Howl of the Wolf hc-4

by N. J. Walters

  A loud roar, like that of a tiger, filled the house, and seconds later Roric was beside her. “What’s wrong?” He glared at the other two women as if accusing them of doing something to upset her.

  Two more roars filled the house and before Aimee could blink Marko and Leander were both there, ready to protect their women.

  “Look.” Aimee pointed at the email. “Wolf is free in New Orleans. And there are directions too. We suspected the woman who could release Arand lived there. This has to be about Arand.”

  Roric stared at the screen for a moment and then turned to his fellow warriors. “This is it, the end is upon us.”

  “We go to New Orleans.” It wasn’t really a question. Marko crossed his arms over his massive chest and stared back at Roric.

  Roric nodded and glanced toward Leander. Leander’s gold eyes narrowed at the unspoken question. “I’m in.”

  “We’re going too.” Aimee knew the other women would want to go as well. “We’re all part of this. We don’t know what Hades has up his sleeve, but we do know he plans to take over the world once he’s dealt with Arand. It’s going to take all of us to defeat him and his army of demons.”

  None of the men were happy, but they were smart enough not to try to stop them, knowing the women would simply follow them. Aimee did a quick search of available flights as there was no time to drive. “Okay, if we get our butts in gear there are a number of flights we can get and be in New Orleans early afternoon. We can rent a vehicle when we get there and head out to the coordinates we were sent.”

  “But if we get involved in the fight, doesn’t that negate our immunity from Hades’ wrath?” Araminta chewed on her bottom lip with worry. “That’s what Hades told me when he was bargaining with me.”

  Leander wrapped his arm around Araminta and pulled her close to his chest. “I will protect you.”

  Roric shook his head. “Hades was lying, trying to manipulate you. Neither he nor his demons can touch us. That was the deal, the outcome of our breaking the curse. But there was nothing about us not going after him. I’m not going to leave Arand out there alone if there is something I can do to help him.”

  Araminta nodded. “Then we’re all in.”

  Aimee dragged her fingers through her short dark hair, saying aloud what the rest of them were thinking. “We’ll need every advantage we can get if Hades unleashes his demons on the world. We might be safe from him, but no one else is.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Reclining in his enormous mahogany chair, Hades was the picture of relaxation as he entertained his unexpected guests. Inside, he was a seething cauldron of barely restrained fury. The wolf was on the move, the hour of his brilliant plan was at hand, and he was stuck having to chat with his brothers.

  “So, Hades, there have been some troubling disturbances in your realm over the past few months.” Zeus sat on the sumptuous leather couch, which Hades reserved for the few guests he did receive. The legs of the couch had been shortened, so whoever was seated on it was close to the floor. Hades preferred to tower above everyone else. Not that Zeus seemed bothered by the obvious power ploy. If anything, his brother seemed amused, which only pissed him off even more.

  “Surges of power,” Poseidon pointed out as he wandered around the room examining the various treasures on display. Hades wanted to rip his brother’s hand off and beat him with it. He didn’t like anyone touching his things.

  Shrugging, Hades took a sip of the very fine merlot that filled the gold goblet in his hand. “Nothing out of the ordinary. I slipped into the human realm a few times to have some fun. And I sometimes let some of my demons run free for a spell as a reward for tasks they’ve done for me.”

  And that was a bald-faced lie. Anyone who knew him at all knew he never gave rewards for anything. He expected his demons to do what he demanded of them simply because he demanded it. Their reward was in serving him.

  Hades wanted to look at his magic mirror, wanted to know what was happening with the wolf and Sabrina, but he didn’t dare. Neither Zeus nor Poseidon knew the mirror was special, that it was more than simply a looking glass. That was his secret.

  He’d planned on taking Agmar and several more demons and attacking the warrior and his woman as soon as they were out of the city. But the unexpected visit from his siblings put the kibosh on that idea. Now he was forced to play congenial host for who knew how long.

