Chapter 23
Anger boiled under the surface. Nate took the stairs two at a time and paused at the door to the basement under the police station. Sure, he put Clay back together, but he was prepared to tear him apart to get answers.
Jay didn’t put Clay up to attacking Savon. He saw what the bastard was feeling when it became clear Savon was going to choose Nate.
Bastard felt the beginnings of a mate bond, and he let her go.
Until that moment, Nate hadn’t realized Savon may have another potential mate. He felt sorry for Jay, but not enough to regret claiming Savon. He’d lived for twelve years with the knowledge his other half was out there and he couldn’t do a damned thing about it. At least that unsealed bond would fade. Jay wouldn’t suffer for years.
The dreams fucked with Nate for so many years that truly letting Savon go hadn’t been an option. Mating was inevitable, or so he thought.
Thankfully, Nate’s gamble paid off. He couldn’t entertain the possibility of Savon with Jay.
Blood rushed in his ears as he stepped into the dim room. Clay snarled, stalking to the bars, staying a fraction of an inch from the silver that would burn his bare chest. “You can’t keep me here. You have no authority over me.”
“Sit your ass down,” Nate growled, a tone he’d never heard in his own voice. He wasn’t sure what it meant, but he wasn’t taking chances.
Bastard stumbled back as if pushed, planting his ass on the cot. His eyes widened. “What the fuck was that?”
Good question. “I’m stronger than you.” Beyond that, he didn’t know. Their Alpha was missing, but Nate didn’t feel a connection to the pack. Maybe it was a simple matter of dominance.
“Why have you been snooping around Savon’s home?”
“Your father wanted her dead. We don’t need another Sylvan Fae fucking with us.”
“Canagan’s the one mind-fucking you.”
“She rewards those loyal to her. What has your father ever done for us? Besides tear us apart the second he doubted our loyalty? Besides you, of course. You managed to get away, why the fuck come back?”
Nate opened the cell door and stepped inside, quickly locking it again. He felt the air shift behind him and Nate spun, throwing Clay back, pinning him against the bars above the bed.
“That’s not how this interrogation works. You don’t get to ask questions. I want answers, and we’re not bullshitting. Remember, I can destroy you and put you together as many times as it takes to get answers, asshole.”
Clay gnashed his teeth and hissed, “Won’t get shit from me.”
Nate started the shift, putting pressure on Clay’s throat. “You’ll give me everything.” He dug his claws into Clay’s belly. “Who put you up to snooping on Savon?”
A scream tore loose from Clay as Nate’s claws sliced through abdominal wall and between muscle so he could wrap his hand around intestines, squeezing hard enough to hurt but do permanent damage.
Clay slammed his head back, struggling to quiet himself. Nate twisted his fist.
“Fuck, fine, fine,” Clay screamed.
Nate backed up, dropping the fucker, sliding his hand out of Clay’s abdomen. “Who ordered you to snoop on Savon?”
Clutching his gut, Clay doubled over. “Canagan.”
“How is Jay involved?”
Blood pooled in his lap, spilling onto the cot and floor. His dark eyes were glossy, a sign of shock coming on. His teeth chattered but he got the words out. “She wanted him to take the pack. Wanted to make him her bitch after he became Alpha,” he panted.
“Why?”
“She can control us all. She thou-thought she could co-control him.” He shook his head. “Watched him ig-ignore h-her commands. He’s n-not just wo-wolf.”
Nate tore the rest of his shirt off and stood. “What does she want with Savon?”
“Wanted to b-break y-you. Sh-she thinks you’re st-standing in th-the way of J-Jay being A-alpha.”
“So you attacked Savon?” Nate snarled, clenching his fists.
“Bitch could w-wrest c-control from Canagan, t-take us all down.”
“Like Canagan is attempting to do?”
“Won’t g-get the ch-chance. E-even if I d-don’t tear S-Savon apart, s-someone will. She will d-die,” he snarled.
