Nature's Destiny (19 page)
I tossed and turned in a bed that was too hot. I was suffocating from the torture of my dreams.
Nightmares
.
Onyx eyes stared me down, and vicious growling sounded from every corner I turned. I was trapped in the dark, alone and cold.
I couldn’t find my voice, and the wolf of death pounced on my body. His teeth sank into my flesh, tearing away at my skin and guzzling at the blood that gushed from my neck.
I wanted to vomit, but I was paralyzed. Death was knocking on my door…
The fresh air on the balcony was calling my name. I left Riley sound asleep on the bed and picked up his t-shirt. It smelled deliciously of him, like freshly chopped timber and grass. It was so
him
.
I slipped the black tee over my head and tiptoed to the balcony, gently opening the door as quietly as I could.
It was dark, but dawn was on its way. The grounds were peaceful while the pack slept. I held on to the railing and inhaled a deep breath, clearing away the horror that haunted me.
I had my suspicions about the wolf, but what plagued me was how it managed to get onto the grounds. The compound was supposed to be secure.
“Come back to bed, babe,” Riley called from the door.
“I can’t. If I close my eyes again…” I couldn’t finish the sentence, and instead I hugged Riley tight.
“What is it, Luna?”
“What colour wolf is Blake?” I asked.
“Black, I think. Why?” He caressed my hair.
“Because he was in the clearing with me yesterday.” I braced myself.
“What! Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Maybe because I crashed out and I’ve only just woken up?” I tried to calm him down, to get him to see the logic of what I was saying but it wasn’t working. What could I do?
“Where?” he spat, his arms rigid against my body.
“By the treehouse. He left when you were calling after me.”
“Tell me everything. Now.”
I looked into his eyes, his face was angry but his eyes portrayed the betrayal he must have felt from me. I hadn’t done it on purpose.
“I was lost and when I finally found the treehouse I let my guard down. This black wolf came running at me and I assumed it was you. The only difference was his eyes. I was exhausted Riley, it was an easy mistake to make.”
“Did he hurt you? Touch you? Fuck Luna, why didn’t you tell me!” He let me go, and paced the balcony. It was becoming a ritual of his.
“I just told you. I was out cold. Remember?
You
carried
me
here, not the other way round.” I gave as good as I got. “When I realised it wasn’t you, he started growling at me and stalked towards me. That was it. The moment you were calling my name he was too busy planning his escape route. He clearly doesn’t want to see you as soon as he made out on that note,” I finished.
“He growled at you?”
“Yes. It was like he was trying to get me to bow down to him or something. It was weird,” I clarified.
“He probably wanted your submission. Did you give it to him?”
“Of course not! I growled back, my wolf was just as happy to show him whose home this really was.” I attempted a smile.
“Good. Shit, Luna, he was here. On my land.” He strode towards me, pulling me into a bear hug. “You can’t run off like that again. You had me worried sick, and now I can’t imagine what would’ve happened if I hadn’t turned up at that moment. What if I didn’t come at all?”
“I knew you would, you told me you’d find me,” I said, remembering his mind trickling into mine.
“You read my thoughts?”
“I heard something. Did you hear mine?” I asked.
“No.” He looked as disappointed as I felt. “What happened yesterday? Why did you run?”
“Because I was afraid of hurting you,” I admitted.
“What?” He was shocked.
“I was so angry at Blake that I couldn’t control my rage. I was pulsing with the need to protect everyone, but I couldn’t distinguish the real threat. I had this bubble of energy inside me Riley and I wanted to let it loose. I wanted to hurt something or someone
bad
. I wanted to
kill
.” I covered my mouth with my hand, shocked at the realisation of my own thoughts. I was evil.
“What’s happening to me, Riley? I’m becoming a monster,” I whimpered, afraid.
“Listen to me, Luna. You are
not
a monster. You’re a Werewolf with the need to protect. It’s a part of our DNA. We fight to protect, and sometimes we die protecting. Your instincts are natural, not evil. Your abilities are growing stronger each day, and half the time we don’t even know what abilities you’re going to have.”
