Wolf of Sight

by Quinn Loftis

  “This guy has a certain flair for the obvious,” said Bannan, throwing his hands in the air.

  Thad fixed his dark eyes on the wolf. “Hush, pup,” he said. “I’m thinking.”

  “Pup?” replied Bannan. “I’ll show you pup.”

  “No, you won’t,” said Drayden. “He’d wipe the floor with you in a second, and I’d have to explain to your Alpha why his third is laying in pieces outside the draheim veil. Just let the djinn think.”

  With a dark look, Bannan muttered something under his breath but then went quiet.

  “How long will this thinking take?” asked Sorin. “We can’t exactly kill the big bad high fae if we can’t get to him. And every second that ticks by, the likelihood that Volcan is successful in creating his witch army increases.”

  Thad ran his hands through his long, stark-white hair and blew out a breath. “Thirteen thousand, three hundred and forty-seven.”

  “Excuse me?” asked Adira. “Thirteen thousand, three hundred and forty-seven what?”

  “Years.” With a confused expression, Thad looked at the pixie. “That’s how many years of archives I must search through.” He pointed at his temple. “And I must search within all those years for a particular spell. The process may take several minutes.”

  “Wait a second,” said Antonio. “Are you saying the beginning of time started Thirteen thousand, three hundred and forty-seven years ago?”

  “What?” asked Thad, the confused look on his face deepening. “No. I don’t know when time began. I’m not a god. Thirteen thousand, three hundred and forty-seven years is how long I’ve been keeping the history of the supernatural races. I don’t have records as to what happened in the world before my assignment began. That would be silly.”

  “Of course, makes perfect sense,” said Sorin with a shrug.

  Thad walked over to a large rock and sat down. Sorin and the others watched him closely. His face twitched rapidly, and his eyebrows kept raising up and down. Several times it appeared he was going to speak, but each time he went quiet. Finally, he stood up.

  “Aha!” The djinn held up a hand.

  “Aha, what?” asked Adira.

  He sat back down. “Nope. Never mind, that’s not it.” There was a collective groan from the group. More minutes went by. Everyone stayed quiet, and Sorin guessed they all felt any noise would distract the djinn from the exhaustive search through his own brain. Just when Sorin was going to suggest to Elle that their presence wasn’t entirely necessary to this operation and they should sneak off behind a cluster of nearby bushes, the djinn let out a groan of his own.

  “What?” Sorin asked.

  Thad got up again and walked back over to the veil. He placed a hand on it, resting it there for several minutes. He closed his eyes and bowed his head. Finally, he raised his head, looked at the wolves, and nodded. The gravity in the look on the djinn’s face made Sorin shudder. “It’s you all,” he said, indicating Sorin, Bannan, Drayden, Antonio, Aimo, and Crina.

  “What about us?” asked Crina.

  “It’s pack magic. He’s using it against you.”

  “That’s not possible,” said Sorin. “Fae can’t use pack magic.”

  “No, they can’t,” agreed Thad. “Unless, of course, they’re part of the pack themselves.”

  “Is that true?” Drayden asked, looking from Elle to Adam. “You two are the only fae I know who would technically be considered part of any pack.”

  Both of the fae shrugged. “I’m not sure,” said Adam. “We’ve not been part of the pack for long, and I’ve not really thought to test something like that.”

  “Me either,” said Elle. “Although…”

  “What?” asked Sorin.

  “When Vasile gives Alpha commands, I do feel them. And not just through our bond, Sorin. I mean I actually feel them as if he’s giving the command to me. I guess that means I am connected to the pack’s magic somehow.”

  “What difference does it make?” asked Bannan. “Volcan isn’t a part of our pack. It still shouldn’t be possible.”

  “You are correct, pup,” said Thad. “Volcan isn’t a pack member. But the blood of one who is a member of the Colorado pack runs through his veins. This gives him a direct connection to the pack. He’s figured out a way to exploit it.”

