Shattered Dreams

by Melissa Kay Clarke

  The volume dropped until there was quiet. He let his hands drop to his side as he looked over the crowd. “Thanks all for gathering so quickly. All we know right now is that Carson is missing and that it appears that Micah has something to do with it.” There was a lot of angry muttering and gasps of shock. “Until we know more, I'm asking everyone to please keep close to home, don't go out alone. Also, we are using the pack room as a headquarters, so if you don't have to be here, I would appreciate if you could stay away to avoid confusion. Thank you again for your cooperation.” He gave them a nod and a confident smile that he didn't feel, then jumped down from the dais, making his way to William. “Any news?”

  The beta shook his head. “Her scent fades right outside the front door. I have scouts still scouring the area but it’s like she just vanished into thin air. I don't get it Jeff; it takes days for a wolf's scent to fully dissipate. We should be able to follow her.”

  Jeff scrubbed his chin with his hand. Looking around the room, his eyes fell on Molly sitting in the corner speaking quietly with Terry. “Excuse me,” he grunted then walked through the people to her. “Molly?”

  She looked up and nodded to him. “Yes, Alpha?” Her eyes were clear, bottomless and held a world of knowledge.

  He chewed his cheek a moment then just plunged in. “I know this sounds a little weird, but I was curious if you knew of any reason why our scouts can't find Carson's scent.”

  Her brow wrinkled, the lines on her ancient face deepened.

  Terry blinked. “No scent at all? That's really strange.”

  Jeff nodded. “We have it in the house but just outside the door it's gone. We can detect traces of older ones but nothing strong enough to have been since her abduction. Nobody can figure it out – a wolf's scent stays for several days. Her's just disappeared.”

  “Unless her wolf was somehow incapacitated” Terry mumbled. “Scent is tied to the animal and not to the human half.”

  “Wolf's bane serum,” Molly declared with a nod. “That has to be it.”

  “Of course.” Terry nodded sagely. “But it's been outlawed for what, 100 years or so?”

  “Longer. I was a child the last time it was used, so more like 150 years.” Molly replied.

  Jeff scratched his head as he watched the two of them talk back and forth. “What is wolf's bane?”

  Terry settled back. “Wolf's bane is a very strong drug made from a specific unique plant only found in Europe.”

  Molly nodded. “It was only used in the isolated occasion of a wolf going full feral. It was the only way to subdue the beast and give the human side a chance to regain control. Dosage had to be precise or both parts would succumb; too little and the wolf would kill the one administering the drug, too much was fatal. There was a death of one from overdose when I was young. Those kinds of accidents are the reason why the knowledge to create it was purged from the healers records.”

  Jeff blew out a breath. “I think we should keep this from Chase for the time being. He's barely holding on as it is and I'm afraid this may push him over the edge.” He glanced around the room and saw the healer pacing near the window, pausing every few seconds to look out. “If we don't find her soon, I'm afraid he's going to go rogue.”

  Terry nodded and got up. “Excuse me Alpha, Elder Healer,” he mumbled and made his way to his son.

  Jeff watched him go then turned back to Molly. “So wolf's bane serum is the most likely culprit, meaning we probably won't be able to find her.” He dropped into the chair next to the healer and tipped his head back against the wall, closing his eyes. “An outlawed serum that supposedly nobody knows how to create, made from something found only in Europe, using a recipe I'm assuming is complicated.” He opened an eye and looked at her.

  “I've never seen the recipe as you call it. But from the texts I've read, it takes years to master the formula. Only an Elder Healer could produce it.” Molly studied the gnarled knuckles of her hand.

  Jeff nodded and sat quietly for a few minutes. “So, what are the chances that Micah came across an old stockpile?”

  Molly shook her head. “200 year old wolf's bane would be useless as it loses potency within months of production. If that's what he used, and I can't think of anything else it could be, someone would have to have made it for him recently. So, the question is...”

