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59 Humpty Dumpty I had so many questions whirring through my mind as I drove home. The images in those photographs were rolling over my mind’s eye as I pulled up to my house. I sighed, rubbing the steering wheel for a moment as I gathered myself. Setting all the drama of my day aside as I headed in to greet the most beautiful thing in my life. Let it go. I told myself. Let it go… “Mama.” She whipped her head as the door opened and her bright face lit up. Her keen blue eyes brightened at the sight of me. She walked over. I crouched and she put her arms around me. Giving me a tight squeeze. Her simple touch had me breathing a sigh of relief. Strain melted away for a little bit while I was with her. I embraced Emily. Held her. We played blocks together and she told me a bit in brisk tones about what she read today. As always, with perfect recall. I helped her wash, talking with her as she bathed. Then I assisted her in toweling off. We went to her room, and I read to her until it was time for her to sleep. Stroking her hair with my other hand. I could hear Regina moving around downstairs. She’d asked if she could take a shower when we’d finished. Regina's House was being renovated. She'd hoped it would be finished by the time I returned from the conference, but it wasn’t. I'd insisted she stay with us. She was currently sleeping on my couch. She’d told me since she was there, to go out anytime I wished. Her way of showing her appreciation. The gesture was sweet. But after Emily was tucked in, and settled down to sleep, after I’d gone and readied myself for bed that, that knowledge had me flopping around in my sheets. Turning side to side, until I could no longer stand the ugly writhing anguish of it. I slid to my feet, settling into the depths of my irritation. I stared at the wall, my jaw setting in determination. I can’t do this… *** Less than an hour later, I found myself rain soaked, in soggy gray pajamas, my hair twisted over my shoulders, with my emotions as much of a disaster as my appearance. I was staring at the door of Eric's apartment. Wondering if I should just forget and go home. I should. I knew it. But I was driven by something dark and unholy. I drew a steadying breath, lifted my fist, and rapped before I could lose my spine. And every word I’d planned out with it. The rain had begun when I left the house and, as if mimicking my emotions, it progressively got darker and more turbulent. Pouring harder. I lifted my hand to knock again, but the door was tossed open. A dark-eyed Eric looked none-too-pleased with my presence. He was wearing a pair of ripped, worn jeans that rode low on his hips, with tears along his masculine thighs. The bright shade was a stark contrast to the darkly tanned skin of his torso and arms. He caught sight of me. His brows lowering. “What are you doing here?" “I came to ask what the hell these are.” I pulled the stack of photos from inside my coat and splayed them in my hand like playing cards between my fingers. “Photographs." He shrugged. “Half of them are of me." “Yeah." He gave me a cold look. “And half were not." “Why did you take so many of me?" “The light was right.” He said dully. “On all these different days?" I shook them to emphasize my point. Sure, that there was more than what he was saying. “What exactly do you think they're about, Allison?" He cocked a hip and shoulder against the doorframe. Crossing his arms over his chest. Challenging me to make the accusation I was driving toward. “I think you were paying an awful lot of attention to what I was doing." “It was your first year. I was trying to help you. If it bothers you so much I won't, next time." “Don't you do that!" I pointed a stern finger. “You're trying to change the subject from these photos." “There is no subject, they're photographs.” He gestured boredly. “Don't try to make it more than that." I studied his face, and I was suddenly very sure. He’s lying. “Don't act like I'm being crazy." I wanted to throw the pictures at him. “You feel something for me. Which makes no sense, since ninety percent of the time, you're a raging ass to me!" His gaze turned scathing. Scorching into me with those burning eyes, the same shade as the hottest part of a flame. His mouth tightened and he lurched off the wall. “All you are to me, is my assistant at work, and a lovely fuck on occasion. Nothing more than that." His tone was pure acid. Dripping from his tongue to sear into the deepest parts of me. Sizzling hotly and making me burn with shame for even coming here. “A lovely fuck?" My voice cracked. I was nodding in self-derision. “That so?” He's jaw jerked slightly as I quoted the words back to him. “Is that what I am?" I wanted him to say that to me one more time. Because it’ll make it that much easier to hate him. My lips tightened and I tasted blood from biting my cheek. His arms dropped to his sides and his fists worked in a white-knuckled grip. “I see. My mistake then." I dropped the photographs on the floor. Leaving them to be crushed underfoot. And all that beauty to be destroyed. “There for a moment, I thought you were a flesh and blood man. Now I know you're just a polished piece of shit!" I felt a teary lump forming in my throat. I stomped on the pictures, twisting my foot over them as I rounded to stalk my way to the elevator. Hoping that the art and heart he’d put into them would be as damaged as he’d just made me feel. I stepped inside the metal box and faced the doors, waiting for them to close before I lost it. My heart was slowly breaking in two. Like I could feel every fracture and the sticky strands as it pulled apart. Every moment of that agony was ripe in me. I was staring at the floor but caught bare feet in my peripheral. When I looked up, I saw Eric standing there. His fists were clenched at his side. There was a cruel look on his face as he stared hatefully at me. His lips parted as though he’d say something. But whatever it was, he never got it out before the elevator was closing. His gaze not even flickering as the doors closed, shielding me from his view. *** Those doors had closed before Eric had a chance to stop her and fix what he'd just done. He was beyond frustrated with what he’d said. Though he’d planned it all day, it still had not come out right when he tried. It was so much worse. Beyond cruel. “Ah!" He raged. Hitting the wall as those doors separated them before he could come up with an appropriate thing to say to stop her from leaving, so he could try to explain himself to her. Instead, he'd let her leave like that. Unshed tears in her eyes, as she fled him. Again. Making something deep inside him shatter like a broken mirror. But every refracting shard carried that last image of her tormented face. “What have I done?" He whispered to himself. Staring at the spot where she'd been, until those doors had stolen her away. Eric walked back to his room. Bending to collect the abused photographs off the floor. He remembered taking every one of them with vivid clarity. Ever since she'd left to get the photos earlier today, he'd been rehearsing to himself what he'd say. He was ashamed of how obvious the sheer number of images he'd taken of her, was. He stood over them swallowing the rock forming in his throat. But when it came down to it, he couldn't leave those on the floor in the hall. Those pictures of Allie in the sunshine, Allie beaming in triumph as she made her first big sale. The sparkle in her vibrant eyes, which she’d been devotedly hiding since they were reunited. She was painfully, heart-wrenchingly gorgeous in the kind of way that can be blinding if one peered at it too long. There were layers to Allison's beauty. The simple outward ones were the easiest to see. Then the way she looked when she was truly happy, like when she made that sale to Frederick. And when she was thinking about something that excited her. Which was reflected in that picture of her going over the files of the sales she’d made. Each picture had captured a different one of those layers. He leaned to swipe them up. Going into his apartment with them shaking in his hands. He put his back to the closed door. He slid down it. His expression was racked with a level of pain that he couldn't ever let her know she caused in him. It'd be too much for him to bear. He pushed his hand through his hair, clenching handfuls of it between his fingers. His restless anger poured through him in violent waves. Barely leashed in their brutality. He couldn’t let himself forget that the last time he gave her that much power, she'd crushed his heart in her little hands. Her fingers tightening around it like claws, shredding him into so many pieces that he was never able to put them back together again. That was what he’d given her the power to do. And she hadn’t hesitated when she grew tired of him. Leaving him broken like that. Like Humpty Dumpty. That was how he’d seen himself since she’d destroyed him. Humpty Dumpty…It was his own sick joke. He'd promised himself that he'd never love anyone like that again. Especially not her. He'd cultivated in himself a raw hatred toward her. But the moment he'd driven past his potential job and saw that raggedy, unmistakable Nova in the parking lot, he'd known he'd take that job at Clark & Walker.

08 Dungeon Bars My back hit one of those trees. Bringing me to fast halt. When I took a step to the side to try to get around the tree, my shoulder was stopped by another skinny trunk. They’re everywhere. I caught them in my peripheral in both directions. They were as close together as the reeds growing in the pond outside the bailey. Like the bars of a dungeon cell. I suddenly realized how trapped I was in this wayward grove. It was only about eight feet in every direction. And equally as high. We were far enough in that view of us had been swallowed by the branches and heavy leaves. No one can see us, in here. I realized. Looking up at him in horror. The Mating Moon isn’t until tomorrow. I reassured myself. He won’t do anything to me. I knew full well that I was hoping, more than convincing myself. I willingly followed him in here. What was I thinking? I could already hear Dillon’s voice in my head. Now I was stuck here with him leaning over me. His eyes flaring with a yellow tinge. “You smell good enough to eat, you know that?” “I...” I furtively glanced in my peripheral. “We could do things the easy way, it doesn't have to be difficult and ugly." He was so close that I could feel his breath along my collarbone. I glanced side to side. “I'm... Not sure what you mean." “I mean I'm going to claim you under this Mating Moon, Little Hen." He moved his hand to the tree to my left, inching even closer. “The hell you are." I snapped at him. Summoning every ounce of bravado I could muster. “You may be prince, but I promise you, you can't have everything you want." “You may be surprised to learn that I generally do get what I want." My eyes narrowed on him. “I assure you, that won't extend to me." His lips twitched as if he were intensely amused. “You're bold as brass, for sure." He made it sound like that was something he liked. “A bit too much for you to handle?" I jutted my chin impudently. Wanting to show him that I would not back down. Whether he's alpha or not. His face brightened and he bared white teeth. His eyes were dancing. He hooked a knuckled under my chin. I didn’t realize until it was too late, that it was so I could turn my head away. “I will have you, Henna. And in time, you might find you like me more than you realize.” He dipped until his lips brushed mine. For a heart stopping moment, I thought he'd kiss me. But he stopped just short of it. “As far as you being too much for me to handle…Not in the least." He said it so intimately that his bottom lip brushed along mine as he spoke. “Your fierce nature just makes me want to mount you more.” I gaped at him. “Hard." He added firmly. Lifting an inviting brow. I jerked my face off that knuckle, bumping his nose before lunging to the side, trying to slide away from him. He caught my arm and jerked me back to him. “Last chance." KJ warned. “You'll be mine one way or another." He gave me a hard look. Stroking my hair with his free hand. “I will be inside you as the Mating Moon rises. My wolf already howls to mark you. Give yourself to me instead of making me connive to capture you. I’d rather not resort to such measures." “Never!" I snapped breathlessly. Shifting uncomfortably. “That would be the only way you’d ever have a chance with me. Because I will never, never, be yours willingly.” “That is a shame.” His eyes narrowed knowingly. He lifted his nose and sniffed as if my scent was the sweetest aphrodisiac. “I can already smell your heat, Henna. You could’ve just surrendered and let me lead you into a world of pleasure and hypnotic seduction. Instead, you force me to be cruel." “I don’t force you to do anything.” I twisted to try to escape his nearness. But his arm planted on the side of that tree, near my nose brought me to an abrupt halt. I shot him a scathing look. “Other than to leave me be!” He groaned as if that smell was nearly too much to resist. His gaze levelled on me. Pinning me where I was. “Are you going to make me lure her out, without your consent?" My wolf. I knew what he meant. My face jerked. “You can try." I was trying to be courageous. Trying to show him I didn’t fear him and that he couldn’t intimidate me like he did everyone else. Or charm me with that grin of his. I had no idea that everything I was saying was only beckoning him to do what was necessary in his mind. His teeth flashed again in that ever-present smile. Dimples touching into his defined cheeks. “Oh, I might just do that." He moved as if pushing off that tree, but in the process, he rolled his pelvis