Uniquely Unwelcome (The Shadow World)

by Brandy Nacole

  “I’m fine but thanks.” I say, leaning against his jacket.

  “Well if you change your mind, it’s available for the next hour or so,” Coy says as he pulls out another tour guide, this one of Paris. I’ll be glad when this mess is over so he can move on with his life, even if the thought makes my chest tighten. Why, I don’t know.

  I soon close my eyes and enjoy the feel of the sun through the window. The heat radiates through the glass warming my skin. I hear Danika and Ethan casually talking in the front. Their voices soon fade as I drift off to sleep.

  ~

  A jolt wakes me. We apparently hit a bump in the road. The car’s barely moving forward as we go down a dirt road with trees lining the way. As I watch the trees go by, I realize I’m no longer leaning against the door. Instead, my head is lying on Coy’s shoulder. I quickly sit up, groggily murmuring “Sorry.”

  Coy stretches out his arm, “It’s okay. You looked so uncomfortable so I moved you. You didn’t even stir.”

  “Where are we?” I ask, peering out the window. The forest is thick and dark even though it’s the middle of the day.

  “We’re here,” Ethan says as he slowly glides the car down the beaten path.

  Well that’s helpful. I start to comment on his evasive remark, when I see an opening up ahead. Two huge iron wolves that are howling at the moon, frame the end of the trail. As we pass over the cattle guard, the car is jolted from side to side. The iron wolves tower over our car as we pass. On the other side of the gate is an open field with a big fire pit in the center. Log benches surround the empty pit.

  “Where is everyone?”

  “I told you that most of the Lycans would probably be asleep. The full moon tires us.” Ethan says stopping the car and slamming it in gear.

  “Speaking of the full moon, I wanted to ask you if it bothered you last night.” I wanted to ask him earlier but had gotten distracted with Coy and Ethan’s little tiff. Ethan’s body slightly tenses. “With Danika’s help I was able to control myself pretty well.”

  Danika lays her hand on his forearm and smiles at him. I wonder what kind of help she really gave him. Then I try blocking out that thought.

  We are all eager to exit the car. I’m in serious need of some space and fresh air. My muscles thank me for the stretch. I look over the grounds, taking in my surroundings. There’s not much to take in, just an open field that’s surrounded by trees. A small cave opening sits toward the back of the field.

  I notice that Danika is still in the car. I lean back in the car, “You coming?”

  Danika has her gazed fixed on the open expanse of field in front of her. “I can’t.”

  I stand back up and look at Ethan, “Why not?”

  “It’s forbidden for Witches to enter Lycan land. She’s safe in the car but she can’t get out,” Ethan says. A torn expresses passes over his face as he looks from the car to the opening of the cave.

  “This is so freaking messed up. First you can’t get out at the Vampire lair because you’re a Lycan. Now she can’t get out because she’s a Witch. Well, what about me? I’m part of all those Shadows and I’m not being exiled.”

  “The Lycans don’t trust Witches, especially since they are so open to help Vampires. Jobe knows she is with us but he forbids her from coming inside. Lycans are not supposed to befriend Witches at all. Jobe knows that we mingle in our communities but we’re still not supposed to befriend a Witch.” I roll my eyes at the stupidity the Shadows put each other through. “This isn’t something to take lightly Racquel. There have been Lycans that have been put to death for loving a Witch.” Ethan’s voice carries a burden so heavy that even I feel weighted down by what he said.

  Without wanting to reveal too much, especially in front of Coy since he may not have seen what I did, I move closer to Ethan. “After this is over we will fix that. They can’t control who you love.” I try meeting his eyes but he turns away. After a few seconds he takes off toward the cave. “Let’s go.”

  I lower my head back down to look at Danika. “Lock the doors and keep your eyes open. If you see anything suspicious just leave, then text me or Ethan.”

  She nods as I shut the door. I walk behind Ethan through the field with Coy matching my steps at my side. “Do you think it’s wise for Coy to be going?” I ask Ethan.

  “He’s fine. Jobe wants to meet him anyway.”

