by Jen Wylie
Garen had never changed. She’d thought perhaps it was hard to do, or maybe when they did they ended up naked. No, this man shifted fully clothed.
His clothing didn’t draw her attention. Her gaze remained riveted to his face. His eyes remained the strange blue shot with gold, his hair hung black and short and slightly wild. His features were handsome enough, though he looked older than she expected an immortal to be, perhaps in his early to mid-twenties. Maybe he was just really old. Or perhaps it was the scars.
Claw marks slashed one side of his face from cheek to jaw. Another shorter set marked the other side of his jaw and then continued down his neck to hide under his loose shirt. Unlike Bo’s large scar, they were thinner and looked much older. She knew whatever had attacked him almost took his life. Immortals didn’t scar, not unless they had no power to heal themselves.
His dark brows bunched together as he looked at her in concern. "Are you lost, little one?"
Tears welled in her eyes again. His voice…she’d never heard one so beautiful. Deep and sultry, soft, almost a purr.
"You should not be here," he continued.
She wanted him to keep talking, however his words finally made sense and she moved her gaze from his lips back to his eyes. "I know," she finally stammered. Her own voice sounded so coarse in her ears. She didn’t want to speak again.
Aro? What’s happening?
They think I’m lost.
Garen let out a mental sigh of relief. Good.
Stay out of the woods!
We will. We’re heading your way along the boundary.
The Were stood and held out his hands. "Come."
She looked at his hands, up to his face, and then back at the hands. Letting go of her daggers wasn’t something she wanted to do. His fingers moved, inviting her to take them.
Leaning forward, she slipped her hands into his and he pulled her up. Her hands looked dwarfed in his. She kept her eyes on them when he didn’t let go.
"I will not harm you," he said quietly.
She looked up into his strange eyes again. Should she pretend to be a silly lost girl? Pushing away the fear creeping up her spine, she raised her eyebrows. "Do you swear?"
He chuckled. "On my honor."
She barely heard what he said. A smile curved her lips at the sound of his laugh. How could someone have such a voice?
Aro?
Garen’s voice brought her mind back into focus. So far all is good.
The Were ran his thumbs reassuringly across the backs of her hands. His brow furrowed and she followed his gaze down to her scars. Glancing up again, she met his eyes. He let go of one hand and raised it to brush the hair from her face. She jerked back, and tried to turn away, but from his low growl she knew he’d seen the scar on her forehead as well. His fingers feather danced over them, then slightly touched her cheek and by her lip. She must have scars there too. The lack of mirrors on their journey probably kept her from bursting into tears.
"What has happened to you?"
The sweetness of his voice didn’t pull her in this time. Anger and embarrassment kept her focused on the trouble she was in. "Ship wreck. Slavers. Soldiers. Pick one."
His solemn face made her stand up straighter. She tried to pull her other hand away. He held it tightly and moved around her, leading her toward the boundary. She followed him willingly enough. Hopefully he’d get her there and then go away.
"You are not so lost, I do not think."
She didn’t look at him, her eyes were too busy watching the fog around her, and the moving shadows of the other Were as they followed. His hand tightened around hers once again.
She glared up at him. "That hurts."
"I do not like to be played with, little one."
"I’m not little!"
His anger disappeared as he laughed out loud. He bent toward her. "Yes, you are."
The fog parted before them and she could see the fields beyond. They weren’t far from the boundary.
We’re almost to the boundary.
We aren’t far.
She pulled toward it, but the Were stopped and pulled her back to his side.
"Why are you in our woods?"
She turned away, even though he didn’t let go of her hand. "I was upset. I just needed to be alone for a little while."
"You are not alone?"
She grimaced but decided to stick with the truth. "Of course not. I’m with my family."
He nodded. "And where are they now?"
"Probably looking for me. They aren’t in the forest," she added quickly.
He searched her face intently. She let him, staring up at him with nothing to hide. Well, other than the fact her family weren’t all human. However, hopefully he’d never learn the truth of that.
"Let us go find them then."
Her eyes widened in shock. "No!"
Aro? What’s wrong?
The one Were wants to take me to you.
That…might not be a good idea.
I know that!
The Were’s eyes shifted to her forehead. "Did they do this to you?"
"Of course not! They’re very protective. I don’t want them to get worried and try to rescue me from you. That’s all." She looked toward the boundary again. "Can I go?"
"Though that would be the most logical choice, part of me feels…" he hesitated.
She looked back up at him and waited while he regarded her thoughtfully. Her patience began to wear away. "I swear we are no threat to you. Or your forest. We are simply travelling the boundary. It is safest for us."
"Why is that?"
"It…because," she floundered for words. Stick with the truth. "There has been fighting. In the cities." She pointed north with her free hand. "We were in one, and it was attacked. We barely escaped, but the soldiers hunted us through the fields." She didn’t have to fake the tears welling in her eyes again. "They killed John."
His face softened, as much as it could with all those scars, even though she knew he had no idea who John was. "We have heard of that attack. Alar-En’s pack has spoken of many humans trying to flee to the forests there."
