Chapter 24

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

" R ise and Shine, Brat."

My sheets are torn away and light floods the room. I hiss like a cat sprayed with a water bottle and throw an arm over my face. A powerful hand pulls my arm down.

"It's time for training," Cadoc rumbles.

"Wha?" Squinting, I groan.

"You now have nine minutes, you're wasting time. Get dressed and meet me in the gym."

Cold air rushes over my heated flesh. I snatch the covers from his hand.

"If I have to come and get you, you're going to regret it."

"I already do."

His lips twitch. "You have so much to learn, Brat."

The weight of his words is sobering. I'm behind. No one bothered to teach me a damn thing after my family died.

If I want to stand a chance, I need to give this everything I have. I was never the type to wait around for someone to save me. That will not change now.

"I'll be there." I wipe the sleep from my eyes.

"While none of your mates are lacking in skills, I'll oversee your training. We all have our specialties, and I'm used to instructing. They're already waiting downstairs."

His explanation takes away the sting that came from waking up alone.

"Ten minutes," he leaves the room.

Swinging my legs over the side of the bed, I grimace at the pull in my sore back muscles. I cross the wood floor, grateful for the strategically placed rugs warding off the morning chill.

Weaving a quick braid, I tie it off with an elastic and brush my teeth.

Digging out a black sports bra and a pair of athletic pants, I dress and throw on sneakers. I jog down the stairs, eager to shake off the lingering feeling of helplessness.

I can't freeze up again. Thinking of what could've happened still makes my stomach ache. Standing in front of the workout space, I take a deep breath and linger in the hallway.

I'm ready to take whatever they dish out. I need to be stronger for my clan. I refuse to be the weak link.

The days of being a subpar pack member ended when I took Fenrir's mark. Lifting my head high, I push the door open and stroll inside. Each man has his section claimed.

"Today, we're going to start with endurance. Let's see where your limits are." Cadoc looks like the slightly sadistic PE teacher every girl had a crush on.

The one you loathed because he pushed your physical limits and looked gorgeous doing it. I'm trying not to drool over the muscular frame on display in his black tank and gray sweatpants.

I stare at the outline of his thick cock. This man could make a paper bag look couture.

"How do you plan to do that?"

"I want you to run."

That's easy enough.

I glance over at the treadmill. "At what speed?"

"From me, in the forest." He steps forward.

"What?" The thought of returning to the forest ratches up my anxiety.

"In the forest. Try not to get caught," He repeats.

My stomach knots.

Bo opens the doors that lead outside. "Better take the head start, Princess. His legs are longer than yours."

Kirk gives me a reassuring nod. "You've got this," He mouths.

Taking control of the fear, I set off, sprinting down the center of the room and out the back door. Life doesn't happen behind four walls and the outdoors are a wolf's true home.

I won't let my attacker ruin that for me. My feet pound over the ground. Scanning the forest, I look for openings.

Branches brush against my skin. I weave my way through narrow spaces. I need to be smart, not just fast.

Zig Zagging, I listen for Cadoc's heavier footfalls. Sticks crack. He barrels after me. Dread rises. I shove it back down.

I have to remain clear-headed to survive. This is practice, next time might not be. I head deeper into the trees. The light coming through the thick canopy overhead flickers the tighter they grow together.

The temperature drops and the silence overwhelms me. He's gone from chasing to hunting. Heart in my throat, I seek places to hide. I'm in the open right now.

Straining to hear any movement, I slow down, my brain working overtime.

I run for the large pine, kneeling to scramble beneath the undergrowth. Halfway in, a hand wraps around my ankle and I scream.

"Don't panic. Think through it. Where am I vulnerable?" Cadoc instructs me. Bracing my hands on the prickly bed of green needles, I bring my other foot toward his face. He bats it away.

"Good. Where else?" He tugs and I roll my body, swinging a leg toward his stomach.

"Where else?"

He's a drill sergeant pushing me toward my limits.

Sweaty, shaking, and mentally tapped, I'm pulled from beneath the branches with my heart in my throat.

