by Lia Davis
Instinctively, she reached out her senses to see who was there. She relaxed when she recognized Blaine’s and Luna’s energy but tensed as she felt her sister’s and son’s. “Why are Ana and Nigel here?”
“Because they are both as hardheaded as you.” He straightened and turned toward the door, but she saw the hint of a smile before he left.
She watched his backside as he made his exit. Flashes of their tangled bodies from the night before made her smile. Absently, she touched the trail of bites down her throat to her breast. However, her newfound happiness soured as the weight of what was to come settled on her. Savannah would avenge her mate’s death in a fit of rage. That much Sable knew of the woman who’d birthed her. Because they were too much alike when it came to protecting what belonged to them. Right then, Jared, Ana, Nigel, and everyone in Ashwood, if they’d have her, belonged to Sable. And she’d die protecting them.
Slipping out of bed, she dressed and then entered the living room, noting there were a couple of males she didn’t know. Nigel was the first to see her and ran to hug her tightly. Squeezing him back, she took in his scent, which was mixed with Ana and so many others from Ashwood. That pleased her jaguar. “Gods, I’ve missed you.”
Nigel pulled back with worry in his blue eyes. “Grandfather is dead?”
Sable glanced to Jared, then back the Nigel. “Yes.”
Her son hugged her to him again. “You did what needed to be done.”
When had he grown up? Stepping out of his embrace, she took his hand and led him to the sofa. “You shouldn’t be here. You should be in school or hanging out with friends.”
Blaine pushed off the wall he leaned against. “I’ll take him back to the den with Luna and me. My father, on behalf of the Council, said you are pardoned, your crimes forgiven.”
Sable nodded. “Savannah may already be headed here. She can track me better than I thought. It’s not like a normal mother/daughter bond, though.”
“She tracks you through your magick,” Luna said.
Sable supposed. It did make more sense. “Has anyone gone to Felix’s camp?”
“Travis went out there last night after Jared called.” Blaine raised his hand and added before Sable could respond, “We don’t need the human authorities involved. Plus, as I understand the heat craze too well, you weren’t in the best of moods and the fire you started was out of control.”
Sable averted her gaze to watch the flame flicker in the fireplace. “Were any innocents hurt?”
Blaine shook his head. “No, but we can’t confirm that Savannah is alive.”
“She’s alive.” Sable spoke softly, hating that she was still connected to the female despite never bonding with her like a child who grew up with her mother.
Luna walked over to her. It was hard not to look at the beautiful, petite redhead with an Alpha’s power. “As I understand it, you were two when the Council locked her away. That was plenty of time to form the bond. The question is, Sable, what are you going to do about your mother?”
Nigel squeezed her hand in support. She’d never held the truth about his grandparents from him, and she wasn’t going to begin now, either. Straightening her spine, she met the wolf Alpha’s gaze. “I’d like to say I will kill her, but I’m not sure if her power equals mine or exceeds it.”
Movement from Ana caught Sable’s attention. The other female lifted her chin. “If we combined our magick, we could kill her. Robyn said all witches, half-breeds included, have a weakness to iron.” She reached into her coat and pulled out a dagger and a Glock. “These are for you. The enforcers’ bullets are coated in iron.”
Sable gaped at her sister. The confidence and strength swirling around Ana renewed Sable’s own faith that she might live to see the end of the war. “What about Nigel?”
“Mom, I’m old enough to take care of myself. Plus, Blaine said I can enter the junior soldier training camp in the spring.” Nigel smiled and puffed out his chest.
Fear gripped Sable’s heart and squeezed. “No.”
Blaine stepped in her line of sight and held out his hand, palm up. “In Ashwood, our junior soldiers train to fight and protect those less dominant. They are not forced into the program, nor are they abused like Felix did to his youth.”
Sable glanced over the Alpha’s shoulder to Nigel. “It’s true. Bryce says a lot of the exercises are like games meant to challenge our animals while the others work on strength and problem solving.”
Focusing back on Blaine, she relaxed. “Sorry.”
