Your safety is my responsibility and I won’t fall you, she said formally and a quick frown flashed across my face. But you have to go. I started to shake my head when her eyes flashed neon blue, bright enough to sear me. This isn’t negotiable. Dru won’t come back until you’re gone. She hesitated, her voice barely a whisper as she added, I can’t fight Gran on my own.
Everything inside me wanted to protest, to tell her my leaving wasn’t negotiable, that I was here for Dru no matter what, but the memory of Dru’s face wouldn’t leave me. Gran had forced her into an untenable choice, one I couldn’t in good conscious make harder on her. Leaving went against my instincts, but I knew Paige was right. Dru was stubborn but conceding now didn’t mean I was giving up.
I’m coming back, I warned her and she bit her lip.
I’m counting on it, she replied, stepping away from me.
The wind started to whip and without warning I was blasted off my feet. I flew backwards, not stopping until I hit a tree, and squinted against the swirling leaves to see Gran, her eyes burning as she held out her hand. “This is your only warning. Stay away from here. You are not welcome.”
“Millie,” Gregory shouted and something flashed across her face before her expression shuttered and he skidded backwards, coming to a stop once he was back on our Pack lands. “It doesn’t have to be this way,” he tried again, his expression pained.
She didn’t answer, turning her back to us in a clear dismissal. Dom paced the line, a snarl escaping him at her insult, but he checked himself as I came up beside him. “Leave it, brother.” I rested my hand on his shoulder, pressing him back, not able to watch Gran and Paige walk away. “Another day.”
He shot me a sharp glance, repeating, “Another day?”
I nodded, unable to stop myself as I glanced over my shoulder, but they were already gone. “She’s my mate.”
He sighed heavily, but didn’t argue, just clamped a hand on my shoulder. “I’m glad you’re okay.” He shook his head. “Scared the hell out of me when I felt you –” he stopped, choking up and shoved me. “Don’t do that again.”
I nodded, not making any promises, my gaze lingering where Dru had disappeared. “I’ll be back,” I vowed, only walking away when Trent nudged me.
“Come on, troublemaker.” I glanced at him, a smile almost but not quite forming when he added, “Dom practically skinned me alive when I admitted where you were.”
“You told him?” I asked in disbelief. Trent wasn’t exactly the type to go out on a limb for me.
“You died. You do realize that?”
I grunted, elbowing him. “Yeah, I was there.”
Trent chuckled mirthlessly. “You still don’t get it, do you?” I glanced at him, surprised at the bitterness in his question. “He worries about you as much if not more than his own kids. I was there when he felt your Pack link disappear, knowing exactly what that meant. You’re the reason he has gray hair.”
“I wasn’t trying…”
Trent interrupted, “I know that, he knows that, but damn it, Caleb, for once think about someone other than yourself.” He stopped, yanking me around. “There are people that care about you, love you, who would die for you.” He gestured to the Ghost Pack land. “Proof enough today. The least you could do is acknowledge it.”
I reared back at the accusation in his voice. “I didn’t ask –”
“Stop. Just stop right there.” He shook his head, walking off and leaving me standing there.
An arm hooked around mine, linking us together, and I didn’t bother to glance down, knowing who had joined me. “Am I really a petulant brat?”
Jess sighed, cocking her head as she watched Trent stomp off. “No. Not anymore. You can’t be responsible for how other people react, Caleb. You can only be responsible for your own actions.”
“And coming here was irresponsible,” I concluded and she grimaced. “Go ahead, yell at me.”
“No.” I glanced down at her in surprise. “You didn’t do anything wrong, Caleb. It’s your life and you’re a grown man who has to make his own way.” She smiled ruefully. “Dom just isn’t very good at letting go.” She shook her head, her forehead wrinkling. “I’m not relishing when the kids leave the nest. I’m pretty sure he’s gonna want to build tiny houses for them in the backyard.” I snorted, but didn’t deny her words. It sounded like Dom. “He knows, you know.” Her voice tightened as she squeezed my arm and I sucked in a harsh breath. “He understands why you don’t come back. He doesn’t blame you, but he does miss you.” Her eyes were damp as she looked at me, forcing a smile. “Welcome home, Caleb.” She slipped away, her stride lengthening as she joined Dom, and I watched him adjust his stride to match hers, linking their hands together.
