A Wolf of Her Own

by Susanna Shore

  "The Rider?"

  "Ah, the little vampire has spilled the beans?"

  "It’s a secret?" Kieran felt curiously satisfied Gemma had told her.

  "Yes and no. It’s good she told you so that it won’t come as a surprise."

  "So it’ll get free?" Despite Gemma’s genuine worry, he couldn’t really see how it would be a threat.

  "Only if she lets it." Which meant constant control of emotions if she didn’t want to.

  He got instantly worried for her. He didn’t like that she was on her own without him by her side. What if she couldn’t control the Rider among all this excitement? That he couldn’t deal with it now because of taking care of the clan enemy first added to his aggravation. He tried to counter it by reminding himself that she had Philippa with her. The small vampire detective seemed determined enough to keep anyone’s Rider in check. Gemma would be all right.

  She had to be.

  He needed something else to focus on. "You were wrong about thinking that it was your enemy behind this. It was ours." But he had been wrong too, believing humans would be responsible. It was so easy for him to blame humans. Always had been.

  "So who are they?"

  "It’s this rundown clan north of London. They hire themselves out as mercs. We had a run-in with them last autumn. I thought the clan had been dismantled, but I guess I was wrong."

  "Or they’re a new faction gone on their separate way to continue the business. Either way, they may well be working for our enemy."

  "Makes as much sense as anything—fuck." The curse was because he had stepped into a muddy puddle. "I really should have gone as a wolf."

  "Or worn more practical clothes," Jas grinned. "The problem with you pretty boys is that you don’t know how to dress for work."

  "I know how to dress for work," Kieran huffed. He shook his foot to remove the water, but abandoned the task as useless. "I simply didn’t dress for this particular work." His expensive leather boots squelching, he hiked halfway across Epsom to the edge of the clan estate, where their prey had got into a car.

  "Fuck. Well, Pippa has the licence plate number. She’ll find them in no time."

  Kieran shook his head. "I can’t wait that long." He dug out his mobile and called Jamie, who had been waiting for the call ever since he’d informed him about the identity of the killers. "Their track led straight to our estate but not inside. I’ll follow their car for as long as I’m able to. Did you manage to catch anyone of the bastard clan?"

  "Nope. Either they’ve dismantled or they’re all here. So no solo missions. When you find them you’ll contact me. Is that clear?" Kieran grunted in answer and switched off. Then he peeled off his clothes, bundled them, and shoved them to a surprised Jas.

  "Hold onto these so that I won’t be accused of public indecency twice in the same day. Come on." He was running even before his shift was complete.

  They could run fast as a wolf, but the vampire could easily keep up. They didn’t need to slow down to sniff the tracks. There was only one direction the car could have gone.

  They only paused when the lane split to two directions, one branch leading to the town and the other to an abandoned farm. They weren’t really surprised that the car had headed to the farm. They sped on, the vampire at their side. After a mile and a half they slowed down, knowing the farm would emerge behind the next bend. They got off the road and into the overgrown hedges and approached, hiding themselves, until they could see into the yard.

  Two cars were parked outside the house, the one they had been tracking, and the other the one from the country club. They retreated and shifted. Jas handed him his clothes.

  "Found them."

  "It’s a trap," the vampire stated, irritating Kieran.

  "Of course it’s a fucking trap. And I intend to spring it."

  "Alone?"

  "I’ve got you here, haven’t I?"

  A slow smile spread on Jas’s face. "My kind of operation. How do you want to play it?"

  Gemma’s plans to warn the clan weren’t going well. No one would answer at the number she had for them and now she couldn’t get into the estate. She was driving Kieran’s car, the keys trusted to her so that he wouldn’t have to return for it. That alone should have given her a free pass.

  She had been so sure she would simply drive through the gate that she had come alone. Philippa and Adrian had headed to the local police station to check up on the lead they had about the car. Now she wished that Philippa with her police ID was here after all.

