The chair arm made a loud snap. Each of my friends grinned at me.
Colin said, “Damn, Andras. She is something.” Then he said, “But I shudder to think how close this came to disaster.”
“You and me both, Kit. When I asked Selena about the new tiger, she again acted ignorant, but I could see she knew something. I hinted to her of a connection between the tiger and her mark. You should have seen her look of concentration as she put things together in her mind.
“She tried to hide her reaction, but she was aware that I saw it and that we both knew she would need to do some explaining eventually. I did not want to push her more tonight.”
I turned to Ramsay, “Please research the prophecy. Find out everything you can. Especially about the three princes and how this tiger who saved Selena plays a part. There is little known about the princes or the Anurashin for that matter. I know you have already put some facts together. We need much more.
“We need to find out if they have a base of operations in our territory. I know they’re powerful and possess advanced technology. The leader tonight demonstrated his abilities quite clearly. They could be masking their location. They must have a base close by.
“How did they know to attack me on the highway? Are they watching us from right here in Quincy? What does this Anurashi who seems to be watching over Selena know about it? There is much to find out, and I know I do not need to tell you how fast we need these answers.”
Chapter 27
Aviel
The woman had been magnificent, fierce, defending the bear bravely. Those beautiful, determined eyes had drawn me to her instantly. When she fired on me, on my men, with no hesitation, her aim deadly, a long-ago memory began to surface. Cynthia.
Andras Johns was a mighty alpha bear. Could she be another marked maiden of the prophecy? Like my Cynthia? And who was that tiger who appeared just in time to free her from my grasp? Another magus?
By the moons, I had been so close to taking her. Her scent nearly had me losing control of my focus on the mission. That had not been the reason I risked being at that attack. I hadn’t even known about her. How had my scouts missed her? Was she mated with the bear? Did that matter?
Even capturing the bear was not the full reason for my presence. Mostly, I had wanted to see for myself the shifter who somehow resisted promethium, and I needed to assess his strengths because this alpha had quite a reputation. Otherwise, we already had what we needed as far as his family genes.
He was aware of our interest in his territory. He may already be making plans to resist us and taking him might add significant complications to our plans. It had not upset me terribly to come back empty handed. Interestingly, it appeared there was another layer of threat, and I was glad to have discovered it…the prophecy.
More than the prophecy, more than the obstacles to the plans for our war on the shifters, which was more my brothers’ plan than mine in any case, now there was her. And being aware of her threw an unexpected but not necessarily unwelcome challenge into my path, and I knew I would not be able to get her from my mind.
Something about her was different than anything I have encountered in my long life. She had surprised me with the force of her blow to my face and her quick moves to twist from my grasp. I smiled grimly. No one surprised me these days.
I had not felt exhilaration like this for nine hundred years, not since the time of Cynthia. That same heat from long ago was once again flaring in me, reminding me what it felt like to be alive. I needed to stay focused on my goal. I could not afford to have my desires split again.
“Aviel? Tell me why you failed to take the bear. It should not have been so difficult. There were six of you against one.” Ahno reminded me of the other reason I had attempted to capture the alpha. He had his own plans for the bear shifter.
The whine in my brother’s voice was increasingly feeling as if a knife were being thrust into my spine tearing into my nerves, adding to my already constant pain.
“There were six of us against three, Ahno. The woman was a warrior. I am beginning to think we are facing a trio from the prophecy of the marked maidens.”
However, even if my attempts at capturing the alpha were halfhearted, I had to acknowledge I did fail tonight. The two of them working together had been unexpected, then the tiger appeared. It had to be the prophecy.
My brother said derisively, “That tired old prophecy never manages to gain momentum, brother. I should not worry about that being a threat. I want that bear. What is your next plan?”
“The same as it was before with only one modification. You want the bear, and now I want the woman.”
But was it worth risking diverting from my purpose to try and take her as well? This woman was only a human after all. Her life was a mere spec next to mine. I would outlive her. She would grow old eventually, then die. It was not worth the diversion. Still…those eyes…
Chapter 28
Selena
What a bizarre twelve hours this has been. It started out like a fairy princess story with a ride in a stunning car, complete with prince charming showing me a good time, and ended in a spy novel chase with killer mythical beasts, including an appearance by Andras’s own mystical bear. A real live fairy tale.
However, when I thought of the cold green eyes of the man who threatened to take me, the fairy tale took on an ominous air. I shivered.
But for the time being, I was safely sitting on a comfy bed in this lovely suite in a strange house with my own things in the closet, and here I would be for at least the next few days. Definitely not how I imagined my life a week ago.
Selena, if you are taking on someone like Andras, you better just enjoy the ride because life will likely be an adventure from now on. He was important enough to me to give it my best shot. I wondered how I was not sitting here a raving lunatic after learning that the world I knew was only a fraction of the reality on this planet.
