Masters of the Hunt: Fated and Forbidden

by Sarra Cannon

  “How is it that you can see them, but I can only see you?”

  “That I do not know. You should be able to see them too, but the ability was altered in you somehow. We’ll figure it out once we get to Avalore. For now, follow the warmth of their energies. It’s too dangerous for them to uncloak.”

  He sounded distant, as though only half-paying attention to their conversation, putting her on alert. His entire body tensed, and pivoted, as he pulled her into his arms in one quick motion. “We have to take to the air. I must use your energy to do so quickly. You’ll feel the drain like you did the first time we travelled together.”

  She’d barely wrapped her arms around his neck when he shot them both straight up, several hundred feet into the air.

  “Go, and don’t turn back.” Evan’s unmistakable command was loud and clear.

  “No.” She struggled, trying to break free.

  “We have no choice.” Drake’s voice sounded garbled as she weakened. “The men will stop or at least detain them so we can get you to safety.”

  Her small sob drifted away on the wind as they tore through the air, leaving her brothers and the other men to face whatever was lurking on the ground.

  “Be safe.” Rhia sent the message to her brothers just as the heaviness in her mind overtook her.

  When the fog lifted, they were still in the air but moving at a more sedate pace.

  “Are they coming?” She searched the energies around them but came up empty. “They’re fighting for their lives because of me, aren’t they?”

  “They’ll join us as soon as possible. They’re providing the time we need to find shelter.” His gaze found hers. “They fight for you, Rhiannon, for our people, not because of you. There’s a difference.”

  “What if someone gets hurt or killed?” She wanted to go back, but even if she had her feet planted on the ground and was able to go, there’d be no way for her to figure out where they were. She hated feeling so helpless.

  “They’ve trained, as I have, and fought for this for years. Any one of us would give our lives to save yours. It is not a duty, but an honor. Allow them do what they’ve dedicated their entire lives to doing.”

  Fatigue plagued her. She was barely able to keep her arms around his neck and her head from his chest. “Why didn’t I feel them, the Ikabrols? They were Ikabrols, weren’t they? I can usually tell before they get too close, but I had no idea anything was going on until you blasted us into the air.”

  “They mask their presence here in their own lands. We were ambushed many times and lost many good men before we learned to detect them. Even now, we can only sense them when they’re already upon us.”

  They’d set down almost before she’d noticed their descent. At first glance, it appeared they’d landed in a clearing surrounded by trees, but looking closer, a structure stood at the edge of the clearing. Vegetation grew around the building, hiding it from view.

  “We can rest here while we wait.” He held her hand as he led her through thistles and wicked looking vines to the entrance of the building. She shuddered at the absolute darkness as they stepped inside.

  She tightened her grip when he loosened his hold to slip his hand from hers. “Where are you going?” Panic threatened to choke her. She wasn’t claustrophobic, but she couldn’t see a thing in the suffocating darkness. Her lungs burned for more air, and she broke out into a cold sweat.

  “Take some deep breaths. You’re safe. I would not leave you alone in this forsaken land.” His warmth dimmed as he moved away from her.

  A scratching sound cut through the silence.

  “Drake?” Her heart pounded and sweat dampened her palms.

  “Breathe, Rhiannon.”

  Another scratch, and suddenly the room brightened. The flickering light of a candle cast the room in a muted glow, pushing the darkness back into the corners. Her entire body sagged as she saw Drake standing in the center of the room, shaking his hand to put out the match he’d lit. Dust and Lord knew what else covered every surface, creating little clouds with each step she took toward him.

  Crates and a chair, all broken and piled in a corner, were the room’s only furnishings. Two boarded up windows, one on either side of the building, allowed no light in whatsoever, not that there was much light to be had anyway. The shelter had none of the cozy comfort of the cottage, but it would do. At least they could hide and stay safe—for now.

  “I have something I hope will bring out your lovely smile. Close your eyes and hold out your hands.”