deliberately against me. Letting me feel the rigid edge against his pelvis. I gasped in astonishment, sensing what it was. My hands caught the sides of the tree behind me. I should’ve been appalled, disgusted, terrified. A hundred things which I knew I should’ve been. So why was my head falling against that tree and my lips parting as I tried to catch my breath beneath that dizzying sensation. Then, just like that, he lifted away from me. Taking off the pressure against my most intimate places. I fled. Flushed to my hairline and rushing away like the purest sort of coward. All the while, I could feel his gaze burning into my back.. I rounded the corner of the castle and came to a stop in the front. This day seemed determined not to get any better. KJ was at my back in seconds. I could hear him chuckling even as he approached from behind me. 09 Dangers of a Bucket The other Lariot brothers stood just before the door. Forcing me to squeeze past them to get back into the castle. They were right there watching my every move. Grinning like they knew exactly what had happened. “Did he mark you, Little Hen?" One of the older ones teased. “Or saving that for tomorrow?" Braxton pointed skyward. Indicating where the Mating Moon would be. I ducked my head and steered clear of them. Heading straight for the well. “There he is!" They whooped. Spotting KJ walking to the front of the bailey behind me. “Did you get a taste of her?" “Not yet." He said back. “But I will.” He dismissed the conversation. But I could feel those hard eyes burning into me. A wave of his hand sent the other men scattering. Grumbling as they headed back toward the stables. I finished scooping water in the bucket and spun to go get soap weed. My face tight as I worked hard to ignore the fact that KJ breathed at all. But he was right there catching my elbow. Looking cool and calm as he leaned a hip and elbow on the side of the well. Like nothing had just happened. Like he didn't almost kiss me. He dropped a handful of soapweed he must’ve grabbed on the way to the front, into my bucket. “Give it to me. I'll take it up for you." “To try to corner me again?" “No." He lifted his hands to show me he was no threat. The hell he's not! I wasn’t about to fall for that shit again. Especially not after the declaration he just made. “Just to carry the bucket." He lowered one hand for it. “I usually do for the girls cleaning the upper floors." I glowered at him. “I am not one of those girls. You think I’d let you do that after what you just said to me!" “How does me carrying a bucket have anything to do with that?" “You tell me!" “It doesn't." He snagged it before I could retract it. Forcing me to let it go or slosh it all over the both of us like were arguing children. His fist gripped right next to mine, our hands touching it. I released it like he had burned me. He gave me his back, striding easily toward the castle. I walked behind him. Staying well out of his reach. With a careful eye on my surroundings. Don’t get cornered again. I ordered myself. Watching my step as if the carpet itself might swallow me up for him. He hauled the bucket effortlessly up the steps. Reminding me how much more wolf-strength the males could access while in human shape than us females could. Certainly a lot more than me. But I was also short. And light. Not made of the same thick, honed material he was. His powerful back had small bulges of bunched muscles woven through it as he walked up the stairs before me. His arms had thick swells along his biceps and toned forearms which were browned by the sun. He was stitched through with deceptively lean muscles. He stopped and turned to me with a waiting expression. Where do I want the bucket? His face seemed to say. “There." I pointed from a distance away. He plunked it down where I’d indicated. Striding toward me. I skittered sideways, but he didn’t miss a beat. Aimed directly for the stairs. He did pause at the banister though. Twisting to peer at me. “Careful, Henna." He cautioned. Thoughtfully adding. “Don’t get caught... You'll make it too easy." Caught? Capture. Those were the words he’d used. He plans to chase me. I suspected. With those dauntingly cryptic words, he was gone. *** I entered the first chamber I was to clean. It was empty and dusty. As were the next two. I scrubbed, swept, dusted, and changed the linens to clean ones. Piles of which had been left on a side table in each room for this purpose. The fourth chamber though, had a different feel to it. I knew immediately whom it belonged to. Exactly who I'd feared. I based that on the scent I picked up from the moment I stepped in the doorway. KJ. My stomach dropped. I glanced around the chamber. So much for not getting caught. I peeked into every crack and corner to ensure he wasn’t there waiting. Even though I’d seen him go downstairs with my own eyes. I’ll put nothing past him. I knew I’d be easy to corner in this room. I chewed my cheek. Looking back to the hall beyond, longingly. No. I’m here to do a job. The Mating Moon isn’t until tomorrow night. I reminded. Chewing my lip. That’s what I’d thought in that grove. Right before he’d nearly kissed me. I squared my shoulders, deciding the best recourse was to get the room cleaned quickly before he returned. In and out. I went to work. Still, as I polished candlesticks and swished the dust off smooth wooden surfaces, I noticed that it was like a foreign world in here. Everything was rich, traded from humans or made with great artistry. Each corner was immaculate. The counter he used to dress, and the looking glass above it were cleaned to a fine sheen, indicating he liked to keep his space orderly. The whole fancy room smells like him. I noted. There was no inch that I washed, that didn’t have his scent lingering on it. My she-wolf was churning under my skin, wanting out of these rooms and to go for a run. Maybe after the Moon. I inwardly promised that part of myself. There was a chair near the window. I saw a book sitting open on the window ledge next to it. A book... I stared at it in awe. I reached out to finger the cover. I knew that it was said that some Eternus and humans were allowed into the Lariot pack, before the original wolf, Fury as he was called, outlawed turning other species into wolves. There had always been rumors that books lingered in Lariot Castle from that time. From their worlds. I’d also heard that some of our most trusted elders could read. But never had I seen one before…

56 Promise Me Another full day passed in that blackness, and Darla had come to the point where she desperately needed that food that was to be thrown on her. When it came the blonde was laughing in a sing-song voice as she walked away. Darla was sad that she was so relieved. She tugged her shirt out and slowly picked bits of the mush off her, praying it wasn’t dogfood as she stuck it in her mouth. It didn’t taste like anything. There was no flavor at all. But her body was in such need of sustenance that she found herself licking what remained from her fingers. She scraped all she could from her clothes and scrounged up every bit of what she could stand to put in her mouth. It didn’t assuage the growling in her stomach though it did manage to take the edge off. She was thankful for that. She couldn’t think about any kind of escape when all she could do was hear the screaming of her stomach, as it begged for something to fill it. Forcing her to even try gnawing on her clothes to ease that ache. After that she turned on her side, having to keep the shackled leg outstretched in order to cause more chaffing and bleeding under the iron band. With the rest of her body, she curled into a ball, putting the wall against her back as she struggled to make enough warmth to offer her some comfort but the draft which eased through the sun rolled across her feet and ankles and the strip of bare belly that her pajama shirt couldn’t settle over. So cold. She was miserable. Where is Nicholas? She’d heard Collin talking about these creatures-canastras going back to her house. If people were going in and out of her house, it made her even more afraid that Nicholas hadn’t escaped the murderous clutches of these painted killers. Her feverish mind worked in terror. Making her consider awful possibilities. Such as that they may’ve killed Nicholas back at the house already. Like they killed the rest of my family. She thought in bitter anguish. Maybe they were lying to this Collin, making him think her brother was still okay even though they’d already murdered him. Swallowing hard, she fought another bout of choking tears. Still, one trailed down her cheek. Carving a wet path over her skin that managed to chill her to the bone. *** Feeling anxious and restless, I took Kurik out the next evening for another hunt. After having that many Tolari allies attack us I was worried they were gathering in the town. Preparing for something. I wanted to round up some more. And dragging Kurik out to give him that taste of freedom before cramming him back into those chains seemed like cruel justice after what he’d had me suffering through last night. Those endless dreams. Kurik had helped us roust a few Tolari and I quickly outmaneuvered the pair with my magic. Pulling them apart and dragging the pieces into the woods before anyone noticed. Which we’d nearly messed up when an evening jogger rushed past where we were, just within the treeline. Thankfully, he never looked up. Leaving us free to dispose of the bits. Nicholas, true to form grumbled in discontented horror the whole while. “How long have you all been killing people without anyone noticing.” “Would you have noticed some people wandering into the woods.” “No.” He admitted. “Kids do that all the time.” “Then that should tell you how often we’ve been successful.” “Don’t kids ever catch you?” He asked, incredulous. Marlay scoffed. “They’re too busy smooching to notice us.” Nicholas frowned, looking down. “Have you ever walked past me with someone dead, or one of those monsters?” “Let me think…” I paused to take a considering pose before shaking my head. “No, I can’t recall. Because despite how important you think you are, nobody else cares.” Nick scowled at me. “You said I was important. Otherwise, I’d have stayed in Marlin while you were off murdering people.” “No.” Marlay said aghast. “Sae wouldn’t let you do that!” “I noticed.” He grumbled. I was so busy listening to their conversation that I hadn’t noticed that Kurik and I had fallen so far behind. “You seem irritable today.” Kurik remarked. “You know why.” I shot him an annoyed look over my shoulder. He was carrying two masculine legs, one under each arm. They were heavy. I’d carried them before. But Kurik made it look like he was packing a bag of money on each side, tucked beneath his armpits. “Bad dreams?” He teased. “Your efforts to torment me are exhaustive.” “You think that’s all it is?” “I don’t care.” “Perhaps you should.” He commented. I was so tired and annoyed that I missed the dangerous tone in his voice. “I don’t. Nothing you do will ever bother me enough to care.” “Nothing huh?” Perhaps I should’ve turned around when I heard the threatening note in his voice, or when I heard the thud of those legs landing in crackling leaves and sending a scatter around our feet. I didn’t but when I felt his sudden grip on my hair. I threw out a hand and forced my complacency web to the surface. Weaving over the surface of his skin and beginning to cut in like razor blades as it tightened. He caught the wrist of that hand and forced me face first against a tree. Pinning that wrist to it and smashing my other between my thighs and the tree, in the process. His voice was in my ear. “I think you’re beginning to doubt what I’m capable of Sara.” I growled in aggravation. Trying to push backward enough to get a hand free. But his body pinned me there. “I could fuck you right here, if I wanted to. I could fill you in seconds and have you wrapped around my cock before you could blink. And there’s nothing you could do, but stand there as helpless as you think I am in your dungeon.” I growled in aggravation, writhing beneath him. “Better stop moving.” He warned. His breath brushing my ear and the hair along my cheek. “You’re only tempting me.” “Stop it.” I hissed. “Or what? Will you moan for me Sarasae, if I’m inside you?” His hair slid from my hair down my back, caressing sensually along my spine and then the crack of my ass beneath my skirt before catching the back of the dress almost viciously. His fingers worked upward in that methodical way of his. Gathering the fabric and lifting it. “Don’t.” I said, the tinge of desperation entering my voice. “Or what.” “Kurik, please.” It nearly choked me to get out the words, but I could see Marlay and Nicholas in the distance in my peripheral and I could still hear activity from the road. “Marlay would be scared to see what you were doing to me.” “Mmm.” He dismissed cruelly. “That’s not enough.” My skirt was drifting up my calves, than up my thighs. The breeze brushed my bare limbs, reminding me that there was very little that would soon be separating his body and mine. “What is?” I hissed. Furious that I even had to ask. I jerked my arm again, trying to brake my wrist free of his grip. “Promising me.” He purred near my ear. His nimble fingers curling beneath the hem of my skirt to brush the back of his knuckles along the inside of my thigh. “What?” “That you’ll give yourself to me. Later.” “No.” I shook my head against the tree. My mouth tight. My cheek scraping against he bark with my movement. “Then I am going to have you, right here. No matter how much you rail at me. I’m going to make you remember every touch, every tingle, every wicked little disastrous thrill you feel when I’m buried in your hole.” “Don’t.” I said. “You’re too late.”

