Chapter 5

"Sooner or later those hellhounds are going to come sniffing for your mate," Greyson warned.

"Yeah, about that." Julian snatched a piece of bacon and listened for Cassia. "The thing is … she had a vision last night."

"Is that a good thing? Or a bad thing?" Rafe raised a questioning eyebrow.

"You sure it wasn't just a dream?" Logan asked.

"She said it was a vision." Julian debated how best to explain her dream and considered that maybe he should wait for her to tell them.

Greyson lifted a slice of bacon and sniffed it. "There aren't many things I miss about being human, but this. Hmm."

"It's okay, dude. Lean into it. The allure of the bacon can't be denied." Rafe stole another piece and bit into it.

Julian shook his head. "Something more is goin' on here with these hellhounds. I've had the feeling ever since I met her there was a reason for it."

"You've had a feelin' all right … in your pants." Rafe laughed.

"Ah to be young and unmated." Logan smiled and looked to Julian. "You need to just accept it. You found her. Trust me … you won't be sorry."

"This isn't about that," Julian told him. "Well not directly anyway. She said the hell beasts came to her in her vision. They asked for her help."

"Are you sure?" Logan asked. "I've never met a hellhound that spoke."

"I trust her. And it's not because she's my mate … but even if it was, that has no bearing on my instincts." Julian turned to his right. He sensed her before he heard her open the door. "She's coming."

"She can hear you," Cassia called.

Julian smiled as she reached for his hand. His wolf growled. Though he'd marked her, he remained unclaimed. Julian forced it to the back of his mind and focused on the issue at hand. "We were just talking about you?—"

"Please. Sit." Logan gestured to the kitchen table. "Wynter's out right now, but she'll be back in a bit.

Julian waited for Cassia to sit down before sliding next to her. She flashed him a flirty smile, melting him to his core.

"Dominique is on her way over with some clothes for you," Logan continued.

"You didn't have to do that," Cassia replied.

"No worries. Dominique enjoys it. She likes taking care of the wolves. She's like a pack mom. But I'd never say that to her." Logan looked to Greyson as silence blanketed the room. "It's a long story. Please don't mention it to her."

"Of course, not. Is something wrong with that?" Cassia glanced at Julian who forced an impassive expression.

"No, no. It's just a sensitive issue with her. Please continue," Logan said. "Tell us what you saw."

"The vision," Greyson reminded them.

"Hellhounds on the loose in downtown New Orleans," Rafe said in a voice imitating a newscaster.

"What are you doing?" Julian glared at the wolf.

"Just keeping things light. Sorry, Cassia." Rafe smiled at her.

"It's fine. But yeah, I had a vision. And look, I know it's going to sound crazy. But the hellhounds want my help." She glanced at Julian who nodded in encouragement. "They want us to get a vessel. An Aroya. I'm not sure how it will help them but?—"

"Hellhounds asked you for help?" Logan asked.

"I know it's unusual, but yes. They said they were shifters."

"Wolf?" Logan asked.

"Maybe. I don't know what kind for sure."

"Samantha said the letter A," Greyson reminded them. "Maybe the A was for Aroya?"

"Maybe. They didn't say. I have a feeling they've been cursed. Maybe someone is making them attack us."

"It's possible." Julian shrugged.

"Maybe it was the humans from that party who are sending them? I tried looking up the property to find out who really owned it but I couldn't find anything. The house is in foreclosure under a bank's name."

"But the house was owned by someone," Julian said. "We need to go back and check it out."

"Supernaturals should never underestimate humans," Rafe added. "Ilsbeth isn't the only one who has demons on speed dial."

"Risky business … contracts with demons for souls." Greyson shrugged.

"Last night was different than any other vision I've ever had." Cassia stared at her plate as she recalled the dream. "I could feel the hellhounds. Smell them. One of them even sniffed me. It could have killed me … but it didn't."

"What else did it say?" Greyson asked.

"It mentioned a fae. We think it's Kellan."

"Samantha mentioned a fae." Greyson shook his head.

"And it also mentioned Thorn … that he knows where it is."

Julian reached for her hand. "I promise I won't let them get you."

