Mack (Black Mountain Pack Book 1)

by Lynn, Miranda

  The witch took her time, mumbling as she went, weaving her magic around her.

  The pendant at my throat warmed the instant her magic touched it. I had forgotten I was wearing it and hoped it wouldn’t give us away, but rather than emit a protection like I expected it actually absorbed the magic as she got closer, hiding me even further.

  When she was between Mack and me, she stopped and peered up. “Come out, come out my darling shifter. I know you are there,” she sing-songed. “There is no use hiding any longer, I can taste your dirty pack magic.”

  Mack jumped down in front of her, pacing back and forth, keeping her attention.

  “There you are my darling. I have dreamt of this moment, when I can prove myself finally to my Alpha. Never did I dream I would take out the son of that pathetic Black Mountain Pack’s Alpha. You can play all you want sweet cat, but your last breaths are upon you.” She started chanting in a language foreign to me as Mack searched for an opening to attack.

  I crept along the branch until I was above her. The pendant at my neck still warm. Mack never looked at me, and I waited, letting my cat decide the perfect moment to jump. The copper smell in the air intensified as she drew her blood magic around her and then everything happened at once. I hesitated at the thought of killing someone and I felt as if everything moved in slow motion. She cast her spell, Mack moved and I jumped.

  I blocked out all sound, focusing on the witch. She twisted towards me at the last second, so I landed on her chest rather than her back. I heard something crunch as I took her down, the sound satisfying to my keen hearing. Her meager attempts to push me off did no good. When you have over a hundred pounds of pissed off muscle sitting on you, nothing can move it. I had knocked the breath out of her and only had seconds to make my decision. Kill her or torture her for information.

  “Her necklace is her power,” I heard a whisper around me. My eyes focused on the glowing red gem and I knew then, torture would do no good. I bared my teeth and as much as I wanted her in pain, a quick death would be best. In a swift motion, I tore into her throat, tasting her tainted blood and ripping the necklace from her at the same time. I sat back, blood dripping from my mouth, the pendant between my teeth, and watched the life drain from her body.

  Talia emerged from the trees and stood still, hands out at her sides, watching me. She calmly spoke to me, “Casey, we must destroy the pendant. If you will let me have it, I will see to it. Your mate needs your attention.”

  The blood lust was still running high through my veins and I growled at her. This was my kill—mine.

  “I don’t want her body. That you can do what you wish but her blood will make you sick. Mack needs you, listen.”

  The rage slowly left and I was appalled at the feelings running through me, the joy at killing someone. Mack whimpered and I swiveled my head to him. I thought he had escaped the spell, but he favored his back right leg. It was then I smelled the singed fur. He hadn’t completely escaped her wrath.

  Talia turned one hand up, cupping her palm. “Please.”

  I sniffed the body once more, verifying that in fact the witch was dead. I walked to Talia and gently placed the pendant in her hand and hurried to Mack’s side sniffing his injured leg.

  “I’ll be fine, love. She just grazed me.”

  I inspected the rest of him, confirming for myself that the magic hadn’t done any more damage. I nuzzled him and purred.

  “Yes, I’m fine Casey. Come on, let’s find Da. We have one more fight to prepare for.”

  I looked back to find Talia gone and the witches body now just a pile of ash.

  “Damn witch. Now, I’ll have a bare spot in my coat that shit takes a long time to grow back,” Mack grumbled.

  I chuffed in response. A cat’s equivalent to laughter. We climbed back to the trees and moved through them at top speed to meet up with Jerome.

  Rook joined us, his fur matted with blood. His or theirs I couldn’t tell.

  Jerome had yet to shift. “Rook, good to see you. Give us an update,” he commanded.

  “There forces are scattered, some have fled. His strongest warriors are down or dead,” Rook reported. “His only option is to come after us himself. It won’t be long, I left a trail for him to find.”

  “Good,” Jerome responded and turned to me. “Casey, you have a choice. You don’t have much time to make it. This fight is yours if you want it, but if you aren’t up to it, let me know. I can take this asshole out if you choose.”

  I growled in response. No one else would be taking this fight from me. I may have just remembered everything, but my cat agreed we would finish it.

  “Good girl. Know that if you need us, we are here for you. We are your family and will help and protect you as needed.” More pack members showed up as Jerome finished speaking. He turned to address them all, “Tonight this ends. You have all fought gallantly, but this final fight is Casey’s. She will decide whether he lives or dies. You follow her lead, do not interfere unless she calls on you. She will lead this fight, and she will end it. The Alpha is near, scatter and wait for her call.” He turned back to me. “Casey, use the bond. Lead our pack to victory and climb out of the shadows you have been hiding in all these years. I have faith in you.” He walked away into the trees.

  “You can do this baby,” Mack spoke gently through the mating bond. “Don’t hesitate to call on the pack, I’m right here by your side. Da is as well.”

  Jerome emerged from the trees.

  It was the first time I had seen him in his shifted form.

