Shift - 02

by M. R. Merrick

  Jameson pulled away, his arm dislocated and hanging by his side. He winced as he lunged towards me, and I wrapped my hand around his throat. His head snapped back, his feet flew out from underneath him, and I slammed him into the ground.

  He groaned and reached for another weapon, coming back with a nickel-plated .45. Surprise overwhelmed me as he drew the gun. I’d seen the cage at the compound full of ammunition, but I'd never known a hunter to use one regularly.

  Jameson tried to take aim, but he was winded and hurt, his good arm holding up his dislocated one.

  I ducked as the gun went off and then jumped on top of him, pinning his arms to the ground. The gun broke free. With my knee on his chest, I pushed the gun against his cheek.

  “So this is what it’s come to. The elders are going to try and kill me, and the hunters resort to guns to win their battles?”

  Jameson grunted, struggling against me. “It doesn’t matter what you do. They won’t stop,” he said through gritted teeth.

  I cocked the hammer back and jammed the barrel against his face. “And what makes you think I will?”

  “Please…” he pleaded, his brown eyes opening with fear as I pushed the cold steel against his face. “I have children…”

  I stared down into his helpless eyes and anger roared inside me. I was tired of being hunted. It was bad enough with the demons; I didn’t need the Circle after me too.

  Jameson’s eyes were welling with tears and full of fear. I should’ve used him as an example and sent him back in a body bag. But I wasn’t a murderer.

  I pulled the clip from the gun and threw them in separate directions across the street.

  “Tell the elders if they come again, I won’t be so generous. Next time, I’m taking this personally.” I stared into Jameson’s eyes, making sure he felt every ounce of anger that scorched inside me.

  He nodded and I pushed myself off of him.

  Jameson gagged and coughed as he struggled to his feet and ran down the road, leaving his fellow hunters behind. A few moments later, the squeal of tires sounded and a black SUV roared down the street. Jameson sat in the driver seat and represented exactly what the Circle had become. Cowards.

  “This isn’t going to stop, is it?” Rayna stepped up beside me, breathing heavily.

  I turned the ring on my finger. “It’s only going to get worse.”

  Chapter 14

  Marcus was on the couch, surrounded by torn leather and white fluff when we got home. Tiki sat beside him, his head down and looking ashamed, like he’d just been scolded.

  “What happened here?” Marcus stood, and he didn’t sound impressed.

  “Willy had an accident, of sorts,” Rayna said.

  “I’m never leaving you home alone again.” Marcus’ eyes narrowed as he saw the blood on our hands and face. “You two have some explaining to do.”

  We told Marcus everything. He was as surprised as we had been about Willy, but seemed to expect what we told him about Vincent and the Circle.

  “I expected the Circle to react, but not with such immediacy. I thought we’d have more time…I shouldn’t have left.”

  “You had to go,” Rayna said.

  “Did you have any luck tracking down Riley?” I asked.

  Marcus shook his head. “He vanished after the fight with the rogues. He's the most skilled among the hunters; tracking him will be impossible.”

  “Is everyone else okay?” Rayna asked.

  “Most will recover, but the hearts that mourn for the hunters who died, and their families, will take time to heal.”

  “I’m sorry…” Rayna said.

  “It’s to be expected in our line of work. The rogues tracked Riley as far as they could, but once they got to the edge of the state, his trail vanished. With the Brothers at his command, he could be anywhere by now.”

  “Well, he already came here…kind of,” Rayna said.

  “What? When?”

  “Chase saw him when we took Tiki shopping. Then he was in Chase’s dream and when he woke up…there was a lot of blood.”

  “We don’t know exactly what happened–”

  “Enough.” Marcus sighed. “Offers from werecats, Riley astral projecting into your dreams, Tiki partying to all hours of the night. None of this is good.”

  Tiki looked up briefly, only to hang his head again.

  “Astral what?” I asked.

