Lone Wolf Rising

by Jami Brumfield

  Absently, Rebecca’s fingers shot to her own necklace that grandmother gave her the other morning. "Pendants of protection hardly seem enough. Especially since we don’t know what they are for."

  "Agreed. They’re only there to protect you from being seen by those in the supernatural world, but it’s a good start." He squeezed her free hand affectionately. "I don't want to let you go, but I need to. I have a feeling that conversation is going to take a while and you still have to get ready for the dance, not that you need to do much. You’re already drop-dead gorgeous." He grinned. "Danny, Gabe, and I will be here at seven to pick you all up."

  "Okay." She squeezed his hand quickly and headed toward the front door of the house. She stopped for a moment and asked, “Can you set up another meeting with Celestia for early next week?” He nodded and headed to his car. Rebecca walked inside her house which seemed eerily quiet. For just a moment, she leaned back on the door and smiled. A month ago smiles were rare in her life. Now Lucky and Gabriel seemed to make them come constantly. Someone up there must be looking out for her, and deep in the recesses of her soul she secretly hoped that someone was her parents.

  Rebecca was disappointed after she searched the house and discovered that grandmother was gone. The disappointment was short lived because Savvy was screaming at her to get ready. Rebecca found Savvy in the bathroom connected to their bedroom. She had placed her hair up in an elegant up-do, allowing a few tendrils to frame her face. She looked gorgeous, like a princess in her dress and hair up high. Rebecca decided she would wear her hair down so she plugged in the hot rollers.

  “You look beautiful, sis.”

  Savvy smiled at her sister’s reflection. “Thank you, sis. I can’t wait to see you in that dress again.”

  Rebecca sighed and hopped into the shower. Her fate for the night was sealed. She resigned to having as much fun as possible at the dance tonight. After the shower, she headed to the closet. She threw on a pair of black jeggings and then her dress. She made sure the skirt length was still long enough for her to wear a pair of black canvas shoes before she slipped them on. When she was happy she was prepared for anything, she joined Savvy in the bathroom to apply some make-up and set the rollers in her hair.

  “You picked the perfect hairstyle to carry a crown.” Rebecca grinned at her sister.

  Savvy shrugged. “There’s a good chance that I could win the crown. I figure I might as well be prepared - just in case.” She smiled and winked; a knowing look in her eyes.

  “I can’t think of a better homecoming queen.” And Rebecca meant it. Savvy had campaigned for the crown since they were in junior high. In the process she had done so many wonderful things for the students at their school. “Are we okay?”

  Savvy looked at Rebecca for a moment. “Of course. You’re my sister and no guy is ever going to come between us. Besides, I decided to give Danny a chance.” She worked on applying mascara. “Speaking of guys, Lucky and I were talking about your music and we decided we were going to find you an open mic night next week. Are you up to playing some chords for a crowd?”

  Rebecca slipped on some lip gloss and managed a soft smile. “I don’t know, sis. I’m not into writing music much anymore.” She couldn’t tell her the real reason was that she no longer had the time or the need.

  “Please, for me?” Savvy turned on the face she knew Rebecca couldn’t say no to. To make matters worse, Savvy started helping Rebecca with her rollers.

  Rebecca sighed heavily and after a few moments of silence she gave in. “Okay, fine. I’ll do it.” Despite having to be talked into it, she found herself a little excited to be doing something normal, familiar. They finished pulling out the last of the rollers and admired their reflections in the mirror. Rebecca’s hair down and Savvy’s hair up. The faces were the same, but the hair made them look different.

  They decided to head downstairs and grab a bite to eat. Hunter’s door was open and he was already dressed for the night. On the desk where he was sitting sat a corsage the color of Natalia’s dress. He was preoccupied, reading a book. Always the bookworm. Hunter was an enigma wrapped up in contradictions. He was an athlete and a mathlete. He enjoyed studying almost as much as he enjoyed combat on the football field. One thing he was not good at was video games. He would rather be outside on a long run than playing some war game looked away in his room. He would rather be living life than hiding behind a video game.

