by Laura Fields
Harper glanced around the basement for the exit. There was a narrow gap with stairs leading upwards, but if the door was locked she’d be cornered. A memory filled her mind. She was in her office with Gabby, and they were laughing. Harper saw someone pass in the hallway, and she peeked her head out the door. The man was young, one of the new wolves, and Harper knew that.
“Hey!” she had said. “Fetch us some water.”
The wolf in him had been powerless to disobey her command. He didn’t look happy to be sent on such a meaningless errand, but there was nothing he could do about it.
Could Harper control Conner like that since he was the beta? Sure the alpha’s mate ranked second-highest in the pack.
Harper had an idea, and she retook command from her wolf. Her eyes shifted with the change of control. “Stop!”
Conner had been about to lunge over the table, but his movement slowed at her demand.
“Drop the knife.” It clattered to the floor. Conner was enraged at her realization, but there was nothing he could do but scowl.
“Get on the floor.” He fought the pack magic momentarily. “I said, get on the floor!” Harper’s voice was raw and hysterical.
Wolf was in shock. Pack ranking should have left Harper and Conner on equal levels. There was no way Harper should have been able to control him so easily.
Harper whispered, “Pick up the knife.”
Conner’s eyes widened, but his hand reached for the silver. She was so angry at him. It was his fault she became such a monster. Harper was so conflicted. The world would be a better place without Conner, but if she killed him she would be guilty of another murder.
The words snaked out of her throat without thought. “Cut your throat.”
Conner fought with every fiber of his being. The knife inched towards his neck like death. There was nothing he could do but prolong the inevitable.
Harper, I’m here. Hold on, just hold on. Axel’s voice shattered Harper’s concentration, and her wolf retook control.
“Stop,” Wolf said, using the human voice. Wolf knew that Conner deserved to die, but it was her mate’s job as alpha to deliver the punishment.
“Harper!” Axel shouted. His voice came from above the basement.
“Axel!” Wolf cried back, so happy to hear his voice.
Harper was trapped behind a wall her wolf had created, but she still fought. Harper wanted justice to be served; she wanted Conner dead.
She heard the door crash open, and Axel soon emerged. His chest was bloody, but he was alive. He was here to help her. At the sight of him, Harper’s bloodlust faded and she stopped struggling against her wolf.
Without hesitating, Axel walked to Conner and twisted his neck, ending his life. Conner’s eyes dulled as he sank to the floor. She felt herself falling with relief. It was over, and she was safe. Wolf could feel Harper’s control once more in place, so she let her speak to Axel. Harper’s sight dulled as she returned to her human senses. He knelt down and began unbinding her hands.
“What’s wrong with me, Axel? What’s wrong?” she whispered.
“We’ll figure it out.”
“I’m a murderer.”
“Shhh,” he whispered, kissing away her tears.
“How do I stop it? What do I do? I’m so afraid.”
“Let your wolf take over, Harper. She has more control.”
“I’m sorry,” she murmured before fainting. “I’m so sorry.”
Chapter 7
Wolf stretched her sore muscles as she wandered into the kitchen. It felt so odd to control this human body. She much preferred walking on four legs.
Upon waking moments before, Harper had immediately relinquished her command to Wolf. The darkness that had been inside Harper hadn’t been eradicated with her memories like Wolf had hoped. On the walk down the hallway, she shifted her eyes until they were more like her original form. Colors warped and sharpened into a comfortable familiarity.
A few pack members were gathered in the kitchen, and Jules was making some breakfast that made Wolf’s human stomach growl. Anthony and Mark, the pack’s third and fourth in rank, were watching television and probably waiting on their usual special order of peanut butter pancakes.
“Morning, Harper,” Jules chanted, showing off by throwing a pancake into the air.
It smelled delicious.
“Hungry?” Jules flipped the pancake and twirled around before catching it.
Wolf didn’t enjoy speaking; it was too strange for her taste. After she didn’t reply Jules turned and saw her golden eyes. In order to avoid angering Wolf, Jules dropped her gaze to the floor. She was the mate of Anthony, so her rank was only two behind Harper’s. Wolf was pleased. She was also hungry.
She prowled into the living room where her mate lounged on the couch. His attention had been on the national news, but he rose when he saw her.
“Morning, my wolf,” he murmured.
She sent a feeling of love through the bond and leaned her head into his shoulder.
“I have a theory. There might have been someone in the pack who sent a curse through the magic.”
Wolf whined. The noise sounded odd through her human throat.
“We need to go see one of the other pack leaders. We’ll figure it out.”
They stood quietly like that until the TV caught their attention.
“And we have a special live report today. An anonymous member from the state of Colorado sent a videotape of what looks to be a werewolf. The video was filmed one week ago, at the same time strange noises from the woods were reported. We will have the video and the report after this break.”
All was silent in the pack house as their group processed the news. Axel was on the phone issuing orders within seconds.
“I don’t care. We need lodging, now. Until this thing blows over. Yes. Expect us within in the next seven hours.”
He hung up and turned to the waiting pack members. Jules had forgotten to catch her thrown pancake, and it hit the ground with a sickening pat.
Harper had watched Wolf’s interactions silently, but she couldn’t hide the tiny trill of pleasure upon hearing the news report. Axel had felt Harper’s joy too.
Time is running out, he told Wolf as Harper snickered with glee.
Wolf agreed.
Dear Reader,
If you’ve enjoyed reading Revocation, be on the lookout for the second Canyon Wolves book. www.justfields.blogspot.com is regularly updated with new book progress.
Any reviews or feedback is highly appreciated. If you enjoyed this novel or find any errors, please email me at [email protected] so I can personally thank you for your support. My doors will always be open to readers.
Kindest regards,
Laura Fields
Table of Contents
Copyright © 2012 Laura Fields
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Dear Reader,