"You did good."

"Only because you talked me through it." I slam a fist onto the ground, disgusted with my lackluster response.

"Practice makes perfect. The idea is to let muscle memory take over. You got back on the horse today. Take that win."

Swiping at my eyes, I hold my breath to drown the sob trying to escape.

"Yesterday was fucked up and frightening. Admitting it doesn't make you weak. There are things that still keep me up at night." He squeezes my shoulder. "You did well."

I latch onto his praise, using it to combat the negative voices tearing me down. This is a new side of the world I grew up in.

"Let's go get you started on strength training. Then we'll feed you and talk strategy."

Helping me up, he wraps an arm around my shoulder. Guiding us back the way we came, I force myself to examine the place that brought all the inadequacies to the forefront.

Reviewing the area, I see places for enemies to hide where once there was only beauty. Things will never be the same. I've already been touched and changed by the violence and evil seeking to rule over me.

Grateful for the mission keeping my mind busy, I study the passing scenery. Cadoc and the others ran drills with me until my body gave out.

Then they fed me a high protein meal, let me soak, and prepare for this mystery visit.

I look at Bo trying to glean information from his stoic face. "Are you going to tell us what we're walking into?"

"Calista is mercurial. It's better to experience her firsthand."

We leave the main road and travel down a winding private path that speaks to wealth.

I lean forward. "Are you being obtuse on purpose?"

"Think highly of yourself, don't you Princess? Not everything I do is connected to you."

"Just most," Fell adds.

I snicker. Bo flashes an irritated look.

"We're here."

The large three-story limestone building is a fortress that rises from the ground like a castle from medieval times.

Resting on the edge of a town nearly two hours away it has black iron gates that drip with powerful protective spells.

Bo rolls down the window and presses the metal box.

"You're early. The new circle you're running in has been good for you."

"I thought you said I was worth the wait."

Bo's flirty tone sets my teeth on edge.

"Your conceit knows no boundaries. It's nice to see some things never change."

"I do love to please you, Cal."

"Wretched man, don't call me that. I'm buzzing you in now."

A beep precedes the slow opening gates. We travel the drive toward a gothic revival mansion with steeply pitched gables that make the roof have sharp angles.

Bo parks and we exit the car.

I fluff the puffy sleeve of my off-white blouse that stops mid-arm and run a hand down the soft material of my khaki overall dress to keep my hands busy. My mouth is dry and my hands shake as I try to prepare myself for the meeting.

The hair stick is a reassuring solid weight, nestled into my simple bun. Climbing the stone stairs, I step closer to Kirk.

On the porch with columns and an elaborate thick wooden door with decorative glass panels, Bo rings the doorbell. Moments later, a sinewy man in his early twenties opens the door.

Clad in all-black, thick, wavy, brown hair frame his oval-shaped face. His cheekbones are sharp enough to cut.

A fine art student would kill to capture those exquisite features. His pale skin, overly bright blue eyes, and dark aura give him away. I step back, starring at the man like he's a mirage.

"Vampire."

"Wolf." His cultured voice holds amusement.

Bo steps in front of me. "Don't toy with my mate, Louis. She's never seen one of you up close before." Except I have.

Why didn't my senses pick up on Keziah? My heart sinks. I think back to my best friend of four years. Had everything we shared been a lie?

Louis sniffs. "Mate you say?"

"Careful, sharp tooth. You're out of your pay grade."

Sweat dampens my palms. "I don't understand." Vampires aren't to be trusted. Why are they chatting like he's an old friend? This is more than people working together to survive. This feels like a genuine friendship. Like you had with Kez. Would knowing what she was change your bond?

"My employer is an equal opportunity type of woman. Please come in."

"No, thank you." I can't force my legs to move.

Bo places a hand on the small of my back. "You're safe here, Princess. Cal's is neutral territory."

Gulping, I follow him into the house, happy to be sandwiched between Fell and Kirk on either side, with Cad bringing up the rear.

