Chapter 17

Chapter

Seventeen

SAGE

T he morning sun filters brightly through the windows of my room, and I've been up for hours, washed and dressed, and enjoyed fresh fish in the hall upstairs for breakfast. My thoughts are still jumbled with the memories of last night after having the best night of my life with Killian. Then things went downhill.

Killian and Nyko's conversation consumes my thoughts, all coming back to them knowing who my father is.

They've been keeping secrets from me. Anger pricks along the back of my neck. I naively took them at face value, but that's my fault, isn't it? I should be used to everyone taking me for granted.

Stepping out of my room, I say, "Howler, take me to Killian's room, please."

"Morning, Sage. Unfortunately, he's at a meeting and can't be disturbed."

Groaning, I suggest, "Okay, what about Nyko?"

"He's attending the same meeting. They will be available later in the day."

Sighing heavily, I go with my final option, figuring, based on the conversation last night, he might actually be the best person to talk to.

"Please tell me Wolfe isn't with them, too?"

"Lord Wolfe is running late, so you might be able to catch up if you hurry."

"All right, let's go." I rush ahead down the corridor before he's even given me instructions.

Howler guides me through a part of the ship I haven't seen before. The walls are pristine white, with more windows offering views of the vast ocean outside. I hurry up a set of grand stairs, complete with red carpet. It's all fancy, so out of place for this vessel, and it makes me feel even more of an outsider.

Eventually, I reach a set of double doors. I hesitate for a moment before knocking. It opens, and there stands Wolfe, looking ready to walk out. His burning amber eyes widen, then he grins, melting my knees. His presence is overwhelming, and for a moment, I forget why I'm here, lost in being so close to this powerful Shadowfen. He's in his human form, dressed in dark clothing, including a button-up deep navy shirt with a metal band around his thick bicep, just like Killian wore back in Nightingale Village.

"Sage, a pleasant surprise." That dark, husky voice of his isn't helping me.

"Can we talk, please?" I ask, trying to steady my voice.

He nods, that grin widening. "Of course, but we will have to do it walking. I'm late for a meeting and have something I must drop off up in the woods first. My assistant, Grimm, has the day off, leaving me in disarray."

"Of course, and thank you," I add quickly. "I know where the woods on the vessel are, if you want me to drop something off for you instead, so we can talk?"

He pauses, studying me. "You would do that?"

I nod while he seems taken aback by my generosity. It can't be too hard.

"You continue to surprise me, Sage." He puts his hand into the pocket of his pants, takes something small out, and then places a black stone in my palm. As he pulls away, his fingers graze mine, just enough to send a buzz right through me. Fast and all-consuming, I draw in a rapid breath.

His hand grasps mine, closing it over the stone, and he holds me for a long pause, staring at me, his gaze dipping to my mouth.

"Th-That was kind of strange," I say.

A grin quirks his mouth, and I want to kiss him, press myself against him, and discover if he tastes as delicious as Killian.

Wait. What in the world? Where did that come from?

I think of how he made me feel over dinner when I first arrived, so is this him manipulating me again? Caution spears through me, knowing I need to be careful.

He's licking his lips, and I'm clearing my throat, fighting the urge not to forget why I came to see him.

"It's all right," he explains. "Your body's going through changes."

"Oh." Is that what I'm experiencing? "I thought it might have been you influencing me again."

He laughs, though his gaze holds me captive, glimmering under the lights.

"You know, every Shadowfen has a level of ability to control shadows. Most can move shadows, create puppet shows on a wall, but some are really powerful. Like transforming into a shadow completely, or like mine, I can manipulate it to do my will, allowing me to touch others from a distance or move objects, to mention a few." He reaches over and strokes my cheek, his touch as tender and sensual as his shadow had been the other night. "What about yours, Sage?" He offers me a soft look and takes my elbow, leading us into a walk.

I shake my head, still coming to terms with his reveal about shadows, racking my mind if I've had any encounters with shadows.

"I haven't experienced anything."

Then we're walking quickly, and I'm speeding along just to keep up with his long strides.

