by Lily Thorn
Easton grinned beside her. “I told you they were good.”
Sera reached for a second cake, feeling light. The shifters were much less scary than she’d thought. Maybe she could stay a while. She looked shyly at Easton, who was distracted by the last orange cake. Staying with him and his pack might not be such a terrible idea.
Behind them, the door burst open. Sera jumped to her feet. Easton whirled, teeth bared. Her heart pounded in her chest. She half expected to see Luca striding through the doors, flanked by Vince and Nathaniel.
But it was another shifter. Obviously not just any other shifter, based on the way his presence seemed to fill the room. He was the same height as Easton, with the same golden eyes. The silver in his hair marked him unmistakably as Easton’s father.
He glanced at Seraphina, seeming to assess her in a mere second. “Who is this,” he growled.
“I found her on the western border,” Easton said. “I told her she could rest here.”
“And are you the Alpha of this pack?”
“No, but—”
“Do you even know who she is?”
Easton slid in front of her, like he could shield her from the words that came like blows. “She’s harmless, Father.”
“Then tell me why Ram and Vaine found two men on the northern border, searching for a fugitive?”
Easton turned to her. Seraphina gave him her best innocent look, keeping a tight grip on a squirming Felix.
“She needs help,” he said. “Anyone with eyes can see that much.”
“Anyone can see that she’s trouble.” Easton’s father began to pace around the table. “You shouldn’t have let her in.”
“She’s just passing through to Wolfsbane.” Easton set his mouth in a stubborn line. “You’d make her walk the long way around just because you can’t be a good host?”
“I’d make her walk the long way around to protect this pack.” The older shifter glared at her. “She’s not one of us. She could be dangerous.”
Seraphina looked at her clenched hand. He wasn’t wrong.
“She’s just a traveler in need of some help. How can you be so heartless?”
“How can you be so blind?” The Alpha rubbed his temples. “The last thing we need is trouble with humans.”
Easton set a hand on the table, his fingernails turning to claws that bit into the wood. “And here I thought an Alpha had to make sacrifices, to think of more than just himself.”
“An Alpha makes sacrifices for the pack,” his father growled. “I know that look. I know you want to rebel against me, but you could pick something better than defending a weak human.”
“Oh, well, I’ve never heard of a wolf protecting a weak human before.” Easton’s words were laced with bitterness. “You’ve become cold, Auric. Maybe it’s been too long since you loved a weak human yourself. What would Mom say?”
Auric glared at him, his eyes like chips of frost. “Get out.”
“I’m sorry,” Easton said quietly, “I—”
“GET OUT.”
Easton grabbed Seraphina’s hand, pulling her toward the door. She let him lead her, Auric’s voice still ringing in her ears.
“We have to leave,” Easton murmured. “He’ll forgive me eventually—he always does—but you can’t stay here.”
Seraphina looked nervously over her shoulder, wondering if the Alpha was going to come after them. She wasn’t exactly eager to stay.
“Wait here, just for a second. I’ll be right back.” Easton bounded off, leaving her to stand by the longhouse.
She felt dazed. She couldn’t really fault Auric for wanting her out—Mr. Dark’s men weren’t people you’d want to tangle with, even if you did have teeth and claws.
“Take this.” Fern appeared beside her, pressing a bundle into her free hand. “And good luck.” She gave a sad smile, disappearing back into the longhouse before Seraphina could thank her.
Easton bounded back, carrying a rucksack. “Let’s go,” he said gruffly.
She wasn’t going to argue. It must be Vince and Nathaniel on her trail, and they were closer than she’d thought. The idea of returning to Mr. Dark’s lair sent shivers down her spine.
“This way,” Easton said. “We’ll leave pack territory as fast as possible.”
Tying Fern’s bundle to her belt, she followed him. Easton set a quick pace. It was a challenge to keep up with him without tripping on fallen limbs, but she didn’t want to slow down. She couldn’t be captured again.
