Crossroads

by Jennifer Ann Reed

  Frost Legacy: Crossroads

  (Frost Legacy Series Book 2)

  Jennifer Ann Reed

  *This is a work of fiction. The characters, place, and time are completely fictitious. Any resemblance to any place or person, living or dead, is purely coincidental.*

  Cover Photo by Oliviaprodesigns

  All rights reserved. Published in the United States by Kindle Direct Publishing in 2018.

  Copyright ©July 27, 2018

  For my husband, Adam.

  Chapter 1

  W HY IS IT I always seem to straddle the proverbial precipice of an unknown future? If you’d told me last month my life would be the hot mess it is now, I’d have laughed in your face-not that my life was perfect then. A month ago my only worry was trying to control my dire wolf form. I didn’t want to shift in front of my classmates or even worse in the middle of town and get myself killed by the humans. A month ago I knew I was a Dire Wolf, but I hadn’t realized I was also a fairy-wolf hybrid until my uncle moved me back to the town where my parents were murdered. When I learned about my true heritage, I pictured sprouting glittery wings from my haunches after I shifted, but what I learned was that my fairy side gave me unforeseen powers. Tinkerbell had nothing on me.

  I could do things I never thought possible. At a whim and sometimes by complete accident, pure energy erupted from my palms and could be used as a weapon. I was able to imagine any vision and force it on those around me, manipulating their reality. I levitated without a thought and wouldn’t even break a sweat as I caused other inanimate objects and beings to rise. Most might have let all of this power go to their heads, but I worried about the future. What expense did these powers bring with their emergence and would I ever learn to control them?

  In the last few weeks, events went wrong too many times. I learned to be thankful for all the important people in my life and all I have. No matter what, I kept my head held high and faced any opposition with grace, even if the world tried to crush my spirit. This is what I told myself, although my pouty mood today might say otherwise.

  My forehead thumped against the black marble countertop of the kitchen island for a third time and a low growl rumbled from my left. The Dire Wolf shapeshifter, Caden Grey, could grumble all he wanted. My antics and our group’s silence annoyed him. We were waiting for Lucian, his father, who was the alpha of the Dire Wolf pack. He had responded to an impromptu summons from the Supernatural Council. This stopped our preparations for travel into Faerie. There we would search for a weapon able to stop Aelfric, the leader of the Dark Ones. I hated waiting, loathed it actually, and so did my wolf. She paced back and forth creating an invisible path across my soul. We both felt useless. For the time being, she was locked away and I was sitting on a stool with my skin pressed against the cool surface of the marble.

  I sat up and surveyed my ragtag group of friends and my Uncle Kalen. We were scattered across the kitchen of Frost Manor, my family home. Sunbeams reflected off the shiny surfaces onto several somber faces revealing feelings that mirrored my own. What was taking so long?

  My head dropped to the counter again but a warm hand shot out in my peripheral vision. It caught my head before it made contact with the solid surface. Bright blue sapphires framed by messy black locks glared at me from their setting in a symmetrical and chiseled face leading to pouty lips. One corner of said mouth quirked and my heart stuttered as my own green eyes narrowed. Caden Grey was picture perfect. He had been cut straight from the mythical stories of Greek gods. His strong muscles strained the red t-shirt stretching across his hardened chest and butterflies swarmed in my stomach.

  “Stop it. You’re going to hurt yourself.” His low timbre ghosted over my ear and I fought the shiver wanting to erupt. My wolf pushed forward begging me to claim him as our own.

  “Or what?” I held my breath. I had always challenged Caden, but lately it seemed we couldn’t agree on anything and our bickering had intensified ever since his ex-girlfriend, Layla, kidnapped me and took me to Aelfric. Now, we both behaved differently with each other. My mind blanked as I remembered the connection created between us when he caught me as I raced to Austin, my injured friend. A voice in my subconscious whispered one word: “home.” What on earth did it mean? Did I only think of him as such because we’d known each other for so long? I leaned closer as his words broke my trance.

