by Lori King
A small smile slipped over her features. “Cross over. I wish to be with my family and husband again.”
Cross over? No. His heart skipped a beat at the thought. She couldn’t. If she did that, then he’d lose her forever. “Why would you do that?”
She shook her head. “Why wouldn’t I? I am alone in this house. I have been trapped here for ninety-five years. I wish to be at peace.”
He swallowed hard. They wanted two very different things. There was no way he had stumbled upon his mate just to lose her so soon. No. He was here for a reason. “Maybe there is a reason you are stuck here.”
“Perhaps. But I do not understand why. My whole family crossed over the night of our murder.”
“Do you think something is keeping you here?” Like maybe your fated mate? Wait a second, did she say ‘husband?’
“I don’t know. I’ve considered it. Before I perished, I swore revenge on the men who attacked us. My actions may have inadvertently trapped me here.” She toyed with the sleeve of her dress.
“Who attacked you?”
Eva threaded her fingers through her long raven hair. Her eyes drifted to the window. Following her gaze, he gritted his teeth. Wolves paced along the perimeter of the house. “Wolves?” he asked, his voice coming out more of a growl.
She cocked her head to the side. “Wolves live longer than I thought. I’d hoped Atticus would be rotting in hell by now.”
He shook his head. “Our lifespans are longer than humans. It’s not something we advertise to the magical community. Werewolves were created by a powerful witch in the 12th century. The witch was madly in love with a mortal man and wished to live with him forever. In her spell, she gifted him with a long life. They lived together for nearly five hundred years before they died of old age. The spell allows all wolves and their chosen mates to live for several centuries. Sometimes shorter, if incidents like this come up.” His thoughts drifted to his fallen pack mates. They were his age or younger. He’d hardly begun to live. There were things he wanted, his mate being one of them.
Eva huffed. “Well then, it seems Atticus’ attitude hasn’t changed much over the years.”
“What happened with him?”
She walked to the window, placing her hands on the glass as she peered out. “We called them the Mountain Pack. It was run by Atticus Thatcher. From the sound of things, he is still the alpha.”
Jace nodded, and Eva clucked her tongue in disgust before continuing her tale. “He fancied himself in love with my older sister, Marie. Claimed she was destined to be his. Marie didn’t share his affections; she was engaged to a human, Edward. He was a good man and made my sister happy. The pack came on All Hallows Eve. They demanded that Marie go with them. We refused. That’s when they attacked. All of them. They were at least a hundred strong – maybe more. My sisters and I lived here with our husbands. Marie was the only one to fall for a mortal man. We tried to hold them off as best we could, but there were so many of them. They broke through the windows and busted down the door. Wolves came from everywhere until we were surrounded. Our magic was strong, but they just kept coming and attacking, keeping us from achieving our full potential.”
Eva stopped and wrapped her arms around herself, hugging tightly. “I remember the first bite, and swearing they’d pay if they didn’t stop. That didn’t deter them. The wolf sank its fangs deeper. It hurt like nothing I’d ever felt before. Then there was another bite and another until the pain was just too much. I must have passed out. When I awoke, my family, my two other sisters were dead. Their husbands and mine were scattered around the room lifeless. My body lay on the floor by my husband, but I wasn’t with it. That’s when I knew I was dead. Marie… I don’t know what happened to her. She was gone. I’m not sure I ever will know her fate.”
Jace inhaled and let it out. His mate had died horrifically while defending her family, and he hadn’t been alive to even stop it. Now she was trapped as a ghost. Somehow, some way, he had to help her. “I’m so sorry about your family… your husband.”
“It was a long time ago. They are in a far better place, and I have peace knowing that.” She huffed and shook her head. “Enough about me.” Eva dabbed at her eyes as she turned back to him. “Why are they chasing you?”