This time, neither of them spoke. Their leisurely walk through the woods might well have been a lifetime ago. Seraphina found herself feeling glum. It had been nice eating with Easton in the longhouse. He had made her feel normal, if only for a few moments.
He was quite the sight, striding in front of her. Despite the peril, she couldn’t help but notice that the rucksack wasn’t low enough to cover his bare ass. She didn’t mind the view, though she hoped he’d brought some clothes in that rucksack of his.
With a jolt, she realized that she was putting him in danger. Auric was right—anyone who aided her would face the wrath of Mr. Dark and his minions. Though Easton might be able to shift into a wolf, Luca’s powers did not discriminate. She couldn’t let him get hurt on her account.
“Are we out of your territory yet?” she asked.
“Just a bit farther.” He pointed. “There’s a fallen oak up ahead that marks the boundary.”
It was quite distinctive, gnarled limbs clawing at the ground. Seraphina slowed as they approached the mighty trunk. “Thank you,” she said.
“For what?” Easton turned. “Why are you stopping? We can rest, but we have a long way to go.”
“Thanks for all your help, but you can just point me in the right direction. I can get to Wolfsbane on my own.”
“I believe you. I also don’t mind showing you the way.”
Seraphina crossed her arms. “You should stay here.”
“Give me one reason why.”
“It’s easier.”
He laughed. “That is very compelling. But I’m happy to help.”
Seraphina gritted her teeth. Was he always this stubborn? “Why do you want to help me?”
He blinked at her for a long moment. “Because I can.”
His golden eyes were so warm, so comforting. She forced herself to look at the ground. “I don’t need help. Your father was right—I am dangerous.” Seraphina clenched her fist. She couldn’t bring herself to show him. What if he was horrified? This should be the last time they ever spoke, and she didn’t want to end on a bad note.
“Let’s walk and argue,” he said. “There are those two men after you, aren’t there? I don’t think either of us wants them to catch up.”
“They’re probably Vince and Nathaniel.” Reluctantly, she matched his pace. Maybe she could lose him once they got to Wolfsbane. Why was he so determined to put himself in harm’s way?
“Tell me about them.”
She let out a long breath. “They’re just errand boys for a scarier master. Mr. Dark. Have you heard of him?”
“No. I’d like to meet him, though.” For the briefest second, his teeth grew sharp.
“You’d have to get through his security first. Luca. He deals in pain.”
Easton scoffed. “I’m not afraid of pain.”
“I’ve heard a lot of people say that. Strong people, who have been in fights, who have known war. I’ve seen them all crumble with a touch of Luca’s finger.”
He swallowed. “Did he ever hurt you?”
“A little. Only for fun.”
She could hear him breathing hard, saw his nails turn to claws again. He took a deep breath. “Sounds like he and his master should be put down.”
“Maybe. But it’ll be by someone braver than me.”
They walked on in silence for a while. The sun began to sink below the trees, tingeing the sky red.
“What’s in Wolfsbane?” Easton asked. “Friends? Family?”
She
might as well tell him. “I’m hoping someone will help me find my sister. They… they took her, too.”
Wordlessly, Easton reached out to squeeze her hand. His palm was rough, but warm, and felt better than she could have imagined. She was surprised she hadn’t flinched away. When was the last time someone had comforted her?
“What’s her name?” he asked.
She felt her eyes welling with tears. “Arabella.”
“We’ll find her.” His voice was resolute. “I promise.” At last, he released her hand.
Seraphina let out a long breath. She couldn’t let him get tangled up in this. But that was an argument for another day.
They continued on until the sun was lost from view.
“We should make camp,” Easton said. “Even if we kept walking, we wouldn’t get to Wolfsbane by morning.”
She glanced around, as if Nathaniel and Vince might pop out from behind a tree. “Are you sure we shouldn’t keep going?”
“Those scum who are after you—are they the kind who’ll hike all night?”
She thought of Nathaniel, who must be miserable away from his bed. He’d always remarked how it was a miracle she got any sleep on her cot. And Vince… Vince would do anything to get out of five minutes’ labor.
“They’re not… But fear of Mr. Dark might spur them faster.”
