by Martha Woods
“She’s dying, Cayden. Isn’t that enough? She’ll be gone in months.”
He let out a frustrated growl. Damn it. He couldn’t help softening a bit every time she spoke. He was such a sucker. “What are you talking about?”
“The woman who allegedly killed you’re father is sick and dying. What kind of a hunter would you be if you struck down a woman who can barely stand?”
He dropped his hand with his blade. “God damn it, Sky. And I can’t even hate you for this.” He took a step toward her and Liam growled. “Cool it, dog. I’m not going to hurt her.” He stopped, his eyes boring into hers. “Walk away with me, Sky. This is no place for you.”
No, she was too sweet, too bright and good. Look at the effect she had on him. She had talked him out of the vengeance he desperately sought for so long. At least he had the satisfaction of killing the pack’s alpha.
She smiled sadly and kissed his cheek. “Go, Cayden, please. You’re surrounded and I still care about you. Go. Take care of yourself.”
He let out a breath. The wolves moved closer and he inched away but his eyes remained on Skylar. “I’ll see you again, Skylar Moore.” He turned hateful eyes to the gray wolf standing behind her before he turned and disappeared.
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Things had calmed down a bit after the hunter ran off. Liam scowled. Okay, so the man hadn’t run off. He had been willing to stay and fight to the death, which Liam found grudgingly admirable. He had left because Skylar asked him to. He eyed her with love and amazement. He would have reveled in further battle with a hunter of legend, but more shifters would have been killed in the process.
She gazed up at him, biting her lip. “I’m sorry I got in the way, Liam. I was terrified he was going to kill you.” She glanced at his shoulder wound, which was already healing and tears filled her eyes. “Are you angry that I stopped everything? That Cayden got away?”
He sighed and pulled her to him, kissing her deeply. “It’s fine, Sky. If you weren’t here things would have probably gone way worse.” He grinned. “A few shifters here are already whispering that you’re some kind of half human, half magical being. The legendary grim reaper of supernatural creatures walked away because you told him to.”
Skylar rolled her eyes. “Oh for God’s sake. It’s called reasoning. I’ll have to teach you wolf shifters about that.” She pressed her palms against his chest and glanced at his mother’s closed door. “I’m assuming she hears everything with her superhuman hearing and all. Are you ready to talk to her?”
He nodded. Finding out his mother had killed a hunter still had him floored. He laced her fingers with hers and pulled her toward the door. “I’m ready and you’re coming with.”
Leah refused to look at them as they entered. Shame and guilt danced across her pale features. “You should have let the hunter in to kill me. I’ll be dead soon, anyway.”
Skylar gasped. “No, don’t say that, Leah. Liam would never allow that and neither would I.”
She glanced at Skylar and let out a sob. “I’m glad my son found a woman like you. I heard everything. You brought us peace.”
Skylar shrugged. “Well, temporarily.”
“I’ve always wanted peace,” Leah murmured.
Liam shook his head. “That’s why I find it hard to believe you killed a hunter, but you haven’t denied it.”
“I did it a year ago, when I was still strong enough to shift and run. I went out with your father. I was so excited because we hadn’t done anything together in a while. We saw a man snooping around near our community and he had weapons. We knew it was a hunter. It was the first either us had seen one. I begged Isaac to turn back and get to the safety of the pack, but he wanted the bragging rights of killing a hunter. I stood back and watched them fight.” Her eyes lifted to Liam’s. “Your father was injured and the hunter was about to kill him. I jumped out and attacked him while he was focused on Isaac. I was just lucky. I never intended to kill anyone. We never told anyone it was me and Isaac took the credit for killing the man. I didn’t mind. I mean, I thought that would make him love me again.”
Skylar was already perched on the bed and hugging his mother as if she had known her all her life. “You were protecting someone you loved, Leah. I would have done the same.”
Liam wiped a hand over his face and watched his mother cling to Skylar. “Well, Isaac is dead.”
“I heard.” Leah sniffed. “There’s no alpha. I suppose when Lucas decides to surface -”
“There is an alpha.”
Two pairs of shocked eyes flew to Liam. “You’ve changed your mind?” Leah asked, hope shining in her eyes.
“You were right, Sky. Maybe I can bring a change. My father’s out of the way and everyone here is looking for a leader. I can make things different, better. ”
Her lips curved upward and she nodded her support. Leah clutched her heart. “Are you sure, Liam? What about your happiness?”
“I will be happy,” he said gazing at Skylar. “As long as I have my woman with me.”
“Well, I’m not going anywhere,” Skylar said with a smile. She gasped when Leah pulled her into a tight embrace with a sudden burst of strength.
Liam grinned, glad that his mother was happy. A burst of love for the small woman in his mother’s arm swelled inside of him. “Mom, Skylar and I will back tomorrow. I should get her home now.”
Skylar glanced up with a frown. “But -”
“Let’s go, Sky.”
