Hunted Wolf

by Stacy Claflin

  “Done,” Ziamara rose. “I’ll give you two some privacy.”

  I scooted away from Victoria and turned to Ziamara. “What do you think about all this?”

  She smiled sadly and pulled some rainbow hair from her eyes. “I think you two have been through more than enough. Enjoy every moment together before we have to face the next traditional pack.”

  I took a deep breath. “That’s what seems to make the most sense.” And unfortunately, so did sending the one person who could shift at will along with her. I would just have to swallow my pride since I trusted Victoria. I turned back to Ziamara. “When you go downstairs, can you tell Soleil, Brick, and Carter to pack? I want them to take Brick’s SUV. My father likely hasn’t seen it, but they probably know what the other vehicles look like.”

  She nodded and left the room.

  Victoria turned to me. “Brick? But the bears hate werewolves.”

  I took her hand and kissed her knuckles. “He can make sure you arrive there safely and return to tell me.”

  She ran her fingertips along the stubble on my jaw. “I wish it could be you.”

  “Trust me, so do I.” I pressed my mouth on her soft lips, taking in her sweet scent and taste, committing them to memory. I’d need to hold onto those while we were apart. She nibbled on my lower lip. I pressed her against the headboard and drew myself into the kiss. She gripped my arms and I flexed. Victoria ran her hands over my muscles and down my sides. Her touch tickled on top of my thin shirt, and I shuddered.

  Her fingers wrapped around the hem of my shirt and pulled it up toward my chest. I cleared my throat and sat back. “As much as I want this, we really should get you ready to go.”

  She frowned. “You’re right. I hope you’re going to plan our wedding while I’m away.”

  The corners of my mouth twitched. “I think I’m going to be a little busy trying to save your life by killing my father—again.”

  “Then I guess that’s up to me. I hope they have wifi in that anti-magic area.”

  I gave her a quick kiss. “I have a feeling that’s going to be the least of your concerns, sweetness.”

  Chapter 4

  Victoria

  I lugged my overstuffed suitcase down the stairs.

  Jet arched a brow. “Moving out?”

  “Funny.” I pulled the handle out and wheeled it toward the front door.

  He came over and took it from me. “Let me.”

  “Thanks.”

  Jet hefted it up. “What’s in here? Bricks?”

  “No, he’s out in the car.”

  “Good one.” Jet opened the front door and headed outside.

  “There you are.”

  I spun around. Toby stood in the doorway between the hallway and the kitchen. He came over and wrapped his arms around me. “Do you have any idea how much I’m going to miss you?”

  “As much as I’m going to miss you?”

  “Maybe. I wish you didn’t have to go.”

  I smiled sadly. “The good news is that after this, all of our enemies will be dead. There’ll be nobody else interested in stopping our wedding.”

  “We can hope.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  He ran his thumb across my mouth. “Only that it always seems to be something.”

  “And look how close we are. The only thing standing between us now is your father’s pack. It’ll be easy-peasy.” My voice caught, knowing it would probably be anything except easy. “Right?”

  “Don’t do this. Don’t cry.”

  “I have no intention.” Yet tears stung my eyes. “But I don’t want to leave you.”

  “We’ll get through this. Soleil will suck the essence out of anyone who tries to hurt you.”

  “I know.”

  The front door opened. Jet came in and glanced our way. “Brick’s ready. Everything’s packed.”

  “Thanks, Jet.”

  He gave a slight nod. “Hurry back. Ziamara isn’t happy about being the only girl again.”

  “Remind her that on the full moon Ember will be human. She won’t be the only one then.”

  “That’s when Zia usually sleeps.”

  “I’m sure you guys will figure something out. Maybe we’ll even be back before then.”

  “Just stay safe.” Jet surprised me with a hug. “Toby isn’t the only one who’s worried for your safety.”

  I returned the embrace. “That means a lot.”