An idea came to her. Bo, ride up. Call for me.
On my way.
"I’m sorry. That I broke the laws."
"Aro! Time to go! Where are you?"
She pulled against the Were’s hand. "That’s my brother."
He turned toward the sound and then without a word began walking toward the boundary, pulling her along with him. He stopped abruptly a few steps from the edge.
"Can I go now?" She took a step past him and looked north through the trees. Not far away a large tree had come down. Its leafy top fell outside the forest, blocking her view. It must have come down in the storm. The top leaves didn’t seem to have started to wilt at all.
Bo rode around them, thankfully alone. "Aro?" He made a show of leaning over the horse’s neck trying to peer into the trees.
"I’m coming!"
Bo’s head jerked up and he smiled, riding toward her.
She pulled against the Were’s grip. He ignored her, watching Bo as he approached. Turning and looking around, she saw Were pacing the forest behind them. Lots of Were. With a gulp she whirled back around.
There are a lot of Were. Stay on the horse.
Bo’s smile faltered, though she supposed it could be because he saw the man holding her as well. He stopped the horse a good distance beyond the trees. "Aro?" His hand went to his sword, but didn’t draw it.
With both hands she pulled, trying to free herself from the Were’s grip. "Please. Let me go now."
He turned to look down at her and finally let go. His head snapped around suddenly. Before she could bolt to safety, his arm snaked around her waist and jerked her back against him.
She screeched and fought against him, stomping his foot and trying to elbow his kidneys.
"That is enough…Aro." His grip tightened around her and she gasped. He turned, moving her with him and she saw the other Were ru
nning north.
Rot! You got to close! The Were are coming!
"Stop! Stop them! Please, don’t!"
Her captor looked down at her. She didn’t pay attention to him. She sighed with relief as the other wolves followed his mental command and stopped.
"Where are the others?"
His beautiful voice was not pleased. She winced. "Past the fallen tree."
"What are you hiding, little one?"
She glared up at him. "I’m not. You just won’t understand."
"Call them to come."
She pressed her lips into a thin angry line and glared up at him. "Fine." Turning, she cupped her hands around her mouth. "Boys! I need you!" He knows you’re there.
None of them answered, but she knew they were coming. Bo pulled his sword slightly. She shook her head. She didn’t want to fight. It wouldn’t end well.
"You’re the alpha aren’t you," she said suddenly.
He looked down at her. "Yes."
Know your enemy. He’d be the one giving orders. The man with me is their alpha. There are at least a dozen as wolves behind us.
Rot it all, Kei muttered.
Don’t panic, Garen added. We can get out of this.
Prince remained silent.
I’m not panicking. I’m getting irritated.
That’s actually worse, I think, Bo said. From his horse, she watched him give her a warning look.
Forcing herself to calm down, she relaxed in the Were’s hold.
She saw Prince ride around the trees. He didn’t hurry. Her eyes narrowed as she searched for Kei and Garen.
Garen trotted forward from behind Prince and moved around the horse, coming to stop beside Bo. She didn’t see Kei.
"A Were, and an Elf," the man muttered.
Kei, what are you doing?
I don’t think–
Get out here. He’s angry with me already.
Very well.
Kei burst out of the fallen tree, landing easily in a crouch before springing up again and jogging forward.
The grip around her waist tightened.
"I told you that you wouldn’t understand," she muttered. Hearing movement behind her, she turned her head and saw the other Were creeping forward. Gritting her teeth, she glared at them for a moment.
Rhee-En, Garen whispered.
Is it? She heard Prince reply.
Who is Rhee-En? She looked up at the man holding her. Was he someone important?
Neither Garen or Prince answered her.
Her boys all stood before her now and tension tightened every muscle in her body.
"You are the ones found in the cave during the storm."
She couldn’t help muttering a number of choice curses. Stopping mid-curse, she frowned. "Were you one of them? That attacked us?"
"No. This is not my land. We were on a chase."
"Where’s your land?"
"You ask a lot of questions."
"It’s a hazard of knowing me." Her boys all snorted and she glared over at them.
"My pack holds the next lands to the south."
"Great," she muttered. They were heading that way. Now they’d be forced to stay out of the forests. Certainly he’d have his wolves watching them.
"A sickly Elf, a Fey who is not wild, and a shiftless Were," the man, Rhee-En, mused.
"And us humans," she grumbled. She paused, her brows drawing together in confusion. What did shiftless Were mean?
He stepped them forward. "Do please feel free to explain."
Prince rode his horse forward a few steps and pulled off his silly, floppy hat.
The Were holding her sucked in a sharp breath. Did he recognize Prince?
He bowed his head slightly.
Apparently so.
"My…companions are assisting me home. We mean no disrespect being in your lands."
"Understood. Your journey has not been kind."
Prince frowned at the barb. "No. It has not. Time has become important. If you would return Aro, we will be on our way."
Rhee-En and Prince stared at each other as her heart beat furiously in her chest. Finally Rhee-En loosened his hold as he turned his attention to her. "Do you wish to go?"
