Chosen: Shifters of London

by Hanna Maria Jones

  “You can’t return home,” Heath said stoutly once Ry mentioned leaving for the night.

  Ry raised an eyebrow, gray eyes travelling to his cousin. She busied herself with piling food on a plate, but she was peeking at him nervously.

  Seeing that he’d get no help from that quarter, he shifted his attention to me. “Keeping me trapped while forcing a Change outside of my moon phase? You two are related.”

  That wasn’t fair, and the worst insult I’d heard him say to anyone as of yet. I wanted to tear that down point by point, but my lower lip trembled instead and I couldn’t speak.

  “Don’t you have a go at my cousin!” Heath snapped, pushing Ry’s shoulder to get his attention. “You’ve been gone the whole day, and Alec, or whatever his name is, knows Pandorea is back. You’ll be putting more than just you in danger, you selfish prat.”

  I didn’t stay for the rest of the conversation. I hurried up the stairs and crawled into the second bed after changing into the pajamas my brother gave me me.

  "Oh bugger, my book is still in the car,” I muttered to myself, loathe to do any studying. I had missed classes anyway, an unhappy necessity of all this intrigue and danger. I just wanted to go to sleep. I crept out of my room instead, sitting quietly on the top step.

  “You should sleep upstairs with us.” Clover was encouraging, I assume, Ry.

  “Us?” He sounded as skeptical as one might expect.

  “It helps when we’re all feeling out of sorts. Everyone sleeps in the master bedroom on the big bed.”

  “Ah.” He didn’t sound convinced at all.

  “You’re practically one of us. Don’t worry, it’s not to keep an eye on you. We all know only one of us sneaks out by themselves,” Willie piped up.

  I blushed, crossing my arms tightly. Little did they realize I had accomplices now! Assuming, that is, I still wanted Ry to help or vice versa.

  Honestly, by the time everyone was piled on the bed and I changed into my regular nightgown, I was just surprised we all fit. Ry wasn’t a short bloke, none of them were. Willie offered to sleep on the girl’s side, but he was shot down with several off-colour suggestions about his intentions.

  There were some jokes at my expense as well, and Clover ended up sleeping behind me so I couldn’t ‘sneak off quite so easy’. I allowed it, as I had no plans quite at that time. I was getting used to lying in the dark, sandwiched between warm bodies and listening to the different deepening breaths.

  Unlike the last few mornings, I was one of the first to wake up. A part of me just wanted to stay in the warm room, and pick out who was still here by the sound.

  I’ll admit, I was still hurt by Ry’s comment yesterday. Nobody likes being held against their will, but I hadn’t even said a word. Why did he focus on me?

  The next several days were quite busy. Lyall kept printing off copies of maps and directions and leaving. We teased him about not simply texting or emailing it out, and killing the very woods they were meeting in. He pointed out the service up there was awful, but otherwise he took it in good stride.

  The tension between Heath and Ry had all but disappeared, and there hadn’t been any with the others to begin with. Except one. Kurt and Ry still walked stiff-legged around each other, but we all shared a bed at night. Pandorea was still our appointed chaperone, and I was growing to really like her. She was still quiet, but she was also funny and nice.

  Ry hadn’t apologized, and I didn’t bring it up. It did keep me from seeking him out or hanging back in rooms to catch a word alone. I contented myself with the company of many, Ry and Pandy downstairs, or Clover upstairs.

  My parents didn’t end up going back to the house, instead taking up the mantle of planning with Lyall. Never in my life had I seen them walk in and out the front door this many times in such a short period.

  The day of the Summit, I caught Lyall in between his come and go moments.

  “I know I haven’t managed to change Ry, but I’m still going, right?”

  He stopped and sighed at me, clearly gearing up for an argument. “Gemma, I know you’ve been working hard at it. Without that, I just don’t think you’ll be able to stop Andrew.”

  I pretended to think about this, adding in a mildly crestfallen look before speaking. “I just wanted to help.”

