He yanked it away, not looking back.
Her father caught up with her. “Let him go,” he said. “He needs time alone. His pride is hurt.”
Raina nodded, watching as Seth disappeared into the forests. An odd mixture of guilt and relief swept through her.
Lachlan. She had to find her mate. Her wolf prowled, wagging her tail, urging her to go to her mate. Raina ran in the direction the gargoyles had taken Lachlan. When she reached the amphitheater, all had transformed to stone and were perched around the perimeter. Surrounded by men of stone, she felt as alone as a wolf banished from its pack. She slunk down to sit beside Lachlan, pulling up her knees to her chest and wrapping her arms around her legs.
What was going on inside his body? Was he going to be all right?
After a few minutes, her father approached. “Never thought I’d find you here. Like this.”
She’d pretty much admitted her feelings about Lachlan. “I’m not leaving him. Look at the sacrifice he made for us.”
“I know, Raina,” he replied in a tender tone. “And it’s clear you have feelings for him.”
She raised her chin, ready to defend herself against the inevitable discussion about what had happened with Seth and her future with the pack. “Very much so. He’s the one. My mate.”
He watched her with a gentle expression. “You can’t stay out here all night uncovered like this. The temperature is dropping. You need shelter.”
“I’ll change,” she said. “My fur will keep me warm.”
He put his arm on her shoulder and squeezed. “I’ll stay with you.”
A lump formed in her throat, but she swallowed it back. “Thanks, Papa. But I want to be alone with him.”
“I understand.” He smoothed her hair. “Just as I understand what you said to Seth.”
She remembered Seth’s appalled look. “Do you think he’ll accept my decision? What about you?”
He furrowed his brows. “I’m not thrilled.” His tone softened. “But when it comes to love, it doesn’t always follow our plans.”
The subtle change in tone made her think he might be talking about another time, another couple. “You and Mum?”
He glanced at her face. “Was it that obvious who I was referring to?”
“I thought you two fell in love and knew you were mates right away and all that.”
“If it were only that simple.” He smiled at the memory. “She was actually part of another pack, one in the Highlands.”
“You never told me that.”
“That’s because she became such an integral part of our pack—and my life—it was like she was always there.”
Her curiosity about her parents’ relationship bloomed. She’d never asked too many questions growing up, knowing how much it pained him. This time he wore a wistful expression.
“How did you two meet?”
“I went to the Highlands after I became alpha to meet with other clans. She thought she’d mate with one from her pack, just as I thought I would with one from ours. When we saw each other, there was no doubt we were mates. Our packs weren’t overjoyed at first, but they came around, and she moved with me to the Isle of Stone. I’ve never once regretted it. And look, now I have you.”
Raina bit her lip, contemplating her father’s words. “Is that why you’re not trying to talk sense into me to stay away from a gargoyle?”
“I’ve wrestled over it since I caught glimpses between you and Lachlan and sensed what it might mean. He’s not who I would have expected, and it’s sure to make your relationship a whole lot tougher—at least at first. But when you know the right one, no one else will do.”
His acceptance meant everything to her. Her father, her alpha. “What should I tell the pack?”
“Let me worry about that. I’m still alpha, and, as such, my word carries far. We’ll figure something out.” He paused and searched her face. “Do you still want to rule the pack when I’m gone?”
It was a natural course of action for her and a wolf mate, and she’d never questioned it. Now that she’d been asked, she let her true feelings tumble forth. “I don’t know. Everything has changed in such a short time. I need to think about it.”
“Think about what exactly?”
“I’ve seen all the responsibility you’ve had to shoulder. And you do it so well. To tell you the truth, I don’t know if I could handle it the way you do. You’re so calm. And I react to things too quickly.”
“There’s more than one way to rule, Raina. I’ve watched you grow into your skin and develop leadership qualities the past few years. I have no doubts when it comes to you.”