Changing into my own jammies, thank you Gemma, and washing up in the lovely bathroom, I sank into the heavenly mattress and looked again in wonder at all the beautiful art on the walls, and thought about the man that I had somehow found in this remote part of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, a man that appreciated art even before he met me, appreciated the music I loved and could change magically into a giant bear. I let out a pent-up breath, then turned out the light.
Thinking about the mysterious Zigan leaping in right on time to help me, made me feel the pressure of being in the eye of a pending storm. I knew I would have to talk to Andras about what it all meant. I would have to if I wanted answers myself.
My last thoughts were of Andras looking like…no not looking like…being a huge brown bear with his nine-inch claws and his deadly strength in handling the other large predators. Then I saw Andras as a towering man, his fury at the ones trying to take me, decapitating a man with just his fist. His power must be phenomenal.
But what I felt as his beautiful face loomed in my vision just before closing my eyes, were his soft lips and his gentle touch. I remembered nothing after that until bright sunlight forced my eyes open around ten.
After showering in that lovely huge bathroom, equipped with a rain shower and jet tub that I would love to soak in some time, and then rummaging in the spacious closet to find my favorite jeans and Led Zeppelin t-shirt, featuring a closeup of one of my favorite rock guitarists of all time, Jimmy Page, jamming on his double neck guitar, I dressed and made my way to the kitchen.
No one seemed to be around. I found hot coffee in an urn on a buffet counter and fresh bread in a breadbox and made myself some toast, causing heavenly smells to overflow the large space. I took my bounty to a cozy table in the kitchen near a set of French doors that opened onto a beautiful, covered patio.
I spent the next few minutes texting first Gemma and then Kenny, to let them know I was okay and was staying with Andras a few days, leaving them to stew over what that meant, and laughing at their emoji laden responses.
Isaac silentl
y entered as I was sipping my coffee enjoying a view of the patio and gardens. The thought popped into my head that if he did not want me to notice him, he could have watched me in silence for as long as he wanted. But he had made a rustling sound to alert me to his presence so that I wasn’t startled.
“Good morning, Isaac.”
“Good morning miss…Selena,” he corrected himself. “Did you sleep well, and have you found everything you need?”
I smiled at him. “I did, and I have. This is delicious coffee,” and I raised my mug to him in appreciation. “Will you join me for a cup?” I stood up, but he put a hand on my arm to coax me back to my chair.
“I would love to. But let me get it.” And much to my delight, he made himself a cup with cream and sugar and joined me at the table.
“How long have you known Andras?” Yeah, I know. Quite the original question, but I was dying to know.
“I’ve known that hulking beast since he was a cub,” he said descriptively and with a twinkle in his eye. Right then, I knew I liked Isaac. Now I was sure I had spotted that twinkle last night.
“I worked for his father when he was alpha of the North Star Pack,” he said using the formal pack name Andras had briefly mentioned.
Casually, I looked over his dapper appearance, noting his partially grey crew cut and unlined face, and wondered how old he could possibly be.
“I don’t mean to be nosy, but I’m just learning about the supernatural world, and I’m still wrapping my head around how old Andras is. You obviously must be older than you seem, Isaac. But I would not dare to ask how old.” I raised an eyebrow hoping he would volunteer.
He bowed his head acknowledging my courtesy, and said, “Thank you, my dear, because I won’t be telling you.” His warm smile curved wide under his handsome salt and pepper mustache and softened his words. I really had not expected him to tell me, but that did not stamp out my burning curiosity.
So, I tried another question. “What was he like as a child?” As soon as I asked this, I had a powerful need for a glimpse of a young Andras from someone who knew him then.
Isaac let me read a few things in his eyes about his feelings for Andras, alerting me to the fact that there may have been difficulties for Andras as a boy, difficulties they both struggled through together.
But he said, “Andras is one person I can assure you has changed little from who he was in his youth, if that gives you any indication. He was always a gentle giant.”
I nodded, “I think I know what you mean, Isaac.” Then he gave me a little more.
“His father was not as likable as Andras, especially to Andras. I won’t say much more than that because it is his story to tell, but what that means is that I am immensely proud of the man and alpha that he has become.”
Yes, I liked this man very much. I nodded in understanding as I took a sip from my coffee.
“So, it seems this is a household of bachelors, then?” I asked, looking nonchalantly over my cup at him.
He gave me a knowing smile. “The only woman who has ever stayed under this roof is Colin’s mother on the only two occasions his parents came to visit. Therefore, you, young lady, are a breath of fresh air.” He raised his cup to me.
A familiar rumbling voice behind me made me sputter into my cup as he said, “She is a breath of fresh air, Isaac. You couldn’t be more right about that.” I turned to smile a good morning to Andras.
“You look none the worse for wear. Did you get any sleep?” I asked him to cover up my embarrassment. How much of my nosy question did he just hear? I looked at Isaac and blushed.
He said, “Barely any, but I feel fine at the moment, and I thought I’d come find you to show you around the place, if you’re finished with your breakfast, that is.”
Isaac got up to clear our dishes, “You two go on and enjoy the rest of this beautiful morning.”
