by Janelle Peel
“We were just discussing that,” Jackson answered. “It’s near dawn, though.” He paused, “Mel, can you get the Pack up to speed? Mason, the same with the Felidae. We need to be prepared. I don’t know if the Council is still in LA, but we need to be proactive.”
Mason nodded. “Why don’t we send someone? Von will be able to find them later tonight.”
Blaze shook his head, “I don’t want any of our people near them. For now, we fortify and wait.”
Daisy
After waiting in the foyer for an eternity, I was led by two black robed figures to a rectangular brick courtyard. One took the Raven while the other held the door as they departed.
My boots slapped against the mortared floor just as the sun began to warm the brickwork. Bored out of my mind, my gaze snagged on the 6 office chairs arranged in a semi-circle. It would be kind of funny to see the Councilmembers in those seats, I mused.
A door opened with a squeak and I snapped to attention.
Dressed in red robes, not an inch of skin shone as all 6 Councilmembers took their shaded seats. Terror coursed through my veins at the sight and I dropped to a knee on the cold floor. Nope, I was wrong, it definitely was not funny.
“Daisy Montgomery,” one male voice boomed.
I took a shallow breath, “Yes, Councilmember.”
The female that burned me spoke, “Have you found the answers you have so desperately sought?”
I shivered at the sound of her voice. Lie or no? Probably not. I had no desire to be permanently disfigured. “Partially, Councilmember.”
“Explain.”
My elbow pressed against the smooth stone in my pocket. Grinding it into my hip, I found solace and answered, “I was able to find one mention of the Chosen. The prophecy dates back to 412 BC and was given by a Seer named Demetria. The Seer claims to have been given a vision by the Goddess. Verbatim, it reads, ‘My Chosen will come to right the wrongs of the past. She will battle with the dark one; an evil only she can destroy. She will require help, and shall unite the nightwalkers and Shifters. The role of those gifted with Magic remains unclear… Only through her, will the darkness be purged and brought into the light’.” I paused, “That is all I have found so far, Councilmember.”
Silence rent the air.
“Mage Montgomery,” a soft female voice said. “Do you believe what you have read?”
With partial honesty, I replied, “I am unsure, Councilmember.”
As the minutes ticked by, my knee began to ache as the cold leeched through the thin material of my jeans.
The first male finally spoke, “What do you think this ‘dark one,’ is?”
Staring hard at the floor, I answered, “I do not know, Councilmember.”
He sighed in annoyance, “I shall enlighten you. The dark one is the original, the very first Vampire.”
I sucked in a sharp breath.
In a booming voice, he said, “This Vampire is long dead. The abomination sought eternal life; killing countless innocents and draining them of their power. This in turn sparked a war, which led to the rift between Shifters and Mages. This war turned the Shifters from Her path. It was their duty to protect all Mages, a duty they have failed.” His voice took on a sneer, “What are Vampires?”
Without hesitation, I replied what had been drilled into my head since I could walk, “Evil, Councilmember.”
“Correct,” a cool male tenor answered. “And Shifters?”
“Evil, Councilmember.”
The soft female voice shouted, “They are nothing more than worthless beasts!” She waited a moment before adding, “The Prophecy you have been given was altered. The correct version that our Seers have verified is, ‘A Chosen of darkness is foreseen. She will battle with the light; destroying the world and the very essence of all magic. She will deceitfully gain allies, and shall unite the nightwalkers and Shifters. Through her, evil will reign supreme.’” She paused, “What do you think of this Prophecy, Mage Montgomery?”
My thoughts spun out of control. What? They were joking, right? One Vampire was the cause of a war with Shifters that I’d never even heard about? Why had they given me the book with a false prophecy, then? Further, if the Chosen was evil, why was the Council ripping magic from Mages and killing them? I diverted, “Apologies, Councilmember. I do not understand why I was allowed to keep the tomes from the Archives.”
