Chapter Two
“Mama, how much farther do we have to go? I’m tired. Can we rest?” Micco communicated through their mind link as he nudged her in the side with his muzzle.
“We shouldn’t have much farther to go. Once we reach the sanctuary, I promise you’ll get to rest as much as you’d like.
The little wolf at her side let out a little whimper but otherwise made no further sound as they continued on. Her young cub was only eight moons old and had barely gotten a full grasp of his shifting abilities yet he’d managed to hold his wolf form for the past several days. She was so proud of her little one. She just hoped when they reached their destination they’d be safe.
Her entire pack was gone. Decimated by a group of Hunters who shouldn’t have been able to infiltrate their territory. Her mate Kuruk was also dead, his head now resting on a pike so that all would know the power of their attackers. It was hard to believe that her pack’s peaceful, idyllic life had been shattered and all because of her. Now all that she had left was her son and she was determined to protect him with everything that she had.
They continued to run, but she could see that Micco could barely keep up. When the little pup stumbled, she halted. Maybe they could rest for a little while. She was certain that they had put some distance between themselves and their pursuers.
“We’ll rest for a bit.”
Micco panted heavily from the exertion of running for several miles. He laid down on his belly, resting his head on the cool earth. “You must be hungry.” They hadn’t eaten since yesterday’s sunrise when they’d been blissfully ignorant of the destruction that was upon them.
“Yes, Mama,” her little one answered stoically.
There were plenty of woodland creatures lurking in the distance. It wouldn’t take long for her to hunt one down for them to feast on. The meat would provide them the energy they needed to keep going.
“Wait here. Don’t move and I’ll bring back something to eat. If you see anything suspicious, call out to me. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Mama.” She nuzzled his beautiful reddish-brown fur with her snout before taking off in the direction she’d heard the sound of deer trampling through the bushes.
As she got closer they came into eyesight, a family of deer. Her eye was on the buck with his majestic antlers. His meat would sustain them for days. Slowly she approached before pouncing in his direction. They didn’t have a chance because she was much swifter than them in this form. Her sharp teeth clamped on the buck’s neck, cutting through tendon and muscle before the others in the herd could react. They all scattered in different directions when they noticed her presence.
She made sure to make the buck’s death as quick and painless as possible before dragging its carcass to where she’d left Micco. When she arrived at the spot, she dropped their meal but her son was nowhere to be seen. She lifted her nose into the air to catch his scent but she couldn’t pick it up. It was almost as if he’d disappeared into thin air.
She raised her head and howled, signaling him to come out from wherever he was hiding. Micco! She attempted to mind link with him. But there was nothing. She couldn’t feel his presence. It was almost as if he no longer existed. She ran around the forest looking for traces of her son but found no one.
And then it happened. A tall man cloaked in black, with silvery blond hair appeared. She recognized him as one of the men who’d attacked her pack. They’d made the mistake of thinking they were ordinary humans, but they had powers beyond the likes that no one she knew understood. They were like the magic men and women who labeled themselves warlocks and witches. These people were different. She didn’t feel the common bond of immortality flowing through his life force but she sensed his power and it was terrifying.
But still, if this human had anything to do with her missing son, she wouldn’t back down. Baring her teeth, she growled at him preparing to fight with everything she had left within her.
The black-cloaked stranger smirked. “Your little one put up a fight for one so young.”
The implication of his words was like a bolt of lightning to her heart. She jumped in his direction but he held up his hand and she found herself suspended in midair unable to move. She couldn’t even open her jaws to bark at him.
“There, there mutt. I didn’t say I killed your little puppy although he’s no used to me. All I said was that he put up a good fight. I didn’t hurt him. Much. Anyway, your kind heals quickly anyway. But if you want him to remain alive, I suggest you stand down and listen to what I have to say.”
