The Keeping

by Nicky Charles

  *****

  Mel and Ryne crawled on their hands and knees through the sewer pipe. To Mel, it seemed like they’d been doing this for hours. Her knees were complaining from the unaccustomed use and her palms were screaming for mercy as tiny nicks and cuts abraded their surface. The bottom of the pipe was covered in a sludgy substance that hid rocks, twigs and other sharp bits of debris. It also made disgusting sucking sounds each time they moved as if it was trying to keep them from escaping its slimy clutches. Ryne insisted it wasn’t a sanitary sewer, but rather one that was used to collect runoff from rain water. Mel dearly hoped he was right, but had her doubts given the stench that permeated the air.

  At least they were no longer commando crawling on their bellies like they had been initially. After making their way through a series of mesh gates, the pipe had widened to a more comfortable height and they were now on their hands and knees. Finally off her belly and able to open her mouth without fear of ingesting the disgusting muck that splashed in her face, Mel made her feelings known.

  “Ryne if we ever get out of this pipe, I’m never listening to another idea of yours again.”

  “I didn’t hear you come up with a better one.” He paused in his crawling and looked back at her over his shoulder. The lighting was almost nil, but Mel managed to make out his filth splattered face.

  “Well, if you’d listened to me, we wouldn’t have turned left at that last junction.”

  “So I made a wrong turn. With the fumes down here, I can’t scent which direction fresh air is in coming from.”

  “But I said we should have gone right. If you’d listened to me we wouldn’t be crawling backwards out of a dead end right now. We might even be out of here.”

  “It was only a short detour and besides usually werewolves have an impeccable sense of direction.”

  “Yeah, if they know where they’re heading in the first place. We have no idea where this tunnel might be taking us.”

  “So, in other words, you think you could do a better job leading us?”

  Mel hesitated. Could she? “Maybe… It probably couldn’t be any worse.”

  “Fine. When we get back to the junction you’re in charge.”

  “Oh.” She hadn’t really expected him to agree, but wasn’t about to back down from the challenge. She kept crawling in reverse until they reached the relatively more roomy ‘T’ where the tunnel branched off. Wiggling herself around, Mel headed to the right and Ryne followed behind. He was soon muttering under his breath.

  “Now what are you complaining about?” Mel peeked under her arm to look at him.

  “Your feet are splashing this muck up into my face.”

  She smiled knowing he probably couldn’t see. “Oh. So sorry. It’s not like I had to put up with that when our positions were reversed and you were in the lead.”

  Ryne grunted, but kept quiet after that.

  They crawled along in silence for a while. Mel mulled over the idea of turning into a werewolf, still not totally convinced, but realizing that perhaps, just in case, she should try to be open to the idea. It surprised her that she hadn’t freaked out more when Ryne changed in front of her, but she supposed the clues had been there all along. Her subconscious must have been processing and accepting them for a quite a while so that when she was told, it wasn’t too big of a leap to acknowledge werewolves existed. As for turning into a werewolf herself, if she did actually have those genes within her, then there was no use crying and complaining about it. It was a done deal.

  Mel was, if nothing else, practical and decided she’d just make the best of the situation. In a way, it was sort of sexy, the idea of shifting shapes. She wondered if her strength would increase to a level similar to Ryne’s, or if being a werewolf with mixed blood created certain limitations. Hopefully, it would tone her muscles and increase her metabolism so she could eat as much as she wanted without any adverse effects. A smile spread across her face at the idea of being able to add whipped cream to her cafe mochas and not feel even the slightest twinge of guilt.

  Lost in that happy thought, she suddenly let out a shriek as something cold and slimy grabbed at her ankle.

  “Shh! Are you trying to let everybody within a ten mile radius know where we are?”

  She looked back realizing that it was Ryne’s hand grabbing her lower leg, not some sewer monster. “What?” Frowning in irritation, she jerked her leg away.

  “We’re getting near the end of the tunnel!”

  Mel peered ahead, but saw no sign of light. “How do you know?”

  “The air’s different.”

  She sniffed. It still stunk to her. “Are you sure?”