  “First,” Marcus said, “Tiki needs to be with you two, or me. We've got too many enemies for anyone to be out alone, especially at a place like Revelations. Second, what's important is your safety, Rayna. I’m not saying you have to go, but it’s an option we should consider. We can’t do anything more for you here, you need to understand that.”

  “But–”

  “No buts. An experienced shifter might be the best option. However, I would like to speak with Chief before we decide anything.”

  “I’ll set up a meeting.” Rayna stomped out of the room.

  Marcus watched her leave before running a hand over his smoothly shaven head. “Is she okay?”

  “She’s really against this, but it’s our only shot. If she doesn’t get help soon… ”

  “I know.” Marcus sighed. “And where's Willy now?”

  “With the Wolves. Grams decided it was best for him; they could help him control his beast.”

  “Much like what the Chief is offering to do with Rayna.”

  “Exactly.”

  “It’s done.” Rayna came back into the room. “Tomorrow night.”

  ********

  The sun had already set when we got to Shift. The only positive to having Willy gone was we didn’t smell like wolf, so we weren’t forced to put on their pheromones again.

  I hadn't heard from Willy yet and that made me nervous. It'd only been a few days, and I was worried, but I pushed the nerves away. I was here for Rayna.

  We followed Garrett through the same rooms as before, and once we settled ourselves on the couch, Charlie came out.

  “Marcus Starkraven, it’s nice to finally meet you,” Chief said.

  Marcus looked slightly taken aback, but nodded. “You as well.”

  “I understand you have some questions.”

  Marcus nodded. “I’m interested in knowing exactly how you can help her.”

  “When we help someone bring out the beast, we like to do it in parts, with another shifter present to help control the beast. The first shift is painful, but once she’s learned control, the process is not as lengthy, and over time becomes less painful.”

  “Why can’t we do this on our own?”

  “Shifters always respond better to their own kind. Rayna’s beast doesn’t understand her other magic; it understands other werecats. Having one present to help coax the beast out is the safest method.”

  “And you’re confident you can do this?”

  “There is no guarantee. Most I’ve worked with have made it just fine, but not everyone makes it through unscathed. It’s a traumatic experience for both your mind and your body. Most come through the shift safely, but for some, only parts of them come back, and the rest…well, not everyone survives.”

  “So there’s not only a risk I’m going to die, but if I don’t, there’s a chance I’ll go crazy?”

  “Even among born shifters we have our casualties. There are many risks involved, but none as high as attempting this on your own.”

  “You think I’m not strong enough to do it?” Rayna’s green eyes challenged.

  “I’m saying you shouldn’t have to. There is more experience in this tribe than you have pride, my girl. The Hollowlights are a family, and whether you choose to join that family is up to you, but regardless, we want to help you through this.”

  “So you’re saying once she shifts, she won’t be forced to join the pride?” I asked.

  “We don’t force membership among our people. We may be animals, but we are not wolves.”

  “What do you think?” Marcus looked to Rayna.

&n
bsp; “Do you really want to know?”

  “Chief, is there somewhere the three of us can speak privately?”

  “Of course. Garrett, will you please take them to one of the meeting rooms?”

  Garrett nodded and led us through a doorway and into a small room with four chairs and a small round table.

  “Take your time, and come back through here whenever you’re ready,” Garrett said.

  “Let’s sit,” Marcus said and closed the door behind him. “Now, I want to hear what you really think.” Marcus watched Rayna.

  She avoided eye contact and stared at the table. “I don’t know…”

  “If you have something to say, now is the time.”

  Rayna shrugged. “I don’t want to go.”

  “Why is that?”

  “Because I don’t want to, okay?”

  “Rayna, you need to understand how important this is. This could–”

  “I know how important it is, but it’s nothing we can’t handle.”

  “I’m honored you have that kind of faith in us, but we’re not equipped to deal with this.”

  “I just...I don’t want to leave,” she whispered.

  “Without Chief’s help your life is in danger. I won’t risk that.”

