by G. K. DeRosa
“The blood of the person that cursed you?”
His head dipped. “The blood of a witch, who according to my father, is dead with no living relatives.”
“Why exactly were you cursed, Hunter?” I knew witches could be vengeful, but what in the world could he have done to deserve this?
“It was my father, not me, Sierra. He did something so unspeakable that he refuses to admit it, but whatever it was, made an irate witch curse his only child.”
Holy shift. All the air whooshed from my lungs. How was that even fair? “I’m so sorry.” I stepped closer, my feet propelling me toward him. “You don’t deserve this.”
His hands framed my face, and I saw it. The brokenness he sought so hard to hide. “You don’t deserve this.”
Angry tears stung my eyes and I blinked quickly, forcing them back. This wasn’t over. In addition to taking Tyrien down for killing off my pack and surviving the Alpha Trials, I’d fix Hunter. I’d make my mate whole again. I would find a way to break the curse even if I had to fight fate with my bare claws.
I paced the length of my small couch, my phone clutched to my chest. It was time for my daily check-in with Mom, so I was trying to come up with a convincing lie. I couldn’t tell her about the trials. She’d tell me I was crazy, and she’d be right. Running would be the logical answer, but my parents had run and look where that had gotten them.
No, I was definitely staying.
I belonged here, and I owed it to my pack. It was weird, even though the Mystics were long gone, I could still feel them inside me. A faint mystical cord that tied me to something bigger; I was only a tiny thread in the larger tapestry that blanketed Moon Valley. Geez, I was starting to sound like Mom. Next, I’d be collecting healing crystals and dancing under moonbeams.
Mom, right. I had to call her. Exhaling, I punched in her number and waited, holding my breath as it rang.
“Sierra, darling!” A warm, bubbly voice I hadn’t heard in years picked up on the fourth ring.
“Grams?”
“The one and only.”
A wave of relief swam over me at the sound of her voice. Mom had actually listened, and I knew she’d be safe with my grandmother.
“It’s so good to hear your voice, darling,” she went on. “Your mother filled me in on your little adventure in Moon Valley. She’s resting now, but there’s something I’d like to speak to you about.”
“Sure, and yeah, I guess finding out you’re a werewolf would count as an adventure all right.” A hint of annoyance brewed inside. She must have known too. Why hadn’t anyone thought to tell me? I could keep a secret with the best of them. Another thought niggled at the back of my mind. “Hey Grams, are you the reason why my wolfish blood wasn’t picked up by that blood test I took when I was sixteen?”
A noncommittal mumble seeped through the line.
“Grams?”
“Your mother asked me to do it to keep you safe after she discovered what had happened to your father’s pack. She was worried someone might come for you. After your father was killed, you and your mother came to stay with me for a few years. Your mom and I cut ties with everyone and everything we knew. You lived in hiding, on my property, concealed by a magical cloak I’d conjured. Then when you were five, she felt enough time had passed and the two of you re-entered the human world to live normal lives once again.”
How had I not remembered that? Closing my eyes, I drifted to the past, trying to picture those first few years of my life. Most of what I remembered were photographs. Pictures of me with Mom and Grams for birthdays, holidays. It was true. There’d never been anyone else in the photos. I’d never thought anything of it.
“With the Half-Blood decree, we knew they’d come for you eventually. Your mother and I disagreed on the best way to keep you safe. I believed that discovering your wiccan powers would protect you in the long run, while your mom wanted to keep you out of the supernatural world completely.” She paused and exhaled slowly. “I was so sure you’d inherit my powers. Perhaps she’d been right, and we should have kept you away from Azar all together.”
Was that the big argument they’d had? Was I the reason my mom and Grams hadn’t spoken for years?
As much as I wanted to tell her she’d been right not to keep this from me, she had kept it from me, and I was pissed. I deserved to know the truth a long time ago. “You shouldn’t have kept me away, Grams. Neither of you should have. I understand why you did it, but you could’ve at least told me the reason.”