86 Get Moving! He was still rushing them to emerge from the warehouse, but they were coming out like the light pained them. They were even scruffier than I initially thought. I could tell none of them had been able to wash in a very long time. The smell coming off them was acrid. I tried to hide my wince and clenched my lips closed as I turned my head away to keep the wind from blowing that stink toward me. It wasn’t their fault, but it was bad. It made my heart ache for them even more. Alder had assured that some of the Tinies were able to clean out the five-gallon buckets that sufficed as our toilets, dumping them far from the warehouse every couple days. They didn’t get that luxury. Whichever of us were taken to forage, also got to wash in some form of water or another. At least to splash ourselves. Their conditions were atrocious. Once Alder was gone, it was clear that the basters had perilously little interest in tending the Tinies. “Okay, Serpent." The girl nodded trustingly. Coming out even though she was already shaking. Afraid of defying the basters. My instant impression of her was that she was childlike. Endearing. “Does that mean we're all going this time?" An older woman asked desperately. There was a superior note to her voice, but it sounded brittle. Like she was just on the edge of begging to go with him if he said no. “Yes. All of you. Hurry though!" He stepped back from the door to let them through. “What do we take?" The older woman queried. “Nothing." He said harshly. “You don't need anything but what I have for you." “But our clothes!" The older woman objected. “You don't need them!" I interjected impatiently. “All you need is to get your tails moving! And let him get you to safety." Before we’re all caught. As much as I liked the younger girl, I disliked this woman. She was chewing her cheek. Eventually, nodding hesitantly. They all stepped from the warehouse. Filtering out with their forearms shielding their eyes. Eyes which had acclimated to the mere pinholes of light that sifted in through the metal roof. Alder gestured for me to stay near the doorway. He went in and cautiously peeked around. Walking warily to each corner and peering around boxes and empty piles of cans and bottles. Even behind a stinking pile of fecal matter. “What’s he doing?" the older woman asked me. “He's checking to make sure no one is left behind." And no basters are there to ambush us. But if she knew we were scared of an ambush, she’d be a disaster the whole way to the dome. Alder sent me a grateful look. “Oh, I suppose I should tell you, I'm Wendy.” She introduced herself. Not offering me a hand because she knew the state of her hygiene. Poor woman. “And this is my daughter Karen." She pointed to the younger girl.” Karen gave me a quick, anxious wave, before tucking her hands behind her back. “These boys are my sons, Clyde and Carl." “Oh." Now I knew why Alder had left all four of them behind when we were here last. They're family. “Hi." I nodded to each of them. “Hi." “Enough introductions for now." Alder said sharply. “We have to get on our way.” “Okay." Wendy nodded. Moving her adult children close to her. She looked to me for direction. “Which way do we go?" “Swing them southwest and bring them around toward the oasis." Alder directed over his shoulder. He was locking the warehouse behind us. Now that he knows it’s clear. “I’ll secure this and catch up. Get them moving!” I nodded and took off. Leading the pack of them. I was faintly shocked that he was letting me guide them. “Brief them about Lila and Buddy." He called across the growing distance. Oh, shit! I hadn’t thought about that! I shot him an astonished look. How the hell do I do that! No number of words were going to prepare them for that. I was about to introduce them to two of the most feared animals alive, since The Shimmer. That’s going to go well. Alder had crouched outside the warehouse to adjust the contents of his bag. Pulling out another handful of water bottles. He was still there digging as we dipped down over the first dune. After that, I lost sight of him. He’ll catch up. I told myself to be calm. If I got panicked and acted dramatically, it would only prove to him that he was right about leaving me behind. I’m not doing that. I set my jaw. *** To say that Wendy and her grown kids had not taken meeting Buddy well, would've been a gross understatement. Then they met Lila. And about shit their pants. Lila, to her credit, didn't so much as bat an eyelash while they screamed and wailed. Instead, she looked past them, to exchange a slow blinking stare with Buddy. Like they both think we're all incompetent. I could almost imagine her saying to him. Humans…Ugh. But after that, I was able to keep the group of them moving. Knowing Alder would catch up. However, the further we got, and he didn’t, the more alarmed I was growing. I slowed our pace but didn’t stop. I found myself frequently looking back as we topped dunes. Nothing. Where is he? I was terrified that they’d grabbed him as soon as we had left. And the further I got, the more he was being tortured. I reminded myself this was Alder I was thinking about. Someone would’ve been screaming if they tried to grab him. And it wouldn’t have been Alder. We were making deliberately slow progress now. Partially because of me, partly because of them. Wendy and her kids weren't accustomed to trudging through the dunes for any kind of long period. If at all. Alder materialized next to me. I blew a thankful breath as I caught sight of him in my peripheral. “Where the hell were you?” I muttered without making any abrupt motions that would indicate how anxious I was. “I had some things to finish.” “Like?” “Any issues?” He changed the subject. I shot him a glance. My eyes so narrowed on him that one of them felt like it was twitching. “No…Buddy and Lila seem to be getting along at the back." “I saw that." He said absentmindedly. “So…What did you have to finish." He faced forward and purposely didn’t meet my gaze. “I went in.” In? Into what? I gasped. Wrath making my eyes widen. “Into the Main House!" He blanched. Looking pained. “Ssh. They’ll hear you raising your voice.” “Everyone in this country is about to hear me.” I threatened in a hiss. “You went in there with no backup?" “I was hoping they were all dead.” He admitted pensively. “Perhaps they'd been raided since we were here last. I needed to check to see what we were dealing with.” “And?" What did you find out! “They weren't there. And they'd packed bags to go." Oh, no! “Dammit!" The curse escaped me. I understood that meant that they were out here in the dunes somewhere. Waiting for us. “They are out looking for us.” He sighed. “It’s a bit more than that. They brought supplies so they could lie in wait somewhere for us.” “Well that’s not good.” “No, but one bit of good news is that my friend was there." Alder nodded to the back of the group. There was a scruffy looking man at the back. Wearing a dirty white lab jacket. He was short with rather sharp features. He had tufted white hair circling from above one side over his ears, then around to the other side. Leaving a shiny patch of bare skin on the top. He possessed an extraordinarily large nose with a few prominent moles scattered over his cheeks. He was getting ruddier, as he eyed the two animals travelling just behind him. He looks like a mad scientist if I’ve ever seen one. The man hurriedly walked forward, passing everyone else to flank us. “Your friend? I asked askance. Apparently, he heard me. The old man chuckled. “More like Frankenstein's creator... If Frankenstein were a remarkably clever, athletic, young man." He shot Alder a fond glance. I followed his eyeline. “Are you two saying he's your father?" “I wish I was..." Doc murmured in answer to my question. Serpent gave the old man a thoughtful look. “Doc pieced me together from emphasized DNA.” At my befuddled look, he clarified. “Designer DNA, if you will. Then he was stuck with me for the next few years, teaching me about the world the sand had swallowed.” “Ah, but I was only a scientist doing my job. And, as a bonus, getting to enjoy the company of a fiercely intelligent boy.” Every time Doc spoke of Alder, there was blatant pride in his voice. Like Alder is his son. I’d never heard anyone talk about Alder like he was their family. I looked from one to the other, curious about their relationship. Then I keyed in on one word Doc had said. “Boy!" My voice rose. “You knew him as a child?" No matter how I tried I couldn't get the math to come out right to equal his suspected age. “As a child?" Doc scoffed. Laughing. “You mean that whole year?" “What?" Doc's bushy white brows lowered, and he gave Alder a shocked look. “You've not told her?" “We haven't really gotten that far." Alder defended. Doc was giving him the kind of severe glance that a parent gives their misbehaving child in a store. That far? How far is ‘that far?’ “How far?" I asked warily. Shaking my head as I tried to figure out what they were saying. “Tell me what?"

Chapter One Hundred Ninety-Five Deliveries “I came here to help you, you sniveling shit.” Alazareth threw over his shoulder. “Good to see your smiling face in the morning!” Bast waved at his back. Bast sighed and jogged forward to stride next to his twin. Alazareth shot him a sideways glance, his eyes narrowed in irritation. Which meant Bast was already getting under his skin today. “So happy to see you’ve healed well.” Alazareth remarked. Making Bast wince. “From which injury?” “Take your pick.” Bast eyed him on a wince. “I’d have preferred to choose none of them.” Ignoring him, Alazareth remarked. “So, I come all the way over here from Nightway, and find you snoozing the day away.” Bast heard steps and realized Boy had eased away and was now diligently cinching ropes around the main mast. Still close enough to hear, he was snickering. “Enjoy my pain, Boy.” Bast remarked. “Wait until the cart wheels are turning and your headache sets in.” Boy shot him a mournful look. “Lord, I hope not!” “Is it necessary to be so surly, so early?” Bast averted his attention back to Alazareth, walking with him down the gangway and to the line of carts where he could inspect the wheels and bed planks to ensure they could tolerate the load they were about to be laden with. Alazareth checked the ones a distance away. “Is it necessary to consume so much drink?” Alazar countered meeting his brother’s filthy look. “Well, yes.” Bast said dryly. “If I want to check on my investments.” The taverns. “If ye’d seen the maid servin’, ye’d understan’!” Boy called from atop the mast. Checking those lines. Don’t bother defending me, Boy. “Is that why you were out so late?” Alazar’s voice rose. Accusation written over him. “She wan’ed ‘im out much la’er! She wan’ed to see quite alo’ more of ’im!” Boy contributed helpfully. But she didn’t. Bast tossed Boy a silencing look. It wasn’t like that. Bast had hardly noticed the girl hovering next to them to offer more drink. Boy was the one that pointed it out. After that, Bast had made it a point to keep his back to her. “Oh, did she!” Alazar’s voice rose, making Bast’s head feel even heavier. “Good that it’s duty before buxom women! What of your sweet valkyrie at home?” “No need for your chiding. I did no wrong.” Bast defended. “I had none of her.” “Too busy pursuing that valkyrie you won’t release? All smiles in that corner, no doubt…” Alazareth said dryly. “Cease your shrieking, brother.” Bast grumbled. “I’m up. Ready to load crates and deliver!” “About damn time!” “You make me miss the raving of my valkyrie. Her shrieks are less shrill.” Bast glared at his brother from beneath hooded eyes. “Let me help you wake your crew.” Alazareth offered with a cruel smile. He gave the prolonged whistle followed by two loud whoops which sent the crew scurrying to gather for the captain’s inspection. Waking everyone on both levels of the ship. The sound pierced into Bast’s temple like a blade. They scrambled to the deck and