  “Come on.” Toby pulled me toward the door. “I don’t want you anywhere near here when my father’s pack arrives. They’ll sniff around your room, pick up your scent, and go after you. There’s more of them than us. We need to expect that one or two might run off after you.”

  “Will they be able to find me if I’m in that anti-magic place?”

  “You should expect it. There’s nothing magical about our strong senses.” We hurried outside and to Brick’s black SUV. He and Soleil sat in the front. Carter was in the back, sliding his finger around his phone.

  Toby turned to me. “About Carter—”

  “You have nothing to worry about. He respects my feelings for you. I know he bugs you, but—”

  “Actually, I was going to say I trust you completely. I even trust him. He’s given me no reason to doubt his word. His main concern seems to be keeping you safe, and for that I’m grateful. I wish I could go with you, but since I can’t, I’m glad there are three people going who have your best interests in mind.”

  Soleil stuck her head out the window. “We need to make like a tree and leaf. Toby’s father isn’t dilly-dallying.”

  I gave Toby a quick kiss and then climbed in the back of the SUV, sitting near Carter. A picnic basket sat between us on the seat and a cooler rested on the floor below it.

  Toby stuck his head in and gave me a quick kiss. “See you soon, sweetness.”

  “Yes, we will.”

  He closed the door, and Brick hit the gas, sending rocks flying as he backed up.

  A lump formed in my throat as I watched Toby watching us leave. Would we really see each other soon? Could our pack stand up against his old pack, especially with four of us taking off?

  “Maybe you guys should stay,” I said.

  “What are you talking about?” Soleil asked.

  “You guys should stay and help Toby. He’s going to need all the manpower he can get. I’ve met his old pack.” And the memory of them executing me would never leave my mind no matter how long I lived.

  “So have I,” Brick said. “They’re incorrigible, but I promised Toby I’d make sure you got to the werebears safely. Once that happens, I’ll turn around and join him. You have my word.”

  “Okay.” He’d given his word to Toby, and he would never go back on it.

  Brick turned up the music.

  “What if we all go back?”

  Soleil turned around, looking at me like I was crazy. “They intend to torture you! It’s not like they just want to use you as leverage, they actually want to make you suffer so much you’ll beg for death.”

  I frowned. “I can fight them. We can do it together. All of us as a pack.”

  “They’ll be fine.” Carter put down his phone and gave me a reassuring glance. “Your pack—I mean, ours—managed to take down a good portion of the jaguars while also fighting off your old pack. I’ve never heard of anything like it. You, on the other hand, are the one we’re all concerned about. Let us take care of you.”

  I studied him. He seemed to mean it. The rest of the pack could take on Toby’s old pack. I slumped into the seat, fresh out of ideas. Nothing I could say would change their minds, anyway. I had to get used to the idea of being away from Toby for a little while. Hopefully, it would only be a little while.

  “Hey, Soleil.”

  “Yeah?”

  “There’s no way you can find out more about what Toby’s old pack is planning? You can’t read our essence to find out more?”

  “We’re lucky I can see as much as I did. I
f they hadn’t marked you, I might not have even noticed anything was wrong with your essence. I would’ve missed Toby’s, except that I had just drunk from yours.”

  “But you don’t have any other ways?”

  “Sorry, but we’d need to call your witchy friends for something like that.”

  It was tempting, but after everything they’d done for us when I couldn’t shift, we couldn’t ask more of them so soon. Not only that, but Gessilyn was deep in training for her position as the high witch.

  Soleil turned up the music and sang along. If I’d have been in a better mood, I’d have gladly joined her. I turned to Carter. “Where are we heading, exactly?”

  “Up to the northwestern-most point of the forest. They live near the ocean.”

  At least we weren’t going too far—we were staying on the peninsula. No ferries and no driving around to the other side of the state.

  “You’re certain they’ll help me even though they hate wolves?”

  “Of course. The traditional werewolf men tend to be on the domineering side—”

  I snorted. “Tend to?”

