“It’s getting worse.” I gritted my teeth. “We must be close. It always gets worse when I’m near the source,” I explained.
The twisting road jostled us both, and the entrance to Nature’s Destiny came into view. I slammed on the brakes and turned the wheel, and raced into the driveway like a mad man. I halted immediately.
“What the hell?” The road that led to the gates were guarded by wolves and men. They walked the ground as if they owned it, but I didn’t know who they were.
“Do you know them Roxy?” I asked, hastily.
“I’ve never seen them before.”
“You’re sure they aren’t pack members?” I asked as another wave of cramps gripped my stomach.
“Definitely not.”
They made their way towards us, and I realised the war had already started. Jackson had brought the fight to us. I fumbled with my belt to get ready.
“Roxy, when I get out, you need to climb in my seat and lock the doors.”
“You aren’t seriously getting out? They’ll rip you to shreds!”
“I have to. I can’t turn around now, they’ll follow us. Besides, I’m pulsing with energy again, it’s too dangerous for you to stay in the car locked up with me,” I reasoned.
My body wanted to move, like it had the other day. And I wanted to fight them, my wolf was feeling bloodthirsty. “If something bad happens, turn the car around and leave. Don’t stop for anyone.”
“What about Shane? I can’t leave him!”
“You’ll have to! You need to keep yourself and the baby safe! Trust me, Roxy!” I begged, and left the car before the wolves advanced.
I counted the threats - four wolves, six men. As a group it was a suicide mission, but as individuals it was do-able as long as whatever powers I supposedly had, worked. I was relying on them, I hadn’t trained and it wasn’t like I knew how to fight. Not really. Movies had been the extent of my knowledge. What had I done?
The wolves were gaining ground fast, and in the distance the men held their position with a cocky grin. They hadn’t heard about my talents at least.
Knowing I had a better chance of survival if I gave in to my wolf nature I bolted towards them and transformed mid-air. They stopped momentarily. It took a strong wolf to shift as quick as I had, or so I’d been told before.
Baring my teeth, I growled a loud warning, marking my territory. It was the only chance I’d give them to surrender.
A murky brown wolf lunged towards me, and it was slow enough that I managed to sidestep quickly and bite down on its neck, killing it instantly. I howled out in sorrow, I wasn’t happy at becoming a killer.
I was angry. Furious at what they’d made me resort to. I wasn’t a born killer, but I was a strong survivor. I snapped with the energy building inside of me, and attacked the three wolves that circled around me.
My instincts took over and within seconds their bodies laid at my feet, and their blood soaked into the ground. I was a monster.
The remaining six men didn’t take long to charge at me too.
Fools.
My wolf was ready to tear them apart, and so was I. Our thinking had become one, and we moved with the grace of a ballet dancer. I ran around them long enough to confuse and distract them into separate groups, and the longer I took the stronger I became.
My vision turned into a blur as I moved at a speed I couldn’t logically control. I felt untouchable as body upon body collapsed around me. A car horn beeped.
I looked up to see a wolf had escaped, and was nearing Roxy. I flew through the air as fast as I could, my paws barely touched the ground as the wind battered my face. It was mostly dark, but my eyesight was just as clear as it had been during the day.
I forced my body into the grey wolf, and together we tumbled onto the ground, our bodies becoming a mass of fur. I snapped out viciously, and tried to sink my teeth into some part of its body.
A horrifying whine escaped its mouth as I wounded its underside. I stood up, and finished what they’d started before I cowered with regret. A quiet wheeze clouded the wolf’s last breath.
They were dead. I’d killed them all.
Roxy was safe, but I was an evil beast.
“Get in,” she called, and I shifted again, and jumped into the passenger seat. She quickly reversed and headed out again.
“Wait! Where are we going?” I panicked. The war wasn’t over yet.
“There’ s another way in. I connected with Shane, they were taken by surprise. Most of them were trapped in the hall at the meeting when the attack came. They’re outside now, but there’s too many. We need to go in stealthily.”