Nate punched Clay in the kidney, once, twice, again.
Clay huddled on his side, balling up, pressing on his damaged insides. “Kill me!” he grunted, glaring up at him.
“Oh no. I’ll put you back together. I’m not done with you,” Nate growled, watching as Clay faded into unconsciousness.
Nate shifted back and dialed Bran to get down there. He needed an extra set of hands to put the asshole back together again.
* * * *
Nikolai continued to wail from the other room. His bones were broken, his eyes destroyed. And he couldn’t draw magic for some reason. Savon had done something to him. She was powerful.
And Canagan had been wrong about Nathan Taggert. He was far more dominant than she had imagined. Jay couldn’t best him. Nate didn’t share Killian’s values.
Perhaps it was time to change her plan. In a forest full of wolves, Savon called a bear. It was very possible she couldn’t control all animals. With her father’s magical background, her Sylvan side may have been limited.
Accalia walked over and placed her paws on Canagan’s shoulders, nuzzling her face.
“What is it, girl?” she asked, shifting her fingers through the wolf’s red fur.
Her head jerked to the side, her feet hit ground, and she ran down a trail. Canagan followed.
Faolin fell in behind her with a low growl.
Then Accalia stopped, sitting down as she stared into the woods.
Faolin’ s lip curled.
Savon stopped, her head whipping toward them.
Canagan motioned the wolves to be quiet and walked onto the path. “Savon, I presume.”
Her hazel eyes narrowed, green and gold flecks burning bright as the wind kicked up and the whispers of other beings rose to quiet wails. The hair on the back of Canagan’s neck stood on end.
Accalia and Faolin howled, then scurried off.
Canagan watched them flee. Come back, or face my wrath, she hissed through their connection.
They continued to run.
One corner of Savon’s mouth tipped up. “Canagan. I remember your face.”
“Aye, I attempted to sway you when you were but a child. Your protectors wouldn’t let me near. Though they aren’t so afraid of me now.”
Savon watched without a word, no further change in her expression.
“Why so quiet?”
“Don’t trust you. I hear you had a hand in Nikolai leaving the clearing. How is he? In pain, I hope.”
“Oh, very much so. Seems you’ve sent spirits after him to prevent his magic from working.”
She didn’t respond, didn’t even twitch. What was going through her head?
Canagan moved closer, but unseen beings plucked at her clothes, pulling her back. “We should talk. There is much you don’t understand about your parents, about Nathan’s. Nikolai was foolish to attack you.” Never mind the fact it had been her idea.
She had hoped he could sway her to his side, but never imagined he was foolish enough to try to rape the girl. And now she had to find a healer to fix the damage he more than deserved.
“There’s nothing you can say to sway me. I’m not interested in your little war with Killian. And whatever my parents were involved with, they never shared with me.”
“No, but you’re the only one who can find what they’ve hidden.”
One brow arched. “What? So I can give you whatever it is you’re searching for?”
“You don’t understand, Savon. I don’t want to assist Nikolai with the Burning Dawn. Though he’s closest to finding the artifact I need to break the bond tying me to Killian,” she hissed, moving forward.
Savon threw her hand out and sent her flying back. Pain exploded through her head and everything went black.
* * * *
Savon took the trail to Main Street. She walked into a café that hadn’t been there when she was a kid. Trying to blend in and catch her breath, she ordered a cappuccino.
“Thanks.” She reached into her pocket. “How much?”
“First time in, it’s on the house.” He nodded to a seat.
As shaken up as Savon was, she didn’t argue. She took a seat and pulled her phone out, sending a text to Tremaine. What do you know about Canagan?
His response came a second later. Did you run into her?
Yeah. I need to know what’s going on. Savon ran her fingers through her hair.
Evangeline brought a cup to her. There was a wolf head drawn into the foam. “I hear you finally accepted Nate as your mate?”
Savon’s eyes closed. “Are you here to applaud or bitch about it?”
