by Helen Harper
‘Policeman.’
‘Is that a problem?’
Not in itself. But when this policeman was one of the many men with whom Mack was conducting some kind of ridiculous dalliance, it didn’t make me jump up and down for joy. Part of me wanted to tell him to get the hell off my property. Except, unfortunately, it wasn’t technically my property.
He ambled up, whistling. When he caught sight of me waiting in the doorway, he raised a hand in greeting.
‘Is Mack around?’
‘Are you here on official business?’
He cocked his head, his hair falling floppily to one side. That annoyed me too. ‘I’m mixing business with pleasure,’ he said, obviously challenging me.
I took a deep breath. What kind of leader was I? Certainly not the type to encourage a ridiculous display of machismo with a human. I’d never have acted like this before I’d met Mack. I was a hundred times stronger than any human anyway. I told myself to calm down, aware that Staines was watching me with a curious expression on his face. ‘I’ll go and get her,’ I said evenly. Was I actually feeling jealous?
Stalking back into the office, I ignored Floride hovering anxiously by her side. ‘Your policeman boyfriend is here.’
She looked gratifyingly surprised. ‘Nick? But…’
‘Go and get rid of him.’ I took the folder from her hands. At least some good might come from this afternoon. Pushing her out the door, and gazing pointedly at the mage to encourage him to follow, I flipped open the folder. Then I did a double take. It was a love spell. I stared at it, trying to compute what I was seeing. Was this really what John had been hiding? It didn’t make any sense. Then I frowned in the direction of the door. I’d been gone long enough for Mack to replace whatever the original contents had been with something else. Except with Floride here at the same time, either I was yet again seeing more shadows where there were none or the pair were colluding. Knowing deep in my soul that Mack would never do anything to endanger her pack, I reminded myself to trust her. At least with pack business anyway – not with blandly good-looking young men.
I wandered out into the hall, watching as she chatted to the policeman. She had an arm curved around Tom’s waist. Considering he was leaving Cornwall to join us in London – and his girlfriend was coming with him – it was an odd move. Either Mack was being brazen about continuing her relationship with the wolf, or she was simply using him to get rid of the human. The former suggested a heart made of stone and the latter suggested she was simply trying to be kind.
I waited until the policeman had left, hurt reflected in his posture and his words. Then I spoke. ‘That was fast work.’
Mack dropped her arm from Tom as if it burned her and whirled around. ‘I was just doing what you asked, my Lord.’
I looked at Tom and then at her. ‘Whatever you say. Better get some rest. It’s late and we need everyone rested in case there’s another attack tomorrow.’
‘And what if there’s one tonight?’
I sighed. Trust went both ways. ‘I have watchers all over the keep. Do not presume to tell me my job, Miss Mackenzie.’
I turned and started walking up the stairs. I needed some damned shuteye.
‘What the hell is wrong with you, my Lord?’ Staines muttered as he followed me. ‘Sleep with the girl and be done with it. You can’t let her affect how you treat other people.’
I gnawed on my cheek. Mack may very well bounce from man to man but I had a troubling ache inside that my own feelings concerning her had very little to do with mere lust.
Chapter Twenty
I circled round the second portal, eyeing its shimmering light speculatively. The last few dregs of the sunlight filtering in through the canopy of green above made it appear a harmless, almost pretty, thing to behold, entirely belying the fact that the hellhounds that had caused so much pain and anguish had bounded out from this very point. Despite their animalistic nature, they’d taken time to cover their tracks, suggesting intelligence either on their part or from the demi-goddess pulling their strings. She hadn’t counted on the pack’s ability to scent out a trail, however. We weren’t as incapable as she seemed to believe.
‘What’s the plan, my Lord? Do we go in?’
I turned to the eager werebadger beside me. ‘No. We have no idea what could be waiting for us on the other side. We need to be careful.’ And, I thought silently, ensure that no-one else ends up as another name on the Wall. ‘We’ll send in two teams simultaneously to check the lay of the land, one through this portal and one through the other one. They’ll be under strict instruction not to engage in any combat. They’ll need to stay hidden so we can maintain the element of surprise. Today will be about reconnaissance. Nothing more.’