  The main entrance had been the closest access point to the estate, an imposing, well-guarded electronic gate two miles from the manor itself, so she had chosen it. She was beginning to regret her decision. "I’m sorry, but we’re in a lockdown until further notice," the young wolf guarding the gate said firmly.

  "That’s why I’m here," she said, exasperated. "I have information for Jamie that he needs to hear immediately."

  "No one’s seeing the alpha unannounced, especially vampires."

  That was helpful. "I’m working with Kieran Garret on this." Didn’t the boy recognise Kieran’s car? "I’m Gemma Byrd, from the Byrd farm."

  The guard remained adamant. She was older and probably more dominant than him, and could have forced him to let her in, but that kind of grandstanding required help from her Rider. It had been oddly quiet since the Martin farm, the strange atmosphere getting to it as much as her. She wasn’t sure she could rely on it—or that she was collected enough to put it back once it was done.

  "Could you please at least inform Jamie that an angry mob of humans is about to head this way and they seek blood?"

  The boy sneered. "They won’t get past this gate."

  His stubbornness made her anger boil over. "They don’t need to get past it to shoot you. Just make the fucking call."

  She marched back into the car in a huff and tried the official contact number for the clan again without a result. She was getting desperate. She knew she wasn’t actually responsible for Colm’s death; she had been only eight years old and afraid. But her heart kept telling her that if she hadn’t hidden in the pigsty where Mother couldn’t smell her, Mother wouldn’t have taken her wrath out on the sheep. Then the humans wouldn’t have hunted for the killer and Colm would be alive.

  Angry with herself and the world, she started the car and stamped on the accelerator. The feisty Jaguar jumped and swerved violently, and only her vampire reflexes kept the car on the narrow lane. Chastised, she drove home more carefully, if not at a more sedate pace. She was in a hurry.

  At the farm she rushed in, changed into practical clothes and shoes she could run in, and got back out in a record time. Then she started running towards the forest that separated the farm from the manor as fast as she could.

  This is what you’ve wanted, isn’t it? she said to her Rider. A chance to flex your strength. Now show me how fast I can run.

  She had barely finished the thought when her entire body quickened with a surge of Might. Her step lengthened even as she became more surefooted. Her eyesight sharpened. She could detect roots and low-hanging tree branches faster than she would have thought possible. Avoiding them was child’s play. She felt invigorated and powerful, like she could run forever without tiring. And for once she didn’t try to stifle the feeling.

  In no time at all, she was at the wall. She ran along it, hidden by the forest, until she came to the huge tree she had used for getting over the wall when she was a child. It had a branch that stretched over the wall that had been perfect for a little girl. But she was bigger now, and she eyed it warily. Would the branch still hold her?

  You know, you’re a vampire. Why don’t you just jump?

  Her Rider’s sarcastic tone made Gemma blush. Why not indeed? She wasn’t a human child anymore. Hadn’t been for over a century. Maybe it was time she accepted that. The height of the wall made her hesitate though. She had never tried anything similar. But she was in a hurry and so, before she had second thoughts, she s
ped up and jumped, reaching up with her arms as she took off the ground.

  Her hands met the crest of the wall easily and she pulled herself up and over. The landing wasn’t as graceful, but at least she didn’t fall on her face.

  "Halt!"

  Gemma’s entire body froze for a heartbeat. Then she realised the voice behind her belonged to a child and she turned around, lifting her hands up. "Oh-oh. I’ve been caught."

  "Yes you have, and you’re now my prisoner," Vincent declared, pleased. "State your business, trespasser."

  Playing games was all good and fun, but Gemma didn’t really have time for them. "Look, Vincent, I need to see Jamie instantly."

  "I’m afraid that’s not possible. No one just marches in here to see our alpha." If she hadn’t been in a hurry, she would have found the echo of Kieran’s words—and his stance—funny.

  "It’s a matter of life and death."

  "Really?" the boy asked, delighted, clearly thinking this was a game. "But it still isn’t possible."

  "Why not? I’m not really the enemy, you know." She’d only got the boy’s uncle killed. Nothing major.

