Tainted Souls: A Shadow Creek Novel

by J. C RIMELL

  “Tatum, glad you're back,” Cade said, gripping the powerful male's shoulder.

  Catching Tatum's startling, pale gray gaze, she smiled, causing tears to spring from her eyes. “Thank you. Both of you, so much. I'm so grateful.”

  “You're very welcome,” Tatum replied, his English, baritone voice sounding far too gentlemanly for someone who looked as gruesome as he did. “Don't worry, she's going to be fine now.”

  “Yes,” Kit finally breathed in relief. “Yes, she is.”

  §

  Fleet took another look at the rota for the dawn patrols and noticed Murphy hadn't signed back in last night. And hadn't signed out for this morning's patrol either.

  Delta came to a stand beside him. She had the early run this morning along with Murphy.

  “Have you seen Murphy?” Fleet asked, turning to face the young, copper-haired female and watching her sleepy, violet eyes widen.

  She shook her head. “No, he normally waits outside to give me a little privacy, you know, to shift.”

  Walking past her, he made his way to the opening out onto the training court and scanned the area. He couldn't see the shifter waiting. Something felt off. It wasn't unusual for one of the pack to stay out overnight. But they all knew there would be consequences if they didn't have the courtesy to call in or send a telepathic message and let Fleet know.

  Delta and Eve came to join him. “I'd be happy to take the dawn patrol if you don't mind.” Eve volunteered.

  Fleet turned and settled his gaze on her. He sensed her restlessness, her wolf needed some kind of release and could do with running some tension off.

  Thrusting a hand through his hair, Fleet nodded. “Go ahead. Eve, you go north, Delta run the south perimeter. I'll join up with Snow this afternoon if needed.”

  Eve sauntered to the edge of the forest. With a quick check she was clear of the lair, she stripped off her clothing and allowed her wolf to take over her body. She relaxed as the shift took place, feeling the power of her animal warp her human body into the magnificent creature she was born to be. The glorious myriad of colors sparkled and shimmered as her bones lengthened, muscles stretched and a jet black pelt covered her sleek frame.

  A deep breath before lunging into the mouth of the trees. Feeling the cool morning air whip past her head and slip through her fur, she sank deeper into the shadows.

  After completing the routine check of the lair's perimeter, Eve slowed to a jog. The sound of the river grew louder. It was the furthest point, and a designated stop for the pack to take a drink and catch their breath before retracing their steps back to the compound.

  Dipping her head she lapped at the water. But instead of the thirst quenching drink she was expecting, she shook her head, trying to shake the tainted taste of the water from off her tongue. She took a second to rub her tongue against her palette and found it was… like nectar as it flashed through her veins. She took a step back, lifted her muzzle and sniffed, the scent was thin in the air but it was unmistakable.

  Murphy.

  Eve looked around for him. He was here somewhere and her wolf told her to go further into the water. Venturing forward a few feet until her flanks were covered, she suddenly saw a naked body laying face down against some boulders that jutted out into the river on the other side.

  Her wolf whined as she began to swim out to him. Getting to the other side of the bank, she climbed out and shifted back into human form. Seconds later, she reached back into the water and gasped when she saw the extensive injury across Murphy's shoulder blade. The beautiful artwork that covered his wide, muscular back was distorted. The skin was completely torn, ragged and savage, showing shredded muscle, and although the healing process had begun, it would take a miracle to repair to its original form.

  Struggling, Eve hauled his heavy weight to the side of the ravine and managed to flip his huge body over. Her own body shook with the shock and adrenaline as she slipped her arms beneath his biceps, the size of him swallowing her up her smaller frame. Digging her bare feet into the muddy embankment, she heaved him backward, a warrior's cry ripping through her lungs with the effort.

  She got the top of his torso onto the bank and stared down at him, her gaze fixed on his lifeless body. Eve felt her heart give a painful squeeze in her chest. With a deep breath she pulled herself together. Pushing her emotions aside, she went down on one knee beside him. Wiping away the long wet strands of black hair from his face with gentle consideration, her mouth gaped wide open when she realized his wraparounds weren't in place.