"Fucking Kellan. Is there any shit he's not involved in?" Rafe crossed his arms over his chest. "Hunter got em' good last time. Out tricked the trickster. He's not gonna wanna help though. I'd like to have a ‘round at em' again. Should have killed him the last time."

"No bitin' the fae," Greyson warned. "His blood might poison you."

"It was a mistake letting him go. He's such an asshole."

"He's a useful asshole." Julian hated the fae more than anyone but he was part of the paranormal ecosystem. A bottom feeder. "We'll pay a fee. Then get the info. We keep it simple."

"Keep clear in your thoughts and words," Logan warned. "All of you."

"I want to kill him." Rafe shook his head, his lips tightened.

Greyson nodded toward him. "The hybrid is right. He'd deserve it. I'll do it if you want."

"Stop fucking calling me a hybrid. I'm a wolf," Rafe insisted.

"You're a vampire," Greyson corrected. "With fangs. Who drinks blood."

"So the fuck what? I'm still a wolf. You've seen me shift. I've got the best of the best going on, right here. I'm gonna be a superhero," Rafe joked. "One who's going to kill Kellan one day."

"Not before we get answers," Julian insisted. "We know he was in Wyoming at Hunter's. He used to hang out on Frenchman Street. Who else has seen him lately?"

"He's moved on from Frenchman," Logan said. "Dimitri said someone saw him sulking in a dive bar in St. Claude about three months ago. He's in and out of New Orleans. Between Kade and I, we try to keep an eye out on the troublemakers and y'all know Kellan falls into that category and then some."

"It's time to poke the fire," Julian declared.

"What about Thorn?" Cassia asked.

"He's thick in the fuckery, but he doesn't usually cause problems in New Orleans," Logan stated.

"Viktor knows him. I'll reach out and see if he can set something up," Greyson said. "Fucking demons."

"Half demon," Logan corrected.

"I've met him. He's got something going on with mother." Rafe raised an eyebrow.

"Mother?" Cassia asked.

"Ilsbeth. You know when she's not busy drinking the blood of virgins, she's partying it up with demons."

"What's he talking about?" Julian asked.

"New York. Viktor needed something from him," Greyson told him.

"We were at a fancy party," Rafe added.

"That's what happens when you take up with my brother." Greyson crossed his arms across his chest. "Friend of my brother or not, and I use that word loosely, Thorn isn't to be trusted. Half demon. Whole demon. Doesn't matter what he is."

"The hellhounds mentioned Thorn's name. Maybe he knows about what's going on with them," Cassia suggested.

"I'm not privy to his travel schedule but he likes to rub shoulders with the upper crust in New York. I'll ask Vik," Greyson said. "I got a couple of other people I can ask if that doesn't work out."

"Sound like we've got a world tour coming up. New Orleans. New York. Back to Idaho," Rafe said.

"Hoping to head to Miami when all this is done," Julian told him.

"You and my brother would get along great."

"I may like to run wolf but I don't do the winters," Julian said.

"Snowbird?" Cassia laughed.

"Snow wolf." Julian smiled.

"I thought wolves like the cold."

"I've lived in all kinds of weather but I'm always down for a mojito and a salsa."

"Really?" Cassia asked.

"Really. We're going straight there after this nonsense ends. I could use some vitamin D."

"Kitties like the sun." Cassia smiled.

Julian's eyes locked on hers, his libido rising. Though he knew the fuck better, he was tempted to get up from the table, take her back to the room and fuck her senseless for the rest of the day.

"Dude. Get a room," Rafe jibed.

"They are lovebirds." Greyson wore a broad smile.

"Mind your business, wolf."

"Hey now. I'm just enjoying the show."

"I'm not gettin' involved in this." Logan held up his hands, smiling. His watch buzzed and he tapped at the screen. "Looks like my beautiful mate got held up at the playdate. The pup keeps us busy these days for sure."

The sound of a door slamming echoed from the foyer. Rafe looked to the Alpha. "Expecting someone?"

"Of course he is," Dominique announced as she strode across the great room and into the kitchen. Clad in a skintight black lambskin biker jumpsuit, she exuded the confidence of a champion. Carrying several large designer shopping bags, she stood in front of Rafe. Her plump, cherry-red lips curled into a sardonic smile. "You've got a lot to learn about Acadian Wolves … wolf. Or are you a vampire right now?"

