by Vella Day
“I’ll try.” Anna didn’t dare look up at Dalton because his face would be in a scowl.
She clasped his hand and dropped to both knees. Inhaling to keep from getting sick, she methodically ran a palm from left to right starting at the top. To her surprise, some parts of the rectangle actually felt hot. When she completed her search, she looked up at Dalton. “Hand me a book.”
“Which one?”
What? “Any book is fine.”
He located one on a nearby shelf and gave it to her. She then placed it over the warmest spot. When she lifted her hand, Dalton helped her up. Anna immediately dug her hand in her pocket, and when she clasped the pink quartz, it was as if she’d dived into a cool pool on a really hot summer day. The nausea disappeared, and she was able to move away from the area on her own. “I marked the spot.”
Rye smiled. “That’s fantastic. We’ll get started then.”
He motioned to the men, and Jackson carried over a thick piece of plastic about two feet square by three inches high, while Connor walked over with some kind of laser instrument. He held it up to Dalton. “Sweet, right?”
Dalton stepped closer. “That can cut into the cement?”
“Yup. I found this diamond wire cutting instrument that’s practically noise free.”
That was impressive. “How will you replace the floor when you’re done? I didn’t see a cement truck outside,” Anna said.
Rye smiled and tapped the solid block of plastic. “We’ll cut this to fit the space then replace the carpet on top. Where you marked was where the bookcase stood. No one will be the wiser.”
Dalton placed a hand on her back. “Let’s move to the side and let the men work.”
Fine by her. The farther from the sardonyx the better. While she was interested in seeing them work, they didn’t need someone standing over them. It was tense enough just thinking someone might catch them—whether it be the sheriff’s department, a concerned citizen, or a dreaded Changeling.
Once Anna was seated, Dalton returned to the science fiction section to help. Because only the Emergency lights were on and evening was descending, the store was cast in eerie shadows. She hadn’t asked, but she figured Crystal Wedgewood’s husband hadn’t given them permission to be there. Otherwise, the lights would be blazing.
The saw Connor was using might not be totally silent, but with Rye telling him where to cut, she could barely hear the thing. Anna hoped she hadn’t misled them about the location of the stones. She’d feel bad if they had to cut up more than the six-inch by six-inch spot she’d marked.
The drill stopped and then Jackson and Connor huddled over the hole, while the other two watched. As much as she wanted to see them uncover this treasure, Anna remained seated.
“I hit something!” Connor said in a muffled voice.
The tools were discarded, and as best as she could tell by peering between several pairs of legs, they were digging with their hands. Jackson was the first to hold up something that was covered in dirt. She had to assume it was the sardonyx. In silence, the men worked faster. Every few seconds, they’d unearth more stone. How they would know when they found all of the so-called precious treasure, she didn’t know.
Rye scooped up the found stones and rushed toward the back, probably to wash them off, and then hopefully put them someplace safe. “Anna would you mind going over to the spot to make sure we didn’t miss any?”
“Sure.” She went over, but no matter how close she came to the area, she had no reaction. “Nothing’s here!”
“Great.”
Not wanting to be in the way when they cut the plastic piece, she returned to her seat. A few seconds later, a squeak sounded, and Anna’s heart skipped a beat until she realized it was the back door opening. When she spotted Missy looking scared, she jumped up and rushed toward her. “What are you doing here?” Anna asked.
Missy looked around. “It’s bad, real bad. Mr. Murdoch had a heart attack.” She nodded toward the men in front. “I need to tell Jackson and Kalan.”
“Of course, but shouldn’t you be with him? Can’t you heal him?”
Her heart went out to them. Poor Mr. Murdoch. She’d only met him a handful of times, but he seemed very nice. Missy spoke with the group and then she, Kalan, and Jackson rushed out.
Her eyes widened. “I, ah, did what I could. He’s stable now.” Missy rushed off.
