“You let us worry about that,” I said, thinking about how well worth the expense and effort the coffee greenhouse in Veda had been. “And let me know if there’s something special you need or would like to eat.”
“This is more than enough, Luke.”
“You can ask for things, Reagan,” I said.
“You got my dad a month of recovery,” she said. “That’s all I wanted.”
I smiled and swallowed something, thinking about how I’d really done that to get her guard down. But now that she was in my kitchen, it felt unbelievably slimy and sneaky. Maybe I could just outright ask her if she’d noticed any post-Rift changes. Tristan had a point—Riftborn weren’t always aware of what they were.
When I looked back up, Reagan’s eyes were closed, and she was smiling, her mug held to her nose. And I forgot what I was going to say.
After breakfast, I showed Reagan around the house, explaining the second floor was more or less off-limits. My domain. But she had the run of the downstairs, including my office and all the books in it. Her eyes lit up at that, and I made a note to show her the Cobalt library.
From there, I set up a rough schedule of her days, assigning her organization tasks, for now, that would familiarize her with the workings of Winfyre.
“We run a tight ship, me and the boys,” I said. “Can’t leave room for error, not when it might mean life or death for folks. Kind of like a military camp, and I’ve got all the logistics for the most part. Always been good with the details.”
“Me too,” Reagan said absently as she looked over manifests. “I used to be a research assistant for a neurology department, like a hundred years ago.”
“Hm, well, anything strikes you as something that could be improved upon, let us know,” I said. “No one’s feelings are going to get hurt.”
After establishing she’d work four days for me, with three days off, Reagan gave me a surprised look. “Three?”
“You’re gonna need the rest. Can’t have people burning out. Plus, we think you should have time to spend with family and whatnot. And you’ll be trainin’.”
“Training?”
“Yeah, learning how to fight and defend yourself. Survival skills and such,” I said, and she made a face. “Mandatory under my roof. You’re not a civilian as my claimant.”
“Wait, do you think we’re going to be attacked? I thought this was safe,” Reagan said.
“It is,” I said with a sigh. Why did so many people fight me on this? “Still doesn’t hurt to be prepared. Especially in these uncertain times. We don’t run that risk. You don’t like it, leave.” Reagan rolled her eyes. “Hey, you wanted to make a wager, and you lost.”
“All right,” Reagan said. “You really held back on the dice roll surprise stipulations, huh?” I glanced over at her, and she smiled. “Gonna keep coming up with new ways to parade that win around? Should I keep a list?”
“Please do,” I retorted, and then I grinned. “See, I knew you could keep up. Come on.”
I took her out into the brisk spring morning, making our way down the hill, past her family’s house, and into town. Reagan’s breath caught as we turned the corner.
Two massive and ancient Douglas firs rose into the sky, the twin guardians of Winfyre. Ahead of us, nestled in a large clearing, was Cobalt. Made up of small cabins and houses, it was snug but not crowded. We’d created it to be in harmony with the land around it.
From our feet, the road sloped down and wove through the main shopping and dining area. People were walking among houses, carrying baskets and bags, calling good mornings. Dogs, chickens, and children ran underfoot, while vendors opened shop, and scents rose in the air.
“How long have you been here?” Reagan asked.
“Since it happened,” I said. “There was nothing but a few summer homes and this small fishing village, half the houses boarded up. We spruced them up and converted a good deal of them. Everyone chipped in. I gotta hand it to these folks—very few people complained.”
“I love the grass roofs,” Reagan said. “I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anything quite like it.”
“Eco insulation,” I explained. “Sod roofs are an old Nordic invention.”
The sod-roofed houses looked like something out of a fairy tale, covered in a thick layer of waving grass. Tristan had seen this type of home once while abroad and figured out how to duplicate it. Thanks to him, we’d made it through our second winter with almost no complaints of cold houses.
We passed through the market, bustling now, and several people nodded or waved hello. Shifters slunk around the edges and kept an eye on things.
Finally, we exited the town, and the number of houses dwindled before it gave way to gardens and wilderness, then the main gates of Winfyre.