All she heard was that her son was still alive and this monster or whatever he was, had him. The rage coursing through her veins caused her to focus all of her energy on the form she’d been told to suppress from the moment the elders knew of her abilities. With a mighty howl, she broke the hold the man held on her as she shifted to a bigger, more feral beast, nearly as tall as the trees.
Her opponent, however, didn’t seem the least bit phased. In fact, he watched her transformation with glee. Perhaps if she wasn’t so focused on ripping him limb from limb she would have taken note of this but instead, she attacked.
And as she charged toward him, he held up his hands and her son appeared in what looked like some type of translucent spear. He was bleeding and clearly unconscious.
“Bow down dog!” He commanded with so much contempt in his voice that her inner fighter wanted to rebel, but seeing her pup so helpless in this monster’s grasp, she had no choice but to do as she was told even though it pained her with every depth of her being.
When she lay her body on the ground, head down, she fought every instinct within her to rebel. But she couldn’t risk her son’s life.
The white-haired fiend chuckled with malevolent glee. “And now you belong to me. Every creature like you will eventually serve me or they’ll die. And it will be all because of you.”
Pet opened her eyes and released a howl of agony before curling herself up as tightly as she could. This was why she didn’t sleep. The nightmares taunted her, reminding her of the crimes she’d committed against her own kind. So many times she wished she could take it back but there was no redemption from the harm she’d caused, the devastation she’d wrecked, the packs she’d been responsible for destroying. It was poetic justice of some sort that she’d end up in the predicament she was in. Unable to shift, trapped in a form that did not belong to her and all the while, whenever she closed her eyes to sleep, she was punished for her crimes tenfold.
The mental and physical torture at Gage’s hands over the past few centuries was nothing compared to the personal pain she suffered through every day. She’d paid the ultimate price for her crime and all she longed for was the sweet embrace of death. But even that alluded her. She wished that the young pup named Persephone had left her to die instead of rescuing her and bringing her back to this place where she felt an unfamiliar stirring. There was a presence on this island that she hadn’t expected. At first, she thought she’d imagined it but the feeling grew stronger with each night she stayed in this place that had become her sanctuary. Perhaps she’d imagined it but it was a sensation she couldn’t quite shake.
She felt the mate pull and even as she tried to ignore it, it seemed to get stronger. How was it possible that she would be granted a mate when she was trapped in a form that didn’t belong to her? Or when she was so riddled with memories of the past that she was completely broken beyond repair. She could barely remember her original given name. She’d spent most of her life in the servitude of Hunters, and one in particular who hungered for ultimate power.
No, she couldn’t have a mate. Nor did she want one because to have that bond with anyone would mean that she would have to care. Losing everything once in her lifetime was enough for her to suffer through.
There was a gentle tap on her door. She didn’t bother to acknowledge it. It was probably one of the guards bringing her food. They usually dropped the tray in front of her before leaving. Once Persephone, her former cellmate had visited but Pet had ignored her not wanting to communicate with anyone. What was the use? As soon as she could figure out a way off this island she would leave. Her presence brought danger to those surrounding her so it was best that she put distance between herself and any other being.
The door opened and though she didn’t bother to lift her head to see the visitor she sensed that it wasn’t one of the usual guards. This was definitely a powerful male presence. An Alpha.
“The guards said that you haven’t left your room since you’ve been here. You are allowed to leave the guestroom and stretch your legs to run if you so desire. Perhaps you’d like to explore the island,” The Alpha offered.
Pet didn’t bother to respond. The least amount of contact she had with people the better.
“I’m sure you know why I’m here,” he continued. “I need answers. I need you to tell me everything you know about Gage so that we can stop him.”
She raised her head to look at him for the first time. She’d already encountered the handsome Alpha when she’d arrived on the island but they’d had little interaction. If you intend to use me as Gage did, you’re too late. I have nothing left to give, Alpha.
He raised a dark brow. “Use you? Besides information what exactly do you think I want to use you for?”