“I know, Riley. I’m scared, what if I become something I wasn’t supposed to be. What if the darkness takes over me too? Like Blake.” That was my biggest fear.
“It won’t, Luna. I feel like we’re going in circles. I told you yesterday, I won’t let anything happen to you.”
I raised my head to get a better look at him, and he kissed me gently. I tried to forget, but I couldn’t. Not until I could trust myself with controlling the crazy that was happening to me.
“What do we do about Blake?” I asked.
“I’ll deal with him, not you. But, we have a pack meeting today in the hall.”
“A proper pack meeting?”
He nodded, and I breathed in. “It’ll be fine Luna, besides you’ll be with my sisters.” Relief washed through me.
“When?”
“First thing before they head off to work. It’s time to let them know what’s happening. We all need to be aware of what may come.”
I looked out over the balcony again, and the temperature in the air rose minutely as the sun began to rise. It was peaceful, beautiful and tranquil, and an arsehole like Blake wasn’t going to change my perception of that. It was time he got what was coming to him.*
As I sat in the hall it gave me the first real glimpse at seeing the size of Riley’s pack, at least in human form. Though it had only been a few days since I’d moved in, it was still strange that I hadn’t met many people. I didn’t know if it was because they were ignoring me, or if they were busy. I hoped it was the latter.
I recognised a few faces from the day the traps had captured Kyle, Will and Jake, but beyond that I had no idea who everyone else was.
“Good morning.” Riley’s voice boomed across the hall. It was massive just like he’d said, and it was full too. He stood behind a wooden podium which had a carving of a wolf engraved on the body. It was delicately, and precisely done, and Shane and Nick sat either side of him.
I was at a table with Faye, Lara and Roxy. It was near the front, and had the best observational spot of the room. I could see
everyone
.
“Thank you for attending on short notice. You’ve most likely heard some rumours, and I’d like to straighten them up today. I won’t keep you long.” Riley’s voice carried the full weight of his authority, it was sexy and domineering.
“First, let me introduce our newest pack member, Luna Alexander.” I stared in shock as Riley called out my surname, I was sure I hadn’t told him. I acknowledged the group with a faint smile and quickly appointed my attention back to Riley. I hated being singled out.
“I’d like to remind you all that the grounds are still being patrolled for traps. As many men as I have, I cannot guarantee a perfectly safe zone. Please keep your young close and be aware of your surroundings. If something should happen, let us know immediately.”
I wriggled in my seat for a better position and listened carefully as Riley continued.
“Yesterday a body was found at the gates, as some of you know. The female was human, and happened to be the waitress at the restaurant I had dined in with Luna the previous evening. We believe it is in connection with some other misfortunes that have occurred lately.”
I was amazed to see the pack, as large as it was, listen to every word that Riley spoke. Not a one of them whispered, or interrupted and I was impressed with the respect and loyalty they had for him. It was humbling.
“Her name was Rachel Morgan, and if that means anything to you please speak up.” Riley waited, and the room remained silent. I took that as a good sign.
“Alright then. The pack has been threatened…”
The room erupted with rage, and the men stood in unison as a symphony of growls rang through the hall.
“Brothers stay seated, and let me continue.” They sat, and Riley nodded appreciatively. “We have a rogue on our hands. He tried to run us off the road, and he was the one that left Rachel. As you all know Luna is the first hybrid to join our pack, but there have been other unsuccessful attempts to change humans. Whether this was the rogue or not, I do not know, but it most certainly seems too coincidental for my liking.”
“What do you know about the rogue?” a blonde female asked.
“His name is Blake Stevens, and he was forbidden from the Birmingham pack. He’s highly dangerous, and I intend to deal with him,” Riley replied.
“What about Rachel? What was the connection?” another asked.
“Shane did some digging and found some history. Shane?”
“As with most rogues, Blake has quite the reputation with one night stands and hotel bills. However, it seems he kept this one around a little longer than usual. We suspect it was because she was providing some sort of information. What that was, we don’t know. It definitely explained the events of the night before last. She clearly tipped him off.” Shane sat and Riley took over.