  He placed his hand on my shoulder, gentling his tone. “I know it’s hard to hear, but Andrew knew what he was doing when he tortured Mollie and Rich. I don’t think he’s a bad kid, but Septimus is still controlling him.”

  I knew better, but I nodded slowly. “Thanks for considering it.”

  “You’re welcome.” A small look of relief crossed his tired features. “Just stay here with Pandorea, alright?”

  “Fine. Can I have a map, in case anyone shows up here?” I asked timidly. We already had one, but I was playing meek Gemma right now. “And my car keys? We won’t leave unless it’s not safe to stay.”

  Lyall held out several sheets of paper and my keys. “I’m trusting you. Only if it’s not safe, right?”

  “Right.” I nodded sincerely. “I really hope it doesn’t come to that.” It wouldn’t though, because my brother was going to come home.

  Chapter 20

  “I can’t drive your car.”

  Pandorea, Ry, and I all stared at the manual gears. The original plan was that they take my car, and I would follow behind in Ry’s.

  That plan was dead in the water. I could not teach her to drive a stick shift in five minutes.

  “You two will just have to go in Ry’s car, and I’ll take mine.” Not ideal, but they were still sound precautions. “If he’s not there, I’ll just--”

  “--leave.” Ry finished, leaning against the side of my car. “I know Tiberius isn’t helping Septimus, he hates him. But in case anything goes wrong, you leave and go up to the Summit.”

  Pandorea nodded, looking between us. “We’ll be fine.”

  I didn’t think I could just leave, but I agreed out loud. “Right. Alright, just keep your head down.” I had lighter hair than her, but nobody was going to suspect she was in the car instead of me. “Has he sent another message?”

  “No. I think it’s best that way.”

  We both had maps to the Summit hidden in each car, and the address Tiberius gave us. It was almost time to go. “Be safe you two. If anything seems off, you drive away.”

  Ry leaned forward, catching my wrist lightly and kissing my cheek. “Don’t be a hero.”

  I couldn’t help the smile as I waved at them and climbed into my car. I didn’t have to follow too closely, since our destination was the same. I had his number at the ready in my phone. I pulled out behind him, leaving behind the empty Pack house.

  The spot we were meeting at was a five minute’s walk from Septimus’ house, which made sense to me. He undoubtedly never even taught Andrew to drive.

  No matter, I would teach him, and he would learn in my car first. I wondered where he would want to live. Not in our parent’s house. Maybe he’d come to Heath’s flat, or we could find our own. I was willing to work with his comfort level.

  I spotted Ry’s car ahead, and I slowed down until we were almost two blocks apart. It wasn’t far to the cross streets, and--

  A dark green beater rammed right into Ry’s car. I covered my mouth with both hands, slamming on the brakes. Maybe it was an accident, but it hit so hard the other car was half on the sidewalk.

  Three people climbed out of the beater, and it was impossible to mistake that bright red hair. Even from this distance I could see Marius wrench the destroyed passenger’s door off it’s hinges.

  To Pandorea’s credit, she fought like a wildcat. Ry ran around the side and punched his brother, flattening the taller man and dragging their cousin away.

  Tiberius nor Rose were idle, and they joined in the fray as Marius got up, holding his nose and heading toward the struggling sisters.

  A car honked behind me, and I nearly shrieked.

  In case anything goes wrong, yo
u leave.

  I had the running car, I could take down all three. But at this point, I would definitely hit my friends. If I froze now, how was I supposed to help at the Summit?

  The car honked again, trying to get around me.

  Andrew wasn’t here. How could I be so bloody stupid? I shifted into gear and pulled over so the angry driver behind me could get by.

  I promised them I would go. I promised.

  Bloody hell. I reversed the car and drive the other way. It was twenty minutes to the Green Park, and I could make it in fifteen if I adopted Heath’s driving style.

  “Selene help me,” I muttered, stealing Lyall’s favorite saying again, as I drove as fast as I could down the side streets and ignored the safety signs.

  The sun was setting. I’d heard over and over that the combination of the full moon, which was growing over the horizon, and night falling was the catalyst for the Change. I desperately wanted to get there when I might have someone to talk to.