There was so much more he wanted to ask her, but after everything she’d told him, it was only fair to answer her questions. “My pack and Atticus’ pack don’t see eye to eye. We’ve been fighting each other for years. Our packs were once one. Tom and Atticus both vied for the alpha position. When the old alpha named Tom his successor, Atticus was furious and left the pack, taking his followers with him. We’ve been fighting with him for over a hundred years. He sees fit to attack our pack a few times each year. I was here to negotiate a prisoner exchange and a truce. Obviously, that didn’t work out.”
“I’m sorry.”
“So am I.”
“I will do my best to keep you safe, but after midnight…”
He reached out and grasped her wrist, gently tugging her closer. She felt cool but soft, and his fingers ached to explore her further. Now wasn't the time for that, maybe later when an angry werewolf mob wasn’t outside ready, to pounce. But he’d have to do it before midnight. He cast his gaze outside. The murky weather made it hard to tell what time of day it was. He’d guess late afternoon. They had a little bit of time to figure something out. “What do you say we keep each other safe?”
She smiled. Her eyes fluttered up at him as she took a step closer. “I think I’d like that.”
“Good.”
Eva drew in a breath. “Is your pack different than Atticus’, then?”
“Yes,” he answered without hesitation. “Tom is an honest alpha. He’s strict, but he cares about the wellbeing of the members of his pack.”
“You know him well?”
“I’m his second-in-command and head of security. I took over for my father when he grew too old for the job.”
Eva stared at him through narrowed eyes. “How old are you, if I may ask?”
“I’m seventy-three.”
She bit her lip as her eyes roamed over him. “You don’t look that old at all.”
“I already told you I can live for several centuries.”
“I died at the age of twenty-four. I feel like I barely got to live. Then I was stuck in this house for decades.”
“You can’t leave?” Jace asked.
She shook her head sadly. “No. Believe me, I’ve tried. I’m teleported back into my room every time I step outside.” She motioned her arms around the room for emphasis.
“So you’re stuck here?” His heart sank. This could prove difficult. “I’m going to get you out of here, Eva.”
“How?”
“I don’t know, but I’m going to figure it out. You have my word.” This was one promise he wasn’t going to break, regardless of how long it took. There had to be a way.
She offered him a small smile. “I appreciate the effort.”
He took a step closer, causing Eva to gulp at his closeness. He opened his mouth to say something more, but was interrupted by the sound of shattering glass.
Eva jolted away from him, turning toward the door with wide eyes. Jace cursed under his breath. Howls sounded around the house, and more glass broke below. It looked like the short reprieve they’d been given was over.
3
Eva ground her teeth, whirling around to the window. She marched forward and gazed into the storm. Several wolves sprinted toward the house as more glass crunched downstairs. Her eyes narrowed as anger surged through her.
These menaces had destroyed her home once and taken her family from her. They weren’t going to do it again. Spinning on her heel, she smacked against a solid chest.
Jace grasped her by the shoulders. His warmth seeped through her dress, startling her. It had been so long since another person touched her. He gave her a gentle shake.
“Stay here. It’s me they want.”
Her breath cau
ght in her throat at his words. They are here for him! If he goes down there… She shook the thoughts away. No. I’m not going to let anything happen to him. The thought surprised her. She couldn’t explain the compulsion, but it was there. She couldn’t let anything happen to him.
“You don’t stand a chance against them alone. I can help.” She stuck her chin out determinedly. They could do this together – she hoped. Her eyes closed, and she said a silent prayer. Please don’t let me watch someone else I care for die.
He shook his head, his eyes piercing hers. “Eva.”
She wasn’t going to take no for an answer. “They’re coming.” Eva held his gaze a moment longer before wiggling away from his warmth. A chill crept over her skin where he’d touched her, and she longed to feel the pads of his fingers on her again. There would be time for that later, assuming he lived through the ordeal. A lump formed in her throat. He was a stranger, she shouldn’t care whether he lived or died, but for some reason, she couldn’t bear the thought of his death.