  And Mordecai wasn’t around to send in his stead, and he had only himself to blame for that. For once, he wouldn’t mind the serpent hovering in the shadows.

  Philosophical about the whole thing, he gave an internal shrug and relaxed. Arand and his woman weren’t going far, and he knew where to find them. He’d deal with them as soon as his brothers returned to their own realms. There were quite a few hours left between now and midnight.

  And just the thought of finally having sufficient power to strip his brothers of theirs was enough to give Hades the patience he needed. Soon, Zeus wouldn’t be able to lord anything over him again. Soon, it was Hades they would all bow to.

  “More wine, brother?” He waved to the female demon standing in the corner, and the creature hurried toward Zeus, her head lowered as she offered the wine to his guests.

  “Don’t mind if I do.” Zeus waited until his goblet was full before continuing. “So there was nothing more to the surge of energy than a few trips to the human realm?”

  Hades shook his head, knowing his expression was one of total innocence. It should be. He’d practiced it enough over the years. “If it’s any more than that, I don’t know what it could be.” He rubbed his jaw and gave his brother a thoughtful gaze. “Maybe one of the other gods or goddesses decided to have some fun.”

  “No.” Poseidon’s deep voice filled the room. “The energy bears your distinct mark.” He tapped the side of his nose. “I could smell it.”

  Hades wanted to grab one of his jeweled mahogany walking sticks and beat his brother until he could no longer smell anything. Poseidon was always the smarter of his brothers. Zeus was more laidback, relying solely on his powers, confident he could defeat any threat.

  But that was before. A new order was dawning, one in which Hades would be king. He’d have to lock his brothers away, of course, but that couldn’t be helped. He didn’t like them that much anyway so it wasn’t as though he would miss them. And there were plenty other gods and goddesses to fawn over him once he became their leader.

  Hades set his goblet on the thickly carved arm of his chair and spread his arms wide. “I don’t know what to tell you, my brothers. I’ve made a few trips to the human realm and had some fun.” He wiggled his eyebrows, knowing how his brothers, especially Zeus, would interpret the action.

  Sure enough, the randy old goat chuckled and grabbed his cock through his silk pants. “Nothing like a good workout with some prime human female.”

  Hades would never lower himself to such a thing. It was an abomination to deplete the bloodlines in such a way. Not that Zeus ever cared about such things. All he cared about was having his dick serviced.

  Zeus and Poseidon began to chat and Hades relaxed slightly. A few hours at most and his brothers would be gone. The next time he met them would be on the field of battle. He needed Arand on his side. With the wolf and the serpent, he would have a much better chance of reaching his goal of world domination. Once all the humans worshipped him, he would be all-powerful. Then he would turn his attention to his family.

  His left eye twitched, the only outward sign of his anger. How he wanted to peer into his mirror and find out what was going on. He also wanted to know where Mordecai was.

  Was the serpent on his way to New Orleans? Would he get there in time?

  The immortal warrior had tricks up his sleeve. Hades was sure of it. As long as those powers were used to further his goals, Hades had no problem with Mordecai wielding them, at least until the war was won. Once Hades was king—no, supreme ruler—of the world, he would crush the serpent.

  He pi
cked up his wine and took another sip of the rich beverage. Maybe he should imprison Mordecai instead of killing him. Yes, that was a better plan. That way he could torture the serpent whenever the mood struck him. He would keep the warrior in the same cell he’d kept the Lady of the Beasts in for all those years.

  The irony was lovely. He almost rubbed his hands together with glee until he remembered he had an audience.

  Hades rose from his chair and smiled. “Brothers, let us go and tour my realm and I’ll show you the improvements I’ve made since you were last here.”

  He knew they were both uncomfortable around his demons and the damned human souls who resided here. It was his small way of retaliating against them for invading his home, his privacy, without invitation.

  Zeus rose easily from the low sofa and glanced at Poseidon before motioning to the door. “Lead on. I’m looking forward to it.”

