Chapter Twenty Two
Once again, the witch who had helped them out of their predicament twice already was acting like a beacon of hope. A sense of relief, mixed with confidence, descended upon Ray as he and his brothers made their way back home. Judging by the calmness on both Raul’s and Dean’s faces, their feelings were not much different. It was as if they shared his belief that Helena had a trick up her sleeve; one that would turn the tide of the war. Before long however, a sea of worry flooded his heart. The reason was as simple, as it was horrifying. Whatever the witch had conceived, the brothers would be fighting that night for their lives: for the survival of their town; and for their mates as well. They all depended on the outcome of this battle, and that major fact put a heavy burden on Ray’s shoulders; even heavier than the one he had to carry when he and his brothers faced Marianne McIntyre. Had she defeated them, she would have at least spared Monica’s and Julia’s lives. They were her daughter’s friends; she wouldn’t have hurt them, or at least that’s what he had hoped. However, should they lose this war the consequences would be catastrophic on everybody, including them. Ravenous wolves wouldn’t hesitate to rip them to shreds.
Familiar voices, laughter, and merriment lingered in the air, audible even before the brothers’ property came into view. The trio was obviously having fun, unaware of the impending battle.
“We need to talk to them,” Raul uttered, his voice but a whisper, as he laid his eyes on the table outside his cabin. Kate and Julia were enjoying glasses of cold coffee while Monica drank milk, smiling and clearly in good spirits. “They must know. I’ll see you guys later. Good luck.”
“Gooood morning, kids!” Julia cheered through a toothy grin on her face as she lay back in her chair. “How are you all feeling on this beautiful, summer day?”
“Morning, Julia. Can we talk somewhere in private?” Ray requested, offering his hand.
“Sure,” she chirped, taking his with her own. “What do we need to talk about?”
“Just come with me,” he urged, as she rose. Ray’s initial thought was to take her to his cabin. However, the view of the forest in the distance forced him to reconsider.
“You don’t look so cheerful,” Julia murmured, as her smile fell from her lips. “What’s the matter?”
“First of all, it’s got nothing to do with our date last night,” he asserted, his voice losing its strength as he stared down at the ground. “It was incredible, a lot better than I could have hoped for. I loved it.”
“You did look like you enjoyed it,” she teased, squeezing his hand in her’s. “It kind of showed, you know? I loved it, too.”
“Julia…” Ray said on an exhale. “Remember that war I told you about, back in New York?”
“Yes; I remember.”
“We couldn’t escape it. We…” he sucked in a deep breath. “We’re meeting them in battle tonight. Not the whole pack; just my brothers and me.” His last statement was not met with any response. Julia’s silence had not come as a surprise. Ray looked down at her, only to discover fear was written all over her face. “This was exactly why I wanted you to stay away from Paxton. There’s no way to tell what will happen to you, if we lose this battle.”
“How will know if you’ve won or not?” She asked, her voice wobbly, as her grip around his hand loosened.
“We howl, after it’s over. Monica knows Raul’s howl. She’ll tell you if things went well.” Ray said, directing his gaze ahead of him. “That’s if you want to stay here.”
“If?” She all but yelled at him, her voice picking up volume. There was no softness on her face anymore. On the contrary, every line of her face stiffened into a scowl. He could hear her heartbeat escalating more by the second. “I’m not here just for the fun of it, Ray. I thought I had made that clear to you.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.” He declared in a calm and steady voice, turning to face her as they neared the first few trees. “It was just a suggestion. Forget I ever said it.”
“We should have come here sooner,” Julia lowered her voice, looking up at the sunlight streaming through the trees, as she strode under a branch. “Look at it. It’s so pretty out here.”
“I’m gazing upon the prettiest thing in the forest,” Ray muttered, reaching both hands up to her face, as he watched the sun shine upon her curls. “She’s got so much life inside of her, so much flare that I can’t get enough of her.”
“This is why I got insanely mad at Mon and Kate,” she whispered, her lips quivering as she gazed deep into his eyes. “They both had everything they wanted, and they ran. I wouldn’t do that to you. It’s not because of your weakness. I wouldn’t date a man out of pity. I’d stay with him if he looked at me the way you’re looking at me right now. Screw logic; screw career; they’re worthless without love.”
“I love you, my mess,” he confessed, leaning over her, as he trailed his thumb across her lips. “You’re the light in my life: my passion; my motivation.”
“God, I love you so much,” Julia said, her voice a soft, almost inaudible whisper, as tears rose up in her eyes. “Don’t even dare to take your love away from me. You cannot leave me alone. Win.”
“I will,” he assured her, nodding at the same time, as she snaked her arms around his waist. A wrenching pain took hold of him, shattering his heart, as a single tear toppled over the edge of her eye. More than ever, Ray yearned for Julia’s kiss. Tasting her bitterness felt like an ideal way to restore her. But, this was not meant to be. She curled her arms around him, holding him close, shutting her eyes, putting her head on his chest. He might have been disappointed, but he wouldn’t let this feeling dictate his actions. A tight embrace would do just as well. Ray curled his arms around her shoulders, letting her scent flow through him, as he rested his forehead against the top of her head.
“I’d tear anybody to pieces, just to be with you. I’d destroy anything that would even think of coming between us. I will come back to you tonight. That’s a promise.”