Chapter 29
Andras
Imagining Selena getting familiar with my home had occupied many of my dreams over the past weeks, so I was greatly enjoying our tour this morning.
I had always been happy with the design but seeing her reaction to all the details that went into making this place functional and comfortable, while also aesthetically pleasing, was extremely satisfying.
She gasped at the large, well-stocked library with the huge fireplace at its heart, she was excited about the solar room with a lap pool, but I think she loved her quarters stuffed with art the best.
Because Selena loved to walk, I focused the bulk of our time before meeting with my council in walking with her around the various garden paths outside.
It took some special consideration when building a structure in the middle of a heavily timbered forest, to keep as much nature intact as possible, while allowing in as much natural light as this place enjoyed. The landscaping was carefully crafted to protect nature while inviting use of the many pathways, gardens and patios tucked here and there.
We made our way back to the kitchen where Selena poured us each a glass of iced tea to take with us to the council room.
I said, “Are you ready to join us so we can get you up to speed on our situation?”
She looked at me with that crinkle on the bridge of her nose, and said, “You really mean for me to be on your council, Andras?” I wrapped my arm around her sun-warmed shoulders and tugged her to me, dropping a kiss on her head.
“I do. And now is as good a time as any to get started.”
I sat Selena on my right. “Welcome to the council, Selena.” I knew my friends were stunned that a woman had captured my devotion as much as they were thrilled for me at the prospect, and it was gratifying when they each welcomed Selena in turn.
“Colin, can you update her on what we know of the Anurashin situation?”
“Of course. Andras has told us what he has shared with you so far. Bear with me if I repeat myself but here it is, hopefully nice and succinct,” he said as he smiled at her.
He spent the next thirty minutes catching her up, ending with my plans for Redding on Wednesday. Then he said in conclusion, “We believe they are attempting to recreate the weapon and I think the reason for this attack on Andras is because they have somehow discovered that he was exposed to the promethium and is unaffected.
“This makes him or what is in him a counter-weapon and dangerous to their plans. They are obviously monitoring Andras and probably all of us and now they know about you, Selena.” He looked pointedly at her for a moment to see if she would fess up about the drawing and her tiger, but patiently concluded his update when she remained silent, her only tell, a wide-eyed blink.
I smiled…that guileless face. Colin cleared his throat and gave me a quick glance and when he saw I did not want to pursue it at this time, he sat back and crossed his arms.
After Selena had a moment to process all the information, Sam said gravely, “You don’t know how relieved we are to be talking to you both today. You did good Selena. I heard you were a crack shot and it likely saved you both. Andras may not have been able to withstand the attack of six powerful tigers and the magic they wielded without your backup.”
Selena nodded smiling shyly, then looked around the table and settled her gaze on me. “I don’t think Andras needed my help after seeing him in action, but I was glad to be there all the same. Do you think the town is in danger from these Anurashin?”
Sam was the one to answer, “That’s a good question. We have put security in place to monitor visitors or unusual travelers to town. Without letting him in on the nature of the Anurashin, I have alerted Sheriff Henry that he and his officers should stay alert to unusual activity.
“The Anurashin should follow protocol the same as the rest of the supernatural world and not overtly attack humans or threaten human law enforcement. And rest assured we have extra people watching the Starlight and Gemma and Kenny.”
Selena looked at Sam in surprise. “You do?”
He assured her, “Of course. Now that you are linked to Andras, yo
u and anyone close to you come under our protection.” She looked relieved.
“Thank you, Sam.” She gave him a warm, grateful smile, and I covered my mouth to hide my own smile when I saw the usually reticent enforcer squirm under her gratitude.
A shadow crossed her face, but she did not add anything further, and I knew she was formulating questions but was not ready to ask them yet. I imagined they had to do with the mysterious Anurashi and sighed. I would get an update from Ramsay before forcing the issue.
Impeccable in his timing as ever, Isaac wheeled in a cart heaping with sandwiches, bags of chips and a huge fruit salad. Selena’s eyes grew wide. She must be starving since her piece of toast.
“Selena, it looks like Isaac tapped out Jean’s fresh bread today to provide us with her signature sandwiches, to welcome you to the council. What do you think?”
Enthusiastically she said, “I think that you have outdone yourself, Isaac. Thank you!” I covered my smile as I observed her covetous look at the tray.
Ryan likely had smelled the sandwiches from all the way outside and now made his appearance, and I said, “Please dig in everyone.” Of course, we all motioned Selena to go first, and I was pleased to see she had no problem making her way to the head of the line, as we all stood up to tower around her.
Chapter 30
Selena
After lunch, Andras left me in his library for the afternoon while he continued his work. I was completely content to explore the impressive treasure trove of books that lined all two stories wall to wall.
The smell in this room was divine, leather, and old paper mixed with well-oiled timber and the lingering smell of woodsmoke from the enormous fireplace.
Ursus Borealis: Book One Page 16