"You didn't get to see this yesterday since Fallon brought you to that little eastern gate. This is the southern one, the main one.” In the shade of the trees, a small canvas tent had been set up, while next to us was a large barracks among the trees. “Xander didn’t want to build anything too close.”
“Xander?” Reagan asked.
“Head Command. Makes the call when we can’t agree,” I said, and Reagan nodded. “Don’t worry. There’s not going to be a quiz or anything.”
“Is there a school? For the kids?” she asked.
“Sort of,” I said. “We take turns teachin’ the kids and answerin’ their questions. A couple of people have volunteered, teaching ’em basic skills, reading and whatnot. But when it comes to survival skills and shiftin’, that’s all Rett Deacon. He’s the civilian liaison.”
We continued on, while I occasionally pointed out something of interest or Reagan answered a question. All too soon, it was nearing lunch, and I had somewhere to be.
“Take the rest of the day off,” I said. “If you need anything in the market, use my name. They’ll put it on my tab.” I hesitated. “Go see your family, but try to enjoy Winfyre, too. Get to know it. Although without me, people are going to mob you.”
“You’ve been protecting me this whole time?” she teased.
“In a manner of speaking,” I said.
“What should I say about you if they ask?” Reagan asked.
“Oh,” I said and rubbed the back of my neck. “Word’s probably out that I claimed you, huh?”
“Yes, that. But you’re a leader here, and I don’t want to say anything that would cause an issue.” She paused. “Or disparage you. What if they ask me for things? Or opinions?”
“This isn’t a prison, Reagan—you can speak your mind.” I blew out a breath. “But it would be better if you could say nice things. Keep morale up. People need that. And each other.”
“Of course,” Reagan said. “I’ll keep quiet, then. See you later, Luke.”
It was strange to walk away from Reagan. When I turned back, only to check and make sure she hadn’t gotten lost already, maybe see what direction she’d gone, she was watching me walk away. A slow smile spread across my face.
And I’ll be damned…
She smiled, too.
Chapter Seven
Reagan
Walking through the market, no one came up to me, as Luke had warned, but I did catch curious looks. Finally, a pastry vendor bluntly asked me if I was one of the new refugees.
I nodded, and he gave me a sympathetic smile. “You’ll get acclimated in no time. Humans are resilient. Adaptable.” He paused. “Where you from, miss?”
“Seattle,” I said and paused. Again, I had the sense the word was dissolving on my tongue.
The man’s face tightened, and he nodded, changing the subject. I wondered if he’d heard my hesitation, or if something else had caused him distress. Either way, an uneasy feeling crept through me.
I’d known the world was crumbling to pieces, but maybe I’d hoped that somehow, it would right itself in time. Deep down, I’d hoped Winfyre would be temporary, and we could go home someday. Now that I was here, among other people who’d come here to restar
t their lives, it was harder and harder to keep up that pretense.
Leaving the market with a bag of fruit and pastries, I looked around, and an ache went through me. Last night, the beauty of the sunset and the lights among the trees had given me a sense of peace. Of home. But now, I just felt like a stranger.
A tall, strong-jawed man walked by then, and I couldn’t help but do a double take. His arms were roped with hard muscle and tattoos, and his jet black hair was a mess of curls, his stubble becoming unruly. But his face arrested me. He was gorgeous in an intense way, with prominent cheekbones with sculpted hollows below them and brown skin that made his blue eyes stand out all the more.
Where Luke’s were a dancing mix of green-blue hues, this man’s eyes were a hard and blazing blue, with a gold starburst around each iris. Something about him reminded me of Luke. Yet where the wolf shifter was a smooth-talking, grumpy, and oddly charming bastard, this guy was all ice. No smile played on his lips. His big hands looked capable of crushing a skull. Moreover, as I looked at him, I knew he was a shifter, but I couldn’t sense what kind. Another first.
“It’s not polite to stare,” the mystery shifter said, stopping and flicking his eyes to mine.
I swallowed a yelp. Oh, shit. “I’m-I’m sorry, you reminded me of Luke.” It was the first thing to pop off my tongue, and I cursed myself.
