by Victoria Sue
“A hadrax?” Silas exclaimed. “You would have been ripped to shreds.”
Caleb knew that, but he had been desperate. The small vicious pig-like creature was capable of killing everything but a strong, fully grown wolf. It was the most terrifying thing he could think of and if that didn’t initiate a shift, he would rather have been dead anyway than suffer the humiliation of Mason lording it over him.
“I assume you didn’t find one because you are still here,” Silas said wryly. “I think it is also safe to assume your father did go to talk to Warwick, and that made him desperate. I am guessing Jacind-aa lied about knowing your mother because Warwick was out of options. It was the only thing he could do to keep Mason’s chance of being named heir. Being your father’s brother, no-one would have attempted to institute a council and he would be safe keeping the ruling pack designation. They just needed to keep you alive but weak enough not to be a threat and allow no contact with any wolves once you reached twenty-five or they would have known. Which is why they cast you out. It wasn’t a punishment. It was because any wolf would have known you were an Alpha if they had come near you.”
Caleb tried to swallow the tightness away in his throat as another thought came to him. “The day of the choosing Maer and Aldred were with Mason, which was unusual. They came quite frequently in the early days, but I’d only seen Mason and Jacind-aa for months. I stumbled and touched Aldred.” Caleb fell silent as he remembered the puzzled expression on Aldred’s face. Could Silas be correct? “But I don’t—”
“You know that I feel your non-shifting isn’t an issue. Caleb, how many wolves have you been in contact with this week since you started to heal and regain your strength?”
“Just … you, Kyan, Anna, and possibly Gia — assuming you are including hybrids.”
“And in your interactions with all of us, what has been the common thread?”
Caleb parted his lips. They had called him Alpha, except Gia, but then he was so little he might not understand the word. Anna wouldn’t understand the compulsion either but she had inexplicably sought him out often.
“Exactly,” Silas said as if Caleb had spoken aloud. “I sensed it as soon as I saw you and even in the state you were in. Kyan knew straight away. Gia might not know what an Alpha is but he has barely moved from your side.”
“But he has been rescued—”
“By Cy, Jenner and Taegan, and he waved a knife at all three of them in terror. You had barely to speak five words to him before he flung himself at you. Tell me,” Silas urged, “what was your father like around the pups and the human children?”
Caleb smiled as memories warmed him. The games, the cuddles. “They loved him. It got to be a threat for good behavior. If a pup misbehaved, the Luna Madres would always threaten they would be sent to the Alpha, but it backfired because the pups would do anything they could to get my father’s attention. In fact, everyone soon worked out that the best way of getting his attention was good behavior because no-one wanted to disappoint him.”
“Exactly,” Silas said. “And you are his son. Your natural inclination will be to lead as he did.” Silas leaned back. “Going back to the subject of true matings.”
“With an omega,” Caleb clarified.
“Actually no. Don’t confuse the rules for an Alpha with true matings.”
Caleb stared in confusion. “But aren’t they the same?”
Silas shook his head. “All wolves used to have true mates. Then the Alphas got greedy and started to arrange matings depending on money and pack influence. The rest of the wolves simply copied their bad example.”
Caleb wanted to ask so badly about him and Taegan, then he remembered Renee. “And you of all wolves should believe true mates can be humans?”
Silas nodded. “I know they can, and so do you, Caleb.” He leaned forward. “It only becomes problematic with an Alpha heir.”
Caleb gazed at Silas. He seemed so sure. “What do the rites involve?” Caleb asked, not sure he wanted to know but needing the subject changed.
“It basically states that to become King, or in this case Alpha, the blood of an innocent and the blood of a hybrid must be mixed and taken.”
“Taken?” Caleb repeated.
Silas nodded. “Barton thought it meant kidnap, or attack, but with the translations I have already done I’m afraid it’s worse than that.” Silas let out a deep sigh. “We think it actually means removed, and coupled with the references to Surya it explains why the hybrid children are getting taken. They are using hybrids because they cannot translate the texts properly and do not realize that it doesn’t mean what they think. Hybrids in this instance means the wolves themselves, but they don’t know that. They think hybrids refers to the current meaning, not the ancient one.”
“That’s why Jacind-aa took my blood? Because I was the heir and a hybrid?”
“Yes, she has been experimenting for years to transfer the power to Warwick so he could give it to Mason, but wouldn’t risk your death until Mason was twenty-five. Now they no longer have Mason, but they have what they think are ancient rites which may give Warwick the Alpha power.”
“It sounds ridiculous,” Caleb said.
“No, don’t be fooled into thinking this is harmless trickery. It may not work, but these are the actions of desperate, cornered people, and as such highly dangerous and even worse than before.”
“Worse than killing children?” Caleb whispered, thoroughly revolted.
“I don’t think the reward for your capture is an act of revenge. You cannot offer to be the distraction to rescue Rayne and Neal. Rayne and Neal are merely entertainment and can be replaced. You are unique. They are convinced you as the only hybrid Alpha-heir in existence will lend them the most power.”