  All I could picture was them wrenching Ry and Pandorea apart. They wouldn’t hurt them, not their own family. I had to hold onto that, otherwise I would turn right back around.

  I bit my lower lip bloody on the short drive. It was a race between the growing darkness and the woods getting closer. Consulting the map, it was a hike off the road to get to the circled spot. Navigating the woods at night was also a concern.

  Somehow the picture in my head was deserted woods, but once I reached the correct road and saw the Road Closed sign, I saw crowds. Way to be inconspicuous.

  A great deal of parked cars were down the roads, masses of people checking their watches and phones as they chatted.

  I wasn’t sure whether to be find that funny or terrible. I parked in the first spot I saw, half hanging out of my car and waving at a group of thirty-something’s walking by.

  “Have you seen Lyall?” He said he would be with the Pack I had grown so fond of over the past week.

  “Just got here, luv.” One of them called back.

  I climbed all the way out of the car and began to run up the road, map and phone in each hand.

  Of course my phone didn’t have any service the further I went in. What was the use of a mobile if I couldn’t call the people I needed to the most? Once I waded further into the woods, I was immediately lost. All I could do was follow the bulk of bodies, many of whom were already shirtless. Several didn’t have trousers already.

  I thought I was on the right path, but each clearing where people were veering off into didn’t have any familiar faces.

  “Lyall!” The sun was slipping out of sight, shooting gorgeous pinks and orange against the wispy clouds. “Heath! Kurt!”

  I wasn’t a jogger, let alone a runner. I was already tripping over twigs and roots, ignoring the curious looks sent my way. They probably just thought I was late and lost.

  “Are you looking for the East London pack?” One young guy caught my arm and nearly sent me spinning.

  “Yes!” I gasped, grabbing my side. A small stitch was growing as I panted for air.

  “They’re in that clearing.”

  I wanted to do more than profusely thank him, but no time. I was seeing more skin than clothes at this point, so no time. I ran, if one could call it running at this point, over to the small clearing. I spotted Clover’s dark red hair first, and waved my arms.

  Heath was sitting cross-legged on the springy grass. “Gemma!” He grabbed a pair of nearby jeans and covered his lap.

  I was trying not to look around. Once I saw Lyall turn at hearing my name, thankfully wearing trousers, I stumbled up to him.

  “They’ve gotten Pandorea!” I clawed at his shoulders, the act of grabbing them failing miserably in my panic.

  “What?” That came from Heath.

  “What are you even doing here?” Kurt, of course, but he must have moved just out of my sight. I wasn’t disappointed, truly. Mostly not.

  Lyall caught my hands. “Wait, what happened? Who has her?”

  Before I could spill out the whole mess, he lurched against me. I struggled not to fall over, arms full of bare-chested male. “What is--?”

  He managed to throw his weight back, but as we looked into each other’s face, his eyes turned yellow.

  This time I stepped back, trying to pull my hands from his spasming grip. “Bugger!” It was too late. Once his hands convulsed again I slipped free, backing up further.

  He wasn’t the only one doubling over. All sense of modesty forgotten, most of the bodies were bucking or slumping to the side. Except one.

  Kurt winced as he reached out to touch my shoulder. "You’re not safe here.”

  “I know.” I sighed, too tired to fight his constant harping on how reckless I was.

  He looked at the moon that seemed to take up so much sky. When his gaze returned to me, his eyes were still bottle green. One hand slid behind my neck, taking a step very close. His intent was unmistakable.

  “This is sudden,” I whispered, eyes huge.

  “Not for me.” Then he kissed me. It was hot and fierce, his tongue surging between my lips to utterly claim my mouth.

  I gripped his bare shoulders, pressing against him and barely able to keep up with the sudden flood of heat where he touched me.

  Kurt groaned against my mouth, before breaking it off and heaved in pain as he firmly pushed me back.He doubled over, falling to his knees as the skin over his shoulders and back stretched.

