The Moon Shadow : The Wolfrik Trilogy | Book 1

by K. Rea

  Strike the tree enough to pierce the bark, but not the trunk. It’s like ringing a doorbell for him. Aiden said casually down the bond.

  “Maybe you should do it,” I suggested, offering him the hatchet.

  You want to see the fae and take the shortcut. You swing the blade. He stated with a smirk.

  “If you are setting me up, so help me—I will ring your doorbell next,” I promised.

  You can ring my doorbell anytime. He purred down the bond; I felt the heat in my cheeks as I blushed and swung the hatchet. It stuck in the bark; Aiden visibly flinched. Jude will definitely hear that. Better step back, tree killer.

  “Tree killer? What did you just have me do?” I asked, looking at the hatchet embedded in the old tree, hoping I hadn’t just killed it for convenience.

  That was deep. A hit like that can kill a tree. Don’t worry, Jude can fix it. He just may not give us a lift. We’ll have a long walk ahead of us. Aiden explained.

  Why do you keep talking to me through the bond? I asked through the bond.

  Practice, it may be useful. It was last night. He teased with a wink as the tree next to us hummed. The sound reminded me of cicadas. Jude came stepping out of the bark in a shimmer of green and gold. His hair loose around his shoulders, his clothes wrinkled, his shirt not fully buttoned up.

  “Aiden, what the hell did you do to old Jezebel? Jolie and I were in the middle—”

  “Good Morning, Jude,” I said. It was clear what Jude and Jolie had been in the middle of, the love marks down the side of his neck still fresh. The smell of their desire wafted off him in the cool breeze.

  “Ah, hello Evelyn,” Jude said a bit sheepishly. His expression changed, though, when he saw the hatchet in the tree. He started mumbling sweet nothings to the tree as he petted it, as if soothing a wounded animal before pulling the hatchet free.

  “Which one of you heathens did this?” Jude asked. Aiden looked at me, smiling.

  “Come here, give me your hand. You’re going to help me fix this,” Jude ordered, reaching his hand out to me.

  “If that’s okay with Aiden,” Jude said. I looked to Aiden, he nodded.

  You’ll be fine, you might even like it. He reassured. I put my hand in Jude’s; it was smooth, almost silky. He had a ring on his right hand made of copper and wood. I watched as he put his hand on the bark where my hit had gouged into the white flesh beneath it.

  “For what we took, we give back. Mother, please accept this token,” Jude chanted. His hand on the tree glowed gold. Then his entire body glowed, and his hand grew hot in mine. I tried to pull away, but he held firm. The burning heat softened to warmth, and I heard singing echoing to me, but in words I did not understand. The emotion, the experience, the pure ageless voice of the tree left me in awe. Yet I knew it sang to me in thanks as Jude siphoned through his hands a part of my aura into the tree.

  I could see the wound healing beneath his hand. The bark growing back, as if my mark had never been except for a gold sheen. The tree’s song, Jezebel’s song, grew louder, her song one of strength and love. It halted as Jude removed his hand, his eyes still glowing gold, his face an expression of wild earthiness. He smiled, a king of the wood. He looked ageless.

  “You can let go now, little wolf. She’s healed and then some,” Jude breathed as he patted my hand. I hadn’t realized I gripped his hand. Once I let go, a wave of tiredness washed over me as if I had run miles. “What is it you two want so bad you had to go maim Old Jezebel?”

  “We were hoping to visit Jolie and you. Say hello before the babe arrives, and we have to return to Court,” Aiden explained.

  “Did you explain to Evelyn that striking the tree is like striking you or me?” Jude asked, arching an eyebrow at him.

  “No, she hit deeper than expected,” Aiden admitted.

  “You think?” Jude admonished.

  “What do you mean?” I asked.

  “Evelyn, that tree is tied to my life force, and anyone else’s that I used to heal it. Any damage done to the tree is felt by me, Aiden, and now you. Next time, don’t strike so deep. You never know which trees are tied to another being. If possible, don’t take down a tree at all. Losing a tree bond could kill a weaker woodsman. Are you both ready to go?” Jude asked.

  “Yes,” Aiden and I answered.

  You should have told me the truth about that tree. I scolded down the bond.