“I know, darling. I know.” Another pause. “It seems that fate had already tied you to the supernatural world long before we could intervene. Your mother tells me you’re mated to that horrible alpha’s son.”
My stomach plummeted at the venom in her tone. “Hunter is nothing like Tyrien.” I wasn’t sure why I felt the need to defend him.
She grunted. “He was raised by the man, so I find that unlikely. His mother died well before she could leave a lasting influence.”
I swallowed hard. Hunter had never come out and said it, but I’d assumed his mother had passed away. I didn’t realize he’d been young when it happened. “How do you know, Grams?” Until a second ago, I didn’t think my grandma knew anything about the inner runnings of the shifter realm.
“I made it my business to know everything that concerned Tyrien Silverstalker after what he and his pack put your mother through.” Steel edged her tone, a sharp sound I’d never heard from my sweet grandmother’s mouth. “Until we discover why the wolves have returned for you and your mother, I’ll keep her in hiding. I know she’s permitting you to remain in Moon Valley, but it’s a mistake. I’m asking you to reconsider and come stay with me once again. I’ll protect you like I did when you were a child.”
“Only I’m not a child anymore, Grams. I belong here, whether you and Mom like it or not. I’ve convinced Hunter to hold off on breaking the mate bond, and I’m sure that with his help I’ll be able to figure out what’s going on.” And get my own revenge on Tyrien Silverstalker.
“The mate bond,” she spat. “Aristaeus is the issue here. Your tie with him is what’s holding you there.”
“No, it’s not just that.” But was it?
“You have no idea how powerful a mate bond is for wolves, darling. The lengths one will go through to protect their mate, the obsession it causes. Distance is physically painful to bonded pairs. You may not even consciously realize it, but as long as you’re tied to him, you’ll never be free.”
The sick thing was that I didn’t want to be free. I wanted to be with him, in spite of everything. “I need to figure this out, Grams. And you’re right, it’s not just for my dad. It’s for me.” I chewed on the inside of my cheek as I considered asking her about my purple wolf. It would only add fuel to her fire, another reason why I should run away with my furry tail between my legs. But I had to know. “One more thing, Grams, any idea why my wolf has a weird purple glow to it?”
Her sharp intake of air made a boulder-sized pit drop down my stomach. More silence.
“Grams? You okay?”
“Yes, sorry. I—You just surprised me, that’s all. Let me consult a friend and get back to you. I don’t want to say anything unless I’m sure.”
“Um, okay.” Well, geez, that didn’t sound ominous or anything.
“Please be careful, Sierra. Keep that wolf under lock and key until I get back to you. And whatever you do, do not trust Tyrien. He may be your supreme alpha but now that he knows what you are, he’ll stop at nothing to end the Mystic bloodline once and for all.”
“I will, Grams, and you keep Mom safe.”
“I promise, darling.”
I didn’t think it was possible, but my heart felt heavier than before the conversation began. As if Hunter’s warnings about not shifting hadn’t been enough, now my grandma’s weird reaction solidified it. How was I supposed to compete—let alone win, in these trials without my wolf?
Chapter Two
My bestie pulled
me into her chest as soon as the door of her wolfy abode swung open and squeezed me in a bone crushing hug. “Thank the goddess you’re okay, Sierra. I was so worried when the guards took you away this morning.”
“Me too.” I’d texted to tell her I was fine as soon as I’d gotten home, but I still hadn’t delivered the big news about the trials.
I peered over her shoulder, and my eyes landed on a skulking shadow in the corner. Rage boiled up in my core, and a snarl tore from my mouth. “What the hell are you doing here, Ransom?”
Cass’s brows knitted as she stared back and forth between us.
Ransom lifted his hands, palms facing me. “Please, Sierra, hear me out.”
“Get out of my best friend’s house. How do you have the nerve to show up here after what you did?”
“Whoa, whoa,” said Cass, stepping between us. “What’s going on?”
I jabbed a clawed finger into his chest as my wolf rippled to the surface. “Ransom sold me out to Tyrien. He somehow overheard us talking at the ball and went straight to the supreme alpha. Do you have any idea what you did?”