Creams are accented by pops of turquoise and gold inside the elegant home. We are led to a vibrant tufted blue velvet couch the vampire motions for us to sit.

"Calista will be down to see you soon." Louis's fluid movements when he leaves the room hold my attention.

Danger. My instincts urge me to flee. Despite his pleasant countenance, he is a predator. Was it different because Keziah didn't mean me any harm?

Guilt and anger fuse inside me. Should I have reached out and let her try to explain herself? Lost in thought, I ignore the boys bickering beside me.

Fell presses into Bo's personal space. "Where did you bring us Jensen?"

"Somewhere we can get help." Bo man spreads on the cushion beside me, brushing my leg with his.

"At what price?" Cadoc asks.

"That's the right question. You are smart."

We turn to the voluptuous redhead in a slinky black velvet gown approaching us. She smells of herbs, flowers, and an underlying spicy note I can't place.

Her dark brown eyes are filled with mystery, and she wears an all-knowing expression that unsettles me.

"Witch is the word you're looking for, Ms. Eskildson. And I'm very pleased to meet you."

Why would a witch employ a vampire, and make her home neutral ground?

I study her warily. "You are?"

She's challenging my perceptions and it has me confused. How does Bo know her? Why does he trust her so much?

"Oh yes. It's not every day one gets to meet someone like you." She stops a few feet away, with a Mona Lisa smile as she looks her fill.

Gathering courage, I ask the question on my mind. "What does that mean?"

"Someone who holds the threads of fate in her fingers."

"That's exaggerating."

"Hmm." Her full lips press together and an awkward silence falls. "Is it?"

Bo stands and takes her hand in both of his. "Cal."

"Bo. I can already see why you've come to me."

Intrigued, I glance at Bo. "You can?"

"Someone's gone through a lot of trouble to keep tabs on you." She presses her lips into a straight line.

"Blood magic is powerful and hard to wield. Things like this require a serious sacrifice."

She steps closer and stops a few inches from me. "May I?"

She holds out her hands and I look to Bo who nods.

"Yes." Her eyes flutter shut. She hums, bringing her hands to either side of my head.

Tingles run the length of my body.

"This is dark." She winces. "It feels like crawling insects and rage."

She shakes out her hands. "This has to go."

Anxious I shift my weight on the couch. "What do we need to do?"

"A cleansing and a cord removal. They linked you?—"

"To who?" My lips twitch in amusement at our collective answer.

"It's a male." Her eyes open. She shudders like she's having a seizure.

"Cal."

She sways, and Bo grabs her.

"I'm sorry. There's a potent ward up around whoever it is." Exhaling, she grimaces.

Cadoc perches on the edge of the couch. "Can you help her?"

"Yes."

"What will it cost us?" Fell asks.

Cal purses her lips. "A favor."

Cadoc continues pulling every bit of information he can from her. "What kind?"

Calista remains unruffled. "To be determined."

If I didn't need her assistance, I'd admire her smooth negotiating skills. Her girl boss vibes are admirable.

Fell balks. " Absolutely not."

"With limitations," Kirk interjects, offering a compromise.

"I'm listening," Calista waits for their terms.

"Nothing illegal, dark, or against her moral code." Kirk lists his requirements with the confidence of an educated lawyer.

"Done." She snaps her fingers. "But we need to act now. We've alerted them to our discovery.

They felt me through the link."

"Now?" The quick pace and urgency rattle me.

"Yes, hurry." She pushes herself away from Bo.

I stand, following her. Her heels click over the wooden floor as she speeds down the hallway.

"I need to get you in a circle of protection.," Cal explains.

Bo keeps pace with her. "Protection from who?"

"The original spell caster." She opens a door at the end of the hallway and clicks on a light.

We follow her down wooden steps. I question the way we're ignoring all horror movie safety protocols as we descend into a basement.

Reaching ground level, we come to a stop in front of her altar. Decorated with antlers, moss, feathers, and a flowing fountain, it has a strange beauty.

"Stand here." She waves me to the spot she indicates. "I need the four of you to surround her in all four directions."