Understanding dawned when she saw the smoldering look in his eyes. She swallowed a smile and kissed Leah on the cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Leah. Maybe we can bring you to Liam’s cabin, mansion, whatever it is.
She chuckled. “I suppose now I can do that.” She seemed delighted.
Liam kissed his mother’s cheek and pulled Skylar to the door. She stifled giggles as they made their way down the front steps. “You horny devil,” she whispered.
He let out a laugh, feeling at ease for once in a long time. He looked around, noting that his father’s body had been removed. He waited to feel even a sliver of remorse but none came. Spotting Michael, he approached him.
“Where’s Henry? He was injured by the hunter.”
“He’ll be fine. He’s home with his wife. So what’s going to happen?” Michael’s eyes were fixed on his.
Liam’s mouth stretched into smile and Michael’s eyes widened. “You accepted.” He fist pumped the air. “Yes! I swear if Lucas took over, I would probably organize his assassination.”
“Michael!” Skylar gasped.
“Oh come on, you’ve met the guy. Remember when he tried to eat you?”
“That doesn’t mean -”
“Don’t start you two.” Liam clapped Michael’s shoulder. “If Lucas shows up and starts trouble, take care of it. As my second in command, I’m leaving you in charge. I’ll come back tomorrow and we’ll let everyone know what’s going on.”
Michael snorted. “By the wide grins on everyone’s faces, I think they already know. They were all suffering under dearly departed Dad’s tyranny. And what the hell do you mean second in command? We never had -”
“I’m going to make some changes and that’s the first change. I’m hell bent on making family duty and spending time with my woman and work. So just work with me, little brother. I won’t be here all the time and I need someone I can trust to stand in my place from time to time, like when Sky and I go on vacations.”
Skylar’s eyes gleamed as he led her toward the trees where his car was still parked on a narrow path. “Can we go to Paris?”
“Anywhere you want, baby.”
Michael shook his head and watched them walk away. “They’re so sickeningly adorable,” he murmured and walked off.
She squealed. “I can’t wait to tell Farah I’m going to Paris. I can’t wait to tell her about everything that happened today.”
“You’ll have to wait because when I get you into bed, we’re going to be there a while.”
; “I like the sound of that.” She looked at him with troubled eyes. “Your problem has been solved, but mine is still hanging in the air. I don’t know what my father is up to and there’s a mob boss still trying to get his hands on me.”
He opened her door and she slid into his car. He was tempted to abandon the vehicle, lift her into his arms and run home. They would move much faster. “It’s our problem, and no one is getting their hands on you except me. We’ll deal with it together.”
Skylar smiled slightly and let out a breath. “Okay. Are you sure about everything, Liam?” she asked as he drove off.
He immediately knew she was talking about him suddenly changing his mind about becoming alpha. “I can’t be entirely sure about everything. I’ll just have to take things one day at a time. There’s one thing that I am sure about.”
“What’s that?”
He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips.
“You and me.”
* * *
END
Bonus Book 3
Escaping the Demon's Trap
(Book 1 of ‘Princess Anastasia’s Tales’)
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Martha Woods
© 2017 Martha Woods
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All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
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For permissions contact: [email protected]
Chapter 1
I could feel the fear rising in my throat before the images even appeared. In the darkness of my mind, I saw her. The translucent spirit that haunts my every sleeping moment. She floats ideally behind towers of stacked packing boxes, never taking her eyes away from me as her smile slowly grows to a wicked grin. She understands what is going to happen next and I simple stand in horror. My uncle passes before my eyes, terror stricken, as he frantically looks for a way out. We have spent three days in this cell and now we either find a way out or be destroyed. That is when my fear is replaced with desperation as I scream. As my wails are released, so is the deadly power that resides behind my eyes. I hear more screaming, but now all I see are blue flames destroying everything around me. The screams finally pull me back to my reality.
When I finally open my eyes, my bedroom replaces the images of my nightmare, but it seems the dream has traveled with me as I view fresh scorch marks on the stone walls that surround me.
“Not again,” I mutter as I escape the warm fur blankets and walk over to the walls where I place my hand on the stone. The light from the fireplace highlights the marks as my hand becomes covered in black soot. The marks are still warm, confirming my belief that during my nightmare I let go again of the power that patiently waits behind my eyes. I run my hands through my long black hair, trying to calm my nerves. It has been almost a year since I had to deal with any subconscious outburst, and now I’m worried what my mother would think if I told her that I lost control again.
Eventually I coax myself into the bathroom where I allow the hot water to run over my short frame. Where I lack in height, I make up for in toned muscles and strength. I enjoy the scent of lavender and lemon as I scrub my body clean of soot and sweat that is caked in my hair from another nightmare. I almost don’t want to leave the confines of the shower, but I know it won’t be long before my mother will be expecting me for this morning’s report.