She drove north before taking a right that led onto uneven terrain. Range Rovers were built for off-roading and I was grateful for it. She keyed in a code at a different gate, and then sped across the fields.
“Riley’s fighting Jackson,” she supplied. My heart quickened, and I lost the ability to remain calm.
“Shit! How much longer?” I asked, agitated.
“We’re almost at the waterfall. If it’s clear I’ll stop and we can go on foot.”
“Nah, uh. You’re staying put again. Use your link with Shane to keep in the loop.”
It was quiet at the lake, except for the battle cries that carried across the sky. I jumped out of the car and ran in the direction towards the house, scanning the area as I went.
Everyone I knew was fighting. The hospital was guarded with Lara’s team mates, and they held up a solid defence line. The hall had a small perimeter of wolves outside, fighting to protect the many that remained inside.
Riley’s patrol team amongst others, scattered across the area as a mixture of wolves and humans. The ground was too bloodied with dead bodies to know who was winning, not that I knew most of the pack anyway.
I caught sight of Nick and Shane taking down wolves as if they weighed nothing. They could definitely handle themselves. Riley was occupied with Jackson, dodging blows and landing many. Two wolves stalked towards him and I ran to defend him.
Their dark coats glistened under the light of the moon and I concentrated my energy on killing them. I was close when a wolf came barrelling into my side, taking me unawares. I scrambled to my feet, but the pain that coursed through my body had me staggering.
I was bleeding. Blood poured from under my shirt, and the wolf came at me again. I held it off as much as I could as it snapped at my face. It was strong, but I was stronger. I held on tight and twisted its neck, the break ringing out in my ears. I shoved the body aside.
Red liquid continued to pour from my side, but I ignored it and headed for Riley again. My strength was ebbing, but the adrenaline surging through me enabled me to continue.
Nick had noticed the two wolves after Riley and single-handedly killed them. There wasn’t any prolonging, they were lethal blows. I staggered towards him as the sounds of action grew distant. It was almost over.
The pack demolished the strangers. “No, Luna. Riley has to kill Jackson.” Nick said as he pulled me back. Jackson’s face exuded evil as a long, curved scar cut across his cheek, and a disgusting beard occupied his chin that was long enough to plait. I despised him.
Riley lunged at him, grabbing him from behind and into a headlock. Jackson flailed wildly until his hand gripped over Riley’s arm and he flung him forward over his shoulders. Riley flew through the air and his body landed with an almighty bang. I winced.
“How can you justify being an Alpha when you’re the same as your father? I fought hard to earn the right to own this pack, and I’ll get rid of you just as easy as I did him. You don’t deserve to be called Alpha.” Jackson spat and used the moment to transform into his wolf. Within a flash Riley became his beautiful black beast, and charged head-on towards Jackson. He diverted and bolted towards the trees.
“Let me go, Nick!” I called, his hands were holding me back. “I’m the only one fast enough,” I yelled as Riley chased after him. I couldn’t believe he was fleeing.
I foll
owed, and shifted again. I was exhausted, changing forms more than once and as quickly as I had took it out of me, but I wouldn’t let Jackson get away. Not when everything had been his doing. He didn’t deserve a life of freedom.
I dashed past Riley and closed the distance between Jackson and I. He was heading towards the waterfall, where Roxy stayed. Jackson’s golden brown wolf darted through the trees, swaying from side to side in an attempt to confuse me. It didn’t work. I ran at him in a straight line, his hind legs inches from my muzzle.
I called for one more burst of strength and bit down hard for Riley, for the loss of his family because of this greedy arsehole. My canines connected with bone, and his dirty blood filled my mouth. It was hot and vile.
He crashed to the ground as Riley came to my side. I moved as Jackson turned tricks and changed into his human self. Without mercy, Riley opened his mouth ready to strike.