But then the barest hint of a smile passed over the mysterious shifter’s face. “Not in looks, I hope,” he said mildly, and I laughed.
“No, no, in bearing,” I admitted. “You must be Xander.” I’d already met Rett, Kal, Tristan, and Luke. Unnecessarily, I added, “One of the five Commands.”
The man tilted an eyebrow up at me. Perhaps Xander wasn’t as casual as his friends.
“I am,” he said, and there was a gracious note in his deep voice. “You must be Reagan Grace.”
“Yes,” I said and grasped after my manners. “It’s nice to meet you. And thank you. And sorry, I honestly don’t know what’s wrong with me, staring like that.” My eyes dropped. “Although you’re as handsome as Luke, and I haven’t seen a man in weeks, so it’s probably—” I bit back my onslaught of words, eyes going wide. What the hell was wrong with me? “Sorry!”
A laugh escaped Xander, and I looked up in amazement to see him grinning at me like an old friend. “Tristan didn’t do you justice,” he said. “Perfect for keeping Luke in line. He worries too much.”
“Luke?” I asked in disbelief.
Xander nodded, and his face softened a fraction, a flash of affection in his eyes. “He hides it under that drawl, but of all of us, he gets caught up in the minutiae the most.” I couldn’t hide my surprise. “Oh yeah. Tristan calls him the biggest worrywart inside of Winfyre.”
“I’ll do my best,” I said.
“It was good to meet you, Reagan,” Xander said. “I hope you and your family settle in. Know that there are plenty of people who are around if you have questions or need anything.”
“Oh, well, I mean, I have Luke, so I think I’m good,” I said at random.
I couldn’t imagine asking Xander for anything. The man was as intimidating as hell. At least I could spar with Luke. Not that I should, but part of me did enjoy our banter.
“And Luke has you,” Xander said. “Funny how that works.”
With that, Xander nodded at me and continued on.
I scurried away, cheeks flushed and hoping against hope Xander didn’t mention our awkward meeting to Luke. I didn’t need that wolf knowing I was thinking about him.
Despite my worries about living away from my family, I saw them almost every day. In fact, over the course of the next two weeks, I think I saw them more than I saw my own housemate.
Luke was in and out all the time, at all hours. Mostly my work was simple: he left me to deal with the dogs, organize his chaotic notes, and make sure his correspondences got sent out.
Within two weeks, the rhythm of Winfyre had settled into one I recognized. A few times a week, we got food, ice, and other items delivered. I’d also met most of the people around Cobalt, who were eager for news and eager to meet me, as Luke had said. I saw Rett and Tristan often, and even Kal a few times. I didn’t see Xander again, for which I was grateful. I didn’t want him asking how it was going with Luke.
I’d come to the conclusion, though, that Luke’s friends saw a very different side of him. He usually varied from cool and aloof to somewhat charming to insufferable, mixed in with the occasional debate. I’d yet to meet worried Luke.
I wasn’t even training with him, but with Fallon and the Vixens. Drue came along, too, completely enraptured by them, although Cassidy refused. Linh, Shelby, and my mother went to a beginner’s class, while the boys went to Rett’s, and my father actually rested.
After one of the Vixens’ classes, Drue confessed to me that she wanted her shifter powers to manifest so she could grow up and join them. I'd told Fallon, who'd been delighted. Now she often took Drue under her wing. Everyone was settling in and finding their niche.
But beyond my groove, I was a bit restless and worried. Luke had me doing some seriously odd jobs sometimes. Like the other day, he’d had me go fetch pinecones from the forest. Another time, I’d had to climb a tree and watch the bay for a few hours, though he wouldn’t tell me for what and later explained he was “testing my instincts.” Finally, he’d had me go down to the lake and wait for him, only he never showed up. I’d gone home and found him napping on the couch.
“Oh, I’d wanted to explain about the routes around the bay,” he’d said when I’d woken him up. “Sorry about that.”