  Rhia’s eyes widened. What could he possibly have to give her? “Something for me?”

  “Yes, now do as I asked.”

  His footsteps came nearer, and after a long moment, cool metal skated across her palm before a soft weight landed in its center.

  Her eyes flew open. Her necklace. It couldn’t be. How? Her vision blurred with unshed tears. Her only tie to her mother, to the life she’d left behind. She’d thought it was gone forever. “I don’t understand. How?” She wrapped her fingers tightly around it. “When did you get this? How did you know?”

  “I retrieved it from that vile place you called home when I went to eliminate the Erritrols. I thought you might like it returned to you.”

  “I don’t know what to say.” She tried to put it around her neck, but her trembling fingers couldn’t manage the clasp. “It’s the only thing I have left in the world.” Silent tears slid down her cheeks. “Thank you.”

  Taking the necklace from her hand, he turned her away from him and fastened it around her neck. “What in Goddess’ name?”

  She whipped around to face him again. “What’s wrong?” Freezing, she peered into the shadows, listening for anything to indicate they weren’t alone.

  “May I?” He reached around and unclasped the necklace, his eyes widening as he lifted it from her skin.

  “Is everything okay?”

  “Unbelievable.” He fastened the chain around her neck again. “How long have you had this?”

  Her fingers came up to touch the warm stone. “Forever. Mom said she gave it to me on the day I was born.”

  “I wouldn’t have believed it had I not seen it with my own eyes. Your energy all but disappears as soon as the stone touches your skin.” He lifted the stone away from her again. “Remarkable.”

  She swallowed. She didn’t want to take it off, but she would if wearing it was a problem. “Do you need me to take it off?”

  He shook his head. “No, leave it. If anything, it’ll make it more difficult for the beasts to locate us. It’s no wonder you were hard to find. Any one of us could have walked right past you and never known.”

  “It was just sheer luck I wasn’t wearing it when you found me. I never took it off.”

  “Come, sit. We have to try to rest while we can.” He led her to the wall facing the door and sat, holding his arm out for her to join him.

  What she wouldn’t do for a nice, soft bed, and a bite to eat. As if on cue, her stomach rumbled.

  “I’ll wake you when the others arrive, try to get some sleep.”

  She scooted closer, needing his body warmth to keep her teeth from chattering. It wasn’t so much the cold as the creepiness that made her uneasy. “Do you think they’re okay? I know I haven’t known them for long, but I don’t want to lose them—not like this.” She turned to face him, her heart hammering again. “What if something happens to them? What will I tell Markus and Ricky?”

  He hesitated for just a moment, but it was enough for her to take notice. “Do not worry for your brothers.”

  Her eyes closed as she sat back with a long sigh. A hard ball of tension formed in the pit of her stomach, making bile rise into her throat. “Of course, you’re right. Evan and Markus have fought these beasts before, right?” On a hunch, she purposely omitted Aiken’s name, inserting Markus’ instead, and opened her eyes, to gauge his reaction.

  “Yes, they have. They’re good at what they do.” At least he had the decency not to deny it
.

  A choked sound escaped from her throat. “What about Ricky? Is he there too? Are they all out there fighting for me?

  “Yes, Richard is there as well.”

  “I should have been told.” She couldn’t help the disappointment in her voice. They still didn’t trust her.

  “We thought it best to keep things simple until you were safe.”

  “I don’t like being kept in the dark.” She took several deep breaths. “I know you don’t think so, but I can take care of myself. Those men out there are risking their lives. We could have stayed and helped them at least.”

  “Your safety is all that matters. Is it so wrong for us to want to protect you and keep you from harm?” His arm tightened around her as though the simple act would keep her safe.

  She wanted to protest, but in light of what was at stake, she knew he was right. It didn’t mean she had to be happy about it, but it didn’t mean it was okay for them to lie to her, either. They sat in the flickering candlelight, neither of them speaking. His slow, deep breaths ruffled her hair where her head rested on his shoulder.