A deep stab of longing hit me, made worse by the fact that now I knew exactly what it felt like to have that sense of connection with my own mate. My steps slowed, the urge to go back strong, but I resisted, needing to respect Dru and Paige’s wishes, at least for now. A cane swept the ground in front of me, halting my steps. “We need to talk,” Gregory declared and I nodded shortly.
“We do,” I agreed, giving him a sideways glance. “Seems there’s a few things about our history that have been left out of the books.”
Gregory’s mouth tightened as he shook his head. “I never agreed with your father’s ruling on that, but he wasn’t one you challenged and lived to tell about it.” My jaw locked at the reminder of the iron fist my father had wielded over the Pack. He’d always had a reason, but rarely bothered to share it. “Don’t,” he exhaled, shaking his head. “Don’t underestimate them.”
An unwilling laugh barked out of me. “She killed me, Gregory. Trust me, I know exactly how powerful they are.” Every one of Gregory’s years showed as his gaze turned inward. “You knew her. Was she always like this?”
“Our acquaintance was many, many years ago.” He sighed. “A lot can happen in the long span of our lives.” His mouth turned down. “People change and as we grow older we make compromises that as youth we never thought we would.”
“Another question,” I paused, waiting for his consent.
He smiled, “I think I owe you a few questions, young Caleb.”
“How similar are they to us?”
His smile disappeared. “Never assume they are like us, Caleb. They’re not. They have abilities we will never have,” he paused, his voice heavy, “And apparently a strong disdain for our kind.”
“A well-earned one,” I admitted, scratching my jaw, the golden bristle itchy after several days without shaving. “Dru told me some of their history. Gran,” I paused and corrected myself, “Mildred was betrayed by her husband and Hanleys killed her daughter. I can’t blame her for her hatred.”
“If only she’d reached out to our Pack, as allies we would have assisted her.”
“Would our Pack have assisted her?” I questioned and Gregory gave me a startled glance. “Father wanted to erase the history of our origins. Perhaps he also wanted to erase those responsible.”
“That’s a strong accusation, Caleb,” Gregory replied cautiously and I laughed bitterly.
“He’s dead, Gregory. He can’t haunt me anymore.” I glanced over at him. “But you know it’s possible.”
Gregory dipped his head in acknowledgement. “With your father, anything was possible.”
“Blood exchange is important to Packs. Is it equally important to them?” I referred to Gran and her granddaughters as them, simply because I didn’t have a name, at least not one I wanted to use because it seemed so impossible to my mind – my apparently ignorant mind I was beginning to learn.
“They place a great deal of importance on their blood, yes, but do they use it like we do? That I don’t know.” Gregory gave me a rueful smile. “Millie was always secretive when it came to her power.” He tilted his head. “Not without good reason it would seem.” He clapped his hand on my shoulder. “Enough for now. We’ll continue this once we’re home.” His stare turned contempl
ative. “It’s time I told the story of how wolf shifters came to be.”
Chapter Thirteen
Dru
I ran, the pain of the shift no match for the pain in my heart after telling him no, and seeing Paige’s desperation for me to be free. I hadn’t realized how strongly she’d felt until I’d heard her voice, the effort she’d made to speak, but I also couldn’t allow her to carry the burden of our grandmother’s hatred alone.
One of my paws glanced off metal and I heard the snap as the metal teeth locked together. I skidded to a stop, heart pounding at how close I’d come to being caught in one of our own traps. I sat down on my haunches, staring at the rusted jaws, desperate to know what was happening in the clearing between Gran and the dozen shifters that had come for Caleb, but also afraid I wouldn’t be strong enough to tell him no again if he asked.