lined up. Arms linked behind their backs as Bast barked his orders. Alazar stood quietly behind him. His arms crossed as he watched. Knowing the procedure well. *** In no time, Sebastian had ensured the three carriages were laden with goods from the Isle. Tasty morsels, woven wool gowns for winter, simple leather shoes, and enough casks of wine to supply each family one. Enough to prepare all the commoners for the coming Winter. As they readied the horses, Boy strode up next to Bast. “Why do we do this every year? Shouldn’t their kings and gueens be providing for them?” “But they don’t.” Bast said simply. Staring forward and watching the youngest lad in their troupe tossing reins and hooking the lacings. “Would that there was a great king or queen pure enough to ensure the poor were fed, as well as their fine lords.” “Think that’ll ever happen?” “I don’t know. But if that day comes, then I’ll no longer do what I do…” “And if it never does?” “Then we shall continue to be busy this time, each year.” “They consider our rounds a holiday, you know that?” Boy remarked. “Yes.” “Where do you get the coin for all this, Bast?” Boy asked under his breath. As if the thought had just occurred to him to question. “I have more coin than I know what to do with.” “What?” Boy looked bemused. “We don’t bring that much over on the ship. Just ale and wine barrels usually.” “I have many endeavors throughout Ardae.” Bast remarked cryptically. “How’d you manage that?” “Time and devotion.” “What endeavors?” Bast cast Boy a long glance. “Awful inquisitive today, aren’t you?” “Just curious.” Sebastian relented. “Where is the one place all men go?” “Inns?” “Aye. And taverns. And why do you suppose it is, that we supply all these alehouses without any competition for the purchase of our wine and ale?” “You mean why don’t the taverns buy from anyone else.” “Yes.” Boy was quiet a moment. Then his eyes widened. “Cause ye own ’em?” Bast tilted his head grudgingly. Boy gasped. “All of ’em? Is that why you’re always getting those offers?” Boy gestured to the bit of rolled parchment that Bast had absentmindedly stuck into the back of his waistband. “Yes.” Bast shrugged. “Think on it. I give you much coin. I give many men much coin. But where does it all end up?” “Back in the alehouses…soon as we dock.” “My coin is returned…Over and over again.” “Ye clever bastar’!” Boy shook his head bemusedly. “Why you think I’m always drinking in them?” Bast chuckled. “See how they’re ran, what employees are doing there, how my tavern keepers are faring, and if their prices are reasonable…As well as the cleanliness of the facilities…” Boy stared at him wide-eyed, shaking his head as he repeated. “Clever bastar’… *** Nightville, Nightway The first tiny hut they came upon with their endless train of carts, was the home of beloved elderly couple. Sebastian knew them personally. The Weldons. They were well-respected by the populus of Nightway. Many other peasants looked to them for Ms. Weldon’s herbal healing remedies and for Mr. Weldon’s depth of wisdom. It was to honor them, that they were always the first delivery. They’ve earned that over the years. Bast hopped down. Barely landing before the couple rushed from the hut with beaming smiles. “Sebastian!” Old Ms. Weldon tossed her arms around him, and he hugged her tightly in return. “How are you, my boy?” She reached out to fondly stroke a thick lock of gold hair swinging over his shoulder. He grinned down at her. “Well. Very well.” “Yea. How are ye, boy?” Boy called to Sebastian mockingly from the driver’s bench. Happy to hear someone calling Bast ‘boy’ for once. “Ignore him.” Bast smiled at them. “He’s an impertinent shit.” Boy’s grin vanished with a dark look. “What would you like today?” Bast led them over to the carriage. “I’ve got some of your favorites, this run.” “Oh, well…” The two exchanged confused looks. Finally, Mr. Weldon cleared his throat. “Well…I suppose we don’t need much.” “What?” Bast gave them a quizzical look. “We did receive your first shipment only last week.” What? “First shipment?” Bast asked stunned. “Of winter store?” Mr. Weldon nodded. The loose skin of his face swinging against his thin frame. “Our larder is packed to brimming already.” From who? “Who delivered it?” “Young man…” “We thought he was with you!” Ms. Weldon’s old forehead knitted. “He was blonde…Looked just like ye, actually.” Mr. Weldon described. Eyes falling to the ground thoughtfully as he tried to recall more. It can’t be… Sebastian didn’t understand. “Beads in his hair.” Ms. Weldon added. Touching her own at the front to symbolize where. “With markings.” “Was an unsavory lot with him.” Mr. Weldon added. Unsavory lot? Nightway Rebels? Bast wondered. Certain his suspicion could not be founded. Delivering goods would be very far from the Rebels usual mission too. But the Seditious… Sebastian couldn’t grasp that the lump of assassins would ever do such a thing. Unless their leader… He cut that thought off, shaking his head. Why would he? “Don’t say that!” Ms. Weldon chided. “They looked rough, but they was kindly enough boys.” Kindly boys? Bast was sure he had no idea who they were talking about. “I didn’t send anyone with supplies.” Bast said warily. “You didn’t?” Ms. Weldon gasped. Tossing her husband an alarmed look “Where’d it all come from then? Surely, we won’t be expected to pay for it! We cannot!” I know you can’t. Bast was quickly concluding that he was going to have to get to the bottom of this.

02 The Immortal My moment of sorrow didn’t last long. It was soon to be shattered when there was a panicked rap on my door. “Captain! We got a ship closing in." “Shit!" I rolled to my feet. Stumbling into my clothes. I was doing the clasps of my corset which had a dagger and sword sheath hanging from it. I settled them over the plain brown of my skirt and the dark crimson of my chemise top. I took care in pulling the corset tight along my breasts, to try to flatten their shape. Minimal as they were. “Molly!" I whispered, “Get up! Someone may be trying to board us." “Let them try." She hissed. Half muffled, with her face smeared into her bedding. She oozed bad attitude right when she woke. “Come, girl." I said, knowing how irritable she was when she first woke. “We don't have time for that." She climbed to her feet, grunting in annoyance as she swept on her long, scraggly overcoat. Just as I pulled on my black leather one. I left the large gold buttons unfastened so it swept open as I walked. I emerged from the cabin and onto the deck of the Sea Snake. “Gabe!" I barked. Summoning my First Mate to my side as I emerged from the captain’s cabin. The lumbering giant appeared near my elbow at the helm. “What do we have, captain?" I extended my spyglass and peered through it, leaning over the railing to get a better look. Hoping to get the best view I could. “Large, five sails, all black." So many sails meant it would be fast, otherwise that number of sails would tear it apart. Black sails meant it was a fellow pirate. I gritted my teeth, fearing I already knew who was pursuing us as I handed Gabe the spyglass. “And the bow?" He peered through it. Moving it up and down as he tried to focus his gaze. He had better night vision than I so I was hoping he’d get a clearer look at the outline of it. “Some kind of face." Gabe answered. Still at the rail with the spyglass. “Don't know why you’re bothering." Jed remarked as he wiped his hands on his cooking apron. I hadn’t noticed him coming up from below deck. Apparently, the chaos had captured his attention and he’d emerged to see what had everyone aflutter. I groaned inwardly at the sight of him. Knowing he’d have something to say about the ongoings. “You know full well, only one ship is fast enough to catch us." Jed said acidly. And damn him for being right! He'd been with my crew the longest, second only to my quartermaster, who was the next to speak. “Probably the only one that would want to." We were all thinking the same thing. The Immortal. It was the most dreaded ship on the Sea of Souls. The pirate captain aboard it was ruthless, cruel and demanding. Honing the cruel onboard like a fine blade ready to obey his commands in an instant. And that bloody ship! The thing was perfectly designed to run down any quarry. Which made it nearly impossible to outrun. I haven’t succeeded yet anyway. But I was still optimistic. They were right. My eyes narrowed on that ship, highlighted by the moonlight in the pre-dawn blackness. The ship was nearly invisible in that darkness. Which indicated that it was, as I’d suspected, all black. It is The Immortal. “Should we prepare to be boarded? Gabe asked. Handing me back the spyglass with a worried glance. Jed muttered profanity. Grunting in irritation as he returned to the stairs to go back below. As if he’d already come to terms with what was about to happen. Well, I haven’t! “Prepare to be?" I asked, affronted. “Like hell!" I heard the stairs creak and realized Jed had turned to look back at me, midway down. My mouth tightened and I held a white-knuckled grip on the spyglass. “He wants her, he'll have to come get her." “It is 'the Immortal'." Gabe confirmed. Shaking his head as his expression turned pain. “It is The Immortal." Jed gave me a long look. “If you run, the chase will only make him more determined to catch ye." Wasn't that the story of my life since Lucien? All he does is chase me. “He can be damned! We're not going to sit here and wait for him!" “Expand the mast, draw in the guide sails!" I marched across the deck, shouting orders. Molly stood in the doorway of the captain’s cabin, leaning against the doorway yawning. *** LUCIEN Onboard The Immortal, the captain's newest first mate ran to the stern to join him. “What is the Sea Snake doing?” “Her captain is a wily one.” “Does he really think she can outrun this ship?" “Not a ‘he’,” Lucien corrected. Nodding toward the Sea Snake. “The captain of that ship is a woman.” “A woman?” The man looked appalled. His beady eyes rounding so far it appeared they might fall right out. Lucien's lips turned in a smile. White teeth flashing beyond the mustache and short pointed beard. “Yes, well, her captain never surrenders easily." “Ballsy one, eh?" Lucien's smile grew. “You could say that.” “So what do you want us to do?” Lucien ripped his eyes from the back of the Sea Snake and faced his deck. “Run up the mast! Tighten the lines! Prepare to run her down boys!" The sailors whooped. Stomping in cadence. “Whoop! Run her down! Whoop! Run it down." They cheered as they prepared The Immortal for a raid. Everyone ran to their assigned positions, expertly tightening lines, and sliding down to assume attack positions. Everyone knew their specific duty and was prompt to get to it. Knowing how little tolerance their captain had for failure. They were all seasoned members of The Immortal. Only their First Mate was new. These men knew what they were doing and their quick obedience had earned them all heavy purses over the years. Lucien looked at them from the helm deck. Casting his eyes over them with the imposing air of a king assessing his subjects. He gave the sailors a considering glance, checking their work as they went. When it was time, he gave the boat wheel a few slight turns. Guiding the ship after Allison's beloved Sea Snake. “Buckle 'em down sweetheart. I'm coming.” He murmured. *** ALLISON I could practically feel Lucien's joy from here. I could hear the intimidating sounds of his crew cheering. Their cadence guiding their movements to keep them in rhythm. Whoop run her down…Like hell. I wasn’t about to let that happen. I had been planning for this moment for months. Knowing how Lucien loved to overtake the Sea Snake just when I was preparing to pull into a harbor with a big haul. My crew will have my head if I let him steal this one. “Damn him.” I muttered. Swearing under my breath. Cursing his name. “Why does he always do this when we're close to port?" Gabe frowned. “To be a smashing pain in my tail!"