  “Jewel.” Adira breathed.

  “Exactly,” said Thad.

  “What does that mean?” asked Crina.

  “It means that only wolves are going to be able to break down this barrier.”

  “Wait a second, djinn,” said Sorin. “I thought you were some colossus. I thought you could move mountains. Are you telling me you cannot remove the spell by yourself?”

  “Not at all,” said Thadrick. “I could easily remove the spell. But the power it would take to open the veil in that manner would be catastrophic. It would blow a hole in reality itself, likely destroying this world and possibly the draheim veil as well. None of us would survive.”

  “That’s just…” began Elle.

  “A giant bundle of sunshine and unicorn poop.” Peri’s voice caused all of their heads to turn.

  “Perizada,” said Thad. “So nice of you to join us. I was just explaining to the wolves how Volcan has played a nasty trick upon us.”

  “I heard,” she said.

  “Then you know we’re screwed,” said Adira.

  “Not exactly,” said Peri. “The wolves have proven themselves capable time and again. I’m sure they can handle this. How can they open the veil, Thad?”

  “Quite simple,” replied the djinn. “They just have to cross the In-Between.”

  ***

  “I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that you lasses had nothing to do with the clothes you’re wearing,” said Kale, his deep voice causing chills to run down Heather’s spine.

  “It turns out our friendly neighborhood fae has a true fear of you males being unable to control yourselves around us.”

  “She’s right to have that fear,” he admitted. “Peri has been around the wolves for a very long time. She’ll know how strongly we wolves feel the need to mark and claim our lasses.”

  Heather wasn’t worried about his declaration. Instead of saying anything about his remark, she placed her hand on his arm and then wrapped hers around his elbow. “Where are we headed?”

  Kale tilted his head back and took a deep breath. “I can smell the direction the other males have gone with your friends. Nick and Kara have wandered off, and Stella and Ciro are still at the house. We’ll go to a different spot.” He began walking and Heather fell into step beside him. They were both silent, but it wasn’t at all uncomfortable. “You’re so easy to be around,” he finally said. “It feels as though we’ve been together for years instead of weeks. I can’t imagine what it’ll be like when we’ve been together for decades.”

  “Me too,” said Heather clutching him tighter and trying to contain the warm fuzzies that were exploding in her belly.

  After walking for a few minutes, Kale paused. “There’s a bench next to a little pond,” he said. He led his mate to it. “The bench is directly behind you. If you take a couple of steps backward you will feel it on the back of your knees.”

  She followed his instructions, and once she was seated, Kale took the empty spot next to her. The air was crisp but not so cold that it was uncomfortable.

  “How are you feeling?

  “Just in general … or is there something specific you’re looking for?”

  “Both.”

  Heather contemplated how she’d respond. There was so much going on inside, she didn’t know where to start. Two big worries constantly vied for her attention. One was her relationship with him. The other was the situation with Jewel and Anna.

  After a few moments, she figured she’d deal with the Jewel and Anna situation first. After all, much like he had said, it felt as if she and Kale had been together forever, and Heather felt so comfortable wi
th him. She knew their relationship was solid. And as exciting as this new relationship was, the thought of being transformed into a witch was taking center stage in her mind. “Even though it’s super scary, I’m probably not as concerned about the whole ‘turning into a witch’ thing as I should be.”

  “Why is that?” asked Kale as he brushed some strands of hair from her face.

  She felt Kale’s rough fingertips against her cheek and wanted to lean into his touch, but she had promised Peri she would behave and Heather didn’t take promises lightly.

  “Heather, why aren’t you more concerned?” Kale asked her again, and she realized she’d been so busy thinking about his touch that she hadn’t answered his question.

  She let out a resigned sigh as she said, “I don’t want you to think I’m keeping anything from you. I’m not. But I can’t tell the reason.” Heather didn’t like giving him such a cryptic answer but, again, she’d given her word.

  “That doesn’t make much sense,” he responded.

