Nightshade

by Andrea Cremer

  Could I get a gold star once in a while, Miss Tor? He darted forward, nipping at my shoulder.

  Shut up. I snapped at him, but he jumped out of my reach.

  He cocked his head at me, filling his eyes with shock and sorrow.

  I sniffed the air disdainfully. You’re impossible.

  Awww, you love it. He stretched his front legs.

  I attempted to bare my teeth at him, but my effort rapidly devolved into a wolf grin. Come on, Mowgli. Let’s go kill Bambi.

  He sent a haughty laugh into my mind. You do realize you just mixed Disney metaphors, right? Disney metaphors. Wow, Calla, now I’m just sad for you.

  I pivoted and began a stealthy descent along the ridgeline. Shay followed close behind; his careful foot pads matched my own silent steps as we wove through the trees. We stalked through the shadowed cover of pines that encircled the small glen. The deer remained ignorant of our presence, striking at the snowdrifts with their hooves in search of buried roughage.

  Ready? I didn’t look back at Shay as I sent the thought to him.

  Always.

  I lunged from the forest. The startled deer scattered. I focused on the yearling, driving it away from its companions. I nipped at the terrified animal, turning it sharply left. Shay darted in from behind me. With a sudden burst of speed he launched into the air, sinking his teeth into its hamstring. The deer cried out and faltered. Crimson blood poured into the snow as the yearling futilely struggled to continue its flight despite the crippling wound. Focused on the golden brown wolf, the deer failed to see me dart past. The yearling’s next cry died in a gurgle as my teeth tore through its throat. Hot copper liquid filled my mouth and I clamped my jaw down more ferociously. The young deer shuddered, dropping to the earth.

  Shay trotted up to the carcass, tail wagging.

  Nice work. The deer’s blood was still hot in my mouth; my stomach rumbled. I glanced at Shay.

  Ladies first. He lowered his head respectfully.

  My tongue lolled out and then I tore into the carcass. Shay settled down on the opposite side of the deer and began ripping the warm flesh from its body.

  After a moment he licked his lips.

  It’s good.

  Better than rabbit? I tore out another mouthful.

  Shay cocked his head for a moment, ears flicking back and forth. Better than dinner and a movie. He bared his teeth at me in pleasure before he went back to gulping down hunks of venison.

  He’d balked when I first suggested that we hunt together. But as I’d predicted, it had only taken one rabbit for him to realize that as a wolf, the instinct to kill for food and devour raw flesh was natural.

  When we’d both eaten our fill, I glanced around. Traces of dawn slipped over the glen, tingeing the night’s last shadows chalky pink.

  We should think about heading back. I danced in nervous circles around the picked-over carcass.

  I suppose it’s getting pretty late. Shay scrambled to his feet.

  More like early; the sun will be up in a couple of hours. Let’s get back to your truck.

  We were still a good distance from the trailhead when Shay shifted into human form. I followed suit, startled by his decision to change. Our wolf forms offered much more protection from the elements than human skin and clothing ever could. I frowned at him, pulling my jacket more tightly around me when an icy gust of wind crept beneath my clothing.

  “What is it?”

  “I’ve been thinking.” He zipped and unzipped his coat, clearly nervous. “Haldis. We need to know what it is.”

  I looked at his pocket, where the strange object was tucked away. “The library isn’t safe. The Searchers clearly were watching us there before that ambush.”

  I shuddered, rubbing my arms.

  “I’m sorry, I know it’s cold,” he said, green eyes darkening, full of wariness even as he watched me shiver. “But I need to be able to read your facial expressions. I’m not great at wolf body language yet.”

  “Why do you need to know what my facial expressions are?” I started to walk toward him, stopping when he backed off.

  “’Cause you’re not going to like this plan, and I need to know if you’re going to attack me. So I can get out of the way.”

  I laughed, but his face was serious.

  “You think I’m going to attack you?” I regarded him curiously.

  He drew a slow breath.

  “So we need to do research, right?”

  I grimaced and nodded.

  “But the public library is out, and so is our school library . . .”