A slight smile pulled at her lips. “If he’s happy, and you realize what you have, I support your union.”
“Thanks.” Savon sat back. “This your café?”
She nodded. “Any chance you can overlook your first impression of me? I’d prefer to be your friend, Savon.”
“Why? Because I’m dangerous?” Looking out the window, she sighed. “Or you want to know what my parents hid too?”
She shook her head. “I don’t have any clue about what your parents hid. I know to be cautious with you because of your power, but I’m not afraid. I offer no threat.”
“Sorry.” Her phone pinged.
Tremaine’s response read, Where are you?
“What’s the name of the café?” Savon asked.
“Cappa Laurent.”
Savon sent the reply. “A friend will be here shortly. And sorry for being pessimistic. Ran into someone on the trail. Man, Canagan gives off a creepy vibe.”
Evangeline leaned forward, her eyes narrowed. “What did she do?”
“Not much. Wanted to win me over.” She rolled her eyes.
Tremaine, Robert, and Preston walked in and came to the table.
“Safe to talk here?” Robert asked.
Evangeline’s eyes widened as she looked from one mage to the next. “Maybe in the back, if this has anything to do with who Savon ran into.”
“Yeah, it does,” Tremaine answered, shooting Savon a dirty look.
“Follow me.” Evangeline stood and led them into the back, and into an office that was decorated with elegant furniture. This was how she saw Evangeline, thanks to their first meeting.
“Should I leave?” Evangeline asked.
“No, stay. You might be able to give us some insight,” Tremaine answered.
Nodding, Evangeline said, “She stays to herself. I’ve rarely seen her in the last three years. But I’ll share what I know. One question, though, do either Nate or Bran know where you are?”
“Don’t start on me,” Savon warned.
“Shit, Sav, if you hadn’t been attacked yesterday, no one would be worried,” Tremaine explained.
She set her sights on Tremaine. “Stop. Back up. What do you know about Canagan?”
“She was part of HARP many years ago. She was one of the few there by choice, hoping to find the secrets of the Wolfssengen Pendant. Never knew why she wanted it, though.”
Savon smirked. “She claims it will help release her from whatever bond she has with Killian.”
Evangeline’s head tipped. “Bond?”
“She’s a Sylvan Fae as well as werewolf. When he changed her, she forced a bond on him. She can control most werewolves. Only the most dominant can resist.” Tremaine rubbed at his head. “Who’s on her side here?”
Evangeline closed her eyes a moment. “Quite a few of the wolves. Neither Nate, nor Bran, or any of our friends. I’m certainly not. But most of the town seems to be. Everyone who hangs out in Jay’s bar, but if Jay was helping yesterday, I have to wonder if he’s only hanging back, watching.”
“Seems he was hanging back, watching,” Savon stated.
“He came for revenge against Killian. At least that’s how it started,” Preston offered. “He’s been part of several packs, and a lone wolf throughout the years. Because he moves so much, the Silver Council has kept an eye on him, but he tends to be a good pack member when he does join one. And he typically leaves when he disagrees with how things are run.”
Evangeline agreed, “He only attacks when provoked. And Killian certainly provoked him around a hundred years ago. Destroyed his pack, though he wasn’t directly involved. He was the one who gave the order. And Killian was a bastard.”
Tremaine leaned against the desk. “I think someone took him out of this plane, saving his life. That’s my guess. The question is why.”
Evangeline shook her head. “That I don’t know.”
“Unfortunately, we won’t until she’s ready to tell us. But the way she’s jumping through dimensions, I think Ms. Murdock is looking for him, not hiding him.” He turned to Savon. “Tell me exactly what happened when you ran into Canagan.”
Savon told them everything from the weird wolves, to the strange conversation, and knocking her away to leave.
“Why attack her?” Evangeline asked.
“Too many howling wolves. I didn’t know what to expect, so rather than stick around, I made sure she was out cold and walked into town where she was less likely to make any kind of move.”
