Sleepwalker

by Brandy L Rivers

  “How?” she asked.

  Savon ducked her head. “Yell at them, ‘Never come to me again.’ That’s all it ever takes.”

  “Ever asked any of them to come back?”

  “No. Not sure where they go. My dad always warned me that they could come back stronger if they did manage to find their way back.”

  “How many have you sent away?”

  “Three or four. Most I ignore, and they go away on their own.”

  “As they should. Come.” She walked toward the fallen log where Nate had taken Savon again.

  Blushing, Savon nodded her head down the beach. “Let’s walk.”

  Nadya gave her a strange look but followed Savon’s lead. “It’s peaceful out here.”

  “It is. I missed this while I was in the city.”

  “I want to visit a city.”

  “Never been?”

  She shook her head. “Spent all my life traveling hard to reach places in Eastern Europe. I’ve always wanted to see the city lights and walk down a busy street. The closest I’ve come is Silvertail Ridge.”

  “Which isn’t a real city. A town, but not a big city. Maybe your father will let me take you down to San Francisco for a day trip.”

  “I’d love that.”

  Savon smiled. “So, I don’t have a clue what to ask in regards to our abilities. I’ve never tried to direct the spirits. They usually respond to any strong emotion from me and act accordingly. Which is why I try to have an outlet that doesn’t involve every spirit in the vicinity.”

  “That’s farther than some ever get. But you can direct them without offering anything. You can control them, but that takes sacrifice from you and can open the door to possession. That’s why so many of us go mad. They let the wrong entity in.”

  Nadya stopped and dropped her eyes to the sand. She waved her hand in a circle.

  Savon watched as wind circled around them, drawing the moisture from the sand. Once the patch was dry, a smile lit her face. “Thank you.” She motioned to the ground and took a seat, so Savon joined her.

  “With a little prompting, those that favor you will do small tasks like drying a place to sit, blowing away debris, helping fruit fall, and more. When you’re angry, they want to make you happy, which is why they target the one who hurt you, unless you share a special bond with them, and then they seem to understand the difference.”

  “Why Nate was never harmed.” She glanced out over the water. “That’s a relief.”

  “It should be. Though there are entities that would target him, if you gave them the go ahead. Watch for those.”

  “How?”

  “Easy. That’s why I’m here.”

  * * * *

  Nate prepared lunch while attempting to avoid the worry creeping in. Savon and Nadya hadn’t come back. Mircea stood at the window, staring down the shore. Mircea’s unease made him nervous.

  Ceridwen leaned against the counter beside Nate. “Stop worrying. Both of you. No harm will reach them. Right now, Canagan is attempting to find her next move.”

  Biting his tongue, Nate nodded. Savon said Ceridwen knew most things ahead of time. A vague memory floated through his head. He knew the name Ceridwen.

  “How well did you know Killian?” he asked.

  “Not well enough. Fawn wanted to bring Killian into our small circle. I declined, knowing he already worked for HARP as one of their hunters. Your father wanted the Wolfssengen Pendant, and he was a horrible man. I didn’t know much else.”

  “Got that right. But if you know so much, why did you let Savon date Nikolai? Why didn’t you stop the bastard?” Nate shot a glance to Mircea. “No offense.”

  He lifted a shoulder. “None taken. Trust me, he was the evil twin.”

  “I warned her to be careful, but she didn’t listen.” Ceridwen shook her head, glancing outside. “And I didn’t know how deep he was involved with HARP or the Dark Templar in the beginning. He was a mercenary, worked for the highest bidder. He’s worked for many organizations over the years.”

  Nate scrubbed a hand over his face. “Think his people know where he was when he died? Or that he’s dead?”

  Mircea shook his head. “Not sure. The Dark Templar all but disappeared recently. There are rumors that their leader is in hiding, or dead. And they were a fringe group of the Silver Council that was never sanctioned.”

  “So they are real?” Nate asked, scrubbing a hand over the back of his neck. “And they are somehow part of the Council?”

