Broken Blood

by Heather Hildenbrand

Wes pulled back, his mouth hovering hotly over mine, and whispered, “Make love, not war.”

  And I wondered how I’d never realized, blood and injections and science aside, we’d been bonded this whole time.

  Chapter Twenty-nine

  Jack’s backyard bonfire had never looked so huge. More wood than I’d ever seen at once was piled high on the pyre that stood halfway between the farmhouse and the tree line out back. The flames danced and crackled, warming against whatever chill managed to creep inside my fur coat.

  It was a first for me. Not a first for attending a Cause meeting, I’d done that before. I’d never attended as a Werewolf though. Apparently, it was a requirement for the ceremony and selection happening today. Beside me, Wes rubbed his forehead against my ear in animal affection. I leaned into him, snuggling right back. In the month or so since we’d returned home, we’d spent lots of afternoons on four legs, making up for lost time.

  Energy was high today.

  At the head of the flames, Jack and Fee spoke animatedly with two of the newer guests. Professor Kane and Professor Flaherty both listened intently to whatever instruction they were being given. They were being inducted today and I, for one, was still floored about Kane joining up. But as Grandma said, bigger miracles had happened.

  Recently, too.

  As proof, Cambria yelped and sidestepped Derek, her wide jawline pulled back to reveal shining sets of sharp teeth. Her coat was black as night, still streaked with neon blue. I always smiled at the sight of her as a wolf. And if watching her was any indication, she enjoyed it just as much. She and Derek had been inseparable since we’d left the cabin in Colorado behind four weeks ago.

  The only time I had her to myself was our mandatory schooling overseen by Fee. Online lessons three hours daily. “To get caught up on all you’ve missed,” she’d said. And with a matching stern look from my mother had added, “Especially you, Tara.”

  Like it was my fault I’d been kidnapped for the fall semester.

  You’ll be at your public school soon enough, I could practically hear Vera’s memory whispering at me.

  That was happening lot lately, but not in that chaos-as-noise kind of way I’d had to listen to from my pack or George or even Steppe. This was calm, peaceful, and certain of the future in a way that always seemed to make me jumpy. I was grateful for it; not just her insight but her wisdom and ability to remain calm amid the storm. It was a trait I was working on.

  At last, the final member of today’s cast arrived and took his place in the circle assembled around the fire. There was a beat of hesitation beside me and then, across the fire, Jack stepped forward. He cleared his throat and looked out over the faces gathered before beginning.

  “Thank you all for coming,” Jack said, his normal deep voice even more of a growl as he spoke though the mouth of a wolf. “This meeting marks the official reconvening of The Cause.”

  Jack paused while a chorus of cheers and howls went up among the group. I couldn’t help joining in.

  When we’d quieted again, Jack continued. “Originally, we were a small group. The only safe haven for Hunters and Werewolves caught in the crossfire of a world that knew only guilty until proven innocent. But today, we’ve become a part of something much bigger. The very thing we’ve fought and bled for. As of today, we are the official ambassador of peace for CHAS under the new leadership and authority of Cordelia Steppe.”

  “Cord,” she said, correcting him quickly. “No last name. Just Cord.”

  “Like Cher or Madonna,” Derek snorted.

  “Or Bieber,” Cambria added.

  Cord glared at her but Cambria was unruffled. Nothing much got to her these days. She was in a permanent romance-induced fog, which was fun to watch on a girl who thought candy hearts should come with candy weapons to pierce them.

  “Cord, we’re honored to have you here,” Jack said.

  “Thank you, but today is my last meeting,” Cord said. “Tomorrow, I head to DC and will begin rebuilding the CHAS headquarters and repairing the damage done under my father’s leadership. Both structurally and psychologically,” she added.

  “My first priority will be overseeing the repairs of the building and establishing a permanent residence. In the meantime, I need you all to get the word out. When the work is complete, I will be personally inviting every leader of every pack or community, Hunters and Werewolves, to visit me there for a summit.”