  “Yep. It’s slightly fresher which means an exit is coming up.”

  For a moment she contemplated gloating that she was the one to lead them to the exit, but Ryne continued speaking, and the opportunity passed. “When we get out, I have to find a telephone fast. It must be past my check-in and Kane will be worried sick. I don’t want him doing anything rash.”

  She furrowed her brow, trying to recall all that Ryne had told her. “He’s your brother, right?”

  “Uh-huh. And if I don’t contact him soon, he’s going to assume the worst. He’s probably already dispersed most of the pack. I have to tell him to hold off on phase two. There’s still a chance I can fix this mess.”

  “Faze two? That’s where they all… ” She hesitated to speak the words. “Take poison?”

  She could almost make out Ryne’s grim expression. “Yes. The pack self-destructs so when outsiders come looking for a bunch of werewolves, they’ll only find dead bodies.”

  “But wouldn’t autopsies show that they weren’t human?”

  “No. When a werewolf dies, within minutes the trace elements of magick that make us what we are disappear.”

  They were both silent for a moment then Ryne sighed heavily. “Anyway, as we near the entrance, be as quiet as possible just in case anyone is about.”

  Mel nodded and resumed crawling as quickly as possible, all too aware of the deadline they were operating under.

  *****

  Helen wrapped her arm around Kane’s waist as the last of the vans drove out of sight. She patted the Alpha on his back, offering what little comfort she could. He’d just watched most of his pack leave, including his mate and unborn child. The feeling of loss must be incredible, even worse than when her Zack had died. It had been difficult—for weeks she’d been inconsolable; the aching void within making her wish she too were dead. But at least she’d still had her daughters and the rest of the pack. For Kane, however, he was on the verge of losing everything. It was an Alpha’s worst nightmare. Sworn to protect his pack, the feeling of failure would be overwhelming.

  “Kane?”

  “Hmm?” His gaze didn’t leave the driveway, despite the fact that it was now empty.

  “Do you want me to go around and hand out the vials?” It was a grim job, handing your friends a packet of death, but she’d do it, to spare him. Kane had been good to her and she owed him. When she’d found herself widowed and no longer Alpha female, Kane could have insisted that she leave, but he hadn’t. Instead he’d let her stay in the pack house and keep many of her previous duties. The familiarity had been a great comfort to her until she’d found her feet again.

  “No, I’ll do it. It’s my job.” He finally looked at her and gave a half smile. “You know Helen, I keep thinking that if I stay here and look hard enough, I’ll still be able to see them; that they won’t really be gone.”

  Helen gave him a one armed hug. “I know. When we buried Zach, you had to drag me from the cemetery. As long as I stood there, he seemed nearer. By walking away, I had to admit to the fact that we were separated forever.”

  Kane looked down the road once more. “Helen?”

  “Hmm?”

  “Do you believe in an afterlife?”

  “I think so. I can’t believe that a love as strong as mine was for Zach can just disappear. I like to think that
it somehow lives on and we’ll be together again.”

  “I hope you’re right, Helen. I hope you’re right.”

  Chapter 39

  Ryne watched the darkness of the tunnel slowly dissipate as the entrance approached. Apparently the sun hadn’t set yet. Melody gave a tiny squeal of excitement and crawled even faster, the movement of her feet kicking the filthy water into his face more than ever. He slowed his pace, dropping farther behind her to avoid the splashing sludge.

  When she reached the end of the tunnel, a relieved sigh echoed back towards him. Ryne smiled watching her climb out, while thinking she really had been a trooper throughout their underground journey, especially since he strongly suspected she didn’t like dark, enclosed places.

  He could see her legs as she stood at the tunnel’s entrance. She lifted one foot as if to step away, but then stopped mid-stride. He paused, somehow sensing all was not well though unsure what it might be. The answer came soon enough as he heard Aldrich’s self-satisfied voice.

  “Well, well, well. What do we have here? Why, it’s my runaway werewolf bitch. Very naughty of you to try to escape me. Where’s Taylor? Hiding in the tunnel behind you?”