100 Honor Them I stared at the wall of that inn. Quietly processing everything that Jackson had just told me. I was astonished by his words. He really means that. I thought with soul-deep conviction. All this time I’d thought he was my enemy, only reminding me of his presence to taunt me. Or to hurt me. I never imagined that all that time, he’d been keeping tabs on me to try to ensure I was taken care of. To try to alleviate all the damage that he’d inadvertently caused. And he’d done all of that while enduring his own grief. I tried to imagine what it must’ve been like to watch them all kill themselves to save me, but my mind couldn’t go there. It’s too painful. And what did that mean for me? I had spent all this time roaming Ferus without any real purpose other than survival. Meanwhile, Jackson had been waiting for Liam to pass and then determining how to regain both thrones and place the proper people back on them. Which would mean dividing the Pyre people that had been integrated into the Eternus villages. Or at least those that want to go back and rebuild. It still sounded like a mighty feat to my ears. Is it even possible. It was almost like a dream. Jackson was telling me everything I’d hoped, in my weakest moments, to hear. He had a plan to reverse all the pain that had unfolded. Except for giving me my family back. I sighed. But no one can do that. I laid there a long while, mulling that over. Don’t think about it right now, Fiere. I told myself. Just enjoy the peace of this moment. Right here and now. I took a deep breath and focused on his hard warmth behind me. His strong arms wrapping me. I realized there was only one description for the way I felt in his arms. Safe. I was thinking that a lot lately… Everything else in the inn had gone quiet. Even the rowdy voices of men in the tavern below weren't quite able to pierce this place of solace he'd built for me in such a humble location. My eyelids fluttered. I was lulled by his warm breaths along my neck, and his strong arms encircling me. Eventually, sleep swallowed me without much warning. *** I woke at daylight to the sound of creaking boards. And the faint smell of greased pork. I cracked one eye open and got a blurry glimpse of Jackson's appealing backside disappearing into his pants as the waistband was hoisted up around his hips. I groaned. He’s getting dressed already? I’d secretly hoped for a tad more time encircled by his protective warmth. “Why so early..." I whined. He chuckled, flashing white teeth as he glanced over his shoulder at me. “Perhaps, once you're caught up on all the sleep you've missed, dawn won't seem such an early time to rise." Never…That will never happen. I couldn’t recall a time that I’d ever enjoyed rising at dawn. Not then, not now. I flopped over and smothered my face in my pillow. “Make it stop…” “I doubt that." I grumbled, reluctantly sitting up. I clutched the coverlet to my chest, “besides, it would take a lifetime to catch up on all of that." “I hope to give it to you." He tilted to sweep up my silly dress, tossing it on the bed as he padded closer. Still barefoot and bare chested. Looking like raw sex appeal. The only way to describe the particular shade of his skin was shining golden-brown. Watching those sinewy muscles move. “You know..." He murmured thoughtfully. Drawing my attention to his face. “If one is going to stare, they should offer the same sampling, don't you think?" He wants me to show him my body? Before I could fully puzzle through his meaning, he'd caught the hem of the coverlet near the foot of the bed. He began slowly, methodically, pulling it down. Eventually the end I clutched pulled taut. He gave me a long, assessing look, and gave it a sharp tug. I let him pull it away from me. Lowering my arms, so he could take in the sight of me naked there. He strolled over, sauntering in a way that made his hips sway and the muscles in his abdomen flex and twist with each movement. He was coming around the bed. Drawing closer to where I sat. I was frozen, watching him curiously. He put one knee on the bed. Stretching over me to grip the headboard with one hand. He lowered over me, his dark blue eyes locking with mine. I reflexively leaned back as he hovered over me. Exuding raw animal hunger. A heady lust which swirled between us. His mouth was inches from mine. He hesitated for a moment, letting the anticipation build. Even though both, he and I, knew that as inevitably as the rising of the sun, he was going to kiss me. He did. His mouth taking over mine in a deliciously sensual kiss which lasted far longer than any kiss would be expected to. He tilted his head. Slanting his mouth over mine in a different direction. Deepening the kiss until I found myself writhing with need. Beads of sweat started on my forehead, running over my throat and chest. I felt heat rising around us and glimpsed a twining tendril of steam. When the flaking bit of glowing orange floated in my peripheral, I realized what was happening. I’m sparking! I gasped in horror, breaking away from Jackson and giving him a hard shove, to get him away from me so he wouldn't be scalded. “Stay away!” I cried. Huddling into a ball and trying to ward him off. But Jackson, never one to cooperate, took me with him as he tumbled backward. Lifting me off the singed bedding. As he moved me, I saw sparks shower from my hair and back as I levitated into the air. Firmly in his grip. Those fiery bits fell over everything. The bedding, his arms, and over his bare torso. He hissed through his teeth in pain. I gave him another hand shove. “Get away from me, Jackson!" “No, Fiere.” He said calmly. “It’s fine. I'm Eternus.” “Look." He urged, holding out his forearm to show me where his arm hairs had been burned. There’s no wound. “I already healed. I'm fine." I examined his arm. Brushing the spot where there should've been burns. “I forgot you could do that." I lifted awestruck eyes to his face. Still feeling a little mournful that I hurt him. “Yeah, well, I suppose I generally try to hide it." “Why?" I lifted my gaze back to his. If I could do that, I’d want to find out how much I could do. How can he hide it? He’s an Eternus, he’s supposed to be like that. “I suppose, because I didn't like to emphasize the differences between you, Roger, and I." “You didn't want to scare us." I filled in. Blowing a long breath of understanding. “Perhaps I worried it might unsettle you both…at the very least." “It doesn't. I don't think Roger would’ve care a wit." “Probably not." Jackson agreed. His voice full of sorrow. “I don't remember any negative judgement from Roger. It wasn’t in his character.” “Oh, there was!" I said emphatically. I loved the shocked expression that stole over his face. “He had much to say about your swordplay." “Oh?” His brows shot up. “What’s that?” “I believe his exact articulation was that it was 'bullshit’!" Jackson started chuckling. A sound which soon bloomed into full laughter. “He did always say that." “Only because you always won.” Jackson was still laughing, shaking his head. “Lord, I miss him." “Me too." I murmured. Suddenly somber. “Fiere..." Jackson lifted off me to sit on the edge of the bed. Pulling me onto his lap to speak intimately. “I know you hate talking about that night…the last night. But I feel like it should be acknowledged how truly honorable and courageous they were. They made the most difficult choice in the world... In seconds. No one else could've done that." “Father raised us believing that you do whatever you have to, to protect your family." “They did.” He nodded. His voice grew choked. “They made a choice, I'm not sure I could've. As much as I love you, to betray you, and them like that... It was just too much for me to find the strength." “They were amazing people." “The fear on their faces, Fiere... It was gone the moment they decided what to do." “I miss all of them." I confessed. Slumping. “They're irreplaceable. Sometimes, I think that perhaps if I could get you back on your throne, that it would honor their sacrifice." I gave a sharp inhalation, considering that. It was a possibility which I'd forced from my mind the moment I was cast out of the castle. I'd believed that future had caught fire and burned away as fast as my dress had. But now, as I eyed his strong profile and saw the vulnerability there, I wondered if I could believe in him again. He stared at his fingernails in his lap. “Thank you for a lovely night, Jackson." I blurted. Wanting to make him feel better. He blinked blankly at me. “We just slept." “It was nice not to worry about what might come next.” He gave me a considering study as though he was tempted to say something. Ultimately he must've decided against it. He opted just to nod. “We should probably get going if we want to get some breakfast, before we head out. I'm hoping to make it to the cottage by dark." “Cottage!" He gave me a quizzical look. “I thought it would be some simple hut out here." I gestured toward the window and the vastness beyond. “Here..." He chided. Reminding me that it wasn’t so uncivilized as my hasty words had implied. “I built it with the hope of us finding our way back to each other there.” He reminded. “Give me a bit more credit than that." “Okay, okay!" I lifted my hands in surrender. “I shall cease assuming!" “That would be lovely." His lips twitched. “Are you being patronizing?” My eyes narrowed on him. “Me?” He asked innocently. I dived on him. Encircling his neck and tossing him over. He was laughing as he tipped. Still holding my waist and taking me with him.

107 Guarded The other two boys introduced themselves as Jace and Bryce. Bryce was short and built like a tree trunk, even as young as he was. Jace was the smallest of the group. Fair and meek. Uncomfortable with any direct contact. “Chaos.” He said simply. Never one to mince too many words. They all looked at him. “It's my name." He clarified. His eyes hooded as if he expected some provoking comments in return. And sure as the wind, they came. “Who names a pup, Chaos?" Bryce asked. Giving Chaos a light shove. It was apparent he was half-playing, half challenging Chaos. Fury moved to interject but I caught his arm, holding him back. I understood that Chaos needed to handle this, or he would be dealing with it for many years to come. All because his father chose to save him. Let him stand his own ground. I conveyed through the look I shared with Fury. He must’ve assented because his body relaxed, and he stepped back. Standing next to me quietly. “Funny." Chaos gave a cold half-smile. “Who named you again?" Just like that, he’d pointed out the motherlessness of the boy. He looked around as if searching for a mother behind Bryce. “Ew." Kirk winced, ducking his head into his shoulders and backing away. As if those words caused him physical pain. “Ouch." Jace murmured with a blanching expression. Edging sideways to put some distance between the two boys on the precipice of fighting. Even Fury looked uncomfortable. He wants to defend his son. I knew. Fury was ever protective of Chaos. “Fine." Bryce said. Much more somber. “You've made your point." He walked away. Letting everyone see he’d backed out of the tense banter without anyone having to throw a hit. Chaos hadn't budged. Staring after him unblinkingly. Unmoved. That is the son of Fury. I looked over at the adult version and heard him murmuring his own praise. Noting how much Chaos was like his father. Just a younger version. And Chaos, though bigger than me, was far from as large as Fury. But he’s still growing. “Good job, son." Though the words were far too quiet for anyone aside from me to hear, I knew how much Fury meant them. I was equally proud of Chaos for his strength. He's just shown them all that he won’t be bullied, won’t be shamed. For his name or anything else. Good job son. I thought too. *** Those boys became as much a part of our pack as sweet Bea had. We traveled and roved. Fury rotated who he took with him to hunt or check the traps. Each of the boys loved it. The two quietest ones, Bryce and Jace, had even come out of their shells enough to call me 'Ma' on occasion, as Chaos and Bea did. At first, Fury would direct those he left behind to help me, to do whatever I needed. Even though we all knew what their real job was to protect Bea and I. But after time, he no longer needed to tell them. After it was announced who he would be taking, the others would begin helping to clean up camp and scouting the area for intruders. Sometime Fury even worked in an occasional turn for Bea to hunt or check traps, so she'd know how too. He’d even shown her how to build and set the traps. It made me happy to see him teaching her this stuff so young. I'd have felt much more confident on my own initially, had I known how to do all the things he showed her. Bea would forever carry the confidence that knowledge offered her. She won’t be afraid to be on her own. I could’ve never expressed that joy to Fury. But he saw my fond glances as he showed her things, and he gave me tender smiles that nearly seemed like he was saying ‘your welcome.’ The one issue with Fury taking Bea from our makeshift camps, was the strain it caused Chaos to have her out of his sight. He worried for her endlessly. Pushing branches over her head so she wouldn’t run into them and kicking serpents from her path to ensure she was never bitten. He guards her like his greatest treasure. I thought proudly. But when she left our makeshift camps, it caused Chaos endless strain. He would stare into the direction they'd gone, Looking worried until the moment of her return. He’ll always keep her safe. His anxiousness whenever they were apart, was more confirmation of what Fury had already presumed. He knows she’s destined to be his mate. He already feels an instinctive need to protect her. Side by side, they were growing. Becoming closer with each series of seasons that passed. Such were my thoughts as Chaos and Kirk helped me clear the area for our dinner fire. Bea and Bryce were off collecting kindling. Causing Chaos to furtively glance in their direction. Fearing something would happen to her while she was away. I was in the process of dragging another dead branch from where the core of our fire would be, still his anxiety drew my attention. Making me laugh and shake my head. “She’ll be fine.” I called to him. Amusement tinged my voice. He shot me a quick look and smiled sheepishly. Ducking his head so he wouldn’t keep looking in that direction. We were all busy with our own tasks when the first scream ripped through the woods. Sending objecting birds soaring into the sky with small, distressed sounds. I dropped the branch I’d been dragging. My gaze turning yellow and my pupils narrowing as I scanned the trees, looking for movement beyond what I could initially see. What’s out there? The feeling of impending danger added a cold to the air blowing toward us. Bea was running to me, her long brown hair pouring behind her, and her face written with alarm. Behind her, Jace was running toward us with the same desperate terror written on his face. The pack animal in me reacted to two others of my pack fleeing. Making my body ready to run away too. I caught Bea's shoulders as she reached me, tucking her behind me. Another agonized shriek rang through the air. Bea shivered. “What's happening to her?" “I don't know.” I held her close. Wanting to shield her from whatever bad thing was out there. Jace made it to us, his blonde hair ruffled. My eyes frantically scanned the trees behind him, knowing he was the one that Fury had taken out today. “Where's Fury?" I shouted to him once he was close enough to hear me. “He left!" Jace cried. “He sent me back to tell everyone to guard the girls." Girls. Bea and I. He’s going to her. I knew he'd want to find out what was happening to the she-wolf. Another brutal scream ripped into our senses and tore apart our composure. “Something bad is out there.” Chaos held Bea and I in a protective embrace. He looked out over our heads, prepared to shield us from any harm. My jaw was tight. My fists working in a white-knuckled grip. Fury was out there. Alone with whatever was hurting that she-wolf. I can't leave him alone out there. “I need to go see what's happening." I told them urgently. Turning to push Bea closer against Chaos. I'd barely taken a step when Chaos, taller than me now, caught my arm. “If we let you go over there, Ma, he'll have all our hides.” “Stay here and protect Bea." “No, mom. Not letting you go out there, alone." The severity in his tone indicated the depth of his unyieldingness. I knew that look on his face. He’s worried about me. His jaw was flexing. Muscles indenting and jerking. I didn't have time to hesitate and assure him though. “Keep you and Bryce here with Bea. I'll take Jace and Kirk to go with me. We’ll see if your father needs help." It was as close to a compromise as I could get right now. “Let me go with you instead of Jace." Bryce stepped forward. His expression was written with uncharacteristic concern. “Fine." I waved him over. Not wanting to waste time arguing. I'd intentionally planned to take the two smallest boys to leave the largest with Bea. But Bryce had done the calculations and found the balance wanting. I was faintly touched to know he was concerned about me tripping into danger. I patted his back as he stepped up next to me. Assuring him that I believed we'd be fine. I felt Bea's anxious eyes boreing into my back, but I knew if I looked, her emotions would get the better of her. She’ll start crying. She hated it when I left her. Though the boys were all quickly turning into strapping lads, useful to Fury when hunting or fighting, Bea remained far smaller. Making her appear much younger than the boys despite that I believed them to be of a similar age. She was more sensitive, more easily frightened. She’ll be okay. I assured myself. She’s with Chaos. But I worried about him too. *** Those screams were relentless. Piercing and anguished. Like someone is being seared in half. Or eaten alive. My imagination was getting the better of me. The boys behind me were dead quiet, but I could feel their apprehension. Fury had trained them well. They knew that whenever a threat was close you shut your mouth and stay focused. I led the boys through several bundles of brambles and closer. I was sniffing, I could hear them sniffing but whatever we were heading for was upwind from us. We couldn’t get any trace on it. Dammit. What’s out there? I thought in nervous frustration. Where is Fury? Bryce and Kirk huddled close to me. Flanking me on both sides. Kirk was watching behind us. Furtively glancing over his shoulders. Bryce automatically began watching to the sides of us. Making sure no one was trying to ambush us from those directions. There was another echoing feminine cry, but this one broke off halfway through. My hope was that Fury had just destroyed whatever was hurting her. Not that they're both dead. Fury…Where are you?

