Nightshade

by Andrea Cremer

  “Their enchantments are getting better. This won’t heal on its own.”

  Lumine caught my chin in her slender fingers. “You need pack blood. Where is Bryn?”

  Ren spoke before I could. “She can have mine.”

  Lumine’s eyes widened. “Well, well. How very gallant.”

  She smiled at Efron. “It seems our young alphas have already bonded, my dear. That’s encouraging.” Her eyes moved over Ren. “Though I hope you haven’t been . . . inappropriate with my girl,” she said, licking her lips.

  “Of course not, mistress.” Ren’s dark eyes sparkled.

  Logan abandoned his watch over the Searcher and wandered over to his father.

  “What’s this?” His gaze flickered from Ren to me, and he raised an eyebrow.

  “Your alpha has offered to heal Calla by gifting her his blood.” Cold amusement trickled through Efron’s voice.

  “Oh, I’ve always wanted to see how this works.” Logan’s lips split in a mocking grin. “Such an unusual ability you Guardians have. I almost envy it.”

  I trembled with humiliation. Ren glowered at Logan but kept silent.

  “Are you sure this is necessary?” I fixed my eyes on the Persian rug beneath my feet.

  Even as I asked, I knew it was. The pain had begun to make my arms quiver. I felt nauseated; it was as if the wound were full of venom that wormed from my shoulder into my stomach.

  “The Searchers have obviously used their seclusion to hone their skills, which is unfortunate. Now it seems they’ve found a way to undermine our finest weapons.” Efron smiled. “That means you and your pack, Calla dear.”

  Ren rolled up the sleeve of his shirt. “It’s all right, Cal.”

  But I don’t want to be a spectacle for them! I racked my brain for any other solution, coming up with none.

  Before I could object, he raised his bare arm to his lips. When he drew it back, crimson rivulets slid along his skin toward his wrist. Ren stretched his arm out to me. I turned my back on the three hovering Keepers. I drew a quick breath, took his arm in my hands, and covered the wound that marred his pale skin with my mouth. His blood ran over my tongue, down my throat. The liquid was hot, sweet as honey but with a smoky bite. Sparkling warmth traveled through my veins. The throbbing pain in my shoulder subsided and then disappeared.

  Ren’s hand cradled my head. His touch brought me back to the room. My cheeks flamed as I turned back toward my mistress. She nodded in approval, eyes flickering over my now-unmarked shoulder.

  “Lovely,” Lumine murmured. “Such a perfect match. We’ve outdone ourselves.”

  Efron put his hand on Logan’s shoulder. “A fine inheritance indeed.”

  The boy smiled at his father and then glanced at Ren and me, assessing us.

  The bouncer appeared beside Ren and handed him a first aid kit.

  “Thanks.” Ren tore open a wrapped square with his teeth and slapped a bandage over the puncture marks on his arm.

  “Since that’s been taken care of.” Efron swept back through the room to where the limp form of the Searcher sprawled. “Lumine, would you like to do the honors?”

  She had taken a few steps forward when Logan darted toward the couch.

  “May I?” he asked.

  My mistress blinked at the boy but then smiled.

  “Of course.” She gestured for him to approach the unconscious man.

  Efron snapped his fingers. The Bane elders moved into watchful stances on each side of the Searcher.

  Logan placed his hands on the sides of the man’s temples. The boy’s lips moved rapidly, murmuring an incantation that I couldn’t understand.

  The Searcher’s eyes fluttered open; he drew a ragged breath and sat bolt upright. Logan smiled and backed away. The man searched the room wild-eyed.

  “Where am I?”

  “I think we’ll be asking the questions, friend.” Efron stepped forward.

  The Searcher cringed back into the couch. The Banes snarled, and he whimpered like a caged animal. “Stay away from me.”

  “Is that any way to treat your host?” Efron continued toward the trembling man at a measured pace. “After all, you are in my home. You’ve violated my territory.”

  “It’s not yours, warlock.” The Searcher spat; his fear seemed to give way to outrage. “Where is the boy?”

  “That is not your concern.”