  “Don’t push me, Kitten. I can only handle so much.” He gently laid my head against the counter before he built a safe distance between us, cutting the tension. The breath I’d held rushed past my lips in a huff.

  Six sets of eyes gazed in my direction and I shrugged as my focus returned to the spider web pattern in the marble. I hadn’t told anyone about the connection which erupted between Caden and me after the battle. I’d been drawn to Caden before that night and my wolf had always claimed him as her own, but if the mark on the back of my neck had its way, there wasn’t a future for us. We weren’t meant for one another even though I was slowly falling in love with the grumpy wolf. How could I be destined for someone else when Caden consumed most of my thoughts? I didn’t fully understand it and was afraid of what it could mean. It was eating me up inside and I pushed the thoughts away before Austin telepathically picked up that something was bothering me. I wished Aunt Mauve was here with me, but she was recuperating in Faerie from injuries she had sustained in a surprise attack at our home. I missed her terribly. She’d know exactly what to say to help me sort through my feelings.

  I tapped the screen of my cell phone to check the time. Lucian, Elder Dylan, and Amara had been gone for five hours and I grew antsier. What else could the Council possibly need to know about the fight against Aelfric? The summons arrived early this morning and demanded Lucian and the others come immediately to answer their questions.

  My attention shifted to Austin who was seated to my right. He held his head in his hands and his dark hair was sticking up on one side. I reached out to smooth it down. Chocolate eyes met mine and his lips stretched into a smile lighting up his boy-next-door features. One perk of being bound together was the silent conversations we had in our minds, but for the past couple of days our normally easy banter seemed strained and Austin remained quiet. Lately, he appeared to watch Caden and me and he seemed to prefer the company of the other Rangers.

  You okay? I sent through our link, but he gave no response. I was confused. I didn’t know why he was ignoring me. Maybe he was still reeling from the injury he received when he and my Guardians rescued me before Aelfric and the Dark Ones had opportunity to use my hybrid blood to open the world’s only Supernatural prison gate. I wish Austin would just talk to me. I didn’t know how to help him if he didn’t confide in me. Whatever! If he wasn’t going to tell me, I’d stop asking.

  I swung around on my stool and faced the rest of the group. Allie Jacob’s fiery locks caught my attention and I grinned. She was a fae but she was also my best friend. Her tiny hand was engulfed by a much larger one. Curtis Dobson’s shoulder length blonde mane formed a curtain in front of their faces as he whispered in her ear. I was happy for them and there couldn’t be a better guy for my small willowy friend. Curtis was all muscle and good looks and packed quite a punch in a fight, but when he was around Allie, he was a mushy teddy bear. I averted my gaze as their lips briefly touched. Watching them made me feel like an intruding creep. A choking sound came from Austin. At least now I knew he could hear me but was choosing to ignore me. My elbow to his ribs and a glare shut him up.

  My uncle Kalen’s chestnut head turned in my direction and I raised an eyebrow. Strangers sometimes mistook us for father and daughter. We shared the same wavy, chestnut colored hair and emerald green eyes, but that’s where the resemblance ended. My small button nose, rose colored lips, and heart shaped
face appeared delicate to his Roman facial features. He rolled those green eyes at my behavior and turned to peer out the patio doors.

  Spiked brown hair drew my gaze to the other two boys who stood to the left of the kitchen entrance. Hazel eyes surrounded in flecks of gold held a mischievous glint as they watched me. Linc Thomas wore a black t-shirt and dark jeans stuffed in biker boots as he stood against the wall. His strong arms were crossed, showing off the sleeve of tattoos that disappeared under his shirt and peeked out again at his collar. The wolf print mark of his Guardian bond with me flashed as he brought his fingers up and blew me a kiss. Each of these guys received their mark on the night of my seventeenth birthday. Another growl from a surly Caden vibrated in the silence. Linc cackled as he turned to talk to the other male that rounded out my Guardians.