  “No! Um, I mean he was behind me for a while, but… ” Ryne could almost hear Melody’s mind sorting through various scenarios that might explain his absence. Keeping his ears tuned to what was going on outside, he slowly began to move deeper back into the pipe.

  “Speak up girl? Where is he?”

  “Well, he started to follow me, but he’s scared of small dark tunnels and rats so he went back.”

  Ryne bit back an oath. He was not afraid of the dark! Still, it was quick thinking on her part.

  “You won’t mind if I check out your story will you?” There was definitely doubt in Aldrich’s voice.

  Ryne heard footsteps approaching and scooted even farther back into the pipe. A sliver of light played off the walls, but didn’t reach where he was. Aldrich must have had a small flashlight with him, perhaps the type that also served as a keychain given the fact it wasn’t very powerful.

  “See? I told you he was too chicken to follow me.” Ryne could just picture the smug look on Mel’s face.

  Aldrich’s laugh was tinged with derision. “I should have known. Those artsy types are usually nothing but insipid weaklings. Never mind, I locked the door of the safe house so he can’t get out that way. I’ll finish him off later.”

  Melody spoke again. “Listen Mr. Aldrich, I don’t have your stupid report with me, but if you let me go back home, I can print a copy for you.”

  “Even if I still wanted the report, it wouldn’t be a wise move. I imagine the area is cordoned off as a crime scene by now.”

  “Crime scene? What do you mean?”

  “Didn’t I tell you? Your friend—I believe she said her name was Lucy—surprised me when I went to your apartment. Unfortunately for her, I have very quick reflexes. When I left, she was next thing to dead, lying in a pool of her own blood.”

  “No!” The pain in Mel’s voice was undeniable.

  Ryne had to steel himself not to rush out and comfort Mel. He hadn’t told her about the waitress, wanting to spare her the grief for as long as possible. Damn Aldrich! The fucking bastard sounded almost happy to share the news with Mel. Maybe it was even a strategy on his part, delivering bad news just to unnerve her so that she’d be too shocked to think. Soundlessly, Ryne moved closer to the entrance again, trying to assess where Mel was in relation to the lawyer. The man probably had some kind of weapon, so just rushing out might be dangerous. Mel could get hurt and, in her newly transforming state, she probably didn’t have sufficient healing abilities to deal with any kind of serious wound.

  “So you see we can’t go back to your apartment. However, the report is of no importance to me now. That was Mr. Greyson’s project. Mine is quite different. You, my dear, are what I’m after.”

  “Me? Why?” From his new location, Ryne could just make out Mel’s shocked profile.

  “Aldrich!” Another voice entered the mix. It sounded winded, as if that person had been hurrying. Ryne had to restrain himself from poking his head out to see who had arrived.

  “Mr. Greyson, sir. I wasn’t expecting you.”

  “Dammit, Aldrich! Have you gone mad? I gave you orders that no one was to be here and now I find you traipsing all over my property! I’ve killed people for less and you damned well know it. Now what are you up to? And… That’s Ms. Greene isn’t it? Why the hell is she in the middle of the woods with you?”

  “I—” It seemed Aldrich was about to explain when Greyson interrupted him.

  “Don’t give me any of your bull crap, Leon. I’ll deal with you later.” Greyson’s tone softened when he spoke next. “Ms. Greene, I’m happy to finally meet you in person. I take it you have my report on Taylor?”

  “Not really, Mr. Greyson. You see—”

  This time it was Aldrich who interrupted. “Both of you shut up. Greyson, stay where you are—she’s mine. I don’t know what your plans were for her, but she’s going to make me a very rich man.”

  Obviously unused to such disrespect, Greyson blew up at the lawyer. “How dare you speak to me like that? If you’re not careful, I’ll have you terminated, just like your predecessor. Now, put that damned gun away and watch your impudence. And what do you mean rich? You told me she was basically penniless!”

  There was a certain quality of delight in Aldrich’s voice. “So you really don’t know? Curious. Who would have believed a coincidence like this would occur? She’s a werewolf, you old fool. The first damned werewolf ever captured.”