Now that the gems had been all retrieved, all they had to do was replace the missing cement with the hard plastic, put back the carpet piece they’d cut, and return the bookcase to its original location. This had gone smoother than she had thought.
Dalton came toward her. “Did Missy tell you about Mr. Murdoch?”
“Yes.”
“It’s such a shame.”
“Missy is a good healer. If anyone could help their father, she can.”
As Connor finished digging, Rye measured and then cut the plastic to go where the cement had been. Just as he’d pounded it into place, and placed the carpet on top, the back door opened again. Now who was here?
Both of the men who were kneeling jumped up, and Dalton moved in front of her. “They’re here,” he said as growls came toward them. “Fuck.”
“Who’s here? The Changelings?”
“Yes.” Dalton remained in front of her as six wolves charged in.
Her heart nearly jumped out of her chest as she grabbed the back of his shirt, ready to run. One dark gray wolf with evil red eyes stalked toward them, while the other five headed toward Rye and Connor. Dalton pressed his hand back to indicate she should not move. That was a command she was willing to obey. If only she could be like Ainsley and disappear, or like Izzy and shoot fire at them.
The wolf howled, and his blood red eyes glowed. The ass acted like he stood a chance against Dalton. Suddenly, fur flew and bones cracked. A second later, Dalton appeared in his tiger form, dwarfing the wolf. The smaller animal growled then stepped back. Dalton, who could move almost as fast as a bullet, lunged at the animal. Bones snapped and a yelp rent the air. When Dalton stepped back, the prone body of the wolf lay on the ground, his formerly red eyes fading to black. A moment later, as the last breath left the wolf’s body, he materialized into his human form. Holy shit on a stick. He was naked and very dead.
Dalton roared at her and then took off toward the skirmish. She guessed his angry response meant she should stay put. He wouldn’t get any argument from her.
Thanks for leaving me with the dead guy, she mentally chided.
It can’t be helped.
Had Dalton just answered her? She must have lost her mind. Seeing a naked dead guy must have caused her brain to malfunction.
Loud, mean growls coming from where Rye, Connor, and Dalton were fighting made her heart pound hard. Anna prayed Dalton could take down most of the Changelings. In comparison to him, the wolves appeared to be slightly larger than big rats.
Five Changelings had surrounded Rye, Connor, and Dalton. Had it not been for Dalton’s agility, speed, and size advantage, she would have placed a bet on the Changelings winning.
Teeth gnashed and squeals sounded, as Rye took a light colored wolf by the neck and yanked him around. Two wolves were attacking Connor, while Dalton was holding his own against his two. He rotated toward her, and when she spotted blood dripping down Dalton’s flank, she freaked. As much as she wanted to run and get help, she didn’t dare leave the building.
Before Anna could decide what she should do, she suddenly twisted and grabbed her side. It was almost as if his pain had entered her body from where a wolf had bit Dalton! Anna staggered backward until she bumped into the wall and jerked from the impact.
From the side door, Sam suddenly rushed in and reached her side just as four additional animals ran in from the hallway with blood dripping from their teeth. Oh, no! When two wolves ran straight at them, her legs weakened. What she wouldn’t give to be able to say goodbye to Dalton before she died. The other two charged toward the men.
Sam stepped
in front of her like Dalton had and held out his arms. She couldn’t let him sacrifice his life for her since he didn’t have the ability to shift anymore than she did. Just as she was about to push him aside, the snarling wolves, who were less than three feet from them, both stopped and cocked their heads as if they were trying to determine how to handle both of them.
Then the wolves did the unthinkable—they backed up. The one in the rear actually swayed, and then they both turned tail and jogged back outside.
Sam spun around and grabbed her shoulders. “Are you okay?”
“Yes.” Not at all. I’m quaking from head to toe.
“That was close,” Sam said. “Stay here. I’m going to help the others.”
She grabbed his arm. “They’ll maul you.”
He twisted his head and smiled. “You saw what happened. They won’t touch me. Watch.”