  Rayna was silent. Her gaze stayed locked on the table and confusion filled her eyes.

  “What if I go too?” I asked.

  “What?” Rayna asked, finally looking at me.

  “What if I come?”

  “I’m not sure you’d be welcome, Chase. Not to mention you’d be a little…out of place,” Marcus said.

  “We can't just ship her off. With Riley, the Circle, the Ring, and Willy, there's too much going on. I’ll go with her. That way she’s not alone.”

  “She’s hardly going to be alone. There will be dozens of shifters there.”

  “Can I have a minute with Chase?” Rayna looked to Marcus.

  Marcus lowered his gaze and after a moment, he nodded. “Of course. I’ll be outside.”

  “What’s up?” I said, trying to lighten the mood.

  “Why are you really pushing me to go with them? You said yourself it’s a monster inside of me. Why would you want it to come out?”

  “I say a lot of things without thinking, but it doesn’t mean that’s what I believe. I think this is the best thing for you. I don’t want to see you go through that again, not alone.”

  “You guys keep using that word. I haven’t been alone. You guys have been there every time.”

  “That’s not what I mean and you know it. Chief can help you, Rayna. So you don’t have to go through this over and over again until it kills you. So you don’t have to worry. So I don’t have to worry...”

  Rayna’s green gaze lifted and met mine. “You’d really come?”

  “Of course I would. Besides, I could use a few days away from this place.” I smirked.

  Rayna smiled.

  “So we’re going?”

  Rayna shrugged. “Well, it can’t get much worse, so I guess it couldn’t hurt.”

  We walked out into the hallway and Marcus was leaning against the wall. His massive black hands were deep in his pockets and he looked lost in thought.

  “I’ll do it,” Rayna said. “But only if Chase can come.”

  Marcus sighed. “I suppose that’s a start. Let’s see what Chief has to say about it.”

  Chief was on the couch, that same gentle smile covering his tan features.

  “Have you come to a decision?” he asked.

  “I have.” Rayna looked to me and I gave her a reassuring nod. “I’ll do it, but only if Chase comes too.”

  “Where we are going is sacred ground. Nobody outside our pack has ever been included. Rayna, it’s in your best interest to come. It will spare you a lot of pain and probably save your life.”

  “It’s in my best interest to be with people I trust.”

  Chief sighed. “I had a feeling you would say that. I’ve already spoken with a few of the higher ranked members. They are not pleased with it; however, they refuse to leave a fellow shifter on their own when they have the ability to help.”

  “That’s great,” Rayna said.

  “I am happy you have decided to come, but please know, we are sacrificing a longstanding tradition to meet your request. There will be certain events that Chase will be unable to attend, but for the most part, he’s free to be included. We’re leaving tomorrow. You just worry about packing your things and we’ll pick you up.”

  We all stood up from the couch and Marcus stepped towards Chief. “I trust you’ll take care of them.” Marcus stared down into Chief’s eyes and his expression was as serious as ever.

  “You have my word.”

  “Thank you,” Marcus replied.

  “Rayna,” Chief said, “be sure to bring baggy clothes. Preferably something you won’t miss when it’s gone.”

  “Umm…okay.”

  “Trust me.”

  Garrett led us back into the VIP lounge. There were only a few people here now, but as we neared the door, it flung open and bass pounded through the room.

  A tall man burst through with wavy brown hair and unnatural blue eyes. Warm skin was evenly tanned and thick stubble covered his face. He stormed into the room, and bumped into Marcus.

  “Oh, excuse me,” he said. His voice was full and masculine, and his smile vanished when he noticed Marcus.

  Both their eyes lit up and the man stepped back.

  “Marcus…” he said.

  “Jonathan...” Marcus’ voice sounded startled.

  “You were told not to be here,” Garrett sounded unimpressed.

  “I just came back to…” he stopped the moment he saw Rayna.