All of this made me uneasy. I couldn’t tell if Luke was messing with me, testing my skills in some shifter-esque way, or trying to get me to cop to my abilities. It made it hard to sleep, and I often got a knot of anxiety in my chest while working in the house.
However, a few days after the two-week mark, I woke up and smiled at the ceiling. I’d slept through the entire night, and that was something to celebrate.
After that first exhausted night here, I'd had trouble sleeping and been plagued with nightmares. Working out and eating seemed to help, but there were times when I woke up in the middle of the night, clutching at my blankets and looking at the windows, certain something was trying to get in.
Even better, Luke had tasked me with an easy morning tidying up some notes, and I was done. He was off with his dogs and wouldn’t be back until later that afternoon. So, I sat in the backyard on a blanket, relishing a little peace and alone time.
His yard sloped down to a garden, one side a vegetable plot and the other for flowers, a small pond, and then a trail that snaked beyond. It seemed to lead right to a ridge overlooking the valley.
I stood up, intrigued. I hadn’t explored behind his house yet.
Walking into the woods now, letting Luke’s house vanish and inhaling the fragrant air, gave me a sense of familiarity. The wilderness had been my home these last few months. And in a way, I did miss certain parts of it.
Wandering farther and farther down the path, I stumbled onto a small nook filled with sunlight. A small stream cut through it, and a few early wildflowers poked up around a large boulder. Scrambling up onto the rock, I hugged my knees and let the hush of the forest steal into me.
Whether it was Winfyre or how my family was safe for the first time in months, or even Luke Swiftlore, I was calm at that moment. Not even anxiety about my abilities bothered me. No worry itched in the back of my head. After all, finally, we were safe.
My butt fell asleep after a while, and I slid down off the rock, ready to head back. But the rest of the trail beckoned, and I bit my lip. I wanted to find that ridge that overlooked the valley. On impulse, I set off. It was still early afternoon, and I had plenty of time to get back.
Abruptly, as I went to go around a bend, my knees buckled, and I gripped a tree. The wood warped around me as my senses went haywire. Oh no. Colors blurred, scents became too strong, and adrenaline poured through my body.
Overhead, birds called out shrill warning after warning. I tilted my face up to the sky, watching as a crow circled and cawed, its bright eye on me. They were trying to tell me to turn back.
There was only one other time when it had been this bad. I could almost taste the rancidness in the air. At that moment, I looked up at a tree and saw a dark stain splashed across it.
Horror clenched in my gut, but I forced myself forward and around the bend. Whatever it was, I had to warn Winfyre. Something had breached the border.
“Oh my God,” I said and gripped my stomach, shaking my head. “No.”
Some poor animal had been torn apart and left on the trail. Bits of fur, blood, and bone were scattered around. It dripped, red, dark, and fresh, from the branches.
Had this happened while I was out here?
Pulling back, a hand over my mouth and eyes watering, I went to turn and stopped.
Something cold, something deep and paralyzing, overwhelmed my senses.
I couldn’t move.
There was a rumble, a sharp snort, and a rustle in the underbrush. Eyes narrowed at me.
I have to get out of here. I can’t have made it to Winfyre only to die.
My entire body tensed. Whatever it was, I wasn’t going down without a fight.
Too late.
There was a soft sound behind me, and my eyes flew open, going wide, my lips parted to scream. But then a rough hand clamped over my mouth, and an arm went around my waist. A strong, clean scent filled my nose, fresh snow and smoked cedar.
“You sure do have a thirst for adventure,” Luke murmured in my ear, and my body went limp with relief. “Yeah, you’re an idiot. Now shut up. Don’t scare it off.”
I trembled from head to toe but nodded, and Luke let me go. I watched him walk around me, his body radiating with purpose and power. His eyes met mine, and there was none of his usual half-amused or half-bored glaze. It was the same Alpha fury that Xander had exuded.
He hides it, I realized.
Luke put a finger to his lips and turned to the woods, his eyes flashing around. I almost wanted to cry out, watching him walk into the thick woods alone. I pressed two hands against my mouth. What have I done?
Wolf's Wager (Northbane Shifters) Page 6