I’d been surprised when I’d come across the shifters pacing along the border and the lone woman among them. Fear had been my first emotion, followed by relief that maybe Caleb would actually be safe if they’d come to free him. Gran would hesitate to try and attack so many, especially if she didn’t have Paige by her side.
Once I’d assured myself that the scent of the wolf shifters was in fact the same as Caleb, I’d sent a frantic message to Paige, knowing she’d bring Caleb to me. Gran’s arrival had been unexpected even though I should have known better. Her arrival had thrown gasoline on a tense situation, but it was the old wolf who’d surprised me. He’d known her, called her by a nickname, and Gran hadn’t killed him instantly for it.
Finding out we’d once been allies with Caleb’s Pack had been a punch to the gut. Gran had kept so much from us in her effort to ostracize and control us. Maybe if we’d asked for help all those years ago, my grandmother and mother wouldn’t have died and Gran wouldn’t be the acrimonious old woman she was now.
I stared back the way I’d come, broken branches indicating my rush as I’d torn though the forest. A low whine escaped me as I stood and paced. My wolf wanted to go back, recognizing her mate was out there and not understanding why we weren’t fighting for him.
She’ll never see daylight again, the hissed words drifted through my mind once again and I closed my eyes, knowing Gran would do it. She’d cage Paige up like an animal and leave her there to die just to spite me. I’d never been one to toe the line, but once Gran had figured out the one thing I loved more than myself, she’d had me. I would do anything for Paige, a fact Gran was well aware of and it had cost me dearly, but I couldn’t bring myself to regret having Paige’s existence. I would have broken long ago if it hadn’t been for her.
I chuffed, shaking my head, not able to sense Paige’s emotions any longer. A few steps forward and I paused, wolf and human warring over the best course of action. Finally, we settled on watch and wait, my steps eager now as I trotted back to the clearing. It didn’t take me long to reach them, but already they were disappearing, the wolf shifters going back home. Only one concerned me though and I watched him hesitate, his gaze sweeping right over where I hid and I tucked myself further back, afraid he could somehow see me.
“I’ll be back,” the low whisper should have been impossible to hear, but there was no mistaking Caleb’s voice. He turned and in a few strides was gone.
My breath left me in a rush as I tried to decipher the tangle of emotions his leaving caused, there was relief, but also a bone crushing sorrow at watching another person I loved leave me. I rubbed my snout against my paw, the ache in my chest spreading the longer he was gone until it felt like it would consume me.
Dru? Paige’s voice nudged me, reminding me I wasn’t alone, and I struggled to lift my head. Dru, she hesitated, her voice full of apology. I’m sorry I didn’t know.
It’s okay, I murmured, exhaustion tugging at me, but it wasn’t the kind that you could fix with enough sleep. It went deeper and I was afraid I’d never escape it. You’re alright?
There was a long pause before she finally answered with a Yeah, which neither of us believed. Everything had changed and there was no going back to the way it was before Caleb had crashed into our lives. We had to break the stranglehold Gran held over us and the few left in our tiny village. We needed to stop letting our lives drift by us.
Are you ready? I asked Paige. It won’t be easy, I warned, knowing Gran would fight us tooth and nail.
Seeing them….A Pack like that, I wanted you to be free, to go with them, Paige answered, the words desperate. But you couldn’t go. You couldn’t be free because I’m not free.
It’s not your fault, I hastened to reassure her, feeling her pang of guilt. You can’t control how our power is inherited or our mother’s choices.
I could leave, she said simply and my mouth twisted into a grimace. I could. I should, she continued insistently. It’s my own selfishness that keeps me here. And forces you to remain.
And your continued desire to live, I countered. You would die if you left, I reminded her harshly. Your power would fade and with it your life.
Eventually, she responded, determination in her voice.
Quickly, I warned, adding firmly, It’s not an option.
It’s not your decision to make, she protested and an unhappy laugh escaped me at her tone. It’s not, Dru. Why won’t you let me make this choice for you?
