Closing his eyes, he pictured Raina’s face. Raina, the beautiful woman; Raina, the sleek wolf. Although he couldn’t wrap his head around the transformation, he knew one thing for certain.
He needed Raina to help guide him.
Shaking his head with a cynical grunt, he squared his jaw and prepared for action. The humans were coming. Time was all but up.
CHAPTER TEN
While he waited for the others to arrive, Lachlan searched his soul for the impetus not to give up. Raina believed in him. Something not even the gargoyles in the Highlands did. She wouldn’t waste her time on a lost cause, would she? If she thought he could harness and control his magic, maybe it was possible.
Bloody hell, he wasn’t going to give up yet.
Many of the island’s natives gathered at the stones. When Kayla approached with Mason from across the moors, Lachlan rushed to meet them.
“My coven is coming,” Kayla said. “The potion isn’t quite ready.”
It was more than what he’d been able to muster. “Will it be enough?”
“It should be strong enough to have an effect. We can reinforce it later.”
“Lachlan,” Raina said from behind him. “Come with your brothers.”
Relief spread through him, her determined tone encouraged him. He turned to her and noted Ian and Seth flanking both sides. Seth greeted him with an icy glare. He wasn’t sure why, but he returned the hostile gaze. A low growl rumbled deep within, his distaste for the shifter rising.
Don’t be a nutter—you can’t fight her pack mates.
Regaining his sense, he ignored Seth and nodded in greeting at Ian.
“What about your pack?” he addressed Raina.
“We’re all set,” she said. “Our magic is ready. We projected it before we came over, hoping a fresh surge of energy over the island might throw the humans off course.”
He glanced around the island with astonishment, not sure what he thought he’d find. A shimmer in the air, or some sort of palpable vibrancy around him like what he’d felt in the cave. Then he shook off that impression. Most magic wasn’t visible.
Lachlan called his brothers over. When they’d gathered in a circle away from the others, Raina directed them to clear their minds, the way she had with Lachlan.
“Explain to them what you felt with me. How you connected to your power inside.”
Those were two very different things. Now wasn’t the time to think about that.
“It’s right in here.” He put his hand under his breastbone. “I reached a sort of meditative state, similar to one when we’re in stone. Only this time, I centered in on this energy inside. Once I was able to focus on it, I concentrated to make it grow. As it expanded, I directed the energy outward.”
“And it worked?” Bryce asked.
“It did,” Lachlan replied. “But, I know what I generated wasn’t enough. We all need to do the same thing.”
“How so?”
He wasn’t exactly sure, but he used what he learned from Raina and went with his gut. “Since we’re able to sense each other, we may be able to connect our energy. Project it outward so it protects the island.”
Four sets of eyes, similar to his own, stared back at him with worry and skepticism, but they followed his directions. For many long minutes, he guided his brothers in what he’d practiced with Raina, helping them tap into their energy within.
The sound of female conversation caught his attention. The tree witches had arrived with a heavy cauldron brimming with a sapphire-colored potion that bubbled and smelled like honeysuckle. An odd fragrance for such an impenetrable force. They repeated chants in Latin as vapors rose in wispy strands, disappearing into the thinning clouds above where clear blue skies broke through.
“The humans are approaching,” one of the young male wolf shifters said, running back from the shore. “I could see them in the distance.”
“We need to hurry,” a blonde witch replied.
The witches repeated the chants louder and in quicker succession while the wolf shifters prowled.
“Let’s go to the shore,” Ian directed. “See what we’re up against.”
“Good idea.” Lachlan nodded. He turned to the elder witches. “Are you going to stay here?”
“No, we should all stay close while projecting the magic. We’ll come.”
Lachlan nodded. The witches knew more about magic than he’d ever know. “Want us to carry that over?”
“Aye. The magic is already flowing. We’ll meet you there and ensure it continues to do so,” the elder witch, Matilda, said. She then clasped his forearm. “Thank you.”
She thanked him? Something he never would have guessed would happen after all her prior caustic remarks.
The gargoyles flew back to their territory carrying the cauldron with care, masking themselves with their magic so the humans wouldn’t spot them. During the flight, Lachlan continued the frantic search to harness the magic within, soothed by the gentle lulling of gliding weightless through the air. In the sky, his mind was most at ease. All the problems were below, on land, shrinking smaller the higher he flew.
That was the key, the missing part. When the connection pierced him, he paused, hovering in the air while his flapping wings kept him levitated. A critical component in pulling their magic together.
When they’d landed, Lachlan said, “What you just did, cloaking your bodies in flight, that’s what you need to tap into. And make it stronger.”
The wolves soon appeared at the edge of the forest as flashes of fur behind the trees. They’d shifted into human form and dressed before heading for the shore where the humans might see them.
Seth pointed out, “They’re armed.”
A quick glance to the horizon showed Seth was telling the truth. The boat was manned by armed police wearing protective gear.
Shite. His spine turned ice cold picturing Raina’s reaction to the weapons. What he would do to hold her right now, shelter her from harm.
To protect her, he had to protect all of them. By shielding the island.