  Arand breathed in the fresh air. It was a combination of water, fresh and rotting vegetation and the light perfume of some of the wild flowers that blossomed in spite of the harsh conditions.

  In the distance, a gator gave a rumbling bellow to let everyone know he considered the area his territory. Several ducks flew overhead and an owl gave a cry as it flew from one tree to another, disturbed by his presence.

  The world was full of life and so was he. Raising his arms in the air, he stretched every muscle in his body. The urge to run was sharp. His blood hummed with a fever to race through the woods and into the swamp. His wolf prowled impatiently within him.

  “Soon,” he promised the wolf. “Very soon.” Still, he could take a moment for himself. He was very aware, his senses even keener when he was in his wolf form. He would know if anyone approached or threatened.

  He willed his pants and leather boots away, letting the wind caress his naked skin. He felt wild and elemental, exactly the way he should, the way he was created to be.

  Arand threw back his head and howled, the primal sound echoing through the trees. He fully embraced his wolf and the change, the ripple of his muscles as they readied themselves for the metamorphosis to come. It was almost impossible to explain to anyone else what the sensation felt like. It wasn’t as though he was changing into something else, but actually becoming more himself. It was like exposing another aspect of his true self.

  It was natural and right.

  The wolf burst out from inside him, the change almost instantaneous this time. He leapt forward, landing on four paws instead of on hands and feet. His jaw cracked and elongated, his teeth sharpened and fur pushed out from under his skin to cover him.

  He threw back his head once again and howled for the sheer joy of being able to do so. The swamp went silent around him as the other animals recognized the predator in their midst. He padded forward, stopping at the edge of the line of salt he’d spread around the house. He had no idea if it would offer any protection to them. He hoped so, but he wasn’t going to depend upon it.

  His ears twitched and he easily catalogued the sounds in the immediate area. His sensitive nose trapped all the scents of the area, letting him know what kind of vegetation and animals surrounded them. Except for the regular creatures of the area, they were alone.

  Two minutes. He would take two minutes to allow himself to run. Sabrina would be safe for that long and he would remain close by. After more than five thousand years of captivity, surely he deserved such a small thing.

  Careful not to smudge the line of salt, he stepped over it. He took one last glance over his shoulder at the house. All was quiet and he could hear Sabrina moving around inside.

  He exploded, going from a complete stop to a full-out run. The ground was soft beneath the wide pads of his feet, the wind ruffled his fur and the swamp embraced him. His muscles fluid and strong, his body the perfect running machine, he raced through the trees. Freedom. It was such a sweet thing. He gave a yip of pleasure as the muscles in his hind quarters bunched before he launched himself over a fallen log. Arand flew through the air and landed without a sound on the other side.

  Sabrina stood at the window and watched spellbound as Arand went from clothed to naked in a heartbeat. The wolf tattoo on his back seemed to be staring at her and she took a step back, hiding behind the curtain, not wanting to be caught watching him.

  Arand was the most elemental man she’d ever known. Maybe it was the animal that was such a fundamental part of him, but he was primal and sure of himself. It was sexy as hell.

  Of course, having a body as hot as his didn’t hurt either. The man was built like a god, with long, thick legs, a trim waist, a sculpted back and torso, buns of steel, broad shoulders and bulging biceps. Not to mention his face. It wasn’t a handsome face as much as it was compelling and totally masculine. His black and gray shaggy hair fell around his shoulders and she wished he’d turn around so she could see him.

  She gasped when he suddenly launched himself forward. One second he was a man, the next a gigantic wolf. The change was so fast it was a blur, not like the first time she’d seen him shift. She rested her fingers on the pane of glass separating her from the outside. The glass was cool against her skin. How she wished she could touch his fur, to feel the muscles rippling beneath it.