58 Let It Go “Can I take a partial sick day?" I rushed to ask Angelina. Feeling terribly awkward. “Is this about the pictures?” She asked perceptively. “Did you open them?" I chewed my lip. Am I going to be in trouble because I did? I didn’t miss that Angelina acted as though she knew there’d be something suspect in the pictures. How’d she know? “I did." I admitted in a choked voice. “I'm sorry, I shouldn't have snooped." “It’s fine.” She sighed. But I wasn’t sure it was. I rubbed the steering wheel with my thumbs as I drove. “Come over, Allison." Angelina wasn't asking. "You need someone to talk to.” I did, actually. Very much. “Okay..." I breathed. Surrendering without much effort. Angelina gave me her address. I pulled up and realized it was the same building Eric lived in. He did mention Kane owns it. I recalled numbly. I parked across the street, hoping Eric wouldn’t notice it over here if he did come home while I was here. I made my way to the towering building on leaden feet. My gaze trailing up all those levels, with the same fascination I had the first time. But now I wasn’t deceived by its rough exterior this time. I walked through the glass doors into the soft yellow lighting glistening on the glossy floor and made my way to the gold trimmed counter. A young man in a sharp suit stood there. “I'm here to see Angelina." “Ah." the young man grinned. Pointing upward. “That’ll be the top floor." “Okay. Which apartment?" “Top floor." He reiterated. Pointing with his pen. “Elevator is there." I gave him a confused look, but he'd already leaned over the counter to scribble some notes in a logbook on his desk. Where on the top floor? How am I supposed to find it? I chewed my lip. Walking hesitantly to the elevator. Hesitantly stepping in and hitting the button. I was watching the man as the doors began closing. I was trying to tell if he was being a jerk or sarcastic, but it didn’t seem like it. It appeared that as far as he was concerned, he’d politely answered me and went back to work. I sighed as the doors closed, separating me from the lobby. There was a slight whir as the elevator went up. Up. Up. I was sure it was only a few seconds but today it felt like forever. Then it dinged and the doors opened. I found myself walking into a short, empty hall. Glancing around, I approached the only door in the hall. I knocked. Angelina, looking beautiful even disheveled, wore a pair of shorts and a worn t-shirt when she opened the door. “Come in." She gestured, stepping aside. She yawned and rubbed one eye with a fist. I wandered in. Looking around, awestruck. The apartment was very hard and masculine. With clean, bare brick in some places. It was decorated with a lot of black and white but then there were bright splashes of color. Paintings and blankets which were pink, yellow, and blue. Distinctly, Angelina. I smiled. “I like it." She grinned. Glancing around too. “Do you? I'm slowly bleeding out his monochrome." “Does he hate it?" I asked as she walked from the door to curl up on the couch and wait for me. She scoffed. “No. He loves it." I couldn't quite tell if she was being sarcastic. She changed the subject before I could ask. “Did you bring the pictures?" I lifted the envelope. But behind it, I held a lump of them, pinched by my thumb. The ones of me. “Come on." She patted the couch next to her. “Let's look at them." “Are you sure?" I was worried about getting Eric in trouble. “Yep." She nodded. “Are you going to tell me? Are they all of you?" I was right. She did suspect. “I-no-uh..." “Just several?" “How did you know?" “I saw him." She said. “I was sitting at that booth, bored out of my mind." She reached for them. I dutifully handed them over. Blushing furiously. She slipped the ones from beneath my thumb. Flipping through them. Turning some so that she could inspect the images. “Realistically though, I suspected he would, anyway." She murmured. My head shot up. “You did?" “Yeah." She admitted absentmindedly. “The way he looks at you in the office, I figured he'd find it difficult to not memorialize you once he had a camera in his hand." “Looks at me? He barely glances my way!" Angelina snorted. “When you're looking." “How does he look at me?" I asked ridiculously curious. I found myself leaning forward like a teenage girl, waiting to find out if my crush liked me. “Like Mona Lisa at a desk. Like he doesn't understand what he sees but can't get enough." I was shocked into silence. Like Mona Lisa… “These are quite good." Angelina shook the photos before handing them back at me. “He really does have a knack for it, doesn't he?" I nodded stiffly. “You should keep those." She nodded to them in my hand. “You look amazing in them. He certainly captured you during your most beautiful moments." Was that what he did? She fumbled the flap of the big envelope. “Did he take any of the rest of us?" Seeing how good those were, she was curious about the ones he took of everyone else. I didn't answer. I let her discover them herself. "You're not the least bit surprised?" “No." She gave me a serious look. “those just confirm what I already knew. Oh, these are really good too!" She frowned. “Though he certainly doesn’t see us the same way!” I could tell she was lightening the mood. “Are you certain? Some of Kane were quite good.” We both laughed. I wanted to ask more of what she was seeing, but couldn't quite form the words. Nevertheless, she saw the question on my face. She settled down from her laughter and cleared her throat. “That man looks at you the same now as he did back then." She giggled softly. I chewed my lip. “How?” “Like he’d devour you if he could.” That made a little flutter rise in my stomach. “Don't waste too much time, Allison.” Angelina settled the envelope in her lap. Grasping the edge as she gave me a serious look. “Rediscovering something so passionate and beautiful, is a pretty amazing thing." I laughed in a self-deprecating way. Passionate and beautiful… I didn’t know if I could describe what had happened between Eric and I like that. “I'm afraid he's not as forthright as Kane is. He's difficult and sullen sometimes." Her brows shot up and she gave me an astonished look. “What?" “Well, I thought he was just like that at work.” I tilted my head. “It’s just...That’s not how Kane describes him?" “Kane?" I said dumbly. I'd somehow forgotten that Kane and Eric were close." “Yeah, they work out together on days Kane doesn't have to go to the club. He says he’s a beast. The guy makes Kane work.” She laughed softly. Indicating that was saying something. “But Kane says he's friendly, good-natured, with a lot of humor.” “Really?" “Not what you see?" I thought about the recent days at the conference. Eric had been playful. Sweet, thoughtful, and supportive. Nothing like the icy, indifferent man I always faced in the office. “Not usually, no.” I murmured. “Huh. I'd kind of hoped when I wasn't there, he loosened up a bit." I had a momentary flash of being pounded while bent over his desk. With papers fluttering to the ground. I grimaced. Leaping to my feet, I announced that I should be going. She leapt up and gave me a quick hug. Her sudden affection surprised me enough that I forgot to reciprocate. Standing there like a fence post while she squeezed me. “For whatever it's worth, I believe that man is crazy about you." “Thank you." I said dully. Not knowing what else to say. “I don't know what happened between you too," She pulled back. Still holding my shoulders. “but it seems like you both deserve some happiness." I looked at her. A little awestruck. She really was beautiful. With her pretty blonde hair and huge doe eyes. She was uniquely capable of appearing completely sweet one moment, than cool and in control moments later as she assumed her boss-lady veneer. “You're a good friend Angelina." “Aw, Sweetie. You come by any time." I smiled tightly. Nodding as I turned to go. *** As I stood in that steely elevator waiting for the ding which would indicate they'd be opening. It was hard to believe that Angelina and I were the same age, we grew up in the same place, and went to the same school. But were nothing alike. Where she was polished and graceful, I was awkward. Where she could oversee a whole building full of people, I was barely managing to make it through day after day. She had a sophisticated apartment in a lovely building. I was hardly making ends meet. I envied the smooth way she moved through the world. But not in the cruel sort of way where I wished to steal it from her, but in an aspiring way where I wished I could possess equal success so I could walk with her in that bright, elegant way. Someday maybe. Since the conference, I felt much more like those kinds of ambitions might not be impossible. Not if I work hard. I arrived at my house, and promptly had my phone ding. Are you alright? Didn't come back. Though I didn’t know the number, I knew Eric's voice in a text when I saw it. It was short and to the point. Exactly like he used to message. I thought. Wasn’t feeling great. I replied. Oh. That was all he said. I was angry that he didn't even ask about the pictures. If he felt that way about me, why wouldn't he say it? Why the abrupt cruelties he was always throwing my way? Angelina’s kindness, though intended to help, only left me more confused.

