“Caleb’s right, we must have shifter blood in our family.”
“He said that?” Karros asked.
“Yeah. Although, I think it’s probably simply the connection we have with our mates. We are connected and that connection links us on a deeper level.”
“So, we’ll become more shifter-like, and they’ll become more fae-like.” He grinned. “I like that idea.”
“Me, too.” She jerked upright as the kitchen door opened and Caleb appeared. “What’s wrong?”
“Oscar called Aiden with an update.” Caleb beckoned to them and she got up from the bench and turned to offer her hand to Karros.
“Wait.” Karros stood up and pulled her toward him. “In case things get a little crazy, I want you to know that I’m happy we’re in this together.”
“You mean that we’re both going to disappoint our family?”
“No, that we can share this experience together. You and me.” He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her close.
“I couldn’t ask for a better brother, Karros. I want you to know that.” She hugged him back. “And we’re all here for you and Zara. Anything you need, either now or in the future, we’re here for you.”
“Back at you.” He let her go and stood up straight. “Let’s go in. I hope we have a lead because I’m going to explode if I don’t figure this out.”
“If we don’t figure this out,” Elise reminded him.
“Go, team.” Karros fist-bumped the air.
“We are a team. And we’re going to be the winning team. I promise you.” She linked arms with him, and they went inside together.
Chapter Twenty-Four – Caleb
“The guy Oscar suspects, Reginald Barnes, was behind our parents’ murder was released from prison three months ago.” Aiden glanced at Caleb and then at Zara.
“Which means he could be the person who is stalking Zara?” Karros tensed his jaw and made his hands into fists.
He has the protective nature of a shifter, Caleb’s bear said.
He does. Let’s hope he never has to fight to protect her.
“It’s possible. At least it’s possible that he is paying someone to stalk Zara. He’s not in good physical shape from what Oscar heard from one of his old colleagues. Certainly not healthy enough to walk all over these mountains.” Aiden sighed. “Which means we either stay here and try to flush him out or we take Zara back to Wishing Moon Bay and see what other information Oscar can come up with.”
“You want me to run away?” Zara asked. “What about our aunt and uncle? They might not be safe. If I leave, whoever is watching me might hurt them to get back at me if I run.”
“True.” Caleb shook his head. “There’s no right answer here.”
“Oscar has also started working on our case.” He pointed to Caleb. “Since we went there with Flora, he’s been trying to figure out who took us.”
“He has?” Caleb asked. “I thought he gave you all the information he had in the file.”
“He has managed to get hold of the original file.” Aiden poured himself a cup of coffee and sat down at the table. “He’s gone through it thoroughly.”
“And?” Caleb sensed his brother was holding something back.
“He is chasing a lead now. But he’s not overly optimistic.” Aiden inhaled deeply. “However, there is some evidence he’s trying to get hold of. Something that we might be able to use for a location spell.”
“A location spell?” Zara asked.
“Yes, if we have something that belongs to a person, it’s possible to locate them,” Karros explained.
“Just like that.” Zara snapped her fingers.
“Not exactly. It takes magic.” Elise looked down at her hands. “The fae can do them but our magic is not as powerful as that of the witches.”
“Does Oscar have any evidence that our kidnapping and the murder of our parents are related?” Caleb asked. “I don’t want us getting off track and following a lead that is worthless.”
“He has never found a connection. That doesn’t mean one doesn’t exist.” Aiden raked his hands through his hair. “If only we could remember what happened.” He tapped the side of his head in frustration. “We were there. We were old enough to remember so why don’t we?”
“Vampire?” Elise offered as an explanation.
“No.” Caleb shook his head. “We think we just blocked it all out. We even forgot we had a sister.”
“Well, there is one thing we could try.” Elise glanced nervously at Karros who stared at her, his brows knitted together.
Whatever it is, Karros doesn’t seem very happy about it, Caleb’s bear said.