I sensed – and understood – his disappointment. But this was a powerful Otherworld being we were dealing with. Recklessness would not aid our cause.
He bowed. ‘As my Lord commands.’
I mentally sifted through the Brethren shifters who were in attendance. There were several strong trackers amongst them. My own skills in that arena weren’t bad but there were others who were better. As much as it galled me, it made sense to leave the initial foray into the demi-goddess’s plane to the best. Dusk was already falling. In another few minutes, darkness would be enveloping the entire county. That didn’t mean much in terms of the portal, of course. It could be any time of day on the other side. Still, I’d let everyone rest up and send the teams in at dawn. That would give us time to boost the guards around both areas. I’d also need the mage to unbind the portal on the beach and goodness knew how long that would take.
I located Staines. Where’s Floride?
Hovering around outside the keep, my Lord. He was chatting with your Mackenzie.
My eyes narrowed. Was this yet another conquest of hers? She went through men faster than I went through sweatpants. I dismissed the surge of irritation I felt.
Good. Keep him there. I’m heading back.
Leaving the werebadger with a few others, I started picking my way along the narrow, worn path. I was tempted to take advantage of being outside and alone to shift and release some of my pent-up energy. It was definitely a damn sight easier to have a bit of fun in Cornwall than it was in London. Then a suspicious thought struck me and I halted in my tracks.
Staines, where exactly were Mack and Floride when they were talking?
He answered instantly. In the garden. They went into a shed for a minute or two then came back out again. It's only Floride who's hanging around now though.
The shed where the black cloth is?
Yes. He paused. You don’t think…
Unfortunately, I do. I growled under my breath. Drat that woman. Switching the direction of my Voice, I made sure. Boran, where is Mack now?
She’s heading towards the beach. We have her in our sights. Shall we stop her?
Has she seen you?
No. His response had an air of slight puzzlement.
Boran? I prompted.
The wind is picking up and it’s gusting in her direction. She should have scented us by now.
I frowned. He was right. All shifters, even werehamsters, had an enhanced sense of smell. Then it occurred to me that Mack was probably well aware that she was being tracked. She was simply choosing to ignore the fact. I supposed I should be gratified. Her blatant disregard extended to all the Brethren, not just me. Switching direction, I started moving towards the beach. What was the bet that she was taking it upon herself to enter the portal alone? Teamwork and a planned strategy to ensure success were both clearly alien to her. I ignored the flicker of admiration I felt at her courage. She needed to damn well learn to think first and act later. I didn’t need her alerting our target on the other side before we’d managed to organise ourselves properly.
Staines, find the damned mage.
I felt, rather than heard, his acquiescence. Then I picked up speed.
I emerged onto the beach and close to the portal before long, just
as Mack was handing a can of Coke to the first guard. Keeping my footsteps light, I padded towards the small group. Despite the relaxed chatting she was engaging in, I couldn’t help notice that she was carefully angling herself towards the portal itself. It remained bound for now so whatever she’d cooked up with Mage Floride wasn’t yet in motion. I’d have to have damn words with the Arch-Mage again about keeping his people in check. Not that I was having any luck with keeping Mack in check, of course.
I moved to the right so my body was buffeted by the sea breeze – and my own scent wasn’t carried down to the hovering group. Then I got closer.
‘So, I hear our Lord Alpha has offered you a place,’ I heard the werefox mutter.
A tiny smile played around my lips. How was Mack going to respond to this?
‘Uh, yes, he has,’ she answered. There was a distinct lack of enthusiasm. ‘The Brethren’s not really for me, I think though.’
Except if Mack became the new alpha in Cornwall, part of her duties would mean that she’d have to travel to London to meet with the Brethren – and me – on a regular basis. If she didn’t become alpha, then it would probably be Anton. And he hated her. It was just possible she might end up changing her mind.
‘It’s a great honour,’ the werefox said.