"I'm all wolf but I'll bite if you're offering." Rafe dropped his fangs.

Dominque's fangs descended. "You wouldn't know what to do with me. I'd break you like a twig. Call me in a few years when you grow up … baby vamps in training are cute."

"You're missing out." Rafe retracted his fangs and rolled his eyes. "Perhaps it's time you got back to Kade and his merry band of vampires."

"Perhaps you need to respect your elders before I hand you your ass. Who's in charge of the toddler?" She looked to Julian. "Leash your pet."

"How about we all get along?" Logan suggested. "Rafe. Play nice. Dom is as welcome here as pack. Dom. Please don't eat anyone. It won't turn out well and Kade will be pissed. We good?"

Rafe gave a halfhearted shrug and blew out a breath. "Yes, Alpha."

"Well this sure has been fun this morning." Julian laughed.

Dominique approached the table and looked to Cassia. "I got you clothes. You're gonna look cute. Not that these men deserve to gaze upon us Goddesses."

"Thank you. I really appreciate it." Cassia offered a nervous smile.

"Well then, how about we go in the other room and get you sorted. None of these wolves are fashion forward. They consider naked a staple."

"We can trust you?" Julian's voice exuded authority. He didn't trust many people, let alone another vampire.

"You trust him." She looked to Greyson.

"Dom is good." Logan vouched for her.

"No, no, no." Dominique held up a hand while still holding her bags. "First of all, trust is earned, so I guess we will both find out. Second, I've been with Kade for a long time. The only reason I'm not over there right now is because of their kiddo. I'm giving them privacy. Samantha and Luca have been busy so I'm not getting in their hair either. Logan and Wynter needed some help, so I'm riding with wolves. Keeping busy. Let's just say I've had my own issues over the past couple of years. There is safety in numbers. And while people get on my last nerves and they do every damn day, keeping busy is what's best."

"Right then." Julian had heard through the grapevine about Dominique's troubles. She'd had her own brush with Hell. "We really appreciate you getting some things for Cass to wear. We're trying to keep a low profile until we find out what's happening."

"Hey." Cassia stood and gave a quick squeeze to Julian's shoulder. "It's okay. I can't stay in this robe forever."

"Wolves." Dominque turned and walked out of the kitchen.

"I'll be fine," Cassia assured him as she followed the vampire.

Julian looked to Logan. "One of these days, things will be calm again."

"I wouldn't count on it anytime soon. Your girl almost took out Wendy last night on our run."

"Yeah, about that …"

"I damn near had a pack revolt seeing a lion. It's not the first cat they've ever seen. You know D his mate can shift as tiger but it's not something they usually do around pack. Not to mention seeing her shift into an owl."

"Well, she is a chameleon." Wolf, his beast growled in his mind. Logic warned him she'd be safer as a lioness. "I kind of like her cat."

"I've got a cat. Keeps us free of vermin," Logan offered.

"Hold on … an Alpha has a cat?" Rafe asked.

"Yeah, so if you see it, don't go killin' it or I'll kill you."

"Speaking of killing … we should go feed before tonight." Greyson shoved up from his chair. "Don't get your tails up in a bunch. Of course, we won't be taking any human lives … not yet anyway."

"How we ridin'?" Rafe snatched another piece of bacon off the plate.

"Don't be late. Be back for tonight," Julian told him.

"Just to let you all know, I'm staying here with the pack. It's close to the full moon," Logan told him. "Take Dominique with you. She needs to get back into practice."

"You sure about that?" Julian raised an eyebrow. He didn't know the vampire well enough to know if she'd be an asset or liability.

"Dom's a fighter. She's worked security for Kade for years…before the incident." Logan glanced to Cassia and Dominique in the other room who appeared to be getting along, talking and removing clothing from the bags. "I think Kade's afraid she's gonna kill an innocent, or really anyone who crosses her the wrong way. Which may have been true at one time, but she's doing better now. This might be good for her. And you. She's an extra pair of fangs. Greyson here can surely keep her in line if she gets too feisty. To be fair, Dom was always a little…hmm…what's the word? Aggressive."