“No, wait!” Jackson raised his hands as a sign of surrender.
I willed Riley to kill him, Jackson was only playing another tactic to save his arse. He was a scumbag. “It wasn’t my fault,” he pleaded. “It was the Demons!”
Riley tilted his head inquisitively, and then submerged his fangs into Jackson. I watched as the life faded from his eyes. Blood coated Riley’s muzzle, and he raised his head to the sky and howled out.
I copied, and the sound of the pack’s cry reiterated that we’d won. The fight was over. I limped towards Riley, and nudged him with my nose. We were alive.
He used the strength he had to transform us together and I was grateful. I could barely stand. I collapsed into his arms with the need to feel him.
“I’m so sorry, Riley.” I cried. Riley had finally learnt the truth about his parents death.
He kissed me hard as the pain of his past resurfaced. I was in agony as my side started to hurt again. “Let me look at it.” He pulled the clothing away from the wound, and I gasped. It was deep.
“Faye will have to close this, let’s get you back.”
“Wait, Roxy is by the waterfall.”
“I’m sure Shane has already told her it’s safe. Stop worrying about everyone else Luna, you need to be taken care of.”
“So do you,” I scolded as he carried me the rest of the way to the hospital. “Is Faye with Lara?” I asked.
“Yes.”
“Thank God,” I exhaled. The ground had become a mortuary. “What will happen to them?” I asked, pointing at the bodies.
“We’ll burn them, and bury our own. I don’t even know who’s gone.” He shook his head with despair. “They came out of nowhere.”
“At least it’s over now,” I said, feeling lighter than before.
“Yeah. It’s over,” he agreed, though he didn’t sound convinced.
Chapter Thirty
“It’s decided. You are the queen at all things confectionery.” Nick rubbed his belly appreciatively.
“Bloody hell, Nick. Was that a compliment?” I mocked.
“Please feel free to bake as much as you want. I’m sure I could help you out if you wanted a taste tester,” he winked.
“And risk you getting fat?” I laughed.
“I could do with a few extra pounds,” he joked and the table erupted with laughter.
Lara was finally home, and we’d gathered together for a special dinner. It had been Roxy’s idea, and we’d even decorated the kitchen with balloons and banners.
Her body had healed from the torment she’d suffered, and there was no denying we’d all been worried. It had taken longer than we’d expected.
We were celebrating the beauty of life, and gooey chocolate brownies had seemed fitting. What was better than freshly baked brownies straight out of the oven?
It had been two days since Jackson tried to take over the pack. The night had faded into a blur within my memory, mostly because I didn’t want to remember. After the chaos had been dealt with, the pack returned to normal. I was grateful, especially when the pack hadn’t suffered any deaths. The final clear up proved that.
“So, Jackson hired Blake to create wolves to take us on, and make money?” Lara asked.
“That’s what London tells me. They were quite willing to give me anything I wanted to know now that they’re without an Alpha. I imagine there’ll be a hearing soon,” Riley said as he finished the last of his dessert.
“Doesn’t it seem a little extreme though?” Faye asked. “He already had money.”
I was sad. The humans had been turned for profit, and prepared for a war they’d assumed was non-negotiable. Their deaths had been imminent from the moment they were turned. It was such a waste of life.
“I bet those wolves hadn’t expected to die when they saw you!” said Nick as I replayed the events at the entrance.
“She was awesome. Kept me and the baby safe,” Roxy gushed.
“And I am eternally grateful, Luna. Thank you.” Shane wrapped his arms around his mate.
“We’re family. We protect,” I recalled Riley’s words. I blushed as Riley beamed with pride and intertwined his fingers with mine. “I can’t help thinking the prophecy was a little over-exaggerated though,” I admitted. “I mean, Jackson was going to end our kind? He was our kind!”
Everyone agreed except for Riley. His face held worry lines of a secret he knew.
“It isn’t over, is it?”
“I don’t think so.” The room filled with gasps and murmurs at Riley’s words.