A lump formed in her throat. Her father believing in her meant so much. She wasn’t sure she could ever measure up to him.
“Don’t rush to any decisions, now. I’ve realized I’ve put a lot of pressure on you as my only child. You’re still young, and I forget that sometimes.” He squeezed her shoulder. “We’ll figure out the future of our pack when it’s time. For now, focus on discovering who you are and what you want.” With a wry smile, he added, “Besides it’s not like I’m planning on dying anytime soon.”
“Good.” She threw her arms around him. “I don’t want to lose you.”
He held on to her. “You’re my daughter. All I want for you is to be happy.”
He kissed her forehead before returning to the pack, leaving her with a glimmer of optimism in her despair.
She found a spot behind the cover of the thick pines where she undressed. Even though the gargoyles were all in stone, she didn’t know what they could see behind those passive eyes. Then she initiated the shift, energy vibrating through her body. Muscles reshaped and bones shifted. Her body lengthened in some places and shortened in others. Fur sprang all over her body. Within seconds, she’d shifted into a wolf. She padded over to the statue that was Lachlan and lay at his feet.
The stage was cold and hard; the wind ruffled her fur. No matter how she curled her body, she couldn’t settle down. She must have fallen asleep, because the murmur of voices woke her.
How long had she nodded off? When she opened her eyes, she squinted at the sun bright overhead. It had to be midday. The gargoyle brothers were around her and Lachlan. Many wolves and shifters stood nearby.
What is it?
They didn’t respond. Of course not, she’d asked her question still in wolf form.
She stepped aside to shift back, not caring if they noticed her nakedness, and threw her dress over her head.
“What is it?” she asked again.
The gargoyles glanced at her with surprise; clearly concerned about Lachlan.
“Nothing,” Bryce said.
He was hiding something. “Tell me.” When the brothers exchanged glances, she repeated in a soft, but pressing tone. “Tell me.”
“We can communicate with each other without words, in either form,” Bryce said. “We haven’t been able to get a response from Lachlan.”
“No.” She covered her mouth. Dread weighed on her.
She moved closer, studying him locked in stone. His exaggerated features were nothing like his human form. They had a lion-like quality. Wait—his human face did as well; she hadn’t realized until now. The gray stone dimmed in comparison to his brilliant bronzed tone. She inhaled. Nothing. No scent of the vibrant male who’d made her senses fire with need. And his body—sigh. His masculine physique had played a part in many fantasies. The wings still jutted from his back, but not the majestic black feathered ones that made him appear like a dark god from the heavens. Now they were immobile, locked in stone.
Was that part of him gone for good?
Her wolf inside howled at the idea.
Lachlan’s brothers spoke behind her.
“Still nothing.”
“The sun should have restored enough of his energy by now.”
“Maybe it’s too late.”
She blocked the din out as she focused on Lachlan’s eyes. No sign of the brilliant blend of greens an
d browns; all shrouded in smooth gray. No indication of any of the emotions she could read from his eyes—mirth, anger, wariness, frustration, happiness—and pure, decadent passion. She stared into the stone orbs, willing for a sign of life to spark.
Nothing.
Although the truth tried to settle in, she refused to admit it. He couldn’t be gone.
Raina summoned her magic within, the way she’d taught Lachlan to do, which seemed a dozen years ago. Not having a clue as to what she was doing, she followed instinct and pinpointed the source of the energy around her heart. Focusing on that spark, she made it bloom and grow larger. She pressed her hands on the cool stone, one on his cheek and one over his heart.
Come back to me, Lachlan, she implored as she passed her energy into him. Come back.
Energy rushed through her in a way she’d never experienced. She’d never used magic in this way, passing it on to another. Yet her veins were alive, roaring with fiery heat that left her fingers tingling. She continued to project her all from herself into Lachlan for as long as she could, holding on until her knees buckled.
One of the gargoyles caught her. “Are you okay?” His voice was muffled, like he was under water, but audible.