A streak of crimson blazed through his obsidian irises, and his incisors lengthened. He inhaled a deep breath, and his vampire fangs retracted. “I didn’t sell you out, Sierra. I was trying to help you. My cousin, Charity, overheard you and Cass talking. I intercepted her before she told my father. The Mystics have been extinct for years. They’re insanely powerful wolves and if Father had found out first, he would’ve exploited you for the rest of your life. Coming clean to the entire high alpha council was the only way to prevent that.”
“And you don’t think Tyrien will exploit me?”
“He can’t now that they all know. I exposed your secret to protect you, don’t you see that?”
I snort-laughed. “Right because I’ll be super safe in the Alpha Trials.”
“You will be with me at your side.”
I shot him my best eyeroll and folded my arms across my chest. What a freakin’ mess. “You have no idea what you’ve done, Ransom. The Mystics didn’t just dwindle off, they were murdered. By Tyrien Silverstalker. Now you’ve painted a target on my back, and Tyrien will never let me leave that arena alive.”
He hissed out a breath, his dark irises pulsating. “I had no idea…”
For some reason, I believed him. I was still pissed of course, but I could use all the friends I had if I’d be competing in the trials.
“Now what?” Cass squeaked. “You can’t be serious about the Alpha Trials!”
It was one thing when I was pissed off for all female wolf kind, but the idea of fighting in some brutal display for a title I didn’t even want was suffocating. I knew I’d told myself not to think about it until tomorrow, but now with my best friend looking at me like she was about to cry, it hit me like a ton of bricks.
Holy shifters, I was going to be competing in the trials in a little over twelve hours. Without use of my wolf. Hunter had filled me in on the events for the day and assured me I’d be okay, but what about the next day and the one after. This went on for an entire month.
“What if you just throw the trials?” Cass offered.
I couldn’t lie, the thought had already crossed my mind. But I was the first female in gods knew how long to compete, and I was the last Mystic. The idea of acting so cowardly made me sick. “I can’t do that.”
Ransom stepped forward, the dark shadows curling around him. “So you compete, you put on a good show and you get taken out gracefully. I’d be happy to assist in a dramatic display.”
“There’s no way I’m losing to you, buddy.” After the stunt he pulled, I couldn’t let him off that easy.
He gritted his teeth and pretended to wince. “Did I lose all chance to win you over, Violet, in a romantic nature?”
“You never had a chance, Ransom.” I shot him a wink. I couldn’t deny the relief in knowing my friend hadn’t betrayed me, on purpose anyway.
“I can’t believe this is happening.” Cass folded into the couch, still watching us.
Ransom eyed her expectantly. “Tomorrow will be a big day for you as well, Cass. All the pack healers will be required to attend to the wounded competitors.”
“I know. Your father told me when I arrived. I never thought I would be tending to my best friend.”
I sat beside her and threw my arm around her shoulders. “There’s no one I’d rather have taking care of me than you.”
Her lips twisted into a pout. “Let’s just hope it doesn’t come to that.”
Amen, sister.
Two quick knocks at the door sent my heart into overdrive. I spun toward the entrance, but Ransom lifted a hand. “Relax. I took the liberty of ordering pizza and beer. I figured we’d need it.” He sauntered to the door and greeted the delivery guy.
Cass took my hand and squeezed. “You don’t have to put on a brave face with me, Sierra. I can tell Ransom to go, and we can cry, or drink, or watch movies all night. Whatever you want.”
“Thanks, Cass, but if it’s just the two of us, I will end up crying and I can’t. I need to be strong for what’s to come. I’m not throwing this trial. I’m giving it everything I’ve got, and then I’m going after Tyrien’s throne.”
I stumbled home much later than I should have but hanging out with Cass and Ransom had felt so normal, and I wanted to hold onto that for as long as possible. I shoved aside the hanging ivy that led to the dark tunnel of my wolfy den. Rummaging through my purse for the key, a scuffle caught my attention. I turned deeper into the passageway as the hair on my nape bristled. “Hello?”
