word, Matt reared his fist back and punched Atticus, knocking him out cold. Atticus’ last thought before the darkness took him was before any of this was done, the scrawny wolf would pay.
Chapter 12
Dani didn’t think, she rushed to Atticus’ prone form, assuring herself he was okay. Noticing the slight trickle of blood leaving his now swollen and obviously broken nose, Dani saw nothing but red. A smaller, rational part of her brain realized she shouldn’t be feeling this way—Atticus had kidnapped her and put her in the path of his demented coven—but she only saw red. Standing, she rounded on Matt, smacking him several times.
“How dare you harm my mate!” Dani screeched. Matt looked at her, puzzlement behind his golden eyes, a fine line of fury hidden behind their brightness. It was then she realized what she’d said. She called Atticus her mate, something she didn’t want or hadn’t wanted, but the rage from the protective wolf that lived inside her would not be sated without drawing some blood of her own. Dani fought the urge down.
Using the techniques of old, she calmed herself and her wolf, stepping several feet away until she spoke with the gravelly growl of her wolf. She had only slightly managed to gain control, but it was short-lived. Feeling the others so close to the house, she turned to Matt.
“We need to leave, and since you decided to knock him out, you get to carry him.”
“I will do no such thing,” Matt growled. “He can die here for his sins.”
“And what sins are those Matthias, son of Marcus, former Alpha of the Valentin pack? Greed? Envy? Lust? Or maybe pride? Are you free from ever committing these sins you speak of?” Dani sneered. She and Matt had grown up together, as children the best of friends. As adults, they avoided each other at all costs. His father had turned Matt into something Dani didn’t respect or wish to be around. There were moments where his true self would shine through, the carefree boy with kindness in his eyes, but those times were few and far between.
Marcus had been a cruel Alpha to everyone and had made sure Matt was reared in his image—if only to pit son against son—but Matt hadn’t done anything to stop it. He’d reveled in his Alpha Father’s attention and did things that made Dani’s skin crawl. She couldn’t even figure out why he of all people was here right now, apparently, to save her. One of the others, yes, she could see that. But Matt? No, not him even with the changes Lucas had caused to happen in the pack.
“Dani, do you honestly believe I would allow harm to come to you?”
The look on his face gave her pause, but there was just so much in their past she just couldn’t ignore. He had watched as Marcus beat her and Owen and the others, all of them—strangers, friend, and foe. He had even participated when Marcus demanded it. Then there were the evil, hateful words. Dani always knew she was capable of forgiveness and had in some ways already done that, but she would never forget—she would remember every bruise and broken bone.
“Dani, we don’t have time for this, we must go.” Matt shook his head, his eyes sparkling with shame as if he too was remembering the things he had done. “The coven is close, and it’s only the two of us here, we can’t defeat them by ourselves. Please, just this once, trust me. I won’t ask it of you again.”
“That’s the three of us, wolf!”
Sage stood in the doorway, sword at her side, every bit of the warrior woman Dani had first met, the scared, hurt and defeated woman from early all but a memory.
Matt’s growl was cut off when he looked at Sage, a new light shining in his eyes, one Dani only recognized because it was exactly the same as the one Atticus gifted her. Hmm, this could be interesting, but the thought was short-lived as she sensed the coven getting closer. Their time had run out.
She crouched next to Atticus, using the minute amount of healing magic she had left to try to rouse him, but it wasn’t working. Desperation caused her to slap his face a couple of times but still nothing. She was close to panicking—they were going to die here, all of them.
“Shh!” Sage said, brushing her hand on the top of Dani’s hair. “I will fix this, little sister.”
Turning to Matt, she stated harshly, “My magic is low, but I can get Danica, mate of my brother, far enough away to protect her from the coven.”
“No, Vampire! I will take my little sister, and you can deal with your own kind. This isn’t our fight, you and the abomination can fend for yourself. We will not be a party to it.”
Matt had adapted the arrogant attitude of a prince, just like he often had in the past. His tone disgusted Dani. Before she could call him out on his attitude, Sage turned and smiled at him, her lengthened and sharp incisors showing on her blood red lips.
“No, wolf! You are not in charge here.”
Dani felt herself being yanked up and pulled, then the world blurred around her. Sage had flashed with her, taking her God knows where. At first, she tried to fight, but the flash was messing with her body and mind. She sensed Matt, but they were moving further away. Sage stopped abruptly and helped Dani to sag against a tree.
“Wait here, little sister. I will make sure the wolf does both our bidding, then I’ll be back.” A second later, she was gone again.
Dani sat on the cold, hard ground, unable to do much else, the short flash having discombobulated her. Natural wolves were fast, werewolves even quicker, but Vampire, damn… she couldn’t even explain it. It was like her body had gone at hyper-speed, part of her still left at the house, and the other sat in the middle of the woods.
Minutes went by but felt like hours. She was helpless here. If the coven came upon her, she wouldn’t even be able to fight. Calling to her wolf, the creature was still tucked down low and wouldn’t be roused. She allowed the first tears to slip from her eyes. What had she done?