  Zander Castille, or Highlights as I tended to call him because of the blonde streaks through his dark hair, returned the grin of his friend at the expense of their gruff leader’s warning growl to leave me alone. Eyes, as dark as night, paled the skin around them and crinkled their edges as Zander continued to laugh at Caden. Many females would say I was a lucky girl to have such imposing protectors as Austin and the Rangers and it didn’t hurt that they were all attractive, but boy were they wrong. I was the constant butt of their jokes and jabs which included flirtatious remarks from them all. Sometimes, I just wished for some peace.

  “They’re back.” Uncle Kalen’s sentry-like stance relaxed as he unlocked the patio doors and held them open for Lucian, Amara, and Elder Dylan.

  Elder Dylan’s moniker was deceiving since the man appeared roughly the same age as my uncle and Lucian. The Elder went straight to the coffee pot which always seemed to be on and poured himself a steaming cup before standing on the other side of the island in front of me. His muted green eyes encircled by a halo of unkempt dark curls studied the room. His normally fitted suit was wrinkled and his tie was missing leaving the top two buttons undone. What was wrong? Did the Council change their minds about our journey into Faerie? Were we to be put on trial because of the battle?

  My mind flew into overdrive with a million “what ifs,” but a clearing of a throat pulled me back into the present. Holding our breaths, we waited for Lucian to speak.

  “The Council is still allowing our passage into Faerie.” Lucian moved past Amara Webb, the current vampire sitting on the Council. Lucian placed his hand on the small of her back to glide past her. If vampires could blush, her ivory skin would be blood red. Her azure eyes glowed brighter as they followed the alpha and her raven curls swished as she turned her head.

  “Then why call the meeting?” Caden gripped the edge of the island. Lucian’s bulky mass passed behind Caden and he patted his shoulder trying to ease the tension his son was showing. Lucian scrubbed a hand through his black hair, turning his gun metal gray eyes in our direction.

  “They,” his voice sounded tired and he stopped to clear his throat again. “They are making us wait to leave.” Several voices roared their discontent and Lucian held up one hand shushing the group. “They’re going to do research on the weapon before we can travel. The Council wants to make sure it isn’t dangerous to the human world. They’re worried about what it would mean if Aelfric got his hands on it.” He unclipped his badge and removed his gun holster. His gaze caught mine and and then dropped to his shoes.

  “What else aren’t you saying, Lucian?” The alpha was never one to beat around the bush and I held my breath. I wanted a straightforward answer.

  “The Council sees Kitra as a problem.” Elder Dylan lifted his cup to his lips blowing on the steam. “They feel threatened by her; by the prophecy of her birth. For them, Kitra is destined to open the gate no matter what. It’s not if it will happen, but when the gate will open.” He sipped the warm beverage without a care in the world. How could he be nonchalant about this?

  “So I’m the abomination they always believed me to be.” No one heard my soft statement past the growls rumbling throughout the room.

  “What!” Caden and Austin’s outraged cries were accompanied by several pairs of wolf eyes glaring at our alpha. Authority leaked from Lucian’s pores and forced us to whimper. Dark spots spiraled in my vision as terror consumed me, but calm flooded into my chest when Austin placed his hand on my shoulder. I took a deep breath and focused on Lucian again. If they were here without escorts, we had nothing to worry over yet.

  “I have spent the last few hours defending Kitra. They wanted to lock her up until they can deal with Aelfric.” Lucian’s voice sounded hoarse like sandpaper had rubbed against his throat lining. He finally looked me in the eyes. “The Council won’t confine you in their compound now. They have been told you’re the white wolf. If they try to condemn you without just cause, an unwanted uprising and possible revolution may ensue.”

  “And we’d all lead the way.” Zander spoke up from across the room pinching the bridge of his nose. “It’s not a fight they’re going to want.”

  “It won’t come to that, but I should caution you, Kitra. Don’t do anything that will bring any attention to yourself. I’m not sure how long they will let you go free.” Lucian leveled me with a hard stare. “I don’t want to give them an inch in their pursuit of you.”

  They wanted to lock me away? I hadn’t done anything to warrant this judgement. We’d prevented Aelfric’s attempt to open the prison gate. I had wounded him in battle. How much more did I have to do to show them I wasn’t a threat? I would do everything possible to keep that gate closed. I nodded once to let him know I understood his warning.

