by Bethany Shaw
There were three men dressed in military gear standing outside of the trucks, guarding the vehicles with rifles. There was movement, shadows from inside the store, but he couldn’t make out how many and doubted Enid could either. All they had to do was sit and wait, but that was easier said than done.
“Do you think they found the room we were in?” Enid questioned. She continued to stare through the scope of her rifle and he pondered if she’d shifted her eyes while gazing into it. How does she work that thing anyway?
“I’m not sure. Theresa seemed pretty adamant they wouldn’t,” he replied as he crouched next to her. “They do want those books.”
“Do you still think leaving them behind at the house was a good idea?” she questioned.
“Yes. I thought you didn’t want to talk?” he inquired with a smirk.
“What is it about Darren you don’t like?” she wondered, ignoring his question.
“I can’t explain it. Maybe it's simply the fact that he’s acting as an alpha when he shouldn't be,” he told her.
“I guess I never really thought about it. I’ve been too busy wallowing in self-pity,” she murmured as she scooted across the ground.
“You lost your entire family,” he reminded her. “Most people I’ve met didn’t lose everyone they cared for.”
Enid shrugged as she squared her shoulders.
“Do you see something?” he questioned.
“There aren’t as many shadows in the upstairs loft,” she commented.
“How do you know which ones to shoot?” he wondered as he watched the door to the shop.
“I’m assuming anyone in civilian clothing is a witch,” she replied.
“See anyone yet?” he asked.
I wonder if she can see something I can’t? I don’t see anyone yet.
“No. But I imagine they are going to come soon,” she said as one of the guards started one truck, then the other. “Radio Parker and Martin, tell them to be ready, but to let me take the first shot.”
Alex pulled out the radio and followed her instructions. The two other wolves mumbled their consent and he shoved the walkie-talkie back into his pocket as he continued to wait.
Feet appeared at the edge of the awning, the black boots looked to be military grade. Hopefully there were witches here. After the revelations this afternoon he’d feel better knowing a few of the responsible parties were six feet under.
His mind wandered to Tate. His son had been two. The boy hadn’t stood a chance against the flu. He was too young. After Melissa and Tate’s deaths, he’d waited for Cori or himself to get sick. Those were the worst few weeks of his life.
A pop cut through the crisp air, drawing him from his thoughts. Alex snapped his head back in the direction of the shop. A woman crumpled to the ground unmoving. Another bang echoed through the mountains followed by several pops further away. Two more bodies dropped to the ground.
“We’ve got trouble,” Martin’s voice hollered through the radio.
Loud crackles vibrated through the radio.
That sounded like gunfire.
“Martin,” Alex called. “Martin!”
He was met with static.
“Shit,” he muttered as his eyes darted around the landscape. Someone else was out there with them.
The steady thrum of a helicopter ricocheted off the rock walls as it rose over a ridge and approached them.
“There’s a chopper out here,” he bellowed into the walkie, hoping Parker would get the message.
Alex darted to Enid as she fired rounds from her gun. “We have to go. Now!”
He didn’t wait for her to respond; instead, he hauled her up by the elbow as she was firing. Probably not the best or safest idea, but it got her attention.
“I almost had her,” she argued, wrenching her arm free.
“We’re about to be killed,” he shouted at her. “I want them dead as much as you do, Enid, but right now we have to move.”
Enid swallowed as she cast her glance back to the shop.
“Now!” he bellowed as he shook her.
Enid jumped and took a step back from the ridge. She slung the gun over her shoulder and Alex gripped her hand, pulling her into a sprint. If there was more time he’d transition, but the sound of the helicopter engine loomed over their heads. It would be on top of them soon.
Together they zipped into the trees, but without foliage, they provided little cover.
“There’s an entrance into the lava tubes this way,” Enid panted as she leapt over a log. “We’ll have to go down a steep slope to get inside.”
“Lead the way.” The less time they were exposed the better.
“It’s just over this ridge,” she called over her shoulder.
Enid’s eyes widened and she dove to the ground pulling him with her. A spray of bullets rained down around them and he curled himself around Enid, doing his best to protect her.
“Are you hit?” he cried out when the gunfire stopped. He peered down at her as he inhaled. The coppery scent of blood was overpowering to their sensitive noses, but thankfully, he didn’t smell it.
“No. You?” she gasped.
“No.” He tugged her back to her feet and they shot over the terrain.
The edge of the slope was only a few feet away. Enid slid down the rocky ground first, skidding down in controlled movements. Alex tried to keep up with her, but she was faster and more fluid than he was.
The chopper hovered over them and he pushed himself to move faster as gunfire erupted. His eyes darted over the rocks, but there was nowhere to take cover.
Enid screamed as a spray of blood splattered through the air. She pitched forward, face first and tumbled down the ravine.
“Enid!” he cried out as he rushed after her.
Her body bumped, colliding with the rocks as she plummeted down the steep hill. She rolled, landing on her belly, face first on the rocky earth below.
The chopper opened fire on him. Bullets pinged against the rocks and he prayed that none of them hit their mark. He had to get to Enid. Her form lay below on a slab unmoving.