  She looked from face to face as she spoke. Her gaze was direct and her shoulders squared and confident. I knew, without a doubt, I’d made the right choice in giving CHAS to Cord.

  The choice was always yours, whispered Vera’s memory. But the position was always meant for her.

  I felt my eyes go wide at that. “Really?” I muttered, earning a quizzical stare from Wes.

  I shook my head and kept my voice internal. After all this time, the anguish and uncertainty about what I would do when the time came, and Vera had always known how it should go. I stared into the flames, trying to resist the flare of temper that came with the realization. I felt like Dorothy at the end of the movie, being told she’d always had the power to go home, she just needed to realize it.

  I glanced over at my mother, who stood next to Jack across the flames, and glared suspiciously. She watched Cord, her expression more peaceful and relaxed than I’d seen her in months—maybe years. I wondered if she knew what Vera had known. Maybe. Probably. She’d admitted she’d had the same visions for years before Vera even found me.

  She and I would chat later, that was for sure.

  I tuned back in as Cord wrapped up her outline for how The Cause would get the word out about her new plan for laws and leadership. “...a democracy,” she was saying. “And you all are the voices. I’m counting on you to make sure the people are heard.”

  “Thanks, Cord,” Jack said, taking over again. “We look forward to it.” And then to the group, “We’re officially forming a new coalition of members today. I will announce the nominations and you will confirm your memberships with a group vote. Belonging to The Cause and committed to extending and upholding the burden of peace among conflict are: Fiona Chapman—Fee,” he corrected as she flashed him a look, “myself, Jonah Kane, Anna Flaherty, George Landry, Emma Stacey, Elizabeth Godfrey.” He turned to my mom and said, “Welcome back.”

  She smiled.

  “Tara Godfrey, Wesley St. John, Derek Carpenter, Cambria Hebert, Koby Elias, Gail Dresser, and our newest—and most unexpected—addition, Alex Channing. All in favor of these faithful members, say aye.”

  Around the fire, there was a loud chorus of, “Aye.”

  I looked over and found Alex watching me. He winked and said his own, “Aye.”

  A strange feeling rippled through me at his gesture. It was so foreign for me to feel it for Alex that it took me a moment to pin it down—pleasure without the confusion of attraction, I realized in relief.

  Finally, Vera’s memory whispered. And before I could blast a sarcastic comeback, the voice added, You’ve made your choice. And he’s made his. Finally.

  I faltered as Vera’s predictions and visions came rushing back. There’d been an entry in her journal. He’ll do as much to save them as she will ... but the alpha has to make her choice before he can choose a side. Alex—I had to choose before he could choose. Of course. I stared at him, my chest pounding with the rush of my realization. He caught my eye and raised a brow, but it would have to wait.

  Jack was talking again and I focused on what came next. This was it.

  Beside me, Wes shifted in nerves and impatience. I wanted to reassure him but held it back. I’d smother him in kisses later, when I had human lips again.

  “And finally,” Jack said, “there is the business of our leadership. Fee and I, we’ve had a great run, but we both agree, the future belongs to the next generation. It belongs to the ones who made this all possible to be standing here today, reformed and ready to usher in a new era. An era of peace. That credit, that leadership, be
longs to another couple.”

  Jack smiled at Wes, from one end of the bonfire to the other. “Wesley St. John, Tara Godfrey, you’ve each been nominated and chosen for the role of leader. Do you accept the role as it is offered and promise to execute your duties to the best ability of your conviction and commitment to peace and democracy and protecting the weak?”

  Wes straightened, the fur along his chest puffing out. “I do,” he said in a clear voice.

  I tried to do the same, putting off an air of confidence, but I made the mistake of catching Cambria’s eye and I could see the laughter in them. I fought a grin, which, as a wolf, felt like a snarl. A few in the crowd looked back at me with crinkled brows. Cord rolled her eyes.

  “I do,” I managed.

  And everyone cheered.

  I turned to face Wes and the happiness in his yellow orbs was evident, overflowing into the very air around us. “You just wait until I have thumbs again,” Wes said.

  I laughed. “What are you going to do with those thumbs?”