Join hands with me, Lachlan commanded.
Lachlan attempted to tap into his energy.
“I don’t think we’re going to figure it out in time,” Gavin said.
Use everything you have.
“Keep going!” Raina replied.
If she’d seen the weapons, it spurred her to continue to lead by example rather than become paralyzed with fear. No wonder she would be one day lead her pack. Her courage inspired him not to give up.
The elder witches emerged from the forests and rushed over. How did they get there so fast? Magic? Or could they fly?
“Let us enter.” Claire said. “We will seal the circle. It will strengthen our magic.”
The gargoyles spread out to let the two witches enter the circle with their cauldron where they continued their chant.
With the sense of urgency weighing on him, Lachlan attempted to clear his mind so he could concentrate. No way would he be able to create even a puff of smoke if his mind was harried.
He glanced over at Raina. She’d been watching him and when he caught her eye, she nodded. Encouraging him. He could almost hear her voice in his ear. I believe in you.
Taking a deep inhale and exhale, he cleared the torrent of thoughts and doubts cluttering his mind and closed his eyes. On the next inhale, he summoned a spark of energy deep within. It pulsed inside, like an internal humming. As it rose, it grew in strength. Something was definitely happening.
Brothers, I have something. Join me.
A simmering brewed within, like when a pot of water dances with vibrations before it boils. As the power built, the magic stirred in the metaphorical pot, bubbling with the increasing intensity of the heat.
A sharp intrusion jabbed in this space. It was his brother, Bryce. Lachlan recognized his scent and something else—was it his energy pattern? It wasn’t like what had happened when they were stone, when they sensed each other’s presence. What h
appened now was more powerful and more ethereal. With Bryce’s energy connecting with Lachlan’s, it magnified their power.
Lachlan had no idea it would feel like this, but with Bryce’s strength joining his, he became a channel. The immense energy surging through him made his heart pound. What if he couldn’t control it?
Another jab penetrated the energy brewing within. It was Mason. His power was different than Bryce’s. Reserved, like his character. Could their magic be somehow reflective of their personalities? They were venturing into an unknown area and Lachlan prayed he’d be a strong enough leader to guide them there.
Gavin joined next. His magic was bold and powerful—yet flowed so smooth. Like the way Gavin was in command of his emotions in any situation. And last, was the youngest of them all, Calum. The smallest of intrusions, which grew quickly; the spark from a match growing into a full and glorious flame. His playful energy then bounced around like when he performed on stage, bounding with endless vitality.
With this increased power, Lachlan summoned enough of its essence to project it outward. He directed it up and out, commanding it to rise to reach the thinned veil over the island. He willed it to locate the damaged parts first. The holes needed to be patched before they thickened the shield. When he sensed the holes, he projected the magic there and encountered something strange. It was other types of energy. It had to be the magic from the witches and wolves.
From Raina.
He sensed her; her essence guided him like a beacon. Her power resisted him at first, but then welcomed him. When he connected with her in this other realm, the impact almost knocked him back. Their joint magic was so powerful, it took him by surprise. She extended his energy through the veil as if holding his hand and guiding him; the experience was surreal, a tranquil dream.
The witches’ magic ran through it all like threads holding the structure of this massive shield together. It all made sense when their power joined. Witches provided the impenetrable barrier, wolves muddled the senses that would keep it undetectable by human technology, and gargoyles contributed the invisibility and overall strength to enforce and protect the shield.
It’s working, Bryce said. The shield is shimmering around us. It’s translucent, but I can see it! The gaps are shrinking.
Lachlan wanted to open his eyes, but feared it might sever the connection. It took all his energy and tapped into his reserves to channel the magic outward.
The entire cloak is thickening. It’s pulsing with vibrancy—like it’s alive! Don’t stop whatever it is you’re doing.
Lachlan’s muscles trembled under the strain. Sweat covered him as he exerted all his strength and power outward. I can’t hold it much longer.
His entire body quaked. He controlled the pulsing energy from four gargoyles coursing through him, connecting with that of the witches and wolves. He was the vessel channeling it all, but he wouldn’t be able to hold on for much longer. Was it enough to repair the shield?
With a final burst, he threw out every ounce of power in his being, projecting it with a giant burst above. His chest exploded with pain as if hit with shrapnel. Light burst through him, as sudden as a spotlight on the stage, as vibrant with the colors of the Northern Lights.
He cried out as he propelled the final bit of vitality, before his world turned stormy gray. Only the faintest outlines of those around him remained, and he clung to the images, knowing it was the last thread keeping him connected to consciousness. Inky-black tentacles greedily reached for him. The strain was too much. He pictured Raina before his world blackened. Then he collapsed like a dying star into a void.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
No!
Raina ran over to him when Lachlan had fallen. A thousand tiny pin pricks stabbed at her from the inside out. What if he was dead? Her wolf moaned with pain.
His brothers had surrounded him, but she pushed her way through their bulk.
“Lachlan!” she fell on her knees onto the sand. His face appeared calm. Too calm. “Is he all right?” she asked, but didn’t wait for an answer. She glanced at his chest for the comforting rise and fall to know he was still breathing.