  Long, damp lashes rested motionless on his pale cheekbones. The angles of his face stood out sharp and his mouth drained of its normal, deep pink, the bottom lip a little thicker than the top. Swallowing the knot that had formed in her throat, Eve pulled aside her wet hair and pressed an ear to his chest. The muscle felt hard and cold beneath her cheek as she listened. Her wolf rubbed itself close to her skin, taking pleasure in his closeness. Relief flooded her body when she finally heard the faint stutter of a heartbeat.

  Thank, God.

  Fleet, Murphy is badly injured and unconscious. Needs medical attention ASAP. Location is the furthest stop point on the northern perimeter. Unknown if the perpetrator is still in the area. Hurry… Please hurry.

  Eve sent the telepathic message along the packs' bond. Each shared the mental ability to do so. A second later Fleet responded.

  Sit tight Eve, we're coming.

  Sitting back, she glanced over his body. Although naked, his skin was an intricate web of tattoos. Eve hesitated before placing her fingers to either side of his temple. She needed to know what had happened and her ability to read memories was a sure way she'd see what had caused his injuries. As the memory would still be fresh, it made her task even easier.

  It's okay Murphy, she said down the pack bond. I'm only going to search for what happened. Whether he could hear her or not, Eve had to reassure him that she wasn't going to pry through private images. At least, not intentionally. Though it was never easy deciphering the jigsaw pieces of an individual's mind, she always tried her best only to look deeper into the subject she was searching for.

  Eve closed her eyes. Felt the breeze slip across her wet skin as she finely tuned her mind into the blank frequency she needed to be able to see another's.

  Bright flashes… Sparks of white and gold. The sunshine and wispy clouds. A woman, a beautiful smile, the feel of her thighs beneath his hands, his hair slipping through her fingers, happiness… The cool taste of water before a silver wolf leaped from above. An angel with only one beautiful, black wing sat sullen by a waterfall… Pain and blood… Darkness… Its dark eyes flashing up to look at her...

  A branch snapping from behind her broke Eve's concentration. Whipping her head around, her moist gaze was met by a stranger's standing on the other side of the ravine. Eve jumped into a defensive position in front of Murphy. Her hair fell forward and covered her breasts. But she didn't care about her naked flesh, she was ready to shift and fight the tall male with the strange, piercing white eyes if he came any closer.

  The male stopped and raised his hands, palms facing upward in a peaceful gesture, his gaze drinking in the wild beauty of her. “I mean you no harm, she-wolf.”

  Eve's eyes flashed in warning, her wolf prowling very close to the surface, fangs already spearing her gums. “Don't you dare come any closer,” she warned, her voice thick and untamed.

  Lowering his hands, he shook his head. “I wouldn't dream of it… You look quite... intimidating.”

  Good. Eve thought. She would die before anyone else would get close enough to hurt Murphy.

  Her eyes widened when the stranger was suddenly joined by four other males, all sharing the same odd white pupils. She suddenly recollected those eyes.

  The walkers in the packs' holding cell's.

  She was outnumbered by the ancient walker/vampire subordinates of a Vampire King. But she knew Fleet and her pack were coming, so she held her ground.

  The stran
ger stepped forward and her claws sliced through her fingertips. “Do not take one more step if you value your life.” The river wasn't a very wide divide between them and she needed time, or she was going to have to take on five of the blood-suckers alone. It was a daunting thought, but she'd rather die than let them get anywhere near Murphy.

  “The one responsible for your pack mate's injuries is back there.” The stranger indicated behind him with his thumb over his shoulder. “His injuries are serious. I don't think even his healing ability will save him from losing his limb.”

  Fleet, we have company, approach with caution. Five Others.

  Eve didn't know if this stranger meant any harm, but she wasn't about to take that risk. Her sensitive hearing picked up the faint echo of paws clawing through the earth. Felt the subtle tremors of the ground beneath her feet.

  Before the stranger knew it, he and his fellow Others were surrounded by members of Shadow Pack.

  Fleet was the only one still in his human form, as Alpha, he was adept at being able to run just as fast as his wolf.