“When you’re in the den long enough, you’ll see that our submissives and youth are valued above everything. After all, they are the heart of the Pack.” He raised a brow, and she noticed his hand was still extended to her.
Confused, she stared at it until Jared stepped up beside her, lifted her hand, and placed it inside Blaine’s. Jared leaned his shoulder into hers. “It’s a sign of trust between the Alpha and a newcomer. Just go with it.”
A moment later, Luna placed her hand over Sable’s. “Welcome to Ashwood Falls.”
The power from both Alphas whirled around their hands then traveled up her arm to her heart. This was the secret Felix had searched for. Love and protection kept the Pack healthy and safe. Something her father had lost when his mate was taken from him. Then again, Sable wondered if it was Savannah who’d poisoned his heart.
Blaine was the first to break the contact. “So, what’s the plan?”
“I’m not sure. I mean…okay, let me think.” Sable paced to the window beside the front door. “Savannah will be pissed I killed Felix. She will destroy everyone in her way to get to me, so Ana and I will take the front line.”
When she glanced over her shoulder, she saw Blaine nod one time and point to the males she didn’t recognize sitting quietly at the kitchen table. “Tanner and Kirk will follow your lead and have a small team of their own.”
Jared stepped closer to her. “I’ll join their team.”
Sable met his stare but shook her head. There was no use talking the stubborn male out of it. “Has Jared filled you in on the new mutants?”
Luna tsked. “That they appear stronger and able to fully shift into human and their animal.”
“My guess is Savannah added her blood to the serum. Not sure what other alterations were made.” Sable pursed her lips. Anger rose up. The drooling, hairy beasts were one thing, but to have the blood-thirsty bastards in human form was dangerous for shifters and humans.
“First we take care of Savannah, then worry about the leftovers,” Blaine said and took Nigel’s hand. “See you at home.”
When Luna moved closer and linked fingers with Blaine, they dematerialized. Sable took a deep breath. “I will sense my mother a moment before she takes form.”
Tanner stretched as he stood. “We have a few running the area. Others are taking up post around the den.”
“Are we just going to sit back and wait for her?” Ana asked.
Sable sighed. “No, we need to get this over with. I can call her out and hope that she is still weak from the fire.”
Jared placed his hands on her shoulder. “Then do it.”
Closing her eyes, Sable calmed her nerves as she concentrated on her mother and made the call. Mother, I’m waiting. Face me for your chance to avenge your mate’s death.
****
It took Sable’s mother about thirty seconds to make her appearance. Her magick was a little weaker, but Sable suspected heartache and rage fueled her power. Whatever, Sable was ready.
Beside her, Ana linked their hands together and squared her shoulders. Her magick ran free around her. Taking that as a cue, Sable lowered her shields to allow her own power to run wild.
Savannah narrowed her eyes and fisted her hands at her side. “You think to overtake me with your magick and your minions?”
“Yes, I do.” Sable answered loud enough for the enforcers to hear her. “This must stop. You have to be stopped.”
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“Never.” Savannah thrust out her hands, sending a ball of energy toward them.
As one, Sable and Ana threw up a force field, deflecting the energy ball. Behind the witch, mutants charged from the trees. Enforcers jumped from the branches, ready to take them.
“Ready to end this?” Ana asked with her hand over her gun in her thigh holster.
Sable gripped her own gun. “On two, shoot her ass. On three, fire a large, lethal energy ball at her.”
“You got it.”
One.
They pulled their Glocks and aimed.
Two.
They fired, hitting Savannah in each shoulder. The witch screamed and crumpled to her knees.
Three.
Sable and Ana combined their magick, rolling it into a large spear of power, then thrust it at Savannah. The ball hit her in the chest. She met Sable’s gaze and snarled, “Bitch,” before dropping to the ground in a lifeless heap.
Sable stared, shocked at how easy her mother went down.
“She wanted to die,” Ana stated with little emotion in her voice.
Sable nodded, not questioning her sister’s comment. After all, Ana had the ability to look into others’ souls and see what most couldn’t. “She wasn’t my mother.”