  He was her guardian spirit come to life, yet he was not for her. He belonged to a goddess—the Lady of the Beasts—and would have to return to her service. It wasn’t like he could up and quit, and she didn’t think he would anyway. He wasn’t that kind of man.

  Arand took his responsibilities seriously and right now, she was a big one.

  He took off like a rocket being launched, disappearing into the thick brush. Sabrina hurried to the front door and yanked it open. Did he sense something out there? Was there a threat or was he leaving her?

  That was her biggest fear. She knew it was totally unrealistic. Knew Arand couldn’t stay with her indefinitely. They’d only known one another for a matter of few hours. Once his debt to her was paid by keeping her alive until midnight, there would be no reason for him to stay. He’d return to his goddess and friends and live forever while her body aged and eventually died in a few decades.

  Now that was depressing. She hoped at least one of those muffins Tilly had packed for them was chocolate. She could use some chocolate right about now.

  She stepped out onto the porch and listened to the quiet. It was unnaturally silent, as though the entire swamp was holding its breath. Were all the animals in as much awe of Arand as she was? Of course they were. They’d sense him and realize he was special, powerful, something above and beyond normal.

  The wind itself seemed to pause before resuming its path. A lock of her hair had escaped her braid and blew over her eyes. She hooked it behind her ear and kept her eyes on the spot where Arand had disappeared.

  She’d always felt at home in the swamp and especially here at her granny’s house, but for the first time in her life, she was lonely. Arand had filled an empty space within her she hadn’t even known existed. She knew deep in her heart she’d feel his loss for years to come. That’s even assuming she survived the rest of the day.

  And where was Hades? The longer time went without anything happening, the more nervous she became. Maybe she should call Jessica and Tilly. Maybe they’d learned something that could help her stay alive. There was no telling when or if Arand was coming back.

  Sabrina straightened her shoulders and took a deep breath. She could do this. All she had to do was stay alive until midnight and she was off the hook. Whatever happened after that was between the gods, goddesses and immortal warriors. She’d go back to her friends, her painting and tarot reading and resume her life. These twenty-four hours would be nothing more than a bump in the road.

  There was no sound, but Sabrina suddenly knew she was no longer alone. The short hairs on the back of her neck stood on end as she slowly turned. She should have found something to use as a weapon. Granny kept an old shotgun in her bedroom closet to scare off alligators that got too close. She should have dug that out to
have on hand.

  The enormous black and gray wolf stood about ten feet away, his black eyes watching her.

  “So you came back.” Her stomach settled and she’d never admit aloud that she was so damn glad to see him.

  The wolf growled in displeasure, but she was past being intimidated.

  “What did you expect me to think? You left without a word. Thought I was on my own.”

  The pleasure that his short run through the woods had given him was lost. How could she think he would leave her? Because he had. Essentially, he’d left her without a word. What was she supposed to think? It wasn’t as if she knew him that well.

  Still, Arand felt insulted. He would never leave her on her own, unprotected to face Hades’ wrath.

  He gave thanks to his wolf and embraced the human side of himself once again. His limbs changed, bones cracking and reforming. His jaw broke and shortened. Fur disappeared and was replaced by smooth, tanned skin. Arand pushed himself upright and strode toward Sabrina.

  Something of what he was feeling must have shown in his expression because she backed away until her spine hit the door. He didn’t stop until he was in front of her, his naked body crowding hers.

  She slapped her hands on his chest. “What are you doing?”

  What was he doing? He should clothe himself and start developing a defense strategy. That would be the wise thing, the prudent thing to do.

  But he wasn’t feeling particularly wise or prudent. All he could think about was Sabrina’s fear that he’d leave her. Didn’t she understand she belonged to him? He would never leave her.

  Both man and animal sides of him were in agreement—he needed to claim her, to mark her with his body so all would know she was his. He might have been caged for five thousand years, but he’d been alive since the dawn of mankind. For the first time in his life, he wanted a female to have expectations of him, to have a claim to his body and his soul.