  “Why?” I don’t mean for this to sound harsh, although I know it does. I just wonder why the Alpha of all the Lycans wants to meet an ordinary human.

  “I don’t know. I’m just following orders. No matter how many of us there are, we can never escape the Alpha’s order.”

  As we approach the cave I let out some of my disbelief on how the Lycans live. “I seriously can’t believe that the camp is in a cave.”

  “The Lycans don’t depend on the Witches to protect them like the Vampires do. They chose this place so they could isolate themselves from others,” Ethan says.

  “Wouldn’t they be trapped if they were attacked?” I ask. I understand wanting to isolate yourself so you feel safe but trapping yourself defeats the purpose.

  “There are other exits,” Ethan says as we approach the mouth of the cave.

  We enter through the opening of the cave and are met by two other Lycans. One is a woman, her beauty scarred with time but still noticeable. A long, deep scar stands out against her jaw, the dark red contrasting against her golden skin.

  The other Lycan is a handsome-looking man with short black hair and a heavy tan. Now that I think about it, this is how all Lycans look. Unbelievably beautiful or handsome with black or sometimes dark auburn hair, with light chocolate or a dark golden wheat eyes.

  “Hi, I’m Accalia and this is Cade. Welcome.” The woman says looking at me with open curiosity, as she looks me over. Her nostrils flare like she’s sniffing the air, wanting to taste my scent. I shiver at the thought. I don’t like the idea of someone having my scent imprinted in their mind. “I can sense the Vampire and Witch within you. But I can also sense the Lycan. You are very peculiar and complex.”

  What do you say to that, thank you? I avoid the comment and go with the basics. “I’m Racquel and this is Coy,” I say gesturing beside me.

  “Coy, yes the human that escaped the lair. You’re lucky,” Accalia says.

  “It’s all thanks to Racquel,” he says smiling at me.

  “As I recall Danika had the biggest influence on that,” I add. Accalia acknowledges my attempt to bring good faith on Danika but with distaste.

  “So I have heard.” Accalia turns to Ethan. “How have you been my son?” Son? Maybe that’s how they refer to each other. I mean they say they are all about family. ‘We’re all brothers and sister, fathers and mothers,’ blah, blah, blah.

  “Fine mother, and you?”

  There’s still a possibility they are talking as a Lycan family but calling her mother kind of puts a damper on that thought. “Fine. How’s your sister?”

  “Trying to adjust. She could really use your guidance. I’m not much help to her.”

  Apparently this is the real deal, which makes sense as to why Ethan’s acting shy and nervous all of a sudden. When he addressed his mother, the stone he was kicking around had more of his attention.

  “She will be all right. Your father will help her adjust.” She says shrugging it off with little worry. Accalia and Cade turn back toward the cave. “This way.”

  My tongue is bleeding from trying to hold back the bazillion questions I have. Did his parents split up? How long has Ethan been without a mother? How could she just leave her children like that? And what’s up with her daughter, it sounds like she’s having a rough time.

  Ethan turns to me. “I see the questions on your face. I’ll tell you the whole story later but just to ease your curiosity, female Lycans leave their children after they have reached two. Some roam alone or live with other females but most come back here.”

  Okay, I know he was trying to ease my mind but
I really wish he hadn’t. Somehow Ethan always does this to me, gives me half answers that leave me waiting for a later time. I start to ask a question but he just shakes his head and says, “Later.”

  I sigh heavily and continue to follow Accalia and Cade. Torches light the way through the dark cave. It’s like I had imagined in my head before visiting the Covenant and Vampire lair. After visiting them I had thrown all my theories out the window. Well everything except for the doors.

  “You have doors in a cave?” I ask in astonishment, I bet those hinges were a pickle.

  “We are not barbarians. We still like our privacy. We also have natural springs in the bathroom for bathing. We still live modestly but in closer secluded quarters,” Accalia says.

  Yeah, okay, that makes a big difference. Just because there is a door and running water, doesn’t mean you’re living modestly. Living modestly means there is carpet instead of dirt, a television instead of rock drawings, or an air unit instead of stiff cool air.