  "I can feel you staring at me." He didn't turn around, but Rebecca could hear the annoyance in his voice.

  "We were just checking on you." Rebecca and Savvy entered his room. It was meticulously clean, everything organized and in its place. "You look so grown up in your tuxedo and bowtie? You decided to wear a bowtie?" Savvy asked incredulously.

  He closed his book. "And suspenders" He showed them off with pride. "You should know by now I’m not one to go with the masses. I considered wearing a pastel blue tuxedo but Natalia was wearing orange, and I didn't think it would be good to clash, at least not on our first date." He grinned and sat down beside Savvy and Rebecca on his bed. "It’s good to see you, Becks, I haven’t seen you in what seems like forever."

  Again, the tears stung the back of Rebecca’s eyes. She really had been avoiding them both. "I’m sorry. I seem to have gotten tied up in a bunch of crazy stuff lately, but I promise things are going to become a lot clearer starting tomorrow."

  "Can I help with any of it? Do I need to beat up your new boyfriend?" Rebecca knew Hunter was joking but having a protective younger brother was strangely sweet.

  Savvy’s phone rang and she stepped into the hall to take the call. Rebecca was tense until she heard Danny’s voice on the other end of the phone.

  Rebecca shook her head, her hand shot up to the necklace their grandmother had given her. “They’re my demons, but I’m getting closer to overcoming them everyday.”

  “Demons, that’s a little morbid, sis.” He pointed to her locket. “I see Grams gave you a present, too, huh?" His eyes locked on the locket. "She gave me that watch. I decided not to wear it tonight. Don't tell her. She said I should never take it off."

  "I think her feelings would be hurt if you didn't wear it." Rebecca picked it up from the bedside table and handed it to him. It was a black watch that had multiple time zones, a compass, and probably some other really neat gadgets. “You should wear it, Hunt.”

  He frowned. There was a war of conscious going on in his mind. "I would but I thought it would be good to wear father's watch tonight. It’s dressier and having it on makes me think he’s here, at least in spirit."

  "Put grandma’s on and when we leave you can carry it in your pocket." That way he was still protected. Rebecca had already found a way to sneak Savvy’s missing locket into her blue satin purse. She hoped if they both had it in their possession it would still work its magic.

  He smiled and punched Rebecca’s arm playfully, "You are such a smart cookie, sis." He slipped it on his opposite hand. "I meant it, if you need my help I’m always here for you."

  "I know." Rebecca got up and gave him a hug. "Ditto. So how about this weekend we do some driving?" That made his smile even brighter.

  "Super!"

  Savvy came back into the room with a radiant smile. “That was my new boyfriend.” She put her phone in her small purse. “Everything is set for tonight. We’re going to grab a bite to eat, want to join us, Hunt?"

  “That’s a silly question.” He jumped up and followed them down the stairs.

  Chapter Thirty

  ~”Everyone has to make their own decisions. I still believe in that. You just have to be able to accept the consequences without complaining.”

  ~Grace Jones

  Rebecca

  The limo was a beautiful white stretch and it simply started off the night on the perfect note. On the ride to the school Rebecca was curled up in Lucky's arms. It wasn’t difficult pretending to like him. They still had a lot to discuss, but maintaining the cover was an easy task. He was so safe an
d comfortable. Danny and Savvy were talking excitedly to each other about the dance, the decorations, and the possibility of them both being crowned king and queen. Natalia and Hunter sat on the other side, both trying to look like they’d done this before and failing miserably. It was adorable.

  "I called Celestia like you asked. She wanted the meeting tonight, I hope you don't mind, but I told her we were busy." Lucky whispered in Rebecca’s ear.

  “But I asked you to set up another meeting?” Rebecca gave him a confused look.

  “Yes, but I didn’t want her to think we were desperate. So I told her we would set something up next week. Do you mind?”

  “Good thinking. We want to enter into negotiations on even grounds.” It was a smart move and she was grateful he thought of it. “Did she set a time for next week?”