  He might just be the biggest wolf I’d ever seen, his fur glimmered black, just a hint of silver sprinkled throughout. “Listen to your mate, don’t hesitate, and don’t second guess yourself.” At the sound of twigs snapping, Mack and Jerome flanked me as we turned to face the oncoming threat.

  My father walked into the small clearing flanked by four of his own pack. He was tall at about six foot five, two panthers on each side of him reaching his waist. All four of them baring their teeth and coiled to attack.

  I felt Talia and her coven gather around me in the trees with the pack. I should have been afraid but I wasn’t. I felt a calm come over me and knew that my father’s death would happen tonight.

  “My sweet Sybhain. It is so good to finally see you again, after all these years. Too bad it has to be under these circumstances.” His voice was silky and contained a heavy accent. English was not his first language. He walked forward the panthers at his side staying put and fanning out. “I have come to take you home where you belong. I give you this one chance to join me. I don’t want to take you by force, but I will if I have to.”

  I bared my teeth and growled deep in my throat. This man would take me nowhere. The last of my memories came flooding back at the sight of him. This man had killed my mother, sent his men after us and brutally attacked us. He ruled by fear and death and he would never, ever control me again. “Rook, can you and the others keep his panthers busy?” I reached through the pack bond.

  “We are ready when you are Casey.”

  I could feel the blood lust of the pack heighten at my request. Trusting that Rook would handle the others I stepped forward.

  “Very well, have it your way. We fight, to the death.” The man that was my father shimmered for a moment and before me was no longer a man, but the leopard I remembered from childhood. Twice my size, but I knew not as agile. We circled each other, sizing the other up. I wouldn’t attack first. I knew that I had to force him to make the first move. I didn’t know much about fighting in this form, but I trusted my instincts and pulled on what I had learned living on the streets. I didn’t have to wait long. With an ego as big as he had, he attacked straight on, expecting me to freeze.

  Ha, I laughed at the thought. I waited, muscles coiled as he pounced. I rolled at the last moment, bringing all four paws up, claws extended, slicing through his underbelly as he landed, just past me. I twisted around to face him again, surprised at myself while seeing the p
ain in his eyes.

  That didn’t slow him, he barreled down on me again, I didn’t have time to think. I moved to the side and tried latching onto his neck. I’d seen big cats fight on national geographic and figured I could do it too. I didn’t move quite fast enough as he clamped down on my hind leg shaking his head as if I were a toy. I screamed in pain and swiped back at his face. Opening a wound on his nose. He roared in pain and anger releasing his hold on my leg. I could hear the pack around us fighting my father’s cronies. I was in tired and in pain, but I tuned them out and focused on my goal.

  The pendant around my neck warmed and glowed bright white, moments later the pain I had felt was gone. The injuries were still there, I just couldn’t feel them allowing me to fully focus on not getting killed. We fought and parried. I was clumsier than he was. Then we were both bloody and panting staring at each other. I could see the surprise in his eyes. He had expected me to fall quickly and honestly, I had too.

  I heard Mack scream in pain, I lost focus for a nano-second and my father attacked. He landed on my back, locking his jaws on the back of my neck. I couldn’t move, if I did it would be the last time.

  Jerome had stayed back, out of the fighting until then. With an ear piercing howl, I heard him join in. One moment I was pinned and the next—I was free. I leapt around to see Jerome and my father rolling across the clearing. Jerome coming out on top, his jaws locked onto my father’s back and with a strong sharp shake, I heard bones break. The big fierce panther slumped, his breathing becoming shallow.

  Jerome looked at me, blood caking his jaws and stepped back.

  I limped over, the fighting around us ceasing, until I was standing over my father. Legs weak, blood dripping from my wounds.

  Talia emerged from the trees and tossed a dagger on the ground. “How do you want to take his life Casey? It’s your choice, as animal or as human?”

  I searched inside, could I do this? Could I take another life, the life of a father I didn’t know? My cat said yes, but I’d become so exhausted, so I decided that the final blow should be made as a human. The end to one chapter and beginning of another. I lay down tired and the shift took over.

  Mack had joined Jerome and they guarded me.

  I emerged naked and covered in blood. Rising to my knees, I picked up the dagger. I turned it over in my hand knowing the fate of someone’s life was in my hands. I looked down at the shifter who was my biological father. I felt no love for him—I felt nothing. “You will never hunt me again. You will never be able to hurt the ones I love again. I take charge of my life. I take what you stole back.” I raised the dagger with both hands and plunged it down with all my might, slicing through skin and embedding it into his heart. I let go of the dagger, my hands shaking as I watched the last of his life drain from his eyes.

  Mack moved to my side, nuzzling up against me. I dug my hand into his fur and with his help and Jerome, I stood and faced what was left of my father’s pack. Jerome shifted and stood next to me addressing those among us. “Here me now, your Alpha is dead. The words flowed echoing through the trees. “Come to me now.”

  Shifters emerged in animal and human form.