  We walk on down the stone path not really seeing much except closed doors, damp rock, and burning torches. The pathways are narrow but wide enough to walk side-by-side.

  Accalia stops in front of a door. “This will be your room for the night.”

  “Why do we need a room?” I ask her. “I was under the impression we were just here for a quick chit-chat.”

  “Shelter for the night,” Accalia says and starts walking again.

  I don’t follow. Instead I raise another point. “Is there room for four?”

  Accalia stops mid-step. She slowly turns to look at me with agitation, knowing what I’m getting at. Cade had been matching her pace but he walked a few more steps before turning back.

  “But there are only three of you.” Accalia says.

  “No, we have another waiting outside.” Ethan says to his mother.

  “Oh yes, the Witch.” She says the word Witch like it’s an evil word that burns. “I’m afraid she is not welcome here.” Accalia says with a shrug.

  “Then I’m afraid we will not need the room.” I walk past Accalia and bump her shoulder.

  I’m walking as if I know where I’m going, which I don’t. Cade hurries in front of me to take the lead. I notice he’s stiff and has yet to utter a word. He seems more of a server than a guard. I glance back over my shoulder.

  Accalia is walking next to Ethan, they’re whispering intently but not loud enough for normal hearing. I’m fixing to tune in when my conscience kicks in and I decide against it. Maybe they’re having some private family pow-wow, or they could be discussing Danika. In any case, it’s none of my business.

  I look past them at Coy. He has his head down and is following in silence. As is sensing my attention, he looks up. At first he looks sad but then he gives me a big smile and jogs up to me.

  “How are you doing?” He asks me, shrugging off his jacket and places it on my shoulders.

  “Um….what are you doing?” I ask in total confusion as I shrug his jacket back off and hand it back to him.

  “It’s chilly down here. I thought you might be cold.” He says shyly and puts the jacket back on.

  “Well, as nice as that is of you, I’m fine.” I say noticing Cade has slowed his pace to close the distance between us. Eavesdropping? I think so.

  “Well if you need it, it’s here.”

  “Thanks.”

  After a moment of silence, Coy says, “It truly is sad, you know? All these rules and indifferences, it just makes everything harder for everyone.” He says glancing over his shoulder at Ethan and his mom. They’re still whispering fiercely, Ethans fist are tight at his sides.

  “Yeah, I know what you mean. But that’s why they call it a power struggle. Someone always thinks they’re better than someone else.”

  “I just wish it didn’t have to be that way.” He says glancing over at me.

  “Me too.” If things weren’t this way, maybe my life would have been different.

  “I’m really glad you’re here with me.” He says, looking at me out of the corner of his eye.

  I’m about to respond to his odd statement, wanting to remind him that he’s technically the one here with me, that I would be here whether he was there or not. But I’m silenced by a terrifying scene before me.

  Just as I round the corner that Cade had vanishing behind, I come face-to-face with four big wolves. Their eyes blaze, saliva drips from their teeth as low growls echo from their throats, vibrating off the walls. Lycans are big when in wolf form. Their muzzles are level with my five-foot-eight height. They look ready to tear us apart. And they are advancing on us.

  Chapter Twelve

  I prepare to pounce on them before they get the upper hand, when Accalia brushes past me. She walks with confidence up to the wolves, patting one on the head.

  “Easy there, boys, these are our guests. Where are your manners?”

  The wolves start backing up and stop growling. But they still keep watch over us. Ready to attack if need be.

  “This way,” Accalia says as she moves past them and opens the door the wolves were apparently protecting.

  I hesitate. The wolves stand on each side of the door. I’m not sure I like the thought of walking between them to get past.

  Ethan walks up beside me. “It’s okay. They’re just doing their job.”

  “Which is?” I ask glaring at the wolves.

  “To guard their Alpha.”

  “So they’re guard dogs?” I ask. Low growls erupt from the two wolves.