“Don’t you know what I am? Why else would I be brought here? Most of my life, I’ve been used for what I can do...well, what I used to do. I’m of no use now.”
“Pet, isn’t it?”
“That’s what I’ve been called, yes,” she acknowledged.
“But that isn’t your given name is it?”
“It’s who I am now. Like I said before, you’re wasting your time.”
“I don’t think I am. From my understanding, you’ve been Gage’s prisoner for a long time. My daughter Persephone was with you. You told her a little about yourself.”
Pet cocked her head to the side. From what Persephone had told her she was mated to a powerful Scandinavian Alpha and had previously belonged to Pack Kyriakis. She didn’t realize Persephone was actually the Alpha’s daughter. It was no wonder Gage had found her such a valuable captive. Pack Kyriakis had been a source of Gage’s ire for decades and he’d often taken that anger out on her. “All I told her was my name and that I’d been with Gage for a very long time.”
“But obviously not by choice.”
“Of course not.”
“Persephone also mentioned that you didn’t wish to escape. Is there a reason?”
She finally raised her head to look at him. “Look at me? Where would I go? Who would take me in? I can’t shift. I’m trapped in a body that doesn’t belong to me and I can’t die, at least not by natural causes. Gage made sure he only hurt me enough to the point where I only wished I was dead. He took everything from me so escaping wouldn’t have done much good.” She hadn’t seen her reflection in many years. When she was brought to this island, they’d put her in a room with a full-length mirror. She didn’t recognize the creature she saw. Her fur was a different color and it was matted. Her body was smaller, her eyes were a dull gold. She was ragged and worn. Gage had done a number on her and now all she wanted was to be left alone.
The Alpha moved closer. “What do you mean in a body that’s not yours? Actually, I had a question about that. You look almost exactly like someone I used to know in her wolf form but you’re not her. I could tell when I looked into your eyes.”
Although many shifters in their wolf form had similar colors and marking every one of them had a discernable feature that could separate them in some way from another wolf. No wolves were the same except for the rare case of identical twins. Pet was no twin. Just a usurper.
She was on the verge of telling him exactly what had happened to her when the door to the room came crashing open. In walked a tall man with dark hair and piercing green eyes. His strong jawline was generously peppered with stubble giving him a rugged appearance. He was broad and muscular and blatantly male. He was arguably one of the most handsome men she’d ever laid eyes on and she was certain that it was him!
An emotion she hadn’t experienced in a very long time coursed through her being. Her heart raced. Part of her wanted to go to him while the other half of her wanted to run away. She was certain this was her mate but meeting him now was like having the tastiest morsel dangled in front of a starving man only to have it snatched away. Nothing could come of a union between the two of them. She was stuck in this form and if by some strange chance that he did accept her, there were too many obstacles to overcome. She turned away because his presence taunted her for what could never be.
Though she was no longer looking at him, she could feel his eyes on her.
“What is it, Aries?” The Alpha sounded more than a little perturbed.
“I think there might be a way to help Pet.”
“How? We’ve already established that she doesn’t have Malum or else she’d be feral by now.”
“Maybe not but there’s still a reason why she’s unable to shift. Perhaps it’s something new but even if this is some sort of sickness there should be a cure. Perhaps she can be healed.”
“What are you suggesting…wait a minute. Do you think Sarah could help her?”
“I believe it’s worth a shot after how she was able to save Persephone. Just think about it, this malaise has wiped out packs. There was no cure that we knew of but Sarah comes along and with just a touch she was able to heal her.” His cousin Persephone had fallen victim to Malum, an illness that affected shifters. When contracted, the shifter couldn’t change into their human form. Because of the duality of their physiology, not being able to connect to both forms, drove shifters insane and made them feral. The only thing that had stopped them was death. It had been a hopeless situation for his cousin, but it turned out that Sarah unbeknownst to them had Seraphim blood flowing through her veins. It was her healing touch that had cured Persephone. So maybe she would be able to do the same for Pet.
