by Helen Harper
When he stroked her hair, my ire intensified, although I couldn’t say why. So they weren’t just friends after all – so what? What business of mine was it who she was mating with? Although it was no wonder she was pissed off that he wanted to join the Brethren when she would clearly rather run a mile from us.
‘I see,’ I said, doing my best to maintain my equilibrium. At least I would finally get one real answer now. I gave her a hard look. ‘Well, you’d better shift so you can start healing properly.’
Her eyes widened and her mouth opened and closed several times before she seemed able to form a coherent sentence. I’m…ummm…I’m…in mourning. I have taken a vow not to shift until our alpha’s murderer is brought to justice.’
‘Indeed.’ Although it didn’t take a genius to work out from her bruised eyes that she was taking his death hard, her delayed answer made it obvious that she was lying. It made me even more determined to find out what she was hiding. ‘What happens when it’s the full moon then? If his killer has not been found by that point, I mean?’
‘I possess unbelievable self-control.’ Her mouth twisted into a forced smile.
I stared at her. I was almost completely certain that she was making up every word on the spot. I still didn’t want to go down the route of compulsion – and it was becoming clearer by the second that she was about to collapse any moment now. Nothing about this was making any sense though.
‘Well, I’d better get this gorgeous girl back to her, I mean, our room, so that we can get her fixed up for this afternoon,’ Tom interrupted. He manoeuvred her in the direction of the stairs.
‘Take care now,’ I muttered after them, following their struggle to climb to the next floor. I was going to find out the truth sooner or later.
‘Why do you think she’s lying?’ Staines asked once they were out of earshot.
I shook my head. ‘I have no idea. It’s got to be something to do with her shift.’
‘You don’t think…’ Mel began.
I turned towards her. ‘What?’
She scratched her head awkwardly. ‘Well, maybe she’s a werepanther too.’
Staines frowned. ‘That could make sense. Werepanthers are rare and if she knows that you’re one as well, my Lord, she could be trying to hide it to avoid the inevitable comparison.’ His mouth pursed. ‘Or ensuing innuendo.’
‘You’re suggesting that if I’m a werepanther and she’s a werepanther, then it’s our duty to come together and be as one?’ There was a self-deprecating hint to my words but I felt a frisson of excitement run down my spine.
He shrugged. ‘Matching shifts who procreate end up with considerably more powerful children. It’s happened before.’
I threw him a disgusted look. ‘Arranged marriages?’
He nodded. For a split second, a vision of a very naked Mack lying across a rose-petal-scattered bed flashed into my mind. I quickly pushed it away. ‘That’s ridiculous.’
‘You can still use the Voice and compel her to tell you what she really is and what the hell she was up to in there.’
‘No.’ I was determined. ‘I’ll get her to tell me herself.’ I’d make her trust me if it killed me.
Lucy cleared her throat. ‘Actually, she told me she was…’
Don’t say it, I said, before she could voice the thought. I want her to do it.
Yes, my Lord, she responded. If she thought I was being daft for wanting to hear it from the horse’s mouth, she didn’t say.
‘Come on,’ I said. ‘We’re not going to get any answers by hanging around here and Mack is not the reason we’re here anyway. Mel, if you can prepare a preliminary report on the fights, I’ve got a call to make.’
Staines’ mouth tightened. ‘The Arch-Mage?’
I nodded. ‘We need all the help we can get. No matter how expensive things are likely to get.’
***
‘How’s the werebear?’ I asked as we sat down to lunch, praising the heavens above that Johannes had arranged for some outside catering.
Mel shrugged. ‘He’ll recover. It’ll take some time though.’
I sniffed. I should bloody well think so after the show he’d put on. He’d obviously been goading Mack into fighting properly. I could only think that the reason was something to do with feeling emasculated and threatened by her presence. He already had an impending new female alpha to deal with. I could imagine that playing second fiddle in fighting prowess to a girl didn’t sit well with him either. It was a shame. He had the potential to go far as a shifter. He wouldn’t do well if he couldn’t get a grip on his ego, however.