“We hypothesise that her use had dwindled, and Blake seized the opportunity to incriminate us with the law. Finally, I received another letter late last night.”
There was another note? Riley hadn’t mentioned it to me, and I felt betrayed by his silence. He’d clearly aired his frustrations at me before, but he’d done the same anyway. Was it out of spite? Did I deserve that?
“It demanded that I denounce my role as Alpha and hand over the pack.” Gasps of shock filled the room.
“It is imperative for you all to hear that I have no inclination of handing my title over to terrorism. When I took over from my father I vowed to protect you all, and I will
not
give in to harassment. I will fight to the death for all of you.”
It was my turn to gasp. I was mad at it him, sure, but I couldn’t live without him.
“I won’t be making any rash decisions until I know what is happening. All I can ask is that you remain patient, and keep safe. Shane, Nick and I will remain for a few short moments should you have any more questions. Have a great day all.”
The meeting was over, but the day’s work had only just begun. While others left, many stayed to demand more from Riley. He was a busy Alpha.
My
Alpha.
Several days had gone by without a worry. Life at
Nature’s Destiny
was moving forward, and I relished the moments when I had Riley to myself. They’d been the best.
When Riley worked hard, I spent my time with Roxy and his sisters. I loved them like my family, and I was blessed to have met them. Our friendship had grown strong, and my understanding of my new world had increased too.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Riley pulled me onto his lap while I tried to clear the dishes.
“You cooked breakfast, so I’ll wash up,” I answered.
He nuzzled my neck, and breathed in my scent. He was
such
a distraction.
“I don’t think you need to leave my lap just yet.” His husky voice instantly attracted my libido. Sex with Riley was phenomenal, and his appetite was insatiable. The past few days had proved that I also couldn’t get enough of him. He was the medication to my burned past.
He brushed his lips slowly, and teasingly across mine. I nibbled on his lower lip, and gripped my hands in his hair, pulling him closer. He growled in delight, and the sweet vibrations stirred my body into a hungry vixen.
“Bloody hell. This
is
the kitchen right? You could save the extreme PDA’s for the bedroom you know.”
“Shut up, Nick. You’d walk in on us even then. Remember?” Riley countered.
“I guess, but I can’t help it if you’re always with Luna when I have important news to tell you.”
“What do you have for me this time, bearer of bad news?” Riley mocked.
“That’s not fair you know,” he pouted. “We’ve had another letter, actually it’s an e-mail.”
“What’s it say?” I asked, already knowing it had been foolish to think that Blake had given up on us.
“Don’t know, we haven’t opened it yet. Shane and I thought we’d wait for our lordship first,” he bowed in jest.
“Peasant, please lead the way for my fair maiden and I,” said Riley.
“Shouldn’t you save the jokes for when something terrible isn’t about to happen?” I scolded.
“Sometimes Luna, the ability to laugh in terrifying moments is the strength that enables you to continue.”
Riley’s words held deep meaning, and I could see the intelligence behind his statement.
I followed the men into the study and saw Shane sitting behind a large mahogany desk that held a computer screen, the glare reflecting onto his face. We gathered behind him, and watched as he opened the e-mail. It wasn’t very long, but the message was clear.My patience is wearing thin. You have until tonight to surrender your role as Alpha. Failing to do so will lead to extreme consequences. Just how much do you care for your family? Are you willing to sacrifice the lives of your pack for your stubbornness? I’m sending you another gift, you may appreciate this one a little more. I hope it spurs you on
TTFN.“TTFN?” Nick asked.
“Ta ta for now,” I replied. “Have the patrols found anything this morning?”
“No reports out of the ordinary,” Shane replied. I looked to Riley, he was staring across the room with a face in deep concentration.
“Shit. Are you running the IP address?” Riley asked.
“Yeah, just waiting for the results,” Shane replied.
“Looks like he finally fucked up.”
“I’m confused,” I blatantly stated.