  Maybe. This way, if you need help, the forest can get Jude for you, Aiden admitted. Jude reached out for my hand; Aiden took my other hand. Jude touched Jezebel’s bark again, and he glowed. He and the tree hummed, a faint buzzing noise like a hummingbird.

  “Deep breath,” Jude said before pulling me into the tree with a gasp. I could feel Aiden laughing down the bond.

  He’s joking, Aiden said as a golden light surrounded me. Jezebel’s song filled my ears, and my sight disappeared. It felt like a single moment, yet timeless, as Jude pulled us along the tree network with his magic. I fell to my knees on the soft mossy ground once we stopped moving, and he let go of my hand.

  Dizzy and slightly nauseous, I tried to catch my breath and quiet my senses. Aiden kneeled beside me, a steady hand on my shoulder.

  “Not unlike a rollercoaster, eh?” Jude asked. “I love it. Never gets old.”

  “Very much like a rollercoaster, yet not at all,” I rasped as I stood on shaky legs.

  “Jude has been jumping trees for a century. He got lost in them for a time. Are you okay?” Aiden asked, a concerned edge in his voice.

  “Lost, ha! A decade of my life I’ll never get back. Learned a lot, though,” Jude murmured.

  Once my eyes could focus, I saw an elaborate patchwork of homes and treehouses. Trees, bushes, and flowers in various states of bloom. Sunlight shone through patches in the foliage. All the plants appeared to be in a state of perpetual spring bloom, even though the Autumn equinox was around the corner.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a very pregnant woman in a long dusky pink dress slowly waddled toward us. Her strawberry blonde hair cascaded down her back, her skin glowed, and a brilliant smile spread across her face.

  “Should have known it was you. Only you would steal Jude away from me in my time of need,” the woman said, throwing her arms around Aiden before looking to me.

  “My apologies, Jolie,” Aiden said.

  “You must be Evelyn; you have your work cut out for you. Don’t be too hard on, Aido—unless he deserves it, which he usually does,” the blonde quipped, poking Aiden in the ribs as he groaned at the nickname.

  Aido? I laughed down the bond.

  “Evelyn, this is Jolyn Beecham, though we all call her Jolie. Jolie, my wife—Evelyn Wolfrik Kensley. These are for you,” Aiden said, handing the slightly crushed flowers to Jolie. The wolf within me bristled at the fact she still had her hands on Aiden and that he had brought her flowers. For a moment this morning, I thought the flowers were for me until he picked them up and walked out. Aiden gave me a strange look, and I realized I hadn’t blocked the bond. He felt my pang of jealously.

  I took a step forward toward the group. Jolie wrapped her arms around me in a tight squeeze, crying tears down her face. Her swollen belly pressed against my stomach. She stepped back and wiped tears from her face with a smile.

  “Sorry, I’ve been crying at the drop of a hat these days. I’m so glad to meet you, and that you came to visit. Wonderful timing, we’re having a small party tonight to prepare for the Autumn equinox. Jude told me you will have to go back tomorrow for the gala at Court, maybe next year you can join us for our midnight ball. Ours puts the Court’s gala to shame,” Jolie said, tucking my hand into her arm as she waddled toward the homes. I looked back at the men; they had quietly fallen into step behind us. Jude beamed at his wife, a delighted father to be.

  They are my closest and oldest friends; they also happen to be some of the best
people I know. Give them a chance, little wolf. I think you’ll be happily surprised. Aiden whispered along the bond. Aiden smiled at me and winked before I turned back around to take it all in.

  After breakfast and a brief tour of their home, they invited us to stay the night and use their guest room. Jude extracted a promise from Aiden to help finish nursery furniture as payment, and Jolie invited me to walk with her to the market. With baskets in hand and promises not to overdo it or carry too much back, we left the men surrounded by furniture parts and ales in hand. I doubted they would accomplish much. Aiden stopped me before we left the house and held a black wallet out to me.