Nothing.
I narrowed my eyes, staring into the pitch black. “Anyone there?” My nostrils flared at an unfamiliar scent. I crept closer, and my heart slammed into my ribs with each step. “I know you’re back there,” I growled, lacing my voice with steel while my insides trembled.
A shadow bounded from the darkness and bolted past me. I spun around just in time to see a furry gray tail racing toward the tunnel exit. I hurried after it, barreling through the hanging ivy. I stopped at the edge of the hill, barely. Through the sliver of moon that hung overhead, my gaze trailed after the speeding wolf until he disappeared into the thick forest.
I sucked in a breath and leaned against the grassy knoll. The damned wolf had been too fast, but I was certain he was the same one that had attacked me the night Hunter had killed his russet friend. Dammit. And things had been pretty quiet lately. Would more wolves come after me now that I’d been outed?
Are you okay? Hunter’s anxious voice raked across my mind.
Yeah, I’m fine. I just got home and found some wolf lurking in my tunnel, but he ran off. How did you know?
I felt it through the bond. The surge of fear.
Luna, this thing was getting out of control. Now I had to keep my feelings in check too.
The closer we get, the stronger our connection. Which was why I tried to keep my distance, both physically and emotionally. The rough edge to his inner voice battered my insides. For years, I’d hated him for keeping me at arm’s length, but I never understood what he’d been battling. He’d felt the bond long before I had, and the constant fight had to be exhausting.
Too bad it didn’t work out so well, huh? I tried to inject some humor in my tone, but I wasn’t sure if it worked.
His chuckle was like a gentle caress. For a second, I wondered if I was talking to Hunter or his wolf. His wolf was generally the more easy-going one. Which was ironic. I’m scared for you.
I started, a shudder sweeping up my spine. I wasn’t sure if he’d meant to broadcast the thought or if it had accidentally bled through our link. I remained silent, my eyes intent on the starlit sky.
Sierra?
Still here. It was the night before the big trials, and there was no way I’d be sleeping. I folded onto the grass and stared up at the silver crescent moon. Its pale rays brushed my skin, soothing my nerves.
A dark form streaked across the foot of the hill, and I squin
ted to make out the figure. I released a sigh as the tiny hairs on my arms prickled, and a pair of golden eyes locked on mine.
You didn’t have to come. I watched the tremendous black wolf as he stalked up the hill.
I was already on my way when you answered me. I knew I should have sent Vander to watch over you. He muttered a wolfy curse.
I’m a big girl, Hunter. You can’t protect me from everything.
I can try.
He padded closer, his huge paws sinking into the soft grass. When he reached me, he nuzzled his big ahead against my thigh. I ran my fingers through the soft fur between his ears, and he let out a faint growl.
“You’re not sleepy either, wolfy?” I asked as he snuggled closer.
Not tonight. Not until I know you’re safe.
“I hate to break it to you, but it could be a while. Because you know, Alpha Trials and all.”
We’ll stick together in the trials. It’s my fault you got dragged into them, and I’ll be damned if I let anything happen to you.
“Right.” I blew out a breath. It was decided, I liked Hunter a lot better when he was in wolf form.
I heard that.
I couldn’t help the laugh from tumbling out. Leaning back, I stretched out on the grass with my furry blanket beside me. His cold nose nuzzled the sliver of skin between my top and jeans, and I let out a squeal.
The wolf’s lips curled into a smile, and Hunter’s chuckle vibrated in my chest. Sleep, I’ll keep watch.
And there under the beautiful starlit sky, nestled against my wolf mate, I did.
Chapter Three
The roar of the crowd nearly drowned out the manic thundering of my heart as I walked beneath the stone archway of the enormous arena. Thousands of spectators dotted the benches that shot up into the clear sky. The circular stadium reminded me of something right out of the movie Gladiator. I half expected Russell Crowe to pop out from behind a column at any minute.