  She must have drifted off for a while, because when she woke, Drake was standing, and the heavy stench of the beast was so thick, it made her gag.

  “There are at least nine Erritrols out there, possibly more. They didn’t mask their presence. They know we’re in here.” He kept his eyes trained on the door. “There’s another exit in the corner to the left. It opens to a tunnel that will take us farther out.”

  “How do they keep finding us? I thought they wouldn’t be able to with my necklace.” She cloaked herself, tucking her fingers into his back pocket to follow as he led the way. She wasn’t about to risk losing him in the dark.

  “I’d like the answer to that myself. I’ve been trying to blur our energies, but it’s not even slowing them.”

  Three massive Erritrols stood between them and the building as they emerged from the tunnel. The largest lifted its nose, sniffing the breeze before turning in their direction. Her heart rate spiked and her palms grew moist, but the metallic taste, which foretold imminent danger, was strangely absent. “They’re not here to harm us.”

  “You can’t trust them.” She may not know the pain and devastation they’d all suffered after Queen Angelique was murdered, but he’d never forget. He strode forward, shielding her from the beasts.

  “My name is Wesken. We wish you no harm.” The large beast held his arms outwards, giving Drake a clear view of his chest. “There is a new order in the Erritrol ranks, one that wishes peace between our species. Me and my pack are of that order.”

  “Don’t respond. Wrap your arms around my waist and don’t let go, you won’t fall even if you’re behind me.” The second she had her arms around him, he’d take them both out of there.

  “We should listen to what he has to say.”

  “You have every reason not to trust us, but know you have friends in the enemy camps. We offer assistance for her safe passage.”

  Drake’s heart skipped a beat as she stepped out from behind him, dropping her cloak as she did.

  “What the hell do you think you’re doing? Cloak yourself. Now. I can’t shelter you if we’re not in contact.” He’d take her kicking and screaming if he had to. He grabbed for her, intent on removing her, but she sidestepped just out of his reach.

  “My name is Rhiannon, Queen of Avalore. I’m happy to hear some may be interested in a peaceful coexistence with our people.” She stood tall, lifting her chin as she gazed at the beast.

  A low growl rumbled deep in his chest. She was going to get them both killed.

  “Trust me,” she pleaded.

  “It was rumored you had been found and were being taken back to Avalore.” The beast bowed towards her before gesturing for a smaller, more curvaceous Erritrol to come stand with him. Although the creature was just as strong and formidable, its dark fur was peppered with lighter strands on its head, giving it a softer look. “This is Kendra, my mate. I would never bring her to battle with me. Please ask your warrior to stand down so we don’t end in a battle neither of us could hope to win.”

  “Drake, you have to trust me. Their energies are calm.”

  Her eyes pleaded with him to cooperate, but he knew what the savages were capable of. He’d seen them at their worst, and quite honestly had never seen their best.

  Less than a month ago, he’d followed dark energies to a campsite in Yellowstone and found their carnage. When he’d gotten there, the beasts were gone, but they’d left one little girl alive. They could have ended her suffering, but instead had left her writhing in pain and crying for her parents. Try as he might, he hadn’t been able to save the child. The horrific memory would haunt him until his dying day.

  “Had I wanted to harm her, I would have done so by now.” The beast addressed Drake this time. “I have men in the forest behind you and they’re ready to defend us if need be, yet they’ve not attacked either of you in any way.”

  Every muscle in his body tensed. If things went sour, they’d have little chance of escaping unscathed, but he’d be damned if he’d go without a fight, or let them harm even one hair on her stubborn head.

  “Say what you have to say, Wesken.” There was no point in dragging this out. He dropped his cloak and stepped in front of Rhia again.

  “We’ve come to warn you. An ambush awaits you in the direction you plan to travel. The ancients have gathered there and will destroy you long before you reach your borders should you proceed.”