  Ethan chuckles a little, “Not guard dogs, just guards.” He has a smile on his face as he walks by them.

  “You go first,” Coy says to me, “I got your back.”

  I start to say that that’s not very comforting but stop myself. I don’t want to hurt his ego. No matter how foolish that may sound.

  I walk through, holding my head high. They start growling again. It’s a low sound but it’s still there. As I walk by one it nips me on the arm. I turn to defend myself but Cade is there. “That was just for calling them dogs. They’re very sensitive you know.”

  “I’ll show them sensitive,” I remark as I fake punch the one that nipped me. His growl intensifies as he takes a step toward me.

  Cade puts his hand out to stop him. “Let’s just proceed shall we?”

  I fight the urge to stick my tongue out at the wolf as I turn to walk through the door way. On the other side of the door is a room like any other room. Well, except for the rock floors, walls, and ceiling.

  There’s a bear skin rug in the center of the room, two leather couches facing one another, and a long wooden desk in the corner. Various pieces of art cover the rock walls. A candle chandelier and many other candelabras and wall sconces are scattered throughout the room. Accalia and Ethan are already in the room. Behind me are Coy and Cade, who has shut the door.

  There are also two men in the room. One is sitting on one of the couches. He has dark brown hair with a hint of red highlighting. He’s very tall and muscular with a sun kissed tan that makes his muscles more defined. His eyes stand out the most. They’re a beautiful amber color.

  You know how they say, the eyes reveal everything. I never really believed it until I went on this trip. I’ve never been one to look people eye to eye but I wanted to prove that I wasn’t afraid. So I have looked each leader in the eye to prove just that. And with each leader, I have found the truth hidden in their eyes.

  With the Elders, I saw wisdom and understanding. With Aldrick, whose eyes are blood red; I saw pure evil and hatred. Looking into this man, I see pride and knowledge as well. Sure you can see most of this stuff through posture and body language. But I believe the eyes tell it all.

  The other man, who is leaning against the desk with his arms crossed over his chest, has similar features. His hair is the same color but with less red. He’s also tall and muscular. The only real difference is his eyes. His eyes are topaz.

  Both men are super sexy and look like they’re in their late twenties. Th
ey’re both wearing nice-fitting jeans with boots. The one with amber eyes has a tight black t-shirt on that reveals just how fit his body really is. The other is wearing an olive green t-shirt that is doing wonders for him. I can feel my temperature rising as I stare at them.

  I’m usually not one to stare at men or people in general. But sometimes you just can’t help it. Then Ethan’s words rattle back through my mind. Female Lycans usually feel attracted to the Alpha and Beta. I guess I’m not immune to their lure.

  Ethan clears his throat and I mentally shake my head clear of all visions of what I could do to those two. He looks at me shaking his head. I slit my eyes at him.

  “Racquel, this is Jobe,” Ethan gestures to the man sitting on the couch, “and this is Zaire,” he says gesturing to the man leaned up against the desk.

  When I hear their names, I think of how sexy those names are and with bodies like those, you want a sexy name. What is wrong with me? Here I am gawking at the Alpha and Beta. Who happen to be somewhere around thirty times my age.

  “Please, have a seat.” Jobe says.

  Honestly, I feel more comfortable standing but I do as asked and take a seat across from him. Coy sits beside me but Ethan continues to stand.

  “Thank you Accalia, Cade, for escorting our guests here. You may leave.” Jobe says while staring straight at me. I’m not one to be intimidated by others, but he’s definitely intimidating.

  “Sorry if the guards scared you a bit. They can be a little moody at times.” Jobe has a very nice smile, one that melts you like butter. Jeez. I’m going to have to shake this if I’m going to get anything accomplished.

  “If you don’t mind me asking, why are they in their wolf form?” Coy asks Jobe.

  “I don’t mind answering your question but what is your name?”

  “Coy.” He places his hand around me protectively. Okay, what the crap?

  “Are you the human that escaped the lair?” Zaire asks, speaking for the first time. His voice is deep and husky, quite mesmerizing.