"Aggressive?" Julian was tempted to laugh.

"Maybe impulsive is the right word. I mean we're all a little aggressive sometimes. You know more than anyone what Hell or demons can do to someone. From the time she was turned, she's had a rough go of things. She's really one of the good guys but we can't have her going off killin' the first person who looks at her the wrong way."

"I guarantee Kellan's gonna look at her and you know she's gonna want to fuck his shit up. But Dom's smart enough to know not to get involved with him," Greyson said.

"You'd be doing me and Kade a favor," Logan told him. "I know you know this, but Kellan is going to try to push you guys around tonight. That's exactly why I want her to go. Greyson's with you so he can control things and she can help protect you. She's a fierce fighter."

"You've been kind enough to put us up, Alpha. So if you think she's ready and Greyson agrees, I'm in." Julian looked to the ancient vampire.

"She'll be fine. I'm in agreement she needs to go. No use coddling a vampire. But remember, Jules, I'm not Kade. Sometimes a killing is just what's needed. And no offense, Alpha, but neither you nor Kade is going to stop me. I'll play by the rules until I don't."

"I did you a favor. And Viktor." Julian glanced at Rafe and back to the vampire. He released just a fraction of his power, power like none of them had ever seen. "There will be no innocent blood shed in New Orleans. I respect you, Greyson. You'll respect me."

The room fell silent. Logan averted his gaze as did Rafe.

Julian knew he pushed the ancient vampire far more than he would have liked. But he made himself clear. Unless there was reason for violence, they would get in and out of the bar without incident.

"Fine. No killing … if I can help it. But the second I get a whiff of trouble, I ask questions later." Greyson looked to Rafe who shrugged with indifference. "Ready to go?"

"You know it. Let's flash." The wolf put a hand on the vampire's shoulder.

"Don't let Rafe—" Julian sighed as they disappeared. "Fucking vampire is hard work."

"But he's taking care of Rafe?"

"Yeah, yeah he is. Rafe is doing well but benefits from guidance. I get concerned sometimes. Worried he might be a little too rough. It's the power of the blood … it drives the bloodlust," Julian found himself divulging. "It's only a matter of time before Rafe becomes an Alpha. Could be years … could be sooner. He'll need his own pack one day but for now … he's with me."

"And you?"

Julian looked to Cassia who held up a graphic t-shirt that read ‘bite me' and laughed with Dominique. "She's going to change everything for me."

"For someone who's an ancient, you sure have a lot to learn."

"I've spent all my years on a solo adventure. Time with wolves. Not shifters … but our brothers. Time with humans. Time to think. I've watched both humans and supernaturals fall in love … mate … bond. So much time passes, you forget who you are. You deny your beast his brethren … the opportunity to be with your family. Seeing my sister again awakened something in me. For too long we kept hidden."

"Is it true? Is your blood hellfire? I'm sorry for asking. I heard as much from Hunter."

"Our blood is of the original shifter magick the Goddess created." Julian held up his palms, shifting his power until his hands flickered with light. "This …"

"What is that?" Logan asked, his voice laced with both curiosity and concern.

"It's the hellfire. It's the original spark of the Goddess. The blood of the royals."

"So, what do you do with that, huh?"

"Mine's not working right now. But when it does, it's kind of like a whip of energy. I can move things, stop things. My sister, Willa, can do it a bit as well. I guess it's a consolation prize for having a target on our backs our whole lives."

"I could see how that could get old real quick."

"I was here with Jake, you know? When I was younger his parents took me in. I used their last name for several years." Julian laughed. "I've used many last names. Do you know our parents told us we couldn't mate?"

"What?"

Julian looked to Cassia once again. She brushed a strand of her curly raven hair from her eyes. A warm emotion stirred in his chest.

"But then with Willa and Hunter I knew it wasn't true. I think it was the first time it registered that it had all been a lie. It was the first time I thought it was possible I'd ever have a mate. But funny thing … that night in the woods when I found Cassia. Taking her to the hospital. I didn't even recognize her. I didn't even know she was a shifter. But the instinct to save her drove me that night. It was like it was meant to be." Julian blew out a breath. "Fucking wild."