“If Shane can track down the IP address from the e-mail, it leads back to the location it was sent from. Hopefully we’ll get lucky and it’ll lead us straight to the arsehole blackmailing us.”
“You can do that? It’ll show Blake’s location?” I asked, shocked. I was mostly a technology novice, getting by with the little knowledge I needed to work a computer and my iPod. Anyone could do that, but I had no idea I could be tracked down.
“It’s a bit like GPS in a car or mobile phone. Basically, we’re all connected. A trail is always left behind like an imprint in the technology sphere. It just takes some skill in knowing how to find and interpret it,” said Shane.
We waited like sitting ducks, and the tension in the room increased with everyone’s impatience. Wolves on the verge of snapping didn’t do anything to calm the growing cramps in my stomach. I felt extremely uneasy.
“I don’t get it,” Shane blurted.
“What?” I asked.
“How does a rogue like Blake afford all those hotel bills? I hacked into his accounts and he’s been getting some serious money lately.”
“And what about the bitten humans? Where do they come into all this?” I asked.
“It doesn’t make sense. Rogues are just nomads, loners. They wouldn’t want company, so why create them? Maybe Blake isn’t behind that,” said Nick.
“Rogues are generally meticulous in their plans too, and that day in town seemed a little sloppy. Too many dead bodies creates a scene,” said Riley.
“Where’s the connection? Why does Blake want you to step down as Alpha, and why is someone harvesting wolves?” I said.
I sat on the sofa at the end of the room, and left the guys to bounce ideas. My stomach was churning uncomfortably. I coiled with the pain and growled as loud as I could.
“Luna?” Riley hurried to my side.
“Something’s wrong. Something’s happening.” I tried to breathe through it but my body was telling me to run.
“I can’t explain it Riley, but something really bad is happening. We need to go. I gotta go.” I bolted out of the study room. I didn’t have time to explain when my body felt like it was going to explode if I didn’t move.
We’re needed. Hurry!
My wolf’s thoughts broke into my mind. She was right, as always.
“Luna, wait!”
“There’s no time, Riley. Trust me.”
The moment I stepped out of the door I called on my wolf. As one we transformed within seconds, and it was our fastest shift to date. Riley was behind me, though I knew I was about to lose him in the run.
Without hesitating I sped through the woods, across the fields, and into the foray of the woods again. The feeling of dread grew inside me, and I knew it was because I was getting closer to the source.
I pushed harder, and pounded the ground with my claws.
We’re close.
The scent of blood invaded my mind, and the bitter, metallic scent cut into my nostrils. I charged out of the trees, and halted immediately.
Lara was trapped.
Her entire body had been caught by the barbaric traps that disturbed the peaceful land. The teeth protruded through her legs, stomach and arms, and she laid still, unmoving. Her faint breathing was the only sign of life within her.
I wanted to puke, to turn my eyes away from the nasty image, but I couldn’t. She needed me, and I wouldn’t let her die like that.
Out of my peripheral vision movement caught my attention. I protected Lara’s body with mine, and raised on my haunches preparing to attack.
A tall man with a scruffy dishevelled look stood near. He had long jet-black hair that curled around his face. He reeked of evil, and the onyx colour of his eyes gave away his identity. Blake.
He smiled crookedly as he tried to get near Lara. I growled a warning at him. He was
not
going to touch her under my watch. His momentary pause was all I needed to shift quickly.
“Well, well, well. What do we have here?” he taunted.
“Get away.” I grinded my teeth as fury blazed through my body, and an instinctive bubble of energy grew inside me again.
“Oh, we are a protective little madam aren’t we?”
Destroy him.
“Stay away, or I’ll make you leave,” I warned.
“You think I’m afraid of a little thing like you? A poor lost girl afraid of the big bad wolf. You overestimate your abilities sweet thing,” he sassed.
“If you think that, you clearly don’t know who you’re talking to.”
“Oh, I know. It was my biggest failing leaving you behind. If only I’d gotten back to you before Alpha Riley did, then you’d be here with me, serving your purpose.”
