by Helen Harper
‘And what good do you think you’ll do in London, then? You’re my friend, Tom, I need you here,’ she pleaded.
‘I asked you not to try to change my mind. Not everything in this world can be done to suit you, Mack. I want to go and if they’ll take me, then I’m leaving.’
He stormed off. Instead of tracking him, however, I kept my attention on Mack. So Tom wanted to join the Brethren and she didn’t? I felt amused; it might be fun to try and change her mind. When she showed the rest of the Brethren what she could do during the necessary physical bouts tomorrow morning, all of them would be hanging off her side and begging her to come to London with us. Not only that, but I’d add her name to the list of shifters I personally wanted to interview. I grinned. Modesty aside, I could be pretty darn charming when I wanted to be. She’d be putty in my hands.
Chapter Six
The next morning I avoided breakfast in favour of sitting down with Mel, the Brethren’s Human Resource Manager, Staines and a long list containing the names of every Cornish shifter.
‘I’ve spoken to several of them,’ Mel said. ‘There are a number who would be keen to take the opportunity to join us. We need to be circumspect, however. We can’t simply take them all.’
Staines nodded. ‘The Brethren is about the best and the brightest. We need to make sure we adhere to that. There are more than a few who I’d strike off the list straightaway.’
I frowned. ‘Let’s not be too hasty. The fights will really show who’s capable.’
Mel tutted. ‘It’s not just about physical strength.’
‘No,’ I agreed, ‘but it’s a good start. We need shifters in the Brethren who are capable of defending themselves – and attacking others should the need arise. As much as I’d like to fill our ranks with intellectuals, I feel like we already have that covered.’ I tapped Mackenzie’s name. ‘She’s a good bet.’
Mel looked surprised. ‘That’s strange. In all the conversations I’ve had, her name has never come up. Not once. What is it about her that you think will make her a good fit?’
I smiled. ‘She’s probably one of the strongest shifters I’ve ever seen.’ I gave Staines a sly look. ‘She might even give you a run for your money.’
He raised his eyebrows. ‘Then this will be an interesting contest.’
Mel had put together the pairings for the fights. I glanced in her direction. ‘Who is she up against?’
She wrinkled her nose and checked her notes, then her expression cleared. ‘Ah, Theresa. Yes, I met her yesterday.’
‘What’s her shift?’
‘Weresquirrel, I think.’
‘Too easy,’ I scoffed. ‘That fight will be over in about three seconds flat.’
Staines eyed me speculatively. ‘Is this the brown-haired woman you were talking about before?’ I nodded distractedly. ‘The one who smells like a rodent?’
‘She can’t be,’ I uttered with absolute conviction. ‘Mack’s far too strong.’
‘Mack?’
Feeling slightly embarrassed, I shrugged. ‘I heard that’s what her friends call her.’
‘Hmm.’
I could tell Staines was curious but I knew he wouldn’t question me further with Mel in the room. Instead he changed the subject. ‘And the alpha?’
I scratched my chin. ‘Julia is definitely the one. She cares for all these shifters but I got the distinct sense she won’t take any shit either.’
‘Shall we announce it then?’
I shook my head. ‘I don’t think it would be appropriate. John’s corpse is barely cold and these people are still grieving.’
‘It might give them something else to focus on.’
I sighed. ‘That will only delay the process. With another day, they will have time to pay their personal respects to him properly. We can wait that long.’
He bowed his head. ‘As you wish, my Lord.’
‘Lucy’s a good judge of potential. She can join us for the fights but please tell everyone else they need to be out and about. We need every inch of the surrounding area scoured for clues. I want a report on that cloth as soon as possible too.’
‘I think we already have people on it.’
‘Excellent.’ For the first time since we’d arrived in Cornwall, I was starting to feel in control.
***
We set ourselves up in the viewing gallery situated a few metres above the gym floor. As the shifters filed in below, Staines, Mel and I pored over a map of the local area.
‘That’s the trouble with the countryside,’ Mel said. ‘There are just too damn many places to hide.’
I cast my eye over it. ‘What if whatever killed him isn’t here any longer?’
