Keep your emotions in check, Amber snarled a frustrated warning. This won't work if I can't keep you hidden.
Blake touched her mind with soothing reassurance. To her relief, Adam and Marcello walled their emotions.
Amber had only transported herself in her mist form and had to concentrate completely on lifting the added weight of the three men. Transporting herself, she could float as high as she dared to go. But the combined weight of the men kept her closer to the ground.
Without a warning, their feet left the ground. Amber felt their startled surprise when their feet floated off the ground and towards the house.
How did you think you were going to get there? Walk? She projected to them with a smile while they remained silent. Maneuvering slowly at first, Amber gradually picked up speed when she became used to their mass.
Blake, Adam, and Marcello all held their breath without realizing it until they glanced at each other in amazement. They were flying through the air. Granted, it was only a foot off the ground, but they were flying.
I know they can't touch you, but if we bump into someone, will they be able to feel us? Adam asked watching the ground pass quickly below his feet.
Amber hadn’t thought of that possibility. She had never transported anyone inside of her form this way and honestly didn’t know the answer. Concentrating harder, the men felt a surge of strength from Amber’s energy while she kept them cocooned in safety. She had never purposefully tried to glide straight into anything and honestly didn’t know if she would be able to pass through objects or not. Now was not the time to try that out, but it was definitely added to her list of things to try. Swerving through the trees, Amber avoided the tree branches that reached out to snag them as they floated by.
Charles was still amazed that Blake’s new girlfriend had the ability to shift into nothingness. He felt the space where he had seen them disappear to find that it was empty. He couldn’t smell or hear a thing from the foursome, as they made their way towards the house. He waited the allotted amount of time, and then moved quietly to the driveway that would take him to the two-story house. He was close enough now that his son responded to his mental nudge and sent him a message to remain silent, no matter what he hears or sees.
“Bloodsworth!” Charles yelled loudly from the end of the driveway.
He saw the curtain on the front door move slightly when someone peered out into the darkness at him.
“I want my son!” Charles demanded loudly. The curtain was dropped back into place.
Bloodsworth knew that something just didn’t feel right and sent a mental yell to the pups that he had left on guard in the woods. Receiving no response, he began cursing a blue streak at their cowardice, figuring they had ran off just like the rest of the pack had. Yelling the names of the three humans he had hired to stand guard, he again received no answer, which caused another string of profanities. He grabbed the bottle of whiskey from the counter and took a long swig and hissed as it burned going down this throat. Slamming the bottle onto the table, he moved to the front door and jerked it open and sniffed the night air. The slight breeze blew the scent of the one werewolf who was standing at the end of the driveway with hands at his sides.
Bloodsworth recognized the scent and yelled. “When my men leave Edwards’ land and come back to my pack, you will get your son back!” He yelled back to him.
“My boy has nothing to do with this!” Charles exclaimed. “Your pack members left you willingly. You are holding my son against his will.”
Amber could hear the shouts, half expecting doors and windows to burst open and Bloodsworth’s men to go flying out to look for the members that did not answer. To her surprise, nothing happened. All stayed quiet within the house. She only heard the bellowing of the old man yelling at Charles, who would not budge from where he stood on the dirt road.
Amber deposited the men at the back of the house so she could float to the roof, the lingering effects of her surrounding them continued to conceal their scents. She allowed her molecules to slip through the window sill that was cracked from years of weather. She silently sent up a prayer of thanks that Bloodsworth had ignored the needed repairs on the exterior of the house. While listening to the insults that the old man continued to sling at Charles, Amber went back to where Blake, Adam and Marcello waited impatiently for her. Once again surrounding them, she lifted them to the window that overlooked the shingled roof. Adam remained at the rear of the house to serve as lookout.
Through the window, they could see that the human boy was asleep on the bed. The two older boys were still playing a video game. Amber didn't understand how people, kids and adults alike, could sit for hours on hours playing those silly games. Watching the kids, she had to admit, it was better that they were playing games rather than out getting into trouble. The television was up loud and drowned out any noise she might make opening the window. There were no security measures in place, not even a lock on the window, making it easier for her clear form to slip through the cracks.
The boys were so entranced with the game they didn’t hear or feel anything when the air shifted around them. Amber rematerialized and began lifting the window quietly, while watching the boys over her shoulder. She allowed her body to become clear once again and floated in front of the window, shrouding Blake and Marcello as they climbed through.
The boys were totally oblivious to the three of them in the room. Marcello stepped out the shroud and walked silently up to the chair where one of the boys was sitting and touched his shoulder lightly. The boy turned to him in surprise, beginning to speak until Marcello placed a finger to his lips.
The boy whispered softly. “Uncle Marc, what are you doing here?”
Amber continued to shroud Blake while he moved to the door, listening for any noise that might indicate someone right outside or coming up the stairs. When they heard nothing, they moved back to where the human child slept. She allowed her molecules to fade away so Blake could slide his hands under the boy and lift him into his arms.