  “And you’d have us believe you’re looking out for our best interests? How can we trust you aren’t sending us into their hands?” He didn’t try to hide the contempt in his voice.

  “We’ve watched you cross our lands many times. We know your routes. If you continue toward the Hollows, you will encounter them before this day ends.”

  Rhia stepped forward to stand next to Drake.

  “Be warned, Queen of Avalore, there are some who cannot be trusted. The war was started at your own door, by your own people.”

  For years, they’d suspected treachery had precipitated Angelique’s demise, but no proof had ever been found.

  “What do you know of it?” Energy pulsed in his palms as rage swept through Drake.

  “Someone helped them kill the Queen all those years ago. I was there when she came to the dark border to speak with our Alpha. I was but a pup, but I recall it clearly.” Wesken stepped in front of his mate, ready to protect her against the rising tension. “The same traitor also delivered the device which locates Queen Rhiannon now. You are not safe anywhere in these lands. There is nowhere they won’t find you.”

  Drake’s hands clenched at his sides. “Tell me about her. What do you remember? And the device, where is it now?”

  “I did not see her. She wore a heavy cape and hood. I only know it was a woman because of her voice. We couldn’t take the device without raising suspicion, but I took the crystal before leaving the camp. Consider it a token of good faith. They’ll be able to fix the artifact and use it against you soon, but it should provide you with some time to get to your borders.” Wesken tossed what appeared to be a rounded piece of glass into the air. It spun through the air to land at Drake’s feet.

  It all made perfect sense. The scymin. What other device could they have used against their queen back then? The power of the gryphon artifact centered on a pink crystal in the shape of a teardrop, just like the one he now stuffed in his pocket. Paired with the right spell, the thing would all but deliver her to them on a platter. “I hope we can someday find the peaceful coexistence we once shared.” Before she could move away again, he pulled her into his arms and shot into the air.

  He was ready to explode. He wanted to shake her. As it was, it took everything in him not to roar to the heavens. How could she put herself in such danger?

  “Listen, Drake, I’ve relied on my own instincts my entire life. I know you’re angry but you have to understand-”

  “I understand perfect
ly. You put yourself in terrible danger, with no thought to what was at stake. It could not be any clearer.” His body shook as he fought for control.

  “I was never in any real danger, Drake.”

  “Of course you were. You just didn’t want to see it. I would have been able to keep you safe had you remained hidden, but you didn’t. Had they attacked, there would have been little I could have done to protect you.” He was so angry he could scream and roar until his throat was raw. “What do you think would happen if you died? What do you think would happen to your brothers, to me, to our people?” When she didn’t answer, he continued. “I’ll tell you what would happen. We would all perish with you. We’d have nothing left to fight for. Nothing.”

  He didn’t dare look at her. The last thing he needed was to frighten her, and, being angry as he was, his eyes would be more dragon than man. “You can’t take those kinds of risks, not here in the dark lands when our enemy breathes down our necks at every turn.”

  His heart had stuttered to a stop when she’d revealed herself to the beast. Had anything happened to her, he would have never been able to forgive himself. The thought of never being able to see her again, never feeling her pressed up against him like she was now, had nearly been his undoing.

  He stopped himself short. What was he thinking?

  He needed to put some distance between them. The sooner he got it through his thick skull that she wasn’t his, the better off he’d be. He had no right to feel anything for this woman except the loyalty and reverence due their queen.

  He was going to have to deliver her to another man, and he’d be damned if he was going to sit there and watch the joyous celebration. If they hadn’t recovered the scymin by then, he’d convince Evan to let him lead the men on the mission to find and destroy the damned thing once and for all. Get her to Avalore and then make himself scarce. What else could he do?

  The beast inside him unfurled its tail and extended its claws, unhappy with this train of thought. I don’t like it either, but she’s not ours to have.