“I don’t know if that’s a good idea.” Karros crossed his arms over his body as he leaned against the doorframe. “There might be a good reason you buried your memories.”
“Whatever it is, we’d like to hear it. Then we can decide.” Aiden closed in on Karros.
“I agree.” Caleb slipped his arm around Elise who looked down at her feet for several moments.
She’s trying to decide whether to tell us or not, his bear said.
“Please, Elise. We’d like to hear your idea. Give us the chance to decide whether we act on what you have to say or not.” He pulled her toward him.
“Okay, our Grandma Hannah is a wise woman of the wildwood, she lives and breathes that place.” Elise swallowed hard. “She believes that everything is connected. Like a web.” She paused. “She believes that if you can link to that web then you can access any memory. All you have to do is enter the right state of mind, it’s like a dream walk.”
“Any memory?” Caleb asked.
“Any memory in here.” Elise cupped his face in her hands. “You never forget anything, you just store it away. The things that we don’t need to remember, like what you had for breakfast when you were five, are stored there in the same way that traumatic experiences that we have chosen to forget are stored there, too. But it’s possible to access those memories when you dream walk. A skilled practitioner like my grandma can direct you to where you need to go.”
“So, we need to access this web through dream walking and if we do, we’ll remember what happened to us?” Caleb’s voice shook as he spoke.
“But there might be a good reason why you chose to forget,” Karros added.
“You mean something traumatic might have happened and we both chose to forget.” Caleb nodded. “We’ve both thought of this before. It’s a thing that constantly comes back to you. Like a question that needs answering.”
“It’s like when we found out that our parents were dead. It was hard and painful, but it gave us closure.” Aiden glanced at his mate. “I think it’s something we need to do.”
“I’d rather suffer the memories and deal with the threat to Zara.” Caleb had made up his mind and Aiden nodded in agreement. “If it’s too bad, we can always get Silas to take the memories away again.”
“Silas, the vampire?” Zara asked. “Just to be sure I’m keeping up with all of this.”
“Yes. Silas the vampire.” Aiden went to Zara and placed his hand on her shoulder. “You can stay here, or you can come with us. It’s up to you.”
“I can’t risk anyone else getting hurt. You should go. If you are absolutely certain it’s what you want to do. I don’t want you to suffer because of me. I don’t want you to relive memories you chose to bury because someone is stalking me. We can deal with it differently.” She chewed her bottom lip before saying, “We could set a trap. You and Caleb could hang around out there and...”
“If this is a powerful shifter, they might sense us and bide their time, never showing themselves,” Flora said gently. “We could think the threat has gone and then as soon as we leave, they could come back. As much as I hate the idea of Aiden or Caleb reliving a part of their lives they chose to forget, I do think this is the best way.”
“I’ll stay here with Zara,” Karros said firmly.
“Good idea,” Elise replied before an
yone could object. Not that anyone would object. If Zara was staying, then Karros’s place was by her side.
“We should leave now.” Elise stepped forward. “If we keep driving, we can be at my grandmother’s house before dark.”
“Does that mean we can dream walk tonight?” Caleb needed this over with as soon as possible. The thought of reliving those days was scary but if it helped their sister, the sooner they did it the better.
“You can dream walk whenever you want. It doesn’t have to be nighttime,” Elise explained. “My grandmother will mix a special blend of herbs and once you drink it, you’ll sleep, your mind will relax, and she can guide you to where you need to go.”
“So only one person has to do it?” Zara asked.
“We’ll both do it.” Aiden knew Caleb would feel the same way and he nodded in agreement.
“We do this together. We remember together and we heal together.” Caleb went to Aiden and hugged him. “This is our shared past.”
“And we’re always stronger together. We always have been, and I don’t think that’s going to change anytime soon.” Aiden held his brother in his arms.
“I feel bad to have dragged you all this way and then for you to turn around and go straight back home,” Zara said.
“Don’t be sorry. I think things have turned out just right. Karros, we’re relying on you to protect Zara,” Caleb warned.