  “Yes,” Ceridwen answered. “Though not known to most. They’re the dark secret that too many people fear. It was born out of mages’ need to be the best. That’s not how the world works. No world.”

  Shaking his head, he went back to the sandwiches. “I hope everyone likes ham. I wasn’t thinking about anyone but Savon when I stocked the fridge. Hell, I hope she still likes all the same stuff.”

  “She has you, the only thing she’s ever truly wanted, but was too afraid to admit when you disappeared. And don’t worry. I understand the sway your father held over you. As long as you don’t let him have that power now, we won’t have a problem.”

  “Never again,” Nate promised. “I want to find him, kill him, and finally take life by the reins.”

  Nadya and Savon stepped through the door, both wearing bright smiles.

  “Learn a ton?” Nate asked.

  Savon nodded, light dancing through her head. “Oh yeah. Not as hard as I thought, either.”

  “Hungry?” he asked.

  “Famished,” Nadya answered.

  “Me too,” Savon said.

  Ceridwen announced, “I suggest we go back to Silvertail Ridge after we eat.”

  Nodding, Savon agreed, “For the best.”

  Chapter 39

  Whispers bounced through the car as Nate drove them back to Silvertail Ridge. Something big was coming. Ceridwen confirmed it with her suggestion to go home.

  Nate drove down the road, completely oblivious to the buzz in the air.

  The spirit whispered, “He needs your help.”

  Savon closed her eyes, breathing deep. Whatever Nate needed, she’d provide. Didn’t matter what.

  His phone chimed. She glanced down to see Bran’s name.

  Nate pressed something and the music switched to low. “Hey, what’s going on?”

  “You back in town yet?” her brother said over the speakers.

  “Yeah, why?”

  “Come to town hall. Hell’s about to break loose. Every damned wolf is here except Canagan.”

  Nate punched the gas. “We’ll be there.”

  “Shit, do you need to bring my sister?” Bran mumbled.

  “Heard that, asshole,” Savon answered. “And yes, he needs to bring me. I can take care of myself.”

  “Fine, call your mage friends at least,” he bit out.

  Nate shook his head. “Bye.”

  Savon dug her phone out of her purse and dialed Tremaine.

  He answered in a single ring. “Calling about the congregation of wolves at the town hall?”

  “Yeah. You there?”

  “Preston is. He just called. We’re on the way.”

  “Nate and I will be there soon. Do you have any idea what’s going on?”

  “There’s a portal building. I believe your mother or someone is bringing Killian back.”

  “Let’s hope we can end this then.”

  “End what?” Nate asked.

  “Your father, the rift in the pack.”

  “That’s not going away until I deal with whoever is loyal to my bastard of a father.”

  “Are there any?”

  “Fuck, I don’t know, Sav. I want to say no, but I know plenty of the wolves don’t believe I have what it takes to be the Alpha, and that’s my fault. I should have challenged him in the beginning.”

  “Trem, I’ll see you when I get there.” She hung up and turned to Nate. “No more past, r
emember? Only the future. You’ll prove you’re Alpha, and if I need to do something, I will.”

  “Like what?”

  “Canagan. She’s going to pull something. I can feel it.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “The beasts in the woods are drawing closer. They’re coming at her command. Don’t worry. I can deal with that.”

  He nodded. “Mages will be there too. I’ve got a good feeling about this.”

  She refused to give the doubts creeping in a voice, so she pulled on her hope and determination.

  He parked outside the town hall. Seemed the wolves left a space for him. They climbed out, and she heard the roar of a bear somewhere nearby.

  Nate turned to her. “A bear?”

  She grinned. “I can handle a bear, and anything else she brings with her. You have the wolves to deal with, but if a single one of them steps out of line, I’ll put a stop to it.”

  “Not if they challenge me.”

  “No, if they challenge you, I expect you to end them. If they come at you without, I’ll stop them.”

  “I forget you know more about wolves than most wolves seem to.”