  He leaned in, his voice gravelly and low. “Nothing compared to what I’ll do with my—”

  “Congratulations, you two!”

  We jumped apart. Alex looked back and forth between us in mock innocence. “Sorry, did I ruin a moment?”

  I scowled and Wes cast his face to the sky. “I must be crazy to have taken this on,” he muttered.

  “You talking about working with me or Tara?” Alex said and I snapped my teeth at him.

  Around us, the meeting was breaking up and groups were forming. Jack and Fee huddled with Kane while Professor Flaherty and my mom made their way slowly back to the house where Grandma was laying out a Thanksgiving Day buffet.

  Everyone looked happy and content and, aside from Alex’s barb—or maybe even because of it—the moment felt full.

  “Is there something you wanted?” Wes demanded, but the words lacked any real bite.

  “Just checking in with my new boss before I go out on my first assignment,” Alex said.

  “I’m not your boss,” Wes said. And then his head tilted. “Unless that means I get to order you around. Let’s try it. Get lost.”

  “Okay, maybe boss is a strong word,” Alex said. “How about point of contact?”

  Wes remained stubbornly silent.

  “Where are you going?” I asked.

  “I head for DC tomorrow with Cord. I’m going to make sure she gets settled in and then I’m headed to Wood Point for a bit. I wanted to leave you both my new cell number so we can keep each other updated on the situation there,” he said.

  “Sounds good,” Wes said.

  “Wait, what situation?” I asked.

  Alex raised his brows at Wes. “You didn’t tell her?”

  “We’ve had a lot going on,” he said. “I haven’t had a chance.”

  “Uh, now works for me,” I said.

  Alex looked at Wes who just nodded. “Someone’s been leaving messages in the form of graffiti and unauthorized flyer distributions. A new group has formed that is against CHAS and its new democratic approach to leadership. Their numbers are small but they’re starting to get attention from the parents and alumni, a few of which seem to be buying into their accusations and conspiracy theories. Headmaster Whitfield has asked me to investigate.”

  Headmaster Whitfield had proven to be an ally after all, even though he’d stayed hidden in a copse of trees that day at the cabin. He’d claimed he’d single-handedly fought three hybrids, but whenever my mom was around, his story get bigger and different. I suspected he just wanted to impress. Either way, he’d signed the treaty and gone back to his desk job without much fight.

  “Do we have any suspects?” I asked.

  Alex sighed and shared another look with Wes—a new habit I was quickly tiring of. “We think it’s Demi,” Alex said.

  I frowned. “She’s a Queen Bee but is she capable of all that? Sounds pretty high-level for someone like her.”

  “She’s a master manipulator. You know that firsthand,” Alex said and I remembered how Demi had known all along that Miles was no good and helped him anyway—even when she’d known he was after me. Especially then.

  Alex was right. That girl was smarter than she acted.

  “Be careful,” I said.

  “Don’t worry about me, babe. If I get into trouble, you’ll be the first one I call.”

  Wes huffed. “Excuse me—”

  “Relax, I meant the two of you. You’re a matching pair, no question.”

  Wes bristled but he didn’t argue it further. “Just text me your cell number and give us an update when there is one. We’ll be doing some traveling of our own.” He shot me a look and then said, “Well, I will. Tara will be here until graduation.”

  Now it was my turn to give the silent treatment.

  I was going back to public school next week and I wasn’t happy about it.

  “Wes,” Jack called from across the yard.

  “Excuse me,” Wes muttered before leaving us alone. He moved way too quickly and I suspected he was happy for the escape.

  I glared up at Alex. “You don’t have to bait him like that.”

  “But he makes it so easy,” he said.

  I shook my head and looked up as my mother called my name from the house. “Go,” Alex said. “I’ll find you before I leave.”

  I hesitated, unsaid words piling up in my mouth, but when my mother called again, I went. I was given instructions to “shift and put this on” as a dress was shoved at me and I was propelled up the stairs. By the time I returned, Wes was being given the same instructions along with a pair of dress slacks and tie. We managed only a fleeting smile as we were herded past one another from one dutiful leader task to the next.