She rushed to the door, but Jace stopped her, peeking his head into the hallway first. He went to leave the room.
“Stop!”
He turned around.
“They can’t hurt me. I’m already dead. You’re not.” Her voice caught at the realization. Even if they made it through this, nothing would ever come of this strange feeling blooming inside her. He was mortal, and she was forever trapped in this house as a ghost. That doesn’t matter. Just keep him alive. She met his gaze. “I should go first.”
He opened his mouth to protest, but she cut him off. “They can’t hurt someone who is already dead.” At least she hoped they couldn’t. She’d felt Jace’s touch only a few moments ago. Would it hurt if the wolves struck her? She grimaced at the thought as fear clawed its way into her heart. They can’t kill you because you’re already dead, she reminded herself.
Jace shut his mouth. He motioned, indicating for her to go first. She moved into the hallway while flexing her fingers. Magic coursed through her, and she thanked the heavens above that this was happening on the one night that she could truly protect her new friend. Perhaps it was more than a coincidence that he’d stumbled into her home tonight. No. She wasn’t going to get her hopes up.
Movement on the stairs drew her out of her thoughts. She lifted her arms up and thrust them forward, sending the wolf at the top of the steps tumbling down. It landed with a sickening crack on the tile below, its neck twisted at an awkward angle, obviously broken. That wolf wouldn’t be getting up again. Two more wolves sprinted toward her and she whipped her arms about, using her telekinesis to her advantage. She sent them careening across the house and back into the stormy night.
As she grew closer to the stairs, she could see more wolves entering through the newly-broken window. She gnashed her teeth in frustration as rain pelted a family portrait that had been knocked off the wall. Its frame was in shambles, and the thick photo paper was wet and probably beyond repair. Not only had this pack taken her family, but now they were taking her memories, too.
Rage blinded her vision as she teleported the photo to an end table across the room. Then she focused her attention on the wolves. There were so many of them now – a few dozen at least.
Jace’s wolf form whipped past her. She narrowed her eyes. There was no way he could take on this many wolves at once. He would need every bit of help she could muster.
She flicked her wrist toward a group of three wolves, lifted them, and sent them back out the window. How had they broken her spell in the first place? They shouldn’t have been able to come in. She shook her head. Now wasn’t the time to worry about it. She would use another barrier spell once all these trespassers were gone.
Her eyes went to Jace. He was on his hind legs, swiping one of his paws across another wolf’s face. Blood spurted out of its muzzle. Her breath quickened as the wolf swatted at Jace, connecting with his face.
Oh, God. What if it’s like the last time and I’m powerless to protect him?
A growl vibrated to her right, drawing her attention back to the stairs. Wolves were stalking toward her. She jutted her arm out, but nothing happened. What the hell? This can’t be happening. Please, no.
She repeated the action, but again, nothing. Panic filled her as her gaze darted to Jace. He needed her help. She needed to save herself, too. Come on, Eva.
Forcing a shaky breath in, she shot her hands out again. Nothing. This kind of thing only happened on other nights. Tonight was All Hallows Eve; her magic should be at its strongest. Unless…
Did the wolves have a witch working for them? She didn’t have time to ponder the thought. The wolves she’d been trying to zap were bolting up the stairs now. Fear clawed at her chest as visions from years ago fluttered in her mind. What if they could hurt her? She cringed as she remembered the way their teeth had torn into her flesh.
She drew in a ragged breath. Clasping the rail with one hand, she backed up the stairs as the wolves drew closer. They bared their teeth, growling. A wolf leaped, hurling itself toward her. She closed her eyes. A scream got lost in her throat, and she shoved her hand out, ready for impact. It never came.
Eva opened one eye and then the other. Jace had somehow bounded up the steps and was taking on all three wolves only a few feet away from her. She lifted her skirt and backed up a few more steps. Gritting her teeth and narrowing her eyes, she focused on the wolves.