  “Yep.” My interest grew as his expression became calculating.

  Shay backed as far from me as he could without having to shout for me to hear him.

  “This must be some plan,” I muttered.

  “Just promise you’ll listen to the whole idea before you lose your temper.” His eyes darted toward the trail that led back to the parking lot, as if to gauge how much time it would take for him to make a run to his truck.

  My lips curled into a dangerous smile. “I promise.”

  “Great.” He didn’t sound convinced at all. “What if we could get all the Keepers’ information from the source?”

  “The source?”

  “Their books.”

  I frowned. “I’m not following you.”

  He squared his shoulders. “We need to use the library at Rowan Estate.”

  It was no longer the wind that made me shudder. “Please tell me you’re joking.”

  “You know I’m not.”

  “I am not going to Rowan Estate.”

  “Why not?”

  “I can’t believe you’re even suggesting this!”

  He inched toward me. “Listen, Calla. My uncle travels constantly; he’s never home. We won’t get caught, and we need the information that’s in the library. I don’t think The War of All Against All is the only book he didn’t want me to see.”

  “Which is exactly why it’s too dangerous for us to snoop around there,” I countered.

  “Bosque doesn’t know I can pick the lock to the library,” he said. “I’m always alone. The staff only come to clean on Tuesdays and Sundays. We won’t go on Tuesday, and you patrol on Sunday anyway. No one would know if we did our research there on the other days.”

  “I don’t know—”

  “Logan said you’re supposed to hang out with me, right?” Shay interjected.

  “Yes, but . . .”

  “Don’t you think it would seem more suspicious if I never invited you over to my house?”

  “Maybe.” I frowned.

  He was grinning. “Definitely.”

  “You’re not going to drop this, are you?”

  “Nope.”

  I sighed.

  “So what’s the verdict?” he asked.

  “I guess I’d better get my list out,” I said. “It looks like I’m about to add another forbidden act.”

  “That’s my girl.”

  “Alpha.”

  “Whatever.”

  TWENTY-FOUR

  WE GOT THROUGH SHAY’S FIRST DAY AT school since turning without incident, except for one close call in Big Ideas. As soon as Ren walked into class, Shay tensed up, the shadow of his wolf form sliding over his shoulders, making him bristle. I’d anticipated his reaction and glared at him until he settled down. By the end of the school day I almost shared Shay’s confidence that our expedition to Haldis would remain our secret, but my optimism was short-lived.

  I knew something was wrong as soon as I walked through the front door. The air stung my nostrils and I coughed out the wraiths’ stench. I considered heading for the back door so I wouldn’t have to pass the kitchen, but the thought came a moment too late.

  “That must be our girl now.” Oh God, they know. This is it.

  My heart skipped a beat. That voice had never been in my house before. When I walked into the living room, the Keeper was sitting in my father’s leather chair, smiling at me.

 
“We’ve been waiting for you, Calla,” Efron Bane said. “You’re a busy girl to come home this late. And on a school night. I hope you’re not getting into trouble.”

  He wasn’t alone. In addition to the wraiths that swirled behind his shoulders, Logan and Lumine sat on the couch. Why are they all here? I tried to think about anything but turning Shay, not wanting them to sense my fear.

  “I’ve been following orders.” I glanced at Logan, who nodded. “Like you asked.”

  “Yes, so I’ve heard,” he said. “Our Ren thinks you’ve taken your orders a little too seriously.”

  Am I going to have to give up time with Shay because Ren is jealous? “If I misunderstood—” I began.

  “No, no. I know you’re the soul of innocence, dear Calla.” Logan laughed. “Ren’s hackles raise at the thought of any other male getting near you. But that’s who he is, nothing more. Keep up the good work with our boy.”

  “Yes, Logan,” I murmured.

  “Here we are,” my mother chirped, carrying a silver tray loaded with a tea service and miniature scones. “Welcome home, Calla. You’ll notice we have guests. Your father is out on patrol, of course.”

  I nodded. My mother poured the tea. Maybe they hadn’t figured out their spider had been killed after all. But if they weren’t here to punish me, what was this visit about?