“You bit me?”
“I did, and you tasted divine.” He winked at me, and my stomach rolled with the temptation to heave.
“Lu…..na….” Lara moaned.
“Leave, before I rip your throat out.”
“Not before I finish what was asked of me.” He advanced, and grabbed a knife from his pocket. He was aiming at Lara, but I caught his arm before he could get near.
He pulled free, and charged at me again. Relying on my instincts I slammed the blade out of his hand and kicked out at his torso. My foot connected with the hard muscle of his body and he staggered backwards.
I ran towards Lara. She was fading fast.
Big hands tore me away, and lifted me off of the ground. I punched out at Blake, and shocked him enough to let me go. I fell to the floor, and he instantly pinned me down. My heart palpitated exponentially. It was nothing like the play fights I’d had with Riley.
His eyes glimmered as his face contorted. He was part-shifting as his canines lengthened. Using all the strength I had I forced his body off of mine in one big push. He flew through the air, and crashed onto the ground with a heavy thump.
I scrambled to my feet and darted towards Lara as Riley jumped through the trees with Nick and Shane behind him.
“You two get Blake, Shane I need your help,” I called. “Shane you’ll need to shift back.”
Lara moaned again.
“Christ, Lara,” Shane exclaimed.
“Stay with me, Lara,” I called as I wrapped my hands around the metal trap. “Can you lift her out when I open this?” I said.
“Sure. This doesn’t look good, Luna.”
“I know.” I didn’t want to admit how close to death Lara was.
As I pulled at the trap, the gruesome sound of bones breaking echoed in my ears. I looked up to see Riley standing over the dead body that had been Blake’s, his jaw clamped on Blake’s twisted neck. Nick was there too, cleaning the blood from his fur.
I stretched the bars a little more, and a slight sweat crept across my forehead.
“Got it,” I panted, holding steady. Shane lifted her quickly and the blood seeped from her body and saturated the ground. I let the bars slam shut. It was another trap added to the pile.
Riley and Nick transformed. “Luna, you have to take her to the hospital. You’re the only one fast enough.” Riley looked beaten up, like he hated asking for my help, but I was already protecting Lara’s body with mine ready to take off running.
The energy pulsing through my body channelled its way into my legs. And I ran. I ran as fast as I could without jostling Lara and tripping.
Tears streamed down my face. I couldn’t lose Lara now.
“Hold on, Lara. I’m doing my best. Just fight a few more minutes,” I begged, and pushed harder, willing my body to fly through the woods.
“Luna….It’s dark,” she whimpered, her voice barely there.
“Don’t give in, Lara. Who else will I have to boss me on my runs?” I asked to keep her talking. “I won’t lose you!” Sobs wracked my body, as determination swam through me.
Electricity tingled through my legs, and I forced myself to run faster, ignoring the pain that was beginning to seep through.
I could see the hospital as I sprinted out of the woods. “Nearly there, Lara.”
“Luna?”
“Yes, Lara?”
“I’m glad you’re my sister.” She smiled faintly, and my heart broke.
“So am I.” I burst through the hospital doors and shouted for help as I laid Lara onto a bed.
“What happened?” Faye shouted, horrified as she came running into the room with Nurse Annabelle and Doctor Aled.
“Another trap. She’s lost a lot of blood,” I repeated, exhaling loudly from the run.
“Let’s get her into surgery now!” Doctor Aled shouted.
I followed them to the doors, until Nurse Annabelle stuck her hand in front of my face.
“You have to stay here.” I opened my mouth to challenge her but she closed the door on me. I punched it hard.
I paced the waiting room as tears continued to stream down my face. There wasn’t anything more I could do.
Riley, Nick and Shane ran in, looking as sad and dishevelled as each other. I understood.
“They wouldn’t let me in,” I explained.
I hugged Riley tight as neither one of us spoke. We cried together as the fate of Lara’s life hung in the balance. I begged for her survival. I couldn’t lose a sister I’d only just found.
Save her. Please.