“Smart, though attacking her wasn’t wise,” Tremaine warned.
“Yeah, well, her wolves shut up the second she hit the tree.”
“You’re lucky.” Preston snorted. “Look, no one wants to see what happens if Nikolai gets his hands on you, or Canagan. I’ve heard stories of what she has done to those who get in her way.”
“What? You want me to hand over this pendant? It’s the same damned thing Nikolai wants, and it sounds like it might be for different reasons, but fuck them both.”
“Wait, do you know where it is?” Tremaine asked.
“Not a damned clue. Never heard of it before he mentioned the pendant a few weeks ago,” Savon snapped.
Tremaine lifted his hands, palms out. “Relax. I had to ask. I can’t imagine you handing it over, but knowing where it is might help us deal with the problem. And right now, you’re Nikolai’s target. I doubt he sees you as a friend or lover.”
She shook her head. “Yeah. Not the first time, though. I can’t be a prisoner.”
“Which means you call me, or someone else if you can’t sit still that long. At least until this is over.”
“Yeah, got it.” She started for the door.
Robert appeared in front of the door. He looked over her shoulder at Tremaine. “Almost wish Liz had insisted on coming. Maybe she could get through to Savon.”
“Why’s that?” Savon asked.
Robert smiled. “You remind me of her. You’re strong, independent, and don’t take warnings well. Please, for all of our sakes, use a little caution until we at least have answers.”
“And when will you have them?”
He ran a hand down his lapel. “Soon, I hope. Though Ms. Murdock runs on her own schedule. So there’s no telling.”
“Yeah, I know that well.” She turned to Evangeline. “Mind giving me a ride? I’d like to talk to another woman.”
Her green eyes sparkled. “Sure.”
Tremaine caught Savon’s shoulder. “Remember, you called me out here. Please, be cautious until we figure it out.”
“I am. And I appreciate it.” She gave him a hug. “I’m going home, and if I need another walk, I’ll text you. Okay?”
“Thank you. Besides, Canagan may open up if she sees me. She once thought of me as a friend. Though, I was playing for the opposite side.”
“That’s a story I want to hear. Though later.”
“You got it.”
Shaking her head, Evangeline led Savon outside and around the corner to her Bugatti Veyron. “You keep interesting friends. I’ve seen the Magister and his Lieutenant enough to recognize them. They certainly are stirring up controversy with the DSF program.”
The Diversified Special Forces in the Silver Council enforcers was a new branch that included Other types of casters than mages. Something Savon would have enjoyed doing, except her magic was too chaotic and not at all controlled, thanks to her parents.
Tremaine wasn’t anyone she recognized. Though it was clear the other two men trusted him.
They slid into the car and Savon looked over. “Maybe the Council will stop being so exclusive.” She rolled her eyes and stared out the window. “And thank you for bringing Nate to the surface after the accident.”
“Did he mention anything about us?”
Savon turned toward her. “That you shared a similar thing with Nate as I did with Tremaine. I’m not worried about that. Besides, my brother wants you. He’s a good man. And he mentioned your reservations.”
Evangeline glanced back at the road. “I had a mate. And times have changed. I imagine he wouldn’t be what Jasper was.” She winced. “Looking back, I’m glad I lost him when I did. And I couldn’t admit that until Bran reminded me Jay wasn’t the monster my mate was. And your brother feels like an ass for judging Jay for my hatred. Never realized what he felt ran so deep.”
“He hadn’t told you?”
“Wouldn’t listen.” She snorted. “I understand you have the same problem.”
“Yeah.” Savon laid her head back and closed her eyes. “Unfortunately. We can learn, though. Right?”
“Yeah. We can.” She handed Savon a card. “Call me if you need another girl talk. I don’t have a lot of friends out here.”
“Why are you here then?”
Her eyes locked on Savon’s. “Your brother. I’m afraid to let him in, but I can’t walk away.”
“He’s worth a little vulnerability. Trust me.” She slipped out of the car and hurried inside.