  A car door slammed outside.

  “That makes our company,” Lumine said, selecting a porcelain cup. More company?

  There was a knock at the door.

  “Calla, would you please get that while I serve tea?” I watched my mother’s nervous movements with growing anxiety. Who else could be coming?

  I went to the door, letting it swing open to reveal two men. One I knew well, the other I’d only heard talk of. Talk that hadn’t been favorable.

  “This must be Calla.” Ren’s father took his time looking me up and down. “Well, at least they aren’t giving you a horse face for a mate, boy. She’s not half bad, is she?”

  I couldn’t help it; I snarled at him, showing my teeth.

  He laughed, glancing at Ren. “And she’s got spirit. That’s good. Breaking her in will be all the more fun.”

  Ren didn’t respond, keeping his eyes on our doormat. Emile Laroche shoved past me into the living room, taking in his surroundings like he was casing our house. It was a good thing my father was on patrol. I was trying so hard not to gape at the elder Bane alpha that I barely noticed when Ren came to my side, kissing my forehead in greeting.

  “Nice to see you,” he murmured, taking my hand.

  I mumbled my hello, still staring at Ren’s father. I’d never met Emile Laroche; until the recent melding of the young wolves, Nightshades and Banes had stayed clear of each other. The Bane alpha bore little resemblance to his son. Where Ren was strong but lithe, Emile was squat and broad, thick muscles straining against his clothes. Unlike Ren’s dark hair and eyes, Emile’s hair resembled matted straw, his eyes the pale blue of a frozen stream.

  “Naomi!” Emile barked, grinning at my mother. “You’re a sight for sore eyes.”

  “Emile.” Naomi kept her eyes downcast. “Can I offer you something to drink?”

  “Something stronger than that,” he said, pointing at the tea.

  “Of course.” She hurried toward the kitchen.

  “For me as well,” Efron called after her before smiling at Emile. “Good man.”

  “You’re welcome.” Emile leaned against the wall near Efron. “Good evening, mistress, young master.”

  “Thank you for coming, Emile,” Lumine said, stirring her tea. “I know a meeting like this is somewhat unprecedented.”

  My mother returned with drinks for Emile and Efron. She glanced around the room, pursing her lips. “I’ll get more chairs.”

  “Aren’t you going to sit on my lap?” Emile said, downing his drink in one gulp. I stared at him, but Efron laughed heartily while Logan snickered. Lumine’s mouth turned down, disapproving, but she continued to sip her tea.

  “I’ll just bring the bottle,” my mother murmured when Emile thrust his empty glass at her, and went back to the kitchen.

  I helped her carry the kitchen chairs into the living room, settling near Ren and wondering what the hell was going on.

  “It’s a shame Stephen isn’t here,” Lumine began.

  “Yeah, a damn shame.” Emile snorted, lounging in his seat. “It’s been a few years since we’ve had a good fight.”

  “Easy, friend,” Efron said. “We need both packs on this. You’ll have to set your prejudices aside for the time being.”

  “What’s happened?” Naomi asked, handing Emile a bottle of scotch.

  “We think something has gone wrong up at Haldis,” Lumine said. “We may have delayed putting the new pack out too long.”

  I fixed my expression into what I hoped was a blank stare while horror curled at the base of my spine. They do know!

  “We haven’t seen anything on patrols,” Naomi said.

  “The problem occurred within the cavern itself,” Lumine continued. “One of the last lines of defense may have been taken out, but we can’t be certain without an investigation. Logan?”

  But they don’t know everything. How soon will they put all the pieces together?

  Logan turned to Ren and me. “You won’t be going to school tomorrow. I need the new pack to check out the area around the cavern and just inside the entrance. Don’t venture too far inside—you’ll know if you’ve disturbed her.”

  “Her?” I repeated, trying to mask my astonishment.

  “Unlike you, this beast is something of a pet.” Logan smiled. “A very deadly pet that keeps the cave protected. Should anything slip past our faithful Guardians, that is.”