  “I won’t let them take her.” Caden’s knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists. Vibrations from Curtis, Zander, and Linc rattled in their chests as they edged forward to surround my stool and Austin grunted his own agreement with Caden’s words.

  “No one is going to take her.” Uncle Kalen’s threat rumbled under his words. “None of us will let it come to that.”

  How could they keep the Council from locking me away? The room spun and I swayed. Austin’s hand gripped my shoulder and steadied me on my stool.

  “What do we do until they give us their blessing to go to Faerie?” Linc pressed himself against my other shoulder until it was digging it into his stomach.

  “Go on as normal. School, training, patrolling.” Lucian rubbed at his scruffy jaw. Life wouldn’t go on as normal if I had to walk on eggshells.

  “This is ridiculous. They know Kitra is on their side and we know where the weapon possibly is, but we have to sit here and do nothing until the Council says otherwise.” Caden’s fist struck the island, rattling Elder Dylan’s coffee cup. He snatched it back up before it was knocked over.

  “The Council’s word is law. Nothing can be done but wait.” Amara crossed over to stand as a strong front with Lucian. “They will soon see Kitra isn’t the threat here.”

  “I’ll be in the gym.” Caden’s stool clattered to the floor as he stormed away.

  “Maybe we all need to blow off a little steam.” Linc righted the stool and followed Caden. He was wise when he wasn’t trying to enrage his friend. Without another word each of my friends and I marched downstairs.

  I grabbed a pair of leggings, sports bra, and a purple tank top from the locker I’d claimed as mine. Allie retrieved her things from her own locker and met me in the bathroom while the boys changed on the mats.

  “So?” My brow arched in Allie’s direction. I needed to get my mind off the Council. “You and Curtis are serious now, huh?”

  Allie flushed and bit her lip. “Yeah, we’re official.”

  “Good. At least one of us has a love life. I can live vicariously through you.” My voice sounded strained even though I tried to come off nonchalant. Why did I care so much about having a boyfriend? With my life as crazy as it was now, an added distraction wasn’t something I needed.

  “Stop being silly. Caden threatens the others if they even look at you wrong. When will you two stop denying your attraction?” Her hands went
straight to her hips as she stomped her foot.

  “It’s not going to happen. He made it pretty clear the last time.” I wasn’t arguing over this. Yeah, when Aelfric threatened us, Caden chose me over his old girlfriend, Layla, but that didn’t mean we were suddenly going to fall into each other’s arms. “Don’t even entertain the idea. I know Caden doesn’t have my mate mark so it wouldn’t be possible in the first place.”

  “Things of the heart find a way to work out. You like him. Don’t look at me that way. I know he is more than just your childhood friend. It practically oozes from your pores.” She sniffed the air. “Yep, you’re in love.” The fairy danced around the room singing “Kitra and Caden sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G.”

  “Will you stop it?” My hands shot out on their own accord and covered her mouth. “They can hear you outside!” My whisper was harsh and full of menace, but she broke into a fit of giggles and stuck her tongue out against my palm. “Yuck!” I wiped it against my thigh until my hand warmed and turned red.

  “I don’t have cooties! ” Allie made a kissy face and ran from the bathroom. “Maybe Caden will give you his!”

  I mentally shot daggers at her back as she escaped. I could hear the boys laughing and slapping Caden on the back. I really wanted to run away, but I knew there wasn’t another exit from the room. I’d have to face them. My shoulders straightened pushing my head higher as I opened the door. I kept my focus on Allie and refused to glance at the others who were trying to smother their laughter.

  Allie stepped back because of the murderous look in my eyes and dropped her head as she grinned. I was determined to train with her today. I would give her a little taste of her own medicine. My hopes were spoiled as Caden grasped my wrist turning me towards him. My wolf was sent into a girly frenzy as my breathing sped up. Feminine giggles and male chuckles reached my ears before my entire body flamed red. I felt like I was choking on air and pushed back and widened my stance to appear more defensive.