‘Well, I prefer a quiet life.’
I almost snorted aloud at those words. Hardly. Unable to keep quiet any longer, I stepped up to her. ‘And yet you’re such a skilled fighter,’ I interjected.
Mack turned, her eyes spitting sudden glowing fire. ‘My Lord. What brings you out tonight?’
‘You were spotted leaving the keep. I was concerned,’ I paused slightly, ‘for your safety.’
‘Well, I appreciate your concern, my Lord. However, my skills at fighting, which you so gratifyingly highlight, mean that I am more than capable of looking after myself.’
She had all but admitted she was ready for an attack. ‘You wouldn’t be thinking of doing anything stupid, now would you, Miss Mackenzie?’
‘I have absolutely no idea what you could mean, My Lord.’
I couldn’t decide whether her innocence was real or faked. Regardless, the portal remained shut. Trusting that Staines would locate Floride and prevent him from trying anything stupid, I started to relax, taking another step closer to Mack. She, in return, took a step back. Bristling at her desire to keep well away from me, I ignored the two Brethren guards and kept my attention trained on her.
‘From what little I have managed to glean of your nature, Miss Mackenzie, you have about as much sense of self-preservation as a kitten would.’ I might not want to make her feel demeaned by referring to her as a little cat in earshot of others, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t have a little fun. I raised my eyebrows at her and forced the issue, watching her reaction carefully. ‘I wouldn’t put it past you to try to run into the portal stupidly thinking that you could save the world single-handedly.’
‘But as you know, my Lord,’ she said, shuffling backwards, ‘the portal is closed. Even if I wished to make such a foolish move, I would be unable to do so.’
I folded my arms, staring at her as if to dare her to tell the truth while checking up on the status of the wizard. Staines, have you located Floride yet?
He’s gone into the bathroom and locked the door.
Then damn well break it down.
Mack blinked at me. ‘I couldn’t sleep, alright?’ There was a rebellious note to her words that caused the other two to suck in breath. Perhaps they could learn something about not blindly following the pack hierarchy. Not that I needed more shifters like Mack to have to worry about though. ‘I thought I’d just come out for a walk,’ she continued, ‘and maybe bring your servants, sorry – guards, something to drink to keep their spirits up.’
‘I apologise, my Lord,’ interrupted the werefox in sudden panic. ‘We didn’t think there would be any harm in accepting her offer of a drink.’
Mack’s snide reference to ‘servants’ annoyed me. So did the suggestion that they needed my damned permission to quench their thirst. ‘You are permitted to fucking drink if you need to.’
The guards cowered at my harsh tone. Damning myself, Mack and the pair of them, I scowled. You’re the Brethren, I instructed. You don’t need to act submissive.
I’m sorry, my Lord, the werefox began, just as there was an odd beep and the air was filled with a sudden hum. Faint purple light danced across the dark sand.
Staines! I yelled.
Mack twisted round, sand spraying up from the ground as she flung herself towards the portal. I lunged in her direction, only just managing to grab a hank of her hair as it flew out behind her. She yanked her head, pulling away. I roared at her to halt, springing after her fleeing body. My fingers were scant inches away from her when she pushed into the portal and disappeared. Half a beat later, the purple shimmers indicating it was open flipped off like a light and I was barrelling through nothing more than air, landing on the soft sand on the opposite side of the gateway. And Mack was gone.
My Lord Corrigan, Staines answered in belated panic, he did something. We couldn’t stop him…
I know, I growled back. Tell him to open the damn portal again. I could still reach her. I’d drag her back kicking and screaming. Then I’d lock her up and throw away the damn key.
I pivoted round, brushing the particles of sand from my trousers. The two guards were open-mouthed, staring from me to the portal in horror. Then there was an odd crackle and it started to hum again. But instead of re-opening, it vanished, leaving me with balled up fists and a well of deep frustration and worry.
***
The moment I returned to the keep and spotted Floride hunched miserably in a chair, I grabbed him by his lapels and yanked him to his feet. ‘Did the Arch-Mage tell you to re-open the portal?’ I snarled.