I glanced around the room, noting that both Mack and Anton were absent. I felt vaguely disappointed. Everyone else was present so I nodded at Boyne and he stepped over.
‘Is there anything to report?’ I asked quietly. We were going to have to start making some headway in our investigation of John’s death before we started looking incompetent.
‘There is something, my Lord. It took us a while to spot it but…’ His voice faltered as a couple of Cornish shifters walked past us to reach the buffet table.
‘But?’ I prompted. I could understand why he thought it would be a good idea to keep any discoveries to ourselves until we knew what we were dealing with, but I wasn’t going to skulk around and hide the truth from the very people who needed to know it.
He coughed. ‘There are some strange signs etched into several of the trees round where his body was found.’
I started. ‘I’ve been there twice already. I didn’t see anything.’
‘They’re not easy to spot,’ he answered. ‘You really need to be there during the day.’
I had the distinct feeling he was trying to make me feel better. ‘Well done,’ I told him. ‘I’ll come and see them as soon as we’re finished eating.’
‘My Lord Alpha!’ I glanced over at two young women who bounced in my direction. ‘Can we have the honour of fixing your plate for you?’
‘Um…’ I blinked, somewhat surprised, but Boyne was grinning at me as if he thought it was hilarious. ‘Thank you, but I really can do it myself.’
They both looked remarkably disappointed, backing away in haste.
‘Get used to it, my Lord,’ Boyne whispered. ‘You’re now the Otherworld’s most desirable bachelor.’
I scowled at him and quickly moved up to the buffet table before anyone else decided I needed help. I piled my plate high and took my seat to eat, looking up only when the chatter in the room abruptly hushed as Mack limped in. Her face was drawn and she seemed to be in even more pain than earlier. She’d clearly not taken the opportunity of having some privacy to shift and help the healing process. I wondered if I’d been too hasty in assuming she was lying earlier: maybe she really was avoiding it as part of the mourning process. She sat down next to the woman I recognised as Betsy. It was probably just as well. If she’d tried to walk much further, I’d have been taking bets on her collapsing. I finished off my lunch just as she stood up again, walking right past me. I inhaled deeply, trying yet again to get a handle on her scent. There were too many other smells mingling in the room, however. Irritated, I leaned back, keeping an eye on her in my peripheral vision, especially when Lucy wandered up and started chatting to her. I watched the flitting expressions on her face. She seemed as keen to avoid Lucy as she was to avoid me. At least I didn’t feel singled out, I supposed. It’d be nice if she offered to fix a plate for me too though. I smirked at the thought then made a decision and stood up, joining the pair of them.
‘Lucy,’ I asked, ‘can you go and check on the status of the mage’s arrival?’
She nodded dutifully and scampered off. I kept my attention on Mack, however. Her eyes were frantically searching for a way out. I grabbed a grape and popped it into my mouth while she straightened her back and faced me, apparently giving up on the notion of escape. I took in her features. She reminded me of someone, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on who. I’d certainly never come across anyone who
seemed to be trying to hide herself so much, anyway. Rather than continue to pepper her with questions she’d merely evade again, I stayed quiet. The silence lengthened out and I wondered whether she’d attempt to say anything or if she’d stare mutely at me with her wide, oddly coloured eyes until I made a move first. I was, at heart, a cat though. I could be very patient.
‘It’s fortunate the rain held off,’ she finally commented.
I tried not to laugh. As conversation starters went, it was hardly Shakespeare. I was simply enjoying the look on her face though. She seemed annoyed with herself. It was kind of cute.
‘I mean, then you’ll be able to find the trail of whatever killed John without the scent being washed away,’ she explained.
I leaned towards her, almost regretting the move when panic filled her eyes. Deciding to help her out, I finally spoke. ‘Were you there?’
‘Uh, where?’
‘At the beach. When his body was discovered.’ Thanks to Anton, I already knew the answer, of course, but I felt the need to convey to her that I was genuinely sorry for her loss without making it seem I’d been asking around about her. I also wanted her to stay and talk to me.