Sage appeared where one second ago, only the dark of the night shone.
“Ah, little sister, do not fret so much. I have a plan.” Sage was smiling, and Dani realized she was enjoying this. Dani wasn’t enjoying any of it. She wanted to curl into a little ball and wish it all away, but she had to ask.
“Why are you being so kind to me now?”
“Hmm…” Sage murmured, cocking her head to the side as if thinking. “You fought for him, for my brother and myself when I was unable to, showing great strength.” Sage bowed her head to Dani. “You did what I couldn’t, and I respect that. But, petite souer, it is more than just your bravery and strength, I believe you actually care for my Atti, and for the first time, I think there is hope, that you and you alone can save him.”
Dani started at Sage’s words. She wanted to believe them, but all she had really done was cause Atticus harm to the point, Dani didn’t think she was capable of healing him, of saving him.
“What if I can’t? What if my presence in his life only condemns us all?”
“Then, little sister, it’s what is meant to be, and Atticus and I will accept the gift of hope you have so freely given in such a miserable time. I would rather have the knowledge there is hope than none at all. We have lived that way for much too long now. But…” Sage said, looking at Dani pointedly, “if you repeat any of these frivolous words, I will deny them.”
“Ah, always the hardened warrior?” Dani quipped, feeling just a little lighter.
“It’s the only way to be, little sister. In Atti and my world, it’s the only thing that has saved us, time and time agai
n. I think you know what it’s like to live under the reign of a cruel and devious master, do you not?”
Dani didn’t answer, only nodding her head. She did know but had a feeling Marcus Valentin was nothing compared to the monster Atticus and Sage had been bound too. The bond between her and Atticus had strengthened, and she was starting to feel the pull of the master they served. It was only slight for herself now, but for Sage and Atticus it would be tenfold.
“Come now, little wolf, we must keep moving. I will allow you to take breaks, but this journey won’t be easy on you or your wolf.” When Sage put her hand out to help her up, Dani took it. As was her natural instinct, she immediately checked the Vampire for wellness and found Sage had strength in her magic, but she was severely weakened. This journey would be equally hard on the beautiful Vampire.
Dani stood and brushed the dirt and leaves from her backside and started to walk at Sage’s side.
“What of Atticus and Matthias. Shouldn’t we go back and help?” Dani didn’t like the idea of Matt being alone with Atticus in his current state. Atticus wouldn’t be able to defend himself even if he was awake.
Sage smiled brilliantly, “See, little sister, you do care!”
“No, I’m merely concerned,” Dani denied, not willing to admit anything out loud at the moment.
“Let's just say I gave that mangy, arrogant wolf a choice,” Sage winked. “One he would be a fool to not follow through with.”
“So, in other words, there was no choice involved, only a suggestion of one.”
“You catch on fast, little sister. When dealing with these Alphas, you must learn to play the game as well as they do. Make them believe it’s their choice, and they will do anything. If that doesn’t work, you give them no alternative. Alphas don’t like ultimatums,” Sage laughed.
“No, ultimatums can get you killed.” Shit, this wasn’t good. She was putting a lot of faith in Sage’s ability to get Matt to do what they needed, but Matt was a hot head, and at times, cruel. Atticus wouldn’t stand a chance with him. Chewing on her lip, Dani worried. Sage stopped her steps, turning and putting her hands on Dani’s shoulder, looking her square in the eyes.
“Oh now, none of that, Atticus will be fine, and the wolf will do as I bid.”
“But how do you know?”
“Because I challenged him, and in the process, I also enticed him. Matthias Valentin will do as I have directed, not only for you but for the chance to prove to me he is a true Alpha.”
“I still don’t understand.”
“You’re young and don’t know the ways of men yet. But remember this, as I am sure at some point you will need to do the same with Atticus, men are simple creatures. They require very little—lust, dominance, and power. Those three simple words, give them one or all, and you hold them in the palm of your hand to do with what you will.”
Dani didn’t think it was that simple but honestly didn’t know. She had never been manipulative, didn’t believe in it, but she had watched Emily work her wiles with Marcus to obtain what she wanted so maybe it was that simple. The problem wasn’t with what Sage was saying to her, it was the fact Dani didn’t want to be that kind of person. She wanted respect and love in her relationship with her mate, and if she was manipulating him, how could that genuinely happen? Wouldn’t it always just be a game with no real feelings?
They walked for several miles, each of them quiet, deep in their own thoughts when Sage abruptly stopped, stiffening. Dani’s powers were coming back, so she pushed them out. The coven was on them once again, not as many as before but enough to cause them a problem. Dani grabbed Sage's hand, and the Vampire allowed it. Searching, she quickly realized Sage wasn’t ready to flash again yet. They needed a diversion.
Dani’s wolf was closer to the surface, but still not a help to either of them. Holding her hands out Dani, let her healing magic out into the forest. It was a call to anything in the area that needed her care. She sensed a couple of small animals with varying injuries. Reaching out, she let her magic follow their trail. It wouldn’t have the same effect of her placing her hands on the animal, but it would offer them a small amount of her gift.