"Do you know who my real father is?" The words blurt out, but he's rushing me, and I'm tired of being kept in the dark.

His expression darkens slightly, glancing over at me as if it's something he wasn't expecting me to ask.

"This is a much larger discussion to be had, and I can't do it justice in a few moments. I will come find you after my meeting, all right?" His words are final, his face slightly pale. Then, with a final squeeze of my elbow, he strides ahead, vanishing down a dark hallway.

"That went terribly," I mumble to myself. He couldn't run away faster.

Frustration bubbles up inside me. He's going to avoid me, isn't he? What annoys me the most is that next to him, my body reacts in ways it shouldn't. I'm drawn to him, and I hate that I find him so attractive that I forget my thoughts.

But he's a monster, and I need to remind myself where I am—a dangerous world.

I grew up my whole life believing I'd never find out who my father was. Now that I have the chance, I'm not going to give up on it. He will tell me.

By the time I'm up on the top floor, knocking on the heavy wooden doors that lead into the ritual room, my stomach knots return. There's no response, just the eerie silence, and I glance down at the stone in my hand.

What the hell are you, and why should I bother delivering you for Wolfe?

Yet, here I am, pushing the door open. I guess it's because I'm honest to a fault, even to a monster.

A soft breath behind me makes me pause.

I turn, but there's no one there. I recall Wolfe's explanation about Shadowfen possessing a shadow ability, and my skin suddenly creeps.

Entering the vast room, I call out, "Hello?" My voice is swallowed by the whistling breeze swishing through the rustling branches, a chill rushing up my arms.

The woods stretch out before me, their eeriness amplified by the stormy sky visible through the open roof overhead. I stick to the stone path passing the forest, glancing at the flowers that seem out of place in this space. Farther to my left, I notice huts—offices, perhaps, or maybe living quarters?

With Wolfe's hurried departure, my hand in my pocket, gripping the stone tightly, I hurry along.

The wind picks up, rustling the leaves and crashing into my back.

I knock on the first door. No answer. The second, the third—nothing. Irritation dances through me.

Finally, at the last door, I spot a metal latch on the door. Opening it, I discover a compartment with a couple of other stones and two scrolls all the way down where I can't reach. A makeshift postal box, I guess. I slip the stone inside, hearing it clunk against the metal base. As I turn to leave, the breeze becomes stronger, the trees swaying wildly.

Strangely, I feel the sway of the vessel for the first time since boarding, and glancing over through the glass walls reveals the roughness of the sea, the white peaks, and the dark curtain of rain in the distance.

Time to get out of this area.

I quicken my pace, my eyes darting to the shifting shadows amid the trees.

Then, I see it—a shape in the forest, something that looks like an animal but darker, more sinister. My heart skips a beat. This can't be right. It's a trick of the light, and as another gust of wind blows, the shadow vanishes.

I pivot toward the exit, only to find the door closed. Panic surges through me. I left it open, didn't I? Stop panicking. It had to be the wind from the open ceiling to the outdoors .

Something slithers out of the woods near the doorway, blocking my path.

I know I shouldn't be scared. But my skin crawls as I watch the creature that's easily six feet long—slithering on its belly, then rising on its back legs. It has an elongated face, sharp and reptilian, like a snake. I hate snakes. Memories of the few I saw in my village flood my mind.

Fear strangles my lungs, and I start backing away, knowing there's no one else up here with us. The creature comes at me fast, falling to the ground, slithering toward me, and I scream.

I twist and run into the woods, the only place I can think of. The forest closes in around me, shadows thickening as I push through the underbrush.

That hissing follows me.

My breath comes in short, frantic gasps, and I trip over roots and stumble but keep moving. The trees seem to reach out, branches clawing at my clothes, my skin. The stormy wind picks up, howling around me like it knows I'm in huge danger.

I find a large tree and press myself against it, trying to control my breathing, to hide. My heart pounds so loudly in my ears I'm certain I'll pass out. Will that creature snake thing try to eat me?

Gods!