They hadn’t touched either of them this time, but maybe she’d imagined everything from the finding of the stone to the wolves—but she doubted it. Sam sped toward the three men as Dalton helped kill one of the animals attacking Connor. Bodies flew and blood spurted. Glancing at the hallway where the animals had come, she wanted to blockade it to prevent more from arriving, but she didn’t dare move. If additional wolves showed up, hopefully Dalton would defend her.
As suddenly as the fray began, the din was replaced with heavy panting and whimpering. How was that possible? Dalton had killed two of the evil wolves, and Rye and Connor had been able to come up with one kill each. The three remaining wolves staggered toward the door. She expected the men to charge after them, but they apparently were going to let them go. What was happening? She had to be in a different dimension. It was the only explanation.
The injured animals disappeared down the hallway. Rye’s wolf, who was a beautiful shade of gray and brown, limped toward the same back door and Connor followed him. Now she was even more confused.
Dalton returned to her side and shifted into his human form. As much as she loved seeing him naked, this wasn’t the place. Anyone peering in the front window might be able to see him. Dalton gathered her in his arms. “Are you okay?”
“I’m shaken up, but it seems Sam scared the wolves away.”
Sam joined them. “If you want to know, I did a little mind meld on them. I was able to get into their heads and convince them that there was no sardonyx here.”
“How is that possible?” Sure Wendayans had unique talents, but those kinds of abilities were out of this world. Then again, many of her fellow Wendayans had amazing abilities that no one seemed to be able to explain.
“Beats me. It’s just what I do.”
“It’s impressive.” She nodded to the door. “Where did Rye and his brother go?”
“I’m guessing they’re making sure those outside don’t need additional support,” Dalton answered.
Anna’s head swam with so many questions. Before she could ask any of them, Sam slipped off his shirt and handed it to Dalton. “You might want to cover up—at least as much as you can. It’s not like you can run out to your car in your condition.”
“Thanks.” Dalton slipped on the oversized shirt. He then toed his shredded clothes. “Damn.”
Sam nodded to the bodies. “What should we do with them?”
Before Dalton could answer, Rye and Connor returned fully dressed in their human form, carrying an extra set of clothes.
Rye had a slight smirk on his face as he walked toward Dalton. “The perimeter has been secured.” He held out some pants. “Try these on. They might be a bit snug, but they’ll cover you.”
Dalton pulled on the pair of jeans that barely fit. “My boots might be salvageable,” he said, slipping them on. “While they’ll function tonight, they’re definitely headed for the trash tomorrow.”
“I want to thank you for saving our hides,” Rye said, holding out his hand to Dalton. “Having someone of your size and strength is a real asset.”
While the movement was small, Dalton’s shoulders straightened as he shook Rye’s hand. He winced then touched his side. Anna did the same thing. They definitely needed to have a talk about these sympathy pains.
“Any time. In all honesty, I haven’t been in a fight in a long time. I kind of missed the adrenaline rush.”
Rye smiled. “I know what you mean. Why don’t you take Anna home? My Clan and I will clean up. We don’t need any customers finding blood stains or dead bodies.”
Just then Kalan and Jackson charged in, their lips in a thin line and their stride strong. Kalan glanced over at dead men. “I’m glad you killed the bastards.”
Rye placed a hand on his Beta’s arm. “How’s Daniel?”
Kalan shook his head. “Dad’s fine. He never was ill. That person who looked like Missy was a fucking Changeling.”
Why was nothing making sense? She’d spoken with Missy, so why did they say she only looked like her friend? It was Missy. Anna decided to wait until after she and Dalton were alone to ask, though she wasn’t sure she’d like the answer.
Rye grabbed Kalan’s arm. “That can’t be. They can only take a person’s form for the first forty-eight hours after the red moon. It’s been three days.”