  Nate twined his fingers through hers and walked into the town hall with his mate. The floor was clear of chairs. The entire pack of two hundred wolves lined the edges of the room. In the center a black vortex spun, forming an orb big enough for people to come through.

  Savon froze as her mother stepped through with a silver chain in her hand. A half-man werewolf crawled through at her feet.

  So many nightmares starred Killian in that form. She couldn’t recall a time she ever saw him in reality. Only in dream. Though why had her imagination conjured such a beast?

  Nate’s grip tightened when Killian started to growl, his bronze eyes glowing in her direction. She wanted to caution Nate to focus on winning, not his anger.

  * * * *

  Hatred flowed through Nate the second his father growled at his mate. Answers could wait. He wanted to end this bullshit.

  Fawn lifted her hand and dropped it. The portal closed with a whoosh.

  “Release him,” Nate snarled.

  Her green eyes sparkled. “Are you ready to challenge him?”

  His eyes narrowed. “I was ready the moment I stepped back into Silvertail Ridge. Jay got there first.”

  Fawn turned, finding Jay to Nate’s right. “Do you forfeit your challenge of Killian Taggert?”

  “I do, though make no mistake, if Nate fails, I’ll reissue my challenge.” Jay met Nate’s eyes. “I don’t expect you’ll fail.”

  “Too much to fight for,” Nate assured.

  Killian snarled, shooting forward.

  Fawn dragged him back with more strength than he could have ever expected. “Shift,” she demanded.

  “I need to make sure he’s well and fully ready to accept my challenge,” Nate roared.

  A smile graced her lips as she grasped the choke collar and released the latch. She placed a hand on his head and whispered the words to heal. The silver burn evaporated under her touch.

  Killian stood, towering over him. “I accept your challenge. How will you fight?”

  “Half-man form.” He whipped the T-shirt over his head, kicked off his shoes, and shoved his jeans and boxer briefs down his legs before sliding them away.

  He stepped forward, shifting. Nate was tall at six-four, but he shot up another foot and a half with the shift. He stepped closer. “Your rules?”

  “To the death,” Killian answered. Desperation burned in his father’s eyes. He stalked forward. “No more excuses. Show me, show them, you can lead.”

  Bastard wanted to die. Nate couldn’t wait to grant that wish.

  Killian circled, but Nate pivoted. No limp, no hint of pain. He struck out, shooting forward, aiming his fist for Nate’s gut.

  Nate stepped out of the way, caught Killian’s shoulder, and drove him face first into the hardwood floor. There was a crunch, probably his father’s nose, though he didn’t even grunt.

  Killian’s hands hit the ground, and he pushed up, but Nate remembered that move and rolled back, coming to a crouch behind his father as he spun, his eyes narrowing.

  “You’re weak, Nathan. Always were. And as soon as I kill you, I’ll rip your mate to shreds.”

  Savon laughed. “You’ll never get that chance.”

  Nate lunged forward, taking his father to the ground, planting the claws of his toes into his father’s thighs as he slammed his fist into his father’s face.

  As much as he wanted to end his father’s life, he needed to prove it was a fair fight. Too fast, and they would assume the bastard was hurt. And maybe he had been over the last few months, but he didn’t sense anything wrong with his father now besides maybe his mental health. Nothing Nate could do about that besides end him.

  Killian rolled, proving he still had his strength. Nate moved away, coming to his feet as Killian dove at him.

  Again, Nate moved out of the way, grabbing his father by the hair. Shoving him forward, Nate kicked him in the lower back, sending him sprawling.

  A roar of rage echoed through the hall as Killian spun and launched himself through the air, knocking Nate back. Killian raked his claws down Nate’s chest. Nate took his wrist, squeezing until the bones snapped, and flung him to the ground, dropping to his chest with one knee and grabbing his father’s throat.

  “End me,” he mouthed.

  Nate gripped his windpipe and tore it loose and tossed it away. Then he punched his claws through his father’s spine and ripped his head from his body.