Fear's almost paralyzing, locking my legs in place.

That terrifying hissing grows louder, closer. I flinch, shaking uncontrollably.

So, I peer around the trunk, seeing it slithering through the underbrush, searching at least fifteen feet away. My hands tremble.

This can't be happening. I thought I was safe here, and why the hell did Wolfe send me up here if it's dangerous?

All I feel is terror.

I need to move, need to find a way out.

In a heartbeat, I rush forward, heart pounding in my chest, the cold air burning my lungs. The eerie silence is broken only by the sound of my feet crunching on the forest floor. I keep frantically glancing over my shoulder, terrified that the creature's going to catch me.

Every rustle of leaves makes me jump, but I've lost sight of it.

A branch snaps to my left, and I flinch, changing direction in a panic. I dart faster, branches tearing at my clothes and scratching my skin. The darkening shadows are disorienting, and I have no idea where I'm going. My only thought is to escape.

Brighter light ahead catches my attention, and I push harder, desperate to reach it. I keep looking back, my fear growing with every glance. Suddenly, my foot catches on something, and I tumble forward. I hit the ground hard, pain shooting through my knees and palms.

I scramble to get up, only to realize I've tripped over a bunch of metal boxes and devices, metal tubes rushing into the ground and snaking up the side of the glass wall that overlooks the great ocean down below.

I'm at the edge of the woods with no way out!

Terror surges through me as I untangle my foot from the cords, pushing the stuff away. One of the devices releases a hissing sound, but I don't care. I just need to get out of here.

Pivoting, I rush in the direction that will bring me out of the woods… I see the flowers far in the distance.

The snake creature emerges right on the path up ahead, not glancing my way.

I startle, backpedaling, my heart about to rip out of my chest. It's still not looking my way, and I'm cupping my mouth to stop a scream.

So, I dive back into the woods but trip over a tree root, falling hard to the ground. Shit!

Fear grips me as the crunch of leaves and twigs sounds closer. Scrambling to get up, I frantically scan the woods, spotting a massive tree with a hollowed-out section in the trunk. I sprint forward, and I'm squeezing myself into the dark, cramped space inside the tree. My knees press tight, against my chest, my breath shallow as I hide in the shadow, praying I'm concealed.

Outside, the crunching footsteps grow louder, closer.

I press my hands over my mouth, stifling the urge to gasp. I need to stay silent, stay hidden. The creature—or whatever is hunting me—is too close. The very thought of it finding me squeezes my chest tight with terror.

As the footsteps continue, they seem to head in the direction of the door, to my right. I wait, counting each heavy step as it moves away, letting the silence stretch, my anxiety mounting with each passing second. Finally, when the sound fades to a distant echo, I dare to peek out.

The coast seems clear, but my body shakes as I ease out of the tree's hollow. Every instinct screams to run, to find another exit, anything that might lead away from this nightmare. I set off in the opposite direction, hoping against hope there's another way out of the room.

And that means crossing the woods to the other end.

I move as quietly as I can, my steps light on the forest floor, barely breathing. I'm listening for the slightest hint of movement or sound.

Something suddenly whips through the air. The rush of it is so close that the heat of its passage brushes my cheek.

I recoil in shock, stumbling over a protruding tree root, but I never fall. I twist around to see a dart slammed into the tree behind me.

"What the hell…"

Panic claws at my insides, urging me to move faster. Without thinking, I sprint into the dense part of the woods where the trees grow close together, their branches weaving into a thick canopy overhead that blocks out most of the light. Underbrush and more roots cover the forest floor, making every step risky.

I dodge between the trees, my breath ragged, heart pounding. Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig underfoot spikes my anxiety—am I still being followed?

Glancing back, I find nothing but the green and shadow of the forest. Could I have lost them? The thought barely registers before I spot a thick cluster of bushes with a dark, inviting gap beneath them. It's not much, but it's enough to conceal myself.

I push my legs harder, gasping for breath, the fear like ice in my veins as I sprint in that direction. The underbrush grabs at my ankles, trying to slow me down, but desperation gives me speed.