Nothing.
“I don’t know,” Bryce responded. “Let me in.”
She wasn’t leaving his side, but he squeezed in through his brothers on the opposite side. He called Lachlan’s name, shaking him, trying to wake him.
This couldn’t be happening. She reached for his neck to search for a pulse. Her fingers shook so much, she had to take a moment to steady herself before trying again. Fear swept through her body like a tidal wave.
She raised her hand to quiet the others. She couldn’t feel movement under her fingers and needed to concentrate. Was there a heartbeat? She’d give up anything to know he was okay. Everything. Her position in the pack, her life on the island. Anything for him to live.
“What can we do?” she asked, catching the shrill tone in her voice. “We can’t let him die.” She placed her hands over his heart and pumped, the way a pack healer had shown her. And lowered her lips to his, parting them, and blowing into his mouth.
“It worked!” one of her pack mates said.
With an exhale in relief, she pulled up.
“The humans are off course,” he added.
He wasn’t talking about Lachlan? The realization crushed her. She wouldn’t give up on him. His heart needed to resume beating. She shifted focus to his chest. While she pumped and counted the repetitions, she glanced to the sea. Her pack mate was right. The humans had veered away from a direct route to the island. Arms waved in confusion, pointing ahead. She could imagine what they were saying. It was right there. Where did it go?
Lachlan had saved their isle. Had he sacrificed his life in doing so?
Her heart plummeted. No. Not now. The connection flashed so clearly to her now—he was the one.
Her mate.
Had she been foolish enough not to discover it until it was too late?
Her efforts to get his heart pumping again grew more difficult. She was tiring out, but she wouldn’t give up on him. Not now. Not ever.
The skin beneath her hands grayed, making her pull back in horror. She scanned his face and it, too, was changing color. She clamped her hand over her mouth as his features contorted and hardened.
“What’s happening?” She shouted to Lachlan’s brothers. “Is he dying?”
He couldn’t be. He couldn’t die.
Bryce examined him. “His body is trying to protect itself by shifting back to stone.” He addressed the other gargoyles. “Let’s take him back to the stage. He needs the sun to restore his energy.”
While she stepped aside to let them hoist Lachlan’s still form, someone watched her. When she turned to her left, Seth’s eyes burned at her with accusation.
Damn it. He was the last person who should see this.
“What are you doing fawning over a gargoyle like that, Raina?” Seth spat. “Have you no shame?”
Although the gargoyles focused on lifting Lachlan, they stiffened beside her.
“It’s all right,” she told them. “Please, just get Lachlan to safety.”
Bryce gave Seth a pointed glare while he passed. Lachlan had shifted to stone, which had to strain the gargoyles no matter their strength. What could she do to help?
“Leave her be,” her father told Seth.
“It’s unbecoming of a wolf,” Seth continued. “An embarrassment to the pack.”
“I said leave her,” Ian warned with a steady gaze. “Have you not seen what happened here today? You’re threatening to undo all the progress we’ve made with your misplaced pride.”
A battle of wills reflected in their eyes. With a glance of disgust, he bowed his head before his alpha.
In that moment, it became clear she would never feel for Seth the way she should as his mate. Her need for Lachlan eclipsed any other drive she’d ever experienced. Her heart thumped so hard, she swore it could be heard across the moors. She’d always believed pack c
ame first, even before love. She was wrong. She’d found her mate, no matter how off course he was from her life’s plan. And if he lived, she’d follow her heart’s desire to be with him.
If he died… No, she couldn’t even imagine that scenario. It would rip her soul.
“Seth, we need to talk.”
“About what?”
“About us.”
He exhaled with a sense of fatigue but didn’t say anything.
“I know the pack expects us to become mates, but I don’t see that ever happening.”
Her father’s eyes widened as he watched the interaction, but he didn’t interrupt.
“Why not?” Seth replied.
“We might care about each other—like pack mates—but it’s not enough. It’s not love.”
“Come on, Raina. We’re supposed to lead as alphas together one day. Don’t do this, now.” He turned to Ian. “Can you talk some sense into her?”
“She’s a grown woman, Seth. I’m as surprised by this as you are but won’t force her into something she doesn’t want.”
Seth made a sound of disgust.
“I’ll give you some space.” Her father stepped away.
This wasn’t going well. She hated to trample on Seth’s feelings, but couldn’t lead him on to believe they had a future together. “Seth, you don’t love me.”
“Of course, I do.” He squinted at her like she was crazy. “We’ve grown up together.”
“Right. Like family. But not with any passion.”
“Love for family is deep. I don’t see the problem.”
“It’s not enough. Not for me, at least.”
A bevy of emotions flared across his face as he wrestled with the implications. When he spoke, his eyes glowered with anger. “Don’t say you have feelings for the gargoyle.”
When she didn’t say anything, he must have seen the truth in her eyes.
“Unbelievable.” He stormed away.
“Seth,” she called after him and grabbed his arm.
Knights of Stone - Lachlan Page 11