“Constantine might object. He’s been especially protective of her since we learned of her powers. In fact, he and I had words about me even involving her in anything having to do with Gage.”
“But she’s already involved whether he likes it or not and Sarah is quite strong-willed so I’m sure she’ll have something to say about it.”
“Well, don’t see that it hurts,” the Alpha mused.
Pet listened on. She was used to people talking as if she wasn’t in the room. The name Sarah made her ears perk up. It was a name she’d heard quite a bit in the past year. She was the half-breed with abilities that no one was supposed to know about. Gage had been certain he could secure Sarah before anyone found out what she truly was. Pet felt a slight sense of satisfaction knowing that The Kyriakis seemed to know about her already. But Pet doubted anyone could help her.
“Uncle, would you mind if I speak privately with…Pet?”
“Before you came in the room, I was trying to get information out of her.”
Once again she felt her mate’s eyes on her and a shiver ran down her spine. She wondered what he thought of her. When he looked at her, did he think she was pathetic? Mangy. Beneath him. It was clear he held a position of status in this pack. He was the Alpha’s nephew. More than likely he was the Beta or another high ranking position in the pack. Perhaps he’d think she wasn’t worthy of someone of his station. Even though she told herself she wasn’t interested in having a mate, the thought of him finding fault with her caused a painful twinge in her heart.
Silence settled over the room and she dared to turn her head to see why. Uncle and nephew shared a meaningful look with each other and it was clear they had established a private mind link to shut her out of the conversation. The Alpha raised a brow before looking in her direction.
Her mate nodded. When he turned to look at her she quickly glanced away not wanting to meet his gaze.
Finally, the Alpha sighed. “Okay. I’ll speak with Sarah and Constantine and see what she can do to help.”
“Thank you.”
Pet heard footsteps retreat and the door close. She was now alone with him.
Her body began to shake and he drew near. To her surprise, he knelt beside her.
“Pet,” he spoke softly, “look at me.” His tone was gentle with an underlying steel beneath it telling her that there was no room for argument.
She raised her head unable to disobey his gentle command. A whimper escaped her throat when their eyes locked. The very fact that this man could make her feel anything when she’d thought she had no more feelings within her except for hopelessness, intrigued and scared her at the same time.
He placed his hand against her flank and began to stroke her fur, gently. What felt akin to an electric jolt shot through her body. The green-eyed man must have felt it too because he yanked his hand away as if he’d been shocked.
No words were exchanged for several moments before he spoke again. “I’m Aries Kyriakis, Beta of this pack. You’re safe here. Gage can’t hurt you anymore.”
His dulcet tone was so soothing and reassuring that she wanted to believe him but she knew that no one could fully protect her from Gage. He’s everywhere. My very presence on this island endangers all its inhabitants. You would be wise to dump me in the ocean and not look back.
He raised a brow. “Are you that eager to die?”
I died a long time ago, Aries.
“What’s that supposed to mean.”
Everything and everyone I once cared about is gone. And the things I’ve seen and experienced over the years…I may as well be dead.
“But you’re not. You’re here and you’re free of him. We can defeat Gage. But we’ll need your help. You probably know things about him that can help us take him down.”
I don’t know what you expect of me, but there’s nothing I can tell you that could possibly help. This man has done nothing but plan the destruction of our kind. He lives, sleeps, breaths and eats it. Do you think it will simply stop with us? It won’t. When he wipes us all out, he’ll go after the vampires, and the witches and warlocks. He won’t rest until we’re all gone or under his command.
“You sound very sure of this, but we’ve defeated him before and we will again.”
If she could laugh at his naivety then she would have. They were setbacks. You think Malum is your biggest worry. He’s got something much worse cooked up.
“Is that what you have? Do you have Malum? Is that why you’re unable to shift?” he asked softly almost as if he was scared to hear the answer.
She shook her head. No. I don’t have Malum. I am Malum.