Jace needed her help. I’m not going to fail him. She shoved her hand out and let out a shaky breath when the wolves were lifted from the ground. Moving her other hand, she flung the trio back out the window and into the stormy night.
* * *
Jace let out a breath, relieved that whatever had been stopping Eva from using her magic was gone. He sprinted back down the stairs, barking and growling at the wolves. He grinned inwardly as more of the wolves were catapulted out the window, thanks to his witch’s magic.
A lone wolf jumped back through the window, and he dashed to intercept it. Launching himself at the wolf, he bared his teeth. The wolf jerked up on its back legs. Jace changed his position, meeting his enemy in a dangerous tango of claws and teeth.
He jumped back, narrowly missing a paw intended for his gut. His eyes narrowed as he hopped to the side and then lunged toward his adversary again. The wolf dodged to the left. Jace leaped in its direction, landing on its back. The wolf howled.
Jace dug his sharp canines into the back of the wolf’s neck. It swung its head from side to side, trying to throw Jace off. Jace refused to let up. His teeth sank deeper. The wolf collapsed to the floor, panting. Flexing his paw to show off his deadly claws, Jace positioned it over the wolf’s middle.
He never got the chance to strike. Something barreled into him, sending Jace skidding across the floor. He struggled to right himself, huffing as he faced the wolf that had tossed him to the side.
It was the alpha, Atticus. The man responsible for his pack mates’ deaths. He was the same man who had murdered Eva and her family. Jace howled, letting the sound vibrate in his throat. He stalked forward. I’m not letting you hurt anyone else. He never got a chance to attack.
The wolf’s body lifted from the ground and was tossed outside by magic. Jace whirled around, trying to find where Atticus was as Eva’s voice chanted from the stairs. The wolf toppled through the muddy yard before finding its footing. It got to its feet and bounded back toward the window. The wolf leaped, but instead of coming back through the opening, it was repelled. Its body flew backward, landing in a heap several hundred feet away.
The wolf stood and shook its head. It stared for several long seconds before howling. Then the pack scattered back into the trees and out of sight.
“That will keep them out until the clock strikes midnight,” Eva said from behind him. “It’s a personal spell that I created. No one will know the way to lift it.”
Jace turned to her, cocking his head to the side as he watched her come down the staircase. She was mesmerizing and thankfu
lly unscathed.
“Are you all right?” she asked, casting her gaze to the window then back to him.
He closed his eyes and shifted back to his human form. Naked once again in front of her, he offered her a lopsided grin. “I’m fine, thanks. I don’t suppose you have another pair of pants, do you?”
Eva blushed, her cheeks turning a beautiful shade of scarlet. “You can find them in the same room you did before.” Her eyes peered at him for a moment before returning to his gaze.
“Give me a minute.” He bounded up the stairs and hurried into the room. Tugging on a new pair of pants, he fastened them at his waist. “Are you okay?” he asked when he returned to the stairs. The wolves hadn’t touched her, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t rattled.
Her chest heaved as she drew in a breath. “Yes. Thank you.”
“What happened? I thought your magic was at its best tonight.”
Eva sighed and threaded her fingers through her hair. “So did I. The original spell I put on the house should have kept them out. Unless they have a witch there.”
Did they have a witch? Jace tried to remember if he’d seen anyone at the compound that wasn’t a werewolf. “I’m not sure if they do.”
“It is a possibility – one you should consider and advise your alpha of. All witches have different powers. Some have active and strong powers like mine. My main one is telekinesis. There are some witches that can control your thoughts and even your actions. You must be careful until you know which type you are dealing with.”
“I understand. Tell me, what happened with your magic? It seemed like you froze.”
Eva walked to the couch and sat down. “Perhaps I did. Memories of the night I died flashed before me. I can still remember it like it was yesterday.” She bit her lip and looked away, but not before he noticed the tears shimmering in her eyes. “I froze that night. I was too terrified to help my family. It’s my fault they died. You could’ve died because of me as well.”