  “He doesn’t know, does he? Who he is? That you took Tristan and Sarah? What you’re going to do?” The man’s gaze continued to travel with desperation through the office, at last falling on me. “So it was your slave bitch who killed Stuart.”

  Ren snarled and leapt forward, shifting in midair into a dark gray wolf. He crouched low and stalked toward the couch.

  “No,” Efron said. Ren stilled but continued to glare at the Searcher.

  Efron smiled coldly. “You’ll soon wish a Guardian had taken your life as well. But I think we can find a more interesting end for you. My apologies, Renier.” He waved the alpha off. “I’m sure you’d love a taste of our friend’s flesh. I promise you’ll have the chance to avenge your mother another day.”

  Ren shifted back into his human shape and returned to my side; a haunted expression shadowed his face. Lumine crossed the room, smiling at the prisoner.

  “I’m not afraid of you, witch,” the Searcher hissed, making an obscene gesture.

  “So crude.” Lumine drummed her fingers on the back of the couch. “Time to teach you some manners.”

  She raised her hand and drew an intricate pattern in the air. When she finished, a flaming symbol hung suspended before her. The design contracted, pulsed twice, and then exploded outward. The shadowy incarnation of a wraith hovered before Lumine.

  My stomach flipped over and I shrank back, grabbing for Ren’s hand. His fingers wound through mine, gripping them tightly.

  The Searcher scrambled backward from the couch onto the floor. “Oh my God.”

  Lumine smiled. “He’s not taking calls right now.”

  She flicked her wrist. The wraith slithered forward. Its body wrapped like bands of dark cloth around the Searcher. He shrieked, limbs convulsing as the shadow creature engulfed him.

  “Now, let’s talk about your friends in Denver, shall we?”

  Efron cleared his throat. “Logan, why don’t you show our faithful Guardians to the door so they can return to their friends. They’ve done more than enough for us tonight.”

  He smiled slowly. “You have our thanks, young alphas.”

  Ren nodded at Efron and then pulled me toward the door. Logan stepped ahead of us, unlocked the door, and swung it open.

  “Enjoy the club,” he said. “We’ll have to chat about the new pack soon.”

  From within the room the Searcher screamed again. If it hadn’t been for the deafening pulse of music, his cry of agony would have filled every corner of the cavernous nightclub. Logan winked before closing the door.

  Without looking back at the office, we hurried to the second floor. When we reached the top of the stairs, I searched for my Nightshades and spotted them at the very center of the throng of swaying bodies. Ansel and Bryn whirled in dizzying circles, hands clasped. Neville and Mason were in the midst of a dance-off, while Cosette and Sabine cheered them on. Dax and Fey stood slightly apart, watching the others. Dax’s head was bent near Fey’s ear. Her face twisted into a smirk as he whispered. I started toward them, but Ren pulled me back.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Yes.” I felt a light touch on my shoulder where the bruise from the Searcher’s weapon had been. Ren’s fingers caressed my skin in slow circles. The sensation of his subtle strokes moved out in ripples through my body. I closed my eyes, willing my heart to slow from its breakneck pace. Why does this happen every time he touches me?

  “Are you sure, Lily?” he teased.

  The hated pet name drew a rough laugh from my throat. “I’m sure. You took care of that.”

  He pulled me closer. “Will you dance w
ith me now, or are you going to run away again?”

  My fighting instincts kicked in. “If you’d give me a second to breathe, maybe I wouldn’t have to run away!”

  Ren’s hands dropped from my shoulders. “Why do you hate me, Calla?”

  I shook my head. “What are you talking about?”

  “I’ve never encountered a girl so averse to my company.” He looked away from me; the muscles in his jaw tightened.

  “Maybe that’s your problem.” He jerked as if I’d hit him, and I regretted losing my temper. “I don’t hate you. I’m just trying to follow the rules.”

  “Look, I understand. This situation isn’t ideal,” he said. “But I thought maybe things between us . . .”

  His words ebbed away like fog caught by a stiff breeze. He shifted his weight and then spoke again, forcefully.

  “You’re right. I’ll back off. I still think our packs need to be together. Particularly with Logan taking over after the union. He’s unpredictable. We need to be strong. And they seem pretty okay with this new arrangement.” He gestured at the dance floor.