06 Mission: Boar I was still shaking my head at Dillon’s ridiculousness, as I passed through the bailey. I was so lost in my humor that I didn't even notice that I'd walked into the middle of a wheat ball game. A shout made me lift my gaze just in time to see the densely woven ball shooting toward my face. “Ah!” At the last second, I ducked my head and managed to evade it. Clutching my head in an effort shield it from the heavy ball. “Whew, good one, Squeaks." I cringed at the dreaded childhood nickname. Knowing it could only be one person. KJ. I groaned. Slumping as I rounded on him. “I thought we grew past that nickname." “One of us grew, the other one not so much." He gave me a look filled with feigned sympathy. The other males playing ball with him, hooted in laughter at my expense. They always found it so funny when he was making fun of me. Their amusement was a bitter pill to swallow. My gaze flicked over them. I noted it was all seven of the Lariot brothers. They were shirtless and sweating faintly from playing ball. “Seven heirs to the alpha, and this is how you spend your days." My derision crept into my tone. “Hey!" Braxton, one of the younger brothers, lunged forward. KJ, jutting out a sideways arm, blocked him from moving toward me. My eyes narrowed on Braxton. I refused to cower. Lifting my chin defiantly. When I glanced at KJ. I found he was giving me an unblinking stare. His attention on me, rather than his brother. “What?” I flicked my gaze from him back to Braxton. You don’t look away from an animal about to attack. “We're princes, you’re nothing but a damn b-" Braxton started. But KJ's head whipping in his direction, with a snarl in his throat, shut Braxton up mid-sentence. Braxton ducked his head and backed up. All of them were staring at me, their expressions simmering. Perhaps I did, just go too far. For once, I was wishing I'd thought before running my mouth. KJ sauntered toward me, his muscles bunching with every motion. Lean hips twisting, each time he stepped. The 'v' of his lower abdomen plummeted down beneath the waistband of his pants. Making it almost hypnotic as he moved. I registered he was almost on me and yanked my eyes off his body and up to his face. What was I thinking, staring at him like that? “You should be careful, Little Hen." He warned. Dipping his head ominously. “What I said was true." I stated matter-of-factly. “It is the Mating Moon tomorrow night." He reminded. Pointing casually upward. “tensions are running high. I suggested the game to burn off some of our wolf energy.” “Oh.” “Giving them a target for all that angst is unwise." He twitched one side of his face in a half wink, like he was suggesting something I wouldn’t understand. He reached to sweep a stray tress of hair over my forehead. Moving it off to the side of my face. I glowered at him. “Well perhaps I'm not all that wise." One side of his mouth turned in a lopsided grin. “Oh... I don't believe that." “You don't know me." “I want to." He countered, far too fast. That wicked, coaxing tone entering his voice. “That'll never happen, KJ.” “Never say never, Little Hen.” “I will never be your property." “No one said anything about property." “Isn't that what your breeders become?" I challenged. Daring him to deny it as I crossed my arms in disapproval. “No." “Aren't they locked away in the castle for the whole year after the mating Moon?" “It's tradition for those bred by the potential alpha, to remain for a minimum of a year to determine if they are a potential mate. It is the law of our pack." I couldn't even argue that, which made me deflate some. It is the law. Dumb as it may be. “Besides," He added. “What makes you think they didn't want to be there?" I hissed under my breath. His nearness had my instincts screaming. I knew I was in danger. His every movement held an underlying threat. The tone of his voice was brittle. Wrought with tension. “No one would want to live locked up that way." “Have you considered the possibility that perhaps I'm not as awful as you've been told?” He said inquisitively. As if he were the most harmless thing in the world. He is not! I needed to keep reminding myself of that sad fact. “No. I don't base anything on things I've been told. I base them on what I see." “Then perhaps you're not seeing me?" “Oh, I see you just fine, KJ." My lips tightened. “I know you’re trying hard to be derisive right now, but that might truly be the most arousing thing you've ever said to me." His voice was husky, seductive. So close that I could feel it along my cheek. I reared back as if he'd just struck me. Flabbergasted. His grin expanded. “You're adorable, you know that?" “I know I hate it when you call me that." “Would you prefer Squeaks?" He quirked a blonde brow. “Absolutely, not." He chuckled. Thoughtfully rubbing his lips with a knuckle. “You really think a year with me in the castle, would be so bad?" “Being locked up anywhere, is the worst thing I can imagine." I loved being outside, being able to check my traps and visit my treehouse. I looked up at the towering castle and saw it as a stone cage. It would be horrible to be stuck in there for a full year. “Hmm" He grunted. His hand falling. “I'm sorry then." Sorry? Before I could ask, he abruptly swept up the ball from near my feet and proceeded back toward his brothers. “That I feel that way?" I called after him. “Sure" He tossed the ball from hand to hand, preparing to resume his game with his brothers. Grunting in annoyance, I shook my head. 07 Assignments “Ah, you're finally here!" Markinnon was pacing in the parlor their man led me to. I cringed as I realized I was late. And I just interrupted whatever she’d been saying. Our beta’s long white-blonde hair flung broad circles every time she turned. She was pacing as she spoke. I saw the other girls in a rigid line, so I stepped in on the end. Trying not to draw anymore attention. “As I was saying,” She gave me a pointed look. “the work today will be extensive. You'll need to have everything cleaned top to bottom for the banquet tonight." “Might I ask what kind of banquet?” One girl asked curiously. A little in awe that she was in Lariot Castle. Markinnon glanced at me before remarking. “Just an introductions one.” “Introductions?” The girl asked. “Time to get to work.” Markinnon announced. Clapping to emphasize her point, as she cut the girl off. “Here’s your details.” I listened with the other girls, as Markinnon assigned the tasks each of us would have. Then my name came. “Henna, you'll have the north and south corridor on the second floor. You'll be cleaning chambers one through four, including my son's room." She drew a breath to continue, but I interjected. “Son's room?” “Yes." “Which one?" “Does it matter?" She expostulated. “Just clean it.” I gave her a long look. Yes, it absolutely does. I'd promised myself a long time ago that I'd never go into KJ’s bedroom under any circumstances. I’d considered that a personal mission. But even I had enough sense to know that questioning the queen was going to land me in a pile of shit if I kept it up. I held my tongue. Even though it’s killing me. “Might I continue now?" Markinnon raised a haughty blonde brow. I dipped my head. Indicating that I would shut up. She finished listing out our assignments and dismissed us. I took my bucket and followed the other girl outside. We made our way to the well in the bailey. Each of us took our turns running the hand crank until we could spill water from the pouch on the rope, into our wooden buckets. Once those were full, we collected wild soap weed from where it grew along the outer wall. I followed the other girls to learn what to do. One by one, we headed back in with our buckets, to get started on our assignments. I hauled mine up to the second level. terrified I was going to spill on the long turning stairwell. Step after step, I went up. For what seemed like forever. Finally, I was there. I set my bucket down and hugged the banister as I whooshed air, trying to catch my breath. Curious, I peered over the railing and looked down over various turns of that railing. High. I blanched and stepped back from the railing. The only heights I preferred were those of my treehouse. The corridor was just as long as the stairs had been. I blew a long breath and dropped to my knees to get to work on the woven rug. Scrubbing the corridor was a fairly mindless task. Leaving my mind free to plot upgrades to my tree house. I was going to be locking myself in tomorrow, just before dark, so I had to make sure everything was stocked and ready. But it was fun to think about what else I could add to make my time there less stressful. I was so busy refreshing the woven rugs and tapestries, that I hadn't noticed how murky my water had become. I set my rag back down in it and groaned as I reached for it. Gross. Changing the water meant I was going to be traversing back down those stairs with my bucket. I was already working up a sweat. I smeared away the dampness with the back of my forearm. Once out in the bailey, I tilted my bucket to dump the gross water. “Not there!" I cringed as I recognized the voice. Before I could run, KJ was jogging over. He swept his light hair back from his face. Smoothing it down the back of his head. “If you pour all that gunk there, the whole yard will get to stinking." “Well then," I set the bucket down as I straightened. Putting my hands on my hips. “where is one supposed to go with it?" “Around the corner." He nodded. “Here, I'll help you." “I don't need-" Before I could finish my sentence, he'd swept up the big wooden bucket and headed off toward the far corner of the castle. “Won't your brothers miss you at ball?" I scampered after him. Looking over my shoulder for them. “The game ended hours ago.” He explained. “We've been replacing the structural beams of the storehouse.” “I'm sure they're missing you for that." KJ was always the one orchestrating those jobs. I'd often heard him barking directions at his brothers in order to get anything done. He scoffed. “I just bet they are. Those rats have been working hard to get out of helping me all morning.” “Ah.” I said. Peering around him as I wondered how far we were going. “Yeah, they’ve been taking turns doing anything but working with me. It'd do them good to work on it alone for a while." “You're getting back at them?" I gave him an interested look. He’s usually too busy to play those kinds of games with them. At least that’s the way it seemed to me, though I worked hard to pay him no mind. “A necessary evil to get things done… on occasion." He walked into a little bundle of trees. Once there, he dumped the water within the skinny trunks. Which perhaps explained why most of the rest of the bailey was less green than this place. He’d stepped just inside a few narrow trees to dump the water. Pouring it almost into the center of the odd grove. “Guess this is the spot huh?" “Yes." KJ rounded and handed me the bucket. “It is." He leaned down to me. Propping an elbow on one of those white trunks as he assessed me. Preparing to say something. But the roundabout was so unexpected that all I could do was jerk backward. Swallowing as I moved to avoid his nearness. “Now Henna,” He said chidingly. “where do you think you’re going?”