“Zara is a shifter, she’ll probably end up protecting him,” Aiden laughed and earned himself a reproving look from his sister. “Sorry. We’re really happy you’re here for her.”
“Come on. Let’s go.” Flora tugged on Aiden’s jacket. “Are you okay to drive or do you want one of us to take the wheel?”
“I’m fine. We just need to stop somewhere for some fuel. For us and the truck.” Aiden hugged his sister and shook Karros’s hand before they left the house.
“Good to meet you, Zara. Karros, take care.” Flora didn’t hug either of them. There was still an awkwardness that only time could heal.
“Bye, big brother,” Elise hugged Karros.
“Goodbye, little sister.” Caleb held Zara in his arms. “If you need anything, just call.”
“You’re going to be out of reach once you enter your dream walk,” she reminded him.
“Elise or Flora will have our phones. If you need anything, call. I’ll ask Ivan to be on standby.”
“You’re going to send a dragon.” She pressed her lips together and nodded. “I like that idea.”
“He can get here fast.” Caleb let her go and stepped toward the door.
“But it’s risky for him to be out of Wishing Moon Bay. Especially since the nights are clear and the moon is nearly full.” Zara glanced at her mate who was talking quietly with Elise. “We’ll be okay.”
“If you need him, call,” Caleb insisted.
“Don’t worry, if we need him, I’ll make sure to call,” Karros assured them.
“Maybe I do like the idea of you being my sister’s mate,” Caleb said.
“Does that mean you didn’t like the idea?” Karros asked warily.
“He’s joking. We are all happy you two are meant for each other. Now, we’re going to leave. Take care and I will call you later. And then tomorrow morning.” Elise hugged Zara briefly. “Look after him.”
“I will,” Zara replied.
“Hey, what happened to me taking care of Zara?” Karros asked.
“If it makes you feel better, we can pretend you can take care of me,” Zara replied.
“But when you see her shift into a bear, you’ll realize she’ll definitely be the one to protect you. At least physically.” Elise glanced at Caleb. “But caring for and protecting someone you love is not just about who is physically stronger.”
“Elise is a wise woman,” Zara said. “Sometimes the cuts that can hurt the most are deep inside.” She stepped forward and flung her arms around Caleb. “Take care. I hate that you are doing this because of me.”
“I’d do anything for you, Zara. You’re my sister.” He hugged her tightly before he stepped back. “We need to go.”
“Call us,” Zara said.
Elise smothered a smile as she caught Caleb’s eye. Zara and Karros were already an us. The bond between them was undeniable.
Things will work out, his bear said as they left the house and went to the truck where Aiden and Flora were waiting.
I know, Caleb answered. I just hope dream walking helps so we can put all of this behind us.
He glanced up at the mountains surrounding them and pushed his senses to their limit, and then a little farther. Karros was right, with practice and training he could probably extend them much farther.
It was a skill he would master in case he was ever called on to protect his family again.
Chapter Twenty-Five – Elise
“How much farther?” Aiden stifled a yawn as he drove through the wildwood. They’d been on the road for hours and the light was fading as they neared their destination.
“Another couple of miles.” Elise rested her head on Caleb’s shoulder, and he looked down at her and smiled. Was it only yesterday that they had camped out in the same forest and made love under the stars?
It was as if a lifetime had passed. Certainly, life had changed in the last twenty-four hours. Especially for her brother.
She put her hand in her pocket and drew out her phone, checking for any messages from Karros, but they were too deep inside the forest to get a good signal. This was one of the reasons her grandmother loved living here, she was cut off from modern life.
As a wise woman of the wildwood, she liked a simple life, one where she was in tune with the natural world around her.
Although, she did like to watch her favorite shows on TV and surfing the internet to increase her knowledge was acceptable. Elise had also once caught her watching cat videos and chuckling at memes.
“You’re smiling,” Caleb told her.
