Gran turned, her sour expression lightening as she gazed at Paige. So thoughtful of you, my dear. She touched the back of her head, momentary confusion marring her face. I had quite the headache, but food sounds wonderful. Paige’s gaze strayed to me and Gran moved to block her view. Unfortunately, Drusilla is on her way out and won’t be able to join us…isn’t that right?
Yes, I murmured, keeping my head down as I clenched my fists. I need to patrol.
Well, okay. I can save you some if you like?
I forced a smile, glancing up at my sister’s sweet face, but I could see the cold rage banked behind her eyes. I would be afraid to eat anything my sister had cooked if I was Gran, but she never seemed to notice. Not necessary, I answered, both of us knowing good and well that Gran would throw any leftovers in the trash before she would see me eat them in her current mood. I’ll find something to eat.
Okay, I promised Sister Margaret I’d visit her today and help with poor Toby.
Gran patted Paige’s hand, turning her back to me. Such a generous and thoughtful child, she murmured. Let us go and eat. Paige shot me a glance, looking deliberately at the wooden dresser before following Gran. I climbed to my feet once they were gone and opened the bottom left drawer. Two hardboiled eggs and another can of Vienna sausage met my eyes and I grinned. I would almost swear Paige could conjure food out of thin air.
I dressed quickly as I shoved the food in my mouth and slipped out the window, not willing to go through the cabin and chance meeting Gran again. She was suspicious, which meant she was twice as dangerous.
Chapter Twelve
Caleb
I’d pocketed the key Dru gave me and the longer I paced, the heavier it felt. Part of me wondered why I just hadn’t told her the truth of what I’d done, while another larger part was afraid my actions had achieved nothing, leaving me sitting here defenseless against her Gran. There was no way I’d survive another round with Gran, not without the bond to Dru, and that was a risk I wasn’t willing to take until I knew if my blood exchange with her Gran had any effect.
Remembering Gran lying on the floor, defenseless and at my mercy, her words about origins and creation ringing in my ears, I didn’t have a single regret about taking her blood. I would have killed her out right if I’d known for sure how it would effect Dru and Paige, and I wasn’t talking about their emotional reaction, but what exactly would happen to all that power their Gran was packing. Technically, I still didn’t even know what they were, much less how their abilities transferred.
Pack bonds were formed from blood exchanges, usually when the wolf shifter was old enough to understand and consent, but there were plenty of unethical Packs that did blood exchanges with pups, committing them to a Pack without their permission. The fact that I’d done it to their Gran didn’t bother me at all. My only concern was whether or not it had worked. I couldn’t sense her through any type of normal Pack connection, not like I’d been able to with Dru, but Gran wasn’t a wolf, she was something else, something I’d never seen before and honestly kind of hoped I never would have to again.
Her power was dangerous, practically unchecked, and she made no bones about hating wolves. If it hadn’t been for Paige, I would be dead, a fact I didn’t take lightly, but I wasn’t leaving without Dru. I’d broken our bond, and I was pretty sure I’d splintered my soul in the process, but an agonizing death had a way of clarifying things. Dru was my mate, my only mate, and I would do anything to keep her safe, to show her how much I loved and needed her. I wasn’t leaving until we recreated the bond and became one.
Caleb! The panicky shout echoed in my head as Paige’s face appeared above me, staring down through the bars that made up the ceiling. Her wide eyes were terrified and my heart stopped, knowing she would only be that scared if something had happened to….
Dru? I questioned, ready to leap up and rip the bars apart if necessary. Paige shook her head then nodded, and I scowled. Is Dru alright? I enunciated slowly, intensely regretting the loss of our bond and my ability to just touch her mind. Answer me, I roared as Paige just stared.
She’s okay, Paige replied, jumping at my yell. My sudden relief was ruined by her next words though. But there’s an army.
I squinted, trying to process her words. An army?
She nodded frantically, pointing to the south. Dru spotted them while patrolling. They haven’t come onto our land, but there are so many of them. I think they’re going to kill her.
I blinked, then focused on the Pack bond I shared with Dom and the rest of the Navarre Pack. They were close, extremely close, and I knew one word would from me would bring them charging over the border and onto Ghost Pack land. Only Pack law kept Dom in check but I had to go and defuse the situation before he decided my life was worth a war.