‘Ummm…’
She looked as if she were debating internally whether to answer or to turn tail and run. I opened my mouth to offer my heartfelt condolences and encourage her to stop squirming but I was interrupted by a loud crash. I spun round, muscles tensing and ready to shift if need be, but it was merely Betsy, surrounded by fragments of white china.
‘Oh, I’m so clumsy!’ she laughed. ‘It’s just you made me nervous standing there. I had no idea that the Brethren were so powerful in person, and you the Lord Alpha as well. Just what is your name?’
Mack took the opportunity to hastily walk away. I did my best not to look too irritated and smiled at her friend, even though I had the sudden distinct feeling that she’d dropped the plate deliberately.
‘Corrigan,’ I told her.
‘It’s great to meet you,’ she breathed. ‘Can I fix you a plate of food from the buffet?’
Chapter Eight
I stood on top of the dune, staring back at the ring of trees. Seven trees and seven runes, a different one etched deep into the bark.
‘They’re not Fae,’ I muttered to myself. ‘No shifter could have done these either. The magic reeking from them is simply too strong. Our culprit is a far different beast altogether.’
‘You did the right thing by getting a mage to join us, my Lord,’ Staines said, joining me. ‘This is beyond our ken.’
I balled up my fists. ‘What does this? What has magic to draw upon at will and the strength to eviscerate a powerful alpha?’
He shook his head. ‘I have no idea.’
‘We’d better get a damn idea quickly. I won’t allow this to happen again.’ I was aware of how silly my words sounded out loud but I meant every damn one. I was supposed to protect my shifters, not leave them vulnerable to attack from some mysterious Otherworlder on a power trip. ‘We’ve been here almost two days and there’s still nothing. I can’t believe this is over. Whatever did this is going to come back. It’s going to do it again.’
‘We’re only meant to be here for another day,’ Staines pointed out. ‘I think we’ll outstay our welcome if we hang around for too long.’
‘I don’t care. What happened to John was premeditated. Until we catch it, we’re staying.’
He bowed his head. ‘My Lord.’
I kicked, frustrated, at the sand, sending up a shower of fine grains around me. Then I stalked down to the first tree and ran my fingers across the rune. It had been deeply gouged in. I traced it with my fingertip. All scent of blood had vanished now. It was just the salt from the ocean and the woody earthiness from the forest that clung to the air. I leaned in closer to the rune itself and sniffed. Then I stilled. There was…something. My eyes narrowing, I quickly stripped, handing my clothes to Boyne at the side. I cracked my neck and stretched out my forearms before letting the beast within take me over. The sand felt abrasive and gritty under my paws but I dismissed it, springing up from my hind legs so my werepanther nose could get closer to the rune. With my enhanced senses, the strange smell was clearer. Delicately, I stuck out my tongue and tasted. It was dark magic.
Dropping down, I moved from tree to tree. Each one was connected by an invisible trail of barely detectable scent. After the final rune, it led out towards the open beach but the wind whipped it away before I could follow. I growled and bared my teeth. There was definitely some kind of trail. I just wasn’t attuned enough to nuances of magic to follow it. I shifted back. That bloody wizard better not be late.
Leaving the others to continue scouring the area, Staines and I returned to the keep. I shifted back, even though I was vaguely tempted to conduct my afternoon interviews in my wereform. I wasn’t Xander Brady and my goal wasn’t intimidation. Not entirely, anyway.
Opening the office door, Staines turned his head towards me. ‘My Lord, we need to focus on the magic trail before anything else.’
‘The mage can do that better than us,’ I growled. ‘It’s the tree markings that interest…’ I stopped in mid sentence as my gaze fell upon Mack, standing smack bang in the centre of the room and looking remarkably flustered.
‘Hi!’ She waved a dirty-looking mug in the air. ‘Found it!’
I stared at her. Staines, I silently communicated, did we leave anything here that she would want to snoop through?
Not that I can think of. She wasn’t just here to pick up a grubby cup though.