‘You mean they’ve already gone to another area?’ Staines’ eyes widened fractionally. ‘Do you think other local alphas are in danger?’
‘No. There’s something about here,’ I mused. ‘I get the feeling that whatever ripped out his intestines isn’t done yet. Call it gut instinct, I guess. There are other ways to temporarily leave here and be able to return at a moment’s notice.’
Mel sucked in a breath. ‘Portals? If that’s the case, then we’re dealing with something seriously powerful.’
I sighed. ‘I think that’s a given.’
‘I think they’re ready to start, my Lord Alpha.’
I turned and clocked Lucy behind us. ‘Good. Time to get this show on the road.’
He put the map down and stepped forward. ‘Tomorrow evening we will confirm the new alpha of the Cornish pack. In the meantime, in accordance with the Way, we shall evaluate all members’ skills to help determine who that shall be.’ He glanced down at the list. ‘Nina and Betsy, take your places.’
I watched as two nervous-looking young women stepped up into the centre of the gym. It seemed unfair to test all the shifters in this manner, especially when the two below looked as if they’d rather be anywhere other than here. We needed to get an accurate representation of the entire pack’s strength, however – especially with John’s killer still on the loose. Not to mention that it was damned tradition when an alpha passed away. I glanced in Mack’s direction. Her attention was on both women. From this vantage point, I could see more of the top of her head than her face. There was an odd hint of colour along her hair parting. I cocked my head and tried to work out what it was. Was it possible she dyed her hair? It didn’t make any sense. If you were going to dye it, you’d choose a more interesting colour than mousy brown.
‘Begin,’ Staines intoned.
I dragged my attention back to the fight. Even though the first hit went to Nina, it was obvious the winner would be Betsy. She had a certain flair about her actions. With a bit of training, she could go far. Next to me, Mel scratched out notes, muttering to herself.
Unfortunately, the bout between Nina and Betsy appeared to be the high point. The following fights were fast and uncompelling. I felt myself getting twitchy. How on earth had this pack ever defended itself against anything when there was such a lack of prowess? It troubled me considerably. We could hardly take their best fighters away and leave them virtually defenceless.
‘What do you think?’ I asked Staines.
His expression said it all.
‘I’ve seen the reports,’ I said in frustration. ‘There was enough activity to keep them all busy. And yet it seems as if most of them have never fought in their lives.’
‘It’s common amongst the more rural packs, my Lord,’ Mel said. ‘Otherworld activity that requires confrontation is usually dealt with by the same few shifters. They’re not the Brethren, remember. Most individuals can’t boast of superior strength.’
I realised she was right. I’d joined the Brethren when I was fourteen. It had been far too long since I’d appreciated what other shifter communities were like.
‘Don’t worry, my Lord,’ Staines interjected. ‘Mack is up next.’
Unable to stop myself, I grinned. About damn time. ‘Watch and learn,’ I said. ‘This is how to f
ight.’
Mack and the weresquirrel named Theresa moved into the middle. Around the room, everyone seemed to suddenly focus their attention more. It was as if there was a collective sucking in of breath. I guessed that Mack’s fellow shifters were as aware of the unbalanced pairing as I was. She took a single step forward. I frowned. She’d left herself entirely vulnerable. I wondered whether she was trying to make a point – that even with poor defence, she could still best any of her peers. The thought didn’t sit right with me. She struck first, awkwardly punching Theresa’s shoulder. When she received a fist to her face in return, I hissed involuntarily.
Staines leaned towards me. ‘She doesn’t look that impressive.’
I didn’t comment, keeping my attention trained on her. From this angle, her face was clearer and I noted a flash of anger pass across her eyes. It was gone almost as quickly as it had appeared, however. She retaliated with a kick, but it barely scraped past Theresa’s calves. Two seconds later, she was flat on her back, allowing a weak side blow to flip her over. It didn’t make any sense. Then I realised she’d thrown the fight. A twist of anger wrenched my stomach. I could understand that she had close ties to this part of the world and didn’t want to leave. But holding back and allowing yourself to be beaten was weak. I’d completely over-estimated her. She got to her feet, shrugging as if vaguely embarrassed. I had no choice but to give the win to Theresa.