  “The werebears’ beef is with those dictatorial jerks.”

  “Why would they care?”

  “Their alpha is female.”

  Soleil turned back and we exchanged a curious expression.

  “The men do what she says?” I asked.

  Carter nodded. “They’re very zen like that.”

  “Cool.” I glanced outside and watched the woods on either side of us until I drifted asleep. My dreams were filled with my sister, Elsie, as they often were. In them, I relived many of our times together, but more often than not it was her violent death that haunted me. In each dream, I tried harder to stop our father from plunging the knife into her stomach. Every time I failed, and sobbed just as hard as the time it really happened.

  I woke, gasping for air.

  “You okay?” Carter asked.

  “Yeah.” I took another deep breath.

  “Bad dream?” He dug into the cooler and handed me a bottle of water.

  I took it and gulped down most of it. “I keep dreaming about my sister’s death. I think that’s my subconscious telling me to find Elsie, but I never have time.”

  “Do you know where she is?”

  “I haven’t seen her since she died. She wasn’t with our family’s pack at the Jag. My mother and brothers were there, but not her. It’s like she doesn’t want to be found.”

  He leaned forward and put a hand on the back of Soleil’s seat. “Do you know how to find her sister?”

  “You’ll need some kind of locator spell. Essence won’t help, unless I have Elsie’s.”

  I sighed. “I don’t suppose the bears can help with that?”

  “Doubtful.” Carter leaned back against the seat. “They’re really into nature. The whole reason they have the anti-magic area is because they hate what dark magic can do to people. Oh, look. We’re here.”

  Chapter 5

  Victoria

  We pulled up to a long, metal gate. A deeply tanned man twice the size of Brick came out of the woods, crossed his arms, and stared at the SUV. He wore brown leather pants, moccasins, and nothing else. His long, black hair was tied into a ponytail at the base of his neck. He clutched a long blade with one hand.

  Brick rolled down his window. “We’re seeking protection for a female werewolf.”

  The man narrowed his eyes. “Who are you?”

  “My name is Brick, and I’m part of a peace-loving werewolf pack.”

  The large man snorted.

  “And who are you?” Brick asked.

  “My name is Patwin. Who sent you?”

  Carter leaned forward. “The Jags.”

  “The Jags,” Brick repeated.

  “Didn’t they retreat to Central America?” asked Patwin.

  Carter opened the door. “Most did, but I stayed.”

  Patwin looked Carter up and down. “What is your business here?”

  Carter gestured toward me. “She is being hunted by a pack of bloodthirsty werewolves. They will stop at nothing until she’s dead.”

  “Why bring the others?” Patwin studied Brick and Soleil. “What is she?”

  “We’re here to protect the young werewolf,” Carter said. “Her life is in grave danger.”

  Patwin moved around Carter and studied me through the open door. “You seek refuge from magic?”

  I nodded. “I’d greatly appreciate it.”

  “You may go in, but I cannot grant you entrance into the anti-magic area. That is up to our leader, Luyu.”

  “Thank you.” Carter climbed back inside and closed the door.

  Patwin turned to Brick and gave him directions, which included a right turn at the feather-shaped rock.

  I turned to Carter. “They should consider street names.”

  “I wouldn’t hold your breath.”

  Patwin opened the gate and returned to the woods after closing it behind us. My heart thundered in my chest. It felt like we were being locked inside. But if it kept out Toby’s old pack, then it was definitely a good thing.

  The dirt road grew bumpier as we drove along. Holes, large rocks, and exposed tree roots abounded.

  I rubbed my arm after hitting it on the door. “If the gate doesn’t keep people away, then this road surely will.”

  “That’s probably the point,” Soleil said. “I think that’s the feather-shaped rock up ahead.”

  “You think so?” Brick asked. “It looks more like a hot dog to me.”

  Soleil laughed. “Is everything food to you?”

  “If so, then you’re my sugar.”

