Hearts Eclipsed: A Beautiful Nightmare Companion Novel

by L. C. Son

  Chapter 15

  Jackson

  I’ve finally seen the new me and it’s nothing I’ve ever thought possible!

  While this by far has been the most painful lunar phase to date, I have never felt so powerful. So strong. My normal phasing typically consists of a few broken bones, setting and resetting, as I transform from the appearance of a man into my wolfen form. But everything about last night’s turn has my muscles still pulling and contracting even as my splintered bones swell beneath my newfound musculature.

  As I stand taller than my usual height, I gaze at the chorale of den leaders hovering over in submission and awe at my new form. And if it weren’t for the glass doors of my aunt’s terrace reflecting my image, I would hardly believe it myself. Now I understand what Gregory meant when he said he witnessed my new transformation.

  In fairness, I thought he was only trying to stroke my ego in my sullen state. Truly, I thought creatures like the one I saw reflected in the glass doors staring back at me were myths—or only existed as legend. Now, as the sun rises upon me and the den leaders, I now know there is more to me than even I understood.

  One resounding growl rumbles through me as my spinal column snaps back in place and my protruding canines and lengthened nails retract to their normal state. The surrounding den leaders howl in response, baying at the retreating apex as the sun looms on the horizon. And with it, each one drops to one knee to the earth while resting their elbow to their opposite knee, showcasing their submission.

  My chest swells and constricts as air ripples through my lungs and I pace back and forth in front of the packs, working hard to catch my breath in hopes to douse the lingering jitteriness raging within me.

  “To our Prime Alpha!” Gregory shouts first, leading the chorus of den leaders. Each echo in response, pouncing their fists to their chests as they bellow a militant roar.

  It’s been years since I’ve called for den leaders to shift on prime pack soil.

  Most came likely to pry about my nuptials—or the lack thereof. A few came out of simple curiosity while others came with hopes to challenge me in some fashion. Some didn’t come at all. I’ve asked Shawn to follow up on those who didn’t present themselves. Perhaps they’re with my treacherous brother.

  I’m not sure what any of them expected when Gregory summoned them at my behest to our pack soil at my family’s ranch. What they got was not something I think any of us could prepare for.

  From the first crowning of last night’s moon, my wolf insisted he would be stifled no longer. Normally, it’s the apex of the moon that ignites our transformation. While Prime wolves can always change into form at any given time, like most wolves, none of us can truly resist the summoning of the full moon. It calls to our very primal nature like no other.

  But something happened last night that I neither intended nor expected.

  There was at least another hour or so left until the full moon was set to reach its apex when a loud, grizzly-like roar ruptured through my being as my wolf took form. I hadn’t said much through the evening and my mind fluctuated its course over and again. I knew I needed to say something, but I wasn’t quite sure of what to say. Or how.

  Thankfully, my wolf knew exactly what needed to be done.

  With my first yelp, leaves rattled as the tree trunks shook and the dens immediately grew quiet. Then another roar issued from me and the moon’s brightness showed its fullness.

  At my wail, the clouds lift their cover, giving way to the full moon in our view and the wolves transformation is instantaneous. No one under the sound of my howl or standing in the light of the moon withstands our entreat.

  While everything about this moment feels both mystical and perhaps a bit more than supernatural, it is no dream nor nightmare. This is real. Den leaders from all around the mid-Atlantic gaze at me with a reverential glare that both strengthens me and stirs me with awe.

  But as life changing as our phasing was, it was our shared hunt that solidified the unity amongst the packs more than I thought possible. We shared no words that human minds can interpret, but we were able to communicate with one another on a level those of original lineage can understand.

  “We are with you and await your word,” shouts Isaac, leader of the lower York County den. The remaining leaders once more chorale in unison, still on their knees.

  “And I am with you,” I shout back followed by a loud roar. Slowing my pace, I take note of each den leader, making eye contact with each of them as I pass by. I need them to know I see them. Even more, I need them to know I’m here with and for them. When they leave this place, they must know we are in this together.

  We are family.