  “I know, but it’s something that involves all the healers, and we cannot share it. You will have to trust me on this one, mate.” Heather’s mind wandered back to the dream she’d had the night before, a dream that included her fellow healers.

  Heather blinked several times and took a deep breath. She could smell the sweet scent of flowers and hear the sound of trickling water. She knew she was asleep, and yet her senses were telling her that wherever she was, it was just as real as the room in which her body slept.

  “Where are we?” Stella’s voice joined the sound of the water.

  “Stella?” Heather said.

  “Yep and Kara’s here too.”

  “Are we dreaming?” asked Kara. “Because it doesn’t feel like a dream.”

  “Unless Peri whisked us away while we were sleeping, I don’t see how this couldn’t be a dream,” Heather said.

  “But why are we all aware it’s a dream and we are all in it together?” asked Stella.

  Heather felt a sudden warmth on her face and skin. It wasn’t hot, just a slight jump in temperature.

  “You are here because I willed it,” said a voice as clear and crisp as a winter morning.

  “Great Luna,” Heather heard Kara whisper.

  Heather’s heart started beating painfully in her chest as she realized she was in the presence of the goddess. Was she supposed to curtsey or bow? Did she need to get on her knees and touch her nose to the ground? What exactly was goddess etiquette, and why hadn’t Peri explained that etiquette to them?

  “We are waiting on the others,” the Great Luna said. “There is much I need to share with all of you.”

  Heather leaned in the direction from which Stella and Kara’s voices had emanated. “Psst,” she whispered. “Are you two kneeling or bowing? Am I the only idiot standing in front of a goddess?”

  “We’re kneeling,” Stella answered. “I thought that was kind of a given.”

  Heather huffed. “You two heifers let me stand here looking like a disrespectable blind ass instead of telling me to kneel?”

  “She’s a goddess, Heather,” Stella said, sounding exasperated as if she were talking to a child. “Why wouldn’t you kneel?”

  “It’s not like I go around hanging out with goddesses any time I please,” Heather said. “I’m not all up on the goddess do’s and don’ts. How could I know?”

  “I don’t know what you do in your spare time,” Stella shot back. “For all I know, you’re out gallivanting with the goddess every night in your dreams.”

  “Don’t you think I would have told you?” Heather’s voice had risen with her ire.

  “We leave you three alone for a few weeks and you’re already at each other’s throats.” Jewel’s voice suddenly joined Anna’s and Stella’s.

  Heather’s head whipped around at the sound, and then she moved forward until her outstretched hand was met with another. She pulled Jewel, whose scent she knew as well as the other healers, into a tight hug. “Are you alright? Is Anna here?”

  “I’m here, Helen,” Anna said, and Heather grinned at the nickname.

  She reached out her other hand as she released Jewel, and then Anna’s arms were wrapped around her. “We’ve missed you both,” whispered Heather.

  “We’ve missed you three as well, even your bickering,” Anna chuckled.

  Heather let go of Anna and listened as the two girls said their hellos to Stella and Kara. When their voices died down, she heard the Great Luna’s once again.

  “Please, rise,” the goddess said. “What I have to tell you healers is vital. It is something you must think on but never speak of it again once you awaken. You must not even speak of it with each other, with your mates, or any other persons.”

  Heather felt something inside of her shift, and she tried to prepare herself for whatever it was that the Great Luna was about to reveal.

  “The spell you must cast in order to fool Volcan, yet keep your light intact, will take great sacrifice. I know your mates plan to stand in the gap for you. They cannot. The sacrifice will have to come from each one of you. You have been told the sacrifice must be one of blood. This is true. But do not be misled. Sometimes, blood comes from our bodies. Other times, it comes from somewhere else. This is a mystery you must ponder. The sacrifice you must make will not be one you can make easily.