“When it’s actually a full werewolf that is the most powerful, so whatever they do — even if it was real — wouldn’t work anyway, and they don’t know that because they haven’t got the second document.”
Caleb was stunned at how matter-of-fact he sounded. He supposed he had been convinced of his imminent death so many times in the last few years it no longer shocked him.
“You need to talk to Taegan.”
“And say what?” Caleb scoffed. “I can’t help you anymore because someone that wanted to kill me anyway has just found an even better reason? And while we’re doing that, do you think you could ignore the fact that I’m one of your greatest enemies because I happen to think we’re mates and you should love—”
Caleb bit off his words. It was a fairytale.
Silas put his hand over Caleb’s. “It is unusual, but I don’t see why it’s impossible.”
“But Taegan’s the leader of the human rebels, and according to you I might be the Alpha heir.” It also didn’t make them mates in any other sense than deep in Caleb’s heart.
“Humans fall in love, Caleb,” Silas said gently.
He hoped. Everyday gave him more hope. But he was still a wolf. “He hated me when I first came here.”
“Taegan doesn’t hate you,” Silas scolded “I thought you were more confident?”
“I just don’t know,” Caleb said miserably. “Especially if I withdraw my offer of help tomorrow.”
“We need to keep you safe until we can get to the other Alphas. I am completely certain they have only to be near you to know. Warwick, obviously, cannot let that happen and he needs to perform the blood rites and grab your power before then.”
Caleb shook his head.
“I can get a message to the other Alphas to be present tomorrow. It’s vitally important they meet you beforehand and understand who you are. I still have many friends. Why don’t you go to the barn to meet Taegan and explain? I will send my birds with messages.”
“Gia might wake.”
“I will wait until you return, but hurry.”
Caleb didn’t need telling twice.
Chapter Fourteen
The nearer he got to the barn, the more his courage failed him. He had inte
nded to walk right up to the doors, even as he could see Jenner casually leaning against one of them, for all the world trying to not look like he was on guard. Caleb dodged and moved quietly before he was seen, for the first time thanking the small part of the animal inside him that meant he could move silently when he needed. He moved around the back where the horses were grazing, and he held a hand out for Skye to sniff before he moved past her. He knew he shouldn’t do this and he promised himself he would go around the front as soon as he had reassured himself they weren’t planning on murdering him in his bed tonight. He smiled at the ridiculous thought and stood not only where he could hear everyone clearly, but where the gap in between the wooden planks was sufficient for him to make out faces. He recognized Taegan, Cy, Mitch and DeRose but the others he hadn’t seen before.
“What have you decided to do with the heir?” DeRose asked.
Caleb froze.
“Did you ask if he will be the distraction we need for the raid?” Mitch asked.
The distraction? But he’d offered.
Taegan shuffled. “And they would eat him alive, Mitch. You know that. Why would anyone volunteer for something like that?”
“Well, my Julie says he’s real good with the kids. I’d bet he’d help if you asked.”
Caleb didn’t know whether to be terrified or pleased. Pleased that they thought well of him, pleased that Taegan was refusing to put him in danger, but terrified of what they would say when he tried to explain what Silas had told him.
“And what about that bonding shit you told us about?” another man interrupted. “You said he thinks you’re his mate. He would do anything for you. You gotta ask him.”
Caleb stopped breathing. His heart thudded so hard against his ribs he would swear they broke. Silas had asked him if he knew what bonding was, but he had been so obsessed with Taegan he hadn’t listened.
“You think the Alphas would leave him alone if he stays?” Mitch asked.
The female scoffed. “Are you joking? I heard Warwick is incensed. Caleb lives while his own son lays cold and dead in the ground. He paints a target on us all by being here.”
“And much as I respect you, Taegan,” the young man said, his scarred hands and missing fingers showing where he had come from, “it is also a risk simply to let him go.”
“He doesn’t have to let him go,” another older man spoke up for the first time. “My grandad knew a wolf that was bonded. It’s really powerful for the wolves. Taegan, you have to reject him. Let him think he’s doing this for you, his mate, and then reject him afterward. It’s better than a hangman’s noose. No wolf ever survives that. He’d be dead in a week.”
Caleb stumbled backwards. His mind spinning, his heart breaking. He had bonded. He had bonded with Taegan and Taegan knew? Images ran through his mind. Taegan sat close at every meal time. He insisted Caleb slept in his room even after Gia came. The small touches, the smile. Oh goddess, yesterday. Had he been laughing at him, using him? He had been so foolish. He had thought — hoped — him and Taegan had a chance. That he finally belonged somewhere. He took a step away. He didn’t belong with the humans and he didn’t belong with the wolves. It didn’t matter what Silas thought. He had been destined to die all his life. It could be argued that everyone was, but Caleb had been on borrowed time for years.
He could run. The bonding sounded serious but what did it matter if Taegan was going to reject him anyway? He had survived six years cast out. He wasn’t supposed to have survived that. He would run back and pack a bag and go. Maybe head to Caedra.
For a second he wished for advice and he missed his father desperately. They used to talk for hours. One of Caleb’s favorite questions was how his dad knew he was an Alpha. Did he feel special that so many loved him?