A feminine cackle sounded before the one who scorched me answered, “To prove your loyalty; which you have done. Quite admirably, in fact. This Chosen must be contained at all costs. Who is better qualified to do this, than her childhood best friend? I assume by now, even Hunter Blake believes this false prophecy?”
My stomach dropped and I answered her question in a reedy voice, “Yes, Councilmember.”
Her scarlet robe shifted as she stood, “Good. According to our tracking device, he is nearing the Compound as we speak. He alone will gain their trust, a trust which will they will extend to you. You have one week to learn of their security. After that week, you will have their trust and bring us this Chosen.”
I gulped audibly. Why would they want me to bring her in? I couldn’t breathe. The mortared lines of the floor began to blur as my chest constricted.
“Mage Montgomery,” she continued, “don’t forget where your loyalties lie. There will be consequences if you fail.” At her nod, the door boomed open. My parents walked in and stood behind their chairs with their faces lowered reverently.
“Daisy,” my mother hissed. “What have you done?”
“Give them what they want, ungrateful child.” My father’s voice dripped with disapproval. “The Council knows best.”
All six Councilmember’s spoke in unison, “Are we clear, Mage Montgomery?”
“Y-yes, Councilmembers,” I stammered.
Their robes swished as I continued to kneel on the hard floor. The boom of the door sounded, announcing their and my parents’ exit.
I collapsed to the rough brickwork on all fours. The threat was clear. They had my parents and would use them as insurance for my continued obedience.
Goddess, what had I done?
Cooper
His worried thoughts spun, reliving every intimate moment he had experienced with Daisy.
Was she safe?
What was the Council subjecting her to, even now?
The engine purred beneath his boots and the white dotted lines of the road blurred.
There was no way he could forgive himself if something happened to her. Somehow, through all the crazy, he had begun to care for her.
Entering the paved lane, he cut off his emotions to focus on what needed to be done. He had to gain their trust.
Apprehension tipped his lips down into a frown. What if they didn’t believe him?
No help for it now, he thought, pulling to a stop at the wide iron gate.
He was here.
Without hesitation, he switched off the ignition and stepped out into the early morning light.
Goddess, please don’t let this be a mistake, he prayed silently.
His black shitkickers carried him to the aged metal. Without preamble, he lowered his large frame to the ground and pressed his cheek into the rough asphalt with his arms spread high above his head.
A high-pitched yip sounded on the wind.
They were coming.
Growling met his ears as he waited, rooted to the spot and completely vulnerable.
The creak of the gate sounded just before sharp claws clicked near his prone form.
The thick tread of combat boots followed and a man spoke with barely controlled rage, “You’ve got some nerve, Hunter.”
Sucking in a sharp breath, he replied, “I request an audience with Sora.”
His hair ruffled as a chocolate Wolf’s maw entered his field of vision. With a loud snap, the Shifter showed its finger length teeth.
“Why should I take you to our Mistress?” The man asked. “I think our Pack should eat you alive, right here and no
w.”
Rocks shifted behind him as another Shifter approached and issued a deep growl. The enormous brown Wolf within his range of sight backed away. Lifting a lip, its amber eyes met his own threateningly before it tucked its bushy tail and sat.
Snuffling shifted the small hairs on the nape of his neck. He held his breath, knowing that he was possibly seconds away from decapitation. His fingers dug into the stony surface, itching to call on his magic to defend himself.
Whatever was behind him backed away with a strange chuff. The brown Wolf’s pelt lowered in response.
What was happening?
Rounded human toes entered his obscured sight.
“Get up,” she said.
Obeying, he slowly got to his feet. Tanned, toned legs led to the curve of her slim thighs. A dark mound of hair was next as he immediately averted his gaze out of respect for the female before him.
Clearing her throat, she asked, “What is your name, Mage of the Goddess?”
His hazel eyes snapped to her bottle green orbs. Shorter than his 6’2’’ height, her long, raven hair concealed the swells of her breasts. How could she tell, he wondered?