Kalan shrugged. “All I know is that Missy never showed up at Dad’s. When we arrived there, his cell service had been disrupted so we couldn’t call her to check. Once we realized what must have happened and figured we’d been fooled, we came back here. As soon as I had reception, I contacted the real Missy. She said she had been visiting with Izzy all night.”
Rye shook his head. “This is really bad.”
Chapter Nineteen
‡
Brother Jacob had no words for the heat and ire racing through his body. How the fuck had his men failed? Again! Sure, they were going against the Alpha and Beta of the Clan, but that was no excuse. His men were well trained.
Brother Jacob paced the small bunker room, waiting for the men responsible for this embarrassing fiasco to arrive. John Ernst told him not only had a few of the men died, there wasn’t any sardonyx. Brother Jacob didn’t believe it. It smelled of a mutiny. Brother John, at the least, was hiding something from him, he was sure.
Ernst had assured him the stone would be there, but to eliminate his second in command might be the proverbial straw that broke the Council and its members. For now, he’d let the man live.
A knock sounded on the heavy door, and Brother John entered, followed by five men dressed appropriately in their robes. From the scrapes on their faces and the way several were bent over, their wolves hadn’t had time to heal their bodies. Too fucking bad.
“Sit,” he commanded. Chairs scraped and their gazes remained averted. Thankfully, they acted as if they understood how they’d failed the entire Changeling Clan. “Tell me what happened.”
John Ernst looked up. “Brother Carmen did an excellent job portraying Missy Berta. The two Murdoch brothers both believed him, and Carmen was able to lure both brothers back to their home.”
“Tell me how without the bears being present, did any of the men die?” Brother Jacob was practically shouting.
“One was a tiger,” Brother Richard said.
“A tiger?” Brother Jacob studied them, wondering why they’d come up with such a preposterous lie. “Surely you are mistaken.”
Brother John stood. “I’ve seen the markings on Brother Richard’s back. It was a tiger.”
“Suppose that’s true. It could explain why so many men died, but not how there wasn’t any sardonyx.”
Brother Richard stood. “When we charged in, it looked like the three of the men had just finished digging. The hole was covered, but there was dirt on the floor. We fought, and then…I don’t remember.”
Brother Jacob turned around and slammed a hand on the wooden table. “What do you mean you don’t remember?”
Brother Richard cleared his throat. “I remember stalking the clansmen, but none of us sensed the stone. The battle was brutal. Then everything went calm.”
The man in front of him lowered his gaze. “That’s all, sir. They let us live and we left.”
Brother Charles stood. “I had something equally strange happen. Two humans were there with them—the girl and a man. Henry and I charged, but the next thing I remember is that we were outside fighting others.”
An unpleasant conclusion was forming. Right now, if the bear and wolf Clan had found the stone, it was too late to retrieve it. However, the town had plenty more. To find it, however, would require that girl.
“Bring me this woman. And don’t fail this time.”
The men grumbled. Tough. If the Changelings were to survive, they needed more sardonyx.
*
“Would you mind staying at my place tonight?” Dalton asked Anna as he drove them to town. “I don’t want you to be alone, and your bed is rather small for the two of us.” He plucked the fabric from his leg. “Besides, I need a real change of clothes.”
“Of course,” Anna said. “I don’t want to be alone either, not to mention I have a shitload of questions.”
Guilt stabbed him. “I’m sorry. I should have filled you in on what Changelings are like, but I didn’t want to overwhelm you.”
She looked over at him. “I wasn’t talking about them, though I was totally taken aback how that person could look and act so much like Missy, but not be Missy. I mean she knew who was who.”
Dalton pulled behind her building. “That really shook up Rye too.” As Dalton helped her out, he explained about their red moon and how if they touched a person, they had only two additional days in which to become an image of that person. “Only this Changeling was able to last three days.”
“How is that possible?”
“Beats me.” He didn’t think Rye knew either. “Just like I still don’t understand how Sam can alter what people are thinking.”
“I know, right?” She explained how one minute two of the wolves were about to attack and the next they were walking away.