  "He’s not here. All the soldiers rushed somewhere really fast and wouldn’t tell me where," he said, peeved.

  Gemma’s stomach constricted in fear and worry. Kieran must have found the wolves, and all the soldiers had headed out to deal with them. Not good. The humans were marching in and there was no one to defend the manor. "Who’s in charge, then?"

  The boy thought it over. "Dad."

  "Well, could I see him? Or better yet, could you call him?"

  Vincent made a face. "I’m not allowed a mobile, on account of I might break it … but I only dropped Dad’s phone in the pond that one time!"

  Gemma sighed. She didn’t have her mobile phone either. She had run off too fast to remember to take it with her. "I have really important information to tell to your father, so could we please go see him?"

  We could charm him to obey.

  No.

  The boy got excited. "Okay. This way. I know a shortcut."

  Chapter Eighteen

  As far as traps went, this one was clumsy and obvious. Kieran and Jas did a wide-parameter search and found half a dozen cars hidden in a forest path behind the farm. Instead of five wolves, there could be closer to forty of them lying in wait, hidden in the outbuildings and the surrounding overgrown vegetation. The clan hadn’t split up after all, but had continued on their illegal path.

  "I’d better get our soldiers here."

  "You know, it would be foolish to have your entire force to come here. What if they want us to think they’re here? Most of them could be outside your estate wall, preparing to attack there the moment your soldiers leave the place," Jas pointed out, annoyingly reasonable. "I’ll call in a couple of our guys. We’ll soon have these bastards sorted out."

  "This is our fight," Kieran growled, frustrated. He had been unable to go after the humans who’d killed Colm. He’d be damned if he’d be robbed of his chance to go after the bastards who had harmed his mate.

  "It’s ours as much as it’s yours. Our sheep were killed too." Kieran had to acknowledge this, and he was smart enough to admit that Jas had centuries of experience in warfare and battle tactics, whereas he was an architect. His most useful skill was tracking and he had done his part.

  Half an hour later, Jamie and a dozen of their best fighters gathered with ten Circle warriors where the lane branched. Gabriel and Zacharias Hamilton, two of Lord Foley’s sons, were among them, which meant that the Circle took the matter seriously. If their estimation of the enemy’s numbers was accurate, they were technically outnumbered, but Gabe alone could probably take half of them. Six foot seven of solid muscle aside, he was an old and seasoned vampire warrior with more than one trick up his sleeve.

  Kieran wasn’t worried he wouldn’t be able to handle himself in the fight next to the clan soldiers and Circle warriors. Architect he may be, more accustomed to desk work, but all wolves were trained for defending the clan and he had practiced diligently. Moreover, he had managed fine against these fuckers the last time they clashed.

  Their plan was simple. They would surround the farm in a wide circle to make sure the enemy couldn’t sneak in on them at the back, and close in until they engaged the enemy. Then they would fight.

  It took them a while to get everyone in their places. From there, everything proceeded as planned. They tightened the siege, keeping their senses open for the enemy’s presence, but they were already at the edges of the farm buildings before Kieran smelt the first wolf. He looked to the men at his sides and nodded towards the shed where the scent was coming from. They nodded back and Matthew, on his right, crept in to take care of the matter.

  The rest of the group moved on. Kieran paused at the corner of the shed and studied the yard from the shelter it offered. It was empty save the two cars, but he could sense the enemy wolves in the house and other buildings. That wasn’t good. They would have to draw them out or risk fighting them indoors.

  And who would be better for that than the wolf they had already fought with once.

  Kieran didn’t wait for the approval from the others. He abandoned his shelter and walked to the middle of the yard, casually as if out for a stroll. Dressed as he was, he judged the enemy would be confused by his presence; maybe they’d even come out to see what he wanted.

  He judged wrong.

  A shot rang out and found its mark. The fight started.

  Aidan Garret was a mix of his two brothers. An epitome of a clan soldier, he had a neatly cut hair, auburn like Kieran’s, and a stocky body like Colm’s. He greeted her politely, not indicating in any way that he would think she was to blame for Colm’s death. Kieran hadn’t either, so it could be they didn’t know.

