The Longing of Lone Wolves

by Lana Pecherczyk

  “I think I have some,” she said.

  He tensed. “Where did you get that?”

  “The wolf?” She bit her lip. “I took it from your bag.”

  A dark look flashed over his face. “It’s not for you.”

  “Sorry. Here, have it back.” She held it out.

  “I… no, it is me who should apologize. I didn’t mean to snap. I carved it for my son when he was younger.” He picked it up and twirled it in his fingers. “I used to make them and drop them in his room. I hoped he’d see the resemblance and know his father was looking out for him.” He handed it back to her. “He’s an adult now. I don’t know why I brought it. You have it.”

  “I think it’s beautiful. It reminds me of you.”

  He returned her smile and opened the door. “Head down to the bar. I’ll finish packing and readying the portal stone.”

  Clarke made her way down to the tavern level of the inn. Already filling with patrons, the room had mainly fae she guessed were overnight guests. Some lone travelers. Some couples. None of the provocative females she’d seen were anywhere in sight. From the sounds she’d heard last night, they were probably all worn out. Bit like her.

  She tested the position of the torn strip around her ears and couldn’t help the smile that lifted her lips. There would never be a time she failed to think about Rush when she touched that piece of fabric. How things had changed since the last time she’d worn it.

  Buoyed by her emotions, she walked up to the bar and found it empty. No servers around, but the smell of fresh cooked food wafted from the kitchen behind it. Some clanking noises clashed with a loud male curse. She walked along the length of the bar until she came to the spot where she could see through the kitchen door. Beyond was an old style scullery. It was still odd for her to see something so normally heavy with metal in her time, now so stripped bare of it. Instead of stainless steel counters, there was wood. Instead of iron stoves, a long stone hearth with ceramic pots bubbled away. A tall, but rotund, fae with wolfish ears muttered to himself as he briskly stirred a pot. He must have sensed her there, because he immediately lifted his head and paused. He had golden eyes, streaky short gray hair, and a crooked nose which he lifted her way as though he tried to scent her. His eyes narrowed and he put the pot down.

  Wiping his hands on his apron, he came out of the kitchen. “You need something?”

  “Hi.” She put some coin on the bench. “I’d like to order some food and have it sent up to our room please.”

  The fae’s gaze narrowed even more. Clarke thought he might tell her to go away, but instead, he gave a big belly shout. “Anise! You’re needed.”

  Then he returned to the kitchen.

  Strange.

  Not long after, Anise emerged. She wore similar attire to the previous night and looked drained.

  “Morning,” Clarke said. “You been here all night?”

  “Just got in.” Anise’s gaze dipped to Clarke’s neck and then gave her a knowing smile. “You’re looking mighty chirpy. Took advantage of the elixir, I see.”

  “Um.” Clarke’s hand went to Rush’s mark, still visible on her neck. “Actually. We did fine without it. But thank you anyway.”

  “Right,” Anise laugh. “Well, you smell like you’ve been drowning in its aftereffects. No wonder Angus wouldn’t take your order.”

  Angus must be the cook. “What does that mean?”

  “The wolf who claimed you did it good. Any male sniffing around you like this will be in for trouble when your mate comes around.”

  “But the cook was just going to take my order.”

  Anise shrugged. “You’re not around wolves much, are you?”

  “I guess not.”

  “We’re a territorial lot. I’m surprised he didn’t accompany you down here. I want to meet the guy.”

  “You know, I truly wish you could, but he’s getting our things ready. We have to leave soon.”

  “What’s he look like?” Anise waggled her brows. “With that sated look on your face, I’m imagining some big alpha type. Although, a real alpha wouldn’t let his mate come down and collect the meal. You’re making me very curious.” She whined a little at Clarke’s closed mouth. “Come on. Tell me. I’ve got nothing else to live for but endless work hours.”