So far, these were all small animals, nothing that could give her the distraction she needed, then she sensed one close enough where she thought this might work. It also might be their only chance of surviving the next fifteen minutes. Dropping her hands, she turned to Sage. The warrior woman had her sword held high, preparing to fight. Dani admired her strength and courage.
“Sage, I need your strength.”
“Dani, just stand behind me!”
“No! I need your strength. I can help!”
“I don’t understand what you’re asking of me, little sister. Just stay back when the coven breaks the clearing, I will protect you.”
Dani did something she had never done before, justifying it by telling herself time was running out, and she didn’t have a choice. Latching on to Sage’s arm, she drew on the magic held within her body, taking it without permission. Once she had enough, she murmured a sorry as Sage fell to the ground, gasping for breath. Holding her hands out once again, she found the injured wolf. As Dani pushed further, she realized he was an Alpha, and his pack was waiting to mourn his imminent death. Channeling everything, she healed the Alpha, pushing a suggestion into him—a plea for help when the healing was complete. Dani, worn jagged by her task, heard the joyous calls of the pack, then sensed them moving closer to the coven, only to scatter, hiding Sage and Dani in their scent, diverting the Coven to follow them instead. She was sure it wouldn’t last long but long enough for Sage to recuperate and flash them even further away.
When Dani fell to her knees next to Sage, the Vampire said, “You will pay for that later, little sister, but for now, your ploy has worked.” Struggling, they helped each other up and continued their journey. Several hours or minutes later, Dani sent out a small taste of her magic to the pack, thanking them, then Sage got her revenge, smiling at Dani but not saying a word before she flashed with Dani once again.
Chapter 13
It had taken them three days to meet up with Dani and Sage. Atticus was not happy with the circumstances of his travel. Matthias Valentin had to carry him like a vulnerable newborn for the first two days. It wasn’t until the third, he actually started to feel more like himself. The black taint of the magic was finally dissipating enough for him to gain small amounts of his magic back.
He was grateful for the magic he had become so familiar with and knew from this point forward, he wouldn’t jeopardize it again. His traveling companion hadn’t been especially nice or handled him with any type of care, but Atticus knew, had the situation been reversed, he would have been much harsher on the dethroned Valentin prince.
When he felt Dani through their thin bond, Atticus wanted to run, go to her and make sure she hadn’t suffered from the journey or more importantly suffered any ill effects from the black magic he had forced on her. The first smile in a long time curved his lips as he imagined turning her over his knee, spanking her bottom a cherry red, and make her promise to never scare or disobey him again.
Lifting his head, he noticed Matt blocking the path. It looked like the silence of the journey had also ended.
“Dani is not yours!”
Atticus laughed but not one of humor.
“I am her mate, Matthias, you will not stand in our way. Destiny has already determined our fate.”
“Destinies can be changed, mongrel.”
“Do you speak to your brother this way? Call him childish names in an attempt to show him you’re a man? What is that saying? Sticks and stones? Or is it claws and teeth?” Atticus brought the beast even closer to the surface, allowing his body to transform just a touch. “I believe my claws and teeth will hurt more than just your bones.”
Atticus noticed a slight tick at the corner of Matt’s eye but nothing else. His beast would scare an average man, but Matt wasn’t ordinary and had witnessed Lucas’ beast on more tha
n one occasion. He would soon learn the difference between them. Lucas cared for the man in front of him—Atticus did not. He cared for very few people. Matt didn’t let up, but Atticus was done. He marveled at the fact he had yet to bleed the wolf, knowing if he did, Dani would spurn him further which was not an option. They had enough hurdles to get over, adding another would be foolish.
“Silly child,” Atticus said, shaking his head, “you have so much to learn,” and shouldered past him, dismissing the man. He didn’t have to listen to the wolf, he had other more important things to do—mainly, get to Danica.
“You are not my brother,” Matt barked, taking hold of Atticus’, arm pulling him around.
Atticus allowed it for the time being. The wolf was under the impression he was still weak—he would soon learn otherwise. Allowing his claws and incisors to lengthen, Atticus turned. He knew his eyes would be burning red with the beast so close to the surface.
“You’re right, I’m not your brother, but you’re wrong about something. You have the mistaken belief we are on an even playing field, Matthias.” Atticus let out his Alpha dominance, allowing it to settle between the two of them. “We are not equals,” Atticus growled. Matt was strong and not easily cowed, but he was no match for the beast Atticus held in his body. Matt continued to struggle as Atticus let out more of his power. When he fell to one knee, Atticus let up.
“I won’t let you hurt her, she has suffered because of one man, I won’t allow another to do the same!”
Atticus bent so they were eye to eye.
“My mate will never be hurt again by any man!” Matt’s other knee dropped because of Atticus’ anger, his body swaying under the pressure.
“You have already hurt her with your taint! You are no different than your Master or my father. Let her go, break the bond,” Matt demanded in barely a whisper.
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