"Looks like the Goddess has another path for you to follow. Rafe. Cassia. You're starting a pack." Logan nodded and sipped his coffee.

"You know I've always been partial to Miami Beach but Idaho could become home."

"You can always keep your place in the city."

Julian laughed. "Maybe it's time to grow some roots."

"Findin' your mate is pretty crazy. It shakes things up. But in a good way. Have a pup or two. Lead your pack." Logan laughed. "I can't believe I'm telling an ancient wolf like you these things. I didn't know I was gonna lead this pack. Like you, it was fate. It chose me."

Julian and Logan sipped their coffee in silence and quiet contemplation. He'd always known this world was filled with the unknown. No matter how many paranormals he'd met along the way, the good and evil, there was always something new to be discovered. He was convinced the Goddess did it on purpose to keep the world spinning with mystery.

The peaceful moment in time disappeared as an ungodly screech shook the house. An impending sense of doom stabbed through him and he shot to his feet.

"What was that?" he asked Logan.

"Something's hit the wards. I don't feel it inside my territory but?—"

"Don't go—" Cassia leapt to her feet as Dominique tore across the room and opened the doors. The vampire took off in a flash.

"Ah, what the hell? Dom, no." Logan ran through the doors. The crisp air gusted into the cabin. "She's gone. Shit, shit, shit."

"I'll go," Julian offered.

"No. I have guards set up around the perimeter." Logan glanced at his phone and tapped at the screen.

"I'm goin' after her. Stay here," Julian told Cassia as he dematerialized.

"Where did he go?" Cassia shook her head. "No. I don't think so. He's not going without me."

"Please, Cass. Just stay here," Logan urged her.

"Sorry, Alpha. We brought the fire. I'm not letting Julian or Dom fight my battles." Cassia tore off her robe. Within seconds, her magick had transformed her. The peregrine falcon flew out the door before Logan had a chance to shut it.

* * *

As Julian materializedin the bayou, the scent of death filled his lungs. The Alpha immediately spotted Dominque, who hovered above the unmoving corpse. "Dominique."

The vampire turned her head toward the Alpha, her fangs dripping with blood. "No one hurts those I love."

Julian held up his hands, sensing her feral rage. Her eyes glowed red with the anger of Hell. He'd recognize it anywhere. "Easy, Dom. It's me. Julian."

"Never again," she spat at him.

"Is that a hellhound?" Julian took a deliberate step toward the body.

"It's a dead hellhound."

"Did it try to break the ward?"

"It was on the outside. It was going to hurt you."

"Did it attack you?"

"I didn't give it time." Dominique's eyes faded to blue but her expression didn't soften, her fangs still protruding.

"You did good. But it's okay now. It's dead. I'm here now." Julian took another step toward her. He avoided influencing her with his power. She was slowly coming back from whatever bloodlust she'd fallen into and she'd need to control her own destiny. "You're okay."

"Of course, I'm okay." She held out her arms, her palms bright red with blood.

"I need you to step away. You can put away those fangs now." More of a demand, not optional. He cocked his head waiting on her response.

She released an audible breath and rolled her eyes, but did as she was told.

"Kak, kak, kak." The sound of wings flapping echoed in the bayou.

Julian looked up to the branches of a tree. Cassia. The large peregrine falcon settled on a branch, continuing its shrill vocalizations.

"Aren't vampires allergic to hellhound blood?" he asked her.

"Not me." The fiery vampire wore a cold expression. "I've been exposed to Hell and demons one too many times. They can't hurt me now. As I see it, this is payback."

"Okay." Julian nodded. He knew all too well the damage Hell did to a soul. He was far older and stronger than Dominique and it still affected him as well. "I know what it's like, Dom. But this feels different, doesn't it? The kill. You can smell it. But this isn't Hell. This is Acadian Wolves' pack land. You must fight the temptation to lose control. We all must."

"Some days are easier than others," Dominique acknowledged.

"You can do this. You're strong now. And you're not alone."

She nodded.

Cassia transformed next to Julian. "A hellhound?"

"Yes," Julian confirmed.

"This woman fights with you?" Dominique asked.

"Yes, she does." Julian glanced at Cassia, impressed at the spectacular sight of her in flight then shifting back to her human form. Her wild locks brushed over the tips of her breasts. Unfazed by her nudity, she stood with strength and confidence. "She's my mate."