A whizzing sound zips right past me, the whack of a dart in the tree right in front of me, inches from hitting me. I whimper, pivoting away from the shrubs, staring over my shoulder, trying to catch a glimpse of my pursuer, but the forest is too thick. How are they seeing me?

In an instant, I collide with someone. And I'm screaming, throwing punches in a desperate attempt to escape.

"Sage, it's me… it's all right. You're safe."

I glance up and see the most beautiful man—Wolfe. Around him, a trickle of pink dust floats in the air. It tastes almost like fresh rain, just like the first time I was in the woods with Killian.

My head swims, my heart thundering for a very different reason now.

He tilts his head, squinting at the tree behind me.

"What is that!" He leads me to the tree, inspects the weapon, then sniffs it. "Poison. What the fuck!"

"Someone's trying to kill me!" I'm quivering. "And that just missed me." I shake my head, trying to clear the lightheadedness.

Wolfe drags me into his arms, his protectiveness surprising me.

"No one's going to lay a finger on you. I'll destroy them," he promises, glancing around, then looking up at the heavier fall of pink mist being shot out across the forest. "Who turned on the Veil Ritual machine?"

It had to be me when I tripped over all those boxes and cords. Those fuzzy thoughts I experienced at the last Veil Ritual wash over me, along with that deep heat in my body. Fear rises because the last time I felt that way… I gasp at the things I did with Killian.

Wolfe's suddenly staring at me like I'm his meal.

A snap of twigs breaks the silence, slicing through the thick desire building between us.

"Stay low and hide," he commands, his voice urgent. "I'm going to get this fucker."

"No, don't go," I whisper, dread seizing me. But he's already sprinting into the woods, swallowed by the shadows. I huddle by an overgrown bush, trying to make myself as small as possible, feeling so vulnerable.

Bang .

I flinch at the front door shutting loudly.

Wait, did Wolfe leave me here? He wouldn't, would he? Trembling, I wait, ears straining for any sound.

Footsteps echo closer.

I hide lower behind an overgrown shrub, my pulse raging in my veins.

"You can come out now," Wolfe's voice calls, deeper and huskier than before. I peer out, seeing him standing a few trees away, glancing around, even looking right at me but not seeming to notice me.

I'm too busy staring at him in his monster form.

Glowing eyes are more pronounced now, his hair wild and dark as night, horns curling out from his head, skin tanned. He's wearing nothing, just him, all those muscles, fingers tipped with black claws, and a massive cock.

It hangs low, and I swear I'm seeing two things dangle there, but I could be imagining things because I'm going to pass out from the constant surprises coming my way.

His attention suddenly swings in my direction, and I shoot to my feet, but he looks right through me. That's strange.

He turns on the spot, and my attention tumbles to the long black tail whipping at the shrubs behind him. My mouth falls open at the sight, at the muscles rippling across his back. He's tall but not as big as Killian in his monster form, yet still large enough to tower over me, to intimidate.

"Sage," he growls, black smoke rising from around his body, darkening wherever he goes. He's snarling, brow creasing, and I notice cracks appearing on half his face, glowing amber as if he's about to detonate.

"I'm here," I finally answer, and his gaze lands on me, blinking. I step closer to him.

He struts forward, finally seeing me, taking my hand with his clawed one, dragging me into an embrace.

"I thought I lost you." The way he says that sounds almost genuine, almost caring.

I can't find my words at first, not when I'm pressed up against a naked Wolfe. His skin is an inferno, and those dangling cocks are hardening and pressing against my lower stomach.

"I-I was here the whole time." I can't concentrate on anything but his body, too afraid to move in case I accidentally touch… them.

"You must have been deep in the shadows," he states, sounding more like he's convincing himself than me.

His hand rises to my face, and a claw tips under my chin, lifting so I glance up at this monster who's every bit as terrifying as Killian. Yet, there's something darker behind Wolfe's eyes, as if he's capable of the most heinous of acts and wouldn't bat an eye at his actions.