Because I know, I cried out, silencing her. I know how fast your power fades. I know exactly how many minutes it takes for you to gasp for air. I know because Gran did it when you were a baby to show me.
The truth hung in the air between us, fragile as a bubble, a lifetime of secrets weaved between us, each trying to save the other.
Why didn’t you tell me?
Because I love you, I replied, the air shimmering around me as I shifted, welcoming the agony as my bones twisted and cracked, each tendon stretching until it couldn’t anymore, finally snapping and shredding as my body contorted back into human form.
“About time you showed back up,” Gran snapped, appearing in front of me, silent as a ghost. “Running off like a lovesick child. I thought better of you.”
“Did you?” I inquired sweetly, walking past her.
“Don’t walk away from me,” she ordered and I twisted around, lifting my hands in surrender.
“Ooooh, no, what are you going to do to me? Kill me?” I gasped, fluttering my eyelashes. “Finally. What a relief. I thought you were just going to toy with me again.”
“You think you can talk back to me?” Her voice lowered dangerously and my heart skipped. I was taunting the beast knowingly. If anyone was aware of what she could do, it was me, so why was I basically asking for her to punish me?
“I don’t know if you still have it, Gran.” My shoulders rose and dropped. “You couldn’t control Caleb.” It was a risky move, one I instantly regretted when she jerked my feet out from under me, her power pressing me into facedown into the ground. I tried to resist, pushing against the blanket of power, but it was no use. I couldn’t fight her, which made me question how Caleb had managed it. We’d all felt the pulse of power she’d sent at him, but he’d somehow managed to defy her. I’d thought maybe I could do the same, but as I flopped like a fish on the ground I knew I’d been wrong.
Stop! Paige’s feet appeared in front of me as she stood between Gran and me.
Don’t, I tried to warn her, but she didn’t listen.
Stop hurting Dru! Her foot stomped and I almost smiled. She’s done nothing to deserve this. Neither of us have. Why do you hate us? She wailed and the power holding me abruptly disappeared.
Hate? You think I hate you? I crawled to my knees, swaying as I looked around Paige’s knees to see Gran. Her lips pinched together, her expression formidable as always, but there was a glimmer in her eyes that hinted at hurt. Some would say I hated your mother, that I allowed her weakness to define her….destroy her. I sucked in a sharp breath at her mention of our mother. It wasn’t often Gran talked about her so we both listened intently. I vowed I wouldn’t allow that to happen to t
he two of you. I wouldn’t make the same mistakes. I coddled your mother, allowed her to follow her heart, and look what happened.
Gran raised her chin and I slowly got to my feet. I had been old enough to see the devotion between my parents, a devotion that had excluded anyone else – including me and Paige. She’d been lost after his death, a shadow without an anchor, and even more absent than normal. I wish I could say I missed her, but it had never felt like I’d had her. Dad was the one who’d given us his time and attention. It was his death that had been the blow, forever altering all of our lives.
I didn’t want the same thing to happen to you, she stated unapologetically.
So you tortured Dru? Paige accused, waving her hand. You keep us prisoner? Use us against one another?
The world is an unforgiving place, one that has no care for the weak. I won’t allow it to do the same to you.
“You just thought you’d break me yourself,” I muttered under my breath and she cast a sharp glance at me.
“I saved you,” she replied tautly. “A dozen times before your first birthday.” I stilled as she swallowed. “People reject those that are different. Their cruelty knows no bounds.”
“I….I didn’t know,” I stammered.
“Nor should you have,” she said crisply. “Let’s go home,” her voice echoed in my head and ears, bringing the conversation back to Paige.
We exchanged a glance. That’s it? I couldn’t disguise my shock, positive Gran had some terrible punishment planned for us.
Her mouth formed a moue of displeasure, her gaze flickering to the forest where Caleb and the others had gone. I hear there’s a lovely boar for us to enjoy. No since in it going to waste. She spun on her heel and marched back toward home, leaving Paige and I to trail behind her, baffled by this new side of Gran.
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