A calm Sable hadn’t felt before settled over her. For the first time in her existence she was free to live, free to have a family of her own without the fear that her children would be forced into becoming assassins for a power-greedy, insane rogue.
Turning at the sound of the last mutant falling, Sable met the intense, beautiful, blue-eyed stare of her mate. Desire filled her as he stalked closer.
Jared snaked an arm around her waist and tugged her body flush with his. “I love you.”
Her nose tingled and her vision blurred. Cupping his face, she kissed his full lips softly
“I love you, too. Let’s go home.”
Epilogue
Home is definitely where her heart was.
Sable was living her dream. She had a house with her mate and son, and a healthy, loving Pack, who—well, most of them anyway—accepted her. The reality of what her father had done to so many was a daily reminder. Each life within Ashwood Falls had been touched one way or another by the evil workings of Felix Darwin.
And Sable was a reminder of the monster.
Sadness settled over her, weighing her down. She let out a sigh as she set the tablet on the sofa cushion and went to search for her mate. When she opened the front door, she let out a startled gasp at the sight of Cameron.
“Are you okay?” the female said with her brows drawn together.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Jared isn’t here.” Sable tried to soften her voice, but it came out with a slight squeak. She’d met Cameron a couple of times, briefly. Although the other female was polite, Sable sensed eeriness from her.
“I know. I just came from a meeting with Blaine, Luna, and the Council. Can I come in?” Cameron rubbed her round belly.
Sable stepped aside. “Of course. Sorry, I wasn’t expecting you.”
She led her sister-in-law into the living room and offered her a seat. “Would you like something to drink?”
A shy smile formed on Cameron’s lips. “Actually, do you have chocolate milk? I know it’s an odd request from a guest, but it’s this month’s craving.”
“I do. It’s one of my favorite drinks next to a chocolate martini.” Sable’s muscles relaxed at the shift of tension.
“Yeah? After I deliver the triplets, we have to get together and have a few.”
Sable studied her briefly. The feeling of belonging opened in her heart. “I’d like that.” She turned to kitchen.
After a few moments of silence, Sable asked, “How was the meeting, or is that privileged info?”
Cameron didn’t answer her question until Sable handed her the glass of chocolate milk. “We, and I speak on behalf of your Alphas, as well, believe the war may not be completely over just because your parents are dead.”
“I agree and have given it a lot of thought over the last few weeks. There are rebel groups who may rise up to finish what my parents started. Then there is the fact that Felix had a number of bases he used. The techs and soldiers there may not know of his death, or try to appoint a new Alpha.” Sable frowned. Her mind whirled with the possibilities of what could happen. A whole new war could erupt.
Cameron’s soft laugh stopped the spin of thoughts in Sable’s mind. When her sister-in-law met her gaze, she sobered. “I told Blaine you should have been at the meeting. All those things plus more were discussed. Blaine and Luna want to send teams out to search for the Onyx bases.”
Sable sipped her milk and grinned. “I know where they all are. Ana and I can head up a group.
“Damn. I wish I could go.” Cameron sat back on the sofa and rubbed circles on her belly. “Just be glad you only have one growly mate. Then again, you are mated to Jared.”
Sable laughed at Cameron’s teasing, yet loving tone. “Yeah we know he’s growly enough for three males.”
“Should I be worried that the two women in my life are laughing like they’re plotting world destruction?” Jared’s voice boomed through the lower level of their home, only making Sable and Cameron laugh harder.
Cameron stood and kissed her brother on the cheek. “We are actually plotting to take over the world. I’m also going to ask the Alphas to consider recruiting Sable as an enforcer. I need another female to balance out the males.”
Sable opened her mouth then closed it. She hadn’t expected the chance to work in the ranks. In fact, she was content just being Jared’s mate and a mother. “I’m honored.”
Stopping in front of her, Cameron took Sable’s hands in hers. “You made a tough sacrifice. I know it was hard, no matter how twisted, sick, and evil your parents were, they were your only family.”
Sable’s eyes teared up. “I have a new family now, and will do my best to continue to gain the trust of the whole den.”
“They’ll come around.” Cameron drew her into a hug. “We do have to get together regularly to share stories about Jared.”