“Enid!”
Dear God, please let her be okay.
Chapter Nine
Enid coughed as the taste of metal flooded her mouth. Her body pulsed like it’d been jabbed with hundreds of needles simultaneously. She groaned as she rolled over and sucked in a burning breath. Alex’s voice floated on the breeze as she stared up at the blurry sky.
Was this it? Was this how it ended?
“Enid!” Alex called as his face loomed over hers.
She blinked up at him, opening her mouth to speak, but croaking instead.
“It’s okay. I got you.” He covered her like a second skin as something clanged around them.
She gasped in a deep breath as she forced her mind to think. The caves. We have to get inside.
Her heavy, trembling hand wavered as she pointed to her right. Alex followed her gesture and nodded.
Enid groaned as he jostled her while lifting her into his arms and sprinted towards the tunnel opening. She blinked up at the offensive sunlight as the trees bounced above her. The light disappeared and darkness enveloped her.
She closed her eyes and opened them as heat encompassed her like a blanket. Her body screamed as Alex jostled her, laying her on the cavern floor. His fingers shook, or maybe it was her body, she couldn't be sure as he unzipped her jacket.
“Shit,” he muttered as his hands pressed against her side.
Enid cried out, sputtering as she forced air into her screaming lungs.
“I’m sorry. It’s okay,” Alex said as if trying to assure them both. “I have to get the bullet out,” he told her as he rolled her shirt up.
“How bad is it?” she grunted as she closed her eyes. It’d be so easy to shut her eyes and drift off to sleep. Would she wake up if she did?
“Enid! Stay with me,” Alex barked as he tapped her cheek.
Her eyes fluttered open and she met his wide-eyed
gaze. He shoved off his bag and pulled out the small first aid kit they had.
She exhaled and gritted her teeth as he pulled out a pair of tweezers.
“This is going to hurt,” he warned.
His warm fingers probed her skin and she closed her eyes. The tweezers dug into her flesh and she howled as Alex fished for the bullet. Stars dotted her vision and she tensed, willing her body not to thrash.
“Got it,” he exclaimed.
Enid panted as nausea coiled in her belly. Alex’s hands pressed something to her side.
“Open your eyes, Enid,” Alex insisted. “Were you shot anywhere else?”
“I don’t...think...so,” she slurred.
“Stay awake,” he ordered as he tapped her cheek again.
“Trying,” she whispered as darkness tugged at her.
“You’re losing a lot of blood,” Alex said as his fingers ran up and down her body. She assumed he was checking for injuries.
“There are no more bullet wounds,” he told her as he grasped her chin. “Are you still with me?”
“Mmmhmm,” she mumbled as dizziness clouded over her. Sleep. I want to sleep.
“You have to transition,” he explained as he removed her shoes.
Her body jostled as he undressed her, but her leaden eyes refused to open.
“Enid! Fight this. Stay with me. I love you, Enid. You have to fight. Do you hear me?” Alex’s voice floated over her.
Shimmering light called to her and she moved toward it. She’d wished to join her family a thousand times the past eight years.
“Stay with me, Enid. I need you. Open your eyes. Please!” Alex’s frenzied voice called to her.
Enid took a step back from the light. I’m not ready to die, she realized.
Her fingers trembled as she lifted them. Alex’s hand found hers and she snapped her eyes open.
“Enid,” Alex breathed as he bent down to kiss her forehead. “You got to transition. It will heal the wounds.”
Enid grunted as he rolled her over. Alex had removed the clothes from her body and she trembled as she rose to her hands and knees.
“You can do this,” he encouraged as he brushed wisps of hair out of her face.
Enid pictured her wolf as she drew in a burning breath. Her lungs were on fire and her side pulsed in time to her frantic heart rate.
The bones in her back snapped and realigned. She screamed as her already gnarled flesh tore.
“You’re doing good. Keep going,” Alex told her as he scooted back.
Her vision darkened and she forced air into her lungs as her legs broke. She fell onto her belly, whimpering as her arms crackled. Hair sprouted over her body and she became a wolf.
Alex moved forward again, ruffling her head with his palm. “Rest a minute before you change back,” he whispered as he kissed her snout.
Enid closed her eyes and fought to control her labored breathing. The second shift wouldn’t be as difficult, but she was ready to get it over with now. She focused on her human form as she began the change.
Shifting sped up the healing process. Instead of a gunshot that was minutes old she’d have one that was days old by the time she was done. The flesh would be healed and scarred, but she’d be exhausted from the injury and forced shifts.
“How do you feel?” Alex asked as he smoothed his hand over her face.
She opened her eyes and met Alex’s. “Better,” she whispered as she struggled to sit.
“Take your time,” Alex warned as he wrapped an arm around her and helped her into a sitting position.
“We should get back,” Enid replied.
“Are you sure you’re ready?” he questioned.
She wasn’t, but she wasn’t going to tell him that; afraid her words would betray her, she nodded.
Alex held her as she wobbled into a standing position. Her knees jiggled, ready to give out on her, but she pressed forward. The further she went, the easier it became.
“It’s getting hot in here,” Alex commented breaking the silence between them.