  “I know some of you think I have failed you. You feel that I have abandoned you. And maybe I could have done some things differently. Maybe we all could have done some things different. But the time for apologies is passed. As leaders of the Prime wolves, we have a responsibility to end dissension in our ranks. There are growing threats that seek to end our way of life—and life as we know it! Unlike my ancestors, I will not skulk to the shadows and hide! You have my vow that I will stand and fight! All I ask is that you fight by my side!”

  A loud chorus endorses my sentiment with another militant roar as they pound their fists to the ground, and it shakes in response. Both Gregory and Shawn’s proud smiles of admiration shine brightly as the sun rises, showcasing the shimmery dew of the tree leaves around us.

  As I walk toward the steps of the back patio, I spy Aunt Sophie watching me through the glass. Her eyes dance with delight and while it’s hard to fathom, the look in her eyes tell me she’s prouder of me now, more than ever. She nods in approval and smiles and I respond in kind and turn back to face the wolves.

  “That is why I need you here today. Together we can uphold our vow to protect the keepers of the balance, those of Altrinion lineage. And yes, my fiancé, Damina happens to be one of them. I know many of you have heard disparaging remarks from my brother about my betrothed. I say this to you now because I want to bare my truth to you. For too long secrets and lies have been both our demise and downfall. Now is our time to take back all that we lost—and for me that also includes Damina! Long before I knew she was supernatural, I loved her. I love her still. And I still believe it is that love which is capable of overcoming any curse or anything that comes our way!”

  “My lord, how then can we overcome such a curse as the Fated Ones? Especially when you have yet to mark your lordship and take your rightful place as Alpha Lord?” Jesse, den leader of the Glasgow pack mutters. His tone reeks of fear and his shifty stance tell me he was afraid to ask.

  I smile in return and gesture toward him to approach me.

  “You have every right to question me, my friend,” I respond with my hands on his shoulder. I feel his tense muscles relax in my grip and a small smile creeps on his face. “As a matter of fact, you all do! For too long, I’ve kept myself guarded. But how can I expect you to follow and serve by my side unless we have transparency between us? Last night proved one thing, I am more than your Prime Alpha! And I suspect that if and when the time comes for me to enact my lordship if you will, then I shall. What I want to focus on now is not letting it get to that point. We cannot repeat the mistakes of our ancestors by taking the rank of Prime Lordship for granted. It is a great responsibility not to be taken lightly and used as only necessary. Having control of all animal life is no small undertaking. Our ancestors abused their powers, and we’ve been trying to play catch up ever since—but not today. No. Today, we will become proactive. Not reactive. That is why I need your help to reclaim my bride!”

  “We are with you!” Isaac and Jesse shout with the remaining leaders resounding their sentiment.

  A strong wind blows through the woods behind us, and we howl in unison with nature’s melody breezing at our backs. I lift my hands, encouraging all the leaders to stand to the
ir feet. I greet each of them as they pass by me on the steps. As each leader takes my hand in their grip, I feel like a connection once lost has been restored.

  Although I hate to admit it, perhaps there was some truth in Kyra’s words. For too long the packs and den leaders have been disjointed. Keiron leveraged that instability to my own demise but I believe today we laid building blocks to a better future.

  What they needed wasn’t just someone to talk to them and trifle with their own inherent fears. Instead, they needed to see me. I can’t believe I didn’t see that all along. It’s the one thing I’ve longed for between me and Damina—for her to see me. The real me.

  The wolf I’ve long kept hidden is the real me. For wolves, especially alphas, nothing is more sacred than the moments between our humanity and our supernaturality. I think my wolf knew that. He gained the confidence of the koi-wolves when I shifted from wolf to man. And he knew it was time for those who truly follow me to see the same. My transformation before the den leaders proved that I was willing to be at my most strongest and most vulnerable before them.

  “What do you require from us?” Shawn says as he and Gregory join me on the patio.

  As much as I wish to linger in the swelling joy of regaining the confidence of the den leaders, I know I must plan to reclaim Damina as my own. And to do so there’s only one name that comes to mind.