I need to get out, I told Paige and she nodded, standing up. I dug in my pocket, flashing the key at her. I got it. She looked surprised but didn’t comment. Is the coast clear?
She glanced around, carefully sweeping the area. Yes, she reported. I’ll meet you at the stairs.
I unlocked the door, wondering if Dru had any idea I’d be using the key so soon. I jogged up the steps, my calf muscles cramping at the exercise. It had only been a few days, but after what Gran had put me through it felt more like months of captivity. Can you guide me to them? I asked Paige and she nodded, taking the lead. Without winding up in a trap? I added, and she gave me an annoyed frown. Just checking, I muttered, careful to watch where she placed her feet.
Paige didn’t speak but I could feel the emotion radiating from her. It came in pulsating waves and I wasn’t sure she even realized she was doing it. Fear was the predominant emotion, but there was also a cold rage that had me following close on her heels, afraid of what she might do if she thought her sister was threatened.
They won’t hurt her, I attempted to reassure Paige, but not feeling at all reassured by her reply.
They better not.
It took us the better part of an hour to reach the southern border, and I was sure the only reason Dom hadn’t crossed the border was because he felt me coming closer. The Pack bond vibrated the closer we came, each link a vibrant connection to my Pack mates, but none of them came close to the one I shared with Dom. He’d been the one to initiate me into the Pack, the one to bring me back from the brink of death, and the one who never gave up on me.
“Dom.”
His gaze swung to me, piercing yellow eyes pinning me in place as he assured himself that I was in fact okay. “Every. Single. Day.” My lips twitched and he shook his head. “Was that too much to ask for?”
I shrugged and padded closer, knowing his sharp gaze hadn’t missed the fact that I wasn’t in peak condition. “I lost my phone?”
Lips pressed together as he eyed me. “You weren’t where you said you were.”
I tilted my head in acknowledgement. “No, but you never wanted me here.”
“For good reason,” he retorted, his eyes skipping behind me. I didn’t need to turn to know that Dru had stepped up behind me. “Who are you?”
“Dru.” We replied in unison and he closed his eyes briefly, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“God help me.”
“We have bigger problems,” I said, right before the scent of ozone met my nose and I could see Dom’s nose crinkle. “Yeah. That.”
“What is that?”
“You dare to invade my land?” Gran’s voice cracked like a whip and Paige cowered slightly behind her sister. “How dare you come here?”
“Technically, we’re on our land, not yours,” a familiar voice piped up as Jess stepped around Dom, his enormous bulk hiding her completely, and we could all see Gran was taken aback by her presence. “And why exactly are you keeping a member of our Pack prisoner?” She crossed her arms over her chest, either unable to feel the power pulsing from Gran or just not caring. It was really hard to tell with Jess.
“I’m Dominic Navarre, Alpha of the Navarre Pack, and Caleb is mine,” Dom b
it out, looking pissed. “Who are you?”
“Watch your tone, pup,” Gran snarled, sweeping closer and I could see Dom’s chest swell slightly. He wasn’t the only one though as Trent, Liam, and Monster all tensed. Paige hadn’t been exaggerating when she’d said there was an army. Over a dozen shifters stood at the edge of the forest, a mix of members from both Dom and Anna’s Packs, ready to do whatever it took to bring me home. My gaze skimmed the varying shifters, some young, others older, all capable of fighting, but I paused as I came to Dylan. I was surprised to see him since he didn’t care for me at all with good reason. I hadn’t exactly welcomed him to my Pack with open arms all those years ago, a fact I wasn’t proud of.
A Down syndrome wolf shifter was dangerous, unpredictable, and often uncontrollable. While they didn’t intend to hurt anyone their emotions could often get the better of them. Dylan was no different, but he was fiercely loyal to one wolf shifter in particular, following him wherever he went. My gaze strayed to Monster, or Theo Carter, brother to Jess Carter, who was mated to Dom, my Alpha. Where Monster went, Dylan followed, no exception. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised then that he was here. The only one who had been as interested in the Ghost Pack as me was Monster and I could see his avid gaze taking in every nuance of the confrontation.