  Clarke pinched her lips, but couldn’t resist sharing. It was nice to have a girl to talk to. “He’s tall. Longish silver hair. Beard. Total”—she couldn’t come up with the right words to explain Rush’s physique and flexed her hands in front of her shoulders—“he’s like…”

  “That good, huh?”

  She laughed and nodded. He was everything.

  “Maybe if I bring the food, I’ll get a peek.”

  “I wish you could see him.” Her mood dropped because it was true. Wanting Rush to be visible and free of his curse was starting to dig a hole into her chest.

  Nervous, she tucked hair behind her ear. It was such a habitual move that she’d not noticed she’d pushed aside the torn fabric keeping her ears hidden until Anise stiffened.

  Alarm prickled through Clarke. Their eyes locked.

  Neither knew what the other would do.

  Anise made the first move.

  “What are you doing?” She leaned over the counter and tugged the strap down. “Keep that hidden. If Thaddeus gets wind of your kind being here, you’ll be gone before you can take a new breath.”

  “Sorry.”

  They went back to staring at the other, not knowing what to say.

  “You’re a Seer,” Anise stated.

  “Yes.”

  “But you’re not an elf.”

  “No.”

  “And you’re not fae.” Anise lowered her voice.

  Clarke shook her head cautiously. She waited for Anise to raise the alarm, or to look at her differently, but she only checked over her shoulder and then leaned over the bench to get closer to Clarke.

  “Is there even a hot alpha in your room?”

  “Definitely, that part is true.”

  “You know,” Anise said, “I’ve always had a lean toward the psychic. It’s why I waved you over in the first place. Now I see why. We’ll meet again, Clarke. Mark my words.” She eased her weight to one side. “Now, what would you like to eat?”

  With a nod of appreciation, Clarke gave her order and headed back up to the room. She liked Anise, and now seeing that she wouldn’t betray someone like her on sight, she liked her even more.

  She arrived at the room and found the fire had been stoked back to life. Rush looked a little flushed. She first thought that perhaps it was the activity of restarting the fire, but then she caught the guilty gleam in his eyes. Her nerves jangled.

  “What did you do?” she asked warily.

  He scratched the back of his neck. “I got bored waiting.”

  “What the hell does that mean?”

  “It means I left a little gift around the main streets. I marked my territory.”

  “Like a… wolf?”

  Rush gave her a toothy grin and lifted his hands playfully. “It’s in my nature.”

  A nervous tension crept up her spine. “I wish you waited until after we ate before you announced to all the town that you’re here.”

  Rush prowled up to her, his playful grin still lighting up his face. “And where would the fun be in that?”

  Clarke went over to the window and pulled the drape to peer outside. Down in the street, life was beginning for the town’s folk. Fae were bustling about. But no sign of his uncle. She let the drapes fall back into place.

  “I thought you didn’t want to rule this town.”

  “Doesn’t mean I don’t like fucking with his head.”

  She laughed. His finger hooked on her belt and tugged her close. The way he peered down at her, all mischief and joy, it was hard to stay angry. This was the side of him she’d seen when they’d first met. The same side that had attracted her to him in the first place. It was the real Rush. And she’d helped bring i
t out. How could she be cross with that?

  “Just promise me we can get out of here on a moment’s notice.”

  He nodded, dark lashes lowering as he closed the gap between their faces. “I have it all under control.”

  She sank into his kiss, running her hands around his waist, wishing that his Guardian jacket wasn’t so thick.

  A knock came at the door, interrupting them. Rush opened it with his goofy grin still stretching his lips. Neither of them expected Anise to see him, but as the door opened, and Anise came into view, her eyes widened to big saucers and her jaw dropped open. Her gaze ping-ponged between Clarke and Rush.

  Holy shit. She could see him.

  Anise clicked her jaw shut and gave Rush a cordial smile, then quickly entered the room and placed the tray on the small table near the hearth. On her way back to the door, she gave Clarke a secret flare of her eyes and whispered, “I see what you mean.”

  She shut the door on the way out, leaving both Clarke and Rush speechless.

