Chapter 30
High in the Carpathian Mountains, deep in the forest, Ceridwen finally found the encampment. She’d been translocating to every rural location she could to sense living organisms for miles.
Old songs drifted through the trees. Silently, she made her way through the forest, transmuting her clothing to something more acceptable for the gypsy clan.
The music stopped, voices fell silent, and every pair of eyes in the camp of sixty people snapped toward her.
The spitting image of Nikolai walked toward her. “Ceri, what brings you by?”
“Your brother’s death.”
His smile fell. “Come, let’s discuss this fortunate turn of events.”
She snorted. “I might agree if he didn’t curse a dear friend of mine on his way out of this life.”
“Oh, I see. Come. Explain what you want, what you’re hoping for. Perhaps we can come to terms.”
She managed a smile. He was sly, but he was a far better man than Nikolai ever was. Hopefully, he would understand the problem and do the right thing. After all, he cautioned Nikolai against the path he chose. Hopefully, that hadn’t changed.
Mircea led Ceridwen down another path and across the bridge. He turned to her, a dark look on his face. “What has my scoundrel of a brother dragged my family’s name into now?”
“I’ll make sure no one associates his deeds with your clan if you will help me break the curse on Savon Roantree. His latest conquest, one he loved, but she was unwilling to stand by when she learned of his connections to the Dark Templar and what they were hunting for.”
“And what was he hunting for?”
“An artifact to help destroy this world and bring upon the Burning Dawn.”
Mircea paced away with a string of Romani curses. He came back. “And she was opposed to his plan?”
“Very. She thought she killed him a couple weeks ago. And he came for her, attacked her in a whole other state, attempted to force her into submission, but she fought and would have killed him if it weren’t for outside interference. Then he attacked her again, and she drowned him, only he held her down under the water with him. Someone saved her. I need to ensure her safety. Someone has to guard the artifact, and I’m afraid she’s the only one who can.”
“What is she?”
She tipped her head. “Her mother is Fawn. Her father Darron Roantree.”
His eyes widened. “His little painter?”
She nodded.
“I understand she was quite powerful, and he loved her very much. Damned fool could never see that his side was the wrong one. Yes, I’ll help, no strings attached. What do you know of the curse?”
“I suspect he trapped her within her mind. Since leaving Nikolai, she’s reunited with her soul mate. He’s a Dreamwalker and is trying to find her. They deserve happiness after all their parents have put them through.”
“Their parents?” Mircea asked.
“A long story. Though, if Nadya is still in your clan and willing to help a young sorceress rein in her power, I urge you to bring her to Silvertail Ridge with us.”
“Savon hasn’t been trained? Her father was the most powerful sorcerer and he didn’t train her?”
“My sentiment exactly.”
He rubbed at his face. “Let me talk to my daughter. If she’s willing, we’ll bring her.”
“Thank you. Savon could use a mentor who isn’t afraid of a hybrid.”
“I’ve never met a pure-blooded sorcerer. Don’t believe they exist. Why are they afraid of her?”
“Honestly? Because everyone she comes near loses their ability to control their familiars until she’s far enough away her own power doesn’t interfere.”
His head cocked. “I’ll be sure to warn her first, but I believe she’ll find that an interesting challenge.”
“I had hoped.”
“Why not bring her sooner?”
“She wasn’t ready. Now she is.”
He rubbed at his neck. “Ensure she doesn’t attack me on sight, and I’ll do what I can to help.”
“She won’t. I’ll make sure of that. And I’ll talk to her mate and the other wolves watching over her.”
“Werewolves?” Mircea asked.
“Yes.”
“Interesting choice of company.” He shrugged. “Come, let me convince Nadya.”
* * * *
Tremaine hit the dash. “We’re not getting past Canagan’s wards,” Tremaine stated.
“She’s in her home,” Preston answered. “Can’t Robert take us in?”
“No, not beyond her wards,” he explained. “Magic is the same as Savon’s.”
“But you got us there,” Preston argued.
Robert leaned toward the front seat. “Yeah, because we had Tremaine with us, therefore she trusts us. Canagan doesn’t, so we can’t get past. I’m not sure the best way to explain it, but there are some wards I can’t pass. Liz does it all the time.”
“You can get into hers,” Preston countered.
“No one else can.” He shook his head. “We can check the rest of the town. See if we can glean anything. Nate said that a lot of the wolves hang out at Fang’n’Claw.”
“You should change to fit in,” Preston pointed out.
“Yeah, Tremaine can loan me something less formal.”
* * * *
While preparing for opening later, Jay sorted through his thoughts. He’d heard a lot. Seemed everyone was talking about Savon and Nate. And his missed chance with her.
Yes, he craved her, but that faded quickly. Still, finding a potential second mate invoked hope he could find someone to fill the longing Savon inspired.
Jay missed that connection to another person. He still found himself longing for May late at night when he was all alone. He didn’t mind being single. Most of the pain from losing her and his pack had faded, only haunting him when sleep evaded.
There were things he heard. Bits of plans he could share with Bran. The wolves didn’t tell him anything directly, but they shared enough, assuming he bowed out of the fight.
Wrong. He finally had enough reason to step away from Canagan. Luckily, the wolves who congregated at Fang’n’Claw trusted his judgment. Perhaps he could swing more wolves to Nate’s side.
He grabbed his keys, locked up, and headed to the precinct. Least he could do was share information. He’d prefer to keep Savon as a friend. Something about her still soothed him.
Damn, fucking sap.
At the station, he walked in and found Bran sitting at his desk, going through a box of letters with a scowl. He lifted his head. “Hey.”
It was better than the greeting Jay normally received. “Told you I’d bring any new information I learned. Some of the wolves are plotting something regarding Nate. As soon as I have details, you’ll have them. Then there’s the matter of Clay. They’re getting worried that you or Nate did something to him.”
Bran snorted. “Oh, Nate did something all right. And I’m not releasing him. Bastard is in cahoots with Canagan. He’s got his head so far up her ass he can’t see the light of day.”
“He wanted to hurt Savon. Bastard doesn’t need to be free. He needs to be dead. If Clay is around, you may want to do something to ensure he’s not ever released. Like end his life. I could see the wolves who aren’t on Nate’s side trying to release him, which would be bad, unless he’s willing to take a stand.”
“He is. First, we need to find Killian. Seems Fawn is alive and took him away, somewhere we can’t easily get to.”
His head tipped. “Don’t tell me the Sylvan Forest.”
“Yeah. Still want to be part of this battle?”
“Shit, as long as Killian isn’t Alpha, I don’t give a damn. This town was getting boring anyway. I’ve done the lone wolf thing. I miss it. If Nate takes the pack, I may stay to ensure the transition goes well, but sooner or later, I’m moving on. Especially if my reason for being here is over.”
“Five years and all you wanted was revenge?”
“Yeah, and I have no qualms with you or Nate, not now that I understand how you all were manipulated.” Jay leaned on the desk. “I’ll get word to you the moment I know more. And if you need me at your side, just give the word. I’ll be there.”
“Shit, I’m sorry I didn’t give you the benefit of the doubt sooner,” Bran answered. “I took someone’s hatred for you and made assumptions I never should have. If I could go back, I’d change it all.”
Jay chuckled. “Good luck with Evangeline. I never touched her. Honestly, I felt sorry for her. She didn’t know the monster her mate was, but she was so young.” Standing, he shrugged. “If you can get past her walls, treat her right. She deserves a good man.” He left before Bran responded.