  My brother, Keiron.

  “Find my brother and his band of traitors!”

  Dalcour

  I feel like my favorite cartoon, Charlie Brown. For the last few hours, everything Jerrica has said to me is as muted as the words of the teacher of the Peanuts gang. Nothing she says seems of any importance; at least compared to my longing to finally see Damina.

  All I do is listen intermittently for her name.

  Damina.

  Frankly, it’s all I care about at this moment.

  Ever since I came back from taking Cedric and Abigail’s post at the westside, putting an end to the large crowding of Scourge seeking to descend on the City, I’ve been jumpy at the thought of seeing her again. Once more, I feel like a kid at Christmas and boy I can’t wait to unwrap and open my gift. This day couldn’t come fast enough.

  As Jerrica continues talking, something about her ongoing dislike of Chartreuse Grenoble, I hear a growing number of footsteps leading toward Jerrica’s back office in the adjacent parlor. Without a moment to pass, my face is pressed against the doorway as the sweet and calming fragrance of Damina drifts through the air, letting me know she is near.

  I hear several voices, but it’s the dulcet and harmonic cadence of her words that sing like a melody to my ears. My heart throbs in my chest and my pulse quickens as my anticipation grows with each passing moment. I want to see her. I need to see her!

  “Well someone seems eager to get out there and meet the team!” Jerrica says joyfully, breaking my panic before it sets in.

  “That is why you wanted me here today, right?” I respond, playing it cool.

  “Then I suppose there’s no need to hold you hostage much longer,” Jerrica answers while briefly searching my face. I know she can tell something is off with me, but I’m glad she doesn’t press it.

  Rounding the corner to the hallway my heart races with delight and anticipation! I do everything possible to douse the growing fervor in my loins; lest Jerrica gets the wrong idea. Besides, I’d hate to formally meet everyone with my manhood leading the way. We can save that for another time.

  Annoyance creeps over me as I realize this hallway seems longer than usual and instead of using our abilities, we’re sauntering like mere humans trudging through a garden. I can’t get there fast enough. Unfortunately, Zamora is leading us down the hall, and she and Jerrica are taking their sweet time. It’s taking everything in me not to push past them both. And while they are certainly trying my patience, I know that when I finally see her face it will be worth it!

  “Listen, everyone,” my heart skips as I hear Damina address the team. “Remember to remain steadfast and know you’re not in this alone. We are a team and together we will make something greater than even we can imagine. Something quite beautiful.”

  Oh, we’re going to make something beautiful all right. Try as I might to force my intrusively dark thoughts aside, my mind can’t help to imagine her laying next to me on my bed.

  Even without yet seeing her face, her words drip like honey in my hearing. Just a few more steps to go.

  “Now you see why we needed the likes of Ms. Nicaud to lead this team,” Jerrica announces over her shoulder breaking me away from my fleeting thoughts.

  “Haben Sie Angst, dass ich sie zum Schlachten führe? “ I jokingly ask in German whether she’s afraid I’ll lead them to slaughter. It’s something her mother would playfully say of her father’s inability to care for his children. Jerrica laughs loud and her eyes dance when she looks over her shoulder at me. A part of me feels like I needed to share one final moment with her now because soon all my attention and affection belongs to Damina.

  Seeing Colin’s daughter Claudia as I enter almost sullies my mood entirely. Her big wide eyes and fire-like hair makes her stand out more than I care to see. I even thought I caught her pushing up her cleavage just as I came into the room. Little does she know there’s absolutely nothing she can do for me.

  My eyes scan the room, looking hard for my beautiful Damina. But with Jerrica’s finalists crowding us as soon as we crossed the threshold it’s almost difficult to see through the lot of them. Some of the team I know, like Mark, Dilano, Dorine, Padma and Vonnie. There’s a girl with Dilano that I’ve never seen, but she is not who I’m looking for. Still, I know she is here. I can smell her.

  I spot Braelyn on the parlor steps pulling a woman’s arm from behind and my heart races with joy and a tinge of trepidation knowing my beautiful lady is only a few steps away. Pushing through the crowd I’m behind Braelyn in an instant.