  He shook his head. "No, but I told her I’d talk to you and get back to her with a new meeting time. I think this time, though; we may want to bring Gabriel. A little reinforcement can't hurt."

  “Where is Gabriel?” Rebecca asked, trying to seem uninterested but failing miserably.

  “He’s going to meet us there. I guess he’s bringing a date.”

  The idea of Gabriel bringing a date raised the green dragon of jealousy in her mind. She tried to push it down. The wolf only helped fuel the fire. She knew Gabriel would be at the dance. It made her feel safer, despite the fact he was bringing a date.

  Rebecca nodded. Lucky had a good point. They definitely needed reinforcements before going back into that house and Gabriel was the best option. Despite her best judgment she attempted to connect mentally with Gabe and got him the very first try.

  His voice rang deep in her mind which startled her slightly. 'You called?'

  'Yes.' Rebecca responded back.

  She wondered briefly if she would ever get used to this and he responded, 'it takes time but you will.'

  'I wanted to tell you to set up more interviews this weekend. And also to let you know we may be needing your backup next week for a meeting with Celestia.'

  ‘Okay, but couldn’t we have talked about that in person at the dance?'

  ‘Of course, you’re right. I just didn’t want to interfere with your date.’

  He chuckled, “do I detect a hint of jealousy?’

  ‘You wish.’ It was a lie, she was definitely jealous.

  'Yes I do. I’m already at the dance. Will you be here soon?' He asked.

  'Yes.'

  'Okay, save your strength. We can talk when you get here.' And like that the connection was severed. Rebecca shook off the feeling of rejection. He was right. It took a lot of energy communicating like that.

  "What did he say?" Lucky asked with a knowing smile.

  "We were discussing pack business when he suggested we talk in person once we get to the dance so I could save my energy." She answered him truthfully.

  "Pack business?" A look of hurt passed through his eyes. It was there and gone so quickly Rebecca wondered if she’d imagined it. But when he adjusted in a way that forced her into a sitting position, she knew she had hurt him. She just didn’t know how and this was not the place to discuss it.

  The school was just around the corner. Danny pulled out a flask from his breast pocket and took a long swig. "Here’s to having a fun night." He handed it to Savvy who took a tiny sip and made a face when she passed it back. He offered a drink to Lucky who turned it down, just as Rebecca did. Natalia reluctantly took a sip after Hunter took a shot. Rebecca didn’t know her siblings snuck alcohol, and seeing them drink it made her nervous.

  Then the car came to a stop and the driver got out and opened the door. When Rebecca passed by him her alpha identified him as a demon.

  Rebecca looked at Lucky and whispered, "Did you know our driver’s a demon?"

  "Yep. Bruce is..."

  "You put my sister and brother in a car with a demon?" She hissed angrily.

  Lucky took her arm and maneuvered her to the side, away from the ears of her family. "Just because he’s a demon doesn't mean he’s from the dark side." He shook his head, disappointment shined in his eyes.

  Rebecca didn’t care. "Are you sure?" She watched the demon carefully out of the corner of her eye.

  "Nephilim. Lie detector. Pretty sure." He took a seat on the park bench and motioned for her to sit with him. "Just like humans, every species has good and bad sides. Bruce happens to be a very good friend of mine and even sometimes an informant. I trust him, which is why he’s here tonight."

  Rebecca placed her head in her hands, ashamed at her reaction. "I need to apologize to him."

  "No need, he didn't hear you."

  "But now I feel guilty."

  "So you need to unburden your feelings of guilt on him? I won't let you do that." Lucky stood up and held out his hands. She took his hands and stood up with him. "Now let’s get your pack business done so that we can enjoy the rest of the night together." They headed inside with the rest of the group.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  ~”If you cannot get rid of the family skeleton, you may as well make it dance.”

  ~George Bernard Shaw

  Rebecca

  Rebecca had to admit that Savvy outdid herself. The gymnasium had been transformed into an enchanted forest. The fountain was amazing, the bubbles were timeless. The smiles of the people attending the dance were dazzling. The DJ played a great mix. Everything about the room was magical. Savannah made her proud.