  I averted my eyes, but not before the sight of his face elongating was burned into my mind. The air was filled bones grinding against each other, the popping of joints and what sounded like ripping. I just hoped it was cloth for those who couldn’t get undressed all the way.

  When I dreamt about them, I was on my knees and it made sense they looked huge.

  Once it was quiet, I opened my eyes again. Even standing the wolves’ heads nearly reached my shoulders. I knelt to mimic the dream, recognizing the colors from before. Two brown wolves off near the edge of the clearing, both lying on their sides together. I saw the rusty red wolf, and the dirty blond one approaching me.

  “I should’ve known it was you.” I murmured to the nearly black wolf, who turned bottle green eyes on me as I spoke to him.

  Reaching out one hand to rub the coarse, warm fur, I sighed against his neck. “He’s coming now.”

  The black wolf pushed its snout against my shoulder then walked away, sniffing the air.

  “No, don’t do anything.” I stood up again, walking to the edge of the clearing.

  I could hear the low growls and the sharper snapping of twigs that announced a person upright. Many people.

  “Andrew?” I called, turning my head to listen. A pause in the steps, and the sounds began to come my way. I think I saw him before he saw me.

  He wasn’t alone. There were many faces I didn’t recognize, but it only took me a moment to understand why the hundreds of wolves growled but didn’t attack.

  Every other person except Andrew was carrying a pistol...and two struggling figures.

  “Oh, Pandy,” I sighed. I was so stupid.

  The dark blonde wolf not far from me snarled and I held out a hand to him as I walked out to meet them. I didn’t see Septimus right offhand, but the gun-toting group was clustered tightly together, most of them wearing funny green goggles.

  “Don’t have night vision as humans?” I held up my hands as their attention turned toward me. And their guns.

  “Gemma?” Andrew hesitated, his left eye fading to brown for a second, just a second. The silver blanked one eye from me, but the other wasn’t so closed off as when we first met.

  “You don’t have to do this.” I felt like I’d heard that line a million times, but it was painfully true.

  “It’s what we do.” He lifted one hand carelessly, indicating the men behind him.

  “You’re not one of them. They stole you from us!” From me, I wanted to shout. Not that I had the strongest claim to grieve his absence, but it felt like it. “I
thought you lot didn’t use guns.”

  “Times change. To be fair, we do use these often.” He made a motion with his fingers, and the person holding Ry - the pale blond hair and regal bearing could only belong to his brother - shot just away from me.

  I cried out, hands going to my ears at the crack. A yelp sounded louder than me, and I whirled around. Red wolf, Clover, was on her side whimpering. I didn’t see any blood like I expected, but there was a tiny red object like a pillow next to her.

  I walked over and leaned to pick it up, surprised at the weight. It felt like it was filled with tiny balls. “A bean bag?”

  I stood up and this time I didn’t stop until I was close enough to Andrew that I had to tilt my head back a touch. “You’re planning on turning all of them back?”

  “I’ve become very good at it.” His voice was flat again.

  “Then what, you’ll kill them? All these people who’ve never done anything to you.” I kept my voice skeptical, even though the thought he really wanted that was almost too much to bear.

  He lifted his shoulder in a shrug. “That’s what predators do.”

  “How would you know?” I shouted, hating him almost as much as I loved him right now. “You’ve been kept like a dog for all your life! Look at them, holding their own kind hostage because the people here care more about them than any of you!”

  He flicked his head, like a horse brushing away a fly. Yet a muscle jumped in his jaw and his mouth was twisted.

  “If you’re so desperate to be a predator, if you want a hunt… Start with me.” I spread my arms to offer a larger target. “Let them take me too. Because if you’re so desperate to prove yourself, you can start with me.”

  His brown and silver eyes snapped toward me furiously. “You’re not one of them.”

  “I am! And so are you!” I grabbed the thick vest he wore over a black shirt, my arms trembling and fingers holding him so tight they hurt.

  He didn’t even respond, just grabbing both of my hands with his larger one, making a sharp motion with the fingers of his other hand.

  Cracks filled the air and I screamed while trying to pull away. “NO!”