A Wolf like smile lit her face, “I am Hers as well.” Lifting one small hand, her brows rose imploringly.
He hesitated for a moment before raising his own arm to mirror hers.
Her palm met his and a feeling of completeness entered his soul.
Tinkling laughter sounded on the breeze and the dark-haired beauty giggled.
His brow furrowed curiously. He looked left and right, but only saw a military man and the horse sized brown Wolf.
“You are Hers, as am I.” Turning on her bare foot, she rumbled a sound that shouldn’t have been possible from her human throat. “He passes! None shall harm him, by order of the Goddess!”
Everyone moved from his path as her words registered.
By order of the Goddess?
Releasing her grip on his hand, he felt bereft for a moment as their link shattered.
“Come,” she said, padding over to the passenger side of the RV and opening the door.
With no other choice, he hopped in, turned the key, and continued down the paved road.
“What’s your name?” She inquired.
“Hunter Cooper Blake,” he answered without meeting her gaze.
She laughed. “Coop, I’m Natalie, or Nat to my friends. Alpha, Wolf Shifter, and Hers.”
That was the third time she’d said that she belonged to the Goddess. Befuddlement colored his thoughts, “A Shifter? Hers?”
“Ah, really?” She grinned, “You thought you were the only one? We are all Hers. It is only a matter of the path you take.”
Her soft reply echoed in his ears as he pulled into the underground garage.
Nat
It was a dammed good thing I’d decided to go for a run to clear my thoughts, I mused. Hunter Cooper Blake wouldn’t have made it past the front gate otherwise.
Perusing our guest with my peripheral vision, I wondered just how much of his body the tattooed flames licking his neck covered.
Not needing any other distractions of the male variety, I turned my attention to the upcoming issue. Blaze was going to be pissed that I had vouched for a Hunter. How could I not, though? His scent was a dead giveaway, and Her laugh only reinforced the fact. With everything Sora had taught me, one thing was certain. The Goddess knew best, period.
Opening the door, Mel’s golden eyes caught mine as I stepped out. The thick muscles of his human legs bunched as he stalked toward me. Lifting his lip in Cooper’s direction in disgust, he snorted and handed me a long, grey tee.
Smirking, I pulled the thin material over my head as the RV’s other door closed.
Once it had settled against my knees, Mel placed his large frame between Cooper and I. It seemed that even though I’d said the Hunter was okay, he wasn’t taking any chances.
A loud roar rent the air and I sighed in its wake. Cooper’s entire body tensed for a moment as he looked to me. Mel rumbled a warning.
“It’s fine,” I said. “That would be Blaze, Master of our Clutch. And by the sound of it, he is not pleased with your being here.”
Cooper nodded. “There are some tomes on the table inside the RV, they are important and pertain to our current situation. Can someone return for them, please?”
Tipping my head to the side, I studied the curve of his strong jaw and hazel colored eyes.
“They pertain to a prophecy of the Chosen,” he added.
My eyes widened. Could this Hunter have brought the very information we’d been searching for?
Mel’s brown eyed gaze snapped to mine. He boomed, “Rowe!”
I glared in annoyance as his shout echoed off the underground cement walls. That was really loud, dammit.
A small Fox stepped out from behind an armored SUV. With the flick of her large ear, she shifted. Cooper dropped his eyes to the floor with a blush.
I grinned, it seemed our new friend had a problem with nudity.
Rowe’s blonde hair brushed the tops of her small breasts. “On it.” Turning on her heel, she opened the door and disappeared inside the RV.
My bare feet sank into the thick, black carpet as our strange procession proceeded throughout the house without any further interruption. Hisses could be heard here and there throughout the halls, but our passage to the boardroom was unimpeded.
Opening the door, I met Sora’s star flecked orbs from her seat on the other side of the table. Her brows rose for a moment before she tipped her head to the left at the vacant chair.
Blaze’s face was a granite, emotionless mask as he sat to her right.