She grabs a black bowl from her wooden table. Walking slowly, she creates a small circle around the five of us with salt, speaking a language I don't understand.

The energy rises in the room. I see a shimmer of a translucent dome settle around us. Pausing, she returns to her altar and pulls out a stick of white chalk.

Kneeling, she sketches an intricate pattern of runes and symbols on the floor. I recognize some of the drawings, but others in the complex array elude me.

She looks like a mathematician trying to solve a challenging equation. Calista leans back. The chalk glows, radiating power.

Rising, she picks up a dark wooden wand with a chunky crystal and places the bowl into the fountain capturing water. Parting her dress, she pulls a dagger free and approaches us.

"I come to the circle in perfect peace with perfect love. May I step inside the circle?"

"Yes." I swallow.

She cuts a metaphysical door and steps inside the large circle over the line of salt.

Sealing the opening behind her, she stores her knife, dips her fingers into the bowl, and sprinkles me with water from head to toe.

"Cleansing water. Wash away the darkness that doesn't belong to this woman," she chants.

Sharp, stabbing pains shoots through my center. My legs buckle. I fall to my knees with a strangled cry.

"Cal," worry deepens Bo's voice.

"The binding doesn't want to be broken," Cal screams.

I press my hands to my stomach trying to quell the excruciating pain. I rock back and forth. Vision blurring, I gag. The cooling saltwater continues to provide relief as my body heats.

Coughing, I choke on the phlegm secretion stuck in my throat. When I spit, black sludge splatters onto the concrete. Sweat beads across my forehead. The pain spikes higher and I scream.

"You need to stop." Cadoc's husky voice has a hint of his wolf in it.

"If I do, the spell will hold. She can handle this."

Hacking, I continue to expel the foul liquid. Pain fries my brain. Overstimulated, twitching, and sweating, I struggle to remain awake.

Everything hurts. An intense second wave assaults my body, threatening to rip me apart from the inside and I scream. Darkness slips over me. I fight against it.

Pitching forward, I'm caught by strong hands.

"It's over now, Brat. Time to come back to us."

"Don't make us worry, Princess, or we'll take it out on that pert little ass of yours."

"Open those hazel eyes for us, sweet one," Kirk presses his lips to my forehead.

"Ylva, it's time to wake up."

A warm hand palms my face. I struggle with the heaviness of my lids.

"There you are." Fell brushes his thumb across my cheek.

"Let me see those eyes." Kirk tilts my head back and forth.

Blinking, awareness returns. "What happened?"

Bo's voice is two octaves too high. "You scared the shit out of us."

"Here," Fell props my head up and presses a water bottle to my lips.

I take a sip. The cool water moistens my dry throat.

"Not too much," Kirk pulls the bottle away. Sighing, I rest my head against Fell.

I feel lighter. "It's gone."

Slumped in a chair, Calista is pale with dark circles under her eyes. She meets my gaze.

"Took more energy than I anticipated. It was a nasty bit of magic. Whoever did this is dangerous and ruthless. They're not going to stop. Odds are they'll attack you directly now."

"They already have," I sit up. "We've fought shadow beings twice now."

"Were they solid?" Breath quickening, she straightens. Her eyes round.

"No, but they were able to interact with us."

Bo smooths his hands down his thighs. "They hit like a Mack Truck."

Cal glances at the others. "Were there any signs before they arrived?"

Cadoc nods. "The scent of rotten meat."

"Temperature drops," Kirk rubs my back.

"I can sense them," Fell's admission is almost too low to hear.

Calista straightens. "You're going to need protection. What's coming is vicious and deadly."

"Why are you helping us?"

"I don't want the person behind this in power. They possess a ravenous hunger for control that won't be easily sated." She inhales. "This is about more than your pack. It's a small battle in an unavoidable war. Remember that I decided to stand at your side."

"You speak in riddles, witch," Cadoc slaps the couch cushion beside him.

"Not everything is written out in black and white. I'll cast a protection spell to tide you over while I create a talisman. You're going to need it."