  “Who made it?” Jeff finished. “If we figure that out, maybe we can find out where she is.”

  CHAPTER 15

  The door opened with a creak of old hinges sending goose bumps over her arms. Blinking her eyes from the sudden flood of light that drenched the little shack Carson squinted then looked away when she saw it was just Micah coming back again. He crossed the hard packed floor and squatted beside her, taking a canteen out and lifting it to her lips. “Drink,” he commanded. She pinched her lips tightly together and turned her face. He snarled and locked the fingers of one hand in the thick mass of curls on her head. “It's just water,” he growled then pressed the lip of the canteen against her mouth until she had to open to keep her lips from being cut by her teeth. The water was tepid but slated her thirst. Once he was sure she was done, he let her head go and capped the lid again.

  “When are you going to let me go?” She asked.

  He chuckled and looked through the window to the sky. “Oh not for a couple more hours; the sun is still up.”

  Hope flared in her heart. “You're going to let me go when the sun goes down?”

  He laughed, slapping his knee with one palm. “Well in a manner of speaking. I may be just a dumb ole Enforcer, but even I know that you have to be caught under the moon for an imprint to take. No, Princess, when I say let you go, it'll only be for the few minutes it takes for instinct to kick in. When I catch you, you'll be forced to submit and then you'll be mine. We'll go back to the pack and I'll be made beta as per the law. They will have to accept me, they have no choice. Even if Jeff takes it to the council, I happen to know they will uphold my claim. Nice and neat.”

  Pulling out a small parcel from the bag hanging by the door, he opened it and the smell of meat tickled her nose. Her wolf roused drowsily sniffing and she began to drool. Her stomach growled loudly. “Hungry, Princess?” He walked over and squatted next to her. Tearing off a piece of the meat he held it to her lips. “Cooked it myself. Caught it too. Normally I just have my dinner still warm from the chase but I know you don't prescribe to the natural way of life... yet.”

  Against her better judgment, she took a bite and the succulent flavor of rabbit washed over her tongue. Closing her eyes she almost moaned, it was so delicious and she was so hungry. Chewing carefully she swallowed only to find another piece waiting. When she had had her fill, she licked her lips and shook her head. He chuckled and opened the canteen for her again, letting her get a good drink. “See, I told you I will take care of you.”

  With her hunger sated, the wolf inside began to growl and pace wanting to take over. Carson closed her eyes so that Micah wouldn't see the struggle going on inside. Her efforts were a waste when she felt another sting in her thigh. More serum. Her animal immediately stilled and slid into unconsciousness. Carson opened her eyes and sighed. “Was that necessary?”

  “Let's just call that an insurance policy. You can't match me physically, but I don't know what a dreamer can do. Best to keep your hands tied and your wolf asleep for now.” He stood up again and tossed the empty syringe into a bucket.

  She had long ago abandoned trying to escape the ropes that held her tight. Without her wolf's enhanced strength, all she was able to do was dig the bindings deeper into her wrists and ankles. Bowing her head, her eyes locked on the dirty stained rag that had once been her bonding dress. Tears pooled in her eyes when she thought about Chase and the life they should be sharing as bonded mates now. She gritted her teeth, determination burning in her soul. She would get back to him, some way, somehow.

  .-~*~-.

  The sun had sunk down until there was nothing left except a beautiful sunset pai
nted across the sky. Dejectedly, Cayson dragged his feet through the dust of the compound, head down, eyes unfocused. Drawing a deep breath in, he let it out slowly, feeling like his heart was going to shatter. Even his wolf was quiet, exhausted, curled in a ball in the back of his mind – they had been running through the forest for the past four hours looking for any sign of his sister. He stopped when a wooden structure stood in his way. Looking up he recognized Zandria's little cottage. He didn't even question why he was there, but instead simply climbed the steps wearily and flopped down on the top step.

  He smelled her before he heard her; she smelled of fresh homemade cinnamon bread and sunflowers. Even as tired as he was, he looked up as Zandria stopped beside him and patted the wood beside him. “Have a seat.”