  “Oh, but first you’ve got to meet Dalcour,” Braelyn gripes to Damina.

  “Well, I suppose it’s a good thing I’m standing right here,” I say, lifting myself to one step so that I’m in direct eye contact with Damina. I want to see if I can catch the same sparkle in her eyes, I saw at Razors last night. Only a spark too faint for human eyes to detect remains, and my heart warms knowing she is Altrinion. Like me.

  Damina gasps slightly for air and her parted lips are indeed the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen! Everything in me wants to press her mouth with mine until our tongues are entangled as one. The way her bouncy, copper coils drift at her shoulders makes the silhouette of her frame and loveliness of her face stand out even more. Her maxi jumper hugs her in all the right places without revealing too much. Still, my eyes can’t help but to wander to the thick line of her cleavage and thoughts of seeing her in all her glory awaken the primal beast inside.

  With everything within me, I stifle my urge just enough to keep the beast at bay. Yet and still, I know I need to feel her, so I take her hand in mine, allowing only the warmth between us to fill the space between our fingers. I can’t let the beast out. Not now. Not here.

  “I’m glad to formally make your acquaintance, Ms. Nicaud,” I quickly state, breaking the silence.

  “Oh, you can just call her Damina. She’s laid back,” Brae says coolly and blows through her pink bubblegum. I give her an irritated glance, but she ignores me. I wish she would leave us here alone.

  “Well then, Damina, it’s good to finally meet you,” I say, squeezing her hand just enough to keep her attention on me. Her eyes glaze over my chest and down through the length of me. It’s evident I am affecting her as much as she affects me.

  Damina’s silence grows deafening and Braelyn uses it to poke fun, but Damina doesn’t seem to mind. And while I smile at Damina, I give Braelyn a rebuking glare, and she bows away from us and rejoins the team.

  “I’m sorry about that; Brae
can be so—”

  “BAD?” Damina interjects with a small chuckle that matches her smile. I’m glad she’s not as annoyed with Braelyn as I am.

  “Yes, I guess you’ve learned that about Braelyn rather quickly. Why don’t we go outside on the patio and talk? I’ve heard so much about you from Jerrica already, but I’d rather learn more about you firsthand.”

  “I’ve heard a lot about you too, Mr. Marchand—”

  “Please, just call me Dalcour,” I don’t need any formalities between us. I don’t want anything between us. Instinct firms my grip in her soft, delicate hands and I squeeze just enough to keep her not more than an inch away from me.

  “Okay, Dalcour. But I’m sure Jerrica wants you to talk with everyone here first. They’re all eager to get to know you. Really,” Damina’s breath hitches, as she snatches her last word back tight, darting an icy glare aimed at Claudia and her tag-along, Dauphine. Damina gazes back at me and smiles weakly, likely still annoyed with the onlookers at our back. Perhaps it’s the little wrinkle at the bridge of her nose or the way she crinkles her upper lip when she’s irritated, but I have a feeling Ms. Nicaud is a force to be reckoned with if the opportunity presents itself.

  Now, I’m even more intrigued.

  Before I can protest, Jerrica’s pitchy voice breaks through our forming silence. “And as usual, Damina is perfectly correct. I really want you to greet the team, Dalcour. You and Damina will have loads of time to get to know one another!”

  With reluctance, I loosen my grip from Damina and try hard to smile between the two women. This is awkward. The one woman I want to my left and the one who wants me to my right. But I’m not ready to let on that I already know who Damina is to Jerrica, so I must keep up the pretense.

  “Sure, Jerrica, you lead the way. But Damina, I look forward to talking with you soon,” I say before turning quickly on my heels toward where the team stands. I need to get this over as quickly as possible.

  Once again, a stinging ache rips through my newly beating heart as we part. As we reach the team, I look around for Damina and I realize she’s escaped again. My eyes scan the room and I find nothing but her lingering scent. It’s the only proof I have that she was actually here and all that’s keeping me lucid.