She shook her head slightly, not understanding the absurd question. "Of course I do. I have to get Prince home."
He chuckled. "Prince? Is that what you call him?"
She grimaced, but nodded. Though she knew Prince’s name, she wasn’t about to admit it.
His brows drew together again. "You are the one the dragon saved."
She said nothing. He stared down at her. Her eyes narrowed slightly and she tilted her chin up, meeting his squarely. "He finds me interesting."
"You are human."
I’m an interesting human.
His eyes widened.
A satisfied smile curved her lips as she leaned forward. My family include Were, Fey, human, and Elf. I love them all. I wish no harm to your forest or your people. Let me return to mine.
He nodded, still in shock, and released her.
She took a step back and gave him a brief nod of thanks. Before he could come to his senses and change his mind she bolted toward her boys.
Kei reached her first and she flung herself into his arms, holding him tightly.
"Are you hurt?"
"No."
She pulled away and turned to face Rhee-En. Garen moved beside her, pushing himself against her and under her arm.
"My lands begin not far from here. You may travel and camp within the borderland woods if you wish." He gave another nod to Prince. "I wish you a safe journey." His gaze returned to her. "Keep an eye on your little one."
While she grumbled in protest, he turned and disappeared into the trees.
"I imagine that’s not the last we’ve seen of him."
"No," Prince agreed. "Likely it is not."
She looked over at him and he smiled a soft, sad smile. Suddenly she grinned and gave him a sharp nod. His smile grew and reached his eyes.
They’d work everything out. She’d lost sight of what meant most to her when he’d broken her heart. Though she was still in love with Prince, she couldn’t forget how much she loved him as a friend. Refusing to lose his friendship too would keep her going and help her make the right decisions, putting things in the past.
Chapter 18:
As Things Were
They continued swiftly on their way, keeping directly on the forest boundary. Everyone remained tense for some time, watching the foggy forest for Were and the fields for humans.
They stopped very briefly to eat at noon and headed out again quickly. Garen spotted humans now and then in the fields, forcing them to slip into the trees. The Were said nothing, but they didn’t want to press their welcome.
Though Garen and Kei scouted and hunted, she stayed with the horses, not wanting to risk being the human caught in the forbidden woods.
She traded a few strained looks and smiles with Prince as the day continued before he finally sighed.
"Come here, child."
Inwardly she winced at once again being called a child, but she wanted so desperately to fix everything between them she forced herself not to snap at him.
When she approached his horse he stopped it and held out his hand. "Ride with me."
Her stomach churned but she nodded and allowed him to pull her up in front of him. His arms circled her to hold the reins and she leaned back against his chest, carefully making sure her thoughts remained well guarded.
They rode in silence, following Bo on his horse. Eventually she relaxed, the stiffness easing out of her muscles. A tired sigh escaped her and she closed her eyes, wishing she knew what to say.
"You do not have to say anything."
She couldn’t help but laugh. Of course Prince would be watching for any stray thoughts she might have. He wanted to repair what they had too, didn’t he?
Of course, I do.
"I wish you could forget it all," she whispered.
/> He smiled faintly. "We rarely forget…such things. Living so long, we treasure our memories."
"Humans forget things easily enough. Most things," she amended.
"Being remembered by others is very important to my people. Do humans not feel the same?"
She thought about it for a moment. "I guess we are. It’s why a lot of us have children. Why royalty and nobles build monuments and I guess why a lot of people do the things they do."
"Our pasts make us who we are. We learn from them and–"
"I don’t want a lecture on what happened," she said sharply. "I’d rather we didn’t mention it again."
"Aro, I do not understand–"
She didn’t wait to hear what he didn’t understand. "It is embarrassing," she snapped quietly. "And it hurts. Leave it be. Please."
"Very well." They rode silently again until he shifted, put both reins in one hand, and wrapped his arm around her waist in a gentle hug. "I do not want you to be unhappy."
The quiet tenderness in his voice made her lips tremble. She fought back the torrent of emotions threatening her and pressed her arm over his.
There are humans in the fields ahead, Garen said.
Prince directed the horse to follow Bo quickly into the trees.
The distraction saved her from answering Prince’s comment, which suited her just fine considering she didn’t know what to say.
* * *
Their progress slowed as humans kept them to the woods and the terrain increasingly grew more rocky and steep.
From within the shadows of the trees Aro watched the fields of crops change to rocky pastureland. Old stumps littered the borderlands where the humans had cleared what had once been forest. She actually gasped in surprise when a miniature forest suddenly appeared. The trees were young yet, not much taller than her.
"I believe we have reached the lands of Westport," Prince commented. "The city has always done well, and is one of the more civilized few."
"Because of their Prince?"
"Partly. The southern cities have more land. If you remember the map I drew some time ago, the shoreline sticks out in the north, where Franua is, and then curves sharply inward. A bit north of here it slowly begins to curve west again. The forest border is a straight line north to south, which makes a difference in the amount of land the humans hold."