  She hesitated a moment but then dropped to the step beside him. She pulled one knee up and wrapped her arms around it and propped her chin on it. Cayson stole a look at her and admitted to himself, for a human she was quite beautiful. Her elfin face with those strange pale blue eyes, button nose and cupid's bow lips still bore the reminder of her attack. She would most likely carry the faint line of white scars for the rest of her life. But instead of distracting from her beauty it made her look mysterious. He liked it. He also liked that she had luscious curves in all the right places. She possessed an hourglass figure that accented her full breasts and well rounded hips. The tips of her long straight golden blonde hair just brushed the place that marked the start of her delicious, drool-able rear. Inside his beast agreed. She was petite without being delicate and Nature had surely broken the mold on her.

  The oversized tee shirt she wore barely brushed the waistband of the capri jeans she was wearing. The effect added to her allure and accentuated those curves. Barefoot, he saw she had painted her toenails a soft pale pink. He sighed again and thought about all the times she had pushed him away. But this time, she had sought him out on her own, so he waited for her to make the first move.

  Staring out over the compound they sat together in silence, listening to the songs of the frogs and cicadas until finally she broke it. “Any luck,” she asked quietly.

  The sound of her question was like silk to his ears, and her voice was just as beautiful as the rest of her. It was soft and musical, soothing the senses like a balm. He detected just a hint of an accent that he couldn't place. He turned his head and openly stared at her as she continued to look out over the compound. “So, you really can talk?” He teased her.

  She giggled and nodded her head. “I can. I just prefer not to.”

  For a moment he thought surely the angels were singing. Her voice was perfection and he wanted to sit right there and listen to her forever. She could read the instructions on assembling a desk and he would happily hang on every word. He sighed with a smile on his face. “Why don't you talk more? You have a beautiful voice.”

  He watched the smile on her face dissolve. “So I've been told,” she mumbled. Releasing her leg, she pulled the other up and crossed them Indian style before changing the subject. “What about your sister? Is there any news?”

  She was hiding something. But, not wanting to push her when she was finally talking to him, he decided to let the matter drop - for now. Instead, he reached down and grabbed a blade of grass. Pulling it through his rough fingers, he shredded it into thin strands. “Nothing yet“, he admitted dropping his shoulders gloomily. “We've been looking for almost twenty four hours now and nothing. It's like she's disappeared into thin air. I would still be out there looking but Father made me come in and rest. He says even wolves can't keep going indefinitely.” His voice dropped to a bare whisper, “I just want her back home.” He tossed the pieces of grass on the ground, staring at them for a few moments before continuing. “As bad as it is for the family, I can't begin to imagine how horrible it must be for Chase. He's barely holding on.”

  There was a deep inhalation. He glanced over and saw indecision etched on her face as if she was warring with herself. She had something on her mind, but the question was what? Not wanting the spook her, he just sat there and gave her time to make her own decision. Finally she spoke and the sound was so soft, he almost missed it.

  “I... “ she began then stopped.

  He waited several minutes but whatever she was about to say wasn't forthcoming. Finally, he reached a hand out and gently touched her arm. “What is it Zandria? Whatever it is you can tell me.”

  “No, it's nothing,” she murmured and started to get up.

  He stopped her. “It's not ‘nothing’. Something's on your mind, I can tell.” He hooked a finger under her chin and lifted her face up. He caught just the bare hint of the pale blue of her eyes focused on his chin before she looked away. “And why don't you ever look at me? Are you afraid of me?”

  She shook her head but wouldn't meet his gaze “I... I have my reasons for that,” she whispered. Taking another deep breath she began to twist her fingers nervously. Then she took a huge breath, holding it for a moment then let it out slowly. “Could you... uh... “ she started then threw her hands into her lap, balling the fingers into fists. “Could you get your father to come here?” the words tumbled out. “Please?”