“Some tunnels are hotter than others,” she told him as they made their way down a narrow corridor. It probably didn’t help cool him that he was helping to drag her along.
“This is a volcano. Are you sure it’s not going to erupt?” Alex questioned.
“It is overdue according to scientists.” She shrugged.
“What?” he asked as he gaped at her.
“The last eruption was in 1894. Before the flu, scientists said it was a matter of if, not when,” she replied.
“We are living in a mountain—a volcano that is a ticking time bomb?” Alex’s voice rose to a shout as he spoke.
“Technically. But it gives us everything we need,” she argued. It was true. They had water, warm baths, adequate food sources nearby, and the tunnels had natural heat from the lava.
“Until we are all incinerated,” he mumbled.
Enid bit her lip. She wanted to tell him that she was sure they’d have a warning before an eruption, but she wasn’t sure if that was true or not.
“We should go left at this fork up here,” she told him as she limped alongside him.
“How’d you get to know these tunnels so well?” Alex wondered.
“I liked spending time by myself. Darren tasked me with finding alternate ways through the caves in case of an emergency,” she explained.
“Like an eruption?”
“Or an attack,” she teased, though she’d prefer that neither happened.
“It’s sweltering down here,” Alex said as he swiped his arm over his forehead.
“We’re almost there,” she told him, though she was sure he could probably hear the frenzied chatter from the main cavern.
I wonder what is going on?
The voices grew louder into shouts and screams.
Alex didn’t comment while the two of them hobbled along the corridor faster. The voices grew to hushed whispers as they emerged into the main chamber.
“Dad!” Cori cried as she hurled herself through the crowd.
Alex opened one arm to his daughter as he held onto Enid with the other, still supporting her weight.
Cori crashed into them and wrapped her arms around the both of them. “Parker just got back. Martin’s dead and he said you guys took on heavy fire.”
“The two of you are okay?” Darren questioned as he approached with Parker on his heels.
“I wasn’t sure what happened to you two,” Parker told them as he offered his hand to Alex. “I couldn’t make it to you without coming under fire myself. Then I saw the trucks on the move. I just got back a few minutes ago.”
Alex shook his hand. “Enid knows these tunnels really well. We found an alternate route home.”
“You got five hits in,” Parker said placing a hand on Enid's shoulder. “Good shooting, but I’m afraid the convoy is headed our way. We don’t have much time before they are at the mountain.”
“I’ve already sent out a few strike teams, but we are preparing for an attack and the possibility of retreat,” Darren stated.
“Leave?” Alex growled. “Where will we go?” There was nowhere else. Enid had told him as much the other day when he’d wanted to flee.
“Avalanche,” Enid whispered.
“What?” Alex and Darren asked at the same time.
“Avalanche,” she repeated. “We start an avalanche.”
“How?” Darren questioned.
“We have all those grenades. Why not use them?” she pointed out.
“Is that safe?” Alex argued.
“We can’t let them get to the mountain,” Enid replied.
“Is this something you can do?” Darren questioned as he looked her over.
“No. She’s hurt,” Alex snapped as he tugged her closer into his side.
“Yes,” she quipped. If it meant saving the pack and Alex and Cori she would find the strength.
“You can barely walk,” Alex fumed.
“I’ll do it,
” Parker volunteered. “Get her someplace where she can rest. I’m sure I can figure out what I’m doing.”
“At least let me draw him a map and give him an idea of where to pinpoint the explosions,” Enid insisted.
“Can you do that?” Parker asked tilting his head.
“Our pack tried to integrate into the human world as much as possible. My father worked as a ranger here. Occasionally he was tasked with setting off controlled avalanches,” Enid explained. “I watched him work. The tunnels and the mountain have always fascinated me.”
“Let’s find you someplace to sit down while you work that out,” Alex suggested as they hobbled forward.
Enid nodded as she held him tightly, limping to the cafeteria. She inhaled a deep breath and let it out as her insides screamed. It had been a long time since she’d helped her father and she’d never done it herself. She prayed that she did this right. If she was wrong, it could be deadly for more than just the humans.
***
Alex winched as an explosion echoed through the caverns. The walls shook and he held his breath, praying the icy walls didn’t collapse on them. He wrapped Cori in a hug and held her close as the seconds ticked by.
Enid lay in bed, sleeping soundly through the ordeal. It was good she was resting; her body had been through quite the calamity.
Another boom ricocheted off the walls and Cori gripped him tighter.
“It’s going to be okay,” he assured even though he had no way of knowing if that was true.
“Do you think they’ll send more humans here?” she questioned.
“I think they’ll come sooner or later,” he admitted with a sigh, though he’d wager a successful attack might ward them off a little longer, especially if they thought the wolves would keep to the mountain. No one had seen them in town.
Cori remained silent for several long minutes before asking, “Do you think it’s over?”
“Probably.” He didn’t know much about avalanches, but he’d guess that the blasts were most effective when done together.
A throat cleared on the opposite side of the curtain that draped over the opening to their room.
Cori pulled back and arched her brow at him.
“Come in,” Alex called.