Chapter 1
A massive wolf stood on an outcropping of rock, head lifted proudly as the sun glinted off its jet-black fur. Behind it, white clouds dotted a bright blue sky creating the perfect backdrop for such an animal. It was a picture that begged to be captured and saved for posterity. Of course, artistic merit was of no importance to the creature. There were more important things to be concerned about, namely guarding the pack’s territory.
The wolf was intent on surveying the area, keen amber eyes skimming over all that lay before it, noting minute changes that most would overlook. This was the animal’s domain and it knew every inch of the land like a lover. They were as one; the land whispering to the wolf, revealing its secrets, providing shelter and sustenance. In exchange, the wolf guarded it with a ferocity that was not to be denied.
Small meadows, a stream that merged with a river and eventually a lake, tall pines, broad maples, oaks and cottonwoods, distant ravines and scrubby underbrush; it spread as far as the eye could see. The shades of grey and blue and green and brown mixed and blended in perfect harmony while the occasional bright dots of colour formed by wild flowers and birds provided areas of contrast. It was an intriguing yet soothing palette that filled the animal with contentment.
Yes, the forest was more than the wolf’s home; it was a living breathing entity, his heritage, a gift to be passed on to future generations so that they too could thrive, enjoying and protecting the gifts of nature. The wolf and land needed each other. If one faltered, so did the other.
Of course, a wolf also needed a mate and he had yet to find a suitable one within the territory. Well…there had been one belonging to another pack. The female’s image shimmered before him only to fade. They had not met but he’d felt an instant attraction to her. She’d been young and beautiful and he could see her bearing many fine pups to build the pack. Would they ever meet again though? That would be for the gods to decide.
A scent drifted by on the breeze. The wolf’s nostrils flared as he inhaled deeply then frowned. Two others were coming and he turned his head, amber eyes searching for signs of movement. It was his half-brother and a female from the pack. He made no effort to move and greet them, instead waiting for them to approach. He was on duty and wouldn’t leave his post.
“There he is!” Ryne, his brother, called out.
“Hello, Kane!” The female, Marla, clutched Ryne’s hand as if the ground were too rough for her to traverse on her own.
The wolf narrowed his eyes in annoyance. Marla was an anomaly, more comfortable in her human skin than in her wolf form, enjoying the comforts of civilization over the rugged beauty of nature. She had her reasons, but he often wondered if a bit more effort on her part wouldn’t make life easier for everyone. Indulging her tried his patience at times, especially when she attempted to play him and his brother off each other. Thankfully, she seemed to have settled recently.
“You make a pretty picture standing there like that,” Ryne joked.
The word ‘pretty’ had the wolf swishing its tail. Ryne liked nothing better than to tease him over his preference for a trimmed appearance. An unkempt beard and longer hair were Ryne’s choice, in keeping with his artistic bent or so he said. The man was a photographer, a damned good one though telling him so would only inflate his already bloated self-esteem.
Not that he and Ryne didn’t get along. As half-brothers, they were closer than most full-blooded siblings, a harsh upbringing had formed a strong bond between them. They were also incredibly similar in appearance, however, even as pups their personalities had set them apart. Everyone had always said he was the calm, logical one while Ryne was wild and wicked.
“We’ve been taking pictures.”
Marla’s announcement drew the wolf’s attention. He watched as she sat down.
She flicked her long, blond hair over her shoulder managing to lounge elegantly despite the fact she was perched on a log. “I’m going to help Ryne arrange another exhibit. Now that I’ve been promoted at Bastian’s I’ll have more say on the scheduling of art shows.”
“You’d make a great picture, Kane.” Ryne raised his camera.
“That’s a wonderful idea.” Marla clapped her hands. “Kane, you’re so handsome, everyone will be fawning over a picture of you.”
“I thought I was the handsome one?” Ryne quirked a brow at her and she laughed.
“You’re a sexy, dashing devil and you know it, Ryne Taylor.”
Ryne bent and gave her a thorough kiss. “And don’t you forget it.” He turned towards his brother and began to focus the camera. “Give me a smile, Kane.”
A growl from the intended subject had Ryne pausing. “Now don’t go all wolfie on me, Kane. I know you don’t want any humans to see pictures of Lycans. This would just be for family.”
He hesitated and Ryne pressed his point.
“It could be a Christmas present for Helen. You know she dotes on you.”
He cocked his head and then sighed, giving his permission.
“Great.” Ryne quickly began snapping pictures from various angles.
Finally tired, the wolf yawned and shifted to human form. “That’s enough, Ryne. I’m supposed to be working not acting like some pin-up boy.”
Marla grinned. “And a fine pin-up boy you’d be.”
“Again with praising Kane?” Ryne scowled. “It seems you need a lesson on which brother you belong to.”
Marla stood and pressed herself to him. “I can’t wait.”
Kane rolled his eyes. “Why don’t you two get a room?”
“Because Marla already has an apartment,” Ryne winked. “You must be getting senile. You were the one who helped her get it.”
“Senile? You’re the older brother.” He raised one brow. “You might want to get Marla to pluck those grey hairs.”
Ryne caught himself in the act of raising a hand to his temple. “I don’t have grey hair.”
“Of course you don’t.” Kane then winked at Marla. “Right, Marla?”
She laughed and shook her head. “You two, always joking.”
“It’s what brothers do best.” He grinned reflecting on the many escapades they’d shared over the years.
The sound of a vehicle caught his attention and he turned to stare towards a distant road. “Looks like Zack is on his way home.”
Ryne glanced towards where he was looking. “Yep. He’s really enjoying that new truck. He guards it like a hawk. I haven’t even had a chance to drive it yet.”
“Really? I took it for a spin yesterday. I even had a chance to look under the hood.” Kane couldn’t resist the gentle gibe. “Of course, I am his favourite.”
“Favourite? Ha!” Ryne rolled his eyes. “More like he took pity on you for being the lowly younger brother.”
“Boys, please!” Marla stepped in front of Ryne and slid her hands over his chest and then up to his neck where she linked her fingers. “Your bickering is hilarious, but I really think we should be going.” She stood on tiptoe and nipped at Ryne’s chin.
Kane looked away, the public displays between these two were a bit much. Zack’s truck was still in view, a streak of black and silver. “He seems to be going awfully fast.”
“He probably can’t wait to get home to Helen.” Marla nuzzled against Ryne. “Let’s head back to my apartment. I can check you for grey hair.”
“In a minute.” Ryne shrugged her off and stepped closer to Kane. “Zack never speeds.”
“No, he doesn’t.” Kane shifted restlessly, a sense of unease coming over him. “I have a bad feeling about this.”
“Me, too.”
The two brothers now stood side by side, watching their Alpha take one curve and then another at what seemed to be increasing speed until trees obscured him from view.
“Come on, Ryne.” Marla swatted at the air. “There are too many bugs here.”
“Yeah,” Ryne glanced at her and then back to where the truck had disappeared from sight. “I’ll take you—”
A distant sound interrupted him, like the crashing of metal and then a loud bang. Both men gave a start and started to run.
“Zack!”