Marcello kept the other boys busy so they did not see what was happening by the couch. Marcello bent close and spoke quietly to his nephew. “You know the old man is holding your friend without permission.” Marcello told the boy in hushed tones.
The boy nodded his head. Charles’ son Austin stared at Marcello wide eyed, but stayed quiet as his father had instructed him from below.
“I need to take Austin back to his father and the other boy back to his family, but you have to stay quiet.” Marcello told his nephew, who again nodded silently.
Reaching for Austin, Marcello felt the boy place a small hand into his larger one. Placing a finger on his own lips, Marcello indicated to Austin to remain silent and for his nephew to continue playing the game. When the boy turned back to the game and continued making the figures on screen run, jump and shoot people, Marcello led Austin over to the window and waited for Blake and Amber to join him.
Amber stepped close to them and evaporated once more.
Marcello felt a surge of emotions and the tingling sensations on his skin when Amber shrouded him once again, thinking loudly that he could get used to this.
Blake growled a warning in his mind. Don’t even think about it.
Marcello shrugged with a sheepish smile on his face. You’re a lucky man, Blake. Take care of her!
Austin was unsure of what was happening and when he felt the clear mist surrounding him and his vision blurred for a moment, his heart rate accelerated. Amber felt the beginning of his panic and quickly opened her mind to him.
Austin, don’t be afraid, your father is waiting for you at the end of the driveway. Blake and Marcello are here to take you to him. Amber soothed him and included the rest of their group in the communication to let them know they had him and were bringing him to safety.
Amber concentrated on keeping her invisible form while Blake held on to the still sleeping human child. Marcello and Austin stepped through the window. She had never tested how l
ong she could hold this form and was happily amazed that it had lasted so long. They stood on the roof of the dining room that had been added after the house had been built many years before. She slowly lifted the small group from the worn rooftop, floated over the edge and down towards the ground.
Adam waited by the back porch to warn them if anyone tried to sneak out the back door and into the woods. He listened intently to the old man bellowing on the front porch that he wanted Marcello back in his territory where he belonged. Suddenly, he felt the slight shift in the air and the invisible essence surrounded him. Even though he was expecting it, he still had to fight to control his emotions. When inside her form, he could see that he was being joined by Blake, Marcello, and the two children. He wondered briefly what her limits were.
You know, you would make a really good bank robber. They would never know you were in and out of there.
How do you think I survived all these years? Amber teased back.
Seriously? Adam asked in surprise.
Amber responded with a silent laugh. No, are you that gullible? Never thought it, though, it would have been better than working in the bars.
Blake was surprised to hear that. With her aversion to being around people, he would have thought she would have avoided the bar scene.
Amber responded to his thoughts, allowing the small group to hear her response.
I had to have a way to make money that didn’t get me thrown in jail. Amber nudged Adam playfully. Working the bars was good money. Plus, they didn’t send people to check on me if I don’t show up for work, they just hired someone else. So, let’s get these boys back to where they belong.
Blake took Austin’s hand, still holding the human child, while Adam and Marcello stepped out of the void. Marcello stepped into the shadows where Adam had been hiding.
The trip to the house with the three men had been a heavy load. With Marcello’s large frame and Adam's slightly lesser weight gone, Amber was able to get above the trees with Blake and the two boys. She still had to concentrate with Blake, since he was still heavy with his large build, but it didn't take as much effort. The trip took less time than it had with the combination of Adam and Marcello’s weight holding her closer to the ground. Amber lowered her anxious riders to the ground, where several men waited. She rematerialized so they could relieve Blake of his bundle and rush Austin out of Bloodsworth territory.
Blake pulled her to him in a tight hug. One day you can explain everything to me. All I know right now is that you are amazing and I love you!
Amber smiled up at him and pulled his head down for a quick kiss. We are not done yet. Now for the hard part, we have to get the woman out.
Amber stood back as the group welcomed the young cub back into the safety of their pack. She watched Charles place his hands on his son’s shoulders and turned the boy to face him.
“Did he hurt you?” he demanded in a rough emotion filled voice.
Austin shook his head vehemently.
“Are you sure? Bloodsworth didn't threaten you, or say anything to keep you from telling me?” Charles continued to grip his son’s shoulders tightly.
“No sir, Mr. Bloodsworth just told us to play in the room. I didn't know anything was wrong until you told me not to be afraid. Who is that lady? And it was really cool, she can disappear and we flew!” He was excited as he looked up anxiously at his father.
Relieved to get his son back safely, Charles pulled him close in a tight hug. His eyes sought Amber's over the top of the boys head. Ashamed for his earlier thoughts that if his son got hurt in any way because of her...Charles closed his eyes, lowering his head in gratitude for her part in returning his son to him safely.
Amber responded in kind. No words were offered. None were needed.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Although Amber had kept their scents hidden, they didn’t know how long that would last and was glad that the slight wind would blow any scent away from the rear of the house. Marcello knew the old man was too busy worrying with Charles to pay attention and would assume their heartbeats were that of his missing guards. Marcello reached out, making sure to keep the channel open only to Adam.