Stepping out of the shower, I don’t bother drying my hair as I pull it back into a quick braid and dress in a traditional, dull uniform. The gray and red wool suit will keep me warm in the palace, but I often yarn for my own clothes, the ones I enjoyed wearing when I traveled outside the Kingdom with my uncle. I sigh as I pull on my black boots and tuck a pair of sunglasses in my coat pocket out of habit. Within these walls, I don’t have to hide my powers, but yet I still feel isolated from my people. No one else has the control issues that I do.
“Good morning, Princess,” repeats down the hallway as I leave my sleeping quarters and head towards the briefing room. I try to be polite and make eye contact with everyone who speaks to me, but I’m running late and don’t want to keep the generals waiting. I hurry through the palace, down to the lower levels, almost running as I near the briefing room. Already I can hear the morning report being spoken as I open the tall, wooden door and step inside.
I don’t say a word as I take a seat towards the head of the table and place my focus on the general that is standing and speaking. A few look over at me with disappointing glares, but I try to listen to what is being said so I don’t miss any more important details.
“….scouts have arrived at the inner fortress. We are currently waiting to hear back from them in order to learn if there are any clear routes to the main gate. Our forces are gathering in order to prepare an attack on the fortress and hopefully close the gate before the end of the month. In the meantime, we are gathering as many tokens as possible to either aid in our search for the remaining gates or destroy them and the creatures inside,” the general finishes his report and promptly sits down at the table as all eyes turn on my mother. I finally take the time to look over at her as I, and the entire room, await her response.
“What do you think, Anastasia?” my mother asks. Her black hair is pulled back into a tight bun, extenuating her high cheekbones. Her bright blue eyes analyze me as the room now turns their attention on me. I hear someone scoff, but I don’t dare look away from my mother. I know this is a test and I always make sure to pass any test placed in front of me.
“Collecting tokens is risky business since we have no idea how many our ancestors made and distributed. I think our main focus should be closing the gates, and then go out and search for what remnants are left of the supernatural world,” I suggest.
“And what happens when our powers disappear with the closing of the gates? How will we destroy tokens then?” a general rudely buds into my train of thought. I slowly stand and face the man who has boldly spoken ahead of me.
“No one in this room knows more about the dangers of destroying tokens like I do,” I begin as the room grows quiet and cold. “And if it wasn’t for my powers I wouldn’t be standing here today.” I paused, waiting to see if anyone else would dare speak up. I might be the youngest person in the room, but it was no secret that I was the strongest. “But if the gates are closed, then there is no reason for these powers. Let the trapped creatures on the Earth be collected and isolated for the remainder of this planet’s life,” I finish as I sit down and face my mother. A look of content resides on her face as she finally looks away from me and back at the others sitting around the table. Each man and woman in royal uniforms have proven their worth in both battle and loyalty to my family.
“Thank you, generals. That will be enough today. Let us come to a decision tomorrow when hopefully we have more information from the scouts,” my mother commands. The sound of chairs moving back from the table fills the room as I wait patiently for the room to clear. My mother stands and motions for me to follow her. Silently, we walk down the hallway to her private sitting room where a small tray of tea and sandwiches are waiting.
“That was an impressive speech in there,” my mother comments as I pour her a cup of tea and hand her the cup before pouring my own. The hot liquid warms my body as I inhale the sweet scent. Even though our Kingdom is isolated in a snow-covered location, from time to time we are able to enjoy delectable dishes when a new shipment arrives from the south.
“It was my honest opinion. With father begin with the warriors on the front line, I want the gates closed so our family can be together for once,” I admit as
I fit an entire small sandwich in my mouth. The fresh vegetables are exactly what I have been craving.
“So, your tactic is based on personal feelings instead of logical reasoning?” my mother questions as she slowly bites into a sandwich and I’m already finishing my third one. I drink the rest of the tea and then set my empty cup aside.
“Can it not be both?” I eye my mother as she slowly chews. Thankfully before she can lecture me on my decision process, a messenger enters the room and quickly hands me a piece of paper.
“Princess, you received an email this morning. I took the liberty of printing and delivering the message right away,” he says before disappearing back out the door. I quickly open the letter and scan the words, surprised by the recipient’s name and even more disturbed by the news.
“What’s happen? I can tell it isn’t good by the look on your face,” my mother comments as I fold the paper and stick it in my pocket. I run my fingers along the sunglasses in my pocket, as my mind races between memories and actions I’d like to take.
“Darien Mathews has contacted me. He sends news of the death of his parents,” I look up at my mother as the name sends concern through her face. “He says they died on a boating excursion off the Carolina coastline. He is seeking my assistance with the selling of his parent’s antique business.”
My mother responds by cursing under her breath. The death of the Darien’s parents means our trading route in North America has been compromised. The Mathews family has aided in the Kingdom in collecting and finding tokens for us to destroy. As a child, I would accompany my uncle to the Mathews’ estate to help transfer such tokens. After my uncle died, I left North America and haven’t spoken with Darien since. My thoughts quickly turn to his two younger siblings, Elizabeth and John. I was having a hard time imaging how this death was affecting them.