Static electricity filled the air and I tensed, ready for whatever she was about to dish out, when another voice spoke, “Don’t think about using your tricks, Mildred. I would hate to know you’d fallen so far as to break our laws.” The electricity fizzled instantly and Gregory stepped out from the forest, a cane in his hand. “It’s been a long time, Millie.”
“Do not call me by that ridiculous nickname,” she commanded, not an ounce of her inherent regality diminished by his reprimand. “And not nearly long enough, Gregory.”
Gregory shook his head. “What are you doing, Mildred?” The oldest member of our combined Packs had a disappointed expression, one that would leave any young shifter quaking, but Millie only narrowed her eyes at him. “Kidnapping a Pack wolf? Threatening to use your power against an allied Pack?”
“Allied?” I burst out, turning to stare at him as Dru turned an accusing gaze on Gran. “No one said anything about an alliance with the Ghost Pack.”
“I don’t recall anyone asking,” Gregory chided gently and I lowered my head in acknowledgement.
“Wait a damn second,” Trent interrupted, holding up his hand. “I’ve been here before and wasn’t exactly welcomed.”
Gran gave him a cold stare, stating, “You have never been here.”
Trent opened his mouth, ready to argue no doubt, but when I saw the frantic beat of Dru’s pulse, I shook my head, and he swallowed whatever he was about to say. “Sorry, I must have confused you with some other Ghost Pack.”
Dom’s eyes flickered to mine, What exactly has been going on here?
Later, I promised over the Pack link I shared with him.
“Your wolf came onto our land without permission. Detaining him was well within my rights.” Gran or Mildred – Millie just didn’t fit the stern woman facing down multiple shifters – flicked her fingers. “As for any alliance there may have been….that died with your previous Alpha.” My stomach clenched knowing she referred to my father, and his death over a decade before. Dru glanced at me, the sympathy in her eyes telling me she must have known some of the story. Gran made a show of looking around. “I also don’t see your Alpha here. Why is that? Scared?” She taunted, letting her eyes glow slightly.
Trent bristled, stepping forward to defend his absent wife, but Dom moved in front of him. “No. We have no reason to fear you,” he commented and we all felt the snap in the air as she recognized his insult. “It seems you have an issue with wolf shifters.”
“Putting it mildly,” I muttered, but with all of the sensitive ears surrounding me, no one missed it. Except….
What’s going on? Paige demanded, frustration lacing her voice as her gaze bounced around the gathering. I can’t keep up.
Apparently, our elder knew your Gran back in the day, I reported. He called her Millie.
Millie!?! Paige screeched disbelievingly, causing me and Dru to wince, but I also noticed Monster’s head jerk, almost like he’d heard her too.
Gran’s been holding out on us, Dru added, her voice dangerous.
“Your kind isn’t welcome here,” Gran snapped, flipping her hand toward me. “Take your foolish pup and go.” Her eyes glittered with warning. “And consider yourselves lucky I let you live.”
“What happened, Mildred?” Gregory said heavily, the deep folds on his face one of the only signs of his 130 years on this earth. “We used to be friends.”
“Ages ago. Things change,” Mildred replied crisply, but it was the first time I’d seen even a hint of softness on her face. “I don’t blame you,” she added cryptically and I exchanged a glance with Dru. “But I also won’t allow your kind to harm another of my children.”
A frown marred Gregory’s face. “Our kind? Have you forgotten where we came from?”
Gran’s expression iced over and I could swear the air temperature dropped. “I have not. But perhaps you should teach your children their origins.” Her gaze pinned me in place. “Then they’ll know to respect their betters.”
“Betters?” I echoed, taking a stride in her direction before Dru’s hand settled on my arm, halting me. “You’re no better than a Hanley,” I sneered, unable to think of a worse insult. Power slammed into me, shoving me back which caused Dru’s hand to fall, and my fist clenched in anger as I felt Gran’s intention.
No, I gritted, pushing back and this time she staggered in shock. Dom hovered, his gaze bouncing as he sensed something happening, but couldn’t figure out what.