  Ryne chanced a brief glance outside. Aldrich hadn’t put the gun away, though it was partially lowered as he glowered at Greyson. Greyson was staring at Mel with what could only be described as excited interest. “Really? She’s a full werewolf?” He swung his head back to look at Aldrich. “How do you know?”

  “I saw her start to change.” The man seemed so self-satisfied that Ryne had to grit his teeth.

  Greyson sounded urgent, almost desperate, as he addressed Melody. “Ms. Greene, I have to talk to you! I knew you had at least some wolf in your background, but I never suspected this. There are things I need to know, things you have to tell me!”

  The sound of a gun being cocked had Ryne tense. Aldrich issued a warning. “Lay off, Greyson. She’s mine. Any information she has belongs to me.”

  Melody began to move out of Ryne’s field of vision. He frowned for a moment, but then realized she was walking away from the drainage pipe in a slow circle. A smile spread across Ryne’s face. Without their knowing it, Melody was manoeuvring Aldrich and Greyson so that their backs were to him! He mentally congratulated her on the plan. It would make it much easier for him to take Aldrich by surprise. His smile faded however, as he noted the quavery sound of her voice.

  “Listen, I don’t know what the hell either of you are babbling about. For the last time, I’m not a werewolf! I’m just a reporter—a student reporter at that!”

  Ryne bit his lip in concern. The stress of finding out about Lucy and of having a gun pointed at her was starting to show. Could it trigger a transformation as her inner wolf fought to rise up to meet the present danger? It was also getting later; he could feel the pull of the full moon himself and knew Melody would soon be helpless in the face of its power. Not willing to wait any longer, Ryne glanced outside, noticing the lengthening shadows cast by the surrounding trees. A grim smile graced his face. The encroaching nightfall was providing him with some cover. Seeing the others were focused on Melody, he silently slipped out of his hiding place, to the relative safety of a nearby bush.

  Melody flicked a glance in his direction before concentrating on her adversaries again. However, it was enough for their eyes to meet; the brief look was sufficient. He knew she was ready for whatever course of action he took. Shifting into his wolf form, Ryne crouched, muscles tense and ready to strike.

  Greyson seemed to be ignoring Aldrich.
He looked beseechingly at Melody. “Ms. Greene. Please. I promise I won’t tell anyone about you. I… I know about the Keeping; how you protect your secrecy by eliminating those who have stumbled upon your existence. If you feel you need to take my life, so be it, but first hear me out. I need information about your people, not for myself or monetary gain, but for my ward, Cassandra. She’s one of you, though she doesn’t know it yet.”

  Aldrich had a stunned look on his face as he stared at Greyson. “Your ward? What ward? Who—?”

  At that moment, Ryne leaped out and tackled Aldrich. Greyson shouted. The lawyer’s gun went off and a scream echoed through the night.

  *****

  Bryan stared at his cards, supposedly concentrating on his poker strategy. In reality, he didn’t even see the cards before him; it was the image of the clock that floated in front of his eyes. It was well past the scheduled check-in time but Ryne hadn’t called. The phone was working, there were no text messages, no e-mails. Where the hell was their Alpha?

  Kane was wondering the same thing. Just half an hour ago he’d had a blistering conversation with the other pack’s Alpha and was glad he wouldn’t be in Ryne’s shoes when the two finally talked. It was understandable that Kane was on edge; having a vial of liquid death in front of you while you waited for the call to drink it, would be enough to sour anyone’s mood.

  Ryne would call. Soon. Bryan kept the positive thought foremost in his mind, despite the weight in his stomach that increased with each minute that past. What could be keeping him? Surely, Mel wouldn’t have turned on him. Not Mel…

  “Are you in or out?” Marco’s voice brought him out of his reverie. That morning, he’d invited Marco and his family to check out Stump River, thinking it would help to fill the time. Olivia and Tessa hadn’t come; the baby was fussing and Tessa was too nervous. Marco, however, had welcomed a chance to see his new home and, having had the grand tour, was now keeping them company as they awaited Ryne’s call.