  “You have a choice to make. History has just been made, your Alpha has been defeated by a female. According to shifter law, the winner of such a battle becomes your new alpha. Will you accept her? Bow to her now and recognize her as your Alpha or leave never to be seen again. It’s your choice but you must make it now.”

  I was shocked at his declaration, his words were strong and they held a magic in themselves once spoken.

  I waited.

  Slowly, my father’s pack knelt before me. Bowing in acceptance. A few ran as I expected. “Rook,” I called out.

  The tiger emerged and lay down in front of me.

  “Take your men and hunt down the runners. They cannot be allowed to live. My father’s reign is over, and his malice must be eliminated.”

  “As you wish” He rose on all fours and let out a roar as he took off through the trees, his team following him. The hunt was on and the pack seemed happy.

  I turned to the rest as Jerome spoke again, “For those that have accepted her, know that her word is law. Her mate’s word is law, and you will now come under the rule of the Black Mountain Pack.” He reached out to me. “This is now your commander.”

  A murmuring began among those left with us.

  Jerome looked around and then spoke again, “We will bring in a new era in the shifter nation. Things will change, but they will be for the better. You are safe now. You have free will. If you choose to leave us, we will let you go. Just know that if you turn against us, then you have signed your own death warrant. We live in peace with the humans, we walk among them, and we protect those that are loyal. For now, you are welcome at the cabin. We will feed you, dress your wounds and answer any questions you have. When you are healed and rested, you may return home, take with you the knowledge of what you witnessed here. In that time, we will appoint her general to rule, until a council is convened for your pack.” Jerome turned and nodded at me.

  I took a deep breath and called out, “Talia, please guide them back to camp and if Jake is up to it, have him prepare food for us all. If your coven mates agree, assist those in the direst need of medical attention.”

  Talia bowed deeply and headed back towards the cabin, the pack following.

  When the clearing was empty except for Mack, Jerome, and myself, I allowed the exhaustion to overtake me. My legs gave out and leaned against Mack. “That’s all I have.”

  Those last words made it past my lips before I passed out.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Mack

  I felt Casey fall against me as she collapsed. This mate of mine amazed me. My heart swelled with pride as I had watched her stand tall as my father and address the shifters in the clearing. As I listened to her claim the South American Pack for her own, I knew she didn’t really know what the words he spoke meant. Da was right when he claimed we would be creating a new era. She didn’t know it, but she had just become the first female Alpha of any pack in history. This would be an uphill battle, as many didn’t see females as leaders. I trusted my father’s decision and would support her in every way. Plus, he had joined two of the strongest packs in the world into one. I stayed still as she leaned against me, not wanting to jostle her and waited for Talia to join us. I could feel her magic grow as she entered the clearing with Rook on her heels in human form.

  “Rook, would you please cover Casey and hold her while I attend to Mack?” Talia asked.

  He did as asked while she inspected my wounds. “You have nothing that won’t heal within a day. It’s safe to shift if you wish to.” Talia backed away to attend Casey while I did the same.

  Once human again, Da tossed a pair of sweats and t-shirt at me. “We have a lot of work ahead of us. Your mate is one amazing woman.” Da smiled at me. “Are you prepared for what the future may hold?”

  “As long as Casey is a part of it, I’m ready for anything,” I responded as I took her from Rook’s arms. “Rook, what about those that fled?”

  “All are accounted for. They put up a fight and lost of course. The boys are taking care of the bodies and will join us at the cabin shortly.”

  I smiled. “Casey will be happy to see you when she wakes. For now, let’s join the others. I’ll take Casey in the back door of the cabin. She needs a good rest. Make sure everyone else stays out front. Send Marla in to help me.” I instructed as we left the clearing towards the cabin.

  Rook jogged ahead of us to enforce my instructions.

  “You will make a fine leader yourself when it is time.” Da clapped a large hand on my shoulder, squeezing—his equivalent to a hug.

  The warmth from his show of emotion filled me as he veered off to join Rook and the others.

  Marla was waiting for me when I entered the cabin. “Hey Mack, I have a bath ready for her if you want to take her. Let’s get her washed and redressed before we put h
er into bed.” Marla and I washed the blood and grime from her hair and body then dressed her in a warm pair of pajamas for bed.

  Casey didn’t stir once, as this night had taken it all out of her. I predicted that she would sleep at least twenty four hours if not more. I set up watch outside the cabin while Marla tucked her in. After I bathed myself, I joined Casey in bed and let sleep overtake me too.

  The threat was finally gone and a sort of peace had been created between packs.

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  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Mother to two boys, 3 four-legged babies, and wife to a loving husband who doesn’t mind the extra voices in her head Miranda grew up on a dairy farm in Illinois, but calls Portland, TN home now. She is an avid reader, coffee addict, and loves her day job. Though her true passion is in creating her own worlds, characters, and stories for her readers.

  Website: www.mirandalynn.com

  Facebook www.facebook.com/MirandaLyn

  Twitter: @MirandaLynnBks

  Email: mirandalynnbooks@gmail.com