His father had pulled Caleb onto his lap and kissed his head. Caleb must have only been about seven or so and for a long time his father had been his best friend. “No, son, that isn’t how I know I am the Alpha, and it isn’t how you will know either.”
Caleb had twisted around and stared into his dad’s big brown eyes. “Then how will I know? How will I know they picked me?”
His dad had put his large hand over Caleb’s chest. “You will feel it in here, son. When you know everything you do, every decision you make, is for the good of the pack. When you would defend every one of them to your dying breath and you feel every heart of theirs beat in there along with your own.”
Caleb had glanced down. His chest looked small and he wasn’t sure he had the room for anyone’s heart but his own in there. When he’d said that, his dad had chuckled and hugged him and just promised he would know when the time was right.
And just like that Caleb knew that it finally was. This was his pack. Renee with her ready smile and her kind heart. Ready to mother any orphan that came her way, including him. The children — Gia, Missy. They were as much his as if they were his own pups.
If he concentrated he could still feel Taegan’s hands on him, strength sliding over his skin, possession if only briefly. For a few minutes last night Caleb belonged to Taegan and as much as he mourned the loss, Caleb was back to belonging to no-one. He knew that.
He was done. He couldn’t bear anymore. He had no reason to doubt what he had heard and knowing he wouldn’t be kept in torment for years gave him the courage to take another step. Caleb crept away silently. Warwick could do what he liked to Caleb. He would never become Alpha, but two children from this pack, his pack would die if he didn’t give himself up. He couldn’t bear to return to the caves. If Gia was awake he would never have the strength to leave him, and he had no need for any belongings.
He suddenly felt stronger and more powerful than he had ever in his life. Something stirred inside of him and he knew suddenly it was his wolf. He may never shift but he would not be on his own, not even at the end. It was exactly like his dad had always said; that some part of an Alpha always belonged to his pack, and they him.
Silas had been kind. Yes, he had kept information from him, but he loved Renee. You would do anything for the one you loved.
Even if they never loved you back.
• • •
“One last thing,” Taegan said and all his team leaders quietened. They had a plan of sorts. He’d refused to use Caleb and he wouldn’t set fire to the pack house, but Warwick had huge barns full of grain that his lands produced. Valuable grain. They also had access to the best wine Tethra produced. Dashel was arranging a special delivery early that morning in honor of Darkest Day. The wine would be the most potent the wolves had ever drunk, and though the celebrations started at noon the wolves would start drinking a lot earlier. Then when they had the kids back he was taking his family and leaving.
Taegan smiled to himself. He had come to this decision before dawn when instead of sleeping he had spent most of the night laying and watching Caleb sleep. If the rumors from Caedra were even half true and the new Alpha had freed everyone, he was going to take his mom and Caleb there and settle down. Silas might even like to come.
He had spent years fighting for their freedom only to become more imprisoned every day. His regrets and responsibilities wrapped him in chains that tightened every year. And finally, he had found something, or someone, that would set him free.
He looked at all the faces waiting expectantly for him to approve their plan. “I am leaving. I have given this fight enough of my life. I promised my mom a cottage not a cave, and the children need a better home. Caleb cannot stay here and neither can Anna or Gia as it puts too many of you in danger.”
“You’re leaving?” Mitch asked as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
Taegan nodded. “I won’t return here after the raid. I intend to take my mom, Caleb and the children somewhere to hide, and as soon as we have Neal and Rayne, we leave. It was never a good idea to come back here, you know that. Warwick is unhinged and dangerous.”
He looked apologetically at Cy and Jenner. They were all good men, but those two he was clo
sest to. Jenner looked stunned but Cy’s lips curved into a smile. “You beat me to it,” Cy said quietly. “I have also found something I want more. I promised as soon as this was done to free Mari, and I intend to follow wherever she wants to go.” Cy took a step closer and lifted his hand to drop on Taegan’s shoulder. “It would be good to have neighbors.”
Taegan met all of their stunned gazes as Cy took a step back. “I am going to prepare. I will leave you all to discuss choosing a new leader.” And with that Taegan stepped out of the barn and lifted his face to the suns. Sorin was shining brightly but if he peered to the south, Surya was visible, a paler imitation of her sister as usual. The trees were clearer down here, and as he turned to walk to the caves he hoped it would be nearly the last time he walked this path.
Taegan trudged up the hillside, his mind running in a million different directions. He would need a cart, a covered one, and two horses. He hoped Silas had come back and then he would give him the choice of whether to come with them. His mom would have a million things she needed to do. Anna and Gia would certainly come. Rayne and Neal would have to as being captured once would put a target on their backs. He just needed to ask if she wanted to take Thomas and Missy. His mom cared for those two but there were other women that helped. It was up to her. He was happy either way. So long as he had Caleb, he was good.
Taegan jogged the few remaining yards to the cave entrances feeling lighter than he had done in years. He walked in the first one to be met by Renee. Silas stood behind her. She smiled in relief and then glanced behind Taegan. “Gia woke up a few minutes ago quite beside himself when Caleb wasn’t here. Is he on his way?”