  Eve quickly scanned the pack that was now circling the group of Others standing in the clearing. Delta, Ryker, Snow, Cade and Gunner looked dangerously formidable and a sense of pride made her chest swell and she felt as though she suddenly stood an inch taller.

  Her alpha turned his head, and she met his intelligent gaze.

  You did good Eve, calm your wolf. We're here now.

  Eve nodded, felt his power calm her before he re-focused on the men standing before him. Fleet, she said, momentarily bringing his attention back to her, there is another injured male. He may be responsible for this… I checked Murphy's memory and think the male is a rogue. He gave her a clipped nod and sent the telepathic command to Cade to check the surrounding area. Hearing a rustle behind her, Eve turned to see Madoc and Jack Henderson carrying a stretcher and medical supplies. The location was too remote for a vehicle to gain entry. They would have to carry Murphy to the nearest access point a mile away.

  Madoc quickly assessed Murphy and checked his vitals before approaching Eve. She cautiously placed a hand on the young woman's bare shoulder. “Eve, are you okay? Are you hurt?”

  Eve shook her head. “No,” she said, bringing her arms around her naked frame. “I'm fine.”

  “Here,” Madoc handed her some sweats and a pair of trainers, “put these on and let's take care of our soldier.”

  Eve's wolf submitted and faded into the back of her mind as she slipped into the clothing and shoved her feet into the trainers.

  Together the three of them lifted Murphy's big body onto the stretcher. Over six and a half feet and weighing over 280lbs of solid muscle, it was no easy task and his long legs hung off the end.

  “Ready?” Jack asked as he took a firm grip on the top end of the stretcher. Madoc bent low to pick up the other end.

  “No,” Eve said with a determined look in her eyes that said she wasn't about to be swayed. “I'll carry him.”

  Nodding, Madoc stepped aside and grabbed the medical bag. “Let's get him out of here.”

  Mustering all her strength, Eve lifted her end of the stretcher unable to avoid staring down at Murphy's lifeless body. A winter's chill settled heavily in her chest and its icy fingers crept over her heart, slowing its normal rhythm until it froze and sat immobile in her breast.

  Fleet watched as his injured soldier was carried away. I want hourly updates, Madoc.

  Of course, she replied.

  Refocusing on the Others, he approached the one who seemed to be in charge. “What are you doing here?”

  “We are not looking for any trouble… Only searching for our brothers.”

  Fleet's eyes narrowed skeptically. “And what makes you think they're here?”

  The male sighed as though exasperated. “This town was their last known location. We stopped only to offer the she-wolf help.”

  I've located the place where the rogue must have been, he's gone but the limb was left behind. Cade's voice echoed in his alpha's mind.

  “Seth and Daniel?” Fleet prompted, seeing surprise and relief in the strange wide eyes staring back at him. The other men began to close in until a growl from one of the wolves behind stopped them in their tracks.

  “Yes,” his brows crashed together. “How do you know them? Are they in danger?”

  “I can take you to them,” Fleet edged closer, a growl proceeding his next few words and a flash of power in his tawny eyes. “The thing is… We can do it the easy way or the hard way. The choice is yours.”

  Eight

  Back at the lair, Madeleine examined Murphy's injuries. It was clear the wound had already started the healing process, to which she added a dose of her own healing power. The torn muscle and skin would rejuvenate, of that she was certain. Looking closer, she examined Samil, the beautiful, fallen angel on his back who shared a strange resemblance to Murphy. The angel had lost one of its wings forever unless he had the tattoo redone.

  Madeleine's latex gloved hands were covered to the wrists in Murphy's blood when her head reared up to see Kit. “Hey, thanks for coming. Scrub in would you?”

  After an eager nod from her new nurse, she finished cleaning the muscle and torn flesh so that it would heal faster. Intricate fibers were already weaving together right before her eyes. She stood in complete absorption; her healing gift and that of her pack member's own healing ability never failed to stun her. A moment later, she was joined by the young women who had become increasingly popular with everyone.

  “Oh, God,” Kit said at the sight of Murphy's vicious injury. “Will he…?”