Easton nodded. “They’ve been away from him for days, though. Hopefully the fear will have worn off, and they’ll have slowed. But we’ll be better able to outrun them or face them if we’re rested.”
Her feet were aching, so she didn’t feel like arguing. “Let’s make camp.”
They found a spot near a small stream. After gathering a pile of sticks, Easton rifled through his rucksack.
He groaned. “I packed too quickly. I don’t think there’s any flint in here.” Quickly, he cast around their clearing, maybe hoping that some other traveler had lost their fire starter. “I can still make a fire, probably.” Dejected, he began rubbing two sticks together. “It’ll just take a while.”
Seraphina tried not to laugh. “This might be a good time to show you…”
“Show me what?”
Was she really doing this? She met his golden eyes. Yes—she wanted to show him. “Felix? You can come out now.”
Opening her hand, she showed him the ball of fire that danced on her palm.
He stared at it, transfixed. Would he come to his senses, and run?
The orange orb floated to the ground.
“You can make fire?” he whispered.
“Yes, but I was going to show you Felix.” She poked the molten ball. “Felix?”
The fire crackled, but remained shapeless. She sighed.
“You just made fire. That’s—that’s amazing.” Easton reached out to touch it. Felix finally decided to form, hissing at him.
Easton jumped back. “Is that a cat? Made of fire?”
“Yes.” Her heartbeat sped. Would he be afraid just like all the others? “I conjured him years ago, but he tends to have a mind of his own.”
Felix glared at both of them, then turned away disdainfully to wash himself with his glowing tongue.
“I’ve been keeping him hidden all day—he wasn’t too happy about it.”
Easton crouched to get a closer look. “Felix, huh? You’re a handsome fellow, you know that?”
Felix didn’t look up, but he began to purr.
“Absolutely incredible.” Easton held out a hand for the cat to sniff. Daintily, Felix did, then butted his head against it, wanting further attention.
“He’s so warm!”
Seraphina watched, stunned. Felix had scorched everyone else who tried to touch him, save her.
Easton laughed. “It’s not like fur at all, yet it’s so soft.”
Felix kneaded the ground, turned in a circle, then lay down to become their campfire.
Sitting back on his heels, Easton stared at her.
“This is nothing,” Seraphina said. “You should see my sister’s magic.”
“What can she do?”
She paused, then drew the glass jar out of her pocket. The butterfly was still suspended there, its wings a brilliant blue.
“Wait,” he said. “It’s motionless, but… is it still alive?”
Seraphina nodded. “My sister can play with time.”
He shuddered. “Terrifying.”
“More terrifying than walls of fire?”
“Fire I can understand. Changing time? That’s just too much.” He shook himself. “I’ll stick with you.”
She had to laugh. Almost everyone was terrified of her magic. The only ones who weren’t were her mother, Arabella, and... him.
Seraphina sat by the fire, next to Easton. Despite all her troubles, it felt good to have him beside her. She hadn’t ever felt completely at ease sleeping in the woods, but most everything in the forest would think twice before messing with a shifter.
She realized that she was ravenously hungry. Maybe they should have fished before the light faded. Remembering the bundle from Fern, she untied it from her belt. The contents were heavenly. Jerky, more berries, and a paper sack. She tore that open to find a stack of orange cakes. Her eyes welled. Fern barely knew her, yet was so kind. After living with Mr. Dark for so long, one could forget that kindness still existed.
Easton sniffed the air. “Are you going to share that?”
Laughing, she handed over half the contents. They ate their dinner as the stars began to wheel overhead. Seraphina decided that nothing could possibly taste sweeter than orange cakes.
The moon rose, and the night grew chilly despite the fire.
“Are you ready to sleep?” Easton asked. “I can take first watch.”
She wanted to argue, but her eyelids were getting heavy.
“Come closer,” he said. “I’ll keep you warm.”
Seraphina stiffened, wondering what he meant by that, but then he shifted. She stared in awe as white fur engulfed him, as he transformed into a huge, beautiful wolf. Golden eyes regarded her. The wolf inclined its head, inviting her closer. She grinned. It was still undeniably Easton.