  “The Court uses ronaele notes, but anyone at the market will accept dollars, euros, or ronaele notes. There are close to four hundred ronaele notes in there. They function the same as dollars; ones, tens, hundreds. If you think the vendors aren’t honest with you, ask Jolie for help. If it’s not enough to cover your purchases, give them my name, I’ll settle the bill before we leave. I only ask that you pick something out for the baby and anything else you like,” Aiden said as he pressed the worn, supple black leather wallet into my palm. He smirked.

  “Say your name, and they’ll believe that you would settle the bill?” I asked scoffingly.

  “People rarely use my name to pay for trinkets, and this town knows me better than most. Try not to get into too much trouble, wife,” he said as he turned and walked back into the cabin. I looked back to the street where Jolie waited.

  The fae made their streets out of polished river rock. Their houses varied in sizes, colors, and shapes. The construction appeared to be painstakingly made by hand. Aside from the occasional solar panel and string of lights, I didn’t see a single modern device. During breakfast, it was clear the Beecham’s only had an electric stove and basic household appliances connected to solar panels. No sound of phones or televisions echoed between the songbirds’ tunes.

  “How do you get news outside of the village?” I asked as I watched all manner of fae walk by. Some looked human, others like a walking plant.

  “The trees communicate, like a hive or the internet. Not everyone felt when you struck old Jezebel, for example, but many heard about it. She liked your spirit, even though apparently, you’ve got a mean swing. Forests always keep tabs on their subjects,” Jolie explained. “Otherwise, we get messengers from Court that bring and send notes back and forth.”

  “Subjects?” I asked.

  “The forest looks after the people that look after it. The forest is revered like royalty by the fae, but most look to Jude and Mistress Tessa for leadership,” Jolie explained.

  “No crystal balls?” I joked; Jolie laughed.

  “Not here, though there are looking pools and mirrors that can be spelled to do so. The market is up ahead, around the corner in the town square. If you want a looking glass, you can buy one there.” Jolie said in all seriousness.

  “The vendors normally only set up once a month, but they’re here all week with the festival. You’ll need a dress for tonight. I have a dress you can wear if you don’t find something you like,” Jolie offered.

  As we rounded the corner, the smell of fresh bread, cinnamon, and spiced meat filled the air. A sea of vibrant colored tents stood tall with their banners dancing in the wind. Each stall the color of gems and styled differently from the next. Each merchant highlighting their wares. Witches and fae mingled, I noticed there was not a single vampire or werewolf in sight.

  I followed Jolie as she peeked into stalls and stopped at various tents. Her basket brimmed with tea, yarn, fabric, and paints before long. Thankfully, we came upon the tent belonging to a baker that made the most delicate cinnamon sugar lace cookies.

  “I’m getting a dozen, and some to share. Let’s sit at that table,” Jolie suggested. She pointed to a collection of tables off to the side as she walked up to the baker. She didn’t look like the other fae; she didn’t have that otherworldly appearance that seemed to touch some fae. As if they should glow, be cloaked in shadow or as cold as ice. Neither did the baker seem like she was part of the forest, like the others. Frankly, she looked human, like a sweet grandmother with a hundred secret recipes of deliciousness if I could trust the aroma of honeyed sugar sweetness wafting from her tent.

  “Hello Jolie, two dozen cinnamon doilies? Isn’t that babe due any day now?” the baker asked with a smile.

  “Almost. Still a few more weeks, Fern. Two dozen and a few extras for my friend and me,” Jolie responded.

  “Tea for two?” Fern asked.

  “Absolutely,” Jolie responded, then paid the woman. “We’ll be right over here.”

  Jolie sat down and put her feet up on the extra chair next to us. She rested a hand on her pregnant belly with a smile.

  “He’s got a sweet tooth and a love of cinnamon,” Jolie said with a smile.

  “You’re having a boy?” I asked, surprised.

  “We chose not to know; I’m hoping for a boy that takes after his Papa. Then he can stay here wild and free to wreak havoc,” Jolie said with a laugh, though her face became serious. “Girls have it harder in some ways. You’re welcome here anytime. I know the Court can be ugly. I was told it was not always so, but that was before Gaius.”

  “Maybe it will be again, one day,” I whispered.

  “You would be the wolf that’s stirring up trouble then, best take care. Even trees have ears, especially here,” Fern said harshly as she placed a tray of cookies and tea on our table. She slid a paper box into Jolie’s basket with a smile. “Enjoy the doilies, stay out of trouble, and for the Mother’s sake—take it easy, Jolie. Come see me tomorrow.”