Did….did you just defy her? Paige asked with a mixture of awe and terror.
My chest rose and fell as I kept my gaze locked on Mildred, daring her to try again. A glint entered her eyes and I prepared myself as the ground trembled beneath us.
“Enough,” Dru shouted, stepping between us. “Enough. You’ve done enough, Gran. Let him go.” She panted and I realized Mildred had switched her focus to Dru. Paige stepped forward then, her hand slipping into Dru’s to create a united front.
Who is she? Dom and Monster’s voices echoed in unison, catching sight of Paige for the first time.
“Your defiance wears thin,” Gran warned, pointing at Dru, then glanced at Paige, her nose scrunching. “You think you are helping your sister?” The words echoed eerily in my head and I realized she spoke them verbally and mentally.
Paige’s breath hitched but she didn’t back down. She’s my sister. I won’t let you hurt her. Not anymore.
Gran looked taken aback and I took advantage, placing my hand on Dru’s shoulder. “I’ll leave, but she comes with me.”
“No.” There was no hesitation in the denial, but it didn’t come from Mildred. My hand slipped from Dru as she turned to me, her expression apologetic. “I already told you I won’t leave.”
“She’ll kill you,” I objected hoarsely and Dru shook her head.
“She hasn’t yet.”
Tell me what’s going on, Paige demanded, watching us.
“You hear that?” Monster questioned, glancing around in puzzlement, and confirming to me that he actually could hear Paige. “Who is that?” Dom shot him a concerned glance, clearly not hearing her, but I didn’t have time to reassure him that Monster wasn’t crazy.
Your sister won’t come with me. I couldn’t keep the hurt out of my voice and Dru flinched. She’s determined to stay.
Because of me, Paige determined.
Not just you, Dru argued, but it fell flat.
Paige pushed her sister, who stumbled back, looking surprised as Paige shoved her again. What are you doing? Dru demanded, digging her feet in as Paige continued to try and move her closer to the border of our lands. Paige, she said sharply.
“GO.” The single word was loud and garbled, but recognizable.
&
nbsp; “I heard that,” Dom said to no one in particular as Dru and I stared at Paige in shock.
“Go,” she repeated, stretching out the word as her lips formed the unfamiliar shape. “Go.”
“No,” Dru said, shaking her head, then repeating over their link, No.
“Yessss,” Paige responded and I blinked at the sharpness of the single word. Her tone was off, but there was no mistaking what she was saying. Paige’s face was full of frustration though as she blasted us with her thoughts. You don’t get to stay for me. Go and run. Be free, sister.
I can’t, Dru replied, her eyes glossy. Leaving you – She shook her head. You know what that means.
Gran gripped Dru’s arm tight enough to make her wince as she growled, “If you leave you’ll never be welcome back here.” She shook Dru hard enough to make her head bob. “I will make sure you never see your sister again,” she hissed, her voice dropping so low I had to strain to hear it. “I will make sure she doesn’t see the light of day.”
Dru ripped out of Gran’s hold, her eyes catching mine for the barest moment, but it was long enough for me to see bitter regret reflected in them. I dropped the hand I was stretching toward her. “Go with them,” she whispered, the words broken and desperate. Don’t let her hurt them, she told Paige, whose face fell as Dru rejected her plea for her to be free.
Dru leapt, her body contorting in the air and she landed on four paws, her fur the color of straw. I grabbed Paige when she collapsed against me as Dru disappeared into the woods. Gran threatened to hurt you, I murmured, squeezing Paige gently. Dru won’t leave because she thinks she’s protecting you.
I always knew Gran…didn’t treat Dru right, but I never thought she used me against her. A whimper escaped her and I supported her weight, staring at the spot where Dru had vanished. She can’t do this. With Paige’s words a veil dropped over any hint of her emotions and their absence was more chilling than her rage.
A hard stare drew my attention and I saw Monster watching us closely, his gaze tracking where my arm braced Paige. I carefully withdrew my arm, making sure she was steady, but she didn’t seem to notice, her attention fully focused on Gran. Easy, kid. Don’t burn the forest down for one rotten tree. Her expression smoothed as she gave me a short nod.
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