"Did you see who was chasing you? I didn't get to the bastard in time, then heard the door slam, but I wasn't going to leave you here alone," he explains, his other hand sliding up my arms gingerly, leaving me quivering with unexpected need. "Did they hurt you?"

"It was s-something slithery. A gross snake creature. It only hissed, didn't say anything."

His wide brow furrows. "A Sylar, kept as fucking pets by many of this vessel because they can be trained to do your bidding, including hunting down someone, eating them, making them disappear. Never liked those things, but I would never make anyone get rid of their pets because of my own personal tastes."

I gasp, hating the sound of those things. "And they throw darts?"

"Well, not the creatures," he murmurs, while his gaze drops to my lips and lower, both hands now on my hips, fingers digging into me as if he can't decide if he's going to complete his sentence or have his way with me.

I draw in a breath, my hands on his chest, and I don't remember moving them.

Around us the mist is still pumping out, falling around us like snow.

I blink, trying to shake my head to clear the fogginess.

"The Sylar," he says as if struggling, and I don't even remember what we were talking about. My touch slides up his chest, resting on those flexing pecs, and I giggle.

Fates, did I just giggle at him squeezing his muscles?

Wolfe's gaze narrows, and he suddenly asks, "Howler, who was in the room with us a few moments ago?"

"A Sylar," Howler replies.

"Who else?" Wolfe presses.

"Sorry, but I didn't detect anyone else."

"The fuck!" he mutters under his breath. "And who did the Sylar belong to?"

"I cannot detect."

Wolfe's snarl is low and feral.

"What does this mean?" I ask, my head so foggy I'm struggling to keep up.

"Someone's using magic to cloak themselves from Howler," he explains, exhaling loudly. "Something I thought we had Howler programmed to overcome."

Wolfe's gaze hazes over and he suddenly pulls me closer, scanning the surroundings as if expecting the creature to reappear. His grip tightens protectively around me, the fear around us, though, quickly giving way to something more primal as his hands skip down my sides and slide under my skirt.

I gasp at his rugged touch, yet I don't push him away, knowing there's something we need to remember, but it slips my mind.

Instead, a moan spills past my lips.

"Sylar," he starts, staring at me so deeply, so closely, I don't think I can take another breath. "It's a distraction. The real killer was with it, watching you, waiting to strike." He gives my ass another grasp, and I cry out with unbearable pleasure from the way his claws press into my flesh, bringing me the pain I desire.

"My head feels blurry."

"Sage." His husky voice is filled with lust.

I lick my lips, and his whole body stiffens. Maybe it's the closeness of our bodies, the protectiveness he offers, or the pink mist… but I feel brazen, aroused, and the way he stares at me is as if he's daring me.

Sucking in a breath, I trail my hand down his stomach made of muscles, holding his stare. This isn't me, yet it feels exactly like me. A girl buzzing with arousal, who's just discovered how incredible sex can be…

My touch tenderly slides over the trimmed hair above his groin. Then they're there, my fingertips running over one, then the one underneath it, so long, so hard.

He growls under his breath, his breaths coming harder, faster.

I'm rolling my hips from just touching him. Then I wrap my hand around them both, unable to completely touch my fingers.

He snarls, his hands moving to my hips, and he has me pinned to a tree, and his mouth is on mine.

His hands are all over my body, driving up the skirt of my dress while I curl my legs around him. I'm wearing nothing underneath because, evidently, no one in this world bothers with underwear. Part of me is horrified at how desperate I am to hump him. I kiss him back with a savagery that surprises me.

We're together, bodies pressed, the urgency in his kiss dominating me. He adjusts himself, the scorching heat from his cocks snuggling up against my spread pussy. I take that opportunity, desperately rocking against them, rubbing them.

His hands are on my ass, guiding me up and down, stroking himself with me, while I'm thinking about one thing… how in the world he's going to fit those into me. Especially seeing as I'm still slightly sore from Killian's monster cock.

He slides his kisses to my neck, the light stubble on his face scratchy against my cheek. He licks me, biting.