  “The road you healers must travel in this life is long and perilous. At some points, the journey will be rewarding. At other times, it will feel as if you do not have the strength to take a single step. Through it all, I am with you. I walk every step you walk. I feel every pain you feel. I cry every tear you cry. And I rejoice with every victory you have. If you need me, all you must do is ask.”

  Heather was struggling to breathe as the goddess’s words penetrated her soul. She could feel the Great Luna’s love for them and the depth of that love. It was hard for her human mind to even comprehend it.

  “How will we know what our sacrifice must be?” Anna asked.

  “Despite the pain it will cause you emotionally and physically, you will have peace about your decision,” the Great Luna answered. “It will not be an easy decision to make, but you will know in your soul it is the right one.

  “I will leave you here together until you awaken naturally so you may take some time to share in each other’s comfort and friendship, but remember my command. What I have told you here today is to remain in each of your hearts and minds. It is a covenant between us, that as sure as you make your sacrifices for the greater good, so I will bless you in equal measure. For I always see what is in your heart and know the motives behind your choices. Let the light you shine be bright, my healers. Don’t grow dim even in absolute darkness.”

  “Of course, I trust you,” came Kale’s deep voice. There was silence. “Heather?” Kale’s voice broke the hold the memory of the dream had on her. She felt his hand on her chin as he turned her face and then felt his warm breath on her cheek.

  “Where’d you go just now?” he asked. “You blocked the bond.”

  She shook off the remnants of the memory and smiled. “Just thinking about the other healers. We all share this secret and—”

  She felt something press against her lips, feather-light. “I get it,” said Kale.

  As his heat left her face, she realized he’d kissed her. Kale. Her mate. Had kissed her.

  “I’m pretty sure Peri would have zapped you for that little stunt,” she said.

  His throaty chuckle made her insides squirm. She felt like a schoolgirl with her first crush.

  “What Peri doesn’t know won’t hurt her,” Kale said, sounding smug and amused at the same time.

  “To answer the other part of your question, I’m feeling quite good. I’m totally digging this whole supernatural-world thing. And suddenly having a man who thinks I’m the best thing since we put a man on the moon is its own bag of feels.”

  “You’re not apprehensive about the whole t
rue-mate thing?” Kale questioned.

  Heather shook her head. “I’ve lived my whole life in the dark. For the first time ever, I finally feel like I’m seeing the light. Not physically, obviously, but it’s as though a veil that has stood between me and the rest of the world has been suddenly ripped away. Finally, I’m living. I have relationships, with actual humans instead of just with the dogs I train. I have people I care about, and they care about me. How could I be apprehensive about that?”

  She felt his arm come around her shoulders as he pulled her into his side. Heather tensed.

  “Relax, mate,” Kale rumbled. “I just need to hold you. You’re remarkable and you’re mine. What on earth did I do to deserve a gift such as you?”

  “You might not be saying that in fifty years,” she teased.

  “I imagine in fifty years I will find you even more remarkable than I do now.”

  Heather hoped that was true. She hoped whatever it was the Great Luna had said they’d need to sacrifice wouldn’t cause Kale to be angry or bitter at her.

  “Do you think we can defeat Volcan?” asked Heather after another couple minutes.

  “There is no other choice. I won’t even entertain the idea that we won’t defeat him.”

  “But what if we don’t? What if…” Heather swallowed down the one fear that could take her breath away at just the thought. “What if you die? I mean, I understand Peri’s reason for wanting us to hold off on the Blood Rites, but how am I supposed to go back into the dark if I lose you before I’ve really even gotten a chance to be with you? How am I supposed to just go on living?”

  Kale pulled her tighter and began to run his hand up and down her arm. “Shh,” he said gently. “You’re howling at the wrong wolf, love. I’ve been waiting for you for centuries. The idea of something happening to you and me being left in this world without you makes me crazy. What Peri is asking of me, and of the other males, goes against everything we are destined to do. My wolf is a mess because he knows we need to mark you. We need to complete the bond in order to keep you safe. We must.”