  Thanksgiving afternoon passed in a blur of celebration and congratulations. Fee and Jack danced around the fire—still in wolf form. Hot chocolate was passed around, although for some reason, I opted for the green tea Vera had always been fond of.

  Back in human form, Derek and George managed to heft Wes up onto their shoulders and parade him around. They sang something that sounded like a garbled version of, “For he’s a Jolly Good Werewolf,” that hurt my ears.

  “Boys are so ridiculous,” Cambria said, coming up beside me with a steaming mug.

  “Nice to see you back on two legs,” I said over the boys’ off-key tune.

  “Yeah, my mom’s coming over later, so I figured, two are better than four. For now.” She sighed. “Normally, I wouldn’t make allowances but...”

  “Fee says she’s healing,” I said. “Is she still recovering at Benny’s?”

  Cambria gave me a sideways look. “Is that what they call it?”

  I didn’t love the idea of Cambria using her pseudo-relationship with her mom to gather intel, but she was our best shot at cracking the gambling ring Benny was rumored to be running. And I was a leader now—a weird feeling, but I was determined to act like it.

  I snickered, but Cambria’s good humor was short-lived. “How can he promote violence among Werewolves, even for sport, after being there with us last weekend?” she asked, her tone clearly disgusted.

  “Word is he’s running the books on the fights he’s putting together. I guess money talks,” I said, my lips pursing as I stared at the boys.

  Wes had fallen and was now wrestling on the ground with Derek and George. They were laughing and I caught Alex watching them from the other side of the yard with a strangely wistful expression where he stood talking with Cord.

  “I spoke to Logan earlier,” I said, changing the subject. “He and Victoria are settling into their place in DC. He says Astor likes it there.”

  “That’s good. I never thought Victoria would end up working for a living,” Cambria said.

  “Serving on the board for CHAS isn’t exactly blue collar,” I said. “And it keeps her close to Logan since he’s staying on to study with Astor. Headmaster Whitfield even said he’ll issue a diploma for it. He’s deeming it a work-study thi
ng and calling it good.”

  Cambria huffed. “Only because it’s Logan and he’s a genius. If it were me—”

  “Are you complaining?” I cut in. “Because you’ve got a pretty good deal yourself, if you ask me.”

  “A GED online is a good deal?”

  “If it means you can stay here with me and Derek and the rest of us, especially since CHAS is officially paying you a salary,” I reminded her. “Yeah, that’s a pretty sweet deal. At least you don’t have to go back to public school.”

  Cambria smirked. “I will if you want me to. Can you imagine me and you together in that school?”

  I pretended to shudder. “I couldn’t stay out of trouble without you,” I pointed out. “I don’t want to think about what would happen if we were together.”

  She laughed. “Exactly. Besides, we always have college.”

  “True.”

  We watched the boys another minute, jumping aside when their tumbling veered too close. The back door opened and closed. Emma joined us, a quiet smile spreading over her pink cheeks as she watched George with the others.

  “Hey, Em. I hear you’re on your way to a family,” Cambria said and Emma’s smile widened.

  “We go to court on Monday to make it official,” Emma said and I put my arm around her and pulled her in for a hug. Steppe’s attempt to get to me had backfired. When the smoke had cleared and I’d learned my mom had started the process to adopt Emma, I’d been ridiculously excited over it.

  “Replace you?” my mother had said in horror when I’d admitted what Steppe had tried to make me think with his half-truths. “Tara, I can’t handle one of you much less two. I’m happy to adopt Emma because she’s the exact opposite of you.”

  I had laughed at that.

  “Tara, you and your mom have been so kind,” Emma said now. “Thank you for letting me stay with you until I graduate next year.”

  “Emma, you’re not temporary,” I said. “That’s what the adoption is for. And Cambria’s right. You’re already family. We’re a pack, remember?”

  “Thank you,” she said again, this time with tears brimming.

  “Don’t get too excited,” I told her. “You might not be thanking me when people at school find out who your new sister is.”