  Pack magic rolled through the room, kicking up a breeze that ruffled the hair of every wolf in the building. A collective roar of every werewolf went up as the breeze flowed toward him in vibrant shades of yellow and orange, with sparks of red.

  The colors of hope, relief, and anger.

  The energy infused him, magic filling his soul as a flicker of every wolf flared to life in his mind’s eye.

  The jock-cocks, as Savon had once called them, shifted and charged at Nate.

  * * * *

  Savon stepped forward and pushed her hands at the three idiots. Unseen forces lifted them off their feet, keeping them in place as their clothes shredded with the shift to wolf. They couldn’t manage half-beast, yet they were ready to fight.

  “They’re not in control of their actions,” Savon stated. “They’re glowing with Canagan’s magic.”

  Robert spoke up, “I can put them in a cell until we’re sure Canagan is out of the way.”

  He walked forward, and Savon motioned her hands together. The three wolves collided.

  Robert put them to sleep with a touch and took them from the room in a blink.

  A snarl rent the air as the doors were thrown open and Canagan stormed inside. “Where is Clay Weston?” she demanded.

  “Safe and away from you,” Bran answered. “I know what you did to him. Did you take away the violet starlet because he didn’t take Savon down?”

  “This harlot poisoned him.”

  Bran laughed. “That’s not how the toxin works and you know it.”

  Canagan hissed, her pale eyes burning orange as she walked to Savon. “I challenge you. Outside, where we may have an even playing field.”

  There was nothing fair about what Savon was prepared to do. This creature held sway over too many of the wolves, and she aimed to end it.

  Everyone followed, but kept their distance. Canagan stopped at the edge of the forest as a dozen natural wolves lined up along the grass, ready for her command.

  Sylvan magic had always come easier to Savon. And she no longer needed to avoid sorcery.

  Colors washed through the lot from the werewolves behind her. Mostly blues of concern.

  Bran snarled. “You’re not a wolf, Savon. You don’t have to accept a challenge.”

  “Don’t need to be a wolf to finish the other half of this pack’s problem. This is my tow
n too.”

  Bran muttered under his breath, and Savon spared a glance back to see Preston and Robert next to Nate and Bran. Tremaine tipped his head with a smirk, knowing full well she could handle this, and if not, he would step in.

  He wasn’t going to need to save her. Neither did Nate, or Bran, or anyone else for that damned matter.

  “Savon Roantree killed Clay Weston! I found the toxins growing on the edge of her property. What else are you hiding?” Canagan shouted. White-blond hair whipped around her as she lifted her hands and the bushes along the edge of the parking lot grew, reaching for Savon.

  The collective gasps didn’t bother Savon. Didn’t matter who they were rooting for.

  Savon snorted. “Clay is alive and well. He’s no longer addicted to your tea.”

  There was a pop and Bran cursed again. Then Robert stood before her with a burly werewolf, on his knees, seemingly unharmed. And she remembered him from years ago.

  Robert’s voice rose above the murmurs. “Mr. Weston was following Savon, plotting her demise. The toxin that was in his system was put there by Canagan and removed by Francine Taylor. And Savon hasn’t been here long enough to create the addiction in Clay.”

  “Who the fuck are you?” a wolf shouted.

  “The Magister of the Silver Council enforcers. And my purpose here is to show you the whole story while Nathan Taggert claims his pack, and Savon shows you what Canagan truly is.”

  Canagan sputtered. “Heresy! Why would I poison my lover?”

  Clay laughed harshly. “To keep me bound to you. To further your goals. And as soon as I failed, you stopped providing the tea you insisted I drink. That’s when the corruption spread.”

  “Then why aren’t you dead?” she spat, stalking closer, but the spirits wailed, pushing back at her.

  Savon lifted a hand, a cruel twist to her lips as she motioned forward. Canagan flew back, landing at the feet of her wolves, who snarled and directed their attention to Canagan.

  Canagan screamed in rage, shifting. The white dress shredded as she grew, fur flowing down her body, her bones shifting. “I will not be denied my pack!”