The remaining fights improved, with greater skill and dexterity than the others had shown. I still felt furious, however. Staines and Mel were sensible enough not to comment further on my apparent lack of insight but it still grated. It wasn’t until Anton, the impressively strong werebear, finally bested Mack’s little werewolf buddy that I began to really take notice again.
‘The bear told me he wasn’t interested in leaving,’ Mel commented. ‘But even though he lost, the werewolf has potential.’
‘I want a re-match.’
All three of them turned to me in surprise. ‘My Lord Alpha?’ asked Lucy.
‘Mack and Anton.’
Mel blinked. ‘But he’s the strongest shifter they have. He’ll crucify her.’
‘Mel’s right,’ Staines added, with a troubled furrow. ‘This is a bad idea.’
‘Actually, I disagree,’ said Lucy. ‘I was speaking to your Mack at breakfast. There’s definitely more to her than meets the eye.’
‘She’s not “my Mack”,’ I said, although I was secretly relieved that I probably hadn’t been hallucinating the scenes at the beach last night after all.
‘I think this is a mistake,’ Staines muttered. He wouldn’t gainsay his alpha, however. He took a deep breath and addressed the gathering again. ‘Thank you for your efforts. We applaud the pack of Cornwall for their skills. To complete the evaluations, there will be a re-match. Fighting again will be Anton and Mackenzie.’
Since she’d returned to her original standing position, I’d not been able to see her expression. I still noticed Mack’s shoulders stiffening, however. She was very, very unhappy. I smiled humourlessly. Good. She deserved it. And as she returned to the circle, I was pleased to note that she didn’t look afraid. When I flicked a glance at Anton, however, as he circled round, I realised he was grinning in anticipation. Abruptly, my stomach dropped. Shit. There was something going on here. I wondered if I’d just made a terrible mistake. He undressed, making it clear he was about to shift. I leaned forward. Would Mack do the same?
‘Let’s do this,’ she said, her voice ringing out. There was an edge of challenge to her words and I had the feeling it wasn’t intended for the bear. My unorthodox demand had pissed her off. My eyes trailed down her slim body, from her straight shoulders to the curve of her hips. She wasn’t what anyone would call classically beautiful but I could still feel an odd stirring of lust. Pretty wasn’t an appropriate adjective either. Arresting, I decided. Mack was arresting.
Then Anton shifted. In bare seconds, he thundered towards her, muscles rippling underneath his dark fur. Mack didn’t move – just stood there as if she was playing chicken. I stopped breathing. He swiped out with one huge paw and knocked her into the air. Her body spun, twisting and landing with a hard smack onto the floor. Then he came at her again, jaws opening wide so he could sink his teeth into her waist. I winced as her features contorted in pain.
‘Lord Corrigan,’ Staines said urgently, ‘it’s not too late to stop this.’
Anton lifted Mack up in his mouth, shook her violently, and threw her to the side as if she were nothing more than a doll. Other than the sounds of her getting beaten up and Anton’s heavy breath, the entire room was silent – a frozen sea of shifters. She staggered up to her feet and, finally, someone reacted.
‘That’s enough, Anton!’
I looked over and registered it had been Tom, the werewolf. His face was strained and he was obviously torn between letting the fight come to a natural end or stopping it himself by doing something foolhardy. He must really care for her to throw away his potential chance to join the Brethren on this, I thought. Then my attention was forced back to Anton as he lunged towards her again. He lashed out, drawing blood, before sickeningly making a show of tasting it. I stepped forward. I had to stop this. I’d been a fool to force her into it. I opened my mouth to speak just as Mack leapt to her feet in one lithe movement, belying the pain that must have been coursing through her system. She tilted up her chin, and I saw both rage and determination in her expression. She bounded towards the wall and for one horrifying moment I thought she was going to slam smack into it. Instead, however, her body twisted and she ran up it, rather than into it. Then she somersaulted off, landing behind Anton. Barely able to believe my eyes, I stared as her small hands reached around his neck and pulled. There was a snap and he collapsed with a massive thud. Bloody hell. From the moment she’d finally decided to fight back, until the bear was broken, all of two and a half seconds had passed.
