She looked over at me a second with an intensely grateful look before returning her eyes to the road. What she said was true, but I never quite looked at it that way before, or even expected anything back for it. Who sees human decency as a debt?
“Vampires don’t normally work with werewolves either you know. In short, I owe you my life, my dignity, and for the opportunity to redeem myself and gain revenge on an enemy. That creates a debt between us, one that my whole pack feels. We expected you to call in on it, but instead we heard nothing, until you call us once again and offer to help us with an invading pack.”
I coughed clearing my throat, “I didn’t realize that, is there a,” I paused for a moment, not sure how to put it, “a problem if I don’t call it in? What about now, if I help you and your pack again? I’m not sure I really understand that though, since my intention is to stop the deaths of humans that the new pack is causing. Human law enforcement is baffled, and I know the FBI is about to be called in. Does that make a difference?”
Way to be a confident smooth talker Ben… I wasn’t sure I even followed what I’d just said.
She shook her head, “Not really no. Your actions are those of a friend and ally to the pack, unless you can say what happens to us really doesn’t matter to you, which I already know would be a lie. Your prime motivation doesn’t negate the rest of it.”
I really didn’t want to argue with her. I liked her and actually wanted allies, I just felt uncomfortable that they thought they owed me anything. It wasn’t exactly selfless either, both in the past and now I was thinking they’d be a help, wasn’t I?
“So if I need help in the future, I shouldn’t hesitate to call?”
She quirked a smile, “You could say that, yes. I for one would like to hear from you more often, but I believe my alpha has something different in mind than merely trading favors back and forth, I’ll let him explain when we get there.”
Even I caught that one, she was definitely flirting. I didn’t want to read into it too much, she seemed to like me, but what if it was just wolf pack affection since I apparently had some status that way, or something like that. Now that I knew what caused the skittish feeling, it was a little easier to ignore the more time I spent with her. Honestly, there was also a bit of excitement in it. That wary feeling of danger combined with the attraction I felt for Sierra was a bit exhilarating. That probably made me an idiot.
I wasn’t surprised when we reached the outskirts of civilization and pulled into a winding driveway that led to a house positioned near the cook county nature preserve. I imagined werewolves needed a good place to run, and that would be as good a place as any, though I wondered how they didn’t get caught at it.
When we got out of the car she didn’t take me into the house, but around to the back yard instead. A small part of me was disappointed she hadn’t taken my hand this time. When we went through the gate I took a look around.
There was an in ground pool, a huge fire pit for barbequing, and I smiled when I caught the very large doggie door on the back fence which faced the woods. Sitting on a patio on a nice outside table and chair set were two people. They were both studying me intensely when we walked over, and I felt a little uncomfortable under the scrutiny but shrugged it off as a werewolf thing, Sierra had done much the same in the past. Apparently the seven second rule for staring doesn’t apply here.
The man stood up and held out his hand, “Welcome to my home, I’m Derik, and this is my mate and the pack’s mystic, Selene.”
After I shook it he waved at an empty seat, Sierra sat in the one right next to me. Derik was about six foot three, and built like a linebacker. He had tanned skin, brown hair and eyes, and moved with an elegant economy of motion that didn’t look quite human. He appeared to be in his mid-thirties, I wasn’t sure what that translated to werewolf age.
Selene threw my preconceptions about werewolves out the window, she didn’t have an athletic body like Sierra’s, she was a few inches shorter at five foot four, and her body looked soft and voluptuous. She looked around thirty, maybe a little less. Her skin was a little darker than the alpha’s, and she had lustrous light brown hair, and deep brown eyes.
She nodded at me in greeting, “Something to drink?”
I was a bit thirsty, “Thank you, anything convenient.”
She got up and headed inside, I asked, “Mystic?”
Derik raised an eyebrow, “I’ll let her answer that when she gets back. Sierra tells us you’re concerned about this pack coming in and the deaths?”
“Yes, I’d like them stopped, I was hoping for information so I don’t misstep? The supernatural world is still fairly new to me, and outside of vampires I don’t have a good understanding of the other races yet.”
Selena came back out and handed everyone a beer. “Thank you.” I took a few sips.
Derik nodded, “Alright, much like any race there’s no real standard of behavior, but I can go over the norms for you. A pack is a strict social hierarchy, the alpha at the top. Loyalty to the pack is instinct, like breathing. It’s one of the reasons I wanted to meet you, we owe you for what you’ve done. Loyalty outside the pack to friends and allies is just as important, at least to this pack it is. You understand, generalizing is a bad idea, for any race.”
When I nodded he continued, “Wolves are also very territorial. That doesn’t count for the witch down the street, or the vampire couple two blocks over, or even the sea of humans we are surrounded by. It does count for other werewolf packs. The second pack that is here is planning to take us out, steal our territory. Most likely they were kicked out of their own up in Canada, or perhaps this is a pack split if their original pack got too large, but I can’t rightly say.”
He paused, so I asked, “Then why are they killing people?”