“Aye,” she said, but her voice sounded strange, unlike her own.
She glanced at Lachlan, still frozen in stone. Whatever she’d attempted had failed. Pathetic. Just pathetic. If they weren’t there, she’d throw herself at his clawed stone feet and weep like a sad little human.
“What were you doing?”
“I—uh—” she stammered. “I don’t know.” Strong arms helped her sit.
She leaned onto her hands and focused on deep breathing to restore her energy. She couldn’t think of Lachlan being gone for good. Not yet. The moment she accepted it, she knew the force of it would drag her down with despair. Instead, she closed her eyes and pictured her parents, envisioning the story her father had told her. He loved her mother with an intensity Raina had only now begun to understand.
Her mother was gone.
Lachlan might also be gone, too.
The gravity of it hit her with an expanding ache inside. She curled into a ball, trying to protect herself from the pain.
“Raina?”
“Are you okay?”
She ignored the voices, just wanting to escape the discomfort. All these years, she’d focused on her future with the pack and ruling with Seth. She’d feared the pain that would come from finding her mate and losing him. And it had happened anyway.
Only now, did she realize by trying to keep from feeling pain, she’d prevented herself from experiencing happiness, as well. Her wolf had never been so content as she had around Lachlan. Neither had Raina. Because they were one and the same. Raina accepted that her wolf’s longing was her own. Yearning for Lachlan.
“What is this, somebody’s funeral?”
The deep, velvet baritone captured her attention. She pulled herself upright, fighting through the fog in her brain.
Lachlan straightened in human form from the crouched position where his statue had been. His eyes were half-open, scanning their dour faces.
“Brother!” The gargoyles swooped over with their massive arms, nudging her aside as they rejoiced. Lachlan lived.
Her heart fluttered as she watched. Her wolf perked her ears.
“All right, all right, I’m fine,” he said. “Now move aside. You’re blocking a much nicer view.” His hazel eyes sparked with life, expressing what his stone ones had kept secret.
Gratitude. Love. Adoration.
“Raina.” His voice came out a tad above a whisper. Filled with something. Reverence?
“Lachlan!” She jumped up and touched his cheek. It was warm under her hand. “Are you okay?” She touched his chest, relieved to feel the organ beating again with vigor. She inhaled. His intimate musk left her heady.
He searched her face and cupped her cheek. “Does this feel real to you?”
His fingers sent a thousand emotions surging through her. “Oh, Lachlan. I’ve never been so scared of anything in my life. Losing you would be the most horrible thing I could imagine.”
“Sounds like you might care for me a wee bit, after all.” He gave her a lopsided smile.
“A lot bit,” she admitted. “You big, stone—idiot! You terrified me. Happy now?”
“Aye. I should flirt with death more often.”
“Don’t you dare. I want you around me, live and healthy.”
“For good?”
“For good.”
His smile turned luminous. “Couldn’t have planned it better.” In a serious tone, he added, “Thank you, Raina. You saved my life.”
She glanced down, overwhelmed with relief. When her gaze lifted to see his soulful eyes full of life, she choked out, “I’m so happy you’re back.”
His face contorted with a worried expression as he shuffled up to look out to the sea. “The humans?”
“Gone,” she assured him. “You did it. Summoned your magic and connected all of ours to restore the veil. The humans were sent off course, and I doubt they will find the island any time soon. You saved our island, Lachlan.”
His face relaxed. “We couldn’t have done our part without you.”
She blushed at his compliment and waved a hand. “Don’t mention it. I did it to help my pack, too, remember. So it’s all good.”
He took her wrist and said, “No, don’t dismiss your actions. We would have had to leave our home if it wasn’t for you.
“He’s right. Thank you, Raina,” Bryce said.
The other brothers followed suit.
“I’ll tell the others he’s okay,” Mason said.