55 Fear's Companion I blinked into the shadows of my chamber. Still feeling Kurik’s presence haunting my chamber. For one heart-stopping moment, I could’ve sworn that I saw his outline near the window. Made of mist. So well-formed that it nearly had a face. I’d have thought it was impossible, had I not known all I did of witches and vampires, or-as I knew them, canastras and soul-eaters. With them both freely roaming the world, all things were possible. Each witch had their own particular gifts. Each soul-eater could evolve over time and gain new ones. No one really knew how much older soul-eaters were capable of. It was said they could move in a blink and had the strength of a bull and could whisper into ones mind. I was sure that was what Kurik did to me, night after night. Making sure I can never forget him. No matter how hard I try. “Let it go, Kurik.” I whispered to that wispy form, which nearly had color. “I will never go back.” There was a wind, like a cold breath seeping into the room to brush over me. Like his silent breathy objection. Just as daunting as he is. I walked over and swept my arm through that congealing mist. Dissipating it. Then I closed the shutters so daylight could creep in to illuminate the shadows of my chamber. I dressed angrily and stalked down the steps, angrier with every one I took. Damn him! It seemed he was intent on forever denying me slumber. I’ll have no rest until he is next to me. It was a threat he’d made once, and I felt sure that he was ensuring that would be the case. *** I reached the library and heard Nicholas and Marlay chomping on buttered toast. “What does it look like?” Nicholas was asking her. His voice awash with a childlike curiosity. “What?” “You heard me. The prison she puts them in.” “Her Globe Tamer.” Marlay bobbed her head cheerfully as she chewed. I caught it as I peeped around the doorframe. “It’s all light. Brilliant, sort of beautiful, really.” She gestured across the sky to indicate its beauty. “Then why don’t people see it?” “It’s hidden with spells. Besides, if anyone did see it, they’d probably think it was just-what do you call them?” She paused consideringly before lifting a triumphant finger. “Ah, yes! Aliens.” “What?” Nicholas frowned. “It’s true. It doesn’t look like anything you would’ve seen. “What if they got out?” “They couldn’t. Sarasae keeps them in. They can’t go anywhere or make any sound and no one could see them unless they made it through several magical obstacles. That’d be impossible.” “I hope so. Seems like it would be really bad if they got out.” “There’s some that would very much like to orchestrate that.” Marlay said severely. “Oh.” “Yes.” Marlay frowned. “Oh.” “That, is what we’re trying to keep from happening.” I meandered into the room. “And it seems that some of those people believe you can help them set all their kin free.” “Me?” Nick’s voice rose just as high as his eyebrows, when he said it. “So it seems. You’re going to have to make sure that you stay very close to us at all times.” “But-” “She’s saying they’ll come for you.” Marlay cut him off. Nick looked from Marlay to me. “Oh.” *** DARLA The darkness of the room she was in was an all-consuming sort. It seemed to devour any trace of light that dared enter. The atmosphere was stagnant like no fresh air could reach this place. It was the kind of stifling that came from a room that no one entered. Darla found herself curled into a ball in the furthest corner from the door, hugging her knees to her chest as she thought of her longing for the comfort of her family. More than anything, she missed her big brother. She couldn’t think of anything else. Her mind was an agony of darkness. Of her parents’ last screams. Of worry for her brother. When they took her, they’d been shouting, demanding to know where he was. She knew what that meant. They didn’t have him. They’d dragged her off and then gone back to the house to look for him, but they never returned with anyone. Just ugly faces as they went to find their leader. I don’t think they caught him. That was the hope she clung to. It was what kept her from surrendering completely to the violent people that came down to talk to her. Those that struck her. Busting her brow and fattening her lip when they smashed it into her teeth. They were demanding answers to questions which she didn’t have. She didn’t know what they were talking about. They all sounded crazy. But if Nicholas was out there, she’d have thought he’d have come by now. She could hear voices coming through the thick wooden door. She was chained to a bolt in the floor that only allowed her to get so close to that door. Nowhere near the door-knob. No matter how much she stretched that chain and forced that shackle to bite into her ankle. When lights came on in the room beyond the door, she dared to peer between the boards of the door as best as she could, from this distance. She’d seen the pot-bellied man they called Collin coming in and out of the building throughout the day. There was a petite blonde girl that often came with him. Darla hated her. She was the one that brought Darla food. But the first time she tried, Darla had flung it in her face. The blonde had picked up the dish and hit her with it, smearing her face into the mush that she’d called food. Then she’d mocked how filthy Darla’s hair was. Giggling as she sauntered from the room. Every tray she’d brought after that she’d thrown on Darla. Sending clumps of so-called food raining over her until all she could smell was the gross scent of the stale muck. And it had sat on her for so long that her skin now itched beyond what she would’ve ever endured before. She fantasized about punching that girl straight in her snide little smirking mouth. But she never got close enough for that. Which left Darla to only fantasize about the purity of a steaming shower. Of feeling clean again. Of escaping these brutal, nightmarish people who had annihilated her family and now sought to destroy her and all hope. She knew they were trying to break her. Feeding her only disgusting mush which she’d eventually have to consume if she didn’t want to starve to death. Leaving her a hose in the wall which they turned on every so often so she could put her mouth near it and let the water trail down her parched throat. Every trace of her survival was now dependent upon their benevolence. It was an excruciating, filthy feeling. It made what was likely days feel like weeks. Even that moment of food-to-the-face was now a relief, it gave her some indication of time which she could track. In this utter darkness, time seemed to pass differently. And it’s impossible to track. With no window she was left in this black hole. Like an animal waiting to die. “Oh, Nicholas.” She sobbed. Covering her face with her hands as she fought against the helplessness that was beginning to swallow her. Like a giant serpent, cramming her down it’s throat. Leaving her with only her fears for company.

85 Bigger Predator The longer we stood there facing off, with me threatening to have Buddy attack Alder if he didn’t let me go with him, the darker Alder’s expression got. He does not appreciate being threatened. I felt my mouth going dry and my heart beginning to thud dully in my ears. The silence seemed to string on forever as he waited for my answer. “If I have to." I said weakly. “Hmm." He grunted. Not looking the least bit alarmed. “I wouldn't recommend that." “Why not?" “Because Lila doesn't like it when I'm in danger. And since she's travelling with me today, you should be aware that she'd take grave offense to Buddy threatening me." “Lila?" I floundered. Deflating. Who’s Lila. I felt an immediate panic as I realized Lila was a woman. He has a woman with him? But he wouldn’t let me go? Pain. That was the only word to describe the feeling swallowing me. Just when I'd begun considering the possibility, or perhaps hope, that he was bluffing he gave a long whistle. A terrifying shape materialized from the grove. Shaking the trees as it rammed through the slender trunks, coming in fast. What the hell is that? I took a worried step toward the trees. Afraid that I was going to have to hide. Even Buddy was beginning to whine nervously. What the fuck is coming! Panic soared through me. That was certainly no woman. Whatever it was, it was big! When the creature eventually stuck out a beige paw from the trees and flattened it over the sand, I was horrified to see the short fur and the wide span of that paw. Oh, no… That could only be one thing… Though the beast made no noise, every step was like thunder in my ears. It was a bigger creature than Buddy. Huge and sleek. The skin of its body twisted with each turn of its shoulders. Swaying as it settled into place. Large, curved horns rose up from its shoulders and leaned out. Making it even more immense than its back would’ve implied otherwise. It had a dark stony throat which almost seemed caked in mud. Rising up to where it stopped to reveal razor sharp teeth with extended canine fangs overhanging its bottom lip. It strode with that swaying gait to Alder before rounding to face us. Once its eyes landed on Buddy crouched to lunge, it opened its jaws almost one hundred-twenty degrees. Emitting a roar which shook the trees. Dark, tan scales rose over its sides and back. Rattling like armor plates. Revealing the dove gray underlayer which looked equally as sturdy. I was duly intimidated. Taking more retreating steps toward the trees. Buddy moved in unison with me. Snarling protectively. The creature, the dune lion which I now knew to be Lila, took a predatory step toward us. I could hear those guards back at the installment talking about there being multiple animals. Now I know why. “No!" Alder snapped. Bringing her to a pause as quickly as the words left his mouth. “Lila, come." She snapped her jaws shut, and I watched her go from an unceremonious killer to a kitten. Rumbling tenderly as her scales flattened. She stroked her back and shoulders against his leg and belly and pelvis, moving lovingly around him. I could see how protective she was. She looks like a damn housecat, like that. “I suppose," Alder mulled aloud. “that if you’re bringing Buddy with us, than it’s possible you won’t be such a liability. And if you got lost-" “He could help me find you." I was quick to agree. “With him guarding me, you won’t have to worry about me if you have to fight.” “No, I guess I won’t.” “Yesss!" I fist pumped the air. “But you’re not going to do anything stupid." He commanded harshly. My arm lowered. “Define 'stupid’." “Don't go risking yourself just because someone might give me a bruise or a fat lip." “So, I should just stand there and let you get hurt? Even though keeping that from happening is the whole reason I jumped into the croc river alone, to begin with?" “I'm not as delicate as you are." “Delicate! I-ah!" He turned and started walking. Lila at his hip. “Stay a bit behind,” He warned. “so Buddy doesn't bother Lila.” “Okay.” “And so the basters don't spot you as fast.” He said over his shoulder. “Fine." I called back. Walking behind him with Buddy. “Hey, Sheeri?" Alder eventually broke the silence. Calling to me. “What?" “How did you get through the croc river?" I winced. I didn't want to admit that without Buddy, I wouldn't have. He might turn me right back around. “Let’s just save that story for a day when we're not shouting back and forth." He grunted in assent. Eventually adding. “Lila is the reason I couldn’t keep Buddy.” “Huh?” “You asked why I didn’t keep him. Much of the reason, aside from that I couldn’t protect him while running back and forth from the Main House, was because I’d already befriended Lila when she had a hurt leg. She’d have eaten a sand hound pup.” “You think she’ll try to eat him?” “Not if you get to let her know him on her own terms. She’s a discriminating animal but sand hounds and dune lions can occupy the same space as long as they don’t cross each other’s boundaries.” I’ll have to really watch Buddy. “Okay…” I said worriedly. Pulling him back a bit closer to me. Buddy didn’t need much coaxing to put more space between himself and the bigger predator. *** Reaching the Main House unlocked a whole new level of horrors. We had to leave Buddy and Lila one dune over to keep them from scaring the Tinies or drawing the attention of the basters. Which also meant we had to leave the two of them alone. And hope that Lila doesn’t get hungry. For the time being, Alder had me wait with them. He went over to the warehouse and peered around each side, scouting a bit before waving me over. Finally allowing me to come up and watch the Main House so he could deal with the Tinies to get them water and get them moving. Alder went straight to the warehouse. I was appalled to see acid rain had begun to wear through in a few corners. The earthquake that had broken the structure of the building to begin with had shattered the integrity of the walls, making it vulnerable to the elements. I envisioned them in there cowering during the rains, hoping what remained of the roof would hold up. That would be hideous. Alder was already unpacking some of the waters from the bag. He pulled a key from next to the door and turned the lock. Swinging the door open revealed that the last few Tinies were dirty and exhausted, but alive. Alder called them forward. Handing them desperately needed water. They looked like hell. Their ribcages were jutting against their skin. The ridges were visible, even through their worn clothing. It was clear that without Alder here they weren’t being taken care of nearly as well as the rest of us had been before. These people were all new. I was guessing that the basters had found them after I had already escaped. None of their faces look familiar. There were two women and two men. They all looked barely alive. Their faces were sunken skulls, and they greedily took the waters Alder handed them. Downing them in a few gulps. Alder retrieved more. “Go easy, don’t overdo it or you’ll get sick.” He ordered them to give him the bottles back when they were half empty. Clearly not trusting them to restrain themselves at that point. I found the fact that I wasn’t seeing any motion up the cliffside unsettling. Usually, the Main House had guards patrolling outside with some form of weapons. I could typically hear doors banging and occasionally the leaders shouting at the other ones. Nothing. There was no sound coming from up there. It was eerie. This feels like a trap. But Alder had looked around and seemed convinced it wasn’t. I chewed my lips, checking every direction anxiously. “Where are they?" I murmured to his back when I could no longer tolerate the suspense. “They're not here. If they were, they'd have been all over us before we got to the door." That’s what I was afraid of. They would’ve normally had someone watching it, in order to spring a trap on us. So, where are they? I knew that was what Alder had to be wondering too. No point in asking him right now. I wanted him to finish what he was doing so we could get the hell out of here. I’m so uncomfortable. I looked back toward the dunes. They’re out there somewhere. The most likely possibility was that they were looking for Alder. And where he’s taking all the Tinies. They’re looking for the dome. That made my heart hammer harder. What if they find it? “Why didn't we come across them if they’re out there?" “I swung wide. Taking my time getting here, to keep them from intercepting us." The four Tinies were so busy guzzling water that they, thankfully, hadn't heard him say he'd taken his time getting here. They’d have probably gone ballistic. I would’ve if I’d been left in that oven, hoping someone was coming back for me. “We were starting to freak out." One of the guys said. Echoing what I’d just been thinking. “Or that something happened to you." A girl around my age said. Tentatively stepping forward. She’d been lurking in the dark and seemed to be avoiding the light like it hurt her eyes. How long has it been since they were out? “I've brought food too." Alder promised. “But we have to get you away from here before we have time for that." He was urging them to hurry out of the Warehouse and get out toward the dunes. As far from here as possible. I was feeling the same urgency as he was, and I was getting progressively more impatient with them. If they catch us, no one will be leaving here ever again. That thought settled into my bones like a winter storm.