  “He's awful busy right now with Carson and Micah and all. I don't think he'll come unless it's really important.”

  She chewed her lip, her eyes down on the ground. “I... I think... I... um.” She fidgeted, using her toe to kick a pebble off the step. “I think I can help you find her.”

  He jumped up and stared at her. She cringed and drew herself into a ball. “What do you mean? Do you know where she is?”

  She shook her head. “No, but I may be able to help some.”

  “How can you help?” He arched one eyebrow quizzically.

  “I can't explain it. Please, do you want help or not?” she had become aggravated. “'Cause if not, I'll go back in the house and just forget it.”

  He grabbed her hand. “No, no. We want any help we get. Come on, I'll take you to him.”

  She pulled away and rubbed her palm on her jean's leg as if it were burned. “No. It's a... a secret. Please, go get him and bring him here; just your father and nobody else. Please? I can't explain it, but don't tell anyone else.”

  “Um, if you are sure?”

  She nodded.

  Cayson shook his head in disbelief. “Well okay. I'll be right back.”

  By the time they had returned, the first stars began to peek thru the indigo canopy overhead. Zandria couldn't see the stars or the mist that had started to wriggle through the trees, but she clearly heard the two wolves leap up the steps and knew immediately who they were.

  “My son says you may know where Carson is.”

  She swallowed and grimaced. “It's not really that, but I may be able to tell you how to find her.” She looked him in the face without flinching.

  He looked at her, doubt clear on his face. “How do you know? Zandria, a lot of really strange things have been happening since you were found. What do you have to do with it?”

  She blanched. “No, sir, I swear to you I don't have anything to do with it. I just want to help. You have all been so nice to me, getting me fixed up and letting me stay. Carson has been really sweet and even Cayson...” she stopped and colored brightly. “I mean, I just want to do what I can.”

  “Very well. What can you do?” Jeff asked incredulously.

  She seemed to shrink into herself. “It's not really easy. I... well...“ She almost looked at Cayson but quickly let her eyes slide down his body to stare at the porch floor.

  Jeff grabbed her arms, “If you can help, then tell me how. I have too much going on to play games!”

  “Father,” the tone was low and unmistakable. Cayson's wolf had risen near the surface and was watching him through Cayson's eyes. Jeff dropped his hands and nodded, taking a deep breath and calming himself.

  She licked her lips then raised her gaze to the alpha again. “I'm going to try and sing her.”

  The two men looked at each
other and then to her. “Sing to her,” Cayson asked incredulously. “What does that mean?”

  She licked her lips and nodded. “I can do things, with my voice. Give people comfort, help them heal, call to them from afar...”

  “Push them away?” A light had come on in Cayson's eyes. “That's what you did to me the other day when I came to visit.”

  She nodded and kept her face down, a curtain of blond slipping from the headband she was wearing and concealing her face. He was just about to ask her why when Jeff interrupted. “I've never heard of this so please excuse my ignorance. What do you need from us? At this point, I would give anything a chance.”

  She raised her head and tucked the hair back into the headband. Again she refused to look Cayson in the eyes and now he knew it was intentional. He would get to the bottom of it but right now they had more important things to deal with.

  “I need you to take me to the last place she was seen.” She reached a hand out and placed it lightly on Jeff's arm. “But outside.”

  He put a hand on hers and led her down the steps and across the compound until they stopped just outside his house, at the bottom of the porch steps. She let go of his arm and murmured, “please give me a little room”

  Cayson and Jeff took a step back. The door opened and Miriah came out followed by Councilors Gretchen and Maggie. Jeff put his finger to his lips and they stood just outside the door watching.

  Zandria took a deep breath, her face down, her palms pressed together as if in prayer. She opened her lips and what spilled forth almost knocked them down. It was a song, beautiful, haunting, and longing, it pulled at their hearts and teased at their minds. Each of them took a step forward as if the melody was examining them and found them wanting. There were tears in their eyes as the sound continued to swim around them in gentle tendrils.