Once they heard the good news, the witches and wolves would likely come over as well, swarming them. She bent closer to his ear so only he could hear her. “I’d rather be alone with you, right now.”
His eyes took on a decadent glimmer. “Beautiful and smart. I like the way you think.” He winked at her. “I know a special place.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
The witches and wolves came to the amphitheater and it took an endless amount of time for all the excitement to settle down. Ever since Raina had mentioned wanting to be alone with him, Lachlan couldn’t think of anything else. The flirtation with death left him vigorous to experience life to its fullest—with Raina, in particular. After the grueling toll the magic had taken on his body, he wanted nothing more than to press against her, again. The way they’d heated things up in the cave only to be interrupted had left him teetering on the edge.
The island’s inhabitants were in high spirits with the veil restored and the humans thrown off course. Witches, wolf shifters, and gargoyles interacted, going over what had happened. Peace had been restored on the Isle of Stone. For now. He wasn’t ready to celebrate, not when he could spend that time alone with Raina. He came up with a plan.
What do you think about suggesting a celebration here tomorrow night? He asked his brothers.
Bryce replied, What sort?
A party. We can even kick it off with a concert.
Play for the natives? Gavin asked with surprise.
He didn’t blame Gavin. With the territorial divides, they’d never played for them. A few days ago, Lachlan would never have made such a suggestion, but so much had changed since then. The Knights of Stone concerts on the Isle of Stone were dead without an audience. They’d have to return to the cities if the band wanted to continue.
Sure, Bryce replied.
Aye, Mason said.
Calum was the most enthusiastic. We can play as ourselves on the isle once more. Bloody brilliant idea!
Lachlan shouted over the din. “I have a suggestion.”
The elder witches looked his way, no longer eying him with suspicion. Had his sacrifice with the magic elevated his status on the isle?
Once the murmurs quieted and all eyes turned to him, he continued, “Since we’ve all come together to bring back peace to the Isle of Stone, we should have a
celebration to mark our new future.” After several seconds of mumbling and questions, he said, “We can have it here, tomorrow night.” With a knowing grin, he added, “We can play music.”
After more murmurs, Kayla’s mother declared, “We’ll need food.”
Lachlan agreed with a smile. Mason had mentioned that she was a great cook. Since she’d finally accepted his relationship with Kayla, she’d been stuffing him with her delicious concoctions.
“And elderberry wine,” one of the witches near her added.
“We’ll have a feast in our land,” Matilda said.
Lachlan blinked with surprise. A welcome into the Forests of Northern Caledonia where the witches lived in their hidden tree houses was a huge leap forward.
Ian and Raina exchanged glances, and he nodded. “We will bring meat for the feast.”
Would Raina hunt for the meat as a wolf? Lachlan tried to picture her hunting in wolf form, but visions of her naked human form dominated his imagination.
Many wolf shifters and witches headed back to their homes, chattering about the celebration. Raina lingered near the forests edge, talking to her father. She wouldn’t leave, would she? After all they’d been through, she couldn’t return to her pack. She belonged with him. Since he’d been with her in the cave, he knew it to be true. And while she stood by his side while he’d recovered in stone, he knew she’d felt the same way. They were meant to be together. He wouldn’t let her go.
His beast raged, clawing to grasp what he wanted. Her. He wanted to claim her as his own.
His partner.
His mate.
The idea he once considered unnatural now made perfect sense.
Lachlan glanced around their land. What did he have to offer her—a spot next to him on a stone stage? When she’d sat by his side as he recovered, she’d done so lying in wolf form. He wasn’t quite awake, but he’d felt her presence. He doubted resting on stone would be appealing over the long term.
Mason rarely slept there, anymore. He now spent much of his time with Kayla in the moors doing who knows what.
Och, Lachlan had an inkling of what they did.
Why couldn’t he spend his time with Raina? He could adjust to however she preferred to live. He could clean up one of the abandoned cabins left by his clan.
Knights of Stone - Lachlan Page 12