  Rebecca tried to admire all the amazing things Savvy did but as she looked around the wonderfully decorated room she was also looking for Gabriel, curious to see who his date was.

  "May I have this dance?" Gabriel asked after sneaking up behind her. Rebecca jumped slightly in surprise and felt Lucky's fingers squeeze lightly to let her know he was there. Even though she was here with Lucky, Gabriel still made her pulse race. She knew this was the reaction her wolf had to him, but her human side was beginning to like the idea of Gabriel as well. She looked to Lucky for approval and he offered a tentative, tight smile. He wanted to make sure she knew he wasn’t going to get in the way of wolf business despite his own personal concerns about them.

  "It’s your business." The smile on his face was genuine, the gold in his eyes almost sparkled.

  She squeezed his hand in hers and flashed him a dazzling smile before walking out to the dance floor with Gabriel.

  “You look tired.” Rebecca reached a hand to Gabe’s face as the wolf took control of her motor skills.

  “I’ve been putting in some late hours trying to find out more about the guy you said was watching your house.” He grinned warmly as he pressed his cheek into her hand. ‘That feels wonderful.’ He spoke softly in her mind. She pulled her hand back quickly and scolded her wolf for being inappropriate.

  Rebecca bit her lower lip. The poor guy was running himself silly to make sure she was safe. It was amazing. “Any luck in find out who it is?” She asked, keeping her voice low, knowing his hearing would allow him to discern a whisper despite the loud music playing and the chatter and laughter from her classmates.

  He leaned in, which was unnecessary, but an obvious show of his interest in pursuing her. "No. Whoever this man is, he’s elusive. The only things I’ve discovered is he’s real, he’s a wizard, and he’s skilled at masking and covering his tracks. I’ve been doing this a long time, Becca, and I can promise you, very few things get past my tracking skills."

  She shivered at the way his green eyes locked on hers. It was that simple to forget everyone else around her. She could feel the intense emotions he stirred in her wolf, the emotions he stirred in her. She was beginning to have a hard time recognizing where one started and the other left off.

  "We need to get to the bottom of this." Rebecca chewed her lower lip. "I don't want this wizard to hurt my family."

  "Your family is a target for more supernatural beings then this guy. It’s why Tomas accepted you into his pack. If I know my father, I think he hoped the witches’ magic would
follow suit." No one spoke the truth out loud, but there was a real possibility it did come with her transformation. What that meant neither wanted to investigate at the moment. It would hold for a while. There were more pressing matters at hand.

  He placed a hand on Rebecca’s waist and pulled her closer, all the while controlling her dance steps and keeping them in time with the music. She was never a good dancer, but Gabriel made her look good. "The key is to teach your family to defend themselves. We can do that. Lucky and I are good fighters.” He grinned. “In fact, we are well matched. It was how we both became friends.”

  “Oh, really? Tell me.” She was excited to hear the story.

  “Well, he came into the Refuge when I was working as a bus boy. He was chasing a criminal to the Authority, a man named Blaze. Blaze asked for sanctuary. The Refuge staff was obligated to protect him. As long as Blaze stayed in the sanctuary doors he was safe from everyone, including the Authority. Lucky decided to try and provoke the mastermind out of the Refuge. It resulted in a heated exchange which got them both thrown out. Outside on the street Lucky almost lost his life to Blaze… he was a fire witch and he didn’t play fair. I couldn’t watch the disaster happen without helping him. Together we fought Blaze and defeated him but we both almost lost our lives.” Gabriel took Rebecca’s hand and placed it on his waist on his left side. She felt the burn scar under his shirt. It ran up the length of his torso.

  She sucked in a breath. For all the times she wrapped her arms around his waist she never noticed the scar. She couldn’t see it, but the touch of it broke her heart as she imagined what it must have felt like to have your flesh on fire.

  ‘I hope that doesn’t disgust you, babe.’ He spoke softly in her mind. ‘I have plenty more scars from other injuries as well.’