  “Aw.” She leaned over the middle console and they kissed.

  “Watch the hot dog rock!” Carter said.

  Brick spun the steering wheel, barely making the turn.

  I clutched the armrest. The new road was smoother and with less trees. Sunlight shone down on the grass, making the light dusting of frost sparkle. After a few minutes, we came to an open field covered in teepees as far as the land stretched out, one side meeting with the forest and the other side, the Pacific Ocean.

  Children chased each other around the small homes, darting around them. Adults, mostly women, worked fires or hung laundry. They all wore brown leather clothes. The men, like Patwin, wore only pants and the women wore dresses going over one shoulder. All children wore pants and shirts.

  “It’s like stepping back in time,” Soleil said, her voice softer than usual. She would know.

  A man and a woman approached us. The woman put her hands up, indicating for Brick to stop. He did, and rolled down the window again. “Are you Luyu?”

  She nodded. “And you are Brick, son of the peaceful werewolves.”

  “Right.”

  “Step out of the vehicle. All of you.”

  I threw Carter a worried glance, but he nodded. We all climbed out and walked over to Luyu.

  She studied us, her expression stoic. Finally, she stepped closer to me. “Explain your situation, child.”

  Carter nodded again, urging me on.

  I swallowed and then took a deep breath. “I’m being pursued by a pack of werewolves. They want to torture me because of who I love.”

  “A peace-loving alpha wolf?”

  How did she know? I nodded. “His father is after me. My fiancé left the pack to be with me.”

  Luyu nodded, looking thoughtful. “Where is he now?”

  “Home, ready to face the pack.”

  “Why didn’t he come here with you?” She tilted her head, seeming genuinely curious.

  “Because I’m the one they’re after. They’re sniffing him out as a way to find me.”

  She nodded. “Let me speak with Akule. Stay here where we can see you.”

  The two of them stepped away, moving closer toward the teepees. They whispered in each other’s ears.

  “What will we do if they won’t help me?” I asked.

  “They will,” Carter said.r />
  “How can you be so sure?”

  “Because you’re in danger.”

  Luyu and Akule returned. She came over to me. “You may stay, but it will come at a price.”

  “What will it cost?” With as much money as Toby had, I doubted that would be a problem.

  “You will help us with chores. This isn’t a free ride. You’ll earn your keep.”

  “I can do that.”

  “Good.” She glanced over at the others. “They may stay as well, but not in the refuge. The men can build a teepee while the yellow-haired one makes them some proper coverings.”

  “I don’t sew,” Soleil said.

  “You will learn.”

  Brick pulled out his phone. “I told Toby I would return. I’ll call and see what he thinks.” He slid his finger around the screen and walked away.

  Luyu stepped closer to me and extended her hand. “Come with me, and I will show you the refuge. Akule will acquaint the others with our supplies.”

  I glanced over at the others. They all waved me on. I put my hand on Luyu’s, and she guided me down the road until we came to a longhouse. She let go of my hand and opened the wooden door, and indicated for me to go inside.

  We walked down the long hallway and took a sharp turn to the right.

  “This longhouse is four connecting buildings with a courtyard in the middle. If you want to remain protected from magic, you must stay within the walls, only going into the courtyard if you must be outside. You may choose any of the empty rooms as your own. You will help with cleaning the building. When mealtimes are called, you’d best eat. We don’t keep food stocked and ready for snacking as some outsiders are used to. Do you have any questions?”

  “Not yet.”

  She stopped and opened another door. “This is the courtyard. Let the sun and plants rejuvenate you as needed. I will have your friend move the vehicle soon, so gather your belongings.”

  “Thank you.”

  Luyu closed the door. “I need to get going.”

  “Wait. What if I have a question later? Or if I need to talk with my friends? Is this place completely shut off to them?”

  “They’ll be staying near the edge of camp, so they aren’t far from here. Close to where the car is parked. But since it will be moved quickly, you’ll want to get your things soon.”