  He pointed at the door. “What just happened?”

  “I don’t know. I guess she saw you. Right?”

  Rush strode to the door and stared at it. He rubbed his beard. “Did you speak to her downstairs?”

  “Yes. She’s the server who sold me the elixirs. We chatted a bit last night too. I like her.”

  He met her eyes. “Did you say anything about wanting her to see the truth?”

  Clarke thought about it. “I guess I did mention something about wishing she could see what you look like.”

  He gave a grunt of understanding, mumbled something about her doing that with the White Woman.

  Ushering her over to the table, he motioned for her to sit, and then proceeded to dish up her meal. He even tried to hand feed her again, but she took the spoon away from him, much to his displeasure.

  “I think I can feed myself, big guy.”

  A scowl marred his face as he ate his own meal.

  “You wolves are an interesting lot. Anise said something about being an alpha and wanting to provide for your mate. The cook down there also backed off once he smelled your special wolf cologne on me. Anise said he wouldn’t go near a newly mated alpha’s female.”

  Rush’s jaw flexed. “It’s not right that no one sees me by your side.”

  “Well,” she squeezed his wrist, “perhaps soon that will change. I’ve done something already. First the bug-lady—”

  “The White Woman.”

  “Yeah, that thing. Then Anise. Clearly I’m making something happen. Maybe the Order can help me the rest of the way.”

  As they ate their meal in silence, one unsaid thought hung over their heads. She could make someone see him, cut through the glamor that kept him hidden, but that had little to do with the rest of his curse.

  Clarke was halfway through eating the last bit of fresh bread dipped in honey when a feeling of urgency rose swiftly and without mercy. Harsh buzzing exploded in her chest. The bread dropped on her plate.

  “We have to go,” she said.

  He straightened. “Now?”

  “Yes… something is—”

  The door burst open, swinging on its hinges. Both Clarke and Rush jumped to their feet. He stood in front of her.

  Standing in the doorway was a white wolf, snarling and baring its teeth. It took a step into the room, and then the air shimmered around it. Like a shifting mirage, the wolf became humanoid. It became Thaddeus, naked and pumped with fury. Behind him was a figure with a dark hooded cloak. And pushing through was Bones, also in a cloak. All three turned their heads her way.

  None of them saw Rush, or the feral snarl curling his lips.

  Thaddeus arched a brow and looked to Bones. “Is she the one?”

  Bones’ thin lips stretched into a smile as he took her in. “Yes. He will be pleased.”

  “I expect a bonus in the next shipment.”

  “Done.” Bones’ eyes never left Clarke, and a coldness settled into her stomach.

  Who was the “He” Bones referenced? Someone who wanted her? Someone who knew her? The faceless Void loomed into her mind.

  Bones dipped his finger into his jacket pocket and pulled out a red rose. He sniffed it, then tossed it into the room. It landed at her feet, rolled, and lost a petal. Clarke’s heart stopped. The Void had always worn a red rose in the pocket of his suit.

  Rush calmly slipped on his baldric and then secured his sword. No one noticed him.

  That’s what she thought.

  The hooded figure behind Bones and Thaddeus faced Rush, and panic tightened Clarke’s throat. He knew. He could either see Rush, or could sense him. Frozen, unable to move in case she alerted the rest of them to Rush’s whereabouts, she didn’t know what to do. Her gaze kept darting to Rush to check on his progress.

  And then everything seemed to happen at once.

  Thaddeus and Bones both caught her eyeing a seemingly empty corner of the room. They noticed the two cups on the table. Thaddeus sniffed the air and growled.

  “He’s here.”

  And then they were crowding into the room, Rush took hold of her arm, and a bright pop of light blinded them. She opened her eyes and wasn’t in the room at the inn, but outdoors. Rush held her tightly. In his hand, a stone sizzled with smoke. He dropped it onto the grass.

  “Well, that’s spent,” he muttered.

  “What the hell happened?”