Eek, I was so going to be in trouble later.
Chapter 8
Sora
Every muscle in Blaze’s body flexed menacingly as he fought to control his rage.
Shifting in my chair, I placed my palm on his muscular thigh beneath the table and gently squeezed.
His black eyes met mine and he visibly relaxed. With a short nod, he tipped his head to our guest and growled, “Hunter, sit.”
The mountain of a man stared hard at the polished oak and did as he was told. His fisted hands rested lightly on the tabletop as he waited.
“Hello,” my lips lifted into a strained smile. “Cooper, right?”
He tipped his head a fraction in acknowledgement.
“I didn’t know you personally as a child, but I do remember you. I am Sora, this is my Mate, Blaze. You’ve already met Nat and Mel.”
Cooper nodded again.
I sighed. “Cooper, you don’t have to stare at the table.”
Slowly, he lifted his face. Completely emotionless, he said, “Well met.”
A manic laugh fell from my lips, “I doubt that. There really isn’t anything well in the world right now.”
His brows lowered in contemplation.
Sobering, I asked, “Why have you come?”
Cooper’s reply was monotone, “I have information on the Chosen. Mage Daisy-”
My sharp inhale cut off his words. So, I was right. She had come back. Dammit.
He began again, “Daisy, believes the Chosen is you.”
The door opened with a click as Rowe strolled naked as a jailbird into the room. With a loud thud, she dropped a stack of old books onto the table. Throwing me a wink, she turned and took up sentry beside Mel against the wall.
Cooped didn’t move a muscle during the entire ordeal. After a moment, he jerked his chin to the tomes, “There is a prophecy we have discovered.”
I sat back. “You misunderstand. Why have you, come?”
Nat leaned in and whispered into my ear, “He is Hers, Sora.”
Shock iced my veins. How could he be one of the Goddess’s? I barked, “Show me!”
A small smile lit his chiseled face. Uncurling his clenched fists, he called to his magic.
The scent of ozone lit the air and I reached to my own well, just in case.
Completely in s
ync, silver flames licked the skin of our arms.
Not noticing what I was doing, I pushed my chair out and stood.
Blaze snagged my wrist, bringing me back to the moment. His dark expression softened in worry.
“Trust me, Love,” I whispered.
With a defeated sigh, he grumbled and dropped his hand.
My bare feet carried me around the table. Nat mirrored my movement in the other direction. Could this really be, I wondered? A Hunter was Hers?
Ever so slowly, Cooper rose to stand. Lifting one flaming hand in my direction and the other in Nat’s, he waited patiently.
As if in a dream, Nat took his palm just as my fingers touched his. Thunder boomed overhead, shaking the walls of the mansion. Silver light flashed, engulfing the three of us in one bright, ball of light.
Then, darkness.
Blaze
“Goddammit!” He roared, flashing to his Mate just as she collapsed.
Mel caught Nat at the same time while Cooper tumbled to the carpet like a pile of bricks.
Gently, he tipped her face toward him and lowered her to the floor in his lap. Her eyes were open; they glowed like liquid mercury as she stared unseeingly into the darkness past him.
His heart clenched. The Goddess had taken her again. Feeling completely helpless, he clenched her limp body to his chest.
A deep growl reverberated the small hairs of his ears as Mel turned the rumble into one desolate howl. More howls echoed throughout the house in chorus with their Alpha’s distress. Rowe knelt by his side and took Nat’s hand. The silver light of her eyes shone like a flashlight against Rowe’s platinum hair.
“Rowe,” Blaze croaked as her amber gaze met his. “Check Cooper.”
Her eyes tightened as she lifted a lip, completely unimpressed with his request.
He gritted his teeth, “Please, Rowe?”
Baring her canines, she crawled past Mel. Using the back of her hand, she moved Cooper’s head into view. The same silver glow lit his open eyes.
The door slammed open with a loud crack as Jackson and Viv zipped into the room.