“I’m thinking of my grandmother. She’s such a complex woman, but her heart is pure. Even though she lives by the old ways and traditions, she is the most open-minded person in our family.” Elise placed her hand over his. “You’ll like her.”
“But will she like me?” he asked.
“Does it matter either way?” Elise turned to look at him. “I love you. We’re going to share our lives together no matter what. Does it matter to you what my family says or think?”
“Yes.” He slid his hand around her shoulder and cradled her head. “It matters to me because I want you to be happy and even though you’ll tell me it doesn’t matter to you what they think, I know that it’ll hurt all the same.”
“She’ll like you,” Elise assured him. “It’s my other grandma you need to worry about.”
“Okay, well, I’ll take it slow, one at a time.” Caleb tightened his hold on her. “I’ll do whatever it takes.”
“Don’t tell my grandmother that. She’d have enormous fun making you live up to those words.” Elise chuckled.
“I think I’m going to like your grandma.” Caleb took a deep breath and puffed out his chest. “I’m ready for the challenge.”
“Good, because we’re here.” She sat up straight and pulled away from him as she pointed to the left. “Take the next left up here.”
“I don’t see where to turn.” Aiden leaned forward, staring into the twilight.
“There, just after the big rowan tree.” She kept pointing to the left as a rowan tree covered in bright berries appeared in the gloom.
“I still can’t...” Aiden turned onto what looked like a game trail, but it was just wide enough for the truck. As they drove off the road it, became clear they were on a rough trail, although there was no sign of Elise’s grandma’s house.
“It’s hidden away,” Flora said. “I remember coming here when we were children. I always used to think the house was like the one out of the fairy tale.”
“Which fairy tale?” Elise asked.
“The one where the
children get lost and wind up at the witch’s house made of gingerbread.”
“Hansel and Gretel.” Caleb ducked his head and stared out of the window. “I’m starting to get that vibe.”
“Well, firstly, my grandma’s house is definitely not made of gingerbread and secondly, she’s not a witch. One way to upset her is to call her a witch. She’s a fae.” Elise glanced at Caleb. “You have been warned.”
Flora chuckled. “I expect she could still turn you into a toad, though.”
“Please, don’t put ideas into her head. Once she knows you are shifters, she might decide your other side needs a makeover and instead of turning into a fierce bear, you might end up being a fluffy bunny rabbit.” She put her hands up as if they were paws and showed her bunny teeth.
“No one can change what we are,” Aiden insisted, although he didn’t sound too sure.
“No, she can’t actually change you into something you’re not but that doesn’t mean she can’t make you think that you are.” Elise chuckled. “I can just see two bears hopping around like bunnies.”
“I’m going to pretend that you are joking and be really careful about what I say around your grandmother,” Caleb told her.
“Oh.” Flora leaned forward as the truck headlights illuminated a car parked outside of a log cabin. The trees around it seemed to crowd in protectively.
Caleb shivered and placed his hand on her thigh. “Why do I get the feeling that if your grandma was ever under threat, the trees would reach out their spiny branches and grab hold of me and drag me off into the trees, never to be seen again?”
“You’re scared of the big bad trees?” Elise teased.
“Not unless they come alive. Your wildwood does have a reputation.” He tensed as she leaned forward and stared at the car parked in front of the house.
“What is it?” Elise sat back in the seat and took hold of his hand. “As if things can’t get more complicated...”
“Is that your Grandma Sylvie’s car?” Flora half-turned in her seat, her eyes wide as she caught Elise’s eye.
“Yep.” Elise nodded and squeezed Caleb’s hand.
“I’m assuming it’s not the nice, accepting grandma we need to help us dream walk.” Caleb sighed and wriggled in his seat as Aiden parked the truck next to the car. “It seems we’re going to need to be at our most charming.”
Fae-ted to the Bear: A Wishing Moon Bay Shifter Romance (The Bond of Brothers Book 4) Page 18