‘Wow,’ Mel breathed.
The yellow in Mack’s eyes was heightened and, even with blood dripping from her wounds, she was still magnificent. She didn’t even bother to look in our direction though. She merely wiped a smear of blood from her cheek and glanced at it as if surprised. Then she stalked out of the room.
Chapter Seven
For a long moment, up in the gallery, all four of us were silent. In fact the entire gymnasium below us seemed to radiate the same shock. I could probably have heard a werecat shedding a few strands of fur. My gaze drifted across each of the assembled shifters; almost to a man they looked terrified. I frowned. Terrified of what? A few sneaked glances up in our direction, as if they expected me to start demanding their limbs be ripped off. Tom, the werewolf, darted after Mack, followed a moment after by a remarkably pale-faced Julia. I was tempted to use the Voice to call her out, but I decided I wanted to hear what Mack herself had to say first.
‘Well,’ Mel said, finally breaking the silence and staring down at her clipboard, ‘I have no idea what to make of that.’
‘Indeed,’ I muttered, then stalked out.
Staines caught up with me and fell in by my side. ‘How are you going to play this, my Lord?’ he asked.
‘I’m going to demand some sodding answers,’ I said, fully aware of the growl in my words.
‘Just compel them to tell you the truth. She’s clearly got power behind her. We should know why she was trying to pretend otherwise.’
‘I’m not going to compel anyone. Once I start down that road, it’ll never end. I need to be the sort of Lord Alpha people trust. I’m not going to earn that trust if I force everyone to do what I want.’
For a moment, Staines didn’t respond. When he eventually did, his voice was heavy. ‘Okay, then. But if you go off half-cocked, then we’ll never get anywhere. Let me handle this.’
We rounded the corner of the narrow staircase just in time to see Mack pulling away from Tom. Despite her previous effort to wipe off the blood, her cheek was covered in a curtain of red. I winced. It had to hurt. Turni
ng to my right, I spotted Julia hanging back in the doorway, watching them carefully. I gestured to her to stay back, then walked towards them with Staines. I was vaguely aware of both Lucy and Mel at my back but, right now, I was far more focused on the woman out in front.
‘Ms. Mackenzie,’ said Staines. ‘That was an…interesting fight.’
‘I’m thrilled that you found it so entertaining,’ she answered.
Her sarcasm was palpable – and very, very annoying. Staines was right; I should let him do the talking. Something about her tone, however, made me step forward. ‘I’m curious as to why you put up such a poor showing in your first bout, given that you were able to dispatch the bear so summarily.’
She blinked rapidly and there was a curious expression on her face. It wasn’t the fear that had been reflected on the other shifters’ faces. It was definitely something else. She swallowed.
‘Errr…’
Even under the blood, I could see her skin whiten. I hoped she wasn’t about to pass out. I moved closer until she was barely inches away from me. The odd tinge in her hair was more noticeable now I was right next to her. She also still smelled of rodent. Obviously determined to refuse any gesture of help, no matter who it came from, her chin tilted and there was a stubborn look in her eyes. I decided to force the issue. ‘Could it be that you are trying to avoid being invited to London?’
Her eyes flared. ‘Yes! That’s it. Definitely.’
She was too damned eager to agree with me. I’d asked the wrong question and given her a ready-made excuse. ‘And why is that exactly?’ I said, probing further to try and find out the real reason.
Mack moved away as if afraid and I felt my shoulders tense. I wasn’t trying to come across as intimidating. I made an attempt to soften my expression but when she turned to Tom for help, a ripple of anger ran down my spine.
He grabbed hold of her and grinned from ear to ear. ‘She just can’t bear to be without me,’ he said.
When he stroked her hair, my ire intensified, although I couldn’t say why. So they weren’t just friends after all – so what? What business of mine was it who she was mating with? Although it was no wonder she was pissed off that he wanted to join the Brethren when she would clearly rather run a mile from us.