Jacob's Ladder (String of Fate)

by Bianca D'Arc

  He caught her hand as she started to move away and she looked over her shoulder at him.

  “But this time, you’re not alone.” He waited, feeling their heartbeats draw out the time. One beat, then two. “You’ll never be all on your own again, Ria. Not while I live.”

  Her smile broadened, even as a tear fell from her eye. “It’s a wonderful thing, having a mate. And even more wonderful that my mate is you, Jake.” She leaned in and kissed him, long and delicate, as if sealing their bond.

  But all too soon, she drew away and even though he wanted to draw her back into his arms, he knew he couldn’t. Time was not on their side right now. They’d managed to steal a couple of precious hours away from all the craziness that had overtaken their lives, but now they had to rejoin the battle and be on their toes.

  All in all, he thought taking the time out was a good thing. This little interlude had drawn them closer together, cementing their relationship in the physical sense and helping them get to know more about each other emotionally too. Being with his mate could never be considered a bad thing, but if they had to face danger together tonight, he was glad he could at least give her pleasure before they had to do the really difficult stuff.

  “I love you, Ria,” he stated, needing her to know what was in his heart before they faced down evil together.

  Ria paused. She had been getting dressed, but she stilled, turning slightly to look at him. She had a bit of the deer-in-the-headlights look on her face and he wasn’t quite sure if that was good or bad until she spoke.

  “I…” She seemed to fumble for words for a moment while he sweated. He didn’t understand all the nuances of shifter mating. Maybe he’d made a misstep? Should he not have spoken of feelings? Was he only supposed to focus on the animal attraction? He just didn’t know.

  “Jake, I love you too,” she finally got out, her voice breathy. “Forgive me. I wasn’t sure…” She trailed off again, but he gave her time to collect her thoughts and find the right words. “I didn’t know if you would feel the same things a shifter feels for their mate because you’re human, but when I felt the bond…”

  “You mean that energy bolt that hit us on the altar?” He had to laugh even as he stood to search for his jeans. He was both thrilled and a little uncomfortable with the words he’d somehow felt compelled to blurt out. “I felt that, Ria. Like lightning down my spine that went from me to you and back again. It drew us closer than I’ve ever been to anyone in my life.”

  “The mating bond.” Her grin was full of wonder and pleased happiness. “I never realized it would be so intense. Then again, the location we chose to seal our troth could have had something to do with it.” She chuckled and continued dressing. “Or you could just be the most amazing lover in the history of the universe. I haven’t decided.”

  “I’d go with number two, but if you need more convincing, I’m up for that anytime you want, baby.” He winked at her, getting into the spirit of their teasing as they put on their clothing.

  It was a little rumpled and there were a few stray leaves and pine needles here and there, but they were presentable soon enough. They were arm in arm as they headed back down to the cabin, under the deepening cover of the trees.

  The Rojas brothers flanked them and Ria only blushed a little when she caught sight of them, but the men were all business. They had their hands on their weapons—the metal ones this time—and were guarding Ria’s descent to the cabin with serious intent. They were good men and although Jake hadn’t planned the admittedly kinky scene that had happened up at the stone circle, he didn’t regret it. Ria’s response had made it clear that their presence was something unexpected and amazingly hot for her—and Jake was in the business now of giving Ria anything and everything she didn’t even know she wanted.

  He started to think about things he could introduce her to in the future. If they survived this night. But being with his mate just now only reinforced how much was on the line. He would do all in his power to keep them both alive so that they could make love for many years to come, growing old together, holding each other’s hearts into eternity.

  And when had he become a damn poet, Jake wondered? He almost had to laugh at himself. Ria had changed him in fundamental ways, but he liked it. He liked being with her and what it had done to him. He liked the man he was when he was with her. And he loved her more than life itself.

  He would move heaven and earth to keep her safe. And he had seen what was in store. The real test would come later tonight.

  The cabin had become a war room, more or less, in the time they’d been gone, Ria discovered. There were maps of the area up on one wall and more than just her Royal Guard gathered around, discussing coverage. There were a lot of foxes in the room, by the scent of things. At least a half dozen of them were briefing her people on the terrain and being briefed in return on what to expect from the newcomers in their territory.

  All in all, Ria was impressed by the way the different kinds of shifters were working together. Pantera noir usually lived somewhat apart from all other shifters because of their rarity and the danger their queen always seemed to be in. Before Ria’s mother was killed by their enemies, she had been hunted. It was her mother who had started the tradition of the Nyx being almost constantly on the move.

  In the old days, access to the Nyx had been open to all shifters who wanted to breach the veil and talk to their departed. It was the Nyx’s sacred duty to be the intermediary, helping those still in this mortal realm by delivering the wisdom of those who had passed on to the next.

  The Nyxs of old had made their homes in different places around the world, usually setting it up so that other shifters could reach them for open sessions during the three nights each month surrounding the new moon. Many pilgrimages had been made to wherever the Nyx chose to hold court over the centuries. It was only in recent years that she’d had to take to the road and hide her presence as much as possible.