  Fern went back to her stall to help the next customer. Jolie offered me a cookie. I bit into it tentatively. The crispy cookie melted in my mouth in a kiss of cinnamon and honey. I groaned in delight; Jolie laughed.

  “We may need to get two dozen to go before we leave for home. Those are divine,” I said, grabbing another one as Jolie sipped on the tea.

  “I hope you do not mind that I sent Jude to intervene during your bonding. I wanted to give you and Aido an out just in case you wanted it. Jude said he made a mess of it. Still, I think you’ll be good for Aiden,” Jolie said with a shy smile. “He’ll protect you and keep you safe if you listen to him.”

  “You mean obey him,” I scoffed.

  “No, not obey him. Truly, that’s probably the last thing he needs or wants. He needs a wife, not an errand boy, but heed his advice. Take his warnings seriously; he’s rarely wrong, as annoying as that is. Don’t go breaking him. He’s not as bad as some people say. At least not anymore. Anyway, we still need to find you a dress. I’ve chattered your ear off enough,” Jolie said. She finished her tea and swiped the last cookie before standing. I followed her into the next series of tents and booths, looking at the trinkets and goodies. One tent was full of jewelry and metalwork.

  “Good morning ladies, looking for anything in particular? A fancy bauble or bracelet for the dance this evening?” a short, stout fae asked, his skin rough like bark, his facial features similar to a chipmunk though still humanlike.

  “Good morning, Master Martin. We’re looking for anything that may catch our eyes,” Jolie answered.

  “Lady Beecham, is this the new princess, Lady Wolfrik?” Master Martin asked.

  “The new Lady Kensley, yes. Maybe you could show her around while I visit next door,” Jolie answered. “I’ll be a few minutes, some business to attend to next door.”

  “Please follow me, it would be my pleasure. Everything in this shop is made by my sons and myself,” Master Martin said as he waddled toward me. Jolie turned and left me in his care. After showing me table after table of his kitchen wares, we walked below a series of wind chimes. One wind chime caught my attention. It tinkled with the sound of bells and glass. It sent a cascade of colors reflecting around it like a moving rainbow. It was designed with
a sun at the center, surrounded by stars and moon cut from colored glass and mirrors. When light shone on it, it would reflect color and light around the baby’s room.

  “Master Martin, would you be able to gift wrap this for me?” I asked.

  “Yes, but dear, that is not a proper bond gift for Mister Aiden,” Master Martin said politely as he reached for the chimes.

  “Bond gift?” I asked. He stopped and looked at me, puzzled.

  “Forgive me, I assumed this was for Mister Aiden. It is customary for the bride and groom, or bond-mates, to exchange gifts or tokens,” Master Martin explained, flushing a bit.

  “It is for Lady Beecham, as a baby gift. However, I could use a bond gift,” I admitted; he smiled. He gently placed the chime on his counter. “Any recommendations?”

  “I have a fine set of men’s gifts on the table in the corner. Daggers, flasks, jewelry, and so on. Please look, you can leave your basket here while I wrap the baby’s gift,” Master Martin suggested. I wandered over to the corner, leaving my basket by his table.

  The table in the corner was covered in various objects, all mostly organized by type. Tucked off to the side beside a row of flasks was a simple black leather braided bracelet. The bracelet fastened with a simple silver toggle, but in the center of the bracelet was a Celtic knot. At the middle of the knot was a reddish-blue opal. I picked up the jewelry carefully, but the silver didn’t burn; it merely felt cold to the touch.

  “Do you have anything to match this?” I asked, holding the bracelet toward Master Martin. He pushed his glasses up his nose before inspecting. He smiled.

  “The dragon’s breath opal, I do. I have a small blade and a companion set. It must have gotten separated; they’re unique. I designed them a long time ago. They’re made in a Damascus style with layers of tungsten, silver, and steel. If they don’t bother you, I doubt they would bother Mister Aiden. They’re over here,” Master Martin said happily. He led me to a table covered with white silk and wooden boxes. “Here they are.”