A low, playful growl came from Jared. “Cam, don’t you have two mates to drive crazy?”
“Yes, I told them this morning we are having triplets. They are going to be very busy redoing the nursery in pink.” Cameron laughed as she let herself out.
Jared moved in behind Sable and wrapped his arms around her. She sighed and melted into him. “I like your sister.”
“I’m glad she likes you.”
“Me, too.” Sable twisted in his arms, her heart skipping a beat at the half smile on his handsome face. “What are you doing home so early?”
“I couldn’t focus knowing that my mate was home alone.” He kissed her cheek then drug his lips to her throat.
“Well, when your sister came by, I was headed to your office.”
“Great minds.”
She let out a squeak when he palmed her ass and lifted her off the ground. Staring into his blue eyes she smiled and wondered what she’d done to deserve a second chance to love him. “I love you.”
He crushed his lips to hers, nipping at her lower one in the process. “Love you. Always.”
The End
The Ashwood Falls Pack
Keegan Andrews - Former leopard Alpha, now an Elder of Ashwood Falls. Father of Baline, Alec, Shayna, and Ana. Mated to Addyson Lewis. Story told in Surrendering to the Alpha
Addyson Lewis - Snow leopard and Pack Scribe. She has no surviving family. Mated to Keegan Andrews. Story told in Surrendering to the Alpha
Blaine Andrews – Former leopard Marshal, now the leopard Alpha. Keegan’s eldest son. Brother to Alec, Shayna, and Ana. Mated to Graham Griffin and Cameron Nickels. Story told in A Mating Dance.
Cameron Nickels - Black jaguar, a Sr. enforcer. Sister to Jared Nickels. Mated to Blaine Andrews and Graham Griffin. Story told in A Mating Dance
Graham Griffin - Puma, architect by trade. Son of Sarah Matthews. Nevan Matthews’s stepbrother. Story told in A Mating Dance
Alec Andrews – Leopard Beta until another one can be appointed and the new leopard Marshal. Brother to Blaine, Shayna, and Ana.
Shayna Andrews – White tiger. Keegan’s adopted daughter. The Pack princess and a den mother. Sister to Blaine, Alec, and Ana. Story told in A Tiger’s Claim.
Travis Hunter – Wolf. Former Alpha to Hunter Ridge until Onyx invaded the den and destroyed his Pack. Now he is the Ashwood Falls Pack Tracker. Father to Jocelynn, aka Josie, and son to Robyn Hunter. Story told in A Tiger’s Claim.
Jared Nickels - black jaguar, Pack Justice, brother to Cameron.
Zorana (Ana) Darwin-Andrews – Leopard. Daughter to Keegan.
Kieran Michaels – Leopard Elder of Ashwood Falls. Former spy inside the Onyx den. No surviving family.
Luna Raines - Wolf Alpha. Mother to Hayden, Dane and Tanner. Mate is deceased
Hayden Raines - Wolf Marshal. Brother to Dane and Tanner. Mated to Christa Baker. Story told in Divided Loyalties.
Christa Baker – Human mate to Hayden. Former rebel hunter. Caretaker to her twin niece and nephew, Brenna and Bryce. Story told in Divided Loyalties.
Dane Raines – Wolf Beta and an enforcer. Brother to Hayden and Tanner. Son to Luna.
Tanner Raines, a wolf sentry. Brother to Hayden and Dane. Son to Luna.
Danica Welsh-Matthews – Leopard Pack Healer. No surviving family. Mated to Nevan Matthews. Story told in Winter Eve
Nevan Matthews – Human Pack Empath. Stepson of Sarah Matthews and stepbrother to Graham Griffin. Mated to Danica. Story told in Winter Eve
Glossary of terms
Alpha – Leader of the Pack
Marshal (First born no matter the sex) – Leader of the enforcers and sentries. The Marshal will also step in to aid the Alpha in his duties when needed. If there isn’t an heir then a Marshal is appointed by the Alpha
Beta – Second born to the Alpha and/or second in command to the heir/Marshal. Generally takes care of Pack issues.