  Those who needed to find her could, of course. There was a screening system that would line up those who sought an audience during the new moon ceremony. Modern shifters would call a number, leave their information and if they checked out with a specially tasked Guard contingent, they would be given a time and place to be, if the Nyx was nearby. And in very special cases, she would make surprise visits to those who couldn’t come to her.

  But if they didn’t prevail tonight, there would be no more traveling. No more mediating between this world and the next. No more Nyx.

  They had to prevent that. And so all these good people were gathered in this cabin, ready to go to war for her and the burden she carried.

  “You all have your assignments.” Jake’s voice carried to her over the murmurs of the gathered shifters.

  He’d left her side when they arrived and checked in with Geir. Jake motioned to her to join him now, at the center of the group. The warriors made a path for her to join Jake and Geir at their center.

  She knew her role now. She had to say something. Something inspirational that would inspire everyone. Too bad she had no idea what to say. Thanks were paltry, but all she really had. She didn’t want any more people to die on her behalf. She didn’t even want them to get hurt, but she knew what would happen tonight. They would get hurt and some might die.

  Who was she kidding? All of them would die if the Venifucus succeeded. No way would Elspeth leave anybody that served the Light alive if she came through the veil. Everyone here would be the first to die. The first of many. Too many to think about.

  She took her place at Jake’s side and felt the warmth of his support, which meant more than she could say. Geir too, supported her, in his way. And then she realized that everyone here was supporting her in their own way—even the foxes she had only just met. And then she knew what she had to say. She had to speak to them from her heart.

  “I can’t thank you all enough for staying and being willing to face what will come with courage and brave hearts. The Venifucus have been chasing me for a l
ong time and I’m sorry I brought this trouble to your Pack.” She nodded toward the fox Alpha. She hadn’t seen him before because he was standing near the center of the circle, surrounded by his people. “The sad truth is, if the enemy succeeds in their plans, there will be no safe place for anyone who serves the Light. The last time Elspeth walked this earth, many lives were lost in the battle to contain her. If the Venifucus succeed in bringing her back, which they have attempted several times recently, the pattern will repeat and the war will begin anew.”

  She paused to look into each pair of eyes, making sure she looked at every single person gathered to support her. It was important that they knew they weren’t just faceless, nameless soldiers to her. They were people. Amazing people who were willing to stand up for what was right.

  “We can’t let that happen,” she stated simply. To her surprise, an edge of steel had entered her voice and even more shocking was the answering chorus of agreement that came from the gathered warriors.

  “We’ll send them straight back to hell, where they belong,” Geir shouted, raising one clenched fist above his head. He shook his fist and a cheer went up along with every other male’s fist, shaking their promise toward the heavens.

  Ria watched them, realizing that this group, which consisted of three or more separate groups had united for a common cause. They were behind her, but more importantly, they were against the enemy. The foxes appeared to not only accept, but welcome the interloping pantera and Others in their territory.

  Likewise, the different groups of Guards seemed to be meshing well with everyone—though Ria had expected they would work well together, even though they were usually on different shifts. They’d all been trained by Geir and those like him. They worked together, even if they didn’t usually work at the same time. And Geir seemed to have taken a position of leadership over all, as it should be. He was, by far, the most experienced warrior they had.

  They were a united force, but would it be enough? Ria sent up a little prayer to the Goddess, hoping for the best.

  This time, when Ria left the cabin, she was surrounded by her people. Guards she had known and worked with for years escorted her directly to the stone circle. They still had some time to prepare, according to Jake’s vision, but they were taking no chances. Everyone was getting in their planned positions with plenty of time to spare.

  Jake was going over last minute plans with Geir as they walked. She wanted to walk with him, but she knew her Guard was nervous enough as it was without her misbehaving. She kept throwing glances back over her shoulder, catching glimpses of Jake’s strong profile as he walked along.

  He’d availed himself of the fox’s armory. A giant, dark rifle of some kind was slung across his back. Two side arms were strapped to his thighs and there were other weapons tucked here and there around his person. He was armed to the teeth, as it were, and looked very comfortable with the shocking amount of gear.

  When they arrived at the stone circle, her people dispersed, but didn’t go far. The Royal Guard was to remain inside the circle with her, though as out of sight as they could manage. A few shifted shape, hiding in the darkness, their black pelts blending in with the night shadows.

  Ria had brought a few props with her. A shiny, shallow metal bowl and a bottle of water were the main accoutrements she would need. She placed the bowl on the altar stone, blushing at her recent memories of this particular setting. She poured out the water into the bowl and let it settle, placing a few other items nearby as if she needed them for some arcane ceremony.

  In truth, all she needed was the amulet that rested around her neck and her own energy to open the portal, but hopefully the enemy didn’t know that. They seemed to know an awful lot though. And if the intel they had was correct, at least one among them knew one heck of a lot more than he should.

  “Are you all set here?” Jake’s voice came to her from above and she looked up to find him nearby. She straightened from her bent position and went over to him.