He shook his head vigorously.
‘Did I tell you to do it?’
He dropped his eyes. ‘No, dude.’
‘Then,’ I said, barely able to avoid shaking him as violently as I could, ‘why in hell did you?’
He sucked in a deep breath, gathering courage from somewhere. ‘Mack thought she could do something about Iabartu.’
‘Who the hell is Iabartu?’
‘The…the…woman who killed her alpha,’ he stammered.
‘The demi-goddess?’ I said slowly.
‘Yes,’ he squeaked.
‘You know who she is?’
His eyes opened as wide as saucers. ‘Uh…’
‘Let me guess. Mack found out her identity.’
The look on Floride’s face was answer enough.
‘Why didn’t she tell me?’
‘I don’t know!’
He was lying. Tightening my grip on his shirt, my face twisted. ‘Is it Mack that this Iabartu wants?’
He nodded.
‘Why?’ I was aware that I was shouting but I no longer cared.
Floride flinched. ‘I don’t know.’
Disgusted, I dropped him. He collapsed back into the chair. Mack was only a werehamster. It didn’t matter how strong and powerful she was, she’d never be a match for an actual demi-goddess, regardless of the reasons why this Iabartu wanted her in the first place.
I turned to Staines, the expression on my face apparently quelling whatever he’d been about to say. ‘Find out everything you can about Iabartu.’
He bowed, no doubt gallingly aware that if he’d reached the mage in time we wouldn’t have this problem now.
‘My Lord,’ coughed Anton from behind.
I flicked a glance round towards him. ‘Yes?’
‘The demi-goddess – Iabartu – wants Mack. Mack has gone to her. If there aren’t going to be any more attacks, then we just get him,’ he jerked his head at Floride, ‘to seal the second portal and be done with it.’
My eyes flashed at him. ‘You’d abandon one of your own?’
He suddenly paled. ‘No. I mean…um…she chose to go there. She’s sacrificing herse
lf for our good. We should respect that decision.’
I suddenly knew that he’d received the Voice. It was something in the tenor of his words. Julia’s power had gone and it was Anton who’d received it. I squared up to him. ‘You’re the new alpha.’
He swallowed. ‘I believe so.’
‘Then start acting like it. No-one gets left behind.’ And certainly not Mack. I scanned the small, worried assembly around me. ‘We leave at dawn. There’s no time to prepare properly so I’ll go alone.’
‘No, my Lord,’ Staines said. ‘I’ll go. This is my fault. I should have stopped the mage.’
The only person whose damn fault this could be was Mack. No, I amended, scratch that. Ia-bloody-bartu was to blame.
‘We’ll go together,’ I acceded, noting the flash of irritation on his face. He was hoping I’d stay behind and be safe, leading the charge from behind like Brady would have. He should have known better.
‘Lord Alpha?’ Anton spoke. ‘You’re right. I need to step up and learn to be a good alpha. She’s my responsibility. I should go.’
I threw him a look but his contrition appeared genuine. ‘Fine,’ I growled before anyone else could volunteer. ‘The three of us and no more. We’re going to take this bitch down and get our shifter back.’
Chapter Twenty-One
‘Are you sure about this?’ Staines asked me as the three of us stood in front of the portal, ready to venture inside.
‘You’re right,’ I answered drily, ‘we should just go back to London and leave the bloodthirsty goddess to get on with her own business.’
He snorted. ‘Hardly. Nobody attacks the pack and gets away with it. I just wondered whether negotiation might be in order. It’s what you did with the Ghillie Dhu to great effect.’
I raised my eyebrows at him. ‘This is an entirely different situation and you know it.’
He muttered something under his breath about errant werehamsters who didn’t know their place. Obviously he’d gotten over his failure to secure the mage in time.
‘This isn’t just about her,’ I said calmly. ‘The Ghillie Dhu was manipulated. This Iabartu is a dangerous creature. I’d be very surprised if there’s anyone around pulling her strings. She is a demi-goddess after all.’