  Madeleine smiled behind her surgical mask. “He'll be just fine. Gave us quite a scare, though,” her words came out muffled against the thin fabric.

  Kit blew out a breath. “Good. That's really good.”

  “I hear Jo is home,” Madeleine said with a warm lilt to her voice as she removed her surgical garments.

  Kit's smile was hidden behind her own mask, but it was evident by the crease of her eyes that suddenly shone a brighter shade of blue. “Yes, I'm so relieved. I've had so many nightmares. I never gave up hope, but the possibility of her coming home… Well I just...”

  Madeleine came around the gurney to stand beside her and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “It'll be great to have her back,” she paused, sensing her friend was a little on edge all of a sudden.

  “Fleet has done a mind sweep on her,” Kit said, her eyes swinging sideways to meet Madeleine's again. “We thought it was for the best. He said there was hardly anything to erase as she'd been kept in some sort of trance during the ordeal by the vampires. It shouldn't have any adverse effects, you know, on the rest of her memories.”

  Madeleine's head tilted to one side and she sighed deeply. “If you're asking me if it was the right thing to do? In all honesty, I'm not sure. We don't know exactly what Jo went through. Perhaps, it's for the best she doesn't know either.”

  Kit nodded and refocused on her patient.

  “It's strange. It's as though she's never been away. I told her she caught the flu from me that's why she looks so unwell and has dropped all the weight.”

  Madeleine smiled with warm affection. “I'm sure she'll be fine after a few days, but I'm happy to drop in and check on her if you'd like?”

  Kit turned and hugged her hard. “Oh, thank you,” she said pulling away. “I've convinced my mom to come over for a short break, to help Jo get back on her feet while I'm at Silver Skies.”

  “That's good news, I'll look forward to meeting her,” Madeleine replied. “Just what exactly have you told your mom about your situation?”

  Kit chuckled as she placed the gauze pad over Murphy's wound. “That I'm madly in love and I've found a job as a nurse and midwife with a specialized unit. She's ecstatic and can't wait to meet Cade. I e-mailed a photo.”

  Madeleine was happy for Kit and Cade. He was a lucky guy to have found such a wonderful woman and who just so happened to be his mate. The
thought sparked her memory. Shit! She had a meeting to get to.

  “Can I leave you to dress the wound?” Madeleine asked, tugging off her gloves with a snap and throwing them in the haz bin. “I need to go clean up quickly. I'm a day late for a meeting with Fleet, actually.”

  Ten minutes later, Madeleine returned and gave Kit a firm nod of approval for having dressed the wound. Then checked the intravenous drip was sealed securely into the back of Murphy's hand, happy to see his fever had started to retreat. Both turning to leave, they found Eve lingering in the doorway.

  She edged into the room. “How is he?”

  Madeleine glanced back at the big shifter. “He's out of the woods.” She smiled, a hand giving Eve's arm a gentle squeeze. “He'll be fine with some rest.”

  “Can I stay a while?”

  Madeleine nodded, her cinnamon eyes soft and warm with the knowledge of the young woman's affections for the dark and quiet shifter. “Of course.”

  The sterile smell of the infirmary filled her lungs. But as Eve neared the bed where Murphy lay, the scent of him, a wild storm, clean and fresh soon replaced it. She pulled up a chair and sat down next to the gurney and studied Murphy: He was lying on his front with his face turned to the side. The sound of his steady pulse through the monitor and his soft breathing made her heart stutter and the ice that had encapsulated it, began to thaw a little.

  Eve thought about the memories she had sifted through. She hadn't meant to stumble upon one of her and Murphy earlier that day, a smile spread across her face at the recollection of it. He'd enjoyed holding her, touching her. It was a happy memory for him and that made the very same memory all the sweeter for her.

  His arms lay atop of the sheet covering the lower half of his body and she reached out, her wolf begging for the contact. She laced her fingers through his with a deliberate gentle touch. The size of his hand swallowed hers, making it feel small against his palm. Her wolf rolled and rubbed in the reassurance and comfort of his warm skin.