  He nudged the stone. “I used the portal stone. We’re at the Order.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Rush held Clarke in his arms as she recovered from the effects of using the portal stone. The first time was never easy and the further you traveled, the greater the feeling of displacement. Her skin had taken on a greenish hue, and she clung to him. Any minute now, she might lose the contents of her stomach.

  He helped her to her knees and pulled her hair back as she leaned forward.

  “Take deep breaths,” he instructed. “It will pass.”

  “Goddamned lack of cars.” She made a gagging sound. “How come you don’t feel sick?”

  “Using portal stones is second nature for me. Some Mages and Guardians can create portals without the stones.”

  “Show-off.” She retched again but covered her mouth.

  Rush stayed with her while she crouched on the floor staring at the grass. It had been a risk to use the portal stone in close quarters. Many things could have happened. The energy rift in reality could have sliced through furniture and people too close. It was what he counted on. If Thaddeus and his men were smart, they would have jumped out of range to avoid being sliced in two by the rift. He’d closed the portal the instant he and Clarke were through. And if one of them tried to trace the portal, it would only lead them here.

  To the Order.

  His ears perked at the sounds of battle training coming from the distance. He squinted to scope their surroundings. As planned, the portal stone had brought them within walking distance of the Order grounds. Built like a fortress, a high stone wall and dense poisonous forest surrounded the grounds. Both kept the compound from prying eyes. Deep into the forest lay the ceremonial lake, an enormous turquoise body of water that fed into the Order academy buildings in small underground rivers. The lake seemed to have sprung from nowhere and was a source of power. There was no mountain range nearby, no sea, and they weren’t particularly below sea level, but the water was aplenty and sacred. In all of Elphyne, it was where the connection to the Well was the greatest.

  “Okay,” Clarke grumbled. “I think I’m good. No puke. Winning, right?”

  He helped her up but caught sight of a wolpertinger hopping cautiously toward Clarke. At first glance, the creature was benign, but the pest was known to turn on its victims. With the wings of a pheasant, the body of a rabbit, and the horns of a deer, the wolpertinger’s blended traits from multiple species was the epitome of haphazard evolution in the new world. But if it came sniffing around, then it believed Clarke to be single, despite his scent on her. It was
a sign that his curse still held, even in this magical territory where glamor was prohibited unless for training purposes.

  He frowned. He’d have to make sure his scent was stronger next time. He wanted no one, even a little pesky fire-fae, thinking it had the right to Clarke.

  Clarke saw the creature and cooed. “Oh, aren’t you a cute little thing?”

  “She’s taken,” Rush hissed and stomped his boot. “Begone.”

  Not understanding where the vibrations came from, the furry and feathered animal snarled, showed its fangs to Clarke, and then bounded off.

  “Why did you do that? Surely you’re not jealous of a little winged rabbit?”

  “Wolpertingers target single females because they’re the weakest. The easiest way to get rid of one is to let him know you’re taken. Be careful what you deem cute, Clarke,” Rush grumbled and offered his hand.

  She took it and stood. “It had fangs.”

  “And a mean bite.” He raised a brow. “It’s also fire-fae.”

  “Meaning… it can shift?”

  He nodded.

  “Into what?”

  “Into something that targets single females.”

  She shivered. “Are all animals to be feared here?”

  “No.” He glanced at the Order gate and unlinked their hands. “It’s better you remain visible now.”

  Uncertain whether the bond leached his mana, he had to be cautious. Now that he had her, he wanted to make the little time he had left last. He wanted that timeline to be months, not weeks.

  She scanned the area and the fortress. “In there?”

  He nodded, then shrugged on the rucksack.

  “So I just walk up to the gate?” Clarke asked.

  “Chances are they know you’re coming and they haven’t deemed you a threat.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  He shot her a sideways glance. “You’re still alive.”

  Together they walked down the path of trodden sweet grass. A buzzing tingle hit his nose and then passed him as they crossed the magical protection wards set in place. If they didn’t know Clarke was there before, they did now.