Cassia's eyes widened, but she quickly regained her composure. "May I see it?"

Dominique stepped aside and gestured to the limp carcass. The fur stank of sulfur. But the glow in its eyes hadn't quite faded to black.

"Don't get too close," Julian warned her.

"This is my fault. I called it here. I know it was me." Barefoot, Cassia circled the corpse, inspecting it. She glanced to Logan who'd come up behind Julian. "There is something about this hellhound. Something peculiar. This is not an accident."

"This beast would have killed you. Killed all of us," Dominique claimed.

"There's something about it." Cassia knelt beside it.

"Cass, no. Jesus." Julian shook his head. "Don't get too close."

"No. There's something they are warning us about. You. Me." She flashed a knowing look to Julian as she placed a hand onto the hound's head.

Bright white streaks of magick crackled around the body as it transformed. As Cassia snatched back her hand and jumped to her feet, a gray wolf materialized.

"It's a wolf," she whispered. "Oh Goddess."

"This is bad." Julian's pulse raced as the realization hit him. The hellhound had once been wolf. Part of a pack or rogue, it was one of their brethren.

"This wolf will be buried as wolf," Logan told them, his expression somber.

Julian's heart tightened in his chest, anger rising within him. "Someone is cursing wolves. And turning them into hellhounds. What kind of sick monster did this?"

* * *

"You sure you're okay?Today was intense." Julian sat in a leather wingback chair, watching Cassia weave her thick hair into a braid.

"This is my fault." She stared at herself in the mirror and then glanced to Julian. "You know it's true. I called it here. That wolf. Its death weighs on me. Had I not dreamt of it … I don't know … it might still be alive."

"What it would still be is a hellhound. You didn't condemn it to death. Whoever turned it to a hellhound … that is who's responsible for its death."

Cassia wore a serious expression. "I have to save them."

"What? No. That's not our responsibility."

"If we find one alive ..." Cassia's eyes widened like a sad puppy dog as she pleaded with him. "There has got to be a way to save them."

Julian sighed, carefully choosing his words. It was his duty to protect all wolves, innocent wolves. If they turned them back, there was a chance they'd bond, they'd become pack. His pack. "We need to approach this situation with caution. I understand why you want to turn them. I do. I really do. But it may have been a coincidence that it transformed. If we call on a live hellhound and it doesn't change … it's not going to be good."

"So we find the vessel. And afterwards, I try to communicate. Or maybe we'll find out how to use it to change them. If there's a way to change them, we've got to try. They're shifters. Wolves."

"There's no guarantee all those shifters are wolves. Or innocent. I'll change them if it turns out this Aroya thing helps do it. And if it doesn't we can consult the witch to see if we can get a spell. But we can't just call a pack of hellhounds and hope they turn. It's not safe. Let's get more information before we do anything, okay?"

A cautious smile bloomed on her face.

"But just know we could be opening up a can of worms. Good intentions and all that. If we spawn wolves, someone's gotta lead them. It'd be our responsibility. At least for a while anyway."

"You'd be willing to do it? I thought you didn't have a pack."

"I don't have a pack. I never thought I'd have one. No," He held up a finger. "I couldn't have one. But now that I'm out in the open …" He shrugged. "I don't know. This thing with us … and Rafe … it changes things. Just been thinking. Might be time to set up some roots."

"Build a team?" Cassia wore a broad smile, her eyes lit with excitement.

"Maybe. Something like that." Julian shook his head, a warmth blooming in his chest.

"All right then. Let's find this thing and build us a team." Cassia lifted her hand in celebration to high five him.

As his fingers captured hers, Julian wrapped his arms around her and held Cassia close in his embrace. "When this is done … we'll do this properly. I want to know everything about you. I want to stay out all night laughing and dancing and making love."

"I—"

Julian captured her mouth, silencing her words, drinking in his mate. His tongue swept against hers, the sweet twinge of pain as she nibbled at his lip. His cock stiffened against her and he fought the temptation. As he tore his mouth from hers, their eyes locked with an intense bond that nearly took his breath away.

This creature would kill him and he'd love every second.