  Rayna shifted and looked uncomfortable as his blue eyes continued to stare at her. “Wow. You look just like your mother.”

  “Excuse me?” Rayna’s defenses shot up and her cold gaze returned with ferocity. “What's going on?”

  Marcus sighed and looked back towards us. His gaze locked on Rayna. “Rayna, I’d like you to meet your father. Jonathan Winter.”

  Chapter 15

  “Have you decided if you’re coming on the retreat?” Jonathan asked.

  The air was thick with tension and Rayna’s face drained of color. Her breaths came in heavy pants and she dropped to the floor, power emanating off of her.

  “This is neither the time, nor the place for this,” Garrett said.

  “It had to happen sooner or later,” Jonathan said.

  “It didn’t have to happen now.” Garrett turned to Rayna. “Are you okay?”

  “Get him out of here!” Chief burst through the door with a feline’s grace and dropped down next to Rayna.

  Garrett grabbed Jonathan by the neck and dragged him from the room. Jonathan fought against him, but Garrett was too strong. He submitted to his grip, looking over his shoulder at Rayna until the door closed behind him.

  Chief crouched low to meet Rayna’s gaze, but it wasn’t Rayna looking out. The beast released a low rumble and locked eyes with Chief, but he didn’t flinch. He raised himself up on his hands and knees and called to his own cat.

  The power was incredible and Chief released an even deeper growl. Leaning forward, he pushed his nose against Rayna’s.

  Blood dripped from her mouth and her fangs lowered. Veins pushed against her skin in black streams, and clear fluid shot out of her fingertips as long, sharp talons came out.

  Chief moved over top of her and the power of his beast filled the air. He pushed the energy against her and her beast briefly faded.

  “Chase,” Rayna cried out. “Chase, please.” She whimpered, but the beast returned with an eardrum bursting screech.

  I dropped to my knees beside her and searched for the cool rush of my element.

  “No,” Chief growled.

  “I can help her!”

  Chief turned to me and the brown of his eyes was gone, replaced by light purple cat eyes. “No.”

  I ignor
ed him and drew my magic to the surface. I pushed it down my arms and reached for Rayna, but Chief's hand shot towards me. His palm hit my chest and I flew back to the floor, his own beast growling at me again.

  “She needs help, not magic.”

  Marcus came to stand beside me, pulling me to my feet. Worry covered his dark features as he stood by while Chief’s beast filled the room with power.

  Rayna’s beast growled before her body jerked and bones crunched, moving back into human form. When her last few joints snapped back into place, her body collapsed and she began to gag. Her body was jerking, forcing her to cough and then dry heave until blood spilled from her lungs. I tried to move towards her, but Chief’s arm stopped me.

  “Let her rest,” he said.

  “Whoa, take it easy man.” I pushed his arm away but he sidestepped to block my way.

  “Rayna needs to shift; she doesn’t need magic pushing her beast back.” The purple feline eyes faded and the brown returned.

  “It was hurting her.”

  “It always does, and it will continue to, as long as you use magic to heal her. The first shift is painful, but it’s a necessary evil if you ever want her to control it.” His fierce gaze softened as he looked back down at Rayna.

  Her hair was sticky with blood and it stuck to her face in strands of red and black. Blood ran from her ears and nose, and she dabbed at it with a napkin Chief handed to her.

  “That’s bull–”

  “It’s fine, Chase,” Rayna said.

  “I’m sorry for that.” Chief turned to Rayna. “He…wasn’t supposed to be here.”

  “You thought you could keep that from me? That’s a great way to instill my trust in you.”

  “I wasn’t trying to hide it. I wanted you to shift successfully before I said anything. As you can see, an untrained shifter is highly volatile. Strong emotions awaken the beast, but those emotions are the worst for a shifter who has yet to change.”

  “Maybe we should rethink this,” Marcus said.

  “I understand your caution, but after what I just saw, I think it’s more important than ever. She’s further along than I knew. We’re running out of time to help her.”