  She walked straight into his arms. It felt so good when his strong arms closed around her. He made her feel safe. He made her feel invincible.

  “Are you okay?” He asked in a soft, almost uncertain voice. She looked up at him, meeting his gaze.

  “Just a little anxious, I guess,” she admitted.

  “It’s okay to be scared,” he offered, his gaze concerned. “Just don’t let it freeze you up. But I don’t have to tell you. You know how to use the adrenaline to your advantage. I’ve seen you do it. You’re strong, Ria. The strongest person I’ve ever known.”

  When he said it in that tender tone, she almost believed him. It was good of him to give her a pep talk. She really needed it about now. The stakes had never been so dire. But then again, she’d never had this much help before.

  All she knew was that she wanted to stop running. She wanted to take a stand and have this out once and for all with the evil one who had somehow learned her secret. She wanted the Venifucus to know that she would not be easy prey. She had teeth of her own and many allies who would fight on her side against them.

  “Thanks, Jake.” She reached up and stroked his hair, running her fingers through the short strands. “You’re one in a million, you know that?” She smiled and tugged his head downward, wanting one last kiss before they faced danger together.

  He obliged, lowering his head so their lips met in a tender conflagration that spoke of desire, but also of the deep and abiding love they had discovered within their hearts for each other. Her cat wanted to rub up against him reveled in the way he held her. Her human heart ached, wanting this uncertainty over so they could lock themselves away for a honeymoon neither of them would ever forget.

  Soon. Everything would be decided soon.

  One way or the other.

  Everything was in place. Willard Fontanbleau surveyed the preparations of his small army with a gloating sort of glee. The Nyx wouldn’t escape this time. Those who sought to protect her wouldn’t even know what hit them. Between the ground troops—mere cannon fodder as far as Willard was concerned—and the little surprise he had learned from the leviathan, the enemy shifters who peppered the mountain approach to the sacred site on Mount Sterling Ridge, wouldn’t stand a chance.

  Willard would only enter the area when a sufficient path had been cleared by the mercenaries he had hired or coerced into working for him. He was certain there were a number of agents among his troopers, spying on his actions for his enemies on the Council, but Willard didn’t mind. He was very much in favor of the philosophy that said keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

  He kept an elite squad of paid mercenaries—men he had interviewed himself—to be his personal guard. Only after the others had cleared a path, would Willard arrive to confront the Nyx himself. He was the only one who could do it. He was the only one who knew her secret.

  The one and only time Willard had ever successfully connected with a soul on the other side of the veil, he had learned the secret of the Nyx. He still wasn’t entirely certain the soul he had communed with had intended to divulge the secret, but it had come out nonetheless. In the ancient one’s worry for the current generation, it had connected with him and communicated more than it should have—or possibly would have—if not for his quick thinking and the spells he had thrown at the being once the first images started to come through to Willard.

  He had not heard words. Not the way the Nyx was purported to do. No, he had seen images. He saw an amulet. The being that had connected with him was very worried about the amulet. It took a while before Willard was able to figure out why and exactly who he had connected with that long ago night when magic had been flying thick and heavy on the ground.

  It had taken a lot of time to track down the various historical accounts of the Nyx and her powers that had finally convinced him of what he had learned. Nowhere was it written or recorded that the Nyx had any sort of physical object that brought her the power she wielded, but when Willard finally figured out who
he had connected with, he realized he could not doubt the source of the image or the powers associated with the amulet he saw.

  For he had been in communion with one of the ancient Nyx. Perhaps the first one, herself. He couldn’t be certain which Nyx, exactly. But one of the oldest ones. One of the most powerful—even across the veil. She had eventually broken his spells that tied her to him and allowed him to rummage through her memories. He’d seen a great deal in that short time, however. Enough to send him on the quest of his life. The quest to kill the Nyx and steal her amulet—the source of her power—for his own.

  Things were falling into place and the final confrontation would come soon. Willard was in the lower staging area, out of sight of the defenders’ first string of sentries. His military commander had sent out scouts and they had even taken the initiative to capture one of the enemy shifters for interrogation. What they had learned gave Willard pause.

  The Nyx had taken a mate. And the new mate was the one who had orchestrated her escape from the last attempt on her life. Apparently this mate had military training and was a force to be reckoned with. Willard didn’t like the sound of that, but he also saw a possible opportunity to exploit.

  According to the prisoner, the Nyx’s new mate was human. Willard almost laughed when he heard that part. A woman of such power mating a weak human. Regardless of the man’s military skill, he was still just human. Easily defeated. Humans were only good for slave labor in Willard’s view and they would soon relearn their place when Elspeth came back to power.

  For now, it was a simple matter to send out new orders to every man in his small army. Any human found on the mountain was to be captured alive. They could kill all the shifters they wanted—and Willard hoped that number was high—but the humans were to be spared and examined. And when Willard identified the one he wanted, he would use the Nyx’s new mate to bring her to her knees before him.