“What’s going on, Riley?” Nick asked.
“Something Jackson said before I killed him has been bugging me. I’ve tried to do some research, but so far I’m coming up empty.” He ran his hands through his hair.
“What did he say?” Faye asked.
“After he pleaded for his life to be spared…”
“Of course he did.” Nick snorted.
“He told me the Demons had made him do it. I thought he was clutching at straws to begin with, but the more I think about it the likelier it seems. He was delirious with the need for power and wealth. What if it’s because he sold his wolf to them?”
“What does that even mean?” I asked, confused.
“There’s no way...” Shane began.
“Yes there is,” Roxy finished. “He’s always been a self-destructing arsehole, and he’s selfish enough to endanger us all.”
“Can someone please explain what the hell you’re talking about? Demons exist too? Like the devil?”
“Yes they exist Luna, and Demons are the worst of the supernatural. They detest humans, and condemn the supernaturals that share an affinity in likeness. There are many of us that carry a human trait, which increases their list of enemies,” Riley explained. “They are the true harbingers of death.”
The kitchen remained in silence. I was fed up of dealing with one drama, to find another. And I was really fed up with supernaturals. What was their deal? It was always life or death.
“I can’t help but think the prophecy is only just beginning. If Demons really are involved, things are going to get worse.” I squeezed Riley’s hand, seeking his reassurance.
“What happens now?” I asked.
“Life. The sun will rise and set, and we’ll go about our business as usual. We’ll keep our ears to the ground to learn as much as we can, and we’ll train hard. There’s being prepared, and then there’s living a sheltered life because of fear. I don’t want that. Do you?” said Riley.
“No,” I agreed, as did the others. I was finished with living a life in a plastic bubble. “You think I might actually get to train this time?” I joked. Every time I’d planned to do some form of training something else had gotten in the way.
“There’ll be plenty of time to work out,” he smirked with a knowing glint in his eye. He brushed his lips across mine, kissing me tenderly before pulling away. “At least something great came out of all this.” He cupped my face in his hand, and skimmed his thumb across my cheek.
“It gave me you.”
Stay tuned for the sequel
coming later this year (2014). In the meantime, check out the Nature’s Destiny Pinterest board here: http://www.pinterest.com/justinewinter33/
Acknowledgements
It’s safe to say this novel wouldn’t have been here without the help of several people. The journey I encountered in the making of this book has been phenomenally exciting and there are many thanks I need to express.
First, to my parents for allowing me the time to spend tucked away writing. It hasn’t been the easiest of transitions in the past few years, and I’m truly grateful for the support you have given me. To my brother, Michael, thank you for accompanying me on trips even when you didn’t want to, and for feeding my creativity with demands of Zombies. Patience, my dear.
To my beautifully wonderful friend Yvette Evans, thank you for endlessly supporting me cheerleader-style. For giving me the boost I needed in virtual hugs and kisses when I was forever doubting myself, and for always being ready for a good word sprint! Your companionship in writing has been much more than helpful, and I can’t wait to continue on as our friendship flourishes.
To Heather Hildenbrand, I have so much gratitude for you being a part of this journey. Your knowledge, courage, and true rockstar-like attitude is what pushed me into writing and releasing this novel as soon as I have. Your highly-amazing books, and expert writing skills is what led me here. It always starts with one book, and for me, it was Dirty Blood (and Wes). Major thank-yous, hugs and kisses to you, my friend!
To Myfanwy Cook, for helping me find my path in creative writing. You taught me a great deal, especially about my own writing style. To the wonderful beta readers that took a chance on an unknown author’s manuscript. Your feedback and advice helped shape Nature’s Destiny into something better. I’m so grateful for your opinions.
To the awesome bloggers that helped share the cover reveal, blog tour and everything else. You’re all amazing, and I’m so excited for what’s to come. Your help in reaching out to readers means everything to me. Thank you!
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