I don’t understand how she does this, but this could be a major turning point for the pack. Marcello touched Adam's mind.
Yes, but we need to be careful. Amber is not fully aware of all her capabilities yet. Even though he was talking to him through their mental connection, Adam responded to Marcello in hushed tones.
Marcello shook his head in puzzled amazement and stared at his friend. I told you before—it’s freaky that you have these so called visions and just seem to know things. Weird things sometimes, but how can you know this about her?
And as I told you before, I don’t have an explanation for what I can do, it just happens and I just know that she is going to change our lives around here, we just have to be ready for what is coming our way.
With the human child and the cub out of danger and on their way back to their parents, they could relax somewhat.
Blake watched Amber closely, realizing that every time she was near he wanted to pull her into his arms, to feel her body next to his, to kiss her; he couldn’t get enough of her lips. The more he was around her the more he wanted her and wondered if this is how it’s like with all mated werewolves. If he had a choice in the matter, they would never leave his bed.
Amber heard his thoughts and smiled, contemplating the idea of staying in bed with Blake. The idea appealed to her, but she didn’t share that with Blake. Keeping her wall firmly in place, she thought of her feelings for him. It scared her to fall so hard so fast. He had told her he had loved her from the day he met her. She wondered if that could really happen. He grabbed her attention in every way. He was strong in every sense, physically as well as mentally. She could feel his every emotion when she was with him, surrounding him. While he was open for her to feel, she kept a part of herself hidden; too afraid to let go, scared of getting too close. She finally admitted to herself that it wasn’t the getting close that scared her. It was the losing Blake part that terrified her to death. Allowing her head to rest momentarily on his chest, Amber once again silently spoke the words that allowed her body to dissipate. With his strong emotions still surrounding her, she wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. Instead, she moved them swiftly towards the two men that waited for them at the rear of the house.
As they floated closer, Blake called out to Adam and Marcello in warning. We are closing in behind you.
Adam was still in pain from the beating he had taken, even though he was healing quickly. His left arm hurt like hell, but there was no way he was going to miss out on the action, or so far, the lack thereof. He had a few days before his wolf could emerge, but he was ready. It would help the healing process. Then he could go after the ass wipes who had ambushed him. Adam kept his thoughts blocked, so Marcello couldn't read him. Adam didn’t know how Marcello would feel about it. His stepbrothers had been the one to attack Adam when he had been out for his morning jog.
Adam glanced to where Marcello stood. Adam was six foot three and Marcello towered over him. The man was a huge, silent mountain of a man. Even though he had only joined Blake a couple months ago after leaving Bloodsworth, he had proven himself invaluable to the pack and a very good friend to Blake and himself. He was glad to have the man on his side.
Everything seemed to be going as planned and the boys were safe. When Blake and Amber returned, Adam remained in the shadows at the rear of the house while Blake and Marcello approached the front, allowing their scents to carry to those inside. In her mist form, Amber floated silently behind them. When they came around the corner the front door was jerked open. The old man stood inside the doorway with a rifle aimed at Blake.
“I can shoot you where you stand, Edwards,” hatred laced his voice, “You are trespassing on my lands.”
Marcello stepped in front of Blake. “You would have to kill me first, father.” He said the last word with cont
empt in his voice. Marcello was daring the man to shoot him.
“Don't push your luck, boy!” the old man yelled, his face turning red in anger, “get your ass over here and quit playing these foolish games.”
Blake stepped out from behind Marcello. “You are holding a woman against her will. A human woman. We don’t involve humans in our battles,” Blake reminded him coldly.
Marcello tried to step back in front of his leader to protect him, but Blake would not have it and told him. I appreciate your loyalty Marc, but I am not hiding behind you like a coward.
Marcello inclined his head slightly and remained where he was, behind Blake.
“You brought this on yourself, Edwards,” the old man growled hatefully, cutting his eyes from Blake, then back to the boy he had raised. “Return to the pack, Marcello, or his death will be on your hands.”
“Old man, there will be no death tonight. Your reign of tyranny comes to an end right here, right now,” Marcello growled his hands clenched in huge fists at his side.
Marc, you sure you want to do this? Blake asked him in surprise.
I won’t have any more useless deaths. Marcello responded, without flinching.
As you wish. Blake responded in kind.
Blake? What’s happening? Amber asked him quietly.
Marc is challenging for leadership of the Bloodsworth pack, Blake informed her flatly.
Amber felt the tension emanating from the three men. The Bloodsworth pack members who had been inside the house felt it too and began streaming out the door when they heard the challenge.
This was not the plan. Amber told them anxiously. Doesn't challenge mean death to the loser?
What is done is done, Marcello told her in a deadly calm voice.
Amber, go in and get the woman out. Blake directed her as she resumed her human form and stood at the side of the house staring at them in fear. No one in the group paid her any attention, other than Blake who shook his head at her thought of surrounding the old man and knocking him out. We can’t get involved now. Marcello has to handle this.
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