"Tell me, Sage," he growls in my ear. "Are you mine?" He thrusts against me as though we're having sex.

I groan, holding on to him, losing my mind, my breath.

For a split moment, a rush of fresh, cold air washes over us, the mist pushed aside, clarity claiming me.

With it comes the reminder of the danger I've just faced, the attempt on my life, and that now, we're sitting targets.

Wolfe's licking my neck, and I manage to somehow untangle myself from his kiss.

"We shouldn't be doing this."

His gaze meets mine, fire blazing behind them, a deep, guttural growl on his throat in protest.

"Yes, agree. Not here. Back in my room."

"No, that's not what I mean."

He's instantly crossing the woods with speed, me coiled around him, his mouth back on my neck.

"Why do you taste and smell so delicious?" he whispers. "I want to eat you up."

I cling to him, unable to stand being away from him, my head growing dizzy again. He grunts the more he licks my neck.

We barely emerge from the woods, greeted by the light, when suddenly my vision pulses in and out, just like the last time I was in the woods with Killian. Then it all goes black…

M y eyes snap open, and I'm standing in a dark place, slithers of light streaming down on me from gaps in the ceiling. I must be underground, and I'm rubbing the chill from my arms, well aware that I'm in a vision, just like last time.

I turn to the surroundings around me of old stone buildings in ruins, relics… hard to tell really what this place is, but there are homes underground, broken, destroyed. Remnants of a life once existed wherever. Half a door on the ground is covered in dust, and someone's random shoe lies between two stone walls.

A shadow falls over me, and I twist around to find Wolfe there, both of us staring at each other, aware of what this means.

My heart's galloping in my chest because I can't fathom how this can be.

"You're my true mate as well?" I gasp.

"I didn't expect this," he answers, yet his arms embrace me, drawing me against him like there's no doubt in his mind who I belong to. The warmth from his monstrous form engulfs me. He kisses my face, and I can't stop smiling. "But it's everything I could have wished for. For too long, I believed I wouldn't find my intended mate. Not when my mission had me focusing on anything but."

With him holding me tightly against him, the smile in his eyes, the excitement in the way his hands stroke down my body, I'm left torn between pulling away from him to make sense of it and following the urgent fire burning inside of me, giving in to my craving for Wolfe.

But I remind myself he's kept secrets from me, yet the way he treats me so tenderly makes my head hurt with confusion. I think of Killian…

"So, two true mates are possible?" I ask, not really understanding the concept, except for the overwhelming sensations that consume me when I'm near these monsters. The hunger I feel for them, the arousal, it turns me into someone else.

"It's rare in our world, but it has happened before."

"So, what now?" I ask, watching him staring up at the ceiling for a bit too long as if the news startles him more than he admits.

"Now, you're mine. And you're Killian's." His lips come down on mine, and the fierceness in his kiss spreads over to me. My hands are on his huge biceps, and I'm wanting more… "It means that there's so much I need to tell you, to explain." He sighs heavily… and I suspect it has everything to do with my father.

He's glancing at our surroundings, and I follow his line of sight.

"Where are we?" I ask.

There's pain on his face as he glances around. "A place I once called home. This is the old Silvercrest Kingdom," he murmurs. "Turned to ash and ruins."

I can't even begin to imagine how hard it must be to see his home destroyed, laid forgotten somewhere underground. I lean closer and slip my hand into his, drawing him to glance down at me.

"Focus on me," I say. "You don't need to see all of this."

His hand trembles in mine, and my gut twists in on itself.

"I never wanted you to see this," he admits in a soft voice. "But you're my true mate, a Shadowfen, so you should see the ruins of the world we once knew."

We stand in the dim light, the weight of the old kingdom, the uncertain future.

Once beautiful and captivating, the place is now broken and buried.

"Did my father die in the Great Desolation?" I ask, turning to meet Wolfe's gaze, but he's shaking his head.

"I wish I could say he had," he admits, his response startling. "The son of a bitch is very much alive."

An ache stabs into my chest, and just as fast, darkness inhales me once more.