Derik shrugged, “Declaration of war werewolf style. Not all packs still do it, even the ones that invade and try to steal territory. It’s a base instinct most of us fight, but what it comes down to is that it’s the equivalent of them thumbing their nose at us. They are hunting on our territory, something that for natural wolves that would immediately cause a fight. I think they’re evil for doing it, but at the same time I understand it. That said, if I was in their place without a territory, I wouldn’t be doing that.
“So you have a choice, you could let us fight it out, if they win the murders will stop, and they’ll move into this territory. If we win nothing changes, the murders still stop, so almost the same turn out as far as your concerned. Are you sure you want to get involved? After all, we already owe you a lot.”
Did I want to fight an invading pack, not really, but I did want to stop a group of murderers.
“I want to help if I can, and I don’t think it would be the same at all, I’m not sure I want murderers as my supernatural neighbors.”
Derik nodded as if he’d expected me to say that, it also seemed like I passed a test I didn’t know I was taking.
“Alright, Sierra speaks highly of you. Debts are a serious thing for a werewolf; I’d like to propose something a bit different, a formal alliance of my pack, with you. It’s not something I do lightly, but my mate happens to think it’s a good idea as well, and that carries a lot of weight. You seem like a good man and I don’t think I’ll regret it.”
I had to be careful since I didn’t know what that would entail, so I asked him.
He drank some of his beer, “You wouldn’t be pack. You can’t be without being a wolf. There are magical ties involved and instinctive loyalty, but being a pack ally is the closest you can come to being a part of us. It would mean we wouldn’t keep score on favors owed. You’d be able to call on us, and we could call on you. It would make you family, there are no debts between family. You’d also be free to visit anytime; it would be more than just business.”
It sounded good to me, and Diana said I needed more allies, but it also sounded like I wouldn’t quite be an independent agent anymore. I was very specific with the vampire council, I di
dn’t work for them directly, and I treated them as if they were just another business client. What would it mean if I gave that independence up? What would happen if the pack had a disagreement with the vampire council, would they ask and expect me to fight against vampires at their side? Would the council or Diana be mad if I aligned myself with the pack?
On the other hand, if my childhood enemies ever came back, I would have a pack behind me willing to fight to the death if I asked. Independence didn’t sound so good when it was me standing alone against my enemies. It wouldn’t be one sided in their favor, even if at first blush it appeared that way. Sorcerers were a big deal in our world and to have one as a solid ally would be a coup for the pack.
I wasn’t sure what to do, but I did know despite my instinctive fear of the three people I was sitting with, they were good beings measured by what counted, my power made that clear to me.
“I need to think about that for a moment, my first inclination is to accept, but it’s a serious commitment on both sides.”
I turned to Selene, “Can you tell me what a mystic is?”
Selene smiled, “Sure, it isn’t a secret. We’re werewolves with a little more power, we can use rituals, meditation, or chants to connect with the earth or fire magic within us. I suppose we are a little bit like a witch, except we can’t access the air or water elements like they can.”
I frowned and took out my phone. Her explanation had struck a chord in me. I surreptitiously texted Diana for advice, sending a simple four words, ally, yes or no. I trusted her opinion, though I knew that her response would be colored toward the council. Then I pulled out my folder and removed one of the pictures, with the symbol carved into the victim and handed it over.
“Is that something a mystic might do?”
She looked at it distastefully, “Yes. It isn’t something I would do, but this is an earth spell of sorts, no doubt it would block your visions, it also covers up the scent so other wolves or even vampires wouldn’t be able to use the victim to track them down.”
My phone vibrated, and there was one word, yes. That meant it passed her smell test both for my benefit, and meant the council wouldn’t be upset. Since that agreed with my first impression and where my powers were leading me…
“Alright, is there anything you can do about that?”
Selene frowned, “I can try a breaking spell to destroy the block, but I’d need access to a victim.”
That wouldn’t be easy to arrange at all, we’d have to come up with something.
“I’d like to be allies, what do we do?” I asked.
Sierra grabbed my hand, and I couldn’t help but return her bright smile when I looked over her way.
Selene answered my question, “There is a full moon ritual but we can just act as if it’s already in place until then. I hope you didn’t have anything planned for this Saturday night? Full moon is on the twenty first this month.”
I shook my head, “I’ll be here, what time?”
Derek replied, “Not until nighttime for the ritual, but come around five for dinner, the whole pack will be here.”
“Alright, I can do that, and if I find a way to get access to a victim I’ll let you know.”
I stayed for another hour or so and chatted with them about pack life. I learned they could shift whenever they wanted, didn’t run much alone unless they had to, they were very social. Derik was alpha, and his word was law, but I got the impression he didn’t abuse that, nor did he have to be aggressive at all for the pack to listen. A whisper would be more than enough to ensure compliance in the pack.
I wasn’t sure what was going on with Sierra, but she never did give me my hand back until it was time to leave, and I’d felt no compunction to take it away either. It was a bit confusing, because like before I wasn’t sure if it was just pack affection, or if my more human point of view to holding hands held any meaning to her actions. The truth was I wasn’t even sure which reality I would prefer to be true.
Chapter 5
Wednesday, May 18th, 2016, 06:08 PM
On the train back to the city I caught up with Mike and Aiya, but neither of them had come up with anything on Amy’s missing friend Cindy. I also checked the picture of her again, and all I could get was vague feelings about her being out of reach. It was very strange.