  I nodded, not sure what else to say. His eyes met mine. I stepped back, startled by his hard glare. “I won’t bother you anymore. When it’s time for the union, we’ll figure it out.”

  My gut twisted as I dropped my gaze to the floor. I didn’t want him to give up that easily. “Ren.” I lifted my eyes to meet his. But he had already turned his back on me. My hand shot out, reaching for him a moment too late as he disappeared into the crowd.

  EIGHT

  I BARELY SLEPT. CHAOTIC DREAMS ASSAULTED me through the night. Sometimes the visions teased me: Ren’s fingers on my bare skin, his lips moving close to mine, and this time I didn’t turn away. Shay pulling me into an alley, holding me against a building while his kiss burned through me until there was nothing left but fire. Other images lashed me with cruel force: I was pinned to the ground; Efron hovered over me. Then it was no longer Efron but a wraith. I heard the Searcher screaming and then the screams became my own.

  When morning arrived, I shuddered, overwhelmed by exhaustion. I hid in my room, burying myself in all the pillows and blankets I could find. I hunkered down in my cotton fortress until there was a knock at my door. I peeked at the clock from beneath the layers of warmth; it was almost one in the afternoon.

  “Yeah?”

  My father entered the room, closing the door behind him. His fists were clenched at his sides.

  “Haven’t seen you all day,” he murmured, looking over my pillow turrets and quilt walls.

  “I’m not feeling great,” I said, and pulled a blanket up to cover my nose and mouth. Only my eyes peered out at my father. My response made him jerk awkwardly. He gripped the doorknob, twisting it back and forth in his hand.

  “Ansel said you were with the Banes at Eden last night.” His wary voice made me prop up on my elbows.

  I nodded.

  “Did you meet Efron?” The skin around his eyes tightened.

  “Yeah. I did.” I heard the revulsion in my voice.

  “Are you okay?” My father suddenly couldn’t look at me.

  “Yes.” I sat up with alarm as I realized what kept him hovering in the door frame. I wrapped my arms around a pillow. “Lumine was there too.”

  His eyes flicked up to me. “She was?”

  I nodded, sliding back down beneath the covers. “Has it always been like that?” I stared at the ceiling. “Keepers have Guardians for whatever they want? Not just as their warriors.”

  “It depends on the Keeper. Efron has exotic tastes. I’m sure you saw that last night.” His answer was gruff but resigned.

  “Yeah.” I closed my eyes.

  “But it’s our duty to serve them. The sacred sites must not be taken by the Searchers. The world depends upon that, and the Keepers give us the power to defend the sites.” His voice was low. “We cannot question the Keepers, Calla. Even when we see sides of our masters that we may not like.”

  “I know.” I turned my head toward him, wanting to voice the questions I couldn’t ask.

  What if Efron were our master and not Lumine? What if it were me or Mom and not the Bane girls who he asked for? What would you do then?

  Horrifying thoughts rushed up to overwhelm me, so I grasped for another subject. “There was a Searcher attack last night.”

  “We received notice this morning,” he said. “Congratulations on your first kill. Your mother and I are very proud.” He smiled briefly and I shrugged.

  My father looked pleased at my cool acceptance of his praise. “It’s likely that our patrols will be intensified soon. I think they’ll consider putting your new pack out even before the union is official.”

  I guess everyone wants a head start on the new pack. “Logan Bane has been given control of our pack as part of his inheritance.”

  He folded his hands in front of his chest. “That’s unexpected. Though I suppose Efron’s son will be of age soon.”

  “Do you know who Bosque Mar is?” I frowned.

  He shook his head. “Who?”

  “He’s a Keeper. He was at Eden last night.” I mulled over my memory of the bizarre encounter. “I think he gave the order for Logan to take our pack. Our mistress deferred to him. I’ve never seen her do that.”

  “We don’t deal with the hierarchies of the Keepers’ world,” my father snapped. “That’s their business. I answer to Lumine and no other Keeper.”