I agreed. No. Our little fighter has an ulterior motive.
She coughed awkwardly ‘Well, I’ll get out of your way then.’
As I watched, she moved towards me, clearly in a bid to make a quick escape through the door. Unfortunately for her, she’d have to go through me first. She glared at me, as if demanding that I get out of her way. I simply folded my arms.
Anger flitted across her face and she sidestepped right, attempting to brush past me. Her skin was burning hot, almost searing against my arm. I had to concentrate not to flinch. That was very odd. I took a step backwards, preventing her from squeezing past. I admitted to myself that I was suddenly curious to see what she was going to do.
‘Miss Mackenzie,’ I said as politely as I could manage.
‘Lord Alpha.’ Her tone was wildly disrespectful.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Staines stiffening. I smiled at her, more amused than anything. ‘You can call me Corrigan.’ In fact, I wanted to hear her call me Corrigan. My grin widened and I kept my eyes focused on hers. ‘Why are you here?’
Mack took distinct umbrage at the question. ‘Because this is my pack’s office and my coffee mug and I want to have my coffee.’
I was extraordinarily tempted to ask her to make me a coffee too. She’d probably spit in it, but it would be worth asking just to see her reaction. Then I felt a trickle of guilt for taunting her. She was clearly still hurting after the fight with Anton. If she’d only just bloody well shift, then her wounds would heal within hours. ‘I see,’ I said, staying calm. ‘And how is that not shifting working out for you, Mackenzie? Feeling shaky yet?’
‘Only from caffeine withdrawal,’ she snapped, her eyes flashing.
Far be it for me to stand between a woman and her coffee. I stepped away from the door to let her finally exit. ‘Then I will not impede your way any longer.’
I sensed her sending a snarky thought in my direction. Determined to have the last word, whether it was spoken or silent, I called out after her. ‘Don’t be late for our interview because you’re guzzling the black stuff and jumping around off the walls on a caffeine buzz. I do not appreciate tardiness.’
Her back stiffened as she marched off. I watched her go, realising suddenly just who – or rather what – she reminded me of. Mack was like the squirming, spitting kitten I’d rescued from the quarry: soft and sweet to look at with a prickly personality and a streak of defiant independe
nce. I smirked. Kitten. It suited her.
Staines sighed. ‘From the look on your face, I dread to imagine what you’re thinking right now, my Lord. All I will say is that perhaps goading her is not likely to win her to our side.’
I licked my lips. ‘But it’s so much fun.’
‘Maybe we should see if she’s disturbed anything?’
I glanced at Staines, registering his exasperated expression. ‘I imagine she’s decided not to sit back and let us do all the work,’ I said softly, suddenly understanding. ‘She doesn’t strike me as the type to let her own alpha be murdered then do nothing about it.’
‘Indeed. What type does she strike you as, my Lord?’
I clapped him on the shoulder. I was going to remain optimistic as far as Mackenzie was concerned. ‘The type that needs just the right kind of touch to get her to purr,’ I answered.
***
Rather fortunately, Mack’s peers were considerably more open to both my presence and my questions. Although I only had a fraction to interview myself, the ones I did speak to were compliant and keen. Apart from Johannes, the unlucky chef I’d offered to send off for some more training, everyone I spoke to had been born and brought up in Cornwall. And while Johannes’ culinary skills might leave much to be desired, he provided a wealth of knowledge about the pack and its environs. He ran through a list of recent Otherworlders who’d been spotted in the vicinity and seemed to know a great deal about their different capabilities.
‘I just cannae think that any o’ them woulda had the skills,’ he commented, matching my own beliefs.
The other shifters I interviewed were equally helpful – although they were also equally unable to shed any further light on the situation. The only time I ever sensed any recalcitrance was when I inquired as to who the strongest shifter in the pack was.
‘Anton,’ Johannes answered almost immediately, as if he’d been expecting the question.
‘But he was beaten by Mack,’ I said, watching his reaction.
The big man shrugged. ‘The lassie got lucky.’