  “Will it attack us?” Ren asked.

  “Without a doubt,” Logan said. “That’s why you make your observations and report back to me. She doesn’t leave her lair. If you see her alive, just go; she won’t pursue you beyond the mouth of the cave. If something has happened to her, we must find out how. Split your group. Send a few wolves to check the cave. The others should examine the perimeter to find out who or what has been near Haldis. We need to know if the Searchers have gotten close.”

  “What is she?” Ren asked. His grip on my hand had tightened.

  “I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise,” Logan said. “She’s quite spectacular.”

  I returned Ren’s hard grip but only so I wouldn’t shudder. I had to be one of the wolves that searched the cave. In fact, I had to be the only wolf. Otherwise . . . I couldn’t think about otherwise.

  “And you want us to go tomorrow?” I asked, making sure to keep my voice steady.

  “Yes,” Logan said. “We must act now. If the Searchers have broken through our defenses, we need to make changes immediately.”

  “I’ll call the pack when I get home,” Ren said, looking at me. “Okay, Calla?”

  Before I could answer, Emile scowled. “You don’t need her permission, boy.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with manners, Emile,” Lumine chided. “Calla has been a fine leader of the young Nightshades. Ren is wise to ask her opinion.”

  Emile muttered something into his glass and Efron snickered.

  “It’s fine,” I said. “Call them.” I’d figure out how to get myself on the cave patrol tomorrow.

  “We’ll meet at first light, then?” he asked, squeezing my hand. “At the base trail?”

  I nodded.

  Lumine rose, smoothing her skirt. “Excellent. Your first trial. Don’t disappoint us.”

  “Never,” Ren murmured.

  “Very good.” Efron smiled. “We’ll bid you good night, then.”

  “Thank you for the tea, Naomi,” Lumine said. “Your hostessing never fails to impress.”

  “Mistress.” My mother gave a little curtsy.

  Logan paused in front of us on his way to the door. “Good hunting.”

  The wraiths floated soundlessly after them. The front
door banged shut and Ren stood up, but Emile poured himself another drink. He extended the bottle to my mother.

  “For old times’ sake?”

  “No, thank you,” she said.

  “Are we staying?” Ren frowned, looking from his father to my mother.

  “It hardly seems polite to leave two lovely ladies on their own, seeing how Stephen can’t be here to watch over them.” Emile wandered to my mother’s side, letting his fingers slide through her hair. She paled but didn’t move.

  “We can take care of ourselves,” I snapped.

  “Not like a man could,” he said, fingers moving from my mother’s hair to trace her jawline. “Naomi, what nonsense have you been filling that girl’s head with? She’s not about to give my boy trouble, now, is she?”

  “She will be a fine mate,” she said. “Deserving of your son.”

  I stared at her, not understanding why she didn’t shove him away. I knew how strong my mother was; she might not be able to take Emile in a fight, but she could certainly fend him off.

  “Fine indeed. Just like her mother, I suppose. You’re a good girl, Naomi. You know your place. I’ve always thought it a shame we weren’t better friends.”

  “Thank you,” she whispered, but I could see her hands trembling.

  “The night is young,” Emile continued, leaning down so his lips touched her ear. “And full of possibility. We could make up for lost time.”

  “How dare you!” I was on my feet. “Get away from her!”

  Emile whirled on me, snarling. “Renier, take your little bitch upstairs!”

  “I’m not going anywhere!” Only Ren’s grip on my shoulders kept me from flying at Emile.

  “Father, we should go; it’s late and we’re overstaying our welcome,” Ren said quietly. “Stephen will be coming off patrol soon.”

  “I suppose he will, won’t he?” Emile’s smile was like the light of an oncoming train. “I really should pay my respects.”

  “I have a lot of homework to get done and I still have to call the pack about tomorrow’s run to Haldis,” Ren added. “I’d prefer to go now. Please.”

  “I don’t know where you get your work ethic, boy.” Emile finished his drink, slamming the glass down on the arm of my mother’s chair. “It’s been a pleasure, Naomi.”