  He paced in front of the door. “When your new pack forms, you’ll be accountable to Logan only. Don’t become involved with the Keepers’ affairs. You’re a warrior, Calla. Remember that and keep it close. Distractions will only hurt you.”

  “Yes, of course.” I shrank further beneath my blanket defenses. I was stupid last night; my father is right. What I want doesn’t matter. I have to be strong. Nothing more.

  I bit a pillow. I hate boys.

  He watched my retreat, frowning. “Your mother is making lunch. Will you join us?”

  “Okay.” No matter how thick my cotton fortress might be, it wouldn’t change anything. Besides, I was a warrior; it was time to act like one.

  The chiming melody echoed in my ears before my eyes opened. Bell-like notes seeped in through my bedroom window, which I’d left cracked open the night before, along with a steady stream of cool, biting air. Frost. The first hard frost of the year. I glanced at the clock. Bryn would be outside in an hour for our weekly patrol.

  How am I going to get rid of her? I chewed on shredded wheat and wondered if Shay would actually make the hike up the mountain this early in the morning.

  “Hey, sis.” Ansel appeared at the bottom of the stairs.

  “What are you doing up?” I asked, suddenly worried that I was late. But it was 6:30 a.m. Our weekend patrols began at 7:00.

  “I wanted to see if I could come along today.” He tried to sound casual, but his hand trembled as he poured coffee. Black liquid splattered on the counter.

  “You just patrolled with Mason yesterday.” I watched as he wiped up the coffee with a paper towel.

  “I know,” he said quickly. “I just think the practice is good for me. I mean, with the attack and all.”

  “Oh.” I chewed my lip. “I actually was going to give Bryn the day off. I’ll patrol alone.”

  “Why?” Ansel sat at the table, fingers tapping the sides of his mug.

  “I just need some time to think.” I made up an excuse on the spot. “And I think best when I run alone.”

  “Are you okay, Cal?” Ansel shoveled spoonful after spoonful of sugar into his coffee.

  “How can you drink that?” I shuddered.

  “Just answer the question.” He raised the cup to his lips.

  “I’m fine.”

  “Mom said you spent half the day in bed while I was on patrol.” He picked up the sugar and added another tablespoon to his coffee.

  “We were out until four in the morning on Friday.”

  “Tell me about it. I was the one who
had to get up two hours later. And Mason is not pleasant to patrol with when he’s tired. Cranky as hell. He snapped a rabbit clean in half when it startled him.”

  Ansel tasted his coffee again; this time he smiled and began to gulp it.

  “Seriously, though, Calla,” he said. “Did killing that Searcher freak you out?”

  “No.” He looked doubtful and I sighed. “Killing the Searcher was my job. He tried to attack Shay.”

  “You mean that new kid everyone’s been talking about?”

  “Yes.” I got up to refill my mug. “The Keepers have some sort of interest in his well-being. He’s living with them.”

  Ansel held his now-empty coffee cup out to me. “That’s weird. And the Searchers tried to attack him?”

  “Yes. I killed one. The other one—” I hesitated before pouring coffee into his mug. “Do you want only half a cup to leave room for your sugar?”

  He didn’t take the bait. “What happened to the other Searcher?”

  “The Keepers used a wraith on him.”

  I watched Ansel pale. “What did it do?”

  “I don’t know exactly.” I set his mug in front of him. “Efron sent us out. But it seemed like the wraith would make their interrogation pretty effective.”

  “I’m glad I didn’t have to see that.” He began his sugar ritual again.

  “I wish I hadn’t seen what I did,” I said, and his eyes narrowed. “And yes, that did keep me in bed yesterday.”

  “What else?” Ansel pressed.

  I stared at the dark surface of my coffee. “I’m worried about Logan.”

  “What about him?” He got up and went to the pantry to refill the now-empty sugar bowl.

  “He’s going to take over the new pack.”

  I heard a clatter from the pantry. Sparkling granules covered the floor.

  “Ansel!” I went for the broom.

  “Sorry,” he muttered, pushing the spilled sugar into a pile with his hands. “Seriously? Logan? Not Efron or Lumine—or both of them taking turns or something?”

  “Be glad it’s not Efron,” I said, handing him the dustpan.