She inched closer, lured by that lush fur. He radiated warmth. Trying not to think about how the fur was hiding a naked man whose backside could scramble her brains, Seraphina lay against him. With his nose, Easton pushed his rucksack under her head. It made a surprisingly nice pillow.
Beside them, Felix began to purr. Lulled by that, the crickets, and Easton’s steady breathing, she fell deeply and soundly asleep.
Chapter Four
EASTON SCRATCHED HIS shoulder, then his chest. He hated the shirt. It was restricting, and felt like at any moment it might burst at the seams. He supposed he’d wear it, and the pants, though they were even worse. It was the price he paid to go into what the humans called civilization.
It almost didn’t seem worth it, especially given his past experience. The last time he’d visited Wolfsbane, he’d left the worse for wear, the precious knife he was supposed to retrieve for his father stolen by a deceitful innkeeper. He was sure his brothers wouldn’t soon let him forget that mistake.
“Are we almost there?” Sera asked.
“Almost.”
Even the worn, long-unused clothes couldn’t hide her scent that still lingered on his skin. Foxgloves, strong enough to drown in. He’d found a sliver of soap in his rucksack, and she’d used that to bathe in the stream.
It had taken all his willpower not to look at her when she dropped her clothes by the bank. The limestone smell had washed off, replaced by a faint rose scent from the soap. Even once she’d dried and pulled her clothes back on, he found it hard to concentrate. He had them start walking as early as possible, to keep himself from making any foolish suggestions. Several had sprung to mind. He could leave his clothes in the rucksack, she could take hers off again, they could delay going to Wolfsbane for another day and lie in the long grass together…
Easton swallowed, his throat dry.
�
��Are you all right?” she asked.
He scratched his elbow. “I just don’t like clothes.”
“You could always take them off. You might get stares, though.”
Easton tried to laugh. He knew she was teasing, but he wished she wouldn’t tempt him like that.
She had felt so right last night, curled close to him. And she had slept so deeply that he wondered when she’d last truly rested. He couldn’t bear the thought of waking her, so he’d kept guard all night. His ears were keener, anyway. And he didn’t want her to wake, and leave his side. Not then.
Not ever.
Sera had unsettled him when she asked why he wanted to help her. He’d been wondering before, but the fire in her eyes made him certain: she was his fated mate, the one he was supposed to love and protect. But he didn’t want to scare her off. She’d clearly been through ordeals greater than he could imagine—she’d need more time before he dropped something like that in her lap.
She stopped in her tracks. Smoke rose above the treetops, and the path at their feet had become cobbled. They were almost to Wolfsbane.
“Thank you for guiding me here.” She reached out to squeeze his hand.
His heart leapt in his chest at her touch. The way her voice quavered, just slightly, made him want to do anything to protect her.
It had definitely been worth coming to Wolfsbane.
***
IN HER MIND, Seraphina had pictured Wolfsbane as a small, quiet town. The reality was something she never could have imagined.
It was the sound that hit her first, almost like a wall. They rounded the last corner of the road to see the town bursting with life. All around them, people gossiped, debated, and shouted out advertisements for their wares. Women haggled, and men ran after children who screeched for candied apples. Seraphina had to dodge a crowd of children who were rolling a hoop down the street. From their clothes, they looked like tourists. They weren’t great at guiding the hoop, and it bounced through the baker’s open door to their shrieks of delight. They scattered as a man in an apron emerged, throwing their hoop after them.
Seraphina tried to breathe as she was hit with eighty different smells. The scent of fresh bread wafted through the air, along with cinnamon, rosemary, and cooked chicken. There was also the stench of a row of latrines near the edge of the forest that looked like they’d been put up yesterday. They smelled like they’d been up longer, and they weren’t quite far enough away. A mass of people stood around an enormous smoking hole, and from the scent and size, they were clearly looking forward to a roast pig. In a shop window, she saw whole chickens roasting on spits.