  She couldn’t dwell on that now. They had more pressing matters to attend to first. Besides, if she managed to stop anyone else from being killed, perhaps it would make it easier to tell the truth to them later.

  "You’re sure they’re about to march here?" Aidan demanded sharply. "I find lynch mobs unlikely in the modern world."

  Gemma nodded. "I’d find it unlikely too, but…" She paused, considering her words so that she wouldn’t alarm Vince, who was observing them with bright, keen eyes. "They weren’t acting entirely on their own initiative." She didn’t know exactly what it was they had sensed, but the mere memory of that foul evil was enough to frighten her still. She shuddered.

  "What do you mean by that?"

  "I think they’ll come here whether they want or not. And they will be angry."

  "Shi … p." Aidan glanced at his son, who rolled his eyes.

  "Really, Dad, I’m not a baby anymore. I’ve heard worse words than—" A frown from his father made him think better. "Fine."

  Gemma stifled a smile. "I’m much older than you are and I don’t swear either." If she could avoid it. Lately she had been slipping. As had her control over the Rider.

  "But they’re just words," Vince complained.

  She leaned over, though the gangly boy wasn’t that much shorter than her. "Words have power. Never forget that." He eyed her sceptically, but he didn’t contradict her. She straightened up to address Aidan. "I understand most of your soldiers are away?" Fighting the sheep killers. With Kieran.

  Her worry for Kieran’s safety intensified. She tried to stifle it, the emotion too distracting, but nothing worked. His safety was too important for her. She wanted to be there with him, but she wasn’t a fighter. She would be more useful here.

  "Yes. But we’re not defenceless. We have soldiers here too. Now, the humans are most likely to approach from the main gate…" He sank into his thoughts, planning the best course of action. "Vince, head home and stay with your mom."

  "But Daaad. I can help. Look how good I did by bringing Gemma here."

  "Yes, you did well, but now it’s time for you to do as I say." The boy grumbled, but obeyed. Aidan waited until his son was out of hearing. "Exactly who are we
facing?"

  "Old farmers and a few hot-headed men from the younger generation, basically. There were about a dozen of them when we visited Mr Martin’s farm, but they could have recruited more since then. But that’s not why I’m worried." She told about the foul sensation and Philippa’s reaction to it. "A circle warrior hinted that their old enemy might be behind everything. He wouldn’t elaborate, but if it’s someone the Circle is wary of, I think we should be too."

  Aidan took out a phone and began making arrangements. Gemma listened to him in growing worry. "Are you sure that’s enough?" she asked, when he finished the call.

  He gave her a reassuring smile. "Absolutely. We can handle a few humans, even if they’re under some magical influence."

  "What if they’re armed?"

  His face closed. "We can handle it."

  "Couldn’t we call in some Circle warriors too?" They would know how to deal with the mystical evil.

  "Absolutely not!" His face softened. "Look, why don’t you go to the manor and wait there for this to be over. It shouldn’t take long."

  Gemma’s spine stiffened. "No." She expected a fight and let her resolve show on her face. Aidan regarded her for a few heartbeats. Then he nodded.

  "Fine. But you’ll stay out of harm’s way."

  Surprised that he would give in without a lecture on women’s place in the world—a default position of any old two-natured—she followed him into a car. He drove them the two miles to the main gate where men and women were already gathering to keep an eye out for the possible lynch mob.

  The young guard saw her as they got out of the car and his eyes almost bulged out of their sockets. She gave him a little wave, unable to resist teasing him. He blushed and then sulked, but at least he didn’t demand to know how she had got inside the estate.

  The road outside the gate was empty. "I hope I haven’t got everyone worried for nothing," she muttered to herself, but Aidan heard her.

  "I’d rather stand here for nothing than do nothing and have them surprise me. Look, you may be right, you may be wrong, and quite frankly, I’d rather you were wrong." Gemma nodded, not taking offence. It would be better all-around if the humans didn’t take action.