I was about ten minutes late to Mike and Jenna’s, and just opened the door and walked in when I got there. They’d finally convinced me not to knock anymore, but it still felt a little odd to me as I walked through the living room. No one was out front so I walked through to the kitchen, it looked like Mike and Jenna were putting the last touches on dinner.
Mike grinned, “Finally made it did you, grab a beer.”
Jenna said innocently, “Our other guest is late as well. Should be here any minute.”
Mike looked my way and rolled his eyes as I reached into the fridge for a beer, which earned him a slap on the arm, apparently Jenna had eyes on the back of her head. A normal person might have given up by now, but she’s been trying to set me up for years now, every few weeks like clockwork she suckers some poor unsuspecting woman here to meet me. She’s nothing if not determined. If I didn’t enjoy their company so much I’d have probably stopped coming myself.
Good friends weren’t easy for me to find, I tended to come off a bit odd, so for the most part it was worth the hassle. Still, it had gotten even more awkward since I gained my power, which is why I thought that had something to do with me not feeling any kind of chemistry with Aiya, who was just about perfect in my mind otherwise. It seemed like I could only feel that kind of connection to a supernatural woman, although it could be just coincidence so far, or my power making it happen somehow.
Sometimes it sucked not having someone to answer all my questions.
I took a sip of beer and aimed a grin at Mike, “So no warning huh?”
He shrugged helplessly and his eyes darted to Jenna. I smiled bigger and he scowled at me. Mike and Jenna actually had a good balanced relationship, she was not a harridan at all about most things, but he messed with Jenna’s matchmaking efforts at his own peril.
I heard the doorbell and Jenna asked, “Be a dear Ben and go get that.”
The woman didn’t even blush about it, she was shameless.
I took another sip and then headed toward the door. When I opened the door my smile fell and I almost dropped my beer at who I saw there. Aitheria was no help, she was laughing so hard she almost fell off my shoulders, of course, no one else could see her there, not even the new guest.
Tara White, the witch who wanted my baby said sultrily, “Well Ben, are you going to let me in?”
I frowned and considered saying no for a moment, but despite me dodging her advances quite frequently, I didn’t really need another enemy, and she had helped me before. I fought off my second inclination to run for it and pasted a smile on my face before letting her in.
Tara was about five foot five, and had long red hair, green eyes, and a body that was hard to resist. She was definitely a complication, because I did feel quite a bit of chemistry between the two of us. Calling her attractive just didn’t cover it. Voluptuous and incredibly alluring came to mind as she walked by me, and her salient assets were just a bit oversized for her smaller frame. The light green dress she had on was gorgeous on her, and it drew my eyes exactly where she wanted them to be.
I’d often considered giving in to the woman, I wasn’t into one night stands, but I wasn’t a monk either and it had been a while since I’d had a girlfriend. The problem with that was I got the idea she didn’t want me at all, just my magic and the powerful child we could create together, so it just wasn’t happening. I wanted a relationship, not to be a onetime sperm donor that wouldn’t be involved in my kids upbringing. Still, she was temptation personified tonight.
But the thing I was worried about most, is what was she doing here, in my human friend’s house, and where had Jenna met her? There was no way this was coincidence, was there?
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“Drink Tara? Beer or wine?” I asked in a dry voice.
She smiled, “White wine would be nice, thank you Ben,” she said lightly.
I was relieved she backed off on the sultry, her voice only showed a light interest now.
I asked curiously, “How do you know…” I trailed off.
She smiled wider as if reading my mind, and put her hand on my arm, “Don’t worry, no magic was used, just a coincidence. I am a white witch Ben. I wouldn’t go to such lengths. She… is a customer of mine. That’s all I can tell you though, it’s her business.”
I nodded feeling the truth and honesty of her words, but still wondered why the hell Jenna would need to go to a magic store, while I went over to the table and poured Tara a white wine. Perhaps I was being a little to judgmental. It was hard not to be when I felt more like her prey instead of someone she was attracted to, but in all other ways she did seem to be a good woman. She’d even helped me on occasion without charging for it.
Maybe if I made an effort, she’d make a good friend or ally and the… flavor of our interactions would change so to speak. Sorcerers were mostly loners from what I’d figured out, maybe her aggressive behavior was just her trying to get what she thought she could? Okay, I doubted that, but it wouldn’t hurt to be nice and the dress she wore was hurting my ability to think straight.
When I handed it to her I complimented, “You look beautiful tonight,” with a small smile.
She looked startled for a moment, and then murmured a thank you under her breath.
Jenna came out carrying some food to the table and said, “Can you go help Mike in the kitchen?”
I nodded and headed that way, giving the two women privacy which is what Jenna really wanted. When I got to the kitchen Mike had one eyebrow up in question.
I laughed lightly, “I know her. She’s actually really nice, not to mention gorgeous, but I don’t think she wants a relationship with me at all. She runs that magic herb shop close to where I live. How does…”
Sorcerer: Trouble with Werewolves: Power of Air Book 2 Page 3